Chapter 14: The Reunion, The Eavesdropping and The Pain

Disclaimer: I do not own Sword Art Online and Minecraft.

Koyero's P.O.V

First things first I shall tell you the few things I did in that lonely white void… First, I tried to do 'Mincecraft' style in there but nothing happened… It looks like I was just floating. Next I ran around… it was endless alright… Finally I kept napping… there's nothing much to do in a void ya know… That's done so let's talk about me going back. I was wearing some clothes since the armor is low on durability now. I arrived at our meeting place, The Town of Beginnings. Kirito looked quite depressed of something I wonder what… Asuna was sitting beside Kirito comforting him.

Vukso looked way more depressed… who's that girl beside him? Deira was comforting Vukso. Yumi was caring for Hozume's injuries and finally Klein was asleep. Many things happened while I was gone… Wait where's Silica-chan? I looked around in a high speed and noticed that she was just right beside me… I'm such a baka LOL… Seriously who is that woman with Vukso? She had a quiver strapped to her back so… is she an archer?!

"Umm… gomen for a stupid question but… what did I miss?" I broke the awkward silence. "?!" Vukso grabbed the collar of my clothes angrily. "Baka! Why did you have to get captured so easily?!" He shouted right in front of me. "Hey stop that!" Silica tried to stop him but she was just easily pushed away. "Break it up…" Figo sighed as he went in the scene. "No… I will never stop until he provides an explanation!" Vukso had tears on his eyes but was like a raging bull right now.

"Vukso… stop… Havuki wouldn't like to see you do that to someone…" Deira pushed us both away. "… I'm going to our house…" Vukso left. 'Their own house? Does this mean the two of them and that Havuki guy live together?' I felt curious. "… I have to continue comforting him… sayonara…" Deira left and so did Figo. "…" Why couldn't I speak…? "Koyero…" Silica hugged me out of worry. "Silica-chan… I missed you… did you get what I told you in that secret area I made?" I questioned and hugged back. "No…" She admitted.

"I agree with Vukso…" That girl with a quiver approached us. "Who are you anyway?" I glanced at her. "Hmph… my name is Sinon… the only archer in Sword Art Online." She answered. "…" Silica had a look on her face, what's wrong? "You on the other hand…" Sinon turned to Silica. "If you weren't captured in the first place then none of this will happen… I don't mean it personally but still…" She finished. "I…" Silica seemed to feel guilty now.

"Oi! What gives you the right to say that to her?!" I growled. "I wasn't saying it in an insult manner. I was just saying my observation from this pandemonium that all of you including me caused." She shook her head and sat down. "Why you-" I was about to be tempted to punch her or something. "Wait… she's right…" Silica admitted. "Silica-chan?!" I jaw dropped. "Good to see that you admitted it." Sinon applauded.

"If I could just become stronger and increase my level then none of this could ever happen…" She continued. "I have a proposition for you…" Sinon offered. 'What is she thinking?' I wondered. "You could train in my secret training area but you mustn't tell anyone and you must be fully dedicated to do it. When you start you can never end until it is complete. I shall accompany you there since it can be quite dangerous." She explained.

"I disapprove! I can't lose my Silica-chan again…" I felt sorrow since I just saw her. "… You can join us if you wish… but you must have the same conditions that I told her. Don't tell anyone and be dedicated." She offered. "That I accept." I smiled. "Excellent… we'll start next week since I must prepare it again..." She told us and sat down again. "Arigato, Sinon." I bowed and went to Kirito and Asuna.

"Kirito-san… what happened? Why are you depressed?" I knelt to get a better look at him. "It's nothing… don't worry about me. Asuna will take care of my problem…" He muttered. "He… got emotionally manipulated by the leader of Scarlet Temptation so this is what happened…" Asuna explained while still comforting Kirito. "Must have been hard on him, huh?" I felt his sorrow. "Kirito-san…" Silica pitied Kirito and his condition as well.

"Asuna, I promise that I'll get better. It's our anniversary after all so why should I miss that?" Kirito gave a smile of reassurance. "I know Kirito-kun…" Asuna smiled back. 'Kuso… the feels…' I was touched. "What's our next move, Kirito-san?" I questioned. "Since some of us needed extra help I think we should all train to become better. Scarlet Temptation members are just players so we'll have a bigger problem against bosses if we're not careful. We'll continue defeating floor bosses after we all regain our strength and ready." Kirito spoke.

