SAO FB: Scars

Double Or Nothing

——Undisclosed Location———
"PoH" and the new player stood in the cave for a moment and waited for their contact to arrive. The cave echoed any small movement in its walls. The duo heard the crunching of gravel approach them. As they turn to the mouth of the cave, they saw a blonde man dressed in a business suit approach them.

"What now sir?" the new player asked.

"Someone is catching on," the blonde player responded. "We need to speed up the time table."

"Considering the recent experiments," the fake PoH stated, "I say we should be able to do it without a hitch."

"This is a large gamble men," the blonde player stated. "We're putting all of our chips into this experiment. All or nothing."

"But if we get it right, then we double the amount of data we have," the fake PoH added.

"Precisely. Thank you PoH."

"Pleasures all mine Es."

As Es and "PoH" talked about the plan, the new player impatiently tapped his foot on the ground.

"Go team or whatever but what are we going to do about the tail?" he asked impatiently.

"Don't worry Goliath. We'll have it under control," Es responded.

"Really? Because PoH and I got our asses handed to us by them."

Es glanced at "PoH" who turned away. He took it as an admission of guilt. Es sighed and looked back at Goliath, "All of our assets are tied down trying to make sure this experiment goes flawlessly."

"Es. We need something because Mr. Wanna-be here can't do his job," Goliath requested.

"What about that boy we sent to Colorado. The one talking about revenge for his brother? He should be back by now."

There was stillness in the air before "PoH" stated, "He's dead. The bastard killed himself after he tried to confront the player. The worse part is that said player is a part of the group actively investing us."

Es grunted, "That's a wrinkle in our plans but I have one last thing for him."

He reached into a suit pocket and pulled out a photo and player name. He gave specific instructions that were to only be carried out when the time comes. He also handed a packet of information with specific instructions. Es later left the area leaving Goliath and the "PoH" to think about the orders. Goliath later asked "PoH" about facing Kirito once again.

"That boy's useless. Nothing to consider," "PoH" scoffed.

"Sound's like you're scared of him," the other player commented.

"For the record Goliath, I'm one of the leaders for this project. Therefore, I demand some respect from you."

Goliath closed his fist and sighed. He said, "You're just some lousy hotshot wishing to be him."

"PoH" reached for his cleaver and poked the tip into Goliath's throat. Goliath gritted his teeth as he felt the metal dig into his skin. PoH warned, "Don't forget that you're still vulnerable to PAAC. I will gladly use it on you if it ensures your compliance to mine and Es' orders."

The cleaver is removed and a small stream of blood appears from the wound. "PoH" walked away from the area and left Goliath behind. Goliath reached for his throat and rubbed out the blood from the wound. He groaned before walking in a different direction.

"I'll show him that I'm more than a pawn," he muttered under his breath.

———Cross Edge Lobby———
Kureha was walking though the plaza when she overheard the announcement.