A Sylph and a Imp: Love in Alfheim
Chapter 4: IRL fun! Kazuto's party at the pool.
Kazuto started to pack his bag for his friends' day at the school pool. Grabbing his swimming trunks, a towel, his cellphone, a charger and his ID for the hospital to see, he had time to reflect on the pass three days. Learning his cousin was saved by an Imp player called Toshi, learning that he was a friend of Sachi, a member of the Moonlit Black Cats who died because of him and their player versus player deul which ended on a unexpected draw. In the end, he made friends with both him and his sister Juri and have new friends to enjoy the summer with. And having another boy close to his age is a nice change of pace, not like his female friends are bad. He just enjoys having someone his age and gender. He hopes he gets along well with Toshi today. He'll meet the boy behind the avatar, same with Toshi meeting him. With everything in his bag, grabbed his jacket to see his door open and Suguha at the doorway with a light pink bag under her shoulders, ready to go.
"Ready?" Suguha asked, smiling at her cousin.
"Yes. Don't forget we're going to Yokohama North General Hospital to meet with Asuna and Yuuki getting a day out." Kazuto reminded
"I see. I'm a little nervous about meeting Toshi IRL," Suguha said fidgeting her bag strap, "Outside Nagata, I never met another boy outside ALO before, so not sure what to say to him."
"Just be yourself, don't forget we have his sister to meet as well." Kazuto replied, the two making their way downstairs only for Suguha to groan irritably.
"Why does she hate me, I never even had a boy hold my hand." only for Kazuto to clear his throat to remind her. Suguha smiled, putting a hand behind her head, "You're my brother, you don't count as a boy."
"Way to kill my pride Sugu…" as they walk out the door and to his motorbike and a red bicycle that belongs to Suguha. Climbing onto their bikes, they made they made their way towards the train station, towards Yokohama North General Hospital where Yuuki was placed in. Arriving at the Station, they rode their bikes to a bike rack and Suguha lock her bike down and followed her cousin into the station. They board the train to the next few stations, once off they were off the train, walking to the hospital was a quiet ordeal for them. Making it to the general hospital, they saw the familiar orange-brownish chestnut hair and hazel eyed face of Asuna Yuuki. A orange bag was sling on her right shoulder and a picnic basket in her left hand as she sat one of the benches facing the archery facing the facility. She spotted the Kirigiya cousins and got up to greet them.
"Morning Kirito-kun, Suguha-chan!" she greeted, hugging her boyfriend and Suguha pleased to see them.
"Morning Asuna," Kazuto greeted back, looking at her and saw she was alone, "Yuuki ready?"
"Still with the doctors and father, bit of paperwork to put her under our care today," Asuna replied, before taking hold of her boyfriend's hand, "let's go!" And led the two into the hospital.
Patients, nurses, and doctors alike pass the three as they made their way to the floor and the ward Yuuki was placed in. Everything should be fine to allow Yuuki to come with them, right? They'll take good care of her and make sure she's safe. Of course, there could be the chance of her condition getting worse, and what would they do? Kazuto shook the panic stricken idea out of his head and step into Yuuki's ward. Waiting for them was the face of Asuna's father. Showing his age with his gray hair, he stood wearing a brown suit and saw his daughter with her boyfriend and cousin.
"Ah, Kazuto, Miss Kirigiya, pleasure to see you this morning," Mr. Yuuki greeted calmly, the cousins coming up to him and shook his hand. It was Suguha's first time meeting Asuna's father, but greeted him as a once CEO of RECT Program by keeping a smile on her face.
"Good morning Mr. Yuuki!" both greeted, Kazuto mostly stoic while Suguha's more enthusiastic.
"Yuuki ready dad? Everyone is waiting for us at the next station over." Asuna said, smiling at her dad.
"In a bit. It wasn't easy to have custody of Yuuki Konno, but the process is being taken care of." Mr. Yuuki explained, both Kazuto and Suguha having a idea what of 'custody' meant, but Asuna was perplexed what he meant.
"Custody, this isn't just about permission to let her come with us before being released, is that right?" Asuna asked, wondering what is means for Yuuki's future.
"I'll explain to you later Asuna." he replied, both Asuna and Kazuto curious by that. The doors to Yuuki's ward opened, revealing the IRL form of Yuuki Konno. Unlike her ALO avatar, Yuuki was just as short as her avatar. Her short, black-brown hair was different from the long purple hair she had as a Imp. Her skin was extremely pale, almost sickly. It made sense being sick and strapped to a machine for three years. Her wardrobe was mainly light clothes than the usual light blue clothes she wore in the bed, a light red and orange jacket and red shorts, white tennis shoes on her feet as she was wheeled in by the doctor. On her head already was a wide brim sun hat. Her pale face lit up into a smile as she saw her friends.
"Asuna, Kazuto, Suguha!" she waved, greeting them by their real name. The doctor came up to Yuukis and Kirigiyas, a smile on his face.
"A good morning Ms. Yuuki, Ms. Kirigiya, Mr. Kirigiya." Yuuki's doctor, Kurahashi, greeted to the three.
"Good morning, Yuuki ready to go?" Asuna asked, hands to her front smiling at the girl..
"Yes. She's under your care Ms. Yuuki, if anything changes, call us immediately." he informed. He passed a bag to Asuna to hold, the bag containing a swimsuit for Yuuki, a towel, and a pair of swimming goggles, "We have all what she needs including the emergency number."
"We'll be fine, it's just the pool at Kazuto's and Asuna's school, I won't get hurt. Promise." Yuuki assured him with a smile.
"I understand, but you lucked out on your condition bettering Yuuki. You still have to be careful in the outside world. If something happens and you get worse…" the doctor's tone turn solemn, making the three worry, "you could die."
Asuna felt her grip to the bag loosen, the fear of losing Yuuki coming into full force. Someone like Yuuki is still too young to let her life end so soon. She wanted to reach out and hug the small girl into her arms and protect her, to keep her safe. She doesn't want to lose such a great friend who gave her the courage to stand up to her mom. Kazuto could see that fear in her girlfriend's eyes, wanting to calm her down. It was Yuuki who broke the silence, smiling up to the doctor.
"I know, I'm taking the risk because," she looked at Kazuto and Asuna, eyeing Asuna more intently, "I want to spend time with those I'm happy to call friends."
"Yuuki…" Asuna responded softly, feeling pleased by her words. Her doctor smiled, looking at Kazuto, Asuna, and Suguha, happy how much Yuuki been even more cheerful outside her guild friends and her new friends. They were certain she'll be okay, these were people Yuuki was pleased to talk about, traveling through Svart Alfheim and going up against the guild Shamrock and their leader Seven. It wouldn't be fair to not let Yuuki finally have freedom from three years bedridden. He placed a firm hand to Yuuki's hair, ruffling it.
"You really made great friends Yuuki, I'm proud of you. You've grown more cheery these past months," his eyes rest on the three, "thanks for being her friends."
"It should be Yuuki we're happy to have a friend like her Dr. Kurahashi," Asuna replied to him, smiling at him, "Yuuki gave me courage when I needed it. I value her a great friend, we'll take great care of her."
