Sword Art Online: The Legend of The Black Swordsman
Chapter 2: Illfang the Kobold Lord and The Beaters Guild
"Asuna," Kirito called out for the switch. The forward female rotated out with him and struck the Ruin Kobold Sentinel dead with a well placed Linear strike. "That looks like the last one," Kirito said with a huff.
The sentiment was shared with the small raiding party. "If I'm reading the map right," Lisbeth said bringing up her console. "Boss room should be just over the next bridge. And looks like," she trailed off as they all sighed with relief. A safe zone.
"Alright guys," Kirito said crossing into the safe zone and taking a long awaited breath of relief, "we are going to take a twenty minute break and get reorganized for the boss battle."
Everyone agreed and console windows began popping up and trades of items, goods, and crystals were begging maid.
Real Work
"How about a little break sweetie," Midori asked her daughter. Both women looking incredibly pale after watching their son/brother fight for his life for the last hour.
Nodding affirmative, Suguha couldn't speak too in shock from her brothers battles, and they logged out of the stream. "Mom," Suguha spoke after a few minutes of silence as they both readjusted to the real world, "I'm scared."
Midori couldn't do anything else but grab her now crying daughter and hold her tight. How do I tell her everything is going to be ok, when I am scared too. Midori chose to remain silent and hold her crying daughter.
They passed the twenty minutes with only quiet sobs to fill the void. They both sighed dejectedly and placed the VRs back on.
SAO: First Floor Boss Room Doorway
"Alright guys," Kirito said pulling the Anneal Blade from its sheath on his back. "Bit of a change in plan," Kirito spoke with a tone that was making everyone a bit surprised. It almost sounded dirty.
"We about to find out how the lone wolf beat the first floor boss the first time around," Agil asked with a knowing grin.
"Yup," Kirito nodded resting the Anneal Blade on his shoulder, "Illfang the Kobold Lord is the name of the boss. He is protected by the Ruin Kobold Sentinels, the ugly lizard things we've been fighting up here. Normally on a boss raid like this you need a large group of people to handle to mobs that spam you."
Kirito noticed Asuna about to speak up and quickly filled her in on how some bosses used low level attackers from the labyrinth to aid them. Usually when they are slower and weaker bosses.
"So how do we deal with these guys then," Klein asked. I know he told all that stuff for the sake of Lisbeth and Asuna, but he isn't wrong. Traditionally you have to keep those guys at bay and you need a hefty crew to do it.
"Very simply," Kirito spoke, his tone dripping with condescension, "we leave one alive."
"WHA!" The collective collapsed into surprise.
"No matter how you look at it Sword Art Online is a game," Kirito said with a bit of a smirk. "Kayaba may have tried to make it as real as possible; but in the end it is still a video game. And if you play enough of them, well…." Kirito trailed, "we are getting off topic. Agil, Klein, Lisbeth. You two are to attack and destroy all of the Ruin Kobold Sentinels until one is left. Agil," Kirito turned to look the man straight in the eyes.
Well as best he could with the height difference, "your one job when there is only one left is to hold that thing off. I would equip a shield and one handed ax for this." Agil nodded and agreed quickly making the changes necessary.
"Klein, Lisbeth," he said next turning to each. "Once you guys are down to one I want you to join Asuna and I on Illfang. Klein, you've got more HP and a higher Stamina rating while Lisbeth's got a better Attack Power and Damage rating than you right now. I want you to lead in and block for her to switch out for the attack got it?"
"Count on me man," Klein said before turning to Lisbeth. "And you better not let us down," Klein said angrily pointing at the pink hair blacksmith.
"Whatever," Lisbeth said blowing him off swinging her mace a bit close to his head.
"Asuna," Kirito said looking over to her. "I got a bit more in the Stamina and Strength than you do. I am going to parry and draw agrro, you switch in and stab the shit out of it."
Asuna nodded with a smile, "going to give me the last attack item?"
"I don't mind," Kirito spoke wiping his free left hand down his jacket, "I already got my black coat of hiding in plain sight."
"Jack-ass," Asuna grumbled as the all approached the door.
"Let's do this," Kirito kicked the boss room doors open and led the charge in.
Illfang dropped in from a huge leap once they activated the floor by walking in. llfang the Kobold Lord blared over his red cursor with 4 bars of health. This boss was a bipedal burgundy, large lizard that looked like a kangaroo. It could leap incredibly high but was very slow due to its size. He was flanked by three Ruin Kobold Sentinels. "You guys know the plan," Kirito said preparing a Sword Skill, his Anneal Blade giving of a low blue hue.
