I don't own Sword Art Online or Mataras the Red Swordsman. Sword Art Online is owned by Reki Kawahara. Mataras the Red Swordsman is owned by Mataras the Author. The Wyvern's Inferno guild is owned by TheSib. I only own my OCs.
Chapter 11: Megumi, The Crimson Maiden
The guild arrived back to their base in high spirits, it was after hiding from the players who were wanting to know how to get a skill to rival Heathcliff's or to beat a member of the KOB silly. Asuna, Sachi, and Silica all went to the kitchen, and made a feast worthy of kings, while on their way back to their base though, Kirito stopped over into the forest really to do some hunting, and returned with a huge surprise, something they might not see again, Ragout Rabbit, and this time, enough for everyone to have.
Akira sighed in relief after the meal, and watched everyone mingle, Liz, Agil, and Diabel were muttering to one another, Kirito and Asuna were speaking to each other quietly, and Mataras and Sachi had gone off to bed, tired from the long day.
In silence, Akira went upstairs to his balcony, he leaned against the railing again, and watched as the day/night routine of Aincrad begin to shift. A knock came from the door, and Silica walked in, with Pina on her head.
"You ok?" she asked as Silica came out to stand with him, Pina chirping in concern.
"Yeah, I was just… thinking." sighed Akira.
They both sat down on their own designated chairs, and enjoyed the peace and quiet that always came from this spot.
"Earlier toady, you address me as big brother." said Akira, with his eyes closed.
"Oh, I did?" said Silica, and put a hand over her mouth, "I'm sorry, I mean, It's just that your an amazing person to look up to, and I've never really had a sibling before…" she said. Akira put a hand on hers, and smiled, petting Pina as well.
"It's alright, in fact, if it makes you feel better, then you can call me what you like." replied Akira, still smiling at her.
"I guess hearing those two words brought back some memories of your family." figured Silica.
"Yeah, they sure did, my little sister." nodded Akira.
A while later, Asuna came upstairs to the sleeping quarters, she was about to walk passed Akira's room, when she remembered he looked glum at dinner, and left after he had finished eating. She knocked gently at the door, but herself surprised to see that the door was open, she could hear the sound of light breathing, coming from inside the room as the door retracted. Asuna then peeked inside and found an adorable sight.
Akira and Silica were sleeping together in Akira's bed, While Pina was sleeping right in between the two, their faces were carrying a peaceful trait, and not wanting to wake them, Asuna quickly left, with a smile on her face.
The next morning had come, and Akira had walked into the sitting room, of the guild hall, having returned from his morning walk, and saw Silica, Kirito, Agil, and Diabel were just milling around, and preparing for a another day out on the fields.
A lot of the members were all in new outfits. Agil was now sporting a green coat, with blue chest armor, boots, and gauntlets. He also wielded a battle axe called, Garuda. Silica was still wearing her black sleeveless shirt, and skirt, with a breastplate armor, but had an aqua blue coat with black sleeves, and sky blue trims on her coats collar and cuffs. Silica also had on sapphire leg socks, and her black shoes, while around her waistline was her short sword-like dagger, Dragon Fang. She had her tied into two short pigtails, with her ribbons, with her dragon, Pina on her head.
Diabel was now truly living up to his nickname as The Silver Swordsman, because his outfit was now comprised of a wolf grey coat, and a grey shirt and pants. He also wore black combatants, fingerless gloves, and boots, along with silver chest armor. At the ready on his belt was his new sword, Caliburn, and a new calvary shield called, Defender, strapped onto his arm. It wasn't much, but gave enough stats to protect himself against an attack.
Akira also sported a new look, his outfit was completely azure blue, but mostly resembled Kite as he appeared in .hack/ LINK, which had a vest baggy pants with straps near the bottom, and a shirt underneath. His gloves and shoes were black, and had on his head, his Blue hat, and around his neck, the long white neck scarf. His coat was also azure blue, with metal shoulder pads, and the split down at the waist. He still wielded the Azure Lightning strapped to his back.
Kirito still wore his Blackwyrm coat, and had the Elucidator, and Dark Repulser strapped in an X on his back.
Soon, the rest of the guild came down, and were ready to go.
Asuna was wearing a white coat with red line trimmings over a white blouse, and red combat skirt. Black knee high socks, and black boots to finish the look. Her rapier, the Lambent Light was strapped to her waist.
Lisbeth was now wearing gear similar to Asuna, she had on a black undershirt with park pink combat skirt, with golden lines neatly sewn. Her sleeves were separate, and of the same colors from her upper arms all the way down to her wrists. She wielded a mace called Miracle's Wake which was clipped to her waist belt, and had a buckler on her wrist.
