PREVIOUS CHAPTER: I Refused To Forget You!!
N/A (Old): FINALLY!! AT LONG LAST!!! The Final Chapter is finally here!!! I’m so very grateful for the community of the series and readers who have been reading the prologue and all six chapters so far, and I want to apologize for making you guys wait for so long.
Tonight! TO THE SHINING YOU – The Final Chapter will be the longest story fanfic divided into 5 story acts in one chapter… I hope you guys are now in treat for thing long-awaited final chapter, also certain major references from certain games that dothack fans might notice it well.
Anyway, you guys deserve a reward for the wait, feast your eyes on this final chapter … enjoy!
N/A (05/11/2024): I want to apologize for the sudden announcement, but the “Coming Wave Chapter” will be moved to the Epilogue Chapter, and there will be an additional story part added.
Act 1. Tokio
I’ve been having these dreams since…
Everything is pitched white…
I saw AIKA in front of me…
She looks… sad… like… she’s trying to tell me something…
But I don’t know what it is…
And then I saw Saika-chan next to her…
Both of them start appearing in front of me…
They look… sad… both of them…
It bothers me why Saika appeared in my dream as well
Is this because I had a special connection to her, the same as AIKA-chan? Or…
It’s useless to find such an answer that cannot go through easily…
But, when I see them… sad in tears… I can feel that… feel that those dreams… were real…
I wonder why… I want to know… I can’t just sit here and do nothing… I want to…
“Yo, Tokio, wake up, it’s already morning right now… don’t be too sleepyhead you dork…”
T-That voice…
POV Ended…
The apartment was a mess, with books, video games, and various items strewn across the floor.
“Hnnngh!”
Amid the clutter lay a man with red hair—Tokio. He was sprawled in his usual sleeping position, shirtless and wearing boxers, a new necklace resting around his neck.
Half-awake, Tokio’s bleary eyes focused on a familiar figure standing beside him.
“Zwogave-san?”
Tokio called out softly, his voice thick with sleep.
“Geez, how many times do I have to remind you about our schedule?” Sogabe replied, a hint of frustration in his tone. He was already standing next to Tokio, who was struggling to wake up.
“Hnngh, w-what? What schedule?” Tokio mumbled, still half-asleep and trying to make sense of his surroundings. His brain, foggy from sleep, needed time to process the information.
“Don’t tell me you forgot already…”
Sogabe sighed, weary of Tokio’s perpetual lateness. He tolerated this behavior, but it was becoming a tiresome routine.
“Anyway, go take a shower. I’ll be waiting for you in the car,” he said, glancing at his phone to check the time. “You have 20 minutes before we leave.”
With that, Sogabe turned and left the apartment, leaving Tokio to shake off his sleepiness and get ready.
“A-Aye, sir!”
“W-Woah!”
Tokio stumbled out of bed, his body still half in the realm of dreams. He tumbled clumsily, his surroundings a blur even after waking.
“Man, what a day…” he muttered, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle in as he tried to gather himself.
[50 Minutes Later…]
It was a lengthy road trip in Sogabe’s car, taking them through the city and onto the toll road that led to an underwater bridge. The sky stretched endlessly in a vibrant shade of blue, offering a serene backdrop for travelers to admire, with glimpses of the ocean adding to the picturesque scenery.
Tokio, clad in a red hoodie and black jeans, sported a collar bearing an infinity symbol reminiscent of Aura, accompanied by goggles in his head side.
“Yawning“
Tokio yawned deeply, still half-asleep in the passenger seat of Sogabe’s car.
“Hey now, we’re still in the middle of the briefing, so don’t you fall asleep on me.”
Sogabe nudged Tokio gently with his finger, maintaining his grip on the steering wheel as they continued their journey.
“Isn’t it because you woke me up way too early,” Tokio sighed, voicing his complaint.
“Better early than never, especially after you’ve been drunk on escapades,” Sogabe retorted casually.
“Y-You… SPYING ON ME!?” Tokio exclaimed, startled by the revelation that Sogabe had been observing him from afar without his knowledge.
“Well, kinda… but that’s not important right now,” Sogabe brushed off Tokio’s accusation with a nonchalant wave.
“Let me guess, this is about another update from your friends?” Tokio asked, sensing the real reason behind Sogabe’s intrusion.
“Sort of,” Sogabe replied, his tone serious. “Do you remember our mission from a few months ago?”
“Yeah, that day when another network crisis happened right? what about it?” Tokio replied, concern evident in his voice.
“It seems that CC Corp has started to make another move,” Sogabe informed him.
“Another move…?” The news took aback Tokio.
“I’ve already sent the files to your email. Open your phone,” Sogabe instructed urgently.
Tokio reached into his jeans pocket and retrieved his phone. With a tap, he accessed his emails, noticing an unread message from Sogabe.
When he opened the email, a Word document filled with text and images appeared on his screen. As he scrolled through it, something piqued his interest.
“Hmmm… VS… The World?”
Sogabe began to explain from the driver’s seat, focusing on the road ahead.
“It’s a Closed Beta Test just released by CC Corp today. he managed to download half of the files during the infiltration. The last file seems to have minimal encryption.”
Tokio frowned, concerned. “But wasn’t their security supposed to be impenetrable?”
Sogabe nodded, his eyes briefly meeting Tokio’s in the rearview mirror.
“Well, let’s just say he had an accomplice from the inside, though I don’t know who it is. But that’s not important right now.”
Tokio, visibly annoyed, asked, “So… what is important then?”
Sogabe sighed, keeping his focus on the road as he drove. Fortunately, he had time to explain the intel he had gathered for Tokio.
“According to several sources he got, which isn’t surprising, CC Corps and ALTIMIT are planning something big…”
Tokio leaned forward, intrigued. “What’s that?”
Sogabe glanced at him briefly before continuing. “Another IMMORTAL DUSK Incident. To be precise, another Real Digitization Project.”
Tokio’s eyes widened in shock. “Another real digitization? Are you serious?!”
Sogabe nodded grimly. “Yes, they’re serious. And the reasons behind it are even more troubling. They’re pushing the boundaries of technology and human experience again, despite everything that happened last time.”
Tokio was shocked to hear words that resonated deeply with him. He had never expected anyone would want to recreate the terrifying events from five years ago.
Sogabe picked up where he left off. “Let’s just say, for the sake of an experiment.”
“Experiment?” Tokio echoed, his confusion evident.
“Following the failed attempts at Real-Digitalization using Aura five years ago, they decided to find alternative methods to proceed with their plan—methods that don’t involve her,” Sogabe explained.
“Without her?” Tokio asked, even more perplexed.
