Sword Art Online: A New Beginning

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku glanced back, offering Yamen only a small smile in response before continuing to the door.  

[Mega90]

Rin looked from Hiroku to Yamen in slightly confusion. The blond man said nothing as he watched Hiroku exit the room. After a moment of silence, Rin brushed a piece of her long white hair out of her face, pinning it behind her ear.

“Do you know Hiroku somehow?” Yamen gave a nonchalant shrug before taking a step towards the door.

“Not really. Anyway, just forget it. Finish your drink so we can go. We should get you back to the guild hall. It’s as good of a time as any to introduce you to everyone. They are all online tonight for a special match anyway.”

“Match?” Rin’s voice was full of wonder and curiosity, and she quickly swallowed her drink before rising and walking after her new bodyguard.

Her question earned nod in response.

“The members of Crestfallen often get together and compete to see who’s the strongest out of those in attendance. It’s not mandatory or anything, but it helps to keep us on our toes, and it’s also a good source of training. You don’t earn Exp points or anything, but it’s a good way to practice your fighting skills. Also, we sometimes host prizes, so there’s a little incentive to fight and do well.” Rin nodded in understanding, looking up at the blonde man as they walked.

“Do you ever compete?” Yamen shook his head.

“Nah, not really. I have a few times, but it’s a little too much pageantry for me. If I’m going to fight someone, it is going to be for a better reason than simple sport. Besides, I often sponsor the prizes myself, so there’s nothing for me to gain by competing.” The answer made sense, but it seemed in contrast with his previous character. She wasn’t sure what to make of him. At times, he seemed like he could be a fierce warrior with a short temper, while at others it seemed that it would be difficult to get him to fight if his life depended on it. He was impossible to read, as the same relaxed expression always covered his face. Even when his voice betrayed bits of emotion, his eyes and countenance hid his ture feelings.

“I see. From what I’ve heard thus far, I thought everyone in Crestfallen loved fighting.”

She received another shrug.

“You thought wrong.” The words were not condescending, but matter of fact. Taken slightly aback by this response, Rin fell into silent step beside her companion. They walked for another five minutes before Yamen turned to the shorter girl, handing her a small item. “Here, this is a key to the Guild Hall. You can use it not only to access the building itself, but it also features a fast travel function, allowing you to travel to the guild from any safe area.” Rin gratefully took the item, turning it over in her hands a few times. It was a simple, black skeleton key that appeared to be notched in a way that would not fit any feasible lock. “All you have to do is use the key like you would any item in your inventory and it will transport you directly to the entrance. Then, just unlock the door and you can enter. Don’t worry about wasting it. It’s reusable indefinitely, so while it does carry a slight cooldown, you can use it as many times as you want.” He opened his inventory and removed a mirrored key, holding it lazily out in front of him. “Go head and use it now. I’ll see you inside.” With that, he turned the key in mid-air and his character vanished in a flash of light and lower resolution pixels.

Rin took another moment to examine the key before holding it out as Yamen had done, and twisting it. She too vanished in a flash of light, and in another few moments, she was standing in front of a massive stone castle. Her mouth fell open wide as she saw the impressive scale of the construction. Two colossal doors stood sentinel while a massive flag with the Crestfallen insignia hung from the high walls.

“Go on in.” Yamens deep voice brought her out of her marveling, and she jumped slightly. His eyes were kind and supportive, showing the most emotion that they had all night. He could obviously see that she was nervous, and though she was still unfamiliar with him, it felt somewhat comforting to hear his encouragement. She gave a curt nod and twisted the key once more. The massive doors creaked open, and the interior of the castle was revealed to her in its full breadth.

An enormous courtyard stood directly behind the colossal wooden gates, and from here, one could enter in one of the dozens of adjacent and adjoining rooms. There was no way to tell from the outside just how massive the castle was, and yet, it seemed even bigger than she had imagined. Players moved to and fro, some talking amongst one another, others hurrying to see what could only be the latest fight that was taking place, and still others navigating menus, sending mails, or admiring their newest weapons and armor pieces.

