Under a Virtual Sky [Online]
A/N: It's quite long the long chapter because I wasn't sure how much to reveal so far (didn't want you losing interest either). So I got a few OC submissions and thank you so very much to everyone who took their time to give me one. :) I love all of them and I'm excited to put them into the story. I'm still taking OC submissions for minor characters so if you're interested, go right ahead and please refer to the end of first chapter. Not like I have any problem with it but I mostly received female ones so if you're interested in creating male characters, that'd be great. ^_^
To Guest reviewer (I couldn't reply to you via PM): Because this sounds really technologically advanced, the time period should be around maybe ten or twenty years from us right now so I assume maybe 2025-2035 kind of like how SAO is in the 2020s I believe. So yes, modern weaponry is allowed! :o [This is an AU so the characters are alive in this time at the age I'll be assigning them (around 16-18 mostly)]. And I agree with you, 25 year old Lambo is pretty cool and much easier to work with but... Uh. I'll have to see how to fit that in. But thank you so much for your review! :)
CHAPTER TWO
Just a little closer….
Just a little…
Steady… Almost…
I slowly, ever so quietly, stretched my hand out to the little pixie-
Almost…
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
NO-!
Holy hell.
The pixie zipped away in a blink of an eye.
There went my quest. There went my easy exp and new gloves.
I whirled around to my new target. That person was so dead.
'That person' happened to be a girl with pony tailed brown hair and almond brown eyes who was charging full speed at me.
"HELP DESU!"
I frowned at the oncoming disaster.
"IT'S A MONSTER! A HIGH LEVEL BOSS!"
She lunged behind me and I had the urge to elbow her. "P-Please!" I would've too, if I also didn't have to face this high-level-monster-thing.
I took a huge breath before exhaling, calming myself. Then I steeled my strength, taking out my fans and spreading their blades. I slid one foot back, hearing the sand grind under the soles of my shoes.
Alright, you're going down,
level 3 slime.
The little happy green glob bounced up and down, its eyes sparkling in that nonsensical-'kill-me-kill-me' kind of way while wiggling its jelly-like body. I walked closer to it and with the lightest poke of one of my blades, it shattered into the light blue sky. Happily.
The girl behind me gasped in happiness and clapped her hands as if I just took down the world's most wanted criminal.
"You do know that's one of the weakest things you can find right?" I sighed.
"O-Oh…" she mumbled. "B-BUT!" She leaned closer with a set of fully convinced eyes, hands clenched determinedly in front of her chest. "Those were…. EYES OF PURE EVIL, possessed by demons! Haru can tell! Pitch black ones can stare into your soul or inflict endless nightmares of family murder," she shuddered exaggeratingly.
Haru? Pure evil, demons, endless nightmare, family murder. I was so done.
I stared at her for a moment. Unsure what to say. Unsure if I wanted to say anything. Yeah-….No. So I didn't. I simply turned around, ready to walk away when-
"W-Wait!" She clasped her hand over my wrist and I frowned.
"What is it? I have a quest to finish since you scared away my target." And I'm still annoyed. It took me one hour to track down that little thing.
"I… I bought this game to play with my friends… And, and… Since I logged on earlier than our appointed meeting time… I wanted to get a bit stronger.. T-To Impress Tsuna-san!"
Tsuna? I ruffled the back of my head, would've been messing up my light pink hair if this wasn't a game. Coincidence. Impress? And she didn't know how to do anything. So what she's basically asking me is….
"...So your name was Haru?" There was something about people who talk in third person. But whatever. I suppose I had time before meeting up with Jazmin. "I have to go in an hour but… I guess I'll help you out."
Haru's grin widened as she clasped my hand in two of hers. "Thank you! … Uhm…?"
"Sakura. My name is Sakura," I finally smiled.
"Then, Sakura-chan. Thank you!" She giggled and I nodded.
I quickly scanned her up and down. She was wearing the lowest level items and they weren't even equips. She was wearing the standard clothes which was a white t-shirt and black shorts. "Well first… Open up your item menu. Scroll down your hand like this." I showed her by pretending to pull down my hand in the air in front of me, the window dropping down immediately.
Haru nodded determinedly and tried it. "H-How interesting!" She mused when it dropped down.
