Chapter – 28
Strength – SAO Integral fragments
After getting ready, we exited the SBC Glocken via an escalator as large screen monitors were displayed throughout the buildings. Some of them were news, some were weather forecast, but most of them were news platforms to notify players about upcoming GGO events, most of them were about the upcoming Bullet of Bullets event whose registrations were about to open in one week.
Mascot announcer: And with that, we conclude the latest update of the new upcoming SMG weapons. In other news, the most infamous game everyone knows as Sword Art Online, still has over 6,171 players still alive and trapped within the game. There is still no reports of the game getting cleared or any other lives lost within these past few months. We can only hope for the best and wish all the remaining players' good luck as they bring an end to this nightmare.
You: (So many lives and so many floors… yet here I am in a different game unable to help those still trapped in SAO… with so many lives at steak and this government request, I feel like as I have more dreadful responsibilities as a teenager then the average adult… I keep asking myself, how did it come to this? Even if I haven't been accepted for the SAO beta testing, would things still have stayed the same…?)
Thinking about that, my memories flash past my friends, all smiling and having fun, even though their lives are in danger... Koharu, my best friend and partner, the first partner I had even before SAO was released, I keep wondering about her and why she still wanted to stay by my side despite the horrible thing I did in my childhood... speaking of childhood, I was able to reunite with my long lost childhood friends, Takamine Momiji, his name In the game "Kureha", she, of all people, is the only one who doesn't know what I did... and I'm afraid to tell her again. She, of all the people I've met, knows what happened and if I tell her what I did... she might react differently... at worst, she might distance herself from me or if she doesn't, our chemistry might change forever... I finally reunited with my childhood friend and... I want to enjoy it while I can...
Kureha: Yoohoo, earth to (You).
You: H-Huh?
Kureha: are you okay? You were kind of spacing out there.
You: I-Its fine. What were you talking about?
Kureha: Just about Sinon. I heard all kinds of crazy rumors out there. They say that she is the best sniper in all of GGO!
You: I-Is that true?
Sinon: You can believe what the rumors say, I however, don't view myself as someone mighty… yet.
You: You say that like as if you need to accomplish something before gaining that goal.
Sinon: I do.
Kirito: mind telling us what that is?
Sinon: my reasons are my own. Now, all of you need quite down, we are approaching the ground level and you do not want to be spouting nonsense when the other players are close.
Sinons attitude changed a bit. It was like she went from a carefree adventurer… to this serious survivalist. She looked like she had no interest speaking to others…
Kureha: Hey… is she always this serious?
You: not when we were adventuring together…
Rei: Master. The gate to the fields is just at the end of the road.
You: alright, off we go then.
Kureha: So tell me about yourself. What happened after, you know… the accident happened? How did you survive?
You: (Crap! I should have known she'd ask about what happened…) Uh, well… to be honest, I didn't know about the explosion.
Kureha: Really?
You: Yeah. See, my parents took me somewhere else. A second house located here in Japan for whenever we'd needed to leave for a routine checkup from my father's workplace.
Kureha: Checkup? For what?
You: I never knew. They took me there after it happened, under the supervision of nurses but they stayed behind and… well, I only found out about it a week later so, I missed out. Everyone died but me…
Kureha: My gosh… it must have been so hard for you. They were bad people but… they were still your family.
You: Yeah… not a day goes by in where I think… "Could there have been another outcome?"
Kureha: Hey! But if the place where you say is here in Japan… that means we can see each other!
You: (Uh-Oh…)
Kureha: How about after this, we log out and then see each other. I've been dying to see you again.
Kureha was talking so cheerfully and joyful. It was like seeing her as a kid again, I even forgot how I loved it so much when she smiled… but what do I do here?
You: Uh, well…
Kirito: Sorry to intervene, but you see, she, he and I are here on business. Look, we were asked to participate in the upcoming event called "Bullet of Bullets" to gather information and witness it for ourselves so that MMO researchers can get the players' point of view inside the game.
Kureha: Really?
Kirito: Yeah. So and he located in a facility where they are monitoring him and myself for safety reasons. So for the time being, we can't go out and see anyone until we finish. We hope you can understand.
Kureha: I have heard rumors that they are people from the outside who enter these kinds of events every years when it is release. I just never expected it'd be you (You).
You: Oh well, neither did I. But since I grab inspiration from VRMMO's, I said why not.
