The Captive Swordsman

Chapter 13— Travelling

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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: Thank you, bowpurity for the beta as always!

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Asuna found herself sharing a booth in a small cosy café together with the person she had just utterly humiliated in front of his peers and for the life of her, she did not know how it turned out this way.

No, that's not right, she knew exactly what had caused all of this to happen and she was quite embarrassed about it. Even so, the sequence of events that had caused this was making her nervous.

So she knew that some of her friends and allies from SAO had tried their hands in ALO too, and they weren't kicked out due to that, that much was a relief for it meant that she won't be at risk herself from being banned by the GMs if they had not acted on that particular glitch yet.

Asuna too knew that I was only a matter of time before they did, seeing how it really unbalanced the game and all. Still, Asuna tried to keep herself positive and to be optimistic that she could still deal with what came her way if she just try. That was perhaps a little too optimistic than she could hope for, but at least that was a start, right?

Anyway, Asuna felt that it wasn't just her stats that made it easy for her to defeat Sigurd, it was also how he was utterly unable to react to the visual cues and hints that Asuna herself could when she duelled against him.

Everyone has their own habits and weaknesses after all, and since she had been able to memorize all of the starting positions of all the almost all of the discovered sword skills in SAO, she could more or less gauge the angle of his attack as well as how he would attack her. Once she closed in on him, it was all over.

'I wonder what you are thinking about, Asuna-san? Mind if you share with us?'

Sakuya, apparently the leader of the Sylph race had a serene look on her face as she stated abruptly, causing Asuna to flinch even as she scratched her head in embarrassment. That was right, Sakuya was trying to convince Asuna to join up with the Sylph race in their pursuit to climb up Yggdrasil. With the rest of the races consolidating their strong members as well as their own strategic alliances, it would definitely help the Sylph race as a whole if a player like Asuna could be recruited to join them formally, kind of like a guild rather than have her play Solo.

Asuna saw the irony in this, she was the solo player here just like Kirito-kun was, and it was similar to the same argument she had with Kirito-kun a few months back about the importance of a guild.

The irony here was definitely how she could not agree to it, not when she had her own time constraints limiting her. Asuna could now officially declare that she understood Kirito's own argument at that time when she was trying to recruit him.

It really was much easier to get things done as a solo player, and it was very difficult to get out of a recruitment attempt without offending the other party the longer you allowed it to drag on.

Asuna took a quick glance at Leafa to see that the sister of Kirito-kun had calmed down somewhat and was actually looking more than a little awkward as she smiled at her Lord while looking cautiously at Sigurd. She had decided wisely that it would be a better idea if she sat between Leafa and Sigurd, seeing that it was his actions that made her humiliate Sigurd in the first place.

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'I'm sorry, Sakuya-san, I guess I am just a little bit overwhelmed. I didn't know how intense the competition was.'

That was partly true too, Asuna couldn't imagine how truly divided the player and the game was. If this had been the world that Kayaba Akihiko had trapped them in, as well as to force them to participate in, Asuna was sure that they would never succeed.

A game where only one particular race could win the prize and the rest couldn't help even if they wanted to as they would not be rewarded? That goes against everything she had learnt so far and Asuna found herself disappointed in ALO in general.

'The Salamanders have been trying to undermine our authority and territory. I've heard news about how a Salamander patrol was defeated by a pair of Sylphs a day earlier, that would be you together with Leafa, am I right?'

Sakuya beamed when Leafa confirmed the story, causing Sigurd to twitch a little even as Sakuya commented on how one member of that patrol was one of the field commanders of the Salamanders, meaning that Asuna had defeated quite a competent player as well last night.

Asuna certainly couldn't call the patrol last night competent, but perhaps her own unorthodox style made it difficult for them to react to her attacks. ALO didn't have the same swords skill as SAO after all, but her own muscle memory definitely helped her dispatch them off. Asuna reminded herself that she would have to be careful in the follow-up of the execution of the skills, it was definitely harder to accomplish due to the system not correcting her stances after each attack.

'Thank you for your compliment, Sakuya-san... but as spoken before, I... I and Leafa-chan would have to decline for now. We... have something urgent to accomplish at the current time.'

Asuna took advantage of a sudden lapse in the conversation where Sakuya sipped her tea, Sigurd was of no concern to her, just like how she wanted to ignore Kuradeel in SAO, that slimeball had turned out to be the most revolting person ever to Asuna.

But she shouldn't speak ill of the dead, even so... Sigurd gave her that same creepy feeling and she wondered why it was so.

'And so I can't tie myself down like this, Sakuya-san, I apologize... perhaps when we have accomplished our mission...'

Asuna smiled apologetically even as Sakuya nodded her head, both in disappointment as well as understanding.

'Well, I was hoping that it would work out better... but if you are adamant on your current goal...'

