Looking For Something Real (Sword Art Online)

19. Not Fair

Chapter 19- July 13th 2025 "Not Fair"

Tokyo

Rika sat on her knees in silence looking down at the limp body of Reo. The operator on the line continued to talk but she had no idea what was being said. Her body was frozen, her lip was quivering and all she could do was whimper.

It's not fair! Why did this happen? Why?

Why did he jump in like that?

Why is he always trying to protect me after all the mean things I say to him?

Images of The past few months flashed through Rika's mind.

It flooded in as she remembered the worry that Tyzn had died in SAO, the nights that she dreamed of his body exploding in the death animation and waking up screaming.

The joy of seeing a message from him appear on the forums and the warmth and comfort it bought to her heart.

Seeing him in the real world for the first time and the way she had to bite down her nervousness to keep up the tough girl facade.

Tyzn asking her on a date and the flutter in her heart that it caused.

The first date at dicey café where Tyzn had made her laugh for hours and all the dates since which had made her so happy.

And now the fight which could end it all.

"NO!" Rika screamed dropping her head to Reo's chest. "You can't do this! Don't take him from me!" The tears started to flood again as the distant sounds of sirens drew closer. "Don't go Tyzn! You can't, please!"

As Rika screamed into his chest she felt a hand touch her shoulder. It made her jump up as a paramedic helped her to stand. She watched through a haze of tears as the police handcuffed the man on the floor while paramedics checked his vitals. Her gaze dropped back down to Tyzn on the floor as two more paramedics applied gauze to his wound.

"Come on let's get you to hospital." The paramedic with her said.

"No I'm staying with Tyzn... I mean Reo." Rika replied in a quiet voice. Dried blood from Reo's wound had stuck to her face, probably making her own swollen cheek look far worse than it was.

"He's in good hands and we need to get you some X-Rays for you cheek." The paramedic continued trying to get his patient to move.

Rika snapped her head around, clear anger in her voice and body language. "I said No! I'm not going to leave him got it!?"

The paramedic held up his hand in apology and calmly said "Ok, once he's in the ambulance you can sit in the back with me."

"Thank you" Rika said through tears "and... I'm sorry." Sobs carried forth as emotions of fear and anger created a whirlpool in her head. At its centre was Reo.

"It's ok, no need to apologise to me, you're the one who is hurt my dear."

"Is... Is he going to be ok" Rika sobbed out as Reo was placed on a gurney. His face had gone pale as if all the life from his body was being sapped away.

"He's lost a lot of blood but we'll know more once we get back to the hospital." The paramedic replied trying to be professional and sympathetic and falling somewhere in between.

Reo was loaded into the ambulance and the paramedic helped Rika in. Once they were underway Rika leant forwards taking Reo's hand in hers and resting her forehead onto his arm.

"Please be ok" She pleaded with a sigh before the tears started again.

Authors Note: A short, angst filled chapter this time but I wanted to get one in from a more Liz based perspective. 

Hope Y'all like it :D