Under a Virtual Sky [Online]
A/N: Sorry if it seems a bit rushed or moving too fast.. but.. I don't know. I was watching SAO and they moved fast so I figured might as well. Also since I have a LOT of ideas and I couldn't wait to have them released, oops. Let me know if it's too fast though. :c But here it is!
I'd like to mention that Tsuna and most others (that were his age in the anime) are 16, so the Tsuna you'll see in this story will be more mature, braver, wiser, and not-so-much-a-pushover. Because of their age, Ryohei (and Sakura) is 17 and Hibari is 18. Lambo, I-Pin will be 13. Fuuta will be 15. Others will be announced later.
To guest reviewer (since I can't reach you via PM) AND to another reviewer who brought this to my attention (SmileRin) : I did not change people's looks because... Well you see. I'm an IDIOT (putting it out there now) and I realized that it was explained in a deleted chapter that I took out. I completely facepalmed myself upon remembering...so..
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The reset did not change people's appearance back into what they look like in real life because UVSO was made so that your character creation only allowed the options of changing hair, hair color, hair length, and eye color.
Also, I think I'm going to close OC submissions unless you're okay with a really minor role. Or that you'd like to make a guy character (more needed) but other than that, thank you so very much to the people who did so. :)
CHAPTER THREE
"Fuck."
C'mon… One.. Two.. Three-
"Shit."
UGH. Okay again. One.. Two.. Threee-
"Holy fu-"
"SAKURA."
"What?" I frowned, turning over to Jazmin. Here I am, seventeen, and on the verge of killing myself. OUT OF FRUSTRATION.
Well, if I died now at least I died in a peaceful, breezy area with lush green grass. The usual light blue sky that stretched beyond everything and the only thing that interrupted it in my line of sight was the mountains, far back and faded it into the distance almost like a dream.
"Stop cussing," she sighed. Jamzin hopped off the tall stump she was sitting on and walked closer to me. She stopped in front of me, brushing off any dirt that may have collected on the behind of her black skinny jeans while readjusting her loose white chiffon blouse.
"But holy shit, look at this-" I raised up my cherry blossom silver ring.
"A puppy dies every time you cuss," she raised an index finger.
"Well shit." Just for good measures.
"Sakura!"
I sighed. "What?"
"What's your favorite breed of dogs?"
I frowned. "I don't know. A husky?"
"Well a husky just died."
I gasped exaggeratedly just to satisfy her. "No. Way."
She laughed and I think it might be a bit contagious because I joined her, despite my annoyance rising to its peak. "So what's up?" She leaned in closer to the ring, her lavender bangs falling down slightly over her eye.
"THIS IS WHAT'S UP." The small little purple flame held out for only three seconds. Three! A weak flame. "God da-"
"Husky."
"God dangit."
"Better."
"You know what? I don't even like dogs that much. God damnit." Oh no. A puppy. Just kidding, I really do care about puppies.
"Then what do you like?"
"...Cats- OKAY, DOES IT MATTER? LOOK AT THIS." I shoved my hand near her face, the little flame ignited only for another three second. I sighed exasperatedly. Frustrated.
"Sakura, calm down. You do know that everyone is on the same level as you or can't even produce it for a second?"
"Whatever, miss 5 seconds," I rolled my eyes jokingly. I put my hand down to my side, brushing against the pure white summer dress, my fingers stretching down almost to the end of my dress.
"You're the one that was able to remaster your magic spells."
I was able to only remaster five of my main spells but then again, I think that'll be enough. After the change in this world, it now takes a great deal of energy to cast them. Well at least, for now while we're still not used to it. Everything just felt so...real.
"Some. And you know it took me hours and days, to the point of collapsing." It was a lot and a lot, of work.
"Yeah but, not a lot of people were able to."
"I think they just have to imagine it."
"It's more difficult with the reset," she frowned, a beautiful frown. Why is she pretty no matter what she does? It's just not fair.
"Yeah, you actually have to FEEL it. What am I even supposed to be feeling for to get this flame?" I mumbled.
That's what everyone says, or well, the pro players. You have to feel for the flame, think of it. Imagine it. And then something about a hidden trick that people aren't so sure of. Except probably, the Vongola of course.
