A/N Hi guys! Back for another chapter. This one is unlikely to be as long as the last but we'll see as I'm typing this right now. In any case, for those of who read the first two chapters(whether in detail or not) thank you for giving this fanfic a chance. I already have an idea for another SAO fanfic but that'll come after I finish this one. And it's sequels of course. I'll try to make this a trilogy if I can. Anyways, as always, happy reading!
I was back to being a solo player. Nothing new, except this time I was pretty much universally hated. It was the first day after clearing the 1st floor and many players had already caught up to me and flooded into «Urbus». I rented out(conveniently) another farmer's second floor for a good deal. I was planning to stay here for, I don't know, 3 days? Not too short that it was pointless to come here, but not too long that I might attract attention. I sighed. Of all the noble acts to pull off, I had to be the one. I was essentially a villain to most players, but to some of the betas who were smart enough to deduce the truth, I was a hero.
Whatever... I didn't come here to please everyone, and I certainly don't need gratification... I thought to myself. That was enough to convince me to forget about it. I don't need other people to tell me their opinions. It wouldn't change anything. I never started on what I couldn't finish... except once but that was an exception... I gave that up anyway...
It was part of the reason I was skilled with a sword, and also part of the reason why I turned to gaming and virtual reality. But that's for another time...
I sought out for the hunting grounds. If I wanted to be alone, I should head for the mountains. It was a long trek but hopefully it would pay off. I admit that a part of me wished Asuna could've been here, but maybe that was just to assure myself that I wasn't completely hated. It was going to be lonely without her, but then again, I've been lonely for a long time...
It was 2 weeks since the clearing of the first floor. Progress was happening faster now that we all had experience of what to expect. Well, there was progress among the various new problems we(mostly I) faced.
Betas were still being judged as always. I suppose it could be worse, I mean, at least they can remain anonymous. By now though, society being the discriminating line for all, the players were essentially split into the remaining nine-hundred betas or so and the seven-thousand non-betas.
Looking at it practically, betas were outnumbered and overwhelmed by the mass in comparison. However, in individual terms the average beta was stronger than a non-beta and more likely to survive... and to die. Most, like me, worked alone. However, the soon later, a few joined up into small cliques or groups of personal friends. That was the closest they could get to being like a regular player. Also, being on the smaller scale of population, betas communicated better among each other, and often yielded better results from most endeavors. This increased tensions and prejudice among the other players, but compared to their opinions of me, this might've been friendly competition.
About half of the other betas at least, heard what I did and either figured out the truth or were told by another of what I did and why. I could tell not everyone hated me because occasionally I caught a nod or wave at me from a single player travelling alone and rarely a group would pass by and whisper thanks. I appreciated the sentiment, however small it was.
This didn't mean I was going to work with others, though, even if it was a beta. Every once and a while I caught a player who didn't look like a beta but walked with confidence and an aura of potential. I could tell because betas never drew attention to themselves, besides a few more idealistic ones. These more 'special' non-betas were clearly naturals or at least hard workers in this game. They usually advanced in society quicker and established a leader-like role in their group. More accurately, they were the ones who dominated certain aspects in the game. I wondered if they would pose a threat to me, but I cast off this less-than-pleasant thought.
I walked back to town. I considered donning a hood like Asuna but never got around to doing it. I don't know, maybe it was pointless, or maybe it was because of my pride. I was never one to hide the fact that I thought I was the best.
I heard recent news of blacksmith named Nezuha who was a failure at his job. He always seemed to be unable to upgrade people's weapons. In compensation for loss supplies and weapon, he paid the players off. The reason he didn't go out of business was because there were not many smiths to begin with. NPC smiths were available, but it was better to trust another player with this task because if they got it right, their experience would increase and with enough levels they could perfect the chance of success. Well, almost perfect. For along with this system, came the chances of failure which increased with every success. If you wanted to upgrade a weapon, you would need the materials, a sufficient hammer, and a decent smith. However, it was hard to ever fully upgrade a weapon, especially since there were a limited number of times you could attempt to do so, depending on the weapon. This applied to reinforcing the durability, modifying the look and so on.
