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Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online. Reki Kawahara does!
With a sound like a high pitched growl the meter tall pale green skinned creature thrust its short spear forward. Kirito barely shifted his blade clipping the spear and throwing the attack slightly off course. As the spear tip whizzed past his ear Kirito took a small step forward and thrust his sword towards the demi-human's exposed throat. Finding its mark the blade should have sliced cleanly Through the creatures throat, but instead the blunted tip tore a jagged wound across the side of its neck. Dropping its spear the creature grasped its gushing neck with a gurgling sound before collapsing back to be engulfed in pure white light.
Kirito was long past the point of being surprised what the spirits would claim in this place, it seemed anything even remotely humanoid had a soul. With a sigh he picked up the bundle of rags the creature had been wearing as cloths and wiped down his sword. With a critical eye he checked the blunted tip and that rounded edges, the month he had spent so far here had done a number on his sword. With yet another sigh he slashed his sword left then right before sheathing it over his shoulder. Looking around at the small piles of cloths and crude weapons he cursed his luck. He had come to this forest because he heard the aggressive inhabitants used weapons. But after killing more than a dozen not a single one had used a sword. It seemed he had no choice but to go into town after all.
The cowl of his plain long cloak was pulled low, and a scarf had been wrapped around most of his lower face still Kirito felt any moment someone would recognize him. Slung over his shoulder wasn't his sword but the weapons and armor he had gathered during his recent hunting bundled up in an old tarp. Only a handful of other times had he been forced to wander into the Town of Beginnings, and each time before it had been nerve wracking. Despite being only a short distance from the tower's base this massive town was completely safe, protected by powerful wards it was impossible for man or monster to cause harm within its walls. While the vast majority of those brought to the training ground took up residence here, many never even leaving its walls, Kirito had stayed out in the dangerous wilderness instead of risking meeting others.
That and the towns previous residents still gave him the shivers. When those brought here had first made it to the town they were shocked to find it occupied. Several hundred people already living within its walls, if you could call it that. According to popular rumor they were soulless dolls created by the God Kayaba. What ever they were there actions were predictable, almost mechanical. Most responded with only a few phrases and other than that were impossible to interact with. They had proven useful tho, providing a number of needed services. Although they could even provide the needed services of a craftsmen there skill seemed rather limited. Kirito was reluctant to entrust his sword to one of them. Luck was with him though as word of a true blacksmith had reached his ears through a certain contact.
Following the directions he had been provided Kirito came to the small stall on a narrow street that looked more like an ally. Behind the stall was a portable smiting set up, complete with a small hand bellow powered forge. Kirito doubted they could make much with that set up but they should be able to repair his weapon. Stopping before the stall Kirito hesitated, he had expected the only blacksmith to be rather busy but there wasn't anyone here besides himself. Surprisingly the person sitting at the counter was a girl with short brown hair, her bangs held out of her eyes by a hair clip. Since she was currently looking down at her lap he couldn't tell anything else about her.
"Your kinda out of the way aren't you?" As he spoke the girls head shot up with a look of surprise.
She eyed the cloak figure with more shock that someone had actually come to her stall than over there mysterious outfit. "Y-yes its a bit out of the way, but all the good spots were taken." Chocolate brown eyes downcast she screamed lack of confidence. A sprinkling of freckles decorated a face that looked like it was used to smiling more than carrying the sad expression now. No wonder she didn't have many customers.
For a moment Kirito thought of simply heading off to one of the towns resident smiths instead of trusting his sword to this girl. But her scared gaze looking up at him tugged at his heart and in the end he brought out his sheathed sword from within his cloak. "I'd like to get this repaired."
Reaching out for the weapon she looked over her first customer. Beneath the heavy cloak there slender frame could have been male or female, with their voice so heavily muffled by there scarf it was impossible to tell. She guessed it didn't matter, as customer was a customer. Taking the sword with one hand its weight nearly caused her to drop it and she quickly gripped it with both hands. Drawing the blade free of its worn sheath she let out a shocked cry "What have you been doing with this! Bashing it against a stone wall?"