Sakuya asked patiently, her eyes turning to look at Sigurd, who scowled before commenting himself.

'Please be aware that you are placing your personal interest over the entire Sylph player population … if you are still will-'

'Sigurd, you shouldn't put it like that, are you trying to guilt trip her to join you?'

Sakuya snapped while scowling as well, apparently she had hoped for something different from Sigurd, but Asuna didn't think the man could come up with something flattering or at least not offensive even if he tried.

'Sigurd-san, please do not worry. Even if Leafa-chan and I returned to offer our help, we would also never wish to be under a tyrannical leader like you.'

Asuna didn't mince her words at all and it was enough to cause sparks to fly again till Leafa broke the two of them up by pulling Asuna down to settle on her seat again.

'Mou... Asuna-san... Gomen neh, Sakuya-san but... we decided that we have to go. Today... now even.'

Leafa took the opportunity to stand up as well before pulling Asuna out of her seat as well.

'Sakuya-san, we are really sorry!'

Leafa repeated herself even as she made Asuna bow down to the Sylph lord. The quick sequence of events was enough for Sakuya to be caught off-guard, causing her to stutter and to pause even as Asuna apologized as well.

'W-Well then, we'll be excusing ourselves!'

Leafa exclaimed loudly in the most cheerful way she could put it while dragging Asuna with her as they left the cafe in a hurry despite Sakuya getting up in surprise. Still, Sakuya was a good sport about it as she settled down a moment later to glare at her subordinate.

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'Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Sigurd.'

'What do you mean by that, Sakuya-san? I didn't do anything. It was your negotiations that failed.'

Sigurd replied coolly while sampling the tea again, Sakuya on the other hand frowned as she said curtly that it was him who had driven Asuna and Leafa away from their attempts to formalize a guild in the first place.

'Admit it, Sigurd. I agree with what Asuna-san says, you are not treating your men with respect. They deserve much better than that as they are your allies, people who defend you in combat.'

Sakuya scolded Sigurd even as the man scoffed at her, an obvious sign of disrespect that she could not tolerate.

'Sigurd! I expected better of you! You might be talented with your sword and your skills, but that does not mean that strength is everything!'

Sakuya's tirade was stopped by Sigurd raising a hand in annoyance towards her, his eyes narrowing even as he placed the cup of tea gently down on the table.

'… You're not my mum, Sakuya-san... so get off my back. It's not that simple, Sakuya-san... Especially not if you wish to truly climb Yggdrasil. If we waste more time trying to coax players to help us, it's no wonder that we are falling behind the Salamanders. You are too soft, Sakuya-san and that makes it hard for players to follow your lead. What we need is strength, proof of strength... and even if I'm defeated by that girl, I'll never recognize her as an equal.'

'Sigurd?'

Sakuya spoke cautiously as he had a dangerous glint in his eyes.

'For all she says, she's still relying on Leafa... on people around her. If she's alone, she's nothing.'

Sigurd spat even as Sakuya thought to herself that that was exactly what Asuna was trying to prove to Sigurd, guess that message didn't sink in to him that well.

That only with friends and companions could people be strong. There were limits in fighting alone after all, and if he couldn't overcome that, he would never be as strong as Asuna-san.

'… … Sigurd, when would you learn?'

Sakuya felt a migraine growing even as she pressed a hand against her forehead when Sigurd excused himself as well. He was being extremely rude, but as this was a game, Sakuya reined herself in even as she watched Sigurd leave the café. The only reason she had allowed Sigurd to come with her today to speak with the talented player was not just because she wanted him to apologize to her. It was supposed to be a lesson as well for him to learn from his mistakes. That was also why she had decided to speak with Asuna so informally without all her bodyguards, dismissing them for the day while she negotiated with Asuna-san.

Now that everything didn't go as plan, Sakuya found herself feeling strangely frustrated as she settled for drinking of her tea.

But at least she could have the day off before the gruelling negotiations with the Cait Sith's tomorrow.

The day of the Sylph Lord just got better and better with each second, huh?

But since she was saddled with the responsibility, she should complete her task for the sake of all the players that had voted for her to the best of her ability. If not, she would not be practising what she preached.

It was a pity though, Asuna-san would have been great to have by her side, Leafa too.

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'We'll continue the conversation we have afterwards.'

Leafa had announced shortly after they had escaped from the café, leaving Asuna and Leafa in an awkward silence even as they returned to the tower in preparation of their flight towards Lugloo. What made it even more awkward for the two of them was Yui trying to help the two of them make up with each other. Her attempt had been quickly cut short by Leafa announcing quite stubbornly that they were not having an argument with each other. Asuna could understand that, what they were having now was a misunderstanding that was not cleared up.

She hadn't really considered what Leafa/Suguha would have felt after knowing that her Onii-chan was married to someone else, well perhaps Asuna had, but not in the terms that Leafa obviously saw herself as.