“They discovered a new approach to their plan that doesn’t require Aura. But as I went through those files, I found their methods to be very… unexpected.”
Tokio scrutinized the files, ensuring he missed nothing, while Sogabe continued to elaborate.
“Somehow, it bothers me whether some genius had some kind of idea to make that happen, but that’s just me. But the worst part is written on that file…”
“WHAT?! They’re going to use VS The WORLD for that?”
“Exactly.”
“Just like Akashic Line or P-COM.”
“Possibly, but indeed.”
“Then, isn’t there any way to stop it?”
“Nope, no clue.”
“Are you serious?!”
“Yep.”
Tokio sighed, feeling the weight of their predicament. The looming threat of repeating the same catastrophic incident from four and half years ago was stressing him out. This time, it wasn’t even Geist or Jyotaro’s fault. It made him wonder if this had been part of the plan from the very beginning, or if there was something even more sinister at play.
“Yeah, it’s very stressful,” Sogabe admitted, puffing on a cigarette as he gripped the steering wheel. “If we charge them all at once, it increases the risk of getting caught. With the closed beta spreading worldwide, shutting them down immediately would be nearly impossible.”
He exhaled smoke, his face reflecting the stress of dealing with unexpected twists. He suspected CC Corp might already be ahead of them in their plans.
“Even if they are, it would only make things worse for the people trapped inside the net,” Sogabe pointed out.
“So, we don’t have a plan?” Tokio’s voice carried a note of concern.
“Who says we don’t?” Sogabe replied, glancing at Tokio with a confident smile.
“Huh?”
Tokio was surprised to learn that Sogabe had made plans to stop the second coming of the Real Digitization Project.
“You did?”
“Yeah, I just got a call. She found a way to put an end to their major corporate dark conspiracy project or something like that. What’s it called again?”
“Real Digitization Project,” Tokio responded, a hint of annoyance in his voice. Sogabe should have remembered the name by now.
Sogabe shrugged, sheepish. “Right, right. The Real Digitization Project.”
“Oh yeah, yeah, I know. C’mon, I was just joking,” Sogabe laughed.
“‘She’, you don’t mean…?” Tokio asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Your wife, of course,” Sogabe replied with a grin.
“Saika-chan?” Tokio’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Jackpot,” Sogabe confirmed, still grinning.
“And also, could you please stop saying such weird things? We’re not even dating, let alone a couple. We’re just friends. How many times have I already told you that?” Tokio’s annoyance was evident, sweat forming on his forehead. Sogabe’s constant teasing about him and Saika being a couple was starting to get on his nerves, especially since it was far from the truth.
“Teehee🩷” Sogabe made a cute face, pulling out his tongue and winking his left eye, pretending innocence.
“Don’t tee-hee me!!” Tokio shouted, thoroughly pissed off at Sogabe’s antics.
Act 2. Saika
“I can’t wait to see you finally leaving the hospital, Jyotaro Onii-chan,”
“Yeah, thanks to you, Saika, for being by my side. I think I’m ready to make a fresh start,”
“Alright then, hold on. Let me get the window open,”
Five years had passed since her reunion with Tokio. During this time, Jyotaro had remained in the same hospital where he had once been a patient, with Saika by his side, offering unwavering support.
Saika had grown up, her once long hair now cut short. She wore a blue short jacket over a T-shirt, paired with a long skirt and sneakers, embodying a blend of femininity and boyish charm.
She moved to the window, opening it to let the fresh air fill the room. As she breathed in deeply, the breeze felt different than before—purer, more peaceful, and serene. It was a moment that filled her with a quiet joy, a sense of new beginnings and hope.
“The wind is so nice, so breezy.”
Jyotaro, dressed in his hospital patient uniform, sat on the hospital bed, his face illuminated by a genuine smile as he enjoyed the scenery from the window.
“Yeah, I can feel that too. Mornings like this are wonderful,” he replied.
“Hehe, I know, right?”
Saika turned to look at him, her eyes sparkling as she grinned with a genuine smile. Jyotaro’s heart warmed at the sight of her happiness, finding joy in her ability to smile despite everything.
After waking from his coma, Jyotaro was taken into the care of both the hospital and Saika during his rehabilitation. Despite the high costs, Saika managed to cover the expenses through her well-paying side jobs and freelance work, ensuring Jyotaro received the best care possible throughout his stay.
However, Jyotaro’s memories of his life before the coma, particularly those surrounding the IMMORTAL DUSK event, were lost. He couldn’t remember who Saika was, nor did he recall the person he once loved.
Saika patiently explained the details of their past, recounting how she was his little sister, how their mother had died, and how he had left her alone. Despite her efforts, these stories did not trigger any memories for Jyotaro. Nevertheless, he listened and tried to piece together the fragments of his forgotten life.
During his hospitalization, Jyotaro and Saika spent a lot of time together, gradually building a new bond. Saika shared many stories about her activities, Tokio, and everything in between. Their conversations felt like normal sibling interactions, filled with heart-to-heart talks, though Saika avoided any confessions of deeper feelings.
Jyotaro accepted Saika’s accounts of their past, even though they painted a picture of his abandonment. He felt shameful, humbled, and filled with regret for leaving her alone and neglecting his responsibilities as her brother. While he couldn’t remember whether his past actions were justified, the sadness from hearing Saika’s experiences weighed heavily on him. Despite the lack of memories, the emotions were real,
“I’m sorry.”
Saika heard the words softly spoken by Jyotaro as she turned to face him, meeting his gaze with a mixture of confusion and concern.
“For what?” she asked gently, unsure of what he was referring to.
Jyotaro’s expression shifted, sadness clouding his features as he spoke again. “For leaving you alone,” he confessed, his voice tinged with guilt.
Saika felt a pang of empathy as she listened intently to his words.
“I know I still can’t remember my past,” Jyotaro continued, his tone heavy with regret. “I’ve tried so hard to piece together what my life was like before. But hearing your story the other day…”
Saika remained silent, allowing him to express his feelings.
“I failed you,” Jyotaro admitted quietly. “I’m truly sorry for leaving you alone and for everything you’ve had to endure to find me. I feel like I’ve let you down, Saika.”
Deeply moved by his sincerity, Saika reached out a hand towards him, a gesture of understanding and forgiveness. They stood there in the quiet moment, the weight of their shared past and uncertain future hanging between them.
She could sense the weight of guilt that Jyotaro carried after hearing her story, despite its imperfections. Over the following days, Jyotaro wrestled intensely with how to process all the information, at times finding it difficult to believe.
He felt profound shame for the hardships Saika had endured, empathizing with the guilt she had once felt herself. She realized that without Tokio’s intervention, Saika might never have found the path to recovery, even though some of her sins remained indelible.