"I know you will Ms. Yuuki," Dr. Kurahashi replied, wheeling Yuuki into Kazuto's hands and facing the three of them, "I have a few things to discuss with Mr. Yuuki, so I leave Yuuki in your hands." he gave the girls and Kazuto a wave before walking away, Asuna's father following after him. Yuuki looked up at Kazuto, smiling at them.
"Shall we go, I never got to see your school pool before!" Yuuki said excitedly.
"Right, you can walk can you Yuuki?" Kazuto asked, turning Yuuki around and wheeling her to the elevator, following suit by Asuna and Suguha.
"A little, I had to walk back and forth in the containment room to get adjusted to walking. I think I'm still very light. The Hospital always fed me after sessions off the Medicuboid, It'll be a long time I had normal food for once," she looked at Asuna curiously, "We'll eat right?"
"Of course!" Asuna replied, Yuuki cheering as they entered the elevator. They returned to the ground floor and about to exit the sliding doors but stopped. Kazuto faced Yuuki and turned around, telling Yuuki to climb on her back to carry her. Yuuki did so, Asuna seeing her try to climb onto her boyfriend's back, it was clear she was still getting used to normal movements than in ALO. Kazuto got up, grunting a little as he got up from the ground. Yuuki wrapped her arms around Kazuto's neck, Kazuto holding onto her thighs to keep her steady.
"You okay Kazuto?" Suguha asked, worried Yuuki might be too heavy for him.
"I'm alright, it's like carrying you when you get sleepy on the couch watching TV." Kazuto replied, making Suguha flushed and rubbed the back of her head.
"I just lost time, you know that." she chuckled sheepishly. Kazuto smiled, if he could pat his cousin's head, he would.
"And I'm called the dense one in rumors and conversations with Rika." he replied, making the girls flabbergasted about it as they walk out of the hospital. The sun wasn't in view, so Yuuki's pale sickly skin wouldn't be exposed to the sunlight, "What, you think I don't know you talk about me having a lot of girls in our party? I'm not dumb guys. I might spent two years as a solo player, but don't think I can't read many of you talk about me." he added, Suguha and Asuna flinched.
"In my defense Kirito-kun, I've defend you about that conversation Rika had me in. I know it wasn't intentional." Asuna assured him waving a hand at him.
"I wasn't in those conversations either, outside the rumors you told me about Kazuto. I don't think any of that I swear!" Suguha added in defense, "You care about Asuna, nothing more!"
"I know you two wouldn't think that of me, I trust you enough to never think that about me. I'm not a harem protagonist, I'm just me," Kazuto replied, shaking his head at not only the rumors but the conversations Rika has with the other girls, he bet all the yen Shino and Kotone are in those conversations too. He never meant to have more girls as friends than boys, did gender really matter? "But knowing Rika, it's gonna come up in a conversation eventually."
"And it's great we have Toshiyuki, finally one more boy. Although, if Toshi-kun even was a girl, would it matter?" Yuuki asked curiously, seeing the train station come into view.
"Don't think so, and you know what's crazy?" Suguha asked noticing how their chat when, "this is the most normal chat we had in months. Funny isn't it?"
"It's because I can actually go more than five minutes without placed into a awkward situation and called perverted by everyone." Kazuto pointed out, going to a ticket kiosk to purchase tickets for the next station.
"That does happen and, I'm sorry." Asuna apologized, knowing full well which moments. Her face turned a deep red, the other moment was more on her. Why did she assumed 'spend the night' meant?
"What did happen before I came?" Suguha asked, Asuna's face could only get even redder. Kazuto sighed, putting Yuuki off his back and held her hand before walking through the doors into the platform.
"You ever feel like you're basically have no say In the matter? Those moments." he replied, frowning at the moments he's gotten himself with the girls.
"We all have the roles we play, the protagonists just has the rotten luck." Yuuki said dramatically, Asuna not sure what the young girl meant.
"What does that mean?" she asked.
"I'm going to take a crack at it and say 'you have no control of your actions, just arrive at the end'. In other words, I could be in any relationship, but I have no control as the story allows me. In a sense, no one can control who they are." Suguha said, the four sitting at a bench.
"So in theory, and just me talking crazy, ignore crazy Asuna here." Asuna interjected laughing nervously, "if you were in some relationship with Kirito-kun…" only for Suguha to stared at her darkly.
"And where's this going? But remember, you have two middle and high school students present?" she reminded her, keeping her tone cool.
"Well, you are only forced to do things straight out of KissxSis, a classic before most of us were even teenagers. So are you in control of your own character?" Asuna asked, looking at her. Kazuto only cocked his head, the name of the show was familiar, but wasn't a watcher of those shows at his age, Asuna being older would.
"I'll take a leaf out of Shino's book and speak like her," Suguha replied and put her hand to the side of her head, "if my character is merely a extent of that, then I lack no actual character but just lust feelings, nothing more and nothing less. I be nothing more than a stereotypical harem character with zero character development to just want the protagonist's body "
"The fact that's a 1:1 of Shino is scary, I think her story recommendation has a impact on us." Kazuto said dryly at her imitation of Shino Asada.
"But she's not wrong, I feel any story like that written in earnest would lack character development and no longer the base of what it wants to be." Yuuki chimed in lightly kicking her feet.
"I agree, I say you can do so much more than that." Asuna nodded, seeing the train to their station make a stop at the platform and the doors swung opened. Getting up and both Kazuto and Asuna taking Yuuki by the hand they walked into the train and the door closed behind the four.
It wasn't long they arrived at the station through the Seibu Line. Rika, Keiko, Shino, and Kotone were waiting for them. They saw the short but excited Keiko Ayano waving to get their attention, Rika, Shino, and Kotone all seem happy to see them. While Shino had her nose in a book as per usual, Kotone sat on the arm rest of the bench kicking her legs.
"Kazuto-kun, Asuna-san, Suguha-chan, over here!" Keiko exclaimed, the three moving up towards them. Kazuto placed Yuuki on the bench with Shino and Kotone, looking to Rika who greeted the three and Yuuki.
"Morning you guys, thought you be late, we been waiting since seven." Rika explained before looking at the girl Kazuto brought with him, "So, is this Yuuki or you just brought another girl?" only for Kazuto to tap her on the shoulder to stop her for going on.
"It's too early for you to make assumptions, it's Yuuki Konno Rika." she said, everyone surprised the pale skinned girl was Yuuki. Keiko kneeled down to the bench, greeting Yuuki with a smile.
"Whoa, you look so different from your avatar! I'm Keiko Ayano, great to meet you in person Yuuki-chan!" she said, Yuuki looking up at her.
"Nice to meet you Keiko, you aren't that different from your avatar yourself." Yuuki said, looking at Keiko smiling too. Kotone came up to her next, getting up and kneeling down at Yuuki with a smile.
"Nice to meet you IRL Yuuki. I'm Kotone Takemiya!" Kotone greeted happily to the girl.
"Nice to meet you too Kotone." Yuuki greeted back at her. It was Rika's turn to greet Yuuki, standing beside the pale skinned girl.
