Me: So, we were supposed to go to the dentist today, but mother lost the car keys so we had to reschedule. Again! Oh well. Review and enjoy!
The large demon goat-taur snorts angrily and lifts it's weapon in the air. So we did what any brave, fearless warriors such as ourselves would do. We all screamed and ran out of the room as fast as we could, not stopping until we were at least halfway towards the entrance. We all collapsed against a structure, gasping for breath.
"That one's gonna be tough to beat" Asuna sighed.
"Yeah" Kirito agreed.
"And he only had that one sword, but man was it huge! And I'm positive it has special attacks" I add.
"We're gonna have to put tanks in the front row and keep switching out just to wear it down" Asuna said.
"And it wouldn't hurt to have about 10 shield users" my husband remarked.
"Shield users, huh?" Asuna narrows her eyes at Kirito, who asked what was wrong. "You're hiding something, aren't you? I just realized something. The biggest advantage of using a one-handed sword is being able to use a shield too. But I've never seen you with one. I don't use a shield because it'll slow down my rapier, others don't because they think it looks dumb, and Mars doesn't because she has all those special fire attacks that only she has, for some reason. But you, I have no idea. So, what is it?" My poor husband gave me a pleading look, and I just shrugged. They already know about my fire, I think they'll be fine with his unique skill. Besides, Asuna's our friend. She won't mind. "Oh nevermind. It's rude to ask people to justify their skills." Kirito let out relieved sigh, "Since it's so late out, why don't we have lunch here?"
"I brought the food!" I tell them happily. Me and Asuna have decided to alternate lunch, so today is my day to bring the sandwiches and she said she'd bring the sauces.
"You made it yourself?!" Kirito asked excitedly. It's the first time he's been excited for my food since before he knew I was a horrible cook! I'm so happy! I nod, opening our inventory.
"But you better take off your gloves before you eat" I order, as Asuna takes out a box filled with sauces she's made over the years, and helps me top the food with them.
"Yes ma'am!" He saluted, before unequipping his gloves. I hand him and Asuna their sandwiches, "So good! How'd you get it to taste so amazing?!"
"Asuna's sauces and recipes she's shared with me."
"Chalk it up to a whole year of training and study" She said proudly, showing off the different recipes she created. "Aincrad has everything you need. There's about a hundred different seasonings. I made everything just by calculating all the parameters used by the flavor-recreation engine." She holds up a bottle of green liquid, "This was made with grogua seed, shugra leaf, and calim water." She placed a drop on Kirito's hand and he tasted it.
"It's mayonnaise" He said in surprise. She offered some to me, but I refused.
"I hate mayonnaise…"
"Eh?"
"Why?" my husband asked curiously, and looking as though I insulted him.
"My friend had given me lice, and my mom made me wash my hair with mayonnaise because that's what Nana did with her when she was younger. I had to go around the house with it in my hair for three hours, before she said I could wash it out. It took me five washes just to get rid of the smell. Ever since then I've hated mayonnaise."
The two blink and slowly nod before moving on, "Anyway, I made this one with abilba seed, sag leaves, and ulafish bone." This time she forced the liquid in my hand, and Kirito tasted it eagerly.
"W-woah! That tastes exactly like," I take a taste and happily note the familiar nostalgic taste.
"Soy sauce" I finish happily.
"Have you thought about selling this, cause you'd make a fortune!" my husband said eagerly. Asuna looked proud, until Kirito paused, "Wait, you can't sell it!"
"W-why not?!"
"Because then there wouldn't be any left for me and Mars!" he whined, and I nod in agreement.
Asuna stared at us, an eye twitching before she sighed in exasperation, "You're so greedy...If you like it that much I can always just make more for you guys."
"Yay!" I cheer happily, until a group enters the area, making me and the other two instantly on alert. Only to find it a group of tired players. The one, obviously the leader, noticed us and grinned at my husband for some reason.
"Hey, Kirito! How you doin' buddy?" Kirito relaxed as the guy made his way over.
"Hey Klein. Still alive, huh?" Oh! So this is Klein! Kirito told me about him. He and Klein met the first day and have kept in touch every now and then. Apparently, he's also on the Assault Team, but I've never actually met him. And knowing Kirito, I doubt he'd told him about our marriage. Though he may know who I am.