For a moment the image of a giant stone club and his sword clashing flashed before his eyes. With a small shrug he replied " Something like that."
Running her hand along the length of the blade with a tsk sound she finally announced "I can repair it but it's taken allot of damage. You really need to think about replacing it soon."
"Do you have any swords like it for sale?" Kirito asked with an eagerness even his scarf couldn't muffle.
With a slight flinch the smith replied embarrassed "N-no, I'm afraid I don't have any swords yet." She didn't bother to tell them that the cost of sword grade steel was currently out of her budget . Her customer simply nodded with out saying anything and she let out a mental sigh of relief. "I can have the repairs done shortly but..."She felt a bit embarrassed asking "how do you plan to pay?" So far between the plain cloak and worn sword this person didn't exactly scream money.
Without hesitating they swung the bundle down off there shoulder to land on her stall's counter. Kirito flipped the tarp back revealing the assortment of short spears, shields, crude armor, and one pair of boots that had been comically large on its demi-human owner but would probably fit a normal person perfectly. "I'd like to trade these for the repairs." As she looked across the display, she noticed right away that everything was rather poor quality. But with just a little bit of work she could easily make them into decent equipment, the profit she could make from this would greatly advance her smiting.
"You want to trade all these for the sword repair?" She was more than a bit skeptical, he could easily have sold these off for many times what the simple sword maintenance would have cost.
"Is it not enough?" came the mumbled response of the cloaked figure. Shaking her head she turned around preparing to do the requested job before her first customer could change there mind.
"No no it will do." Already pumping the peddle that would spin the round sharpening stone she planned to use. Kirito for his part leaned against the stall's wall to watch. His earlier concerns quickly vanished as he watched the girl work with the focus and an attention to detail of a true master of her craft. In less time than he expected she was done, sheathing his sword she offered it up to him with a smile. With a soft hiss his repaired blade smoothly slid from its sheath after eying the razor sharp edge for a moment he took a practice swing. With a clean sharp sound it sliced Through the air bringing an unseen smile to his face.
"Its even better than before." Turning back to the girl he slashed his sword left then right before sliding it back into the sheath he was holding. "Your quite skilled. Someday you'll have to make a sword for me."
Beaming at the complement the girl bowed slightly "Thank you! Its a deal." When she looked up her first customer was already walking down the narrow street. With a shrug she started sorting the items she had been traded when it dawned on her. She never even got their name.
Kirito had just one more stop before he could escape the town walls and return to his solitary if dangerous lifestyle. At the very center of the great town was a massive obelisk and upon this obelisk was the names of all ten thousand people brought to Aincrad. Staring up at the massive monument Kirito finally found his name, a strange shiver running down his spine as he gazed at the carved letters. Looking over the rest of the monument he realized just how many of the names were crossed out. Each of these marked out names was someone who had died within the grounds already. Barely a month in and nearly two thousand names had been crossed out according to a reliable source.
"You there, Hold it right there!" a gruff voice spoke up from behind him just as a hand slapped down on his right shoulder. For a heart beat he froze, within the walls no one could cause harm to another but there were ways to make someone uncomfortable. Whipping around his shocked expression turned to one of pure anger. Even though the diminutive girl before him couldn't see the angry expression hidden by his disguise she could picture it well enough.
Before Kirito stood Argo the Rat, self proclaimed number one information broker of Aincrad and the closest thing Kirito had to a friend at this point. Even if they did meet under less than perfect situations. Namely Argo stalking him trying to gather information on his curse, and instead getting her self in one crazy mess. Had it not been for Kirito's help she most likely would have died. As a result they had a bit of a truce, Argo wouldn't sell any information on his curse. Of course Kirito quickly found out that he should watch her words more precisely, while not willing to sell information on his curse she would sell just about anything else she knew about him. Well almost, so far she hadn't given away the location of his current hide out. Despite the unusual situation of there relationship, it had slowly moved towards friendship. After all an information broker who would sell nearly any information on anyone wasn't exactly on the list of people you wanted to be friends with. This common stigma they shared had drawn them closer.