"Hover your finger over the item menu for two seconds," I instructed and she did as she was told. When it opened up, I took a step behind her to look. The system did give her starting equips and items. "Equip the beginning armor for now," I pointed to this and this. She did as she was told and the particles formed onto her avatar's body. She gasped as it happened and her almond eyes glowed with amusement.
"All of us start off using a sword or a dagger but uh… What did you want to be? Like your role in this game? Or do you not know what there is?"
"H-Haru doesn't really know.. Haru did try to read though but.. But there's too much," she laughed awkwardly and I guess I should explain things to her.
"So UVSO isn't a very strict game on classes and roles. There aren't any actual categories but I guess you can, or other people can, determine what it is by what you decide to adopt or create as your skills. In UVSO, you can either make up your own skills or use the system's default ones. Your role depends on what you choose to do during your time here. For example, there are at least very general categories you can fall under like… Support, magicians, swordsman, fighters, tanks,.. Sometimes it depends on what flame you have."
I stared at her, watching to see if she was completely lost. Haru didn't seem too confused. "Do you at least know what flame you have? It should have been in the process of your character creation."
She pursed her lips. "Um… I think it told me I was most likely a lightning flame attributed person, so I just accepted that."
Lightning? Interesting. I nodded. "Lightning has a hardening factor. It could be used to strengthen objects or you could use it to create a defensive barrier, cutting into things like sharp blades, or you can use it to electrocute things like actual electricity." She nodded slowly, concentrated. "Uh… I guess you can use that to be an offensive player or you could be a tank. Or a combination of both I suppose. Is there something you've always imagined yourself to use?"
She hummed, putting a finger to her cheek. "Haru doesn't know. Haru thinks a majorette baton is really cool and makes you look super graceful!"
"A majorette…" I pursed my lips. "Well, we also have unique weapon customization and creation. So it's not impossible. Though… if you do that, I recommend you make a long one, maybe 3/4th your size. Anyways, that's for the future progress-"
"Then Sakura-chan, what are you?"
I raised a teasing eyebrow. "Human." I think.
Her eyes widened. "O-Oh I mean-"
"Uh." Well that's a hard question. "I have a cloud flame which has a propagation factor, meant to increase size, numbers, or to replicate. It's good for covering a large area. Anyways, I was originally, I guess you could say, a fighter. But I don't know, I suppose I like to help people in combat so.. I guess I'm slightly a support now unless they need me to fight."
"That sounds wonderful," she smiled.
"Also, no matter what you end up doing.. You should always keep a few magic skills with you for utility and crowd control. But.. Anyways, let's get you started."
"Y-Yes!" She stood up straight and saluted me.
Is what I said but….
{ ... }
"Hahi!" she yelped in some kind of strange way.
I whipped my head to her direction. "Don't 'hahi' me! Release the spell!"
"Y-Yes!" She straightened up, gripping her dagger determinedly…...Then did nothing.
I sighed exasperatedly. "Haru."
"Y-Yes!"
"...Do you know how to?"
"...S-Sorry!" She cried and fell down onto her knees defeatedly.
"Ah, geez," I suddenly felt bad for her. Everything is difficult when you were new.
I scanned the perimeters of the lightning cage and ended up frowning. I knew nothing of elemental magic outside of my own. Plus, most people have different sets of skills conjured up by feeling and this, like almost everything else, is beyond me.
"You need to be able to dispel it yourself," I frowned. "Or we could wait for the cool down," I mumbled as I noted the time hovering transparently on the top right hand corner of my vision. Which is who knows when. But since she was new, her skills shouldn't last too long.
"Haru has to meet up with Tsuna and everyone," she muttered. I have to meet up with Jazmin soon too, this girl.
I just nodded and knelt down, sitting down onto the dirt ground of a path in the middle of the grassy plains. How did we even end up in this situation? I told her to try and stop the monster and… I don't even know. Well whatever. I liked the cool breeze of this field that picked up off the scent of a fresh, lush grass.
...
2 minutes.
"Haru."
"Yes?"
"Why is this not disappearing?" I frowned. How is this even so strong? Lasting for so long? Is she a natural?
