AC Online (An SAO fanfic)

3) I Really Hate Clowns

Chapter 3 - I Really Hate Clowns {Sparrow}

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I sheathed my sword and stood there panting for a minute. "Stupid killer game booths." I muttered.

"Maybe if you stopped activating them..." Madero unhelpfully suggested from behind me.

"I walk past and it activates, it's not my choice. I have to find the boss." I replied.

"You'll also get yourself killed and what good will that do?" He countered. I looked at him.

"So, Mr. Big Bad Beta tester thinks he's got a better idea, go ahead. Lead the way." I said. He straightened up and started walking back the way we'd come. The bright red and yellow circus tents were lined up as far as I could see, even the sky looked like the inside of a circus tent.

"The main event is usually in the central ring so that's where I suggest we look." Madero said walking in front of me.

"Except, where's the central ring?" Rusty asked, walking next to me. Madero didn't answer.

"You don't know. Lovely, looks like we'll have to check every one." I muttered.

"No, only the biggest." Madero corrected.

"Very true." I agreed. "So, where's the biggest tent around here?" I muttered. I noticed a pole wrapped in ribbons and grabbed the lowest one before climbing up to the top.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Rusty asked.

"Getting a bird's eye view." I called down and I pulled myself to the top. I looked around and smiled when I saw the huge tent, almost twice the size of the next smallest. "It's that way!" I pointed towards what would be the 11 on the clock.

"Got it. How far?" Rusty called.

"Hmm... I'd say about a mile or so." I called back. I looked down and bit the inside of my lip. "Um... I don't think I can climb down." I said.

"Jump, I'll catch you." Rusty replied. I raised my eyebrows and Madero shook his head.

"I'll catch her. Your strength stat is half of mine." Madero said. I smiled and got to my feet. I fell back with my arms opened and landed in Madero's arms. I smiled at him and noticed Rusty pouting as I stood up.

I patted his cheek as I walked by. "Don't worry, you can catch me next time." I said as I walked. "Come on boys, I've got things to do!" I called without looking before I broke into a run.

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"Are you sure you want to take on the boss without back up?" Madero asked as we stood at the door.

"Sure. I'm level 8, Rusty's the same, and you're like 10 right? We should be more than enough to take him on. Besides it would take to long to get others here." I said. I pushed the fabric aside with my right arm and drew my sword with my left.

"Your impatience is going to get us killed. If we get into any trouble we teleport out, got it?" Madero ordered. I smiled and nodded then slipped inside. The three of us walked back to back down the hall of mirrors, ready for any bad guys. We didn't come across any, but the moving shadows in the mirrors were fraying my nerves.

"How far to the boss?" Rusty asked.

"No idea. Ask Madero." I said.

"Madero?"

"Not too far, but the layout changed from last time. Oh, I should add that this place is like a trap house. Watch your step, in the Beta test it took me three tries to get through solo." Madero warned.