"Yes," "You got," "No sweat Bro," "On your back," Agil, LIsbeth, Klein, and Asuna replied back. Kirito charged forward with his Horizontal completely bypassing the Sentinels and heading straight for Illfang with Asuna right on his tale.
The Sentinels turned to fight the player after their boss, and that was their mistake. Completely left open the team of Agil, Klein, and Lisbeth made short work of the first two.
Agil ran in first hoping to place a critical on the center creature's back on the right side; and he succeeded. Klein followed up with a Slash with his katana to its right destroying it, but his Reaver skill kept going and landed into the right one. Followed by a well place critical hit from Lisbeth's mace they made quick work of it and followed after Kirito and Asuna.
"That's right buddy," Agil said taking the Sentinels' swing on his shield before dodging again. "Keep on me while my buddies deal with your boss."
Kirito's Horizontal clashed against Illfang's great ax, but with enough force it drove it wide and line Asuna up for the perfect shot. The two worked almost silently as they delivered blow after blow into the boss monster.
Kirito noticed that Asuna sometimes moved so fast the system couldn't register her movements and would sometimes add an extra point to her combos. Then again it does the same thing for me, he thought blocking the massive hammer as almost an after thought. That's when he saw Ilfang's life plummet twice as much.
"Damn bro," Klein said parrying a shield bash with his katanas' Ukifune, a skill normally used to bash opponents into the air, it had enough power to parry the boss' shield bash. "You guys got him down to half," Klein switched out with Lisbeth again. Kirito paused for a moment just to watch her work.
Lisbeth came in low, arms cocked back like she was about to hit a home run. The system activated her Sword Skill called the Bash. Faster than Kirito had ever seen a mace swing, the weapon trailed with deathly accuracy and smashing spikes first into Ilfang's unprotected leg.
At the same time Asuna was able to land a Oblique on his other foot. We are wearing him down, Agil thought looking back at the others while keeping the remaining Sentinel at back. But we need a game changer and fast.
That's when he eyes went wide with an idea, it's just a game huh Kirito? Agil quickly flipped his ax over and using the point stabbed the Sentinel's foot to the floor. It's HP was dropping slowly, but if Agil was correct it should work out perfectly. The monster wasn't programmed to pull the weapon out and was trapped with it's hp dropping a point every few seconds.
Turning and running forward Agil equipped his two handed ax, and without slowing down activated one of his skills. Barbarian Over Swing, was a fairly basic two handed ax skill. It was a large downward swing using all of the momentum and strength to do a massive amount of damage. "Asuna," Agil called out, "Switch! Kirito drop!"
Asuna pulled back after knocking Ilfang's sword to the side along with Lisbeth and the shield. Kirito dropped to one knee and braced himself and when he felt Agil connect he launched himself and the older player high into the air. Agil pushed off and struck down with the Over Swing.
The two had used the height advantage and the off balance to hit Ilfang with the full power of the skill and it traveled the whole length of his body. Ilfang's life finally dropped into the red zone. Throwing away his weapons Ilfang reached around going to grab his secondary attack weapon. For a minute Kirito thought it might be a Talwar but unfortunately it was a Nodachi.
"Shit," Kirito yelled out loud, "everyone fall back it's a Nodachi! It's got longer reach and does more damage!" Kirito barely had time to raise his sword to block and lost a quarter of his health.
"Kirito!" Asuna shouted before charging forward. And like a goddess of light dished out moves so fast the system was having a hard time keeping her combo scored.
Knocking the Nodachi away with a sweeping lower strike Asuna began her combo with an un-assisted linear strike. Players could do damage and attack with the weapons in SAO without the use of the assisted skills. But most players don't have the knowledge and skill to use them without the assists. Asuna however wasn't one of them. She had be fencing since she was in primary school; and Asuna was one of the best.
Her linear struck home true in the beat's abdomen, turning Asuna began a horizontal slash for maximum damage. Pulling the blade from the side of the boss, Asuna began a series of vertical and downward slashes and finished with one final thrust, before pulling back and narrowly dodging Ilfang's swing.
"Holy shit," Kirito muttered, "Asuna."
"Line him up one more time for me Kirito-kun," Asuna said with a smile.