"Glad to meet you Yuuki. Rika Shinozaki," Rika greeted before kneeling at her to eye her closely, "You sure you weren't a little taller in ALO? I never thought someone like Zekken was shorter in the real world."
""Really? Then again, I can't think of you without your pink hair. You're different as a brunette, Rika." Yuuki pointed out, eyeing her closely as well. Shino was last, remembering herself from her book to greet Yuuki with a calm expression
"Shino Asada, nice to meet you Yuuki." Shino greeted in her usual cool self.
"Same to you Shino. I like your glasses, they're like the ones you equip in Alfheim Online." Yuuki pointed out, eyeing her glasses. Shino smiled at the compliment.
"Thank you, Yuuki." Shino replied, finally putting her book back into her bag.
"So, when will Toshi and his sister coming?" Asuna asked, seeing the four friends of their SAO and ALO, but not their two new friends. Rika took out her cellphone to look at the time. It was a quarter past nine, and it wasn't long that Kazuto, Suguha, Yuuki, and Asuna had arrived. Kazuto and Suguha sat on a bench beside them, watching for the next train which should held the Honda siblings. Another thirty minutes passed, and a train coming from the Kyoto area arrived at the platform in front of them. Many passengers exited the train when finally two passengers were looking around the platform for someone. Both with shades of brown hair, the pair looked around for someone finally seeing Kazuto's party. Kazuto watched the pair come their way, the tallest one speaking towards them.
"Excuse me, we're looking for a Asuna Yuuki and Kazuto Kirigiya?" she asked, eyeing the group. Both Kazuto and Asuna realized that the pair knew their names, of course most would not just walk up to them so easily. Asuna looked to the brown haired teen, who looked months older than her.
"Yes? Do we know you?" she asked, not sure if the two had the wrong ones.
"Yes, I guess you all don't look much different in the real world. I'm Iroha Honda, this is my brother Toshiyuki Honda. You might know us as Juri and Toshi?" The girl named Iroha introduced, and finally it dawned on them on them who they were and all gasped.
"What?!" From appearance alone, Toshiyuki and Iroha were not that different from their Imp and Undine Avatars. Toshiyuki's caramel brown hair was a darker shade of brown, his hair cut to his chin, several bangs framing his face. His eyes were the matching brown too, different from his purple imp hair and eyes. He was as tall as a Middle School student, probably close to Suguha's height but taller than Keiko. He dressed very casual like the rest of them, wearing a brown jacket over a white short sleeve shirt with a purple creature on the front. His blue jeans and tennis shoes look slightly faded showing many uses in wearing them.
Iroha, his sister, wasn't much different from her Undine Avatar to her normal appearance. Taller than her brother, Iroha's caramel brown hair is a lighter shade over his, wearing it longer behind her back in a long ponytail. Her clothes were a blue light jacket over a blue shirt and matching blue skirt with a white belt. Around her neck is a necklace and several bracelets on each of her wrists. Her shoes are short heeled shoes and lacked socks on her feet. On her other shoulder, a backer she was carrying with her.
"Whoa, we couldn't tell it was you two. You look different from your avatars too!" Rika exclaimed excitedly at the two, coming up to them.
"Same, so that makes you Rika Shinozaki right?" Toshiyuki asked, eyeing the girl.
"Yup, so you're Toshi. I guess the modest look suits you best. The big tough guy look doesn't fit you." she said before gesturing the siblings to everyone who wanted to greet them too, "guess I should make the introductions. Over there with the silicone hair bands is Keiko or Silica." And Keiko put a hand to her hair, looking at Shino for support.
"Does my hair really look like that?" she asked curiously.
"More or less." she replied.
"The one with the glasses is Shino or Sinon and the girl with dandelion hair is Kotone or Philla." Rika continued, the two giving the siblings a wave to show their appreciation for joining them today. Rika then gestured the siblings to Yuuki, who waved at them, "Over there is Yuuki, it's our first time meeting her in the real world too "
"Nice to meet you IRL Yuuki." Toshiyuki greeted to the girl. He came over to Yuuki and kneeled down to her, "let's enjoy ourselves today."
"Yeah!" Yuuki replied happily.
"And this is Kazuto and Asuna, and right over there is Suguha." Rika continued and Toshi turned his attention to the three of them, Kazuto and Asuna looked much different from the Spriggian and Undine avatars. Asuna's orange-brownish chestnut hair and hazel eyes weren't as different as her blue hair and blue eyes of her Undine avatar, same with Kirito. His black hair was the same, even his attire was similar with the black jacket and black shirt he wore. His eyes darted to Suguha and her appearance IRL and Alfheim was different between the two. Her blonde hair was black and cut to her chin, wearing a red jacket over a cream colored shirt and a blue bow around her neck. Her skirt matched the jacket, looking down at her white stockings and brown shoes. He smiled at them, still hard to believe he was meeting Suguha, Kazuto, and Asuna outside the game.
"Nice to meet you all, hope we all can get along." Toshiyuki greeted and like before, there was no malice, no falsehood in his smile, it was genuine and real.
"Nice to meet you too Toshiyuki, Iroha!" Asuna greeted, Kirito giving the two a small smile.
"Great to meet you both in person." Iroha said before looking towards where Suguha sat. Her eyes narrowed sharply, looking at her. Her black hair was much shorter than her blonde hair. She could tell her chest was large, looking down to her own chest in disgust.
"Figures." she mumbled to herself and came up to the sitting Suguha, glaring at her, "So, you are Suguha Kirigiya."
"Yes?" she responded, looking up at Iroha. Iroha wasn't as tall as her like in ALO, standing as tall as Asuna if anything. Suguha got up and the two were eye to eye.
"Kazuto-kun really sees you as a good girl, but I don't see it. Know that if you do anything to him, I'll have your head, got it?" and got closer to her face, their eyes meeting and Suguha could tell she wasn't kidding. Suguha stood her ground, not going to let the brown haired girl intimidate her. The group could feel the sparks from the two as they stare each other down. Kazuto put the two back by their shoulders, putting a bit of distance.
"Come on you two, today's supposed to be fun, don't get into a fight please?" he asked, both girls looking at him.
"Fine." they responded cooly as they walked away from each other, Suguha standing with him and Asuna while Iroha returned to her brother's side. Asuna gave her boyfriend a reassuring smile, knowing he just wanted to keep the peace. Once they all finally got to know each other, they proceed to leave the train station. Yuuki continued to ride on Kazuto's shoulders, everyone talking audibly as they walked to the school.
The Honda siblings have heard of the school where many of the younger Sword Art Online players had attended to make up for two years trapped in the death game. The SAO Survivor School, a three story building from how Iroha and Toshiyuki saw it. Both siblings looked on with amazement as even Yuuki was glad to be here in the flesh.
"Wow!" the two exclaimed.
"The school consists of three 3-story school buildings with teal roofs and a link bridge between them, an open-air swimming pool, and a large, open sports field," Kazuto explained out loud, Yuuki standing beside him holding her hand, "you wouldn't believe it was a once abandoned school building, would you?" both Iroha and Toshiyuki shook their heads.
