Chapter 8

Falling

"C'mon honey, you don't want to be late on your first day!"

"I don't wanna go mommy! What if it's just like last year?! What if they're mean to me?!"

"Honey, they won't be mean to you. This is a new school - with new people and friends to make."

"B-B-But…"

"Tiro…" his mom gave him a sympathetic smile while kneeling down in front of him. His eyes were glossed over, ready to leak at any moment. She took his cheeks in her hands.

"Honey, you don't have to be so afraid. This is a good school. I promise you'll make good friends here."

Tiro wanted to believe it. He really did. But he knew moving to a new city wouldn't solve anything. Just last month, the Takada family moved from Nagoya to Tokyo. Tiro had… Not such a good time there when it came to school.

His birthmark around his left eye made him a target to bullies. They were relentless in the name calling. They picked on him every chance they got. And nowhere was safe. From arriving at school in the morning to getting picked up in the afternoon. It was constant bullying.

Tiro averted his gaze to the floor and let out a sniffle. He was scared. He was afraid nothing would change. Afraid that the other kids would still bully him.

"Tiro… you're gonna be fine." She said while rubbing her thumb under his eye, where a tear had begun to descend his face.

"I-I don't want t-them to be mean to me m-mommy." He said as another tear fell.

She saw the hurt in his eyes. She knew that his birthmark was like a burden to him. It only caused him trouble and heartache. She brought him closer to her and wrapped him in a tight embrace. He wrapped his 6 year old arms around her neck and silently cried.

She began to rub his back with her right hand and ran her left hand through his dark brown hair. She wanted nothing more than for her child to be happy. But without taking him out of school entirely or having him be home schooled, there was nothing she could do.

"Shhhhh… It's okay Tiro. Don't be scared. You're a brave and strong boy. You can do this."

He sniffled 1 last time before picking his head up, eyes red from the crying. And with a shaky and uncertain tone, he spoke.

"O-Okay… I-I'll try mommy."

She gave him a warm smile while breaking off from the hug and standing up. She ruffled his hair and bent down to plant a kiss on his head.

"That's my boy. And remember, Haruki and Yasuo will be somewhere around here as well. If you feel the need, go see them. Okay sweetie?"

He nodded his head while picking up the book bag that sat on the floor next to him.

"Okay. Love you honey. Have a wonderful day."

"I love you too mommy. Bye." He said meekly.

She began to walk off down the hall. But before turning a corner, she gave one final wave. He replied with his own wave before letting out a shaky sigh. He turned on his heel and entered the classroom.

Upon entering, every kid turned their attention to him. He tensed up and looked at the ground while shuffling his way towards the teacher standing in front of the chalkboard. He was an older man with very little hair and glasses. He gave Tiro a friendly and welcoming smile.

"Ah, you must . I'm Mr. Ozuru. It's a pleasure to meet you." Tiro bowed his head in return.

"I-It's nice t-to meet you s-sir." He stammered.

"Well , if you want, you can take any open desk. You make yourself at home while I get some papers together for you to take home and sign."

Tiro nodded nervously and walked towards an empty desk in the second row next to the wall. All eyes were on him as scooted into his desk with his head hung low. His hands trembled and he felt like the stare's would end up suffocating him.

He reached down to his book bag to grab a pencil and a notebook. But as he was about to unzip the thing, he heard the sound of it sliding against the floor, followed by giggling. He snapped his head towards a boy who was smirking at him, holding his book bag next to his desk.

Tiro began shaking even more. The kid had short black hair and dark blue eyes. Tiro already knew that it was starting…

"H-Hey, give that back…" he said in a small voice.

"What's that freak? Why don't you speak up?" He said as his smirk grew wider and Kids around him snickered.

"Please, j-just give it back." He reached out to try and grab it, only for the kid to yank it further out of his reach.

"Or what? Are you gonna use your freak powers on me?" The kids around him continued their giggling. Some even began cracking jokes about his birthmark.

Tiro just shrunk in his desk. Tears were on the verge of breaking out. I was right… Nothing changed. Nothing-

"Hey! Cut it out already! Stop being so mean!"

