Pulling the Plug
Asuna Yuuki lay down on her bed inside her bedroom of her family's luxurious Setagaya house. Like ten thousand others, she was among the first to try out the revolutionary new virtual reality massively multiplayer online RPG, Sword Art Online.
Technically, she wasn't supposed to be the one giving the game a test. Her brother Koichirou had been given the opportunity by virtue of his connections, but work had called him and his father Shouzou away, so Kouichirou lent Asuna his NerveGear virtual reality console. Asuna and Koucihirou's mother Kyouko had reluctantly granted Asuna permission to use the NerveGear, but only for the day.
Having done online research about full diving, Asuna had made all the necessary preparations. The air conditioner was set to the optimal temperature. Asuna had a comfortable surface to lay on and was wearing clothing that was comfortable, if too casual for her mother's tastes. She was thus prepared to dive for hours.
She then placed the NerveGear on her head, plugged it into the wall, and started up Sword Art Online, never realizing what she was getting herself into.
After starting up Sword Art Online, Asuna selected the "New Character" option and proceeded to the character creation screen. Unlike many other MMOs, which would ask players to choose their races and classes, and possibly even allocate stat points or skills, there were only two things to choose in Sword Art Online- one's appearance and a name. Asuna chose one of the preset appearances that looked like her, and input her given name, thanking her lucky stars that no one had taken it yet.
After logging in, Asuna found herself in the Town of Beginnings, a large medieval city at the center of the lowest tier of Aincrad, dressed in a white tunic with a brown vest and trousers, a standard set of starting gear. She'd seen places like this in fantasy books, but actually going to such a place, even in virtual reality, was entirely different. She marveled at the various sights of the city, and spent some time exploring. While she knew that the stone houses, with poorly insulated walls and only the heat of a fireplace to keep her warm, would be rather uncomfortable to live in, at least by her own standards as a 21st century affluent Japanese girl, but found that it was fun to visit them.
After using her starting funds to purchase a rapier, a leather breastplate and some supplies, Asuna headed into the wilds outside the town, and soon, face to face with a wild boar. It was her first battle in Sword Art Online, but having read the manual, she was excited, rather than terrified. She'd studied the manual and practiced, so now, she was ready to put what she'd learned into action. Using the Sword Skill Sonic Leap, she struck through the boar with her sword, defeating it almost instantly.
As Asuna claimed her spoils of war, a nearby girl clapped enthusiastically. The girl had short pink hair and wore a mace and a shield on her belt, and wore a chainmail shirt over her starting gear.
"Great job for a newbie," the girl said.
"Thank you," Asuna said. "My name's Asuna; what's yours?"
"Lisbeth," the girl said. "Nice to meetcha."
"It's nice to meet you, too, Lisbeth-san," Asuna said, bowing. While Aincrad was a virtual setting, the players were real people, so Asuna believed in using the same manners she practiced in reality.
"No need for honorifics," Lisbeth said. "And you can call me 'Liz' if you like."
"If that's what you'd like, Liz," Asuna said. "I didn't think I'd meet my first friend so soon."
"You might want to be careful, Asuna," Lisbeth said, "since there's no telling whether I'm actually some perverted old man in real life."
"Oh, really?" Asuna said.
"Just pulling your leg," Lisbeth said. "I'm a bona fide Japanese teenage girl, just like you."
"You're sure I'm the kind of person I seem like?" Asuna said.
"Positive," Lisbeth said. "You're the sort who always wears her heart on your sleeve; I'm betting 'Asuna' is your real name."
Asuna nervously chuckled, wondering if she should have taken the time to think of a more creative name that better hid her identity."
"You're right," Asuna said. "I suppose your real name isn't Lisbeth, right?"
"Nope," Lisbeth said. "It's Rika, if you're curious. I'll wait until we get to know each other better to give you my last name, but for now, it doesn't sound anything like 'Liz' or 'Lizbeth.'"
"I see," Asuna said. "I guess I have a lot to learn about VRMMOs."
"We all start out as newbies," Lisbeth said, "but stick with me, and I'll teach you everything I know."
Asuna smiled, and then formed a group with Lisbeth on the latter's request. There was no telling how long this arrangement would last, but for now, she was certain she enjoyed spending time with her new friend, at least until dinner.
In reality, Akiyo Sada, the housekeeper for the Yuuki household, climbed the stairs and knocked on the door to Asuna's room.
"Young miss?" Sada said. "The madam will be home soon. I wanted to let you know so you can be ready."
There was no response, so Sada was unsure whether Asuna had heard her.
"Young miss?" Sada said, slightly more loudly while still maintaining her "indoor voice." Are you in your room?"
