Author Notes: Happy Valentine's Day 2021. I hope everyone is doing well, and you enjoyed your time with your loved ones. Things have gone pretty well for me, and I hope this will be the first of many updates for 2021. Now that I wrapped up "Past is Prologue", the stories I will be focused on will be "The Kirita Chronicles" and "Into the Fog". I plan on that allowing me to update both of those stories more frequently, and I hope that also means you will consistently review the chapters as well.
I remember a few years ago that I was able to make a timely release of a Christmas related episode at around Christmas time of that year. Now I am able to make a timely release regarding Valentine's Day for this story. I always intended to release a Valentine's Day story, but I didn't know if I would be able to continently release it during Valentine's Day. As luck would have it, I was able to. Life sometimes has a way of working things out.
Thank you for your time. I hope you all enjoy this Valentine's Day Chapter. Please be sure to leave a review because your feedback is appreciated.
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The Kirita Chronicles
Story Arc V: A Well Earned Holiday
Chapter Forty-Two: New Setups – Part II – Valentine's Day
/
We all must prepare
It can be for fun or work
We must not forget
/
Location: Sword Art Online – First Floor – Argo Network Headquarters
Date: February 2023
Akio had been welcomed by Argo's guild, specifically Sasha welcomed Akio with open arms. Other guild members were too busy with other matters to notice they had a guest. Their observation skills left a bit to be desired. However, Akio could see why that was the case.
The moment Akio walked through the door, he could see that the Argo Network appeared more like an orphanage rather than an Information Broker Guild Headquarters. There were many children playing with the various members of Argo's guild, especially Sasha. They seem they should have been employed in a daycare rather than with Argo.
After Akio entered the building, Sasha asked for some other members of the guild to take over for her. Guild members identified as Ai and Yuudai stood in for her. She escorted Akio to her personal office while Argo, Gorobei, and Kikuchiyo handled business of their own.
Sasha told Akio to take a seat, and she would be right back. Akio was able to take a brief look around Sasha's area, and it seemed quite comfortable. It was a small space, but it was private, and it had a homey feeling. They would be able to converse without anyone interrupting them.
Akio could see that Argo definitely treated his employees well. There was a big desk in the back. There were two couches that faced each other with a coffee table between them. Akio sat down at the couch that allowed him to see the door, and he was able to sink into the cushion.
As Akio was making himself comfortable, Sasha opened the door with her waist while holding tea cups in each hand as she hastily apologized, "Sorry for keeping you waiting."
Akio stood up, "Need any help?"
Sasha hastily replied, "No. No need. Just give me a moment." At Sasha's insistence, Akio reluctantly sat down before Sasha placed the tea cups on the coasters that were on her coffee table.
Sasha warned, "Try to be careful when drinking that. We may be in the virtual world, but that tea can still burn your tongue."
Akio brought the tea cup close to his nose. He could feel the aroma open up his nostrils as he breathed in and took a whiff. Akio wasn't well versed in smells, but it was pleasant. He could also feel the heat radiated from the tea as well. If he attempted to drink too much at once, he would definitely burn his virtual tongue.
This was far from Akio's first time drinking tea. He knew what to do, but he still gave a courteous reply, "Thanks for the warning." He then proceeded to slightly tip the tea cup, and he slowly drank some. It was a small amount, but it felt satisfying as he commented, "It tastes good. Did you make this?"
Sasha gracious replied, "I'm glad you like it, but try not to give me too much credit. I just heated the water, and I put the ingredients in and let them seep into the water before giving it to you."
"Well …" Akio sipped more of the tea as he told her, "Either way, this is good."
"Thank you." Sasha then let out a sigh, "It's a shame Kirita-san couldn't be here as well."
"Believe me. She would if she could." Akio carefully placed the tea cup on the coaster as he assured Sasha, "She figured it'd be safer this way. One blends in easier than two after all."
"I understand." Sasha leaned back on her seat as she, "It is still a shame."
"Maybe one day things can turn around, but that's not happening anytime soon." There was a trace of bitterness in Akio's voice, but neither of them would comment on that further. They both knew it was true.
"Well …" Sasha then said, "I hope she's doing okay on her own."
"Kirita is one person I'd never have to worry about." Akio picked up the tea cup and took another sip before adding, "I just hope she's isn't too bored."
"Right …" Sasha concurred.
"So about all those kids out there." Akio couldn't help comment, "You really seem to have an affinity for kids, Sasha-san."