Tiro froze. He turned his head to look at the desk behind him. A boy with light brown hair and green eyes glared at the bully.

"But he's a freak. Freaks don't need book bags."

The boy behind Tiro snatched the book bag from his grip and slid back to him. Tiro quickly moved the book bag next to his feet, out of reach from the bully.

"Ugh, whatever. You're weird for trying to help an ugly freak like him." He said while turning around in his seat to talk to his buddies.

Tiro felt a tap on his shoulder. He hesitantly faced the kid behind him.

"Hey, don't worry about him. He's just stupid… And sorry for what he did."

"N-No it's fine…" he said in a small voice. "But, thank you."

"It's no problem." He said while nodding his head. "By the way, I'm Katashi. Katashi Izuma!" He said while holding out his hand.

Tiro hesitated for a brief moment, but ultimately took Katashi's hand.

"Tiro. Tiro Takada. N-Nice to meet you."

XXXXXX

June 27, 2023

"Ughh… W-What… What happened…?" Taka began as he felt his consciousness slowly return.

"You're awake!" He heard a feminine voice blurt out.

He opened his eyes, and immediately blushed. Thank god his face mask and hood seemed to still be on.

Taka's head was currently laying in Lisbeth's lap and her arm cradled his head close to her abdomen.

"You dummy… You keep scaring me." Lisbeth said in a soft voice. She let out a long sigh and closed her eyes.

"What… What happened." He asked in a weary voice.

"You passed out after finishing the boss. I-I though you died at first. But when I checked your health, you still had a tiny sliver. I used a crystal to heal you on the spot." She said with a small smile.

He looked up into her dark pink eyes as he began to remember what happened right before his lights went out.

She saved me. I was surely gonna die, but she saved me. He thought, as during the heat of battle, he had glossed over it. But now that things have settled down, the reality that she saved his life was setting in.

He let out a weak chuckle, surprising Lisbeth since she'd only seen the standard emotionless Taka.

"I guess we're even then, huh?" She looked at him, puzzled.

"What do you mean?" She asked while raising a brow.

"You were insistent on paying me back for saving you. You saved me so that makes us even."

"Well… Yeah but, that was just once. You saved my ass more times than I can count. If anything, I definitely still owe you."

"I'm just joking. Remember, I said there was no need to pay me back."

"I know but, it just wouldn't feel right if I didn't pay you back somehow."

"Look. I don't need anything in return for saving you. It's not something that I find that needs to be rewarded or repaid in any way. And remember yesterday? All I ask is that you refrain from doing something like that again. Or at least go with some back up next time."

Lisbeth began to open her mouth, but closed it back almost instantly. afterwards, she let out a sigh.

"Okay…" she said, drawing out the word. She followed it up with huff, before instantly shooting back to life as it seemed a light had just turned on in her head. She brought her gaze to Taka's face and hesitated to open her mouth. Her cheeks went rosy and her eyes kept darting back and forth between his face and the ground next to him.

"Maybe I could… Ya know, I - I could be your exclusive blacksmith…" Her face got redder and she couldn't seem to make eye contact with the shadow where his face is.

Taka was taken aback. He found his gaze being unable to move away from her face. The fatigue from the fight before left him not wanting to move his head from its position on her lap. Or at least, he thought it was the fatigue.

He tried internally shaking off the thoughts, but found it increasingly hard to do so. Being this close, with his head cradled in her arm was such a pleasant feeling. Even if he tried his best to deny it.

Grrrr - damn it mind! Cut it out! Just stop! He slightly shook his head, stopping the thoughts before it got critical. Lisbeth still had her focus elsewhere, seemingly becoming more and more nervous as the seconds went by with no answer to her question.

He thought over the question thoroughly. She wants to be my exclusive blacksmith. Maybe it's just that. Nothing more. And if it is what I fear… I can't. I can't allow myself to get any closer to her. I can't go through the pain again.

But.

If I say no, I have the chance of possibly hurting her. I probably won't see her anymore as well… Taka thought the last part as a matter of fact, but the thought only caused his darkened heart to sting.