Again, there was no response. Usually, the rather polite Asuna would answer promptly, and even if she was busy, she would utter a hasty "One moment, please!" before coming. As such, the silent treatment was concerning to Sada, to say the least.
"Please excuse me, young miss," Sada said. "I am coming in."
Sada opened the door, which was not locked, and saw Asuna on the bed, with the NerveGear on her head.
"Young miss, can you hear me?" Sada said as she bent down over Asuna.
Asuna did not move or speak, but Sada could faintly hear her breathing. Sada did not know much about the NerveGear, but assumed Asuna was so wrapped up in her game that she could not hear her. Sada considered pinching Asuna or gently shaking her, but knew she'd surely be fired if she laid a hand on her employers' daughter, no matter her reasons. Instead, Sada tried a different tactic.
"Can you hear me... Asuna-chan?" Sada said.
Sada expected one of two responses. Either she'd be delighted that the housekeeper had finally taken her up on her offer for a first-name basis, or she'd be embarrassed at being addressed so informally. Neither of them happened.
Sada was left at a loss. Despite being a servant of the Yuuki family, she reserved the right to make requests of her employers and their children when their cooperation was necessary to make her job easier. At this point, Asuna was not listening to her, most likely because she could not hear her words. Since Asuna did not seem to be in any immediate danger, all Sada could do was wait for her mistress to get home.
Asuna and Lisbeth spent a while adventuring together in the fields of the first floor. The monsters close to the Town of Beginnings were easy enough that Asuna, a neophyte to VRMMOS, and Lisbeth, who admitted that she was not much of a gamer, had little trouble with them.
"So, Asuna," Lisbeth said. "What kind of character do you want to make?"
Asuna shrugged. She knew that the game offered some flexibility in choosing whatever skills one wanted to master, but there was only a finite number of skill slots, so players would need to choose carefully. Some advanced players were already considering what sort of builds they wished to pursue, having chosen skills that were effective on their own and synergized well with each other, but Asuna was still finding her bearings in the game.
"I'm not sure," Asuna said. "I'd like to specialize in swordplay, but the cooking skill seems good, too. What about you, Liz?"
"I'd like to be a blacksmith," Lisbeth said, "one who can make my own weapons and armor, as well as those wielded by the top players."
"Sounds nice," Asuna said. "Maybe someday, you can forge a sword for me."
"That might not be for a while," Lisbeth said, "since right now, I can only make weapons on par with players' starting gear. But I promise you- when I become a great blacksmith, I'll make you an awesome sword."
"Thank you," Asuna said, "and I'll be sure to put it to good use. Maybe I'll kill a floor boss or two with it."
Asuna then realized she'd forgotten that she'd only be playing Sword Art Online for a day, and she'd ended up making promises she wasn't sure she could keep. Despite this, she decided she'd worry about convincing her mother and brother to let her continue playing once she got back in reality. She enjoyed coming to this fantasy world, fighting battles and meeting Lisbeth and other friends, so she was determined to return no matter what it took.
As Asuna and Lisbeth were chatting about the game, the sun began to set. Asuna was reminded of the time, since she noted that the time in-game corresponded to that of the real world. Ordinarily, she'd glance at her watch or some other clock, but the in-game clock was her only option. Asuna then called up her user interface and, looking at the clock, realized it was close to 5:20 p.m., much later than she thought.
"Anyway, Liz," Asuna said, "I've enjoyed talking to you, but I must be going now. Dinner's in ten minutes, and my mother is rather strict about being late. I've got to log off now if I want to be at the table on time."
"Gotcha," Lisbeth said. "Well, I've added you as a friend, so we'll get in touch when you get back on."
Asuna then opened her user menu and added Lisbeth to her friends list.
"Thanks," Asuna said. "Well, I'll be seeing you aro-"
As Asuna searched the menu, she realized that she didn't know how to log off. The button for that function, one that every player would inevitably use, should have been prominently displayed, but for some reason, Asuna couldn't find it.
"Um, Liz?" Asuna said. "I'm trying to log off, but.. I don't see the button for that."
"It should be at the bottom of the main menu," Lisbeth said. "Let me show y-"
Lisbeth stopped short as she called up the menu.
"That's weird," Lisbeth said. "I don't see it, either. We're going to have to submit a support ticket to the GMs, but I don't think they'll get back to you in ten minutes."
Asuna gulped. It was just her intuition, but a part of her suspected that dinner was the least of her concerns.
In reality, Kyouko got home from work around 5:30 p.m., and took off her shoes in her home's vestibule. Since her husband and son would not be home that evening, she planned to have an early dinner with her daughter.
