Survive or Die

Ava's POV

Kirito blocked the monster's attack as I strike at it lowering his HP down.We switched so Kirito was now attacking and I was blocking.It aimed at me so I dogged distracting it so Kirito could make the finally move.After Kirito slashed at it, it exploded into millions of tiny shards.

"Good job Kirito."I smiled towards him, earning a grin.

This is so much easier with two people.I thought remembering when I was solo.

"We should head back."Kirito told me putting away his sword.

"Yeah good idea."I agreed walking right next to him.

-----TIME SKIP-----

Me and Kirito walked through the forest when we heard something.

"What was that?"I whispered.He shook his head.

"I don't know."We looked around when we spotted something.

"Kirito this that.."I gasped.

"Yup."He smiled throwing a knife towards it.

And then that rabbit knew at that moment, it fucked up.

"Yes!We caught an S-class rare item!AND WE CAN COOK IT!"I cheered, jumping up and down.Kirito laughed at my cheerfulness.

I turned to him."Kirito please let me cook it!I maxed out my cooking skill already!PLEASE!"I cried.

"You know I will."

"Alright!"I said happily.

I'm gonna cook an S-class rare item!Ragout Rabbit!

Beat that!

-----TIME SKIP-----

"Hey Ava?"He asked me.

"Yeah?"I answered.We were on our way home where I was going to cook the Rabbit.Because I cook, we had all the supplies there.

"I never really asked you, why do you like to cook so much?"

I stopped dead at my tracks.

"Why I like to cook.."I repeated."Well before my mom passed away, she would teach me how to cook but I never really like it.After she died, I had to start cooking for my family and so because it reminded me of my mother, I started to love it."I smiled remembering the memories.

"Well you are a really good cook."He complemented.

"Thanks."I say feeling warm inside.

Kirito opened the door and I ran in.

"Hello Home!"I yelled crashing onto the couch.Kirito chuckled at my scene.

"I'll go get dressed, you should too."He grinned.

I groaned."Fine.."I say dragging myself into my room.I changed into a black blouse and a baby blue short skirt, I put my flats on, my apron and put my hair into a ponytail, ready to cook.

I quickly ran into the kitchen, grabbing the utensils.I set a plate and go into my menu clicking on the rabbit.A big pile of meat appeared on the plate.

"So this is an S-class ingredient.."I mumbled to myself.

I am going to cook you into perfection rabbit.I thought determinedly.

Perfection.

"Hey,"I look up and face Kirito.He was in his at-home clothes."You trying to have a fight with the meat or what?"

"Yes actually,"I smirked."and I'm going to win."

"So determined."He laughed.

"So how should I cook it?"I asked.

"All your choice Lieutenant."He smiled.My face grew hot.

Where did Lieutenant come from?!At least it's not something like 'cupcake' or 'sweetie'.

Wait...

What the hell am I thinking?!

"All right then General,"I say back."Stew it is!"

"A ragout rabbit should be perfect for ragout.. obviously."I say out loud getting the ingredients and getting my knife, cutting the rabbit and the rest of the ingredients.

"Usually there would be a lot more work involved in the real world."I comment putting the food into the pot and putting it into the oven."SAO is pretty lazy when it comes to cooking."I laugh turning towards Kirito.He was staring at me weirdly.

"What's wrong?"I asked considered.

"Nothing."He said shaking his head and smiling.

"Well I should make some side dishes, the stew is great and all but we need something on the side."I said grabbing more ingredients while thinking about how Kirito was looking at me.

-----TIME SKIP-----

I hear the timer as soon as I finished with the side dishes and put on my gloves.I open the oven and take out the pot, putting it on the block of wood.I take of the top of the pot off just to tease Kirito with the smell.

"It smells so good!"He comments.I laugh getting the dishes and cups ready for us to eat.

I sigh happily as I finish with the stew.

"It was so delicious."I say taking a sip of the iced tea I made.

"Yeah, you did a really good job."