"What do you think, Asuna?" Kirito looked at her. "Hai…" She kissed Kirito making him make a quick reaction. 'Why is it easy for me to feel the feels? Kawaii…' I chuckled softly. "Silica, I think you should be a back-up for the healing since Pina seems to have improved its healing move very quickly and it's quite high now." Kirito said his idea. "I agree… I just keep holding you all back so I think I should really just be a back-up…" Silica accepted the fact. "Silica-chan… if she's going to be back-up then I'll be support!" I announced. "You really don't have to… when you remove yourself from the frontlines already then the attack will weaken…" Silica anticipated. "You know… I like his decision of being support…" Asuna agreed with me.

"Why do you think that, Asuna?" Kirito looked surprised by her agreeing. "Yumi told me that Deira has been training him on a rare skill tree named 'Radiance'. When I made research I found that Radiance can be used to attack defend or give helpful buffs to the target. If Deira trains him more he could give more contribution in the fight. Plus his Blademake is more useful from afar then close range." Asuna seems to be well informed… "Hmm… now I agree as well." Kirito nodded. "We 'do' need some ranged moves now…" Silica nodded. "Yes! I AM A GENIUS!" I praised myself. "You both may go now you know." Asuna reminded us. "Ahh… Hai! See you two later; Kirito-san, Asuna-san and I hope that you'll both have a fantastic anniversary." I waved and went to Hozume and Yumi this time.

"Hehe… Hiya buddy…" Hozume coughed. "All he needs is rest so don't worry Koyero…" Yumi was cuddling Hozume sadly. "Your actions show otherwise…" I muttered. "…" Yumi gave a weak smile. "What happened to him?" Silica questioned. "Nothing I can't handle…" He coughed louder. "I just got stabbed on the gut… that's all…" He smirked. "Why don't you heal?" I went near him. "What a curious question… It's because injuries like this takes time to heal… cutting only a limb is fine but stabbing an organ is vital…" He answered. "True… but why can't just use a crystal?" I sighed out of confusion. "Crystals don't heal organs Koyero… SAO is like real life… when you get hit on the vital spots you can die…" He lectured me.

"You wouldn't die in Floor 1 right?" I grabbed his wrist with a crooked smile. "Hai… all I need is rest…" Hozume slept, his HP yellow. "He'll be fine… Hozume always sleeps whenever he's hurt and he'll become alright the next day." Yumi looked confident in him. "I see…" Silica and I watched him sleep. "You should both probably go, gomen." Yumi told us. "Hai… Klein's asleep so we'll be going now. Bye Yumi." I left with Silica, going to our house outside the town.

Sinon's P.O.V

I must prepare that training grounds… I mustn't let both of them experience it that much… If they did they may become cocky and go for the higher-ups… I must be careful… Last time I accidentally went a bit too high which ended with me almost dying. This secret training area of mine was actually made a year ago… it is with all the defeated monsters that someone killed including the bosses. This is like their new spawning area. The game calls it 'The Rest'… I was lucky that I had my unique skill Archery or else I could've died early on. I must take every precaution before I let them in. No teammates of mine will die in this place.

This should be enough… 3 crystals per each. This place like the real SAO world has 100 floors but it is like a different version of the real one. The dead monsters are located here where they shall fight again. They will also respawn when they die again since this is where they go. The respawn time is 10 minutes. So far I think I'm the only one that found this area… The area is actually in Floor 62 where there is a big crater. This crater has a secret passage in the middle that will make stairs so you could go down. When you go down you'll see a door that looks like a portal. When you go in you must defeat the boss monster in that Floor you chose so you can either go out or choose another floor. I rate this area the most dangerous area of Sword Art Online. Oh and the dead players don't go here… they are permanently dead.

These precautions should do just about now… I went out of the crater and teleported to The Town of Beginnings. I was about to go in the inn until I sensed someone following me. I sensed this person for quite a time now so he better have an explanation… I changed my destination and went towards the barrels. That was where this 'stalker' was hiding.

