What if Marth didn't disappear after the Demon War? What if instead he isolated himself from his friends out of guilt and despair. His friends try to help him but no one can reach him, except for a certain Undine player. Will Asuna help Marth move on, and why does she find herself constantly thinking about him? Meanwhile Kirito feels guilty for Yuuki's death and thinks that he failed his best friend. Can he manage to forgive himself, or will he need the help of a certain female sniper? AU of Dark Swordsman 2, not part of canon timeline (for my stories). Main pairings: Marth and Asuna, Kirito and Sinon
"Italics" – thoughts
Chapter 1- A Different Ending
Marth woke from a dreamless sleep and found himself under a blanket in a tent. His eyes were back to their usual blue color.
"Where am I?" he asked in confusion. "I could've sworn I was at the Shadow Fortress."
Marth then heard someone enter the tent, which turned out to be Kirito.
"Am I glad you're awake, Marth," Kirito said in relief. "You had us all worried sick."
The Dark Swordsman raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What are you talking about?" Marth asked. "What happened?"
"Don't you remember? During the fight with Zarc, you suddenly lost control of your powers and began fighting recklessly. That wasn't like you."
"I did what?" Marth held his forehead as his memory of the incident returned. "Oh my God!" he said in shock. "Did I hurt anyone?"
Kirito hesitated for a moment before saying, "It might be easier to show you. Just remember that you're not fully responsible for it, Zarc was."
Marth stood up and followed Kirito out of the tent where he was greeted by a terrible sight. Most of Tokyo was in ruins. They were just outside of New National Stadium, which was badly damaged, where they saw hundreds, if not thousands, of people either dead or injured that were by the streets, along with just as many tents trying to treat the injured.
"Oh my God!" Marth said in horror as he covered his mouth with his hands.
Kirito was torn from seeing his best friend in such pain but knew he couldn't stop. "This way," the Spriggan said. "The others will want to know you're awake."
Kirito led Marth down the sidewalk to a courtyard where their guildmates were waiting.
"Brother!" Thorrnn exclaimed in joy as she tackled the blue-eyed Spriggan into a hug, nearly knocking him to the ground.
"Thank goodness you're awake, Marth," Asuna said with a relieved smile.
"You sure know how to scare us," Klein added, who also looked relieved. "Do you mind stopping that?"
Marth scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry guys. I didn't mean to worry you guys." He then noticed the absence of three certain girls. "Hey, where's Yuuki, Celina and Lisbeth?"
Suddenly the others lowered their heads in shame while Thorrnn let go of her brother and backed off, confusing the Silver Aegis.
"What's wrong?" Marth questioned nervously.
"About that," Asuna said slowly, not looking him in the eye.
Sinon let out a heavy sigh. "We need to show him," the Cait Sith archer said sincerely. "Marth deserves to know."
"You're right, Sinon," the Undine replied. She held her hand out to the blue-eyed Spriggan. "Come with me. I'll take you to them."
Marth was confused but took Asuna's hand and allowed the Lightning Flash to lead him to a medical tent, with the others following them. They then entered the tent, where Marth saw dozens of people being treated for injuries, with some of them being children. There were even some tables with bodies covered by tarps in the back.
The Silver Aegis's eyes widened in shock. "Did I do this?" he asked slowly.
Asuna didn't answer and instead led him to the makeshift morgue where they found Lisbeth sitting on a table while holding a gravely injured Celina. The pink-haired blacksmith was sobbing, and Celina wasn't breathing.
"No," Marth said in disbelief.
Lisbeth managed to stop crying before facing the duo and glared at Marth. "So you finally decided to wake up," she said bitterly. "Come to admire your work?"
"Liz!" Asuna protested.
Marth, on the other hand, was stunned by the accusation.
"This all your fault!" Lisbeth continued, her tone not changing. "If you hadn't merged with that stupid Core Crystal, Celina wouldn't have died."
"I never…" Marth said in shock. He reached out to Celina, only for Lisbeth to slap his hand away.
"Don't you touch her!" Lisbeth exclaimed in anger. "I hate you, Marth! I wish Celina and I have never met you! This is all your fault!"
"Don't say that, Liz!" Asuna scolded, finding herself getting angry over her friend's accusations. "You know that's not true!"
Lisbeth didn't respond and went back to her mourning. Marth turned towards the Undine in a worried expression.
"Where's Yuuki?" he asked quickly.
