Author's note:
As promised, an intermission with no dungeon! Yeah!
On that note though, an apology before you read said 'fun' intermission.
This was supposed to be a fun, light story with them just hanging out in Orario dealing with stupid stuff.
Unfortunately, I think I subconsciously hate fun. So it turns far more serious at the end than any initial plans had it being.
Next time I'll try to do better.
Enjoy,
-asdf
PS. Yes, there are going to OCs from necessity. They will occupy as little time as possible.
Interlude 1 – Hell in a Shopping District
"I'm... We are?... Seriously?"
Kirito's weak voice carried faintly through the Babel infirmary. The reason is simple, in front of him is three girls demanding the same thing, that Kirito takes them shopping. Whether this had been premeditated or a spur of the moment decision, Kirito wasn't sure. What he was sure about, is that he was not prepared for this opponent.
Mind whirring at max speed, Kirito was still unable to decipher in what capacity he was acting. A friend invited along, a bodyguard, a servant. The list was endless, but no answer was to be found.
Snorting Asuna stood up from in bed in one gracefully motion. No injury from yesterday remaining. "That's right! You owe us after all!"
"I… owe you?"
The words tasted foreign in Kirito's mouth. Why did he owe them a shopping trip?
"Because we saved the day yesterday silly!" Rain interpreted for Kirito, reading his facial expressions.
"That's right!" Philia continued. "And as heroes of the realm, we deserve a shopping trip."
"I'll, uh, need to grab more money…" Unsure why he was giving up this easily, Kirito informed the girls of his money deficit.
"Eh? We get to see Kirito's place?"
"I don't think my Goddess would…"
"Let's go!"
Overpowering his complaints, Rain and Philia each grabbed one of Kirito's arms and hauled him to the stairs.
Strangely though, Kirito could have sworn that behind him Asuna was delivering a malevolent glare… directed at him. How was this his fault though? He'd agreed to shopping.
Reaching the first floor, Kirito encountered his second problem of the day. "Argo…"
Having forgotten about his agreement with the fox girl, Kirito found himself double-booked.
Shuffling her backpack in irritation, Argo gave Kirito the hardest glare she could manage. "And what, pray tell, is going on right now?"
"Well you see…"
"Kirito is taking us shopping!" Rain informed Argo with a happy smile. "By the looks of things, he owes you something as well. Come with us!"
Blinking in confusion, Argo was blown back slightly by Rain's faintly overwhelming aura.
"He does at that…" Argo replied faintly.
"Thank you for your help yesterday Argo." Stepping out from behind the three of them, Asuna bowed her head slightly.
"Eh, it's no problem Aa-chan." Blinking rapidly, Argo's head kept swiveling evaluating the members of the party. "Well, this should be interesting."
"So, we finally get to see Kirito's familia house. I wonder what it's like!"
Flinching from Argo's words, I continue to rack my brain on how to keep them away from it; however, nothing comes to mind.
"Well it can't be very large if it's just Kirito, right?" Rain chimes in, easily getting along with everyone.
"It's going to be super messy, isn't it?" Asuna sighs.
Taking a quick look over my shoulder, I finally see my chance. All of the girls are more focused imagining what my familia home will look like than paying attention to their surroundings. Passing by a stall on the exterior of the shopping district I dive under the display and roll silently past the shop owner.
Not giving his reaction any attention, I dash forward, back the way I came, and turned down an alley. Running two more blocks I take another left and slow down.
Smiling my victory, I've already forgotten about the girls.
"Asuna?" Not just her, but Rain as well. Standing arms crossed at the end of the street. Straining my ears, I hear the unmistakable footsteps of Argo approaching. And the other set from the final direction are no doubt Philia's.
Leaning my head back to the sky I admit defeat. Fine, if they want to see my rundown living space so badly, let them.
"Hehe," Argo chuckles happily. "You certainly don't disappoint Kii-bou!"
Turning my gaze to her, I give her a light glare. "Monsters don't know how to flank."
Usually.
I remedy to myself. That view of being surrounded by the Bloodsauruses still haunts me.
"Are you going to behave now?" Asuna's voice is cold enough to freeze my blood.
Shivering, I nod and lead on. "How did you react so fast?"
Sharing a secret glance, the girls giggle.
All four of them.
In perfect synchronicity.
I'm in a lot of trouble, aren't I?
"Well, we were ready for it Kii-bou," Argo explained like she was talking to an idiot.
"Anyone could tell you were about to bolt," Philia clarifies with a somewhat gentler voice.
Sighing, I bow my head. Apparently, I need to practice hiding my emotions.
Dragging my feet, I come to stop. We're here.
"Why did you stop?"
"Come on Kii-bou, times a wasting."
Yeah, basically the reaction I expected.
Schooling my face into what I hope is a passable smile, I turn to face them. "Well then, may I welcome you to the home of Hestia familia!"
One by one each of the girls' faces transform into something between disbelief and disgust.
Taking it in stride I whip around and gesture with an inviting arm. "Come on! I'll give you the premium tour."
The front doors of the house (Church) are large, heavy double doors made from solid wood. The hinges have long since broken forcing Hestia and I to slid in through the small gap that exists. Sliding through the broken front door, I stick my head out through them. "I'd open them for you, but they're broken so you'll have to slide through!"
Not waiting for a response, I continue into the main room of the church. Walking up the dusty aisle I pause slightly to examine the broken pews and cracked floor. Hestia and I had never paused to consider cleaning it up. After all, we never came up here.
Hearing the girls entering behind me, I hurry up and get behind the altar. Spreading my arms like a priest, I greet them. "Welcome to my humble abode! As you can see, this used to be a church to honor the gods."
Pausing momentarily, I wait for the white-faced girls to examine the room. None of them said anything, still contemplating whether this was an ill-humoured joke.
"Well, times-a-wasting! Onto the good stuff!"
Throwing open the hidden basement entrance, I walk down the familiar stairs into the one room living space I share with my goddess.
All-in-all, I think it looks fine. We rarely spend long periods of time here and it serves all of our needs. A small kitchen, a small table, a bed, a couch. It even has a bath with running hot water attached! Really, what more did one need?
Based on the girls' expressions when they saw it, a lot.
"There're no walls…"
Asuna's weak voice does remind me of that one revelation. There's nowhere I can go if I want to be on my own. No private room, no secrets. This had been a problem just a couple days ago I remember… Making a mental note to myself, I need to find a private space in the city at some point.