Kirito smirked and nodded, "just like before." Standing Kirito swung his sword and ran forward knocking the Nodachi away and giving Asuna a clear run for one last attack. Bringing her rapier up for a thrusting jab it glowed a light orange color before Asuna shot forward. Catching the boss in the stomach this time Asuna left the skill active and raced up with all her speed. When she reached the boss' shoulders she flipped over before bringing the attack down his back.
Landing Asuna had hoped that would be enough. She was suffering from using one of her newer skills and the cooldown was 3 seconds instead of 1. But with the sound of breaking glass, followed by a second, Asuna turned to find the last Sentinel and Ilfang turn into thousands of little polygons.
Congratulations popped up in grey writing and a familiar giggling began planning, "really? That's just lazy fucking programming," Kirito said with a sigh.
"I know what ya mean," Klein said sheathing his katana. "I feel like we've been cheated."
"Why's that guys," Asuna asked, dusting off imaginary dust.
"This is so the music from Final Fantasy," Lisbeth said with a knowing grin.
"Either way guys we did it," Agil said with a smile, "and Asuna got a well deserved last attack bonus."
Asuna smiled and was about to speak up until the boss room doors opened. The party turned and Kirito noticed the man who lead the boss meeting was there with the 40 other players. Well this is bad, Kirito thought trying to figure out what to say.
"What….just five of you," the blue haired 'knight' said with shock. Others in his group nodded equally shocked by this.
"Filthy beta-testers!" Everyone's attention was drawn to the same orange haired cactus looking guy from earlier. "You guys spied in on the meeting just so you could steal all the good loot. Ya should give us the loot!"
"Hey man, Kibaou ," Agil spoke up defending them, "we went to the meeting and got the info so we could beat the boss and have no one die. This isn't some RPG where we get to have bragging rights over gear. We need to clear this game."
"Don't lie to me!" Kibaou said pointing at Agil, "you lied to us at the meeting earlier."
"I never said I wasn't a beta-tester," Agil said. "What I did tell you is true. All the information we beta-testers got over the course of the test is in that guide book."
However Agil's calm tone wasn't helping like he had hoped. "Yeah well you guys could have helped us." "Yeah you guys are just cheaters!" "Beta-testers and cheaters!" "Beat….Beaters!"
Kirito saw what was happening and quickly made use of the situation. "Beaters," the dark hair boy smiled, "I like it. Keeps you from lumping us in with the rest of those beta-testers." Kirito closed his eyes and waved his wand nonchalantly a he continued, "you guys were way better than any other beta-testers though. You guys at least tried."
Kibaou gritted his teeth further and Kirito was pretty sure that if this was his real body the player's teeth would have cracked. "So yeah," Kirito said nodding towards Asuna who put on her last attack bonus The Cloak of Midnight, "call us Beaters."
Agil smirked and moved closer to the two, while Klein and Lisbeth covered their rear. "Tch," Kibaou made a sucking sound with his teeth before Diable was able to get him to back down and just walk past the five person boss raid party. He did however spit on Kirito as he passed him.
"What a jackass," Klein muttered the party of five moving very slowly in the opposite direction. They knew the others wouldn't be able to follow until the activate the teleport pad in the center of the first village.
"Yeah," Agil nodded a bit sad before turning to Kirito, "so Beaters huh?"
"Yeah, I didn't want people like Argo or even that Diable guy to have the players hate," Kirito rubbed his hand through his hair. "But us? We can take it," Kirito said looking at the door between them and floor two, "we have to. Because we are to show em all that this game can be cleared."
Turning back to look at his new friends, "so lets be the Beaters."
The others all saw consoles appear with whether or not they wanted to join a guild. All of the smiled before pushing the confirm buttons. "Alright Klein you're in charge of guild things," Kirito said before heading for the door.
"Me?! Why me," Klein asked pointing at himself.
"Because you said you ran a guild before," Asuna answered following after Kirito.
"More like Kirito is gonna call the shots and you're gonna take care of paperwork," Lisbeth said sticking her tongue out at the man.
"It could be worse," Agil said with a smile and pat on the shoulder as he walked by. "You at least get to pick the place we live at. Plus I doubt anyone else is gonna wanna roll with us; so everyone is still gonna do their own thing. This was just a way to cement our trust with Kirito."
"Yeah it could be worse," Klein said following the other man to floor two.