"Shall we go in? The teachers know we would arrive, so we should hurry inside towards the teacher's office." Keiko suggested to her friends. Asuna and Kazuto nodded, taking the lead and into the school.
It wasn't long to navigate to the teacher's office, Toshiyuki seeing into the door's window see several of the faculty staff present. Asuna and Kazuto walked inside, while everyone waited outside on the seats adjacent from the office. Toshi wondered what the pair were talking about, but felt sitting around would be a bit boring. He step up and walked a little, coming to a bulletin board, seeing several articles including schedules and events coming to the school. Toshiyuki ee's scanned to a article, saying about the school and more importantly, the Sword Art Online Death Game. The name Akihiko Kayaba was brought up, the man who created SAO. Toshiyuki sighed, how can someone so brilliant create such a game and allowed those many to die? From what Asuna and Kazuto told him, people changed in that game, even go to the point of killing others for fun or just pressure. Players who weren't great would be easy pickings or fell for traps.
'Like the trap Sachi and the Moonlit Black Cats feel into. If they were prepared, they wouldn't have died, then Sachi would been alive.' Toshiyuki thought, his grip to his bag tightening, only to be snap out his thoughts by a familiar voice.
"You know…" Suguha said making Toshiyuki snap into focus and turn to her, "I've never visited the school once before, so seeing it for the first time is actually kind of cool."
"Y-Yeah." Toshiyuki responded, looking from Suguha and back to the bulletin board.
"But you know, both Kazuto and Asuna, they're lucky. They survived that game, they wouldn't be here if they didn't win. When we were young, Kazuto started distancing himself from me, he was cold, I didn't know why. But when we met when that glitch brought me and Shino to the game, he changed. It's hard to put into words," Suguha added, her hands behind her back and smiled to him, "But I think because he has Asuna and the rest of them, he has friends, has a reason to keep fighting. That's what I think." and closed her eyes, her cheeks looking red.
Toshiyuki nodded, his own cheeks turning red too. This was the first time they've been alone since they met, it was different than when they first met in the forest and the first time the had a conversation without anyone else. It was actually nice. He looked at Suguha, who was still smiling, only for a moment, he saw the blonde hair of the Sylph, to her black hair self. He blushed, shaking his head. He straightened himself, looking back to the bulletin board, only to feel a dark presence crept up behind him as he turned around. Iroha was giving the two a look of hate, a purple aura was emanating around her, Suguha turning around to see she was pondering going over there.
"She's really protective of you, Toshi." Suguha muttered into his ear, Toshiyuki sighed.
"You don't know the half of it." he replied, and thanking the gods before this could get worse, Asuna and Kazuto had exited out the faculty office holding the the key to the pool and changing rooms. Glad this wasn't going to get hairy, both returned to their respectful siblings and followed everyone to where the fool and changing rooms were.
The door to the outdoor pool was on their right, Asuna taking the key to unlock the door before opening both boys and girls' changing rooms. The girls vanished into the girls' one, Yuuki wave to the boys while holding onto Rika's hand. The boys went to the bos' changing room, going to one the lockers and opened it, Toshiyuki started to strip off his clothes and grab for his swimming trunks when he eyed Kazuto's back. He was intrigued he still looked in shape, from how the things he learned about him, Kazuto and Suguha were made to do Kendo practice growing up, Suguha being the better one of the two. He was caught out his gaze by the voice of Yuuki from the girls' dressing room sounding excitedly with the sound of Asuna's cries.
"Whoa, your skin so soft Asuna, so smooth!" Yuuki exclaimed, hearing Asuna struggle that both boys stopped to listen through the walls. Kazuto wasn't even fazed by it (being used to the shenanigans his friends do), but Toshiyuki was blushing scarlet.
"S-Stop it Yuuki, don't touch me there, ahh!" Asuna's cries were heard from the other changing room that Toshiyuki remained frozen. Kazuto had already changed, a pair of black and blue swimming trunks and stood with the young bo only hear Asuna's cries sounding only like a moan. Toshiyuki's face turned beet red as Kazuto placed a firm hand on his shoulder, shaking his head.
"Welcome to my world, you get used to it." he said to the boy. Toshiyuki scratch his chin sheepishly.
"There's no receipt, is there?" he asked. Kazuto shook his head, hearing the sounds of Asuna and Yuuki finally calming down.
"Shouldn't the girls be done by now?" Toshiyuki asked Kazuto, standing outside in the outdoor pool, both sitting under one of the umbrellas waiting on the girls. He wore a light opened jacket, showing his bare chest. Like Kazuto, he was fit as well, showing some muscle tone.
"They should be, hopefully Yuuki isn't messing with anyone else in there. Who knew she was like that, she's usually less Rika on a daily basis." Kazuto informed, knowing it was more so Rika who teases others, remembering to be in the full attention of her last teasing. He usually ignores it, but when she is in full teasing mode, trying to endure it is a mission itself than fighting those like Kayaba. It was best to let her have her fun than try to fight it. He tapped at the umbrella pole in a rhythm, only to hear the sound of his girlfriend and online wife that broke him out of his thoughts.
"Hey!"
Asuna and the girls had emerged out of their changing room and came out into the warm summer air. Toshi saw all their swimsuits, look way different from the avatars in Alfheim and their normal looks. Asuna had her hair tied into a ponytail that rested on her right shoulder, wearing a red and white striped two-piece swimsuit. She looked well fit, would make sense being in a well mannered family than his, she was kept way healthy over the two years and it looked like she kept herself fit after the events of the death game. She was still carrying her picnic basket of food and a white light jacket over her shoulders.
She held Yuuki's hand and Yuuki was more covered up than one might think. Wearing a one piece purple swimsuit with her goggles around her neck and sunhat on her head still. Around her wrist were floaties and a purple towel draped on her neck. On her feet, she wore purple sandies and seem she had a lot of sunblock on her pale skin.
Rika was wearing a pink swimsuit which looked more like a dress, with a white collar and a black tie. Her hair clips were still present in her hair. Toshi never seen the Blacksmith in just exposed skin before, seeing her in her usual blacksmith and Leprechaun attire, she looked like a different person too. She was walking with Keiko, who holding on to a inner tube in her arms.
Keiko wore a two piece swimsuit with her two ribbons in her hair. Her two piece swimsuit was yellow with pink straps and a pink ribbon on the front of the top. Her swimsuit bottom was three layers of frills and on her left ankle was a visible anklet. He couldn't deny, she looked very cute looking. While not as grown up as her friends, Keiko had her own charm too.
Shino wore a teal blue and black two piece swimsuit, her black hair still tied into with two white ties. White googles was around her neck, carrying a light blue jacket that covered her shoulders. Despite her bookish and calm demeanor, she did look cute in his eyes. From her tales, she did take care of herself, as she lives alone and goes to school far from where the SAO survivors goes to.
Kotone wore a blue swimsuit with white resembling ocean waves. While her dandelion hair remain unchanged, she had on a sun hat covering the top of her hair. A matching wrap around her waist covering her bikini bottom. On her feet were blue sandies and she did look slim. Even as her Spriggan garb in ALO, she did look fit, hard to believe she was a orange player.
