When Our Blades Cross (A Sword Art Online Story)

Recovery

Gosen sat on the edge of the bed as Silica groggily sat up. "Morning, sleepyhead," he said with a smile. He'd only just then noticed how different she looked with her hair down; she almost looked more mature that way.

"Good morning..." She responds, looking back to the boy, her face turning red, "w-why are you staring at me?"

"H-huh? Nothing," Gosen responded, averting his eyes, suddenly feeling his own face heat up. There was a knock on the door, causing Gosen to raise an eyebrow, "Did you invite someone over today? Cuz I didn't."

"No, I didn't," responded Silica with a confused expression.

"Well, I'll check who it is," Gosen says, "you're still in your sleepwear, anyway." He shut the door behind him. As he went to open the front door, he hesitated, before shaking his head. It's probably nothing.

Opening the door, he's greeted by Kazuhiko. "Hey there."

"Kazuhiko...? What are you doing here?" Gosen asks, relaxing his tense shoulders.

"Well, one, I got your message about Kiku," Kazuhiko bows his head, "I'm sorry, as guild leader I should have been more aware of my second-in-command's activities..."

Gosen gave his old leader a guilty look, "Actually, I should be apologizing. On the night before the boss meeting on the fifty-sixth floor, I followed Kiku to her meeting with a Laughing Coffin member. I should've let you know, I don't know what my thought process was at the time..."

Kazuhiko raised his head, a relaxed smile appearing. "Well I guess we can call it even."

"What...? No grudge?" Gosen asked, still feeling bad.

"It's water under the bridge, ya know? You're fine, and in the end, the guild is fine." Kazuhiko grinned, Gosen had always admired how laid back he was. "Anyways," Kazuhiko visibly tensed, causing Gosen to grow concerned.

"Did you hear? The boss of the seventy-fifth floor has been found. Not only that, when you enter, the doors close behind you and you can't teleport out," Kazuhiko says, "half of the scout team went in, and when the doors opened, they were nowhere to be found."

"Gosen? Who is it?" Silica asks, walking behind Gosen and looking over his shoulder, "Ah, Kazuhiko, hello!"

Kazuhiko gave her an acknowledging nod, "We're going to need all the help we can get. Think you could help us?"

Gosen raised an eyebrow, "Really? After all this time, you still think I'm good enough for the front lines?"

Kazuhiko responded with his own remark, "You're at the next floor as soon as the Assault Team gets to it, don't lie." They both chuckled slightly.

Gosen looked to Silica, "How much of the situation did you hear?"

"I heard you talking about the boss room, but that's about it..."

Gosen nods, then looking to Kazuhiko, "I'll do it on one condition," Gosen points to Silica, "she has to stay here. She can't come with me."

Silica lowered her head, speaking before Kazuhiko had time to respond, "You know why I can't let you do that..."

Gosen grimaced, recalling the events of the previous night. Regardless, he was forced to stand his ground, "Silica, it's floor seventy-five and a floor boss. I won't let you go. You're not even a high enough level for the lower-level mobs on the floor."

Silica looked down, clearly upset--but knowing he was right.

"Now, Kazuhiko, when do we leave?" Gosen asked.