Later the same day...

Yet another cold spring's afternoon drifted in, replacing the bitter morning air. Still, life continued for millions. The Sun had reached its height, shining with cold harsh rays of sunlight. Billboards still shone as bright and as colourful as they always had, drawing in potential customers. The arteries of Tokyo gradually pumped vehicles around towering skyscrapers. Hordes of workers drifted from one building to another. Many were glued to their phones, sliding or scrolling through paragraphs and pictures. They all walked without looking up once yet none brushed past each other. Organised chaos, from the furthest reaches of the city, right to the very centre.

The lights flashed green. Metal continued to flow along the roads. Advertisements on rubber wheels drifted past. An orchestra of engines roared like false lions. Trucks and lorries grunted between breaths from the air breaks. Bikes grinded their gears as groups came and went. Cars hummed under a cloudless sky. However, some played vastly differently to the disorganised band. They sung with high screeches and low grumbles. Spoilers sat high at their rears. Neon lights from billboards dimly reflected off the brightly coloured paint jobs. Various saloons, but with a passion for speed, slowly meandering alongside countless other vehicles. The rest continued with their duties, so did the saloons. An occasional shifting of lane here, a turn at a junction there. Businesses came and went. Alongside the occasional police car keeping an eye on the rowdy bunch.

Past the extremely busy roads and skyscrapers, between two parks, sat a set semi-large complexes encircling a green area. It looked half way between a leisure centre and a school, yet served both purposes at the same time. A green sign just outside a metallic gate read "Institute of Rehabilitation and Education for SAO Survivors".

Within, classes were taught as others played various sports outside under control by several teachers. Bats were raised to strike balls. Some travelled far while others barely scraped past a few metres. In any situation, they still ran post to post. Cheers roared as some panted. Everyone played their part, no matter how small. Some nearly slipped on the concrete but quickly got themselves back up. They had to, others depended on them.

Above them, within the teal roofed buildings, some watched from the windows. They wished to be those outside, in the fresh air having fun. Their imaginations went wild, oh the wonderful opportunities! Swimming in the open pool, running a sprint or even-

"I hope you're listening back there!" Came a stern voice from the front of the class.

"S-sorry Honda-sensei!" Just like that, their illusion was shattered.

Their teacher coughed. Despite his title and the respect that it offered, the students still found their educator to be a peculiar chimera: a young man in his early 20s with sharp irises to match his deep brown hair, but his rather pale skin and face betrayed his outsider origins and whenever he turned to face them, they would find a white medical eyepatch greeting them. A rather disconcerting appearance for their tutor. But Sabretooth didn't mind - he knew to live with his appearance, partly a product of his past and in certain situations made sure that his pupils were paying attention.

But today he was just Honda Andrew, part-time teacher of the English language at the Institute.

"So uh, where was I… Right." Tending to the busied EL panel, Honda rediscovered his lesson with a tap of his finger. "As you all well know, the English language is one of the trickier languages to get a solid grasp on thanks to in no part to quirks such as 'there', 'their', and 'they're' all sounding the same but all having far different meanings. But what does not help is that is there is actually more than one branch of English; sort of a dialect, if you will. I don't know if you've ever come across these online but you may have stumbled upon peculiarities in the way words are spelled. For example..."

Favor / Favour

Honor / Honour

Color / Colour

"Now, this may surprise you, but they are not misspellings. What is happening here is that the words on the left that you've been taught are not just English but more specifically 'American English'. Thanks to US influence spreading far and wide, their language followed them, especially in places where they had solid influence. But anyways, that's a matter of history. The words on the right are what is considered 'British English'. As the language originated from England (hence english) everyone in the United Kingdom - me included - have used this particular English for centuries. If anything, American English is an offshoot of the original English that evolved into its own thing. Australian English is another example."

A hand was raised from the middle of the class. "What other differences are there? Will they be a problem?"

"Differences? Yeah, plenty. Problem? Not too many. Unless you decide to travel to British Isles you're unlikely to deal with this kind of English. That said, British English has its own host of quirks. Such as the names of these towns to the West of London, the capital."