Asuna gave Marth's hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll take you to her. Just promise that you won't blame yourself." She turned towards Kirito and gave him a nod.
Kirito nodded in response before leading the duo to another table with a tarp covering a body. The Black Swordsman lifted the tarp, revealing Yuuki's body lying down on the table with her sword right next to her.
"No," Marth said in shock. "This can't be real. How did she die?"
"How do you think?" Lisbeth spoke up, causing the trio to face her. "You killed her! Yuuki's dead because of you!"
Marth's eyes widened in disbelief. "No. That can't be true." He faced Kirito, who's head was lowered in shame. "Tell me it's not true."
"I'm sorry, Marth, but it's true," Kirito answered slowly. "That last attack you did would've hit me and I couldn't move because your powers were overwhelming me. Yuuki ended up taking the blow herself to protect me. We couldn't heal her no matter how hard we tried. There was nothing we could've done."
Marth backed up as guilt and grief overwhelmed him. "No. This isn't what I wanted." He turned towards his dead girlfriend and held her cheek with his other hand. "Yuuki, I'm so sorry."
"You will have to face a hardship greater than anything you've experienced so far," Klaus's voice echoed in Marth's head. "If you aren't careful, it could shatter your spirit and leave you powerless."
"I think I know what Klaus's warning was about now," Marth spoke up. "It wasn't the Demon War or Zarc, it was losing Yuuki and Celina."
The Dark Swordsman backed into Asuna, who put her arms around him to comfort him, but he didn't seem to notice as he was too lost in grief. Marth then felt his legs go out and fell to his knees.
"Marth!" Asuna said in worry as she and Kirito knelt as well before both comforting the grieving Aegis.
"Brother!" Thorrnn exclaimed as she hurried to the trio.
"If you hadn't merged with that stupid Core Crystal, Celina wouldn't have died," Lisbeth's voice boomed in Marth's head. "Yuuki's dead because of you!"
"No," Marth said as guilt and grief overwhelmed him, his voice cracking. "I never wanted this." Marth's core then lit up. "No. No. Noooo!" Marth's body then unleashed a burst of blinding silver light. When the light died down, it revealed he had blacked out.
"Marth!" Asuna cried out in desperation as she held the unconscious teen in her arms. "Marth, wake up!"
The Next Day
A funeral was being held for those who died, including Yuuki and Victoria. Both Aiko, her parents, and Serena (Victoria's mother), were all sobbing. Everyone was in their regular appearances as most of the Fenrir Effect's power has since faded. Kazuto and Asuna were by their friends, except Rika (Lisbeth), who refused to sit near them because Marth, who had regained consciousness, was with them. Marth was the only one present who was still in his avatar form, but he was confined to a wheelchair because his friends found out he was unable to move on his own after he woke up. Lunara and Solaris were lying on his lap in their scabbards, his hands clutching them tightly, as if they would disappear if he loosened his grip for even a second. Yui was also there, albeit through Kazuto's smartphone.
When Yuuki's memorial began, Meg noticed her brother stiffen and tears leak from his lifeless eyes. Marth had not spoken a word since he had woken up, and that worried her. He also refused to eat or drink anything too.
Kikuoka was by the podium and asked if anyone wanted to say anything regarding the Absolute Sword.
"I do," Kazuto said as he rose from his chair.
"Kirito," Asuna muttered quietly, surprised by her boyfriend's decision.
"Daddy," Yui said through the phone.
Kazuto made his way to the podium and faced the crowd, while also sparing a glance at his partner, who was just staring at the ground.
"Frank," Kazuto muttered slowly before speaking up. "Yuuki was one of the greatest people I have ever met. As you all probably know, I met her in Sword Art Online, the death game. But despite being trapped there, Yuuki never once let that bring her down. She always found a way to keep smiling, no matter how bad things got."
Kazuto sniffed in sorrow as he fought back tears. "The… the only reason she isn't with us anymore, is because I failed to help my best friend, someone I consider a brother, to control his powers," he continued, struggling to find words to say. "I know that Yuuki would not want me or him to blame ourselves for what happened, but the pain is still there. Yuuki was a light in this world, one that will not easily be replaced, if ever. As we try to rebuild our damaged home, we must never forget those who gave their lives so we could live."
Kazuto couldn't take it anymore and let a few tears fall down his cheeks. There was silence for a moment before people began applauding, including Asuna and the other Alfheim Warriors, except for Marth and Rika.