Back in the real world, this would have bothered me to no end. I would have been extremely uncomfortable with the prospect of having no chance to box everyone else out. Now though… I barely thought about it. Even my recent note about finding one was definitely a long-term plan that I wasn't super keen on trying to complete.
"Well, that's the tour!" Grabbing my money while they gazed around the room, I shove them back up the stairs.
Moving slowly, they don't fight against the momentum.
"I can't believe you share a bed with your goddess…" Philia's trailing voice is coupled with a red face.
Reddening in parallel, I remember the night I did just that. That was my first night with her, wasn't it?
Noticing Asuna's glare, I realize I hadn't clarified.
"Uh, no, I sleep on the couch."
"I… I see. That must be uncomfortable," Philia murmurs sympathetically.
Tilting my head, I consider the words as we exit back unto the street. I had noticed that my body hurt quite a bit in the mornings these days.
Maybe I should get a futon or something…
"So, where are you taking us first Kii-bou?"
Forcing a cheerful voice, no doubt Argo is trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Scratching my head, I try to think. "Well, I don't really know any shops. Do you?"
"Some," Argo concedes, "but I mainly focused on dungeon information."
"So, we're going on a shopping trip where no one knows any of the stores?" Rain asks, blinking in disbelief.
"Apparently," Asuna groans. "I was foolish to think that these two dungeon addicts would have been more helpful."
Pausing, I stop at the edge of the shopping district. This is the only store I ever look at besides restaurants. Its familiar red facade calls to me once more. The Hephaestus familia store.
"What's drawn your attention?" Noticing my distracted gaze, Asuna inquires. Not waiting for an answer, she follows my gaze to the display. "Oh, a weapon store? Let's look!"
Just like that, I was forgotten in favor of the store.
Mouth stretching into a nasty smile, I hang back and wait for the inevitable outburst when they realize that they're staring at.
"This knife…" Argo's mouth hangs open with a bit of drool starting to pool at the corner. She wasn't alone, Philia was right there next to her marveling at the priceless artifact.
Even I have to admit its display is brilliant. Standing point down in a box, hidden lights illuminated the majestic craftsmanship. It looked like a sunken pirate treasure, a priceless artifact recently discovered.
Asuna meanwhile had locked in on a rapier. Biting her lip, she stroked the one on her hip as if indecisive of which she prefers.
Rain meanwhile had a small pout as she glances quickly between the various weapons. The reason, none of them are dual swords. The longswords are too heavy to dual wield, and she probably doesn't want to use knives.
"It has been a while…" Argo begins slowly, "maybe I'll treat my…"
Trailing off the reason is obvious. Argo's eyes were bulging out her head, and she isn't breathing.
Unable to help it, I break down into gales of laughter as one by one the four girls notice the price tags. Caught unprepared, these novice adventurers weren't ready to behold the price tag behind first tier gear.
Sitting down heavily on the dirty ground, Asuna holds her head in her hands. She seems to be murmuring something to herself that I can't hear.
Waltzing forward cockily, I give them a big smile. "Sorry ladies, I'm little short on money to afford this store."
"This… But… I don't understand…" It seemed like this gem discovery of mine had broken the info broker.
Chuckling I place a hand on Argo's shoulders and break it down for her in the most condescending voice I can manage.
"Well you see Argo; this is still technically an MMO. So, where do the top players get their equipment from? Certainly not 10,000 vali steel swords off the rack in babel! They get them here, at exorbitant prices, that only one whom can venture deep in the dungeon is able to afford."
Giving me a glare, it seems like Argo's old personality has come back online. "You don't need to be such a dick about it."
"I didn't charge you for the information," I remind her with a teasing smile.
With a huff, Argo turns away ripping my hand off her shoulder. Before she manages to get all the way around though, I see a tinge of red touching her cheeks.
"Also, what the hell is up with this new you!?" Argo demands angrily. "I thought you were shy and nervous, not cocky and joking."
Pausing, I think back to my attitude for the past little bit. With a shock I realize Argo's right. Ever since we reached my familia home I've been acting differently. A sort of vindictive pleasure in shocking them.
Am I angry?
Blinking rapidly, I found my answer. A seed of flame burning within me. They were bullying me, pushing endless demands. What right did they have to make me spend my hard-earned savings on them?
Glancing at Asuna, I realized it was more than that. I was angry because I still have absolutely no clue where I stand with her.
Breathing deeply, I try to refocus, return to the aloof persona I try to keep. Wait, didn't Argo call me shy? Is that how I come across?
"Are you mad at us?"
Jerked out of my still tumbling thoughts, I stare open mouth at the inquisitive Rain.
Laughing at my expression, she rubs my hair like she would a child. "You're even cuter up close!"
"I'm not… I don't…" Unable to form a coherent counterpoint to the bubbly girl, I stutter horribly.
"Maybe I should um… explain." Asuna stood up from the ground slowly and wiped off her robes with deliberate calmness.
Facing me, Asuna and I lock gazes. Gulping I keep my nerves at bay.
What is she going to say?
"We didn't drag you to her house to force you to buy stuff for us." Asuna starts in a flurry of words. "We wanted to know if there was something you were missing so we could get you it as a present."
Blinking I have no reply. Staring at the red-faced mage, I feel somewhat bad about my previous actions. I basically rubbed my poverty in their face then proceeded to make fun of them.
"So, umm… Thanks for always saving me…"
Trailing off at the end, Asuna broke her gaze away from mine.
"Aww you two are so cute!"
Shattering the silence with ease, Rain chimes in.
Blushing too hard to make a reply, I turn away and scratch my head.
Like the water mage she is, Asuna was able to put out the flames in my heart and restore peace. Keeping my head pointed away, I hide my smile from the girls.
"I can't believe we're still shopping…" Kirito's exasperated words did nothing the dissuade the upbeat girls who were in their element.
When they got to the clothes stores, Rain hit her stride. Pulling them every which way, she seemed to be a natural at finding them outfits. After enough prodding, even Argo let her hood down and displayed her golden ears.
Practically squealing with excitement, they were all over the hidden appendages.
Sighing I shake my head and stare at the girls who are still going strong. However, a part – most - of me agrees with Kirito. Back in the real world I never had time to do things like this, go for long shopping trips with friends.
It had been fun, for the first three hours. But the small bite for lunch was fading and my legs were tired. Glancing at Kirito out of the corner of my eye, sympathy welled up inside me.