Kureha: Inspiration? I find it scary sometimes, especially when the whole SAO incident happened.
You: Do you?
Kureha: Yes. When Sword art Online was released, people panicked everywhere. The news, the streets, online, wherever you went, were things related to the SAO massacre. Almost every week there were reports of a player dying using the NervGear. Since then, I've been too afraid to even look at a headset... but when the Amusphere was released, saying it was 100% safe from the NerveGear... I was skeptical... but interested. Then I found GGO, a world where I could unleash the feelings I have inside of me and... Just be a new me.
Sinon: Hm…
Kureha: Someone strong, someone reliable… it's amazing and yet terrifying what VRMMO's can do.
Sinon: I can sort of relate to that… being someone strong in this world…
You: Sinon?
Sinon: N-Nothing, never mind. Come on, we'll save this for later.
Kureha: Alright then. Come on, we still have a lot of caching up to do. And what's best, is that we are doing it together! Just like old times! *she says smiling*
You: Y-Yeah.
So many players looked at us, almost suspicious but also surprised. I think it was mainly because of Sinon, I believed. She spent more time in this game than any of us... but if the stories about her being the best sniper in all of GGO are true... how long did it take her to earn that title? It even took me almost a year and a half to get my title, which makes me wonder... even if the games came out right after SAO was released, how long did it take for Sinon, and even Leafa, to master the games? So easily in such little time…?
Random female player: AAAH! It's him!
Hearing such a loud squealing scream, our attention goes to a group of female players huddling around another male player… he looked familiar.
Random female player 2: It is, it is "The" Itsuki!
Kirito: Hey… isn't that?
Random female player 3: Hey Itsuki, wanna party with us? We will have a much easier time in the fields with you along!
Itsuki: Hehe, my apologies but I actually have some errands and… hmm? *he spots us* well would you look at that.
Ignoring the fangirls, he walks past them and walks straight up to us.
Itsuki: Well, if it isn't my dungeon crawling friend. I see that you managed to survive since I saw your name on the winner board. Such a surprise to see you teamed up with the best sniper and the wild sword wielder here.
You: Wait, you know each other.
Kirito: We fought him back in the tournament. This guy sure picked a good fight.
Itsuki: You were quite the opponent as well. You killed all of my teammates and I would have been dead too if the time hadn't run out.
You: Well, I actually had a great time in there.
Itsuki: what do you mean by that?
Rei: He means me!
Itsuki: Hm, you're not a player… are you? Don't tell me… is this an Arfa-sys unit?!
Rei: allow me to revise your statement. I am a type-X, rare even among Arfa-sys units!
Itsuki: …Jeez. Why is it that whenever I drop bread, it always lands butter-side down? For a newbie such as yourself to get a rare item at the first try, I could use some of your luck. I'd be careful if I were you though. With getting such a rare item and the attention of one of the top players in GGO, trouble could come your way… deadly trouble…
You: (Hm? The way he talks… I am just speculating here… but could he be Death gun?)
Itsuki: Well, I must be going. It was sure nice meeting you all… may our paths cross again. *he walks away*
Sinon: He's weird… and this game is full of weirdo's.
?: Excuse me.
In the distance. A very attractive lady was approaching us. She seemed very elegant and gentle for a woman in a world of guns. She had red eyes, white hair that rests on her left shoulder, a small mole below under her left eye, and a single earring on her left ear. Her outfit was prominently in royal purple, featuring white patterns, a belt accompanied by two pouches on the right side of her hip and long legged boots that matched the color of her outfit.
Next to her was another girl, a few inches smaller than her. Her hair was semi-puffy with two pigtails on the sides with a very, very light yellow color. Her outfit was mostly black with yellow and green stripes on each corner of the outfit and was also wearing an eye patch.
?: Forgive me for intruding. But by any chance, is she an Arfa-sys? *she says pointing at Rei* I noticed it's a type-X just like my Daisy. Those are really rare, you know. Virtually everybody in GGO's got their eyes on them.
You: Y-Yes. This is Rei. I am her master, (You).
?: I heard rumors about you. Apparently Lady Luck's taken a real shine in to you, despite being so new to the game. But you know what they say: all good things must come to an end. If you don't watch your step, someone might just walk away with your Arfa-sys.
You: Wait, you're saying that someone can take my Arfa-sys?
