Yuuki couldn't believe it!

After all this time, she finally found the perfect person for their mission!

Thank you, Sis!

Dragging said person behind her, she flew as fast as she could through the clouds of the outer world of Aincrad.

The whole time, she felt the black-themed swordsman cling to her wrist desperately, unwilling to get separated from her.

Dashing through the clouds, she didn't slow down until they finally reached the floor they were heading to.

Suddenly stopping, the inertia caused the boy to crash into her with a grunt.

He fell for a bit before using his wings to pull himself up. Looking at her with a bewildered expression, he asked her something for the first time ever since their flight began.

"Hey, uh, where are we going?"

She responded by smiling at him. "To the 27th floor!" she said without a care. "There's some people there I want you to meet."

Excitedly, she got ready to dash.

"And I always tell my sister not to go off with ran-"

He didn't get to finish his sentence as she took off at full speed, dragging him in tow. Carelessly navigating away from all the monsters, it didn't take them long before they made it to the small town that was their destination: «Ronbaru».

"Oh... this floor..." Kirito said mysteriously. "It's been a while..."

A part of her wanted to stop and ask him what he meant by that, but she was too excited to consider it at the time.

"Come on," she called to the boy. "This way."

She didn't actually have to tell him that, as his wrist was still locked in her fingers, letting her drag him through the alleys.

It didn't take them long before they reached their destination – A small inn.

Before entering, she took another look at her companion who was smiling as if amused by the turn of events.

Smiling back, she used her free hand to open the door.

***

As soon as the door opened, they were immediately greeted by a clamorous voice.

"Welcome back, Yuuki! Did you find one?!"

Around a round table at the centre of the room were five people.

They looked at the arriving duo with inviting smiles.

"You bet!" the excited girl answered.

"—Let me introduce you," Yuuki spread out her arms in their direction. "This is my guild, my companions from the «Sleeping Knights»."

Then she grabbed Kirito's hands and pushed him towards the people.

"And guys, this is our new friend, «Just Kirito»."

He let out an internal groan at that.

"Nice to meet you, «Just Kirito»," the Salamander boy who had greeted them earlier said.

"No, it's j-" He wasn't going to make that mistake again. "My name's «Kirito»."

The Sleeping Knights smiled at him teasingly.

"Hi, Kirito! I'm Jun!" The boy named Jun introduced himself in a somewhat careless manner.

...For some reason, the image of a different boy who spoke like that appeared in his mind.

"Ah, about that, my name is Thatch. Please treat me kindly." A large Gnome man introduced himself in a leisurely tone.

"I, I am, that, that is, my name is Talken," the skinny Leprechaun youth with glasses introduced himself. "Please advise me... Ouch!!"

He was cut off by a female Spriggan kicking him in the shin.

"Enough, Tal, stop being like this! You're always like this in front of girls!"

Kirito couldn't help but frown at that.

"I'm Nori. Glad to meet you, Kirito."

...How long has it been since someone last made that mistake?

"...I'm a boy..." Kirito mumbled. At the same time he could feel his face heating up.

"..." There was silence in the room for a few seconds.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Siune." The female Undine introduced herself as if nothing happened. "Thank you for coming here."

"And I'm-! Oh, wait... I've already introduced myself... Oh well, I'll do it again! My name is Yuuki, the «Absolute Sword»! And the leader of the Sleeping Knights!"

He couldn't help but feel surprised at this. Making someone as hyperactive as her be the leader? That would be as silly as putting him in charge of anything!

"Let's work hard together!" Yuuki cheered.

"Work hard to..." Kirito was lost, "do what exactly..."

"She didn't tell you?" Jun asked.

"No, she just dragged me up 5 floors without explaining a thing."

"After I beat you, you mean," Yuuki added.

"..." He immediately glared at her.

"You forgot that part," she teased.

Around them, he could hear everyone snickering at the interaction.

"After you beat me..." he whispered. Next time will be different.

"And yet you came anyways," someone – probably Talken – whispered quietly.

"Okay, Yuuki," Nori put in, "enough teasing the boy, why not tell him why he's here?"

"Awww! But it's so fun!" Yuuki whined brightly. "Fine." At the same time, she grabbed Kirito's hands and looked deep into his eyes with an imploring look that brought his dear sister to mind. "The truth is... We need your help."