She was still taking in the scope of it all when a high voice pierced the bustling air.

“Yamen!” A young girl with long blonde hair jumped from the stairs that led to the top of the wall. She landed on top of him, slinging her arms around his shoulders and swinging with the momentum of the fall. He staggered slightly, the sudden impact knocking him off his balance, though he maintained his footing.

His eyes traced up the arms to the young girls face, and a small, breathy sigh escaped his lips.

“Hey, Re-Re. What’s up?” His voice was tolerant, though he didn’t seem particularly thrilled to see the young girl. She looked to be about Rin’s age, though where Rin was quiet and reserved, this girl seemed to be flamboyant, and energetic.

“What’s up!?” She all but shouted. “What’s up is that you’ve been gone all day, and you weren’t responding to any of our mails. We thought you might have finally gotten yourself killed!”

Yamen’s eyes took on an even more bored quality than they already had, and he reached up with his left hand, prying her fingers apart and forcing her to drop to the ground. When he spoke, his voice carried a minor trace of annoyance.

“Fascinating.”

It was at this point that the girl seemed to take notice of Rin. She moved quickly over to the white haired girl, coming uncomfortably close.

“Who’s this, Yamen, who’s this?”

He looked to Rin who appeared to be a bit unsure and overwhelmed by the seemingly endless energy of the blonde girl. Again allowing a heavy sigh to escape, he racked his fingers through his hair.

“This is Rin. She’s a part of the guild now, so I want you to be nice to her, alright?” Re-Re flashed him a toothy smile and nodded.

“C’mon, you know me. I’m always nice to everyone.” She turned her attention back to Rin so swiftly, that the sudden movement caused the white haired girl to jump slightly in surprise. “So, Rin, I’m Resei, but you can call me Re-Re. Everyone always does.”

Rin nodded, holding her hand close to her chest in uncertainty.

“Oh….er…alright. It’s a pleasure to…” Before she had time to finish speaking, Re-Re cut her off.

“So, how did you manage to get into the Crestfallen guild, I mean, no offense and all, but your friggin’ weak.”

Rin took an uneasy step back, attempting to re-establish the barrier of personal space between them. This was met by Re-Re immediately advancing on her again.

“Yes…er…well, I um…” Again, she was caught off before she was even able to attempt an explanation.

Re-Re gasped as she traced Rin up and down with her eyes.

“Is that item what I think it is?” Rin opened her mouth to explain, but was quickly cut off by a harsh raspy voice from above her.

“Yamen! A word please.” The blonde man looked up to see a red haired man standing at the top of the stairs that lead to the balcony that surrounded the court yard. Yamen sighed and turned his attention back to the two girls in front of him, shouting back to the man.

“Sure, Rimaru, just a second. Re-Re, would you please go and get a room ready for Rin? She’s going to need a place to stay tonight. You’ll have plenty of time to talk and get to know each other later.”

“Whaaaat? But, Yamen….I have questions.” She said with a slight pout. The energy that she spoke with was a grievous overreaction for what the situation demanded, but the un-phased stare of Yamen suggested that this was normal behavior. She let out a small whimper before turning to head back into the castle. “Fine. We’ll talk soon, m’kay, Rin?” Without waiting for a response, she hurried away deeper into the castle. Yamen watched her go before turning his attention back to their new guest.

“Just wait here for a second, I’ll come and get you soon.” Rin nodded and he turned and began to head for the man that had previously called him.

The two men stepped around the corner and out of sight and earshot of the other members of the guild. Rimaru, a man with a fiery disposition to match his flaming hair stared at Yamen with angry crimson eyes.

“Who is that, and why does she have the Princess of Crestfallen?!” Yamen’s expression was still its trademark calm, and he leaned against the wall nonchalantly.

“That’s Rin, and she has the ‘Princess of Crestfallen’ item because she is the Princess of Crestfallen.”

