SAO: in your time.
Hello welcome to another chapter and side project right now another SAO story about Kazuto time traveling back in time to stop as many deaths as possible… enjoy.
With that enjoy this new chapter.
Start chapter:
Inn: BLINK & BRINK
In the inn using one of the back rooms for a large private gathering the Unofficial Guild sat around the large round table.
Of those assembled was Klein and all 10 of Fuurinkazan. The Six members of the Legend Braves. And Two-Handed Builders. Which included Wolfgang, Lowbacca and Naijan. As well as Asuna and Kirito,
Of course they weren't the only ones as a few new additions were added
One of them officially was Lizbeth. Who had agreed to be the groups On site Blacksmith for free just so long as she had the materials for the weapon she wouldn't charge a single col.
Finally there was Argo the Rat, the unofficial member of the unofficial guild.
Klein held his chin a tense look of concentration on his face
No one else was any better.
Kirito had just revealed the revelation of the Laughing Coffin to them.
To say they were concerned was an understatement
Even Argo, who was investigating them in her spare time, was horrified by what Kirito revealed.
"Damn it!" Klein huffed
"If this is true then our progress will grind to a crawl." He said
"Why don't we inform the other guilds? I'm sure the ALS and DKB will be willing to help." Agil said
Kirito shook his head "while The ALS has the man power to possibly halt this the fact is that unlike every one in this room we don't know who to trust." Kirito said
Argo gasped as everyone looked at her
"Why is that?" Lowbacca asked
"Because Laughing Coffin like us isn't a registered guild." She said
"They do it so they can infiltrate other guilds and gain more information on their targets. Infiltrators can be identified by tattoos on there body under there Armor or clothing. However more open members can be seen having this symbol either on their gloves, shoulder armor and more." Kirito said as he slid the symbol of Laughing coffin into the middle of the table so everyone could see.
"Is there anyone we can trust off the Bat now?" Agil asked
Kirito shook his head "no one outside of this room. It's why I asked you to remove your armor when we entered I was vetting you before you entered." He admitted
Everyone looked at each other
"Kirito what would have you done if any of us failed the exam?" Naijan said
Kirito looked at the table lifelessly as he drew a small vial of Green liquid and put it on the table.
"This is a hyper concentrated dosage of a player crafted poison unlike the one found in the Curse of Stachion quest, this one drains life. And not stuns
And unless you have the known antidote that being a set of regent Plants located on opposite ends of this floor it can't be removed.
While in the town your health will not decrease step outside of the town and you're submitting yourself to a death sentence.
"If I had found you to be any LC Infiltrators I would have poisoned you, knocked you out, told the others of your betrayal and left you to die, while the rest of us found a new location to dismantle Laughing coffin these are not people you play around with they are murderers and scum, and they deserve no remorse." Kirito said as he turned away
"Make no mistake this isn't a game, this is war." He said
"If you don't want to fight, that's fine, we can use you with Argo to help gain dirt on them. But they need to be stopped." He said
Klein stood up "Kirito your making it seem like your willing to kill these people!" He said
"He is." Someone said making everyone turn to see Asuna sitting there pensively
"During the ambush he killed two of them already." She said
Klein gasped as he sat down
"That's not all. Remember the two that captured you when we were looking for Argo?" Kirito said
Asuna gasped
"Both of them were also members of Laughing Coffin." Kirito said
There was a tense silence
"Kirito, tell us…how deep does this hole go?" Agil asked
Kirito sighed "while the clearer guilds are mostly safe the goal of Laughing coffin is to make sure that this game never ends. To that end they will sabotage the clearing force by sowing discord between its members, Morte was one such player having joined The DKB the same time as leading Kibaou and his party to aid the forest elves for the Elf-War quest not knowing of the future alliance that would occur." Kirito said
"Alliance?" Klein asked
"Not important right now. What is is the fact that laughing coffin will do anything to make sure this game there killing ground never ends." Kirito said
Klein stood up
"Well…you said so yourself this is war. But I refuse to let you fight alone." Klein said
The rest of Fuurinkazan stood up beside their leader. "Fuurinkazan follows you what are your orders." Harry one said
Suddenly Agil stood up
"I can't speak for the rest of my guild but I'm willing to put my life on the line for you." Agil said
However Lowbacca and Naijan, and Wolfgang shook There heads.
Kirito gave them an understanding smile.
The Legend Braves stood up "we will fight with you Kirito you've given us a second chance after we caused hurt to the clearers we won't let others get away with it." Orlando said
Kirito nodded to the six of them before turning to Lisbeth who shook her head. Before finally turning to Asuna
Asuna looked at Kirito bluntly
"Do you really need to ask?" She said standing up "I'm standing beside you till the end partner."
Kirito smiled as he addressed those sitting down
"You four, know we don't think any less of you, and infact you have an even bigger role to play." Kirito said
"Because as I said before this is war. And we're gonna need Gear, Weapons, Armor, Potions, Crystals, etc, all sorts of stuff. And for that we need coin. That's where you come in.
