Story Summary: Dreams of a summit

Fandom: Sword Art Online AU

Title: Dreams of a summit

Summary: Aincrad, the tower of 100 floors. Often called the evil tower, because corruption occurs often, and also because of the sheer number of lives it has reaped. Still, people continue to climb it in hopes of destroying all of the corruption crystals, and end the flow of monsters. The current frontline is the 47th floor. Upon the frontline, a duo meets - two talented teenagers that earned the right to climb the tower. Thier meetings brings about a series of discussions, of life, of dreams of friendships. The two became friends, companions for life, heading towards the same goal.

Place: Aincrad, Lestrook Village, Galead Castle, Vrodgalk Town

Conditions: A medieval fantasy world, with the Aincrad tower spreading the corruption that turns ordinary organisms into savage monsters. The usual age that one is allowed to challenge the tower is 21, but talented teenagers can get recommendations that let them in earlier. People who tackle the tower usually do so in parties of four to seven, with party compositions comprising of mages, priests, swordsmen and rogues. At each floor of the tower, there is a boss who guards the stairway to the next floor. The corruption crystals are spread among many rooms in the entire tower.

Chronology: Commendation tests, where Asuna and Kirito obtain their commendations to enter the tower -> Asuna beating her teacher (rogue) -> Kirito defeating Kuradeel (great sword user) -> Asuna enters tower in a party with Kuno Yuuki -> Gets separated by party due to a trap -> End up on a high floor where Kirito was scouting -> Kirito helps her exit the tower -> Get to know Kirito -> Eventually meet up and party -> Travels with Kirito and Yuuki -> Learn about Yuuki's health issues -> Work to cure her health issues -> Meet Suguha -> Go to the fairy village -> Visit others -> Run away from arranged marriage -> Meet Argo and Melthia -> etc

Specific scenes: NA

Characters: Kirito, Asuna, Yuuki, Heathcliffe

Snippets - Shuffling the Deck: Goddess Blessed

Ran considered it pure luck that she had noticed them. She had been strolling through the forest together with Shinichi, chatting about anything that came to mind, when she had noticed faint silhouettes flitting between the trees. Shinichi had explained that they had been following for some time. He had smiled and led her to their usual clearing, saying that they should let their followers catch up.

Now, sitting below the large tree in the center of the clearing, she was able to see the forms of the ones who had followed her. They were white equines, but the horn on their forehead showed that they were no ordinary horses. They were unicorns, the symbol of the goddess. Two unicorns hovered at the edge of the clearing, observing the two humans, but not one approached.

Shinichi let out a sigh. "It seems, they won't come close if I'm here..." he muttered. When she expressed her confusion, he explained, "Unicorns are attracted to young maidens and there has been no instance of them letting a male close. This holds even if I do have my Animal Friendship skill. They are discriminatory horses..."

"It seems that they are interested in you." he said as he moved away.

The unicorns became restless when Shinichi had disappeared. The two nudged each other, each trying to convince the other to go first. Finally, one was forced into the clearing by the other.

The hooves gingerly stepped on the grass. The unicorn approached nervously.

"It's okay." Ran said, keeping her voice soft to avoid startling the animal. "I won't hurt you."

The unicorn seemed to understand. It brought its head close to her. Very slowly, Ran reached her hand out and gently stroked the unicorn's face.

---

On a tree at the edge of the clearing, Shinichi watched as Ran managed to get the unicorns to trust her. Soon enough, the other unicorn followed its friend and was petted as well.

"Thanks." Shinichi said. "You noticed she was feeling down, didn't you?" 

To the casual eye, there wasn't another soul around the boy. He might as well be speaking to thin air. Yet, he continued. "You know, you could have sent Pegasi instead. I can actually get close to those. I feel like an extra here..."

There was a gentle laugh. Then, in the eyes of the boys, a golden mist descended and a beautiful blonde woman stepped out.

"Jealous that you aren't able to show your talents?" An alluring voice purred.

Shinichi let out a snort and didn't reply.

The two quietly watched the girl who was playing with the unicorns. 

"Well, I guess I should consider this as a perk of being blessed by the goddess?" he asked.

"You should be more grateful of a gift from the goddess." The woman replied.