The Image displayed above is of Mikoto's current Cait Sith Avatar before she became trapped in the Underworld. The armor and fabrics were created by Phillia, a seamstress in this timeline, and a character from the SAO Hollow Fragment timeline (hence the similarity in look). Mikoto tends to dress two ways. Either she goes for the left look, where she wears her shoulder cape as well as her waist faulds along with her Blue Cat Ribbons, or she goes without the cape and faulds with her pink cat ribbons as shown on the right. The Kitten Shroud Cape, unique to Cait Sith hunters, increases Hiding Stats, while the Ghost Wyrm Faulds deafens sounds made by the avatar. Mikoto will wear these when she goes Dungeon Raiding alone, which isn't often. Most often, she will be seen as her appearance on the right, as not only is she more mobile dressed like this, but she feels no need for Hiding Stats when backed up by a party or just Kirito.

The Sword is called a Geko Sword, (which Mikoto has mentioned several times in this series.) It was custom forged by Lisbeth as a birthday gift to Mikoto using several high level materials as well as stomach ore from an Aincrad Leaping Toad. The sword is a completely unique item like Kirito's longsword. Per Asuna's suggestion, the sword also has the insignia of the Order of The Sword which is an honor awarded by the American Military, something which people who play Fantasy VRs have recently found interesting. The sword has an incredibly high durability and can also increase speed and Leaping Stats, allowing Mikoto to perform acrobatic maneuvers she isn't normally able to perform without a high platform or a preleaping wall run. It's element is Water, so it can perform water element based attacks when MP is used. Mikoto tends to use this sword more on every day gaming, while she reserves the Master Sword for opponents like Kirito and Eugene, or for very tough quests like the quest for Excalibur, during which she dual wielded the Geko Sword and the Master Sword together.

The Cat Ribbons have no difference from each other besides color, and Mikoto wears one or the other based on personal preference. But the bell collar she got from Kuroko, the Nyan Bell, increases sight and hearing stats by a considerable amount. And the bell only rings when the health stat is considerably low.

Stella laughed cheerfully as Ronye told her about how Kirito had been sleeping throughout the end of the third period break.

"Really?" said Stella. "He said that?"

"Yeah." said Ronye. "Again and again, that sleeping is essential to Aincrad Style. Funny thing is, I'm slowly mastering it, and I haven't slept a wink till 12 midnight studying for my mid terms. How are your papers coming along?"

"It's tough." said Stella. "Some of the exams are on two handed swords, and Me and Misaka-sama are only good at one handed swords.. she said she pretty much lucked out on that exam."

"Wow.. even the star student encyclopedia of knowledge got stumped by that?" said Ronye. "I guess that explains why she's never been seen trying a two handed sword style. Oh yeah.. and rumor is, she knows how to dual wield.. and so does Kirito-kun.. the only two Academy Students who have styles that can do so.."

"Hmm.. I don't think I could be so ambidextrous." said Stella. "I'll stick with a one handed longsword."

"Hey.." said Ronye. "I hear that Misaka-san and Kirito-kun both confronted Humbert and Raios today.. they played dumb.. but I can tell they aren't going to let it go.." (NO FROZEN REFERENCES!! STAHP IT!!!)

"I-I'm a bit scared for Misaka-sama to be honest." said Stella. "If she gets into it with those two jerks, I don't know what kind of trouble she might attract."

"Yeah, she's pretty stubborn when she want's to be." said Ronye. "But I'm sure she'll be fine. She's never done anything too rash before.."

"Hey.." said Stella. "Wait.. do you hear that?"

Ronye and Stella stopped next to a door, hearing raised voices.

"What are you doing here Krux!? We can't be seen talking to you! Who knows what might happen!?"

"Humbert.." Stella whispered.

"It isn't against the Taboo Index to speak to me... otherwise the Axiom Church would have already inhibited you.." said a dark phantasmic voice. "Thevos wishes to know of your progress."

"Progress!? What progress!?"

"That's.. Raios.." Ronye whispered.

"You don't get it Krux!" said Raios. "Even though you've 'freed us from the System' as you said.. there are still people always watching! it's still risky to break the law!!"

"You're not being ordered to kill.." said Krux. "You have already been granted mercy in that regard.. do not disappoint us.. We are waiting in the northern mountains.. wait.. do you.. feel that?"

"Feel what!?" said Humbert.

"Fools.. our conversation was too loud!!"