Sasha seemed rather pleased as she asked, "You think so?"
"Yeah." Akio remarked, "I always figured you'd get along with kids, but this is more than I would've imagined."
Sasha commented, "That would make two of us."
"You know." Akio looked at Sasha in the eyes as she stated, "It's like how Kirita-san seem to have an affinity for NPCs."
Not even Sasha was expecting to hear that as she raised an eyebrow, "Really?"
"Yeah." Akio began rubbing the back of his neck as he answered, "She treats them like they're ordinary people like you and me." Akio pointed between the both of them, "You would think she was playing with real people."
"I see." Sasha leaned forward as she inquired, "Did she give you a reason for that?"
"Hmm …" Akio shrugged, "Kind of, but I'd rather not get into it."
"Very well." Sasha sat back up on her seat as she conceded. Akio was surprised by how easy that was, but he was grateful.
Akio asked, "What about you?"
"Me?" Sasha put her hand on her chest. When Akio nodded in response, she answered, "That's just how I've been. I've been taking care of children for years. I have two younger siblings. They're twins. I've been taking care of them ever since they were born."
"Oh that's um …" To describe that Akio was caught off guard would be putting it mildly.
"Don't worry." Sasha assured him, "I enjoyed taking care of them, and I wasn't alone. My Uncle helped out too. I was happy to help out my parents."
"I see. That's really nice of you." Akio then added, "And of your Uncle too."
"Those two rascals can be a handful, but," What started as a happy smile became sad as Sasha let out a sigh, "they're the best. I just can't imagine life without them …"
Akio tilted his head, "Something wrong?"
"Well …" Sasha leaned back on her seat as she admitted, "I'm worried about how they're doing right now."
"Of course you are." Akio assured Sasha, "There's nothing wrong with that. I'm sure a lot of people feel the same. Even I have people waiting for me to get back."
"Yes and no." Sasha took another breath before remarking, "It's a little different than that."
This was truly piquing Akio's curiosity. He couldn't help but lean forward in his seat. He knew that he might be getting into territory he shouldn't be, but his curiosity was getting the better of him as he asked before he could stop himself, "How different?"
"My younger brother and sister along with my Uncle were the ones that um ..." Sasha hesitated to finish, but Akio was starting to put two and two together.
Akio's eyes widened as he instinctively answered, "They gave you that NerveGear, didn't they?"
Sasha sighed again, "Yes …" She looked down as she told Akio, "I'm afraid what's going on with them while I'm trapped in here. What is going through their heads? Do they blame themselves? Have they done anything to hurt themselves? Are they going to do something else that's stupid? So many questions are just popping in my head, and I have no way to answer them."
"I'm …" Akio could only say, "I'm sorry …"
"It's not your fault." Sasha then added, "It's not their fault either."
"I can hardly imagine what you must be going through … Mine is nowhere near …" Akio shook his head, "I'll do what I can in the boss fights, but I'm …" Akio combed his hand through his hair and held in place as he said, "Sorry … I'm not really sure what else to tell you."
"You don't have to say anything. I know you and Kirita-san are gonna try to help, and I appreciate that, but you need to focus on yourselves too. We all make our own decisions, and I've been doing what I can." Sasha then told Akio, "That's why I did everything I could to find the children on the first floor. I wanted to protect them, so they could have a chance to make it home. That's why I also joined Argo because players like him are our best chance. We'll also help players like you and Kirita-san because you're the players that can take us to the top. As long as we help each other, we have chance."
"Heh." Akio was mildly amused, "Sounds like you're becoming quite practical like Argo."
"I have a little extra motivation to get out of here." Sasha looked Akio in the eyes, and she told him, "It is best to try and adapt."
/
Location: Sword Art Online – Fourth Floor – Hidden Village
Date: February 2023
In the kitchen of the restaurant Kirita and Akio occasionally worked in, Kirita had an array of trays and ingredients spread across the kitchen table as per her agreement with the landlord, Allen, she had free reign to make use of his kitchen and equipment as long as she purchased her own ingredients and cleaned up the mess.
For Kirita, this project was of the upmost importance. She needed to successfully bake Valentine's Day chocolates for multiple recipients. There was much to do, and she had one night to make sure everything was ready. There may have been a few days left until the day in question, but Kirita didn't want Akio to catch her in the act of making these goodies. With Akio on the first floor, this was her best chance.
