|Sword Art Online, Floor 24,Town of Panareze|
|July. 22nd 11:29|
"...Merida," Yuuki stepped forward but Merida shook her head sharply, scampering back as her tears fell freely. Yuuki couldn't imagine what she was going through, but, she still had to try something.
"...Please, Yuuki, Ran. I... I want to find it... a purpose for being born into this world!" She felt fresh tears beginning to form as a breeze blew through the grassy plains around them.
Yuuki understood that feeling. She too, hid that wish within herself. To find purpose in her life that felt so devoid of meaning. Beside her, Ran moved like the graceful wind itself, scooping up Roy to gently stroke his forewings, she smiled slightly as she spoke.
"There are many, many reasons for you to live on here in Serene Garden, in Asuka Empire, and in the real world too. You were the one who raised Roy up so splendidly, and you were the one who brought Yuuki and me to that new world. I know you will find many more in the future as well."
Merida stared hard at Ran, she was tearful but as her smile formed, it held only a pain of wanting to run away."It would make me very happy if the both of you felt like you've gotten anything from me. But... what I truly want cannot be found here, in Asuka, or even in the real world. I... want to fight. I don't want to just wait for my end on a hospital bed... I want to fight against something bigger than illness... like fate, or the world, and have my life burn out at the end of that. So... please, Ran. Let me go."
"...Merida..."
Yuuki knew Aiko possessed a strong sense of empathy, one that dwarfed Yuuki's. She used it to brave their sufferings together, learning, understanding, and eventually accepting their lives for what they are. But that meant Ran would feel compelled to agree with Merida as she could sympathize with that feeling to fight until the end.
If Ran allowed it, Yuuki knew it would eat her up on the inside, for daring to say the words she said, for not trying harder. It would devour the last of Ran before her sister's eyes.
Digging her nails into her palms, Yuuki yelled from the depths of her heart and soul, "...Merida!" Emerald eyes met with onyx as a gust of wind carried the young girl's words. "If... if you can't find a reason to live, then I'll find it for you! I'll find a purpose for you to burn your life out on! So... so, don't go, Merida!"
With a silly, hopeful smile, she asked, "How will you find that for me, Yuuki?"
Behind Yuuki's eyes, a fire burned on and on, "Fight me in Asuka Empire, Merida. You will surely understand after that."
Blinking, Yuuki's eyes adjusted to the world around her. She wasn't in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines in a blank, white room. Moving her hand up in front of her face, she opened and closed her palm, her strength was there, not a frail, sickly hand that could barely move. Full-Dive blocked out all pain, to an extent, but all external pain from the real world was nowhere to be found, yet, she could always feel something, reminder her of what her body was suffering through.
Just like Mom, Dad... Aiko...
She closed her eyes, wanting to drown, to just let the world eat her up and never come back. Her eyes opened by a crack, sunlight filtering through the curtains ahead. How long had she been laying here, withering away? She was never like this, even when the death game began, but she had Aiko... now she didn't...
Finding the strength to sit up, that memory, out of the hundreds Yuuki let surface, the good and the bad, that was the first centered on Merida. She would've been the same, glad to burn her life away in SAO, to say she gave it her all for others, that she found purpose in being a sword against this world. In a way, she passed that fire onto Ran.
Another memory came to her, of that final attack against Zordiath. Its own weapon tore through Ran, but she didn't feel a thing, it didn't even touch her as Ran broke through the very limits of the game itself, she rewrote fate and tore the dragon out of the skies. Almost like a shooting star. Warmth filled her heart, grief stabbing all the same.
How long would she sit here, wasting away? Aiko wanted her to live, but... but how could she with her gone? But, would this stop Aiko? Would she continue to wallow for days on end? If Yuuki was the one to die, she would want Aiko to keep fighting, to live to her fullest. So why couldn't Yuuki do the same? The last thing her family has ever asked of her, and she was content to throw it away?
Self-inflicted anger dug into her chest, finally, Yuuki threw the covers off her, rather, kicked them until she was sitting at the foot of the bed, breathing heavily from her silent outburst. Opening her menu, her eyes were met with an alarming amount of messages; Siune, Jun, Nori, Tecchi, Talken. Her cousin, e-everyone was reaching out to her this whole time? It was almost unbelievable, so, Yuuki sat back and began to comb the messages.
Nagi: When you're ready, let me know, or anyone know. I understand how it feels, so I know you just need time. Love you.
Argo: If ya need an ear, send a message. Private and free, of course, alright, Zekken?
Daora: Rest, then lets fight if you need to let out any frustrations!