Reading

Slough

"These towns have names that are not easily pronounceable for those unaware. The first, is pronounced 'Red-ing' rather than the the word 'reading'. The second, is pronounced 'Slou'. The latter being pronounced the same as the 'ou' in the word 'mouth'. Although there are plenty of words like this in the British Language, especially in town names, you are unlikely to come across them in your travels as I have said before. These are some of the more commonly known ones..."

The bell chimed loudly. Lesson was over as some students eagerly reached for their bags (putting away their tablets swiftly).

"Well, that'll be all. Rest assured, we'll be sticking with American English for the rest of the course. You won't be tested on any of this stuff… Unless I'm feeling cheeky," he finished with a sly smile. "Oh yes, Kirigaya please stay behind. I just want a quick talk."

The others shifted out of the classroom, chatting and murmuring as they left. Quickly, the noise died down leaving only Honda and his student. Honda cleaned his desk but kept his eye on the door. Only when they were truly alone, did he turned to his student. Like all the others, he wore a blue blazer decorated with white trimmings - the appointed uniform of this particular establishment. A rather exotic design, but a reaffirmation of normalcy. Honda knew this particular student, beyond just his academics. His short black hair, trimmed but bristling, was exactly how Honda remembered it. In the brief time he spent with this young man, Honda learned a great deal of many things about him, a rich history belied by his mundane appearance: SAO veteran, survivor of Aincrad, Black Swordsman - Kazuto Kirigaya, better known as Kirito.

He stayed seated, checking and double checking everything was indeed in his bag. Kirito looked up. "Listen, is there any particular reason why I've been-"

"I just wanted to let you know that your attention span in class has dropped dramatically over the last week. I heard similar things from other staff, and I only wish to know why." A zip shut. Honda smoothly walked towards Kirito, grabbing a chair and sitting in front of him before continuing. "We are here to help but don't force yourself."

Kirito sighed, he had to tell. "Sorry it's just… I'm just not feeling too great right now."

"Having recurring nightmares?" Honda asked.

"No, not that," Kirito corrected. "It had nothing to do with SAO. It was something else... 'ALfheim Online'. I lost a friend a few days ago, a good friend. The only person to beat me in a fair one versus one fight. But it turned out she was dying. She was around my age. She died what she loved, surrounded by her dearest friends and over a thousand other players. Everyone paid their respects, to such a kind and caring person. I only wish that we could have spent more time together, all of us. It was… fun. It was an adventure. One with quite an abrupt end… But, we did all we can to help her to be happy. Seeing and taking part in a school day for example."

Honda looked crestfallen at the news. "... I'm very sorry to hear that. I'm sure you did your best to make what life she had worthwhile, and I'm sure she greatly appreciated it… Listen, if you need to talk, just let me know."

Kirito nodded glumly. "Thanks… I'm sure she would be happy to have made friends too. D-don't worry about me Honda- er, Honda-sensei. I'll try not to let this drag me down too much; I think Yuuki wouldn't want me to live like this to honour her memory."

Honda paused. "Uh, Yuuki…?"

"Oh uh, Konno Yuuki. That was her name. She was a guest student here, but I'm not sure if you remember her."

Honda stopped to think, a memory dislodged itself. "Ah yes, I remember. I heard the other teachers and staff mention her and her uh, set-up. Never thought she'd be that little camera probe you keep bringing along. I heard she was attentive and enthusiastic; she would have made for a fine student under normal circumstances. But, I'm afraid life moves on even if we don't want it to. Here, take this."

Honda handed over a blue card. Upon one side, a barcode. On the other, the words 'Direct to Physician' were printed in black. It seemed semi-used with its edges starting to curl. Kirito took it.

"Just in case you need any help." Honda continued, "just flash that card and you'll be first in line for the physician, alright?"

"Thank you, but what about-"

"Um, pardon me." The two looked up to see a girl, another student, with long blonde hair peering timidly into the room. Kirito's face lit up at her appearance. "Hey Asuna! Don't worry, we just finished up here. Been waiting long?"