There was one type of equipment Kirita did buy for herself before taking over this kitchen. Kirita bought several custom baking trays. Each one was meticulously designed for the players of Kirita's choosing. She made sure she got them as close to what she wanted before she would pour the mixtures into the trays and bake them. She was going to be a 'delicate' operation.
While cooking in Sword Art Online had been simplified, there were still a few things that weren't simplified. One of them involved mixing. With a touch of a knife, Kirita could cut meat into pieces within seconds. However, when it came to baking, Kirita still needed to mix the ingredients together like she would in the real world.
Kirita had to get the precise measurements of flour and milk in their respective measuring cups. When she poured them into their measuring cups, she would look closely at it. If it was outside the margin of error, she would put the ingredients back and re-pour them into the measuring cup until she got it just right. Whenever Kirita was satisfied with the measurements, she would snap her fingers and proclaim perfect.
The eggs were another matter. Kirita was careful when it came to extracting the yolk from the eggs. She would carefully crack each egg on the edge of a cup before slowly pulling it apart to make sure none of the shell fragments fell in as well. After making sure none of the shell were mixed in she pours the eggs into a large bowl.
Kirita would repeat the process until there were several eggs in this bowl. He'd pour a little milk into it. She'd take a fork, and she'd start mixing the yolks together. Due to the number of cholates Kirita planned on making, she purchased a lot of eggs, and she'd need to repeat this process numerous times. She didn't mind at all. If anything, she was ecstatic.
After spending nearly an hour repeating the cycles, she had plenty of chocolates prepared to go into the oven. She had so many it looked as if she was ready to set up an entire table at a food drive or the desert section of a company picnic. Kirita couldn't help but cross her arms and admire her handiwork before putting the rest into the over.
When the chocolates were baking, it was only a matter of playing the waiting game. Rather than sitting around, Kirita took out a few pieces of paper, and began writing messages on each one. She took time to consider what to wring, but she put extra effort into some more than others. She managed to write the last work shortly before the last of the chocolates was finished baking. She placed all the chocolates in their respective packages, and she was done.
/
Location: Sword Art Online – First Floor – Argo Network Headquarters
Date: February 2023
Akio was grateful that he didn't need to wait too long for Leonardo to arrive. It was shortly after they finished eating dinner when Leonardo was knocking on the Argo Network's door. Sasha told Akio that he could use her office are to have this meeting while she focused on dealing with the dishes. She made sure some of the other children who were on cleaning duty would help her as well.
When Akio and Leonardo were sitting across from each other, Akio asked if Leonardo wanted something to eat or drink, but Leonardo turned the offer down. Instead, Leonardo decided to get right down to business, "You'd like to know if I made a decisions about whether or not I'll be willing to make weapons for your Beater friend, right?"
"Yes, and I'd rather you not call her that." Akio indignantly reminded Leonardo, "Her name is Kirita, remember?"
"Kirita." Leonardo repeated the name before telling Akio, "Her name doesn't change the fact that she's a Beater. I have put a lot of thought into this." He rested his head on his fist as he told Akio, "Regardless of how much I think about it, the fact remains that providing services for a Beater could have rather troublesome consequences."
Akio bit his lip as he replied, "I understand that, but I …"
Leonardo held up his hand, "I'm not finished." As soon as Akio closed his mouth, Leonardo then told him, "I'd be fine with taking orders indirectly for her from either you are Argo."
"Hmm …" Akio leaned back into his seat as he remarked, "I see … Argo sort of said something like that before."
"That's the best I can do for you." Leonardo emphasized as he sat back, "I know Zexion and the others would be pissed if I decided to provide orders for Beaters. Even doing one of you could be pushing it, so it'll be for the best to not let anyone know that you're affiliated with one."
"Right …" Akio sighed, "I guess that's really all we can do. Then, how about using the postal system?"
The mere mention of that caused Leonardo to raise an eyebrow, "A postal system? They have that here?"
"Kind of." Akio told Leonardo, "There's a place I want to show you, and it might make things easier for the both of us. Are you up for it?"
"…" Leonardo took a moment before he stood up, "Lead the way."
/
Location: Sword Art Online – Fourth Floor – Hidden Village
Date: February 2023
The following day, Kirita had the packages of chocolates laid out on the table of her apartment. She inspected the contents of each one to ensure that the packages were properly addressed to each players she intended to send them to. While she was checking things over, she heard a knock on the door. When she opened the door, she was greeted by the landlord, Allen.