"For the love of puppies," she giggled. I don't think Jazmin knew of the unspoken rule where you're not supposed to laugh at your own joke. But I'm not going to tell her.
I rolled my cyan eyes and sighed. Geez, what is with all these people and animals? Haru and cows. Now Jazmin and puppies. "Stop. I don't even… You know what. Cussing is bad, makes me seem less ladylike." I don't even like cussing.
"Then why do you cuss?"
"I don't know. It's a game- Wait."
"Yeah," she smirked.
"Okay well, I didn't do it before I played games. Now it's just… I don't know. Natural."
"Well stop. For the all the cat-husky-cheesecakes of the world."
"Cheesecakes?"
"I don't know, I like cheesecakes. Do you?"
It's actually one of my favorites. "Yeah-" I frowned. "STOP DISTRACTING ME."
She laughed again and this time, I willed myself to concentrate.
"Sakura, why are you even trying so hard to ignite the flame?"
"Well how else am I going to fight?"
She sighed. "I mean you don't have to-"
"I do."
And my flame lit, longer. Three.. Four… Five!
"J-Jazmin!"
"Nice!" She grinned happily for me.
I stared my ring for awhile. Is it because..
"So why do you have to fight?"
"How else are we going to get out here?" Not like I personally wanted to. Call me a saint or don't believe me but, I feel like it's partly my responsibility to get people out of here. Father and what not, you know.
If only I wasn't so weak.
"I think the Vongola guild has things pretty much under control."
"We can't just leave things to other people. Not to mention they haven't even cleared the first tower yet."
She nodded. "Though.. I think I heard most of them can fully ignite their flames. Only took a single try."
"Of course," I sighed. "I hate people like that." Jealous, I am.
"Liar," she smirked and I grinned.
"I know," I felt the corner of my lips curve just a bit.
"I'm sure your Hibari did it quickly and ignited a huge flame. As if the reset didn't even affect him."
"He's not MY anything." Though it might be nice.. Maybe. Who knows? Not me. "And yeah. Probably. Even in real life he can probably wrestle an alligator with a spoon or whatever." Imagine that. That'd be the sight to see. A handsome, strong alligator wrestler. With a spoon. I wonder how much I'd pay for that.
"You think so?"
"Yeah- ..S-STOP distracting me." She laughed and I groaned in response.
Staring down at my ring, I decided I should give it go. Not like it totally gave me a headache or something. Feel it. Feel what? All I feel is the pain in my head.
I'm missing something. The 'trick'. But what is it?
Or is it what I think I've discovered?
But either way, I'm exhausted. And I suppose trying to wring out a flame wasn't going to do me any good.
"Nevermind, I think I'm done."
"Change of mind?" she smiled, probably relieved she didn't have to continue watching an angry teenager use every cuss word possible in the world.
"Headache," I muttered, ruffling my pink hair and brushing through the long strands with my fingertips, ending past my waist.
"Want to go into town?" she asked, putting a hand on my shoulder.
I nodded slowly. I was a bit scared to go into town. Because well….To say the atmosphere was 'bad' would be an understatement.
{ ... }
It's been nearly a week since we were all stuck in the game. Slowly, one by one, people started shattering. Dying. Unable to respawn.
It drove the rest of them crazy, paranoid, fearful. People were restless. Some started giving up on fighting, staying in the comforts of the inns in town. Sometimes, they would just break down in the middle of the day. Shudder, cry, yell. Loud, it was all too loud.
Less and less people signed up for the frontlines. Less and less continued to venture into the world and dungeons. Less and less people kept their mentality, their determination. Their strength, their faith, their willpower, their bravery. Their sanity.
It had only been a few days too. I don't even know how many people we lost. Maybe a thousand? The numbers were definitely dwindling and the atmosphere went from fear, to determination, to misery. But obviously, not all of us lost faith.
Jazmin and I were walking down the streets of town, mostly the market place and alleyways. Lately, people have been dropping randomly. They didn't shatter but it was like they lost connection, falling limply as their eyes blank out as if they were like a robot that just got shut down. As if a power switch turned them off.