Shrinking back a bit under her cute assault, he could only ask in a meek voice. "Help with what...?"

"Don't laugh but... we want to defeat this floor's boss with only the members of this guild."

"...You're... kidding..." he couldn't help but say.

He didn't mean to do it, but his mouth widened into a grin. He couldn't help it, but a second later, "Hehe... S-sorry..." He couldn't stop himself from laughing.

What she just said... reminded him of a certain swordsman who thought he could do everything on his own.

"You... laughed..." Yuuki said in disappointment.

"No it's just," he stopped laughing but kept his smile, "you made me remember something."

Under the continuous looks of the Sleeping Knights, he immediately composed himself and stood up straight.

"Sorry. Go on." He was genuinely interested in their reasoning.

Yuuki glared at him for a bit longer with puffed cheeks before she finally went on.

"Anyways..." she said a bit testily. "We actually also challenged the 25th and 26th floor's bosses."

Kirito's eyes widened; he was impressed that they actually tried it. Clearly these Sleeping Knights aren't just all talk.

"And how far did you get? With just 6 people?"

"We actually did very well!" Yuuki boasted. Then her expression became a bit more downcast. "...Unfortunately, our MP and HP potions can't keep up no matter what... and while we were raising money around and about, the boss was defeated by the large group."

"I see." He took a look at the faces of the Sleeping Knights. There was no doubt that they were serious about this challenge.

"And is there a reason that it can only be the 6 of- Sorry, I mean the 7 of us?"

"About that..." Yuuki seemed hesitant to answer as her eyes fluttered around.

"It's cause we want to get all our names on the «Monument of Swordsmen»!" Jun called over.

"The «Monument of Swordsmen»?" Kirito couldn't help but blurt out.

As soon as he said that the red armored boy was lightly hit on the chest by Nori and Thatch before they forced him into a nearby chair as Talken looked on a bit flustered.

He couldn't help but smile a bit at the interaction. Somehow it told him that these guys were rather close.

...And it made him remember some people he once knew...

"About that, let me explain," Siune interjected. "Before that, please have a seat."

The 7 people including Kirito sat down around the table, and an NPC brought them the drinks they've ordered. Siune gently crossed her fingers on the table, and started speaking in a quiet voice.

"The truth is, we didn't meet in this world. We met in an online community outside of any game... and immediately got along and became friends. Although... It's only been a few months."

Kirito looked away for a second. They don't need to know...

However from the corner of his eye, he could've sworn that Yuuki caught his reaction.

"We were really the best of friends. Together, we went to quite a few different worlds, and undergone various adventures."

She paused as she smiled serenely, perhaps remembering the adventures she shared with her friends.

"And while we're in this world-"

"We want to leave our mark in this world!" Jun interrupted as if he couldn't contain his excitement any longer.

This time, nobody rebuked him – In fact, he noticed that all of their eyes were gleaming with excitement.

"And if we defeat the boss, we can leave our names on the «Monument of Swordsmen» in the «Black Iron Castle» inside the 1st floor's «Starting City»," Yuuki completed the thought.

"I see..." he said slowly. He couldn't help but grin as he realized what they were planning. "So you guys want all of your names recorded on the «Monument of Swordsmen», is that it?"

The Monument of Swordsmen was a 3D object that recorded the names of the people who cleared the floors of Aincrad. Usually it would only record up to 7 players' names per floor, and usually only the leaders if there were multiple parties. Therefore, if anyone wanted all of their party members to be recorded on it, only a single party could do so.

"Yeah, basically," Yuuki confirmed.

It was such a simple thing. To want a special memory with friends...

How long has it been since I longed for something like that?

It was almost the true spirit of an MMO!

As he thought it over, his hand went to the crystal he always wore under his coat. It was an unconscious habit of his, but right now he wanted to feel her spirit.

Before anyone could say anything more, Kirito gave his answer. "I'm in!"

Everyone looked at him with shocked, but not ungrateful looks.

"A-are you sure...?" Yuuki asked, sounding taken aback. "We haven't even offered anything!"

Putting up his hand, he waved off her concerns. "Don't worry about that. Let's just say that I'm doing this out of the kindness of my heart."

Taking another look at everyone, he could tell that they looked relieved that he had accepted so easily.

Maybe there was once a time where I would've demanded something big in return, but I'm not trying to survive anymore... just live...