"Oh." Kirita replied, "Good morning, Allen. Do you want to come in?"
Allen held up his hand, "It is all right. I just wanted to know how it went. I could see that you cleaned up the kitchen just fine."
"Of course." Kirita graciously replied, "Thanks for lending me the kitchen last night."
Allen looked over Kirita's shoulder and saw the packages, "That is a lot of chocolates. I guess you were successful in taking care of business."
Kirita replied, "I know a lot of people who deserve them."
"Looks that way." Allen remarked, "I'm sure you'll be making a lot of people happy on Valentine's Day."
"Huh?" Kirita couldn't help but feel curious, "So you guys know about Valentine's Day?"
Allen stated in a deadpan tone, "All I had to do was look at a calendar. It wasn't too difficult to figure out."
"That's not what I meant." Kirita then said, "I meant is Valentine's day a big thing in Sword Art Online?"
Allen stated, "It is an event acknowledged throughout the world, but how big it is depends on the region."
Kirita inquired, "How about here?"
Allen stated, "Generally remains focused on family and friends. It does get carried away like some places though."
Kirita reflexively nodded, "I see … That works for me. I was focused on that too."
"There's nothing wrong way to go about it, but it does appear to be excessive otherwise." Allen then glanced at the packages again as he stated, "I can see that you really went all out on this little project of yours."
"Heh." Kirita puffed up her chest as she stated, "I had a lot I needed to get done, so presentation was everything."
Allen concurred, "Indeed."
Kirita then graciously replied, "Thanks for letting me use this kitchen of yours.
"You are free to use it as long as you ask first, clean up, and use your own supplies." Allen stated, "As long as you do that, I will not complain."
Kirita nodded again, "Of course."
Allen put his hands on his waist as he told her, "Your friends better be grateful to your efforts. I'm sure you can expect a great deal from them on White Day."
"Hold on!" Kirita almost sounded offended, "I'm not doing this to be rewarded!"
"I believe you." Allen then remarked, "From my understanding, these are all just customs of your world, are they not?"
"Yes …" Kirita answered as she glanced down, "And well I haven't had much need to make sure of them before …" She looked up at Allen with a smile, "It makes of makes me happy now."
"I see. So doing this working is its own reward." Allen titled his head as he asked, "Is that what you're telling me?"
Kirita stated, "I guess it is."
Allen clapped his hands together as he remarked, "I suppose a congratulations are in order then. Hopefully, you'll have even more chocolates to make next year, and the year after."
"I can only hope. Speaking of which," Kirita ran back to the table and picked up a package and handed it to Allen, "Happy Early Valentine's day."
"Heh." Allen accepted, "Thank you. I'm sure these will be delicious."
/
After Kirita was finished speaking with Allen, she completed checking the packaging. She then headed straight to the Postal Office with the packages in her inventory.
Kirita questions, "So I can arrange the time you deliver these packages to the players?"
Adam specified, "You can select the date, but you can't select the time. I need to deliver the goods to the players myself, and some might be easier to find than others."
Kirita replied, "I understand."
Adam explained, "We would also rather you select a day range rather than one date. If you were only sending one or two packages a specified date would be doable, but you are asking me to deliver more than that."
"Hmm …" Kirita took a moment to consider, "Would February 13th & 14th do?"
Adam answered, "It is doable."
"Very well. Those two dates it is." Kirita confirmed the choice.
Adam seemed pleased as he replied, "Appreciated. Please transfer the items to our possession, and I will prepare to deliver them myself."
Kirita instinctively nodded, "Of course." Kirita activated her menu. She selected the time button. She scrolled down to the button where the Valentine's Day chocolates were waiting. When she touched them, he selected the option to transfer all of them. Kirita left one box of Chocolates at home and that was meant for Akio. Kirita made sure to keep Akio's chocolates out of her inventory or she would've risked accidentally shipping them off.
"Transfer complete." Adam told her, "I'll head to the Post Office closest to their locations to begin the deliver process."
Kirita skeptically asked, "So you really won't have any trouble handling all these packages?"
"Nope." Adam stated, "I just need to confirm all these players are on your friend list. Afterward, I won't have any trouble tracking them down."
Kirita inquired, "How do I do that?"
Adam instructed, "Just open up your menu to the 'Friend List'. Allow me to touch it, and I will do the rest."
"Okay." Kirita did as she was instructed, and she opened her menu.