"Well aren't you the same as ever" Klein laughed.
"You can say that again" I add humorously. Kirito gives me a fake glare and I stick my tongue out at him.
"Hey, wait a minute! I thought you wanted to be solo, why are you hanging out with a couple of...girls…" And for some reason, I think he broke.
"I could've sworn you've met at one of the boss fights" My idiotic husband remarked. "Well, Klein, this is Asuna of the KOB, and this is Mars, or you might know her as the Flame Queen." But then Kirito noticed his broken friend and waved a hand in front of him, "Hey, what's wrong? You lagging?" But then the red-head instantly bowed and struck his hand out to me.
"H-Hi! I'm Klein! I'm 24, and single, and looking for a-" However, Kirito, the possessive husband he is, punches his own friend in the gut, sending him flying back. And he teases me about my jealous nature? Instantly, Klein's group of guild members surround us in a half-circle, with Kirito standing in front of me protectively.
However, the guys just gain eager expression and say in union, "Wow! Are you really that Mars?!" Kirito tries to hold them back away from me and I step back towards Asuna, who was laughing at my misfortune. Why couldn't she have been more popular? Is it because of my unique skill?
"H-hey it's cool. These guys are ok" Kirito tried to assure me, as they tried to get past him. "Yeah, but, I don't know about Klein." Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Klein instantly stomps on my husband's foot, "What the heck?!"
"That's payback, you weasel!" The continue to argue and I can't help but laugh with Asuna. They stop for a moment, and look at me, before Klein grabs my husband and tries to have a whispering conversation, which I could hear perfectly.
"Excuse me," I interrupt them as Kirito tried, and failed, to explain our relationship, "It's a pleasure to officially meet you. My husband here has told me so much about you."
"HUSBAND?!" The entire group of men exclaim, before Klein started exclaim, "Kirito, how could you keep this from me?!"
"I-uh, well-"
However, before he could say anything else, loud marching could be heard from further away. Asuna positions her hand on her rapier, "Guys." We all look over to see a group of armed players marching towards us. "It's an army…"
"That's the big guild that runs floor one. What are they doing up here?" Klein wondered.
"They were almost slaughtered on Floor 25. Instead of clearing levels they've been trying to build up their numbers. I haven't seen them on the front lines in a while" Asuna remarked. The leader stopped and turned to the group, stating for them to be at ease. Instantly, the entire group of men collapsed from exhaustion. Those poor players…
The leader then makes his way over to us, "I'm with the Aincrad Liberation Army, Lieutenant Colonel Corvatz."
"Kirito and Mars. Duo Team."
"Have you cleared the area up ahead?"
"Yeah. We also got a map with directions to the boss room."
"Right. Then hand over that map and we'll be on our way" He demanded. Jerk. As if.
"You want us to just give it to you?! Do you know how much of a pain mapping is?!" Klein exclaimed. Couldn't have said it better myself. Besides, these guys are in no condition to fight.
"We share our information and resources with civilians equally, and we don't charge a thing for it! We maintain order in the chaos of battle, so that all players can leave this world as quickly as possible! Therefore, it's your duty to cooperate with us! So hand over that map!"
"Listen you," Asuna started, but Kirito held a hand up.
"When we got back to town, I was going to go public with the map anyway. We also share our information, so it's no big deal" Kirito shrugged, opening his window. However, I grab his hand and force him to close it, "Hey!"
"If he wants the map that badly, he can wait just like everyone else!" I say sternly. Before Corvatz can argue, as it looked like he was going to, I take Dark Repulsor out and keep it in front of his face, "If you have a problem with that, you can fight me for it. But I'm not called the Flame Queen for no reason." To prove as such, I light Repulsor on full blast, the flames flaring up. However, my husband, the idiot he is, had sent the map over when I was busy with the guy! "Kirito!"
"We don't make money off the map, remember?"
"It's not a matter of money!" I exclaim as Corvatz accepts the data, "It's a matter of people like him are careless and stupid!" Corvatz ignores me and starts to head off towards the boss room, "See?! He and his men are going to be slaughtered!"
