Sword Art Online: Akira's Arrows

Episode 6: The Sword Dance of Black and White

Kirito

October 18th, 2024. Floor 50: Algade

"A… A ragout rabbit?!" Agil said, actually shaking at the sight of the rabbit I was showing him. I couldn't blame him; I had the same reaction. The merchant looked at me wide eyed. "How in the world did you find and S class ingredient, it's the first time I've ever seen one?!"

I shrugged, scratching my cheek. "I found it in the woods on the way back from 74s dungeon. I'd never seen anything like it either."

Agil shook his head, still stunned. "Well… don't you already have all the money you need? I mean I'll buy it, but wouldn't you rather cook it?"

A small pang went through my chest. I did know a way to get the rabbit cooked, but I had only seen Asuna sparingly in the last two months. To make matters worse after the raid against Laughing Coffin, Akira had been roped back into the Knights of the Blood. I saw him more often then Asuna, the reason being it was like Akira was purposely disobeying the guilds orders. A few times within the last few weeks he'd come out hunting and level grinding with me, and I relished those hours, but overall, the two of us and Asuna hadn't been able to party up since the raid itself.

Now and then I'd get dinner or lunch with Akira, and I'd talk to Asuna when I could, but I'd still been going mainly solo the previous two months. I missed them… but I was starting to think it was better this way. The less we were together, the less chance I had to make a stupid mistake to get them killed like I had the last group of friends I had.

"I can't," I sighed, leaning against Agil's counter. "You need a high enough cooking skill to make it edible."

"You're right, we'd just burn it," Agil sighed, looking back up at me. "Don't you know anyone who can?"

I bit the inside of my digital cheek and was about to answer, when bickering voices cut me off.

"Akira-kun! I told you, you can't just ditch your bodyguard," The first familiar voice said, Agil and I both turning to the door before it went on. "It's guild policy now!"

I tried to stop myself from smiling but I couldn't, as I saw Akira's infamous eye roll as he came through the door. He wore a Knights of the Blood uniform, but his black cloak was still slung over his shoulders. As always, The Black Bow of Fate was slung over his shoulder, matching the cloak in color. I saw he also had The Sword of Takis back at his waist, the hilt inlayed with gold lining contrasting the back, Liz had been upgrading it for him as much as she could the last two months. I had been keeping up training him when I could, and while he probably wasn't close to me yet, or Asuna, he could hold his own without his bow now.

I had only seen him for lunch a few days ago, but still it was relieving for me to see him walk through the door, it reminded me that he existed as crazy as it sounded. However, as much as I loved him, seeing Asuna walk in behind him is what I was even more thankful for. While Akira and I hung out and saw each other every other day, I could count on one hand how many times I'd seen Asuna outside of boss raids the last two months. Her and Akira spent even more time together, since they were both vice commanders now.

Lucky bastard… I couldn't stop myself from thinking, before shaking the thought from my head. What confused me though, was the tall pale guy who followed in after them both, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.

Akira gave his eye roll and met Asuna's glare. "I told Heathcliff I don't need a babysitter. I don't need someone following me around all day."

"But it's policy now, and you've already been told about the uniform rule!" Asuna argued back with a sigh. "I don't agree with it either, but we have to follow orders, are you trying to get kicked out of the guild?!"

"Do you really want me to answer that Asuna?"

Asuna looked like she was about to say something else but shook her head. "No, you're right don't answer that. Honestly Akira-kun, we-."

"Looks like I found my chef," I said, cutting her off, the excitement getting the better of me, I even grabbed onto her hand with both of mine.

She turned, stammering, but with a small smile. "Kirito-kun…"

I saw Akira wink at me, which only made me get redder than I already was. However, when I saw the guy who'd followed them in-who I surmised was Asuna's bodyguard- narrow his eyes at me, I hastily chuckled and let go of her hand.

"I mean hey! Asuna, you're here," I said, laughing as I try to will the heat out of my face. Like I normally did I turned to Akira for support. "And Akira! Ha you… you're here too!"

"Kirito you gotta help me," He said, smiling and holding out his fist for our handshake. "Asuna's pretending to be my mother again- OW HEY!"

"Because you need it before you get yourself killed you idiot!" She scolded, yanking his ear back after Akira and I had finished her handshake.

"Owowowow okay I'm sorry!" He pleaded, rubbing his ear after Asuna finally huffed and let go of it.

I laughed at them both, before trying to recompose myself as Asuna looked at me. "Ha, some things never change. Ha… seeing you two in a dump like this sure it weird!"

Akira cackled, and I could hear Agil humph-annoyed and probably offended- behind me.

Asuna scoffed, a pouting look on her face. "Oh save it! For your information it's almost time for the next boss raid, I just wanted to see if you were alive!"

"Liar," Akira said.

Asuna glared at him, which made me laugh, as I finally found myself able to form words.

"Ha, I just saw Akira a few days ago, he could have told you," I said, seeing him laugh next to her. "And I'm on your friends list, you could have just checked that if you wanted to see I was alive."

She turned and rolled her eyes. "Oh, save it. Well, now I know you're alive… but now what's this you were saying about a chef?"

"Oh, um… well," I said, feeling nervous again, but then I saw a look in Akira's eyes that clearly said calm down, and I went on. "I was just wondering what your cooking skill was."

A very satisfied smirk came to her face. "Mhm… I totally maxed it out last week!"

"And it is worth it, let me tell you," Akira said, leaning next to me against Agil's counter, he turned to Asuna. "Speaking of what're we having tonight?"

I answer for him. "Ha, well if she's that good," I said turning to Asuna and pulling up my window. "I need a favor."

I showed her the item on my screen. Akira got up and looked with her, and both their eyes went wide, stunned.

"You… you got a ragout rabbit?!" Asuna said, her eyes shooting back up to me.

Akira scoffed and shook his head. "The one day I couldn't go leveling with you…"

I nodded. "Yeah, and if you cook it up for me Asuna, I'll let you and Akira have a little bite- Huh?!"

She reached up and grabbed my coats collar and narrowed her eyes at me. "Half… deal?"

"I hope you mean a third," Akira chimed in.

I gulped; Akira told me you didn't disagree with Asuna when she had that look in her eyes. Besides, I could think of much wore things then having dinner with the two of them again.

"O…okay, deal," I said nervously.

"Haha, alright!" Asuna said, a cute smile coming back to her as she pumped her fist in the air.

I couldn't help but just look at her… she really was pretty.

"That was smooth nice job," Akira whispered, a hand on my shoulder. "You got this in the bag I'll be your wingman."

"Huh?!" I said, looking at him before he started laughing and making his way towards the door. Sighing, I turned back to Agil with a smile. "Sorry man, you heard the lady, looks like I'm keeping it."