His sister stood closest to Asuna and Yuuki, also in her swimsuit. She wore a white and blue two piece swimsuit and her hair tied into a Japanese bun. Around her neck was goggles and a whistle. Toshiyuki always was impressed his sister stayed fit, her stomach more tone than his. Of course her eyes darted to Saguha and his face was a faint pink.
Suguha wore a blue one piece bathing suit with a white lining on the top of the bathing suit and the straps. Her hair clips still visible on the right side of her face. He never tried to look, but she was fit for her age. She did take Kendo with Kazuto, it was no wonder. He kept his eyes forward when Asuna spoke first.
"Hope we didn't keep you two waiting, Kirito-kun, Toshi-kun." Asuna admitted, looking to them and Yuuki who shrugged like she didn't do anything wrong.
"Not at all, Kazuto and I didn't wait too long." Toshiyuki replied, shaking his head at Asuna's words.
"Let's find a place to sit, I'm actually a little hungry before we swim." Rika suggested, putting her hand to her forehead to block the sun from her eyes.
"Sure, over there is fine." Kazuto said, pointing to the grassy area of the pool. Kazuto led Toshiyuki and the girls towards the grass and start to set up a place to sit. Taking two blankets from their baskets, Asuna and Iroha places the two blankets on the grass and smooth them out, putting the baskets on the ends of both blankets. Once the were done, they took several plates each and laid them around the baskets. Everyone took their spot on the blankets, Kazuto sitting with his cousin and Asuna, while Toshiyuki sat with his sister. All of them were enjoying the sandwiches both Asuna and Toshiyuki made, especially learning how great a cook he was at home.
"Toshiyuki is the better cook of the two of us. I'm usually logging out later than him so he's making the meals." Iroha explained to the group.
"Really, you're a good cook Toshiyuki-san?" Keiko asked.
"More or less," he answered sheepishly, "When my parents are working and Iroha is at school, I do all the cooking for them. Same with our aunt and uncle, They eave meal preparation to me. I don't mind it thought, I actually quite enjoy it."
"Wow. Well Kazuto does most of the cooking. I'm terrible at cooking." Suguha answered, blushing, "But you'll make a future bride proud of you, Toshiyuki."
"Really?" Toshiyuki asked, blushing at Suguha's compliment, "Tank you."
"Asuna's a great cook herself. Mostly her upbringing, but was a great cook in Aincrad." Rika pointed out.
"Flattery isn't getting you to the treats until later in the afternoon Rika." Asuna replied and Rika gave Asuna a disgruntled pout.
"You're awful Asuna!" and Toshiyuki chucked at the pair.
Half a hour passed since everyone ate the sandwiches Asuna and Toshiyuki made, spending the time talking to each other, having more to talk about now IRL than in Alfheim. T was fun to learn more about each other, hearing about Asuna's family, leaning she has a older brother, and about the types of gathering she goes to. Kazuto brought up his aunt, who is a Editor of an information magazine about computers. Most who didn't know his family much were amazed where his interest in gaming runs in the family, even Suguha getting the gaming bug. Kazuto added his aunt isn't as big of a gamer as him, but she is quite smart about computers.
Once it was time to get into the pool, Kazuto entered the pool while Asuna was helping Yuuki put on water wings and a flotation device. Keiko and Kotone were already in the water, waiting on the others. Toshiyuki was stretching his arms and legs, making sure he wouldn't pull anything. He look around the pool, seeing both Keiko, Kazuto, and Kotone were in the pool. He look to his left, seeing his sister holding a beach ball having a whistle still present. Shino had her feet in the water, finally climbing into the pool and swimming a lap across the pool. He looked to see Asuna still getting Yuuki read to go into the water, making sure she was well protected for the water. Finally he looked across the pool to Suguha. He could see she was anxious, only having her feet in the water. Toshiyuki was told she had a fear in going into the water, because he couldn't swim without a inner tube. He blushed a little, she looked cute over there.
"Hey, aren't you gonna enter the pool, Toshi?" Rika said, tackling Toshiyuki and playishly teasing him.
"R-Rika, cut it out!" Toshiyuki stammered, only for the three in the rool to see Rika teasing the young boy and sigh. It's only Rika to do this kind of thing to the boy. Better him than them.
Once Asuna and Yuuki joined the pool, the group decided to play volleyball with the beach ball held by Iroha. Kazuto, Asuna, Toshiyuki, and Yuuki went up against Rika, Keiko, Kotone, and Shino. Both sides were doing well and having fun, Yuuki doing her best despite not having a long time being in the water in such a long time. Another half hour passed, and the score was 7-6 with Kazuto's team winning. The four congratulated their friends for the fun they had, now deciding to enjoy the rest of their time swimming and chatting.
Toshiyuki swam a lap across the pool, going from one end to another. He finally came to to Suguha's side, who was watching the volleyball match between her cousin and her friends. He awkward looked at her legs before standing up straight, staring eye to eye. Suguha smiled at the caramel haired boy, her hands to her lap.
"You sure you were having fun." she said, smiling to him
"Yeah, it's been a while since I've been to the pool or the beach before. I didn't get a chance to go to the pool for two years, not since," his voice trailed off, looking away and his tone turn sad. He turned back to Suguha and shook his head, "It's nothing really. Hey, how about I teach you how to swim?"
"Really?" Suguha responded, before looking outward to the pool, "I'm not so sure." but looks to see Toshiyuki hold out his hand, smiling at the black haired girl.
"I got you. Trust me." he replied, reassuring her. Sugha reached out her hand, but felt a little hesitate to grab his hand. She didn't know if she'll be okay, she never swam and worry she'll drown. But looking at Toshiyuki, he was sure she'll be alright and he won't let her drown. Slowly, she reached out and Toshiyuki grabbed her left hand. Still nervous, Suguha slide off the edge and into the pool, a slight twitch when she almost forgot she was on the shallow end of the pool, "You okay?" he asked, seeing her flinch.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. Just don't let go, okay?" she asked, her voice shaking a little.
Toshiyuki chuckled lightly, "Would it be cheesy I say I'll never let go?" Suguha startled to laughed, her nerves starting to lessen a little and wasn't scared anymore, "See, I made you laugh. Feeling better?"
"Yes. a little. Just keep your promise, okay?" Suguha asked, a slight blush on her face.
"I promise. Just relax, and kick your feet." he instructed to her. Suguha nodded and kicked her feet off the pool floor, her face now at Toshiyuki's waist and chest at ee level. She blushed a little, he was fit himself too. Toshiyuki started to guide her through the shallow end to the deep end, Suguha kicking her feet as instructed. She was still nervous, worried that Toshiyuki would let go and she would drown. As they started to leave the shallow end, she looked down, seeing the bottom of the pol was so far away. Her face turned blue, ready to panic, but she looked at the reassuring gaze of Toshiyuki who was more calm than she was. He wasn't going to let her go, he was going to keep his word. Her felt her nervous feeling fading and let herself be guided by the the caramel haired boy. Everyone looked to the two middle schooler, who in their own way felt like the only ones there.
