I don't own anything except my OC

Chapter 14:

Even without Yui here, things are normal. Me and Kirito still go out to have fun nearly everyday joking around and whatnot. Recently, Kirito has taken up fishing, and I would laugh every-time he came back home empty-handed.

Today though, he had invited a guest home. It was in the late afternoon, when they arrived and Kirito asked me if I still had Asuna's soy sauce left.

"Yeah, she practically gave me a years worth!" I answered.

Turns out, he met an old man while fishing that was in search of something good to go with the fish he catches. So that night, we had (badly cooked) fish with Asuna's special sauce.

"I had no idea soy sauce existed in this world" The old man, whose name was Nishida said. (He was nice enough not to comment about my cooking skills)

"Hahaha... Well, I have a talented friend at cooking" I replied scratching my head.

"You can take some soy sauce with you if you'd like" I offered.

"Really? Why, thank you so much!"

"But really, you must be very high level in your Fishing skills! Kirito comes back empty-handed every-time!" I laughed.

"It's too difficult to fish in the lakes around here!" He defended himself.

"Well, that's not really the case. The only difficult lake is the big one you were fishing in" Nishida said.

I swear I almost spit out the tea that I was drinking.

"Why design it like that?" He said in disbelief.

"There! That's a good question! That lake is home to... a resident beast"

""Resident beast?"" We asked in unison.

"Yes, I've snagged it several times. But it's so strong that it once yanked the pole right out of my hands" He had such a serious look on his face, while Kirito loudly sipped his tea.

"Which brings me to a favour I'd like to ask"

"I don't mind fishing for a resident beast, but is it even possible to switch with fishing poles?" Kirito asked. It was probably a rhetorical question though.

We were getting ready to go to sleep and he just lay there.

"I'm sure it will be another fun day tomorrow!" I smiled at him.

He turned off the light on the bedside table as I climbed in next to him.

"He was a delightful man" Kirito said.

"Yeah, there are so many people living normal lives in this world. That's why we have to try hard and complete this game"

"I.. I only became strong because survival was my first priority" He admitted.

"But, I think a lot of people have placed their hopes in you. Either one of us might be the one to finally finish everything, but until then, I'm counting on you, Kirito"

"I swore that I'd save everyone, including you"

"T-Thanks"

"Goodnight Rin"

"Goodnight Kirito"

It was quite crowded at the big lake, colourful banners were even up wishing Nishida good luck.

"I looks like everyone's heard of the resident beast" I sweatdropped.

"Now! It's time to start today's main event"

"Yes!" "Finally!" "We're counting on you!" "Nishida-san!" Cries of encouragement rang out through the area.

"Kirito-san, if you please" "Okay..."

He didn't look or sound enthusiastic at all...

Nishida threw the rod in, and it became completely silent. It twitched. Then again, but this time Kirito reacted, walking closer to Nishida.

"Um, is that a bite?" "Not yet" It twitched even more "N-Nishida-san" "No, not yet"

...

"Now! It's biting!" The rod glowed as he tried to reel it in.

"Here!" He quickly passed it to Kirito.

"S-Switch-"

I seriously laughed hard at how Kirito was brought right to the edge at lightning speed.

"Argh, this damn thing-!" He turned and started running back still holding on.

A shadow appeared in the lake, it was getting closer to the surface. People crowded around trying to take a look.

And just as quickly as they came, everyone started running away as fast as they could to be at a safe distance. Me included.

"Wh-What?!" Kirito shouted as he noticed how we were acting.

"Oi!"

He was knocked off his feet as the fishing rod was separated from the hook now.

"Ow"

He ran towards the edge again screaming since he lost the hook.

"Kirito! It's dangerous!" I warned him.

"What do you mean?!"

This fish sure had perfect timing because it suddenly popped up when he had asked. Water drops came down on Kirito before he saw the huge monster appearing right before his eyes.

As soon as it roared he came running at full speed hiding behind me.

"Th-That's not fair! Don't just leave me behind!"

I just laughed.

I know this is a game but, orange fish that look like they have four legs?!

"It's running on land, Is it a lungfish?" Kirito murmured.

"Kirito-san! This is not the time to be making observations!" Nishida shouted.

"We need to run!"

"Oh, right" He replied.

I look down at Kirito. "Should I take care of this..?"

"Go for it Rin!"

Well, it's good that I always wear clothes that are easy to move around in.

"Kirito-san! Your wife!"

"It's fine"

Getting my sword out I waited until it jumped towards me, and then in one clean hit, I sliced it in half.

Pretty sparkles were in the air as it burst.

I gave Kirito a thumbs-up with a dazzling smile as I landed. He returned it with another smile before he was distracted by something. As for me, I was in the middle of a crowd saying how they were a fan of the famous cold-hearted Saki. But then again, I really don't think I'm cold-hearted any-more, at least not as I used to be.

"Come on, you can't mope around forever" I said to the Kirito that was laying on the bed in his battle gear, black version.

"But it's only been two weeks"

"It must be something big if he's calling us to the front lines during our leave"

"I guess so..."

