(A/N): Hey guys, thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy it. Big thanks to @Vven10 for the idea.
3rd Person POV
口ㄗモれ工れム
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- April 13, 2024 - 55th Floor - Granzam-
The click of Asuna's boots echoed through the stone and marble halls of the Knights of the Blood Oath headquarters as she made her way to the council chamber. Each step was purposeful, a reflection of her newfound position as vice commander. She had worked tirelessly to earn this honor, proving herself to every member of the guild.
As she entered the council chamber, the atmosphere was stoic, and the council members' faces showed great strength. Heathcliff, the guild leader, sat at the center of the curved table, his gaze steady as he regarded Asuna.
Heathcliff: Vice Commander Asuna, thank you for joining us so soon. We have convened to discuss your squad. The dedication and rise of capability of Squad B under your leadership has not gone unnoticed. However, with you also planning formations for every squad for our boss raid, we believe it would be in your best interest for you to have a sub-commander to assist you.
His voice always carried the weight of authority in every room.
Asuna: Understood, Commander. I will begin searching for a worthy candidate to forfill that role.
Heathcliff: That won't be necessary, Vice Commander. For we have already chosen a sub-commander for you, one we believe will be up to your expectations.
As the doors to the chamber opened, all eyes turned to the figure entering. A young girl walked in with a calm demeanor, her purple hair flowing behind her like a banner of determination. Her red eyes held a silent intensity as she took her place beside Asuna.
Heathcliff: Vice Commander, this is Mito. I have no doubt that she will serve as an exemplary sub-commander under your leadership, Vice Commander Asuna.
Turning to face each other, the purple-haired girl salutes her superior. Both of her hands balled, she places her left hand behind her back, and her right hand over her heart, as if grabbing a knife.
Mito: It is an honor to serve under you, Vice Commander. I aim to support you and the squad to the utmost.
Asuna: I look forward to working with you, Sub-commander
While she was honored by the trust placed in her to lead Squad B, the addition of another girl in a high-ranking position brought a mix of emotions. Asuna admired Mito's dedication and was grateful for the opportunity to work alongside another woman with such a formidable reputation.
Yet, a part of her couldn't shake the twinge of uncertainty. Asuna had worked hard to earn her position as vice commander, and she couldn't help but wonder if the council's decision to assign her a sub-commander was a sign that they doubted her abilities. She pushed aside the thought, reminding herself that leadership was about collaboration and that having a sub-commander by her side would only strengthen their squad.
- April 14th, 2024 - 63rd Floor - Labyrinth -
The sound of footsteps echoed in the labyrinth hallway. Leading Squad B was Asuna, her eyes vigilant of every detail around her, weary of any suspicious movement that could be a mob. Mito followed behind her, watching their rear, Asuna's only blind spot. Lifting her right hand into a fist, her squad stopped in place. She squinted her eyes and something ahead of them caught her attention.
Asuna: ...Weapons ready.
Following her command without hesitation, the squad pulled out their weapons. Pulling out her rapier, she crouched down and picked up a pebble off the floor. Tossing it so it skipped across the floor in front of her, the small rock activated a mob trap and spawning in were a clowder of «Howling Nightfangs».
Asuna: Pair up! Mito, on me!
Rushing forward, the group chose an opponent and commenced their attack. The one the commanders were up against was more aggressive, it leaped and swiped at them. Asuna held her rapier, striking at its shoulders and neck. It jumped back and targeted Mito, but with her scythe, she flipped over it and slashed its back. Provoked, it immediately leaps back at the Sub-Commander.
Mito hesitated for a second, not expecting it to attack her so soon. So left with no other choice, she held her scythe high, going for a downward swing. But before she could swing down, a flash of blue flew right at the «Howling Nightfang». It exploded into crystals and standing on the other side was the Vice Commander, sheathing her sword. She turned back to the purple-haired girl, her face stoic and powerful, easing into a gentle look.
Asuna: That was a close one.
Turning to look at her squad members, she sees that they took care of their «Howling Nightfang». Gathering together, the Vice Commander opened her map and saw the hour.
Asuna: It will be getting dark soon. We've made it far into this labyrinth, the boss room shouldn't be much farther. There's a rest zone up ahead, we'll camp up there for the night instead of teleporting back to base. Keep your eyes peeled people, we're almost there.
Nodding, the squad moved forward. Following the team, Mito watched the brave swordswoman at the front, amazed by her bravery and courage.