"Thank you!"I smile."I'm so glad I was able to survive this long to enjoy it."

"Yeah."He agreed.

"It's weird,"I start."It feels like I've been born and raised here, almost like this has been my home since ever."

"Yeah, it's been two years now, I've almost forgotten the real world.It's not just me either, players from the front lines as well."

"True, now theirs fewer than five hundred players fighting in the front lines.Everyone's getting accustom to this world."I say."But I want to go back.There are a lot of things I still want to do and I still have my sister there.Plus, you need to patch things up with your cousin."

"Yeah."He agreed."We have to do what we can."

I suddenly get a text from Asuna.

"Who is it?"Kirito asked.

"Asuna.She says she wants to go...shopping tomorrow?!"I panicked.

Kirito started to laugh."That will be fun to watch."

"I'm not going."

"Ava, right now, I feel like it's been forever since we've sat down and talked together.You need to do this, you need to for once, try to let lose.Okay?"

"Alright."I agree, serving him more tea.

I started to clean up the table and walk to the kitchen to wash the plates when Kirito starts to help me.

"Thank you."I chimed.

After we were done, I went to the balcony to admire the sky, the stars were out which made it look beautiful.Almost real.

"Mind if I join you?"Kirito said taking a seat.

"Sure,"I say."Tonight look beautiful."

He mumbles something.

"What?"

"N-Nothing!"

"Hey, you cousin's name was Sugu, right?"

"Yeah,"He answered."Her nickname."

"Now that I remember, I think my sister said something about having a friend named Sugu from kendo practice."

He chuckled."That would be cool if our sisters knew each other."

"Yeah, that would be great, we can all battle each other."I suggested.

"Of course, when we get to the real world."

"When we get to the real world.."I repeated not realizing how tired I was.Before I completely closed my eyes I heard, "Goodnight Ava."

-----IN THE MORNING-----

I wake up with the sun hitting my face.I yawn and realize.....I didn't fall asleep in my room last night!Who moved me?Did Kirito?Did he have to carry me to bed?I hope I didn't weight to much, who am I kidding, I'm in a virtual world!I can't weight a lot!

"Just try not to make it awkward."I say to myself getting up and stretching.I go to my menu and put on my regular brown and white combat outfit with my shoes.I head downstairs and to see that Kirito hasn't woken up yet.

I guess I'll start making breakfast.I thought and head towards the kitchen.I decided to make blueberry waffles and bacon on the side.

Kirito better be waking up soon,I thought.Or I'm just have to wake him up myself.

It was when I started to serve when he came into the living room.

"Ava?"

"Kitchen!"I yell.

"Of course."He walks into the kitchen and smells the air around him.

"Bacon!"He breaths.I pass him his plate and we both start to eat.

"Remember Ava,"He added."You and Asuna are shopping today."

"Don't remind me,"I mumble."I already hate shopping."

"It'll be fun, I promise."

"What will you be doing?"I ask him.He shrugs.

"Probably looking for a new katana sword for your, you know, for your Battoujutsu skill and Shurikenjutsu skill."He told me.

"Really?Are you sure?I mean you should probably look for new swords for your Duel Blades skill, don't get me wrong, the one Liz made is perfect but just in case-"He cut me off.

"Ava,"He said."It's alright, I wanna make sure you have what you need."

"Alright,"I say blushing."Thank you."

"What was that?"He smirked.

"I say thank you you-"I cut myself off."You general."I forced a smile.He laughed at my actions.

"You really are trying to change,"He got up and came right next to me whispering in my ear, "Don't, your amazing the way you are."

"T-Thank you!"I stuttered trying to hide my blushing face.

Damn him.I thought.

Making me flustered.

-----TIME SKIP-----

"Asuna!"I call out.Me and Kirito arrived at the mall she told us to go too.Standing next to her was a.....guy.A guy.Who, uh, was wearing the same uniform as Asuna.Yeah, nothing wrong with his face...

