The Captive Swordsman

Chapter 9— Between Family

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Original Title: Sword Art Online(ソードアート・オンライン)

Original Concept by: Kawahara Reki

written by: wrathie

Author's Notes: Alternate updating schedule! Sorry about this! Thank you, bowpurity for the beta!

..

It was a while before Suguha returned, and when she logged on again, Asuna had managed to fill Yui in on what had happened since the logging out of SAO. She hadn't gone into the finer details of all the events as Yui had told Asuna that Kirito had taken her place.

According to Yui, when the logging out sequence happened, another program was attempting to transfer the player's information into another server, Alfheim Online due to the lag-time that happened during the disconnection of the servers, as well as the systematic deletion of the server records.

Her player data had been one of the few that was targeted, but somehow, Kirito-kun had interfered and he had taken her place. It was something that made a lot of sense to Asuna. It was just like Kirito-kun to do something like that, but again, Asuna had to shake herself out of that happy-place and remind her that this was not the time.

It wasn't right to expect Kirito-kun to be able to do everything, he had been stuck in this world for a very long time after all. Especially since she wasn't some sheltered princess that would always need a knight in shining armor. She was the Flash after all!

Even if Asuna acknowledged that it might be a little harder to fight in this world, a world where players were allowed to die, but for him, it might still end up as 'true death'. There was just so much at stake... but there was one advantage that ALO had over SAO and that there was no sword skills. It might seem like a disadvantage, but to the clearers, it wasn't always about the sword skills in SAO. Yes, they were extremely useful in normal battles and was mandatory for boss fights, but for all instances, the top-players would rarely use Sword Skills during a duel.

Since sword skills were determined and executed by the system, it was also extremely predictable. The strongest clearers had already developed their own unique style within the game itself, taking advantage of their own experience as well as experimentation to fight as well as they could, with or without sword skills.

That also explained why Asuna was able to take down those armoured knights, for the logarithm that calculated damage was totally different. Even if Asuna might have a much weaker weapon than the knights and she was going against their better armor and all, Asuna was able to overcompensate for that by virtue of her own skill and speed. She was just too fast, striking at all the weak points and doing so at the same place repeatedly, not even letting her enemies be able to defend against her blows.

It made Asuna feel a bit more confident that she would be able to have the skills and the strength to continue in her quest. It would be very troubling if her pace was impeded due to her own inability as a player.

'Ah, you're back, Leafa-chan.'

Asuna gave the younger girl a smile when Leafa moved, stretched and yawned before nodding her head at Asuna.

'It's your turn. I'll keep watch, Asuna.'

Leafa nodded even as she smiled at Asuna sitting down before preparing to log out.

'I'll be in your care, Leafa-chan.'

Asuna remarked cheerfully even as she logged out, her avatar becoming slightly limp in the process.

'… Whew... I'm tired.'

Leafa muttered even as she sat down beside Asuna, before fiddling with the map she had. It would not be too far from the town now, but it would still be a ten minute's flight, she couldn't wait to take a break for real...

'At least I won't need to go to school early tomorrow...'

Suguha commented even as she gave a squeak of surprise when Yui popped up in front of her suddenly.

'Aunt Leafa! Will you speak to Yui?'

'A-Ah... of course.'

If Leafa had told Midori about how her son had a daughter with Asuna, she was sure that it would not be as easily dismissed as before. Still, if even Leafa herself was not able to come to terms with being an aunt, having being told of how Asuna had met with her onii-chan, how would her mother have reacted then if she knew about this? Chances were high that Leafa would not want to know, for it would cause havoc throughout the entire family.

'Mm! Then will Aunt Leafa tell Yui more about herself and Papa? Yui would like to know more about Papa's family!'

The adorable little fairy cheered even as she flew to sit on Leafa's lap, causing her to blink before nodding her head. Yui was too adorable for everyone to not spoil her. Perhaps a part of her knew that as well. Nonetheless, Leafa frowned a little as she wondered where to begin, before deciding that she should at least tell Yui about their family and themselves.

'Yui, since you call Onii-chan Papa, and you are the child of Asuna, that means you are my niece. I'm your aunt, Yui, so you can call me Aunt Leafa, but I would really be happy if you call me Leafa, or Leafa Onee-chan... it wouldn't be nice if someone else overhears you and get the wrong impression.'

'Mm! Kay! Yui will call Aunt Leafa, Leafa Nee-chan then!'

'That's good, Yui, now, you want to know more about about Onii-chan?...'

..

Asuna had spent several tense minutes calming herself down after she removed the Nervegear from her head. The psychological trauma hadn't been bad, but it was still a challenge to overcome. Asuna knew she was literally bathed in cold sweat for the few tense seconds that she spent struggling with pulling her Nervegear out of her head. What made it harder was how heavy her body seemed to be. It was a phenomenon that she observed not for the first time as her body felt so clunky, so weak, compared to what she felt like in SAO and ALO. But perhaps that was to be expected, she would never reach the level of dexterity or speed that she had achieved in both games.

