Salem could hear the grass moving and looked in that direction. He hoped that it was a Bishie that was making the noise and had his hand on his sword just in case.

(Anyone you want it to be or can I pick?)

( You can pick. Sorry about taking so long today. )

Eve held the bishie ball in hopes it was a bishie that was in the grass. She also hoped she had the chance to tell Salem how she felt.

(no problem. I was watching the Ruroni Kenshin Live Action movie again. This is the Bishie I want to give to Eve: Kirito - Sword Art Online Wiki)

( okay. :). Sounds like an interesting anime. Going to check it out. I haven't seen that one, but I did see the live action Death Note movie once. )

(It is. The anime only covers the first four light novels (Sword Art Online and ALfheim Online ((SAO and ALO respectively)))

Kirito hid in the bush with a throwing dagger in his hand, ready to throw if necessary, Elucidator within his reach. He didn't recognize the female, but he knew the male from an earlier time where he took down a friend of his. The fact that he had his sword within reach and ready to move at a moment's notice did not go unnoticed by the Black Swordsman.

Salem was tense , having a feeling he had met this Bishie before. He regretted everything he had done for the scientists and was now paying for it. " Eve, how do you feel about me?"He asked. He had a feeling that now was the time for him to tell her about how he felt.

Kirito watched from a distance, keeping a low profile as he watched whatever the two were doing go on. He kept an eye on Salem, if he remembered the name correctly, as he and the female talked.
~~~

"Salem?" Eve asked wondering what he meant, as a small blush came to her cheeks. 'Is he asking me what I think he is?' she asked herself.

" Eve. Ever since I've met you I've been fascinated. Even when we were enemies I knew there was something very special about you. I love you Eve very much." Salem said, feeling the words come out. He hoped she felt the same way he did about her.

Eve blushed heavily at what Salem said, surprise written on her face at the fact that he held the same feelings for her that she did for him before it turned into a smile of her own. "I was afraid that you would hate me, would never want to be my friend again if I said something about my feelings Salem," she started softly. She saw the hurt in his eyes, most likely assuming that she didn't have the same feelings for him. "But...but I have always felt a strong attraction for you Salem. I love you too."

" You do." Salem said with a smile." I could never hate you Evelyn." He said and gave Eve a hug. He was glad she had felt the same way.

Eve let Salem wrap herself in the hug, glad to hear those words come from him. "Thank you," she said softly before a thought came to her. "Salem...I won't be mad at you, but can you answer this truthfully? Was this your punishment that Morpheus gave you?" She asked.

"It was. I do truly love you, but I had been afraid to tell you, not wanting you to reject me. " Salem said.

Kirito was confused and wondered just what they were talking about. 'Morpheus? Isn't he the Greek God of Dreams? Why would he show himself to these people, especially that scientist?' he asked himself as he moved closer to the two, trying to see what was going on. Little did he realize that as he moved, he stepped on a dry twig, cursing silently to himself when he heard it crack beneath his boot.

Salem paused." I think there's a Bishie close. Get the ball ready." Salem said, after he heard the twig break. He had a feeling he had met this bishie here before.

Kirito growled lightly as he picked up his blade of pure darkness as a blade of white appeared in his right hand. He quickly moved to the right as the thrown ball missed him. "Eve, correct? I'll let you catch me on one condition. Salem, I challenge you to a duel. Do you accept?!" He shouted. Kirito knew about Salem's poisoned blade, having seen one of his friends succumb to the poison.

" I do accept Kirito. I was wondering when we would meet again. " Salem said and drew his sword out. He wondered if he would survive this battle , since he had hurt a friend of this Bishie.

Kirito got into a ready stance, hoping that he could defeat Salem and avenge his friend. Usually he would be only using one sword, but knew that he had to go all out against this fiend.

Salem got in a ready stance and charged. He promised himself he wasn't going to die so soon after telling Eve how he felt. " You better let me live. I don't think Eve will like it if you kill me. " He said.

"You're asking for mercy so soon? Or is it just some sort of trick to let me lower my guard as you act like bait?" Kirito asked as he remembered how they worked in the past.

"What if I am asking for mercy? I don't work for those Scientists anymore and am helping to fight against them.Im sorry about your friend. I would do anything to change what I've done and have paid for my crimes against Bishies. " Salem said wanting to reason with Kirito .

Kirito scanned the surroundings with his senses, realizing that it was only the two of them that he sensed. "You really are telling the truth, aren't you?" he asked after a bit.

" I am. I'm now helping to defeat the Scientists and the School that is holding the town hostage." Salem said.

'So that's the reason why we haven't had to hide from trainers recently...' he thought to himself. "I still want to duel you though, but no matter what the outcome, I will become your girlfriend's Bishie," he said. Plus the fact that he had a healing crystal with him would negate any potential damage he caused.

" Sounds good to me. " Salem said when he heard that Eve had been called his girlfriend. He hoped for some reason that Morpheus would be happy with both him and Eve fulfilling their tasks.