(no subject)

[worldbeater]

...

...in my defense, I didn't really think it would be important to know that.

((SAO2 spoilers possible probable in the comments.))

Comments

[hecait]

You're hopeless, you know that?

[worldbeater]

[Well. This is certainly kind of... awkward.]

That's not entirely fair! I just... [Just what, Kirito?] ...underestimated them.

[hecait]

Underestimated who?

[worldbeater]

The Laughing Coffin.

I thought when we escaped SAO, that would have been the end of it. But that was foolish of me. Of all people, I should have known it's not easy to give up what you've become in the virtual world. I should have realized they would still be dangerous...

[And my arrogance has put you and others in danger, he almost wants to add, but he can't force the words out. Because if he's right, Death Gun and his partner have killed. What's to stop them from doing so again? From going even farther...?]

[hecait]

Oh. [She goes quiet at that.]

Then... what are you going to do?

[worldbeater]

Somehow, I have to remember who he is. Then the authorities can take care of him. But either way, I have to defeat him. If I don't... [He can't finish it. They both know the answer, anyway.] I won't let anyone else suffer if there's something I can do about it.

[hecait]

... how can you say something like that and remain so calm?

[worldbeater]

Because I have to be. [And it almost sounds like he believes that, too.]

...I am scared, but I can't let that affect me. If I do, Death Gun has already won. Orange players in SAO relied on the fear of their victims. Some of them reveled in it. Taking that away from them, it's as good as taking one of their weapons.