SAO: Alicization High and Beyond [ Part 2 ]

Belated and Early Gifts Before War [Pt. 2] [ Filler ]

[ Back with the others - ]

Dorothy:
"..." Dorothy approaches, and Asuna notices her.

Asuna:
"Oh, Dorothy, good morning."

Dorothy:
"Miss Asuna, g-good morning. What... are you doing so early?"

Asuna:
"Oh, we're ridding while we wait for the others to return with breakfast." Asuna replied, before Eldrie spoke to Kirito

Eldrie:
"Kirito, you monster. Stop playing convoluted words games with the child!"

Kirito:
"Sorry, Eldrie, was that one too tough for you too? My bad!"

Eldrie:
"You dare?! That was not the case! I knew the answer, of course!"

Asuna:
"Haha, oil and water as always. They're better friends than you might think."

Dorothy:
"The reason Kirito is the group's center, even though he is not a knight... I heard a short version of the story, but I'm still amazed at your relationships. Even though they were once fought as bitter enemies..."

Asuna:
"It was complicated, to be sure. And it took time for them to understand. But... if you adventure with someone, eventually, they become a precious friend. At least, that's what I think."

Dorothy:
"..." Dorothy was silent as she was thinking about something. "Um, Miss Asuna..."

Asuna:
"Yeah?"

Dorothy:
"Um... I don't want to sound rude or anything that's none of my business but... um... what's your relationship with "Throne Slayer?"

Asuna:
"Oh, with Deku?"

Dorothy:
"Oh, my apologies, I-I mean Deku, yes."

Asuna:
"I first met Deku in Sword Art Online and we didn't exactly get off on the right foot, but we eventually became good friends. He's an exceptionally kind and considerate person who treats everyone with great kindness."

Dorothy:
"I did witness him being so kind and thoughtful with Sarai yesterday. I never thought he would've come up with a good treat for her so quickly."

Asuna:
"Mhm. That's precisely my point about him. I've only known him for a short time due to a various circumstances. During the time I knew him, he was like a wonderful brother-figure to me."

Dorothy:
"Oh. Well, I hope I'm not being rude for asking this... but... Are you both still good friends?"

Asuna:
"Yes, of course we're still good friends. May I ask why you ask that?"

Dorothy:
"Um... I became curious about him after Kirito told me about his past, his desire for revenge, and everything else, and I just couldn't but feel drawn to him. I hope that I'm not being too nosy."

Asuna:
"You're not, it's okay. Everything that's been said about Deku's behavior months ago, when he was on the wrong path, is true. To be honest, from back then I hurt him initially, but he has every right to retaliate, instead he chose to forgive and move forward..." Asuna's expression turns downward as she recalls a profound moment with Deku.

[ Flashback ]

Asuna:
("Well... actually...")

Deku:
("?!")