Sword Art Online: Faithful Hymn

Chapter 19: Destinies

"I'm coming!" yells the diva, with her voice coming from the bathroom. With Shoji sitting behind his desk in his bedroom, he eagerly awaits his friend as they are going to evaluate the day once she gets to him. The boy looks outside, seeing that huge raindrops are falling from the sky. It's no weather to go outside for, nor to go to a place where you could possibly hang out. Ever since Shoji and Yuna got back from Tetsuhiro's office this morning, it has been raining cats and dogs like this. It surely does not give a pleasant feeling, but no day can possibly be boring with a great friend like Yuna by your side. Apart from that, Shoji still has not told Yuna yet about the candies he received. Yuna noticed the candies, although she did not bother asking about them. It seemed like that she had something that bothered her mind, that Shoji did not ask about just yet.

It might not have been a very long time ever since Shoji and Yuna met one another. In fact, it has only been two full days so far. Despite that, Shoji's heart is something that did not sit still during all the events he has experienced with the AI. Sure, his heart felt the beauty that resonated from the girl, as well as her resemblance of Yuuna. But despite those factors, real love is not something he felt that necessarily. Although ever since the first time Yuna slept next to him, he could feel a spark of love developing deep in his heart. After that faithful night, it only got better for the two teenagers. Going to school was a huge development, and the pizzeria really got Yuna an idea about the kind of food Shoji is into.

It's carved in stone. Shoji is eager to see more of his future together with Yuna, and Yuna would wish the exact same.

****

Six months after The SAO Incident took place

"Hours ago, The Assault Team had cleared the 28th Floor of the castle Aincrad. Many opinions regarding the aftermath of the fight were divided. Some people were so enthusiastic about the boss' defeat, they felt the desire to throw a party. Others however, did not hesitate to immediately grind the next area, farming EXP, Col, armor and weapons was their biggest priority. And I don't blame them for thinking this way. If anything, our biggest priority should be to clear this game as soon as possible. What people forget to tend to however, are breaks.

If there is one thing in this world that people overshadow, it's its beauty. Astonishing landscapes, almost always good weather, the heat that softly blazes on your skin, it's gorgeous. This may not be the real world, but we live in it, right now. You may as well consider this the real world, at least for the following months to years we will have to spend time in it.

I have secluded myself from getting into any guilds or creating any relationships with others. Not because I am so desperate to clear the game as soon as possible, but because I can't hurt anyone this way. As I think back four and a half years ago, the only faces I am able to recognize are those of Wyatt and Seven. My best friends, and I hurt them because I had to abandon them.

Once this death game gets cleared, the exact same thing will happen, doesn't it? I could have these great relationships with people, but once the boss on the 100th Floor gets beaten, what then? We will be logged out the moment the boss hits its last bit of HP, right? I can't hurt those people anymore, I refuse to. That's why playing solo, and not getting along with anyone is the wisest thing to do. I won't be able to make the same mistake I did all those years ago, and no one would miss me, either."

As Shoji finishes writing down his last line in his diary, he softly closes the small book, laying it down besides him. Sitting in front of a beautiful like in the forest, he grabs his fishing rod and launches the thin string with a hook attached to it into the water. With enough patience and strength, who knows what he may end up finding. There is a very rare fish that could be used to make an elixer. This elixer would provide a buff that would decrease 50% of the incoming damage for 6 minutes long. The obtaining rate for this fish is 0,2% so it would be a long sit. Nevertheless, fishing was a moment of peace. He enjoys it, no matter the circumstance.

"Excuse me sir, you are on the Assault Team, right?" asks a boy from around Shoji's age. He taps on his shoulder to ensure the lad would get the attention he desired. Being pleased and surprised by the same time, the green-eyed and peaceful boy turns around. As he looks behind him to see who tapped on his shoulder, he could see the username of the person hovering above his head. 'Nautilus', it said.

"Hi there, yes, I'm on the Assault Team. Is there anything you need?" he gently asks Nautilus. The unknown boy already seems pleased with the way Shoji answers him, so there is no way to feel nervous or cautious around him. There are very few murderous guilds who want to kill people for plain fun, but he does not sense that kind of vibe from the boy at all.

"Uhm, yes. I've got a good friend, and I want to do anything to protect her. Could you come with me please? I want to introduce you to her." Nautilus requests of him. Shoji thinks back of the last few lines he wrote in his diary. He does not want to risk getting along with people too well, because he knows what that could mean in the end. Since Nautilus' request would only be an introduction and nothing more, it couldn't hurt, right?

"Yes, of course. What is your friend's name? I may know the person." Shoji asks. Nautilus does not expect the boy to know his best friend, especially because she has never left the Town of Beginnings to begin with. Nautilus forced her to stay in there to ensure her safety. As the boy browses through his menu to look at all of his available skills, he sees the skill: Horizontal Square in his menu. Knowing that the future would shine brighter for him, he determinedly responds.

"Yuuna."