The Rogue Reaper (Sword Art Online)

Part 21: The Rogue Reaper

Kathrall stepped away to get more space between them. He shook his head in disbelief. "You can't be serious. We don't have to do this, Noct. We'll think of a plan."

He found himself looking at the other end of Noct's dark tinted sword.

"Ready your weapon," Noct repeated.

Zephyr took Noct's side, spinning his spear into position as he took a sideways battle stance. "I don't want to do this either. There's no guarantee he'll even let them go if we do what he says. But if we do nothing, they're going to die for sure... Sorry Kathrall. I'm with Noct on this one."

An uncharacteristically desperate voice came from Ryuu. "I don't want to do this! There's got to be another way!"

"Ten seconds left!" Hitoshi called. "Show me your decision!"

"Agh...! Damn it!" Ryuu took his place at Kathrall's side, across from Noct and drew his weapon. "I'll fight for my guild... to defend Aincrad... and to defeat you, Noct, as the Dragon of the Wind!" His resolve set, the fire of determination in Ryuu's eyes sparked. "Prepare yourself!"

As the tension in the room spiked, back at the pillars Akari and Kizito finally recovered and regained awareness.

"Oh no, oh no, what's happening down there?!" Akari said in horror. Her bindings were secure; no amount of struggling would move her an inch. With the torch's fire above her, she felt like she was going to be burned as an offering to a cultish Red guild's deity. "Guys! Don't fight! Please!"

Kizito added his screams to Akari's. "Kath! Noct! Don't do this!"

Hitoshi just laughed. "This is getting pretty interesting! Will Team Army Scum let these two die for the greater good? Or will Team Selfish Shits destroy the Army in exchange for a mere two lives?!"

Noct's sword was enveloped in white light. "Here I come, Kathrall!" He closed in and let loose a rapid «Vertical Square», stamping down and spinning his body before making the first vertical slash. Ryuu moved in front to defend Kathrall. Kathrall swung his spear, slamming Ryuu hard in the side and knocking him out of the way. Noct's blade hit its mark, slashing four times in a square pattern, and followed up with a dash in and a thrust to the torso.

"Kathrall..." Noct said as his sword pierced further into Kathrall's stomach.

The captain grimaced and gasped in shock. "Save Tekashime. He'll take my place," he whispered, the strength fading from his voice. "Don't let them win."

"KATH!" Kizito screamed with tears in his eyes as Kathrall hit the ground.

Zephyr watched, speechless. Hitoshi beamed in smug triumph.

"Captain!" Ryuu cried. "Why?!"

"NOOOO!" Akari thrashed against her restraints in vain. Tears streamed down her face. There was no way what she was seeing was real. She had to get down there. Let her down, someone, let her down! Let her-

The bindings around her were suddenly cut loose. Akari yelped, but landed on the ground safely on her feet. A second later Kizito landed beside her, also free of his restraints.

"W-What?! Who's there?!" Hitoshi yelled, standing up in alarm. He materialized a jeweled sword and a kite shield. "Who dares interfere with my plan?!"

There was a cloud of black smoke and a familiar sound behind and above Hitoshi. From it Lovino emerged with her katana already glowing and in the middle of unleashing a leaping «Vertical» attack. As soon as Hitoshi heard the sound of «Shadowstep» he whirled around and blocked Lovino's slash with his shield, then jumped and dodged back to the ground to avoid her pursuing follow-up swings.