Yuuki Asuna stepped through the doorframe, smiling sweetly. Looking at it, Honda found it almost hard to believe that she could be another SAO survivor, let alone one of its best players. But at the same time, seeing the girl's kind heart made the revelation even more cruel in Honda's eyes. Part of him wondered just how she even survived that game intact while another found her continued compassion admirable.

He waved to a fellow student. "Good to see you too, Asuna. How was your day?"

"Good so far, thank you for asking," she cheerfully replied. "I was just waiting for Kirito. We had plans for the day."

Honda chuckled while raising to his feet. "All right, I'll leave you two be. See you all next time."

Asuna giggled at the joke (same couldn't be said for Kirito) but she hesitated. "Um, actually I was also here to look for you as well, Honda-sensei."

He turned to look at her, with surprise. "Oh?"

"The school physician wanted to see you in her office."


A sliding door that looked like every other stood in his way as he gave it quick raps with his knuckle. "Doctor Kiyama?"

A muffled reply answered back. "Hm? Oh yes, come in." Sliding the door open, Honda was greeted by the air of the infirmary: cool, still, and with a whiff of sanitation. The pearl-white interior was identical to those seen in all other schools and academies, but Honda could see past what many saw. For the Institute of Rehabilitation and Education for SAO Survivors, the infirmary was more than just the nurse's office. What it lacked in having the best or even proper equipment thanks to budget constraints, its dedicated staff more than made up for it.

And one among them sat by her desk, directly across the entrance. Slouched on her swivel chair and with her desk as messy as her brown hair sat one of the school's physicians Kiyama. Despite her appearance she was someone the school could trust for the healing of human minds, and behind her weary eyes Honda could see talent amalgamated with a sense of humanity.

"I take it today's class went well?" she asked with a hint of tease.

Honda chuckled as he stepped in, briskly closing the door behind him. "Pretty well I'll say. Had the idea of touching on other types of English as a change. Perhaps I'll have them fluent enough to properly enjoy Monty Python by the end of the year." Propping up a spare stool, he took a seat beside the doctor. "But in all seriousness the job hasn't been too difficult. Not quite the level of workload of a full-time teacher but even with my other job I thankfully haven't been overwhelmed for the past few months."

Kiyama nodded and from her look alone, Honda knew it was down to brass tacks. "So Honda, how're you feeling?"

Honda took a breath - it was time to take this seriously. "Nothing out of ordinary. The past few months have been peaceful. Well, unless you count my job as being 'peaceful'."

Kiyama nodded. "Still playing that VR game, aren't you? Gun Gale Online, was it? I've heard that there was an incident half a year ago with players disappearing."

"Ah, that. I know what you're talking about, although 'disappearing' would be putting it lightly. I was there when it all happened. Helped put that to rest and since then being busy doing the same to reduce any form of crime committed within a virtual world, from stopping the sale of stolen accounts to kidnappers. Just because they don't occur in the physical world, doesn't mean they shouldn't be taken seriously."

A small smirk appeared on Kiyama's face. "Hm. Part-time teacher one day, maverick cop the next. Or is it by day and night?"

Honda couldn't help but smile along. "Half-educator, half-officer, still me at the end of the day."

A light cough from the physician. "For now, yes. But it's not quite you that I'm interested in. I brought you here to ask about the other Honda, in a matter of speaking."

Honda leaned back on his seat. He had the strong feeling this would come up today. For months, nothing had happened. His rage had vanished, the drive for his… other side no longer existed. At least for a while. Thanks to the months of treatment, help of others and important events to focus on. Surely it was something good? Kiyama looked up from a neat pile of paper, gently placing another piece upon it.

"As you well know, your treatment has been going well so far. Others would discharge you right here, but I'm not other physicians. You will remain under my thumb until I can say, with confidence, you will be fine without medical attention. Besides, I have also heard how your workload has started to increase. So, against the wishes of other colleagues and yourself, I am increasing the number of appointments. You can thank me later."