Saying yes could possibly be risky. But saying no could be painful - even if he didn't want to think of it that way. In the end, Taka debated heavily on his final answer. He felt himself give in.

"Sure… You can be my exclusive blacksmith." He found saying that harder than he anticipated. But the way her eyes sparkled and shot towards his face. How her beautiful smile- God damn it! Fuck off brain!

"Really?!" She asked, practically jumping up and down.

"Sure. Why not…" she gave a barely audible squeal and smiled so hard, you'd think the muscles in her face would tear if it were IRL.

"I promise you won't regret it! Just stop by my shop anytime you need your gear repaired or upgraded!"

Well… She seems happier than I thought. Taka nodded his head and sat up. As he did, he realized that the room was completely empty, save from them. It also gave him the idea to check his item storage in case there was a final hit bonus.

"So anyway, how long was I out? And anything happen during that time?" He asked her while swiping his fingers in the air and then clicking on the item storage.

He heard Lisbeth scoot over next to him. "I'd say 5 minutes at most. And besides the minions despawning and a door opening behind the throne, nothing else happened."

5 minutes eh? Explains why my arm doesn't look like it got attacked by a rabid Sabre tooth tiger anymore.

After checking for any items and finding nothing, he went to stand up. Mid way through, he felt a little light headed and nearly toppled back down. Thankfully, Lisbeth shot to her feet and helped him balance himself.

"Thanks." He said, following up with a weary sigh.

"Are you sure you're okay to walk?" She asked with worried eyes.

"Mhm. Just a little worn out. I'll be fine." He took a few steps, testing if he really was okay to walk. Thankfully he walked with no lightheadedness. He turned back around to face the girl.

"So, you said there was a doorway that opened up behind the throne?"

"Yup. I haven't seen inside yet though. I only peaked at it from a distance."

"Alright. Please god, be the exit to this hell hole…" he muttered under his breath while turning back around and starting for the door.

Once he and Lisbeth reached the back of the throne, there was indeed a doorway leading into what looked like an ancient Egyptian bedroom.

A large, white king sized bed sat against the back wall. Halfway under the covers was a skeleton wearing a pharaoh cap and several shiny gem necklaces and bracelets. Thank goodness this ones not moving.

On the left and right walls were large murals of Egyptian women and children around and in a river. Kids splashed around and chased each other while the women collected water into large jars.

In the center of the room, a few feet in front of the bed was a small pond with lily pads, cat tails and sky blue water that looked like it came straight from The Maldives. The room looked clean and had an overall nice aesthetic.

But two things in particular really caught their eyes. On the bed, to the left of the skeletons legs sat a long golden chest, with red and green gems dotting the edges. And to the left of the bed was another chest. Only this one was more tall than it was long. It had blue and yellow gems on the edges.

They both glanced at each other for a moment before splitting off and walking around opposite edges of the pond. Taka went for the chest on the bed while Lisbeth went for the other one.

Once he reached the bed, he grabbed a hold of the small handles on either side of the chest and pulled it towards him. He wasted no time in opening it up. As soon as he did, a bright, golden light from within shined brightly. He put his hand up to cover his eyes from the bright rays.

After a second, it died down and multiple windows popped up in front of him.

The first was a level up. The second was 30,000 Cor. The third was several unique looking miscellaneous items. And the fourth…

A one handed longsword called The Emissary.

The blade was a white steel with subtle engravings running along the inside of the blade. The cross guard was trapezoid shaped, with one end sloping downwards. The grip had a white cloth wrapped tightly around it and a black pommel with the same engravings as the blade.

The stats were pretty good. More damage, range, and durability came in trade for speed. But even so, the speed was only cut down by a fraction.

Not wasting any time, Taka equipped the sword and brang it out. He couldn't believe how good it felt. Not too heavy and not too light. He took a step back and gave it a test swing. It sliced through the air, making a satisfying sound like a great sword being swung with might.

Maybe this dungeon isn't a hell hole after all.

"Hey! Check this out!" Lisbeth blurted while stepping up onto the bed and striding across it. She hopped down next to Taka, and opened her menu. She went to the item storage, clicked on a particular item and slid the screen in front of him.