Agil, Wolfgang, Lizbeth, Lowbacca, Naijan. You will be focused on gaining those funds. From every sale I ask that you take five percent and store it away separately every once and a while one of us will come by and collect it. Where we will use it to prepare our gear to take the fight to them.
Argo. I'm not sure about your info network but I'd recommend vitting it thoroughly and often as well as coming up with coded ciphers to use for when we message each other about movement. And locations." Kirito said
Argo nodded "I know a code breaker friend of mine in here after I vit her I'll give them the task of doing so." She said
Kirito nodded
"Good. Now for us. We have the actual hard part." He said
"Laughing coffin's plan is to slow down the clearers by preventing the Mid-level players from getting to the point that they would be accepted as Clearers so our task is to guard and escort as many Mid level players as you can and help them level up." Kirito said
Everyone nodded
Kirito looked out the window "it's late for now let's break and get ourselves situated. We shouldn't be fighting the boss of this floor anytime soon so we should expect to have a month's time to set up a good ground base for us." He said
Everyone nodded and stood up "don't forget to spend time leveling yourself up as well. And don't go out alone everyone is to be accompanied by at least one other person they trust." Kirito said
Once again they all nodded
"Final thing please keep this quiet I know it sounds counterintuitive and productive but if you spread the word you will spread the fear of laughing coffin and they will be alerted to our plot." Kirito said
Everyone nodded and left sat for 2 other people Asuna and Argo.
Asuna stepped towards
"Kirito…your talk tonight…you made it seem that you've been tracking them for a while." Asuna said
Argo looked at her "he has Aa-chan. He's the one that told me about them."
Asuna gasped
"How deep does this go?" Asuna asked
Kirito sighed
"Follow me." He said as he led them to his Quarters they were using.
Asuna was confused when they got up to their room then passed it for the next room over.
"This is why I rented two rooms, Asuna." He said as took out a key and unlocked the door.
Argo was confused "rented inn rooms don't require keys to open them." She said
"They do if you request it. It has the added benefit of being unpickable; you literally can't get in without the matching key." Kirito explained as he opened the door.
They stepped in and Kirito shut the door as the room was pitch black to the point the girls couldn't see a single thing in front of them.
Once they heard the door close and the lock rengage did the girls have a slight feeling something was wrong
And then Kirito turned the lights on
Both Argo and Asuna were stunned
The largest wall in front of them was empty say for a large corke board with pinned up screenshots of players acting like a massive conspiracy theory that was, Laughing coffin.
It was marked as such
a single name the Players name in SAO: underneath it was his rank in the "guild" and his duty followed by his status (alive/ deceased) if alive then alongside that was a document that was practically a dossier of the player
It included known Weapons, fighting style, skills and weaknesses. Psych evaluation, how they joined the guild, and what you should do if encountered.
Kirito had practically written a guide of how to destroy the Laughing coffin.
Argo stepped forward as she noticed 3 names given more spotlight than the other practically 30 names on the wall:
PoH, Red-eyed XaXa, and Johnny Black,
Argo looked around and saw on another wall a set of signs of the confirmed Diseased. 3 names were there.
Morte, Joe-Blow, Slyghhu.
And was one marked "jailed"
Kyle kye. [imprisoned]
The others were "minor members" but fully active.
24 odd members. To be exact
Seeing the sheer size of the guild stunned Argo this made the guild one of the largest in the game. If Kirito's numbers were correct. Which she had no doubt about.
Then following a single string to the third wall where it said "alliances"
And if the number of actual members of the guild was stunning then the number of other guilds was far larger
15 guilds in total the Laughing coffin had contact with.
Marking 15 guilds that could be considered either inline with or held hostage by LC.
Kirito also listed how many members there were in the guild too.
Titan's Hand. Members: 8
Bear-Force-One. Members: 6
Iron steel. Members 7
Quiet Vengeance. Members 5
Shadow's Bleed. Members 6
Wolf pack, members 5
Bilergent end, members 6
Finate Focus. Members 6
Chaos Gods, Members 4
Godhand. Members 4
Justice division: Members 9
Pilfered fumbler, members 6
Thunder Warriors, Members 10
Pherxian Reborn, Members 5
Someone actually even decided to label their guild The Dark Brotherhood.
The scairy part was how many there were
Members: 27
Too many people, played Elder scrolls over the years.
That meant the total members were over 100 players 135 to be exact counting the dead and imprisoned
"Kirito, how many of these guilds are the ones held hostage?" Asuna asked
Kirito however shook his head
And a stone dropped in the pit of Argo's stomach
"All of them have been vetted, they are all there willingly." He said
Argo paled especially as every guild had a minimum of 4 members.
And Kirito just confirmed that there are over 100 assassins here in the game.
This wasn't a scourge.
It was an infestation.
A plague.
Forget about clearing the game.