Agil gaped. "But… but hey you'll still let me try it right?! Come on man, I thought we were tight!"

"I'll write you a review, but no more than two pages, see ya!" I told him, waving as I walked out after Akira.

"Damn… that's cold," I heard him say, as Asuna and I made out way back out to the street.

I walked out to the crowded streets of Algade with Asuna behind me, to see Akira stretching and yawning in the street already. He went through his inventory, and pressed a few buttons and a few seconds later, his Knights of the Blood armor was gone, replaced by the familiar black and brown leather armor I'd see him wear for the entire time I'd known him. The smile on his face as he did was massive.

"Ahhh that's better," He said, turning to walk with us and stretching his arms. "Honestly, I don't know why the uniforms need to be so flashy. I'm starting to warm up to black being my color."

"Akira-kun…" Asuna sighed, before a tiny smile came to her face when looking at me. "So, where am I cooking this thing?"

My eyes widened. "Oh well… um… I'm not sure, Akira? What about your place?"

Akira scoffed, his hands up behind his head. "Ha, my place is no good, I only got a tiny room I'm renting in Grandzam. Never saw the point in investing in a big house."

"That's because you sleep on my couch most nights," Asuna said with an eye roll.

"Hey you never complain!" Akira shot back, looking at Kirito. "Speaking of Asuna's place, that'll probably be best."

"Yeah, I bet you don't even have cookware, do you Kirito-kun?" She asked me.

I stammered, nervous again. "Oh um… well… no…"

Asuna chuckled and stepped between Akira and me. "Ha, well since the ingredients special just this one time I suppose we can all have it at my place, how's that sound?"

"Sounds great!" Akira said, stepping in front of us both, and reaching out to pat our shoulders with a cheeky smile. "I'm sure you two will have a great time, be sure to let me know how it tastes after you're done!"

My heart jumped to my throat, and I spoke sounding much more nervous than I had intended. "Wh… what?! Akira, you can come with us. You can have some I really don't mind!"

"Yeah, why don't you wanna come?" Asuna said, but I could see something in her eyes, a sort of… was that relief? She met Akira's eyes again. "You're over almost every night anyway."

Akira chuckled and patted our shoulders. "Well you see my dear friends, I would never dare to intrude on dinner between the two of you. Besides I am very busy tonight, so you two have fun!"

He's lying… I can tell, but why's he leaving us? I thought, looking at Asuna, who was still smiling at Akira, looking almost thankful.

She turned to me and shrugged. "Oh well, I guess it's just you and me Kirito-kun. We should get going right?"

"I… I… I mean well," I stammered, trying to find words. "I mean Akira do… are you-."

"Kirito is all ready to go Asuna!" Akira said, smacking me in the back before whispering. "Don't mess this up."

I gulped and nodded. "Yes, sure, let's go!"

Asuna smiled and nodded herself, before turning to the bodyguard behind us. "Thank you for your help today. You may go now."

I smiled, ready to leave with the two of them, but the man stepped forward.

"Ma'am I'm sorry but I can't allow you to go home with another shady character," He said, narrowing his eyes at me and then at Akira. "It's already dangerous enough one hangs around you all day."

"You're taking your job too seriously again Kuradeel," Akira snapped back, his eye narrowing towards the man. "You heard your Vice Commander."

Asuna nodded, holding her hand towards me. "I don't know the extent of his shady-ness, but I know he's quite skilled. He's even ten levels above you Kuradeel."

The man scoffed. "Are you implying that I'm inferior to him?!"

"Not an implication if it's true," Akira said, his eyes dangerously narrowing.

Kuradeel the bodyguard's teeth grinded. "I've had enough of your insubordination; I will be informing the commander Akira."

"Please do," Akira said with an eye roll. "Maybe then he'll finally kick me out. It'd let me go back to leveling with Kirito, who again, is much stronger than you."

The man's eyes went back to me. "I know he's one of those beaters, isn't he?!"

I felt a shot of heat run up my throat as I stepped forward now. "Yeah… you got a problem with that?"

Kuradeel's eyes widened, and he looked to Asuna. "You shouldn't go with him ma'am! His kind care about nothing but themselves. Nothing good will come with hanging around scum like him!"

A crowd had started gathering, and I could feel my anger ready to get the best of me. I wouldn't forget that first floor raid, I had brought this reputation on myself to help the other beta-testers, but times like this made me regret that choice sometimes. Still, I saw Akira dangerous step forward again. The crowd murmured. I ignored the words I heard, as I watched Akira step towards Kuradeel.

"You wanna know the best thing about still being a vice-commander somehow?" He said, his eyes not leaving Kuradeel's. "Is that I can tell uptight pricks like you to shut up. Now Asuna gave you an order, your vice-commander gave you an order, do you need her to repeat it? She's my superior and let me tell you, she hates repeating herself."

"He's right Kuradeel, I do hate repeating myself," Asuna said, stepping up from me and casting one of her shattering glares at Kuradeel. "I'll tell you one more time. I am second-in-command here. Go home, now. Akira, Kirito-kun."

She turned and grabbed my hand giving me no chance to argue. Akira followed her, as she dragged me down the street after her.

"Prick…" Akira muttered, before turning to me with a small smirk. "You have fun now Kirito, just remember not to put your boots on Asuna's couch, she hates that."

"Yes, don't be a jerk and do it on purpose like Akira-kun," Asuna said, till holding onto my wrist.

I sighed and looked at her. "Are… you sure about this?"

"I am, now let's go!" She said, trying to put her smile back on, as we left Kuradeel and the crowd in the dust.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

Akira

"Ahahahaha! Oh god," Argo laughed, downing what was left in her mug, before slamming it back to the table and meeting my eyes. "Do it again Akiri-boy, show me the look he had when you left him at her house alone!"

"Okay, okay," I said, chuckling myself as I tried my best to re-create Kirito's dumbfounded look as I left him at Asuna's. "He didn't even say anything! Just stammered and followed after her inside."

We both laughed together, Argo's head flew back, and she almost choked. My face was extremely accurate to how Kirito really looked when I had left him and Asuna. A small part of me was upset I wasn't going to get a chance to taste some S rank food, especially since it was Asuna cooking it up. I had all intentions on going when I heard about it… but I knew both Asuna and Kirito too well. I knew they both wanted to spend time together. They wouldn't have minded if I went, they would have welcomed it, but they simply needed time alone, since both seemed to be denser then a boulder. It had been almost two years in Aincrad, I was getting tired of waiting on them to get together, so I decided to try and expedite the process this way.

How they were both so stubborn, and dense to realize they were falling in love with each other, I couldn't say. I knew for certain if I ever did find love like I had with Kya again, I would recognize it, whether I'd be ready for it… that was another story.

