Rare Gemstone (Kirito x reader)

Chapter 23

(Y/n)'s POV

Kirito was getting better. Everyone would lose someone precious to them one day. *sigh* I didn't know what to do in these situations so I may not be much help to him.

We were heading back to Aincrad. My wounds were recovering faster than I had expected.

Suddenly, a rustle in the bushes caused me to wrap my fingers around my katana. The whole crisis before made me cautious of even the slightest movement. I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing.

"Hey (Y/n), I'm sorry you've had to look after me. From now on, I'll be the one protecting you," exclaimed Kirito.
"I think you already are protecting me."

He had his arms wrapped around my waist while leaning his head against my shoulder.
The horses were resting nearby. We had travelled for the whole night without resting so obviously we were tired.

"Look at those two love birds. But still, what does she like about that guy?" asked Yato.
"You must like him too. Why else would you choose him?" Yui replied.
"T-that was because I-I just happened to be nearby when he was there."

I laughed.

"(Y/n), why are you laughing? I don't like that little guy..."
"Kirito, do you feel better now?"
"Yeah, I was fine the whole time. Didn't you see me fighting with Yato? Seriously that guy, always thinking weird things about me. But let me tell you guys the truth...I'm way better than Yato."
"In your dreams," Yato replied with annoyance.
"Guys, stop arguing and get along."

I wonder how Shiki was doing. If only I could've finished the mission sooner. Hopefully he wastsuffering too much.

Unexpectedly, something hard fell on my head. The thing rolled down and onto the floor.

"*laughs* I'd like to see that again," Kirito commented.
"Be quiet."

Shiki's POV

~A few days later~

When was (Y/n)-nee coming back? It has been too long. I miss her...
I didn't want to train anymore, I was sick of it. All I did was train and sleep. The same routine every single day.

"Shiki, why are you resting? Hurry up and go train," ordered father.

I quickly ran off to the stables. At least he'd believe I was training if I came here. (Y/n)-nee would usually take me here back when father and mother were less strict and a little more loving. But that happiness didn't last for long.

"Hey, look at that. It's Shiki, all he ever does is talk about his sister. He does nothing and always annoys his father," exclaimed Sachiko.
"Be quiet, Sachiko. You know nothing. I bet your mum only knows how to act nice in front of men to get what she wants. Isn't that right? Isn't that how you were allowed in here? If my sister was here, she'd convince father."
"How rude of you. I'm older than you. You shouldn't be speaking like that."
"You're only older by one year."

She pushed me over and laughed. I glared at her, poking my tongue out. But before she could hit me, a hand grabbed her arm.

"What are you doing to my brother?"
"(Y/n)-nee!"
"Who are you? Let go of me before I go tell the king!" Sachiko yelled.
"Tch, who am I? I believe I am the king's daughter."
"Let me go! If my mum hears about this, I'm sure you'd be punished by your-"
"You really are a rude little girl, aren't you?"

(Y/n)'s POV

Who was she? How come she was allowed in here? She had no manners at all and was allowed in the palace? Something wasn't right here.

"(Y/n)-nee, that girl's mum did something bad to our father," exclaimed Shiki.
"She did not! My mum's nice, unlike your rude sister."
"Kirito, mind looking after these two? I'm going to go have a talk with father."
"Yeah, sure."

The little girl grabbed onto my arm.

"You're not telling the king anything-"
"You have no right to order me around, now let go."

She immediately shook her head and bit my hand. Kirito glared at her and picked her up by her collar.

"You, what's your name?" he asked sternly.
"Tch, why should I tell you?"
"Unless you want to be thrown into the water, I suggest you answer me."

He nodded at me. I quickly ran to father's room and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

I went inside and to my surprise, there was another woman in mother's place.

"Father, I-"
"Was your mission successful?"
"Yes it was. But-"
"Good job. Now if you don't mind leaving-"
"There is something I must talk to you about. Where's mother?"
"She's doing other things elsewhere. Why do you ask?"
"Well..."

I grabbed the other woman's arm and dragged her towards me.

"This woman is not someone you should be spending your time with. Her daughter is a spoilt-"
"Oh, (F/n)..don't believe this young disgraceful-"
"Disgraceful? I am the king's daughter. (F/n)? How dare you address him so informally-"
"(Y/n), what is the meaning of this?" father asked.
"Father, this woman is deceiving you. Please kick her out and-"
"No, (F/n)! She's lying to you-"
"Why would I lie to my father? Who are you? A spy? Someone that wants money?"

Suddenly, the door was kicked open. Kirito came in while dragging the little girl. Shiki followed close behind with a nervous expression on his face.

"Your highness, I'm sorry for interrupting. But this girl has caused some serious trouble and I suggest you ban them from coming to the palace," he said.
"Why is that, Kirito? What did she do?"

Kirito grabbed my hand and showed father the bite mark. Eh?! When did it start bleeding?!

"This but that's not all."

He motioned for Shiki to come forward. Once Shiki revealed what she had done, I couldn't just stand still. She...had to die.