"She right" Kirito argues, obviously noticing the same now. He needs to be more observant towards people's personalities…Or just listen to me like a good husband. "We just took a look in that room. You can't fight the monster half-dead. Look at them! They're exhausted!"
But the stubborn man just argued back, "Nonsense! My men are tougher than that! They won't quit until I say so! On your feet! Come on! Move!" And reluctantly, the men all stand up and follow after their stupid commander.
"Those guys are going to be ok, right?" Klein asked.
"I'm sure they're smart. They won't rush the boss without a second thought" Asuna said, though she didn't sound very sure of herself.
"Are you kidding? They're goners. Let's go save their asses" I command, moving forward.
"Well, well, look who's taking charge" Kirito teased, and I instantly freeze.
"On second thought, let's do what Kirito says. What's your opinion?" I ask hurriedly. I don't wanna risk them with my bad luck.
He just laughed at my behavior, "Let's go just make sure those guys'll be ok." He and the others moved ahead and I happily took the back. However, Klein stopped me for a moment.
"Say, Mars. Look, I have a favor to ask. I know he's inarticulate, and he's an idiot who's addicted to combat, but take care of Kirito for me, will ya? It's kinda obvious he's in love with you."
"You don't even have to ask. I've been taking care of him for more than a year" I assure Klein. I'm glad my husband has a good friend like him.
~Skippy!~
"That's the last one. Only thing left is the boss's room. Maybe those guys used some kind of teleportation device to go back" Klein suggested, after we killed another monster. I hum in thought. I doubt it. That Corvatz guy was way too overconfident
However, everyone was jumped when a loud scream echoed through the air. Kirito gave me a sharp look, "Mars!" I nod and we instantly rush towards the boss room, leaving the others behind, ignoring their shouts.
"Those idiots!" I exclaim as we reach the room.
"Hey!" Kirito called out for them, "You guys ok?!" But it was obvious they weren't. There were around four men down, and who knows how many had died already. "Don't just stand there! Use your teleport crystals!"
"We can't! The crystals aren't working!" One guy shouted with fear in his voice.
"There's never been a trap like this in a boss' room before!" I exclaim as Gleam Eyes throws another hit. I glance at my husband, who looked to be in a sort of trance. Wait. Didn't he tell me that this is sort of what happened to our….Oh dear.
"The Aincrad Liberation Army doesn't know the word retreat! Come on! Keep fighting!" Corvatz orders.
"You idiot! This is suicide! You're all going to die if you keep fighting!" I shout at him, anger filling my being. That selfish b-
"What's going on?!" Asuna exclaims, rushing up beside us with Klein.
"They can't use their teleportation crystals," Kirito explained, "We could distract the boss, but going in there is too risky."
"But isn't there something we can do?" Klein asked hurriedly. Corvatz yelled for them to charge, and Kirito shouted for them to stop. Gleam Eyes slammed his weapon towards the group, and hit Corvatz, who was sent flying near us.
"Hang on Corvatz" My husband said, rushing over and kneeling in front of him. Corvatz's helmet shattered, before his body followed. I stare at where Corvatz was with wide eyes. That idiot….Why couldn't he have listened, instead of worrying about his damn pride?! And now his army is going to follow! A scream snapped me out of my thoughts and I look ahead to see a man cowering away as Gleam Eyes slowly made it's way towards him. Maybe, maybe I could….
Forgoing my own safety, I grab Dark Repulsor and rush inside, lighting my beloved sword on fire, my anger fueling it. I ignore the shouts from my husband and our friends, focusing only on fighting the damn monster. I slam Repulsor into Gleam Eye's back three times, before the monster pushes me back and slams its fist at me. I land on the ground, my HP depleting some from the attack, before seeing Gleam Eyes about to stab me with it's sword. However, before it can, Kirito appeared in front of me and deflected the attack enough for it to miss. "Get out!"
But I just grab Repulsor and run forward again, "As if I'm leaving you, idiot!" He slices Gleam Eyes' back before it can harm the others, who were helping the army escape.
"That wasn't a request!" He shouted, pushing me away from the monster's sword can harm me. Asuna caught me before I could hit the ground from the force. My husband flips back, and looked contemplating.
"Just use it, you idiot! If you die, I'm never forgiving you!" I shout at him, as Asuna prevented me from helping, "Let me help him!"