Sachi was wearing a light blue short sleeved blouse with dark blue trims on the collar, sleeves, and on the base. She also wore a blue combat skirt, and white gloves with dark blue cuffs. A midnight blue coat was over her blouse that reached her knees. Sachi also had a sword strapped to her back, the blade was called, The Cresent Moon.
Mataras was wearing an updated version of his red trench coat, with a fire red shirt, and black pants. He also wore black boots, and black fingerless gloves. Mataras spun Guilty Thorn in a reverse cycle, before sheathing it on his back.
"Even though our group is full of amazing players, were still a bunch of metal heads." chuckled Akira.
The group went on a hunting trip, and to do some grinding on the favorite hunting spot of The Moonlit Black Cats, Floor 60. It was a forest plateau with tall trees, and rocky pathways. Not many monsters on this floor, but they did have good drop items. Not to mention the scene was almost like a scene from a storybook. Mataras, however, insisted that it was similar to a set of mountains located in the eastern region of the United States. Akira agreed revealing them to be The Rocky Mountains in Colorado. He then suggested it was like they were in the forest of Sleepy Hollow in New York.
The group soon stopped for a break, and Asuna distributed sandwiches, and ate in peace. They were already on their way back to town she they decided to rest. After having their meals, Sachi passed out some cookies that she made that morning on the guilds stove. "I know my skill isn't as high as Asuna's," she said admitted sheepishly, "but I hope they're good enough."
"You sell yourself short," Mataras smiled as he took a bite. "This is very good, Sachi."
"I'll say!" said Kirito as he tore into his chocolate chip cookie. The others nodded in agreement.
"They're right," nodded Asuna, "This is pretty good. Maybe you could show me how to make them sometime?"
Before Sachi could respond however, several darts were shot out at the entire guild, and hitting them all instantly, Akira looked at his HP bar and saw a paralyzed effect status on him, and his friends.
Soon, a familiar laugh came from behind the trees and stepped out into view, the figure was wearing the very guild uniform of the most infamous red guilds, this man is with Laughing Coffin.
Knives, "Is that you… Johnny Black?" asked Diabel.
The figure smiled, and let out a chuckle, "You wish, but sadly, no. I'm not Johnny Black, but he did teach how to make poisons while I visited him at the Black Iron Castle prison." said the man, whose voice soon brought a familiar theme.
Akira shuddered as he remembered who it was after he spoke, "I know that voice. So, you decided to join the murder guild, huh?" Akira grunted as he spoke, "It makes sense actually, I had a feeling it was you the moment you spoke, Kuradeel!"
The figure removed his cloak hood, and sure enough, it was Kuradeel. He grinned as he laughed like a maniac as he walked towards them. "Oh there's more to it than that. I've always been with Laughing Coffin, and worked as a spy the whole time." he revealed.
"So, all this time. You were a traitor to your guild, The KOB!" growled Mataras, trying to move.
"Basically, but I should stop talking or the poison will wear off." smirked Kuradeel moving his sword over Kirito, as he revealed the tattoo for Laughing Coffin. He chuckled as he heard the girls screaming for him to stop, but he din't listen, and struck into Kirito's body, first his left leg, then his right arm, and then straight through his stomach. Kirito struggled to get the sword out, as Kuradeel chuckled with insanity. "DIE!" cried Kuradeel.
Just as Kuradeel was about to finish Kirito, another voice was heard, this one was girl, "This ends here and now, Kuradeel!" she cried.
A light of crimson red soon sped through the trees, and suddenly, it struck right at Kuradeel, knocking him back and removing the sword from Kirito's chest.
The next instant, Sachi moved and removed the knife from her shoulder, and threw it away. She then handed Antidote crystal to her guild mates as they began to move once more. Asuna gave Kirito a healing crystal just in time and saved his life.
The guild had their weapons drawn as they stared at Kuradeel in fury, as their enemy struggled back onto his feet.
"Die, damn you!" Kuradeel screamed.
The very next minute, Asuna charged in an struck at Kuradeel multiple times, causing to scream in fear, and drop his sword, and fell to his knees. He begged for his life, and at the very last moment, she hesitated. Sensing this, Kuradeel let out a wild swipe and knocked Asuna's rapier out of her hand and prepared to remove her head from her shoulders. But Kirito moved in faster, and shoved Asuna to safety but his left hand was cut off. His right hand, however, still held the Elucidator, as it glow yellow and stabbed Kuradeel right in the chest, draining the last of his HP.