“She’s what!” Rimaru exploded, slamming his hand on the wall next to Yamens head. “She is nothing to this guild, and who do you think you are to declare her our Princess! Especially when we already have a Princess?” Yamen raised an eyebrow, and Rimaru backed off immediately.

“Look, I know you don’t want to admit it, but she left us. Don’t you think it’s time we accept that and move on? The guild want’s their Princess again, and ‘she’ isn’t going to give them that. Let Rin have a shot at it. You might just be surprised. Who knows, as much as you don’t want to, you may actually find that you like this new Princess.” Rimaru grit his teeth and stood in seething anger. IT was clear that he wanted to say something, though he dared not challenge Yamen a second time.

“Fine, but if she slips up, even once, you can bet I’m going to come down on her. Hard!” The air wisped as he spun around the long white scarf he wore about his neck billowing in the wind.

Yamen dropped his head and placed his hand over his eyes, rubbing his temples gently. “How…delightful.” After a few more moments of silence, he turned and walked back down the stairs to where Rin stood, uncomfortably waiting in the strange environment. As he approached her, he signaled that she proceed down the hall that stood to their left, running along the inside of the wall. “I’ve reconsidered. I’ll make an announcement that the guild gather tomorrow afternoon sometime. We’ll introduce you then. For now, let’s not stir the pot too much, alright?” Rin consented and began walking again.

“Did something happen?”

“Sort of, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. I’m just not sure that making this kind of announcement when everyone is all pumped up on adrenaline from the fights is our best move. We’ll wait until they’ve calmed down a bit. A good night’s rest might help things along too.”

The next few minutes were a blur to Rin as she was led through what seemed like dozens of winding halls until she found herself in a spacious chamber that was well adorned with expensive looking furniture. A small boll of fruit stood on a wooden table near the back wall, and a fireplace burned warmly in the hearth. A soft bed stood in the right corner, its velvet sheets pulled back ever so slightly to allow for easier ingress onto the commodious down mattress.

Yamen stepped into the room a few feet behind Rin, allowing her a moment to take it all in. Once she had looked around a bit, he pointed to a wardrobe that stood near the wall on the right side of the room.

“There are some sleeping clothes in that Wardrobe. Feel free to take and keep whatever you like.” She thanked him, and he gave a quick nod before continuing. “Try not to wander around the castle to much tonight, alright? We don’t want to cause any trouble just yet. Tomorrow, when you wake up, best if you just exit the Guild Hall and head back to the town of beginnings. I’ll catch up with you later in the day, once I get things going here.” Rin nodded. She wasn’t exactly sure what all was going on, but she saw no reason to press further on the matter as there was little doubt that she would get any resolution to her many unanswered questions. For now, the best thing that she could do was bide her time and wait. With that, Yamen offered a quick goodnight and left the room.

Rin stood alone in the spacious chamber. Her mind was swirling with the events of the day. Though it was simply a game, she felt as if everything that had happened to her was real. She was suddenly very tired, and she quickly changed into one of the long white dresses that hung in the wardrobe. Crawling into the plush bed, she felt warmth and comfort surround her, and it didn’t take long for her eyelids to start to droop.

“Guess I should probably log out and get some sleep in the real world too, huh.” Her words were meant only for her own ears, and, still surrounded by the silk covers, she opened her menu and clicked through the various options until she came to the log out button. After hesitating for a brief moment, she clicked it and the world went black.  

[Zarkon90]

As soon as he exited the Inn, the smile vanished from his face. He made his way quickly through the winding streets and alleys heading to the eastern exit gate of the town of beginnings. As he passed through the more crowded sections of town he couldn't help but take note of the wide eyed looks and whispers from patrons that recognized him. Thankfully that recognition caused the other players to give him a wide berth as he passed through the crowds. An unexpected advantage, but one he was thankful for.

