Hello everyone! I hope you enjoy the new updated chapter!
A special thank you to HappyTheCamper for beta-ing this!
Chapter 12
"Stay focus!"
Sachi let out a surprised cry. She stumbled backward from the impact of the fancy red sword slamming into her more common grey looking sword. She grunted, and arched her body, panting deeply.
The orange haired beauty turned her body, "In a hand-to-hand combat you must never take your eyes of your opponent!"
Sachi bites her bottom lip sharply. She tightens her grip of the sword, and rushed forward. She swung the sword quickly, slashing at the other female. Just as she thought her sword was about to actually hit her, the taller woman blocked it with her own sword, and back flipped. Sachi hissed as the woman swung her own sword in response and caught her arm.
She twisted her foot to keep her balance. Her heart was beating horribly in her chest, and she swallowed a thick lump in her throat. She let out a shaky, dry breathe and moved once more. This time she tried to attack the other female to the left, rather than right.
"Never trust your opponent either," the woman said, swinging her feet and tripping Sachi over.
This sent Sachi to the ground with a loud thud. Her back hitting the solid ground painfully, before she could even say anything, the orange haired beauty put her foot onto Sachi's chest. She then pointed her sword to Sachi's neck.
"Otherwise you'll be killed," the woman added.
Sachi sighed deeply. She closed her eyes with a soft whimper, "Why am I so bad…"
Asuna withdrawn, and helped Sachi up, "You're doing fine. You just need to practice some more," she said with a smile, "You're better than last week."
"Are you just saying that to make me feel better?" Sachi asked softly.
Asuna chuckled, "I'm serious. You're doing great! A lot better then the last time we met up."
Sachi sighed. She nervously reached up and pulled at a loose hair. She pouted, and shook her head. She disagreed with Asuna. Sachi really did struggle with a sword, she couldn't even hold it right to defend herself. The only time she had even trained with a sword before Asuna was with Kirito, and that didn't end well either.
"You feel more confidence with your bow, right?" Asuna asked, placing a hand onto her hip and tilting her head, "You're more confidence in your archery skills, then your sword skills."
Um, y-yeah," She said. Sachi shifted nervously, because of cause she is. Sachi lives her bow, her archery skills is what she's developed since she started with Diavel. It was her most developed skill number, it was into the triple digits.
"Then lets train that way!" Asuna chimed brightly, a sweet and wide smile appearing across her face. She quickly took out a rather plain, wooden looking bow and sighed, "It's the beginner bow."
Sachi tilted her head, "B-But Asuna-chan, you don't have any archery skills, a-are you sure?"
"I know it takes a lot of hard work to develop the archery skills," Asuna said, looking at the bow and held it up, "I know it's one of the hardest ones, as the damage is practically at zero, but it's inspiring what you've done with it!"
"I mean, what's your level for archery skill?" she added with a grin.
Sachi felt her face flush. Asuna, one of her only friends in SAO and maybe in the real world too, was somebody to look up to. She was a prideful, powerful warrior. Sachi really was grateful to have a friend like her. She was bright, and beautiful, powerful and very skilled with the sword. That's why she's on the front lines, and why she is a very well respected warrior.
Asuna was the Lightning Flash, after all.
"…o-oh," Sachi mumbled softly.
It was really something that Asuna was saying this to her. Sachi felt really shy from the praise her dear friend was giving her. Breathing in, Sachi brought up her glowing white menu and opened up her skills.
"Um…." She trailed off, looking at the numbers.
Asuna let out a loud gasp, her eyes widen and she leaned forward to look at the numbers in surprise, "Seriously! Your that high!" she said, "I guess that's why you're the White Arrow!"
Sachi shook her head, a small smile on her lips, "I-I'm sure your sword skill is just as high. Probably even higher," she said sweetly.
Asuna shrugged it off. She pushed a loose orange hair off her shoulder and grinned, "Can I see your bow? Archery bows aren't like swords, archery bows upgrade with your levels. Swords don't do that, so I'm curious on what your bow looks like!" she said excitedly.
"Um, it's not that great," Sachi said, as she summoned her precious bow from her storage.
Asuna gasped. She stepped towards Sachi, and held her hand out, "Can I…um?" she mumbled.
The bow was long and wide. Almost the same height of Sachi, it was pure white in colour with a silver handle. At the ends were sharp loops that could be used to defeat herself if needed. The string in the middle of the bow looked rather defined and sharp as well.
"Sure," Sachi said, handing the bow to her.
The orange haired beauty hummed as she held the bow, "It's so light! Nothing like my bow," she commented with large eyes, "It's so beautiful too! I wonder if the bow would change colour based on the user's assigned colour?"
Sachi tilted her head in thought, "Maybe. After my wooden common bow upgraded, it had always been white. This one upgraded a little while ago, after I reached 68," she said softly, looking at her bow fondly.
"68?" Asuna asked, peering at the shorter girl, "You've got to be at least level 70 to be on the front lines! That's it Sachi-chan! We've got to do a red code guest to get you up to level 70!"
Sachi's eyes widened, and she took a small step back, "I-I, um, no Asuna-chan. I don't want to go on the front lines yet, I'm not ready-" she said, before being cut of by the other girl.
"But first you need better armour," Asuna said, putting a hand to her chin. She ran her eyes up and down Sachi's form with a frown, "I think you need better armour, something better than leather of cause. Maybe a new armour suit too? I've seen you in that purple and blue outfit for too long!"
Sachi gulped. She arched her back, and sighed, "A-Asuna-chan, please. I'm happy with just this armour suit," she said quietly, pulling at the dark blue skirt she wore.
"But it's so old, like level 20!" Asuna said, placing both hands onto her hips and holding her head up high, "I'm kind of surprised the armour has lasted that long, your so high leveled, surely it would have been highly damaged at least?"
Sachi looked down at herself. Sure, she was still wearing the long light blue shirt, and dark blue skirt, with her normal light leather armour over it. The normal dark knee-length boots was something anybody could get from the common shop. All in all, the outfit anybody could buy from the common shops. Sure, they've been damaged beyond compared, and all Sachi had to do was buy more form the common shops around.
"B-But I'm comfortable in them…" Sachi mumbled, trailing off with her cheeks darkening. This isn't the first time Asuna had talked about outfits, and not the first time she had dragged poor Sachi to look at clothes.
Asuna lets out a laugh, "Come on Sachi-chan!" she said happily, "Let's go armour shopping!"
Sachi sighed. She allowed the girl grab her wrist and drag her along behind her. Sachi almost tripped over her feet, but was able to keep her balance enough to follow the girl. She quickly put her bow back into her storage.
"First, let's go see Agil-san," Asuna said, hand to chin as she dragged poor Sachi through the familiar street of the 50th floor, "He's always got good cheap stuff, sometimes if we're lucky, he's got good armour selections. Thought if we want a high quality armour suit, we should probably go see Mio-san on the 50th floor."
Sachi bites her bottom lip. She glanced around, and felt her face darken with embarrassment from the turning heads. It was horrifying to see that even AI's would look at them with interest. It must be sight to see, the second in command of the Knights of the Blood Oath dragging along a poor girl.