It was harder than she thought but after wiping her hair from the sweat and taking a few deep breaths, Asuna was ready to take on her mission.

That was, sneaking down to the kitchen to grab a quick bite before returning to finish the last leg of her journey.

'I can do this.'

Asuna told herself before she pushed open her doors softly, before making her way to the kitchen.

..

As Asuna started nibbling on a cold and hard bun that she salvaged from the fridge, she turned and tensed when she heard footsteps walking towards the kitchen as well. With a glass of milk in hand, a half-eaten meat bun in the other, Asuna knew she couldn't run or hide away from the individual, and choose simply to meet him or her face on.

Asuna just did not expect to meet her father as he shuffled into the kitchen, looking just as surprised as she was. With the two of them dressed in casual clothes, Asuna in her pyjamas, and her father in very loose, and long-sleeved clothes, topped off with bedroom slippers that made the sound that Asuna picked up from earlier.

'Ah, good night, Asuna.'

Her father was the one who started the conversation, even as he scratched his head while walking towards the fridge. The two of them had not spoken since the conversation before, and Asuna knew that this was her first chance to mend things between her father.

Besides, with the evidence that she currently had, it would only be a matter of time before she would have to confront her father, Yuuki Shouzou, with the hard truth, that Nobuyuki Sugou was really a slime-ball that did not deserve to be given the position of CEO.

'Father, good night.'

Asuna gave him a small smile even as she continued nibbling on the meat bun slowly. Asuna's non-hostile reaction made her father relax significantly. The blow up between the two of them had been the first argument that Asuna had with her father, in like ever.

Just like how her mother had felt and confessed to him before, he was bewildered but was also proud to see his daughter had grown up from her little 'adventure'. Perhaps 'adventure' wasn't right, that experience was both horrible as well as important to her daughter, he must remind himself of that before he stepped into yet another landmine without knowing. This was going to be very awkward.

Of course, Yuuki Shouzou was also more than upset at how her daughter openly defied him like that. Perhaps he wasn't the best father that Asuna had, and perhaps he should have been more considerate, but Asuna's actions and the way she had just dismissed what they were discussing without even giving room for negotiations was totally unacceptable.

Even if Shouzou knew that her daughter had all the rights in the world to have her own opinion, her actions just proved to him and everyone else that she was being unreasonable, and being quite childish in insisting on her way without even explaining to him why she was so against the idea in the first place.

'Asuna.'

But he was a father first and foremost, and if his daughter had found her reason to be so important that she would rather blow up at her father instead of complying, he must give her the benefit of the doubt, even if its just once.

'Yes, father?'

Asuna answered even as she started to wash up, tossing the paper wrapping of the bun into the waste bin before turning to meet him. Shouzou wasn't surprised to see that Asuna looked quite tired, probably a result of spending the night looking over Kirigaya Kazuto-kun again.

'You spent the night with Kirigaya-kun again, didn't you?'

'Yes I did.'

Shouzou gave her daughter a relieved smile even as he said that he had expected that.

'I'm... sorry for what I said earlier.'

Shouzou carried on after taking a sip from the glass of water he had wanted to get, not even checking whether Asuna wanted to interrupter or to say something about the topic.

'In the end, even if I kept on telling myself that my daughter has grown up, that my daughter has the right to make her own decisions, I'm still making decisions for her instead. You do love Kirigaya-kun don't you, Asuna?'

It wasn't a question, it was just a confirmation of her daughter's wishes, and Shouzou wasn't surprised when Asuna nodded her head in confirmation.

'Yes, father, I... thought you recognized and had acknowledged us a long time ago.'

So to Asuna, it was indeed his fault then. Shouzou felt both embarrassed and ashamed that it had ended up exactly like what he had feared, and also apologized for a few moments ago. He had not even thought of consulting her daughter regarding a decision that would no doubt affected her entire life's happiness and future. What a callous father he was indeed.

'I thought I did too, but apparently I didn't. When Noboyuki asked us about it, I guess your father and mother simply thought it was the best thing that could ever happen to you. Asuna, Noboyuki is the future CEO of Recto Progress after all. To the two of us, there is no one else who is more suitable to be with you. He will definitely be a good candidate for someone who wanted my daughter's hands.'

Shouzou spoke calmly even as Asuna turned to look at him, there was no doubt at all that her daughter disliked Noboyuki Sugou. It just didn't make sense for her to feel that way towards him, perhaps that would be a trend that would befall any individual that was not Kirigaya-kun? Yuuki Shouzou had no choice but at to acknowledge as well as marvel at his daughter's dedication and loyalty to Kirigaya Kazuto.