She pursed her lips in thought before something seemed to have hit her. What-
I leaned back as she leaned in further, her eyes sparkling for some odd reason. "I know why!"
"W-Why…"
"It's because of my….. UNDYING LOVE FOR TSUNA-SAN!"
Huh.
"Come again?" I frowned. Love?
"While I was killing that little slime, it just reminded me of my wonderful Tsuna-san and then..BAM!-"
Bam.
'BAM' she said.
AS SHE PUNCHED ME.
SHE PUNCHED ME.
"Haru…."
"Hahi! S-SORRY SAKURA-CHAN. I DIDN'T MEAN TO-"
Mean to get yourself killed?
I raised my fan, the purple flame lit it up in a glow and I think everything around me turned purple as well as I towered over her. "Haru."
"P-Please wait! I.. I still haven't married Tsuna-san.. A-And have 8 children.. A-And … and... live on a farm. With cows! Please- Please don't kill me. For the cows! You know..Oink! W-Wait no not oink.. like Moo. Moo!... F-For the cows!"
For the cows, she said.
For the cows, I lifted up my fan in malicious intent and I think she shrunk, cowering in fear.
Then it disappeared.
The electric cage collapsed and I sighed, closing my fan. I glanced down at her as I heard a relieved sigh and I felt bad for her again. It wasn't like I was really mad.
I held out a hand to her and she seemed a bit shocked. And now she thinks I'm a bad person. Awful and mean. Maybe she wasn't too wrong anyways. I almost took my hand back until she gently placed hers on mine. Wow. She's really trusting. Not like I didn't already realize the first moment I met her.
I helped her up and she smiled happily. "Thank you, Sakura-chan! And for not killing me!"
I sighed. "It was for the cows."
She laughed heartily, so whimsical. "Cows are nice." …...can we just stop with the cows?
I took note of the time on the corner of my vision. "I have to go soon and I assume you do too?" She nodded quickly. "Then let's get you back to town but I have to go right after. Did you at least understand most of the basics?"
"Y-Yes! Thank you so much, Sakura-chan. Can Haru add you as a friend?" She grinned, showing her dimples. I nodded and sent her a quick invite in which she seemed excited to accept. I think she's overly too ecstatic about everything in this game but.. Then again, I remembered the feeling I first received when I started and I suppose I can't blame her at all.
[ Haru Miura has become your friend. ]
"Then, let's go," I smiled.
{ ... }
So I'd like you to tell you a story of once in high school when I met a really nice boy. Though he wasn't the one of my dreams, we got along pretty well. Somehow, one way or another we became really close friends and tried dating each other after finally admitting our feelings. Despite all the wonderful memories and everything we went through, college was thrown in our way. With our differing passions, we decided to head off to separate schools and with tears in our eyes, we both agreed to break up. Three- no, four years had passed until we finally met again. It started off with awkward conversations, awkward laughter, awkward silence but...things became like old times again. And before we knew it-
Oh.
The stun was over.
"Phew, that was like a five minute snare."
"I almost thought you afked," she smiled teasingly and landed down next to me on the rocky field.
"I did. I also lived out half my life before that was over," I sighed as I got up, dusting myself off as if it mattered.
"Me too," she laughed and I looked at her HP that floated beside her. It really was half and I sarcastically rolled my eyes (a feat that I could only do online).
But I ended up laughing even as I covered my mouth with my fan. "I beg the stars above.. Hear my wish, heed my sincerity. Return what has been lost in exchange for my unwavering faith. Heal!"
The yellow bar of HP quickly filled up in green and she was back to full health after the glittering particles seemed to absorb into her avatar's skin.
"Thanks!" She said before getting into another stance, sliding one foot back. In a quick half a second, she dashed forward, blowing up dust from behind. The harpie screeched as Jazmin lunged herself at it, so loudly that I had to cover my ears. With a graceful swordsmanship and fencing skills, Jazmin finished the harpie off in perhaps five swift combos with her rapier. The hideous thing of tattered brown wings with crazy black hair, soul-less black eyes, and torn ragged clothing disappeared in a shatter of particles and I sighed.
I was ready to say good job when-
"Sakura, watch out!"
What-
Fangs-
Orange ribbons.
Shatter.