"We should at least hear him out. So, let's go already"

He sighed before standing up, then he stared me for some time. "W-What..?"

He put his hand up to his chin as if in thought and then replied "I never took it for granted but, you look cute wearing that uniform"

"...What are you?! Some perverted old man?!" I gave him a round-house kick to the head.

"Thank you for seeing us off, we've had fun in the short time we've known you" I said to Nishida at the teleportation gate.

"No problem, it was a valuable experience for me too" He replied kindly. "Actually, before I met you two, the folks trying to clear this game seemed to be in another world"

"I've been trapped in this world for two years. I don't even know if I'll still have a job once I return. Deep down, I might've even given up hope of ever escaping from here. So I figured I might as well just keep fishing here. It's pretty pathetic."

"No, That's not..." Kirito trailed off.

"I've felt the same way." I told him. "I'm different from all the other players in this world. At first, I felt so much determination to clear this game. But then, I started doubting myself on whether I should really continue trying. After I return to the real world, there are going to be many consequences for me because of what I've done."

"I managed to rid myself of that, because that would mean I'm just running away. So I trained hard day and night with a friend to get stronger. But then I met Kirito, who was making the most of his life, even in this world. 'You aren't losing your days in the real world, you're just spending each of them here' is what he taught me"

"And it's not just Kirito, all of my friends have taught me how to smile and laugh"

"...Kayaba Rin, is your name right?" Maybe it was because of that really kind smile he gave me as he asked that, but I answered him truthfully.

"Yes, and I feel somewhat guilty as I say this but... I'm truly glad that I met everyone, I'm glad that this game was created! I found people that are really precious to me"

"I'm sure you've found something dear to you as well, Nishida-san"

"You're right, you couldn't be more right. Life is definitely worth living" He agreed.

"There's nothing I can do for you two, but good luck all the same" Nishida said as he held our hands.

"Let's go fishing again sometime" Kirito said.

"...Nishida-san, how did you know that I'm Rin?" I asked curiously.

"Ah, I don't think anyone else noticed it but Kirito said your real name just before you slayed that resident beast, and I just kind of guessed when I heard your story"

"Hahaha, you're such an idiot Kirito" I laughed softly.

"E-Everyone makes mistakes" He replied.

"Do you hate me for creating this game?"

"Of course not" Nishida answered without hesitation.

That made me truly happy, but I still knew that not everyone can be this forgiving.

"We're off" Kirito said.

""Teleport! Grandum!""

Nishida waved at us as a familiar blue light engulfed us, taking us away from the peaceful life we had dreamed of.

"The recon team was wiped out?!"

We were in the Kights of Blood's headquarters, me, Kirito, Heathcliff and about four other players that I didn't know the names of. You can't blame me, our guild is big! After a while, when our guild started expanding in numbers quickly, I stopped learning everyone's names. Even if one were to go berserk, I figured that I could protect myself.

I was holding Kirito's hand, it just made me feel more safe.

I didn't get enough time to see Asuna beforehand, so I had no idea what was happening, until now.

"In preparation for the coming boss fight, a party of twenty players from five guilds was sent in" Healthcliff explained.

"But when the first ten arrived in the centre of the room and the boss appeared, the doors closed on them"

"A crystal-nullification area?" Kirito muttered.

"Five minutes passed, and when the doors finally opened... The room was completely empty. Both the boss and the ten men had vanished"

"No way! Only five minutes..?" I whispered.

Heathcliff continued on as if I didn't speak at all. "However, we cannot give up on clearing the game. We'll have to attack with the largest party we can put together"

"I'll participate" Kirito declared.

"But Saki's safety is my highest priority. If things take a turn for the worst, I'll protect her over the rest of the party"

I think I started blushing a little.

"People are stronger when they have something to protect. I look forward to seeing you fight" Heathcliff smirked...?

They all got up to leave, stating when we should be ready by.

"Only three hours, they're certainly in a rush" I said.

I looked at Kirito, his face didn't hold that determination from before at all.

"What's wrong?" I asked, letting go of his hand to stand in front of him.

He hesitated before answering "Don't get angry when you hear this, but can you stay here and wait instead of taking part in the boss fight?"

Ah, I might seriously get angry here.

"Why?"

"There's no telling what might happen in a crystal-nullification area. I'm scared... If anything happens to you-"

"I'm just a tiny bit weaker than you" I cut in.

"Being protected feels nice sometimes, but I'm also strong enough to fend for myself"

I took a deep breath before speaking again.

"Hey, leader's going all out this time, he's bringing every strong player there is. If it doesn't succeed, if no-one comes back, and I'm here all alone. I might lose all hope you know? I think I knew this from the start, but I need everyone else's help to complete this game. So if I'm all alone, I might break"

"Sorry, I'm losing my nerve. What I really want to do is take you and run. I don't care if we don't get back to the real world. I want to live in those woods with you forever" He took my hand with desperate eyes.