Nope.

Nothing wrong.

Trying to be nice.

Be nice.

Be kind.

Be nice.

"Asuna who's he?"I asked."Your boyfriend?"

"Ugh!No!Kuradeel's just my bodyguard!"She protest.

"Could you please try to sound a little less offended?I'm right here."He mumbled.

"Yeah Asuna,"I say."It's not his fault he looks like Voldemort got caught in a grease fire."I puffed.

"Wait, what?"

"Whatever, so are you ready?"She asked, I nodded.

"I mentally prepared myself for this on the way over here."

"Good.Now let's shop!"She turned to her 'bodyguard'."Kuradeel, you can leave now."

"Asuna, you shouldn't be hanging out with such suspicious people like them."He scowled.

"It's on Voldemort."I mumbled.

"Even if there stupid,"

"Hey!"

"There still very strong.There probably ten levels above you, Kuradeel."She smiled.

"BURN!"I yell.

"Ava!"

"What?"I protest.

"Are you saying their better than me?"He asked, clearly hurt.

"Aw, does little baby want him mommy?"I tease, smirking.

"I see.."He mumbles."Their beaters."

"Yes.That's right."Kirito answers.

"Asuna these people only care about themselves!Nothing good will come from associating with them!"He yells, getting the attention of the people around us.

"What's going on?"

"That's Asuna; The Flash!"

"It's the Dark Angel and Black Swordman!"

"You're right!Asuna and Angel are cute!"

Back of perverts!I thought.

"But Angel has one hell of an attitude, wouldn't date her."

"But her looks totally make up for it!~"

I looked down.

Like I care if you would date me.I thought.

"Just go back for today, that's an order from your vice commander."She orders him walking toward me and Kirito, grabbing us both.

"Ow!Hey, watch it!"

"Asuna, are you sure about this?"

"It's fine!"She huffs as we enter the mall.

She finally let's go of us."So, are you joining us Kirito?"

"Actually, no.I have some stuff to take care of."

"Alright then, come on Ava."She says dragging me again.

"Ow!Wait!"

"Don't worry Ava, you'll see your boyfriend again."She teases.

"H-He's n-not my boyfriend!"I protest only earning a 'Yeah right' from Asuna.After a while, she let's go of me in front of a store called 'Combat Girls Max!'.

"Looks nice."I whistled.

"Yup.It's where I used to get my clothes.Come on!"She beacons me to come.I follow.

"It cheap too,"She comments.

"Plus,"I chuckle.I turned left and right seeing all the outfits and accessories all around me.Then, one catches my eye.

"Asuna, look!"I point out to a blue and black combat outfit.It was dark and mysterious, just my style.

"Try it on!"She encouraged.I run to the fitting room and try it on, coming out looking fabulous.Kidding.

"It's looks good on you!"Asuna cheers.

"Thanks!I think I'll buy this one!"I say walking back into the fitting room.

Me and Asuna start to look more into the shop and see around the area.Asuna found some cute red earrings that would fit her uniform.While I found some blue one just alike.

"We should buy them."

"Yeah."I agreed.

"It's nice seeing you in your soft side Ava."

"Whatever Asuna."She just laughs.

As we kept looking even more, Asuna started to ask questions.

"So Ava, are you and Kirito dating yet?"She asked.My face grew red and hot.

"W-What do you m-mean?!N-No we haven't!"

"So you do like him."She smirks.

"I-yeah."I give in."But you better not tell anyone or I will carry you to a boss in your sleep and leave you there."

"I knew it,"She says."You two should get together."

"I'm not sure if he likes me Asuna."I admitted.I have been having that doubt if Kirito really likes me or not.

"He does."

"How do you know?"

"You really are blind Ava."

"Wow, thanks for the compliment Asuna.That boost my confidence fifty percent higher!"I replied sarcastically.

"I'm just pointing out the facts."She simply said.

"There are some moments where I just wanna-"She cuts me off.