Watching them was the eyes of Iroha, who growled a little seeing Toshiyuki and Suguha together. Rika and Kotone stood with her, seeing she wasn;t pleased b this. Rika tapped the shoulder of the High Schooler, getting her attention. "Calm down, they aren't doing anything, so chill Iroha."
"I know, I know, but she's one step to a 'accident' just to press herself to him." she replied, her tone not all pleased by the cliche than anyone.
"How come you don't like Suguha-chan?" Keiko asked, swimming over to the others, Shino beside her.
Iroha sighed, sitting at the edge of the pool, watching the two, "It's not like I hate Suguha, it's just I'm worried for Toshi. He, he really loved Sachi." she explained, kicking her feet lightly in the water. "Desite a grade higher, he always liked her. She was his first love. When Sachi and all the players were trapped in Sword Art Online, Toshi would visit Sachi in her hospital bed, giving her flowers after flower, waiting for her wake up."
"No way, He was that serious? Even if the possibility she might not wake up?" Kotone asked.
Yes. But one day, he was visiting Sachi's ward and then… The Nervegear let out a sound and at the end…?" Iroha paused and the girls covered their mouths, knowing what it meant. It was the nervegear microwaving her brain, killing her. Toshi saw that?
"No way, he saw her die?" Keko gasped, covering her mouth.
"Yes. That really affected him. He was very held up in his room since then. If I didn't help him, he be forever mourning her death." Iroha replied, her tone serious, "I understand, as an adult it's important to move on. But I think he's moving too full on with Suguha. I just want to be happy, but not just falling for the first girl you know."
Kotone put a hand to her shoulder, getting her attention, "Give her a chance, Suguha-chan's is a good girl."
"I guess," Iroha sighed, watching them, seeing how happy he was, and Suguha doing her best to keep kicking her legs, "I'll go easy n her, for now. But if she dares puts one hand down his pants, she's toast." her voice deepen a little.
"Scary…" Keiko mumbled, seeing the dark look in her eyes.
On the other side of the pool, Kazuto, Asuna, and Yuuki were watching Suguha and Toshiyuki swimming around, just seeing the two enjoying themselves. Kazuto saw how happy he looked, seeing Toshiyuki getting along with Suguha. After meeting the young boy in Alfheim Online and learning his connection to Sachi, he can see why he was affected by her death as he was. Of course he sighed, how to tell him he saw Sachi die in that trap and how the only last living member of the Moonlit Black Cats killed himself. How to tell him the full story, how will he take it? Would he blame him for letting her down? He sighed, and kept watching the pair, onl to break out of his concentration when Yuuki spoke up.
"You know, this is happiest I've seen Toshi-kun since meeting him. He was a timid player at first, and grow into a stronger player. It's nice to see him with someone." Yuuki
"What do you mean?" Kazuto asked, looking to her.
"I can relate to Toshi and you very well, losing people and moving on. My family is gone, Sachi and all those players died, to be honest, it's not easy. But I think and that's why I'll never forgot Aiko. They're gone, but," she put a hand to her chest, smiling and looking into the sunny sky, "They are here, and as long as I live, they're be in my heart, forever." she said and both Kazuto and Asuna were touched by her words.
"Yuuki, that's very grown up of what you said." Asuna said taken aback.
Yuuki chucked, smiling to Asuna, "I guess it comes from what I learned knowing all of you. I'm happy to call of you my friends, and no matter what, you'll always be there."
"We will. Promise." Asuna replied, patting her head, "Just don't get touchy next time."
"And ignored from the touchy moment to that touchy, I feel you do this me internally." Kazuto sighed, before the sound of a phone rning, looking to the area the were sitting at to hear the sound of what was a phone, "Asuna, is that our phone?"
"Huh?" Asuna asked, turning around, looking to the her bag and the sound of her phone ringing, "I think that's my dad." and climbed out the pool, leaving Kazuto with Yuuki.
"Mr. Yuuki was talking to my doctor, I wonder what that's about?" Yuuki asked, seeing Asuna hurrying to her phone.
"Who knows, I guess we'll just swim a little while while we wait for her. Comeone." Kazuto siad, taking hold of Yuuki's inner tube and swam from Asuna was, unable to hear her.
Asuna sat on the blanket, putting her ear on the receiver and started to speak to her father, "Hey dad. No, you didn't caught me at a bad time. Yuuki beside me? She's with Kirito-kun right now. I have time? Yeah, I got time." she said, smiling as she turned her back from the pool and staring at the marble wall.
After a few minutes, Toshiyuki swam Suguha to the shallow end of the pool and finally Suguha felt the pool floor again. Toshiyuki let go of her hands and the two stood up on the shallow end. Wading the water, the sat their back against the walls, Suguha sighing in relief after all the kicking.
"Feeling a little better now?" Toshiyuki asked, looking to her.
"A little." she replied, still a little anxious after all the swimming.
"You want to try swimming on your own?" he suggested. Suguha shook her head, still not ready to swim on her own. Toshiyuki sighed, guess she still not use to swimming yet. He look back to the school, finally climbing out of the pool and kneel down to her, "Want to take a break and get a soda?"
"Sure." Suguha nodded, taking hold of his hand and helped her out of the pool. Walking back to the blankets, Asuna was still talking on the phone, talking to what sounds like her dad. Grabbing their towels and jackets, they left her be walking out of the pool area and into the building.
On the first floor, Toshiyuki and Suguha found some vending machine and made their space there. Suguha sat on the other side of the hallway, her towel over her hair and hugging her knees in thought. She was near a trash can and when she closed her eyes, the sounds of vending machine tray dropping sodas was heard. Relaxing her head to the wall, a cool sensation was press to her forehead. Opening her eyes, Toshiyuki stood over her, holding a soda bottle to her face.
"Thank you." she said, taking the sida from his hand and sat beside her. Suguha opened her bottle and took a sip of the soda before putting it down and sighed lightly, "Toshi?"
"Hmm?" Toshiyuki answered.
"Thank you. Sorry I decline swimming in the deeper side again, but thank you. Umm, and thanks. I'm glad to have met you," she added, a small smile on her face, "Besides Kazuto, you're the first boy close to my age I'm happy to be around with."
"Really?" Toshiyuki asked, a light chuckle escape his lips, "There must some boys you're friends with."
"Just one, but just a friend and fellow classmate to my school. He's okay at best, but doesn't get it that it's annoying. The idiot wants Kazuto to call him brother some time ago, unbelievable!" she ranted, only for Toshiyuki to laugh more, seeing more the hotly Suguha than normally.
"Ah, it's the old he can't take a hint, sees you as his girlfriend, and just a little aggravating to deal with cliche. Make sense." he replied, only to have Suguha to nudge his ribs playfully.
"Hey, you sound just like Shino-chan!" she teased, the two started to laugh at the mention of their friends. Suguha sighed, feeling her spirits feeling more at ease, even talking about her friend. She then looked to her soda, speaking directly to Toshiyuki, "But I am still happy to get to know you," but frowned, remember the only reason they met is because he saved her, looking at her soda, 'I wish I could pay you back, Toshi. I don't want to feel like a damsel, it's not me. It's never me…' only for something to caught her off guard, the sound of a animal. Suguha got up at once, surprising Toshiyuki.