"Thank you, Kirito," Kikuoka said. "I know this must be hard for you and your friends, especially Marth. If you ever need help, just call me."
"Thank you," Kazuto said before returning to his seat.
"That was a nice speech," Asuna said quietly as the funeral continued. "I'm sure Yuuki would've liked it."
Kazuto let out a sob, prompting his girlfriend to hug him from the side.
"It's all my fault, Asuna," Kazuto sobbed. "I failed Frank when he needed me the most, and Yuuki paid the price for it. I'm a terrible friend."
"Don't say that, Daddy!" Yui pleaded. "Aunt Yuuki wouldn't want you to blame yourself for what happened."
"I know she wouldn't, Yui. But I can't help but feel guilty. I should've done more, I should've tried to fight that power so I could help Frank."
"Kirito," Asuna said slowly before glancing at Marth, who was ignoring all his sister's attempts to talk to him. "Why did this have to happen?" she asked herself. "Why did the price to end the Demon War have to be Yuuki and Celina's lives, and also Marth's will? This just isn't fair."
The funeral ended pretty quickly after that. Kazuto and the others were about to head home when Aiko approached them.
"Hey," she said slowly, not trying to hide her grief.
"Hi, Aiko," Kazuto replied. "I'm sorry about Yuuki."
Aiko shook her head in dismissal. "It's okay. Yuuki would've went with you guys anyway, even if she knew it would end her life. She always liked to live life to the fullest. How's Frank doing?"
She, Kazuto, and Asuna turned to the vegetative Spriggan as Meg wrapped a scarf over him.
"Not really well," Asuna said grimly. "He's completely shut himself off from the world. I can't even begin to imagine what's going on inside his head."
"I see," Aiko replied, her eyes filled with dread. "Anyway, I have to get going. I'll see you guys later."
Aiko then walked off towards her family, leaving the Alfheim Warriors alone.
"What are we gonna do?" Shino questioned.
All eyes went to Kazuto, who said, "I think we should try to help with rebuilding the city and then we should try to go back to our normal lives."
"But what about Frank?" Meg spoke up, pain filling her tone. "He won't respond to anything we say and he's not eating anything."
"Which is why we can't give up on him," Asuna replied. "We have to make him realize that we're here for him, always."
Three weeks later
Asuna was going to the Storm household to visit Marth and Meg, something she hadn't been able to do since the funeral because of how busy she was with helping the reconstruction. As she walked down the sidewalk, she saw people working on repairing buildings and roads either through magic or tools, making Tokyo seem somewhat livable again. Asuna hadn't really contacted Rika at all since the blacksmith player refused to talk to her since she always defended Marth. Kazuto also seemed to be avoiding her for some reason, despite her efforts to support him.
Asuna was on the phone with Yui, who seemed to sense her distress. "Mommy, what's wrong?" the AI asked.
The Undine player forced a smile and said, "It's nothing, Yui. It's just that…I don't understand why this had to happen. This just doesn't make any sense."
"You and Daddy haven't visited me in weeks," Yui added. "I know the VRMMO servers are still shut down so people can focus on rebuilding, but I feel so lonely."
Asuna wished she could give her daughter a hug. "Don't worry, Yui, once the ALO servers are back up, Kirito and I will come back, and we'll make up for all the lost time."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Yui then hung up so she could call Kazuto while Asuna arrived at the Storm house. It was one of the few neighborhoods that wasn't damaged from Marth's attack, which was very fortunate since its where Marth and Kazuto kept all of the back-ups for Yui's program. Asuna knocked on the door and saw Meg open the door.
"Hi, Asuna," the Sylph player greeted with a forced smile. "What brings you here?"
"Hey, Thorrnn. Has there been any change with Marth?"
Meg sadly shook her head as she allowed the vice-commander inside before closing the door. "He's been his room ever since we got back from the funeral," Meg explained. "And he still won't eat anything."
Asuna's eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry to hear that. I know that you stayed here just so you can look after him while your parents are busy with the rebuilding. Is it okay if I see him?"
"Go right ahead," Meg replied solemnly. "But I wouldn't get your hopes up if I were you. Not even Kazuto has managed to get Frank to talk. In fact, he hasn't been over in five days."
"It must be because of his guilt," Asuna guessed. "Anyway, where is Marth's room again?"
"Upstairs. Second door on your left."
"Thank you." Asuna proceeded up the stairs and stood in front of the appointed door.