Yet, despite everything, Saika forgave him. She understood his actions and chose not to dwell in sorrow before him. Instead, she sought to maintain a facade of calm and happiness.
Approaching him, she gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
“I’ve already moved past from it, and I know you’ve had a tough time too. But I’m alright now, so please don’t blame yourself,” Saika reassured Jyotaro with a gentle smile.
Jyotaro gazed at Saika tenderly. “Saika…”
“Besides, all you need to do is focus on getting discharged from the hospital and starting your life anew. I know you’ll do great,” Saika grinned encouragingly.
A small smile tugged at Jyotaro’s lips, a hint of joy replacing the sadness in his eyes. He was slowly warming up again.
“I’m truly glad. It’s been four years since we’ve been together, but seeing you like this…” Jyotaro spoke softly, his gaze fixed on his niece.
“Hmm? What is it, Jyotaro?” Saika tilted her head curiously.
Jyotaro had spent the past four years in and out of hospitals, cared for by Saika, watching her grow into the person she was today. He hadn’t expected her transformation to be so striking.
“I just wanted to say… You’ve grown into such a beautiful woman,” Jyotaro said sincerely.
Saika blushed, feeling shy and bashful. “W-Wow, really? Come on, Jyotaro Onii-chan, you’re just teasing me,” she chuckled nervously.
Jyotaro chuckled warmly, a gentle smile on his face. “I’m serious, seeing you right now, it’s like seeing your mother again.”
Saika’s expression softened, her sadness tempered by the bittersweet memory of her late mother, Ayaka Amagi. Saika and Ayaka bore a striking resemblance, but Jyotaro understood that Saika was her person, distinct from her mother.
“Oh, I see,” Saika replied quietly.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up any sadness,” Jyotaro quickly apologized, sensing the weight of his words.
Despite the pang of grief that always accompanied thoughts of her mother, Saika didn’t feel upset. Instead, a small smile played on her lips. It was a gesture of acceptance, a silent acknowledgment that she truly was Ayaka’s daughter. She found solace in the fact that Jyotaro’s words were a way of honoring her mother’s memory, a sentiment that brought her comfort.
“It’s okay, I know you still miss my mom, so I understand,” Saika said softly.
Jyotaro nodded solemnly. “I do, but now I have you, Saika. So, I won’t be alone anymore.”
Saika blushed, caught off guard by his words. She pouted slightly, her cheeks flushing.
“Hey, that’s not fair,” she replied, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a playful protest.
“Oh, sorry about that, I just couldn’t help myself,” Jyotaro chuckled warmly. Despite his light apology, he enjoyed spending time and conversing with Saika. Seeing him joyful brought a sense of happiness to Saika as well; moments like these were precious to her, etched into her memory forever.
It was moments like these that made her grateful for being alive—to witness Jyotaro awake, to share moments with him, and to hear his laughter once more. It felt like a genuine blessing, a second chance gifted to her by some higher power.
She was inclined to let Tokio take credit for this newfound happiness too.
“By the way, Saika,” Jyotaro spoke up.
“Hmm?” Saika replied, turning her attention to him.
“Didn’t you have something to do today?” Jyotaro inquired gently.
“Oh right, I forgot. But what about you, onii-chan? Are you going to be fine alone?” Saika asked, recalling her pressing errand.
“I’ll wait here in the hospital until you return, so don’t worry about me,” Jyotaro reassured her with a smile.
“Well, don’t blame me if you get into trouble again,” Saika teased lightly.
“I won’t,” Jyotaro replied with a grin, showing his good-natured acceptance of her concern.
Despite their banter, it was clear they were growing closer, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. Jyotaro understood that Saika had something important to attend to, so he encouraged her to go.
Saika gathered her belongings, preparing to leave his room. “Alright, gotta go. Just take care of yourself, okay?” she said, her voice filled with a mix of affection and responsibility.
“Roger that, Miss Amagi,” Jyotaro responded playfully, saluting her.
“Hey!” Saika exclaimed with mock indignation, though a smile tugged at her lips. Jyotaro enjoyed teasing her, and Saika couldn’t help but giggle as she hurried out of his room.
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, the sun slowly ascending in the sky, casting a warming glow over the cemetery. The air held a hint of heat, though not yet as intense as it would be at midday. Among the rows of graves, each marked with a name on a tombstone, Saika walked with flowers in hand, her footsteps soft on the grass.
She approached a particular grave nestled under a spreading tree. Coming to a stop, Saika gazed solemnly at the tombstone before her. With reverence, she knelt and placed a flower carefully in front of the grave.
This grave held a deep significance for Saika, prompting her to make the journey to this place. It was a pilgrimage of sorts, a visit to someone who had been absent from her life for a long time.
Truth be told, Saika hadn’t come here ever since before she transferred to Tokio’s school, and even after that tragic event, she still hadn’t had any chance to come here, until a few months ago, and now.
Different from the last time she visited her grave with gloom which showed how her life back then was nothing but filled with sadness and loneliness. But now, she’s smiling…
“You know, it’s been 13 years since you passed away, I’ve never had a chance to talk to you a lot since the last time I came here.”
“So many things just happened in my life, even better, or worse,” She giggled before she continued.
“Also, many things have happened since then, Jyotaro Onii-chan, AIKA, and also Baka-Tokio. I get you don’t like me repeating what I told you back then, but… I never had a chance to talk it thoroughly with you,”
She sighed deeply, lost in thought.
“Honestly, I wonder how Baka-Tokio is doing. I haven’t contacted him since last month. I always worry if he’s eating well or taking care of his health.”
She chuckled softly to herself.
“What am I doing? We’re not even on our adventure in The WORLD anymore. I don’t have to look after him like I used to.”
Her smile turned wistful. “But still, I miss those days.”
As she reflected more on Tokio than anyone else, she felt a flush of embarrassment. It surprised her that he still occupied her thoughts so much.
“W-Well… I mean, it’s natural to worry about him as a close friend. It’s not like I care or anything,” she mumbled, trying to rationalize her feelings.
Her habits of fretting over Tokio hadn’t changed much, though they were less intense than before when they were always together.
“Well… actually, I do care,” she admitted quietly. Her blush deepened, betraying her shyness about acknowledging her concern for Tokio. Despite her embarrassment, she couldn’t deny her feelings.
“It might surprise you to hear this, but back then, I was on the edge of despair—lost, confused, and hopeless. I didn’t know what to do. I thought I’d lost everything. I was alone and felt like disappearing.”
Her voice softened, the memory of that dark time still vivid. Yet, thinking of Tokio brought a glimmer of warmth and hope, a reminder that she wasn’t entirely alone.