The Red Flash, and the White Arrow.
"Mio-san?" Sachi asked, shaking the thoughts from her head.
Asuna nodded, "She is primary used to create the armour suits for Knights of the Blood Oath, but she also does make other designs. They're really sturdy, and protects you from any kind of attack. Also, on the plus side, they're designed in an attractive way!" she chimed with a wink.
"O-Oh," Sachi let out softly. She looked down at her feet and bites her bottom lip, this suit was a gift from Keita…she felt odd about upgrading it, almost like she was betraying her old guild. Maybe, it was a good thing…? Maybe.
The two teleported to the 50th floor. The streets was long, and looked nice enough. Sachi remembered being on the floor a couple of times, but not very often. The houses all looked expensive, like the super-rich lived on this floor. It made Sachi feel out of place in the streets, while Asuna looked right at home. She was the second in command of the most well known and respected guild.
"Here we are," Asuna said.
Sachi peered up at the building, "A-Asuna-chan, I don't think I can afford anything from this place," she whispered sheepishly.
Asuna simply waved her hand, "Don't worry about it."
Sachi whined, and bites her bottom lip again. She wanted to protest but found herself following after the taller girl.
"Mio-san?" Asuna called, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
"Ah! Asuna-san!" an elderly woman chimed sweetly, "Need another Knights of the Blood Oath suit?"
Asuna, smiling brightly, shook her head, "Not this time Mio-san! Actually I brought my friend, Sachi-chan, for a new upgraded suit!" she said, lightly pushing Sachi forward.
Mio peered down at the girl. She raised an eyebrow, and tilted her head, "My-my, that suit looks very old. What level is it? 10? You've came to the right place for a much more define and delicate design. Now that's get a better look at you," she said, using her staff to pull Sachi forward.
Sachi let out a surprised yelp. She nervously pulled at her skirt when Mio began to circle her like a hungry shark. Mio was nothing like Sachi was expecting. The AI was an elderly woman, with a little to big head, she had way to big eyes and grey hair pulled back into a tight bun. She wore loose blue dress with an grey apron over it.
"Hmm," Mio put a hand to her chin, "Your assigned colour is white, I suppose white will suit you."
Sachi bites back a frown, "Um, can I have blue instead?" she asked. She was so tired of the colour white, it was just too plain. She preferred blue or purple, they was her favourite colours after all.
Mio frowned, "Blue?" she repeated, "I suppose I can put a little blue into the new suit, but white is definitely your colour, dear."
Asuna leaped forward. Her orange hair dancing along behind her as she put a hand onto Sachi's shoulder, "Mio-san! Sachi-chan is also the 'White Arrow'," she said while bouncing her eyebrows.
"Asuna-chan," Sachi whimpered with embarrassment.
It was only Asuna who could still make her return to her old embarrassing way, Sachi thought she was over this. Over being shy, being timid and stuttering but sometimes it just comes out. It just surfaces without her knowledge.
"The White Arrow, hm?" Mio said, leaning forward into Sachi's personal space. She eyed Sachi thoughtfully, "Yes! A beautiful snow white suit of armour for the White Arrow! Yes-yes! I can see it now! So lovely!"
Sachi tilted her head, she blinked as the elderly woman excitedly began to measure her. How the woman could move so fast was a mystery to poor Sachi. The woman was moving back and forward eagerly, holding all sorts of things as a glowing green bar appeared above her head that slowly began to fill with every movement. Her hands moved in a blur, it was difficult to keep up with them and every now and then, she would stop and return to Sachi with her measurer.
Asuna stood with pride, her hands on her hips, "Mio-san's amazing! She can knock out a strong armour suit within minutes! She made my suit," she said, twirling around and pulling at her white and red armour suit of the Knights of the Blood Oath.
Sachi had to admit, Asuna looked amazing in her suit. The white and red worked so well together, and made Asuna basically glow. Her long lush orange hair was just the perfect finishing touch to the outfit. Her suit included a red pencil skirt, with a long white coat over it, the coat was outlined with red and had the red cross of the Knights of the Blood Oath stitched into the fabric. Over all, Asuna looked amazingly badass. Her long silver sword with the red handle was strapped to her sword as always. Sachi would love to have her bow strapped to her back at all times too, but her leather armour suit doesn't allow such necessaries.
"I think you might look good in red too Sachi-chan," Asuna added.
Said girl shook her head slowly, "I-I'm not a big fan of red honestly Asuna-chan. I think you look just lovely in it, but for me…I don't think it would suit me," she said softly, a small smile appearing across her lips.
"Enough coy," Asuna finally said, crossing her arms, "I've been dropping hints for like months now. Sachi-chan, I think you should join Knights of the Blood Oath."
Sachi sighed. Yes, Asuna had been dropping hints and as politely as possible, Sachi had been also dropping hints of her not wanting to join. Asuna was hardly the only one who had tried to get her to join a guild.
"And done!" Mio suddenly said just as Sachi was about to reply to her friend. Immediately both girls looked at the elderly lady, "Now-now! I think it's came out just great! Come now child! Go put it on!"
Sachi winced as Mio used her staff to pull her close once more. She grunted quietly, and stumbled through the changing room of the store. She sighed deeply while Mio pulled the curtain closed. Sachi looked down at the martial between her hands, and bites her bottom lip harshly.
Join the Knights of the Blood Oath? Sachi won't deny that the thought hadn't ever crossed her mind before. Once or twice she had thought seriously about joining the guild but that same thought always followed. She was still apart of the Moonlight Black Cats, she may be one of the last members but that was her guild and she felt as if she was betraying the guild if she joined another…it was just her and Kirito. As far as she could see Kirito hasn't joined another guild either. There was many advantages to her joining the Knights of the Blood Oath guild, there was so many strong people who she could learn from. The guild is one of the front lines guilds too, something she wasn't ready to do yet but soon. She had promised to meet up with Kirito when she was ready to fight on the front lines.
She just wasn't strong enough. Like Asuna had said, everyone on the front lines was level 70 and higher. 70 was probably the weakest level.
"Sa-chi-chan!" Asuna called, "What's taking so long? Did you get it stuck?"
Sachi blushed upon hearing the teasing words. She grunt, and quickly began to change into it. As soon as the clothes were on her body, the outfit was added to her clothing storage. She breathed in sharply, and looked down at herself.
"O-Okay, I'm coming out," she mumbled softly, pulling the curtain back.
Asuna gasped, "Alright, you look amazing Sachi-chan!"
"Such a lovely complex," Mio said with pride, placing both hands on top of her staff, "One of my best works."
The suit itself was beautiful, it was a pure white colour with light blue lines. Firstly, she had a light blue and dark blue pencil skirt with a long white coat over it, it was split a little at the back with blue ribbons down the back holding it closed over the under shirt. She had long white sleeves with blue ribbons tied around them, tying them to her shoulders as the sleeves wasn't apart of the shirt. Underneath her sleeves was soft cotton feather line patterns that spread across the top of her hands. Knee-length white boots that was folded at the top and lined with blue, she also had white tights covering her legs. Lastly she had a silver breast plate, similar to Asuna's.
