Duo (A Sword Art Online Fanfic) ✔

Chapter Ten

I got angry.

It was really the only thing I could do after being tied to a tree.

I was angry at the Salamanders. After all, weren't they the reason why we had been attacked? Weren't they the reason Kirito and Leafa aren't here with us?

I hissed, narrowing my eyes down at the two men.

"What is your point in doing all of this?" I demanded, clenching my fists.

They seemed taken aback by my ferocity. They frowned, puzzled, as if they couldn't figure out what they had done wrong.

"What is the point of starting a war?! What is the point of trapping us?" I shouted, my face reddening.

The Salamanders had a sudden realization, the confusion melting off their faces. They seemed to grow frustrated, and started whispering to each other, their anger growing with each second.

I opened my mouth to start yelling, but a hiss from Katsu had me snapping my mouth shut. I turned to look at him.

"What?"

"I don't think these guys are our enemies."

"How aren't they?!" I exclaimed, "The Salamanders want to start a war!"

"And all Salamanders are the same?"

I snapped my mouth shut for the second time. He was right. I was being judgemental towards all Salamanders because of the actions of a few.

I blushed, ashamed. I avoided looking at anyone, instead focusing my gaze on the trunk of the tree holding me.

"I apologize." Katsu called down, "Her boyfriend needs her help, and a few of the Salamander race is keeping her from doing just that."

It was silent for a second before one of the men cleared his throat and said, "We will get you down in a minute."

I sighed in relief, thankful I hadn't blown it. They walked into the undergrowth below us, and were soon out of sight. I could hear them talking to one another, by I couldn't make out any words.

They didn't give us a warning before disarming the trap, sending the two of us plummeting towards the ground. I screeched, not even thinking to use my wings.

Kuro and Gurē each, thankfully, grabbed my arms and slowed down my fall. I landed gently on the ground, and Katsu, who had had the common sense to use his wings, landed softly on the ground next to me.

I whistled for my dragons and they curled around my arms and neck, snuggling up to me. I cuddled them close, showing how thankful I was that they saved me.

The Salamanders walked out from underneath the brush, their eyes narrowed and their arms crossed across their chests.

I looked to the ground, ashamed once more. When I glanced up, they were watching me expectantly. Even Katsu was waiting for me.

"I'm sorry." I finally said, glancing back down to the grass.

It was silent for a minute before the Salamander on the right sighed.

"It's alright." He told me, "It's not the first time."

"That's not right." I whispered, looking up at them.

They shrugged. We all paused awkwardly, before the same Salamander cleared his throat.

"I'm Ashitaka and this is Arren." He introduced, tossing me a smile.

I blushed under his gaze. He was awfully attractive. Katsu shot me a look, as if he knew what I was thinking. It was as if he was reminding me of Rikimaru.