As Argo, hand still on his shoulder, grinned up at him making her painted on whiskers seem to twitch he felt that dark part of him stir as if giving a call. Through the physical contact they currently shared he swore he felt something akin an answering call. If Argo was one of the cursed bloodlines that might explain how she gathered some of the seemingly impossible information. Like tracking down a certain cursed swordsman. Despite his suspicion Kirito had never brought up the subject, and neither had Argo. He was fairly certain there was an unspoken agreement between them to never brooch the topic.
"Nice outfit Kii-bou!" Argo stated still using a deeper voice but a bit of her normal speech habits slipping in, as always Kirito wondered if it was her personally or part of what ever region she came from. He considered asking her but figured the answer would cost him more than he wanted to pay.
Glancing around to make sure no one was paying them any attention Kirito replied rather curtly "Of course it is, since you picked it out. What are you doing here Argo. More specifically what are you doing talking to me. You know I'm trying not to draw attention to myself."
Sliding up close to him Argo turned half facing away from him and leaned up against his chest. Tilting her head back she smiled up at him with half lidded eyes "Aww you really liked what I picked out for you, Kii-bou?" For a moment he froze, Kirito had little experience with people outside his own family. What little he had was definitely not with girls, nor pleasant. This was something Argo had quickly realized and made an almost game out of tormenting him with it. Just as he regained his senses Argo twisted away to stand facing him again with a giggle that was uniquely Argo. "You're as easy to tease as always, Kii-bou."
Crossing his arms over his chest Kirito shifted his stance to one that screamed, I'm not in the mood. "What do you want this time Argo?"
Never loosing her grin Argo replied instantly "I was gonna see if you would let me snuggle up to you again tonight. You know how I hate the dark!" Another of her favorite topics. Forced to camp out in the wilderness where even the luxury of a fire couldn't have been afforded, Argo and Kirito had spent the night huddled together. Although if one asked her for details it came out sounding like some epic lover ballad. Hopefully no one had ever asked her...
Dropping his arms to his side Kirito started walking away. Argo as expected caught his arm "I was only kidding Kii-bou!" he thought he heard her mutter a mostly under her breath but he choose to ignore things he didn't know how to handle. "I actually came to get you."
Beneath his cowl an eyebrow arched "Get me?"
Tugging his arm to get him walking beside her she nodded "Yeah, Seems they have finally found the entrance to the next floor. But its guarded. There is a gathering to discuss how to defeat the guardian. The person in charge asked me to make sure you were present."
Kirito stopped dead in his tracks making Argo still leading him by the arm jerk to a stop. "You told someone where I was?"
For a moment the ever playful and mischievous Argo the Rat actually looked hurt. "Of course not Kirito. They begged me to just have you present. No promises beyond that and I've made sure its not a trap. You do trust me don't you Kirito?"
With Argo, Kirito didn't think he could trust the hurt pleading look she gave him. But when she started using his full name he felt she really was taking this serious. Despite that, even if he wouldn't say it out loud he was curious and a bit worried about this meeting. If this guardian could repel attacks like the monster before would they be able to defeat it without his help? With a sigh he just started walking again.
Argo had clung to his arm in a way that made Kirito uncomfortable and brought on way too many second looks all the way to the meeting point. The meeting point turned out to be a tiny stadium of sorts, with rows of stairs in a half circle going down to a stage area. Infact as he thought about it, this might have been a place for performances. Kirito would have asked Argo but as soon as they had arrived she had managed to disappear as if by magic, both relieving and frustrating him. Sitting up near the top rows of stairs he did his best to blend in.