"So, has he kissed you?"

"No!"

"Have you done it?"

"N-No!"

"Bummer.I really ship you two."She sighs looking at a pair of sunglasses and trying them on.

Man it feels good to be a gangster~

Shut up brain!

"Have you been on a date?"

"Quit asking questions!"

"Just answer me."

"N-No, but since we live together I make food for him and we eat together."

"Still counts.How about...slept together?In the same bed?"

"Sometimes."I mumbled, she squealed."When I get nightmares."I add.

"Still counts!He's there to comfort you!"She cheered.

"When did you become a fangirl?"

"Just today, don't question it."

There was silence for a moment.

"Hey Asuna?"I say getting her attention.

"Have you found anyone?"I ask.

"No,"She replied."It's hard to date or go out when I'm vice-commander."

"Sorry,"I say.

"It's fine, plus, I just haven't meet that person that will love me forever, you know?"I nodded.

"So for now, I'll just bother you and Kirito."

I need to find her someone quickly!

"Ava?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you hear what those men said earlier?"She asks.

"About the cute part?Yeah I did.I swear to those perverted guys out there, if they dare touch-"She cut me off.

"Also the part about your 'attitude'?"

I stopped for a sec."Yeah I did, but I don't really care Asuna.I shouldn't care, there a bunch of low live perverted peasants who should go under a rock.Better yet, hell."I spat.

Do I really mean that?...

Of course you do, you can't be listening to these people Ava.

Right.

A familiar voice pops up into my head.

'No one likes you Ava, you father even hated you.'

'Where did you hear that you bitch?!'

"Ava!"I hear and turn to Asuna again.

"Sorry, your words bored me so much I saw a shiny object and got distracted."I lied trying to cover up my flashback.

"Tch, whatever."

I laughed and walked away from Asuna, paying more attention on the accessories.I turned to my right and saw a matching necklace and bracelet.The necklace had a blue sword hanging off of it while the bracelet had a black sword.

This is perfect!

I could give Kirito the bracelet!

I mean if he wants it...

Of course he'll want it!

Hopefully.

I rushed back to Asuna to show her the matching pair I found.She agreed that that would be a perfect small gift for him.I smiled and laughed as if all my worries melted away.

"Ava?"

"Yes?What do you want now?"

"Join me in a guild."

"What?"I say dropping the keychain I had in my hand.

"It's been forever."She says.

"Why out of the blue?"I ask.

"Because ever since floor 70, the monsters have gotten irregular.There are some things two players can't handle on there own, and you can't always teleport out."

"Me and Kirito have been keeping safe."I usher her."Plus, party members will just get in my way."

"Oh?"She says putting a sharp object in my face.

"All except you."I laugh nervously.

Why does she get me scared when a boss doesn't?

"I see.So,"She adds."Let's party up already."

"What about your guild Asuna?"

"We don't have any leveling quotas."

"What about Voldemort?"

"I can ditch him."She replies.I sigh looking at the black ring I found.I see a a request pop up in front of me.

"It's dangerous on the front lines-"She cuts me off by putting a sharp object in my face again.

"Fine."I say clicking yes.She gives me a victory smile, I huff.

-----TIME SKIP-----

Me and Asuna were all done shopping and somehow, my feet hurt.

"I guess I should thank you for today."She says breaking me out of my thoughts.

"No I should be thanking you."I reply."I've never done this before, in the real world, I would get builled a lot and get into fights so I would never have friends.So thank you Asuna."I smile.

"Welcome, we should do this again sometime."She added.

"Yeah but not like this again, so much shopping made my feet hurt!"I whined making her laugh.

In the distance, I see Kirito.

"Kirito!"I call out.He turns and waves at me.

"Hey you two,"He greets."All shopped out?"

"You have no idea."I groan.

"And I see that Asuna joined us?"He asked waiting for an answer.

"Yeah.."I laugh nervously."She held a sharp object to my face."

