Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 11

(Y/n)'s POV

I was in my tent. I still couldn't understand. My katana...cured me? In the form of a tiger?...
Was that why it was named the 'Sakura Tiger'? I knew how to summon the tiger but there were no special spells I could do with it. Kirito's sword didn't have a spirit, only dark spells used to defeat enemies. Ugh, my head hurt just by thinking about it.

"(Y/n), are you alright?" Klein asked once I exited the tent.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"No pain?" Andrew asked.
"Yeah, I don't feel any pain."
"Looks like that tiger did a good job healing you," commented Kirito.
"Its name's Crystal."
"Can we see her?" Klein asked excitedly.

Kirito smacked the back of his head and gave him 'the look'.

"Shall we get going soon?" Andrew asked.

Everyone nodded. *sigh* Even though that crisis may have been a small one, I felt...tired.
Only a couple of days until we arrived in Swilvane. Hopefully there wouldn't be any more attacks. I felt guilty for putting everyone in danger. They didn't deserve this.

~When you arrive in Swilvane~

"Welcome to Swilvane, Lady (Y/n)," exclaimed the king.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said while taking a deep bow.
"Asuna, please show (Y/n) and her companions their rooms."
"Yes father."

She smiled at us and led us to a different part of the palace. Asuna seemed like she had a good childhood, far greater than mine. She also seemed like a much better princess than I could ever be.

"(Y/n), this is your room. Just ask if you need anything," she exclaimed with a smile.
"Okay, thank you."

Once inside, I quietly closed the door and sighed. This'd be over soon, I'd be able to go back to Aincrad soon. Shiki would be safe and wouldn't have to worry about me if I completed this mission.

~Some time later~

The sun had already set, allowing the moon to appear. I was in the garden having a walk.

"Excuse me Miss, could you please pass me that ball?" asked a little boy with blonde hair.

I smiled at him and tossed it over the high fence.

"Thank you!"

Instead of leaving like I had expected him to, he continued to stare longingly at the beautiful water fountain.

"Do you...want to come inside?"
"Oh, there's no need for that. A commoner like me can't go into the palace."
"Wait there."

Walking towards the main gate, I told the guards to open it. Of course, there was a high possibility that they would refuse but it was worth a try.

"But Princess-"
"I'll take the responsibility so there's no need to worry. Open the gate."

They reluctantly complied and pulled the gate open. I went outside and picked the little boy up before going back inside.

"Thank you so much! Wow, this is the first time I've been in here."
"What's your name?"
"My name's William. What's yours Miss?"
"It's (Y/n)."
"T-the princess of Aincrad? I-I'm sorry, I uh-"
"*laughs* Its fine. Come on, you wanted to see the fountain."

I held his hand and led him towards the fountain, allowing him to sit on the ledge. He dipped his hand in and laughed.

"Where are your parents?
"They...don't care about me."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's okay, oneesan (big sister in Japanese)."
"Oneesan?"
"Ah, I'm sorry!"
"It's fine, call me whatever you wish."

We continued to stare at the starlit sky. It was peaceful and the silence was calming. Of course, I didn't expect this to last for long.

"What is that filthy commoner doing here?" asked the king.
"Your highness, don't blame him. I allowed this."
"Why? If your reason is good enough, I'll spare his life."
"He wanted to see the fountain so I let him in."
"Guards-"
"No, stop! Why should we treat them as if they're not humans? They are no different from us. He simply longed to see the fountain, is that a crime? Do we not all have our own desires and beliefs? If you intend to take him, I'm afraid I'll have to get in your way."
"...I'll let it pass just this time. But if I see that boy in my palace one more time, I won't hesitate to have him hanged."

He took his leave, along with the three guards. *sigh in relief* I thought I was going to die.
I turned around and noticed that William was shaking. I pulled him into a hug.

"Everything's okay now. Don't cry, you're okay."
"Oneesan, I'm sorry."

I smiled at him. This was unfair. He shouldn't be downgraded like this. He wasn't asked whether he wanted to born or not. Nobody had a choice. We were all forced to come into this cruel world to face our fates.

"Oneesan, open your mouth."

He put a toffee in my mouth.

"You should consider yourself lucky. I gave you my last one," he exclaimed with a grin.
"*laughs* Okay."

Asuna's POV

That (Y/n)...I was jealous of her. She was so kind yet strong, beautiful yet confident. She also had good-looking companions with her and could befriend commoners with ease, while showing enough confidence to talk back to my father.

"What are you doing out here, Asuna?" asked the black knight.
"Just walking. May I ask for your name?"
"It's Kirito."
"Well Kirito, what do you think of (Y/n)?"
"She's a good friend, someone I'd never replace anyone for."

Hmm, seemed like they weren't together. I might take him for myself.
Suddenly, Kirito ran past me. I turned around and noticed that (Y/n) had come. She bowed when she made eye contact with me. I faked a smile.

Kirito casually draped an arm around her shoulder. I couldn't help but have a nagging feeling in my heart.

That's right, I had to take him for myself. He didn't deserve to be with her. I'd make him mine, just watch me.