Unending - a Sword Art Online Fanfic (being rewritten)

Chapter 33: Rematch

Two chapter's in one go. Been quite awhile since I did that. Hope you like. :)

Utsumi's POV:

Utsumi was starting to get suspicious of Akari hiding something. Over the past two weeks since they had last spoken, she seemed to have spent a lot of time with the prince. A lot of time. Utsumi was sure she was wrong, but she just had to check to be sure that nothing was happening.

Utsumi crept over to where she had last heard of Akari and the prince being seen, the palace gardens. There! Akari and the prince were sitting together talking. Utsumi hid close by and listened.

Akari's POV:

"This has been an amazing week Zaor, it really has. And it's been more fun than I ever imagined possible to have with you around." Akari said. She leaned into Zaor's shoulder, making him blush intensely.

"Well... I try." Was all he could say in response.

"Come on, you did a lot more than just try." Akari replied. "Let's see, between dinner together every night, with questions and stories about each other during, and even more afterwards. Then there was the stargazing you did with me even though you have no idea what the stars are called here. You have taken me horseback riding, and on little romantic excursions. Honestly Zaor, you've put a lot of effort into trying to make me happy. Now it's my turn. What do you want to do today?"

Zaor smiled. "Actually, I wanted to have a rematch and see who is better. It is time to reclaim my honor."

Akari rolled her eyes and got up, following him to the arena, her old school, that now served as a drilling and training area for Zaor's men.

They both got changed into sparring gear, and both headed out to the arena and took a stance against each other, holding wooden swords, so as not to accidentally kill each other, Zaor's suggestion.

"You ready?" Akari asked him. Zaor nodded, shifting his weight as he began to circle her.

Akari circled with him, then struck out suddenly, her sword swinging in and striking his before Akari backed out and swung again, coming this time at a different angle. Zaor barely managed to block her swing. He began backing off as she followed up with a series of arm numbing blows that drove him further back till he was up against the edge of the arena wall.

Zaor's POV:

Zaor quickly looked around him for a method of escape. "There." He thought as he suddenly parried her sword and swung hard at her legs. Akari backed off in surprise before steadying herself again. It was only a few seconds, but it was enough for Zaor to make a break for it and take stance again in the middle of the arena instead of against the outside edge.

"Akari smirked. "Smart move their, to bad it will be your last."

Zaor smirked back and flourished his weapon. "Don't count me out just yet. You'll be surprised what I've learned with such a royal upbringing."

Zaor charged at her. Akari charged with him, their wooden swords clashing repeatedly over and over.

By this time, Zaor had noticed that several soldiers were watching the match. And more and more were starting to show up. He knew they were just waiting to make fun of him for losing to a girl. He made the decision right there that he wouldn't lose. He threw himself into the match, refocusing in beating his opponent.

Akari's POV:

Akari found herself hard-pressed by Zaor's sudden offensive. She was being slowly pushed back by the sheer force of his blows. Her boots gorging out holes in the packed sand beneath them as she was forced back further still by another heavy blow from Zaor's sword. Akari knew she had to end the fight now if she was going to win. She could already feel herself tiring out. If she didn't do something, Zaor would win based on stamina alone.

Akari watched as Zaor's hits kept coming, doing her best to block them with minimal energy. Finally, an opening presented itself. Akari suddenly jumped back, causing Zaor's sword to swing downwards in front of her and plunge into the ground instead of into her sword. Akari danced back forward and hit Zaor on the wrist, forcing him to drop the sword. Akari spun with a leg stuck out and tripped Zaor, sending him crashing to the ground. As Zaor lay there, Akari caught her breath and glanced around at the crowd that was now cheering wildly for them.

Zaor's POV:

Zaor glanced up at the crowds, waiting for his inevitable teasing from the soldiers. But instead they came over, helped him up, and began complimenting him.

"I see why you choose her. A fiery spirit, that one."

"You did really well in there. Another day perhaps and you'll win."

"Good show lad. You're shaping up to be a prince indeed."

Zaor didn't know what to do with all this praise. Akari seemed to notice this and spared him the trouble.

"Come on Zaor, I think a bath is in order for both of us."

She grabbed his hand and began pulling him along, amidst oohs and whistling coming from the soldiers at her choice of words. She turned and stuck her tongue out at them, causing everyone to break out laughing, then pulled Zaor into the castle keep and towards their chambers.

Akari's POV:

Akari got undressed and got herself ready for her bath. Zaor had gotten in a few minutes ago. Akari sighed as she settled in to wait for him to finish. Separate bath times were just one of the many things that Zaor had insisted on as part of them getting to know each other properly, and to be fair, Akari was glad he had said it, but right now she just wanted to be in the bath. She didn't care that he was in there.

Making up her mind, Akari got up and entered the bathroom. She quickly headed through to where the bath was located and got in, breathing deeply before looking up into Zaor's startled face.

"Zaor's face turned red and he looked away. "I'm sorry I lost track of time. I'll get out now."

He went to get out of the tub.

"You don't have to if you don't want to." Akari said. "I don't think I mind anymore."

Zaor looked back at her. "You're sure?"

Akari took a deep breath before nodding.

Zaor settled himself back into the water. "Well, I guess this means we're doing well in getting to know each other then." He said.

Akari nodded. "I guess so."

They both just sat there soaking in the bath for nearly thirty minutes. Finally, Akari decided to break the silence again.

"Here, let me wash your back." She said. She reached over and grabbed a washcloth, and began using it to wash Zaor's back while he sat there stiffly, trying to resist the temptation to turn and peek.

After a few minutes, Akari stopped and turned around. "Now you do me." She said. Zaor nodded and washed her back.

"Akari?" Zaor asked.

"Hm?"

"Do you think we could go somewhere tomorrow? Somewhere special."

Akari thought about it a moment. "I don't see why not." She replied. She got up and out of the tub, leaving Zaor with the image of her bare ass as she walked out of the bathing area and back into the bedroom proper. She giggled as she got dressed and quickly into bed. Zaor's face had been worth the embarrassment of him seeing her ass. Frankly, she didn't mind so much anymore if he saw it.

Zaor climbing into bed with her after getting dressed for it himself. He slowly reached out and wrapped and arm around Akari, which she left alone, and pulled her against him. He snuggled against her until he was comfortable.

Akari could feel the heat in her cheeks. She just hoped he couldn't.

"Goodnight Zaor." She said. "See you in the morning."

"Goodnight Akari. Sweet dreams."

Akari smiled at that, and drifted off to sleep, and let's just say that her dreams were sweet that night, and all involved a certain someone who was having similar dreams about a certain other someone right next to her.

Not that many more chapters till the end. Hope you've all enjoyed the story so far. Until next time... BYE!!!