Dealing with Laughing coffin and it's partners in the conspiracy was priority numbers 1, 2, and 3.
"Kii-boi I don't mean to be a sour grape but this is much more than we can deal with on our own, we need to involve the other front line players." Argo said
Kirito huffed
"Very well but first we will have a meeting with the guild leaders and see where they stand. I will not force people to fight who are unwilling." Kirito said looking at the massive board Asuna looked over to see that Argo was clearly getting a sensory overload as she scrolled through her menu.
"I'd like to look at the files.
"I'll give you individual Dossier's here this one is the most important." Kirito said as he handed Argo a form
She looked at it and read it.
Player: PoH
Rank: Guild-master (Founder)
Duty: Leader
Status: Alive
Weapon: [Mate chopper]
Bio: Although classified as a dagger, the Mate Chopper is actually more similar to a large Chinese kitchen knife. The weapon is rectangular-shaped and has a blood-red like reddish-black blade. It is said to be powerful enough to pass through full plate armor with ease.
Due to a curse, the Mate Chopper grows weaker with every monster it kills; on the other hand, it grows in power with each player killed by its blade. If its user were to continue killing monsters with the blade despite the negative impact of the curse, the cleaver would eventually be freed from its curse and transform into a powerful katana. However, this change in the weapon's type would render the player's Dagger skill useless for wielding the new blade, forcing the player to change their skills to make proper use of the katana.
Fighting style: PoH is ballastic when he fights choosing to charge headfirst and go for heavy overwhelming strike's something that Mate Chopper can attest to with its heavy blade used more for heavy Cleaver strikes that Slicing actions
Known Skills: unknown…
Personality: PoH is a cold and sadistic person who spread the idea that, as players would actually be killed by the mechanism of the NerveGear when a player's hit points reached 0, the designer of the mechanism, Kayaba Akihiko, would be the culprit of the murder, thus players had the right to kill other players and enjoy the game. This idea lured and brainwashed several orange players into going on a mad Player Killing craze and led to the first murders in the game this is the foundation of what Laughing coffin is based on. PoH is also a cool-headed man who rationally analyzes the situation,
As stated above PoH founded Laughing coffin.
If you encounter PoH and you are alone simply put just Run there Is no doubt that he's actually alone and most likely one or two of his enforcer's are with him. And will ambush and kill you easily. Teleport away.
If flight is unavailable and you are dragged into combat. It's highly recommended that you stay agile. And avoid his swings wait for him to tire himself out then attack him. It's recommended you separate PoH from Mate Chopper if you can.
Argo nodded, then Asuna heard a hum from the rat as she got Kirito's attention again.
"Oh Kii-boi there's another thing, there's a new up and coming guild that's about to break into the front lines could be a major player." Argo said as she scrolled into her menu to try to gather the guild name.
Asuna looked over to Kirito she expected to see him happy, or at least pensive, having a new guild would make the game easier right? Even with the threat of Laughing coffin they would have an idea as to who to protect. It was risky but it was a plan.
However Kirito wasn't any of these things
He was still.
Kirito narrowed his eyes 'wait a new guild the only Guild that joins the Front lines is…no can't be, it's too soon…' Kirito thought his brain was running a million miles a minute.
"What guild?" He asked hoping Argo would tell him.
"He's asking for the leaders of the front lines to introduce him." Argo said scrolling through her contacts.
"Argo…" Kirito said growing impatient
"I really think he can change things for the better here if-." She said
There was a loud Bang making both Asuna and Argo jump in fright as they looked to Kirito who had knocked a statue over to get their attention.
Kirito stood over her glairing at him with righteous anger
"Name Argo! I need a name!" He shouted
Argo and Asuna looked at each other as Argo gulped and stuttered out. Not wanting to risk the wrath of Kirito by demanding that he pay, even in a safe zone in the inn, not after he had just told everyone he had found a way to kill somebody inside the safe zones. And getting the antidote is basically a death sentence.
"Um T-the guilds called The Knights of The Blood Oath." She said as she found the bio
"The guild leader is a very charismatic man too and has gathered around 30 players to his banner."
Kirito spun around and sighed
"Heathcliff." He said in a low whisper almost sadly.
Argo and Asuna blinked looking at each other
"Yeah…that's the guild leader… how did you know?" The Rat asked
"I saw them leveling one night." Kirito lied.
He didn't want to do this but he had to now… he would meet with Heathcliff.
Kirito sighed "Argo, send Diabel and Kibaou a message about The Knights Guild and plan out a time for a meeting for us to all meet." Kirito said
"Wait us?" Argo asked
Kirito nodded "while I'm not technically in a guild I will be the face of the solo players and minor guilds on the frontlines." He said
"Not alone you won't." Asuna stepped forward
Kirito looked at her and smiled
"After the meeting we will go over and see about possibly adding them to our fight against Laughing Coffin and the other Guilds." Kirito said quietly. Before he turned away and sighed sadly
Argo seeing the defeatist version of Kirito gulped, knowing that something was going on and knowing how volatile he was didn't want to be there any longer simply nodded as she left the room.
