SAO FB: Scars

International Spotlight

Kaito's work in SAO and ALO had been revealed as per the XXXXX's threats. When Kaito read the news headlines, the world was slandering the Japanese government. Many believed that the Japanese turned a blind eye to the ALO incident. The SAO incident wasn't any better as many believed that the Japanese were able to log people out safely, yet refused to do so. Kaito's days of peace and quiet were over because everyone now knew who he was. The government was quick to deny the claims, but Kaito had admitted to the world via an anonymous post that all of the leaked documents were true. He revealed the truth behind the SAO Infiltration and Collection teams. He also revealed the inaction that the government during the ALO Incident. The Japanese government finally conceded and admitted that the documents were true.

A week after the Cross Edge Incident, Kaito left the hotel he was staying at during the Cross Edge Incident. A sea of news reporters from around the world flooded the doors and pushed their way towards Kaito. Like moths to a flame, they surrounded Kaito and shoved their microphones and cameras in his face. The bright lights and numerous questions overwhelmed Kaito. A couple of police officers stepped in and pushed the crowd away as Kaito was led to a private car. When he got inside, the tinted windows muted the camera flashes and spotlights. Across from him was Sergeant Aki and another man in a cheap aloha shirt.

"Kikuoka," Kaito sighed. "I don't know how many times I can thank you for doing this."

The man spoke, "This is one thing I've done for you. I owe you for SAO, ALO, GGO, ALICE, UR, and this whole situation as well."

"Aye sir."

"When you need a favor, just call me."

The concrete jungle of Tokyo slowly turned into the mountains and forests. The journey took a while, but it was the most discrete out of all of them. The car drove to a secure location in Kyoto. With a side entrance, they managed to walk in without media attention. Kaito passed by a pair of open doors. He heard the distinct noise of camera flashes along with microphone interference.

"Kaito Sato is someone I hold near and dear to my heart," a familiar voice spoke.

Kaito peered through the doors and saw Takamine at a table along with Daichi and Daisuke. Kikuoka mentioned that they volunteered for Kaito's defense. Taka looked at the open double doors and saw Kaito looking back at her. She smiled before continuing on. Taka stated, "I have no problem in calling him my boyfriend, even after everything that has happened."

A reporter asked, "These situations that Mr. Sato has been a part of. Did he hide them from you?"

Taka nodded and answered the question, "He did. The only people who knew was the government and his closest friends and family. I was not in contact with him until after the ALO incident. Even when we met each other before the GGO incident, he did not tell me about his time in ALO or SAO."

"Do you think this secret hiding will have any impact on how you perceive him?"

"No. I can sympathize with him. He wasn't proud of what he did in the past. Especially in SAO where he knew he cheated death, couldn't save anyone, and killed others to stay alive. He still feels the guilt about not helping more people. Every time I asked him about it, the answer would always be the same, 'I went through hell twice. I don't need to tell anyone what happened to me in there.' I stand behind his decision on not telling the world or me what happened during those two years."

There was a bit of chatter in the audience. The questions continued for the trio. Kikuoka closed the doors and escorted Kaito to the hotel room at the top of the building. Kaito sat at the window and gazed out into the harbor. There were numerous amounts of cars surrounding the building. Kaito grabbed the coin on the desk and ran it through his fingers. He was calm on the outside, but still unsteady and nervous.

"It's going to be a while before this all simmers down," Kikuoka stated.

"And you're going to hop on the next flight to Hawaii I assume?" Kaito answered while placing the coin back on the desk.

"It's as if you're stuck in my head."

"I know you too well after spending 5 years with you."

Aki handed Kaito the remainder of the paperwork, non-disclosure agreements and what not. The two left the area while Kaito stood at the kitchen counter. He opened a bottle of iced tea and downed the cold drink. His job gave him a large chunk of days off while the matter is sorted. They haven't fired him from his position nor received a demotion. The press conference downstairs ended and a knock was heard at the door. When he looked in the peep hole, he saw a teenage girl and a boy.

"It's Layla and Michael," a female voice replied.

Kaito unlocked the door. Michael and Layla walked through the door and into the kitchen. After a few minutes, Takamine, Kirito, and Asuna arrived in the room. The group discussed about the future of Cross Edge. Since the release of the Cross Edge experiments, Cross Edge was stricken from all listings in online and physical stores. Michael and Layla are starting the project again on their own.

"This time around, you're not going to outsource the work?" Kaito asked.

"No, no," Michael replied. "We've started a company now."

"I'm sure that'll gain a lot of traction. Good luck with that venture."

"We were wondering," Layla offered, "if you wanted to join our team Kaito."

Michael tacked on, "There's an open slot for a software engineer right now."

Takamine stared at Kaito. Kaito lowered his drink and shook his head. He replied, "I can't really move out of Colorado right now. It's been my home for the past few months and I can't just leave it."

"You don't have to stay here in Japan," Michael answered. "I've seen your work. You're really talented. It's a part-time job and you'll still be able to work from Colorado."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can manage two jobs at the same time," Kaito answered. "I'll take a raincheck though, thank you. Maybe in the future."

The group further discussed throughout the night before Kirito, Asuna, Michael, and Layla left the hotel room. Cross Edge was in good hands now. Takamine and Kaito were sitting across from each other. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment. A minute passes by as they continue to stare at each other, seemingly sending messages to each other telepathically. The two nodded in agreement and turned off the lights. They left the room with a backpack of food and drinks. At the side of the hotel, they got into a car. Daichi and Daisuke were inside the car already. The four friends drove to the top of a nearby park. Kyoto's skyline shimmered below them. They sat down on the grass and opened up their packs. Daichi took out the stove while Daisuke brought the meats and vegetables. Kureha brought the side dishes while Kaito brought the drinks.

"Does any part of you feel relieved that this is over? That everyone knows?" Daichi asked Kaito.

Kaito lowered his drink and took a moment to think about the question. While everyone waited for an answer, they ate food from the hibachi stove.

"Part of me is happy that this burden is lifted," Kaito admitted. "This whole idea of secrecy and work is thrown out the window. There's nothing telling me to hide it anymore because everyone now knows. It's crazy to see your past catch up to you like that."

"Sometimes scars come back...Reopen...Bleed," Daisuke added. "It's amazing to hear how you handled the situation."

"I had friends that's why," Kaito answered while raising his drink. "I can always trust that they'll be there for me."

Takamine nodded and raised her drink, "To Team Akogare."

Daisuke and Daichi raised their drinks for a moment before taking a sip. The group enjoyed the small picnic together. At midnight, the group drove back to the hotel room. Daisuke and Daichi left with the car while Takamine and Kaito went back to the hotel room. They got ready for the night and laid down in the same bed. Takamine reached over and placed her hand in his. After a few moments of waiting, Kaito interlocked fingers and held her hand tightly. They felt each others warmth and love. A feeling that they haven't felt in a long while.