As he glanced around him he spotted a cloaked figure that seemed familiar sitting near the top of the stairs like himself. For a split second a stunning face and beautiful chestnut hair flashed before his eyes and he quickly turned away. As if they had been awaiting his arrival a crimson haired person in there late teens walked out from the shadows of the stage to stand in its middle. There rather unkempt hair was held in check by a bandana, and there face... well Kirito thought if they shaved they might not look so much like a bandit. Despite there appearance they had a friendly smile on there face and waved there hands to get everyone's attention.
"Oi! As most of you know I'm Klein leader of the group known as Fuurinkazan." Kirito noticed many of the others nodding, it seems organized groups were being formed. "I have asked you all here because your some of the best fighters here within Aincrad!"
Someone off to the side yelled out "You mean were the only ones stupid enough to come right?" There was a bit of laughter at that remark but the mood quickly became serious as Klein continued.
"As you know the entrance to the second floor has recently been discovered. Unfortunately its also guarded. This guardian is unlike the small fry monsters we have become used to fighting. In fact I'd say only one other even remotely like it has been seen so far. A behemoth wielding a giant stone club in fact." Kirito was certain that Klein's eyes had momentarily settled on him. While around him people broke out into conversations amongst themselves. It seemed nearly all of them knew exactly what Klein was talking about. Kirito for his part sat there quietly feeling a bit of nervous sweet roll down his brow.
"A lot has changed in this last month. Many people have died, and the hope for escape has become slim. But we have also grown stronger, every person here has mastered a number of sword skills. If we work together we can destroy this beast, clear the path to the second floor, and breathe new hope into all those hiding within the city walls!" Klein seemed to have one of those happy go lucky personalities that was infectious and a cheer went up from many of those gathered.
For a moment Klein stood grinning when someone called out from the crowd. "What if its like that other monster, if it can use magic to stop our attacks?" The mood quickly darkened after that statement, unsure muttering spread Through those gathered.
"I don't think that will be a problem, Sure it will take a bit of effort but with focused attacks I'm sure we can pierce Through any defense they might have!" Still smiling Klein did his best to reassure the crowd.
"But what if we can't?" The same voice asked again, many of the others nodded there agreement.
Looking just a bit flustered Klein replied. "I've taken precautions just in case that's how it is."
"What precautions?" A new voice asked, a question Kirito himself wouldn't mind hearing answered.
Looking around the crowd that was quickly souring Klein glanced to the side and gave an almost apologetic look. Kirito following his gaze found Argo the Rat leaning against a pillar looking displeased. Looking back to Klein Kirito found him staring right at him. "I've brought him."
Suddenly, all eyes were on Kirito who sat frozen in place. His first thought was to run, but he quickly realized if he did this gathering would fall apart. After that who knows when or even if a second gathering like it would take place. If he fled now all chances of ever escaping might be lost. Standing up he pulled back his hood matching Klein's apologetic look with one that screamed I'm pissed before tugging off his scarf.
"You!" a unpleasantly familiar voice shouted out from the bottom row of stairs. Kibaou jumped up from his seat, Kirito realized he had missed spotting him because of the rather round fellow sitting between them. Whipping around to face Klein he spat out "You brought that thing here? You can't expect us to fight beside a cursed monster like him?"
Klein raised both hands as if fending off Kibaou's rage and replied with a strained smile. "Look Kibaou, I know you and him have had your differences but we may need his help."
Kibaou spat on the ground "I agreed that me and my boys would join up with you for this fight if we split leadership. And now your telling me you went behind my back to do something like this. You need to choose. Me and my boys or that thing!"
Kirito sighed mentally wondering why nothing ever went smoothly when he was involved. Before he could figure out what he should do a deep voice called out from the crowd. "Can I have a word?" The speaker was a massive man that made Kirito wonder what Kayaba's definition of youth was. Dark skinned and bald headed with a massive two handed axe strapped to his back he made his way down the stairs to stand before Kibaou making the smaller cactus haired teen step back. "My name is Agil. Let me get this straight, Since Klein went to the trouble of bringing the Black Swordsman here as a back up plan you will leave and take those following you with you? Unless we send away someone that might be of use just because of some old legends. If we do send him away, will you be willing to take responsibility for any deaths that might have been prevented by his presence?"