In the corner of my eye, I saw a pretty older woman maybe around her forties. She was clutching the wall but all of a sudden, she crashed. By instinct, I ran to her. Kneeling down, I tried to hold her up.
"Hey, are you okay?" I'm pretty sure she couldn't hear me. And I don't think she's in any actual state of danger. I grabbed her hand and looked into her blank face but I just saw a dull, darkened brown in her lifeless eyes.
Our guess, most of the community's, is that people were going 'offline' to be transferred to hospitals. It would make the most sense since we can't hold out long.
I haven't gone 'offline' but I'm assuming it's because I was hooked up in the lab where my father should be watching over now and then. So technically, I was already in a 'hospital' but just not actually.
I rested the woman slowly onto the wall, nothing else I could do for her but wait till she recovers or take her to an inn. I looked up to my lavender haired friend and she nodded, knowing fully what I wanted to do. Since it was something that we did often.
It was the least I could do.
For them.
...
After some minutes, with Jazmin's help, we got her safely to the nearest inn. It was a small and a bit less populated one in the middle of town. The waiting area or the living room smelled a lot like lemon grass, a scent I'm sure they found fitting for a cozy area consisting of pastel yellow walls, light colored decors, and white or cream colored furniture.
I sighed as I leaned onto a wall, Jazmin by my side.
"What now?" She asked. "Back to training or?"
"I don't know-"
What- I jumped as the screen popped down out of no where.
[ Audio Call from Haru Miura ]
I looked to Jazmin, finding an understanding nod so I pressed the accept button. A transparent black screen dropped down with a symbol of a microphone.
[ Connected. ]
"Sakura-chan!" Haru's voice rang through, a bit panicked.
"What is it, Haru?" I asked, worried.
"Sakura-chan, did you happen to um.. remaster your support spells?"
"Uh.. Mostly.. Why?" Like five. But I think that's all I'm going to remaster. I don't think I'm going to be maining support roles any longer.
"Haru needs your help desu! Well not Haru but… we need it!"
"We? Who's 'we'?"
"Tsuna and others."
"You've been saying 'Tsuna' this and 'Tsuna' that but I don't know a Tsuna-"
"Um. Hello?" A male voice came up, a bit reserved and timid sounding.
"Hi..?" I answered, a bit unsure.
"I'm sorry this isn't really a proper introduction. I'm Tsuna, the uh… guild master of Vongola." He- Wait what.
Wait. What.
But Haru- Oh dear. I'm… I gave a bewildered expression to Jazmin but I didn't actually do it on purpose. She raised an eyebrow but gestured her hands about as her mouth silently formed 'speak'.
"A-Ah uh. Nice to meet you.." I mumbled.
He chuckled softly. "I apologize for asking something of you even though I don't really know you but one of our members became really.. ill. We're not entirely too sure of the causes. Though it's a tough request to ask for, it'd be nice if you can try healing him."
Tough request? Rather, impossible. If he was ill in real life and it was affecting him in the game, it's nothing my in game spells can do.
I raised an eyebrow to Jazmin and she merely shrugged.
But a request from THE guild master of Vongola, the number one guild.. How could I say no?
"I'll try my best," I smiled though they couldn't see me through the audio chat. "Where should I go?"
"Please come to our headquarters." Vongola's headquarters! And I'm invited, oh my. I gave Jazmin a grin and she clapped softly but enthusiastically for me. "It's a huge mansion located off to the west of the town, Cecily. It's the biggest thing in sight, you can't miss it." Of course it is.
"Okay, got it!" I spoke, too excited.
"Do you need uh, an escort?" he asked.
"Nope, I'll be fine. Thank you." I actually kept up with my exp, skill leveling. I've been practicing my combat (carefully). So I shouldn't be too bad (I hope).
"Then, we'll see you soon?"
"Yes. Give me an hour at most," I replied. Though I couldn't wait any longer.
"Okay then, please be careful."
'Will do!"
….
"Sakura-chan?" Haru!
"You didn't tell me!" I accused, first thing that flew out of my mouth.
"Haru didn't know it was a big deal?"