As soon as Adam touched it, he said in a more robotic tone, "Information obtained. Coordinates found."
"It's that easy?" Kirita inquired.
"It is, but I must warn you." Adam told her, "Just so you know, sending packages to another player that can harm them can change your player status from Green to Orange."
"Um …" Kirita was briefly taken aback before replying, "That's not gonna be a problem. They're just chocolates. They don't have anything else in them."
"Then, it won't be an issue." Adam then sated, "Anyway, when I'm out and you have any packages to take care to refer to William."
Kirita tilted her head, "William?"
As soon as she asked that, another NPC that looked like Adam emerged from the other room with exact timing, "That would be me."
A postal worker opened the door it as if he was waiting for that exact moment to make his entrance. However, that isn't what got Kirita's attention.
Kirita kept glance between the two NPCs with her mouth slightly agape. Adam took the hint as he answered her silent question, "He's my brother."
"I see …" Kirita couldn't help remark, "Strong family resemblance."
"Twin brothers." Adam clarified.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised by now." Kirita remarked with a shrug.
"Anyway," Adam asked for clarity, "You don't have any intention of mailing any other goods are you?"
Kirita shook her head, "No. That's it."
"Good." Adam placed all the goods into a backpack. As soon as he put it on, he said, "Then I'll be off." He was then off like a shot.
Kirita's eyes were widened open as he whizzed past her. She turned to see him open the door as he burst out the building. She then ran out the door to see the mailman was still running at top speed. Kirita knew that even she would have a hard time keeping up with that.
"No wonder monsters won't be a problem." Kirita muttered to herself.
"Yep." William remarked as he sat on the chair and put his feet on the counter. "My brother can easily match your players at your top speed and then some. He can't fight worth a damn, but he sure can run."
Kirita looked again to see Adam was nowhere in sight. "You can say that again."
"So …" William yawned as he asked, "You're down here, right?
"Well …" Kirita repined, "Yeah."
"Thanks for your patronage, William then added, "I'm sure Adam feels the same."
"Yeah …" Kirita remarked before turning and walked away.
"Later …" Adam said as he leaned back onto the chair, "Come back again soon."
"…" Kirita glanced at him before walking out.
/
When Kirita left the postal office, she decided to walk around the village to kill some time. At one point, she bumped into the children she helped the day before. It didn't take much prodding from them for her to decide to start playing with them. Shortly after she began playing tag with the children, Akio returned to the village.
At this point, seeing Kirita playing with the NPC children no longer elicited a dumbfounded look from Akio. If anything seeing Kirita having fun brightened his day. He was expecting this from her as he held in a laugh. He also decided he would be better off not disturbing her fun with the NPC locals. He opted that it was a better idea for him to walk away without saying a word.
Akio decided to do a little shopping in the local shops before deciding to return to their home. When he returned, he was greeted by the sight of Kirita cooking dinner in the kitchen. After about an hour, he decided he might as well go back.
As soon as Akio opened the door, Kirita turned around and happily said, "Welcome back, Akio-san."
Akio smiled as he told her, "It's good to be back."
"So how'd it go? I was starting to get a little worried." Kirita then told him, "I never did get any messages from you about that."
"Sorry. My mind was other places." Akio briefly averted his eyes and he massaged the back of his neck. He sheepishly told her, "I kind of spent a lot of time looking over my shoulder, so it kinda slipped my mind."
"I get it …" Kirita sounded exasperated as she told him, "Just try not to forget next time you go on some kind of risky solo mission."
Akio looked in her direction as he answered, "I'll try to keep that in mind."
"You better." Kirita then asked, "So? Any luck?"
Akio nodded, "Yeah. We found a post office. Luckily, it wasn't too far away from Argo's Guild, and he didn't even know about."
"Really?" Kirita genuinely was taken aback by that, "That's kind of surprising."
"Not really." Akio pointed out, "If you're not looking for something or have no clue it exists, you're not gonna find it."
Kirita conceded, "Good point. What about Leonardo?"
"Well …" Akio told Kirita, "He took time to consider what I talked to him about. He finally agreed. Eventually. After I showed him the post office, it really made things a lot easier."
"I figured the postal office would catch his interest." Kirita then said, "I find it interesting that these 'Post Offices' were never mentioned to us in any of the magazine previews or interviews. They weren't in the Beta Test either. It kind of feels like they just popped up in the middle of nowhere."