Real World
Midori and Suguha had just pulled their Amuspheres' off and sat in stark silence. What could they say, yay my son is still alive? He almost died, fought giant lizard thing, but now he has to do it again? Oh Kazuto, Midori grabbed her daughter and the two women cried together. Cried that he was ok, but that he still had another 99 floors to go.
ASO: Three months since start of game (December)
It's been three months since the start of game and I have to say I am feeling pretty good. Lisbeth thought as she wandered around Urbus waiting on her fellow guild mates. She was of course on the second floor browsing some of the shops for missing materials they didn't feel like harvesting from the lower floors. Right now the game was emulating December like weather where every floor they had unlocked from 1 to 9 was covered in snow and decently chilly.
Lisbeth thought back to what had happened with the fallout from the first boss raid and the next few floors being cleared. Beta-testers had become a bit more accepted in guilds and two of them were even being run by beta-testers. The Aincrad Liberation Army or Army for short was being co-run by Diable and Kibaou, and then their was the Knights of Blood or KoB for short lead by Heathcliff; a player whose reputation as the Paladin is well deserved. Both of these guilds were the largest and strongest in Aincrad currently to date. However their little guild managed to grow just one more person this floor when they first hit it. Argo the Rat...Rats right! Ugh she needs to keep her hands to herself!
Argo had run into a few problems with some of the guilds that had formed due to her past as a beta-tester and rumors that she was helping the Beaters get information. After a quick save from the ninja guild the group made it's way to the extra skill quest Argo was hiding from them.
Argo had never been able to complete the quest during the beta, and it took the six of them two weeks to figure it out. But Lisbeth was so glad for it, mainly because with her stacked Strength skill for Blacksmithing she was actually one of the strongest using the skill. Her only match was Agil due to his naturally buffed Strength skill. But once the quest had become completed Argo decided to stay with the Beaters and joined their guild as their personal info-broker and sub-commander.
Her role was mainly finance and logistics because she kept most of her skills stacked in non-combat abilities. This all meant that Argo had to work closely with Klein. Something Lisbeth didn't really favor. That jackass! He has to know what she is doing! Ugh! I don't know how Asuna puts up with that girl.
Argo was to say….a bit handsy. Ok a lot handsy. She would hang on Kirito or Klein whenever she got the chance and smirk at either offending girl. Now while neither Lisbeth or Asuna had staked an official claim, rumors from the front lines quite clearly said 'Klein is Lisbeths' and Kirito is Asuna's. But Argo didn't seem to care, and that drove Lisbeth up a wall.
I really have to stop thinking about that girl. Lisbeth took a deep breath before continuing on in Urbus looking for the materials to upgrade Asuna's rapier. I still need some wasp stingers and gold inlay.
As Lisbeth kept walking she noticed a crowd gathered around Ashley's. Which was a player run clothing store owned by the same name woman. Didn't she send out a mass message saying she was closed today? I wonder what is going on?
Lisbeth walked over to the store and after pushing her way into the windows view her heart stopped. Standing in the window perfectly visible was Kirito...but not as she knew him. Kirito had his hair slicked back and combed, and he was wearing a black tuxedo. It had a cream colored vest, with a few gold accents. And his face! Oh his face is priceless! Lisbeth quickly took out a Recording Crystal and snapped a photo of their unofficial leader.
Turning and walking away Lisbeth couldn't help but smile. I've got something you don't have Argo, she almost sang in her head.
"Ok, can I change now," Kirito asked with a sweat drop, discomfort etched across his face.
"I guess so deary," Ashley said with a smirk. Putting the last Recording Crystal down. Kirito smiled before quickly changing out. He didn't care that they would be able to see him in his underwear. It was going to be half a second and you'd have to have great eyesight just to see it. Dressed in his new coat Kirito couldn't help but admire it. A bit of white fur adorned the top of the high color, the deep black of the coat was offset by almost glowing neon blue stitching and belts draped across holding throwing knives. The coat had a built in breast plate that could be removed for a newer one later. It also had armor on the elbows, forearms, and a shoulder plate all colored to match the coat.
"Much better," turning to his seamstress Kirito began to open his trade window until he saw her shake her head.
"Sorry kiddo," Ashley said with a grin, "it's on the house today."
"Why?"
"Think of it as a Christmas present," she said with a slutty smile, "just like the other one is for someone else."
"It's not like that," Kirito whined to the older woman.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Ashley said before shoving the dark haired boy out of her shop.
