Hey guys!

Thanks again for being so patient with me! I wish I could get these chapters out to you sooner, but I always seem to hit a bump in the road and I just get stumped! Hopefully now I'm out of this rough patch!

But anyway, I just wanted to remind you again that I don't really know how the NerveGear or AmuSphere works, so I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge in this computer-y stuff. I had to ask my boyfriend all about this stuff but in lamer terms, like he's talking to a five year old! He likes Sword Art Online just as much as I do, in fact, he was the one that showed this anime to me, then I became more obsessed than him!

I'm glad that some of you are happy that I've included her brother in the story and I do hope that the way I have him in this story is to your liking! There isn't a lot to go by with him so I really did have to make stuff up. And yes, Asuna's mother, does need a good talking to about raising her children. I really hope that I don't have her come off as abusive. Just more controlling and strict. Just as a mother who really goes to the extreme in making sure her children can survive without her. Tough Love! And don't worry, I do have an idea on how Asuna settles things with her mother. I don't wanna spoil it for any of you, but it will be a doozy, I can tell you for sure.

Anyway, enough of my blabbering! Enjoy!

Kouichirou spends the rest of his morning setting up the AmuSphere, explaining all of the specifications and using terms that go over my head. I try to pay attention to the rest of his lecture but my mind is solely focused on the polished metallic console sitting on my desk. This is the first I've seen the AmuSphere but I feel like I've just been reunited with a long lost friend. My heart is beating at a higher rate with anxiety and my body is twitching to get back into the virtual reality world.

Not only that, it's as if my relationship with Kouichirou is slowly being solidified. Before, our conversations would be close to non-existent. It would almost feel uncomfortable. But now, I can sense him trying to close the gap that's been wedged between us.

"You wear it like this, see?" He demonstrates by pulling the visor over his head and the metal band separates into two rings and it conforms to the shape of his head while the tinted glass frame covers his eyes. "It's been modified to make it a lot safer than the NerveGear; it uses a lower frequency that won't… you know, fry your brain."

My shoulder tenses at the thought of the NerveGear's capabilities and a great number of those players succumbing to its horrifying power. The idea of dying in such a gruesome way makes me shudder; I don't think I will ever admit out loud what my intentions were when I first put that helmet on.

"The neat thing about this is that it will monitor your blood pressure and brain waves." He continues to blabber on and doesn't seem to notice my mental dilemma. "If the player's conditions become abnormal, a safety log out is provoked. Pretty cool, right? Ever since that whole incident with the NerveGear there's been a lot of bad press about virtual reality consoles, so RECT installed several sensors that will continually supervise the player's status."

After the last of his preparations, he leans back and rests his hands on his hips proudly. "All set!" he announces happily then his eyes widen in sudden realization. "I almost forgot!" He reaches inside the pocket of his jacket and pulls out a rectangular package and hands it to me. "What's the point in having an AmuSphere if there's no game?"

Upon closer look, the packaging is clearly designed for a game software. The illustration shows a steel castle floating in a sun setting sky and along the bottom I read 'Sword Art Online'.

"I didn't know what I was thinking when I bought this game for you," Kouichirou admits sheepishly as he studies the case over. "I mean, this was the game that trapped 10,000 players. This shouldn't even exist. But here it is now, and I figured if I wanted you to experience a FullDive VRMMO, it should be with this game. Luckily for me, you actually took a liking to it."

I huff lightly and hide the amusement forming on my face. 'Taking a liking to it' is an understatement in my case. Sword Art Online became my obsession the moment I put on the NerveGear. I never thought that I would become so attached to raising stats and skills. I never thought I would enjoy holding a weapon.

"Wait!" An image of my avatar flashes through my mind and my face pales. "D-does this mean that I have to start all over again? Am I back to level 1?"

Kouichirou smiles lightly at me, seemingly impressed by my new found passion. "Not to worry, as long as you have all your data saved on the server, you can continue on like nothing's happened."

I hang on to those last words and think of the irony that surrounds that statement. Nothing may have happened to my avatar but even so…

A moment passes and I realize I haven't responded to Kouichirou, who is eyeing my curiously. "T-thank you, Kouichirou." I sputter stupidly, in hopes of changing the topic.