That one got the first, quiet laugh out of Yuuki.
Mito: I hope you feel a little better soon, we're here for you.
Siune: We'll be waiting for you, don't worry about your position, I have everything covered, okay? Let us know if you need anything.
Nori: Don't hesitate to ask for whatever, leader, I mean it.
Jun: I hope you're okay.
Tecchi: Take your time to grieve.
Talken: We're all sorry for what's happened, but we'll patiently wait to hear from you first.
Another from Kirito, Asuna, Sachi, the other leaders of the Assault Team's guilds; Klein, Kibaou, Heathcliff, Lind. It took her nearly half-an-hour just to sit and read through all of them. Well-wishes, condolences, words of encouragement, others checking in, everything that could be said and given. It was a lot for Yuuki to digest, but it filled her heart with a warmth she's missed for what felt like an eternity.
Getting up to walk around, maybe... getting some air would be a good start, although, she embarrassingly looked down at her pyjama shorts and loose-fitting crop-top. She definitely wasn't what you'd call 'socially acceptable', quickly scouring her menus for a more casual outfit. The same she bought whenever she and Artorias first went on a real date.
A pair of black gutties with thigh-high socks, a midnight-purple skirt and a pink t-shirt beneath a warm-black jacket with a hood. Though, she did keep Obsidian Rose attached to her hip, never know when you could need it, and... it was a comfort item to keep close.
Heading for the door, she almost reached for the handle when she heard something, slightly muffled due to all rooms having that silencing filter over them, less you had a Straining skill, which she didn't. But, given how quiet it was, she could make out... singing? A male voice too- then her eyes widened, ear pressed to the door.
"I still have my regrets. But I just won't look back to how it was. 'Cuz a new day has dawned, cut away the cord that holds me to you, take flight away from all that I know, and have the strength to start all over, never to see you again~" Artorias sung softly, reciting the lyrics in his memory perfectly, having taken his time to memorize every verse and what pitch to take, a soft, almost melancholy tone.
"My voice, it rings out, as I shout. My truth and all I trust, I won't stop believing, I'll pave the paths that I must. Endless destinies calling out to me, as I run on ahead. And I'll keep waiting and chasing, a world that holds me back. Uncover the answers, the truths that hide under wraps, till the day I no longer can feel any pain~...I'll take a chance on us again; catch the moment. Will not give up this fight again, trust our bonds and we'll begin... to catch the moment...~"
This song was... one Ran had learned for their birthday this year, Ran's voice was beautiful, combined with Yuna's background instrumental, listening had been as captivating as a siren. Feeling tears blurring her vision, Yuuki quickly wiped them dry, sniffing a little before finding her courage to crack the door open.
And there to raise their head sharply in surprise across the hall, was Artorias. "...oh, uh, sorry... was I off-key?" He whispered with a slight wince, squinting.
"No... no you were... gentle," Yuuki answered softly, stepping out of the room that she had shut herself away in for far too long, looking down at her thin hands. "I... heh, didn't know you could sing..."
Shrugging, Artorias rolled his eyes. "I had time to learn, I'm not that tone deaf, give me some credit, Cupcake." That got a small laugh out of her, progress.
"Have you been here long?" She asked, seeing the stool he sat on previously.
"Uh... nope," He popped the 'P'. "Me and the Boss have been rotating shifts... so when you finally wanted to get up and leave, someone would be here for you, better than having, like, everyone pile into the corridor, too cramped."
So this whole time they've been waiting for her? She had have the mind to scold them for that, but, it was sweet, and really something she needed. "T-thank you, Al-Artorias-"
"You can say it, who cares who knows my name, never really took the taboo thing seriously," Artorias answered flippantly. "Besides, only you have the esteemed privilege of calling me that."
That she did, smiling a little more. "Then... thank you, Alex, for waiting for me."
Winking, he marched up to her. "Anytime," And wrapped her in a tight hug, feeling her immediately do the same, trembling in his arms. "...it's okay, I'm not going anywhere..." He whispered, her head moving against his chest to indicate a nod, her fingers tugging at his coat.
A pain this personal and deep wasn't something Artorias could relate to, he hadn't lost anyone as close as a sister, even if he did, only one stood out as his genuine sibling. There was nothing he could say that wasn't some empty form of remorse or pity, and he'd be damned to give Yuuki some half-baked set of flowery words. She didn't need that, what she needed was support, silent and waiting for whenever she needed it without question. Now that he could do a thousand times over.