Asuna stood there looking at him in concern "Kirito?" She asked trying to gauge him and test the waters.
Kirito didn't do anything, he just stared at the board.
"Kirito?" Asuna prompted again.
"I'd like to be alone for a bit, Asuna." Kirito said
Asuna stepped back sadly before she nodded and left the room.
As Kirito heard the door shut and click Kirito walked up to the wall and flipped over the board
To reveal his other plans a single face on the board.
Kayaba: player ID: Heathcliff
Death time on 75th floor. November 7 2024
And a slew of lists of What needs to occur before and after the date
Kirito looked at the Face of heathcliff his hands began to shake.
He drew a knife from his inventory and held it looking at the blade the shiny blade giving his reflection back at him
"RAH!" He roared as he threw the knife and buried the knife in Heathcliff's Photo.
'Kayaba… I don't know what you're planning. You're not supposed to arrive until the 25th boss fight. Do you know what I am? Has laughing coffin forced your hand? I know you hated them as much as us. What are your goals?' Kirito asked himself.
He sighed and forced himself to calm down. Getting angry would not help the situation. It would only make it worse.
Kirito looked at the photo of Kayaba one last time as he flipped it over to show the Laughing coffin plan.
"Whatever you're up too Kayaba. I will stop you I will have my happy ending." Kirito declared as he walked out of the room shutting off the light and locking the door.
(Knights of the blood oath office)
Heathcliff sat in the ruined of the castle on Floor 5 which they used a a temporary base. As heathcliff sat in the office he had his eyes closed as the door opened
"Ah Godfree." Heathcliff said
Godfree was a huge man with thick, shaggy orange-brown curls, he was a two handed ax wielder. He wore a white and red KoB uniform with a white cape, a metal chestplate, metal shoulderplates and bracers and brown, leather gauntlets.
"You wanted to see me sir?" Godfree said
"Yes I wanted to know if you got any information about the proposed meeting with the rest of the frontlines. We don't want to show up out of nowhere after all."
Godfree nodded "sir they have agreed but we are trying to settle on a location to hold the meeting. If I may sir why are we doing this now, we're still underpowered to be an honest help with the fight to clear the game." He asked
Heathcliff sighed "Godfree here's what you don't know. There are 2 major guilds in the front lines: the Dragon Knight brigade. And the Aincrad liberation Squad, do you know how many players those two make up of the front lines?" He asked
Godfree shook his head
"Half." Heathcliff said
"Everyone else is a solo player or a smaller guild. Think of all those players who we can have sign on to us. Which will boost our power. And stand toe to toe with the veterans.
The reason you would be solo is because you don't have a guild to fit you in. The ALS are we shall say too extreme, and the DKB is elitist. While Diabel is cracking down on that there is only so much you can do.
As playing as the moderate we have easy pickings you see." Heathcliff said
Godfree was still unsure "I'm starting to." He said
"Plus this will make the Frontlines a more unified front instead of a two headed dragon and a horde it's a three headed hydra sharing one brain." Heathcliff said
Godfree nodded "ok sir." He said pounding his chest in loyalty.
"Um sir… there's one more thing I wanted to say it has to do about what you asked me before." He said
"That I wanted you to be my Second in command. Have you given it some thought?"
Godfree nodded "yes sir… and my answer is…"
( Three Days later; Castle Galey Floor 7)
The guild leaders of the Front liners all sat in a circular room
There was Diavel, Lind of the DKB,
From the ALS was Kibaou and Korbatz.
Then from the minor Guilds and solo players was Kirito and Asuna.
The ALS looked at Asuna and Kirito in dismay as Kibaou sighed "ugh why did you get to come here." He said
"Because like it or not Kibaou the Front line don't just compose of your guild. In fact most of them are Solo players." Lind said
Kibaou sighed "fine but it doesn't mean I have to like it." He said sitting further back on his chair, arms crossed as he eyed Kirito.
"I just wanna know When Heathcliff is gonna get here." Korbatz huffed
Suddenly the grand doorway to the room opened up as The 6 people looked up to see there new arrivals
Heathcliff and Godfree of the Knights of the Blood Oath.
Heathcliff was muscular, tall, and physically strong, with sharp scholarly features and steel-gray hair that had a strand hanging over his forehead. He was almost always seen wearing the colors of the Knights of the Blood, though the background and foreground colors were reversed. A large Red Steel plate armor and white cape. With tower shield and Longsword combo Librator.
Kirito narrowed his eyes 'so he has the same gear as before to. He's had it the entire game.' He thought to himself
Heathcliff and Godfree sat down in the two remaining seats across from the 6 as Heathcliff gave off the pageantry of a warm caring smile.
