Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 5

(Y/n)'s POV

I hugged my knees as I looked at the night sky. Tears slid down my cheeks as I remembered the past. Luckily they were all in their tents, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if they saw.

I couldn't do anything. I couldn't protect my brother or even myself. This must be what my parents meant by 'weak'. I wasn't a good fighter and I was somewhat emotionally damaged in a way.

"What are you doing up so late?" asked Kirito.

Before I could wipe my tears away, he sat down next to me.

"Hmm, is something wrong?"

I quickly shook my head and looked the other way, pretending as if I had something to look at.

*sigh* I was really grateful that I had all the privileges as a princess but I wanted to be free. How could I possibly think like that? I wanted even more than I had...

Suddenly, Kirito started to massage my shoulders.

"You're tired, right?"
"I'm fine."

I could tell that he was grinning, like he usually did. But I could never tell what he was thinking. Sometimes I wished I could be as carefree as him...with nothing to worry about.

Shiki's POV

~The next day~

"Shiki, how can you call yourself my son when you are nothing but weak?! Seems like I brought up your sister wrong, she had this much of a negative impact on you. *sigh* I knew she was weak," father exclaimed.
"P-please don't speak that way about nee-chan-"
"You dare talk back to me?!"

Before I could dodge, he kicked me so hard that my back crashed against the wall. Tears threatened to fall out as I slowly stood up.

"Oh, you can still stand? A strong knight wouldn't even be left with a scratch. Go train yourself."

I quickly nodded before running out. I missed nee-chan...father shouldn't speak of her like that. She wasn't weak like me. She has always protected me and put her reputation on the line for me. And yet, I couldn't do anything for her in return.

"Oh, so you were hiding there? Come on, you still have training to do," Fin, my instructor, said.
"Y-yes sir."

(Y/n)'s POV

I couldn't help but think that I was simply a pawn for my parents. They didn't even think of me as their daughter but just as some shield that they could use to protect themselves.

"Oi (Y/n), we've reached the next town. Do you want to go have a look?" Kirito asked.
"Yeah, I don't see why it would cause us any harm if we did."

Kirito's POV

"Wait, before you go, put this on."

I handed her a mask so that people wouldn't recognise her. She thanked me before going.

"Man, how can you be so casual with her?" Klein asked while staring in the direction that (Y/n) went.
"She's just a person like us, I don't see why we should treat her differently."
"Yeah but she's a princess. How can you not- *gasp* They have takoyaki!"

I chuckled as he ran off to find food to eat.
While looking around, I noticed something strange. Some men dressed in cloaks seemed like they were targeting (Y/n).

"You think they know it's her?" Andrew asked.
"There's no guarantee that they do but still keep the possibility in mind in case they do."
"Alright, let's go then Kazuto-"

I quickly covered his mouth before he could say my real name. Tch, this guy...

Wait, where was (Y/n)?! Andrew and I split up to look for her. Damn it, where could she disappear to?! Did those suspicious-looking men take her?

I searched every alleyway and basically left no inch that I could miss. Could she have been taken to the forest?

Just in case, I went there and found her tied to a tree. A glint of light caught my eye. She still had her katana. Were these men stupid or was she just smart? Maybe both.

"Well, looks like we finally have you, Princess (Y/n) (L/n). Too bad the black knight and his two companions aren't here to save you," exclaimed the biggest man.

Instead of a reply, (Y/n) just smirked and cut the rope that bound her and held the katana to his throat. She was fast...

"Now, why would I be captured by you? From what I remember, you guys were the ones that knocked me out. You played dirty."
"What are you men doing?! Catch her!"

She jumped off just in time, leaving all the men to barge into their leader. After a while of fighting, they had her surrounded. But she didn't look scared, she seemed...satisfied. Well, I would feel the same if I were her. Strong opponents, huh?

"We have her surrounded, there's no escape now."
"Gentlemen, calm down. Is it not rude to harm a lady, and a princess too..such a shame. I'm so embarrassed to witness it. This just makes the reputation of all men go down, don't you think?"
"M-master, that's t-the b-black knight!"
"*smirks* Seems like you know me. Want to fight?"

The leader just growled and ordered everyone to charge at me.

(Y/n)'s POV

While Kirito was distracted, the leader managed to pull my hands behind my back and lift me up.

"Not so strong now, are you?" he asked with a smirk then added, "Where should I start first? Maybe down-"
"Let her go!"

That was fast, did he already beat everyone else?
Kirito charged at him with such rage and determination...I couldn't even have imagined to fight like that. He fought till the leader stopped moving. He had motivation while I fought to free myself from these evil doers.

"(Y/n), are you alright?" he asked with concern.

I nodded while he helped me up. He smiled and took my hand.

"That's a relief. Let's head back and meet up with the others."

I was pretty sure it meant nothing to him but I felt a warmness in my heart. Something I haven't felt in a very long time.