"Damn you…" Kuradeel groaned, "You… murdered me…" and he shattered away, much to Kirito's satisfaction.
The group then turned to the girl that saved them. "We're grateful for your help." said Akira, "We're known as The Moonlit Black Cats. My name is Akira, this is Kirito, Mataras, Sachi, litrosh, Silica, Pina, Agil, Asuna, Diabel, and Lisbeth." he greeted.
The girl turned to them after sheathing her sword, revealed to be around her late teens, with short brown hair that reached her shoulders, and sky blue eyes, and pale skin. She wore silver breast plate armor, and her outfit was completely crimson red, including her shirt, combat skirt, and short coat. with red shoes, and white socks. Strapped to her waist was a sword called Crimson Lotus, which was all shades of red, and the hilt were like leaves, and in the middle was a symbol revealing a lotus flower. "I'm a solo player, though I think I'm reaching the limits. My title nickname is the 'Crimson Maiden.' My name is Megumi."
"Thanks for saving us." thanked Silica.
"I'm sure glad you got here when you did." stated Lisbeth.
"Phew, I'll say, I mean, boy oh boy was that ever a close one." stated Agil.
"Yeah. I'm just glad it's over for right now." nodded Diabel.
"Aye." agreed Mataras, "Although I doubt PoH can do anything now, with most of his gone. He might also be the only one who could actually hurt anyone." he opened his menu and passed out health potions to everyone.
To everyone's surprise, when Akira got one for Asuna, she started crying uncontrollably in Kirito's arms. "Asuna, what's the matter?" Kirito softly asked.
"I'm so sorry…" she cried. "It's all my fault… If it hadn't been for me, Kuradeel wouldn't have…" she then starred hiccuping with her tears. "I… should… stay away from all of you… for your sakes."
"No don't say that!" Akira stated, "You're a part of our family now. We can't just let you go and walk away like that."
"But I" her words were cut off when Kirito raised her chin and give a kiss in the mouth. She seemed to resist at first, but then melted into the embrace. Megumi only widened her eyes, while the guild widened their eyes, and jaw dropped. They knew the chemistry between the two, but none of them were to expect it so soon. Though it wasn't a surprise that there emotions would come like this after something life threatening like that.
When they finally separated, Kirito bowed his head down against Asuna's, "My life belongs to you… until the end. I'll make sure you get back to the real world."
Asuna did the same with tears of joy, when Kirito asked if he stay with her for the night, Mataras intervened and stated the two should be married first, and was really serious about the subject. The trio argued a bit but realized he was right. Mataras then reviled that he cared about her, and Kirito confirmed it.
Sachi soon found her voice and said, "Oh will you two get married already?!"
"Hunh?!" exclaimed the two.
"Why not? If your plan to be together until death do you part, we don't have a problem with you being together." Mataras said, with the guild nodding in agreement. Kirito, and Asuna realized that he mean just in-game married, but IRL too.
The two looked at each other, and involuntarily, remembered all the adventures they had together. And right then and their, they knew the answer to the question.
The group smiled, as Kirito bent one knee down and spoke the immortal words. "Asuna, will you marry me?"
"Yes, Kirito, I will marry you." with equally replied said Asuna, "with everything that I am, I will stay by your side."
"And we will be their to make sure to be the shield and sword you deserve." Akira said as the group surrounded them and smiled, including Megumi.
"What do you plan to do for your honeymoon?" asked Silica.
Akira then recalled seeing a little log cabin in a village on Floor 22 where the two could live. Asuna let Mataras, and Sachi stay in her room in Selmburg, on Floor 61. One more thing still need to be done. Inform Heathcliff about what happened.
Kirito, Asuna, and Akira went to Heathcliff, told him a bout the ambush, and what happened afterwards.
While Megumi joined the rest of the guild to their guild hall on Floor 48.
"Welcome to our guild hall, Megumi." said Sachi as everyone spread out, heading to different areas of the building. Some went to the sitting room, others went to the bedrooms, and Asuna went into the kitchen.
Megumi went after Silica, who was holding Pina tightly after the experience that happened earlier that day. She looked like she could use a friend.
She watched her head into her room and closed the door, and Megumi knocked a moment later. Silica appeared again, and welcomed her in.
"I know something like that must've been pretty terrible, are you going to be alright." asked Megumi as Silica went to the balcony.
"I think so, at least, it wasn't like what happened with Pina over two years ago." said Silica, as she wiped away her tears.
"Is that so?" asked Megumi.