It was a weapon - a pole weapon in particular called Scepter Of The Cobra King. It looked identical to the scepter the boss used.

"Cool, huh?" She said with a grin.

"Woah, I didn't think that would be an actual weapon you could acquire."

"Me neither. Too bad it's nearly longer than me. I can barely use this thing. Although I betcha this thing would sell for A Lot of cor."

"You're not gonna keep it?" Taka asked while placing his sword on his back.

"Probably not. Just not my preferred weapon."

Selling a one of a kind weapon. I guess it's the best way to go for her since she says she can't use it.

Taka nodded and slid the menu back towards Lisbeth. Just as soon as she closed her player menu, a blue light engulfed them both. They let out startled "Huh's" before teleporting away.

As the light disappeared, the first thing Taka felt was the cool coast breeze and warm sun hitting him. Seagulls squaked and the familiar sound of people walking and talking made both teens sigh in relief.

Currently, both of them stood next to the railing in a large gazebo with white pillars acting as supports. The gazebo was built right on the side of the cliff, overlooking the water far below. The marble floor of the gazebo was set in a pattern of green and white star-like shapes that were inside each other and got smaller and smaller until it was just about as big as a balled fist.

"Wow…" Lisbeth said in awe. "I've never really explored much of Tullia. But this." She paused, looking around at the landscape and buildings that lined the cliff side. "This is beautiful."

Taka turned away from her while she bathed in the beauty of the floor's setting. He crossed both arms before leaning his upper right arm on a pillar. He took a long, deep breath before letting it out.

For once I'm actually happy to see sunlight. Even if it's just the virtual kind.

He closed his eyes and tilted his head up, the sun's rays shining onto his upper face. The cool breeze and sound of the waves crashing against the rocks far below gave him a relaxed sensation.

For a moment, Taka's mind put everything aside. All the pain he felt. The guilt. The bad memories. He wallowed in the feeling for a few seconds. But to him, it felt like forever.

He was only brought back when Lisbeth quietly walked up next to him and leaned on the railing. He opened his left eye and glanced down to the left. Her pink hair blew ever so slightly in the wind and a happy smile plastered her face.

He once again found himself staring. But instead of internally threatening his brain, he only drew his eye back to face the water. He didn't know why, but seeing her smiling now that she was safe gave him a strange feeling.

"It's crazy how realistic things in SAO feel, huh?" Taka opened his eyes back up and shifted his head.

"Hm?"

"Everything in Aincrad just feels exactly like it would IRL. It's so fascinating. While Kayaba - without a doubt - is a psycho, he's also a damn genius."

"Yeah… There's no denying that."

It went quiet again. Both teens only set their eyes towards the water. For about a minute, it stayed silent. He heard Lisbeth shuffling around for a second before she spoke in a sheepish voice.

"Hey, um… Are you planning on doing anything for right now?"

"What do you mean?" He said, turning his head towards her with an eyebrow raised.

"I was gonna ask if you could come with me to my shop. And maybe grab a bite to eat?"

Wasn't planning on doing anything. In fact I've only thought about that damn dungeon since we got trapped in there. And I don't know about the 'grabbing a bite to eat' part. I haven't been to a restaurant in nearly seven months. But… I guess I'll go. Just won't order anything.

"Sure."

She seemed to perk up, just like she did earlier when Taka agreed for her to be his exclusive blacksmith.

"Alright then, what are we waiting for?!" She said while trotting off towards the gazebo entrance.

What am I doing…? I don't wanna be close with anybody. But damn it! I can't help but be this way around her! Fuck. I need to figure something out.

XXXXXX

"A few more streets and we'll be there!" Lisbeth yelled back to Taka, who was walking behind her.

The crowded streets of floor 26 caused her to raise her voice. Bareden harbor, the biggest settlement was a lively one. As the name suggests, the city's located in a harbor. Docks and boats line most of the area. The city has also been known as one of the best spots for merchants, business men and of course, blacksmiths.