So, while I was missing out on good food, I could live with it if it meant them growing closer. I also know they'll probably plan to party up and invite me anyway.

I smiled and looked at Argo across from me who was wiping the laughing tears from her eyes, the smile growing, and… I could think of worse company.

Argo laughed and met my eyes with a smile. "Ohoho… I wish I could have seen it. Still, the two had something after that first-floor boss raid. It's nice seeing them together, they'll work out, I know it."

"Yeah, I think so too," I said, pouring the pitcher of ale into both our cups again. I held mine up to hers and smiled. "But enough about them, we haven't seen each other in weeks!"

"Ha, and I've certainly missed you… Akira," She said with a smile, her brown eyes warm in the inns firelight, her curly golden-blonde hair spilling to her shoulders. "I feel kinda bad though, you turned down a meal with an S-rank ingredient tonight."

We tapped our mugs together and drank. An NPC bard played some pleasant music which drifted over the sounds of other players conversations.

I finished drinking and shrugged. "Eh, I'll get over easy enough, besides, who needs an S rank meal when I have such excellent company tonight?"

Argo scoffed, a smirk on her face. "Ha, you better not be coming onto me now Akiri-boy."

I laughed and held up my hands. "Ha, no worries I'm not. But… I do mean it. Thanks for everything Argo, we wouldn't have found Laughing Coffins base if not for you."

She tried to look away for me, and a very… un-Argo like looked fell on her face. Is she… blushing? No, I have to be crazy.

The look disappeared in a minute, and she was able to look at me again, her normal mischievous smile coming back to her. I knew who Argo really was deep down, outside of Kirito and Asuna, she really was the person I felt closest to in this world, and she wasn't even very far behind them. I'd have spent more time with her if not for her running her information and messenger business.

"Ha… it… it was nothing," She said with a dismissive wave, before her eyes glew looking at me. "But more importantly, we should talk about what you did! Everyone was talking about, how you took down the one leading them, beat him down with just your bow!"

"I'm surprised you didn't write a story about it," I said, drinking again.

Argo chuckled. "Ha, I would have but… I wasn't going to do it without asking you first."

"That's never stopped you before."

"Yeah but… but…" she said, that un-Argo like look coming back, "you're different, Akiri-boy. If there's anyone where I'd absolutely lose it if they died well… it'd be you."

My face got hot, and I realized I hadn't been seeing things earlier. A hard thump rang through my chest, I almost got nervous, started stuttering… but in the end I could only smile. In the end, it was still Argo.

"I feel the same way about you Argo, thank you," I said, meeting her eyes and keeping my smile. "For everything, not just the information. I don't know what I would have done without you. If you ever need anything, you just need to ask."

"Ha… anything huh?" She said tentatively.

I nodded with finality. "Yup, anything."

"Okay…" She said, her normal smile starting to return as she pondered for a moment. Finally, she snapped and leaned forward on the table. "Tell me something about yourself!"

This time I did stammer. "Huh? M… myself? Well, um… oh, this one time, I think it was back on floor 27, Kya and I we had to leave Aki back-."

"No, no," Argo said, and I noticed that she'd started leaning closer across the table, her smile only growing. "I mean about you Akiri-boy. Something you know… from the real world. I know people don't talk about it but… well you did say anything. Besides, K-chan told me a bunch of stuff back when we beta-tested, we even had plans to meet up on the other side."

I managed to laugh, despite my face heating up. Argo smiled at me, and… well I was reminding that she was Kya's friend before she was mine. Also, that she was really pretty, when she had her hood down her hair combed like it was. I loved Kirito and Asuna, but I found myself… really happy I'd decided to go see her that night.

Chuckling I racked my brain. I was realizing that despite the fact we'd been friends for so long, I never really told her anything, I never told anyone anything about myself in the outside world besides Kirito and Asuna. I wouldn't talk about… bigger things, but I found myself remembering all the little things I liked to do. All my old interests, what books I liked to read, sports I liked playing, even some of my old favorite manga and anime that Aki always made me watch with her.

"Ha… okay," I told her, and to my shock, she got up off her seat, and joined me on the bench I was sitting on… and i found I was okay with that. I smiled at her and went on. "Well, did Kya ever tell you this, I'm actually a fantastic dancer of all things."

Argo threw her head back and laughed. "HA, you a dancer? I never took you for one Akiri-boy."

"It's true," I said, smiling at the memory. "It was one of Kya's older cousins who was getting married, and she was insistent me and her learn how to dance the right way, so we took classes together. You turn on any kind of music, I can dance to it."

"Haha, it's too bad the music in Aincrad got old after oh, a year and a half," She said, casting a glance over to the NPC bard. "You'd think if that madman was gonna trap us here, he'd at least put an update with new songs in here!"

We both laughed, and it'd been a while since I had so much. Around us, I could see it was getting late, mostly NPCs remained, most players going up to their rooms. I looked at the time, and saw it was almost eleven, I normally went to bed around then.

But, when I saw Argo there still laughing, I smiled and she did the same, holding up her cup. I didn't need her to say anything, before I grabbed the pitcher and filled both of ours up again.

"Something else I did a lot of," I said, finished and tapping my cup against hers again, "was read manga actually… ha, and watch anime. Aki was obsessed with, we… we'd always have one set night a week to just watch anime together."

"No kidding! I actually draw manga," She said, her eyes getting wider, excitement filling her eyes. "I also used to write for a newspaper at my school, I wrote manga reviews and recs for one section, but I always loved drawing it too, what was your favorite?"

"Aki and I obsessed over Demon Slayer," I said, remembering that day in the woods with a smile on my face. "She loved Attack on Titan, even though I was never too hot on it."

"What?! You didn't like Attack on Titan?!" Argo said, an amazed look in her eyes.

"Or One Piece… sorry, I know that's like a crime."

"I can't accept this!" She said, her finger poking my chest as she smirked. "You are watching them both again when we get out of here!"

I scoffed. "Argo, One Piece had over a thousand episodes, it's exhausting."

"That's because you've never had someone like me who can explain the intricate details and nuances of the plot," She said, smirking madly as she drank. "You're going to watch it again when we get out of here!"

"Ha… maybe we will," I said, smiling, before I watched her put down the mug and yawn while stretching back her arms. "Tired already?"

She finished yawning and nodded. "Ha, you could say that, I had a lot of messages to run today, been up since the crack of dawn."

"I'm sorry I kept you so long," I told her, pulling out the col we needed to pay for our drinks and the food we'd eaten. "It's all on me, my treat."

"Aren't you just the sweetest Akiri-boy," She said, yawning again, as I got up and offered her a hand to help. She took it, smiling as she did. "So, still just staying at whatever inn's on the highest floor?"