Recalling her past and reflecting on what she had gone through was never easy for Saika. She was still haunted by her sins and the responsibility for the events that had taken the lives of 200 people inside the online game.
“Even now, I still don’t get a good night’s sleep,” she admitted. “At least I’m not dreaming as much as I used to. I’m still trying to make up for what I did, though.”
“Back then was the lowest and worst moment of my life. I reached a breaking point where I was so confused about whether I still had a right to live.”
Her expression then shifted to something lighter, more hopeful.
“But it’s all thanks to Baka-Tokio… I mean, Tokio-kun. He gave me a second chance to make things right, to finally understand something I had lacked for a long time, even when I felt alone.”
“I’ve realized that there are still people who want to reach out, to make me see that it’s alright for me to live, to not lose hope or be forgotten. We should always remember that the people we meet shape something within us. Life is full of surprises, and I’m taking his lessons to heart, even now.”
“Thanks to that, I’ve changed. It’s been a long process, but… I feel better now, better than I was back then.”
Over the past four years, Saika has grown more open and joyful. She felt less insecure, found courage, and tried to be optimistic, making small but significant changes in her life.
“I’m truly glad that I’m still here and keep on living. It’s all thanks to him,” she reflected, feeling grateful for all the progress she had made. It was all thanks to Tokio, who had always been by her side, helping her get through the toughest times.
Then, her expression shifted as she pouted. “I mean, it’s not like we ended up together or anything. In the end, he chose AIKA over me, but I’m fine with that. We were never meant to be together anyway, just partners in work, just happened to be together in Grand Whale.”
Slowly, her expression lightened. As a gentle breeze rustled her hair, she smiled softly. “But… even so… I still like him, nonetheless.”
She felt a peaceful joy, never denying the feelings she still held for Tokio, even though he chose AIKA. Saika was grateful that she and Tokio remained close friends, always taking care of each other. They were more than friends, less than a couple, but she fully supported his feelings for AIKA and vowed to be by his side.
Her thoughts turned serious. “But right now, I’m still searching for AIKA. I want to make sure this time, I fulfill our promise together. Me and Tokio will make sure she returns home.”
“So… please, pray for me, Mom,” she whispered, praying for a few minutes before standing up. “I should get going, Mom. Next time I’m here, I’ll bring Jyotaro Onii-chan with me.” She turned to leave but gazed back at her mother’s gravestone one last time with a smile.
“I love you, Mom. See you later.”
Act 3. At that Festival
[Saika’s POV]
– Four years ago –
It has been several weeks since Tokio and I reunited, and now we’re logging into “The World” once again. Honestly, I never expected to come back here, nor did I ever intend to.
But Tokio invited me, so I’m just repaying a favor.
Actually, it was Fluegel, or rather Ryuji Sogabe-san, who invited us to the Alternate 2010 timeline. We found ourselves in an old Net Slum, a place that once existed in The World R:1 under Helba.
Sogabe-san managed to recreate the PCs exactly as they were a year ago. Tokio’s PC still wore his knight armor outfit, the same outfit he use a year ago. For me, I was back wearing the school uniform from his school.
Looking back when I wore an outfit like this, I couldn’t help but feel disturbed with my skirts. It’s too short and my thights skin were too revealing, it makes me worried if my panties were shown up, I just don’t know why it did not bother me back then.
The sight of it brought back memories of the first time I used these outfits while monitoring Tokio’s actions, although back then I was just a hologram.
Using a PC now doesn’t seem so bad after all, even though my existence is now visible to everyone from the Twilight Knights. What surprised me the most was discovering that the Akashic Records still had some functionality, albeit limited compared to a year ago.
The Akashic Records… That was the journey I made with Tokio—to find the Chrono Core, fight Schicksal, reach Aura, and then…
*sigh*
Suddenly recalling the past makes me feel uneasy and unsettled. Despite everything, I know I have to confront it, to face the consequences of my actions. I can’t escape from it, but I must go through this.
Tokio recalled how Sogabe-san had explained that Schicksal had disbanded and the Twilight Knights would soon return to their respective origins. Before they could part ways, Helba organized a farewell party to ensure the moments they shared in this world, across various eras, would never be forgotten, I guess.
I wonder if their memories will disappear. It would be sad if they forgot the journey they made with Tokio. I hope he’s okay with that.
As I entered the Net Slum, I was in awe. Various kinds of PCs and Twilight Knights had gathered, reveling in the atmosphere like it was a festival. The sight was incredible, a vibrant tapestry of characters and stories intertwined.
People from different eras were gathered together, and engaged in lively conversations. They looked happy, their faces lit with joy, though sometimes they got into heated arguments. Each of them had such unique personalities, and even though they weren’t real, I felt a warm sense of contentment. It was as if their happiness and peaceful interactions brought a smile to my own heart.
Then Tokio asked, “Shall we get going?”
I looked at him, still feeling uneasy about meeting them. Despite my nerves, I had already decided to face them.
“Alright,” I agreed, following Tokio as he led the way.
As we journeyed together, I encountered numerous people Tokio had met during his adventures. Familiar faces like Kite, Balmung, Orca, Haseo, Ovan, and Atoli appeared, along with many others whose names I couldn’t keep track of. The sheer number of them made my head spin.
Despite the overwhelming introductions, I was thrilled to meet them all. Even though they didn’t know I had been with Tokio during his journey a year ago, they recognized me now thanks to him introducing me to them.
Our first visit together was with a group of kids from 2014. Two of them bore a striking resemblance to Kite and BlackRose, yet they were different characters, other knights engaged in their own battles. Among them was a girl in a white dress with a golden infinity symbol on her chest.
She reminded me of Aura, though her hair color and facial features were distinct. It was fascinating to see how familiar and new faces intertwined in this vast network of friends and allies that Tokio had amassed over time.
As she approached, she gazed at me intently, as if trying to analyze every detail. Then she spoke.
“Exhibitionist.”
“W-What?!”
I was taken aback. How could a little girl say something like that with such a smug smile? ‘Exhibitionist’? Seriously!??
But that’s not all.
“Brother complex, classical tsundere.”
“W-Wait a minute! Dammit!”
I was furious, but I couldn’t deny it. How in the world could she read me so accurately? Just HOW DEEP was her analysis of me?
“J-Just what’s with that little girl?”
Tokio smiled as he sighed, ready to explain. “When Zefie meets people for the first time, she likes to give them nicknames.”
HOW IS THAT EVEN A NICKNAME?!
“What’s her deal anyway!?”
“An unnatural attachment to my brother?! Classic Tsundere?! What a rude child!”
I got hot-tempered when it came to this. I shouldn’t have said that to a child; I know she doesn’t understand what kind words mean. AI can learn too, right? So how can she say those words so casually? Is she trying to tease me?