"Thank you for allowing us to be able to talk amongst you as equals." Heathcliff said
Kibaou scoffed "ah cut the Blatter I wish we could be done with this floor already." He scowled
Everyone looked at Kibaou as he was being rude but the leader of the ALS ingnored it
Heathcliff's demeanor fell into one of seriousness
" we wish to be able to spend time among you on the front lines. A way to get to know each other how you operate, without…messing up the well oiled machine so to say." Heathcliff said
"Ok but why all the pomp and circumstance?" Korbatz asked
"As much as I dislike the Muscles heads." Lind said giving afformented grunts from the ALS. "They do have a point we haven't stopped other guilds from joining us in the front lines before." He said
"That I can answer." Godfree said standing up
"We're a relatively small guild and we're not as well equipped. However we do have a common drive." He said
"To escape this game." Heathcliff finished
"Wait your undermanned and under gear are you thinking right?" Diabel asked
"He is." Kirito scoffed making the ALS, DKB, and Asuna look at him in shock
"How so Kirito?" Asuna asked
"While the guilds here are too loyal to each other there is one group who you can profit off of and make up the margin easily." He explained glaring at heathcliff.
"What I'm wondering is what do the solo players benefit from joining your guild?" Kirito asked, cutting deep into the heart of the question.
Everyone looked at Kirito and Heathcliff as the silence between them was tense.
Heathcliff smiled "a sense of belonging." He said
Kirito heard Asuna gasp.
"I know the Front lines are divided. Lack of leadership. Or infighting has made it so that even minor gains take weeks to occur. Most of which is due to how many solo players there are that have their own agenda." Heathcliff said
" hey we don't force anyone to join the guilds!" Kibaou yelled standing up.
"Yeah you damn bastard!" Lind yelled
However Heathcliff was unphased.
"It's true you don't force people to join your guilds to fit in on the front lines. But your not actively encouraging it either." He argued back.
"The ALS are far to vocal about not accepting outside help from previous beta testers.
And the DKB while more accepting to Beta testers that has unfortunately crafted an Elitist mentality amongst the DKB a Git Gud mentality from your peers, while unknowingly it's the fact that those who try are dying because they are not given the help they ask for." Heathcliff said
"The Knights of the Blood Oath are to be the moderate guild among the front. We will accept anyone regardless of Rank, Skill or History. All we ask is that drive themselves to improve to further our goal, everyone's goal to get out of this Game." Heathcliff said
The group was silence clearly swayed by the passion Heathcliff had given in his speech
However Kirito had one more question
"How about people leaving the guild?" He said making everyone look over
"While the others don't address it, players can flip between ideologies either they fall out of the groups or they find themselves called into another. This can have negative effects on the guilds as a whole. Especially if they try it and decide it wasn't what was suited for them as they thought." Kirito said as he glaired at Heathcliff
"Can you say that, should I join. Then decide to leave. That there will be no ill will between parties. Especially if I we're to rejoin again." Kirito said
Heathcliff smiled and nodded "while officially I can't speak up for everyone. I can say that if you were to join and gain a high position in the guild and leave. And then come back later. If you're willing to undergo a small training exercise to insure you will not be a hindrance to the guild. You will be fully admitted back into the guild with your previous rank and everything as if you went on an extended vacation so to speak." He said
"And what do you get out of it. Besides more people, how do you profit off a mess that is the solo clearer's with such different play styles, different ideas, and different ways of doing things." Asuna said
Heathcliff looked at Asuna.
"You are The Lighting Flash are you not?" He asked
Asuna nodded.
"I assume you are a solo player. As you are not notably associated with either of the other guilds." Heathcliff sai
"Asuna looked at Kirito for a moment before saying "something like that yeah."
"I see Asuna you've been here on the front since the first boss so you tell me. How was a ragtag group of nobodies able to defeat the first boss?"
Asuna gasped
"By covering the other's weaknesses." She said
Heathcliff nodded
"What we have will not be perfect, it might not always work. It might not be for everyone but we promise to do our very best." He said
"So…I ask, are you interested?" He said
Asuna gasped as a light crunch was heard the others looked up at Heathcliff
"Hey, what are you trying to do?" Diabel asked
Heathcliff sighed "I will not lie we are dangerously under Strength and we need a firm leader something you have all the qualities of in the making. If you accept I'll give you my second in command over the entire guild. Logistics. Battle strategies, equipment upgrades, Party formations, everything." He said trying to entice her into joining.
"Hey you already got a second in command why are you trying to poach another?!" Korbatz yelled
The meeting nearly descended into argument however Godfree stood up "if I can explain." He said
He smiled "while yes I am ranked as Vice-commander officially. And I lead the Combat team A formation, I unfortunately do not have a lot of experience maintaining something like this off the battlefield. I'm an amazing battle strategist, but terrible Logistics officer." He said rubbing the back of his head embarrassingly.