"It is a VERY big deal." Very, very big.
She laughed over the speaker. "Well, it'll be nice to see you again."
"Yeah," I smiled. "I'll see you later."
"Okay! See you later, Sakura-chan!"
Click.
[ Call ended. ]
I squealed when I hung up, unable to keep in my excitement.
"Look at you, getting a request from the guild master of Vongola," Jazmin laughed putting both hands onto my shoulder. Vongola… Hibari… Oh no.
"C-Come with me!" I pleaded, suddenly feeling very nervous. But who wouldn't be?
"I can't, Sakura. Plus I'm sure they didn't want to attract a lot of people or else they would have put up a notice."
I pouted. "Yeah…" She had a point, as always.
She placed a hand on his shoulder with a grin. "Say 'Hi' to Hibari for me!"
"..N-No! And I probably won't even see him," I frowned.
"Ohhh? Are you disappointed?"
"No!...Yes. Maybe. I don't know- Anyways, see you later," I gave her a small smile as I took out a teleport rock.
She grinned. "See you. Good luck!"
"Though it's an impossible request," I mumbled. "Don't… You know."
Her smile shortened. "I won't. But, you too."
{ ... }
It was like forty five minutes, thirty to walk through the town. Fifteen minutes of dodging monsters and finding the quickest route. But it wasn't so bad.
Then there it was. A gigantic, beautiful mansion. Did I mention gigantic? If games were played like they were back in the old days, on a screen, I'm sure this would have filled up the entire thing.
But what was to expect from the number one guild? I'm sure they made a lot of money, especially together. Since well, they have almost all the high ranking players.
As I'm standing here, I had only question. Just…
How?
So I said an hour. That's a pretty good estimate because I took fifteen just to get to the front door of the mansion.
There were guards. A lot. Of guards.
Because they were located outside the town, so technically it wasn't in the 'safe zone'. But I can see why it is. How would this thing fit in the middle of the town? I'm sure it was almost one third the town just by itself.
Though I tend to exaggerate. So what do I know?
One of the guards assisted me to the front door but I'm sure 'assisting' meant more like 'ready to tackle me down and kill me just in case I tried to do something suspicious'.
When I entered (through very large doors), I almost ran into the girl on her way out. "Ah!" I accidentally voiced out loud upon realizing she looked familiar. Small. Brown layered hair, white pin. Red framed glasses. "You're the one from the colosseum day."
Her eyes widened before she remembered, smiling politely. "Oh! I remember. I'm sorry for my uh… friend. He kind of… sucks."
"It's fine, I'd be grumpy too," I said understandingly.
"Are you a new member or… Are you here for…"
"Um, I'm here upon request of-"
"Ah, Sakura-chan, is it?" A pretty small (for a guy of his age) brown haired male in a suit walked down from the very grand and velvet staircase, trailing his hand down the handles as he walked. I'm guessing that is…
"Tsuna-kun," the girl greeted.
Though I've seen him before on streams, he seemed much less intimidating. His brown eyes were warmer, softer. He also seemed a bit shorter than I expect him to be but I'm sure his spiky hair makes up for a lot of it. He seemed very.. cute. Like bunny-rabbit-cute.
"Oh, Kurenai-chan," he smiled. "Heading out?" He asked.
'Kurenai-chan' nodded before turning to me. "I'm Shin Kurenai, nice to meet you," she introduced herself as.
"I'm Nanase Sakura, a pleasure," I smiled.
"Well, I have to go now before Hayato becomes annoying!" She rolled her eyes upon mentioning 'Hayato'. "See you later!" She said as she waved to the two of us. He returned her gesture and she left, quickly as that.
"I'm glad you got here safely," Tsuna said with a soft smile.
"Thank you-"
"Ah! Sakura-chan! You're here already!" I heard before Haru came running at us, her brown ponytail bobbing up and down before she skidded to a stop. She was wearing a light pink blouse and denim shorts.
"Haru," I laughed. Always so enthusiastic. I wonder how the change in this game didn't affect her, but perhaps she's stronger than she appeared to be.
"Anyways, Sakura-chan. If you'll follow me," he gestured down a hallway and I nodded.