None of that matters, but… Arrgghh! This is so complicated. I know I’m still pissed, but at the same time, without Tokio knowing, I got embarrassed! Am I the way she described me? I can’t deny that in the past year, I was exactly as she said. And now, I can’t even face Tokio because of this…
“This is so embarrassing!”
Next to the store stood a lady with white hair, dressed in a green maid outfit. She looked quite pretty, but according to the data I found, she’s… him?! That’s… well, I might have to keep quiet about that.
“Oh my, what’s this? You two came together? How long have you been together?” she asked with a playful smile.
I had planned to say that we were just partners working together, not a couple on a date or anything. But looking back on what we had been through, we had accomplished a lot, even though some terrible things happened to us.
Nevertheless, I’m glad that over the past few weeks, we’ve come to understand each other and become friends, perhaps even close friends, or maybe even more than that. We talk more naturally now than we used to, and it’s truly one of the joys of my life.
So the first step, the words I could manage to say were…
“Y-You… You’ve got it all wrong! We just happened to be together on the Grand Whale! You’re absolutely wrong!”
. . . . .
What in the world am I doing? -_-’
Next came Haseo, surrounded by Atoli, Alkaid, and Tabby, all vying for his attention. It was quite a sight. Atoli looked teary-eyed, clearly upset over a misunderstanding with Haseo, who had unintentionally played with her feelings. Meanwhile, Alkaid was trying to entice him into chasing her, and Tabby was teasing him, threatening to tell Shino about the whole situation.
The scene painted a picture of Haseo at the center of a harem, with so many girls around him. It was a bit overwhelming and, honestly, a little cringe-worthy.
Then I glanced over at Tokio. He was smiling at the chaotic scene, and a wave of sullen disbelief washed over me. Don’t tell me… was he thinking about having a harem too?
“What are you thinking?” I asked, checking him, catching Tokio off guard.
He jumped, clearly surprised by my question. Just as I suspected, he had been lost in thought.
“Huh?”
“N-Nothing, nothing at all! Hahahaha,” he stammered, trying to mask his shock with a forced laugh.
Geez, do boys dream of having a lot of girls around them? It’s so disgusting. Boy’s minds are surely perverted…
But… I started thinking, if AIKA were still alive and we were both dating Tokio and enjoying ourselves, wouldn’t that be… a harem too?
As I snapped back to reality, my face flushed red. I couldn’t believe what I had just imagined.
“H-H-Harem? Nonononono, absolutely not, never!”
“What’s wrong, Saika-chan?” Tokio asked, noticing my flushed face and embarrassed expression.
“Eh,”
I stammered, caught off guard. Trying to regain my composure, I looked away and attempted to act nonchalantly. “N-Nothing, let’s get moving.”
Next, I saw Ovan and Shino kissing, and we all blushed, surprised by the unexpected scene. Watching them, I couldn’t help but remember how I almost kissed Tokio… at the Grand Whale.
?!
No, nonononononono! I shouldn’t remember that! Just thinking about it makes me too embarrassed and crushes my pride. And I was still wearing my towel after taking a shower while almost kissing him…
Why, why, why, why, why, why, why?
The embarrassment was overwhelming. My face felt like it was on fire just recalling that moment, and I couldn’t stop thinking about that idiot. Ugh, why am I like this? I wanted to hide my face in my hands to cover my embarrassment.
I just hope Tokio doesn’t notice…
And then there was Schicksal.
We met Fluegel and the others again, and even after a year, they were still keeping their PCs in great shape. I didn’t expect Tokio to get along with them so well, and seeing that made me genuinely happy.
But one person was missing: Geist.
Truth be told, I still can’t forgive Geist for tricking me and using my brother’s name for his purposes. Even though Jyotaro wished to see the plans through him, and even though Geist was an AI created by my brother, the betrayal still stung deeply.
I know I share responsibility for what happened, and I can’t erase the guilt of my actions.
Now that I look at them, and think, it feels incomplete, seeing Schicksal without Geist among them.
Then there’s Metronome. Like me, he was an accomplice, but he redeemed himself for his act of treason. The fact that they forgave someone who betrayed them so easily makes me wonder—can true forgiveness be that simple?
In the end, it was up to Sogabe-san, or Fluegel, to decide whether to forgive him or not. He was the leader, after all.
“Hey there, kid,” Fluegel greeted us. “Looks like Dr. Amagi’s sister is here too. How’ve you two been?”
He didn’t miss a beat, launching into his usual teasing. “Do you two coming together mean… you’re dating? Hehehehehe.”
I felt my face flush with embarrassment. I going to deny that, we’re not even couples or anything… maybe not yet. But I can’t just be tricked by another his teasing, especially when Tokio used to tell me that he was always being teased by him.
The only words I could speak out is…
“Y-You’ve got it all wrong! It’s just that we’re being together on the Grand Whale, that’s all!”
.
.
.
.
*Sigh* I really should have changed my habit, very SERIOUSLY! T_T’
We returned to the Chaos Gate. Tokio and I had finished meeting everyone before they departed to their respective eras. I could see the sadness on his face, a loneliness settling in within him.
“You’re thinking that you won’t be able to see them again,” I said, worried about him.
“O-Oh, that. Don’t worry, it’s not like I feel sad for not seeing them again,” he replied, shifting his expression. I could tell he was trying to stay strong, to say goodbye without regret.
I understood how much their presence, even though they weren’t real, meant to him. The journey had taught him valuable lessons, and their departures left him feeling the weight of those goodbyes.
“Don’t worry about it,”
“H-Huh?”
“You know, I’m not sure if my words make a difference for you, but I believe that someday, when we meet them again, even if they don’t remember us, I’m certain you won’t forget them,” Saika spoke softly.
“I’m sure we’ll meet them again, right?”
I reflected on Tokio’s familiar words during our reunion. His encouragement had helped me cope with the pain of loss. Now, recalling both the highs and lows of our journey from a year ago, I realized how much I cherished the experiences we shared. I had no regrets choosing to be with him; I was grateful it was him. And that’s why I felt compelled to say this to him now.
“Of course we will. Thank you, Saika-chan. Your words mean a lot to me,” Tokio responded warmly.
Blushing, I turned my gaze away as his smile warmed my heart. I tried to downplay the impact of my advice, but deep down, I felt a rush of joy. Seeing him smile was everything I could hope for, and my small contribution to him meant the world to me.
It filled me with happiness to know that I could make even a small difference in his life.
“So this is where you two were,”
Before us appeared Helba, a statuesque woman dressed in revealing attire. Her headwear resembled a priest’s cap with a visor that obscured her eyes.