"No I did not!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"Yes!"She said.

I'm not that stupid!

"It looks like we agree."I smirked.

"Dang it, I thought that would work."She mumbled.

"Anyway, we should head home Ava, I gotta show you something."

"Me too."I replied.

"Is it your sword skills Kirito?"Asuna teased."Use protection~"

"N-NO!"

"Go the fuck away Asuna!"

"I was just kidding!"

-----THE NEXT DAY-----

I sighed playing with the sand as I was sitting at Kirito's feet.

When is Asuna gonna get here?

"She's not coming."Kirito yawned, I nodded to tired to say anything.

Then I hear a transport and turn.

Not only was I right, but I got Kirito smashed on me as well.

I groan and open my eyes to face him.

Squeeze.

What was that?...

Squeeze, squeeze!

Did he just...

Squeeze!

On no he fucking didn't...

"Kirito!"I screamed, slapping the shit out of him, he went pretty far.I didn't realize Asuna was on the ground as well.

"Try to watch where your landing!"I hissed helping her up.I turned to Kirito clutching my chest in anger.

"Uh..um.."I was all I got out of him.I wanted to slap the guy so hard but Asuna stopped me by hiding behind Kirito.

"What's wrong-"I answered my own question.

Voldemort.

Great.

"Asuna, please do not run off on your own!Let's go back to the guild headquarters."He scowled at her as if she was a five-year-old.

"Who are you to be telling her what to do?"I spat earning a glare from Kuradeel.

"Yeah!No way in going!"She protest."Why were you waiting outside my house so early in the morning anyway?!"

"What the fuck!"I screamed."Not only are you hideous as shit, but your also a pervert?!Great deal!"I huffed.

"I thought something like this would happen,"He started."So I made it my responsibility to watch after you in Selmburg for the past month."

...

What kind of excuse is that?...

"T-That's not the commander's order!"

"It is my duty to guard you,"He said."That includes watching over your home."

"No it does not!"I say."Asuna needs her own privacy as well!"

"I wasn't talking to you child."He answered.

"Alright that's it!Bitch I'm gonna beat you so hard, your gonna wish your momma never opened her legs and gave birth to you!"I say but Kirito grabs my arm shaking his head no.

I pouted.

"Please don't act so unreasonable,"Kuradeel sighed completely ignoring me, walking to Asuna."Now, let's head back to headquarters."He added taking her arm but only to be stopped by Kirito.Kuradeel turned back to him, glaring.

"Sorry but I'll be accompanying your vice-commander today."Kirito said, clearly bothered.

Kick his ass Kirito!I mentally cheered.

"I'll be responsible for her safety."

"Yeah, it's not like we're gonna be fighting a boss."I say, cutting in."So you can go back to headquarters."I smirked.

"What are you talking about?!"He yelled."A rookie player like you can't possibly protect her!I'm a member of the notorious Knights of Blood!"

I started to laugh at his comment only to earn a stare.

"Oh you were serious?"I say."Sweetie, I can do a better job than you."

"Your pretty bold little girl,"He said making my blood boil."Are you prepared to prove it?"

He sent me a battle request.

"No, definitely not."Kirito answered for me.

"Kirito,"I say getting his attention."I can handle this, please stop trying to protect me so much."

"I know you can but-"

"But what?"I cut him off."Everything's fine Kirito, you know I'm strong."I smile and sent a peace sign his way.I accept the request.

He takes out his sword."Watch Asuna, I'll prove to you how only I can protect you!"

"Good luck with that."I mumbled pulling out my Katana sword.

"That solo player Ava and that member of the Blood Oath are dueling!"I hear in a hush tone.

"It's gonna be awesome!"

Heck yeah it is.

I stand ready and study Kuradeel looking or thinking of any weaknesses.

3...

2...

1!

I run towards him full speed ahead, he does them same.I dodge his first attack and then block his second by breaking his sword in half.

He stared at his sword, in shock."Impossible."He mumbles falling to his knees.