As he walked, Haru and I followed.
It was a burgundy corridor, lit with wall lamps, with many paintings in which I found myself interested in as our footsteps echoed down the hallway.
"I heard that you helped Haru out a lot. I appreciate it," Tsuna started, breaking the silence.
"Help? Ah. I didn't do much," I laughed softly.
"That's not true. Sakura-chan saved me from a high level boss monster."
"Ehhh? That's amazing-" Tsuna started.
"It was a level 3 slime."
"Ah," he chuckled, ruffling the back of his brown hair. "I'm sorry for any trouble that Haru may have caused. She's a bit clumsy."
"That's mean, Tsuna-san! Haru did not cause any trouble. Sakura-chan and Haru bonded," she nodded triumphantly. "Over cows!" She had to mention.
"Cows?" Tsuna blinked, turning over to me.
I shook my head. "No, no cows."
"Well, I'm going to go this way, I should prepare food," Haru smiled as she pointed to another direction. I nodded and she waved before leaving the both of us. Suddenly, I'm nervous again. Though he seemed like a kind, approachable guy.. It doesn't change that he's THE guild master of the NUBMER ONE guild. And I really need to stop thinking that over and over.
"This way, Sakura-san," he gestured down to the right and we turned the corner. He stopped by a door a few steps. "Then if you'll please," he smiled before turning the knob and opening it.
I took a step in and froze. No, gasped.
He-
And she-
I think my breath was caught in my throat. Oh- I think I should back out now. Leave. Run. Hide.
I was hit by a wave of regret. Regret that I didn't drag along Jazmin regardless of what she or anyone said.
I was not prepared for this. Not prepared at all-
My heart was working overtime. Out of all the people-
Focus, focus.
The field around him was covered in rain flames and I'm starting to question why they needed me here. The rain attribute's tranquility factor was much more better than anything my weak purple one can produce at this moment.
But I guess if it was solved they wouldn't need me here.
"Is something wrong?" Tsuna asked me.
"Uh n-no." No. Nothing is wrong about me standing in THE Hibari's room. Nothing wrong at all..
He nodded and turned to Athena.
She glanced at him before letting her flames die out, turning her cold plum colored gaze to me for only a moment. Silky looking long, straight black hair with straight bangs. A light gray blazer over a white shirt and black pants. Slender, tall, womanly.
I felt myself tense up but relaxed once she was gone, leaving without another word. And something told me we wouldn't get along.
"Sorry, don't mind her. She doesn't speak much," he smiled gently.
She sure seemed to be speaking about something the last time I saw her, I thought with a slight sense of bitterness. I reminded myself to not frown.
"So what's the matter?" I asked, not really daring to look at Hibari though he was unconscious. And attractive. Really, really attractive.
"I'm sure you're aware that people are becoming 'offline' lately?"
"Yes. I think it's because they're being transferred to hospitals," I replied.
He nodded. "Well Hibari-san seemed to be doing fine. But slowly he seemed to be more out of it. Eventually he just collapsed. It's been two days and he still hasn't woken up."
"TWO DAYS?" I accidentally said too loudly. I covered my mouth. "Sorry- But… But that's really.." my voice lowered in a weak type of way. "That's really bad," I whispered. For some reason I felt a little sad. Not like I knew him. But then again, I didn't have to.
"We tried what we could. We don't have very many supports. Athena basically does debuffs, nullifying movements kind of thing. We thought it would work if he was somehow in pain and.." Tsuna shook his head. "Our other supports aren't very skilled. And we thought maybe we could find someone else to..try."
I nodded slowly. "I'm not very.. uh. I mean after the reset, it kind of affected a lot of my power but..I could produce something. So I could definitely try but.." I frowned. "This might be because of his nutritional state."
Tsuna pursed his lips, his eyes glistening with worry. "I think so too. Hibari-san, I'm sure, lives alone.. and dislikes company or visitors."
My eyes widened as my hand came up to my mouth. "If he lives alone.. And… His food and water intake…." I suddenly felt weaker. "Well I … I honestly don't think my in game skills can do anything for him… But everything is worth the try, right?" I gave a small smile even though I felt like running away..