I investigated further on this matter since I had nothing better to do. I found out later while hiding in a shady corner of the bar, that he simply ripped off players and gave the weapons to his friends. The trick was something called 'Weapon disappearance'. Later I contacted Agil about this matter. He replied that he would do something about this. I also friended him so next time I could resolve matters quicker.
I made an ambush on the con smith later in a dark alley and threatened him to stop. Never has a player begged more for mercy. I wasn't even robbing him at gunpoint or anything...
Also interesting enough, he turned out to be the droopy-eyed one who spoke up against me a while back. Oh sweet revenge...
After that case, I wandered around town. I sat down on a bench waiting for something to happen. Or rather someone, for soon another person sat down beside me. Argo.
The info broker owed me a favor for all the trouble I went through and offered me one free deal on anything. Besides the names of other betas. A while ago someone tried to buy the names off her in spite because of the little stunt I pulled. She of course, refused and that stirred up a commotion. I stepped in and negotiated to settle things... with a duel. In his anger, the opposing person accepted foolishly and I defeated him in a one-strike match. Dusty from falling to the ground he spat out a curse at me and everyone started yelling at me to leave. I did before things got nasty and that reminded me to refrain from being nice too often.
"So what'll it be, Kii-bou?" Argo said mischievously. She had brown eyes and curly auburn hair. She wore a brown hood and whiskers on her face(cosplay?). I never asked about the whiskers, although I did wonder.
"Tell me something that's useful about this floor," I said vaguely. Honestly, she was the only person who was reliable for information in this game. I met her in the beta test and we had a few conversations. She told me about her business hobby and I told her about myself, or at least the parts I was willing to divulge. One time I think she said she would sell her grandmother for money... I think that was a joke, or at least I assumed so...
"Hmm... well... there is this one quest..." She said childishly. She explained the details about breaking a rock and getting an «Extra Skill» called Martial Arts.
Interesting. I was no expert, but already had a decent grasp on CQC. A little bit of help wouldn't be bad.
"Thanks. Keep safe, Argo," I said and stood to leave. I added her as a friend earlier in the game as my second contact. So far I had 3 friends on my list. It would've been 4 but I debated on adding Asuna. I didn't want to lead her on or anything by asking her to be my friend... So far all my contacts were for business purposes... except for Klein, but I never responded to his messages...
"Hey... Kii-bou," said Argo quietly. I turned to face her. She hugged me, a little tight I might add. When she removed herself, she looked embarrassed.
Ehh... Asuna does it better... I thought and immediately corrected myself. Not that I care...
"Thanks... you know. For taking the fall..." Argo said sincerely. Well, I guess it wasn't all bad if Argo really meant that. I never planned on pulling a Dark Knight or anything, it just seemed appropriate at the time...
"You're welcome," I said and I walked away. I tried to keep the meeting brief. If I was going to make it now, I had to keep moving.
I kept walking around, trying to find useful information. Besides the quest info Argo gave me, the only decent news was of a meeting for the second floor.
Suddenly, someone tapped me on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Asuna.
"Kirito-kun! It's been so long..." Asuna said pouting. Her expression was adorable but I fought against these thoughts. In order to respond properly, I can't be ogling at her.
"What are you doing here?" I asked a little coldly. She looked shocked but realized the cause of this immediately. Then her eyes changed to a more understanding gaze.
"I wanted to see if you were alright... the rumors that have spread around... you must've heard people talking..." Asuna said sympathetically. My expression lightened a bit. Maybe I was on edge. I regretted my unfriendly response.
"Sorry, I guess things have changed. Yeah, I have heard. Don't worry, it doesn't bother me. I'm just looking for anything that's worth hearing in order to help me," I said more cordially. Asuna nodded understanding. Then she put on a questioning expression. I gave her a subtle signal that it was okay to ask.
"Umm... well... if you do need any help... we could party up..." she asked very shyly. Another day, I would've said no. But this time, maybe I needed a little help.
