Sword Art Online: The Duo Factors

Chapter 44: Damsel in Destruction.

Chiba, Sakura..

In a bustling city, a man just arrived at the building with a suitcase. Ignoring all the crowd's that is focusing on people that are doing the protest and the growing rebellion. Heading upstairs to the top of the building. But he was stopped by the armored protestor with a homemade crossbow that is guarding at one of the rebellion's checkpoint as their base of operation.

Armored Protestor: Show me your identification card! I have to make sure you're not one of the under-

*Tut!*

A .22 caliber has been fired in suppressed, with penetration so through that pierces one of the guard's lungs. The guard's fall opens the door, reveals out his breach-action hunting pistol to the protestors inside the building, showing no mercy nor pity to the dead. His intimidating appearance shocks the others that attacking him will be a bad idea. But he pays no attention to their operation as he heads straight to the rooftop without getting himself in a fight.

Year 2025, January 20.. Japan Standard Time, 10:00am. Chiba, Seirei Sakura Citizen Hospital.

The duo are now visiting unconscious Haruna who is resting on the bed, recuperating from her injury. Koharu transfers her thoughts through physical contact by holding her hands. Hoping her to get well soon, while Lai leans against the wall. Waiting for her to finish what's in her thoughts.

Koharu: (Mom.. How are you holding up? Lai and I are doing fine since I start living with him in his complex, just for temporary so don't worry about that.)

Her hand releases from her mother's. Asking Lai if he has something to talk to her mentally. Instead, he shakes his head as he doesn't want to interfere their mother and daughter moment. As soon as she finishes what she have to say in her mind, she rests her head to her mother's palm to offer her daughter's warmth to Haruna before leaving with her boyfriend. Both of them are able to enter with their firearms sheathes thanks to Joyce's personal instructions for letting them in. They both are now on the 1st floor via elevator.

Lai: Anything you want to say?

She checks her phone, looking out for Keita's update while casually spinning her Karambit in very fast pace with just her index finger since she's an expert on dagger and throwing weapons.

Koharu: No, I think I have finished what I should say. Let's get back to work once we're home.

Lai: ...

With just observe on Koharu, Lai is able to tell she took a great hit on her heart when it comes to about her mother. He brings her into his embrace with just one of his arm. But she moves away to hide her sorrow, staying strong.

Koharu: You know I'm not that fragile, right?

Lai: Sorry..

Koharu: I've experienced losses of people in SAO during my time as MBC Commander. Yet, I still shed a tear to this day.

Lai: But now it's just the two of us, instead of having your own squad risking their lives in every missions.

Koharu: Yeah..

She sheathes her Karambit back in the holster.

Lai: We're-

Koharu anticipates what Lai is about to say..

Koharu: "We're humans after all, it's okay to feel that way." Is that what're trying to say?

He nods..

Koharu: I heard this for several times, from NPCs and other players.

She swipes a few times on her phone. Akihiko Kayaba just send a video to Koharu as updates about the protests.