"Yeah," I said, letting a yawn escape me now. "I spent a lot of nights on Asuna's couch, so I don't really see a point in spending money on a place. Besides, I like to be close to the front lines at all times. How about you? Still got that place in Algade?"

I noticed her hands were behind her back. She only had on a brown cloak, and her casual outfit, a pair of long pants, boots, and comfy looking sweater. Her hair like I noticed earlier, had been brushed and washed, it still practically glowed in the firelight of that inn, and her brown eyes were incredibly warm. She couldn't meet my eye for a minute, and that made my face get hotter.

"Yeah… I am," She said, finally letting out a sigh and meeting my eyes. "Hey… Akira? I… I just wanted to say… well… thanks, to you too."

"Ha, you're welcome, Argo," I said with a wide smile. "But um… what are you saying thank you for?"

She sighed and gave my arm a light punch. "Well… for just being my friend Akiri-boy. I don't have many well… real ones. Most think I'm out to scam them, or take all their col."

I chuckled. "Isn't that true to a degree?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "You know how I really am. You well… you're one of the only people who have gotten to know the real me. Not just use me for information broking."

"Of course, Argo, you were one of Kya's friends," I told her, my hand going to hold on her shoulder, which made her face redder as she looked up at me. "And you're one of mine. Argo, you're one of the reasons I want to clear this game, so that you can get your life back!"

She let out a small chuckled, and hesitantly she reached and placed her hand over mine. "I… I don't know what to say… thanks Akiri-… no, thank you… Akira."

Gahhh… I wish it were different right now Argo… then… then maybe, I thought, still managing to smile. I could see the blush on her face, the thankfulness in her words, but… it was still too soon, and I didn't relish the idea of having someone else end up like Kya. Of course I would be devastated if Argo died now, but if what we had went any further then what we already had… I didn't know how I could do it.

But still… in the end, it was Argo. I squeezed her hand and smiled. "You're welcome, Argo… let's do this again sometime. Maybe Asuna and Kirito can-."

"Wait!" She said, grabbing my wrist as I went to take a step back. Her eyes looked up and met mine, a hint of embarrassment in them. "A…Akira, can I… ask you for one more thing?"

"Of course," I said, trying to ignore the feeling of her hand holding my wrist. "I meant it when I said anything I can do for you I will."

She let out a slow breath and bit her lip. "I… I was wondering if… if I could… spend… spend the night with you, just tonight."

That… wasn't what I was expecting, I thought, my face probably beat red, as this time I did stammer like a fool.

"A… Argo, well I… it means a lot it does that… well you'd ask," I said, shaking my head as I sighed. "But I… I just can't have a relationship like that with someone now. If… things were different maybe, but even if we were to… to just-. OW!"

She punched my arm and got redder than I was. "I… I didn't mean it like that idiot! I… guess it's my fault for wording it like that."

I breathed out in relief. "Oh… well… that… that's… good?"

"Good?!" She said, narrowing her eyes at me. "What're you saying Akiri-boy are you that relieved I wasn't asking to sleep with you?!"

"What?! No!" I said, holding up my hands in surrender. "I… I just meant well… well I don't think it's impossible for me to be ready for something like that again, it… it's just now I… well I-."

She sighed and cut me off, grabbing my wrist again. "Relax… I know what you mean. I'm sorry… let me explain. I… I just want to well… sleep in the same bed with you, you know… be next to someone again. I've… slept alone for two years now. I… I just want to well… be next to someone I know cares about me again. Just to help remind myself that… that one day maybe I'll get to do it with someone on the other side."

Her eyes went up to mine and she smiled. "I don't really do… relationships, even back in the real world. I prob won't for a while even when I go back but… I… I do like you Akiri-boy, I hate that I do, but it's true. In…in case I die here, I wanna know what it's like to be next to someone I feel that for, at least for a night, I… don't wanna do anything, just be next to you. Am… am I making any sense?"

"Yeah… yeah you are… I know how you feel," I said, my entire body starting to feel suddenly very cold, remembering my own sleepless nights in the nine months since Kya died. I shook my head as I looked down at her. "It's… even worse after you had someone to spend the nights with for so long…"

"Then… what do you say? Akiri-boy… one-time thing I promise," She said, a small laugh leaving her. "Ha… the idea can't be that repulsing, can it?"

I smiled… if I could do something as little as this to make a friend I treasured smile, I would.

"It's not repulsing at all… Argo. You won't die, I'll make sure, but… I kinda like the idea," I told her, smiling as our eyes met again. "But… first, can I…. can I ask you something?"

"Yeah… what is it?" She said, her voice soft.

I felt my smile grow. "What… what's your name? Your real name."

Her eyes widened, she seemed taken aback, but smiled. "Ha… you know, I almost forgot myself. I know people don't exchange them really but… but for you well… it's Hosaka Karina Tomo."

"Hosaka… ha, that's a pretty name," I said, meeting her smile with my own and holding out my hand for her. "It's nice to meet you, Hosaka-chan. I'm Akira Miller."

She looked at my hand blushing, before shaking it. "Ha… it's nice to meet you too, Akira Miller… I look forward to watching anime with you one day."

I laughed. "HA, so do I… come on, I'm exhausted, aren't you?"

"Yeah… I am," She said, walking past me towards the steps to the rooms. "I can tell you a little bit more about One Piece before we get to bed."

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"You really don't like One Piece?!" Kirito said, his mouth hanging open. "Dude, are you insane?!"

"Demon Slayer is 10000% better," I said firmly, yawning as I leaned against the wall that he sat on. "Better animation, characters are easier for me to connect too, and it doesn't have you know 1000 damn episodes. I'm sorry I don't enjoy filler arcs."

Kirito scoffed and shook his head. "Remind me never to go to an anime convention with you. You'll get grilled talking like that. I mean even my sister likes One Piece!"

Yawning again I shook my head and fiddled with my cloak. "Whatever you say…. God I'm tired, I wouldn't have even seen Asuna's message this early if Argo hadn't accidentally scratched my leg it, the middle of the night."

Despite it being so late, Argo had insisted on trying to convince me to watch One Piece again for a good half-hour before we'd finally fallen asleep. Like she said… we hadn't done anything. We just… fell asleep, her arms had been wrapped around one of mine, her head on my shoulder, and surprisingly it was one of the best night sleeps I'd had in a long time. I didn't think it would lead to anything at least in Aincrad… maybe not on the outside either. When this game ended, and I did go back, I had no idea how I'd feel.

I also didn't know for certain if I'd be alive to see it. I'd do everything I could of course, but it was the truth.

Argo… no, Hosaka, she doesn't deserve indecisiveness, I thought. It would be some time before I was ready for that again… if I ever was.