My eyes widened as the oncoming danger disappeared in a second after an orange burst of energy. I let out a breath of relief as the girl landed down in front of me, white musket held with two hands, smoke coming out from the top where she just released the sky flamed burst from.
"Mami," I smiled.
Mami was a girl that we found at a safe zone in a dungeon. She had short red hair and her bangs covered her face despite the dark red cherry clip that proved to be insignificant in holding up her hair. She had appeared to be struggling in trying to finish the dungeon or escape from it.
When asked why she was there, she timidly replied that she wanted to become stronger for her little brother and the rest of their guild. That was when I noticed the seal on the back of her right hand, sort of like a compass with three outer rings of circles and flame like shape coming from the top. I, out of curiosity, asked her what guild she belonged in. And she replied saying it was a small guild called Simon, one made up of just her friends and little brother. We spoke for awhile until we realized the time. Jazmin and I invited her to the party and escorted her out. At the end of the day, she added us after the quick friendship and a lot of gratitude.
It was three days later when the three of us met up again in town. We decided to do some quick shopping. Along the way, she tripped over something and Jazmin teased her saying it was because her hair was covering her eyes. Though I wasn't sure why I acted on instinct or on curiousity, but I pulled up her bangs without permission.
She tensed up immediately, her red eyes (to my surprise) widened as she turned as red as her hair. I apologized and told her that she was really pretty and that there was no need for her to hide her hair. After some reassuring, I somehow managed to get her to use that cherry clip of hers to pin her hair back.
Now whenever I see the Mami with held back bangs, warm red eyes, and a flowy dark green long sleeved dress that brought out the brightness of her beautiful reds, I don't regret acting on impulse at all. I'm glad it seemed to have given her some confidence because she really was pretty and it was a waste to have her hair covering her face.
"Sakura-chan, you must be careful," she lectured as she gave me a smile of her own after finishing around three more harpies. I'm suddenly very glad Jazmin had convinced me earlier last week to let her join us. We wouldn't have been able to finish this, easily.
I laughed shortly, "Sorry, sorry. I owe you one."
She shook her head and the short layers of her hair shifted accordingly, "I would've been dead several times if it weren't for your heals." She toggled the item menu and unequipped her white muskets, allowing it to disappear.
I gave her shoulder a squeeze before turning back to Jazmin. "Everything is cleared, right?"
Jazmin nodded as she walked closer. "We really ought to get more people to join the party. These monsters are getting tougher."
"Hm? Mm...yeah."
She sighed before slinging her arm around my neck. "You and your trust issues!"
"I do not have-!" I defended myself. Not like I expect most people to backstab me. "I… I just… We don't need more people."
"Why not? You like Mami, don't you?" She teased. I looked over at Mami, feeling bad that she got dragged into this. The girl fidgeted a bit and I could tell she was embarrassed.
"Of course!" I said and frowned.
"Let's just teleport back," I mumbled after a while. "I'm tired."
"Want to go to a restaurant?" Jazmin asked.
I shook my head and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, I have a meeting after this before relogging back on for the event."
The event was in the late evening, the start of a summer event. Most people were now on summer break so I'm certain that it'll be super crowded with people, especially because if you're logged on specifically at 7 PM and on this day, you'll get a limited time exclusive item. Apparently it was a gift, a stronger upgrade with good stats for your main weapon of choice.
"Ooooh. Could it be…" she smirked as she got closer, nudging me with this funny expression.
"W-What?" I tensed up, frowning.
"Sakura...got… a boyfriend?!" She exclaimed, throwing herself onto me from behind, arms around my neck.
If only knew she knew..
That my meeting was with the GM. I wonder how she would have reacted instead (probably the same). I can't win.
I pretended to push her away, minimal effort. "No!"
She laughed as she continued to cling on as we walked or in other worlds, as I dragged her along. "Awww, are you waiting for… Hibari?"
I halted, feeling my face grow hot, an indication that I was blushing. "N-No!"
God. She makes it seem like he was some high school crush or something of mine. Like the most popular guy in school that was cool and unapproachable- Wait, no. That might not be too far off.
Not like I actually liked him. I admired him-
The sound of laughter cut off my thoughts and I turned around to the noise. She quieted down immediately and blushed, "S-sorry.. I didn't mean to laugh.."