"Well, I am going on a quest. It's meant for only one person, but, if you want to come there's most definitely some experience you could gain," I said graciously offering her. It sounded like a fair deal so she accepted. So we planned to leave tomorrow to complete it. I had no place to stay so I guess I had to rent out again, however-
"Kirito... do you have a place to stay?" Asuna said curiously. Damn. How'd she know?
"No, I can't say I do..." I said a little embarrassed. She nodded understanding.
"Well, you could stay at my place... for the night," She said. It was a little dark but I could see the slight blush on her face.
"If you say it's okay, then sure. Thanks, Asuna-chan," I said sincerely. She smiled and nodded 'you're welcome'. Then she put on a scary face.
"But don't try anything funny. If you do I'll- I'll-" Asuna said struggling to find a good threat.
"You'll what? You won't make me a sandwich?" I said teasingly. She blushed and hit me on the shoulder. "Ouch... but that doesn't hurt as much as not having a sandwich..." I said playfully while rubbing my right shoulder. She turned and started walking briskly away. "Jerk..." I heard in the distance. I smiled. I was wondering if she was a tsundere...
She led me to her place and prepared dinner. I admit that her cooking skills were better than mine. Then again I didn't really care for cooking gourmet-level foods. Plus, I would be dominated in the kitchen... not being sexist or anything, but that seemed to be the case.
We had grilled salmon with lemon sprayed and a side bowl of rice and a cup of tea. Very subtle and fulfilling. Then she led me to the bedroom. She let me have the one closest to the door. She took the one closest to the window.
Not fair... I thought enviously. I wanted the nice view...
Besides not getting to choose the beds, it was nice and soft so I looked forward to sleeping.
"Hey... Kirito-kun," Asuna said gently. I turned my attention to her. She looked at me with slightly sad eyes. I hated that look... it made me want to act nice.
"How long do you think it'll be before we get out of this game?" She asked innocently. I wish I knew that answer. What I did know was that not everyone was going to be able to see that day, regrettably... I couldn't do anything about that, so instead of giving the honest answer, I tried to cheer her up.
"Well... considering my skills, we should be out by tomorrow. Maybe a week if the game starts to lag," I joked and she scoffed amused.
"Sure, sure... you know, maybe instead of 'Beater' they should call you 'Conceiter'..." Asuna teased. But I was glad she cheered up, and that was her way of showing thanks.
"I see what you did there... well, good night, Asuna," I said tiredly but brightly. She smiled and bid me the same.
"Good night, Kirito..." Asuna said drifting off.
And soon we both feel into a deep sleep. The stars tonight seemed to shine.
We woke up around 6 like usual. I got up a little earlier than Kirito. I decided to wait for him to get up so I could ask what he would like for breakfast. In the meantime I stared out the window. Everything seemed normal and quiet. That wouldn't always be the case but it was nice to appreciate the silence and peace while it lasted.
Soon, he arose and looked quite cute I might add, but I would never say that aloud. Instead of saying good morning I decided to play around a little bit.
I picked up my pillow and threw it at his head while he was stretching. Needless to say, that caught him off guard and after falling back, he jumped up with an alarmed expression.
"Hey, sneak attacks are cheap! Who-" he said looking around and he caught me giggling to myself quietly. Then his surprised appearance became annoyed and then it changed to 'whatever'. He brushed himself off and yawned.
"Morning, sleepyhead," I said giving a unoriginal but cute nickname. He looked at me with a 'Are you kidding me' expression but responded nonetheless.
"Yeah, good morning... at least for one of us..." he said pouting. That expression was really cute but his serious facial details made it humorous at the same time.
"Sorry about that, but who could resist?" I asked. He didn't respond, assuming that was rhetorical.
"Ready to take on this quest?" He asked a little exhausted but serious nonetheless. I nodded.
"Yep. You better eat up," I said cheerfully. "What would you like?"
"Something that doesn't list 'pillow' as an ingredient," he said a little annoyed and I smiled. I took that as his way of saying, 'I really don't care'. So I got set to prepare cracking some eggs and I tossed an apple at him in the meantime. He caught it deftly and munched on it looking outside the window.
Ahh... typical Kirito... I thought to myself.