"So… uh… you and Argo?" Kirito said, looking over at me with a nervous smile. "So you two… you really well… you know… did you really not-."

"No! Nothing happened," I said, my face getting red before I sighed. "We just… both wanted to spend the night with someone. Speaking of nights with a girl, I'm glad to see you and Asuna's went well! She's one heck of a chef, didn't I tell you?"

His face got red, and I smirked, but also was relieved to move onto a different topic. I knew where I stood with Argo, and she knew as well. What I wanted to know more, was if my plan of turning down an Asuna-cooked S class meal had finally gotten my two rock headed friends to see their feelings for each other.

The message I got from Asuna about an hour prior saying, Message from Asuna: You, me and Kirito are going to party up and take on the Dungeon on Floor 74, meet up with us at the teleport gate. He convinced me maybe I do need a day off from the guild.

"It… it was really, really good," Kirito said, smiling with his arms crossed. A fond look came to his face. "S rank food… I never thought I'd taste something so good here."

"Yeah that's great and all but that's not what I wanna know about," I said, scooting closer and tossing my arm around his shoulder which almost made him fall. "I wanna hear about you and Asuna! Come on, please tell me you finally made a move, come onnnn Kirito!"

"Huh?!" He said, trying to wriggle out of my grip. "What are you talking about a 'move'?! We… we just talked and ate and… and well…."

"And….?" I said, as he ran out from under my arm. I laughed as he did. "Come on tell me! What did you talk about? You'd need to be able to sell snow to a snowman to convince Asuna to take a day off from the guild."

It was the truth. Ever since we hit Floor 70, it had taken the last two months to make it up only four floors. That was the assault teams' slowest rate since the early floors, and with the numbers dwindling, even with my addition to the Knights of the Blood Oath, people were getting worried about the stalled progress.

Asuna was one of those people, and she'd been working herself into the ground. I'd tried to convince her she needed a break, but when Asuna put her mind to something you couldn't change her mind. I was glad Kirito seemed to prove just as stubborn. The two really were made for each other.

"We just talked!" Kirito said, waving his hands and back away from me, as I followed him towards the center of the plaza with the floors teleport gate. "That was it! She… she told me how some people have been giving her a bit of a hard time well… for being so strict with the rules and focusing so hard on clearing the game.

I sighed and nodded, plucking the string from my bow. "Yeah… that sounds like Asuna. She's honestly our best hope…. But are you sure that's all you both did?"

"Yes!" He exclaimed, his face beat red.

"Damn… I was hoping one of you'd finally make a move," I muttered, tossing up my hands and smiling. "Oh well, she asked you to party up, that's a good start. We'll map a good bit of the dungeon today, and then go get dinner. Hopefully we'll be able to stay partied up for a few days at least."

"Yeah…" He said with a sigh as he rubbed his head. "That's if she even shows up… "

I rolled my eyes at him. "Oh come on, she'll be here. Asuna would never-."

"AHHHHHHHH!" A voice screamed as the portal flashed.

I leapt out of the way, as someone fell, and Kirito got fallen onto. "GAHHHHH!"

After a small cloud of dust settled, I moved my hands and sighed when I saw who it had been that fell out of the portal screaming.

"Jeez Asuna, you sure know how to make an entrance," I said, dusting off the dirt that had gotten on my armor. Asuna had fallen face first on top of Kirito and I laughed. "Ha, well, well, well I gotta admit I didn't think you'd both-."

"AHHHHHHHH!" Asuna yelled again, her hand glowing purple.

My eyes widened with Kirito's, but thankfully I leapt out of the way of his body flying backwards. "GAHHHHHHHHHH!"

I watched as smashed into a cart, and I shot around back to Asuna. "What the hell Asuna, what are you… oh… OH…"

It wasn't hard to piece together what happened in my head when I saw Asuna's face beat red, her hands covered protectively over her chest. Sighing, I rushed over to where Kirito was groaning and trying to get to his feet.

I reached down and grabbed under his arm to pull him up. "Kirito, dude, I didn't think I'd have to tell you the 'coping a feel' stage doesn't come till much later in the process."

"Shut up it was an accident!" He hissed at me, before laughing nervously and looking over towards Asuna. "Ha… h…hey Asuna! Um… good to see you again and-."

Asuna didn't say anything, only rushing up and behind the both of us, just as the teleport gate opened and shined again. I looked behind us, and I saw Asuna had latched herself onto Kirito's arm. She seemed absolutely terrified, like she'd seen a ghost. It was very un-Asuna like.

My question as to what could get her like that was answered when I turned back to the portal.

"You…" I hissed, taking a step forward. "What the hell is the meaning of this Kuradeel?!"

Kuradeel spotted Asuna standing behind me and scoffed. "I don't believe that's any of your business Akira I-."

"Vice Commander," I said with finality.

He looked at me perplexed. "Wh…what?!"

"Vice Commander," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. "You'll address me as Sir, or Vice Commander, I am your superior after all."

"But never even-GAH!" He said frustrated, looking over at Asuna. "I don't understand why you are behaving like that ma'am I was just following orders. Now please, let's return to headquarters and-."

"I won't, especially not with you!" She hissed back, still holding onto Kirito's shoulder. "And why the hell were you lurking around my house in the morning huh?!"

"You were what?!" I said, turning to glare at the man, my own anger rising. "What the hell is your problem you freak?"

Kuradeel grinded his teeth. "You have a bad habit of running off without any warning, so part of my mission for the last month has been to keep an eye on you in Selmburg."

"What?! No it wasn't, who ordered that?!" Asuna said, still seeming a little shaken. "I know it wasn't the commander!"

I couldn't blame her for being afraid, if I'd found someone leering and stalking me outside my house, I'd have been the same way. My eyes went back to Kuradeel, I knew for a fact that Heathcliff was a lot of things, but a creep wasn't one of them, there's no way he'd give an order like that.

My stomach churned, I knew what was going on, it'd happened before with some of my female friends, not just Asuna. The number of guys I had to deal with that had been glaring or had eyes lingering on Kya when she was alive, was too many to count. The worst was when I found one creep stalking Aki's door at an inn we'd been staying at. That was the first time I almost killed someone in this game.

"Unbelievable," I said, stepping in front of Kirito and Asuna in as Kuradeel walked closer towards us. "I'm going to give you exactly thirty seconds Kuradeel, to leave. If you don't, I'm going to beat you senseless, and then I can drag you to Heathcliff, and we can ask him."

"You do not frighten me boy," The man hissed, a step away from me now. He shook his head and scoffed, looking at Asuna. "I wish you'd be a little more understanding of this ma'am… and you kept better company. My job is to guard you, and that includes keeping watch even when your home."