He seemed to brighten up just a bit. "Yeah."
Though I'm going to do more than just throw random skills on him.
"Uh.. Okay. Since I'm party leader with Hibari in it, I'll add you to it," he explained. I nodded and he pulled down the menu, sending me an invite.
[ Tsunayoshi Sawada has sent you a party request. ]
Wow never would I believe I'd see this day. The white transparent screen slid down in front of me and I pushed the blue button with the circle.
[ You are now in a party with Tsunayoshi Sawada and Kyoya Hibari. ]
Kyoya, huh. Kyoya. That's a nice name- Now's not the time, my conscious reminded me.
"Thank you," I smiled.
"No, I should be thanking you," he laughed softly. "Well I'll be leaving you to it then. If it he wakes up, just scream. Though I don't think I'd have to tell you," he joked but I don't find it very funny other than the fact that I feel miserable. I really might just die.
I laughed awkwardly and he waved, leaving.
Leaving me alone. In a room.
In THE room of Hibari Kyoya.
This has got to be a dream. A really weird dream. But now's not the time.
I walked over to the bedside, looking down at his sleeping expression.
And I think my heart just skyrocketed even more than earlier. How is it that this was originally a game but I felt emotions so much stronger than ever before in reality?
Then again, I've never really found anyone attractive in reality. Never bothered to look.
But him.
His pitch black disheveled hair, sprawled across the bed. His pale skin, the harmlessness of his facial expression minus the slight scrunching of his face in short moments where I assumed he was feeling uncomfortable. Though he looked peaceful at most and harmless, I couldn't help but want to see those steel gray eyes-
Help him, you idiot. Do your job. Remember why you're here.
And if… And something happens to him….
It'd be my fault.
But right now, I have to focus. Focus on the impossible first. And when I prove it's impossible, I'll have to try something else.
I sighed, holding up my fan. So Spring Winds would be completely pointless here. The Summer Rain cleanse might help. The heal might help.. But to be honest, none of them was going to do his real self any good.
The MOST anyone can live without water is a week. And I'm impressed, but not very surprised, that he lasted until this point even though the typical is three or four days. The thought of him dying just because of being stuck in this game made me feel dizzy and I wished I could just sink into the ground.
But that won't help anyone.
It won't help him.
I looked down at his face again and I had to glance away quickly. It definitely won't help being flustered.
I took a huge breath, willing myself to calm down. I have to try.
I have to try.
I pulled down the menu and equipped my fans, feeling a bit more steady as I did so. They always gave me some kind of strange reassurement.
"Relinquish in the unexpecting light shower, lose yourself in the pure droplets of a cleansing Summer Rain!"
As I chanted the spell, I imagined the small blue particles of a light rain. Feeling the tranquility in me and the comforting imagination of having the small 'droplets' landing lightly on me.
The words swirled around me until it circled around the ceiling, letting down tiny light blue particles shaped like the rain that seemed to seep into his skin, disappearing. The area around him glowed in a temporary blue before disappearing.
...And nothing.
He didn't move, didn't wake up. Didn't speak.
So I supposed it didn't work. Not like I expected it to.
I felt my heart beat faster again as I looked at him so I willed myself to look away. The first spell didn't use too much energy, at least not yet. Not yet.
So I tried again, with the healing spell.
"I beg the stars above… Hear my wish, head my sincerity. Return what has been lost in exchange for my unwavering faith.. Heal!"
This time, the glow was of a light green. Then gone.
Then nothing.
So I tried again.
And again.
And again.
I panted lightly, gripping the night stand. This was ridiculous.
This was useless, hopeless.
But if I don't…
If I don't succeed..
I glanced at his still figure, the panting grew. His eyebrows were furrowed and perhaps even glistening sweat particles were forming on his forehead, lightly damping his disheveled raven hair.
No.
But me, wasting my energy, casting the same spells…. Was doing nothing.
I wonder if it was because now, that I finally feel entirely pathetic, that I was able to somewhat calm down and noticed how gray his walls were. A medium shade of a blueish gray, one I'm sure would match his eyes perfectly.