Kouchirou remains silent for a moment as he observes me then exhales heavily. "I have to admit you're pretty brave, using the NerveGear, even knowing what it could've done to you."

With the way he looks at me, I can tell that he's trying to figure me out. Nervously, I spout nonsense to lead him astray with lame excuses. I smile unconvincingly at him, in hopes he cannot read me. Fortunately, he turns his focus elsewhere, and scans around my room.

"From what I've been told, all of the NerveGears were considered obsolete and therefore seized and disposed of. I was hoping to keep mine as a souvenir, but I guess since mom found out that you've been using it, she must've gotten rid of it." His tone turns somber as he finishes, and when he observes my face for a confirmation he sighs and stares down at the carpeted floor with disappointment. "She was never a fan of me being fascinated with VRMMOs; I guess it was only a matter of time."

"I'm so sorry, Kouichirou," I apologize softly as my gaze falls to the ground. "It's all my fault."

"But I had Sada dispose of it already, Kouichirou no longer uses it, and you're too old to be playing games. You need to focus on your future."

Our mother's cold words echoes loudly in my ears and the guilt of ruining what never really belonged to me swallows me whole. It truly is my fault; I never should have taken it in the first place. Otherwise, our mother never would have gotten rid of it. But then…

I never would have met Kirito and the others.

"I told you, you don't need to apologize, Asuna." My thoughts are interrupted when Kouichirou pats the top of my head firmly. I look up and he's crouched over towards me, with a gentle smile that shine in his eyes. "I'm the one who should be sorry, and I mean what I said earlier. I'll do whatever I can to make it up to you."

If Kouichirou ever had any doubt that I could never forgive him, he couldn't have been more wrong. I don't think I ever needed an apology from him, I think I just needed to know that there was someone out there who was like me. I think I needed to know that I wasn't on my own.

However, looking at my brother I've come to realize that he isn't like me at all. Unlike me, he's managed to make a name for himself and is the successful son my parents have always wanted. It was his drive to leave that pushed him into becoming someone that my mother does not have the need to control anymore. I continually disappoint my mother and I still don't look at all like my family. Kouichirou is the ideal member of the Yuuki family and I…

I am the outcast.

I am still alone.

"If you need anything else, Asuna, don't be afraid to ask me," Kouichirou pats my head once more and he pushes himself up, standing tall. As he stretches his back and lets out a relieving groan, I glance at the clock reading 11:45am. I'm shocked by how much time has passed and instead of resting like he was supposed to, Kouichirou had spent his entire morning by my side.

"Thank you, Kouichirou," I smile up at him gratefully, hoping that he knows that my gratitude is more than just the new hardware he has given me, "Get some rest."

Without a word, Kouichirou grins at me then exits my room, shutting the door behind him. As soon as he leaves, my eyes shift to the AmuSphere sitting on my desk. My hand is itching to grasp my rapier again, but the first thing I do when I take a hold of that helmet is search for a place to hide it.

When the clock strikes 6, we all meet again for dinner. I feel as though the only time I ever really see my family altogether is when we are eating and when we do, everything feels mechanical. As one, we thank Sada for the meal she has prepared for us, and simultaneously, we dine in silence. If we were robots, I can imagine all of our silverware clanging together on the plates synchronously. It's alarming to feel and see how tensioned filled a 300 sq. ft. room can be. I'm tempted to make some sort of conversation, however, no one has addressed me yet.

"We leave for New York next week, and I think you should join us this time, mother."

I didn't think it was possible for the dining hall to fall even quieter than it is now, but Kouichirou continues to surprise me. In sync, my parents and I gawk at his odd and out of the blue request. For as long as I've known my mother, she has never taken time off work; she prides herself in her work, and she lives for her occupation and success. Vacation is something she's never exactly approved of. At least, not until retirement age, and even then, I doubt retiring will stop her from micromanaging.

"W-what is this all of a sudden?" our mother's taken aback response has me surprised. I don't think I've ever seen her speechless before. "I have no time for a vacation, Kouichirou."

"It wouldn't be a vacation." There's an easily detectable smirk slapped across Kouichirou's face and I can't help but feel suspicious. "The International Political Science Association is hosting its 35th World Congress in New York the following week; you are a member of the association, correct? This year's theme is 'Challenges of Contemporary Governance', I thought you would be interested in going. Father has been invited too, as he is a donor to the association."

