CHAPTER IX
[THE FIRST CONFERENCE]
Violence, destruction, fire, death, blood. For centuries, warfare was the only sight humankind can find. The world was enveloped with darkness, and the hearts of each individual were inscribed with hatred. Living became a curse, and death became mercy.
But with the deafening outcries of each kingdom, the silver lining of peace appeared.
A hero once fought with a long, flowing black coat that nearly reached the floor, two deadly swords that had taken many lives, and an imposing black mask covering his face.
He was called the Black Swordsman, and he brought peace to the land.
Many had been wondering what the source of his power was; some have said that it was his years of training with the best swordsmen. Others have said that it was simply his determination and will to live that gave him victory.
Whatever it was, his power had conquered all opposition and had brought peace upon the realm.
[Dark Territory_ Kingdom of Alfheim]
"How long must I wait, Quinella?!" Oberon groaned, pacing back and forth in the wide balcony of the left wing of the castle.
A table was placed in between him and the silver-haired queen, with a well-fermented, 50-year old bottle of wine on top.
Quinella chuckled, playing with the goblet in her hand, causing the wine inside to swirl; she then peered into it and saw her reflection.
"Not too long..." she smirked, a dark aura gathering around her as she pondered about her expected victory. "I didn't expect the ruler of such a great kingdom to be such a great fool."
Oberon laughed hysterically, gulping down his wine and carelessly slamming it on the table with a deep thump. A broad smile appeared in his face as he lost himself in his wild, drunken fantasies.
"Oh, I can't wait to taste her!" He exclaimed maniacally.
Suddenly, his laughter was interrupted by the sound of the wooden door opening.
"My Lord!" Oberon immediately got on his knees and bowed his head upon the entrance of the Dark Territory's Crowned King. He was wearing a dark, floor-length robe that matched the dark crown looped around his forehead and concealed his figure, and two wavy locks of golden hair fell at the sides of his face.
"Perfect timing. You should join us." Quinella stood from her seat, faced the king, and smiled at him.
"Listen Quinella, I hate playing with your games," the King growled. "Not until the day you hand us your daughter will I truly put my trust on you.
"Rest assured. The wedding will not be long in coming." She gently placed her empty goblet on the glass table and walked closer to him. "Afterwards," she whispered in his ear. "I will get what I want. With your army, I will take down Aincrad. We will rule the world together."
She didn't let the king reply and continued walking towards the exit of the room. Certain that her scheming would come to fruition, she went back to her Cathedral.
[Aincrad_ Prince's Study Room]
"Did you agree to it?" Eugeo inquired, watching the Prince pace back and forth before he flopped himself into one of the couches.
"Do I have any other choice? Raios is taking this as an opportunity to gain more of my Father's favor and the people's support." The prince flopped onto the bed, let out a loud sigh, pulled himself up a bit, and rested his head on a palm while he ran a hand through his hair.
"I don't even understand! My Father always listens to his stupid advisers, but right now, he's acting strange...he's never been so single-minded about anything..."
"She must have something to do with this." Eugeo mumbled, catching Kazuto's attention.
"She?" asked Kazuto.
"The Queen... The Princess ran away from an arranged marriage. The Queen will do everything to get what she wants. She is a clever queen; we don't know what she's done this time."
Thoroughly disturbed, Kazuto absentmindedly fixed his sitting position as he pondered deeply.
"You're right, even if the search ends and we find the Princess, there will be no point. The Princess has nothing to do with Aincrad...The council wasn't a part of this...they would never agree..."
His voice trailed off as he sank into his thoughts and tried to evaluate every suggestion and course of action conceived by his mind.
"Eugeo, did you know any of this? Is it true? Your princess is here?!" he lifted his head to see his flaxen-haired friend wearing a disturbed look on his face. "Is it true? Your Princess is here?"
Eugeo wanted to protect both of his friends by keeping their identities hidden, but their current situation opposed this.
"Yes, she's here, and I have a single favor to ask you."
Granting Eugeo's request was undoubtedly treason against his own Kingdom. He could be killed, banished or tortured, but the prince didn't heed the consequences. He wanted to make things right—and this was the foundation of his decisions.
