Chapter - 38
Won and Lost - SAO Integral Fragments
The wind blow at my face as Rei explodes in front of me. She activated her EMP exolosion, which will trigger a knockout on anything electronic.
You: She used her EMP blast, it'll temporary knock down anything electronic!
The buildings, streetlights, anything electronic that could be seen in the distance power down and so does my Photon sword.
Kirito: Including our swords and guns... what do we do?
You: Hang on... *I begin scrolling down my menu*
?: Hehehe...
A laugh is heard nearby and from the sand, Death gun walks towards us, his mask half broken and his voice was no longer deep.
You: You...
Death gun: She took her best shot... and failed.
You: Igh... that voice...
I need to remember, I haft to remember!
A few years ago, in SAO
I was walking through an abandoned hideout that LaughCof used to use. I wanted to uncover any kind of hint that they might have left behind to track them down, little did I know, I wasn't alone.
You: This must have been where they got together to discuss their schemes.
Walking through the gloomy vine covered walls, I come across a shredded piece of paper under a desk.
You: Let's see.
As I grab it, I see a list of names but are all out of order.
You: I can barely make them out.
I place the paper on a desk and begin moving the pieces.
You: These names could mean many things; one thing that is interesting is that the paper still has not expired. Usually when one throws their items away, they are shredded into polygons... but this one has not. It could be... that it was not entirely torn apart. One part is missing...
Looking at the wall, I see another piece of paper still hanging.
You: That's it, that paper is still hanging and these must be its pieces!
As I grab the paper, I begin placing all the pieces into the paper and then shows a list of members and their photos.
You: Oh my god, this must have been a registry paper. A murder guild must be very vigilant to whom they are bringing in. Even they can turn on each other.
I see a list of members and there is one of a member with a bag in his head.
You: Johnny Black...
There is another with a man and a skull mask.
You: Red eye XaXa... This paper must have been a registry paper... or maybe some kind of initiation oath. Whoever PoH must have recruited, these guys could be the ones worthy of being the top rankers of Laughing Coffin.
?: So true...
As I jump in surprise, I see the two members whose faces are placed on the paper.
You: You guys are... Johnny Black and Red Eye XaXa, aren't you?
Johnny Black: Well, looks like we got a boy scout here, Hahaha.
XaXa: You gained a critical sense of information here. Guess it's our fault for being too cocky. Now that you know our names... *he takes out an Estoc* we can't exactly let you leave with that.
You: Rr... you guys are sick, it's one thing to make dirty tricks but killing people, why do you guys want to ruin your lives?
Johnny Black: Oh? Your one to talk, running away from home because you killed your mommy and daddy? And you dare to judge us.
You: So, he told you, huh? I'll admit that there is blood in my hands but unlike you I managed to build a new life.
XaXa: Maybe you can... but this ain't about right or wrong, it's about having fun. This is a game after all.
You: it may be a game, but it's not one we play. I don't care what you guys believe or feel, I am far beyond helping you guys. I am taking this back to the Assault team, and we will hunt you guys down!
Johnny Black: HAAAHAHA! And do you think you'll find us?! We are always one step ahead. Try and find all you want but you'll never find us and even if you do, it will be a long way ahead, we will kill anyone and anything that breathes. Do you think you can stop us?
You: I know so... *I unsheathe my sword* and if you guys don't move, you'll get hurt!
XaXa: Hahaha! Like the boss says, it's showtime!
Both Johnny black and XaXa leap towards and we begin too dual. To make a long story short, I defeated them both and that was the last time I saw them before they pinned me, koharu and Sanya down back on the 20th floor.
Look back on SAO Rise of the Integral factor chapter 15
I do know his name... I should have recognized that skull mask.
Now in GGO
You: Red Eye XaXa... that's you, that's your name!
Death gun: Hehe... only after this mask stop functioning you remembered my name... well, not that it matters anyway. *He grips his Estoc* I got you two right where I want you... nowhere to run, nowhere to hide... nothing to fight... without those silly light sticks, you got no chance... this ends here.
You: I am just curious... why bring a photon sword...? *I press equip* When I can use a real sword!
I then point Esper towards him.
Death gun: Wait, that's-!
You: Didn't you know? This sword's data is attached to my Nervegear, everywhere I convert, it converts over as well.
