Through Thick and Thin

Forgotten Treasures

(Occasionally, there will be times where Asuna will look back on what happened and write about it after this has all happened. I didn't make that very clear in past chapters, but I will do my best now.  Also, there will be times where in the present of the book she will write about what is currently happening. Usually, future Asuna's journal will occur in the first paragraph or two and as well as the last paragraph. Now, the rest of the chapter will be written in the present. I hope I make it more clear and enjoyable.) 

There are many reasons I wish that day never happened. One of which being that it brought hope and when that beacon of hope faltered it broke Kazuto's heart. When he visited me, his eyes were red with dried stains of fresh tears. Like, he only just stopped crying a few minutes ago. I respect that he was trying to stay strong, but I only wished that he knew that I didn't need that. What I believe I needed was simply someone to be my side. No one else visited me, except for the occasional visit from my parents. They visited separately. Honestly, I think my mom just visited me to make me feel awful about myself.  I am surprised I haven't truly snapped at her, at the time. I usually stayed quiet, and just nodded. After she left, I would usually cry. No matter how much I hated her, I still couldn't stop thinking about how great she used to be. Not to mention, she's my mother. I wish she could've been happy, then. Now on the other hand, my dad usually apologized for my mom's actions and sat down with me. We usually would talk for an hour or two about anything really. It made me so happy, he was really sweet. Still is. I know I could always count on him to turn my day around. It is nice to know also that he still approves of me and Kazuto and is cheering for us. Back then, even more so. He would try and help me remember. He was a big part of how I got my information about Kazuto and SAO. And, whenever I couldn't sleep, I researched. Good thing, too. Eventually, it brought me to the hospital's goal. 

While Kazuto was here, he seemed unbelievably happy. He came in to my room with a big grin on his face. I asked him about it, and apparently there were updates in his favorite game that he really liked. They added new sword skills, and levels based on SAO as well as sights. Not to mention, the famous Aincrad castle. As he was showing me pictures, I couldn't help but smile. He was so excited about it, and of course I was too. Maybe this could really help me get my memories back. Memories are such treasures, and I just wished they weren't stolen from me. If only, I could remember it all again. As Kazuto showed me a small field with a tree. On the horizon, was the sight of Aincrad, my eyes widened. This is where we first met. I just know it is! I couldn't help myself, I cried with joy. I was laughing, tears going down my face. He must've knew what happened, and he just hugged me really tight, doing the same as me. As we both sat on my hospital bed, I felt at peace. I suddenly remembered the night he first came to see me after beating ALO, when we finally saw each other in real life. It didn't help, and I just kept sobbing. 

"Kazuto, these memories... Everything is coming back to me, now. We have a chance. I just hopes it lasts." 

Kazuto's grip tightened, "I know it will, Asuna. I just know it, because I couldn't stand it if you never remembered. And, all those beautiful years I had with you, I am not ready for them to end. Not now, not ever." 

As we were hugging, I remembered all of the moments we shared like this, just me and him holding each other hoping we won't fall apart. Like, as we watched the world we were trapped in for 2 years just vanish right before we disappeared together. Soon, all the hardships we faced and the stories of our love that held us together came in like a big punch to the face. 

"Kazuto, I remember everything now. I am so sorry for making you worry. I love you with all my heart." 

We kissed long and hard as if we hadn't seen each other in years. It was passionate, but in a soft, sweet way. Not heated, just gentle. This is the moment we waited for, and now I can finally get out of here. Only this time, I want to spend it with him.

I smoothly asked, "Hey, do you think I could stay the night?" 

We both laughed at that funny misunderstanding that happened in SAO back when he first went to my house.

Kazuto calmed down and replied, "Alright, very funny. It was stupid of me to ask, and not think of how you would take it." 

"Well, duh." 

"Don't you duh me."

He gave me a quick kiss, and went to the nurse and told her about how I recovered from my memory loss. The nurse soon checked up on my condition, and we checked out of the hospital. When we got into the car, I called my dad. 

"Hello! I just wanted to tell you that I remember everything again, and I was just dismissed from the hospital. Thank you for being such a big help."

"No problem, honey! Have a good night!" 

"You too, dad!" 

I hung up, and that's when Kazuto and I's little adventure began.