The architecture gives off an industrial revolution Great Britain vibe. The buildings are either made of brick or have a Victorian style to them. Surrounding the bay is a thick forest of pine trees and rivers that flow into the bay.

Due to the unwanted attention Taka always brings himself, Bareden harbor had been a place he'd rather stay away from. Even now, he felt the stares of people as he shoved by the crowds.

Thankfully he didn't have to endure it for long. As they made their way into a triangular shaped intersection, he spotted a sign on a building close by that read 'Lisbeth's Smith Shop'. It was a two story, Tudor style building with a window next to the front door and two more windows up top.

From what he could tell, it wasn't a very big building. In fact, it's quite small compared to other shops he knew of, like Agil's. Maybe she hasn't been doing this for that long?

They made their way to the front door of the building and Lisbeth pushed it open. The door gave a little jingle.

"And voila! Here we are!" She held the door open and waved her hand towards the inside of the shop.

"Thank you." Taka said as he walked in, with her holding the door for him.

As soon as he entered, he noticed the racks where weapons sat and a counter next to a protruding wall, which was most likely a staircase on the other side. In the center of the room were a few glass cases holding more weapons.

Next to where the stairs began, there was a wooden door that he guessed led to the forge room. Speaking of said door, before he could say another word, the door shot open, nearly making him jump from the suddenness.

"Liz! There you are!"

And out of anyone Taka thought he would've run into, Asuna was the least likely. So when she barged out of the forge with a worried look and locked Lisbeth in a tight death grip, Taka was left wondering a lot of things.

"What happened Liz?! I got so scared! I thought something bad happened to you since you weren't answering your PM's!"

Lisbeth gave a small smile and hugged her back.

"It's okay Asuna. I'm fine. We just ended up in a small predicament. That's all."

Asuna pulled her face back and looked Lisbeth in the eyes. She arched a brow and narrowed her eyes.

"We?" She asked, turning her head towards Taka.

Almost as she hadn't seen him standing there, she went wide eyed.

Wait…?! Ta- I mean The Ghost?!"

That was too close. Hopefully Lisbeth didn't notice.

"Afternoon Asuna." He greeted, nodding his head.

"Umm, good afternoon. And you were with Liz?! Where at and why?!" She inquired. Lisbeth shuffled to where she was standing in front and to the right of Asuna and facing her.

"Hehe… Long story. I'll tell you later." She said a bit nervously.

"Okay, but why haven't you been answering your private messages?" She asked with concern in her voice.

Taka spoke up and in a mild tone. "The dungeon we fell into had blockers that made it impossible to contact anyone."

"Wait?! Dungeon?!" She asked bewildered.

"Like I said Asuna, I'll explain it later." Lisbeth responded in a reassuring voice.

Asuna darted her eyes between the two, wanting to hear what happened now, but ultimately gave in and let out a deep sigh.

"You better. I thought I was gonna have a heart attack if I had to wait any longer."

"Don't worry. In fact, how about you come eat out with us? We can talk about it there."

"Sure, but I don't know how long I can stay. I'm supposed to meet up with Heathcliff soon."

"That's fine. What we're not able to tell you - we can talk about another time. Also, give me a minute, I need to do something real quick."

Lisbeth walked towards the forge room with quick steps and disappeared inside, shutting the door and leaving Taka and Asuna alone together. The latter of the two began to glare at the former. Taka didn't notice at first, as his eyes were focused elsewhere. It was only when Asuna cleared her throat did he acknowledge her.

"Yes?"

"The explanation better not be something bad or I swear on everything I hold dear, I'll make you wish you never met me." She growled, crossing her arms and glaring daggers into the shadow of his face.

Taka wasn't very much intimidated by her. He's known her since the first floor boss raid seven months ago. Asuna was one of the few people who knew his name and could stand conversing with. Even if she was… tempered, to say the least.

A few months back, she ended up joining the Knights of the Blood Oath when it was first founded. Just like him, she was praised in battle for her speed with a sword. She was even nicknamed 'Lightning Flash', a fitting name for sure.

So over the time he's known her, he's had his fair share of moments where Asuna would snap on him like now. It was nothing new to him. He held up his hands and kept his tone neutral.