Death gun: Hehe... so what? You think just because you have a fancy sword, you can beat me?
You: Oh...
I then power up my sword and as a magnificent cyan color light ingulfs it, I grip it tight and get into battle position.
You: I know so... full armaments!
All the seven orbs in my sword glow bright and my body begins shining bright rainbowish colors and my stats double up their power.
You: Let's do this...
Within the blink of an eye, I smash my sword against his and Death gun gets taken back at the pressure between him and me. By just a single touch, Death gun is smacked away and begins to roll over the sand and attempts to get up but before he can get up, I punch him in the face, destroying his mask.
Death gun: Igh! GOD DAMN YOU!
Death gun attempts to attack me but just in that moment.
Kirito: REAAAAA!
Kirito comes running in, punching Death gun right in the guts.
Death gun: Pughaaa!
You: IIGGRAAAAAAH!
I smash my sword down attempting to slash him in half, but he manages to put his Estoc to protect him from the attack, even so, I did not stop longingforward.
You: Rrrrr!
Death gun: Igghrrrr!
Death gun and I stared at each other deep into the eyes, we both had a strong determination and in just a few seconds, his Estoc begins to crack and-
"Swooooosh!"
His Estoc breaks and my blade slashes through his face, leaving a hard red slash in his face.
Death gun: GAAAAAGHR! YOU... CAN'T... STOP MEEEEEEE!
Kirito: REAAAAAAAA! "Bang-Bang-Bang!"
Kirito's gun was working again and then penetrates Death gun three times and as a last attempt.
Kirito: GREEAAAAAAAAAA! *His eyes glow yellow*
Kirito uses his Photon sword to slash Death gun in half while also slashing a few of his grenades and then-
"BOOOOOOOM!"
The grenades explode and both me and Kirito are blasted away from the blast.
You: Igh!
I looked ahead and then the "Dead" sign appears over Death gun's upper body while his lower body layed on the ground beside him. Kirito actually sliced Death gun in half and his face was also slashed from my attack, which in all honesty shocked me on how he was stilll able to stand.
Death gun: Hrr... you may have won this time... but this is not over... you two have no idea, what's comiiinnn...
Death gun's voice shuts down and then he disappears into red pixeled polygons.
You: ...Of course the battle isn't over... when is it ever?
Kirito: But we'll be ready... we'll get his partner too.
Looking ahead, I see a gun laying on the sand, it was the gun Rei used to shoot Death gun.
You: You did well, Rei. You did me proud.
I then put the gun in my inventory and begin to head out with Kirito.
After a while of walking, we see Sinon walking in our direction.
You: Mission accomplished.
Sinon: halfway, we still need to find that thing you have.
You: Right, my fluctlight. We still haven't gotten any leads as to where it might be.
Sinon: Do you think someone might be using it in game.
You: I don't know, I don't... wait...
Recalling a fight I had previously, I remember about Subtilizer... he was strong, too strong... I had a hard time keeping up with him... now that I think about it. The scan did miss another player... could he have been the missing player?
You: Mm... no, it's nothing.
Kirito: Relax, it's been a long day. We'll worry about it tomorrow.
You: Yeah... looks like were the only ones standing.
All the livestream cameras gather around us, I could feel the gaze of the thousands of people watching the livestream.
You: Well, looks like it's now or never. *I point Esper at Sinon* Let's have that fight.
Sinon: Are you sure? Your pretty beaten up.
You: Eh, not as bad as Kirito. I can do another fight.
Sinon: *she smirks* Well then... *she loads her last bullet* this is my last bullet. Which is all I will need to take you out.
You: And I only have Esper. No gun and photon sword, just this. To make things fair.
Sinon: I am surprised it converted over as well, did that happen in the last game you guys went?
You: Yup, and it works here as well, turns out.
Sinon: Well then. Kirito, I want you to be the judge.
Kirito: Alright then.
Kirito then stands a few feet away and then raises his hand.
Sinon points her sniper at me and since she has her scope, I cannot see the bullet line until she puts her finger on the trigger. But maybe I can use her eye direction to see where the bullet is coming.
Sinon just stares intently at me... both of us waiting for Kirito to give the command.
...
...
...