The door rammed open, and in the door frame, stood a tall dark figure in ghostly samurai armor.. letting loose a constant black aura.. he wore a pale skull mask with green lights gushing out of his eye holes and open jaw... the Viros stared down at Ronye and Stella.

"Run!!" Ronye grabbed Stella's hand and made to pull her away.. but before they could run off.. a black mist solidified into a wall on either end of the hall.

"Who are they?" Krux asked.

"Th-those are Kirito and Misaka's Valets." Raios said. "They haven't done anything wrong, so our rights as Nobles to punish them for wrongdoings won't apply.."

"Hmph.. such cowards, not taking advantage of the freedom Thevos granted you." said Krux. "No matter.. they will serve as perfect mediums to my ends.."

"Wh-what are you going to do to us!?" Stella said.

"Oh don't worry.." said Krux, drawing a dark nodachi sword from his back. "I'm just going to send a message.."

_____________________

"WHERE IS SHE!?" Mikoto pushed her way through the door of the infirmary, pushing past a bewildered nurse.

Kirito, Sinon, Eugeo, and Tieze were already there.. Yuuki was also there, sitting on the window sill.

Kirito was sitting on a chair next to Ronye's bed holding her hand as she breathed feebly under the covers, barely conscious.

Stella was in the bed next to her, barely conscious as well. Mikoto immediately got on her knees next to the bed and grabbed Stella's hands. "Stella!? Stella!"

"M-Misaka-sama.." Stella groaned. "It.. was ... so dark. The monster was so dark... I.."

Stella's eyes closed.

Mikoto's eyes blazed furiously, and electricity began to crackle all over her body. "Who.. did this? WHO DID THIS!!?"

"Humbert and Raios.." Kirito said shakily. "They were talking to somebody named Krux.. and he had a message for us.."

"Where's the message?"

Yuuki jumped down from the window sill and put a hand onto Mikoto's shoulder. "No.. you don't want to see the message.."

"Wh-why not!?"

"He carved it.." said Tieze. "I-into their backs.."

Mikoto fell to her knees once more.. her eyes wide. "What?"

"It said.. Punish the Humans." said Kirito.

"KRUX!" A calico cat jumped out from behind Mikoto.. Nox yowled angrily. "I always hated that damn Krux!!"

"It was a Viros!?" said Sinon. "But.. why!?"

"Sorry.. still a little rusty on the subject of Viros." said Eugeo. "They're.. not human right?"

"Not human is right.." Tieze said, her voice sounding shaky and on the verge of tears. "What human would do this?"

"I'm going to find Humbert and Raios.. And I'm going to kill them.." Mikoto hissed. "I'm going to find them, and knock em till they die!!"

"Don't be rash Mikoto." said Nox. "If you break the Taboo Index, the Integrity Knights will come after you.. and even if use Viral Railgun, I doubt we'll last long.. we haven't even gotten a good gist of Symbiont Assault Form yet.."

"I hate to say it.. but Nox is right." said Kirito. "But Mikoto also has a point.. Krux sent us this for a reason.. and the only way to fully investigate this is if we interrogate those two.. but we can't just come at them swords flashing.."

"Challenge them to a duel!" said Tieze. "Those two are so arrogant they couldn't refuse.. and neither of them know about Railgun Style! Have Misaka-san take them on two on one!"

Eugeo stared at Tieze. "That's brilliant! If she challenges them to an official Courtyard Duel with real blades.. it's the perfect trap.."

"I'm not sure I like it.." said Yuuki. "Mikoto-sempai.. are you sure you won't lose control?"

"I'll try.." said Mikoto. "But not too much.. it's the only plan we've got right now.."

_________________________________

"You!? Challenge us!?" said Raios laughing. "And you want to go two on one!?"

"Yep." said Mikoto. "And it's going to be a Courtyard Match.."

Mikoto was standing before Raios and Humbert in the middle of the sparring field.. and many students, Valets and Nobles alike had gathered to watch.

"Take a look everyone! Ms. 6th Seat wants to take us on!" said Humbert.

"Wouldn't be talking 9th seat and 10th seat.." Mikoto growled.

"The only reason you even made it among the top 12 elites is because you got lucky." said Raios. "And you've never faced us before.. so think again.. you're just a commoner.. and everyone's going to know it.. YO! WHOSE REF!?"