Immediately, he felt a bit nostalgic... How long ago did they ask me for help?

"How about this?" Kirito intoned before they could fully agree. "All I ask for in return for my services... is compensation for the sword that your great leader broke."

As he said that, he pointedly looked at Yuuki with a smug expression on his face. She returned the look with a slightly guilty smile. At the same time, the other Sleeping Knights craned their necks to look behind him, evidently noticing that there was no weapon on his person at the moment.

"Aw! Not again, Yuuki!" Nori sounded exasperated as she laughed a bit.

"Hey! It's not my fault!" Yuuki said defensively. "I was already going to win! Kirito should've just taken the loss!"

Smiling everyone looked to him as if to ask if she was telling the truth.

With a casual smile, he shrugged, confirming that this was true.

"I'll never just roll over and die." I made a promise after all...

Putting aside his thoughts of the past, he looked at the faces of his new guildmates.

He could see the determination in each of their faces as they looked to him.

"You know what? Let's not focus on what happens afterwards right now. In fact, for now, put aside things like success rate."

His eyes locked with Yuuki's who looked as fearlessly determined as he felt.

"Right now..." He couldn't help himself from thinking of a guild cheer which he participated in a few times but never got to initiate himself.

"Let's do this!"

***

After discussing some more about the upcoming fight, the group's drink order finally arrived. Quickly drinking a toast, the Sleeping Knights started talking among themselves for a bit.

When he noticed that Yuuki was taking a break from talking to her guildmates, Kirito decided to ask a question that was making him curious.

"Hey, Yuuki," Kirito indicated his temporary leader. "You said that you were looking for strong people through duels, right?"

"Yup," she answered cheerfully.

"Well, those girls I was talking to before we duelled, they mentioned that they fought you. And I know firsthand how strong they are. So how come you didn't ask them for help?"

Yuuki's eyes seemed to brighten even more, "Oh right!" she seemed to remember who he was talking about. "Those beautiful girls you surround yourself with!"

...

"Yeah, I remember but..." she hesitated. "Well it's embarrassing but..." she scratched her head, "after I beat the Undine, I heard her tell her pink-haired friend:" she put her hands on her hips, "'Kirito-kun would be able to defeat her. He's completely unbeatable!'" she did a rather impressive Asuna impression.

"HA!" A laugh couldn't help but escape him... however he couldn't help but think of the significance of his first partner's words...

So she still has that much confidence in me...

"And I was curious about who could be stronger than her after that duel." She stopped and smiled at him. "So I was excited when you said your name... it's almost like... I was waiting for you..."

"I... uh..." he stuttered.

Suddenly she flashed a mischievous grin. "Too bad she was wrong! I still defeated you!"

His arm moved automatically and he couldn't stop himself from giving her a playful shove.

With a smile, she returned the shove, nearly knocking him to the ground.

Even if we're working together right now, one day I will still defeat you, Yuuki!

"Fine. But what about the Sylph?"

"The one with the biggest chest I've ever seen?" she asked excitedly.

"..." That was never a subject he liked to talk about. "Yes. Her."

"Well I may have been slightly distracted when fighting her, but if I had to say, she's a little too rigid with her fighting style. Like, she can't adapt to the situation fast enough."

He nodded. What she was saying had some merit – Having trained in kendo from a young age, Leafa did have a habit of falling back into her disciplined ways rather than trying a new approach.

"I see."

"Now it's my turn," Yuuki interrupted his thoughts. "Those girls, what are they to you?" she asked curiously.

He couldn't help but feel put off guard by that question. «What were they to him?» It was difficult to put it into words...

"They're..." he hesitated, "my irreplaceable friends..." It was probably best not to reveal that Leafa was actually his sister. "I'm glad that they're always willing to stay by my side."

All of a sudden, Yuuki leaned over and got up into his face. "They're just friends?" she asked in an odd tone.

Caught off guard, he stumbled back a bit.

"Y-yeah," he answered nervously. He wasn't used to girls in general, but girls who got up into his space like this? Even Sugu was respectful of his personal space! ...sometimes... "They're my... friends..." He knew what she was implying.

As he spoke, he couldn't help but longingly imagine the faces of the girls that he was closest to...

No... I can't be with anyone... I lost that right a long time ago...

