Chapter Eight

I fell into a fighting stance, my sword in my grasp. The metal monster glared at me, it's ruby eyes narrowed. It was apparently not a morning dragon.

Hideki was trembling behind a pillar of pure steel, his gaze locked onto the dragon. I sighed, focusing back on the dragon. He wasn't going to be any use to me.

As the dragon took a step forward, I wish I had my wolves with me. I had left them on floor 9, the same floor as Hideki's shop, because I had assumed this would only be a quick errand.

And look how wrong I was.

The dragon was oddly silent as it moved around me. I spun on an axis, following its movements around me. As I watched it, I tried to remember how we had defeated the boss.

"Get behind it and stab the soft spot in the back of its head before it has a chance to multiply." I muttered, remembering the team leader's words.

I found this to be a problem immediately however, seeing as there was only me. I couldn't get behind it without a distraction.

The dragon lunged, bringing me out of my thoughts. I grunted as I brought up my sword to block it's attack. I whirled around, switching to the offensive as I swung my blade at its torso. Unfortunately, I was blocked and I had to leap away from its snapping jaws.

Without giving me a second to catch my breath, it lunged again, it's metallic skin beginning to ripple. It was about to duplicate.

I knew I was a good fighter, but I also knew that not even the best fighter could take on two of these dragons at a time.

"Hideki! It's about to split, I need you to divert it!" I yelled, doubling my efforts of attack.

"What?!" He squeaked, his voice taking on an unnatural pitch.

"Scream really loudly!" I shouted, exasperated.

And Hideki did just that.

Now, I figured he could scream like a girl if he wanted to. In fact, I was sure he could. But the sound that came out of his mouth, was no where near human.

The dragon stopped in its attack and whirled to face what it must have assumed was a bigger threat. It must have been surprised when it realized it was only Hideki, but we would never know, for I had my sword in the back of its head as soon as it's eyes were off me.

The dragon shattered into brilliant, multicolored shards and I leaned down on my knees, breathing deeply.

The normal victory notification popped up, telling me my prize had been placed in my inventory. I dismissed it and stood up straight. Hideki was staring at me with wide eyes, his jaw dropped.

I grinned, walking over to high five him.

"Awesome scream! Even I was distracted there!" I laughed.

He could only stare at me. I lowered my hand once I realized he had no intention of giving me a high five.

"I have the metal, so let's get back to your shop. Kuro and Gurē have probably noticed my absence by now." I said.

"A-Are they in your party?" He asked. It was the first thing he had spoken since the end of the battle.

"No, I work solo. They are my wolves."

"Wolves?!" He screeched.

I winced, flinching backwards.

"Yes, my wolves! Now let's get moving!"

I turned and started out of the mine. Hideki scurried to catch up, before falling into step with me.

"How did you manage to tame them?! Wolves are the most unloyal easy beasts there are in Sword Art Online!"

"It's this outfit, I guess." I gestured to my uniform.

I explained how I had beaten the wolf on the first floor, and earned this uniform. He listened quietly, not daring to interupt me.

After I had finished that story, I couldn't help but continue talking. I told him about all the adventures I had had so far. I told him about Diabel and Kirito, about Kuro and Gurē's shinanigans, about Katsu and how he taught me to whistle.

By the time we were back on the 9th floor, my voice was hoarse and the sun had set. We walked the rest of the way in silence.

Only when I heard a howl, did I vary from our path.

"Kuro! Gurē!" I shouted, running in the direction of the howl. I could hear Hideki following after me hesitantly.

The howl picked up again, this time louder. I whistled as loud as I could, doing my best to get their attention. The howl cut off, only to be replaced by excited yips and barks. Out of the shadows of am alley came large gray and black forms.

I grinned, dropping down to their level. They skipped around me, occasionally licking my cheeks. They were in a good mood.

"You weren't kidding. You really do have wolves."

I grinned over my shoulder at Hideki. I didn't bother answering him, but I stood up straight, gesturing for him to lead the way back to his shop.

He shook his head in disbelief and sighed before heading back the way we had ran. My wolves followed me, nipping at my fingers, trying to get my attention.

I patted Kuro's head as Gurē ran ahead. I could tell Hideki was skeptical around them, but he didn't say a word.

Finally we reached his shop. Hideki unlocked the door and held it open for me. My wolves shoved ahead, almost tripping me in their eagerness to get inside. I followed after them, covering my mouth as I yawned.

Hideki noticed this and said, "How about you stay the night. I can build your scythe in the morning and it's already late."

I smiled gratefully, nodding my head. He lead me upstairs to what appeared to be where he lived. He prepared the guest room for me as I got my wolves to settle down. Kuro curled up by the stove, and immediately fell asleep, but Gurē skipped around still.

"I'll wake you up in the morning before I open the shop."

I smiled gratefully at Hideki and walked into the guest room. It was small, but cozy and I couldn't help but feel at home. I unhooked my sheathed sword from my belt and tossed it in the corner. Hideki nodded one more time, before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Gurē hopped up onto the bed and sprawled, making himself comfy I glared at him.

"That's okay. I didn't need to sleep on the bed."

He only blinked at me.

I rolled my eyes and pulled up my menu, switching my clothing for a simple tunic and soft pants.

I climbed into the bed, pushing Gurē to make some room. He warmed me up during the night, but he was an absolute bed hog.

I sighed and made myself comfortable, my eyes drooping shut with sleep.

"Goodnight, boy."

He licked my face in response.