Kirito: ...DUAL!
Sinon: hmph!
Sinon then points her gun in a different direction, she pointed it at a few scrapped pieces of metal on the ground.
Sinon: let's see you dodge this.
"BANG!"
"Pew-pew-pew"
The bullet ricochets of the scraps of metal and the only thing I can see is an invisible piece giving a pew-pew sound as it bounces off the surfaces of the metal and eventually.
"Pew!"
The bullet flies in my direction and then-
"Pow"
The bullet was so hard and big, it blows off my entire left abdominal area, making my HP zero almost intantly.
You: Oh...
My vision goes black and... the "You Died" logo appears in front of me...
After a while, my vision gets greeted with a screen and in the screen displays the livestream, showing only Kirito and Sinon.
You: Well... looks like I lost... heh... who would have thought she'd come up with such a strategy just like that... I don't even know how she did it. Heh, it's funny. Even though a part of me wishes I would have won... I am happy she won. Though I feel like it wasa bit too quick.
Oh well, guess my luck ran out. I lost BoB.
?: Master?
You: Huh?
I hear a voice coming from the somewhere but all I can see is a pitch black void and the only light in here is from the livestream. But I knew that voice very well, plus who else calls me master?
You: Rei? Where are you?
Rei: Open your Arfa-sys menu.
I then proceed to open it and from the menu a small terminal showing wave lengths of a voice is seen on the top right corner of the menu.
Rei: Can you hear me?
You: yes, loud and clear.
Rei: Master... you lost.
You: Yup, seems like it.
Rei: I am so sorry... if I had still been with you, I could have helped you take Sinon down.
You: Nah, it wouldn't have mattered, it was a fight between me and her. I just lost, it's not the end of the world.
Rei: But master, you won't be known as the strongest player in all of GGO anymore. I even made a special breakfast for it.
You: I told you Rei, my intention wasn't to win, it was to stop that bad person from killing innocent people. I will admit though, I am a little disappointed on how fast Sinon took me down, I mean I fought a psychotic killer, and a female sniper took me down with one bullet. Oh well, I guess I will haft to do better next time.
Rei: I am sorry, Master. I was meant to bring you victory but... I failed.
You: hey, you didn't do anything wrong. You did just what I ordered you to do. I am proud of you, Rei.
Rei: Really, Master?
You: Really, I am glad I have you.
Rei: Master, I... I am glad too. I am glad that master is my master.
You: Thanks. Now let us see how these two finish it off, who will be the lucky winners?
Sinon proceeds to take Kirito's hand and then places a grenade, which she then activates. Kirito understandably panics but Sinon locks herself with Kirito as she hugs him with the grenade squashed in between them. Sinon looked happy and Kirito looked nervously terrified and then-
"BOOOOOOOM!"
The game ends with the winners being Kirito and Sinon.
You: Uh...
I stared in amazement and shock.
You: Those crazy motherfuckers... *I said in English* (Yes, I still know English)
Later then, the entire SBC Glocken was shouting in cheers, the TV screens and panels displaying the names Kirito and Sinon as the winners. Neon lights shined the night sky once again and fireworks began to burst with beautiful colors and light, and with that, the BoB match was over.
I just hope that our friends at home aren't too shocked by this.
Later
I teleported back to the entrance of the SBC Glocken and saw that many players were still cheering, others were crying in despair, I guess those must have been the players who placed their bets on the players who lost.
You: And that's why you don't gamble your money.
I began walking near and eventually reached the entrance of the governments office, when all of a sudden.
?: Hey punk!
You: Hmm?
A few smug looking goofballs with night vision goggles approach me. I could already tell it was going to be constructive. To my second surprise, they were speaking English.
Smug looking player 1: Look at that, looks like the lucky shot ain't so lucky after all.
You: Did you guys just come her to give me shit, or is there anything else? I have important things to do.
Smug looking player 2: Oh yeah, and what is that? Want to go and sleep with all your three girlfriends.
You: *I sigh* yeah, I must put my girlfriends to sleep. Is there anything else?
Smug looking player 1: You think your better than all of this? Then all of us?
You: Of course, not... I just think I am better then you two.
Both of their smug faces disappear and turn into annoyed gestures of anger.