"Come out I know you're there." I announced. "…" Only silence was heard. "Ok then…" I pretended that I left. "…" Someone crept closer. "Got you…" I caught his sleeve. "Hehe… it seems you got me…" He scratched his head. "Who are you…?" I muttered. "Since you caught me I'll say my name… I'm Wukure, subordinate of Figo and his friend." He revealed his name. "… What do you want from me?" I stared at him. "Umm… I was hoping that I could scout you to become part of our guild named 'The Guardian'." He whistled and offered me to join. "Not interested…" I quickly refused.

"Aww… if you say so… I won't force you." He was disappointed and began leaving. "Tell me your side of the story first… why do you want me to join?" I questioned. "I heard that you're the only player that can use Archery so you would be a great member to join us." He smiled. "I have to ask one important thing first. What is your goal?" I spoke. "Clear SAO and follow Figo, that's it." He responded. "I'm not interested…" I finally left.

'Seriously? Trying to scout me just because of my Archery? Why does everyone just think that rare things are better?' I felt annoyed by these series of requests from others to join. "One more thing. Just hear me out just one more time." Wukure sighed. "Go…" I allowed. "Koyero told me that he was looking for you. He's in Floor 77. He just went home just to tell Silica something." Wukure told me. "Sure…" I went away and used the teleportation area to go to Floor 77. 'What does he want? Did he change his mind about going with us? It'll be for the best if it was. Things there can get intense when you're not ready.' I wondered why he called me to this dark and gloomy floor.

I was in Floor 77, the instant dungeon area. They say when you go out it will still be a lifeless looking place. They were right… the outside had no life, no trees, no people and no Koyero. Seriously… Wukure could've been more specific about where he was. I found a small workshop around but no one was in, seems closed for the time being. The next few seconds, I saw Koyero who was hiding behind a rock and peeking at a nearby house. I didn't know that this Floor was inhabited… I approached Koyero slowly. What exactly did he want with me?

"Oi… what do you want Koyero?" I caught his attention. "Why call me in a sinister looking place like this?" I questioned. "Good timing Sinon! I thought Wukure wouldn't accept my request…" He pouted. "Just get to the point." I requested. "Sure… everyone wants me to get to the point… I was wondering if you wanted to eavesdrop on them with me." He reacted. "Who?" I sighed. "Vukso and Deira. They have been together ever since Vukso joined the guild… Hehe… they even live in the same house!" He informed me.

"Why would I want to eavesdrop on them?" I answered back. "Well… I felt lonely… Silica-chan fell asleep on the bed just as we went in so I decided to stalk both of them and get to the bottom of this complex relationship." He explained himself. "… You're lucky I have nothing to do…" I was curious as well and I joined him since my curiosity took over. "Great! First let's stealthily go to the window so we can get a peep." He signalled me to follow and I did. 'I may regret this later on.' I had second thoughts but it was too late to turn back now since we arrived at the window.

Here's what I saw and heard:

"Vukso… is Havuki really dead?" Deira muttered. "I guess so but I have a feeling that he'd rather see us move on…" Vukso told her. "I saw him dissolve to digital particles in front of my very eyes… the last thing I heard was the word… arigato…" Vukso clenched his fist in mixed emotions. "Vukso…" Deira cuddled him to give him comfort. "Deira you don't have to do that… I know you miss him too… I wish it hadn't ended this way…" He seems to be filled with regret. "You were right. We shouldn't have made that Mercenary Guild in the first place!" He punched the wall to put his anger on it.

"It's not your fault… If I were you I'd just give honor to his death by staying alive and defeating that backstabber Ze…" Deira stopped the next punch. "… I'll do it… I shall make Ze's blood stained on this blade… the blade that Havuki gave to me in his death…" Vukso had an aura of determination. "Vukso, let me try to forge together Havuki's blade, Banisher and your blade, Absorberite… I may be able to forge something better and keep their effects at the same time…" Deira waited for his answer. "Sounds like a great idea but what if it fails…?" He gave the negative point of view.