"You're too weak! You HP is already at yellow!" Oh. I didn't see that. However, I ignore it and escape Asuna' grip, deflecting the blow from my husband.
"Klein, Asuna, I need ten seconds! Keep him off me!" He shouted, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from the monster with him. Klein and Asuna switch in while Kirito enters our inventory. I follow example, only I take out some HP replenishers, while he activated his Dual-Blades. "Ok, I'm ready! Switch out!" As long as he uses his unique skill set, I can focus more on the injured players. I trust my husband to take care of himself with that. But I'll still be on alert of course.
"W-what kind of skill is that?!" I overhear Klein exclaim as I listen to the sound of my husband quickly attacking the monster with both swords. I raise the HP of the red-zoned players and help Klein's guild move them further away. Soon, though, I glance over to see my husband give one last slice at Gleam Eyes, before it shatters. I smile happily, until my husband fall back, unconscious.
"Kirito!" I gasp and rush over to him, taking a look at his HP. It's even lower than the army men! I open our inventory hurriedly and take out a potion, forcing it down his throat. A few seconds later, he slowly blinks his eyes open, and sits up, holding his head.
"My head" He whined softly. Then he noticed the other players around us, most of them staring in awe and shock. I wipe my eyes, which had tears in them, "That was too close. How long was I out?"
"Just a few seconds. You reckless idiot!" I sob, flinging myself at him.
"Geez, don't hug me so hard. I almost died, you know…" I hit his chest weakly as I continue to cry on his shoulder.
"Corvatz and two of his men are the only ones who didn't make it" I heard Klein explain.
My husband sighed, "We haven't lost a player in a boss fight since Floor 67."
"That wasn't a boss fight, that was suicide. Corvatz was a fool." That's what I said, "There's no point to any of this if you die! And you're not off the hook either! What the heck did you do just now?!"
"I don't think you wanna know…"
"Oh come on! I've never seen anything like that before!"
Kirito was silent for a moment, before I felt him look away, "It's an extra skill I picked up. Dual-wielding."
"Dude are there prerequisites?!" Klein questioned eagerly, as the others murmur at the reveal.
"So that's what you were hiding!" Asuna exclaimed.
"Yeah, but if I knew the requirements, I'd have already shared it by now."
I hear someone open a window and scroll, before Klein said, "It's not on the info-brokers skill list. It must be exclusive to you. Hey you got a unique skill! Way to stay on the down-low Kirito! How could you keep such an awesome secret like this from your buddies?"
"About six months ago, I was scrolling through my skill menu, and it was just there. But, if anyone else found out I had a skill like this,"
"They'd get upset because you had something they didn't" Asuna finished for him.
"Some gamers are like that, but not me. You're right, though. People would definitely be jealous you had that. And you'll be gaining a few haters when they find out you married their celebrity crush" Klein teased.
"It's not like it was a secret or anything. It's just we don't bother telling people. Plus I thought it'd be obvious since we're always together" Kirito muttered.
"Hey, wait a second" Asuna started, "Unique skills. Mars is the only one I know that has that fire magic. Does that mean it's only for her like your Dual-wielding?"
I felt Kirito shrug as I sniffle, my tears slowing down, "I suppose. She found it in her menu months ago and just started testing it out. Soon her fanboys just started calling her the Flame Queen since she used it so often. It's called Fire Soul Sword."
"That's pretty cool. Anyway, we're going to go trigger the warp gate. You coming?"
"No. We'll catch up later. I need to rest for a moment."
"I understand," Klein said. I hear him start to walk away before stopping, "By the way, when you ran in there to save those army guys, well, you know, I'm glad you did. That's all. See ya."
"I'm going to go with them to give you two some privacy. I'll be back soon" I hear Asuna say, before walking after the men.
It was silent between me and my husband for a moment, before he broke the silence, "What's wrong Mars?"
"What's wrong? What's wrong is that your an idiot! I was so scared you were going to die! I didn't what I was going to do!"
"What are you talking about? You were the one who ran in first" He said with a teasing tone.
"It's not funny! Don't ever do that to me again! You can't leave me here alone, Kirito!"
"Hey, calm down" He shushed, rubbing my back a bit, "I'm not ever going to leave you. Ok?" I sniffle a bit, and we were quiet for a while. Until Asuna skipped back inside and clapped her hands.