Akio suggested, "Maybe they did."
"Hmm?" Kirita raised an eyebrow.
Akio reminded Kirita, "Didn't Kayaba inform us that we'd get rewards for getting passed certain floors? Maybe these Post Offices appearing out of nowhere was one of them."
"Huh … I didn't think of that." Kirita sounded impressed, "Good thinking, Akio."
"I wonder if we'll see more of them pop up if some other players use them." Akio then asked, "Does supply and demand work here?"
"Not a clue." Kirita then looked back at the kitchen and asked, "Anyway, I'm sure you're hungry. Why don't we have some dinner?"
"I'm all for that." Akio happily said before asking, "Need any help?"
Kirita requested, "Just set the table. I'll be done soon."
"Consider it done." Akio then made sure the table was set for the meal Kirita would prepare for them.
/
A few days later, Valentine's Day was only a day away. In light of the holiday, Delano decided it was for the best to give his guild a break for a few days before heading back to the frontlines. While they were on this break, Delano standing outside taking in fresh virtual air when he was approached by Johnny Black and Arya. The three of them were speaking when they received an unexpected visitor.
"Ah-hoy, Delano!" The three of them looked to the origin of the voice as they saw an NPC with a large backpack and a red hat running toward them.
"Who is that?" Delano asked in a dumbfounded tone.
"No clue." Johnny Black answered.
"Special delivery!" Adam put his backpack down and pulled out a small box. "Do not worry. The box is standard and contents inside should be fine. If anything is wrong, be sure to let the 'SAO Postal Service' know, and we'll be sure to correct it." After he handed the package to Delano, "Have a good day, sir. If you don't mind, I must be off." Adam put the backpack on and began running again.
Johnny Black stared at the running NPC as he asked out loud, "The hell?"
"A package deliver." Delano said in a deadpan tone.
"Who is it from?" Arya asked.
"It's from …" Delano looked at the label and his eyes widened, "Kirita?!"
"Kirita?" Arya did not expect that either.
"Huh? Kirita?" Johnny Black inquired, "What did she want?"
Delano looked at the message attached to the package and replied, "Wishing me a Happy Valentine's day apparently."
"Aww. That's so nice of her." Arya then excitedly said, "Let's see what she got you!"
/
Not long after Delano received his package, packages were delivered to Goro and Heathcliff of the knights. Even though Heathcliff created this postal system, he certainly did not expect to be the target of any deliveries so soon. He seemed far more surprised than Goro was when they received it.
Goro was the first to speak up as he nudged Heathcliff, "Looks like it was a good idea to add the Postal services to SAO. You're already getting chocolates."
Heathcliff merely told him, "I never dismissed your idea."
Goro pointed out, "But you never thought to included yourself."
"…" Heathcliff took a moment before he admitted, "No."
Goro nudged Heathcliff again as he jokingly asked, "So what're you gonna get Kirita-chan for White Day? I'm sure she'll definitely earn something special for these chocolates she made for you."
"Hmm …" Heathcliff told him, "I haven't given it much thought."
"You better think fast." Goro pointed out, "It'll be here sooner than you think."
/
Several packages of chocolates were also delivered to Argo, Klein, and Agil. While Argo was certainly not surprised to receive chocolates, the other two were quite surprised by this. On Valentine's Day, Argo personally opened the door to the Argo Network Headquarters and received the chocolates. When he received them, he couldn't help remark, "Nice way to make use of the Postal system already."
In Klein's case, he was quite taken aback. Even though Klein and Kirita did reconcile, he didn't expect he earned a spot on her receiving Valentine's Day Chocolate list. When he received the chocolates, he didn't speak with any of guild members. He opted to open them privately to see what Kirita had prepared.
Agil was easily the most surprised of them all. When he was tending the store, an NPC walked up and handed him a package. The first thing he did was check to see who it was from. He was surprised to see it was from a player he had not spoken to for quite some time. After not speaking with Kirita for a number of weeks, he did not expect he'd receive any gifts from her. However, Kirita did not forget the fact that Agil protected her and Akio from the boss on the first floor. Even if they weren't necessarily friends, he was someone she could consider an ally.
/
When each player opened up their boxes of chocolates, they could see their chocolates were definitely for them. Their reactions of all these players were reflections of each other. It was that of amusement. Each player received chocolates that came in the shape of their weapons.