When she was ready, Yuuki pulled away, keeping one hand tightly in his, using the other to dry her eyes with a slight scoff. "I'm a mess..."
"No kidding, you still have bed hair," He flicked her cowlick.
She swiped his hand. "Jerk, that's my cutest feature." But a tiny smile curled at the corners of her lips. "At least I don't have an emo haircut."
"My bangs just naturally fall over my left eye, that's genetics," Artorias excused.
"You could've trimmed it before SAO- heck, you can just change the style anytime you want," Yuuki prodded, smirking when he didn't reply. "You like it, don't you?"
"...no comment-"
"I knew it, I'm in love with an emo-"
"That says more about you than it does about me."
Their back and forth ended in a stare-off that lasted a solid five seconds, the two letting out a collective laugh in the end. Hearing her laugh again was nice, seeing her face brighten up just a little was all Artorias could ask for. And, it helped lead him into his next planning phase.
"Well, want to finally do the impossible and go outside? I have a very nice spot in mind for a walk." Artorias wiggled his brows curiously, seeing the gears turn in her head, almost looking reluctant. Then, he felt her hand tighten in his.
"O-Okay, I think I've had enough of the indoors for a while," At her approval, she was tugged along toward the staircase of the inn.
|Floor 24, Shattered Isle Great Tree|
|July. 22nd 11:58|
The route taken was one familiar to Yuuki, she had walked these wooden paths branching between islands plenty of times on her way to the giant tree to mark her claim for back-to-back brawls with many players. It felt so long ago now, that she was almost bested by Artorias, who turned out be hers and Ran's role model.
She giggled a little. "I can't believe I managed to impress someone I looked up to,"
"I feared for my life near the end," Artorias admitted to with a deadpan expression, their hands swinging between them.
"What were your honest thoughts about my skills back then?" She was curious, watching his lips purse for a second.
"Hm... that you've been Full-Dive longer than most, the Nervegear was still very much in its infancy, the prototype Kayaba made that sold well had many kinks to work out, so anyone who's been playing for as long as the tech was available would've had a greater understanding of its functions," Artorias elaborated, gesturing as he spoke to emphasize his words. "Asuka Empire was a hit prior to SAO's beta, so you already had that experience, and that clearly transferred into SAO. Suffice to say, you took me by surprise, and ultimately became the first to ever beat me in a very long time."
Her eyes widened a little at his admittance. "I mean, come on, you were holding back cause of who you used to be," Yuuki pulled out ahead to look him square in the eyes. "Next time we duel, I want to go all out. Come at me like you were SilentNight!"
"...easier said than done, I'm... getting there, my skills have gotten sharper, I've been dipping my toes into the person I was, adapting it to who I am now," Sheepishly, for a rare moment, Artorias looked bashful, picking at his cheek. "I sometimes slip back into old habits, so give me some time, I'll give ya match like no other; for my biggest, adoring fan." He winked, watching her cheeks brighten.
"Please don't remind me, that was super embarrassing, to think I was gushing about you, in front of you!" She exclaimed, thrusting her hands toward Artorias, himself placing a hand against his chest 'modestly'
"'Onward, toward the light!' That about accurate?" He recited, seeing her face bloom a deeper shade of red, watching him scoff between her fingers. "Gods above, I can't believe I had to say that like- it was for a sponsored character, paid well, but... ugh, I was like 13 when I did it, honestly..."
"I thought they were cool, like, ahem, 'By my hand, all shall suffer divine judgement!'," Yuuki declared in a really terrible British accent, while also saying the line in English. Now, it was her boyfriend's turn to turn away in embarrassment, groaning slowly into his hand.
"Uuuuugh, stop, make it stop, I will pay you to stop!" He begged, listening to her laugh at his expense. "This is a cruel and abusive relationship, Ms Konno!" She just grinned cheekily, so he reached out to grab her shoulders, grinding her to a halt. "If you're done reminding me of poor financial decisions-"
"Gimme until tonight, I'll have more," She remarked.
"...in any case, we're here, turn around," His tone returned to normal, gesturing now to the great tree behind her. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary since last Yuuki had seen-
Her heart stopped for a split second, left to wordlessly stare across the last few planks to the isolated island... and the hundreds of decorations adorning its branches. Dozens of dream-catchers of all shapes, sizes and colours decorated the low-hanging branches. Wind chimes designed to match the atheistic of the floors they came from added a warm glow between leaves and twisting branches.