“Helba,” Tokio greeted.
“I’ve been looking for you two,” Helba replied.
“Why?” I asked curiously.
“Oh my, maybe it would be better if I give you this,” Helba said mysteriously.
She retrieved something from her data storage, and before our eyes appeared a surprising yet familiar object…
“Eh, is that?”
“No way,”
“That doll,”
Yes, a doll, a chim-chim doll, it’s an item that is somehow very precious to Tokio… and me too.
“That’s the doll I gave to AIKA?! Where did you get this?!” Tokio exclaimed, his voice filled with shock.
I shared his bewilderment. The Chim-Chim Doll has always been a poignant reminder of our journey with AIKA a year ago. Seeing it now brought back a flood of memories and questions. How had it ended up here? How could it still be intact?
Helba began to explain, her tone steady. “Net Slum is the world’s resting place… that doll drifted into this town quite recently.”
“Recently?” I echoed, puzzled. The doll was supposed to have been destroyed when AIKA sacrificed herself to save Aura. How could it still be here?
“Tokio, Saika, do you notice anything unusual when you look at it?” Helba asked, her eyes fixed on us, expecting some kind of revelation.
Tokio and I both stared at the Chim-Chim Doll, examining it closely for any signs of change or anomaly.
“The doll… it’s been repaired?”
The revelation struck like lightning, leaving me stunned. How could this be possible? I thought she…
“But wait, back then, wasn’t it incinerated by Demise Queen Aura?” I interjected, trying to make sense of the situation.
“Everyone who was absorbed by Demise Queen Aura during Immortal Dusk returned to normal once her brainwashing was lifted, except for one,” Helba explained calmly.
Except for… “AIKA…” I struggled to find the right words as I listened intently to Helba.
“Doesn’t it seem odd? Why is she the only one who hasn’t returned?” Helba posed the question.
“I don’t have enough data to conclude, but I can’t dismiss the possibility either. Do you understand?” Helba continued, her tone serious.
“In other words, the possibility exists that AIKA has recovered, similar to this doll…” Helba trailed off, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
Both of us fell silent, absorbing Helba’s words. The fact that Chim-Chim’s doll had been restored hinted at only one possible conclusion…
“Perhaps she has already been revived,” Helba said calmly.
The words struck Tokio like a bolt of lightning, a sudden and unexpected miracle unfolding before him.
“?!!”
“Aika… is alive?” Tokio gasped in astonishment.
Helba nodded solemnly. “Yes, but it’s nothing more than a possibility.”
The realization hit me unexpectedly hard, stirring deep emotions within. Even though it was just a possibility, it felt as if fate had granted me a glimpse of light at the end of the dark tunnel I’d been navigating. It was like rediscovering hope within myself, something I had believed lost. At that moment, the weight on my heart began to lift.
First Tokio, and now AIKA—each in their own way—illuminated a path forward, showing me that possibility still existed. Yet, amidst this newfound hope, a desperate question lingered.
“Why didn’t she come back to me?” I finally voiced, the words heavy with longing and confusion.
Helba’s response was measured yet cryptic. “I can’t answer that. Perhaps she has her reasons for not revealing herself.”
The uncertainty of her absence gnawed at me, leaving me to ponder the complexities of her choice and its impact on my journey ahead.
“AIKA.” The moment her name escaped my lips, tears welled up uncontrollably. The sheer relief of knowing she was alive filled me with overwhelming happiness. Yet, despite that joy, I still didn’t know where she was.
AIKA, I want to see you again.
For the first time in my life, I felt a profound gratitude for simply being alive and well, to experience this unexpected glimmer of hope. But uncertainty lingered; AIKA could be out there somewhere, alone. That’s why I decided to dedicate four years of my life to finding her, to bring her back home.
Act 4. Briefing
– At the present day –
Sogabe skillfully parked the car, bringing it to a stop. Tokio remained seated inside for a moment before they both opened their doors and stepped out onto the pavement, as their shoes made contact with the ground.
“Okay, we’re here,”
“*Phew* just how many hours do we spend to get here anyway,”
“Instead you care about that. Look, she just arrived,”
As Sogabe turned away, Tokio followed suit, both of them noticing Saika’s arrival from her mother’s grave. They exchanged a silent glance and then moved towards her.
“Tokio, Sogabe-san, you guys arrived,”
“Well, if those guys slept any later, we’d have a real problem on our hands,” he said, gesturing with his thumb toward Tokio.
“Hey! I can get up early too, you know,”
“Says the guys who just woke up,”
“Grrgh, really Sogabe-san,”
Saika’s giggling at Tokio was incredibly endearing. He looked puzzled by her sudden burst of laughter, which only made her giggle even more. Seeing this playful interaction, Sogabe couldn’t resist teasing Tokio by smirking at him and smudging his face affectionately.
“Not you too, Saika-chan,”
“Sorry, I can’t help but imagine how cute you are when you snore like a kid,”
“Eh? A Kid,”
“And then Sogabe interrupted their moment of levity. ‘Alright, so tell us what you know, Saika.’
‘Follow me,’ Saika replied, leading them to a place where they could begin their briefing.”
In the bustling café, filled with patrons casually sipping their drinks, the unique interior design gave it a modern yet inviting atmosphere. The waitresses wore stylish uniforms that seemed tailored for a contemporary café experience, making it a popular spot for students. Sogabe, feeling slightly out of place due to the youthful vibe, contemplated ordering a chocolate parfait if he could.
Tokio had settled for a coffee, while Saika opted for a calming green tea. The three of them sat together, Tokio and Sogabe across from Saika.
Saika reached into her bag, pulling something carefully.
“Here,”
On the table lay a yellow-painted flash drive, its vibrant color catching Tokio and Sogabe’s attention, filling them with curiosity as they gazed at it in wonder.
Tokio inquired, his curiosity piqued as he touched the flash disk.
“What’s this?” he asked.
“The way to put an end to their plan,” Saika replied solemnly.
Sogabe grinned approvingly. “As expected from Dr. Amagi’s sister. You never disappoint, especially with your background at CC Corp.”
Saika’s expression turned serious. “It’s not going to be easy, though.”
Tokio pressed further, his interest intensifying. “So, how can this flash disk put an end to their plans?”
“It might be best to explain everything first,” Saika began, drawing everyone’s attention. Shortly after, she launched into an explanation regarding the contents inside the flash drive she had handed over to them.
“As you all know, CC Corp intends to use VS THE WORLD to initiate their plan for another Real Digitalization,” Saika explained, her tone serious and focused.
Tokio and Sogabe listened intently, fully engaged in Saika’s briefing.