A few minutes later he reached the edge of town and exited silently into the now dark field. He took only a few steps down the dark path before pausing. A few sections of the field seemed to glow as stray rays of moonlight escaped from behind the clouds, giving the area an eerie glow as select sections were illuminated while the majority of the seemingly endless grassland remained cloaked in darkness. A thick fog slowly began to form, hiding the small winding path that lead further into the field from view. Hiroku stood in silence, staring out at the field before him. He noticed his breathing was faster then normal and his heart rate was elevated. He let out a soft, controlled sigh, letting his eyes close for a long moment. In the distance a enraged howl rang out, signaling the spawning of a new set of monsters. He remained motionless until the howls had faded, opening his eyes again as they did. Glancing up at the clock on the upper left of his field of vision he noted the time.

"1145 pm. Almost midnight." The teen mused softly to himself.

He reached his left hand up, extending his two fingers before swiping down quickly. His menu popped open in response to the motion and he began navigating the various screens until he found his desired menu. He quickly typed a simple five leter word into the search screen. 'Shiro'. The menu entered a long loading screen as it searched for any online players fitting his request. Hiroku stood, unintentionally holding his breath as he stared at the loading circle. It felt like hours as he stared at the small window, though in reality less then thirty seconds passed before a small message popped up. 'Invalid request, player does not exist or is not online.'
Hiroku stared at the windowed message for a moment, a small wave of relief washing over him, though the heavy feeling of doubt and unease still begrudgingly clung to him. He let out a breath, realizing at last that he been holding his breath at all. He turned his gaze back to the unchanged field before him. Staring in silent seclusion his mind again began to work. There was a possibility that the name being mentioned was simply a coincidence. It wasn't exactly an uncommon name and with all the players that he had fought over his time here it could simply be one of hundreds that wanted to sound cool to their friends. Unfortunately, as much as he wished to, Hiroku knew he would never be able to convince himself of this being a viable possibility. The last time he had seen Shiro had been years before. In THAT world.

Hiroku's eyes closed again as unwelcome memories came flooding back for the second time that evening. Memories he would have rather left buried. It took him a solid three minutes before he was able to force the images that played out in his mind back into his memory. He let a soft sigh escape, reaching back and gently placing his hand on the hilt of the long black Katana that hung from his back.

"This world isn't like that one was. Regardless of if he did actually manage to survive and found me here, he isn't a threat to anyone now. This is just a game." Hiroku thought to himself. A small smile spreading across his lips as he did. With that thought in mind, he turned his back on the field and began walking back up the path to re-enter the Town of Beginnings.

"It's only a game." He muttered softly. Though the smile still played on his lips his eyes glowed a fiery, blazing red.

As he walked away, the clouds overtook the moon a cold wind tearing at his back as the field behind him was engulfed in pitch darkness.

Hiroku made his way quickly through the now largely deserted streets. He made his way back to the large inn. He entered without a word, paid for a room and, taking the provided room key, left to his room in silence.  

[Mega90]

Rin awakened early and quickly logged in, hoping to make her way out of the Guild Hall before other members began to log in. Thankfully, her attempts were successful and she was able to leave without seeing anyone else.

She walked through the Town of Beginnings, glancing around at all the shops and attractions that were scattered about the town. She marveled at how much of the world and economy was player driven. Stalls were closed everywhere as the players that manned those shops had yet to log in. Conversely, there were those from other parts of the world that were packing their stalls up for the night, as it was now evening where they lived. In as many ways as seemingly possible, this world seemed real. Even though it was a game, it simulated reality well, and she could see how it would be easy to forget that she was playing a game. The first rays of sunlight were beginning to make their way through the clouds that had covered the Town and the beginning fields and areas the previous night. The golden rays shown brilliantly on the water in the fountain that stood near the center of town, and Rin couldn’t help but pause and take the scenery in.