"Suguha?" Toshiyuki asked, concerned why she up on her feet.
"I hear something... A cat? It was a cat. I wonder…" Suguha said out loud, looking to the trash can and peered inside. Her expression changed to shock seeing what was in the trash, "What the heck?"
Back at the pool, Kazuto was talking with the rest of the girls, with Iroha finally joining in the pool. It was only a few minutes since Suguha and Toshiyuki left and Asuna was on the phone. They wadded in the center of the pool, Yuuki still kept her hat on her head when Kazuto was explaining something, looking to the girls and speaking about a topic about home.
"So Suguha shares me a old show from the 2010s, it was… particular." he said cocking his head.
"Was it anything like that whole Goblin Slayer drama back in 2018? I remember that when I was little." Iroha said crossing her arms.
"It wasn't Goblin Slayer, but a very oldie. Evangelion, the sane with angel like beings and Shinji. It's not like I don't feel bad for him, but just need to…" Kazuto replied and only for everyone to start chiming in.
"...Get in the robot!" they said in the unison.
"Exactly I'm not saying I pity him, but I think when you are told to do it, you do it. I never asked to clear Aincrad, I picked the sole player lifestyle. It was thanks to helping you all and meeting Asuna I've changed from just being treated as just a Beater. So, "He rubbed his neck sheepishly, "Thanks for keeping me from being a whiny idiot. I would hate myself for that."
"Aww that's sweet Kazuto-san!" Keiko said, in awe of his compliment of them.
"I would say we've all grown as well. We had to survive in Aincrad, not worrying to die, making a life, making friends, losing friends. We all met because of knowing you and Asuna. I tease you pair a lot, but I'm glad I got to meet you, Keiko, Kotone, even Yui and Strea too. Even Ryoutarou has his moments. Oh and don't forget meeting Suguha and Shino too. I like having you guys as friends." Rika chimed in, sounding more normal than her usual self.
"Speaking of friends, Asuna's been on the phone for a while now. Felt like fifteen minutes passed." Kotone wondered, looking to Asuna was still on the phone.
"Felt longer if you ask me. Oh, she might been done now." Shino pointed out, seeing Asuna had got up from the blanket, her back facing everyone.
"Okay, I'll let them know the good news. Thanks dad, I'll see you when I get home. Love you too." she said, finally hanging up her cellphone and looking to the pool, "Everyone, I got some big news!" and everyone was curious on what's she's been talking about. One b one they climbed out of the pool and returned to the thier area where Asuna had something to tell them.
"Adopted!?" everyone shocked when Asuna gave them the big news.
"Yup, dad told me he's completed most of the paperwork for Yuuki, she'll be under our care on monday. It took a long time, espicall making sure we have her covered by my family, it should be completed on monday." Asuna explained to everyone. Everyone was still bewildered by this. Mr. Yuuki taken in Yuuki? It was crazy. The one who was the most shocked was Yuuki, who was taken aback b the news. She was speechless, adoption? She thought she'd spend her life in the hospital, let alone taken in by a family. Now she was going to have one again? She couldn't believe it.
"So that means?" she asked, covering her mouth and tears starting to fall from her eyes.
"Yes, starting monday, you're officially part of my family. It does mean your name is going to be Yuuki Yuuki, but we'll have to hyphen your last name after that, but I think you'll manage," Asuna continued, on for Yuuki to embrace the chestnut haired girl, tear falling from her eyes.
"Thank you. Thank you so much, I don't know what to say." she said tearfully to Asuna. Asuna smiled to her friend, now officially going to be her adopted sister, hugging her. Everyone felt happy for Yuuki, who they have known since their adventure in Svert Alfheim. Knowing about her disease as always in the hospital, she deserves to have a family again. Kazuto would have to thank Mr. Yuuki personally for taking Yuuki in knowing she's a close friend to Asuna and lost a lot of her family. At least for one person, they can have happiness.
On cue, Suguha and Toshiyuki finally came back to the pool area, seeing their friends back on their little area, with Asuna hugging Yuuki which looked like a tender moment. The pair looked to each other, Toshiki holding something in his jacket. Coming back to their area, Suguha spoke up first.
"Hey, what's going on?" she asked, Yuuki letting Asuna go and now was smiling.
"Guess what, Asuna's family have adopted me!" Yuuki exclaimed, her spirits higher than ever.
"That's great! Congratulations Yuuki. I guess that would make you my future step sister in law one day, I guess." Suguha shrugged,, hands behind her back.
"By the way, where did you and Toshi go? You were gone as long as Asuna was on the phone." Iroha asked curiously, before her eyes narrowed in a stern gaze, "You weren't doing anything to my brother, were you not Kirigiya?"
"What, no! I wasn't doing anything with him!" Suguha replied defensively, waving her hands while Toshiyuki sighed and Kazuto signed too, both knowing this situation sounds bad, "We just went to get a sida, honest. We were going to held back quicker, on…"
"Only we found this little girl in the trash can…" Toshiyuki chimed in, and confused everyone before them.
"Huh?" they asked, and Toshiyuki step forward and held out his jacket he was holding. He unbundled his jacket and revealed what was in it and everyone's eyes lit up in shock. It was a white and black kitten, it's head mostly black with its body a snow white. It's small paws curl up as it sleep in his jacket. The girls and Kazuto were shocked, where did Toshiyuki find a kitten, which looked to be a few months old?
Back on the picnic blankets, Toshiyuki and Suguha explained finding the small kitten in the trash can, which even surprised Kazuto and the SAO survivors is how a cat got into the building. Usually creatures shouldn't be on campus, so how did a kitten get into the trash. It didn't look like it was starving, it looked like it was on anything it could find, even going into a trash can in a building. At least it was in the summer break, where trash collection was much later than normally. But with the sleeping kitten now beside Toshiyuki, it was the young man who finished explaining.
"So, we asked the teachers, they were surprised. Right now it's what we do with her." he finished, lightly patting the kitten as it purred sleeply in his jacket.
"The kitten doesn't look feral, it looks like it was only born months ago, and was put for adoption." Shino oobsersed.
"You can tell that?" Keiko asked, looking down at the kitten.
"Not completely, but it does look like very healthy before it wandered into the school. I don't see an mark on Toshiyuki arms so it didn't bite or scratch him, meaning it knows he won't harm it." Shino explained.
"So what's your game plan with the kitten Toshi?" Kotone asked, looking to him curiously.
"Well I was hoping to take care of her." he answered and Iroha chuckled at her brother's immediate decision.
"So you little brother, always jumping to help someone." she said and Tosshi pouted at her,.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Toshiyuki retorted, feeling she just dissed him.
"That's not what I meant. You will drop everything to help something, whether human or animal, it suit your characters," Iroha admitted uncrossing her arms, "Mom would love a pet, she has off days she's home and doesn't have something to take care of. She'll love her when we get home."