"No, it doesn't you idiot!" Asuna said, and I could see her handshake. "You have absolutely no right!"

"I wish you wouldn't make this so difficult ma'am," Kuradeel said, and I saw him stomp past me and reach for Asuna, grabbing onto her shoulder. "Now come, we''' return to headquarters and-."

I had already been in the middle of pulling The Black Bow of Fate off my shoulder. An arrow was already halfway out of the sheath on my waist, I had been fully prepared to meteor shot Kuradeel into the nearby fountain, but when I turned back I realized I didn't have too.

Ha… get his ass Kirito, I thought with a smile, sliding the arrow back and the bow back onto my shoulder. Kirito had grabbed Kuradeel's wrist, prying it off of Asuna who looked at him wide-eyed before moving back behind him. The whole scene, despite how angry I was, made me smile.

Kirito was strong, but one thing he lacked was the confidence to put it to use. He was social awkward unless it was just the two of us, and seemed hesitant to act in some situations, like how Asuna clearly felt about him. What he was doing now, was a good first step.

And one that I'm sure was going to end up hilarious. I rushed back besides Asuna, as Kirito glared up at Kuradeel, a dangerous look in his eyes.

"Sorry, but Akira and I will be borrowing your Vice Commander for the day," He said, his voice deathly calm. "Don't worry though, I'll make sure to take charge of her security."

Asuna looked at me, stunned, but with a small smile on her face. My initial reaction was to join Kirito, punch Kuradeel in the face, something along those lines, but I held myself back. No… you got this one Kirito.

I could see a crowd was beginning to form, which would be good. Let everyone see what happened when you acted like Kuradeel was. Quietly, I stepped back next to Kirito, just to make sure things didn't get too out of hand. He was an even more powerful player then I was, it was just a matter of him learning that himself.

"You insolent punk, do you have any idea who I am?!" Kuradeel yelled, apparently much more confident himself talking to Kirito. "I'm a member of the glorious Knights of the Blood Oath! A low-level player like you couldn't possibly protect her!"

"Haven't we already established he's way higher a level then you," I reminded him.

Kirito scoffed. "Akira's right, I could do a much better job of it then you."

That made a vein bulge on Kuradeel's head. "You got a lot of nerve kid, a big mouth. I'll give you a chance to show how tough you really are!"

Kuradeel brought up his menu, and when I looked over Kirito's window and saw what he did, I couldn't contain the laugh that left me.

"HA! Oh man, this is great," I laughed, looking at Kuradeel with a smirk. "This actually works out well, if Asuna or I beat you senseless we'd have a giant headache to deal with from Heathcliff, if Kirito does it we can just laugh. I can't believe you'd be that stupid!"

Kirito didn't laugh, only turning to Asuna. "Is Akira right? I won't cause any problems for you both will I?"

Asuna finally seemed to find words, as she nodded. "Yes, we'll explain what happened to the commander after this don't worry."

"Kick his ass Kirito," I said, giving my friend a good slap on the back, before Asuna and I backed up towards the crowd that had gathered to watch what was going to happen.

"Stay at a safe distance ma'am!" Kuradeel yelled, pulling the longsword from his belt, as Kirito pressed accept and the duel icon showed up above them. "I'll prove once and for all I'm the only one who can protect you."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Asuna. "Remind me again why we're joined with these guys?"

"Because it's the best way to clear the game…" She sighed, as we both stepped back from Kirito, who pulled out his elucidator. "But… I'm starting to think you may have a point…"

I had been telling Asuna for a while I didn't trust the Knights. To me, they just seemed like a bunch of grown men who wanted to live out some fantasy in a virtual world. Of course, I believed they did want to eventually clear the game, but they didn't seem particularly urgent about it. It was like they enjoyed being in power and having so many people look up to them.

But to me, I didn't care how I looked doing it, I wanted the game cleared, and I knew Asuna felt the same way. Kuradeel was one of those people who was probably living out some sick fantasy in his head. Beating Kirito would probably be the highlight of his time here.

However, I knew better. I saw Kirito shift his stance to the same one he'd been showing me for the last few months. We'd decided to call it 'Aincrad Style' during our training. It had been fun learning from him, the more time I spent with him the more I… actually found myself looking forward to the real world again. I still didn't know what I'd do back there, what with Kya and Aki gone… but I knew I'd have him and Asuna, I'd make sure of it.

The duel counter got lower and lower, the crowd got even larger as the murmurs began. A few made the mistake of thinking Kirito didn't stand a chance against a Knight of the Blood Oath. I knew Kirito was a guy who didn't like a lot of attention. Not many people knew just how skilled the black swordsman was, and that was mainly due to Kirito himself. It would be easy for them to see how strong he was after this.

"This should be fun…" I muttered, even managing a smile, as I saw Asuna on the tips of her toes next to me.

The counter hit zero, and Kuradeel yelled, with his sword glowing yellow as he activated his sword skill. He rushed right for Kirito with a downward strike, but Kirito I already saw expected this. His own sword skill activated, and his elucidator glew green, and with one quick strike he came up and smashed his sword against Kuradeel's as he shot forward.

In only four seconds, Kirito had already knocked away Kuradeel's sword, and the man looked down to see his sword had shattered. The upper half of it fell in front of him, and he turned around in disbelief, to see Kirito had already put his own sword away.

"If you wanna try again with a different weapon," Kirito said, the slightest smirk on his face. "Then I'll be happy to take you on."

"HA, that was awesome," I laughed, trying to not yell out more insults as I saw Kuradeel's face. Few things made me happier then seeing someone get what they deserved.

Kuradeel didn't say anything, only growled and opened his menu. I saw a dagger fall into his hands and he shot up to rush at Kirito again. Cursing I reached for my bow, and an arrow, Kirito's hand shot to his sword, but before he could draw it to block Kuradeel's thrust, someone else had beat up both to it.

Asuna, moving fast even for her shot forward with her hand on her rapier. She unsheathed it and swung, knocking Kuradeel's dagger up and away, leaving he crowd, and the man stunned. I smirked the whole time, fist bumping Kirito as I moved next to him.

"Asuna!" Kuradeel said, shrinking on his knees, as Asuna finally seemed to have gotten over her shock, now she looked angry. "I… I don't know how but he must have cheated! Used some sort of dirty trick! There's no other way I could have lost to a pathetic beater like him!"

"Kuradeel!" Asuna said, her voice firm, and I realized she had slipped back into her 'vice commander' voice as I like to call it. "As second in command of the Knights of the Blood Oath, I am herby relieving you of your duties as my bodyguard. You will return to headquarters and await further assignment."

"You… you can't be serious!" Kuradeel said, his eyes narrowing and his fists shaking.

