Chapter 22: A New Quest
Wow, I'm posting early. I wonder why... Anyways, 8 followers and favorites is honestly an achievement for me as a new author, so thank you all. I will be posting new stories when I have more time, but for now, It's Xertic's adventure I'm focused on. Anyways, hope you guys are enjoying this story, I honestly have mixed opinions, my modest side says it could be better but my selfish side says it's the best thing I've ever read (let's be real here, who am I kidding) However, I will stop talking, and allow you all to read this before it would come out. Congratulations.
Kirito opens his menu, checking his inventory. Xertic drops down from the sky and sits down on a rock next to him.
"What you got for us?"
"A new quest. Before you came here, we had defeated a boss to obtain Excalibur, and this may be similar." Xertic raises an eyebrow.
"How so?" Kirito smiles.
"I think the boss might be another god." Xertic laughs slyly.
"Game and I pretty much are gods. We can handle that." Kirito leans back.
"Alright, Mr. Almighty, you gonna supply the ride?" Xertic whistles and a large black basilisk bursts out of the ground next to them. It bows its head, and he pets its snout.
"Apparently this is technically my son. Viprivius, Prince of Snakes. We, of course, are the kings." Kirito reaches out and touches the creature, smiling as it growls in delight.
"Definitely not part of the game. I guess we have transportation. So, how should we do this..." Xertic gets up from the rock and climbs on Viprivius's head.
"What if we sort of did support teams? We fight as a group, but in pairs of two. The pair look after each other before looking after the other members." Kirito looks up.
"That's... Not a bad idea actually. I mean, we have ten people, if your butler decides to come along, so it could work." Xertic shrugs.
"Drake can team with Klein as a mount or something. I'll be with my brother, Asuna could stay with Sinon and be range, unless things get ugly. Leafa can back up Silica with magic, leaving you and Liz. If you can survive that is," Xertic says, listing off names. Kirito shakes his head.
"Unlike you, I can handle being around Liz. Alright, I'll contact my sister, Silica, Klein, and Liz, you get the others." Xertic nods and watches the spriggan fly away.
"It's done. You owe me something, Rika." Lisbeth walks out from behind a tree. She had convinced Xertic to trick Kirito into teaming up with her so that she could get a chance to talk to him. Lisbeth crosses her arms.
"You could just be nice and do a good deed, no reward." Xertic strokes Viprivius.
"Not my fault you blush like a tomato when you think about him." Liz growls.
"Fine, what do you want? Besides my soul or whatever." Xertic makes a disgusted face.
"You're soul probably tastes gross. No, what I want is an apology." He hops off of the basilisk and it buries in the ground.
"I'm sorry, what now?" Xertic looks down at her.
"Have you forgotten that you're the reason we hate each other?" Liz grits her teeth.
"What did I do?" Xertic stands up straight, completely overtaking her in height.
"The day Asuna introduced Gamelus and I to you. Everything was just fine until my brother tripped and fell on top of you. He quickly apologized before you called him a, I quote, 'clumsy little baka'. I lashed out at you, my protective side coming in, when I saw Gamelus look scared and confused. Now, he got a lot tougher, but I still care for him. You made the first fault. I want an apology." Liz looks down.
"I... I didn't realize... I was stupid as a kid. Xertic, I'm sorry, and when I see Gamelus I'll apologize to him. I only thought about what you did..." Xertic half smiles.
"Look at you, changing your character. Please go back to being sarcastic, it's why I haven't killed you yet." Liz smiles slyly.
"Oh, I haven't stopped." Xertic flexes his hand, flames dancing on his fingers.
"So were you lying?"
"I have to go now. Nice talk Xertic, keep Asuna company, and thanks again!" She flies off and Xertic sighs.
"Now YOU can come out, my lady." Asuna steps out of the tree behind Liz's. She hooks her arm around his.
"You know it was for the best. Come on, I made lunch, and Yui is waiting anxiously. She won't eat until you come home." Saying that last word put Asuna at ease. Xertic looks back.
"Alright, I can't keep her waiting, or your delicious food waiting." She pecks his cheek and walks through the portal her boyfriend had opened to their house.
-Floor 66, Alfheim-
Asuna brings out a plate of sandwiches to the table, where Xertic and Yui sat across from each other. Yui was bouncing in her seat, happy to see her father on his feet.
"I got to take care of you, and I prayed that you would feel better soon. Eventually my great nurturing saved you!" Xertic smiles, his jagged teeth flashing.
"Now now, I don't think you did ALL the work. Your helper is coming right now." Asuna sets the sandwiches down in front of them, and Yui looks at her mother.
"Tell him, mommy. I saved him!" Asuna sits down.
"You did, Yui-chan, you were a big help," she says winking at Xertic. He sighs and takes a bite of his sandwich.
"The demonic side of me is disappointed by the absence of souls, but the normal-ish part says that this is delicious." Asuna tilts her head.