"No," I smiled as Jazmin let go and I walked over, putting a hand on the red haired girl's shoulder. "You should laugh more often. You're very cute!" I laughed and she ended up shying away more.
"T-Thank you," she mumbled softly.
I took out one of the teleport crystals, a beautiful sapphire. "Teleport, Lyncra!"
The crystal glowed and my vision blurred in a light of sky blue and white. When it cleared, I found myself along with the other two in the middle of Lyncra's town square. People were bustling about and talking to another, laughing or arguing. Some were sitting alone, walking alone. But most were partied up together. Most were players, some were NPCs. There was also an abundance of player stands and restaurants ran by NPCs in sight.
I nodded agreeingly before stopping. The two of them halted to a stop in front of me. "Well then, I'll be taking my leave now. Thanks for a fun day!" I waved, the other hand was used to toggle the menu to log out, and the last thing I saw was their smiles before the screen blocked out-
Static. Loud, slicing.
It felt as if my soul was going to leave my body and was suddenly slammed right back in.
"Sakura?"
I opened my eyes, adjusting to see the faces I just thought I left behind. I frowned, rubbing my head, already expecting an oncoming headache.
I toggled the menu again, my eyes widening. "What-"
Jazmin took a step behind me and gasped. "Where's the log out button?" She tried toggling her own and her eyes only widened in disbelief.
I looked over at Mami who nodded and tried it herself. Her hand seemed to have been shaking slightly as her eyes widened as well. "It's not here."
I pursed my lips. "Perhaps the server is glitching because too many people are logging on," I offered as an explanation. Jazmin nodded understandingly while Mami just continued looking down. I walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ah well, it's okay. How about we go to the restaurant?" I looked over at Jazmin who agreed with a warm smile.
I'm sure the GM would understand if I didn't make it back on time because of HIS game. And maybe then, he'd notice something was wrong. Seriously, what is he doing?
{ ... }
Darkness- What-
Loud. Too loud.
I opened my eyes slowly, adjusting. And gasped. What the hell-
There was too many people. Too many. A forced teleport, summon. Of EVERYONE in the game? Is this part of the event? And where's Jazmin? Mami?
But why is it in a run down, entirely large colosseum? Too many people. Too crowded. Suffocating. Disgusting. People didn't even fit on the broken down seats or the torn down hallways. The area smelled like rocks, dirt, and sun.
From where I was situated, a tallest point on the colosseum, I could see many people crowding outside in the wide, empty grassy plain around it. The view of a setting sun would have been beautiful on this point if it weren't for this. This looked.. distasteful. What is this? They were like a bunch of ants together. Too many. Way too many. Around a two hundred thousand people played UVSO at some point and right now it looked like at least five thousand- no-. Is it more? Seven? Ten?
Suddenly and dramatically, bright white large particles from the sky started gathering out of no where, materializing into a large object. With a flash of blinding light, the figure drew a lot of gasps. It was the face we know all too well.
Our GM, Byakuran.
White spiky hair, light lavender eyes that seem to stare into the deepest parts of you. A purple tattoo that looked like a stretched, upside down crown under his left eye.
"Good evening, everyone." As if good evening is the first thing you address to chaos. "As you're probably all aware now, logging out is disabled. But do realize that it is not a glitch. This is a new implement. You're all ….How should I put this?" he hummed happily with a diabolical grin. "Trapped. For life, or death. Until you figure out a way…..if there is one."
What- I tensed up automatically. There were a lot of gasps and some mutters. Some people forced a strangled laugh.
"I get it, it must be a joke!" Some guy near me voiced out.
I watched Byakuran's expression carefully and in his hologram's eyes, I found nothing more than determined seriousness. No. And for the months I've come to known him, I can tell that this was, for some impossible reason, not a joke.
"Believe me or not, this is entirely up to you. Oh. And if only you could tell your family members or friends to stop pulling out the helmet. It would only cause an electromagnet to fry your brain," he laughed as if it was not a serious matter. "Though you can't," he smirked. "So good luck with that."
My eyes widened. How would- But- What was father doing? Did he have anything to do with this? Of course not. Absolutely not. No way. Right?