"Oh dear, you can store your bow and arrows on your back, thanks to the breast plate," Mio added, "Something your leather one could not do."
Sachi peered over her shoulder, before she opened her menu. She blinked down at the outfit add-ons and saw the opportunity to add a weapon to the back of her breast plate. She added her bow and arrow hold, the weight of the weapons flashing upon her back made her smile a little.
"I'm so proud of my work," Mio chimed.
Sachi lightly pulled on the coat with two fingers, "Thank you, it's so beautiful but I really don't think I can afford it…" she admitted shamefully, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you before you began to work."
"I was hoping we could do one of your code red quests instead, Mio-san," Asuna asked, turning towards the old lady.
Mio chuckled, "I should have known you was up to something as soon as you stepped in, second in command Asuna!"
Asuna only shrugged innocently. A soft pink blush appearing across her cheeks, and she sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck.
"Well then, I have no other choice but to comply," Mio said with a sigh, a put a hand onto her chin and a smirk appeared across her wrinkly face, "However, you're in luck. I do in fact have a code red quest."
"To the far east is a swamp that is home to a gravely creature. If you can defeat her, and bring me back her mangled head to use, you may keep the armour suit – free of charge," Mio said.
Asuna nodded her head, "Of cause."
"What about the armour suit? I'm assuming you would like it back until we've cleared the quest," Sachi said, beginning to unlock the suit from her clothes storage.
Mio let out a bark of a laugh, "No dearly. I highly doubt you will survive in that dreadful leather armour suit against her, you'll need the suit."
Sachi blinked. She peered up at the tailor, "But…what if we just never clear the quest, wouldn't I have just easily stolen from you?" she asked in a quiet voice. Other players would probably try to do that, but Sachi wasn't one to do it.
"How a modest young woman you are," Mio smirked, "But no. I am no fool, I'll simply do this."
Mio raised her hand, and with a long finger, clicked them. Immediately Sachi's suit began to glow, and a bright red mark appeared across her chest, stomach and back. All of which read the same thing.
*Property of the grand tailor, Mio!*
"Also, you are unable to remove the armour suit until I remove my mark," Mio added, "Think of it, you don't get the full piece of art until you've paid in full."
Sachi peering down at herself, her face hot with pure embarrassment, nodded her head. How embarrassing. She'll have to walk around like this until the quest had been cleared, people will see it. She hoped nobody will think she was caught trying to steal or anything.
"Good luck girls," Mio purred, clapping her hands.
"Don't worry Sachi-chan, will clear this quest in no time!" Asuna said with determination.
Swamp Witch Quest Accepted!
Sachi folded her arms to her chest, as if she was trying to hide the symbol. She followed Asuna along the street, a small frown settling upon her lips. She was fine with her old armour suit, and now she was a walking advertisement. Just as she feared, people was looking at her as they passed.
"How e-embarrassing," she whimpered.
Asuna smiled brightly, "I'm sure you handle it for a few hours, it's not too noticeable," she said with a small wince.
"Not noticeable," Sachi mumbled with a sigh, "W-Where are we going? The quest in the east, not south…"
Asuna waved over her shoulder with a shrug, "I know, but there's a friend I want to see first."
Sachi hummed. She tightened her arms around herself, and speed after her taller, orange haired friend. She bites her bottom lip and groaned to herself as Asuna lead her into a much more busier street. As the two girls approached a small house near the end, Sachi noticed it wasn't as high expensive looking as Mio's shop.
"A blacksmith?" Sachi wondered out loud.
Sachi peered up at the door in awe. She's never been to an blacksmith before, she never had a reason too. She was able to create arrow heads by herself now, sure they wasn't amazingly done, but they was done well enough.
"Yeah, my friend Lisbeth owns it," Asuna said with a wide, prideful smile on her lips. She lightly patted her sword fondly, "She's really good, able to make the best sword ever. She helped me with my own."
Sachi nodded with a small smile, "I see. You must really care for her."
"Ah, I do. She's one of my best friends, and really is skillful," Asuna said, "She's the perfect person to help you pick out your first sword."
Sachi blinked, "M-My first sword?" she breathed out, "Asuna-chan, you don't have to keep helping me, you know…I don't need a sword…"
"Nonsense," Asuna laughed, "You have to be prepared for the front lines after all!"
Sachi wanted to correct her, tell her she wasn't ready for the front lines again, but she knew it would fall on death ears. She had told Asuna many times before that she just wasn't ready, however, Sachi stayed quiet. She only spoke when Asuna reached for the door.
"Um, it's closed," Sachi finally said, pointing to a sign near the door, "It says Lisbeth-san has left for a day, and will be open sometime tomorrow."
Asuna blinked once, then twice. She looked at the sigh with worry, "That's strange. Lisbeth hasn't left her blacksmith since she lost her guild," she said thoughtfully, "I hope she's alright…"
"She lost…her guild?" Sachi mumbled quietly. Her own chest tightening at the thought. She knew how that must feel.
Asuna shook her head. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, until she finally turned fully around to face Sachi. She put her hands back onto her hips and arched her back, "Well no matter, we can come see her after we've finished the quest. Hopefully she'll be back by then," she shrugged, "Anyway, lets get going. The quest isn't too far, I've been to the swamp once before."
Sachi nodded, "I see. I hope it won't be to hard, w-we have to defeat the swamp witch and bring back her…head," she winced, and a shudder ran up her spine. She only hoped it would end well, and that they wouldn't have any trouble.
"It'll be fine, we can handle it," Asuna said with determination clearly on her face.
Sachi let out a soft chuckle, following her friend. Just as she was about to turn a corner, her body bumped unto another. Her eyes widened, as she tumbled backward, she grunted as she landed on her backside.
"Ow," she mumbled softly.
Asuna gasped, "Sachi-chan, are you alright?" she said, quickly coming to Sachi's side.
It was man, a man that was much taller then either Asuna or Sachi. He had narrowed dark eyes, and dark hair pulled back into a ponytail, he had a sunken sort-of face. He wore a familiar white and red armour sit with the red crosses of the Knights of the Blood Oath. He simply stared down at Sachi with an unimpressed look upon his face.
"You," Asuna said, her face scrunching up with distaste, "Kuradeel, what do you think you're doing! You aren't going to apolgoize?"
Kuradeel tilted his head, he stared down at Sachi before looking to Asuna, "Why should I be the one to apologize? She clearly bumped into me," he said with a snort.
Asuna's eyes twitched, "Why you-" she began, only to be cut off when Sachi put a hand onto hers and shook her head.
"I'm sorry for bumping into you," Sachi said softly, carefully getting up, "I-I should have been looking where I was going."
This seemed to please the man who smirked and nodded his head, "Good. Perhaps I'll forgive you, perhaps not. Either way, somebody like you should not be in the presence of me."
"How dare you, Kuradeel," Asuna sneered, "Sachi-chan is my friend, and the White Arrow!"
Immediately Kuradeel's face changed. His narrowed eyes widened, and he peered down at Sachi with disbelief, "You're the White Arrow? Ha, I don't believe it."