We finished off breakfast with a glass of milk and headed toward the old man who would give me the quest. He was located in a corner of the town and spoke like a wise sensei. After listening to his boring-ass lecture we finally set off to the mountains.
We encountered many ox-like enemies and worked together to clear them out of our way. It was nice to work alongside Kirito again. We seemed to be able to read each other's moves and switched back and forth to prevent one of us from getting tired. We racked up a nice amount of XP, Col, and items at the end, mostly cow hides, but a few random pieces of equipment and lots of beef.
We finally reached an open clearing in the mountains. There seemed to be a ray of light dramatically pointing out this huge rock. It was about the size of small bear. Granite-grey and marked with small streaks of red. It looked to tough and I wondered how Kirito was going to break this with his bare hands. The requirements for this quest seemed ridiculous. I've seen it on TV and stuff but I never actually saw a real rock just be busted open with nothing but your hands.
Kirito of course didn't register the unrealistic demands of the quest. Or maybe he just ignored because of his huge ego.
He walked up towards the rock and raised his hands in an double-axe grip and struck the rock with all his might.
I don't know what was more painful, watching or listening to his scream of pain.
Despite this, he continued to knock at the rock, albeit a little less violently. I had to admire his persistence, even though it seemed futile. In real life, I doubt even after 5 years he would be able to make a dent on the rock. That's just logic and science. The rules of nature were hard to bend.
However, in a game like an MMO, most things had health or durability. Eventually after continuous amounts of rock bashing, Kirito would be able to reduce the rock's durability to zero. That was a less comforting thought, but at least he would get something out of it.
I watched him for a few hours. While he relentless plowed forward hitting the rock over and over, I sat down and started playing cards with myself. Every once and a while he would mutter a curse or swear a little too blatantly. I felt sorry for him and I wanted to help the quest only allowed one player to attempt this task. It was growing darker but he didn't care. He hadn't looked away from that rock for a long time. I was starting to get afraid he might be developing tunnel-vision...
Finally he collapsed in total exhaustion. Breathing heavily he shook his head and caressed his hands. If this weren't a game, I'm sure they would be bleeding or more accurately, reduced to bone. But in this game they only looked really red, which contrasted with his light skin. He looked up toward the sky and down. He shook his head and walked back over to me slowly.
"I think... I'll try again tomorrow..." He said tiredly. I wanted to hug him and cheer up his spirits but I think that would be awkward for both of us. Instead I offered him a spot beside me.
"You should lay down. I'll take care of dinner. I hope you like potato soup," I said and he nodded accepting my request. As I heated up the pot of soup, I added some beef to it. He would like that.
It was dark so we decided to set up sleeping bags. After finishing the relaxing meal, we rolled out the bags and slipped into them.
"It's dangerous sleeping outside, isn't it?" I asked worriedly. I was afraid we might get attacked or even worse. Kirito's presence reassured me somewhat, though...
"Don't worry. You go to sleep I'll keep watch," he said calmly. I could see the shadows in his eyes, however.
"Idiot... you're already tired. Let me take watch instead," I said, but I was warmed by his weak attempt to be noble.
"Yeah, but we don't need both of us to become tired," he countered and from the look on his face he insisted. I guess there was no point in arguing with this idiot... but he was my idiot... I mean he was just an idiot, never mind that last part...
"Fine... but if we get killed I'm not forgiving you in the afterlife," I said mockingly playing mean. He smiled.
"Then I'll beg for your forgiveness. Sleep tight, it's better that we're half-strong than all-tired," he said and sat up to a more attentive position.
Kirito... I thought.
You're unbelievable... but maybe that's why... I never finished that thought for I fell asleep.
I woke up the next day to the distant sound of tapping. Or at least it sounded like that. I slowly regained my senses and the world opened up. I turned and saw Kirito was not there.
WHAT?
Where did he go? Did something happen? What could've-
Oh.
I never felt so embarrassed for overreacting than now.
Kirito was still there hammering away at that stupid rock. Though I wonder which of the two rocks were more stupid...