Instead of wearing his usual rundown drab clothes, we bought him a new set. A red cloak and boots framed a new ivory shirt and white pants. Hanging off his hands were the bags of everything else we bought. Far too much for what we make.
Although, I think the outfit looks good on him, his constant uncomfortable face made me sympathetic. Even though I didn't know him in the real world, I can tell, this is definitely not his scene either.
Walking closer to him where he was currently supposed to be judging shirts for Rain, I pause a couple feet away.
"Hanging in there?"
Looking shocked, Kirito turned his weary face towards me. Even now it was hard to look at him after the words we exchanged outside the weapons store.
"Yeah," he replies with a slight smile. "I've never done something like this, but I suppose I better be ready. Once Hestia hears I'll be forced to do it again."
Fighting to keep my face neutral, that name drags out the fires in my heart. That overly possessive, large-breasted thing!
"You don't like her, do you?"
Flushing, I duck my head from Kirito. "Was it that obvious?"
"Kind of," he informs me with a chuckle. "But you've only seen her bad side. She's really kind and supportive. I'm lucky to have someone like her I can depend on."
Biting my lip, I chew on Kirito's words. On one hand it's easy to dismiss them as the words of someone who is reliant on her. But, maybe he's right. In Greek mythology, Hestia is the goddess of the hearth. She defends those close to her and protects them.
Does she see me as a threat then?
"Hey what's with the serious faces?"
Walking over, Rain yelled at us with a colorful crop top and sunglasses. It made for quite the interesting combination.
"So, what do you think?"
Giving us a twirl, I can't help but break out a smile. This girl just has that effect. It's almost impossible to be upset when she's there.
"That you look stupid," Philia declares coldly, rolling her too large eyes.
"Ehh?" Rain squeals in pretend outrage. "Just wait and see how you look in the outfit I picked out for you!"
"I have a better idea!" Philia declares with a triumphant look in her eye. "Why don't we each pick out an outfit. Then, we'll make Kirito judge who the best looking is and that person wins!"
"Eh? Wh-wha…" Attempting to voice my disagreement with this new plan, Rain interrupts.
"What do they win?"
Rain's serious tones belays the fact that she's already accepted this ludicrous idea.
Turning to Argo I look for support from the mostly silent fox girl.
"Are swimsuits allowed?"
Starting to hyperventilate, I can't believe my ears. Even Argo has agreed to this!
Looking around the store, Rain considers for a moment. "How about anything in this store is fair game but nothing else."
"Deal." The voices ring out with a final synchronicity.
"B-but…"
They ignore my pathetic stutters and begin hammering out the final details.
"So, the winner gets to be taken out for dinner by Kirito solo?"
"Seems fair."
On the verge of fainting this plan is getting more and more serious. I have to stop it!
"This is actually happening?"
I'm glad that Kirito's voice is as weak as I feel.
"Absolutely!" Philia declares. "You have ten minutes; Kirito face the wall and no peeking. Ready… Go!"
With no warning the competition starts. The three girls dash off into different parts of the gigantic clothing store. Dutifully Kirito turns around and stares at a wall. I think his brain is a little broken right now.
Biting my lip, I stand still hesitating.
What should I do?
Part of me wants to compete, have fun with friends. But it's so embarrassing!
"You're not going?"
Squealing pathetically, I turn to face the source of the noise, Kirito.
"What was that?"
"I asked if you weren't going to pick out an outfit."
The tone of his voice is strange, far too controlled. Tilting my head, I attempt to use my years of practice at navigating the complex minefields of Junior High drama to decipher his words. However… It doesn't help.
Does he want me to pick one? Or is glad someone else realizes how insane this is?
"Do you want me too?"
The question is out of my mouth before I even form the thought. I don't regret it though; I can't figure it out on my own and want to know.
Tilting his head even further from mine, his words are hard to make out.
"I… Um, wouldn't mind seeing you in something different as well."
Looking at his new outfit, I have an idea. Smiling, I dash off into the store to see what I can find.
"So… uh, what's the criteria I'm judging here?"
The four girls have all returned with clothes hidden in bags ready to try on. Strangely enough, I found a new bud of excitement starting to emerge. Goofing off with friends, doing silly things. This was a life I'd only watched from afar in the real world.
Having experienced it for the first time, I was starting to realize… it beat the hell out of grinding MMO's.
"Eh? No fancy criteria or anything! Just pick whatever girl you most want to take out on a date!"
Philia's impassioned declaration was met by fervent nodding by Rain and an almost sick expression from the others.
Nodding, I was processing Philia's words again, when my mind screeched to a crashing halt. "A… date? B-but…"
Did she mean that whichever one I chose became my girlfriend!? This is too much. Besides, there's no way any of them would actually agree to that!
"Hey, Kirito, come back to the present!" Snapping her fingers in front of my face, Rain made me focus on her. "Get your mind out of whatever perverted hole it just entered. One date, a meal from you and their pleasant conversation wearing whatever outfit they picked. Muzhchiny! Men!"
Blushing, I have no response for her verbal onslaught. But she made my thoughts sound a lot worse than they were!
Protesting silently, I wave for them to start.
"What's the order then?" Argo asks quickly. I think I detect a hint of nerves in her voice.
"I'll go first!' Volunteering with a smile, Philia enters one of the changerooms.
A quick rustling of clothes and she emerges.
Swallowing, I feel my throat dry out. Philia had always been beautiful in her leather armour and loose-fitting clothing, now though…
Gorgeous. A tight white halter top with emblazoned gold stars circling the bottom showed off her curves while the cute purple skirt with ivory trim bordered on just a little too short. On her legs she wore long white leggings, slightly touched with pink. They ended just under her skirt creating an irresistible few inches of skin that kept drawing my gaze. The look was innocence, bordering on maturity. Accenting the large eyes of her race, she was irresistible.
"Wipe off your drool Kirito! I'll go next!"
Flushing, I have to check my mouth to make sure I am in fact not drooling. Avoiding Asuna and Argo's disappointed glances, I shuffle my feet waiting for Rain to get out. What would this unpredictable girl bring out?
"Hehe, are you ready out there?"
The words are bubbly and full of life. Yet strangely, they send a shiver of fear down my spine. Would I be able to deal with this?
Almost panting, I control myself. I've been conditioned by Hestia's unbelievable breasts! Surely, I can take whatever is about to come!
Face controlled, I stare at the curtain, ready for Rain to emerge.
"Hello Master! It's Rain-chan!"
Emerging from behind curtain in one swift move, Rain emerges wearing an outfit I know well. A maid costume.