I wonder if it was then too, that I wanted to actually see the color of his eyes, that I'm more determined than ever. I can't give up.
At least not until I tried everything.
I walked over the light gray colored bathroom, connected to his room. In it, I found a white face towel folded neatly on a silver shelf. Though it was technically unnecessary to have, I understand the feeling of wanting things to seem more like..reality.
Plus things, like this, are considered 'home' items. So they are technically a 'dropped' item, lingering in the area without actually being owned by someone. In other words, free for me to use.
I picked up the towel, feeling the soft fabric as I did, and walked over to the marble countered sinks. I turned the silver handle of the faucet and let cold water dampen the towel.
It's not like he was sick, nor did he have a fever, but perhaps it'd prove some relief. Perhaps.
The flooring changed from white tiles to wood as I re-entered his room, walking to the side of his bed. Though I'm scared, for a pretty reasonable thought, that he would wake up and yell at me, I placed the damp towel on his forehead anyways. Wiping away the particles and lightly brushing the towel over his face.
After folding it over to the other side, I rested the thing onto his forehead. Sighing, I realized what I have to do. And it wasn't going to be easy.
I pulled down my menu and scrolled down to my friend list. Pressing against a name I didn't want to really have to call, hovering over the 'full chat' knowing well that if I didn't, I couldn't assess his thoughts in the slightest. Hard enough as it is.
It was a painful moment of rings. Though perhaps it was about five, it was four more than enough for my anxiety.
[ Connected. ]
The moment the rings were over, I took a deep breath as a face appeared, shoulder up.
Spiky, messy white hair. Lavender eyes. And a very unique purple tattoo.
"Byakuran!" I 'yelled' in a way that wasn't too loud. Didn't want him to hang up on me and definitely did not want anyone to hear me. Though you can only hear through a door if you knocked.
"Sakura, Sakura. This is the millionth time you've called me. Miss me?" A wide smile stretching over his pale features.
"Sixth," I corrected. "And this time, hear me out. Please."
"Sakura-chan, I'm not going to release-"
"That's not it. There's a player that lives alone.. And his health is deteriorating.."
He raised an eyebrow, plopping a marshmallow into his mouth. "And why would I care?"
"Because it's Hibari Kyoya. Surely you've heard of him."
"Hibari Kyoya?" he smirked. "And your point?"
"He's strong."
"Is he?"
"Don't pretend like you don't notice," I frowned. "Would you really want to lose an interesting player like that?"
"Sakura-chan, though I'm easily bored. I'm doing this for other reasons."
"This is a GAME, Byakuran. And you can't enjoy a game without a good opponent."
He chuckled. "And what makes you think I can do anything about that?"
"Oh please. A man like you would not make himself stuck in a game without a way out or a back up plan. I'm sure you can get connections to the real world somehow."
"And why are you so sure?" he smirked as he played with a marshmallow, squishing it.
"Because I know you."
"Oh? Do you really?" he mused.
"Enough at least," I smirked back. "Well, will you get him medical attention?"
"I don't guarantee anything, Sakura-chan. There are many other enemies I can have fun with. That man is nothing to me. But what's he to you?"
I tensed. "Byakuran-"
"Sakura-chan, surely I don't owe you anything," a smile playing on his lips and I knew he wanted more than what he was saying.
"Then. About your request-"
"Ah, ah. That. Sakura-chan, you see that's no longer a problem. Now that we're here.. Unless you know, you loved me anyways-"
"Byakuran."
"That tone isn't making me feel any more obliged to fulfill your silly little request."
"It's not silly. Byakuran, if he dosen't-"
"Why do you care?"
"...Because…. Because it'd be my fault too," I bit my lip as a tear rolled down. Fuck.
He raised an eyebrow, eyes questioning me. "And why-"
"Byakuran-sama. Yuni-sama is requesting an audience from you," a voice came from the background.
He turned his head around in the hologram. "Tell Yuni-chan I'm on my way." But when he turned away, he had this smile on him that I kind of wished I could wipe off. "Well, Sakura-chan. I'm busy."
"Byaku-"
[ Call Ended. ]
Click. Gone.