Honda looked up in surprise. "This seems out of the blue good doctor, I'm fine! Our previous sessions have been of great benefit in my recovery and I've been taking all my weekly tests like the students!"

"I'm well aware that you've been passing those examinations with flying colours. I should know," Kiyama smirked. But Honda didn't fall for it.

"Your evidence contradicts what you are saying. Granted the workload has increased somewhat, but I can manage."

The physician could only sigh. "Yes, for the time being. But, I fear in the near future you won't be fine! After the increased workload, all it takes is stress. Then everything we've worked on so far would have been for nothing. So, to prevent that from happening, please listen to me. Until your workload is reduced to an extent that I'm happy with, you're on increased appointments. After then, the appointments can be returned to normal. Do you really want your alter ego to control you once again?"

His alter ego: an unforeseen consequence of his past. He had lived with it, even made peace with it months ago. Laid his sins to rest. But no matter what he could do, he wouldn't be able to change the past. Only amend for the consequences. Life moves on, even if he doesn't want it to.

Maybe Kiyama had a point. His inner demons may simply be waiting, resting. Slumbering...

Honda had to listen. Otherwise that would happen again. No… That should never happen again, not ever again.

He nodded in reluctant agreement. "Alright, fine. I will accept. You've been a great help for the past few months; I've trusted you before so I'll trust you on this one. Just please make sure these appointments don't interfere in my work, alright?"

"The pleasure is all mine." Kiyama closed a book with a smile.


Afternoon already began to settle in by the time Honda emerged from the physician's office. He sighed tiredly as he made his way to the institute's entrance, passing by rows of empty classrooms and soon-to-be empty staff offices. He made it to the locker rooms where some remained to linger in the main artery of the school. In his nostalgia, Honda almost forgot that he wasn't a student. Where had the time gone?

Just as he was about to pass through, he felt something in his back pocket. Buzzing - his phone!

Bringing it up before him, Honda's heart almost skipped a beat when he glimpsed at the caller ID.

Asada Shino

"H-Hello, Asada?"

"Ah, Honda!" It was Asada after all, with some relief, "Glad you picked up. Sorry for not calling for a while. A lot has happened on my end."

Asada sat on her bed as she gazed at the same afternoon sky through her window. The TV was on quietly on the opposite side of the room, but she minded it none. Her apartment was the same as she remembered all those months ago: a place where she could comfortably call home.

Over on the other side, Honda replied. "You and me both. Got a part-time job to teach English, made some arrests, share some banter with my students, make appointments; just things of the daily grind. How about you? Anything interesting?"

"Not much, still doing school," Asada replied. Then her face brightened. "I do have some good news. My phobia… I'm recovered from it! I can now pick up a gun without any major issues. I'd still feel a little nervous but the panic attacks have stopped."

Honda smiled as he looked up at the sky through a corridor-long window. "That's wonderful news! That's a great improvement in only a few months. At this rate, it'll be like nothing happened by the Summer. Now that's what I call progress."

Asada turned away from the window, shadows draping her visage as she leaned against the windowsill with a sigh. "That's not all. I… do you remember Shinkawa?"

Honda frowned. He remembered all too well. "What about him? Last I heard he was still held in juvenile prison."

"He still is," Asada confirmed. "But I've visited him since then. He… hasn't changed much since, but I still think he has the capability to change. For the longest time, he was my only friend. I can't-no I will not give up on him. He didn't give up on me, and actually got me into GGO. I care for him, as a friend. No one can take that away from me. I will help him, I will save him."

"I-I see…" Although still puzzled, Honda did not dwell on her decision. To be perfectly honest with himself, he wouldn't have lost sleep if he washed his hands of the very man who was a member of the Death Gun cabal for good (plus the whole "trying to kill him and Asada thing"). But he wasn't the one in Asada's shoes; he had no history to dilute his perspective. Justice wasn't always about payback or revenge. From the way he heard about Shinkawa, perhaps he was as much of a victim as everyone else. If death was always the answer, then Honda would stand no differently than him.