Kibaou lifted his chin "And who are you to talk, You weren't there. You haven't seen what that monster is capable of. I'm responsible for the lives of those that follow me. Its my duty not to risk there lives by trusting in some monster."
"Your right, I wasn't there Kibaou. But I've heard the same stories as everyone else. The ones where you were off hiding when your friend was killed. Personally I'd rather trust in a monster than a coward." Agil crossed his arms over his chest matching Kibaou's hate filled glare with one of calm resolve.
Kirito stepped down from the last step just as Klein moved between the two arguing men stopping Kibaou's reply to that last statement. This close he could hear Klein's whispered statement. "Look Kibaou, nowhere near enough people showed up. And half of those that did were on the verge of not joining in. If I hadn't done something to boost there confidence in our success we would never have gotten the numbers we needed. That all he is here for, just think of it as we're using him."
Kibaou gave Kirito an ugly stare, Kirito expected him to march off any moment but after a short pause Kibaou surprised him by saying. "Fine, but we don't need him. WE will kill this monster on our own. He can stick in the back and handle the small ones. Just make sure to keep him away from me." In a low voice Kibaou continued "I'll show you who's a coward." With that Kibaou pushed past Klein while ignoring Agil completely as he marched back to where he had been sitting. "Alright fill us in on the plan, Klein. We ain't got all day if were gonna be fighting tomorrow." A collective breath seemed to be let out by all gathered and Klein once again smiling friendly broke out into the explanation of the battle plan.
Kirito leaned against the back of the stage wondering how he had gotten into this mess. A certain rodent was a fault he reminded himself. Around him most of those gathered were splitting up to make there preparations for tomorrows battle. Eyes closed he let out a long sigh feeling tired.
"Asuna." Opening his eyes at the familiar voice he found the girl from the clearing with the lightning fast attacks standing in front of him with a rather unfriendly look on her face. As he stared at her he made a non-communitive sound which deepened her frown. "A-Sun-A." She repeated her self punctuation each syllable. "That's my name, your supposed to tell me yours now."
"Uh… Kirito." Came his confused reply, articulate as always.
With that the girls frown melted into a sweet smile as she tilted her head to the side "Nice to meet you Kirito. See that wasn't hard. Next time introduce yourself before you run off."
Kirito glanced left and right as if looking for an escape "Uh… sorry. Things were a bit… um crazy last time."
Hands behind her back she just smiled back at him. "Your forgiven. So we will be fighting together again?"
"Uh…yeah I guess." What does she want! Was all he could think.
At his reply she let out a small giggle "Don't tell me the notorious Black Swordsman, slayer of the ten meter tall monster in the clearing of Diabel. Wielder of the cursed power said to be strongest in all of Aincrad! Is afraid of talking to girls?"
The look on his face must have been quite comical as she burst out into giggles. "People really don't say those things do they? And where did all this Black swordsmen stuff come from they called me that earlier."
"Of course they do, and quite a bit more. That's your name, or at least what your known as. After all no one knew your name." She gave him an angry look at that last part.
Shrinking back under her gaze Kirito spotted Argo making her own escape "Err nice meeting you um… Asuna. But I see someone I need to have a little chat with." Before she could say anything else Kirito fled after Argo.
He would have passed her by if she hadn't called out to him from the alleyway entrance she had ducked into. As he stepped into the shadowed alleyway he felt more at ease. The bright open streets full of people made him nervous after so long in the quiet of the wilds. As he opened his mouth to giver her an earful she tossed something at him suddenly, interrupting him. Catching the little bundle he unwrapped the small loaf of black bread that she knew was his favorite. His stomach gave a rumble reminding him he hadn't eaten yet and he bit into the tough bread after giving her a look that said I'm still mad at you.
Watching him chew the mouthful of bread she shook her head "I can't believe you really enjoy that stuff." He just gave a grunt while chewing, in truth the tough bland bread reminded him of the bread his little sister made him when she was first learning to cook. Swallowing his first bite of bread he opened his mouth again only to have something else thrown at him. "That's the key to the room I rented you." She smiled ever so sweetly.