"Ah," she said taking an exaggerated breath, "young love."
Kirito kept walking and smiling thinking about the second item added to his inventory by Ashley. It was the original reason why he had stopped in to Ashley's in the first place. But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry and Ashley had wanted him to model a few outfits, and in exchange she would make him a new coat free.
Kirito being a bit of a cheapskate couldn't resist. However he didn't realize that meant four hours of being a model. Note to self, never ever suggest a woman be a model...ugh that was exhausting. I just hope Asuna likes the new coat.
Floor 9 Mini-Dungeon
"Please explain to me again why we are here," Asuna asked as Agil, Klein, and herself fought the mini-boss to a dungeon they had cleared the other day.
"Because," Klein said while parry the mini-bosses strike and setting Agil up for the final attack. "We need this things drop and we didn't get it last time."
"What's so special about this things drop," Agil asked checking for the last attack bonus.
"Did ya get it or not," Klein asked thoroughly tired.
"Yeah yeah I got it…" Agil said before opening up a trade window and making the exchange on the spot.
"Can we please get out of here," Asuna asked. This is not how I intended to spend Christmas Eve with the guild.
"Yup," Klein said grabbing a teleport crystal and sending them all back to their base of operations. The inn at Frieven Village on the 8th floor.
Floor 8 was a lush green forest that was suspended directly over water. The entire floor was this beautiful ocean and forest above. The pathways were made directly from the branches in the trees and the towns were built into massive tree trunks.
Klein had picked it because it was one floor below where they were trying to clear as the floor above had no towns or safe-zones. The floor above was what RPGers and Dungeon Crawlers call hunting grounds. The floor itself is one of the wider floors so far and that wasn't good. It was mostly desert and the only NPCs where in traveling caravans. Players from the clearing groups had decided to make floor 8 home base so the town itself was usually empty, what with its occupants running almost 24/7 to clear the game.
After word had gotten out about what Kirito and the others had done, guilds made more permanent status and players finally had hope. So with renewed vigor the players began hacking away at the game and it didn't take them long to reach the 9th floor. Progress had slowed due to the size and scope of the floor above. The four main guilds KoB, Army, Holy Dragon Alliance, and the Beaters were only able to send in small teams at a time to work on clearing the floor. But due to heat and player Dehydration, where the avatar has the same feeling as a real person experiencing dehydration, the progress was small.
"This floor is taking to long," Klein mutter not happy by how many people were apparently taking Christmas off from floor clearing.
"Stop being such a dingbat man," Asuna said with a bit a giggle. "It's Christmas tomorrow. We all need a break ya know. We've been at this for months now, and pretty much its the same thing. We wake up, eat, gear up, clear dungeons and labyrinths, eat, go to sleep, rinse, repeat."
Asuna started to hum a Christmas carol before skipping away. "Dude she's right and you know it," Agil said with a smirk. "Why else did we raid that mini-dungeon for the stuff to make Lisbeth's 1000col hair dye?"
"Sh-shut-up," Klein stutter to the larger man as the walked into the inn and headed to their guild room. "She upgraded my katana so I wouldn't have to trade in for a different sword. And with her mastering her blacksmithing she can't do hair dye and has to get it from other players for way hiked up prices. I figured if Asuna keeps Cooking. She keeps Blacksmithing. You keep Luck and Charisma, and I work on Fishing and Crafts along with Argo we should be covered for self efficiently in the open world for quite some time."
Agil thought about it for a moment and it made since, "we would have all the bases covered. Lisbeth would be able to make crystals that you guys could assign properties too. Also you would be able to make health potions so it saves us money on those. And we can get food for Asuna to make." But Agil suddenly realised Klein had left someone out, "what about Kirito?"
"You really think our fearless leader is going to devote an ounce of his resources to anything that's not clearing the game related?"
"Last I check the sky was still blue," Agil shot back with a smirk.
The two reached their room in silence before opening the door to the main living area. It was a large 6 person room with a total of 6 beds and 2 couches. 1 table sat in the middle along with a basic stove and over for a small kitchenette. Walls could be called up to section off beds for sleeping. The guys usually left theirs open while the girls walled off. Now by whatever grace of god Klein could hope for Kirito splurged for one thing outside of battle...living conditions. And they had the only room with a view of the beautiful ocean bay. A small area where no trees interlinked and the view was amazing.