"Honda… thank you. For giving my life - and his - another chance."

Honda tried to come up with a smooth response, but his candidacy made him trip. "You're welcom- uh, yeah n-no problem Asada. If anything I should thank you too. Even if it wasn't intentional you gave me the chance for me to face my past, to make up for it. I'm still undergoing treatment but I reckon it'll only be a matter of time before I can say it's gone for good."

Asada smiled. "Really? That's good to hear!"

"Yeah. Just many more appointments with my physician until that happens. So I'll have to make myself comfortable until that day," Honda groaned.

"Say..." Asada began, her tone shifting to caution. "I hope I'm not prying too much about your work, but how was it?"

"Ah, that. Made another arrest just yesterday. My job hasn't been without problems of its own, but so far I'd say we've done some real good work."

"Really? That's good to hear." Asada paused, remembering. "That reminds me, I've heard that there'll be some sort of special event coming soon for Gun Gale Online. From what I read, it'll be the biggest yet."

"Event? Oh right! Yeah, the Anniversary Update event, celebrating the game's one year birthday! I can't believe it's already been that long, let alone think that the game's still young. A lot has changed already but rumours are afoot that the new additions will make the game look like something else!... Or so they say. It was confirmed that there would be a slew of new content and not just more guns. I heard stuff like more vehicles, equipment that is to actually fit with the sci-fi setting that the game was supposed to be, and even an entirely new gamemode! And a bunch of special tourneys and events to commemorate it all on top of that! I don't think any player will want to miss out on all of that!"

Honda chuckled but it was not for long before they rang hollow. "... To be perfectly honest, I wish you were still around to experience it. Gun Gale Online hasn't been quite the same without you."

Asada sighed in concession. "I know. After all the memories I had and experience I earned from that game… I'd be lying if I said that I don't miss any of it. The good, the bad…

"Sinon was my way of coming to terms with my nightmares, why I worked so hard in GGO. By playing as her, I had thought that I could overcome my fears and it wasn't until I realized that I couldn't just 'switch' them off by switching into Sinon - I had to actually become her. To be the strong person I made her out to be. Gun Gale Online was a way of coping with myself, and now that I'm back to normal…

"My fears held me back from my life, from my future. Now that I have the chance to live it to the fullest, to live without being afraid, I don't want to waste it. I know I've told you this already, but I want to see what my future could be, what I could do not as Sinon, but as me - Asada Shino. I haven't quite decided what that future should be just yet, but I won't give up. Not after everything we went through."

Honda nodded in understanding. Although she couldn't see it, he was sure she could imagine it. "I understand. Whether you're Shino Asada or Sinon, I'll remember you as the only other person I can share victory with, who stared Death in the face and told it to sod off. Sounds better that way."

Good-natured chuckles and heartfelt laughter from both sides. A shared language of memories and experiences, of triumph. But like all good things in life, the spirits came down to earth, back to reality.

"Well, I wish you luck on your studies. Until next time, Asada."

"Until next time, Honda."

The call ended, like a swift goodbye. Pocketing his mobile back where it belonged, Honda stepped into the outdoors. The school day had ended yet he could see throngs of students lingering about, forming pockets of blazer blues with their microcosms of companionship. No one was without a friend or mutual acquaintance. He caught faint snippets of discussion and banter: some about school, some about family… But in all of them there was one consistent thing.

Plans of what to spend their day on.

Honda stopped and pulled out his phone yet again. An idea had hatched inside his head. He thumbed through his list of contacts and within seconds he had a connection. Why not making his day enjoyable? A day to remember?

It didn't take long for the connection to come through with a reply.


Rally Superstars

Greece

"Three left into crest, don't cut. Five right into three left, tightens…"

The 037 darted around the corners, over the hills and through the dips. Man and Machine were in perfect harmony. Just the right amount of throttle. Just the right amount of breaking. Let the rear step out just a little, carry the momentum to the next straight. Gravel slipped underneath, smoke made of dust and stone rose behind. The supercharger howled. Revs reached their maximum. Trees zoomed past alongside bystanders. They dashed out of the white car's path just in time. Wind followed closely behind. The mountains watched from above, their peaks smothered in thick grey clouds.

