My alarm echoed through the room. I drew all my will power to lift up out of bed. Dazed, I brought up my hand and rubbed my face. This felt like life back in the real world. Even though it's been a month I can still recall waking up for school. My dad would be cooking my breakfast then setting it out for me to eat while he went to work. Sadly here no one was cooking for me. As I swung my feet around I shivered to the touch of the cold floor.

Knock Knock

"Ayee Riku! It's Haruo don't forget at ten were meeting up with Kirito alright?"

I opened my mouth and stretched. Then stood up, stumbling to the door.

"Ah…Y-yeah…"

Yawning again I flung open the door. Haruo was standing in its outer frame. Even with my eyes barely open I could see his hair and vest.

"Your shirt and…hair are too bright…"I managed to say.

Haruo laughed and pointed to my lower body.

"Man get dressed before you talk to me."

My friend laughed his way down the hall and back to his room. I looked down, my eyes popped open. The dark colored fabric of my boxer came in to focus. Quickly I shut the door and brought my palm to my head.

"Stupid…"

Now awake I pressed my finger and thumb together, bringing them down in a motion. The menu appeared in front of me. I scrolled to the body changer; I put on my red undershirt and chest plate before throwing on my overcoat. With this outfit I wore a simple white pair of jeans. When I recalled my thoughts about Haruo's clothes choice I laughed, were both not doing stealth in these clothes. Lastly I applied my sword, its sheath rendering on my back. With that final touch added I walked out the room, my brown hair dancing behind me.

"Haruo let go man"

I said knocking on my party member's door. After no answer I knocked again.

"Haruo hurry up its nine to ten."

After knocking for the third time I tried wiggling the door knob. The door creaked open slowly.

"Haruo?"

I asked pushing the door in slightly. Losing my patience I opened it fully. What I saw was completely un-expected. A female rushed by me, nudging me out of the room. Her green hair whipped me in the face as she retreated down the hallway and out of sight. Haruo walked by me and down the hall. He threw out his hand and beckoned me to follow.

"Eh?..." I let out.

Still shocked I obliged and followed. Haruo didn't bother to bring up his friend so I let it be. From what I saw she was rather delicate in the face, much like Kirito except she was really a girl. Other then that I didn't see much. Something great most have happened and I have a pretty good idea just from looking at the way Haruo carried his weight and the smile on his face was a give in.

"I should message Kirito, make sure he is still coming."

Haruo opened up his menus still walking. Even though I couldn't see his menu I could guess what it was. It was message asking Kirito if he had made to the group and stating we are on our way. Shortly after another menu popped up in front of my companion.

"Kirito is there and he says to hurry the players are about to move."

"Right!" I call back.

I and Haruo dash off down the alley and around corners. Haruo's agile build made it easy for him to maneuver around over players and NPCS. I on the other was barely getting through, sure I had a high agility score but Haruo's made it look easy.

Just as we made it the spot we caught a glance of Kirito's back headed out of the gate.

"Ayee!" Haruo called.

Kirito looked back and motioned us to catch up. Once we did, we slowed our pace to his and Asuna's. Asuna was still covered in the dark red cloak and Kirito in his starting armor.

"Alright so I was thinking me and Riku could keep front while you and Asuna kept back and switched in with us. We should be able to knock them off balance and let you guys get in some hits while their off guard."

"Seems like a fair plan."

I said this with a nod and Haruo also nodded. Asuna stayed quiet for a moment and looked over at Kirito.

"Switch?"

All three of us jumped and stuttered, she must have never been in a party.

"Level with me here, have you ever been in a party?" Kirito asked.

"No."

"Ehuh?..."

All three of us made a noise of that nature and gave blank looks towards Asuna. Kirito even slowed his pace to a stop, while I and Haruo stopped just ahead. Our fourth member's eyes bounced from each of our faces.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Kirito sighed and got back up with her. He began to explain that switching made it easier to fight in a party since each player could fight then hang back. Also since the game revolves around blades swinging super fast it's easy for someone to make a mistake and hit another player.

Our group was E. We had to clear the boss's minions. For our level now we should be able to handle them but support would be greatly thanked. I'm sure the over players will be focused on the boss and deflecting its moves.

As we approached the gate to our fight Diavel stepped in front and placed his sword in the ground.

"I only I had one thing to say. We are going to win!"

The players cheered, me and Haruo included. Kirito and Asuna kept a serious expression. They both were focused on the boss. I have a feeling their strength is higher then what they give off.

This thought made me think about me and Haruo's reputation. We were barely known. Like I told Tonka before out fight, I want to have label in this world something that gives me meaning. Haruo felt the same, he confessed to me once after one of our fights…

Flashback

"Riku…I want to make sure you know what my goals are for this world."

Haruo sheathed his dagger behind him and looked out over the plains.

"I'm seeking something in this world. Something I don't have back in the real one…"

"What's that?"

His head turned to me. His scarlet eyes met with mine, he gave a crooked smile.

"Purpose…I wanna know someone can look to me and say 'Hey it's blah..Blah…blah.' Back in the real world I was barely noticed and I see SAO as I restart to my life. That's why wasn't fazed by the news of being stuck in this world. I finally have a chance to start over here, and the feeling of having clean state was well welcomed."

His eyes turned back to the limitless plains of Aincrad and he strolled off down the path.

End Flashback

In that moment I knew. I had found a friend in this new world, a friend with the same goal of being somebody. And I knew fighting alongside him we would be one sharing a common goal. Thinking about this made me glance over at him. He was clapping slowly, the same smile he had on that one day had re-appeared. I'm glad I can have him fighting behind me, watching my back.

Now we all were funneling through the door. We made the climb up the tower, dispatching the lower monsters in our way. So far were fighting in good condition, not losing anybody. My party was fighting in good shape as well.

Then we saw it, the massive door to the boss room. It was huge, it was lit on the side with torches and vines covered around it.

After a quick recap Diavel opened the doors.

A pause came over all of us as we gazed in to the dark room.

"Charge!"

We all barreled through, us being in the back of the group. Once we all stormed in the lights on the wall flicked on in an instant. I and Haruo took stations on the right with Kirito and Asuna.

We each had our weapons drawn. I roar came from down the tunnel. I halted my breathing and took my relaxed stance. My eyes focused on the Illfang.

"Let's go you son of a bitch…"