"Correct, I am a member, and I have also received an invitation to be a special guest speaker," she retorts with a huff. "But I have yet to decline; the panel they seated me with are just a bunch of unexperienced nobodies. They've barely started out, what could they possibly know? I would spend the majority of that 90 minute session debating with them rather than answering questions."

"But, you can also join in on other seminars and question the panel as well," There's a hint of bribery in his voice as he casually picks at the baked salmon Sada had prepared. It's not hard to tell, but our mother secretly enjoys knit-picking other's flaws and mistakes.

"I can video conference them, why must I fly all the way there just to talk for 90 minutes?" our mother snaps as she stabs her fork into her food irritably.

"Now, Kyouko, you, of all people, should know that the best way to get a point across is not through a screen." Our father lectures in a stern but encouraging voice. I don't think he's caught on to Kouichirou's tone, he seems genuinely interested in having our mother attend as well. "With your knowledge you can influence many who are attending, many of which are students from around the world."

"What of Asuna?" She spits my name harshly, completely disregarding that I'm sitting across from her. "She can't possibly leave at this time of her school year, especially nearing college entrance examinations. Are we to leave her here for two weeks?"

"I don't see the harm in that," Kouichirou responds carelessly, "You've raised Asuna to become independent; I see this as an opportunity for her to prove herself. Besides, she's old enough to take care of herself."

"While it's admirable of you to speak for your sister like this, why not ask Asuna, herself, how she feels?" My father turns to me with a compassionate smile, "How about it, Asuna? What's your opinion on staying behind for two weeks?"

The three lock eyes on me almost simultaneously and a small bead of sweat drips down my back with discomfort. I feel uneasy responding too soon, but the same feeling goes for answering too late. Apprehensively, I glance at my mother who is watching at me skeptically, and then I switch to Kouichirou who is staring at me intensively, as though he's telepathically telling me what to say. I'm unsure of his angle and I worry I'll ruin whatever it is he has planned for me. But on the other hand, I'm 17, not five. My parents shouldn't have to worry about me taking care of myself. However, I don't think that my well-being is my mother's number one concern.

Finally, I take a deep breath and look at my mother and father determinedly with a reassuring nod. "I would like to prove to you both that I am responsible enough to be on my own." I sit up straight and square my shoulders, suddenly feeling confident. This type of position amuses me and I realize this must be how Kouichirou gets his bold approach. "Please give me this chance."

My father silently grants my request with a smile, while my mother continues to examine me. It's as though she's trying to see if there's another motive behind this. I can picture her mind racing to concoct of another reason to stay behind, but when she doesn't she sighs, admitting defeat, and waves her hand at me dismissively. "I'll allow it; however, I will only stay for a week and half. I want be here when you get started on preparing for the college entrance exams. I want to make sure you have the proper material to study with."

"Thank you, I will not let you down," I respond softly and I bow my head to the both of them as I discreetly glimpse at Kouichirou who shoots me a quick wink as he takes of a sip of his water. Some excitement washes over me and I can't help but smile. This is the first my mother has ever agreed to let me do something on my own. This momentary feeling of freedom has me in a trance and I can't help but feel exhilarated. To hide my enthusiasm I bite my lower lip but only to receive a quick scolding regarding bad habits from my mother. I quickly apologize and we all continue to eat our dinner robotically.

When I return to my room, I switch both locks then fall back on my bed and stare at the time on my phone. I watch as it changes from 7:59 to 8:00. This would be around the time Kirito and the others are meeting in the virtual reality world. Still feeling cautious, I stare at my closed door, listening for the other side as if my mother would barge in. After a few moments, I reach under my bed and pull out the AmuSphere kept safely in a box and set it on my desk. While I'm anxious to return to Aincrad, I hold myself back. I know that part of my reason is fear my mother will eventually find out, but the majority is me being afraid of facing the group. I haven't spoken to them in over two weeks and neither have I tried to contact them.

A memory of meeting Kirito for the first time plays in my mind. By now he must have told them about how he met me and what I was trying to do. I wonder what they would think. Would they hate me?

I know I would.

My fear of being rejected by them makes me less inclined to go back into Aincrad, but as I had done earlier to bring up courage, I take a deep breath and pull my shoulders back, feeling a little bit more confident. I try and fight the hesitation as I place the AmuSphere over my head and lay back on my bed.