"One right, don't cut. Sixty to finish!"

Kicked down a few gears, the 037 served into the hairpin, less than an inch from a gravel ledge. The rear wheels spun, grip was lost then regained in a vicious cycle. It effortlessly drifted around the bend and onto the straight where the chequered flag waved victoriously. Crowds cheered behind metallic bars as the car sprinted through. The stage was done. A new time was set. Now, onto the next.

Only just around the corner of the finishing line, sat a semi-large open space where other vehicles sat in various degrees of repair and disrepair. Tents of various sizes gently blew in the occasional breeze. Many were out and about, watching or repairing. Everyone had something to get their nails dirty over. Especially the cars. Rows upon rows of exotic rally cars, each with an army polishing and cleaning and repairing.

The 037 slowly drove past several rows, receiving smiles and waves from fellow drivers. Eventually, it found an empty spot beneath a tall white tent. Four waited for the car to stop beside them with a roar. The driver's door opened. A helmet swung onto the roof as the driver ruffled his long purple hair. He never kept an eye off of his vehicle, even as his codriver left the vehicle and simply just walked off.

"Pretty good… Not bad at all…" he began with a thousand smiles, "Front suspension needs less stiffness, oh and I think I clipped a rock on the rear left."

The others nodded and got to work. Up went the car. Stilts creaked under the weight of the 037. The wheels came off, the rear was opened. The tinkering began. Its owner would have gladly joined in if not for-

A call? From outside the virtual world too?

"Hello?"

"Ah! Subaru! Glad you picked up so quickly!" It was Sabretooth.

The purple-haired driver - Akiyama Kujo but known as Subaru to his buddies - grinned from ear to ear at the long-familiar voice. "Oh Seiba? Now this is a pleasant surprise to be sure, but a welcome one. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I thought we could talk a little, about any interesting events. It has been a while after all."

"Indeed, a month or so since last time. You been up to much?" Subaru sat upon the gravel, the tent half covering him in shade. "I can safely say, with confidence it has been quite the journey for myself recently. Got some proper championships under my belt in Rally Superstars. Actually getting quite good now, might make nationals for the summer. Times are steep though, real steep. Everything needs to be perfect. Well, as good as they can be."

"Reaction times, yeah… Without them, you wouldn't get go far in such games. I've been fine, thanks. Got the part time teaching job after all, except for that usual cop work taking up most of my time. It has been fun enough though, busted a few groups and helped out the odd player on their way. Sorry, you in the middle of something?"

"Nah, it is fine, just finished." Subaru looked up at a large board (in the tent) covered in numerous names and numbers of various colours and fonts. A new line appeared, one in yellow. His name. Alongside a time. It rose past others. To third. Third best time. "With a good time I must say. But hey it must feel good to be apart of something you helped build up. I guess we should be thankful for Kikuoka for allowing this to all happen. He took your suggestions seriously and made those changes happen. From what little I know about the whole thing, I hear it is going a lot better than previously. If I had a drink right now, I'd toast it to you! So, uh, cheers!"

"Y-yeah, cheers!" Honda took a deep breath, while finally making his way into the carpark, "Now, I'd like to ask-"

"YO! Who are you talking to Akiyama?!" A female voice from Subaru's side suddenly swooped in without warning like an owl striking at an unaware mouse. There was crackling, a little yelling and some laughter. Quickly, the interruption faded. Chaos vanished. It was the codriver, "Nah, is that goold old Sabre? It has been a while!"

"Indeed it has been Yamamoto, you still go by Starbug? I remember you were thinking of changing it."