?: Not much is publically known about them, especially the type-Xs, but I will say there are multiple ways for them to "Change hands" here, just like any other item in GGO.
You: Wow, I didn't know about that.
?: Wow, I knew you just got there, but you really are clueless, huh? Ever think about checking the notices in the governor's office?
You: W-Well, I didn't know the notices were in the governor's office.
?: To give you a bit of detail. Arfa-sys units are sort of the biggest draw in GGO's first major update. I mean, they only have an advanced adaptive AI installed that lets them think and act on their feet. Not only that, but the type-Xs specifically all have their own set of unique personalities. They're the stuff of dreams among programmers! And they can assist their masters with pretty much anything you throw at them. Combat, asset management. You name it, they can handle it! Why, from what I hear, some of their functionality is even derived from SAO's Mental Health Counseling programs, so they can—
The way she was speaking, she spoke cheerfully… a little too cheerfully. It was like seeing a kid freaking out about his favorite TV show hero.
?: A-Ahem. Forgive me for that, it's at least from what I hear from the rumors. But above all else, it is true that they're very intelligent when it comes to dealing with players emotions. Long story short, Arfa-syses, especially the type-X, are in huge demand in GGO right now. Whether it's for their looks or for their capabilities, they've got it all in then some. That's why it's generally not a good idea to just be walking around town with a Type-X out in the open unless you really, really, REALLY know what you're doing.
SInon: Hm, I get what she is saying. It's like getting a new rare weapon and then just showing it off to other players so that they can strategize a counter attack.
You: I see… alright then. Thank you so much for the info, I will be more careful.
?: Look at you, all caring and considerate. I can always appreciate a player like you. Anyway, you can call me Zeliska, it's a pleasure. Daisy, introduce yourself.
Daisy: Pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Daisy, a type-X Ara-sys and Zeliska is my master.
Zeliska: Now, now, there is no need to be so formal. These people are our friends now, you can act freely with them.
Daisy: As you wish, Master. I hope we can all get along.
Rei: Same here. I wish to get along with Daisy.
Zeliska: Aw, now isn't this nice, seeing two Arfa-sys units just hanging out together like this? Although obviously their personalities are wildly different, being type-Xs and all. I've never seen a type-X get along so well with its master… she is interesting indeed.
You: Well, I am new to this game so, I still might not be handling her right.
Zeliska: I should mention this too. Type-Xs can be very useful in combat, whether on battlefields or event missions. They can play any role you want: support, attack, defender, healer, sniper, you name it. You can also upgrade it using parts that you can find in the fields, these parts are only visible and usable for Arfa-sys masters, but Type-X have... different approaches.
You: what do you mean by that?
Zeliska: Unlike other Arfa-sys, its updates are limited. They can only improve their speed, strength, accuracy, etc. But the Type-X... can improve much more than that. With the right parts and materials, you can give them very useful accessories. They can scan maps faster and longer than a satellite, or you can give them secondary weapon upgrades inside their body, they could fire bullets from their fingers or launch rockets from their palms, and with the right parts, they could also turn enemies into your allies. The lands are filled with robotic enemies, but if you can find the right parts for your Arfa-sys, she can hack them and turn them into your allies.
You: Really?
Zeliska: That is right. Type-Xs are fascinating, aren't they?
You: With you mentioning all of this, I feel a lot luckier having Rei with me.
Rei: Hehehe, I'm proud to be useful, Master. In fact, I can show you how useful I can be to you *she opens her menu* if we take a look right here, you can... *her eyes widen* AAAH! Why am I so weak?! My stats are very low! Could this be a bug or something, no that can't be, if it were, I would have detected it, how is it…? Oh, of course. It's because you are still very weak master. We Arfa-sys cannot be more powerful than our masters, it will be up to you to decide how strong you want me to be.
You: So basically, I need to upgrade you.
Daisy: "Ding" Master, the time for your meeting is approaching.
Zeliska: Oh that is right. I need to log out for today. It has been a pleasure meeting you all, may our paths cross again. *she leaves*
Kureha: Wow, I didn't know that Rei was THIS amazing. I knew type-Xs were rare, but I didn't know that it they had greater usage for their masters.
You: Yeah, but Rei is just fresh out of the box. If we wish to get her up and running, were gonna need to find parts for her and quite frankly, we also need better weapons.