"Trust me… I am your best friend and Havuki's and I will not make this fail…" She had an aura as well, who are these two? "Fine… I trust you but… *sigh* go do it!" Vukso sounded confident. "Good… I'll just get my hammer…" Deira equipped a small Smithing hammer. "Then a table…" She went to a table. "Here they are." Vukso gave Banisher and Absorberite. "Success… 80%... I now add an ingredient to it and now its 90%..." Deira muttered. "I hope it works…" Vukso crossed his fingers. "Here I go…" She hammered both the swords to attempt to forge them together. "Success…" Deira smiled and gave the new forged blade to Vukso.

"Awesome… what do you call it? You made it so you name it." Vukso received the greatsword. "Call it 'Arbite'… It has the Banishing skill from Banisher and the Bending and Absorbing skill from Absorberite… I hope that it will help you and make Havuki's soul be with you and me as you wield it…" Deira closed her eyes while leaning on a wall. "Arigato… Deira…" Vukso sheathed his new blade Arbite. "Eavesdroppers, you may reveal yourselves now… Shino… Koyero…" Vukso noticed us? Well… I'm not that surprised.

"I told you not to call me Shino! Call me Sinon…" I sighed. "Caught red-handed?" Koyero laughed softly. "You're both lucky that this is just your first offense… If it's the second one then you'll really get it…" Deira twitched. "Why were you eavesdropping on us? I know Shino just eavesdropped since she got peer pressure from Koyero." Vukso suspected. "Sinon…" I reminded. "Fine…" Vukso whistled. "Well… I was just curious of your relationship and Silica-chan was asleep so I decided to stalk you both to get answers. I called Sinon so we can bond as friends in some way I guess." Koyero answered. "Nope… we aren't friends. We are just acquaintances." I corrected Koyero. "Ouch…" He frowned.

"Wukure… I can sense you too so I suggest you go out of hiding…" Deira suddenly spoke. 'Isn't he the guy who tried to recruit me in that guild of his?' I remembered. "Hehe… I'm not as good as Figo in sneaking that's for sure…" Wukure appeared, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I agree." I nodded. "Haha real funny." He responded sarcastically. "Sinon, you have some competition when it comes to long range now." Wukure chuckled. "Who?" His statement made me interested. "Koyero and his Blademake." He finished and instantly disappeared.

"Oh yes… I trained him a bit to try and make him use it like last time." Vukso clapped. "See ya… not interested." Deira closed the door as Vukso and her went back in. "Yup I finally know how to use Blademake at will. I first used it against the boss in Floor 76 but that was accidental." Koyero introduced his move. "I see. A rival in long range? Seems good to me…" I turned away and began walking. "Where ya going Sinon?" Koyero called.

"I'll just be somewhere to sleep. Why should I tell you where I'm going?" I yawned softly while I covered my mouth. "Can I add you in my friends list?" He asked. "Hmph… fine you may need me someday… I already became friends with the others while we were waiting for you anyway." I accepted and he has been added. "Don't disappoint me when I challenge you to a shooting contest alright?" I turned my head with a small grin. "Yeah yeah…" He laughed. 'He seems interesting but he cannot beat me in a showdown… he doesn't seem to be experienced enough to fight me using long-ranged weapons.' I teleported using the teleportation area and went to Floor 40.

Floor 40 is where I made a small hideout to rest in. My hideout is in a small area between a cave and a forest. I made it since it was just an almost unnoticeable hole and I just camouflage it with the same color as the ground. My hideout is with some furniture and a shelf filled with books and some research materials on a nearby table. My bed was an average bed of average size and some pillows to top it off. This is where I now live. The furniture was handmade so yeah… Anyway I put myself on my bed and dozed off because of this long tiring day.

Kirito's P.O.V

I was at our house in Floor 22 with Asuna. It was already evening and it was just 2 days before our anniversary so after today it was just one day before it. This anniversary obviously means a lot to both of us. I still have the guilt of that thing that the leader said to me recently… he was right I do feel guilty of killing members of Laughing Coffin and killing members of Scarlet Temptation won't be so different. I hope by sleeping this guilt mat disappear for the time being but these blood-stained blades will still haunt me about that moment… digital blood flowing everywhere and all the bodies that dissolved into particles…

"Kirito-kun? Is it still affecting you…?" Asuna looked worried. "Honestly, it still is Asuna. The deaths of Laughing Coffin have still haunted me to this day." I panted from the big guilt that I felt from my chest. "…" Asuna hugged me and looked at my eyes with a pitied expression. "It's okay Kirito-kun… if you don't feel any guilt after something like that then you're heartless and a cold blooded killer… I feel the guilt too but I try to let it go…" She felt my pain. "Asuna… I..." I sighed. "I love you…" I managed a smile and kissed her making her kiss back.