Without a second thought, he put on a determined look, and replied, "I will lead a scouting party in the outskirts of the fifth district and post there for a few days or week. What can I do to help?"
Eugeo knew the risks of his decision, but he trusted his comrade more than anyone else.
"Relieve me of my duties for the operation. I will tag along, but for different purposes," he requested.
Kazuto instantly discerned his intentions; he knew that Eugeo would do anything to protect the Princess of the Underworld, even if he had to put his life on the line. The Prince knew very well of that, and he couldn't just leave him alone to do whatever he wanted to. Eugeo was his friend; his first real friend.
Banishing the thoughts from his head, the Prince's serious visage turned into a goofy grin as he patted on Eugeo's shoulder.
"It's alright, Eugeo. You can do it!" He gave him a thumbs-up and exclaimed cheerfully, giving him the best smile he could muster at that moment. "Do your best!"
Eugeo was scared; it would be surprising if he wasn't. If the plan failed, they would have to face consequences even worse than death. They would be charged with treason, Eugeo and Asuna might be sent back to the Underworld, and Kazuto would immediately lose his birthright as Prince. But with a few words of encouragement from his friend, Eugeo felt like a heavy burden had just been taken from his shoulders.
"Yeah, I will. Thanks, Kazuto," he smiled back at him. He wasn't the only one at risk; Kazuto was putting his life on the line to help him. "I really mean it."
"I will always do what I think is right."
After sharing a determined look, the two proceed with the plan.
[District 99_ Dicey Cafe]
It was around midnight. Silence filled the room as Alice tried to process what she had just been told.
"Alice..." Eugeo walked closer to her. He could see tears glistening in the corners of her worried eyes as she avoided his gaze.
Alice leaned on the wall, arms crossed in front of her, trying to nudge Eugeo's hand off of her shoulder.
"You lied to me," she protested. "All these years, you were lying-"
"I just wanted to protect you!" Eugeo cut her off. "I didn't want to burden you with the secret, it was too risky! I was...I was scared if I couldn't protect you...Alice, I don't want to lose you." He tried to caress her arms, but Alice moved again, so he missed.
After a long moment, Alice finally looked up to meet his emerald orbs with her sapphire ones. As she gazed into him, she noticed an overwhelming torrent of emotions that was about to break loose.
There was determination, sincerity, bravery, but there was also fear, concern, and doubt. Alice placed a hand on her throat, easing it; she could barely utter a single word.
It was never easy. She realized that there were countless times where Eugeo always wanted to tell her the truth but he didn't, all for her sake; he chose to protect her. He had been carrying the heavy guilt for a long time now.
Words had failed once more, so Alice released her crossed arms and wrapped them around Eugeo's neck. As she pulled him closer to her, they pressed against each other, and she heard Eugeo let out a relieved sigh.
"All this time, I cried for and pitied myself because I wasn't able to keep my family's name, being replaced with another Knight...b-but...but now...I'm really glad it was you."
Eugeo reciprocated the embrace and tightened his hand around Alice's waist while the other gently stroked the back of her head as she sobbed against his chest.
"I promise you that one day, you'll be able to freely take up your sword without a trace of fear in your heart. You're a strong person, Alice, and eventually, I'll surely return this knighthood to you so that you can serve your prince."
He felt Alice nod in his hold until she pulled away to look at him.
"Asuna..." Alice said in concern. "What should we do?"
"The Prince will help us. We're leaving in the morning."
The Prince? Alice thought. Her breathing suddenly became faster and Eugeo was quick to notice this.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Will I meet him? Eugeo, I don't know if I can face him. It's humiliating, embarrassing..."
"Hey, it's okay, it's okay." Eugeo smiled at her sweetly and cooed at her, rubbing his thumb on her reddened cheeks. "It'll be fine, I'll be here."
Hearing about who Eugeo really was in Aincrad surprised Asuna, but she recovered quickly, playfully accusing Eugeo of betraying her, easing the tense atmosphere of the room.
They left early in the next morning, after telling Agil and Kathy about their abrupt 'vacation.' The couple thankfully agreed, saying that a break once in a while is healthy for the girls.