"You heard your vice commander, hear it from this one too," I said, stepping up next to Asuna and glaring at the man. "I may disagree with Heathcliff on a lot of things, but even I know he'll punish you accordingly. I'll tell you now too, if I catch you even looking in Asuna's direction again, I'll happily go orange for a few days to teach you a lesson."

"You heard Akira," Asuna said after I'd finished, narrowing her glare at her former bodyguard. "Now, go and await further assignment back at headquarters."

Kuradeel looked like he was going to argue for a moment, his mouth floundering like a fish. However, after seeing how many people had gathered around, he only growled and turned away. I breathed in relief, I really didn't want to go red, and I only had so many arrows left. The trip Asuna, Kirito and I were taking into the dungeon was so last minute, I hadn't had time to go and see Liz before.

After Kuradeel stepped into the teleport gate and left, the crowd seemed to finally disperse, and I was able to look over at Asuna's who'd gone white again, Kirito holding onto her to make sure she didn't fall. I couldn't blame her, she probably had been scared to death when she'd walked out of her house and saw the man standing there stalking along the outside.

"Are you okay?" Kirito asked her, as I came back over to the two.

Asuna sighed and nodded. "Yeah… I'm just sorry I roped you into all of that, you too Akira. It looks like you were right."

I shook my head. "Don't apologize, guild business is technically mine too. I'm just glad our man Kirito was here to help up out."

I slapped my hand onto his shoulder and smiled, which almost made him fall over, stammering as he laughed.

"Aha… it was nothing really," Kirito said, looking over at Asuna now. "I'm more worried about you… are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah… Akira knows, the guilds just been getting on my nerves is all," She said, sighing as she put her rapier away.

I scoffed and nodded. "You got that right, well to be fair they've been on my nerves since the start. They seem more concerned with living out some fantasy, people like Asuna and I seem radicle in their eyes."

"Yeah… I'm starting to think he's right," Asuna said with another sigh looking at Kirito. "I guess it's just because I'm so focused on clearing the game… and because I'm so demanding of them."

A shot of annoyance ran up my chest, she was right. I'd talked to Asuna about it multiple times, she had always been concerned that her go, go, go attitude was making people resent her. I'd been trying to reassure her for weeks that it wasn't for nothing, that she was doing the right thing.

I was going to do it then, but I shut my mouth when I saw Kirito shake his head.

"Yeah… I get that," He said, making Asuna turn to him. "But if you'd done things any different, do you think your guild would've gotten as far as they have?"

"He's got a great point there," I chimed in, smiling at his words. "They'd be lost without you Asuna."

Kirito nodded, looking a little flustered, as Asuna looked at him. "Ha… I mean, what do I know, I just mess around as a solo player. If you take a day off to mess around with a couple of losers like me and Akira-."

"Hey, I am not a loser, except for the times you beat me in duels," I muttered, remembering those duels.

Kirito chuckled nervously. "In my opinion nobody has the right to complain, screw'em."

"Ha, another great point," I said, turning to Asuna. "He's right Asuna. If they can mess around day in and day out, why can't you? Come on, let's go hunt some monsters."

Kirito looked at me, and I winked at him. I've never been a wingman before, I must be really good at it.

From the split-second look Asuna gave Kirito, I could tell his words had struck home. She smiled and nodded, looking at the both of us for a minute, then at Kirito in particular.

"Wow, thank you for your opinion on the subject, okay you're right," She said, going to walk past up, patting him on the shoulder. "Okay, at you and Akira's insistence, I'll be taking the day off from the guild today, you can play forward, Kirito-kun."

"Huh?!" Kirito said, stammering as he walked after her. "But, aren't we supposed to take turns playing forward?! What about Akira?"

I laughed as I followed behind them. "Nice try Kirito, but I'm just a humble archer, I'll make sure nothing sneaks up on us."

"Oh don't give me that!" He said, hustling up to Asuna's side. "You expect met to play forward all day?!"

"Sorry, it's my day off!" She said.

I laughed, and Kirito turned around to glare at me. "Shut up! At least I actually like One Piece!"

Asuna's head spun around like a top. "Akira-kun, you don't like One Piece?! Even I like One Piece, what's wrong with you!"

"Hey, I'm sorry, but he has to be a pretty crappy pirate if he's spent 1000 episode looking and he still hasn't found the damn One Piece!" I yelled back, not expecting that I'd have to defend my anime preferences trapped in a video game.

"Unbelievable…" Kirito muttered, looking to Asuna. "Can you believe him?"

"I can't you're right, ridiculous," She said, before they both started their One Piece pitches to me again.

I sighed, but on the inside, I smiled, looking at the two of them so close. All of this was for them after all, I could do just about anything so long as I had Kirito and Asuna.

XxxxxxxxxxxxxxX

"Kirito, switch!" Asuna yelled, before she turned back to me. "Akira-kun, keep them off us, I see two more coming from down that way!"

"I see them!" I yelled, stepping to the side, and getting to my knee. "Multi-shot, Ice Volley!"

Two more of the undead soldiers had been rushing at us from further down the dungeon path, just past a bend. I heard Kirito yell and switch with Asuna, distracting the main bulk of about seven that we encountered. My arrows flew through the air and smashed into the new ones who'd arrived, I had made sure to shoot near their feet, and my plan worked. Ice sprouted around their feet and stopped them in their tracks. I turned to make sure Asuna and Kirito were okay, before shouldering The Black Bow of Fate, and pulling out The Sword of Takis from my waist.

I rushed forward and the sword glew bright blue. "Lightning flash!"

A loud crackle of thunder sounded, and I blinked forward cutting on of them in half, while the other, still stuck in the ice swung for me. I spun and blocked the attack, readying another sword skill, and cutting through its chest. It wailed and I saw its HP go all the way down before it disappeared. After it did, I turned to see Asuna and Kirito back to back wading into the group of undead soldiers.

Slipping my bow off my shoulder I ran back towards them, pulling out six arrows, as that was the amount I could see.

"Multi-shot, Lighting Volley!" I yelled, as the arrows started cackling with electricity, before I finally let them fly.

They shot forward and homed in on the undead soldiers. When firing a multi-shot, Kya had taught me early on, your concentration needed to be absolute, and the arrows would follow to where you wanted to go. They homed in on the targets you selected and wouldn't miss unless your concentration wavered. It was different then firing normal arrows.

The volley I shot then smashed into all the enemies Asuna and Kirito faced, I had noticed them growing angrier as their numbers dwindled and was worried, they'd start going berserk, some monsters got like that. The lightning paralyzed them for only a few seconds, but it was enough for me to reach Asuna and Kirito, and for me to pull out The Sword of Takis. I spun and cut of one of their heads with a sword skill, and smiled when I reached my two friends.