"I'm home," Kyouko said.
"Welcome home, madam," Sada said. "How was your day?"
"Fine, thank you," Kyouko said. "Have you prepared dinner for two?"
"Yes, ma'am," Sada said, "but there's a problem. The young miss appears to be engrossed in her NerveGear. She did not respond when I called her to inform her that you would be home soon."
Kyouko sighed. She had never imagined that Asuna would take an interest in the NerveGear, let alone ask to borrow it from Kouichirou. If she had known that, as well as been able to foresee this happening, she would have forbidden Kouichirou from loaning it to his sister.
"No matter the era, young people will always remain obsessed with technology," Kyouko said. "I thought Asuna was better behaved than that. Come with me; I need to have a talk with my daughter."
Sada led Kyouko upstairs to Asuna's room, then stood aside at the top of the stairs.
"After you, madam," Sada said.
Kyouko nodded, then stepped through Asuna's door, which was still open.
"I'm home, Asuna," Kyouko said.
The room was mostly quiet, so nothing besides the NerveGear was preventing Asuna from hearing her mother's voice or footsteps.
"This isn't a game, Asuna," Kyouko said, pinching Asuna's thigh.
Asuna remained still and silent. While Asuna was normally a bit intimidated by Kyouko, she did not acknowledge her mother's presence, since she was unable to hear her voice or feel her fingers.
"STOP IGNORING ME AND LOG OFF THIS INSTANT, ASUNA!" Kyouko screamed at the top of her lungs, loudly enough that she risked disturbing the neighbors, while roughly shaking Asuna's shoulders. When neither action had the desired effect, Kyouko punched the wall above Asuna's bed, with the sound of the impact being comparable to her bellowing.
"Please calm down, madam," Sada said.
"How can I be calm at a time like this?" Kyouko said. "It was bad enough when gaming consoles had a single screen with speakers and headphones, but now, they dominate all five of their users' senses, rather than just two. I have no choice- I'm pulling the plug on the NerveGear."
"Are you sure?" Sada said. "What if a forced shutdown damages the console?"
"I'm not worried about that," Kyouko said, "because I'm taking the NerveGear away for good... in addition to giving Asuna a suitable punishment for disobeying her mother."
Kyouko then reached for the NerveGear's power cord.
Meanwhile in virtual reality, Asuna was still oblivious to her mother and housekeeper's attempts to log her out, as she and Lisbeth waited for help. They'd encountered a few other players, all of whom were having a similar problem with logging out, and realized that this was not a problem that only affected them.
"I'm getting worried," Asuna said. "Someone from Argus should have noticed that no one can log off. They must be getting overwhelmed with support tickets."
"...which means they're too busy reading those to deal with the problem," Lisbeth said. "But look on the bright side; this can't last forever. Eventually, the server will go down, there'll be maintenance or a power outage will happen- in our area or wherever the server is- and we'll all be forced out. In fact, dinner time is soon, so like you said earlier, our parents will probably forcibly log us off."
"I hope you're right, Liz," Asuna said, "and that if I explain everything, Mother won't be too angr-"
Asuna went stock still, as if she'd been struck by a lightning bolt without the burning caused by the electricity surging through her veins. She then lost her balance and fell forward, landing on her face. A system message over her said, "CONNECTION LOST."
"A-Asuna?" Lisbeth said as she bent down and examined the still form of her new friend.
Lisbeth felt Asuna's body, and could not feel body heat or a pulse. She immediately understood what happened to Asuna, and what sort of fate would befall those who died in the game. This was no longer a game, the "players" were no longer able to escape and there was no longer any hope for Asuna.
Lisbeth let out a blood-curdling wail of grief, horror and despair.
No sooner had Kyouko pulled out the NerveGear's power supply than she realized what she'd done. She yanked the NerveGear off her daughter's head, and saw Asuna staring at her with a vacant expression.
"A-Asuna?!" Kyouko said.
"Young miss!" Sada said.
Kyoko immediately reached into her purse, dug out her cell phone and called an ambulance.
"119, what is your emergency?" the operator said.
"My name is Kyouko Yuuki," Kyouko said. "My daughter Asuna... had an accident with her NerveGear, and is unresponsive."
"Did you say 'her NerveGear,' Yuuki-san?" the operator said.
"That's correct," Kyouko said."Just now, I disconnected the power supply..."
The operator gasped upon hearing Kyouko's reply. She'd heard various stories in the past hour, and as much as she wanted to give Kyouko some hope, she knew it was too late for Asuna.
"I... I see," the operator said. "We'll send an ambulance over. What is your address?"
"Please hurry," Kyouko said. "My address is..."