'I will never accept Noboyuki, never, him, and no one else. I'm already married to Kirito-kun, father, and that's final. My feelings for him would never change no matter what.'

Asuna replied stubbornly, but this time Shouzou never flared up, he instead looked resigned as he chuckled slightly.

'That was the reply that I was expecting, Asuna.'

'F-Father?'

He was relieved as well as happy to see Asuna looking back bewilderedly, her feelings no doubt a mixture of confusion and relief when he continued, saying that he understood now.

'We shouldn't force you into the biggest decision of your life, Asuna, would you forgive your father for wanting to be the best parent then? We'll discuss about this again soon when I calm your mother down. You really made her mad this time, Asuna.'

'A-Ahhh? Uhmm...'

Shouzou reached out to pet his daughter's head, a gesture that Asuna received gratefully as she squirmed under his gentle ministrations.

'I'll forgive you this time because you're always tried to be the best daughter for us, you're our darling daughter no matter what, Asuna. And never forget that all I expect you to do, is to be happy.'

Shouzou stopped petting Asuna's head even as he gave her the widest smile she had seen in like, ever.

'You're happiest with Kirigaya-kun, aren't you, Asuna?'

'Mm... Yes, father! I want to be with no one else but him!'

..

Asuna was feeling extremely exhilarated, but at the same time was feeling complicated at what she had told her father before she had excused herself.

'Father, could we... talk about Noboyuki-san... tomorrow? There's something that I would want to let you listen to. Only you, father. I want you to hear this.'

'Asuna?'

'I know father you believe him, and think that it was because of Kirito-kun that I dislike him. But... this is important, so please, could we talk tomorrow? As soon as possible?'

It took a while, for Asuna knew that her father was no doubt trying to fish for more information by reading her facial cues. In the end however, he had nodded and said that he would free his schedule to speak to her tomorrow.

Everything was turning out to be just like what she had expected it and wanted it to be. It was similar to having drawn into a flush from the get go in blackjack, but Asuna knew that just like how it wasn't over in the first round.

Everything was for naught if she didn't find Kirito-kun in ALO after all.

..

'Ah, welcome back, Asuna-san.'

Suguha, no, Leafa, gave her a big smile in greeting even as she stretched a little due to the large difference between her body in real life and her character in ALO.

'I'm back, Leafa-chan, Yui-chan. Did anything happen?'

Asuna was about to ask before Yui interrupted, her tiny fairy body waving on Leafa's shoulders before she fly back to rejoin her mother. Leafa for her party was all smiles as she reported that nothing happened during her absence.

'Mama, Leafa Nee-chan told me all about what Papa was like! Papa he, was really funny when he's younger, neh, Leafa Nee-chan~~'

Yui was all smiles and she giggled along with Leafa even as the two of them nodded their heads together in the same time.

Whatever the two of them had shared together must be quite embarrassing for Kirito-kun and Asuna found herself pouting even as she puffed her cheeks out in annoyance as well as jealousy.

'Ehhh, that's not fair! What did you tell Yui-chan that you didn't tell me, Leafa-chan!'

'Mm mm~~ I wonder about that, Asuna-san~~ Onii-chan should have already told you all his embarrassing stuff by now? It's not my fault if he didn't~~'

Leafa teased Asuna back happily even as she made a shushing gesture towards Yui, who nodded mischievously as she cupped her hands over her mouth stubbornly as well.

'Ehh? Yui-chan! You wouldn't hide things from Mama would you?'

Even as Asuna started to pout at her daughter instead, she was unable to catch Leafa, who took off suddenly into the skies in that small window of opportunity after seeing Yui hurriedly diving into her poket.

'I'll be leaving you behind if you don't hurry up, Asuna-san~'

Leafa giggled as she took off, causing Asuna to cry out in astonishment before shaking her head ruefully, telling herself that it was a good thing that her daughter as well as her sister-in-law had bonded well, too well in fact. A part of her was jealous as there was no doubt that the two of them had started treating her to be much older than the two of them, and didn't want to allow her into the gossiping cycle.

'T-That's unfair, Leafa-chan, Yui-chan!'

Asuna stamped her feet childishly on the grass before she took off as well, pumping all she had into her wings as she chased after Leafa.

..

'Mm, we're here, in Sylvian! We'll be able to head towards Yggdrasil tomorrow proper then.'

Leafa announced even as they landed in the town together with Asuna. The small bonding session she had with Yui was so much fun and it reassured her that her Onii-chan's 'daughter' was so easy to get along with. The same thing could be said with his 'wife' as well, and Leafa/Suguha found herself much more accepting of the two of them as they continued to converse with each other even as they landed.