Candles by the hundreds lined the roots, Sakura petals decorated over them with tokens and gifts for the great tree. People left hand-crafted weapons, bouquets of vibrant flowers, items like crystals clustered together, twinkling in the midday sunlight that gleamed through the leaves. And there, centered at the base of the tree, a single, pure-white sword, refined and repaired to its former glory. And a purple ribbon tied to the hilt, gently blowing in the wind.
"Alex, that's..." Yuuki's voice came out a whimper, stepping closer to look in awe at every gift, the wishes hung from strips of paper of prayers to the former owner of that sword. Her hands came to cover her mouth, tears filling the corners of her eyes as her heart pounded against her chest. "T-they..."
"Ran wasn't as famous as you were, but the name I heard drifting around was 'The Sword Maiden', co-leader of the Sleeping Knights. When news broke that she had fallen, well, I couldn't let her just go off and be forgotten, could I?" Artorias marched forward, hands wide to his brilliant plan. "Myself and the Boss then came up with this in our free time watching over you. Turns out, this little island can be player bought, so I forked over the Col to swipe it for myself, ahem, with many donations,"
"Thus, a memorial to the Sword Maiden!" Artorias spun around to meet Yuuki's teary expression. "And even when this world disappears, I'll find a new one to make it again. Asuka Empire, and whatever else is created, to the girl who wished to fight beside someone like me, to my friend... and to a sister who she left to live her life unburdened by loss, who she knows... loves her with all she had."
It struck him harder than any sword skill, one he couldn't see coming. Yuuki collided with him, burying her face into his chest as she silently sobbed into his arms. "Thank you... thank you so, so much... t-thank y-you...!" Her voice cracked, so he held her tighter.
Time passed in each others arms, but Artorias managed to find his voice, choking back some grief that hadn't faded yet. "...I don't know what my future holds, who I'll be when this game is over, I can't change fate, but no matter how much time we have left, if I can give you even a day more, then I will standing right here with you... because you're amazing, Yuuki Konno, you always were..."
Freeing her head from his chest, Yuuki leaned up ever-so-slightly, and captured his lips for a few, timeless seconds. Her grief was still fresh, the wound raw and aching, but being close to Artorias, the pain dulled a little, his presence helped to support her spirit, kindling it. Savouring the tender sensation, she broke away, her breath felt across his lips, vermillion eyes glossy, but a smile brighter than it has been a week. "Says you... the person who made my sister so happy in the end... thank you for making Aiko happy, Alex Masaru... and for making me happy..."
"Pretty sure that's my role here, isn't it? Less I missed a page or two in being an amazing partner?" Of course, Artorias couldn't withhold a quip, and it was perfectly fine for her. Then, his head tilted to one side. "Ah, timely arrival."
Pulling away, Yuuki spun around to see... Nagi, standing at the edge of the island to give a slight wave. Even from here, it was evident he still held onto grief too, but he was handling himself better than Yuuki had. Moving toward him, Nagi met his cousin halfway, the two embracing tightly.
"How... how long did you know?" Yuuki whispered, squeezing her eyes shut against his shoulder.
"...since the labyrinth boss, but... I knew she was lying from the start, I just didn't want her to worry," Nagi wanted to talk to her about it, to ask Ran so much while he still could. But for her sake, he kept his peace, because she wanted them to have one final adventure without any of the sorrow.
"I'm glad... I'm glad we met you," Yuuki sniffled, drying her tears with her sleeve, smiling warmly to fight her grief. "I... I-I don't know what I should do today, heh..."
"How about... we go for a walk," Nagi offered her a hand, Artorias waltzing up beside him. "Then we can have lunch with our friends, and... let's talk about Aiko."
Emotions swelled in the purplette's heart, a part of her wanted to retreat, but then if she did, she wouldn't be here, would she? Taking his hand in her left, and Artorias's in her right, the three left the island that would still be here. The memorial that would endure beyond Aincrad's final days. A memory that would live on forevermore.
"Ye-yeah, I'd like that!" Yuuki grinned toothily through tears of joy, because she wasn't alone, she never was for a second...
[To Be Continued...]
[Author's Notes]
I've spoken about grief before, how effects people differently for any stretch of time, that the pain doesn't completely disappear, and that's proof that love was genuine. Yuuki has suffered and lost more than anyone should, but, she is not alone. I sincerely hope you enjoyed, I appreciate the support as always; see ya in the next arc, Misfits.
Next Arc The Final Quarter
During another expedition through the labyrinth of Floor 74, Klein and Nagi's parties run into Kirito and Sachi, little did they know, this one meet-up would spark new events into motion, the likes of which can attract all kinds of attention. The final quarter point of SAO was closer than any could imagine...