Sinon: The weapon drops the monsters give are, needless to say, a lot more usable and powerful than those you buy in the shop. If we are lucky, we might find better weapons for everybody and also find parts for Rei.
Rei: I will do my best! *she says punching the sky*
You: Alright then, let's go.
Everyone: YEAH!
Meanwhile in SAO
Twilight: HRRAAAA!
Wondering mob: "SQUEAAAAAAL!"
The mob burst into blue trickling polygons and Twilight sheathes her dagger and lets out a long sigh.
Twilight: Not good enough… I need to get stronger… why?
Twilight stares at her dagger and looks at her reflection, allowing memories from the distant past haunt her mind…
Voices: Hahaha! She has no daddy, she's weird! I heard that she lost her father in a car accident, such a sad way to go. That girl is barely going to make it at that age, especially with a single mother. She needs someone to take care of her, her face says she is sad. She is merely looking for attention, what a nuisance.
Twilight: Shut up… SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!
?: Twilight?
Twilight: Huh?! Who's there?!
?: its me.
Twilight: Oh… Koharu.
Koharu: I was told by the others that you went out into the fields by yourself. You know its dangerous out here.
Twilight: I don't need your pitty. I can handle my own.
Koharu: Even if it is true, its not smart to go alone. There are limits to what a solo player can do, you know.
Twilight: I… I will be okay. I don't need your help, just get out of here.
Koharu: Then at least tell me, why are you doing this? Do you want to get stronger? For what?
Twilight: I don't see any reason to tell you, I just want to get stronger that is all.
Koharu: Twilight, I know it's none of my business… but your my partners little sister. I want to help in any way I can.
Twilight: you want to help? Then leave me alone.
Koharu: Twilight… I can't.
Twilight: Grr! Just what is your problem?! I've had enough! People always have something to complain about me, rather is from me being too spoiled, too needy, too small, too bratty, what do you all want from me?! I just, I just… I just want to grow…
Koharu: What do you mean by that?
Twilight: *she sighs and sits down near a tree* you wouldn't understand…
Koharu: Well… *she sits down next to her* maybe you can tell me.
Twilight: *she sighs in defeat* do you know about what happened?
Koharu: at what time?
Twilight: about… what happened to me years ago?
Koharu: Oh yeah, (You) told me the story. You lost your father because of a car crash when he and your mother were arguing, people always saw you and either made fun of you or just felt bad for you. I know what its like to lose a dad, you know. I lost mine too…
Twilight: You did?
Koharu: yeah… years ago, when I was still only a few months old… my mother was a caring woman, she would always smile and clean a shrine close from where we live. She was always busy so I had to make most things myself, cook, clean, study, it was pretty hard… and lonely. Back in the real world, I am a geeky girl with glasses who loves to play games, read manga and watch anime, people always assume I am one of those nerdy book worm girls but… this is what I truly am.
Twilight: you really mean it?
Koharu: Yeah. People always judged me and… would sometimes bully me. My mom was always out so, she'd barely even notice. I am not blaming her though, I am happy that she wasn't involved in this… I still wish she was here most of the time.
Twilight: My mom… she used to be so happy… whenever I tell a joke, she'd laugh… even if it was stupid. My dad, he made her happy… so happy. Even though I was small, I can still remember those days.
Koharu: the saddest and happiest days… are the best we remember… what was your happiest moment with you and your family?
Twilight: Mm… one time, my dad and I made a prank on my mom in where we snuck in a toy spider in her purse and when she reached in to grab her wallet, she grabbed the toy spider and got scared so bad, she threw the spider on to my dad's face and they both fell down… that was funny. *she says with a smile*
Koharu: Hm… that must have been a sweet family moment.
Twilight: it was… *her smiles disappears* but then… that night happened.
Koharu: Twilight… are you okay?
Twilight: I let it go a long time ago… but it was only thanks to him…
Koharu: you mean (You)?
Twilight: Yes... he changed my life. When my mom said he was my new brother, I deeply believed that he was my brother...every time I felt down, he was there and held my hand...I finally had someone in my life who could help me and my mom. And it worked, he brought laughter and smiles back to my family. My mom was smiling and so was I. I changed and that made people stop judging me. They would still say things about me but... not like before...