Smug looking player 1: Listen here you little shit. You might think your tough because you got your hands on a rare weapon and managed to hook up with one of the best snipers in all of GGO. But out here, you're on our turf. So, unless you don't want to have a problem with us, you better stay in your place.
Smug looking player 2: Of course we are generous. Since Sinon managed to shoot you down, we are satisfied. So, how about instead you just hand over your Arfa-sys to us and we won't bother you for as long as you stay here? Trust us kid, you don't wanna mess with us.
Smug looking player 1: We actually run a business, and when we say business, we mean serious business. Real life stuff.
You: Let me guess, you are some of the guys that run that shady crypto currency exchange program.
Smug looking player 1: Ah, so you are informed. Then that must mean you understand the difference between the two of us. You might be strong in game but my buds and I, were strong both in here and IRL. So, I would comply if I were you.
You: So now you're threatening me and family?
Smug looking player 2: Think of it as a warning. You give us your weapon, and we won't bother you. Simple as that.
You: Well, let me think... hang on I think I have something in my pocket, let's see uh *I give them the finger* I am tired of dealing with people like you. You guys think you can intimidate me. I have faced death more than a hundred times, I even took down a gang of murderers. So, unless you can come up with something better to make me shake in my boots, get lost. I am not handing over my Arfa-sys, she is my friend.
Smug looking player 1: Rrr, checkout the balls on this kid. Fine then, our boss won't be happy to hear this. Mark our words, you made a big mistake.
You: Are we done here? I don't have time for a clown show.
Smug looking player 2: This isn't the last you heard of us you brat!
Both players leave with unpleased attitudes as they curse my name and gritted their teeth.
You: Bunch of idiots. (Though one thing that did caught my curiosity was how they knew I spoke English.) Well, whatever, they can't intimidate me.
As I walked through the Glocken, I spotted a familiar figure standing and staring at the screens.
You: Hmm...
Wanting to tease her a bit, I sneak behind her and cover her eyes.
You: guess who?
Kureha: Aah! Elias, you scared me.
Her shouting my name made me a bit uncomfortable but... I shrugged it off.
You: I told you not to call me that.
Kureha: Right, right. It's just a habit. So, mister loser, how does it feel letting your luck run out?
You: Honestly, pretty sad.
Kureha: I'll bet. Though I must say, you surprised me out there. Your skills, strength and speed. It was amazing.
You: Thanks.
Kureha: So, anyways... since we are alone here...
Kureha was holding her hands back and waddling her right foot as she spoke.
Kureha: You remember that I wanted to speak with you, right?
You: yeah, I remember. But it's late, shouldn't you go to bed?
Kureha: It's not that late. Plus, I really want to speak with you, it's important.
You: Alright then.
Kureha: Follow me.
Kureha then took me to a high point of the SBC Glocken. Heck, you could practically see the whole city from up here, you couldn't even smell the stench of gas and smoke.
You: Wow, it clearer up here.
Kureha: Right. It's one of the things I find fascinating about VRMMOS. We may be in a virtual world, but it somehow doesn't feel any less then in the real world. Sometimes, I feel more alive in here than in the real world.
You: that's all well in good but you must remember, the real world is still the real world. It is our real home, and we can't just let go of it.
Kureha: I know, I know... but you know something funny? I used to hate them.
You: Really?
Kureha: Yeah, I found them to just be waste of time and money. But... when I was first introduced to GGO... I was amazed. The amazing graphic detail, my movements and breathing, it was like I was me but not me. Like a new part of me was born. I felt like I could do anything.
You: Oh, I know that feeling.
Kureha: When did you started playing VRMMOS?
You: About two to three years ago.
Kureha: that game must have inspired a lot in you. Since it build up such an amazing fire in you.
You: you have no idea.
Kureha: So... are you gonna tell me the truth about it?
You: Huh?
Kureha: Elias... you know that I know when you are lying. You always make the same face when you lie. You might be able to fool other people... but not me. Nothing gets passed the childhood friend.
You: Kureha, I-
Kureha: Do you realize just how happy I was when I saw you again... *tears build up in her eyes* how many days I prayed to God that I would see you again. A part of me thought you were dead...
I didn't dare speak; I just let her speak her mind. But every time she spoke, a huge spear of guilt penetrated my heart, I knew I couldn't keep it a secret from her.