Argo was pleased with his dagger chocolates. Gorobei received chocolates in the shape of his bow while Kikuchiyo received nodachi styled chocolates. They all shared some of them with several of the guild members. Kirita sent several boxes to Argo's headquarters. It seemed like she anticipated that they'd be willing to share with the many children and other guild members. While everyone was eating their chocolates, he and Sasha shared a tranquil moment as they enjoyed their chocolates over a nice cup of tea.
Klein was along when he opened his chocolate. He couldn't help but grin when he looked at chocolates that were shaped like his sword as he commented, "Honestly that Kirita. Well I'll just have to make sure I get you something good for White Day then." He then proceeded to share his chocolates with his friends.
Agil was quite pleased with his axe shaped chocolates. He didn't have anyone to share them with, but he came up with an idea. He kept half of them to himself while the other half were used as a promotional item. If a customer spent a certain amount of money on his goods, he'd give them a free chocolate. After the first chocolate was well received, other customers felt motivated to spend enough before the limited time offer ran out.
/
Similarly, Delano, Johnny Black, and Arya were quite amused by the sight of the chocolates in his possession. It was definitely something they were not expecting.
Johnny Black asked out loud, "Spear chocolates?"
Delano took a bite, "Not bad."
"Not bad?" Johnny Black warned, "You better not say that to her."
"Spears, huh?" Arya commented, "I have to say her chocolates definitely have me beat in the creativity department."
Johnny Black asked in a deadpan tone, "Wouldn't most people be jealous about that?"
"Meh." Arya shrugged, "I'm cool with it. This was a pretty clever idea."
Johnny Black grinned as he told Delano, "If she went through this much trouble for you as a rival maybe I ought to become her rival too. The perks seem really awesome."
Delano returned the grin, "Only if you're ready for White Day payback."
Johnny Black flatly replied, "Oh right …"
Arya retorted, "Kirita-san doesn't seem like the type of person who would …"
Before Arya could say another word, Delano spoke up, "I know she's not, but I'll be sure to send her my thanks." Delano held up two chocolates for Arya and Johnny Black. "Here have one." As soon as they accepted, he told them, "Enjoy." Delano then proceeded to walk off with the rest.
Arya glanced to Johnny Black as she told him, "Something tells me he's enjoying those chocolates a lot more than he's letting on."
Johnny Black remarked, "I'd say definitely."
"Good grief." Arya combed her hand through her hair as she said, "How very 'Delano'."
/
Goro also received some chocolates as well in the shape of his weapon as well. However, while everyone who received chocolates had the appearance of their weapon of choice, Heathcliff was the exception. In his case, his chocolates was in the shape of his shield.
"Shield chocolates." Goro was definitely amused as he told him, "How unique."
Heathcliff held up the chocolate and analyzed it as he concurred, "Indeed."
Goro stated, "Kirita can truly be quite thoughtful."
Heathcliff concurred, "She certainly can be."
With a grin, Goro reminded him, "You had better make sure to repay her on White Day."
Heathcliff pointed out, "So will you."
"Yeah," Goro quipped, "but I'm not going to be the one that forgets."
Heathcliff quickly conceded in his usual tone, "Fair enough."
"On that note," Goro pointed out, "I'm sure she made similar chocolates for Akio-san."
"…" Heathcliff took a moment before he acknowledged, "She probably has."
Goro then inquired, "Are you fine with that?"
Heathcliff simply answered, "I have no right to have any issues with that."
Goro repeated himself, "That maybe so, but do you have any issues with it?"
"…" Heathcliff was briefly silent before taking a deep breath, "Considering all the options Sword Art Online has to offer, Kirita certainly had made the best choice with said options."
"Right." Goro then decided to change topics, "How about we eat these chocolates then? I think it'll probably gonna be good."
Heathcliff stated, "Based on her cooking skill, I would say that would be highly likely." Heathcliff's assumptions were immediately proven correct.
/
It was finally Valentine's Day. Kirita was waiting for Akio to get back from the store as she held the chocolates she prepared for him behind her back. She stood there anxiously waiting for Akio to return as she switched from standing on her tippy toes to standing on her feet. When she saw the doorknob turn, she tensed up. When the door opened, she was nearly frozen.
After the door was open, Kirita intended to shout, 'Happy Valentine's day' and give Akio the chocolates. However, the words would not leave her throat. Instead, she was left standing there as Akio walked in with a bag of groceries.
"What's going on?" Akio asked, "Something wrong?"
"Akio …" Kirita softly said as she glanced away.