“The company’s security measures have been heightened to maximum, and their system software is now highly protected. Ordinary viruses won’t penetrate it. Except for this,” she continued, emphasizing the significance of what she was about to reveal.
Tokio asked, “So, this flash disk can be the key to shutting down the program?”
Saika smiled mischievously. “Bingo! I didn’t expect you to catch on so quickly.”
“E-Eh, ‘for once’?” Tokio replied with a hint of sulkiness in his expression.
Their conversation continued briefly, with Tokio processing the implications of Saika’s revelation.
“Don’t worry, of course, you would have guessed it correctly. As I said earlier, however, we might need someone from the inside and someone who can enter the net can help us to shut the program, we need to find a chosen one,”
Tokio was confused, “A chosen one?”
“That’s right, finding the one who had been chosen would allow us to proceed the operation very smoothly by shutting VS THE WORLD for good. So most safely, with this, all players being trapped inside the game can return to the real world.”
“So I call it, Reset Program,”
“And this program is inside this flash disk,”
“Reset… Program,” Tokio stated firmly.
The room fell silent as everyone took in the weight of his words. Saika nodded solemnly, signaling a temporary pause in the briefing. She had brought forth a program that could potentially halt another Real Digitalization, a crucial step in preventing the resurgence of Immortal Dusk.
“Wow, I can’t believe you managed to salvage their game data to create such an incredible program idea, especially with the heightened security levels,” Sogabe remarked, genuinely impressed by Saika’s accomplishment. His expression carried a hint of pride for her achievement.
Saika, however, remained focused and determined. She wasn’t satisfied with mere admiration; there was more she needed to convey.
“Actually, it wasn’t me who created that program, not even I could able to salvage that”
Upon hearing this, Tokio and Sogabe were caught completely off guard. The news hit them like a sudden thunderclap on a clear day, leaving them stunned and speechless.
“W-Wait, not you?” Tokio stammered, his confusion evident.
Saika nodded solemnly and began to explain.
Aika nodded solemnly and began to explain, “Well, I could only perfect the program with my skills to ensure it could be used effectively, but I wasn’t the one who created it.”
“You mean someone else created this program? Did you meet them?” Tokio asked, intrigued.
Saika nodded again. “Yes, I encountered them at CC Corp while infiltrating their server. It was quite an unexpected and direct meeting.”
“Wait, what?!” Sogabe exclaimed, his jaw dropping in shock. He was deeply concerned for Saika’s safety, realizing the gravity of her unexpectedly meeting the creator of the Reset Program.
“Did someone catch you off guard?” Tokio asked, worry evident in his voice as he turned his attention to Saika. He knew it must be complex, but he wanted to understand what had transpired at CC Corp. The situation had suddenly become serious.
Saika did her best to recount the story, trying to simplify the intricate details of her encounter without omitting anything crucial. It was clear that from this point onward, things had taken a serious turn.
“Well, at first, I was being exposed and afraid that he might tell the higher-ups about what I did,”
“He…?”
“If I can guess from his suit, he’s one of Veronica’s bodyguards.”
“Veronica?!” The name Veronica struck Sogabe like a thunderbolt. He shot up from his seat, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.
Veronica Bain, the founder of CyberConnect Corporation headquartered in the United States, both of them crossed path during the Rat Incident two years ago. It was during this encounter that Sogabe discovered the unsettling truth: Veronica Bain and her company were responsible for his wife’s illness, which tragically led to her death. The mere mention of her name now sent a sharp pang through Sogabe. It wasn’t just distasteful; it signaled imminent danger.
Saika, sensing the gravity in Sogabe’s reaction, softly confirmed, “Yes.”
“B-Bodyguard, you say?!!
As Tokio witnessed Sogabe’s deep concern upon hearing about Veronica, he couldn’t help but grow increasingly worried about Saika’s safety.
“Hey, Saika-chan, do you think you’re in danger now that Veronica knows about you?” Tokio asked anxiously.
Saika sighed softly, recognizing the shock both Sogabe and Tokio were feeling, along with their concern for her.
“I’m not finished yet…”
And they continued to listen to Saika’s trembling voice, “Yeah, the truth is, it scares me and shakes me to my core. I can’t even imagine what he’s going to do to me when he reports this to the higher-ups, especially Veronica.”
Saika’s hand trembled visibly, betraying her deep-seated fear of the consequences of her actions being exposed within CC Corp. The thought of facing repercussions from higher authorities terrified her, but her greatest concern lay elsewhere: the potential danger her actions could pose to her brother, Jyotaro. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being involved with the company again, let alone facing any harm because of her.
Despite her resolve, fear continued to grip her heart tightly.
“But you said that the Reset Program from your flashdisk didn’t come from you, so, don’t you think…?” Sogabe asked, his brow furrowing with concern.
“Yes, that man… one of her bodyguards,” Saika replied softly, her voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and resignation. “Instead of reporting me, he helped me salvage all the data in The WORLD. He created the virus, loaded it onto this flashdisk, and then handed it to me before leaving…”
As Saika recounted her story, confusion clouded the room, prompting numerous questions about the bodyguard’s motives and allegiances.
“Who the hell was that guy?” Tokio wondered aloud, his expression a mix of curiosity and disbelief.
Sogabe pondered the implications silently. For a bodyguard to betray his employer in such a manner could have severe consequences. It was difficult to fathom why the man would risk everything to aid Saika in her actions.
Sogabe sighed heavily, his frustration evident. “It’s way too complicated to figure out his reasoning, whether he has an agenda or some hidden intention behind all of this. But as one of Veronica’s bodyguards, it’s beyond belief. If what you’re saying is true, I don’t know if this could be a trap or something else entirely. Damn… what the hell is going on?”
“But he didn’t hurt you, did he?” Tokio interjected concern etched on his face.
“If I had been caught and the higher-ups found out, I wouldn’t be standing here in front of you right now,” Saika replied with a sigh, her expression troubled. “But it was a close call.”
“Okay,” Sogabe sighed, shaking his head slightly. “Let’s get back to the point. You mentioned that we need the chosen one from the game, and someone who can enter the game, is that right?”
“Y-yes,” Saika affirmed, her expression suddenly turning somber as she hesitated.
Tokio’s worry for her grew. “Saika-chan?”
With a mix of sadness and concern in her eyes, Saika explained hesitantly, “If we want to use this program from the inside, someone… has to go into the game.”
“Go inside?” Tokio asked, his curiosity piqued.
“What I’m trying to say is, we need Tokio’s Doubleware abilities again, or rather his ability to digitize himself, so he can enter that game,” Saika explained.
Tokio and Sogabe exchanged surprised glances as the topic of Doubleware came up once again. It signaled a potential repetition of events from five years ago, when Tokio had first been transported into The World using the Black Disc Copy, awakening his Doubleware abilities.
