Prologue

When Reality Hits Us

November 6, 2022..

On that day, the once blue sky had turned to red. The thought that I had finally found a game to escape reality from turned to a regretful thought. My virtual reality body turning into my own body from that mirror startled me greatly on that day. The day when players found out we were really in the game of Sword Arts Online was the first day I actually learned fear in MMORPGs. My petite body was frozen, staring at my reflection of that mirror with a horrified facial expression. I could see my head shaking as well as small tears forming under my golden eyes gradually fell.

"What total bullshit.." A wavering voice muttered beside me, causing me to glance at the person. My best friend..No, my dear important friend I started this game with wasn't as happy as I was. The look on his face was something I couldn't stand even to this day. It pained me to even think about it. His red eyes were piercing in anger at the red cloaked floating figure and his teeth gritting with irritation. Every spot on his face back then indicated total rage.

"Good luck players." Were the last words of the suspicious figure before everything turned quiet for only a few minutes.

The uncomfortable silence were soon abrupt by the raging crowd around us both, making me drop the mirror before falling on my knees in devastation. I was shocked and scared, becoming so vulnerable to the noises that I had to cover my ears. The creator of the game disappeared. The noisy crowd was making me cry from the confusion and mixed feelings within me. Everything was (and is) real now and all we had to do was clear a hundred floors. If we die in this game, we will lose our life in the real world. I can't stand death, even to this day.

"Asaya..Asaya!" I perked my head up immediately at the second calling, letting out a soft gasp to bring myself back to reality. My two long pigtails lightly swayed behind me while my eyes didn't bother to look at the person calling to me. I knew who it was by the sound of his voice. All he did was sigh heavily while I sat there trying to bring myself together.

"Come on, we need to get out of here before it gets out of hand." He was right. He was always right, yet I couldn't even move my legs.

The dark haired man had to pick me up gently by my hand, and literally pulled me through the crowd. He really was gentle about it to my surprise, but at that time, I just wanted to cry. Things had gotten too complicated. I actually wanted out, but I knew I couldn't. The moment we were away from that cursed place, a sudden thought distracted me before I had stopped myself to stop him. It took an awkward pause after we froze in place, and I knew he was probably wondering what was wrong. My eyes were just staring at our joined hands that I desperately clutched on to as if I didn't want to lose him. That was the truth. I didn't want to lose him more than anyone.

"Wh-What about Zumo and her brother? Th-They are still back there..aren't..aren't they?" I struggled saying to him in a soft spoken tone, still refusing to look at him.

I had to force my words because I was still frightened and shocked. I was slightly shivering while using my other hand to wipe my eyes and tears. On that day, I didn't know what to do or how to act. The person I was with was definitely him, but I had never met him in person until the day of fate. Yes, he was one of my online friends I would play video games with. The only real life friends I play games with online were Zumoka and her little brother Zunaku.

"Shit..uh, they are?" That reply was enough to make me dumbfounded, completely forgetting the entire reason I was down. It was the first step to regaining my senses back together. Staring up at him with a clueless look, I raised my brows at him. "Well yeah. Everyone got teleported there.."

I smiled lightly in amusement at the reaction I got from him. It was a total look that read 'Shut up' to my smart ass reply. But still, even his actions and words weren't enough to cheer me up. The fact that he is with me then and now was really all I need. I still would like to think of all the positive things he most likely was thinking on that day.

"Should we go back and look for them?" I added in a more clear tone rather in a shaky tone like earlier with my still soft spoken voice.

I frowned deeply in worry, "And maybe the others too Rayden?"

I was worried for my friend's safety and how they were taking that announcement. But, I was also worried for Rayden because I didn't want to pressure him then. I hated feeling like a nuisance. He sighed as he looked up at me from staring at the ground. "Well we're not even sure if they're still there.

Rayden paused while glancing to his side with a blank look, "Besides, Zumo has her monkey brother with her. I'm sure they'll be fine!"

He gave me a bright smile that Rayden continue to wears even now. When I first saw it, I was literally in shock at how happy and calm he was even when earlier he was glaring daggers at the game master. For some reason, his smile back then was what really got me moving forward despite that I was still fighting with my own feelings. The moment Rayden would look at me from smiling, I immediately turned away with an uncomfortable feeling overwhelming me suddenly. I bit my lower lip nervously, thinking what would be the best course of action we would do.

"I hope you're right.." I replied softly.

Rayden started walking again with his hand still dragging me along while I lowered my head down in thought. "Don't worry 'bout them too much, Asaya. For now you should worry about yourself you know."

Even though Rayden was a positive thinker, I can tell then that he was worrying about them. The fact that he had been holding my hand for that long had proved that he cared for others. Maybe I was just overlooking things, but it was one of those instincts. He didn't want to lose me or anyone, and I can already tell that on the first day. During beta, he wasn't like that at all in terms of being protective and it was all because I had lost my willpower to fight on. It was because I was weak.

A/N: Soooo...This is my first fanfiction up on this website, and I just want to let you all know that after this prologue, things might be a bit...different. Well, from my perspective! I'm writing this just for sheer fun, so I hope you guys enjoyed it! Review please. I apologize if it is short, but again, it is the prologue! Thank you! -Considering on posting up the first chapter tomorrow..-