I looked at our campfire. It was put out and the black coal gave off a slight burnt smell. There on the ground I saw a plate of meat, an apple and a glass of milk. It was beside an empty one which must've been Kirito's.
Already ate? He must be really determined... or battle-crazed... I thought. Maybe it was just in his nature.
This time he showed no signs of pain striking the rock. It actually looked he might achieve something.
I wonder where he pulls his strength from...
He wasn't like me in the beginning of the game. He wasn't hopeless, lost in despair, depressed at reality, or anything. Even after being called a 'beater' and shunned from most of society, he showed resolution and drove on, no matter the odds. I found myself wondering where I would be if I hadn't met him.
I used to just stay in a room alone, crying about being trapped in this game. I turned that sadness into anger and strength and went out leveling, without a second care. I thought that as long as I could be myself, I could die satisfied. But then I met him, and he changed my views.
I don't know how to explain it, but something about him caused a change in me. It was definitely for the better, I just didn't know what.
Back to matter at hand, literally, Kirito continued to lash out at the rock. By now it seemed he was used to it, and, was he smiling?
I couldn't believe if he was having fun or not but it seemed he was enjoying this. Or maybe he turned into a masochist...
"Any progress?" I called out. He responded without turning.
"Of course I made progress. What do you think I've been doing for the past few hours?" He said offhandedly. Wait... past few hours?!
"Didn't you get any sleep at all?" I asked incredulously. He paused for a moment to put his right index finger to his chin to think.
"Let's see... I think 30 minutes?... maybe and hour?..." He said guessing. I was angered at this statement and stood up and started walking over to him.
"Asuna?..." He said curiously.
"Turn around," I said deathly calm. He obeyed, mostly because he was scared at my expression.
"What are you-" he said as I smacked him on the back of his head.
"OWWW! What was that for?!" He said painfully. Honestly, guys are really dense sometimes.
"You woke up that early just to work on your hand-abusing skills?!" I shouted heatedly. For some reason he blushed. I wondered why and then I caught on to what he thought I meant and blushed heavily myself.
"PERVERT! HENTAI! ECCHI!" I yelled and punched him on the right shoulder hard. I can't believe he would ever suggest that!
"Hey, you're the one who said it..." He said teasingly while rubbing his shoulder. Next time I'll punch the other one...
"Sh-shut up..." I said. Fine, maybe I poorly worded that phrase...
"Asuna is so sensitive..." Kirito said mockingly. Jeez, Kirito, have some decency...
"Nyah... Kirito is so mean..." I said upset. "You're an idiot, you know that? No one wakes up just to hit a rock in the morning..."
Kirito looked a little ashamed, and I could see him hiding the weariness behind his eyes and muscles.
"I'm sorry I made you worry," he said and I was slightly mollified. "I'll be more considerate next time."
"You hold to that promise, or else you owe me," I said still stubbornly concerned for his well-being.
"Oh? We'll see who owes who," Kirito said in challenging tone.
I didn't ask him what he meant by that.
We stayed in the mountains for the next day. I went out to the hunting grounds just outside. Kirito told me not to strain myself and I replied, "Hypocrite..."
He continued to try and break the rock for the next few hours. I don't know how he hasn't given up yet...
Night fell and I wandered back to our camp. He took a break finally and we had dinner. I was tired but not extremely.
"Hey, Kirito," I said and he turned my way. "How do you do it? How do you keep on fighting?..." I asked softly. Although I've gained a respect for him(when he's not teasing me), I always wondered about what was in his mind, why he was the way he was.
"...I don't really want to share..." He said and I could understand that. He was less open to people and the chances of him opening up decreased ever since he was labelled as a 'beater'.
"But if I were to give an answer, it's because I don't want to die here. I would never live down the fact that I lost, not just literally, but figuratively as well... I hate losing in any game, but I also hate losing precious things to me... and also... it's selfish to say this, but I can't let anyone else be better than me. I want to known as the best. That's the only way I feel secure... that's why I can't stop fighting... even if I want to..." he finished on a bittersweet note. I really desired to know what he meant but I already pressed on him enough. He bid me good night and turned away. I hesitated, but I called out to him.