- 63rd Floor - Rest Zone -
The campfire's orange glow cast a warm light on her face as the shadows danced around her. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine from the surrounding forest. Her squad members were nestled in their tents, their soft snores blending with the sounds of the night. Asuna sat alone by the fire, keeping watch of any potential dangers. Since the beginning of the year, more and more players have been dying at the hands of other players. Now, she volunteered for the first round of guard duty. While her right hand held the handle of her blade, her other hand held something sentimental.
She fiddled with the dream catcher in her hand as she began to stare at the fire. It never worked as intended, probably because the person who gifted it to her wasn't near. Even now that they are apart, in these quiet moments, she wonders how he's doing. If he was eating right, if he someone watch his back on the front line. Cut out that last one, she knows he won't, but there's no harm in being hopeful... She wondered if he thought about her...
Lost in thought, she didn't notice Mito approaching until the girl sat down beside her, her purple hair glinting in the firelight.
Mito: You should get some sleep, I can take over guard duty.
Asuna: No, I'm fine. I was just, thinking.
Putting away the dream catcher into her pocket, she pulled out her sword and moved a couple of log pieces in the fire. The Sub-Commander studied Asuna for a moment before speaking.
Mito: Your strength and skills are truly admirable, Vice Commander. You truly are an inspiration.
Asuna smiled shyly at the kind words but shook her head.
Asuna: Strength and skill in here are only an illusion and can only take you so far. It's dedication that has helped me last this long. And please, call me Asuna... Tell me a little bit about yourself, Mito.
Mito: Oh, well. I don't know what to say, really.
Asuna: Your scythe is impressive, takes a lot of practice to get any good at it.
Mito: Well sometimes it doesn't feel like it. I almost fumbled the bag earlier.
Asuna: While that may be true, I could tell you were nervous. I think that you were trying to impress me.
She said it in a teasing tone, and the sub-commander smiled and chuckled.
Mito: Well how could I not? You're Lighting Flash Asuna, you're practically a living legend to everyone on the lower floors. Not only have you duoed on the front lines, but became the Vice Commander of the strongest guild in the game.
Asuna: Praising me is not telling me something about yourself. Try again.
Mito: Hmm, well I'm a gamer. I've always liked video games ever since I was little. It's what got to-...
Asuna: ...You're welcome to speak freely. You don't have to if you're uncomfortable.
Making sure the rest of her squad was asleep, she took a deep breath before continuing.
Mito: ...I was a beta tester for SAO...
She looked away shyly, hoping revealing this part of herself wouldn't push her commander away. After a moment of silence, she turned back and nervously looked at Asuna, who looked at her with sincerity.
Mito: ...You're not mad or upset?
Asuna: For your information, I partied with a beta tester for over a year. Your secret is safe with me, I promise.
Smiling, the girl felt more comfortable sitting beside the girl. At the beginning of the game, beta testers were hunted, outcasted, and despised by everyone else. But after the first floor was cleared and the beater rose in negative popularity, beta testers were able to return to regular life in the game. But recently, as fewer and fewer people are joining the front lines, people are searching for beta testers again, guilting them into fighting at the front.
Mito: Thank you.
Asuna: ...If you don't mind me asking, how is it you joined the guild?
Mito: Well, when the game began, I knew how to play and that would have given me an advantage... But once it became real, I was petrified. I was too scared to go anywhere. I didn't leave my room for the first month... Even after the first floor was cleared, I could barely leave the Town of Beginnings or go exploring... All I could think about was death was waiting for me at every corner...
Asuna: ...What changed your mind?
Mito: ...You did.
Asuna: I did?
The Sub-Commander nodded, her eyes meeting Asuna's with a newfound sense of determination
Mito: Stories started to spread of a party of two fighting at the front lines, an armored swordsman, and a swordswoman as fast as lightning. Both risking everything they had to clear the game... I knew I couldn't sit back and do nothing while others fought for their lives for me. You inspired me and so many others to join the fight, to do whatever we could to help. I wanted to be brave like you, to make a difference.
Asuna felt a swell of pride at Mito's words, touched by the depth of her sub-commander's commitment. She had never thought of herself as a beacon of courage for others, but hearing Mito's story made her realize the impact she had on those around her.
Asuna: There you go again, praising me... Thank you for your kind words, Mito.
Asuna smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for the bond she shared with her fellow players. She turned to her Sub-Commander but found her seat empty. Looking around she didn't see the purple-haired swordswoman. Rising to her feet, her hand still gripped her blade's handle.
Asuna: Mito?! Where did you--
Mito: Asuna! Help!
Hearing her cries for her from the bushes to her left, she ran forward. Shoving the branches to the side, it looked like it would never end.
Asuna: Mito! Where are you?!
Mito: Help me Asuna!!
