Dungeon Oratoria Online

Chapter 2

Chapter 2 - To Write a Guide

Suguha:

"Kazuto... Brother."

My soft words are punctuated by the soft patter of my tear's falling unto his unresponsive hand. Sitting at his bed side, I'm still unable to comprehend the contrast between this morning and now. Even now my mind continues to flick back to the sparring presence.

Kazuto had defeated me with unorthodox methods. Cheating, I'd declare vehemently if asked.

But then...

Why didn't I push him off?

The one thought continues to dance circles around my head. With Kazuto's body pressed against me, I'd been able to feel the results of his two months of effort. While he is still thin, it is no longer emancipated, the edges of definition can be seen.

Thinking about it now still brings heat to my cheeks. Lifting one hand off his, I confirm the blaze that I knew would be there. Why, I'm not sure. Am I happy to be reconnecting with my brother? Absolutely. But this feeling in my chest is different, I can't place it.

And now I'll never get the chance to.

The thought reignites the faded tears. Everyone will die is what they said. Not even five hours since Kayaba's declaration has aired and already the media is doing interviews. They had on a man who said he played the beta test but won't be getting the main game due to its "Stupid realism".

I'm not sure what he means, but his next statement still rings in my head.

"The game is not beatable, everyone will die."

Clenching my teeth, I'm unable to beat back the sob that rips itself from my throat. It's so unfair!

"Why!?"

Screaming my frustration at the world, I lose my last bit of dignity. Throwing myself on Kazuto's body, I let out my pain, my frustration, my disappointment.

"Why didn't you take me with you?"

This last question is consumed by the soft fabric of the hospital gown. Even still, his silent body has no response.

"Suguha..."

Whipping around, I stare at my mother, Midori. No doubt I look like an absolute mess. Sniffing pitifully, I sit there unmoving, drinking in my mother's visage, as broken as mine.

Walking forward, Midori wraps her arms around me and hugs me close to her.

Despite the warmth and closeness, she provides, I shiver. The last time she'd done this was a mere couple hours ago. Like phantoms, the memories rush through me.

Having just won the final, I jump in exhilaration. I did it. I won a tournament I had no right winning. It was partly due to Kazuto as well. His presence in our sparring matches had helped me reach new heights, and it paid off.

Looking around the arena, I search for them, my family. After the semi, Midori said she'd rush home and being Kazuto here to watch the final together.