Courtyard Duels were rarely done at the Academy. They were the only sparring matches that allowed the students to use real blades. As a result, an upperclassman was required to watch and referee the match, in this case, a higher class Noble.

"I'll do it.." Sinon walked through the crowd.. and people muttered in surprise. It was rare somebody from the Archery Corps ever came into the Academy. And since the corps were small, they were always higher class nobles then those below Integrity Knights.

Everyone cleared up, creating a large clear space for the three combatants.

Raios and Humbert both grinned, drawing their swords.. the steel shining on the powerful weapons.

Divine Instrument class weapons.. of course. Their rich families would definitely be able to afford such high class swords.

Mikoto drew both River Spirit and the Master Sword, their blades flashing in the sunlight. Mutters of surprise once more riddled the audience. Nobody had ever seen somebody dual wield at the Academy.. not that most people knew of at least..

"Ready.." said Sinon. "Set.. Begin!"

Raios and Humbert dashed at Mikoto from either end, slashing their blades down at Mikoto, but right as their blades reached near her, she whirled around, parrying their blades with a powerful double stroke, knocking them back.

"Damn!" Raios growled slashing at Mikoto's legs with a strong glowing two hit combo. Mikoto leapt back and sent a hurling Vorpal Strike and Horizantal into Raios's blade, knocking him straight off his feet as Humbert came at Mikoto from behind.

Mikoto ducked Humbert's strike and let out a double cross strike into his blade. Humbert and Mikoto exchanged blows for a minute, but Mikoto quickly began to overpower him, driving him back, but it wasn't long before Raios came back into the fray.

Mikoto could see surprise and anger in the two swordsmen's eyes, as she proved to be enough to match the both of them at the same time.

"So.." said Mikoto breezily as she continued to hammer and block every blow. "I heard you two met Stella today.. care to explain?"

"Don't know what you're talking about!!" said Humbert angrily.

"Why would we associate ourselves with a peasant like that!?" said Raios.

"I'm giving you one last chance to talk!" Mikoto growled.

"Chance!? You're rich!"

Mikoto grinned.. "Oh.. I was hoping you'd say that.."

At that very moment.. Mikoto's arms fell limp.. and she let the blades pass through her guard.. the crowd gasped at the unexpected move.. but, the blades never reached their targets..

Humbert and Raios both stared stunned as they struggled with their swords.. swords that were refusing to go any closer then 4 inches to Mikoto..

The blades themselves were letting off sparks as Mikoto sent out a powerful electromagnetic field around her body.. so any metal blade was deflected..

"Oops." said Mikoto. "What's the matter? Aren't you going to strike me?"

"Wh-what is this!?" said Raios.

"ZAAAAAMMMMM!!!!!" Lightning exploded out of Mikoto's body, sending both Humbert and Raios flying.

"OWWW!!!" Humbert screamed out as Mikoto stomped a foot on his back, her eyes turning ominous. "Now.. let's try this again.. shall we Humby old pal?"

"REF!!" Raios shouted. "What are you doing!! Victory happens when the sword is knocked out of our hands!!!"

"Oh really?" said Sinon casually. "I don't see any of you letting go of your swords.."

Raios looked down at his hand and was stunned to see iron sand constricting his hand to the hilt of his blade.. the same was happening with Humbert.

"D-damn it!!" Raios made to run.. but an electromagnetic force pulled on Raios's sword, pulling him back to Mikoto and pinning him to the ground.

"Now now.." said Mikoto. "Did I say you could leave? Seriously.. who taught you manners?"

Mikoto glared at Raios. "Now.. what was this thing you had with Krux? What do you know?"

"If you think we're talking.." Raios stammered. "You're a damn b*tch!!"

"ZAAAAMMM ZAAAAMMM ZAMMMMMMMM!!!" lightning bolts exploded in multiple barrages near Raios's head as well as Humbert's

The two idiots cried out in fear, snot and tears pouring from their faces.

"If you think this Krux guy is scary." said Mikoto . "Then you should SERIOUSLY check me out.. I guarantee you I probably know more about Krux and the Viros then you do about your currently very wet pants.. and I'm way worse.."

"ZAAAM ZAAAM ZAAM ZAAAAMMMM!!!" Craters littered the Sparring Yard as more lightning hurled itself down, barely missing Humbert and Raios's heads.

"Tell me what you know.." said Mikoto. "Or rest assured, I'll be making myself some barbeque in a moment.."