As a girl, and not as a sister. Actually this was very embarrassing for the two of them and Asuna found herself blushing suddenly even as they boarded the lift together to ascend to the top of the tower.

Yui, her Yui was sitting on Leafa's shoulders unhappily even as she looked at the two of them repeatedly. Yui probably couldn't understand how and why the two of them was upset and perhaps confused at each other. They were not arguing, but were also not getting along either.

It's... complicated. But Asuna was at least glad that Yui and Leafa were getting along. If the two of them had broken up their newly formed friendship because of the misunderstanding that she had selfishly wrought, she would not have forgiven herself.

Then again, Asuna doubted that anyone could ever dislike Yui, so there's that as well.

'We're here.'

Leafa spoke softly as she led Asuna out of the lift to one of the most gorgeous sight she had ever seen so far, even in SAO too. They were at the top of the tower, overlooking the entire town of Sylvina with it's inhabitants and they could see for miles ahead of them. The sky too seemed to be cooperating for it was a brilliant blue, dotted only occasionally with white fluffy clouds even as Asuna rushed over to the edge to look even further ahead. It was really a magnificent view and coupled with the constant but weak wind that blew against them, made her feel extremely comfortable.

'It's beautiful!'

Asuna exclaimed even as Yui fly to sit on her shoulder again as well.

'Yes, Mama! It's very pretty!'

Yui gushed along with Asuna even as she looked around at the sight of the world passing them by below their feet, it was so beautiful but at the same time made her a little nervous as well. It gave her a totally different perspective when up here, making her realize how small she was and how big her dream and aspirations would be. She was challenging the person who maintained this world, and for all she knew, Sugou would have already found out about what she was doing here.

But perhaps it was exactly because he knew exactly what she was doing, that she should continue doing it. Defying what he wanted to do would be the right thing to do, even if she had to stumble about in his palm till she could know what he was planning.

Well, at least she knew what his ultimate plan was... and she would never give him that satisfaction of achieving it. Even if she had to die... for she had already died once.

'Mama?'

'Ah, sorry, Yui-chan... I guess I just blanked out again.'

Asuna smiled at her daughter even as she continued tugging her ears to get her attention. Getting up, Asuna turned to see Yui looking at her, her eyes focused on her seriously even as Asuna tensed a little as well.

'Asuna-san.'

'Y-Yes, Leafa-chan?'

'… I said that we would continue our conversation from before... but it might be a while till we can really sit down to do that. Asuna-san, can you answer one question for me in the mean time?'

When Asuna nodded her head in affirmation, Leafa closed her eyes, took a deep breath to calm herself down before she asked quietly.

'You said before, Asuna-san, if I helped you, we'll be able to find Onii-chan and to save him. But... could you tell me why Onii-chan is in ALO? Asuna-san might have told me that someone had trapped him in the game and didn't want to let him out... and that it was because of you, Asuna-san... But why was Onii-chan stuck in ALO? Why... him?'

Leafa's question made Asuna grimace as it was a question that was easy to answer as well as hard to understand. But it was a story that needed to be told as well.

'Because Kirito-kun saved me... That's the only answer I can come up with. Because I was close to him, that Kirito-kun couldn't wake up. It's my fault, I couldn't do anything for him... and I keep hurting him because he is by my side... I... I can't even do anything for him.'

Asuna found herself struggling to keep a straight face as she felt the suppressed feelings, the sadness and grief at being the one to cause hurt to the person she loved come out in one go.

Leafa too seemed surprised and unable to react to the sudden change in Asuna and even as she rushed forward to try and help her, Yui's voice rang out, surprisingly loud enough that the two of them could hear but still soft enough so that it could only be heard by the two of them.

'That's wrong, Mama. Mama helped Papa a lot... Papa he, was very sad before. Papa he had lost people important to him a long time ago and Papa he... couldn't move on. But Mama helped Papa, just like how Papa helped Mama, Mama helped Papa get over his sadness... you did for Papa what I can't, no one else did for Papa... so Mama should be proud and happy! Not sad... because I'm sure that Papa would have done all of it for Mama just like how I would too!'

Yui's words made Asuna pause in her crying as her daughter smiled happily at her. Leafa too, who had seemed more than a little concerned earlier, now seemed resigned as she sighed at the mother and daughter pair.

'… I... expected that at least... but for Yui-chan to say that too...'

Leafa gave another loud and resigned sigh before she reached out to pet Yui lightly, ruffling her hair before breaking into a smile.

'Even if it could be Asuna-san's fault... I agree with Yui-chan, Onii-chan he... if he really loved Asuna-san... he would do something as stupid as this if he could help you. Onii-chan... has always been like that... selfless and brave...'