Sachi shook her head, her heart beating painfully in her chest, "Sir, please. We're in a bit of a hurry, so if you'll excuse us…" she mumbled softly, trying to step around the man only to yelp when he grabbed her by the arm.
"Now wait just a minute," he said, pulling Sachi towards him, "If you really are the White Arrow, then you should join the Knights of the Blood Oath! Heathcliff will reward me greatly if I bring in the White Arrow! Come with me!"
Sachi let out a shaky gasp when Kuradeel began to drag her along. She tried to pull her wrist out of Kuradeel's grip, her eyes wide with worry and fear, "W-Wait, please, w-wait."
"Kuradeel!" Asuna yelled, grabbing Sachi's arm and pulling it free, "Don't just go around grabbing people's arms like that!"
Kuradeel clicked his tongue, "And what of you Asuna. I'm supposed to be your bodyguard, to protect you and you ditched me this morning? I'm sure Heathcliff wouldn't like that once I inform him."
Asuna narrowed her eyes, "It's Asuna-san, to you. I don't need to be protected, I can protect myself. The sooner Heathcliff releases that the better. I don't need you of all people falling me around, now if you excuse me, Sachi-chan and I have places to be," she said, "Also, wait until Heathcliff finds out that you tried to drag poor Sachi-chan around without her consent!"
"Where are you going, you can't just walk away into danger Asuna-san," Kuradeel huffed, following after them with twitching eyes.
Asuna was slowly becoming even more angry. She clenched her hands, and glared back at the man. She pulled Sachi around a corner, and began to speed up in hopes of losing the man. She inhaled sharply, and pulled out a teleport crystal.
"Hold on Sachi-chan," she said.
Kuradeel's eyes widened, "Asuna-san! Asuna-san!"
Sachi peered back at the man, their eyes making contact as her and Asuna began to disappear. The two disappeared along with the transportation. Her heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed a thick lump her throat. She held the wrist Kuradeel held, and brought it to her chest. She sniffed, and shook her head again.
"Sachi-chan?" Asuna asked, "Are you alright, he didn't hurt you, did he?"
"Oh, no. I'm alright, just…surprised is all…" Sachi mumbled with a low laugh.
Asuna shook her head, "That stupid Kuradeel. He's so annoying, and is always trying to follow me around. I've even caught him watching my house once, no matter how many times Heathcliff has had a word with him, he continues to do it."
"That's awful," Sachi gasped, "He really does that?"
Asuna nodded her head and pushed her long orange hair out her face, "Yeah. I've even threated to run my sword through him, but he doesn't listen. Heathcliff did assigned him as my bodyguard, but he is always overstepping his boundaries. I apologize that you had to put up with him, Sachi-chan. I thought for sure I had lost him back on floor 46."
"It's alright Asuna-chan," Sachi smiled weakly. She hopes she wouldn't see the man again, "I'm sorry that you have to put up with somebody like that. I can't imagine having to deal with somebody so…obsessive…"
Asuna sheepishly looked down at her feet, "Yeah, I guess he is obsessive. I have spoken to Heathcliff many times about it, it doesn't seem like anything will happen thought."
"…He really watches your house?" Sachi asked.
"I caught him," Asuna admitted, "I caught him a couple of times. I don't know if he has been doing longer or not."
Sachi's eyes softened at her friend. Asuna was normally prideful, and always showed such fearlessness, this was the first time Sachi had seen her looking so venerable. She stepped up to the other girl, and gently placed her hand onto her shoulder.
"Once we've cleared this quest, I'll help you deal with Kuradeel-san," Sachi promised.
Asuna smiled, "You'll really do that?"
"Of cause, your my friend after all," Sachi smiled in return.
"Thank you so much Sachi-chan," Asuna said, wrapping her arms around Sachi's shoulders. She hugged her tightly, with her eyes swelling up, "Don't tell anybody I cried."
Sachi chuckled. She hugged Asuna in return, and lightly patted her on the back, "Don't worry. I won't."
Sachi felt really bad for her. Kuradeel must really be bothering Asuna, considering she was on the verge of crying…Sachi really believed Kuradeel had been troubling her to much. She promised to help deal with him, hopefully without violence.
Rubbing her face, Asuna turned around. She inhaled sharply to catch her breath, "Okay," she mumbled softly, "I believe the swamp is this way. Are you ready? How many arrows have you got?"
"I have enough," Sachi said, "I made a bunch last night. So I'm more then confidence I have enough for this quest."
Nodding her head, Asuna began to walk forward, "I've only been in the swamp once before, there are these strange creatures inside the swamp. They're like zombies," she explained with a shudder, "They don't attack but if you get to close they infect you with an illness that will slowly eat at your health bar. Potions don't cure it. Last I heard, nobodies been able to find the right potion."
Sachi swallowed thickly, "O-Oh. I see. So be careful of these….zombies," she said softly.
"Yes," Asuna said.
Her suit was still glowing with Mio's message. Sachi sighed as she looked down at the white and blue fabric, a frown appearing across her lips. She pushed her short raven hair out of her face, and carefully avoided the tree roots as she followed after Asuna. The other girl was twitching every now and then, her hand laying on her sword. She was that rattled up.
Almost slipping from a wet weed, Asuna thankfully grabbing her arm before Sachi could fall into the smelly water below. Sachi let out a shaky breath as she looked around the swamp, a cold shiver running up her body; she immediately rubbed her arms.
"So this is the swamp?" she asked.
Asuna nodded, "We're on the edge of it. The zombie things are further inside."
Sachi bites her bottom lip worriedly. The swamp had rivers of green water that had clouds of bad gas; there was massive and thick trees that throw a blanket of leaves above the water, no sun shine could seep between the leaves. It was dark, and eerie. Large plants stuck out of the water with sharp looking thorns littering them.
She wondered just how many lives this swamp has claimed.
"According to this," Asuna began, bringing up an red box from her arm, "The witch is in the middle. We're gonna have to make our way through the trees, and hope we don't run into any of the zombies."
Drawing her bow, Sachi held it in front of her just encase. It made her feel safer, "R-Right, let's get going then…"
Asuna glanced at Sachi, and draw her sword too. She clicked her teeth, and carefully began to move through the swamp. There was so many big, beefy roots threatening to grab an ankle and drag one or both of them underneath. Her nose twitched in disgust from the smell, and covered it with her other hand.
"It's revolting," she grunted.
Sachi let out dry chuckle because she agreed. It was a stale smell, a wispy and musty like smell that made her face flushed pale with sickness. She tried to cover her nose as well, she hoped this wouldn't bring on an asthma attack. Her throat itched at the thought of one.
As the two wearily moved through the swamp, Sachi checked their rear. She was worried of accidentally stumbling across something. The swamp looked like a place where there could be many insects.
Suddenly a groan erupted from behind them, and the sound of shuffling feet began to fill the air. Without any thought, Sachi spun around and released the arrow. The arrow glowed white as it shot through the air, and imprinted into a head, right between eyes. The creature made a shriek as it fell backward to the ground with a loud thud.