Within minutes, the ambulance arrived outside the Yuuki home. The paramedics came upstairs to Asuna's room and examined her.
"I'm sorry, ma'am," the head paramedic, a young woman barely older than Kouichirou, said. "Your daughter is dead."
"But how...?" Kyouko said. "Was it because I unplugged the NerveGear?"
The paramedic solemnly nodded.
"I'm afraid so," the paramedic said. "Apparently, Akihiko Kayaba installed a device inside the NerveGear that will deliver lethal microwave radiation to the brains of those who die in Sword Art Online or attempt to disconnect the device. It is believed that dozens, if not hundreds, of people have died from the same cause."
"Why...?" Kyouko said. "Why would Kayaba go this far?"
"I honestly don't know, ma'am," the paramedic said, "but this mechanism that claimed your daughter's life was a mere failsafe, and he wants to keep everyone trapped inside Aincrad for some reason... but I can't comprehend why."
Kyouko simply shook her head as the paramedics loaded Asuna's corpse onto a stretcher and transported it downstairs to the ambulance. The truth was that she had lost her daughter for no good reason, and the fact that she was not the only parent who had suffered the same way was of no comfort to her.
Asuna's dead body was brought to the local hospital, and the coroner's report confirmed the paramedic's suspicions. The NerveGear had claimed Asuna's life, as it had with hundreds of others that day. The authorities released an urgent announcement telling people not to unplug the NerveGears for any reason, but it was too late for Asuna.
Some days later, Asuna's funeral was held at a local Buddhist temple. Kyouko wore a black kimono to the event, while Shouzou and Koucihirou wore suits, and several of the other Yuuki family members attended. The Buddhist monk read the funeral rites, and Asuna was cremated. By the end of the ceremony, the only things that remained of Asuna were her ashes, as well as various memories and keepsakes of her.
"Darling... Kouichirou... I am so sorry," Kyouko said.
"I'm the one who should apologize, Mother," Kouichirou said. "This would never have happened if I hadn't loaned Asuna my NerveGear. Over a thousand people have died by now, so Asuna, who'd never played a VRMMO before, may very well have died even if you hadn't tried to save her by disconnecting her NerveGear... and it's all because she logged on in my place"
"Don't blame yourselves, Kyouko, Kouichirou," Shouzou said. "None of us had any idea what Kayaba was plotting."
Kyouko shook her head. As an academic who believed in lifelong learning, she was not the sort who considered ignorance to be a valid excuse for one's mistakes. Even if she was not held legally responsible for her daughter's accidental death, she would never forgive herself. Her mind then went back to the last conversation she'd had with her daughter.
On the morning of that fateful day, Asuna had approached Kyouko with the NerveGear in hand.
"Mother, Nii-san lent me his NerveGear," Asuna said. "I'd like to try out Sword Art Online."
"Can you really afford to do so?" Kyouko said. "Your high school entrance exams are coming up soon, so it's not the time to slack off."
"Please, just for today," Asuna said. "I'd really like to see what all the fuss is about."
Kyouko sighed and reluctantly nodded. As strict of a parent as Kyouko usually was, Asuna didn't ask for much, so Kyouko decided there was no harm in granting this humble request.
"All right, Kyouko said. "I'll let you play it today, as long as you study twice as hard tomorrow."
"Yes, Mother," Asuna said. "Thank you very much."
Asuna bowed gratefully, then climbed the stairs to her room for the last time.
"One more thing," Kyouko said.
Asuna stopped midway up the stairs. She then turned around to give her mother her full attention.
Kyouko paused before speaking. In her remaining years, she would often think of what she should have said in that case, had she known that Asuna would be dead by the end of the day.
"I've changed my mind. I don't want you playing the NerveGear; it's too dangerous."
"I'm sorry, Asuna. I've been too hard on you lately. I'm proud of how you're doing in school."
"I love you, Asuna."
No matter how many times she replayed the scene in her mind, she always heard what she had actually said.
"Dinner's at 5:30 p.m.," Kyouko said. "As always, I expect you to be on time."
Asuna paused, seemingly disappointed, then nodded.
"Understood, Mother," Asuna said. "I'll be down to meet you when you get home."
Asuna then entered her room and closed the door behind her, leaving Kyouko with an unfulfilled promise and a lifetime's worth of regrets.
Author's Notes
Thank you for reading this fic.
I've been thinking about writing this story for a while, since the idea's been on my mind for some time. It was inspired by how Kyouko pulled the plug on Asuna's AmuSphere in Mother's Rosary, and the idea of what might happen if Kyouko had gotten similarly impatient back in the SAO incident.