Koharu: Twilight…
Twilight: That's why... when SAO was launched and when I heard that players couldn't log out... I was... devastated, to put it lightly... I was so scared and sad... knowing that my brother is trapped in a full MMO where he could die if he died in the game... one by one, people died from using the NerveGear, and I was afraid knowing that my brother could be next...
Koharu: you really care about him that much?
Twilight: of course... I love him like a real big brother... not a single day went by that we didn't do anything together. I have a huge fear of storms and... I still remember how he always rushed to hug me whenever I was afraid...
Years ago before SAO, Twilight POV
"Bang! THUD!"
Young Twilight: Mm! *I cover my ears* please stop…
I laid in my bed, covering my ears to avoid listing to the thunder outside… I was crying and my hands were shaking… I felt so scared but… he would always come by my side.
Young (You): *he touches my head* hey, it's okay. Your big brother is here.
I stared at him with teary eyes and held him close, he began talking to me to make me calm down.
Young (You): Are you scared of thunder?
Young Twilight: its not just the thunder… it's the wind and rain. At any moment, it could rip the ceiling of the roof, the thunder could destroy the house then the house can fall down and kill us all… why must thunder exist?!
Young (You): Hmm, do you want to hold my hand?
Young Twilight: your hand? Okay…
As he extended his hand, he hold mine tightly and gently. His hand felt big and warm, it made me feel a bit safer.
Young (You): Do you feel better?
Young Twilight: a little bit…
Young (You): Good. And I am sorry.
Young Twilight: you're sorry? For what?
Young (You): I just wanted an excuse to hold your hand. Truth be told, I am actually pretty scared to.
Young Twilight: You're scared? But you're bigger.
Young (You): that doesn't mean I don't get scared. It doesn't matter if you're big or small, everyone is scared of something. So just remember, if you ever feel scared, just tell me and I will hold your hand… and if I feel scared, hold my hand and I will feel better.
Young Twilight: Okay… Big brother.
Young (You): Yeah?
Young Twilight: I hope you know that I love you.
Young (You): Aw, thanks. You just made me happy.
Young Twilight: Wait, I don't get it. I'm the one who loves you, so how come I made you happy.
Young (You): Why? Because I feel the same way, I love my little sister.
Young Twilight: *I smile*
Young (You): Look at that, your smiling. You smile when you feel happy, like me, see.
Young Twilight: I see… then I like seeing you smile.
Young (You): Me too, that's why I will do everything I can to make you and mom happy… unlike some other people I know…
Young Twilight: Huh?
Young (You): Oh nothing.
Young Twilight: Um, big brother… is it okay if I do something else?
Young (You): What is it?
Getting up, I get behind him and hold him in my arms, hugging him from behind.
Young Twilight: I feel a lot better this way.
Young (You): Whatever makes you happy.
Young Twilight: Brother… thank you for making me feel better.
Young (You): what are big brothers for? Don't worry little sis, I promise I won't let anything happen to you.
Young Twilight: Thank you big brother… promise me you will stay by my side forever.
Young (You): Mm… well, I can't promise that I will STAY by your side forever… but I can promise that I will never leave you.
Young Twilight: Okay… it's a promise.
Present moment
Twilight: Years later, I didn't quite understand what he meant… but now I know that he meant that he can't just stay by my side because he has a life to make and build… I know he can't stay with me… but he can promise that he will never leave me…
Koharu: Hm…
Twilight: I understand but… why must it hurt? It was bad enough when this game took him away from me… then I found out that he now has a girlfriend. Not only is she pretty, she is talented, smart and strong… it made me angry to know that you won his heart because I knew… that if he had someone else to take care of, he wouldn't to spend as much time with me. He might move out of the house, live a new life… I don't want that… *she hugs her knees* I want to spend more time with him…
Koharu: Twilight… *she hugs her* I am sorry. I didn't know this was bothering you this much. But… I do know that you mean so much to (You). He told me.
Twilight: he did?
Koharu: He did. You mean so much to him, more than you think. And you should know, that whatever plans he has for the future, I am sure that he want you right by his side. That includes me too.
Twilight: *she sighs and lets go* whatever. I still need to get stronger. *she stands up* and I still mean what I say, leave me alone. I haft to do this on my own. *she begins walking away*
Koharu: Oh Twilight. You really seem determined… makes me wonder if you and (You) are step siblings or actually siblings, because you both have a lot in common. I hope that just one day, you will get strong… maybe even strong enough to face me.
To be continued…