I smiled at him. "I want that too, but we can't always have what we want. There are many players that have family and friends waiting for them in the real world, I'm sure you do too"

"But what about you?!"

"Ne Kirito, we're going to meet again in the real world right? I want to date you for real, marry you for real!" I said as I hugged him.

"But right now"

"We have to fight this battle" He finished.

As we arrived on the 75th Floor, teleport gate plaza, I saw obviously high-level players waiting around already. Most likely the boss party Heathcliff formed.

They sent a tense glare our way as we walked, but I didn't notice it much because Asuna suddenly came up to me. Giving me the biggest hug I've ever had.

"It feels like it's been years since I've seen you Saki!" Asuna shouted.

Apparently Klein and Agil also came today, greeting Kirito with friendly punch and 'Yo'

As they were conversing, Asuna asked to hear everything about my vacation. Which I gladly did, after all, I had so much fun in those times.

With our friends here, it felt like the tension just magically disappeared.

Heathcliff and the elites of KoB arrived last, and we were set to go.

"Corridor, open!"

My leader held a navy blue crystal high, it wasn't just a normal teleportation crystal, but a corridor crystal that could teleport you anywhere you wanted. An extremely useful item. So rare that I'm surprised that he's using it just for this purpose.

"Alright, let's move out"

We followed after him wordlessly, finding ourselves just in front of the boss room.

Everyone was opening their windows checking that everything was alright.

Heathcliff told everyone the strategy once again, just to make sure no-one forgot "Basically, the Knights of Blood will be holding back the boss's attacks. During that time, do your best to ascertain the attack patterns and counter-attack flexibly. It will be difficult, but I have faith that we will prevail. For the day of our liberation!"

Cheers were heard throughout the corridor, I had to admit, Heathcliff was certainly the best leader I've ever encountered.

Kirito had this tense look so I tried comforting him.

"We're the strongest!" I randomly declared. He turned to look at me questioningly. "People are stronger when they have something to protect, I want to protect Kirito, and Kirito wants to protect me right? So we'll be alright! We're the strongest!"

Okay, so maybe it could've been better. But he did cheer up, and that was good enough for me.

He laughed for a bit. "What are you doing, stealing lines from someone you hate"

"I don't hate that person, it's just uncomfortable around him" I whispered just to make sure my leader didn't hear.

The huge doors were forced open by Healthcliff alone, weapons were raised, and everyone was serious.

"Don't die on me" Kirito said to Klein and Agil.

"Right back at you!" Klein grinned.

"I ain't gonna kick the bucket until I've made a fortune from today's loot"

I turned to Asuna, about to tell her to be safe or something but she spoke before I could.

"You don't have to worry about me" She smiled.

Asuna is really a great friend to me, but she was also like an older sister sometimes. I don't want to lose any of my dearest friends today, or ever in the future.

I'll surely protect them.

"Commence the attack!"

We charged. Once everyone was in, formation and everything, the door closed with a boom. Sealing all means of escape, unless we defeated the boss.

Nothing happened for a while, this boss was sure taking his time.

I heard weird noises and so did Asuna, because she instantly noticed the huge centipede on the roof.

"Up there!"

"I guess we have to take out yet another ugly boss" I said without any humour.

It was about ten metres long, with a body that look like the human spine. It was all bones, sharp too. The head wasn't a human skull, there were four sockets with frightening red eyes.

"Spread out! Distance yourselves!" Heathcliff ordered.

The boss was named 'The Skullreaper' and it came flying down on us.

Two players were late to react, and with just one swing, disappeared into the air.

I heard Asuna gasp.

The Skullreaper came to attack Heathcliffs group, several people turning to run as soon as possible. But Heathcliff defended himself, with a fearless look. It didn't seem fazed at all though and circled around the place at a high speed.

"We can't even get close to it!" Klein yelled.

It went to aim for another person but Kirito came in just in time. The boss had two scythe like arms though, and tried to use the other to attack Kirito from the left side. Luckily me and Heathcliff blocked it.

"I told you, we're the strongest! We can do this together" I said as I helped Kirito up.

"Yeah, let's do this!" We ran forward as Kirito yelled orders.

"We take care of the scythes, everyone else attack from the side!"

That got people moving again. Numerous hits were made but screaming was also heard.

People were dying. "Damn this thing!" Agil shouted as he got injured.

Things weren't really going well, The Skullreaper still had four bars of HP.

But still, we kept going.

People have always said, how good my teamwork with Kirito and Asuna was. I thought it was because of the strong bond I have with them but, I work pretty well with Heathcliff as well I noticed today.

The grip I had on my sword tightened as I strengthened my attacks.

There's no way, there's no way in hell, that I'm going to lose people that are precious to me today! I'll fight with everything, because I finally found it. I found happiness being around them, and I'm not going to lose it to some stupid program I made!

That is what went through my mind as me and Kirito attacked the boss in sync, as fiercely as we could. Our HP depleted bit by bit as we felt the after shock of each strike, but I didn't care any-more.

Being with Kirito gave me boundless strength.

Thank-you for reading this story.

Let's hope we meet again.