People's voices became louder. Or maybe because everyone started talking all at once that it sounded more and more like buzzing. Shut up. Shut up.
"YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!"
"I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!"
I took a few steps back, away from the crowd into the deeper part of the hallways. There was too many people. It was too loud. Plus I couldn't really assess what was going on if I was squished in the middle of the bothersome crowd.
"Tcht!" I heard as I accidentally shoved into someone. "Watch it!" A silverette, almost shoulder length hair with bangs split in the middle to each side, green eyes, and a red hoodie.
I would've said sorry if he didn't act the way he did. Plus how the hell was I supposed to avoid bumping into anyone with this massive amount of people? And something about him seemed familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere.
"You're so rude, Hayato. It's not like she could avoid you in this crowd. God." Bless you, girl. She was a person of a shorter than average height, brown layered hair, red glasses, and wore a loose cream crop top with white skinny jeans.
"Shut up, shortie. And don't call me that!"
"How about I call you a prick instead, prick?" She stuck her tongue out at him and I looked away, not needing to hear anymore of this useless conversation. Plus, the noise level rose a significant amount and I turned around to- No. No no no.
As if to prove Byakuran's mentioned fact, people started shattering. Some. Several. Quite a lot- Half the crowded bursted into horror filled screams of disbelief as people near them started disappearing and I found myself biting down on my lip. Did they really...die? This should be a safe zone too. So it would normally be impossible unless you accepted a duel but...
"RELEASE US NOW!"
He smiled ever so innocently. "Oh but I guess the news are catching onto it pretty fast so. I guess the rest of you are spared," he hummed. "Unless you know, your family isn't watching."
Loud. It was so loud.
Some people started clinging onto each other. Some fell down to the ground in fear, cowering. Some started screaming. People just started moving restlessly, unnecessarily.
I guess I should too.
If I didn't know Byakuran enough to at least be less shocked about this. He had always been… different. Held his ordeals differently. Found every possible way to get anything he ever set out to achieve.
And with our conversations, I suppose I was almost not at all surprised. I was only surprised it was possible. And maybe, I wasn't overreacting because maybe…...It was what I passively wanted deep down.
"If I was not already clear on this.. If you die, you won't respawn. No second chances. If you die, your brain will also receive the transmission. Then you'll actually die. So take this as reality, since it is now," he nodded in approval of his sick concept. This caused a louder, much louder disturbance in the crowd and I willed myself to block out most of the volume.
So I liked the idea of living in a virtual world or any other than our own. But I did not condone the act of capturing unwilling people and sending them into a life prone to death. There were strong monsters, strong enemies. And a world without rules, prison, police, and boundaries…...This can't be good.
"MY FATHER IS A LAWYER!" Shut the hell up. If your father isn't a genius scientist or someone that can get us out of this, you can kindly shut the hell up.
I bit my thumb. But what about our actual bodies? Nutrition? The hospitals were going to be jammed with people. And then the families? And friends? Then economic factors-
I narrowed my eyes at the floating head of spiky white hair and pale lavender eyes. Byakuran, just what are you doing? Planning? Or planned?
I scanned around my surroundings to fully assess the already obvious state of this situation, almost taking a 360. Then I froze.
Is that really-
The tousled black hair, piercing eyes… The intimidating demeanor. I don't think I'm wrong, but he was a bit far. Though even so, I could tell (if it was him) that he seemed much.. better than on screen. Leaned against a column, hands in his pocket. Oh dear. And…..was he looking this way? At me?
I tensed at my own thoughts, feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Not to mention my heartbeat was rising incredibly fast and was thumping passionately. Titanium tier Hibari was in reach of me and I… I took a step forward without thinking. I want to- But I snapped out of it when long black hair whipped by me, trailing a scent of some perfume as it temporarily filled half my vision. Want to what?
I turned to my side and I recognized her after a short moment, woman of silky black hair with straight bangs and dark plum colored eyes. That was 'Athena', Vongola's wise and 'cool' member that also happened to be a popular idol. Not like she participated in any of the streams or articles but people talk about her often. She was strong, calm, collected, and apparently skilled. Athena was their strategist, a support, but rumors went that she's also starting to become a good sniper. She walked straight with much confidence and I could tell that she didn't give a single thought to anyone.