"Don't think this makes up for anything. I thought we had a deal." He tore off another chunk of the bread.
"Hey I didn't give them any information on your curse or where you were hiding. I just agreed to bring you there. And you know it was the right thing to do." She stated the last part with the utmost confidence but he could see just the hint of worry in her eyes.
He decided to eat the rest of his bread in a leisurely manner simply staring at her until she started to fidget. "Alright, I admit you were probably right in taking me there. But you better not try something like this again with out asking me first."
A relieved grin spread across her face "Oh Kii-bou you know I only do what's best for you." He gave her a look of disbelief. "Besides there are more important things to talk about." She gave that mischievous grin that made her whiskers seem to wiggle. "SOOOOO she's your type eh?"
"What?!" That was definitely not what he expected to her say. "No its not like that. She just wanted to introduce herself is all."
With a knowing nod of her head she gave a wicked smile "I see, I see. Well she is very pretty. I never knew you were such a ladies' man, Kii-bou."
"Aaargoo!" Kirito lunged at her as if he was going to throttle her but the Rat twirled out of his reach with a laugh.
"Oh Kii-bou trying to hug me after flirting up another girl! You should head over to the inn to take a cold bath and get a good night sleep. Don't worry I'll make sure she knows where to find you." With one last giggling laugh she darted out of the alleyway to disappear in the crowd. With a sigh Kirito decided it would be best for his sanity if he just did as she suggested. Eying the markings on the key he headed off to find the matching inn.
Marching at the back of the group towards the tower's guardian's room Kirito mentally sighed for probably the hundredth time. Unfortunately, and if he had his way she would regret it, Argo had been true to her word as Asuna was waiting for him outside the inn the next morning. Doing his best to glance at her without her noticing he wondered why. The morning had been the strangest since his arrival within the floating castle. After eating a breakfast of black bread, while being watched by an Asuna that looked confused at his enjoyment of the plain meal, they had set off with the rest. Now nearly an hour later after going over their role, how she had ended up his partner he never knew, Kirito found himself walking in silence beside a happily smiling girl. He was starting to miss his life of solitude and paranoia living alone in the wilds, it was a lot less confusing.
In time they came to their destination, a massive set of ornately carved doors. As the group came to a stop Klein with his ever present smile and a sour faced Kibaou stepped to the forefront. Klein gave a short speech of encouragement which Kirito heard little of more interested in the large sword sheathed over Kibaou's shoulder. He wondered where the foul spirited teen had gotten it but doubted he would get an answer even if he asked. Speech done Klein turned and pushed the doors open leading the loud and wild charge in. Kirito for his part followed silently wishing the others had opted for more surprise in there assault.
Within the doors was a long antechamber, mounted on the stone pillars lining the pathway to the far side were braziers that burned a eerie blue. At the far end sitting upon a stone throne was a Kobold of impossible proportions. It rose to its full four meter height the upper lip of its dog like head pulled back in a snarl and lizard like tail whipping around behind it. In one hand was a massive two handed axe that looked like a toy, while the other held a thick round shield and at its waist Kirito could see the hilt of some other weapon who's blade was hidden behind its bulk. While the group charged in the giant kobold smashed axe into shield creating a deafening ring. In response smaller kobolds rushed out of the shadows, unlike the kobolds found lower in the tower these wore heavy metal armor and wielded two handed weapons of varying types.
Kibaou in the lead charged in clashing weapons with the slightly smaller demi-human before charging past as planned. Following his lead the main attack force pushed past the smaller attackers leaving them to the group behind. Kirito with Asuna in tow broke off towards a pack of three that had started to give chase. All three turned as Kirito yelling out a battle cry closed in, three pole arms swung down trying to catch the charging swordsman with their greater reach. Sparks sprayed from the metal heel of his boots as he skidded to a stop before swinging his freshly sharpened sword in a wide arc upwards. With a resounding clash all three pole arms were pushed up high tilting there wielders off balance.