"Guess it's official. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her." he said, looking to his, his friends, and to the kitten who finally woke up and purr onto Toshiyuki's legs. Most of the girls were in awe of the cute cat, with Shino trying to keep her composure from not looking at the cat like the others. He picked up the cat, and let it lick his finger, smiling at it. Once he put it back on the blanket, it curled up in front of him.
"Have you thought of a name?: Asuna asked at him.
"Yup. I'll name her, Kaoru." he answered, patting the cat once more.
"Kaoru, that's cute name Toshiyuki-san." Keiko said smiling to him.
"Kaoru, that means fragrance. That's a nice name for a cat Toshiyuki." Shino said calmly.
"Thanks." Toshiyuki replied.
"Well, let's take a break from swimming, anyone still hungry?" Asuna asked, going into the basket and pulling out a small cake. Rika and the girls' eyes lit up at the cake, "Dad got this for me so I decided to bring this along. Any one wants some?"
As the day went on, Kazuto and the rest of da, talking and enjoying the cak Asuna brought. Kazuto shared mre of adventures in Aincrad to Iroha to get filled in, meeting Keiko, Rika, Asuna, Yui, and his fight with Kaaba before the glitch and the Hallow Area where he met Kotone and of course meeting Suguha and Shino who end up in Aincrad, also meeting Strea as well. Kazuto talked more of his solo moments with them, getting to know his cousin again and getting to know her again after their awkward distance between them. Kazuto goes into detail about his adoption, something he never fully shared with others, saying his parents died and Midori took him in when he was young. He explains about learning Suguha wasn't his sister, which led him to distance himself for her. Suguha explains how cold Kazuo was, it was like he started to be more distance and into the online world. Adding to taking the most of the trouble and be labeled as a Beater, it was a blessing he made friends like Klien and the others. Everyone talked more about the events leading to Floor 75 boss, the fight against the Skull Reaper and how Kaaba revealed him, even paralyzing the Assault team and his own Knights of the Blood Oath before their fight. Even then, there was still a lot of question the never were asked about Kayaba and why he trapped the 10,000 players in the game in the first place? To this da, none of them know. After 3 p.m. hits, it was time to pack up and head back into the changing rooms.
"Thank you very much for letting us us the pool. Don't worry, we'll have our summer homework taken care of. Thank you, have a good summer." was Asuna's voice in the faculty office as Kazuto, and the rest of them were waiting for her. Most of the girls were bus playing with Kaoru when Asuna finally came out of the office, "Right, now that we had our fun, best we take Yuuki back to the hospital first."
"That's cool, we'll part ways at the train station, then you can take Yuuki back to the hospital. Right, we're meeting at your guys' place?" Rika asked, looking to Kazuto and Suguha.
"Sure I guess. But it's all fun, we're keeping our word to work on our summer homework." Kauto reminded her.
"I know, I know, let's at least enjoy the rest of the weekend you know." Rika replied nonchalantly.
"Rika-san you're too carefree." Toshiyuki and Keiko admitted, Toshiyuki grabbing his bag and Kaoru and the group made their way out of the school.
It wasn't long they made it to the train station, and Toshiyuki and Iroha's train for their aunt and uncle's place was coming in a few minutes. Toshiyuki stood waiting at the electric bulletin board, wait for the train as Iroha was bus getting someone for the ride back. Kaoru now sat in the front pocket of his back, purring while being comfortable in the pocket. Looking at the bulletin board, the train ride back home was looking to be fifteen minute ride back home, looking at each train station before his. He saw the Station where both the Kirigiyas and Yuuki would be, see the were only a few stops. They weren't far from him, going to be helpful tomorrow.
"Toshi?" Suguha asked, making Toshiyuki turning around.
"Hmm?" Toshiyuki asked, turning to see Suguha, who held a piece of paper in her hands.
"Here. It's my cellphone number. Umm, You and Iroha are coming over tomorrow?" she asked, a little nervous about asking.
"Yeah, Iroha said she'll help with Kazuto and the girls' summer homework, so I'll tag along.:" he replied.
"Oh, that's good! Umm, is it okay I can call you?" she added, still nervous about asking outright.
"Sure, I don't mind Suguha." he added, Suguha's face lighting up with a bigger smile.
"Really? Thank you!:" she replied to him.
"Toshi, Suguha, the train is coming!" Kazuto called from a distance, everyone waiting at the platform for them.
With one last look, the two made their way back to the others. Another day has come and gone, for the growing friendship of Toshiyuki and Suguha.
Next Time: An unexpected Sunday visit! Kirigiya Residence
Michael: And finally chapter four, a new chapter in 2019. Sorry for the wait, but hopefully this was a good chapter. This chapter was to be the start of the small IRL arc where Suguh and Toshiyuki interact in the real world. It helps makes them more a good relationship if they have a faced than just avatar. Remember, Asuna and Kirito had most of the two years knowing each other, growing from not at all the best terms to boyfriend and girlfriend. Whether you like them together or not, they are a good couple. And with Suguha and Toshiyuki, have them grow a friendship before a relationship. You can see the getting closer, she's wanting to have him as a friend. And I want to let their relationship a lot in the real world, it helps build their relationship more. That's what this small arc in the story is about, mostly giving these two enough time together in the real world. I even got a two chapter arc for Silica and Liz, with Silica showing how much she's grown. Then it;s the big quest chapter go on, so it's gonna be a lot of action then. All of Kirito and company will be on these quests, the Norse Myths I'm using, I'm going to do my best. If you are wondering about if Nagata will meet Toshi, probably they won't meet until the near end, when Suguha finally knocks some sense into him and finally calls Toshiyuki her boyfriend. I don't hate Nagata, don't get me wrong, but he doesn't serve much into the main story. Sinon, Lisbeth, Klien, Agil, Silica, the game only characters, even Yui gets to be playable in Accel World vs Sword Art Online as Yubei. Nagata only turns up helping in the Fairy Dance arc, makes small cameos in the Mother Rosario Arc and Ordinal Scale, and makes a cameo in Lost Song trying to ask Kirito to call him brother. I don't see them together, I wouldn't like them together as it would really change how Leafa just sees him as a classmate and friend, her old feelings with Kazuto (anime wise, game wise she still likes him), and well how he asks and he's a veteran at ALO. No offense, but I don't ship, and I never remembered Cassandra Lee Morris says Recon's name on the idea of a love interest for Leafa. I don't see them hooking up in the end and if the did would I like it? I don't know, it'll be like the random hook ups oh most shows so I wouldn't like that, but Suguha is only sixteen so you know in a two wo time skip between the last arc and the wedding but still wouldn't like either way. So not offense to Leafa/Recon shippers, but I don't see it and trying to make him important wouldn't feel right, the games he's barely in, we get characters that stand out in each game. So I don't see it, when Kazuto and Suguha relationship as siblings stands out than Recon and her, it speaks volumes. There might be some who ship it, but at what cost?
But I digress. Chapter 5 will be everyone at Kazuto's place and more Suguha and Toshiyuki bonding. See you then!
Also, accepting OCs for the quest arc, please look to chapter 1 and follow the rules