The girl's voice was loud enough for Akio to hear as he stepped forward toward her and asked, "Yes?"
"I …" Kirita attempted to clear her throat.
"Are you okay?" Akio asked in concern as he put the groceries down, and took a step forward, "Do you need help?"
It was in that moment Kirita knew it was now or never. Do or die. She then pulled out the Valentine's Day Chocolates, she was holding behind her back as she proudly proclaimed, "Happy Valentine's Day!"
"?!" Akio's head moved back slightly as his mouth slightly opened, but no words came out. His mouth remained agape for a few moments before he stepped forward and reached out. Without a word, Kirita handed Akio the chocolates. He then opened them, and he saw it was filled with chocolate versions of his rapier.
"…" Kirita reading standing still with her hands behind her back. She anxiously stood on her tippy toes before bringing herself down again.
Akio held one chocolate in his hand. He held it up close and spun it around before asking, "Are these really for me?"
"Of course, they are." Kirita sounded relieved as she asked, "Who else would be for, silly?"
"Sorry. That was stupid of me." Akio cleared his throat, "I mean to say this looks great. Thank you, Kirita-san."
Kirita smiled, "I was happy to make them. I wanted it to look like your rapier, but I had to make it a little thicker or it would've broken apart easily."
"That's fine." Akio took a bite and his eyes lit up as he happily exclaimed, "That's really fine!"
Kirita clapped her hands together, "You really like them?"
"Do I ever." Akio made short work of another, "These are great. Thank you so much."
"So they're really that good?" Kirita asked again in a hopeful tone.
"They are." Akio stated, "I think you did a great job."
Kirita happily replied, "I'm so glad that you like them."
Akio promised, "I'll be sure to get you something for White Day."
Kirita began to tell him, "I didn't do it for …"
Akio interrupted her, "I know, but it is the right thing to do. Beside," Akio opened the box again, "Something tells me when I'm finished eating these guys, it will be more than worth it."
Kirita nudged him, "It better be."
Akio took out another chocolate and ate it in front of Kirita, so she could see firsthand what the result of her hard work was. Kirita leaned forward in anticipation as Akio opened wide and took a bite. She was happy to see him swallow it.
It was times like these Akio would momentarily forget that the feelings he experiencing was not through his actual taste buds. However, it felt like they might as well be as he bit into the give and his tongue touched the rich chocolate. As soon as he swallowed one, he reached for another. He then wanted to eat another.
As Akio was about to pick up a fourth one, he suddenly felt something encircled his wrist. It was Kirita's hand. Before he said anything, she told him, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but try not to eat too many at once, especially before dinner."
Akio realized he had forgotten himself as he chuckled, "Heh right … So what now?"
"We have a little time before we eat dinner. You told me that you want to pay me back." Kirita offered, "You want to try dueling me?"
Akio repeated the offer out loud, "You want me to duel you?"
"Yep." Kirita nodded, "I want to see how far you've come."
"Okay." Akio accepted, "Might as well keep up the practice."
"Wow." Kirita sounded impressed, "Nice to see you ready and willing."
"I still have a far way to go." Akio then stated, "It might be Valentine's Day, and I maybe on vacation, but I'm not gonna take a step backwards either."
"Good because I won't either." Kirita proclaimed with a grin, "Let's have some fun!"
/
Author Notes: I hope you enjoyed the Valentine's Day episode. It may have been a little short, but I didn't intend on this being a long chapter in the first place. It was meant to take care of Akio speaking with Sasha and Leonardo along Kirita taking care of her Valentine's Day preparations.
From my understanding, Valentine's Day is a much bigger deal in Japan than in the West. Apparently, it isn't unusual for girls to give chocolate to all of their male friends. They would give friendship chocolate to these male friends, but I decided that Kirita would be a little more creative with her decision to make chocolates for them.
In Kirita's case, she decided that her friends have helped her during the past few months, so she decided to make them some fun chocolates. She didn't have any romantic intention with most of them. None of them would have that misunderstanding even if they did enjoy their chocolate more than Kirita would have imagined.
I will most likely create a chapter dealing with White Day. All of them would give Kirita gifts in return which Kirita would appreciate. I would decide what exactly those gifts are later. Alternatively, I might just hand wave White Day by simply acknowledging it happened, but nothing of note really happened. We'll find out what I decide later on.
As usual, thank you for reading. Please leave a review after this, and I will see you next time.