Sword Art Online: Forgotten Edition

Fragment 43 - A Break

One Week and a half Later
Floor 67 - Renaud City

Floors 65 and 66 were cleared in quick succession thanks to the efforts of the dedicated clearers. It's been two days since floor 67 has been opened; and away from the front line, struggling to find something productive to do since he was prohibited from leaving the safe zone alone, Haru wandered around floor 67's city in casual clothing.

"I know they said I should take it easy but I think a week is a bit too long...I'm missing out on all the good equipment I could craft with the drops on these floors..." he sighed and laced his hands behind his head, "it's just not fair."

As he walked on the cobblestone pathway, he felt a wave of nostalgia as he took a stroll near the lively shops, assortment of trees and flower beds in the area.

This place really reminds me of home...

In front of him, about 50 feet away was a familiar face, and as he got closer he couldn't help but greet them.

"Silica!" He waved as he jogged towards her and her flying dragon, Pina.

Wearing cream-colored clothing from top to bottom, it complimented her ruby eyes that glistened at the sight of Haru.

"Haru!" she called out his name and waved back.

"Long time no see, how've ya been?" The young boy had a large smile on his face meeting an old friend.

Petting Pina, she replied, "I've been well," then she looked around him as if she was looking for someone, "are the others not with you?".

"Ahhh....noooo," he said in one long breath, "they've been doing their own thing lately, but they specifically told me to take a break...and that I can't leave unless one of them is with me."

Peeking from behind a tree, Asuna did her best to hide in plain sight from the two individuals.

Haru and...that girl....then her eyes widened with her cheeks slightly flushed. No way! She put a hand over her mouth to hide her as she silently squealed.

Haru coincidentally looked in Asuna's direction, but she quickly hid in a bush before he could spot her. He only raised an eyebrow.

"Why would they want you to take a break?" Silica asked, "you're one of the strongest players out there."

He shook his head, "No idea...I'm sure it's for a good cause though...I think. They've been pretty secretive lately," he scratched his temple, "by the way, where are you headed?"

"Me? Hmm...no where in particular. After this floor was unlocked, there were a lot of rumors going around about how pretty and relaxing it was, so I couldn't help but take a look for myself," she explained.

"I see..." the young boy began to ponder.

Say that you'll walk with her! Say it! Asuna tried her best to get her message across using some kind of telepathic technique. Walk with her!

Feeling some kind of evil presence near him, Haru shivered. What was that? It felt similar to when my older sister would get mad...

"If you're free right now, how about we explore more of this place together? I've yet to hit the other side of the river bank," he offered.

"Sure!" She lightly jumped and accepted.

The two teens walked side by side as they chatted away about things kids their age talk about: the beautiful view, what Pina eats, why they prefer the weapons they use, even their morning routines.

They visited some flower shops to have a look, then a clothes shop to try on whatever they had in stock. Nevertheless, no matter where they went they both seemed to be enjoying each other's company.