Turning Back the Clock

Chapter 19: The Mission's End

Riko and the group awoke in the park that they started their SAO journey in, and took off their NerveGears.

Inventor: Job well done, everyone. It wasn't perfect, but you did an amazing job, and I'm proud of each and everyone one of you. Especially you, Riko.

Riko: Thanks, Dad.

Inventor: You're welcome. Now get ready. I'm going to have you all exit this simulation and return to the lab in your own time.

Riko: Wait! Before you do that, can we do one last thing?

Ui: One last thing?

Inventor: I guess that can't hurt, but what exactly is it?

Riko: Could I...say goodbye to Kirito and his friends?

Inventor: Sure. Take all of the time you need.

Ui: I'd be open to that as well.

Kez: Count me in, too.

Kiyu and Gus nodded as well.

Riko: Do you want us to meet back at the park so we leave together?

Inventor: No need. I can have all of you exit the simulation at the same time, regardless of where you are or whether or not you're in the same location.

Riko: Ok.

The group split up as the inventor gave them likely locations of where each of the heroes were, based off of information and history from their time period. Each of them decided to visit and say goodbye to different people, based off of their experiences with them in SAO. Kez visited Lisbeth and Klein, Gus visited Silica, Kiyu visited Agil, Ui visited Asuna, and Riko visited his lifelong hero and role-model Kirito.

Kirito: So, where are the other guys from your team? The FF?

Riko: They're visiting some of the other players that we worked with in-game. They're encouraging them to continue gaming with each other, as I will to you.

Kirito: Definitely. I don't know all of their real names yet, but I'm sure we'll find each other again in no time.

Riko: That's good to hear. And Yui is in your NerveGear, I presume?

Kirito: I won't know for sure until I enter another game, but since she told us she's ok, I have faith.

Riko: Great.

Kirito: Since you're from the future, let me ask: are there any other players in other games that I should know about or meet?

Riko: I won't spoil them. That way, you can find out for yourself and get to know them when you do actually meet them. Though I will list two people in the meantime. One of them was known in-game as Sachi. She lost her life while you were trying to protect her.

Kirito: I think I've heard of her from one of the guilds.

Riko: The second person is actually someone you know very well: Suguha.

Kirito: Suguha's into online games, too?

Riko: I don't know if she is yet, but she should be in due time, so don't force her in it too quickly. She'll be as important to your group as you and the others.

Kirito: Ok. Before we left SAO, you mentioned that I was able to defeat Heathcliff, or Kayaba, on my own. How?

Riko: I'm not entirely sure since I wasn't there. However, that leads me into something I've been wanting to tell you.

Kirito: Hmm?

Riko: I was kinda hesitant to say it before, but...for my entire life, you've been a role-model to me. Ever since I got into online gaming at a young age, I looked up to you. Your drive and passion to protect those around you is strong, your heart is pure, and your skills, like Asuna's, are unlike anything the gaming world has ever seen before. And I really mean it when I say that. Without you and everything that you've done throughout your life, I never would've become the person I am today.

Kirito: Well I'm flattered to hear that, and I'm glad that I had a positive influence on your life.

Inventor: Riko! Just a heads-up that the others have finished saying their goodbyes, so I'm going to bring you all out of the simulation soon. Finish up what you're telling Kirito, or rather, Kazuto.

Riko: Ok, Dad. I gotta go back to my time period soon. Um...before I go, can I call you Kazuto?

Kazuto: Sure.

Riko: Anyway, thanks for everything. It was an honor to fight by your side and save SAO with you and the others.

Kazuto: Thanks. You, too. I wish you and your group well.

The two shook hands as Riko started fading from the simulation and returning to the real world.

Kazuto: Will I ever see you again?

Riko: I don't know. I can't say for sure. But just in case we don't, take care, be safe, and keep gaming.

Kazuto: Ok. Goodbye, Riko.

Riko: Goodbye, Kazuto.

With those final words, Riko exited the simulation.