Sword Art Online: Forgotten Edition

Fragment 50 - Her Feelings

October 2024
The Day Prior

Klein spotted Musashi wandering alone and decided to invite her for a drink, to his surprise, she agreed this time.

As they sipped their drinks, they delved into conversation about the real world, exploring topics beyond the confines of the game. Eventually, the subject of romance emerged..

"So, have you encountered anyone interesting in the game yet? Or perhaps you have someone special in the real world?" Klein inquired.

"Are you referring to a significant other? Because 'No' would be the answer to that," Musashi replied with a hint of reluctance.

"Ah, come on now. Don't be coy. It doesn't necessarily have to be a romantic interest. These days, even friendships can blossom into something beautiful," Klein teased.

"Shut it. There's no one like that..." Musashi started to deny, but a sudden thought crossed her mind, causing her to shake her head.

"Ah-- You just thought of someone, didn't you," Klein teased further, sensing her hesitation.

"No, just a friend."

Present

Floor 82 — Aquae City

The aquatic metropolis of Aincrad, known as Aquae, boasted magnificent fountains, cascading waterfalls, and grand structures encircled by glistening waters. Having ascended to the 82th floor, players found themselves enamored by the city's unique allure.

The Shadow Legion has decided to take a break from the front lines for the time being,  accompanied by two esteemed guild masters.

Following the establishment of her guild on the 80th floor, Asuna was bombarded with requests. And to everyone's surprise she decided to run with it. Though it led to her days becoming more busy and occupied with the guild's matters.

Despite the mountain of responsibilities, Asuna's adept leadership and guidance propelled the Twilight Champions to swift renown. By limiting her guild to a select cadre of 20 veteran front liners, it was easier to coordinate boss battles and scouting groups with the other guilds. 

As her guild work gradually eased, she decided it was finally time for a break. And what better way to spend it with the people or rather person, she holds dear...

"So, where are those two headed?" Haru lounged on a couch, his legs crossed, observing Musashi and Asuna's departure from the INN.

Kirito sat next to the young boy as he scrolled through his inventory. Assuming a relaxed demeanor as guild leader, he delegated responsibilities to Heathcliff during his own brief hiatus from duty.

"Who knows," Volt replied disinterestedly as she gently stroked Ark's slumbering wings in her lap.

Hero fixed his gaze on Musashi, then on Asuna, noting the latter's broad smile and faint blush.

So that's how it is. The teen with the eye patch smirked. I've had my suspicions for awhile now, but this confirms it.

Standing up, Haru declared, "I want to go with them—" but Hero immediately stopped him.

"No! You're not going anywhere!"

"Why?" Haru furrowed his brow.

"Because...uhh...we're going to have a Bro day!"

Haru winced, "A...bro day? What's that?"

Coming up with this on the spot, Hero did his best to go with the flow, "It's just hanging out with the bros. Kirito, Volt, get over here! Today's lunch'll be on me!"

Volt and Kirito looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders.

Floor 22 — Asuna and Musashi

Asuna and Musashi materialized near a teleporter just outside a forest, clad in their casual attire.

"Mmmm!" Musashi stretched her arms, "it's good to be back on this floor! It's been so long!" She had a relaxed expression on her face.

"You've been here before?" Asuna asked.

"Yeah, it was when it was just Haru, Hero, and I. We spent a lot of our free time here just to clear our heads."

Asuna listened intently, humming softly in response.

They strolled along a wooden bridge trail leading deeper into the forest outskirts, surrounded by other players and NPCs engaged in fishing along the riverbanks.

"It really is peaceful..." Musashi savored the breeze on her skin and the fresh air. , "Haaaaaah. Nothing beats fresh air."

Giggling like a child, Asuna couldn't help but chuckle at Musashi's uncharacteristic behavior.

"What?" The young woman questioned, puzzled by Asuna's amusement.

"No, I just thought that I've never really seen you like this before. When you're with everyone you're usually a little bit hard to approach," the caramel haired girl spoke truthfully.

"It must be pent up stress. I am the oldest in the group, so I tend to watch over them and make sure they don't anything stupid. Honestly, they're more of a handful than my little sister," the swordswoman scoffed.

Peaking Asuna's interest, she was quick with a question, "You have a younger sister?!"

"Yeah, we're 8 years apart," Musashi confirmed.

"That kind of explains why you're so good at handling Haru most of the time...wait, 8 years?! Musashi, how old are you?," Asuna appeared slightly taken aback.

"Hmm...what year is it? 2024...uh, I should be 21 now."

4 years apart...I just turned 17....A sudden dilemma surged through her mind, and she found herself sighing.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing..." she lied.

I can probably wait a few more years. Yeah! I'll just do that! Then there was a fire in her eyes.

"Is that so...Look, we're almost at the entrance!" Musashi pointed.

Continuing their stroll, the duo soon reached the entrance to the forest, where towering trees cast shadows over the landscape.

"Amazing...the trees block out the sun at the top, you can hardly see the sunlight peeping through," Asuna marveled as they followed a dirt path deeper into the woods.

"It still looks like a really nice place to stroll through, even if it looks a little creepy..." the Lightning Flash seemed unsettled.

"There's a hill just up ahead, if we keep following this path we'll see a cliff with an amazing view, c'mon!" Musashi excitedly grabbed Asuna's hand out of the blue and they both end up running to their destination.

As they reached a certain point, Musashi released Asuna's hand, and they spotted a green patch of grass near the cliff. However, their attention was drawn to a figure standing in the middle of it.

"Who is—" Musashi began, but the figure suddenly collapsed before she could finish her sentence. "H-Hey!" Both she and Asuna ran toward them.

"Are you okay—" another voice started.

"Ah." Volt, Hero, and Kirito said in unison.

Surprised to see the others, Asuna felt a little embarrassed and stuttered as she tried to form a sentence, "W-Waht a-are you doing h-here?!?!"

"Taking a stroll with the boys," Volt answered nonchalantly.

"Now's not the time for jokes!" Musashi knelt beside the individual, cradling their head.

The person appeared to be a small, petite girl with long black hair, dressed in a flowing white gown that reached her shins.

"A player?" Haru murmured under his breath.