"Kirito-kun..." I said in a whisper. He turned his head just enough to look at me with one eye.
"Hold my hand," I said simply. He was confused at my request and blushed a little. I was blushing too, but not to an extreme extent.
"I-I- just wanted to, ah, comfort your hand. You know- af-after hitting that rock so much it must be sore..." I tried to make a reasonable excuse. He looked amused and it made me want to hit him again, but then he took my outstretched right hand and held it in his own lightly.
"If it makes you feel better," he said teasingly. I squeezed his hand a little tightly. He shut up after that.
"That's my line," I said. "Good night, Kirito... don't wake up early again..." I threatened lightheartedly. He chuckled.
"Of course not, mother..." he said and I rolled my eyes.
You're unbelievable.
The next day in the afternoon, he finally broke the damn rock. What a hard head.
It was a week since Kirito acquired the «Martial Arts» skill. He practiced it on easy targets such as the smaller oxen. Give it a while and he would master it. The highest you could go in any skill in order to master it was level 1000. Sounds difficult, but with time and effort, most endeavors do pay off.
After Kirito broke the rock he got quite a bit of Strength XP. I joked that it didn't make him look more muscular on the contrary and he ignored me for an hour or so. He's so sensitive...
The meeting for the 2nd floor boss took place today at noon. It was similar to the first one, except this time, Diabel was not the one who hosted the audience. It was someone named 'Heathcliff'.
An impressive looking figure. Tall, long and grey-haired, with a resolute and confident face. He emitted and aura of command and his voice emanated from the center of the town with a palpable presence.
"Greetings, to all fellow players. We are here to discuss the strategy for facing the 2nd boss named, 'Baran the General Taurus'".
He went on to give detail about what we were to do. It was very similar the first meeting so I won't bother you with the details. Kirito looked like he was about to fall asleep in his seat so I had to shake him every once and a while.
After the plan had been explained everyone cleared out. Heathcliff remained to talk to a few players. I wondered what they could possibly be discussing. Kirito turned to leave.
"You didn't even try to pay attention, did you?" I asked him sighing. He smiled innocently.
"Whatever did you mean by that? Of course I was paying attention," he said very sarcastically. Boys.
"Just don't die when we face the boss. I at least, payed close attention to details," I huffed proudly. He gave me a bemused expression.
"Being awake doesn't necessarily count as listening," he said teasingly. I punched him, this time on his left shoulder. He smiled all the same.
"So quick to respond, Asuna... I think I'll call you the «Flash»..." he said and I blushed slightly. I never had anyone give me a nickname, much less given by a boy.
"That better not catch on," I said darkly. Kirito nodded just to humor me.
"If you say so..." he said in a singsong voice. He could really get to me sometimes.
With 7 or 8 so parties gathered we gathered outside the door to the boss. Heathcliff led the way and the rest of us followed. There were a few mutterings around us but Kirito remained silent. Heathcliff addressed us and gave the usual generic pep talk and wished us all luck.
"If only, " said Kirito darkly. I wondered what he meant by that.
We charged into the boss room and there he was waiting for us.
As his name suggested, he was some sort of bull-type monster. A Minotaur, perhaps? He had a huge gold hammer, horns, a black, shaggy beard, and red skin.
When I checked yesterday, I saw that Kirito's level was 13 and mine was 12. Not too much of a difference and it would be enough to get by.
The boss proved relatively simple with swing and smash attacks with little variety. The groups switched in a out while surrounding the target. Kirito and I got a few hits but it seemed the other groups tried to keep us from attacking as often. It must be because of the the «Last hit» bonus info being spread. Kirito still retained the «Coat of Midnight» and was currently wearing it. I kind of advised him against it since it would attract attention but he said that if he was hated he wanted to be upfront about it. I don't know whether this was pride or stupidity. But maybe he was deep down, just looking out for the other betas.