In the baggage train, two ladies were snuggled up. For the first few hours, they were stuck between sacks of wheat (and some salt-cured meat), but thankfully, after their first stop, they were able to secretly transfer to Knight Eugeo's personal carriage.
With the Prince taking the lead, things might go the way they planned.
"I was wondering, not a single soldier has seen the Princess' face, and there are thousands of maidens in Aincrad. How will they find her?" Alice inquired, taking both Asuna and Eugeo's attention.
"It's probably the crest..." Asuna murmured.
"Crest?"
Asuna pulled her tunic down just enough to show the skin below her right shoulder. A few millimeters below Asuna's collarbone, Alice saw a small cross symbol printed on her skin.
"I have the Kingdom's crest printed on my body. I don't know where I got it, no one ever told me." Asuna informed.
The journey went on for two days before they reached the fifth district. Eugeo said that he and the Prince knew someone who could help them, and that Alice and Asuna would stay with them until the search finished.
The night of their arrival, Eugeo took the girls to a big, comfortable-looking, stone brick manor that was provided for the Prince. The rest of the soldiers would start searching throughout the whole district.
The night fell upon them when Eugeo and two of his companies were welcomed into the outpost. Upon entering, a man with a huge grin was found waiting for them. With the crown in his head, and the royal clothing, there was no mistaking him for anyone else.
Alice was dumbstruck. The Prince, the one whom she should have been serving was right in front of—
"Yo!" he opened his arms wide. "I am the price of Aincrad! Bow before me!"
The man dressed in royalty approached the ladies and instantly took Alice's hand, shaking it vigorously, before proceeding to shake Asuna's, but after taking a good look at her face, he jerked backwards. He fixed his stance, cleared his throat and bowed low.
"H-Hello! It's nice to meet you. I'm 24 and looking for a girl-"
Because of his current posture, the crown in his head loosened up, but Eugeo's fast reflexes caught it before it could fall to the floor.
He shot a glare at the man, almost punching him, but instead, he scoffed. "Nice dress up, Klein. Where's Kazuto?"
"Aww, man! At this rate, I'll never get a girlfriend, and it's going to be your fault!" He pointed at Eugeo with furrowed eyebrows.
"Okay, stop that, you've frightened them." Eugeo was referring to both Asuna and Alice who looked like they had just lost their souls a second ago.
The brownish-haired man with a scruffy little beard chuckled and introduced himself properly.
He then guided them to a room. As Eugeo opened the door, the cold night air welcomed them. In the dim light, they were able to point out a person facing the wide, open balcony.
His raven locks swayed gently with the breeze and the long, black coat draped over his shoulders. His hands were placed in both of his pockets when he slowly turned around to face his guest.
He smiled when he saw the familiar blonde, "It's nice to see you again, Alice."
"W-What are you..." Alice's mouth slowly drops open in disbelief.
When the familiar onyx eyes met hers, she froze in an instant, gasping sharply. Her eyes widened for a second, and she almost jumped, but she recovered in time.
"Kirito?"
This was the prince, the heir of the royal blood whom her lineage pledged to serve for generations. Her body started to tremble as she fell on her knees, fist pressed against her chest, lowering herself in respect.
"Your highness."
Despite her utter shock, Asuna immediately imitated Alice's actions, bowing before the Crowned Prince. Her body became numb and mind could barely process the presence before her.
Kirito and Prince Kazuto...are the same person?! Asuna's widened eyes darted towards the floor and her distressingly loud heartbeat was all she could hear. Oh, how small the world was.
Kazuto turned his eyes to the maiden next to Alice, her chestnut-hair falling over her back making his heart flutter. Sudden dread overtook him, and he took a step backwards. For a second, he forgot how to breathe as he let her name escape his lips.
"A-Asuna..."
Silence invaded the whole room. Eugeo who was calmly standing in the corner, was thunderstruck at how casually Kazuto addressed Asuna, as if had been friends with her for a long time.
Alice was still immobilized, stunned by the prince's presence and the discovery of Kirito's real identity.
Asuna prayed for the earth to swallow her up and consume her immediately. Her face burned with embarrassment as she shut her eyes tightly, pleading for her disappearance.