In a small defensive triangle, we all stood back to back, and I felt the sword in my hands grow, the power rising. I loved the ability the blade had, the digital god Takemikazuchi had said it had the potential to be the most powerful weapon in the game, and I believed it. With Asuna and Kirito next to me, we smashed into the remaining enemies just as they started moving again.

I blocked one blow, and knocked the undead off balance, before shooting my sword behind me to block another strike. Asuna rushed forward and finished off the first one I'd blocked, before I spun and cut down the second. I heard footsteps and a growl behind me, but Kirito flashed to my side and knocked the attack up, leaving room for me to stab through the monster. For another few minutes this continued, the three of us fighting, and I almost smiled.

I couldn't help but wonder if this is what SAO would have really been like, had Kayaba not done what he did. Could I really be having this much fun fighting in a party with two friends I treasured above all else?

Of course, that also made me have to question… would I have even met Kirito and Asuna, and been this close with them if not for all that happened?

Sometimes in life, we're so focused on the bad things, that we don't see how the universe balances it out with good things… always focus on that good Akira. It had been something my mom always told me… and I found solace in those words then.

"Ha, it feels good to be in a party again," Asuna said, unleashing a devastating combo on one of the undead.

"Yeah, it really is a nice change from playing solo!" Kirito said, readying his sword skill and cutting through one more.

I spun around and rolled over Kirito's lowered back and cutting down the final undead with my sword skill.

"You're right, both of you," I said, smiling and turning to them as I slid the sword back onto my waist. "Between the three of us, we should be ready for anything, save a boss fight."

"Speaking of a boss fight…" Asuna said, as I looked through my window for all the drops and money I'd gotten with Kirito. We both turned to see what she had been pointing at. "Akira, Kirito-kun… do you think that it's…"

"It has to be…" I said, apprehension building up inside me.

"The boss room…" Kirito said after me, as all three of us went around the bend that Asuna had been pointing at.

Around us, black pillars had sprouted up, and as I checked my map, I couldn't see anything else behind the giant door. It fit the description, and what every other boss room door had looked like. A part of me was excited, normally it took us weeks to map out the floors dungeon to find the boss room, and then even more time to organize the assault team to go and take it down.

If we found the room now, that had just saved all the players weeks of time, we'd only been on floor 74 for a few a week or so.

"Ha, it's amazing what the three of us can do," I said, sighing as I stood between the two of them and looked up at the door. "To think… we're almost three quarters of the way done."

"Yeah… but we should turn back here right?" Asuna said, looking at us both. "Is it really smart to go in there by ourselves?"

I shrugged. "We could take a peak, see what kind of monster we're dealing with."

"Akira's right," Kirito said, opening up his inventory, and pulling out a teleport crystal. "We can step in, check what we're dealing with and then head back out. Keep a crystal ready incase."

Nodding, I pulled out a crystal of my own. "Good call Kirito, with any luck, we can have this floor cleared in the next few days."

Asuna sighed and nodded. "Alright, if you both say so, let's do it."

The feeling of walking into a boss room never ceased to make me sick. I had gotten excited for the boss monsters in the game, after Kya had beta tested and told me they were based off dozens of historical monsters and other creatures. However, of course Kayaba had to ruin the experience for me. Still, each time I entered a boss chamber now, I had to calm my nerves.

Each boss room got us closer to beating the game, so when Kirito pushed the door open, I readied myself for anything.

Kirito took point, and I followed closely behind him. My bow had gone back over my shoulder, The Sword of Takis was in my right hand, a teleport crystal in my left. A cold feeling ran up my spine as I followed the light of Kirito's crystal and my own. I heard Asuna's footsteps behind me, and with each one we took, the darkness of the chamber.

"It's too quiet in here…" I muttered to myself, as all I could hear were footsteps.

"Yeah… I don't like it," Kirito responded, sighing as he did. "Maybe we should-."

"K…Kirito… Akira, what is that?!" Asuna said shakily behind us.

I stopped in my tracks, reaching out to pull Kirito back as well, because when I looked up where Asuna had been pointing a shot of ice ran down my throat.

All I saw in the darkness, was a pair of glowing blue eyes, before the torches in the room sprang to life. The ground shook, and the boss rose with a roar that between it and his footsteps shook the chamber beneath us. I had to grab Kirito to not fall over, as another roar came, and I looked up to see a monsters with the legs of a man, long claw like hands, and a massive goats head, sharp horns jutting off the side of its head. It's sword was massive and it roared before taking its first steps towards us.

The Gleam Eyes. I saw six health bars pop up, and with a scream, Kirito grabbed me and Asuna both, turning us around and we both ran. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been afraid rushing into a boss room, but I moved and made sure they were both ahead of me, before we leapt out of the room, just before it could slash through all three of us.

I landed on the white floor and gaged when I felt Asuna land on top of me.

"That… that one," I said through my huffing breaths. "That one may be a bit tough."

Next time, Episode 7: The Blue-Eyed Demon: After adventuring and leveling up in a party together for the first time in months, Kirito, Asuna and Akira encounter The Gleam Eyes, the boss monster for Floor 74. Outmatched by themselves, the trio retreats back into the dungeon to regroup. Akira will realize, to defeat the demon of floor 74, and defeat Sword Art Online so his friends can go home, he'll have to unleash the true power of The Black Bow of Fate….

A/N: Hey everyone! A bit of a shorter chapter again, but one that of course is very important! It's important for the story of course, but also because we are officially half-way through Aincrad! Now, when I sat down to plan out this story, I'll be honest, Aincrad was the arc that really got change the least out of all the arcs since well… Akira being there wouldn't really change too much in terms of the overall plot. The only difference will be at the end and the fight with Heathcliff really.

With this in mind my goal was to really flesh out Akira as a character in Aincrad and develop his relationship with Kirito and Asuna which of course is going to be so so important going forward. When we get to Fairy Dance and the real-world stuff after this, is when we're going to see some real payoff in terms of character development and some new stuff being added.

Of course, after that, Gun Gale is probably going to be the biggest arc for Akira, with his shop (Sinon/Shino) being introduced and him seeing Zaza again.

Once again to anyone who didn't see, the ship I decided on Akira is Sinon/Shino, I know it's a bit further away, but in reality, it's only about 20 or so more chapters, and with how fast I'm getting through Aincrad, we'll be there before you know it!

Now rest assured, I do have some big plans for the future arcs, namely Gun Gale and Alicization. Akira is going to have a lot of stuff going on back in the real world!

If you liked this chapter and this story so far, please be sure to leave a review to let me know what you liked and what you're looking forward too. Reviews always make authors write faster haha.

So, with that out of the way, thank you all as always, and have an awesome day!