Kureha: You said that you were doing some research behind the next BoB match, even if that were true, going around all of GGO wanting to get close to your opponents in mid battle isn't something a reporter would do and they would most certainly need some sort of basic account, and your account is anything but basic.
You: *I sigh in defeat* I guess I'm caught.
Kureha: Elias... what is really happening here?
You: Okay... I wasn't lying when I said I was here on business. I was requested by the government to do some research on someone called Death gun.
Kureha: Yeah, I heard about that.
You: Death gun was a serial killer; he killed players in game and then the players died IRL. My job was to find out the secret he was using to kill these people in game. As far as we knew, there was no possible way for a player to die in game just from a bullet shot.
Kureha: So, what happened?
You: Well...
I proceed to explain Kureha every little detail we could gather from our investigation behind Death gun, the only thing she could not wrap her head around was the fact that I knew so much about him and that I was specifically appointed to handle such task and not just me, Kirito and Sinon too. Sinon has been missing from GGO for years and then comes back when I show up and Kirito's skills are just as intense as mine and we all get along too well.
Kureha: hang on, I don't understand, laughing coffin? Murder guild? Government request? I don't understand any of this.
You: Kureha... the reason I know all of this is because this guild called Laughing coffin was a murder guild in the previous game I was in, or rather, I am currently in.
Kureha: What do you mean? What are you saying?
You: Kureha... I'm an SAO survivor.
Kureha backed away in shock as she held her hands close to her mouth. Tears falling one by one.
Kureha: Your... an SAO survivor.
You: I still am. I was temporarily converted over for here to GGO to solve this case. Soon I will be teleported back.
Kureha: No... no-no-no-no!
Kureha rushed at me, holding me tight, too tight it could have crushed me and yet, I wasn't even fazed.
Kureha: Please no... don't leave. I finally found you and now I haft to say goodbye again...
You: it's not exactly my choice Kureha. Besides, even if it was... I have friends still trapped in SAO. Me, along with Kirito and Sinon are part of a team called, the Assault team. We are the most powerful team in SAO, the only team powerful enough to take on the floor bosses. If I don't return along with my friends, there could be major problems with the guilds and the teams floor clearing progress.
Kureha: Really? You're that special?
You: Nah, I am no special. I am just a regular player.
Kureha: Heh... hehe...
Kureha chuckled a bit, which made me both nervous and confused.
Kureha: what even is this? I wish this was a dream, so then I will at least know that my head isn't crazy.
You: You have no idea how much I've been wishing for that... but sadly, as much as this is VR, this is reality.
Kureha: *she breathes in and out* Mm... *She giggles*
You: what? What's so funny?
Kureha: I was just remembering... that night we were having a sleepover and... my mom brought us alphabet soup. Then we had this game in where we would use the letters in the soup to make words.
You: Now that you mention it, I think I remember something like that... one time I wrote. "Hey".
Kureha: and then I wrote "Hi"
You: then "Bye"
Kureha: "Bye"
You: "Bee"
Kureha: "Aloha"
You: "I see you"
Kureha: "BFF"
You: "Lalala"
Kureha: then "I love yo-"
Kureha stopped at that moment and then buried her face in my chest. I also got taken back to what she said. I do remember she spelled "I love you" but I always took it as a joke.
You: Oh yeah, then lastly you said "I love you" that was pretty funny.
Kureha: Grr...
You: But then you got up, said I am an "idiot" and went to bed. It was a bit awkward and silent but then I went to bed too.
Kureha: And you are still an idiot...
You: What?
Kureha: I SAID, YOU ARE STILL AN IDIOT! CAN'T YOU READ THE ROOM?!
You; Wh-what do you mean?!
Kureha: do you know how hard it was for me to simply write that? I was borderline embarrassed!
You: Well... I just didn't know how to take it. You have a habit of teasing me, so I just brushed it off.
Kureha: I know I tease you a lot... but I'd never lie about something like that.
You: Wait... so...
Kureha: What? Is it bad? Pathetic? Is it bad for me to still have these feeling even after all these years?
You: So... you felt the same way?
Kureha: huh?