"Link Start."

The visible light that I could still see through closed eyes suddenly disappears and a blinding white screen immediately follows after with rainbow-coloured lights flashing by.

It's amusing to me how true the saying 'you don't know what you're missing until it's gone' is. Before I would urge the start-up session for the NerveGear to go by quicker. But now, I'm feeling more appreciative of the AmuSphere.

Instead of seeing the NerveGear logo, I now see the AmuSphere logo. The illustration is hazy at first then eventually clears for perfect resolution, this is for the purpose of confirming the connection to my visual cortex. Eventually, a text appears below the logo confirming that my visual connection is OK.

Next is the sound test and numerous of noises consisting of high and low pitches resonates around me. Just like the illustration, the noises at first are muffled then become clear and almost harmonious. The text OK appears again, confirming the auditory nerve connection.

Lastly, the final procedure, consisting of the feeling of touch and gravity. As the feeling of my bed disappears, I no longer feel like I'm lying down, but now standing up right. The feeling of going from real world to virtual world is indescribable, and almost addicting. After this test, a question asking for preferred language appears and I choose 'Japanese'. The last is the login page prompting a user name and password. I worry for a moment that Kouichirou might have been mistaken and that I would have to start over again, however, I manage to sign in without trouble.

A large black text reading 'Welcome to Sword Art Online' appears and an assortment of blue lights whiz by. I almost feel like I've just gone into hyper speed because the next thing I know, I'm back in the cabin on Floor 22.

Wordlessly, I look around the cabin, seeing everything as it was since the last I was here. I'm not sure why, but being in this compact little cabin actually feels more homely than my own in the real world. There is a warm, cozy sensation enveloping my body, whereas is the real world, there are always goosebumps prickling on my skin.

I wander inside the cabin discovering that I'm the only one here. Although it is to be expected, none of them are expecting me. My head and my shoulders drop depressingly with defeat.

What if they have given up on me?

With my left hand, I pull up the menu and tap on the icon with two player characters standing side by side. It brings up three sub menus and I check my 'friends list'. If they had given up on me I'm certain that they would have deleted me off their friends list, which would have removed them from my own. Seeing as how the number indicating how many friends I have is five, I'm relieved but at the same time, a bit embarrassed. This means that they haven't deleted me yet but this also reveals how little friends I have. I press on Kirito's name, as his is the first that pops up in alphabetical order, and I perform a 'Position Check' and a map of his location appears before me.

It comes to no surprise for me to find that they are all together on what looks to be Floor 35 and, without a doubt, doing a side quest. It's been a while since I've played, so I'm unsure of what the level of monsters I could potentially encounter. The uncertainty worries me, but I shrug it off and I make my way to the Teleport Gate in Coral.

I teleport to a town called Mishe and it looks to be a rather urban, medieval town with wide cobblestone roads and two to five storey houses. The buildings within the town have timber frames, with the spaces in-between the beams filled with woven branches and clay and stray, and umber-brown wooden shingle roofs. It's surprisingly heavily populated and crowded with players that it's become harder for me navigate through. I pull up the menu to locate the group and once the map appears in front of me, I pick out the group far north side of my map. I break into a cold sweat as I read the title of their location, The Forest of Wandering. It's actually a dungeon and is a vast area that takes up the majority of the map on this floor and, as the name implies, it seems to be a forest where I can easily get lost. The last time I was on my own I nearly died, and a part of me contemplates on waiting for them back at the cabin, it seems easier that way.

"Would you want someone to always tell you the solution to a puzzle before you even got the chance to try? The point of this is to challenge yourself, not cheat. There's no glory in that."

Kirito's words ring in my ears and I think back to our adventure on Floor 5. I can still feel that rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins as we wandered through that dark cave and took down that giant. It was terrifying, but liberating and it's a feeling I want to experience again and again.

With my rapier at my side, I stand beneath the gate separating the town from the forest and gaze up at the towering, and ominous coniferous trees that block most of the sunlight from reaching the ground. The further I look in, the darker it gets and it sets a familiar feeling I had when Kirito and I were in that tunnel: spooky and nerve-racking. Gathering up my courage once more for good measure, I take a deep breath and stride onwards into the forest on my own.