Her voice came from the right now, so pushing forward in that direction, she finally emerged from the endless bush. Stepping out, she looked down at herself and saw she was now in her latest KOB uniform.
Mito: Asuna, are you feeling okay?
Looking up, she saw her sub-commander and the rest of her squad, along with the rest of the attack squad.
Asuna: Mito? Wha-- Are you okay?
Mito: Yeah, I'm fine. I'm more worried about you. You seemed exhausted. Maybe the boss battle took more out of you than you thought.
Asuna: Boss fight? But we were just-
Opening her menu window, she looked at the date.
- August 1, 2024 - 70th Floor - Boss Room -
Asuna: ... Floor 70... right.
Looking at her commander with worry, the Sub-Commander put her hand on her shoulder.
Mito: Hey, are you sure you're feeling okay? Maybe you need to rest back home. It's totally fine if you don't join us for the after-party. Wouldn't want to push you. We'll just activate the teleporter on Floor 71 and camp out there. Does that seem okay with you?
Still a little light-headed, the Vice Commander nodded at the question.
Asuna: Yeah, I'll just head back to Selmberg and lay down for a little bit. Maybe get some paperwork done.
Mito: Well you take care of yourself, alright?
She spoke to her with concern but a reassuring face that everything was going to be okay, putting her fist up for a bump. Asuna hesitated for a second but trusted her sub-commander to lead the squad, even if it was for a little while. Bumping Mito's fists with hers, she watched as Mito walked towards the stairway towards the next floor, walking to the light. Asuna squinted her eyes as the light got brighter and brighter. She squinted her eyes and closed them due to the intensity.
Once she reopened them, she realized she was resting on a desk. Getting her head off of her desk, a page stuck to her face. Peeling it away, it was a battle strategy she was tinkering with. Looking around she noticed she was home.
- 61st Floor - Selmberg -
It was dark out, meaning she must have gotten straight to work after the boss battle and fell asleep on her desk, she was still even in her KOB uniform. Letting out a tired sigh, she reorganized the pages before her. Before she could do anything else, she received a notification. It was a message from someone on her friend's list. Opening it up, she read its context and her eyes widened in fear.
«Mito»
«SOS: LC»
Bursting out of her chain, it flew back. Running down the stairs, she grabbed hold of her rapier that rested by the door and dashed out of the house. What she wasn't expecting when running out her doorstep was an eternal darkness. In her panic, she didn't care. She couldn't see the floor below her or what was in front of her, all she knew she was moving. That's when she ran into once more a bush, branches of leaves constantly in front of her.
Mito: Asuna!
Asuna: Mito!
She kept pushing forward, even using her sword as a machete to cut the branches in front of her down. With one final swing, she could see an exit. Running out, she could once again see her environment. Up ahead she could see the light of a campfire. Running towards it, she could see the Sub-Commander with her back facing towards her and weapon in hand.
Asuna: Mito!
As if the world slowed down, the girl turned back to face her but that's when she was attacked. Slashed across her chest, her weapon leaving her hand, bursting into a cluster of digital crystals. Asuna's face turned into one of horror, unwilling to believe the sight before her. And as the crystals vanished, she could see a face on the other side.
Overcome with rage, she aimed her blade and dashed forward, ready to attack the murderous man, but he and everything around her were consumed by darkness. And that's when the floor below her gave out and she began to fall. Her scream echoed in the dark abyss.
She woke up with a startle.
- January 22, 2025 - World Tree -
The silk sheets told her she was in bed, and the lighting told her she was still in a virtual world, one not of her choice. Not having the motivation to move, she rested even further. Guilt, shame, and sorrow filled her heart, having to remember these memories.
It's one part of SAO she wishes she could forget, but she wouldn't trade the time she spent with Mito outside of the guild for anything. While the blood wasn't on her hands, she sure felt like they were. Her entire squad was wiped out that day meanwhile she went back home. She wish she could go back to that day and stay there and help them. She doesn't know if she would have survived. But she was sure to avenge them.
It was the biggest factor as to why she did what she did on the Laughing Coffin raid. The blood they spilled that day was not only for Mito and Squad B but for everyone else who fell to them in SAO. Even if she didn't get a chance to bring to justice the man who murdered Mito.
But before she could think further about her nightmare, the sound of the gates opening behind her made her instinctually turn around.
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乇几ᗪ|几ᘜ
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(A/N): Hey guys, thanks for reading. We're nearing the conclusion of this arc and I wanna give a special thanks to @Vven10 for helping me come up with this idea, they've been a big help in changing this arc into something special.
While we are near the end of this arc, it surely isn't the end. I've got a lot planned before we reach season 2. Until then.
Support my Kofi :)
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