"L-look.. all we know is that.. th-they've got something going... in the northern mountains!! Near the Dark Territory!.. th-there's a cave.. a-and.. we were supposed to wait for orders, but they weren't coming in.. th-they freed us.. from.. the system.. don't know what exactly that is.. but thanks to that.. we can.. do.. a-anything!!"

"Anything eh? Can you curl up on the floor right there and cry for me?"

"THAT'S ALL WE KNOW!!!"

"I believe you." said Mikoto. She used Raios and Humbert's own swords to fling them up into the air.. and two lightning spheres blasted out of her bangs and slammed the two into the ground.. where they lay with their chests smoking, their swords slipping out of their hands.

"Game.. set and match." said Sinon, clapping.

As Mikoto walked away, followed by Sinon, everyone parted before her, looking fearful.

"So.." said Sinon. "Where to next?"

"Going to get permission from the Headmaster for a quest into the mountains." said Mikoto.

"You know a quest on that scale is only allowed to Integrity Knights.." said Sinon.

"Well, we'll just have to look very desperate." said Mikoto. "And besides.. it's not like he can refuse a member of the Archery Corps.."

________________________

"Absolutely not.." The Dormitory Supervisor, Azurika shook her head at Mikoto. "Look I know why you want to go, and I get what you feel about your Valet's state.. but I can't have you going on some half cocked quest to find out whose done what!"

"B-but!" Mikoto stammered.

"Look." said Kirito, stepping forward. "This needs to be investigated. And you've got to admit, the Integrity Knights are all spread out all over the place, taking down creatures from the Dark Territory, plus rounding up what's left of Laughing Coffin! The best bet you have is sending a few high class Noble Elite Swordsmen from the Academy!"

"And not to toot my own horn, but I am the best Archer in Zattaria." said Sinon.

"Normally, I would welcome three of the 12 top elites and the best in the Archery Corps checking this situation." said Azurika. "But as a dorm supervisor I must obey the higher orders from the King. And the feudal lords demand that we keep those with personal stakes in this out. And think of your Valets! They need you more then ever!"

"Ma'am.. I believe Tieze is fully ready for the mid term tournaments." said Eugeo fervently. "And right now Ronye and Stella are under good care. There's nothing to stop us from going."

"Nothing except my word and the word of this Academy." said Azurika. "I'm sorry.. but, unless you were kidnapped or something-"

"BOOOOOM!!!!" As if on cue, suddenly the wall of the office was blown apart as Scarlet Rain's short robotic form jumped in, holding her pistol, firing powerful energy blasts from the gun.

"AHA!!!!!" said Scarlet Rain. "I AM THE GREAT KIDNAPPING BANDIT ROBOTO LA SOMBRERO!!! AND I AM HERE TO KIDNAP SOME RANDOM SWORDSMEN!! AND MAYBE AN ARCHER!!!"

"Y-Yuniko!?" Mikoto stammered.

"I know not of this Yuniko whom you speak!!" Scarlet Rain roared. "I AM ROBOTO LA SOMBRERO!! And I am here to kidnap you so perhaps MAYBE I might force you to go on an adventure YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO GO ON!!!"

"O-oh.. RIGHT!! Oh no!" Mikoto said. "Please don't hurt us Roboto La Som.. something!"

"Yeah!" said Eugeo. "And whatever you do, don't kidnap us or anything!!"

"Oh somebody save us!" said Kirito.

"Wait.." said Sinon drawing her bow, " oh.. out of arrows. Looks like we're doomed guys."

"YEAAAAAHHHH!!!" Somehow, Scarlet Rain's petite body managed to pick up all four friends in her small arms over her head. "Now!! They have been kidnapped!! So they actually had no choice but to leave!! GOOD BYE!!!"

Azurika smiled and winked at Rain. "Oh no.. what a situation.. guess all I can do now is watch helplessly as you kidnap them.."

Scarlet Rain snorted. "You're a terrible actor."

Scarlet Rain stumbled through the hole in the wall and piled her friends into the back of a caravan waiting out back.

Holding the reigns of the horses pulling the vehicle, Yuuki turned to look at her friends and winked, sticking out her tongue. "Hi! Looks like I'm participating in a kidnapping eh!? Northern Mountains here we come!!"

And as Yuuki maneuvered the reigns, and the horses galloped off down the streets, Scarlet Rain poked her head out of the back and yelled. "ALL FEAR ROBOTO LA SOMBERO!!! AHAHAHAHA!!!"