"Woah. Do you really think I'd try to put someone in danger? Assuming that's what you're implying?"

"Well Normally you try your best to avoid others. Boss raids are practically the only time we see you. So I don't know why the hell you'd be with someone else in the first place. And that someone else just happens to be my best friend. And apparently you two were in a dungeon together." The anger still lingered in her voice, but she spoke a bit more calmly.

"You'll know what happened soon. Now calm down."

She stayed silent, still scowling at him with her arms crossed. She gave a sharp exhale and turned her head to the left.

"Fine. But until I hear the story, I don't want you looking at me and I don't wanna look at you." Taka rolled his eyes.

Even if he found her annoying at the moment, he knew the reason why she was angry.

"You were worried that your friend could've possibly gotten hurt." Taka said while taking a step closer to here.

Still having her head turned, she looked at him from the corner of her eye, her glare only intensifying. "Yes. And the one time that happens, you were apparently with her."

"Yeah… It seems that way without the whole retrospect of the past day." Taka paused, turning his focus to nothing in particular, before looking back towards the Angry brunette.

"When I stumbled upon her, she was going to die." Asuna visibly recoiled, a terrified and angry filled expression took her face.

"And she would've died if I hadn't been there to do something. I was able to just barely save her. I could've died as well trying to save her."

Asuna's expression shifted. She looked like she was trying to study Taka's body movement and voice to tell if what he said was the truth or not. Her face softened a little and she let her arms fall to her sides.

From their interactions they've had since December, Asuna figured out Taka wasn't one to joke around that much - if not at all. She didn't want to believe that her friend apparently could've died. It made her heart hurt thinking about it.

"Taka…" she began in an almost whisper. You're really not lying, are you…" she said more as a statement then a question.

He shook his head in response. "If you're not that convinced, then remember that Lisbeth will probably say it herself once we're in the restaurant… And I'm sorry…"

Asuna turned her head back, her gaze softening even more. Any trace of anger wiped away. "For… For what?"

Before Taka could answer, the door to the forge reopened and Lisbeth stepped into the room. Her armor was gone, once again leaving her in the red waitress dress.

"Sorry for the wait. We can go now if you guys are ready." She said with a smile.

The conversation her and Taka were just having was definitely a stark contrast compared to cheery vibe Lisbeth brought with her. Asuna was swift to put on a poker face before completely facing the blacksmith.

"Sure, let's go." She said, with what was supposed to be a friendly smile.

Taka noticed it, but thankfully Lisbeth hadn't managed to spot it. Both of them made their way to the front door, walking side by side, already chatting up a storm. Taka took a second to watch them before he followed behind them.

XXXXXX

As Taka - being the last one to enter the restaurant- walked in, over half the place turned their eyes on him. It got noticeably quieter, as people muttered incomprehensible words about him and Asuna.

The restaurant layout was like any ordinary restaurant. The floors were green wooden planks and the walls a dark red brick. The interior stuck with the same theme the whole city had going.

The three of them made their way to a table furthest to the back of the restaurant. They walked through isles, overhearing the players whispering.

"Is that The Ghost?!"

"What are they doing here?!"

"Why is The Ghost with Lightning Flash?!"

"Woah, those are some of the best clearers the front liners have to offer!"

Taka rolled his eyes, far used to the unwanted attention.

At the table, Lisbeth sat on one side while Asuna sat on the other. Taka opted to stand and lean against the wall beside Lisbeth. The waiter came by and took their orders before heading back off. Asuna wasted no time in asking questions.

As they said they would, they told Asuna of the events that took place the past day. About how Taka saved Lisbeth. Getting stuck in a cave. Getting passed booby traps. Solving a puzzle. Beating a boss. Collecting loot and overall beating a secret dungeon.

When they finished, Asuna's mouth was agape. From how they told it, the dungeon was apparently a death trap. It was only by sheer luck that they made it out. The thought of how close her best friend had come to death multiple times didn't sit right with Asuna.

"... And then we were teleported to a gazebo overlooking the water in Tullia. After that, we came here and you know the rest." Lisbeth finished the story, clasping her hands and taking a sip from her milkshake.