"Oh," Sachi let out.
Asuna tilted her head, "Whoa, you hit the zombie from that distant?" she said in awe.
Sachi felt her face heat up, "I'm sorry…I just, heard it coming and, well, shot…"
"Why are you apologizing?" Asuna chuckled.
The other girl peered around the swamp. She suddenly noticed it became quiet, even the sound of blowing wind had stopped. She shuddered, and looked around once more, her eyes scattering back and forth when she began to notice the ground slowly beginning to shake.
"You…you feel that Asuna-chan?" she asked.
Asuna peered down at the ground, "It's shaking, that didn't happen before…is that what I think it is?" she asked, looking around the large trees.
Groaning. Whines and wheezes filled the air, the shaking of the ground increased as many feet began to shovel across the dirt furiously. Sachi squinted her eyes from the many different voices of groans, she could see a single figure in-between the trees; another figure joined it and then another, and another.
"A-Asuna-chan!" Sachi gasped out.
Asuna glanced between the trees and fast approaching herd of zombies, "Sachi-chan, come on! We gotta climb the trees, and fast! Otherwise we'll probably be run down, forget about being poisoned!" she said in a hurry, rushing towards the closes tree and leaping to the closes branch.
Sachi stared after her friend for a few seconds, her eyes ran up the tree and the herd. Something in her mind clicked, and she brought out another arrow, quickly she tied rope around it and then aimed high on the tree.
"Asuna-chan," she called, as she released the arrow. The arrow shot through the air, and hit the tree loudly, the rope dangling down the tree.
Asuna shuddered. She moved towards the rope and as quickly as she could, began to climb up the tree. Holding the rope tightly, and climbing fast until she was safe on a thick branch way above the ground. She arched her body, and helped Sachi onto the branch, before they both pulled the rope up just as the first zombie came stumbling along below them.
"There's so many of them," Sachi said, watching as zombie after zombie moved along like a sea of water. So many of them groaning, and whining, stumbled through the area.
Asuna gulped, "I wonder if it was from the one you shot," she said, looking back at the place where the zombie had been, "It made a sound when it was defeated."
"I don't think they're aware of us being here," Sachi said, noticing that not one of the poisonous zombies stopping, "I think it's safe now."
Seeing that the last zombie left without any problem, Asuna nodded in agreement. She sighed deeply, and lightly pushed her orange hair out of her face, "That was eventful."
Carefully climbing back down the rope, Sachi hummed as she reached the ground. She stepped back, and dusted herself off. Glancing back in the direction where the zombies when, Sachi frowned nervously and twisted her hands together on her bow.
"Please tell me we don't need to go in the same direction?" she said weakly.
Asuna winced, and sheepishly smiled, "Um…maybe? I'm sorry," she groaned.
It was true, the zombies had moved slow. Very slow. They looked like huddled, bald creatures with large noses and pointed eyes. Sachi wasn't very close to them to really see what they looked like, and she hoped she would never have to be.
"We just have to be cautious," Sachi said softly, she gently took Asuna's hand and comfortingly squeezed it, "We'll be fine."
Asuna blinked her large amber eyes before a sweet smile graced her lips, "How are you so positive?"
"…I didn't always be," Sachi admitted, turning away, "I thought I should just…rot somewhere in an Inn at one point."
Asuna looked like she wanted to say something but she didn't. Instead her eyes softened, and she gently squeezed Sachi's hand in return, "I'm glad you didn't," she admitted, "I'm glad we're friends."
"Me too," Sachi smiled, "Hopefully we don't run into any of them. They're slow moving, so hopefully we can avoid them the best we can, maybe we can go around them?"
With that said, the two began to walk in the same direction of the zombies but a little to left so they wasn't directly behind them. It was unnerving, there really wasn't any light in the swamp. No natural sun light at least, however, the deeper the two girls went the more small little balls of blue began to appear.
"What are these?" Asuna wondered, stopping briefly to admire one of floating blue lights.
Sachi peered at the blue light balls, she observed them and watched as they slowly moved around, "They're…bugs," she said after a moment.
"Like fireflies," Asuna said, "They're beautiful, aren't they?"
The other female smiled with a nod of the head. They were beautiful, but she wondered if they was dangerous at all? Maybe they stung the player or paralyzed the player when touched or something. She was a bit weary of going to close to them, but she had to admit, they was gorgeous but all dangerous things were.
Sachi took a step back when one of the glowing blue balls came to close to her face. She stumbled backward, and felt harsh berk brush up her back, she immediately turned around to look at the tree. Sachi blinked once, then twice, a few times upon seeing a strange brownish tint to the tree. It was different to the other trees around them, and when Sachi looked up at the trees, she noticed the leaves were turning black ; but how were they still on the branches?
Slowly, Sachi placed a hand onto the tree and gasped. Her eyes widened a little, "It hallow," she said.
"What is?" Asuna asked, turning away from the glowing lights.
"The tree," Sachi said, "It's hallow, it's withering."
Asuna peered up at the tree, "It's dying? But none of the other trees are," she said, scanning the other swamp trees.
"It must be a sign," Sachi said thoughtfully, "The witch must be this way."
They walked in the direction of the withering tree, as they passed the tree, they found more withering trees littered about. They had to be going in the right direction. The further they went, the more the trees looked ghastly, becoming greyer and greyer with every passing tree. The leaves looking more decaying as well.
Eventually the girls came to a medium sized opening. The swamp's green river made a circle around a piece of blueish land, the trees was more spaced out on this piece of land which allowed the dark starry sky to be visible, finally there was white strange plants standing up right. One closer inspection, the plants almost looked like they had teeth…
Wearily, Sachi and Asuna climbed over a fallen tree to the platform. They shifted on their weight, and peered around.
"So, where's this witch?" Asuna said, holding her sword tightly.
Sachi swallowed. She moved a little further into the opening, the red glow of Mio's symbol highlighting her features. She arched her body, and held her bow close to her body, she withdrawn another arrow and prepared her attack to be on the safe side.
She tilted her head by chance, and her eyes widened. She gasped, "Asuna-chan!"
Asuna spun around, and pulled her sword. She swung it up and then down, thrusting it through the sharp-tooth gaping mouth white flower that was on the verge of swallowing Asuna fully. She thrusted her sword straight through the flower mouth, coursing blue liquid to spray around her.
Panting deeply, Asuna yanked her sword free. She stepped back, and watched as the flower monster crumbled, disappearing into shatters of glass like pixels.
A loud, erupting cackle filled the air.
A shudder ran up Sachi's spine, her eyes scanned around the opening. Her heart suddenly racing anxiously, looking for some sort of flying figure or anything that resembled what she had thought was a witch.
Asuna arched herself, and held her sword between her hands. She bites her bottom lip, and narrowed her eyes, "Where is she?" she said.
The cackling laugh grow louder and more frequent. The laughter becoming more crazy. It echoed around them, making it difficult to pin-point just where it was coming from.
