Not a Game Anymore

The Real World

I sighed, opening my eyes to stare down at my target. One of those monsters... A smirk stretched across my lips as I drew my swords, my twin blades made of steel as a short, gold chain hung from each handle. Before I knew it, I was dashing at the speed of light. I jumped, swinging my swords as I struck the creature before landing on one knee, my swords on either side of my body. The monster disappeared in shattered glass and bright sparkles.

When they cleared, I stood, sliding my blades back in their holsters on my back. "Another one down." I said, turning to two boys who were smirking at me.

"Just think, the release of Sword Art Online comes out tomorrow!" Said Satoshi.

"And since we're beta-testers, we'll know all the perks and extras." Tamaki said.

I smirked again. "I know, it'll be awesome." I said before running my fingers through my short, dark blue hair. "Anyways, I should be going. It's almost 11:30 and I have school tomorrow."

"See ya tomorrow then, Kyo." Tamaki said before a bright light surrounded me.

When I opened my eyes, I was looking at the ceiling through my NerveGear. I sat up and took the helmet off, setting it on my bedside table before changing into a T-shirt. I brushed my long, crimson red hair before climbing into bed, shutting my lamp off as I drifted off to sleep.

__________________________

Beep! Beep! Beep!

My hand slammed onto my alarm clock as my eyes fluttered open. I got up and stretched my tired body before getting dressed in my school uniform. My uniform consisted of a white, button up shirt; navy blue overcoat; navy blue, button up skirt; white tights; and a red ribbon tied in a bow around my neck under my shirt collar. When I finished getting dressed, I quickly brushed my hair and teeth before grabbing my school bag and running downstairs.

I jumped off the second to last step onto the floor before running into the kitchen, grabbing an apple as I took a bite out of it. "Bye, Mom! I'm leaving!" I called.

"Bye, Melanie! Have a good day!" My mom called as I slipped my black shoes on and grabbed my house keys, shoving them into my bag before darting out the door, my older brother just getting in his car.

"Hey, Mel, need a ride?" He asked me.

"Sure, that be nice." I smiled softly.

"Get in. We're going to the same place anyway."

"Mm! Thanks, bro-bro!" I said as I ran to the passenger side.

He chuckled. "Do you have to call me that?"

"Sorry! Thanks, Kai!" I said as I closed the car door, my brother doing the same.

"No problem." He said before pulling out of the driveway.

When we got to school, Kai pulled into a shady spot as I grabbed my bag. "Thanks again!" I said before hugging him and getting out of the car, running into the school, my hair bouncing behind me as my royal blue eyes shined brightly.

When I entered the school building, I let out a sigh, walking to my class. I sat at my desk and waited for someone to talk to me, not that I really cared though... To be honest, I detest reality. It's so boring. I can't wait to get to that world, my world... My reality was a virtual reality that I called my own. It's not like those games with a controller and a game system. No, this was different. You could actually go into the world and live in it. No more straining of the eyes on a small screen, instead, you get to experience the world as a character you create and master different skills. It was fantastic, amazing! I loved it, became addicted to it. So much that it's all I can ever think about.

A low sigh escaped my lips as I closed my eyes, my mind wandering to my fantasy world that I wish was a reality. But suddenly, someone blew in my ear as I jumped in my seat. I quickly turned to the culprit only to see a girl with long, lavender colored hair pulled into a high ponytail as she smiled at me. I chuckled, smirking at her.

"Isn't it a bit early to be sleeping?" She asked me.

"Geez, Yuki, I'm just thinking, that's all."

"Sorry, Mel..."

Suddenly, I heard the boys on the other side of the room being rowdy as I glanced over to them, one of them sending me a wink as I just rolled my eyes. "I think Marcus likes you, Mel." Yuki said.

"He's an idiot jock, Yuki, nothing more... I have no interest in him..."

She smiled, folding her arms over her chest. "Good. He's a jerk anyway."

The rest of the day went by slowly as I couldn't wait to get home. When that final bell rang, I grabbed my bag and ran out of the school, eager to get home. I waited about five minutes until I saw Kai. But then he stopped to talk to his girlfriend as I rolled my eyes. After kissing her goodbye, he finally decided to get over to his car.

"How did you get here before me?" He asked.

"Because I don't have a girlyfriend to attend to, duh." I smirked.

He rolled his eyes before we got in his car and drove off. When we got home, I got out of the car and unlocked the door, setting my bag in a chair as I slipped my shoes off, going into the fridge to grab a banana. I sat at the table and took out my homework before peeling my fruit, taking a bite as Kai came into the kitchen, setting his bag in a chair as well. He went into the fridge and grabbed an apple before going over to me, leaning over my chair to see my homework.

"So, what have we got this time?"

"Some math homework, a history essay, and an english essay."

"Easy. Give me an hour."

"Uhh...what?"

"I can do your math and your history essay."

"Can I at least do my english essay?"

"If you want."

"Don't you have homework of your own?"

"No, so this gives me something to do."

I sighed. "Whatever... I'll be in my room if you need me." I said before going upstairs.

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I sat in my room at my desk with a blank paper in front of me. A sigh escaped my lips before looking over to my computer. I got up and went over to my computer, typing as I went to the current news. It was all about the launching of Sword Art Online as I saw something on the creator, Kayaba Akihiko. Then I saw it. In the corner of my eye, I saw my NerveGear. I looked back at the screen then the helmet and then my blank paper. It couldn't hurt... One hour, that's all. I'll set an alarm. I won't be long, promise...

As I stood, I went over to my bed, putting my NerveGear on before laying down. I closed my eyes, a small smile crossing my lips.

"Link start."