Heathcliff looked back at Asuna as Godfree sat down
"So Lightning Flash I'll ask again…are you interested?" Heathcliff said
Asuna looked over to see that Kirito was holding in anger trying very hard not to show it. But his clenched shaking fist was something that she did notice as much as he tried to hide it.
"Can I think on this proposal for a bit?" She asked
Heathcliff nodded
"Very well but I'd like your answer at least in two weeks." He said as he stood up Godfree following his leaders actions as the two knights took a bow "thank you for your time." He said as the two left.
For a second there was a tense silence.
Asuba turned to Kirito and went to speak up
"Kirito?"
Suddenly he was on his feet the wooden chair clattering on the ground behind him.
He stood there rigidly before letting out a tense exhale from his nose.
"Excuse me." He said as he left the room.
The others watched him go shocked
"Well…" Lind said
(Play song: Out of time: by The Weeknd)
Kirito walked outside to get some air… he needed space. He needed to breathe…
Kirito found himself outside the castle looking back at the stone work from the treeline. His Black Cloak billowing from the harsh wind.
He remembered what his goal was for coming back. To find Asuna and spend as much time as he can with her.
How had the abandonment affected him so much.
How much he missed out spending real time with her.
As he looked back now and realized.
He missed his chance
He remembered carrying her to saftey
After the first floor boss fight that she still wanted to party with him.
All his chances to say to her what he had to say.
He knew how it was going to go now. As before, she'd accept Heathcliffs offer and he'd never see her again. Until much much later
In his head his heart screamed at him as his own thoughts clashed back.
'Say I love you, girl,' kazuto said 'but I'm out of time' his own mind argued
'Say I'm there for you,' kazuto insisted 'but I'm out of time.' His mind fought back.
'Say that I'll care for you,' kazuto pleaded 'but I'm out of time,' his mind refused.
He would not take away her choice.
Kirito turned away tears falling from his face as he walked away.
Kirito swore he'd protect her if he couldn't carry on with her then he'd watch her. Protecting her from afar.
He remembered how she reacted to Kurradeel, but he wouldn't be staking her. He'd give her the space.
The one thing he'd swear to do is keep an eye on Heathcliff.
Maybe if he exposed him to her she'd change her mind. No! He can't, that would cause drastic changes.
Kirito gasped as he tripped over a tree root he didn't see due to his eyes being a blur.
He had to admit it. If he didn't here his life would be a living hell.
He could work with rejection. He'd hate it but he'd live,
But he can't work with not telling her.
He saw Asuna holding his hand with her. And presenting the promise ring.
He remembered several arguments where he had to walk out to cool down with her crying. God how he hated to see her cry.
Kirito sighed as he knew his life here was on a massive repeat. From the one thing he tried to avoid.
The voice of Kazuto blared in his mind again to follow his heart
'Say I love you, girl,' kazuto's heart screamed said 'but I'm out of time' his own mind argued
'Say I'm there for you,' his head bled 'but I'm out of time.' His mind fought back.
'Say that I'll care for you,' his heart pleaded 'but I'm out of time,' his mind refused.
Kirito couldn't stop his fate again.
He now had to contend with the memories he had made here to hold him over.
He knew it wouldn't be enough, but perhaps it would calm his aching heart. 'Out of time.'
He could only hope the next year would go by faster. Hid he already missed her.
Kirito looked back one more at the castle as he walked into the woods alone.
Behind him unseen by him Asuna had just ran out of the entrance to meet him….
But she was out of time, he had left.
They were both…out of time.
(End song)
Asuna watched as Kirito left her behind she could tell he was weak by the way his figure was swaying but knew she couldn't keep up with him.
And then she lost track of him.
Kirito just kept walking, he couldn't stop he, needed to keep going.
His sight was a blur
He didn't even notice Argo was in the way who was running to find him until he bumped into her knocking him over.
And right there he just broke down.
Again.
That was the second time that he broke down in front of Argo.
God she has never seen him this vulnerable before teased him because he was stunned but not like this…
Maybe if Asuna didn't work out he could go with Argo…
When he came to, he was back at the Inn laying on the couch. He groaned and sat up. Panting
"Ugh what time is it?" He groaned.
"Oh look your up." A voice said behind him
A heavenly voice.
A heavenly but stirn voice.
He slowly turned around and saw Asuna leaning on the doorframe arms crossed
"Oh hello." Kirito said
Asuna huffed "I made you some food in the kitchen for you to eat get it quick while it's warm." She said as she walked off as Kirito realized she was wearing an apron.
'How long was I out for?' He thought as he opened his menu.
A full day had passed since he ran into Argo.
Kirito's mind raced around what happened.
His mind was jolted awake when a bowl landed infront of him
He looked up seeing Asuna holding out a bowl of soup to him as well as one for herself a stirn look on her face saying 'take this bowl now or I'm tossing it in your face.'
Kirito took the warm bowl of soup gracefully and blew on it "thanks." He said
'My last meal I'll have with her…until the ragout rabbit…' Kirito thought
He looked up at Asuna
"Hey Asuna?" He started but she cut him off.