Eyes bulging, I try and fail to stop my mouth from dropping into a stupid half-open stupor.
"Please relax master, your servant Rain-chan will deal with all of your worries from now on!"
Walking right up to me, Rain grabs my hand and holds it against her. "So, what needs does my master have right now?"
So! Cute!
My mind was entering cuteness overload.
Her upturned ruby irises.
Her tied back hair revealing her slightly pointed ears.
Her perfect maid mannerisms and movements.
"Hey seduction through touching isn't allowed!" Jumping forward Philia yanks Rain off me.
"Eep!" Letting out a squeal the girls fall to the ground in a jumble.
Freed from the spell, I analyze my surroundings, that is to say, the two who haven't gone yet. Needless to say, they seem upset. But strangely, not entirely at me. At least half of their glares are directed at the maid on the ground.
"Hmpf, guess its me then," Argo declares with a huff.
Slamming the curtain behind her, or at least trying to, the following minutes are punctuated by a series of curses and complaints. Standing awkwardly, the four of us wait in silence for the irritable girl to finish changing.
Now that I've had a chance to adjust, I can look upon Rain in her maid costume without turning into a mess. I think I'm starting to appreciate the power that women wield.
"I'm here…!'
Displaying herself demurely, Argo steps out from behind the curtain. Her uncovered ears are twitching uncontrollably as we stare at her. Wearing a long red flowing kimono tied with a golden sash, she even has a fan to covertly cover her face.
A perfect shrine maiden, this was a side of Argo I'd never seen before. Her long flowing golden tail flicked gracefully from side to side. After Philia and Rain, my brain was already weakened from the visual onslaught. This was too much.
Sitting down with a thump, I'm unable to tear my eyes away from her innocent form that radiated purity.
"Does this mean I win, Kii-bou?"
Giving me that standard teasing smirk from behind the fan, it helps me recover my senses. I'm able to put the facade of the girl in front of me together with her new attire.
That's all it is, I remind myself. New clothes, not new personalities. These are the same girls I've always known!
For two days some of them.
Telling myself to stuff it, I pick myself off the floor.
"Well looks like its Asuna's turn," Philia declares with a sigh.
"Why do you sound so depressed?"
Turning to Philia, I use the question as another distraction to give myself time to recover while Asuna changes.
"Isn't is obvious?" Philia declares with an eye roll and crossing her arms. Her mannerisms destroying the aura of the outfit. "It's either going to be Argo or Asuna you choose at this point."
"That's not certain," I reply, too quickly. Getting glared at I fumble for words to further defend my statement. However, my typical inability to talk manifests itself. I know what I need to say, what I want to say, but I can't. Blushing I remove my gaze from a disappointed Philia.
"I-uh… Well I hope you like it…"
Talking shyly, Asuna steps out from behind the changing room curtain. Having been distracted talking to Philia I hadn't realized she'd finished changing.
Her outfit was… interesting.
It didn't invoke the same reaction as the previous three did. Instead it was… soothing?
Wearing knee-high boots, underneath them were white leggings trimmed in red which showed off an inch of her upper thighs before a red skirt. Her top was almost the same, a white tank top edged in red. On her arms she wore some sort of arm leggings that were mirrors to the ones on her legs.
If there was one thing wrong about it all, it was her hair. Her original color would fit the outfit much better.
"You look good in red."
Wait, why did I say that!?
"Um, thank you."
Bowing her head, Asuna swayed her skirt back and forth like a shy schoolgirl.
"Are you sure? I think it clashes with the hair," Rain disagrees tilting her head.
"Yeah, it comes up short if you ask me," Argo adds on.
"Ah, but its my choice!" I remind them haughtily. As all four gazes fall on me, I really wish I hadn't said anything.
Taking a nervous half step back, the four of them follow like wolves circling their prey.
"So?" Speaking in almost perfect harmony, I'm blown back another halfstep.
Encountering a wall, sweat starts dripping from me.
How can I possibly choose one!?
That one thought ringing through my head, a solution presents itself.
"I think all four of you tied!"
"Kii-bou…"
"Ki. Ri. To. Kun."
Receiving negative responses from all sides, I shrink back against my wall, but it's true! I think all of them did great. It would be like comparing apples and oranges, they're all great but in different ways.
"I-I'm serious!" I stutter out.
"What do you mean?"
With Philia being the first to give in, I think I have an opportunity to convince them!
Attempting to not stutter, I tell them my metaphor. "Y-you see, you're all like different fruit. A-and since all fruit is great, why have just one?"
"EH!?
Screaming at me in parallel, all four girls take a step back. Scarlet from their cheeks to the tops of their ears, I examine my words.
It made sense, right? But I didn't really mention not being able to compare them. I just talked about…
Going scarlet as well, I throw my hands up in self-defense. "I didn't mean it that way. I mean I'm sure you all taste great! But wait… No! I mean, ahh!"
Ducking frantically, I throw my arms over to head to protect against the onslaught of approaching projectiles. Thankfully most of them are clothes, with the odd metal hanger thrown in.
"I can't believe we're still going through with this…"
Grumbling quietly to myself, I force myself to not hunch my shoulders in as I walk. The outfit had seemed perfectly respectable to be seen with in public when it was just Kirito and the girls. Now though…
Ignoring the catcalls, I feel every gaze like molasses clinging to my skin and tearing the clothes off. I try to tell myself its all in my head, yet I still feel naked under the gazes.
"Here, take this."
Whispering softly to me, Kirito slings his red cloak over my shoulders.
Instantly the sensation fades. Feeling protected again I wrap the cloak around me and send Kirito a grateful glance.
It's warm.
Not the fabric, but the feeling. It reminds me of when Kirito wrapped me in his arms just yesterday before I passed out. They both share that same safety. The assurance of constant protection.
"Eh? Master? Did some floozy steal your cloak?" Rain's words are filled with fake shock. Running up to Kirito's side she presses herself into his arm. "Fret not, your faithful Rain-Chan will keep you warm."
"But it's not cold…"
Kirito's words are drowned out underneath the ensuing commotion as Argo and Philia get their bit in.
Smiling to myself, I don't participate in the spat. Pulling the cloak, a little tighter around me, the smile changes into a smirk. Afterall, I've already won it.
"S-so, where are we going to eat?"
Kirito's question helps interrupt the theatrics of the group. Extracting herself from his arm, Rain walks normally beside him.
"I saw this cute café I wanted to try!" Argo tells him happily. "Also, from what I've heard about it, the food is really good!"