"Marth, it's me," the Undine player said softly. "Can I come in?"
Not surprisingly, she was met with silence. Asuna let out a deep breath before opening the bedroom door and entered the room. It was a decent sized room with a regular-sized bed, a desk with a computer and an Amusphere on it, two bookshelves, and a rug on the hardwood floor. On one of the bookshelves was a NerveGear.
Asuna saw that Marth was sitting on his bed, hugging his knees close to his chest. His overcoat was lying next to him while his swords and boots were by the wall. He was wearing a black shirt and pants, along with white socks. He also looked surprisingly well, despite having not eaten anything in weeks, though that was mostly because of his Blade physiology.
"Marth," Asuna said in sorrow as she slowly approached the Spriggan, who didn't even acknowledge her, and sat next to him.
"You can't keep doing this to yourself, Marth," she pleaded. "We're all dealing with losing Yuuki and Celina, not just you. Stop beating yourself over what happened. This won't bring them back. Please, just let me help you."
"You can't," Marth said in a raspy voice as he rested his forehead on his knees.
It took Asuna a moment to realize that the Spriggan had finally spoken.
"It's all my fault," Marth sobbed. "If only I never merged with this stupid Core Crystal, then none of this would've happened. Yuuki and Celina would still be alive if it wasn't for me."
Asuna remembered the Dark Swordsman telling her Klaus's warning about what would happen if he merged with the silver Aegis core.
"You don't know that," Asuna argued. "Knowing Zarc, he would've attacked anyway. But if you hadn't merged with that core, we wouldn't have had the means to fight him. Thousands of people are alive because of you."
"And how many people died because of me?" Marth retorted as he choked back a sob. "Maybe everyone is better off without me. At least then, I won't be able to hurt anyone again."
Asuna gasped in shock. She then promptly slapped him in the face.
"How can you say such a thing?!" Asuna exclaimed in anger. "You can't honestly believe that me, Kirito and everyone else would be better off without you. You're the Dark Swordsman, Marth, and part of the Darkness Duo. You've done so much for everyone in the real world and the virtual one. You and Kirito beat Heathcliff and Zelgius at their own game, you saved me and Yuuki from Sugou, and you guys stopped the Death Gun Incident in GGO. Don't you ever say that no one wants you around!"
Marth lifted his head and looked at the teen. His eyes were red from crying so much.
"Asuna," he said slowly. He looked ready to cry again.
The Undine player pulled the Spriggan into a hug, which he soon returned, allowing him to rest his head on her chest as he burst into tears.
"It's okay," Asuna said soothingly as she rubbed the back of his head to comfort him. "I'm right here, and I won't go anywhere. I promise." Asuna then found her heart beating fast as the Spriggan sobbed into her chest, making her instantly feel guilty because of her feelings for Kazuto.
Meanwhile
Kazuto was in Dicey Café, drinking some water while sitting by the bar. There were several empty cups by him. Andrew was there too, though his wife had left to get more supplies for the upcoming evening rush.
"Am I glad you're still underage," Andrew said as he was cleaning some mugs. "If that all had alcohol, you'd be passed out on the floor, drunk as a dog."
"Whatever," Kazuto said emotionlessly. He heard his phone going off and saw that it was Yui. Surprisingly, he actually declined the call since he didn't want his daughter to hear him in this emotional mess.
"How's Marth doing?" Andrew asked, deciding to change the subject.
"Still no change," Kazuto replied. "Asuna texted me saying that she was going to visit him and asked if I wanted to come, but I couldn't bring myself to go back."
"Are you really going to let this guilt of yours to destroy your friendship with Marth? Remember what I said the other day. The bond you two share is one that can't be easily repaired if it's gone. I think you should go to him."
Kazuto lowered his head in shame. "But I'm pathetic. I'm supposed to be Frank's Driver and I screwed up. He trusted me and I let him down. How can I bring myself to face him now?"
"Sounds to me like you're running away," a familiar voice spoke up.
Kazuto and Andrew turned and saw none other than Shino.
"Sinon? What are you doing here?" Kazuto questioned.
"Yui called me," she explained as she took a seat next to the Spriggan player. "It's not like you to not answer her like that."
Kazuto's eyes filled with guilt. "I can't let her see me like this," he said slowly. "Yui looks up to me and Asuna. It would break her heart if she saw this."
