Unending - a Sword Art Online Fanfic (being rewritten)

Chapter 21: They're Coming

And now to relieve the suspense. Enjoy!

Asuna's POV:

Asuna watched as those charged with saving Kirito's life worked feverishly to try and stabilize him. She stood there watching for who knows how long before Yulier put a hand on her shoulder.

"Come on Asuna. You won't be doing him any good by just sitting there and worrying about him. And it won't help your children either. Why don't we head to my guilds base, then we can discuss your situation and how we might further help you two."

Asuna sighed and got up to go with Yulier, beckoning to her children to follow her. They all walked through the Town of Beginnings towards where the Aincrad Liberation Force had their base of operations, taking in the sights as they went. Asuna noticed how happy the people here seemed to look.

"It sure is a pretty site." She commented. Yulier turned and smiled at her.

"Isn't it? My husband and me spent quite a while trying to make this place somewhere we might want to live, so we pushed the guild members to clean up their act and stop oppressing people, and started patrols to ensure safety to whoever hadn't yet fled our territory because of our formerly oppressive stance. Sure enough, people stopped leaving."

Asuna nodded. "It almost looks like paradise again. Reminds me of the first day here in Aincrad."

Yulier's smile vanished, replaced by a sad frown. "Yeah. It really does doesn't it? I guess that's a compliment if ever there was one." Yuliers face looked like she was reminiscing something, suddenly however, she looked up and her face brightened again. "Ah, here we are."

Asuna turned and saw a large fortress standing on the edge of town. Imposing in its great size. Asuna noted the thick walls with smooth surfaces to prevent enemies from climbing them. She also saw guards with bows and spears patrolling the wall tops, and at the front gate was a whole unit of guards, about twenty, all standing in defensive formation. One of them stepped forward and pointed his spear at them.

"Halt. State your name and business." He said.

Yulier responded, authority ringing in her voice. "You know very well who I am, and this is obviously The Lightning Flash, one of the players who saved thinker and me from the dungeon. She is with me, now let us through."

The guard stepped back. "My apologies miss. I didn't mean to offend you. Just following protocol."

"No need to apologize. You were indeed following protocol. Keep up the good work." Yulier said.

"Yes ma'am!" The guard replied. He stepped back and waved them through.

"You handled that very well. I'm impressed." Asuna said.

"It's nothing. Just something you learn to do when you're in charge." yulier replied meekly. "Now come on. Let's go see my husband. He'll be the one who can help you and Kirito.

Yulier led Asuna through the halls and passageways until they passed through a set of large doors. There on the far end of the room into which they had entered, sat Thinker, guild leader of the Aincrad Liberation Force.

"Asuna, it is good to see you." Thinker said.

"Likewise." Replied Asuna.

"Now I know this isn't a social call, so tell me what you need."

Asuna breathed in and then began her story of the last days events.

<Timeskip>

Asuna had been given temporary lodging at the base for herself and the children for the time being. Thinker had heard her story and her request for their protect from Hiruma and his forces, and had told her he would need to discuss it with his officers before making a decision. He did, however, promise his aid in helping Kirito recover, and had ordered Kirito moved to the guild base as soon as possible. For the moment though, all Asuna could do was wait, and keep her children occupied while she did so.

She hoped Kirito was okay. She hadn't heard about any updates on his condition, which could either be a good thing or a bad thing, and that only made her worry more. Only knowing she had to remain calm so the children wouldn't freak out kept her from becoming a nervous wreck. She looked over at her kids, playing happily without a care in the world. She wished she could be as carefree as those two at that moment. Gradually though, she drifted off to sleep, something she had gone without for almost 24 hours, and needed badly.

<Timeskip>

Asuna woke up to see Yulier standing over her, shaking her shoulder. "Come on Asuna. Wake up. A decision has been reached. And you're being summoned so that you can hear it for yourself."

Asuna got up and looked around, momentarily forgetting where she was. "What... OH! What did they decide?"

Yulier smiled. "They wish to tell you in person. Come on." Yulier pulled Asuna to her feet. Asuna picked up Itsuki and took Akari's hand.

"Let's go children." She said. Once again Yulier led them through the halls and through the big doors that marked the entrance to Thinker's office. Asuna watched the doors open, then stepped through. She found herself in front of more than a hundred players, all captains within the guild. Thinker rose from his chair and welcomed them warmly.

"Welcome, Asuna, the Lightning Flash. It is an honor to us all that you would grace us with your presence."

Asuna smiled. "Thank you for the warm welcome. But I must ask that we cut straight to the chase. Will you helps us, or not?"

Thinker's smile faded, replaced by a stern one. "Unfortunately, you are right. That is what you've come here for. Me and my captains debated, and then we voted. As leader, I reserve ultimate choice in the matter, but since it would be putting my entire guild's lives on the line, I had to consult them on their opinion of the matter as well. As is stands now, I'm afraid we'd lose far too many lives if we pledged our protection to you. The Knights of the Blood Oath are no joke. There is a reason they've maintained their territory as long a they have. We may have them beat in numbers. But they still have a sizable force that could be brought against us. One with players that have reached levels many of my men could never hope to reach. Of the players here. Only a few have risen above level 40. And most of the rest are lower. They have neither the equipment or the skill to challenge a guild whose average member is level 50 or more. I'm sorry. I can promise you protection until Kirito awakes. But once he is healed, I have to ask that you leave fight then. I don't need a guild war on my hands."

Asuna was shocked. She was sure that they would protect them. As had Kirito. Nevertheless, the decision was made, and there was nothing she could do. "Thank you." She said. "Thank you for giving us a moments breathe and for healing my husband. It was something, more than we could do on our own, and I appreciate the assistance you've given us."

The faces of many of the captains showed regret. No doubt many of them would've loved to help, but had to say no to protect their men.

Asuna bowed. "If that is all, I'll return to my room now. Thank you for your time." Asuna lifted her head. Several of the captains gasped. Tears were streaming down Asuna's face. She turned and left quietly.

One of the captains stood and turned to face the others. "Surely there is something we could've done for her."

Thinker shook his head sadly. Unfortunately we can't. And you know it. Meeting adjourned."

The captains all got up to leave, when suddenly a messenger appeared. He handed a scroll to Thinker. Thinker opened it and his face paled. "The Knights of the Blood Oath are here, and they want blood." He said. "Men, gather your troops. It's time for war."

And that is the end of the chapter. You ready. It only gets more crazy from here. I already have all the craziness planned up 'til the end of part two. Oh! Quick FYI, there will be a part three. Just saying that now. So don't think I'm winding this book up and calling it quits just yet. Right, so see you in the next chapter. Until then...BYE!!!