"Up up up! Eat your food. We will talk after." She said
Kirito sighed and started to dig into the stew.
'Hmm this is rather good, has a hint of chicken in it too…' he thought. As his mind swam around the infamous meal. The meal where he finally recognized he had feelings for the girl in front of him.
After a bit they finished the meal Kirito Set the bowl down.
"Do you understand how worried Both Argo and I were when She dragged you back here?" Asuna asked
She remembered waiting in the room for Kirito waiting for him to come back to her.
Then she got a knock on the door and bolted to it to find Kirito
Instead she saw Argo holding Kirito in a Fireman carry which seemed as awkward as it looked from the shaking frame of the info broker.
After dropping Kirito on the couch Argo explained to Asuna briefly about updates for the upcoming "crusade" against, Laughing Coffin before she had to run.
Kirito looked at his feet
"Sorry…" he apologized. He meant it too. He always hated to make Asuna worry his voice just didn't sound like it.
Asuna huffed as she sat back in the chair
"Hey Asuna?" He asked her
"Yes?" She asked
"I'm just wondering…have you thought about..have you thought about Heathcliff's offer?"
Asuba said nothing.
Kirito looked up worried to see she was holding her arm uncomfortably looking off to the side.
"I… I'm thinking of joining…" she said
And like that the one hope Kirito had broke in his hands…
"Oh…I see." He said
"Yeah…I Um… I have to go meet Heathcliff in a few days to test to see if I'm fit." She explained she sounded as if her determination was wavering.
"You'll pass easily." Kirito said trying to cheer her up.
Asuna looked up at him shocked
Kirito tried to give her an encouraging smile. Something that would help her.
Hoping that he could make her smile again for him…
However judging how her face didn't seem to change he assumed he failed… he just looked down.
"I guess I'll pack my stuff then." Kirito said
"No, it's fine, you don't-." Asuna said however Kirito was already up "it's fine Asuna, consider this a gift for you getting into the Knights of the Blood Oath." He said
Asuna gulped as if wanting to say something but held off "I'll walk you out." She said
Kirito nodded as he began to pack
(Play Song: You'll accompany me: by bob segar)
By the time he got everything ready it was already nightfall.
As Asuna stood in front of the inn.
Kirito walked down the steps with a Napsack over his shoulder as he found himself standing next to Asuna again.
His hand tried to reach out to hers…but he couldn't find it…
"It's warm out." Kirito muttered looking up at the Starlit sky.
'I'm doing it now.' He resolved himself.
"It's late Kirito. I need to go to bed." Asuna said bringing him back.
Kirito nodded "r-right sorry." He said as he took a few steps away.
"Asuna. there's something you should know." He said
He heard Asuna who was heading up the steps stop.
Kirito took a deep breath and dove right in. He had to do this.
"Asuna, this might sound creepy, this might sound sudden but it's true. Very absolutely true.
"Your smile brightens my everyday, Your long hair makes my heart want to run. I can't avoid these feelings anymore. I need to say it or else I'll bleed.
I promise I'll get you out of this game. Maybe then perhaps if you'd like we might go on a few dates. I know it's soon, we're young but Someday lady you'll accomp'ny me."
Kirito sighed he knew it was likely Asuna hadn't developed feelings for him yet and now she never might, but he got his voice heard. But now he suddenly found his mouth couldn't stop.
"It's funny all my life I was a hermit. I barely talked in school, didn't know anyone, just went to and from school in and out. Yet somehow when I met you, you made me open up, I find myself easier to talk to you than anyone else. I know you're not looking for love but still." He said as he turned around his tears bawling
"I'll win your love or I'II take the fall!" He proclaimed
"I can't live without you Asuna, everything I've done has been for you. I wish I could marry you here and now." He said
Kirito gasped to the night sky "oh listen me I sound like a maniac, I know I seem crazy but it's true I love you Asuna now and forever. And while you go have your adventures, know I'll be here waiting.
I'll be waiting for you in here, out in the real world. I… oh Asuna I know so much about you. You'd think im a stalker. But it's love. I know I love you with all my heart and I will for the rest of my life." Kirito proclaimed his eyes blurry from the tears.
"Kazuto." He heard Asuna gasp
'Wait…I've never told her my name until after we escaped, which means.' Kirito thought as his mind slowly clicked he slowly turned his head to face her
Asuna was holding her mouth, eyes bawling, Her eyes telling she's been waiting for this moment since they met.
Wait Her eyes
It was her.
"I'm an idiot." Kirito said as he dropped the rug sack and ran to her full on ran to her flinging his arms around her there lips connecting together.
A tender moment of two lovers who's love not even the universe could separate. Found each other again.
Finally they pulled away as they locked eyes on each others
"How long have you been waiting for?" Kirito asked as he pawed her cheek
Asuns grabbed his own hand "sense we meet." She said
Kirito bowed his head "I'm sorry… I was so focused on making sure that everything was right I missed the signs of you."