"You have a normal side?" The two girls break into a fit of laughter. Xertic rolls his eyes. "You're one to talk, you're the one who likes a demon and hates all things paranormal." Yui bites her sandwich and swings her legs in the chair.
"Mommy and Daddy are both strange, but that's why they are so lovey!" Asuna shrugs.
"I can't argue with that." Xertic nods and goes back to his sandwich.
The three enjoy the meal, finally feeling at peace from the back-to-back fighting. After they were done, Yui had run upstairs to her room, leaving the two alone. Xertic gives Asuna a sly look.
"While I do say that it is not required for me, you do know what the next step is for lovers like us." Asuna blushes heavily.
"Y-yes, I do. But I don't know-" he puts a finger to his lips.
"I am not saying this to be intimidating. To be honest the thought of human intimacy bores me, I don't see any purpose. However, the last thing I want to do is deprive you of a regular life. If you ever think you are ready, I will be happy to share the experience, if that is what you wish. I am your servant, I live to please you." Asuna smiles and buries her face in the crook of his neck.
"Thank you, for understanding..." Xertic wraps his arms around her waist.
"It is my duty..." After a moment of silence, Asuna opens her eyes.
"Crap, what time is it? My mom only let me stay at Kirito's until 1:30. I'll be on when I get home if I arrive before then." Xertic nods.
"I'll have Drake escort you, as well as give you a fast ride. Gamelus and I train soon anyways." Asuna kisses his lips briefly and logs off. Xertic looks over at the window of his house and spots a bird sitting on the windowsill. The bird nods and flies away.
"Damn, I thought you guys would get it on right then and there." Gamelus swings upside down from the chandelier above Xertic.
"Come down here so I can punch you in the gut." Yui runs down the stairs.
"Uncle!" She leaps into Gamelus's arms.
"Hey, Yui, how have you been?" Yui giggles as he picks her up.
"Miserable without you two." Xertic pokes her nose.
"Good answer, wanna watch us train for the boss fight?" Yui widens her eyes.
"Yes, please!" Gamelus spreads his wings.
"Then train we shall! Onwards!"
-Floor 33, Alfheim, 4:00-
A large black snake slowly twists through a cavern, the demon on his head holding a lantern to light the way and whispering directions. Behind Xertic, Asuna leaned against his shoulder her chin resting on her hands. Gamelus And Kirito sit behind them, going over the battle plan with Klein. Drake was entertaining Yui, Lisbeth, and the other girls with a transforming game.
"Do a cat!" Silica says excitedly. Drake smiles.
"Too easy, miss Silica." A black cat sits in front of them, the five girls clapping in awe. In front, Xertic growls behind him.
"Stop treating my butler like a game show please..." Asuna giggles, and the girls pout. Kirito shakes his head.
"Alright, this boss is apparently hidden, and in the form of some kind of god. We need to be prepared for anything." Gamelus nods.
"So it's like a powerful force? Like us?" Klein laughs.
"Yeah, like you guys." The two fist bump, snickering. Xertic points forward, staring at the hole with light shining through.
"That way, boy." Viprivius slithers out of the hole and lands in a forest. The green trees blew in the breeze, making a whistling noise. Kirito hops off of Viprivius.
"The boss area is somewhere around this forest... Everyone, spread out in your two teams. Liz, you're with me." He points to the left and Liz nods, blushing widely. Xertic nudges Gamelus on his elbow.
"You can be on your own for a little right? I'm checking on our little guest." Gamelus nods.
"Make sure he doesn't get into trouble." Xertic nods and logs off.
-Kazuto's house-
Assol stares at the painting of Xertic and Gamelus, both of them holding up their symbols. He scoffs and shakes his head. When father had sent him to spy on the two, he thought maybe it would be a little exciting. But all he could tell was that the two were arrogant about their powers. He slides into the room next to the painting and smiles.
"There it is..." In front of him was a glass case holding Satan's dagger. The lock was going to be a challenge, but it would still crack eventually. He reaches a hand towards the lock.
"Look at that, I caught fresh meat." Assol freezes and turns his head. Xertic was leaning against the wall, flipping a throwing knife through his fingers. Assol smiles.
"I guess you aren't as stupid as I thought. You managed to keep the ultimate weapon." Xertic walks over to him and shoves Assol towards the door.
"Don't get any ideas, squirt. No way you are stealing this thing and giving it to Lucifer. My friends are waiting for me. Behave yourself, or you will end up sprawled on the floor, begging for the mercy I will not give to you." Xertic opens his jacket and pulls out a black key. "The lock is designed only to open with this key," he says as he snaps his fingers, a portal opening in front of him. "And away it goes." He walks out laughing, Assol growling as he leaves.
Ah, silly Assol, no one like you. That's all you will get from me, hope you all ave a great weekend! Absol got away safely...