Nodding my acceptance of the location, I find myself looking forward to supper. It sounds great, and the small snacks from vendors did little to replace lunch.
Feeling more secure with the cloak, I take the chance to examine the surrounding locale. Although I pass through a similar street on the way to the dungeon in the morning, it seems totally different. In the morning almost everyone is heading in the same direction, parties of adventurers off for another day in the dungeon testing their luck. On the way back, its more of the same, an empty walk through the mostly abandoned streets as everyone enters pubs and restaurants to sate their hunger. Now, however, the streets are lively. Packed with people of all races, I see people of both worlds interacting normally, shopping for their goods.
Halting briefly, we allow for a group of kids to run across the street, their infectious laughter spreading.
Turning towards Kirito, I give him a broad smile. I owe him so much, and have given him so little, Loki too. They resurrected me, gave me another chance at life. Turning back to front, I walk confidently beside Argo towards our destination. Being honest with myself, I share a secret internal smile. I'm happier here than I ever had been back home.
The memories of the giant empty halls of my previous house are fading. Replacing them are the sounds of the noisy dining room as I eat breakfast beside my familia members. The feeling of a bath after a long hard day of work in the dungeon. Most importantly, replacing the thousands of hours of rigorous study are the memories of smiles and laughs between friends.
"We couldn't possibly be…"
My whispered words are inaudible to the surrounding girls. As Argo takes the next corner, the sweat slowly accumulates. It must be a coincidence. She couldn't possibly be taking us, there could she?
All her words though, cute café, good food…
Orario has too many restaurants fitting that description for it to be The Benevolent Mistress, and yet, every step we took brought us closer and closer to that door.
"Here we are!" Argo sings happily from the front.
It is…
Shaking with a cold sweat, I picture Syr's face, twisted into that freezing smile. But more than that, something tugs at the back of my mind. I feel like something important had happened between Syr and I that would make this extraordinarily awkward. Taking the steps one slow stair at a time, I trail behind the four girls who are chatting happily about the beautiful rustic design.
Styled in a green and brown fashion, the restaurant has an earthly feel about it. The oak stairs lead you up to a covered patio enabling patrons to enjoy their meal outdoors. It's probably a big hit at lunch time.
"Table for five please!"
Hearing Rain place the seat order, I'm forced to join the girls inside. Swallowing quickly, I push open the one of the swinging wooden double doors and slide into the store.
In my old attire, I may have been fairly inconspicuous. Carrying multiple bags filled with clothes and odd baubles while decked out in bright red and white, I'm unmissable. Even with four beautiful women ahead of me, I stand out like a sore thumb.
"Kirito?"
"Ah, hey Syr. Uh, what's up?"
My question is a poor deflection. Now its not four piercing sets of eyes on me, but five.
"Did you perhaps… go shopping with these four ladies?"
Uh oh.
I remembered. Syr was the first to ask me to go shopping. Realizing how this may look, there's nothing I can say.
There it is. That smile. As an adventurer there's no doubt I'm stronger than Syr, but under that gaze, I'm no more than a bug about to get squashed.
"I-it's not, umm… I mean…"
Stuttering pathetically, there's nothing I can do to escape.
"And after all the promises you made me too…"
Suddenly Syr's voice is broken, a poor maiden on the edge of tears.
What a faker!
Screaming internally, I have no defense as more and more of the patrons here start to take notice.
"Is there anything you won't say to get a maiden to give her heart to you? Even now you come here with four more you've enslaved to your ways."
"Syr! It's not, I mean… I didn't! Just friends!"
The deed had been done though. With an evil twinkle in her eye, Syr sticks her tongue out at me before twirling around and dashing away.
"You think you're tough, do you kid?"
One of the occupants had stood up and was approaching out group.
Sending glances over the girls I'm surprised they've stayed silent. It looks like they're still processing the information. Comparing what they know of me to Syr's words. What a witch that girl…
"So!?"
Bellowing at me, every person in the bar is focused on the two of us. A huge man, he's a boar animal-person, a boaz. Going shirtless, he has two crossing strips of leather across his torso from which his weapons hang. This is an adventurer. Not one of us pretenders from the other world. This is someone who has been forged from years of combat in the dungeon.
Taking a halfstep back, I feel his aura wash over me. His raw rage and anger threaten to consume me.
"I-it's not w-what…"
"Hah! So scared you can't even talk straight! Guess you don't deserve these beautiful girls… Look you even have a maid!"
Instantly his aura changes. The anger at me is gone, in its place is lust. Eyeing up the four of them, they each take a step back.
"Hehe, fret not girls, I'll save you from this man. Then when we're all alone, you can show me exactly how appreciative you are."
"That won't happen."
Speaking quietly, I glare at the immense bulk of this man. Strangely though, even as I take in his six-pack, toned chest, and massive biceps. No fear comes. How dare he threaten them. He may have experience, but I don't care. No one threatens my friends. No one.
"Oh? So how do you want to settle this then?"
"A duel. Outside. Right now."
"Fine by me!" Turning his head back to the girls, he licks his lips once at them and walks past me outside.
Resolutely squaring my shoulders, I follow.
"Kirito wait! Don't do this."
"Asuna is right," Argo pleads, "Let's just run and let Ganesha familia deal with this."
"No. He needs to be taught a lesson. And, if I'm not wrong, this is what Syr wanted."
"What for you to kill yourself!?"
Even Rain sounds scared. That's a good sign about how serious this is.
"I won't die," I assure them. "But, if it looks like I'm going to lose, run."
Giving them all me most confident smile, I walk out of the store. Opening both of the doors with a push, I walk through the gap created. The sun hangs low in the western sky, but it's unlikely to interfere with the duel. Afterall, the benevolent mistress sits on a north-south street.
Already, the man is there on the street, bellowing his story. Singing about how he is about to save four girls from a horrible man.
Grimacing, I walk down the stairs and stand five metres away from him. "Are you ready?"
"I think that's my question for you boy! I won't kill you but know this is going to be your last day walking!"
Blanching a bit, I recognize the horrible truth in his words. Limbs won't regrow here. Depending on how strong he is, it's very possible he could follow through on his threat.
Hesitating on the verge of backing down, I remember his face. The way he looked at them. It's unlikely that they're the first girls he's accosted either. He's a monster who needs to be stopped. Drawing my sword, I assume a ready position.
"Kirito!"
"Klein?"