Kazuto knew that he'd eventually meet the Princess of the Underworld on this trip, but this is beyond his expectations. The image of her flustered face and the sounds of her insults immediately flashed through his mind. Who could predict that such a girl was the heiress to the crown of the Underworld? He gradually saw the pieces coming together, especially how confident she was in carrying a weapon.
The silence was cut off by Asuna's shaking voice. "Your grace, I am truly thankful for your kindness. As a knight, I humbly could not repay all the deeds you showed us, especially to our Princess."
The Princess?! Surprised, Eugeo and Alice slowly turned to Asuna with a questioning look.
"Alice?!" Kazuto gasped, his eyebrows rising and eyes widening.
Alice, who is still in the midst of recovery, looked at Asuna with her twitching eyebrows. After exchanging looks, she lifted her face and slowly tried to look at the Prince.
However, Kazuto shook his head and smiled. "It's okay. It surprised me, but it's the same for me. Who could have known after all this time that you were the Princess?"
"Y-Your majesty, i-it's not-" Before Alice could argue, standing from her position, Kazuto placed his right hand on his chest and bent forward. The Prince paying respect to her was too overwhelming and a slight guilt pierced through her chest.
"It's also an honor to finally meet you, your highness." His soft voice brought Asuna's breathing to calm down, and she watched him as his lips curved beautifully. She was relieved at how the Prince was able to buy her lie so easily.
"However," Kazuto continued. "I don't want things to change between all of us. I want them to stay the way they are. Well, if you agree with it."
"I absolutely agree with you." The tense that built up in Alice faded and her anxious face was replaced with a relieved smile. She shook the worries in her head and walked up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Well then, thanks for the save, Kirito!"
Both Alice and Kazuto let out a chuckle while Asuna sighed in relief.
"Kazu," Eugeo voiced out. Glancing at Asuna before returning his look at the Prince. "How did you know Asuna?"
Kazuto flinched, his cheeks warmed up, he let out a nervous laugh and scratched the back of his head. "W-well..."
"I-it's not what you think! We accidentally crossed paths!" Asuna exclaimed.
"R-right. I saved her when she was about to ki—"
"I wasn't killing myself—"
"You know what? You're really bad at lying—"
"And you're still the same jerk as before! You perverted—" But as soon as Asuna realized whom she was addressing, she gasped and covered her lips.
"Y-your grace I'm sorry, I..." she lowered herself once more, embarrassed at her actions.
"N-no, I understand. I told you, right? Not because you know who I truly am now that you'll change the way you treat me." The prince averted his eyes sideways, avoiding to look at Asuna and unknowingly scratched his cheek with his index finger.
Brief silence fell for the following seconds. Asuna, who was looking down, bit her lip in embarrassment, face beet-red.
Eugeo and Alice, who had witnessed the small argument, were looking back and forth at both Asuna and Kazuto with suspicion.
"J-just get up." Kazuto broke the silence and walked towards Asuna, offering him his hand.
Asuna was reluctant at first but then she gladly took his hand. They were never able to look at each other; both heartbeats speeding up from the feeling of each other's hand.
When Asuna rose up, she instantly let go of his hand and silence filled the whole room once more, and a fog of awkwardness descended upon them.
Until Eugeo cleared his throat, causing everyone to look at him.
"I think I should lead these girls to their rooms," he smiled.
After saying good-bye, Alice and Asuna walked out of the room and before Eugeo closed the door behind him, he glared at Kazuto for the last time. "I'll be back."
Alice and Asuna occupied a room next to each other and Eugeo left to give them time to settle themselves in.
He raced back to Kazuto's office, eyebrows furrowed as he opened the door.
"Okay, what was that?" he asked.
The prince, sitting on his chair and scribbling on some papers on his desk, lifted his head to see Eugeo but immediately returned to face the papers again.
"She was lying. I know Alice, and her being the Princess wouldn't make sense..." he mumbled. He chuckled a bit, recalling Asuna's reaction. "...she must be so embarrassed..."
"I saw the way you look at her."
Eugeo's statement caused Kazuto to jolt. "W-what are you talking about?"
"And your face was extremely red." Eugeo smirked. "Now tell me Kazuto, you 'met' someone who changed your mind about your marriage."