As she walked through the Town of Beginnings, she heard the pounding of a nearby smithy. The battles in the fields the previous day had left her equipment somewhat damaged and run down. Knowing that she now had adequate money to tend to her damaged weapons, she began to make her way towards the distant pounding. To her surprise, as she rounded the corner, she saw the familiar form of Hiroku making small talk with the black smith while he pounded away at an extravagant looking sword. Without making much sound, she quietly walked up behind Hiroku, waiting patiently in line for her turn. She had only stood there for a moment when she looked up and smiled.

“Good morning, Hiroku. You’re online early.”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku rose early the next morning. He remained in the room only a few minutes after waking up before silently exiting so as not to disturb the other guests.

Hiroku made his way down the hall to the stairs and eventually the lobby before exiting onto the street. Try as he might, sleep had escaped him the night before leaving him slightly groggy and exhausted. As he walked through the deserted town, he couldn't help but smile as the OST for the town having a low amount of players in it played softly. 'It's been a long time since I have heard this song,' he mused as he made his way down street after street. As he walked, he noticed a small smithy just opening. A small frown appeared on his face as tried to remember the last time he had repaired his gear. After a moment of consideration he sighed and approached the smith, greeting him casually. The young boy, looked up as he approached. Blonde hair bouncing slightly as he did. "Good morning sir, come for some-" The boys eyes widened as he saw who it was he was speaking to. "Y-you?! Your..I mean, aren't you?" The smithy stepped back slightly. "I um..er I mean, what can I do for you?"

Hiroku sighed and shook his head. "Don't worry, I was merely hoping that you could repair my sword. If you would rather I go somewhere else, I will do so."

The blonde boy stared in wonder for a moment before snapping back into reality and shaking his head. "Oh um, no no, that's alright. I can repair your blade if you want. I have been working on improving my blacksmith skill for awhile now."

Hiroku nodded, offering a small smile before reaching back and producing the gleaming black blade. He twirled the blade casually in his hand to offer the hilt to the young boy. "I appreciate it, thank you." Hiroku said softly.

The young boy nodded, hesitating slightly before gently taking the blade, holding it as if it were the most precious item in the world. He stared at the blade for a long moment before turning back to the forge and after another moments hesitation, began pounding away, repairing the weapons durability.

Hiroku stood in silence, watching the flames of the forge dance as his blade glowed, seeming to burn within it. He was so focused on the dancing flames that he neglected to notice the young girl approach behind him, only returning to reality after hearing her speak.

Hiroku turned, a small smile spreading across his face. "Good morning Rin, and I could say the same to you. It is only 6 am here. A bit early to be on considering when you logged last night." Hiroku turned to fully face the girl. "What are you doing here?"  

[Mega90]

Rin smiled and shook her head slightly.

“Apparently, there are some things that need to be done at the guild before I really can be seen there, so I left early to try to avoid causing any problems.”
She paused for a moment to look around the area before commenting quietly.
“I can’t believe how active people are so early in the morning. I get that it’s a national game, but still, there just seems to be so much activity all the time.”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku offered a small smile.

"With so many different time zones playing in the same game it allows for this world to never be truly inactive. It also helps that serious gamers go days without logging out. They live more in this world then they do in the real world."

The teen shook his head slightly.

"But you said things needed to happen at the guild before you could be seen? Is everything alright?" He asked. A small frown now playing across his lips.  

[Mega90]

Rin looked down at the ground and gave a short shrug.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. I’m sure that things would work out alright, but I’m not sure if I should even stay in the guild. I mean…it sounds like there could be some hostile feelings by some of the members, and I really don’t want to cause any problems.”

She looked up at Hiroku with searching eyes. “What do you think I should do?”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku closed his eyes, lowering his head and frowning slightly. He remained silent for a long moment before speaking.

"If you intend to continue to play this game, to live in this world, then I suggest you stay. The chances of you finding another guild like Crestfallen is unlikely. They have a lot they can teach you."

The teen looked up, opening his eyes as he turned his gaze to the young girl, locking eyes with Rin before speaking.