Recognizing the voice, I turn towards the familiar voice. Standing there, barely ten feet away is the form of the man who I ditched on the first day. Still with flaming red hair, its drawn back by a bandana displaying his elven heritage. However, the rogue like getup is something I'm sure most elves wouldn't be caught dead in.
"No help! We fight now!"
Talking like a child, or a barbarian, the man draws his twin knives. While technically knives, each one has a blade longer than my forearm, and curls to a wicked point. They gleam brilliantly with the sheen of a well-kept weapon. Or one that it isn't used much.
"H-hey wait!" Spreading his arms, Klein jumps in between us. "Kirito's a great guy! He isn't doing whatever you're accusing him of!"
"An accomplice! Grab him!"
At his words, two more men break out from the crowd. Each one quickly darts in and grabs one of Klein's arms. Dragging him back out, the arena is cleared again.
"Teach this guy a lesson Kirito!"
Crying one last motivational line, Klein is dragged outside the circle of spectators.
"Let's go!"
Screaming the start of the battle, the man throws himself at me.
Barely having time to ready myself after Klein's brief interruption, I throw myself to the side.
Anticipating the move, His left blade strikes like a viper. A swift line of steel, and blood flies through the air, my blood.
Rolling to my feet, I have no time to examine the extent of my injuries. Already a follow-up attack is coming.
Lifting my sword, I meet the vertical slash straight on. Gasping, my eyes go wide. So strong! Losing badly in a contest of strength I fling myself backwards.
With eyes filled with fury, my opponent makes his first mistake. Not expecting my retreat, his blade continues all the way into the ground.
Finally, a moment to analyze the situation. Feeling my leg, I'm glad to find out that it's little more than a scratch. As for my opponent… His strength is clearly on another level from mine. Either level two or S ranked level one. Agility I may be close, but with no armour, his defense far outstrips mine as well. I can't take a hit. Any direct blow will put me out of commission.
Unbidden, a smile rises as my body sings with adrenaline. "Rargh!"
Crying out my determination, I throw myself at him. One slash, then a second. Keeping myself away from him, I use the range advantage of my longer weapon to harry him.
Forcing him back one step then a second, his superior strength matters not.
"Brat!"
Cursing at me, the man flings himself backwards out of the trajectory of my blood. Slightly too slow, my blade carves a thin red line into his skin.
We're even, one hit a piece.
Staring at each other, noise has died down in the makeshift arena. An eerie silence envelops us. No cheering or shouts comes from the spectators. Likewise, I make no noise as I stare at him, and for once, his mouth has stopped flapping.
"You know what kid, you're not so bad. But I've figured out how you fight now. Walk away, I'll take the women, you keep use of your legs, everyone wins."
"Except the women." The words are quiet, but they carry through the onlooking spectators.
Smirking at me, he spreads his arms. "They're women. What else are they good for except amusing men? If you actually respected them, you wouldn't walk around with four of them."
"They are my friends. And as such, I will protect them from animals like you!"
Practically shouting by the end of my words I throw myself forward once again. Slashing as quickly as I can, I emulate the strategy from earlier.
Forcing him back once again, it is working exactly as well as earlier. Quick, distant slashes nullify his strength.
"Heh, damn brat," smirking, he leans his upper body back and falls.
As if watching it in slow motion, I take advantage of the opening. Eyes wide with anticipation I bring my sword forward to end this.
Confidence building, my sword draws closer. Aiming to slip between his ribs, it will hurt, but with potions he'll be on his feet by tomorrow.
Clang!
"Huh?"
My sword misses his body, knocked off course by one of his blades. The arm I thought was behind him to support his fall had shot forward. I was tricked.
I barely see his body move. It's a blur as his legs pivot. Planting his left, his right snaps forward. Colliding solidly with the side of my knee, a harsh snap rings out.
Gasping, my eyes bulge as I collapse to the ground. Grasping pathetically at the ground, my vision blurs as tears well up.
The pain in indescribable. Hot and shooting, my whole leg feels like its engulfed in flames. Even through the unbelievable pain, I can feel a small buffer. Like a thin membrane keeping the true force of the pain at bay.
Thanks to it, my head rises to examine my opponent.
"Well, that's the fight folks!" The man declares arms spread wide. "Now for the punishment and then onto the pleasure!"
Grinning evilly, he primes his daggers.
"No!" Throwing herself between us, Asuna stands there, arms spread wide, protecting me.
"Eh?" Pausing in confusion, he stands there, sadism fading slightly at the new development.
"Run… Asuna." Forcing the words out through clenched teeth, I feel my heart sink even lower. Not only have I failed, now Asuna will be taken. It's too much. The tears that had been threatening, now roll unnoticed down my cheeks.
"Leave him alone. It's me you want anyway!"
"Hehe." The man chuckles in that ugly baritone of his. "You saw my prowess and can't wait to start the main event eh? You see boy? With my raw overpowering physique, I can have any woman I want! They throw themselves at me!"
Is there nothing I can do?
Is this my fate? To lay here humiliated as others save me?
No.
I promised.
That I would protect this girl.
Until she's so strong she needs no aid.
Placing my hands on the ground I push. As I do, I learn a new definition of pain. My whole left leg screams out as the cracks it emanates silence the street.
Panting, I stand victorious. On only one leg, with tears wetting my cheeks, I'm a pitiful sight.
"Eh? What do you think you're doing boy?"
"You. Will. Not. Touch. Them!"
Blowing the man back half a step with my voice, I hop forward until I'm level with Asuna.
Placing my hand on her arm, I direct the stunned girl out of the way.
"Golden eyes? But I could have sworn…"
"Rargh!" My shout overpowers his voice and rolls over the street.
Mind going blank, no more distinct thoughts roll through my mind. I'd fought like this only once before, yesterday, against the monster party.
Exaggerating my swing to keep balance, the overhead blow falls with a cruel wrath.
"Ha!"
Laughing at me, the man crosses his blades above his head and catches my sword. Linking the tips of his daggers, his face twists into a cruel smile, thinking his victory is assured.
Afterall, it's now a contest of pure strength.
"Rargh!" Continuing to roar, my thoughts are wholly obscured by a red mist. From only one leg, I push.
Slowly, my longsword descends. Inch by creeping inch I overpower the larger man.
"It's not… Ah!"
Letting out a scream the man is thrown back as I break through his guard. A long wound down the center of chest gives evidence to his scream. The broken leather straps hang uselessly by his side.
Slowed by one leg, I hop towards him.
"Stay away from me!"
Ignoring his pitiful scream, I swing my blade.