Kazuto choked, a small sound escaping his throat as he was lost in words. With a wry, nervous, chuckle, he scratched the back of his head. "Now that you mention it, I forgot the whole thing about the wedding..."
Eugeo sat on a chair in front of Kazuto's table and put on the smile of a cat that had stolen the cream. "So, care to tell me a story?"
[Asuna's Room]
"I saw that." Alice's voice appeared. The blonde entered Asuna's room and after shutting the door closed, and crossed her arms in front.
"You saw nothing." Asuna continued folding her clothes on the bed.
"Don't tell me... Was Kirito the one who saved you from that storm?"
Asuna shrieked and covered her ears while she shut her eyes tightly. "Kyaaa! Please, I don't want to remember any of that!"
Alice couldn't help but laugh at her best friend's reaction. "Oh, Asuna. I can read you so easily."
"Alice, stop that already!"
Alice chuckled again, "No wonder I became the Princess of the Underworld in a mere five seconds."
"Alice! Stop!"
The manor was on a small hill, surrounded by a forest. Upon seeing the certain raven-haired young man staring at his reflection at the stream down the slope, Asuna raced towards him.
"Fight me," she said, taking the boy's attention as he turned to face her.
"Now?"
"J-just fight me!" Asuna exclaimed. "I just can't take it anymore! Being embarrassed and all!" She then placed her hand on her chest and her voice suddenly calmed down. Her cheeks reddened and averted her eyes sideways as she stuttered. "I-I don't understand...T-there's this uneasy feeling w-whenever y-you...y-you...Nevermind! I just have to defeat you! You still owe me a duel, remember?"
Kazuto was surprised at what Asuna was about to say. He smiled and sighed, replying "Alright then, let's settle this."
There were hardly any suitable areas within the forest. Both Asuna and Kazuto had been wandering around, looking for a better place to draw out their swords but decided to just start the duel despite the small space with Kazuto saying that the whole place was filled with trees and boulders.
"Alright, Asuna. Show me what you got!" Kazuto drew out his sword, the sound of metal sliding from its scabbard was music to his ears.
Asuna held her sword in front of her, gripping tightly at the handle. "Here I go!"
She screamed in vigor before dashing towards her opponent. Kazuto instantly blocked her sword. Asuna attempted to overwhelm Kazuto with a barrage of fast thrusts, and the clashing resounded throughout the forest.
"Hyaaa!" Asuna gathered all her strength, pointed her sword towards Kazuto and dash once more. However, before she could reach him, she tripped on a loose stone, causing her to loosen the grip on the sword as she fell towards Kazuto.
Kazuto immediately reacted. He let go of his sword and attempted to catch her. Asuna's weight landed on him, but the impact was so strong that Kazuto lost his balance and fell. They both rolled down another slope with Kazuto securing Asuna in his hold. His right hand held the back of her head while the left was wrapped around her waist and Asuna buried her face on Kazuto's chest.
The fall ended with Asuna on top and she slowly pulled himself off of him. Her eyes widened, she gasped at the sight before her.
"Kirito!" she shook him, but there was no response.
Asuna's shaking hands tore a portion of her skirt's hem and placed it on his bleeding forehead.
"Wake up, Kirito!" she panicked, calling him again while frantically shaking his body.
Tears were starting to form in her eyes as she heard a small groan.
"K-Kirito?" Asuna sighed in relief. "Don't move yet, you're bleeding."
But instead, Kazuto brought his hand to his forehead and weakly sat up with Asuna's assistance. Seeing Asuna's extremely worried face, he tried to smile at her.
"You dummy! Don't scare me like that!" she instantly pulled him into a hug and the fabric of Kazuto's clothes moistened with her tears.
"I'm fine. Just a little scratch," he chuckled, bringing his hand to touch his forehead before Asuna stopped him.
"We need to wash that." Asuna pulled away from him, cheeks reddened from crying. But when he looked at the unfamiliar surroundings, worry welled up in her again.
"W-Where are we?"
A/N:
Another chapter out! Thanks everyone for the wait! So, how was it? Let me know what you think XD Also, you can drop your ideas on what the next chapter would be. Hmm, I wonder, more Kirisuna moment?
I also want to thank ardudes for the hard work. Thank you for your patience.