Silica nodded and explained how it happened to when she met Akira, and the guild to eventually joining The Moonlit Black Cats.
Megumi smiled at he resolve, and remembered that not all guilds were invincible, in fact, they nearly lost their leader to Laughing Coffin.
"Did this guild ever have any casualties before?" asked Megumi.
Silica nodded, and stated that before she joined, the original members, who were friends of Sachi's, died in combat, and the leader, committed suicide.
Megumi soon realized, that they treat each other like family, and decided to drop the subject, and changed out of her coat, and armor, and removed her sword. As she did, Silica asked, "So what will you do now? Kirito, told us solo players have hard times working on Floor 17 and higher, are you going back on your own?"
This surprised Megumi, sure she was solo, but it was only when she had a case or a problem. She was actually more a team player, and worked in parties from time to time. The guild carried an air of companionship. Megumi knew she had reached the limit, and couldn't go on much further, and decided to join a guild, but she didn't which one, until she saw Kuradeel secretly following them, and acted almost like one the Cats. She even had her sword, Crimson Lotus, maintained as well. She then turned to her and smiled. "I think I've reached the limit of what a solo player can do actually. I planned on joining a guild before the next boss raid, and stick with them until it was all over." she explained.
This made Silica feel better, as she smiled back, and remembered why she was happy, their leader was getting married.
A knock came from the door, and Liz came in with a cart. "Hey, want me to take your weapons?" she asked. "I'll get them restored for the battle." Megumi nodded and handed her sword to Liz, along with Silica. Liz had just put the weapons in the cart, when she remembered something.
"Akira messaged me, a wedding is going to be held for Kirito, and Asuna on Floor one in Tolbanna." she told them.
Megumi heard of it, that was were the assault team was born, she wasn't ready to leave the town of beginnings back then, but was there when they set off.
"When?" asked Megumi.
Liz smiled, and was happy for her friend, as she replied, "7pm this evening." she responded. With that, she took her cart and left the room.
The 'wedding' was attended by maybe a hundred players or more, half of which came from the front lines, the wedding would help boost the morale of the members, and give hope for the players who couldn't help. Akira saw Klein, Ren, Kibaou, and Heathcliff, with his elite members in the crowd.
Kirito and Asuna said their 'I do's' and were officially in-game married, as the crowd cheered, some shedding tears of joy. But the excitement wasn't done yet, Heathcliff then called up Diabel, and gave him a medal of honor for starting the Raid parties, causing more cheers than ever.
Akira smiled at this. "This is one of the biggest events to have ever happened." he said to himself.
"We're allowing The Moonlit Black Cats to have a break from the front lines, I know smaller guilds are like family, so something like this deserves sometime to recover." Heathcliff said.
"Thank you sir, we'll try to make it in time for the next boss raid." Akira replied.
The guild went off into smaller groups, Agil went back to Algade on Floor 50 to work at his shop. Liz, and Diabel went to work at Liz's smith shop, on Floor 48, along with Akira, Megumi, and Silica. Mataras, and Sachi went to stay in Selmburg. Finally, Kirito and Asuna went to have their honeymoon on Floor 22, called, Coral.
Silica watched Akira as he tried to cook something but didn't do so well, "This isn't really good." he muttered as Silica chuckled.
"I guess some things aren't meant to be." she said. Akira sighed, as the two joined Megumi, and asked her if would like to join. Megumi agreed and became a member.
Akira soon started reading the weekly swordsman, an information sheet provided by the info brokers, one headline caught his eye, 'Dual Wielder Kirito missing from front lines!'
"I guess Argo didn't say anything for once." said Akira.
"Yeah. But it's creepy how she knows everyone in the game." Silica nodded, and Pina chirped.
The trio decided to turn in, although it was still 7pm.
Megumi stayed in Silica's room, as she stayed with with Akira in his room. Akira knew she might get some nightmares about Kuradeel, and Akira would support her.
While Silica, and Pina were slowly beginning to fall asleep, Akira stared at the ceiling. I'm getting a strange feeling something big is going to happen soon. Mom, I promise I'll be extra careful from now on.
Silica: Congratulations you two.
Kirito: Thanks, but it looks like we're splitting up a bit.
Akira: Actually, we're going to be having some time for ourselves, so you can make progress, for Mataras, and Sachi, check his … 'of Aincrad series.
Asuna: So what happens next?
Akira: We'll find out soon enough.
Liz: True on that.
Author: Next Time on The Azure Swordsman: The Lost Fragment. Chapter 12: Birth of a Dragon Tamer, Rise of the Crimson Maiden.
All: LINK START!