Throwing a forearm in defense, my sword collides solidly with the muscled appendage. Penetrating deeply, the distinctive crack of a broken bone rings out before they separate.
Stalking forward, all I see is red.
This is a monster.
And at the most basic level, isn't it an adventurer's job to kill monsters?
"Kirito no!" Howling, my words are meaningless. There's nothing I can do to stop this murder.
My kind saviour.
About to kill someone.
Because I'm too weak to protect myself.
Unable to close my eyes, I watch in horrid fascination as the blade descends on the once mighty warrior.
Cling!
Instead of the scream of death, the soft sound of metal striking leather.
The blade swung with all of Kirito's maniacal strength was stopped cold.
Not by the still quivering warrior on the ground, but by an armoured hand. It was caught.
Breath hitching, I examine the magnificent woman who stood there. I hadn't seen her enter or heard her move.
She was a human woman with short cropped deep blue hair. Unlike me, she had the piercing aqua eyes to match. Her clothing was a strange combination of orange and white robes that left her limbs free to fight uninhibited. On her hands she wore fearsome golden gauntlets. Based on their size, only one conclusion came to mind, those are her weapons.
The gathered crowd was slowly retreating in awe.
"It's Shakmi."
"Ganesha's new cane."
"Captain of Ganesha familia."
Giving Kirito one final look, she releases the now still blade. The once feral boy took one hop back and fell to the ground.
Rushing forward I arrive in time to stop his head from striking the cobblestone.
Despite our positions, both of us are focused entirely on the new arrival.
"Garim Raksil of Ikelos familia. Once again I find you on the street causing distress."
The words are spoken with an undeniable grace and poise. I could feel the leadership and power that her words carried. This woman was a true leader.
"L-look at me! It's that boy! He just started attacking me."
Snapping her fingers, she called two more guards of Ganesha familia to take the man into custody.
"This time you won't be getting out until we get the information we want."
At her words, the boaz tilts his head back and lets out an insane laugh.
"You only think you want to know little sister. You may be level 3, but not even your sister could have stood up against what lurks in the dungeon!"
If I hadn't been looking for it, I wouldn't have noticed it. The imperceptible tightening of her hand. The twitch at the corner of her mouth. The words had hit her harder than she let on.
"Let's go!" Roaring her orders, the guards between dragging the man away as the crowd dissipates. Before leaving the woman turns and looks at us. Whistling briefly, her eyes widen as she takes in Kirito's leg. "My apologies, I should have been here sooner."
"It's my fault…" Speaking weakly, Kirito manages the energy to lift his head enough to reply.
Giving Kirito then me a once over, her eyes move behind us. Following her gaze, Argo, Rain, and Philia are all huddled only a few steps behind us. I never noticed.
"Some advice young man. The trouble each woman brings with her is not additive, it's multiplicative." To compliment the piece of wisdom, she fishes a vial out from her robes and hands it to me. "Farewell."
Examining it, it looks a potion, except very fancy. The vial is a thicker glass with an ornate stopper. Furthermore, the fluid inside is a pure ruby red compared to the blue I'm used to.
Kirito, however, seems to enter a daze when he sees it. "An elixir…"
"Come on then, all of you grab a limb and follow me."
It's that gray haired waitress from before. The one that started all of this.
There's no time to reem her out right now though. Giving her a small glare, I'm pushed out of the way as Rain and Philia slot in to take his arms. Running around, Argo grabs his legs. Touching his left elicits a sharp grunt of pain.
Makeshift stretcher complete, our procession enters the bar and goes to the back. Leading us up the stairs, Syr walks in front followed by Philia and Rain with Kirito's arms and Argo following. To cap it off, I follow nervously at the rear.
"Here, in this room." Moving aside the gray-haired girl holds the door open to them. Entering, Kirito's body is laid unto a freshly pressed bed.
"Hungh!"
Gasping, I dart forward. "Here Kirito, I'll heal you!" Unstoppering the elixir, Kirito had called it, I prepare to pour it on his knee.
"No!"
A hand stops my arm. Tilting my head, I encounter the same Gray-haired waitress.
"What are you still doing here? Leave and let us care for him."
Shaking her head quickly, she explains in a breathless tone. "His knee is broken. It needs to be set correctly before you heal it. Otherwise he'll limp the rest of his life."
Ingesting the words, my arm falls to my side. It's too realistic. I wanted to disagree with the girl, but I don't dare. Not with Kirito on the line.
"So, what do we do?"
The soft words are all I can manage. This day has just been one thing after another. The thought of Kirito being permanently injured is unbearable.
"We set it of course," Replying with a weak smile, she walks to Kirito's side. "This is going to hurt are you ready?"
I'd always considered Kirito strong. But at the look of fear that passes through his eyes, I realize something. He's afraid of pain.
Rushing forward, I grab his hand. "Just look at me, it'll be over in a moment, alright?"
"Yes," talking in a weak voice, his hand comes up and pushes some loose strands of hair behind my ear. "Thank you for saving me, Asun… AHH!"
The piercing shriek starts and ends only a few seconds later.
"It's done. The elixir now."
Nodding, I don't trust myself. Presenting it in a shaky hand, she takes it, and expertly applies the potion. From the injured appendage, steam rises. Having not seen the injury myself, I don't know if it's helping.
"Ahh…" Releasing a languid sigh, the noise brings a smile to all of our faces. It's just so Kirito.
"I'll be… I'll be leaving for now. Let me know if you need anything. I'll have food brought up shortly." Giving us a short bow, the gray-haired girl vanishes through the door.
Strangely though, instead of anger, I feel sympathetic for her. No doubt this isn't what she wanted either.
"Hestia…"
Kirito's voice is no longer touched with pain, only exhaustion.
"I'm on it." Confirming her role, Argo takes off to receive Kirito's goddess. No doubt she's back at their familia house wondering when Kirito would be returning.
"So much for our fun day, huh?" Philia's voice is sad. No wonder too. We all feel like shit after watching the fight unfold.
These special outfits we picked out now feel more like some sick joke, than a fun bonding game.
"Hey now…" Kirito protests weakly. "We're not done yet. Supper is coming, and I'd like some pleasant dinner conversation."
Sharing a look with Rain and Philia, a seed of guilt has planted itself. Even now, critically injured, he's still trying to make us feel better.
"W-well, do you want to tell us a tale, Kirito?" Talking with an indecisive stutter, Rain asks Kirito a question.