It's even better when you're out on the balcony and can feel that sea breeze. Klein had hoped it would be free when he got in, but opening the door revealed Kirito was standing out, gazing at the sun setting beneath the tree line. Crazy lunatic yes, but god damn could Kayaba program.
"Hey Agil," Klein said attracting the other man's attention, "I'm gonna get started on this dye so I'll catch ya in the morning." Agil nodded and Klein walled off his bed area for the first time.
"Hey Kirito," Agil said waving the boy in. Kirito caught sight and moved off the balcony area.
"What's up man," he said opening the door and pounding the older man's fist.
"Mind if I join you," Agil said and when Kirito moved a bit they both grabbed a chair. "So how did your day go? Get that item you were looking for?"
"Yeah," Kirito said his thoughts going to a dark place for a bit. "I even got this coat as gift," he gestured to his new coat.
"Nice man," Agil really liked to see Kirito finally had a decent amount of armor on, "glad you finally have some armor on."
"Yeah, but I need to be as light as possible, but this…" Kirito stood for a moment and should Agil that he had full range of motion, "this is perfect for me as the main DPS. I have a bit of blocking in the arm guards and still light enough to make the swings count."
"Yeah I know we've been keeping you light but it still worries me," Agil said as Kirito to his seat back. "You still solo some lower floor dungeons by yourself, and it just makes me feel better knowing you've got something ya know?"
"Yeah I know," Kirito said with a nod. He opened up his trade menu and sent Agil and item. Accepting it Agil noticed it was eggnog, laughing he used the item and toasted Kirito. "Merry Christmas dude."
"Back at ya."
It had become dark and Kirito remained out on the porch watching the virtual snowfall. Agil had fallen asleep, his avatar moving into which position he felt most comfortable in. Which had Kirito think about the mechanics behind that. Does the Nervegear know our bodies natural sleeping habits? Or is there an algorithm that tries all of them till the brain finds RME sleep? He hadn't really been paying attention to anything else and missed Asuna opening the door behind him. He had moved the chair to a bit in front of the door so he wasn't being snowed right on, and that was perfect for Asuna.
Sneaking up behind him was much easier when he was only one foot away. Quickly she reach around and covered his eyes, "guess who?"
Kirito was jerked away from his thoughts when the snow was suddenly cut from view and a soft weight took up shelter on his face. "A-Asuna?"
"Got it in one," she said slipping her arms over him and twirling around him into the snow. "It may be virtual, and programmed by a psychopath, but damn did he capture winter right?"
Kirito could only nodded, his face flushing bright red at the sight of Asuna twirling in the snow. She was wearing her casual clothes which consisted of a white wool sweater and beige skirt, she had her white knee high socks on and black shoes. "You know it's rude to keep a girl waiting," Asuna said with a playful smile.
"Wha-"
"I asked you a question silly," Asuna said with a giggle.
"Yeah I guess the programming is god like," Kirito said with a smile looking out at everything before him. Asuna twirling in the moonlight as it reflects off the water, snow falling around her. "Even if it is a death game...it sure is a beautiful one."
"Yeah," Asuna stopped finally getting dizzy and steadied herself on the railing. "So…," she began tilting her head to better see her guild mate and switch partner, "get me anything for Christmas?"
"Maybe," a smirk forming on his lips as he crossed his arms and turned his head away from her in mock anger, "don't you know it's rude to ask that of people?"
"Please," she waved him off, her smile distorting into a grin. "I bet you forgot it was even Christmas, Mr. Sneak-out-at-night-to-grind."
"Heh, caught me," Kirito said with a laugh. He had kept his level 5 higher than everyone else. He felt it was his duty to make sure he could get them through everything and they only way he could do that was to be the strongest. "How long have you known," Kirito asked back not bothering to lie. She had found out.
"Since day one."
"You didn't say anything," Kirito asked surprised.
"You are always play-it-safe guy," Asuna said matter-o-factly. "Plus I usually stay up to make sure you come back alive."
"Thanks, but you don't have to do that ya know," Kirito said scratching the base of his skull nervously. "I mean I want you to get plenty of sleep and be on your A game."
"Can't sleep if I'm worried about you Kirito," Asuna said a bit seriously. "You've been my guiding star this whole game. So don't go dieing on me!"
"Yeah, you got it," Kirito said with a smile, opening up his console. A box appeared in his hands, it was rectangular in shape and not very deep, it was white with red ribbon holding it closed. "Merry Christmas Asuna."