Even as his sword finished its arc Asuna rushed past him in a blur, cloak flapping wildly behind her. Kirito though wasn't watching the fight in front of him, at that moment the lead group clashed with the giant kobold. Several fighters wielding heavy two handed weapons struck together managing to push the beast shield high enough to make an opening. In that instant three swordsmen including Kibaou and Klein struck, there blades shining with various colors. Kirito's heart skipped a beat as all three swords came to a stop, held at bay by a familiar golden light. Then with a sound like shattering glass the golden haze broke apart and there attacks struck home. Even without its barrier the attacks didn't seem to cause the monster much damage, but all that mattered was they had overcome its greatest advantage. The sharp sound of multiple thrust striking the kobold's metal armor flowing into one continues note brought Kirito back to his own fight. Just as they seemed to be regaining their footing Kirito rushed in past Asuna yelling out "Neck!" before whipping his blade down on them in a frenzy of strikes knocking them off balance again. Leaping back Asuna rushed past him her rapier moving at dazzling speed she launched another series of thrust. Instead of the ring of metal each thrust resulted in a gurgled cry.
As she broke off the attack Kirito rushed in to replace her finding two of the beasts falling back a pure white light already engulfing them. Through the slits in the last monster's visor he could see the whites of their eyes, it tried vainly to get its weapon up in defense but it was a futile effort against Kirito's speed. His first thrust struck the beasts helmet snapping its head back, once a gap had been made Kirito with a spinning slash cut cleanly Through the monsters neck nearly decapitating it in the process. Giving Asuna a quick nod the two charged towards the next group of monsters.
The flow of smaller kobolds had slowed to a trickle as the larger monster was being pushed back by the relentless assault of the main group. Kirito glanced over as he switched with Asuna against their single opponent in time to witness a rather fierce counter attack from the Kobold Lord forcing the attackers back. In that small gap the beast, foaming at the mouth, threw aside its axe and shield with a loud clanging sound, buying a few more precious moments of confusion. Drawing a massive sword from behind its back the beast leaped up with shocking speed and agility to bounce between several of the room's pillars. Doing a forward flip the beast crashed down amongst the lead attackers its sword cleaving a frightening gash in the floor. Laying downed in front of it was Kibaou, dazed he was unaware of the monster raising its weapon to cleave him in half. For a one dark second a part of Kirito hoped the monster would finish off one of the largest problems he had within Aincrad. With a defiant yell as if to cleanse him of such dark thoughts he charged towards the monster.
Too far! Came the thought and in an act of desperation Kirito threw his sword. With a shriek his blade cut across the room to pierce the beasts chest with enough force to stagger it back and imbed half the blades length into its flesh. Without slowing his charge Kirito leaned down to scoop up Kibaou's dropped weapon. "I'll just borrow this for a moment!" With shocking speed born of desperation the creature brought its blade down towards the black blur. Sparks flew as Kirito, angling his sword to deflect the bulk of its inertia, blocked the larger blade while still rushing forward. With a loud crash the larger blade finally deflected completely to smash into the ground and Kirito leaped forward gripping his own sword with his left hand he twisted it out. Crying out in pain the beast whipped to the side knocking Kirito back with the flat of its blade. As Kirito spun to a stop facing the beast he had just enough time to cross his swords over head intercepting another downward chop.
As if knowing it death was inevitable the behemoth went into a frenzy, slashing the massive blade at the smaller swordsman with sickening speed. Kirito for his part matched the beasts frenzy with one of his own twin blades flashing in a beautiful dance. Each fighter seemed to speed up as the gathered attackers watched on in awe. Foaming at the mouth the beast roared unintelligible phrases while a almost sadistic grin spread across Kirito's face. Darkness spread up the length of the blade in his right hand as Kirito moving ever faster toyed with the beast, enjoying its struggle. Blocking yet another downward chop from the monster Kirito came face to face with his reflection. Slitted golden eyes stared back at him with a hungry look, and the sadistic grin made his stomach turn. Without realizing it he had begun drawing on that darker part. Never before had he allowed it to slip past his guard and he hadn't even noticed.