Starbug took off her white helmet with a violent shake before letting her brown ponytail droop over her shoulders. "After a while, I decided not to. Name's got a little bit of a reputation now. Can't exactly change it on a whim, especially one beginning with 'S'. As it turns out being this guy's codriver isn't as bad as it was a few months back. Probably just me getting use to it more than anything else. How about you Honda, doing well?"

Honda explained his current situation (just like with Subaru), before bouncing the question back at Starbug without breaking pace.

"In fact, a decent chunk. No where as near as Akiyama here but stuff here and there. Started to play some ALfheim Online recently, reviews seemed good enough alongside those guys playing it previously. A good change of pace I must say. Just flying around without too much pressure and the wind in your face. Oh, and it isn't constantly grim and dark. Everyone needs some light in their life, y'know? Although I have been trying to convince Akiyama here to join me. As you can see, it ain't worked."

"I'm not being a Leprechaun if that's what you mean. Even if they are 'blacksmiths' and have metal wings. I prefer more… modern stuff. Like this 037, or fighting in Gun Gale Online with those guns. I'm just not a fan of magic or more medieval related stuff, alright? Even then, if I wanted to, I would play a Scrolls game or something."

Honda coughed, preventing yet another argument between the two of them. "Anyway, back to my question. Are you two free tomorrow afternoon? The anniversary event brought in an entirely new gamemode that claimed would be a loot buffet but only for those with solid teamwork. The better we are, the better our earnings, and the better the risk. So, I thought it would be a grand time to get the gang back together and see what's for in that update. Just the three of us, just like old times."

"We're in!" They both shouted in unison, with some surprised stares from their mechanics and other drivers closeby.

"What about Sinon?" Subaru asked, calming a little after his outburst of excitement, "Will she be joining us?"

Honda sighed. "Unfortunately not, she's very busy currently. So, we're back to having no sniper for this time. Which is a shame but we will still be able to do this. Like we always have!"

Starbug laughed, slapping Subaru on the back a few times (to his displeasure). "That should be fine! Just the three of us against a dungeon of bad guys. Just like the good old times all over again. When do we start?"

"Let us say… 2pm sharp, by Zero-X's shop. Buy some ammo beforehand, you'll need it. Until then, good luck with your races."

"See ya!" Both chanted, with the same people looking up to figure out what was going on. They then continued on with their day, preparing for the next race, with the occasional argument sprouting briefly.

And, like that, the call was ended. By now, Honda had reached his vehicle. A ridiculously large exhaust hung from the rear, capable of tunes that could be heard a block away. A large grille dominated the front, split in the middle by a think piece of bodywork. A large spoiler rose over the boot, outshining many on the road. This royal blue saloon was built for comfort and speed. For now, it would be his chariot home. The engine purred into life. Honda's day had just come to an end, now he could look forwards. Something to be excited for at last, that wasn't job related.

He simply drove out of the empty carpark and out onto the busy roads of Tokyo. An adventure had just begun. Where would it end? Only time will tell its riddles.


Author's Notes:

Panzer_Bros:

That concludes the pilot for the sequel. I hope this sets the scene for (possible) events that shall occur later on. If you have yet to read the fanfiction on the events before this (Sabretooth's Tale), I highly suggest you do to fully understand the current events and what may occur later.

I decided to include a quick mention about Yuuki, as even in this slightly alternative timeline, the events of 'Mother's Rosario' still takes place along with the unfortunate conclusion. Also done for context on where this fanfiction takes place compared to the original series and put things into perspective. Please let me know what you think of this pilot, what do you want to see more of? Anything to return to from the previous fanfiction? Any changes you would like to see, from either this or the previous fanfiction? Any and all thoughts would be most appreciated.

Current changes made from the original series:

The SAO survivor school's name has been changed from Temporary School for Middle and High School Students who have returned from SAO to Institute of Rehabilitation and Education for SAO Survivors

The Bullet of Bullets has been changed to Battle of Bullets

Sinon's sidearm was a Glock, in previous fanfiction was exchanged to a MP7 part way through

All names are surname then forename as that is how names are said in Japanese, and all call each other by either their surname or their in game name to keep to the tradition