"Sure," he agrees weakly. "Mouth is about the only part still functioning. Just pinch me if I zone out."
"Will do," I assure him with a smile.
"Can you tell us about yesterday then?" Rain asks. "As much as I think about it, the wall shadows behavior makes no sense, why did it come back? Then, when we recovered, we heard you had shown up just behind it."
Grimacing in his bed, Kirito's eyes trace patterns along the grain of the wooden ceiling. "I'm sure you experienced it, but that thing had the ability to summon monster parties."
Agreeing with a quick nod, all three of us are still traumatized by the events we witnessed during that fight.
"Anyway, I was busy hunting it when I encountered it along a path. Staggering, the thing dripped blood and water."
Placing his eyes on me, I'm taken in by endless depths. They seem to be drinking me in.
"I thought it had killed you… I… I defeated the monster party it summoned. However, it used the time the party bought to escape back down the tunnel. Where Asuna slayed it."
Finishing the story, the room lapsed into stunned silence. If I hadn't seen his fight today, I'd have called bullshit. That entire monster party took the combined effort of nine of us to defeat.
By himself… It was sobering to learn exactly how large the gap between us is.
"Food's here!" Declaring that with a knock, a waitress waits for us to open the door.
Philia stumbles over to accept the tray. The waitress isn't Syr. Disinterested, I turn back to Kirito. The talking seems to have worn him out. His eyes are closed, and his breathing has slowed.
Giving him a soft smile, I stroke his hair. He may be strong, but he isn't invincible. When he falters, I'll catch him. Afterall, I'm his supporter.
Leaving his side, I eat a quiet supper with Philia and Rain.
"I'm here Kirito!" Declaring her presence with a shout, the goddess of the hearth flings open the door with a tremendous bang.
Her searching eyes settle on the comatose figure on the bed. "Kirito!" Crying out her dismay she flings herself from the foot of the bed on top of Kirito.
Waking up with a gasp, Kirito finds himself wrapped tightly in the arms of his goddess. "Oh Kirito! I'm here now!"
"Goddess Hestia! Restrain yourself!" Scolding the goddess harshly, Argo closes the swinging door.
"Oh, oops. I didn't hurt you, did I Kirito?"
"No goddess," he denies with a smile. "You'd need to weigh more than 50 pounds for that."
"Her breasts weigh that much," Argo grumbles just loud enough to be audible.
"So, you're alright? Everything is fine?" Leaning over Kirito, Hestia begins inspecting every part of his body.
"Y-yes, I'm fine." Kirito confirms, stopping Hestia before she reaches anything she shouldn't.
Finally starting to calm down, Hestia examines the other occupants in the room. "Oh, its Miach's kids. Loki's too…" Examining the room further, her gaze falls on the haphazardly tossed bags. Then back on the girls in their strange outfits. "Did you go… shopping? Without me?"
There's no malice or jealously in the goddess' voice. Just a hint of longing.
"Hehe, I was playing with friends goddess." Kirito's voice is marred by extreme exhaustion. "Aren't you proud of me? I learned how to make friends. My first friends…"
The tired voice fades off into oblivion, consumed by the inescapable claws of the sandman.
"Oh, my sweet child. You've done so well… You just need to learn to make friends that aren't women."
This was the first time, Asuna truly respected Hestia as a goddess. Ignoring the last part anyway…
"We should let him rest." Asuna's quiet words overtake the room.
"That's not fair," Argo complains, "I just got back here. And do you know how hard running in a kimono is?"
Knock knock.
"May I come in?"
At the voice, the girls' faces harden. Its Syr again.
"Enter." Asuna's voice is cold, but not harsh.
"He's sleeping then?" Syr questions as she examines the comatose boy with his goddess pressed tightly against him.
"Yes," Asuna confirms immediately, "And he needs peace and quiet." Asuna knows the words are a contradiction to the presence of the five women in the room.
"I see…" Syr agrees faintly. "I'll just take the dishes and be out of your way."
Grabbing the empty plates, Syr leaves the uneaten for them to pick at, at their leisure. Despite not liking the woman, Asuna was forced to admit the food had been delicious.
"There is one thing." Asuna's words stop the girl on her way out the door. "Why did you do it?"
Turning fully around to look at her for the first time, the mage and waitress stare each other down.
Giving up the altercation first, Syr sighs. "I wanted to wait for Kirito to tell him… but I suppose you all have a right to know since you were almost caught up in it."
"Eh? What happened?" Hestia's confused voice interrupts the conversation.
"You didn't tell her Argo?"
"I told her Kirito was injured and that she should come. Didn't really leave a lot of time for communication."
"It's alright," Syr eases, "I'll explain from the beginning anyway."
Despite saying that, she just stood there spinning her gray hair in her fingers.
"Well?"
"I'm friends with a variety of people, one of whom is the lady you met outside, Shakmi Varna, leader of Ganesha familia. She'd spent her life in the shadow of her older sister, so she journeyed to the Sharneek desert where she lived her life, until a year ago. Returning to Orario she took up her sister's mantel as leader, which is when I met her."
Dazing off, Syr appeared to be lost in memories of that time. Tears welling up in her remarkable eyes, Syr wipes them with one hand and keeps talking.
"Anyway, we had a plan to capture that thug, Garim, by luring him into a fight. Your arrival was perfect, I knew Kirito was strong enough to hold him for awhile. But… I thought she was closer. I didn't expect this to happen."
Tears falling freely from Syr's face, the occupants of the room are stunned into silence. The raw emotion is impossible to fake. Syr was hurt just as much by the events of the day as they were.
"Thank you for the tale child." Hestia's voice is quiet, yet it consumes the room. "It's obvious how much you care for Kirito."
Stroking Kirito's head, Hestia looks like a divine being caring for her injured child.
"It's getting late. Why don't you all go home?"
Biting her lip, Asuna swayed in spot. Hestia's right. Staying here won't help anything. Glancing at the other girls, they all seemed to feel the same way. They were even further in Kirito's debt now. Leaving just felt… wrong.
"That's a good idea," Syr agrees, wiping her eyes again. "I'll be in the next room if you need anything from the inn."
"Thank you."
The decision was final. Giving each other helpless glances, the girls turned to leave. Pausing, Asuna walked to Kirito's other side.
Grabbing his left hand, she clenched it tightly, "Thank you again, for everything."
Not waiting, she dashed out of the room and into the night. Back to her lonely room at Twilight Manor.
PPS. Two of the outfits are based on Danmachi ones. Can you guess which? :P