A creature of swampy dark weed and leaves emerged from between the large white flowers. She was big, taller then both Asuna and Sachi. Her skin was sunk down, and blue in colour, she had grey hair hidden underneath what looked like swamp weed with a long robe that hide her feet. Her arms was long, and almost reached the ground, with long sharp, dirty, looking fingernails. The creature was laughing hysterically.
"Why is she laughing at us?" Asuna grumbled, her lips twisting in disgust upon seeing this swamp witch, "It's starting to really peeve me off!"
"I know, it's starting to get really annoying," Sachi mumbled with agreement.
The witch let out another squeal of mad laugh, she raised her way too long arms and wiggled her long sharp fingers just as the ground began to shake. The large white monster flowers began to let out pig-like shrieks and cries, their heads moving back and forth; snapping hungrily around them.
Asuna let out a yelp when one moved way to close to her face. The flower snapped their sharp teeth, almost scrapping off her face. The solider spun around, she used her foot to kick the flower back and slashed at the steam of the creature.
"They're growing," Sachi gasped, using the sharp end of her bow to batter away the flower monster. The sharp blade tip of the bow slicing through the flower monster's head.
Almost automatically, Sachi reeled backward in disgust. The flowers began to grow in size, and even more began to bloom within seconds. The raven haired girl shook her head furiously and twisted her bow, she held it up so it was between her, and the fuming, hungry monster as it shot towards her again.
Sachi stared back at the creature, looking into those large, glassy eyes that seemed to observe her every movement. It was growling around the bow, and Sachi twisted backward, grabbing an arrow and ramming it into the flower head's repeatedly. Sachi watched as the arrow stabs into the creature, sending a river blue out from its wound before it disappeared into shards like glass.
Asuna and Sachi began to dance around one another, slashing and slicing the flower beasts whenever they tried to snap at them. Repeatedly, they would cut one down, but another two would take their place.
"More just keep coming," Asuna grunted, cutting another down. She let out a cry when a root moved through the dirt, and began to circle around her ankle. She was yanked into the air by the root, and dangled above the ground, her long orange hair dancing around as she slashed at the root.
"Asuna-chan," Sachi gasped, watching the girl flip back and land onto her feet perfectly.
Asuna smiled, and swung her sword, "I'm alright Sachi-chan, but I think we need to get the witch," she said, narrowing her amber eyes up at the floating witch.
Groans, wails and hisses echo through the night sky, the flower snapping angrily. Sachi sniffled as she spun around another snapping flower. She pulls her arms back, shooting another arrow at said beast, watching briefly as it hits the creature on the top of it's white head, before it burst into glass shards.
"Right," Sachi said deeply.
A flower beat shrieks into her ear, making Sachi cry out and another flower beat come rushing towards her. Sachi breathes sharply through her nose and arches her leg, successfully kicking the creature in the mouth, and shoving it back. She then twisted her bow and ripping the sharp end into the flower monster again. The creature burst into blue and red shards.
Sachi quickly shot the arrow, watching as it glowed a soft shade of white before splitting into three arrows. Two arrows hits one of the flower beasts, while the other one went towards the witch, but the witch moved out of the way. Sachi wipes the sweat from her forehead, looking to her health bar and nodding her head, she hasn't been hit yet.
Asuna rushed forward, she used the flower beats to boost herself up. Leaping from one head to the other, and pulled her sword up. She moved in a blur of red, and slashed her sword right at the witch, however the witch flickered out of the way. Asuna grunted as she skidded back across the ground, she clenched her first in anger.
Sachi crushed her teeth together, and twisted her lips together. She glared up at the witch, she could use her fifteen split? She hardly ever use it, only if she was in a real desperate situation, but maybe it would be enough to catch the witch off guard.
She panted, her throat burning as she shifted her weight on her feet and hunched her shoulders. She held her bow out, and aimed the arrow at the witch, she closed a single eye and breathed in deeply. Her body twitched, her fingers tightening as she allowed the warmth of her power build inside.
The arrow erupted from the bow, it shot through the air. The witch let out a shrill of laugh, easily dancing out of the way of the arrow, unaware it began to glow. It began to glow a blinding white colour as the arrow split into 15 different arrows, raining down upon the witch.
The witch arched her large head back just as arrows slammed into her body. She fell to the ground with thud, but quickly got back up. She shook a little, with arrows sticking out of her body. Immediately, Asuna raced forward with a battle cry, swung her sword. The witch pulled up her long clawed hands, and began to swipe back at Asuna. Clanks of shark claws slamming into her sword bounced through the area.
A root shoot up behind Sachi, and suddenly wrapped around her arm. It yanked her back, and sent her tumbling through the flower beasts garden. She let out a breathless cry, and struggled to get the roots off her body. She reaches for her bow, and slices off the end of the root. Sachi quickly get to her feet, wincing from the painful pulse running down her arm.
She quickly moved forward, ducking underneath a rather large white flower beast. Sachi used her bow to bash the beasts back as she got closer to the battle between Asuna and the witch. The witch was still laughing, as she repeatedly slashed at Asuna until she had usefully knocked the sword out of her hand. The sword swung backward and impended into a thick root behind them.
Asuna fell back with a loud cry. She tilted her head back to look back at the sword, her eyes so wide that they was burning. The witch towered over her, her long sharped hands reached above Asuna, ready to slam down upon her body.
Ignoring the pain in her arm, Sachi held her bow up, and aimed an arrow right at the witch. She inhaled sharply and released the arrow. The arrow ripped through the air towards the witch, it began to glow a blinding white colour once more, before splitting.
The arrow split into 24 arrows. All of which burst through the air, and slammed into the witch's back. It made the creature shriek, her back arching as the arrows pierced her body, blue liquid squirting out from the wounds.
Sachi pulled herself up behind the witch, she grips another arrow tightly, so tightly that her knuckles flushed white, she then launched forward. She held the sharp arrow above her head, and with a loud battle cry, she brings it with as much strength as she could, down upon the back of the witches head. Immediately the witch let out another high pitched sound, a sound between a painful cry and a mad laugh.
The witch convulses, her long arms freezes in place, before her body flops forward like a bag of potatoes. She laid on the ground, shaking for an good ten seconds just as Asuna got up to her feet. The Red Flash yanked her sword out, and made her way back to the witch. She inhaled sharply, and brought her sword up high, before she brought it down in a red blur. The sharp edges ripping into the creature, making the witches body bursts into black and yellow shards.
All the dangerous gaping mouth flowers paused in movement. They shook and then lifted their heads, they let out a loud cry. They then began to fold up, dying out within seconds.
Congratulation! Swamp Witch Quest Cleared!
Sachi panted deeply, she looked down at the spot where the witch was as a black box formed. She blinked slowly, and reached for it with a shaky hand, it was smooth and unable to open. She tilted her head as she held it.
"Swamp witches head," she read with an eyebrow raised.
Asuna falling to her knees, panting deeply while using her sword to keep herself prompted up, "At least it isn't a real ahead," she said with disgust, her nose scrunching up.
Sachi nodded in agreement. She didn't want to imagine her having to carry a blooded witches head back to Mio's store. She sighed tiredly, and stored it away. A small sweet smile appearing across her lips as the familiar white box popped up.