Back in the original Aincrad, Kirito had felt that he did unforgivable things... He could never forgive himself for leaving his first friend behind... nor his first partner... and not for the loss of his guild...

While thinking of that, he couldn't help but look at the gathered guild who were enjoying their time among themselves.

In a way, perhaps this adventure was his way of making amends...

"Kind of difficult to believe," Yuuki said. "A guy like you seems like he could go through a lot of girlfriends."

He smiled at that. "Very funny."

It was strange, Kirito wasn't used to being able to talk to somebody so naturally... Usually, his own awkwardness and the memories of how he had wronged his friends would put a stop to that.

However as he looked at the Sleeping Knights who merely wanted to enjoy being a part of this new world, he wanted to put that guilt aside...

Even if it's for a little while... let me enjoy this time...

***

After talking for a while longer, and deciding to meet up tomorrow, Kirito finally got up and left the inn.

Yuuki couldn't help but stare after him as he left.

There was something about that boy that made her so interested.

It was obvious that he was strong but for some reason she also couldn't help but long for his company. I really want to get to know him better...

Lost in her musing, she was caught off guard when she felt somebody suddenly push on her shoulder.

Turning around, she saw Jun behind her, smiling teasingly for some reason.

"What?" she asked.

At the same time, she saw that the rest of her guildmates were looking at her with assorted smiles.

"What is it?" she asked again, this time more defensively.

"Oh you know," Nori seemed to tease her.

"Why don't you see him off?" Siune suggested kindly.

Is that the right thing to do? Admittedly, Yuuki wasn't exactly the most socially aware person in any world so she would take the suggestion.

"All right," she agreed. "See you all tomorrow."

With that, she exited the inn.

Despite the fact that Kirito didn't tell her where he was going, she had the idea that he was heading to the plaza first before logging out.

As she walked alone with her thoughts, she couldn't help but think of what it meant to be a leader. It was only recently that she had become the leader of the Sleeping Knights, having taken over after their previous leader... couldn't stay anymore...

She was elected as leader afterwards, however even she knew that it wasn't because she was the best at «leading», rather it was because she was the strongest.

Eventually, she turned a corner, and the plaza was in her sight, and so was Kirito!

Oddly, she felt a slight tightness in her chest as she got a quick glimpse of him.

Her legs immediately tensed up, ready to run directly into him...

However, once she got a better look at the boy, she couldn't help but stop completely.

The black-haired boy had his left hand hidden under his black coat as he was standing near the centre of the plaza, just a bit away from the teleport gate... but for some reason he was looking away from it.

The direction he was looking at, she realized, was the direction of the floor's labyrinth.

Based on his stillness, she could tell that he was standing there for a while.

Slowly she approached him and as she did so, she couldn't help but feel the melancholy aura he was giving off... It was completely different from the more awkward but playful vibes he had in the inn...

From the moment he introduced himself to her, she had suspected that he had suffered from a loss similar to hers. As they spoke in the inn, a part of her wanted to ask precisely what happened... However she didn't... After all, she didn't want him to think that he invited him out of pity! ...And somehow she knew that he wouldn't want to talk about that to somebody he just met...

Quietly, she crossed the distance to him and once she was next to him, he still didn't even glance away.

Without knowing the real reason why, she hesitantly reached her hand out and grabbed his vulnerable right hand.

***

Kirito looked at his hand in surprise. Surrounding it was the gloved hand of the girl he met today. Despite getting a good idea of this girl, he couldn't believe that she would be so forward!

...Still, he couldn't help but squeeze her hand in return.

After the things he's done, he had often felt that he never deserved such kindness or companionship from anyone... But that didn't mean that he didn't long for it...

He put up his other hand and gently put it on the girl's head of lustrous purple hair.

"Thank you," he whispered. At the same time, he finally pulled his hand out of hers.

She looked at him with a gentle smile which he couldn't help but return.

The truth is, his reason for wanting to clear this floor and having his name being associated with it wasn't just about helping the Sleeping Knights... It was something more personal than that...

After all, this is the floor where five members of my first guild died...

***

Considering the timeline of events that should've changed in this AU, I realize that I wasted some potential that could've went into a world like this. Maybe I'll make a different KiriYuuki story for that but this one will remain unchanged. The main difference I can think of is that Kirito would've already met Yuuki and Aiko at an earlier point.