Asuna smiled "you did…but it's ok… I know and we're together now…now and forever."
(End song)
Kirito and Asuna could stare at each other for hours but they realized they were in fact in the middle of the street.
"Um perhaps we should." Kirito said looking around
"Oh right!" Asuna said as she bent down and picked up Kirito's travel sack and brought it back inside.
Kirito shook his head, tears wet on his face but a never ending smile as well.
She was here.
(Play song Heaven is a place on earth:by Belinda Carlisle)
Kirito felt as light as a feather.
He bent his head down in thought.
'I can't believe she's actually here.' Kirito thought
Suddenly nothing mattered anymore, Heathcliff, Laughing Coffin, SAO, nothing
He was with his love now.
He had a chance to have the family again.
He will have his family again.
He looked around the empty street of the city he heard a voice by the door of the inn and saw Asuna by the door waiting for him.
Once they got in the room and shut the door Kirito felt Asuna fling herself at him and embraced him tightly as if never wanting to let go.
Which was fine by him because he was the same.
"Oh I've missed you." Asuna said
Kirito laughed as he pressed his forehead against hers "that's my line." He said
"We have so much to catch up on." Asuna said
"I'm never letting you go again." He said
"Good." Asuna said
Asuna remembered the accident. Her mangled pain ridden body her body in a daze from the crash as she looked up at Kazuto as her life left her body.
She found herself in a familiar white void and given the choice to wait for her love or go back and enjoy another life with him.
She made her choice instantly.
In the Kyoto hospital Yuuki Shouzou and Yuuki Kyouko were holding a newly born baby
Suddenly the baby opened her eyes to reveal bright Amber eyes, Asuna had been reborn.
Asuna watched as her second life passed through her mind waiting till that fateful day SAO would be released.
Then it did. And she was the first one to steal the nerve gear and dive in. Trapping her into the game before it could be questioned.
She remembered going after as many players as she could before Kayaba announced the it as a death game.
While waiting for Kirito.
She remembered being at that same spot when he originally saved her
And just like our of a story book her hero arrived again to save her.
The pictureisc images etched into her mind.
He had found her.
Now she snaps back to present time with Kirito still holding her
And at the same with the connection that only a couple who's understood there partner's in's and out completely only could leined in and shaired a kiss.
As they explored each other's mouths they felt everything they had ever done together had been leading to this moment
There grand conquest of life.
There happy ending
And they would not be denied there due.
As they both pulled away and looked at each other lovenly in their eyes
And got lost in there souls for a few more minutes before there bodies automatically lead them to the Couch
(End song)
They found themselves on the couch talking and catching up about what they missed.
Kirito sighed "I'm sorry. I'm so so sorry." He said as he began to cry.
Asuna put a hand on his making him look up at her
"It's ok love. I'm here." She said
Kirito sniffled
"I know…I know it's just that. After you died in that car crash I well…I was broken…there was nothing left for me to live for so I just…I gave up. Oh I did some really bad things too." He said
"Tell me about it then." Asuna said in that understanding tone that said to him 'you could be a mass murderer and I'd still love you because I know you did it for a reason.'
Kiritio sighed
"You've seen it already. My physios. The first thing I did after your burial was trash the apartment. I wrecked so much it basically became unusable for living…" he said
"I…may have even killed Yui too accidentally." Kirito admitted
Asuna gasped
Kiriti shut his eyes "it was the nervegear, but I remember I spiked it in the ground and it basically splitting in two…" perhaps she wasn't in there as her Data was in the cloud but still. I'm dangerous Asuna." He said
Kirito felt Asuna's arm wrap around his shoulder
"No love it's not your fault. We know exactly who's fault it was." She said
Kirito sighed "you always knew how to cheer me up." He said
Asuna smiled "it's my job." She said
"So… I have to ask. Are you still going to take up his offer?" He asked
Asuna glaired at him with a stink eye of 'you know the answer to that.' Her eyes said
Kirito chuckled "right." He said
Asuna closed her menu which was her sending Heathcliff a message that she changed her mind.
"So what's the plan?" She asked
"Well…unfortunately we can't kill Kayaba early. Certain events must happen and I don't think he's made the seed yet." Kirito sighed
"And what's worse is the fact that Laughing Coffin is much worse than before." Kirito said
Asuna nodded "I hate to say it but Argo might be right and we might have to have the other guilds join us sooner than expected." She said
Kirito nodded
"As of right now I want to spend the rest of my night with my fiancé." She said
Kirito smiled
"It's time we deserve to have." Kirito said as they headed to bed.
(Eoc)
And yet another chapter: Thats Right ASUNA IS BACK! did you really think i wouldnt? Please im not that cruel, honestly was it too fast? Did I pace this out well enough I wanted this to be later but it felt right putting it here. Please comment and as always keep reading-Bankerrtx01-