Leafa sounded wistful even as she straightened her back while offering a hand to Asuna.

'For now, that's okay... Let's go save Onii-chan, Asuna-san.'

Her smile was firm and her determination matched even as Leafa pulled Asuna up before running towards the edge of the tower.

'E-Ehh!'

'We'll have to start off strong or we'll never be able to maintain our altitude to get to Lugloo! Let's go, Yui-chan!'

Leafa cheered even as Yui nodded before diving into Asuna's pocket a few feet before they leapt off the tower and took off, the two female warriors flying forward towards their meeting with destiny.

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'How long would it be to Lugloo?'

Asuna asked Leafa even as she took down yet another drake that was trying to come up behind her. Those sub-species of dragons were stronger than her, but they were unable to manoeuvre as well as she could, causing them to be easy pickings for her and Leafa.

'Not far from here. But we have to go through a cave to get to Lugloo. Do you see the mountains ahead?'

Leafa asked patiently even as Asuna continued to distract the remaining drakes from attacking Leafa as she prepared a spell to defeat the monsters. Casting spells and magic in general was a new concept to Asuna, but thankfully she had both Yui as well as Leafa to guide her. The former was able to pull up a list of spells for her to use, which had benefited Leafa too as Yui's spell list included a few that she didn't know existed as well.

Unfortunately for Asuna, even if she could cast those spells, it didn't mean that she should for the spells would drain her almost completely, not to mention how some were incredible impractical due to their long casting speed. So Asuna had more or less given up on spell casting. Leafa, who was used to casting spells due to her time in the game, was able to use spells for both offense and support.

With Yui tagging along with Leafa during combat, largely due to how Yui had to hide in her pocket if she wanted to avoid being blown off due to Asuna's own acceleration, Asuna found herself in the forward position in ALO, similar to her role in SAO.

Not that she mind, and Yui actually helped Leafa lots when she was casting spells for she could warn Leafa on attacks before they could hit her.

'Those mountains there? What about them?'

Asuna replied even as she stuck a few more attacks into the nearest Drake even as Leafa's spell was successfully casted, causing a numerous blades of wind to slice through the air and subsequently through all the drakes even as Asuna was left unscathed.

'How's that! That's pretty cool actually.'

Leafa commented to herself even as she thanked Yui for the assistance. Asuna on the other hand turned to look at the mountains ahead of her.

'We can't fly over those mountains, they are higher than the tower in Sylvin after all, so our only way through it is to go through the tunnels inside the mountain itself. Lugloo is a cave town inside as well after all. We'll take a break there.'

Leafa explained even as she took off, causing Asuna to pout as caught up with her.

'That's unfair, Leafa-chan! What if I got lost?'

'Well, I guess that means that I get Yui-chan all for myself.'

Leafa teased even as Yui squeaked from her position in Leafa's pocket. The relationship between the two of them were complicated, and it might continue to be that way for a while till they could spare the time for a heart to heart. But it was bearable, and Asuna was glad that at least Leafa was more than willing to try and work out the two's relationship together instead of just dismissing the possibility of it happening.

'Mama! Help! Leafa Nee-chan is kidnapping me!'

'Shush Yui-chan! Time to go then!'

Leafa giggled as she kicked it up a notch, increasing her flight speed even as Asuna gasped before doing her best to catch up as well, putting everything she had in her wings as she accelerated.

'Wait for me, Yui-chan! Mama's coming!'

Asuna couldn't help but giggle herself as she chased after Leafa.

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'Whew, I'm tired... I can't believe Asuna-san was able to catch up with me so easily.'

'It wasn't...easy...'

Asuna panted even as she pulled out stray leaves from her hair from her crash landing earlier. They had tried to cover as much ground as they possibly could, but as there was a limit to how long they could fly, they had to stop eventually.

'We'll be in the caves leading to Lughoo in just a bit! Less than 10 minutes to go!'

Leafa tried to cheer Asuna up even as she offered her some water, and giving her a smile even as Asuna drank much of the water that was in it.

'Come to think of it, Asuna-san had her cooking skills levelled to the max... did you cook for Onii-chan in SAO?'

'Mm... I did, Kirito-kun always liked spicy food... but Yui-chan liked them too...'

Asuna gave a long suffering sigh even as Yui agreed.

'Mm! Curry is the best!'

'Curry huh... I guess... I don't like spicy food myself.'

Leafa admitted even as Asuna nodded her head in agreement.

'So we can cook in ALO too then?'

'Mm! Does Asuna-san want to try cooking as well?'

'Mm~ I'll love to cook for you and Yui-chan~ Let's do that in Lugloo!'

The two of them was so engrossed in their conversation that they failed to notice something flicker into and out of sight a few feet behind them... something that was closely monitoring their movements.

Author's Notes: You know, female warriors sound odd. But they have my respect!