The boss neared the end of his health. Players were getting very serious. They all wanted that last hit bonus. However, when most of them rushed forward, Baran hit the floor with a special ability called «Numbing Impact». Everyone caught with the radius lost their ability to move, or rather they were heavily weakened. Their minds were unable to send signals to the rest of their bodies to move. This was an opening. Kirito said that I should deliver the finishing blow. I asked why and he answered, "Cause I'm Santa Claus! Just attack!" he said frustrated. I got the point. Maybe to avoid further deterioration of his already ruined rep, he was sharing the glory with me. Also, if a non-beta such as myself was seen working with a beta, maybe there would be hope for cooperation between the two factions.
Kirito set me up by knocking the boss's guard up like I did the last time. Switching our roles, I prepared a «Flashing Penetrator» aimed it at the target's chest. It burst into thousands of glass-like shards and a message saying that I got the last hit appeared.
I took a look at the item. I was a little disappointed that it wasn't something of practical use like Kirito's «Coat of Midnight» which offered higher defense, increased hiding stats, and I admit an rough, attractive look. The Rare drop I obtained was called «Silverlight Ingot». I wasn't a smith so it held less value to me. Kirito walked up to me while everyone else was celebrating. I think I saw Heathcliff give me a respectful nod and Kibaou in the background. I narrowed my eyes. I'm glad he didn't get the LA.
"Get something good?" Kirito asked me. I shook my head dejectedly.
"Not really, since I can't use it," I said and I showed it to him in the trade menu. His eyes lit up however, and he couldn't believe my impassive expression.
"Asuna, this is actually pretty valuable. If you find the right merchant, you could sell this for a million Col even!" He said and that raised my interest in this rock. How weird that both of us found something worthwhile in yet another rock...
"Personally, however, I'd hang onto it. Later in the game, if you ever want to try out smithing, with a high enough skill, you could forge quite the weapon. Or you could wait until someone else is," he said and that brightened my hopes. Today seemed to have been worth the wait.
There were mutterings around us now that the celebrating had died off. Kirito narrowed his eyes. He could see the hatred and suspicion in their eyes. With one last defiant glance he turned to me and expression softened.
"That's my cue," he said and I lowered my head in disappointment. Let down again by him, but I couldn't really blame him.
"Why do you have to say it so straightforwardly..." I said sadly. He noticed me getting very dispirited so he reached out to hold my right hand in his for the second time.
"I can't let you have your status ruined by hanging out with me. That's just society, Asuna," he said in the nicest way to break the truth to me. I didn't want him to go, it wasn't fair, but he was doing this for me, not him. I had to respect his decision. This was the only logical choice to make. I tried to smile weakly.
"You're leaving me again..." I said teasingly. Inside I was really sad, though. He was the only person that I at least got somewhat close to. Then I had an idea.
"Promise me we'll party up again," I said seriously. He looked slightly amused but nodded all the same. I held my right pinkie up.
"I promise..." he said playing along and linking his pinkie with mine. I would never forget that warmth. "Fingers crossed..." he muttered intentionally loud enough for me to hear. I smiled slightly and gave him an light and affectionate punch on shoulder. The left one that is, the right had been abused enough...
"That better be a joke," I said lightly and we separated our fingers. I clutched my right hand in my left, trying to preserve his touch.
"Be strong," he said turning to leave. "I trust you'll make the right decisions," Kirito finished and walked away to the stairs leading to the next floor and «Teleport Gate».
It was too bad the whole world seemed to be against him. For a soloer, he was actually a nice person. Suspicious, mysterious, and sometimes unbearable but he had a heart under that armor. Behind the act he carried on for appearances, he was something special. There was no one like him...
I was interrupted in my reverie by a tap on the shoulder. I turned and saw Heathcliff. What does he want with me?...
"I wish to talk with you," he said solemnly.
"About what?" I asked rude with suspicion. I didn't really welcome anyone to talk to me except Kirito. As a matter of fact, he was the only person I welcomed to talk to me...
"About forming a guild," Heathcliff said keeping up his steely gaze.
Guild? I thought.
A/N And that's where we stop! I'm sure you're all wondering how that will affect Asuna and Kirito. You'll find that out later, I promise. In any case, thank you for reading and please review! Leave any and all comments that you feel about the chapters and please try to be polite. Til' the next chapter, please R & R!