Her skills, they was increasing. Sachi felt her insides swell with pride as her level 68 increases to level 69, and then 70! She felt so proud of herself, she couldn't believe she had done that! Even her bow increased.
"I'm level 70…" she said.
Asuna paused, her head flying up to look at Sachi, "You're what?" she asked, her eyes glowing brightly.
"70!" Sachi said with a wide smile, "Asuna-chan! You did it, I'm level 70 now!"
Asuna was up in seconds. She wrapped her arms tightly around Sachi, crushing her tightly with a loud yell of excitement. She laughed, "I did it? No Sachi-chan, it was all you! I knew you could do it! Now you can fight on the front lines with me!"
Sachi chuckled softly, she lightly patted Asuna on the back, "One thing at a time…one thing at a time…" she mumbled, "Let's get back to Mio-san now. I'd really like to have this symbol off me now."
"Really?" Asuna smirked, "I thought it really suited you."
~#~#~#~#~#~
"Ho-ho-ho," Mio let out.
Sachi felt her face heating up again, "M-Morning Mio-san," she said, bowing her head.
The elderly woman smiled widely as she looked between Sachi and Asuna, "You're back already? Hmmm. Perhaps the quest was to easy for such warriors," she said thoughtfully, a playful glint within her large eyes.
"No-No!" both girls yelped out together, "It was fine! Fine!"
Sachi swallowed thickly, and brought out the witches head, "Here is the head, Mio-san," she said, handing the black cube to the lady.
Mio hummed loudly, she held the cube between her hands with a nod of her head, "I see. You really cleared it, how marvelous! Yes, the head I required for next project! Wonderful! Wonderful!" she chimed happily, cradling the cube as if it was a precious baby, which it probably was in all honesty.
"Um, M-Mio-san," Sachi nervously said.
Mio peered at the lady with a click of her tongue, "Oh yes. I almost forgot," she said, waving her hand at Sachi and immediately the glowing red symbols of 'Mio's property' disappeared, "I think you'll find you are able to remove it too now, thank you so much for bring me this."
Sachi breathed out in relief. She looked down at herself, and lightly pulled at the fabric, "Thank you so much Mio-san!" she said brightly.
Mio simply waved her off, "Any time, anytime. My dear Sachi-chan, please come visit me again when you are in need of new armour! Or if you just want a request," she winked.
Asuna let out a chuckle. She linked her arm with Sachi's and lightly pulled her along, "Thank you again Mio-san! We really appreciate it, but we gotta get going!"
"Of cause," Mio said.
With that Asuna pulled Sachi through the door. Sachi sighed in relief as she stepped out the store without the markings on her body. She smiled happily, and looked down at herself once more.
"Sachi-chan," Asuna said, "About Knights of the Blood Oath, I really think you should join. It'll be good for you if you do."
Sachi blinked. She hummed, and lightly pulled on a loose hair, "Thank you for the offer Asuna-chan, but I'm going to decline. I hope you understand, I'm happy how I am."
Asuna sighed deeply. She deflated in defeat, and groaned, "Alright. I suppose I'll let it go."
"Thank you," Sachi smiled brightly at her friend.
Asuna hummed. She pushed her long orange hair out of her face, and tugged her along, "Anyway! Come on! Let's go see if Lisbeth is back! I'm itching to find out what she's been up to!"
Sachi smiled, following after Asuna. They walked along the familiar streets, making their way back to the blacksmith. Sachi found herself wondering just who this Lisbeth is, Asuna speaks very high about her. She wondered what Lisbeth went, or did? Especially considering Asuna mentioned Lisbeth losing her guild and never leaving her shop since.
"Asuna-san!" a familiar high pitched voice yelled.
Asuna twitched, her eyes narrowed, "What do you want! Why are you here?"
Sachi turned her head. She blinked, and felt a strange sensation of annoyance fill her upon seeing the man once again. Kuradeel, where had he even came from? She hadn't noticed the man until he was right in front of the two. All Sachi remembered was poor Asuna almost breaking down earlier because of him.
"Asuna-san, you've been gone for a full day and night," Kuradeel said deeply, holding his head high as he stared down the two females, "Come, we should return to the Knights of the Blood Oath HQ!"
Asuna gasped. Her amber eyes widened, and she let out a loud yelp when Kuradeel grabbed her wrist. He gave her tug, and almost began to drag her along, considering Asuna was much smaller then, however Sachi moved quickly.
"Kuradeel-san," Sachi said, gently taking Asuna's hand and pulling it free from the man's killer grip. Automatically Asuna moved closer to her, while holding her wrist with clenched teeth.
Kuradeel glared down at Sachi, "And what right do you have to get involved in this, White Arrow," he said in a low sneer.
Sachi gulped. She hadn't ever seen such an expression before, never seen it directed at her, "K-Kuradeel-san, I suggest you leave and n-never talk to A-Asuna-chan again," she said as sternly as possible, but her voice did in fact shake.
"Oh?" Kuradeel raised his eyebrows, "And little old you are going to prevent me from doing it?"
Asuna clenched her hands, "Kuradeel-you!" she hissed.
Sachi smiled, she held a hand up just as Asuna was about to let out even more words and shook her head, "Not me. But imagine what would happen if it got out that somebody was harassing Asuna-chan? The second in command of Knights of the Blood Oath? Imagine what Heathcliff would do? Would he kick you out of the guild for harassing young woman?" she asked.
Kuradeel's eyes widened before they narrowed into slits, "Are you threating me?"
"Of cause not," Sachi shook her head, "Just think it's rather…wrong to harass somebody like that. Asuna-chan doesn't like what you are doing, and have asked you stop more then once. You respect her orders. I understand you're her bodyguard, but you have stepped way out of line."
Asuna stepped forward, her lips twisted together, "Exactly. I'm ordering you back off, now Kuradeel! If you continue to harass me like this, I will go above your head!" she said darkly.
"You'll tell Heathcliff?" Kuradeel snorted, crossing his arms, "Haven't you already done that?"
Sachi inhaled sharply, and arched her back, "Perhaps she have, but maybe this time Asuna-chan will threaten leaving the guild? Who would Heathcliff-san want more? His second in command, or…?" she said.
Kuradeel's eyes twitched. He looked away for a few good seconds before he nodded, "Fine. An order is an order after all. I'll respect your order for now Asuna-san, but I am your bodyguard, next time you go on a request, I will be going too!" he huffed.
Asuna breathed deeply, "Fine. Just for now on, leave me alone outside of…requests," she winced and shook her head, "Unless I hear from Heathcliff himself, you are not to even approach me! Understand?"
"Of cause, Asuna-san," Kuradeel said.
With that Asuna nodded once more, "Now if you'll excuse me," she said with her eyes closed. She grabbed Sachi's hand and charged past the man.
Sachi awkwardly looked down as they walked past the man. Unaware of the look Kuradeel was giving poor Sachi as she walked away with Asuna, a look of something worrying. Soft eyes with interest and the sudden dark smirk gracing his lips, he let out a chuckle and disappeared too.