Shino couldn't help but feel pity for the Black Swordsman. "Why not talk to Asuna about this? I'm sure she could help."
Kazuto just shook his head. "I haven't talked with Asuna in two weeks," he confessed. "I…I don't think I can take it anymore. Something inside me broke when Yuuki died and seeing Asuna just makes it worse."
Saying that Shino was shocked would be an understatement. She always figured that Kazuto and Asuna were in love and they would stand by each other forever. Then again, she got the same impression from Frank and Yuuki and look where that went.
"What are you saying?" Shino questioned.
Kazuto tightened his grip on his cup. "I think… I think Asuna would be happier with someone else," he said in remorse.
Meanwhile
Meg was stunned. Somehow Asuna had managed to get Marth out of his room, something she's been trying to do for weeks, but to no avail. Marth was sitting by the kitchen table, though he still looked depressed. Meg was in the kitchen with Asuna as the latter was fixing a quick meal for the Silver Aegis.
"How did you do that?" Meg questioned. "I've been trying for weeks to get him out of there and nothing."
Asuna just shrugged. "I don't know how I did it," she admitted. "I just talked to him and he responded. I didn't do anything special."
Meg rubbed her arms for a few seconds as she hesitated for a moment. "Hey, Asuna," she said slowly. "Do you think… you could visit more often? I know you and the others are busy with rebuilding, heck, I haven't seen Sugu in a week, but I think my brother would really benefit if you kept stopping by every now and then."
Asuna paused from what she was doing and faced the Sylph player. The Lightning Flash could see the worry in her friend's eyes.
"Okay," Asuna replied with a nod. "I'll make sure to visit as much as I can."
Meg formed a true smile, something she hadn't done in a long time. "Thank you," she said cheerfully.
Asuna then found herself feeling excited for her next visit as she finished making a grilled chicken, along with two baked potatoes and set them on a plate before bringing them to Marth. Much to her, and Meg's, amusement, Marth immediately wolfed them down along with powering through a glass of water.
When he was done, Marth leaned back in his chair. "Man, food has never tasted so good," he said with a half-content smile. "Thanks a bunch, Asuna."
The Undine player slightly blushed before smiling back. "You're very welcome, Marth. If you ever want me to come over and cook, just call me and I'll come right over."
"Thanks." Marth then gave his sister a guilty look. "I'm sorry I worried you, Meg. I'm an awful brother."
Meg went over to her brother and gave him a hug. Tears were leaking from her eyes.
"I'm just glad you're okay, Frank," Meg said in relief. "I don't know what I would've done if I lost you. I love you, Brother."
It was rare for the two siblings to ever say that they loved each other, despite how close they've become ever since Marth returned from SAO.
Marth then returned the hug and said, "I love you too, Meg."
Asuna stuck around for another hour before she decided to head for home. Marth had gone back upstairs to get some sleep, since he hasn't slept a wink for weeks, so Meg walked her out.
"Thanks again, Asuna," Meg said with gratitude. "You're a real life saver."
Asuna waved her hand dismissively. "I already told you, I didn't do anything special," she passed off. "I'll see you around, Thorrnn."
"Goodbye Asuna."
The Undine player then headed out as the evening sun began to set. Suddenly her phone went off, prompting her to check and see that she had gotten a text from Kazuto.
"Hey, Asuna," her boyfriend had typed. "This might not be a good time, but we need to talk. Can you meet me at Dicey's?"
Asuna felt herself panic a little but managed to calm herself. "Sure. I'll head there now," she responded.
Later
Asuna got to Dicey Café with no problem. When she went inside, she found Kazuto sitting by a table, alone. Shino was also there, but she was by the bar with Andrew. Asuna went over and sat by her boyfriend. She noticed that like Marth was earlier, Kazuto wasn't looking like his usual self. His black eyes were darker than usual and lacked their familiar warmth and kindness.
"Sorry if I kept you waiting," Asuna said sincerely. "What is it you wanted to talk about?"
Kazuto lowered his head in shame. "I want to apologize for how I've been acting these last few weeks," he said in a weak voice. "I know you've been trying to help me through this, but something inside me broke when Yuuki died in my arms. I…I don't think I'm the same person you fell in love with in Aincrad."
Asuna's eyes widened in shock. "What's gotten into you, Kirito?" she asked hastily. "If this is a joke, it's not funny!"
