SAO: The Story Of A Legend

Chapter 65: Hikaru's POV

The next day has finally come since that player attacked Haruna....this is also the day of that wedding event....I was sitting on the couch, reading the news. I saw on the news that the player I saw die yesterday, was just found dead...the doctors said his wounds were as if he were stabbed by a sword, but there's not a single scratch...I suddenly heard our doorbell. I looked at Ms. Hana, who was washing dishes in the kitchen, to see if she was expecting anyone and she just shrugged to me. I got up cautiously, grasping my dagger, which I decided to buy just in case that guy shows up again....I cautiously looked out the peep hole.

"Hikaru."

I turned around, seeing Shojin standing innocently behind me, looking confused.

"What was that noise? It sounded certainly important."

I smiled, and hid my dagger behind my back.

"It's a special button outside of houses that people can press to let the people inside the house know that someone is there."

"Ohh, I understand."

I saw Ikiru softly walking down the stairs, wearing normal clothes with a big smile on her face. I blushed lightly, as my eyes softened and smiled at her. I was about to greet her, when the doorbell rang again. I turned and looked into the hole, to see who it was, and smiled softly, opening up the door and smiling at Haruna.

"Hi, Haruna--"

She walked inside, gently pushing me aside and running upstairs.

"Hikaru, we must talk now! Alone! I'll be in your room!"

My eyes stayed widened in shock, as I looked to Ikiru if she was okay with her going into my room. She seemed shocked as well, but kept a beautiful smile on her face, and nodded to me. I walked halfway up the stairs, as I heard Shojin speak.

"Hi, mommy."

My eyes widened in complete shock, as I turned around to look at Ikiru. She had a bright and deep blush, freaking out.

"Sh-shojin i-i told you n-not to say that in front of him!"

I smiled, and softened my eyes, walking upstairs. I walked into my room, seeing Haruna lying down on my bed, staring up at the ceiling. She had a blush, and seemed to be in deep thought and didn't notice me walk in. I softly closed my door and walked to her. I got near her face, so she would see me.

"Hello."

"A-ah, Hikaru!!! Y-you scared me!"

I giggled, as she sat up, blushing deeply.

"What do you need to talk about?"

"I-i have been thinking about that wedding quest....Hikaru, you cannot complete it with Ikiru."

I tiled my head, confused and pushed down my eyebrows.

"U-um, what do you mean? Why not?"

"Because Hikaru, did you fully read the rules?!"

"No, anything special I need to know?"

"Yes, if the bride doesn't say the vows, both players will die immediately by an immortal spirit monster, and will lose 10,000 Col! Sound bad enough? Well do not forget that we all take real-life damage from ALO."

"W-well that's something....but I mean, she wouldn't refuse to do them I'm sure!"

"Hikaru, are you aware of the current horrible thing going on inside ALO?"

My eyes widened in shock, as I remembered the current problem of players not being able to control what they say....

"Well, I'm already signed up so I can't back down. Who else would I complete it with? Koneko? No....she'll refuse it right away and get us both killed....I guess I can go try and meet some new girls...."

Haruna leaned closer to me, blushing.

"I-i wouldn't mind doing it, Hikaru...."

I blushed very deeply and looked at Haruna, shocked.

"Y-you would...?"

It felt strange, considering I view Haruna as the sister I always wanted, but never had.

"Y-you would be quite perfect, since you seem to not be affected at all....if you're up to it, then I am too Haruna."

I blushed much deeper, but smiled at her. Her whole face turned very red, as she smiled at me.

"I'm sure Iku would understand...."

She nodded to me, agreeing. I smiled again, and looked to my NerveGear. A million things running through my mind. My eyes widened.

"H-haruna, do you use a NerveGear to play ALO?!"

"Yes, Hikaru. I never stopped using it, even after SAO. You?"

"I do, but I also have an Amusphere...Haruna, I think I understand what's happening here, and why you and me aren't affected. Most people, including our friends, have switched to the Amusphere, while you and me stayed using the NerveGear. My guess: the GM's couldn't quite crack into the NerveGear to change the settings, and could only do it with the NerveGear."

Haruna turned to my NerveGear, and nodded.

"This theory seems very correct Hikaru."

Haruna leaned in and softly kissed my cheek, making me blush.

"We'll figure things out and stop this, do not worry Hikaru."

I smiled, and nodded.

"Thanks Haruna, I appreciate that."