You: Ku-I mean, Momiji... I've had the longest crush on you since I met you. I mean how could I not? You were my first... my only friend... the only one the made me feel important.
Kureha: I... don't remember at what time I specifically started having feeling for you... but I think it might have been around the time you defended me from those snotty rich jerks. All the guys I've ever met, even until now have always been jerks... not you. You cared about me, always put my feelings first before yours... plus the way you stutter when your nervous, it's kind of cute.
You: Wh-wha-I don't stutter!
Kureha: you mean like now? *she says with a smirk"
You: Mm...
I tried to look tough by puffing my chest out, but I knew I looked stupid.
Kureha: *she giggles* I guess I was wrong... this part about you... the part I loved the most about you... hasn't changed at all... I am so glad.
Kureha then lifted her head and showed the reflection of the moon in her eyes... I could see her face leaning closer. This was it... the moment I have been wanting for ever since I was kid was finally happening... but I am not that kind of guy.
I have a girlfriend... a girlfriend whom I love dearly, my feelings are no joke, and neither are hers. If I kiss her right now... what does that mean about us? Is our relationship a joke for me? Am I gonna become one of those guys who says, "It was just one time, it meant nothing" that's bullshit.
Not to mention that it is also an insult to her, what goes does a kiss make if I don't feel the same way? But as crazy as it sounds... I still have feelings for her... but why do I have feelings when I already have a girl that I love?
Even if it hurts... even if it crushes my dreams... I must do what is right.
You: Wait! *I hold her shoulders*
Kureha was taken back a bit but remained composed.
You: I... I can't.
Kureha: Why? Do you not feel the same way?
You: N-no, I do... more than ever... but I can't.
Kureha: Uh...
You: See... I... already have a girlfriend.
Kureha took a few steps back... it was like I could hear her heart shatter into a million pieces... honestly mine broke a little too.
Kureha: You... heh...hehehe... yeah... of course you do...
Kureha was smiling and I knew it wasn't because she was happy... which only made me feel so much devastated for making her feel this way.
You: I'm sorry. Please don't-
Kureha: No... it's fine... I never get what I want.
There was a silence paused. I couldn't tell how much time have passed.
Kureha: Tell me... who is she?
You: Uh... she's another SAO survivor... her name is Koharu. You'd like her.
Kureha: Yeah... I am sure I would... she did make you fall for her. Unlike me who wasn't able to do.
You: Momiji-
Kureha: Don't call me that...
I couldn't tell if I was making things worse or if things were getting worse on their own.
Kureha: One more thing... how did you survive?
You; What?
Kureha: how did you actually survive the explosion? Don't think I didn't notice you lying about that too.
You: Well... I-I... I-uh-
Kureha: I-Uh, are not answers... what really happened?
You: Okay... I am actually responsible for that.
Kureha: What?!
You: Yeah... after their agents took me, I was locked away and then.
I then proceeded to explain Kureha how I performed my plan to escape and how I came here to Japan without even a "plan". Though I wish I could say that was true.
Kureha: Oh my god...
Kureha then turned around and I saw the small drops of tears falling to the concrete ground.
I tried to reach out to her, but she then turned around with a smile and a waterfall tears.
Kureha: I guess it just wasn't meant to be... I shouldn't have met you here.
You: Wait... what are you-
Kureha: *she then deletes me from everything* I am deleting you from my friends list and from my contacts. Don't follow me, don't talk to me... don't even find me... this is...
You: N-W-wait-
Kureha: this is goodbye... for my sake... please don't ever come back in my life.
Kureha then proceeds to press the logout button.
You: M-MOMIJI WAIT!
Her body have already disappeared... and I was all alone.
I knew this would happen... and now... I have lost my childhood friend... for a second time.
You: Igh...
Tears began to fall as I fell to my knees and tried to hold myself together... I need to be strong... I needed to be strong...
You: "Sniff" Relax... she is just heartbroken. This is just what they call woman drama... she didn't mean that... she'd never mean that.
I get up and start wiping away my tears as I stood high but still hurt.
You: Momiji... I will be back. You've brought me into your life and now it's gonna be hard to get rid of me... I hope that we can be friends again.
I then turned around and began to walk back home... but I stood in despair knowing that we've won the battle against Death gun... but I lost my childhood friend for a second time.
To be continued...