The Black Swordsman couldn't bring himself to look at his girlfriend in the eye. "I'm sorry, Asuna, but it isn't," he said sadly. "I do still love you, but with the way I am right now, all I'll do is bring you pain. You might…" His voice cracked as he tried to say the words. "You might be better off finding happiness with someone else."
Asuna was speechless. Did she and Kazuto just break up? She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"No," she said weakly. "You're still the person I love, Kirito. We can work things out. Please!"
Kazuto just shook his head. "It's not your fault, Asuna, it's mine. I don't deserve someone like you, especially with how I screwed up back at the Shadow Fortress."
"I don't care about that! What about Yui, our daughter? It would break her heart if we broke up."
Hearing the AI's name just made Kazuto's eyes darker. "I'm sorry, Asuna, but this has to be done. I hope that you can be happy and that we can at least be friends."
The Spriggan player rose from his chair and exited the café, leaving a speechless Asuna. The Lightning Flash looked ready to cry.
"Are you okay, Asuna?" Shino asked in concern as she went over to the Undine player.
"No, I'm not," Asuna choked out. "I don't get it. Why would Kirito do this, especially right after I got Marth to open up again? This doesn't make any sense."
Shino wrapped her arm around her friend and pulled her close. "I don't know," the Cait Sith player replied. "Both our leaders haven't been the same since the Demon War ended, and I don't think things will ever go back to the way they were."
"Oh, Sinon!" Asuna exclaimed as she hugged the girl and began to break down in tears.
Shino rubbed the chestnut-haired girl's back and said, "I know this might be hard, but there's someone else who wants to talk with you."
Asuna managed to separate herself from the sniper and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Who?"
Shino brought out her phone, which was currently in a face-chat call with a familiar pixie.
"Mommy, did you and Daddy just break up?" Yui questioned, clearly holding back tears.
Asuna couldn't bring herself to look at her daughter. "I'm sorry, Yui, but I think we did."
"No," Yui said in disbelief. "But Daddy has my core programming saved onto his Amusphere. What if I never see you again?"
"Kirito would never do something like that," Asuna replied. "But you might want to stay with him for a while. He needs you more than I do right now."
Yui lowered her head as tears began to leak down her face. "Okay, Mommy. I'll make sure to support Daddy as much as I can, for you."
Asuna managed to force herself to smile. "Thank you, Yui. I love you."
"I love you too." Yui then hung up, most likely to go back to Kazuto.
"Hey, Asuna, how about you stay at my place," Shino offered. "You definitely need a friend right now."
"Thanks, Sinon."
That Night
Asuna and Shino arrived at the latter's apartment, which had been rebuilt. Shino let Asuna use the shower first while she set up the couch for her to sleep in.
When Asuna stepped out of the bathroom, she was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and a pair of short sleep pants (I don't know what they're called).
"Thanks for letting me stay over, Sinon," Asuna said.
"Anytime," Shino replied. "Do you want to sleep on the bed or couch?"
"I don't mind the couch. It's your home after all."
Shino just shrugged since she knew that she couldn't change Asuna's mind. The GGO sniper then changed into sleepwear herself and put her glasses on her nightstand.
"So what's this I hear about you getting Marth to open up?" Shino questioned.
Asuna sat on the couch and had a guilty smile on her face. "I went over to his place to check on him and I managed to get him to talk to me. It's honestly a miracle. Although it might be a while before Marth will actually go outside."
Shino nodded as she turned off the lights and climbed into bed. "I can't even imagine what he's going through right now. But if anyone can help him, it's you, Asuna."
The Undine player cracked a smile as she pulled her blanket over her and laid down. "Thanks, Sinon. Can I ask you a favor?"
"What is it?"
"Help Kirito for me. You're probably one of the few people who knows what he's going through right now. You're his best bet for helping him through his guilt."
Shino was shocked at what the chestnut-haired girl had said. "Okay. We've certainly got our work cut out for us, don't we?"
"We sure do."
The girls then said good night to each other and went to sleep.
To be continued
Wow, this was a long chapter. As stated above, this story is an AU of my Dark Swordsman storyline. It will not take the events that happen in my Accel World: The Black Wolf story into account and will have its own narrative. Updates for this story might be really slow since I am also working on Black Wolf at the time of this chapter being posted. I'll probably only be working on this one during my off periods when I need a break from my main stories. I'm sorry for this inconvience but I suck at multi-tasking when it comes to writing, but I don't plan on abandoning this story at all. Anyway, I'll see you guys in the next chapter!