...Now what?
I sighed, slumping back down on the chair feeling more exhausted than ever.
Tired. I feel so tired.
I stared down at his sleeping face. Without thinking, the back of my hand softly brushed against his cheek. And for a second, I imagined him to wake up and glare at me. Something I'd think he'd do. But now…
"I'm so sorry…" I whispered as I placed my hand onto his, squeezing. We don't know each other.. But…
If he dies… If he disappears in this world…
Then in the other one…
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Don't die…" I mumbled. This was ridiculous. This was stupid. But.. But… "We haven't even met yet." And I'm suddenly very glad he was asleep. What was I even saying?
Him.. people.. everyone. They got dragged in what seemed to be innocent conversations of 'what-if-it-was-possible-that-the-virtual-world-was-reality' with Byakuran and myself.
And if this world didn't exist…
They wouldn't have to..
I bit my lip, feeling the hot tears rolling down my cheeks. Pathetic.
Useless. Worthless.
'Why do you care?'
Why do I?
I shook my head, dispelling the unwanted thoughts.
I have to.
I have to because.. It was partially my fault.
Keep trying. Keep trying!
So I gripped my fan.
"Relinquish in the…"
Nothing.
"...Return what has been lost.."
Nothing.
"...Summer rain!"
Nothing!
Please wake up. Please.
Nothing…
Please!
"..heal."
Heal.
Heal!
Tired. I'm tired but...
...
Nothing.
Noth-...
...
..
Ugh.
My back hurts, I'm sore. I lifted my head up, feeling a headache.
Where was I-
My eyes darted all around, frantically.
Gray. White. Room.
Bed. Covers. Tousled.
He-
Where-
Empty.
Empty..
Suffocating. Pounding. Twisting. Aching.
It can't be-
The party?
Not there.
Not there.
Empty. Gone.
Gone.
No.
No. No- NO.
NO!
A/N: OC in this chapter by Arciia
Name: Shin Kurenai (Last-First, meaning Crimson Truth)
Nicknames/Titles: Reri-chan (Because she started the argument on how to pronounce Retard, either re or ri dfgdfgj)
Gender: Female
Age: 16
Hair : Brown, Long straight layered hair, with side bangs parting to the right w/c is usually pinned by a white hair pin.
Eye Color: Red (the one on the left is crimson red and the right one is carmine)
Nationality: Japanese-English (Dad's Japanese and Mom's English)
Family: Shin Yumiko
Flame Attribute: Storm
Job/Class: Slayer
Weapon of Choice: Scythe; Two swords and darts for emergencies.
Normal Clothes: loose cream three quarter shirt, white skinny jeans and doll shoes; black hoodie with 'no s***' written in the middle, white skinny jeans/shorts and black converse. Red glasses.
Equipment: short crimson red kimono with white sakura petals as a design and a black/yellow obi and geta
Personality: a sarcastic brat, good at linguistics and logic. Indifferent, protective, short-tempered, has trust issues, has contagious laughs and smiles when she does smile/laugh and a huge prankster. Indifferent - she doesn't really give two s*** about other people, and only gets protective when she opens up to you (well when you gain her respect and when you do something she thinks is trustworthy.) Short-tempered - when she does open up to you, she get's easily pissed when you tease or make fun of her
. Scythes. Darts.
Dislikes: Being called short
Weakness: unarmed combat
Strength: armed combat, best at close range though still skilled at long and mid range
Some facts: has good accuracy; has a good voice, though sucks at instruments.
Background: Kurenai comes from a rich family, her father died and then her mom met her step-father, though ever since her father died, her mom's attitude/personality took a 180 degree change. She get's disappointed easily, she favored her elder sister (the oh-so-perfect-but-not-so-perfect-actually) since Kurenai looks like her dad. One day, well she gave up trying to please her mom and decided to just not give a s*** to anything anymore, and then she came across the internet and there she found UVSO. Her trust issues and stuff, well she had a bestfriend once, who she really cared about and all then she found out that the girl was just using her for her money.
Reviews are always appreciated and helpful in every way. :)
One review = one cow for Haru? LOL!