Asuna took the package with shock written all over her face, and completely speechless. Kirito took that as his time to retire and bowed out before raising the walls around his bed and falling asleep.
"Kirito," Asuna whispered looking down at the package, alone on the porch, "it's rude to keep a girl waiting."
Real World December 25th
3 months after incident
It was Christmas morning and for the first time in a while the Kirigaya household wasn't filled with worry. Kirigaya 'Kirito' Kazuto wasn't going into a dangerous situation today. He wasn't about to fight for his life for the umpteenth time. He was waking up to share Christmas with his friends.
"I wonder what they all got him," Midori giggled as she and Suguha logged in.
"Guess we'll find out," Suguha said with a smile.
They had logged into the stream during the guilds breakfast, which gave Midori time to look back at the last three months. Kazuto...its only been three months and I already have to force myself to call you that still. As Kirito you are the strength and leader of your group. You push on with determination I have always known to be present. But you really need to stop with the almost dieing.
Kazuto had almost died about 6 times. Every time it was to save another player, and so far it had payed off. Eight boss fights down and the ninth coming up Midori wasn't sure how long Kazuto's luck would hold out. But at least he has that girl. I wonder how long until they become a couple. It's already been three months.
Midori had watched as Kirito kept an extra eye out for the girl who was obviously very new to these types of games. I guess I am also a bit glad because she helps us understand sometimes what they are talking about. Asuna was well known on the internet for being the luckiest noob ever.
Oh yes, Midori's thoughts took a dark turn. The internet, a hive for the morally repressed and annoying. It seemed literally everyone was chomping at the bit for every last detail about the player who was being recorded and leader of the Beaters.
Everyone the world over was either praising him and his group or bashing them. If that wasn't enough RECT would randomly cut the stream if anything to personal was happening to the players. But after weeks of sending in documents via the government liaison, Midori was able to secure Suguha and herself all access accounts due to Kazuto being their son/brother. And so unlike the rest of the world, Midori was able to spend some form of time with her son on Christmas.
Suguha was happy as well. For the first time in awhile she was able to go without hearing the whispers in school about how today might be the last day Suguha gets to see her brother. It was a well known fact that Suguha's brother Kazuto was the player in the live stream named Kirito. For the first time in three months her brother wasn't going to be attacking monsters and dodging other players on quests. And training into all hours of the morning.
She was scared knowing her brother would sneak out and train without the help of his friends, but Suguha also understood why. He wasn't just level grinding as they called it. He was perfecting his skill. Adapting his kendo training into attacks that could be used with his preferred one-handed long sword.
He had also taught Klein how to use a katana through quite a few duals. The Beaters had made a reputation for not using the system assisted skills and landing massive combo moves. They were considered one of the best DPS teams on the front lines, and due to their small size of 6 usually could move at a faster pace. Klein was getting better and better every day with his swordsmanship. Then again, nothing like real life to motivate you to be the best. Suguha had usually been better at the forms and kata's with the style their grandfather had taught them; but Kazuto usually had better practical skill.
He was the first to win a tournament, then the first to go to a national tournament….what happened Onii-chan? Suguha often wondered what cause her brother to stop doing practice, to stop caring. But it didn't matter. Today Kazuto is taking a break and spending time with his friends...speaking of which….
SAO Floor 8
Frieven Village Inn
Christmas morning
"So you guys ready to do presents," Klein asked with a grin.
With a collective cry the group of six tore into each others presents. Everyone got something small or something to complete a set or for a skill achievement. Until Asuna opened her present from Kirito. Everyone drew is gasps at the sight of the 'coat'. The item description window called it the Tunic Coat for the Flash Goddess, and it was fit for one. It was a white long sleeved long backed tunic, with a black breastplate, it had dark blue straps connecting to white sleeves with built in forearm guards just like his coat. However the straps also resided on the back linking just below the neck. Below the tunic on the front was a black leather knee-length skirt segmented by a dark blue half belt. Finishing off the outfit where thigh high white leather boots with light armor plating on the sides. (Think of her KoB uniform and then change all the red to black and blue as the description explains)
"I had Ashley make it for you since I know you hate you Cloak of Midnight, but like the Hiding bonus," Kirito said before going into everything the cloak amplified. "She added a few extras to the setup. It has a bit higher of a boost in the Hiding skill at +10, it also has a +5 on Battle Healing, and 4% Stun Reduction. Also it has the highest Durability rating Ashley could give it at 50, so it should last a while."