"Amazing!"

"She broke his sword!"

"Was that what she was aiming for?"

I put my Katana away."You can come at me with another sword if you want."I offer."But I suggest you stop here."

Clearly not taking my advice, he takes out another sword running towards me ready to attack.

Right before I was going to pull out my Katana, Asuna jumps in front of me and sent Kuradeel's sword flying in the air.

"Asuna..."

"S-She cheated!"He protest."She must have used some sort of trick to break my sword!I could never loss to a dirt beater like her!"

My jaw clenched."Kuradeel."Asuna said."This is a direct order from your vice-commander, as of today, you are relived of your escort duties.That is all."

"What?"He gasped in disbelief and in anger."You!.."He turned to me but then looked down.He started to walk away and teleport with a grim look on his face.

I sighed in relief.I felt someone hug me.

"Told you I could do it Kirito."I chuckled hugging him back.

"I knew that, it's just.."He cut himself off."I'll tell you later!"He smiled, I nodded.

"Sorry for involving you in this."Asuna apologized.

"It's okay!"I assured her."If you didn't come I wouldn't have been able to beat him up!"I laughed.

"Are you okay?"Kirito asked Asuna.She nodded as a reply.

"I think me being to focused on clearing the game and being to strict with the other members is the reason why the guild is so stressful."She sighed.

"Well I think if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be this far up in the game."She turned to Kirito and smiled.

"Thanks."

"Yeah, no one should be complaining if your partied up with lazy solo players like us."

"Ava your lazy."

"And your!.."I cut myself off, realizing I had nothing.

I disappoint myself.I mentally sighed.

"Well I guess I should be thank you too Ava,"Asuna smiled."I'll accept your guys offer and take it easy for the rest of the day."

"Which means we're still fighting?"

"Yup!"

"I knew it."I groaned and dragged my feet on the ground.

"Kirito, you'll be forward!"

"Wait!Shouldn't we take turns?!"

"Fine, I'll do it!"

-----TIME SKIP-----

We were altogether in the dungeon floor and currently Asuna was forward, attacking the monster.

"Kirito switch!"She ordered.

"Right!"Kirito quickly ran up to it and sliced at the monster a couple of times.

"Ava!"

"Right!"I say, following his position and hitting the final blow.

"Whoa.."I hear.I turned to find out that was Asuna.

"I didn't know you were that strong."

My face grew hot."Uh..Thanks Asuna."I smiled letting out a nervous laugh.

-----TIME SKIP-----

"Guys, look."Asuna said pointing out to a door up front.

"Is that..."

"A boss room."I gasped running to it.

"Ava!Hold up!"Kirito yelled only beaconing me to run faster.

One more down.I thought staring right at it.

"What should we do now?"Asuna asked.

"Let's take a look."I say.

"Boss monsters never leave the room they guard."

"Even more of a reason to look,"I said."It'll be quick."

"Ava, you need to slow down, I know you already..."He trailed off not knowing if he should say it or not.

"Already what?"Asuna asked curiously.

"Beat a boss room."

"Wait!That was you?!"

"Yeah,"I let out."That day...I wasn't really thinking, I was just pissed.Thank goodness Kirito was there unless I would have killed myself."I laughed only earning a glare from Asuna.

"I thought that was only a rumor,"She huffed."So you have the Battoujutsu skill."

"Yeah, the unique Katana skill."

"No wonder people thought it was a rumor."

"Hey!What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Girls,"Kirito said getting our attention."Let's focus back on the boss room."

That's right,I thought.

He hates me talking about that boss room.

Where I almost died.

"We'll take a look, ready your teleport crystals."He ordered.

"Right."We both say taking them out.

We all opened the door, swords out, and teleport crystals ready.

The room was pitch black.Not a thing in sight.The room was tense.

Blue flames erupted, showing a blue bull type of monster, staring at us with it's dull crimson red eyes.

This is gonna be one hell of a boss room.