'No matter what I do this guilt still crawls slowly and quietly and it grabs me in my most vulnerable state. I cannot avoid it but I can just try to extinguish this feeling. It is a challenge just to remove one piece of guilt…' I still felt this hurtful feeling in my chest. "I'll wait for you to sleep Kirito-kun." She smiled. "Ok then… I'll go to sleep so that I wouldn't make you look tired tomorrow." My head was on the pillow and I began to feel drowsy. "Oyasumi, Kirito-kun." She seemed drowsy as well. "Oyasumi…" I dozed off.

The next day after eating my breakfast with Asuna I went to the lake to fish and get some fishes for lunch. This gives back memories from around a month ago… That time when Koyero fished with me and that was time when Koyero and I began making a bond of trust together. That mood swinging guy… sure is troublesome but fun to be around at the same time. This was where we first competed over such a small thing… on who was the better fisherman. Actually while I was thinking of these thoughts Koyero was right beside me, staring at me.

"What a coincidence! I knew you'd be here!" Koyero grinned. "Hai? I was just gathering fish for lunch like last time." I cast my line. "Old times…" He was lying on the ground. "Yeah… if only this feeling didnt make I any different." I sighed as I caught some fish already. "How's your fishing skill now?" He questioned. "Oh that? It's already 705/1000." I checked the skill menu. "Good for you mines just 649/1000. Does Asuna fish?" He responded. "You know… I didn't really think of that… I think she does but she doesn't show me." I guessed. "I remember that accidental catching of each other's lines… hehe… clumsy…" Koyero chuckled.

"Enough talk about this subject gomen. Is it true that you'll be training with Sinon next week?" I wanted to clarify this. "Who told you about it Kirito-san?" He whistled. "I have my sources. If it's true then I'll ask Sinon if I can join you." I made a decision. "Wait what? Why?" He began to catch some fish as well. "I need more strength as well. I cannot just get defeated by someone like him… if it were a boss battle then it'll be harder. I am 'this' close to becoming Level 97 too." I gave my side of the story. "The only problem is where can we find Sinon?" He muttered. "She's probably training somewhere or walking around." I think.

"Why go look for me when I'm already here?" Sinon was actually with us already but we didn't notice. "Kirito-kun wanted to ask you something." Koyero pointed at me and so she went to me. "Nani?" She listened. "I was wondering if I could join you to train with Koyero wherever you both are going." I asked. "…" Sinon became silent all of a sudden and went to Koyero. "I thought I told you not to tell anyone at all…" She muttered. "No, I found it out by myself." I defended Koyero. "… How?" She looked at me. "I made Wukure help me in something." I answered.

To be continued…

Extra Scene: Kirito and Asuna's Anniversary!

Asuna's P.O.V

Timeskip to anniversary…

It was already morning… I wonder if Kirito-kun's already awake. He had a big day yesterday so by the time he went back he almost fell but I caught him. He was fast asleep yesterday so did he finally wake up? What did he do yesterday? He's all beat… Whatever he did he just became Level 97. Our anniversary is today.

"Ohayo, Asuna." He woke up as I had these thoughts. "Kirito-kun, you're finally awake." I smiled. "How long did I sleep and what time is it?" He questioned. "Hmm… around 12 hours and it's already 11." I checked the time. "I've been unconscious that long?" He spoke in surprise. "Sinon told me that the early training in her secret training area made you tired so quickly… I wonder what's in there." I informed him of what happened. "Anyway shall we go, Asuna?" He made my hand on his. "Umm…" I flustered a bit. "Hai Kirito-kun." We went out of our house.