Once they was a good distant away, Asuna spun around with a laugh, "Oh my god!" she gasped out, "That was amazing! Sachi-chan! Did you see his face? He even agreed to stay away from me!"
Asuna jumped on Sachi, hugging her tightly, "Thank you so much! He's really going to leave me alone now!...hey? what's wrong?" she asked, leaning away and tilting her head.
Sachi's throat twitched with a familiar dryness. Her face was pale, and her legs almost buckled underneath her if Asuna didn't already have a good grip on her.
"I-I can't move," Sachi mumbled.
Asuna hummed, "My-my, you was so brave a moment ago," she said, "Okay, come on."
Sachi let out a low whimper. She couldn't be she just did that. She had never done that before, threated somebody like that! She felt so guilty, and so afraid all of a sudden. She didn't realize her heart was racing so painfully. She was barely aware of Asuna guiding her away with her hand on the small of her back.
It was only when they came to the familiar door of the black smith, did Sachi let out a shaky breath. She looked up at the store to find the sign reading 'open'. She blinked at it, and glanced at Asuna. The other girl let out a sigh of relief, and barged in without knocking or anything.
"Lisbeth!" Asuna cried, "I was so worried something had happened!"
Sachi trailed into the store. The store itself was massive, a lot bigger then it looked like on the outside. There was all sort of weapons lining the walls with different martial hanging up or stacked up. There was a wooden counter with a cute girl about her age standing behind it.
Asuna jumped at her, she had wrapped her arms tightly around the girl, "Lisbeth! Where was you? I came her yesterday but the store was closed!"
The girl chuckled, patting her on the back meekly, "I'm fine!" she smiled, "I…well I had this ridiculous costumer!"
Asuna pulled back and frowned, "What costumer? Did they hurt you?" she growled, grabbing her sword.
Lisbeth shook her head, her pink eyes becoming wide, "What! No! He helped me!" she said, "Aw! You care so much for little old me?"
"Not funny Lisbeth," Asuna snorted.
Lisbeth laughed joyfully. She tilted her head, before she noticed Sachi, "Ah! A new costumer? What can I do for yah? I'm Lisbeth! The best damn blacksmith around!"
Sachi smiled, she let out a soft chuckle as she shoveled up next to Asuna, "I-I'm actually Asuna-chan's friend," she said shyly.
"Why are you getting shy?" Asuna asked, placing a hand onto Sachi's shoulder, "I brought her over here as you have the best swords Lisbeth! Sachi-chan here never had one before! We're trying to get her sword-skill high!"
Lisbeth's eyes widened in shock, "What do you mean you've never had a sword? What do you use to fight? Wait, what level are you?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at Sachi.
Sachi sheepishly looked down. She placed with her fingers and shrugged, "U-Um, yeah…I've never used a s-sword before. I used a, um, spear once…oh, um, I-I'm level 70."
"Level 70?" Lisbeth gasped, putting a hand to her head, "And never used a sword?"
Asuna snorted with a laugh, "That's because Sachi-chan here is the White Arrow," she winked.
Lisbeth stared at Sachi, her mouth opening in surprise, "Seriously? The White Arrow? Whoa! First the Black Swordsman, and now the White Arrow! What a day!"
"Black Swordsman?" Asuna repeated, crossing her arms, "That jerk came here?"
'Kirito?' she thought. Sachi blinked. She looked between the two woman.
Lisbeth flushed, and poked her cheek, "Well, he came in yesterday. He was looking for a new sword…broke my best sword," she grumbled with a huff, "In the end I vowed to make the best damn sword ever! We went to defeat the crystal eating dragon to make the sword!"
"I created the Dark Repulser," she said softly with a dreamy smile gracing her lips, "He promised that I would be his personal blacksmith for now on."
Asuna made a loud sound. Her arms was still crossed and she leant in towards Lisbeth with narrowed eyes, "Don't tell me you fell for him? He's a jerk, always saying he is a sole player! Never works with me on the frontlines, and always makes comments on how I fight," she grumbled, "He's a jerk. A real annoying one."
Lisbeth sighed softly. She looked down and shook her head, "Well, that doesn't matter."
"What's wrong?" Asuna asked, blinking in worry.
The pink haired girl sighed deeply, and scratched the back of her head, "Well…I did…I guess I did fall for him," she said with a sheepish laugh, "But when I confessed he rejected me."
Sachi blinked once more. She tilted her head while looking at the shorter girl in surprise. Kirito had rejected her? Why?
"What?" Asuna gasped, "Why? You're amazing Lisbeth."
Lisbeth smiled bashfully, "He said that he already had feelings for somebody else and didn't want to string me along…maybe in another life we could have," she said and closed her eyes, a hand going to her chest, "But he promised to always come see me when he needs to upgrade his weapons. That I'm his personal blacksmith, and that we'll stay friends."
Sachi hummed quietly. She put a hand to her chin, Kirito had feelings for somebody else? She wondered who. Whenever they were together, he never mentioned doing quests with other people. The only other person she knew he saw every now and then was Silica, or the people on the front lines like Asuna.
Who did he like? Well it wasn't her business.
"Well, forget that jerk," Asuna said, "Who would even want to spend time with him? All he does is sulk."
Lisbeth laughed, "He's actually really sweet. Really kind and nice, maybe you should give him a chance," she said with a shrug.
Asuna snorted once again, "Anyway! Going back to the our topic! Sachi-chan, here needs a sword Lisbeth! So we came to you!"
Sachi jumped. She wasn't expecting to suddenly be brought into the conversation. She smiled weakly, and tilted her head, "Ah, stop right there Asuna-chan. I apologize Lisbeth-san, but I don't have money to afford a sword and I don't have time accept another request," she said, giving Asuna a look.
"Well?" Lisbeth began, "What do you have? Maybe we can do a trade?"
"A-A trade?" Sachi said, tilting her head.
Lisbeth nodded, "Yeah, I'm not against a good trade? So, what do you have, Miss White Arrow?" she grinned, putting her hands onto her hips.
Sachi opened her storage, her eyes moving through what she had, "Um…w-well nothing really I'm afraid. I-I like to cook, so I make all sorts of herbs and such…nothing special…" she said, sheepishly smiling as she recalled Kirito telling her that maybe she should sell them.
Lisbeth but a hand to her chin, "Cooking huh? What kind of herbs to you have? Oh! Do you by any chance have something like tomato ketchup? I miss it so much, and the bottles Asuna brings me aren't the same," she sighed.
"Well excuse me," Asuna said, but laughed at Lisbeth's expression.
Sachi blinked thoughtfully, "Well," she began, taking out a red bottle and holding out, "I have this? It's n-not that great, but…I think it t-tastes like ketchup."
Taking the bottle, Lisbeth eagerly opened the lid and dipped her finger into the red liquid. She peered down at it, sniffing it before plopping it into her mouth. Within seconds her face turned a bright pink colour, the same shade of her hair and her eyes began to sparkle. Her shoulders hunched up as she made a loud squeal.
"This tastes great!" she let out, "It's a deal!"
Asuna gasped, "Let me try some of that."
Lisbeth pulled it out of her reach with a pout, "No way! It's mine!"