In that split second that he hesitated the monster's tail whipped across knocking his feet out from under him. Raising its massive sword its wild eyes bright with victory Kirito watched unphased. Part of him, a part he was growing to fear, knew even downed he could finish monster easily. Another part questioned if he should let the beast finish him before he had a chance to become a monster himself. Gripping his sword he cast off these disturbing thoughts and prepared to launch his counter attack when a streak of green light crashed into the descending blade. Above him the giant Agil's attack knocked the beast back. Glancing down the larger man grinned "Sour puss back there did saw WE would defeat him, No need to do it all alone!" Klein leading the rest of the forward assault group charged in crashing into the already off balance monster. Within moments a pure white light signified the end of the battle for the second floor's entrance.
Pushing up to his feet Kirito found Kibaou staring at him with a look of pure hatred. "Here you go, Thanks for the loan." Kirito held out the borrowed sword now turned pitch black and even a few tendrils of darkness still twirling around its hilt.
"Keep it, I don't want a tainted sword." With what Kirito expected was the closest to a thanks he would receive from the foul teen Kibaou turned around to stalk away. All around people cheered and celebrated their victory. Kirito nodded to himself, it's their victory. They hadn't even needed him, he did his best to convince himself of that, images of a sadistic grin flashing before his eyes. Sheathing his old sword and holding onto his new one he turned towards the now open door behind the throne. He made it to the top of the short steps before the doorway when he was stopped.
"And where do you think your slinking off too?" Behind him at the base of the steps stood Asuna hands on her hip and Agil. Off in the distance he could see a surrounded Klein doing his best to make his way over.
"Off to the second floor of course." Kirito even worked up a smile to go with his calm answer.
Asuna stepped as if to follow him "They plan to have a big party back in the beginning town to celebrate and let everyone know. You should be there."
Behind her Agil called out "Yes you should, this fight belongs to you!"
Giving the two a happy grin Kirito answered "I'm not much for parties, and besides this fight belongs to all of you. Its better if that's how it was told. Normal people united and cleared the path to the next floor, it will be better for moral. And it makes a better story than a monster killed another monster." Giving a short salute with his sword he turned to leave.
Leaping up several more steps Asuna called out "I'll come too!"
Without looking back Kirito gave a harsh reply "It's dangerous out in the wilds, you should stay with the others. Your strong, and you're only going to get stronger. But you're not close enough to my level to be of use. You should find others you trust more along you level of skill." Passing through the doorway he climbed the stairs hoping his harsh words would keep the girl from following, and safely away from the monster he feared he was becoming.
AN: First I'd like to thank those that took the time to post reviews! I appreciate all the help, and have tried my best to apply the suggestions for grammar and such in this chapter. I'll eventually go back and re-edit the first.
Yes I did actually type most of that on my lunch break. I'm a pretty fast typist when I need to be. But I did not come up with the story all at that time. I mostly thought it up over a few days, slowly refining it in my head. I just don't often sit at a computer and type. If I'm at a computer I'm normally gaming . Or streaming anime. P.S. Most of this one wasn't typed on lunch break . we closed the month on Friday so wasn't really time for a lunch break today.
As for the question of Asuna and Kirito's future interaction and how much romance will be in this story. There will of course be romance, Eventually. What you read in this is about as far as I'm gonna go for a while in the story. Plus the next two chapters I hope to write are covering the infamous Floor 25 boss fight and the raid on Laughing Coffin's hideout. I don't think either has yet gotten enough detail in the series (I believe there are some new chapters I haven't gotten a hold of so I could be wrong.) Don't for see much chance for romance during those. Anyways hope you enjoyed reading and as before if you spot any terrifying typos/grammar sins let me know and I'll try and do better in the future (I really did proof read this several times).