This Athena person was walking...straight towards... him. I had to stop myself from frowning out of instinct. I never thought about it really, that they were in the same guild. Even though I suddenly remembered scrolling past a small forum topic on how they would make a good couple. He wasn't anything to me obviously but the thought of him and her together made me feel uncomfortable. Jealousy?
He was still looking in this direction and now I'm 99% sure he was watching her. Perhaps 1% was my undeniable, persistent yet impossible wish. That maybe, just maybe, for some odd reason that out of thousands of people, he was looking at me. Then again, it can't be and my conscious mocked me for even letting such a thought slip in.
That thought completely shattered, thrown into oblivion in which I much rather forget, when she stood in front of him to speak about something. He watched her for a moment before smirking. Or was it smiling? She placed a hand onto his arm, leaning in. Uh-
I whipped my head away, realizing I don't really care or want to know because it wasn't my business, and focused my attention on the crowd that started to disperse a bit. People started pounding against the invisible boundaries, screaming and yelling in either anger or fear ...or both. Byakuran's head was still laughing and I'm sure he was amused at everyone who was trying to escape or those swallowed in pure despair. As I wondered if he was always like that, the question vanquished when he smirked.
"Oh. And one more factor. You might want to check your character stats," he advised. As if in a trance or in a state of united curiosity, everyone opened up their menu and pulled up the window. What-
Gasps. Too many.
Muttering. Too loud.
Disbelief. Evident, reasonable.
"A reset?" I hissed along with everyone else.
No- What- Why?
Thrown into the world that now actually jeopardized our life, filled with monsters that only grow in strength and numbers as we advance- And a RESET? Reset on skills? And stats? And- God. Who knows what else? How are we going to-
Byakuran's transparent eyes still showed traces of amusement and I felt my nails dig into my palm. "Since it'll be more realistic this way.. It won't be as simple conjuring up the skills you did before, especially magic ones. So have fun with that~!"
Had he always been a sadistic, controlling bastard?
"OH. And since I'm a kind god, maybe I'll give you a hint after all. All throughout KHR, there are towers that summoned. If you can clear those towers, maybe you'll understand a bit more. And not like you wouldn't expect it but, there are a lottttt of strong monsters," he said happily as if he was talking about free desserts.
I felt my fists clench down harder at my sides. But I sighed, releasing them.
"That is all. Good luck with…" he smirked. "Your new reality."
As if on cue with his disappearing head, the ground rumbled under us. What the- I almost fell onto the ground along with a few people if I didn't level myself against the stone wall. The cause seemed to be a very, very tall stone tower south of this town that seemed to have emerged from nowhere, or well, the ground.
I watched for another moment as people started to spill out everywhere, whether it was tears out of their eyes or their panicked self out of the area. I took a deep breath and took a step back outside into the open area once there were less people.
Amidst the chaos and disorder of a dispersing crowd, I found myself raising an arm up above my head. I stretched my fingers apart against the infinite sea of orange as I usually did and perhaps I smiled just a bit, analyzing the way my hand looked under a virtual sky. No-
The new reality's sky.
A/N: The two OCs slightly revealed in this chapter is Shin, Kurenai by Arcilia and 'Athena' which is my own. I will not post a description yet because this was just a glimpse of them. When they have an actual role, I will definitely do so. Other OCs will be revealed perhaps in the next or chapter after (still writing). :)
Also, I gave Haru a lightning flame because she apparently had that one in one of the DS games. A majorette because it reminded me of this picture i saw of Haru, Yamamoto, and Hibari in the disciplinary committee.
Mami Kozato is from KHR, Enma's sister but I have to basically fill in everything about her since I've decided to add her in. I thought it'd be fun to base her weapons after Mami from Madoka since they have the same name LOL.
KHR is going to be the initials for the world in UVSO though I don't know what it should stand for yet. Any suggestions?
Thank you for reading, my wonderful readers! It'd be amazing if you guys could review and tell me if there was a flaw in my explanation or portrayal of characters. Suggestions and advices? Or perhaps if I did a pretty good job? It makes me really happy to hear what you guys say and most of the time, it makes my day. ^_^
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