Turning Back the Clock

Chapter 11: The Other Legend

Riko: Looks like the sun is setting. I hope I can find her here before it's too late.

Riko then sees someone wearing a red cloak at the top of the steps, sitting alone and not moving. He approaches her.

Riko: Um...excuse me? By any chance, are you...Asuna Yuuki?

Asuna: Yes, I am. Who's asking?

Riko: I'm Riko. I was one of the team members introduced over at the plaza.

Asuna: You mean that FF group? You're part of that?

Riko: Yeah, that. I forgot that Kiyu came up with that nickname. But anyway, we need your help. You're one of the elite team members that we've been looking for. Would you be able to help us out?

Asuna: Sure, I guess. I don't really have any plans of my own at the moment in regards to getting out of this game, at least not yet. Would this "elite team" focus on freeing everyone from the game?

Riko: Yes. That's our main goal. And we believe that you could be really helpful to us.

Asuna: Are you sure you've been looking for me specifically?

Riko: Yes. The game may have just started, but the word on the street back in town is that your sword and battle skills are the stuff of legends.

Asuna: Well, thank you. But why exactly were people talking about me?

Riko: I'm not entirely sure, but they seemed to be talking about you in a positive light. They see you as someone who can be a big help. Though it's probably too tsun to tell for sure.

Asuna: Tsun?

Riko: I meant to say "soon." My bad.

Asuna: Ok. Well, if everyone thinks I'd be a big help, then I guess I'll give it a try. You better not be lying about any of this.

Riko: Cross my heart.

Riko crossed his fingers behind has back as he was secretly, if only partially, lying about the townsfolk gossiping about her. He only knew that he would be of help to them because of Kirito's history and story, as well as what the books and historians say about her. But he brushed that to the side for now as a means of convincing Asuna to join.

Riko: Nope. I'm not lying. Plus, I have someone on the team who I'd like you to meet when we get back to our meeting place. His skills are on a similar level as yours, and I think you two will be great together in battle.

Asuna: Hmm...sounds interesting. Ok, I'll give it a shot.

Riko: Thank you so much, Ms. Yuuki.

Asuna: No problem. And by the way, you can call me Asuna.

Riko lead Asuna to his team's house so he could meet the rest of the group, as well as Kirito. After meeting each other, their conversations were akin to how they actually met in the real SAO and not in this simulation. Despite some skepticism, they were open to the idea of working with each other in battle and in an effort to save everyone from the game. Riko then talked to Kirito's team as a whole.

Riko: I hope you're all getting to know each other. I just wanted to let you know that we only need one more player to complete this team, and then we'll be all set.

Klein: Great! Who is it?

Riko: A younger girl. I'll be searching for her tomorrow. If I were to guess, she's probably training to become a Beast Tamer. There have been sightings of a small, light-blue dragon in the forest region outside of town. That will most likely be where she is during the day.

Kirito: Ok. And I know I've asked this already, but how do you know all of this? About what's in the game and what's going on, and about us?

Riko: I know assembling this team has been kind of sudden for some of you, but I promise that I will explain everything to all of you when the right time comes for me to do so. For now, just chill out, get some rest, and you can meet us at the hills tomorrow when we get started on our mission-I mean project.

Klein: Roger that, Riko!

After some time passed and she got more comfortable around the others, though still a little uncertain about what will happen, Asuna took off her cloak and hood to reveal herself to the others. She had not taken it off and was mostly quiet until now, as she started to socialize with the other team members.

Ui: I'm glad the team members are getting along so far.

Riko: Me too. They're a great team.

Ui: And they will be great here, too.