"Kirito...this…" Asuna couldn't figure out what to say. She just kept looking at it and smiling. "I love it! Thank you!"
"Anytime," Kirito replied with a smile and nod.
"Here you go Lis," Klein said handing her a present that wasn't under the tree. It was a small bottle containing a pink liquid.
"Klein this is my hair dye," Lisbeth could hardly believe it. He hates it when I spend money on this stuff, and this is much longer than a weeks worth. That was one thing she hated about this game. Her hair dye had a frigging Durability rating and usually only lasted about a week.
"You give me so much crap for buying this, what gives," she wasn't ungrateful but was truly very curious.
"Well," Klein began rubbing his right arm awkwardly, "you keep complaining about how expensive it is and I figured I could stack some skill points to make it for you. Since you get about 6 months worth from the drops."
"Klein, thank you," she replied smiling and clutching the little bottle tightly.
"That leads into something else however," Klein said seriously and everyone sat down going into full guild mode. "I wanted to put it off for longer but we can't wait to long. Tomorrow we are heading for the 9th floor and we are staying until we clear it to the 10th."
Everyone but Agil and Argo were shocked by this announcement.
"Let me explain before you guys freak out," Klein said holding up his hand. "I've been thinking about this more and more and we are hooked up in hospitals on life support machines. We are on a time clock and who knows how long they can keep us alive on those machines, especially because no one has had this much exposure to the NerveGear. I want our progress to move back up again and we are finally specced for long term deployment."
Klein finished and silence remained in the room. Everyone knew what he said was true, that no matter how much they may enjoy some days….they weren't playing this game indefinitely. They were on a timer. Kirito was the first to speak up out of everyone, "Klein, I know you are aware of the situation. This won't be like World of Warcraft or Everquest. We can't just logout we have to sleep. Our minds still need down time from the system."
"I know," Klein said bringing up his window he showed them the portable guild tent he bought. "If we set up in areas with no mobs spawning it will act as a personal safe zone once it is locked."
"You've really thought this out," Argo said with a smirk. "I have to admit, I saw this coming what with the way you've been specking your skill trees lately. But you've got every base covered don't you?"
Klein nodded but before he could speak up Lisbeth took the floor, "well I guess two days was better than nothing." Lisbeth smiled and nodded to everyone before continuing, "he's right. Our timer maybe years, but it's taken us months to get this far. So lets do it. One push through this floor and on!"
The others nodded and Klein sighed in relief, "alright then lets get back to Christmas!"
AN: Little bit of a shorter chapter, and for whatever reason I feel it was a bit rushed due to wanting to be writing about things further down the story, but having to build base and background well you get this. A lot of off screen action and a lot of character interaction….and fluff because I like fluff...shut up.
As for Midori and Suguha seeing the first boss battle and crying after words. Just place yourself in their shoes and image what they are feeling. Pretty sure you'd be down too.
As for Asuna and Kirito…
1)Asuna - I want her to be a bit stronger than she is in the anime. Kirito stays with her and they are in a guild from the beginning. But she is still hurt by this game and does suffer nightmares which will be covered later. But I wanted her to have more of that 'I'm gonna live till my fullest' attitude she had in the second episode. She is still going to use Kirito as a rock through it all and after but I wanted her to be stronger both physically and mentally as I find that gives Kirito a better equal as a partner.
2)Kirito - Less of a teasing douche bag I know. But I feel like if he wasn't lonely all the time from the beginning it wouldn't be as bad. Also yes I made Kazuto a champion sword fighter...why? Because it works with my story. As for their relationship as a whole I am gonna have Asuna make the first move rather than him. Kirito is a great leader with Klein as back up thanks to their skills in past games. But Kirito is still a socially awkward, kind, nerd kid. Not always the smoothest with the ladies. Which the anime captured perfectly IMO.
Lastly about them and Klein and Lisbeth as well. They all have been traveling together for 3 months in constant life or death situations...I'm pretty sure relationships sprout and run quick when you could die the next day. However they are still teenagers so they have all the awkwardness to run through. Klein doesn't he's just immautre.
Finally to end this long ass AN...I am going to change the time line on a few things and move some cannon around to better fit what I want in the next chapter. Please don't tell me about cannon. I am changing what I want for MY story...not SAO Headcannon.