"Alright! You two done? Yeah? Ok! So, I've decided that I'm going to take a leave of absence from my guild!" She declared. I move back slightly to look at her.
"And do what exactly? Sleep all day?" Kirito teased.
"I'm going to ignore that because you almost died saving all of us" She said, annoyance in her tone, "Anyway. I said I was going to party with you guys for a while, remember?"
"Oh yeah" Kirito muttered, "But only for a few days at least. Our anniversary is coming up, so we're going to take a break soon."
"It is?" I ask curiously. I completely forgot. Kirito grinned mischievously.
"Isn't it the guy that's supposed to forgot?" And then Asuna slapped the back of his head. "Hey! It was a joke!"
October 19, 2024
Me and Kirito were in Agil's shop, with Liz taking care of our equipment while my husband sulked. Someone had blabbed to people about our skills and relationship, and it was all over the news. And Klein was right in the fact that a lot of my fans hate him now….
"'A blue demon that annihilated a big squad of army guys, and a fifty-hit combo from a dual-wielder who took out the boss by himself, while his fire wielding wife took care of the living army members.' I can't believe what a huge deal they're making out of this!" Agil said, reading the page.
"Yeah, it's blowing up right in my face" Kirito muttered, "A buttload of swordsmen and info-brokers showed up at our place this morning. Now we need a new pad because they know where we live!"
"Some of my fans came up to Kirito and threatened him for, and I quote, 'taking me away from them'. And look at this page! It's filled with rubbish about our marriage! Look at this one! 'That dirty beater trick our beloved Flame Queen into marrying him so he could take advantage of her!' I mean, come on!" I shout, crumpling the paper up and setting it on fire.
"Well, isn't all of this your fault?" Liz teased, coming in with our equipment. "You said your skillset was going to be our little secret but you went and blabbed it to everyone." Kirito huffed and I laughed at him.
However, rushed footsteps turn our attention to the door, where an obviously angry Asuna appeared, "Hey guys! We have a bit of a problem we need to take care of!"
~Skippy!~
"And it's a pleasure to see you once again, Lady Mars" Heathcliff greeted. As soon as Asuna explained that her leader wouldn't let her leave, we headed towards the KOB headquarters to talk with him.
"Hello Heathcliff. I wish it was under different circumstances." Despite his tough exterior, Heathcliff was a kind man. At least to me. I don't know about other people.
"Me as well. I was hoping you were here to join our guild, only to find out that's not the reason at all. And it's wonderful to meet you, Kirito. You wife has told me much of you. Outside of boss fights, I don't believe we've ever actually met."
"Well there was the conference on Floor 67. We talked a little bit there, Commander Heathcliff" Kirito said, looking a bit ticked at the man. I don't understand what's wrong though. He just want more members to help defeat the game. Still. After all the work Asuna has done for him, I have to admit, it's a bit unfair for him to not allow her a small leave.
"Yes, that was a difficult battle. We almost lost a few players there too. We may be the top guild but we barely get by with the number of troops we already have. And now here you are, trying to poach one of our best players. I don't know what to say.
"If she's that important, maybe you should do a better job picking your bodyguards" Kirito huffed. I step on his foot with a small glare, quietly telling him to be respectful.
"You have my sincerest apologies for any trouble you might have had with Kuradeel. But you must understand that we simply cannot allow our second-in-command to leave the guild just like that."
"Oh come Heathcliff. It's not like it'll be forever. It's just a few days. Five, at the least" I tell him, trying to ease him off.
Heathcliff eyed my husband for a moment, "If you want our second in command, you must use your dual blades to take her from us. If you can defeat me in combat, you'll be free to take Asuna with you. On the other hand, if you lose, you will join the Knights of the Blood Oath."
"You just want a chance to fight him" I mutter, knowing Heathcliff. I may not be in his guild, but I know he's one of the strongest players out there. It's probably manly pride or something. Plus, I'm sure Heathcliff knows that if Kirito joins, I'll follow. The only reason I didn't accept to join was because I know Kirito's feelings on guilds.
"Yeah, ok. If you want to settle this with swords, that's fine with me. We'll have ourselves a duel then."