Leafa now knew that Asuna was a very stubborn individual, a trait that she shared with her big brother for she had not given up trying to persuade Yui to spill the beans about all those embarrassing things that she had shared with her neice.

Leafa too had came out of that gossiping session with more ammunition as well to use against her Onii-chan, whoever knew that her Onii-chan was still drooling on his bed even at this age.

'Ah mou... Asuna-san, Yui-chan! We'll have to go now, it's getting late!'

Leafa walked over to pull Asuna's hands before guiding them along the complicated walkways of Sylvian. The town was one of the neutral towns in the Sylph territory, and it was the perfect place to set off from towards Yggdrasil. They'll have to navigate through an underground dungeon and various other obstacles before they could get close to Yggdrasil, but she was certain that they'll be seeing Yggdrasil tomorrow then.

'T-That's right, we'll continue this tomorrow, Yui-chan. Mama wants to know!'

Asuna continued waving a finger at the stubborn Yui stubbornly, now who was the stubborn one and who was the kid then?

Leafa gave a long suffering sigh even as they headed towards a local inn that she had frequented a few times in the past.

'We'll have to log out in an inn, or in a building actually. So let's do that in this Inn, Asuna-san. When... should we meet tomorrow then? I have kendo practise in the morning, but any time after that is fine.'

Leafa suggested even as they entered the inn, Asuna bowing to the NPCs before she realized what she was doing. Yui on the other hand, had hidden herself into Asuna's pocket the moment they had entered into a more densely populated area. There were a couple of thousand players of ALO after all, and it wouldn't be good if they made a scene or simply attracted attention due to Yui.

Both Leafa and Asuna didn't realize it, but the two of them were very striking by themselves. Leafa's avatar was that of a beautiful long blonde-haired Sylph warrior, and coupled with a figure that matching the figure that she had in real life meant that she was a very attractive individual in the game. Asuna was no slouch herself, and even if her avatar wasn't that striking due to her having the more common green hair that she had braided to match her own hair-style as well, it was still an unnatural shade for it was lighter than usual, similar to blue-green in the right light. Her figure too was similar to what she had saved in the Nervegear and together with the confident way in with she carried herself, she was just as attractive as Leafa.

So in hindsight, if the two of them were trying not to make a scene, they were failing terribly, even if they hadn't realize it at this time.

'I have to speak to my dad regarding what we overheard, Leafa-chan... So I wouldn't know when I could be free... How about we change mail addresses? I'll login to ALO as soon as I can after I speak to my father.'

Asuna clapped her hands together in a begging manner even as Leafa frowned, telling her that she shouldn't do that to her.

'It's Asuna-san that I have to thank... Asuna-san would do anything for Onii-chan neh? So, it's me who is in your debt, Asuna-san.'

'Leafa-chan...'

Asuna shook her head as she said that it was probably her fault that Kirito-kun was stuck in ALO, and by default, it was her fault anyway!

'Even so, Onii-chan would definitely, definitely do the same for Asuna-san.'

Leafa answered confidently, and it was something that Asuna agreed on as she couldn't help but give a resigned sigh in answer.

'That's true, isn't it? Kirito-kun has always been like that... he might even try to do things by himself if he could, Kirito-kun can be the densest person in the world...'

Asuna admitted as well, causing Leafa to give a giggle of her own before she closed her eyes slightly while teasing Asuna again.

'Asuna-san is willing to ask for help, that's much better than Onii-chan would do. I'll be in your care tomorrow, Asuna-san, let's work together!'

Leafa was definitely in high spirits today as the two of them entered the inn together.

..

Elsewhere, in a dungeon deep within the roots of Yggdrasil itself, a lone swordsman fought tirelessly, endlessly as his dual blades flashed in the darkness.

The monsters around him died in the dozens, dispatched by his skill in his blades. The lone swordsman wiped away the sweat that he had accumulated below his chin after sheathing his sword.

'…'

He had given up speaking, or didn't find it necessary for he knew that in the next corner would be yet another mob of monsters that was trying to have his life. It wouldn't be fair to keep them waiting, would it?

The dual swordsman continued on his path, trying to find a way out of this endless maze by himself.

Date line: 6 Days left!

Author's Notes: Even as the author of the story, I must admit that the suspension of belief here is totally not here.

I doubt Asuna's dad would really be so forgiving, but I needed a contrast with the mother, Asian societies doesn't really like the young going against their elders. The saying: 'Youth should be seen not heard' comes to mine, but I'm handwaving it as I'm more liberal myself.

Secondly, it is also not that easy to stomach how Suguha can accept Yui so easily, she's her /neice/ from an apparently unapproved marriage. But again, handwave a little due to how she had time to come to terms with it with her mother. Lastly, who wouldn't like Yui? These are my comments for this chapter.. but I won't want to change them as it'll be dragging it out alot. My apologies.