We were walking on those fields like we did last time in the first time we lived here. When we were near the lake it just seemed like the light was gleaming over it… there was just one thing missing… I don't want to talk about it anymore… He gave me a reassuring look as we went out together. I still remember but it makes me depressed every time I do… The first place we went to was the lake. It was just like that moment with that fisherman except he isn't there. We sat beside each other, feet touching the calming water. He glanced at me briefly then began to have a look.

"What are you planning to do, Kirito-kun?" I suspected that he'll do something. "What made you think that I'll do anything, Asuna?" He looked confused but I know that he's planning something… "My guess is that you'll-" I was interrupted by the splashing of the water. "Haha… Fine you got me." He laughed and playfully splashed some water on me. "Kirito-kun~" I giggled and did it back. 'This may seem weird but it's actually fun not be so serious all the time you know like at a time like this.' I continued. "That's enough." He chuckled as it seems like I was beginning to win. "Nope you started it so you must pay the price." I stated playfully as I still splashed water on him.

"Tsk…" He blocked the water and countered. "If you say so." He began splashing back playfully as well. "That's more like it, Kirito-kun!" I cheered a bit and we continued. "That's enough." I laughed and we both stopped.

When we stopped playing around, we stood up and went out of the water. It was still noon so this day will last fairly long. The next destination we went to was in Floor 1. Why? I don't know myself… I wonder what he's going to do this time. Kirito and I were in Town of Beginnings' new shop, specifically for a date. Not like that time with Koyero going with Silica, this time Kayaba made a legit restaurant for couples… What inspired him to do such a thing I wonder. This place had some NPCs but some players too. The one playing the instruments were: An NPC for a guitar, a player named 'Quorora' playing the flute, Another player named 'Mr. Anonymous' playing an improvised piano I think and… Silica playing the violin?

'What a coincidence seeing her here. Koyero did say that Silica likes playing instruments so I'm not that surprised.' I was now sitting on a chair with Kirito in front of me sitting as well but we were separated by a table. "Kirito-kun why are we-" I was cut off. "I wanted to see how it'll feel to eat lunch with you like all those classic couples do. It's supposed to be dinner but I want to eat your cooking in that hour." He answered my question. "I see…" I nodded. 'This isn't going to be so bad. Yes, I'm more used to cooking for him but if this is what they usually do then I'll do it since we really are one. Plus Kirito-kun chose this so how can I refuse?' I felt determined.

"What would be your order, Sir? Ma'am?" An NPC waitress (real NPC) had a notepad on her hand and a pen to take down orders. "Hmm… I'll take the Salmon Steak?" Kirito seemed to show that the menu was hard to decipher. "Coming right up!" The waitress smiled and turned to me. "And you, Ma'am?" She tilted her head as she jotted down the order of Kirito. "I'll have the Cream Dory." I simply muttered. "Arigato gozaimasu." The waitress bowed and left. "How did you get the names?" Kirito whispered. "Easy, I just went with the ones that I could read." I told him.

"I just have one question, Kirito-kun." I blinked. "Hmm? What is it?" He turned his attention towards me. "Why did we go to some sort of Seafood restaurant?" I whispered. "Well… they don't just serve Seafood you know. I just chose fish since I got used to eating those fishes I caught." He ate an 'on-the-house' appetizer. "This is their grand opening so they give free appetizers. All I got were some mojos since everyone else took everything else…" He seemed disappointed. "Don't worry about it Kirito-kun, I don't have to eat the appetizers of them." I reassured him making him give a small smile.

"The food's ready~" The waitress placed a platter on our table and gave us chopsticks and some rice. "Ugh… the salmon steak was bigger than I thought…" Kirito was just staring at his oversized salmon steak. "The Cream Dory has more pieces than I thought…" I got 1 piece first. "Ahh… Konichiwa, Kirito-san, Asuna-san." Silica was playing her violin near us. "Konichiwa." Both of us responded. "I'll just be playing while you're eating so don't mind me." Silica started playing a tune. 'I don't feel comfortable somehow… I'm not used to people watching me eat like this…' I sweat-dropped. "It's ok Asuna." Kirito held my hand.

To be continued…

End of Chapter 14

Next Chapter: Training Time!

Next Extra Scene: Kirito and Asuna's Anniversary Part 2