"Liz… please, for the love of god don't do that again. Don't hesitate to message me. I can always help out." A small bit of guilt made its way onto Lisbeth's face.

"Yeah… Sorry. Guess I was thinking straight." Asuna reached over the table as Liz unclasped her hands and took her right hand into hers.

"It's okay. Just please - please please please promise me you won't do it again." Liz let a small smile grow on her face.

"I promise." Asuna nodded and smiled back.

After a moment, she then turned her gaze towards Taka. He stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and head tilted down. Without thinking, Asuna stood up from the table and walked up to him. Just as he was about to question her, she wrapped her arms around him.

Taka's eyes went wide and he tensed up, not at all expecting the hug and lifted his arms up, not sure what to do with them. People all around the restaurant were staring at the display, whispering about god knows what.

"A-Asuna-."

"Thank you." She cut him off, embracing him a bit tighter and buying her face into his chest. "Thank you for saving Liz. I… I'm sorry for earlier. I lashed out when I shouldn't have. Just… Thank you so much."

Taka felt the shock of the hug start to dwindle away as she spoke. He let out a sigh and moved his right arm to pat her back lightly.

"Yeah… It's no problem." He said just before she unwrapped herself from him. She took a step back, gave him a friendly smile, and nodded her head in appreciation.

"Well… Anyway, I think I'm gonna get going now. It was nice seeing you two. And thank you so much for the food." She said, waving, Taka and Lisbeth responding with their own waves.

Asuna gave one last smile before turning around and beginning to walk towards the front door. But after a few steps, she halted and looked back over her shoulder towards the boy.

"Keep looking out for her." Is all she said before continuing in her way.

Taka thought about asking her about it, but shrugged it off. Besides, she already made it close to the door when he thought about questioning her. Better to not make a scene. He was already attracting enough attention just by standing there.

Speaking of which… These people are gonna make a big fuss about what just happened. Great.

XXXXXX

Sometime later during the evening, Taka and Lisbeth finished at the restaurant and were heading back to her shop. She asked him if he would walk back with her, which he agreed to do.

The sun was beginning to set in the horizon, causing the buildings to cast shadows, darkening the streets. They made it to the shop fairly quickly since the restaurant was particularly close. Once at the front door to the shop, Lisbeth turned and faced Taka, who was standing a few feet away.

"Hey umm. I just wanna thank you again. For everything." She gave a grateful smile and held her hands clasped together, down in front of her.

Taka nodded in return. "Thank you as well. For saving me today. And for… Yeah. Thank you."

Lisbeth acknowledged the pause in his words, but decided not to prod. Instead, she focused on the fact that he once again thanked her. It made her cheeks warm up. Just as he did, she gave a nod with a smile.

"And remember. I'm your exclusive blacksmith now. I'll always be here to fix and upgrade. Or…" she began, averting her eyes. "Just stop by whenever you want. I don't mind"

Shit. I'm just digging myself into a deeper grave. Taka thought before responding. But maybe there's a possibility that it's not a terrible thing?

"Ummm… Yeah. Will do. See ya later." He raised his hand and gave a quick two finger wave.

Lisbeth brought her focus back up to his face and smiled warmly. She waved back as he began back towards the teleport gate.

She watched him the whole way. She felt a little sad watching him walk away. But quickly reminded herself that he'd hopefully be stopping by every so often. She walked into the shop, already wanting that day to arrive.

She didn't know him very well. She didn't know what his face looked like or what his name was. But she wanted to see him again. To learn about him. To find a solution to the pain she surmised he felt.

A/N

So a bit of a more calming chapter. No action really. But don't worry, this was supposed to be something like a 'calm before the storm' chapter.

The first bit of the main story will begin very soon. And by main story, think of it like an arc within an arc I guess.

Also, once again, there's no initial pain, but there are small effects you can feel. For example: when Taka was impaled by the scepter, he didn't feel the pain of it digging into his arm. But he felt a small burning sensation around the area that was stabbed.

Anyway, have a great day/night and stay safe!