"The purpose of the guild, as far as I am aware, is to house some of the strongest players in this world and grow stronger. But strength comes from more then gear and level. True strength is inside you. Skill, determination, perseverance. That is what true skill is. If you want to stay then show them your strength and prove you belong there. They have given you a chance, use it to earn your place among their ranks. Levels and high stats will come in time, though I suggest you try to earn their respect and acceptance before that happens. It will have a far greater effect."

The teen turned back to the forge.

"That is what I think you should do, what you choose to do is up to you."

He said as he reached out, taking the glistening black blade from the young smith and, after examining the work, nodded and returned it to the sheath on his back.

"This is your life, do what you want to. It's as good a time as any to decide who you want to be in this world." Hiroku said, turning again to face Rin.  

[Mega90]

Rin looked down for a long moment, pondering what Hiroku had said. At length, she raised her head again, though her eyes appeared just as conflicted as when they had begun the conversation.

“I see….thank you for your advice.” It was rather clear that while she wanted to remain for selfish reasons, those being that she would have a powerful guild to help her, she was also concerned about how the rest of the guild would react to having such a weak member like her in their ranks. A warm smile came over her expression again before long, and she looked up at Hiroku.

“Oh, I meant to ask you, have you ever been invited to the Crestfallen Guild?”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku frowned slightly and shook his head.

"No, I haven't. Though to be honest, I am far more a solo player. Crestfallen is something that players aspire to join or best. For some, that sense of prestige and community is worth the effort of becoming strong."

Hiroku smiled and looked up at the painted sky as the last few rays of brilliant multi colored light faded with the suns ascent.

"As for me, I have my own reasons to get stronger." Hiroku chuckled and lowered his head, shaking it slightly. "Besides, I'm not sure someone like me would fit in well with a guild like Crestfallen and the last thing anyone needs is drama." The teen looked back up, locking eyes with the young girl in front of him.
"So, when are you meeting with the others in the guild? You said you had to wait until later today, didn't you?"  

[Mega90]

“From what I’ve heard of your abilities, you’d be right at home in Crestfallen if you want to join.” The familiar voice of Yamen came from above them. He was leaning against one of the stone banisters that stood along a winding staircase that weaved down from one of the finer establishments. “I know that you are traditionally more of a solo player, but there are a lot of perks to being part of a guild. If you’d like, you’re more than welcome to apply and go through the proving trials.”

He was genuine in his offer, though he knew with all likelihood that it would be rejected. A flash of excitement spread over Rin’s face as she considered the possibility of Hiroku joining the guild as well.

“That could be fun, what do you think, Hiroku?”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroku glanced up, his gaze locking with the young mans above him. A small, friendly smile crossed his lips as he nodded a greeting.

"I assume if you have heard of my abilities then they are not the only things about me you have heard. I said I doubted I would fit in well there as much for you and your guilds sake as for my own personal reasons."

As he spoke, the smile remained on his face. His words weren't hostile so much as they were matter of fact.

"Besides, I tend to think from what Rin here has told me at least, that you aren't the most loved in the guild at the moment. Not sure you want to push your luck a second time. I would hate to be the reason you were removed from the guild."  

[Mega90]

Yamen gave a disinterested shrug.

“I’m pretty sure I’d be fine. If you want to join, I see no reason why you shouldn’t be allowed to. You’ll have to go through the trials, but if hearsay is anything to go off of, that shouldn’t be a challenge for you. As for the rest of your past that might play a role, we all have our demons that we have to deal with. Just so long as you don’t do anything to put the lives of the other members unknowingly in danger, you’ll be fine.” He sighed and took a few steps down the stairs, soon coming to stand beside Hiroku and Rin. “Besides, you wouldn’t be the first person that has come in with a lot of baggage that later involves the guild. We just like to know what we’re getting into, that’s all.”  

[Zarkon90]

Hiroko smiled.

"I appreciate the offer but I have a few demons to deal with before I fit your requirements. Believe me when I say that I have no intention nor desire to place you or any of your members in danger. The last thing I want to do is cause you all trouble."