Sogabe, aware of the strain and potential side effects of Doubleware, voiced his concern, “Are you sure about this?”
Saika, grappling with the weight of her decision, tried to justify her plan. “Well, if we try to infiltrate VS THE WORLD conventionally, we risk being caught. Our accounts might get banned, or worse, we could be tracked down. Even if Tokio uses an anonymous hacked PC like he did six months ago, the consequences could be worse than before.”
“So, our only option is Tokio’s Doubleware,” Sogabe concluded reluctantly.
“But… I don’t want it,” Saika hesitated suddenly, doubt and worry clouding her expression as she resisted the plan she had proposed.
Sogabe fixed a steady gaze on Saika, his silence speaks volumes.
“Saika-chan?” Tokio’s voice broke through the tension, his concern evident as he noticed Saika’s unmistakable fear and deep-seated worry for him, especially in light of using that ability once more.
Saika explained her concerns, her voice tinged with worry. “You know what happened to Tokio back then, right? Five years ago, when I first digitally integrated him into The World… The longer he stayed in that digital realm with his real body, the more strain it put on him. Even if you’re going to activate that ability now, I’m not sure how much you can endure, like the last time.”
Her words carried the weight of experience and caution, reminding them all of the risks involved in using Tokio’s Doubleware abilities again.
Doubt, sadness, and guilt continued to grip Saika as she struggled with the traumatic memories of what had happened to Tokio in the past. Fear and deep concern consumed her thoughts, knowing that history could repeat itself.
“I know this is our only option, but… if something happens to Tokio again, like last time or worse,” Saika began, her voice tinged with apprehension, “I’m not sure if I could ever forgive myself.”
Tokio observed her face contorted with the familiar emotions of guilt, grief, and regret, reminiscent of their reunion four years ago. Despite the passage of time, Saika’s profound concern underscored just how much she cared for him.
He empathized with her turmoil, understanding the anguish she endured watching him in a coma for months due to the prolonged use of Doubleware. The possibility of history repeating itself weighed heavily on both of them, knowing it could once again endanger Tokio’s life.
Deep down, Tokio knew that Saika still grappled with the events involving AIKA and the choices she made five years ago. It was a burden she carried, unable to fully let go of the past and its consequences.
(Several minutes later…)
After their briefing at the cafe, the three of them exited and headed back towards the parking lounge.
“You know, why don’t you two change the pace for a bit,” Sogabe suggested.
“Huh? Where are you going?” Tokio asked, curious.
“I need to pick up some souvenirs for Lilie. You guys can go ahead without me. Take your time,” Sogabe explained.
“Thank you, Sogabe-san,” Saika expressed her gratitude as Sogabe walked away, leaving the two of them behind. Saika turned to Tokio.
“Wanna go somewhere?” she asked, a gentle invitation in her voice.
Tokio turned to face Saika, considering her suggestion. “Is there anywhere we can go?”
“Hmmm…” Saika pondered, her fingers lightly brushing her cheek as she thought of a quiet place where they could talk peacefully. Suddenly, an idea struck her.
And then, Saika suggested a hint of excitement in her voice.
“Well, there’s one place I know,”
Final Act. Searching for Her
“Here we are,”
Tokio and Saika arrived at a serene location nestled among the town’s houses, a park bordered by a fence that overlooked a tranquil river.
“Is this the place? The wind feels so nice. Have you been here before, Saika-chan?” Tokio asked, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the gentle breeze.
Saika nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Yes, whenever I come home from work or visit my mom’s grave, I always stop by here. It’s a place where you can leave all your stress behind, just enjoying the scenery and feeling the wind against your skin. It’s my favorite spot.”
“My heart feels so calm whenever I’m here,” Tokio admitted, touched by the tranquility of the surroundings.
Saika smiled warmly, feeling a sense of joy. “As it should be. When you feel down or stressed, this place is perfect to find solace for your mind, body, and spirit. That’s why I love this place.”
Stepping forward, Saika placed her hands behind her back, inhaling slowly as the wind brushed gently against her, as though nature itself welcomed her.
“I didn’t realize you were such a nature lover,” Tokio remarked with curiosity.
“What about you? What do you do when you’re stressed out?” Saika inquired, turning the conversation back to Tokio.
And then Tokio replied, “Well, I usually punch bags in my room whenever I feel stressed or angry,” he explained.
Saika couldn’t help but giggle, her right hand covering her mouth softly. “Really? Talk about being a boxing champion.”
Tokio smiled warmly and continued, “Yeah, I’ve competed in boxing a few times. It’s a great skill to have, especially for upcoming combat.” He subtly flexed his side abs, visible under his clothes and jacket.
Saika chuckled softly as she listened to Tokio’s stories.
“But when it comes to this place, it feels different—somehow peaceful,” Tokio couldn’t help but smile, feeling a deep sense of joy and relaxation wash over him. He wondered why more people didn’t discover such perfect spots like this.
It appeared that only a few locals knew about this hidden gem.
“How about we sit over there?” Saika suggested.
Their gaze settled on a pair of benches nestled under a tree. They made their way over and sat down together, taking in the panoramic view of the sky, ocean, park, and city spread out before them.
Closing their eyes, they let the sounds of waves and the gentle caress of the wind wash over them, bringing a serene calm that seemed to heal their souls.
When Saika opened her eyes again, she couldn’t help but smile as she looked at Tokio. The boy she had once known in school had grown into a mature man, yet he still possessed the same kind-hearted spirit that had drawn her to him. The happiness she felt was immeasurable.
Turning slightly away, she watched the scenery unfold before them.
“You know…”
“Hmm…”
Tokio opened his eyes as he listened to her,
“Do you remember that day when we were in high school when you rejected me?”
Tokio was taken aback as memories flooded back of the day he had turned her down during their senior year of high school.
“E-Eh?!”
Tokio couldn’t shake the memory of that unforgettable moment from two years ago. Saika had visited him, and they had gone on a date together. As their time together progressed, Saika’s feelings for Tokio grew stronger, prompting her to gather the courage to confess her love to him. However, despite her heartfelt confession, Tokio ultimately turned her down. And recalling all that came as a surprise for him.
“W-Woah, Saika-chan, are you still angry with me about what happened earlier? I-I’m sorry,” Tokio stammered nervously.
“It’s fine,” Saika replied calmly, her voice softening. “I know your heart truly belongs to AIKA, so I understand.”
Tokio could still sense a hint of a little disappointment lingering within her after the rejection.
Saika continued, her voice tinged with regret, “Back then, I cried a lot. I should have realized that your feelings were always for her. Yet, selfishly, I convinced myself that maybe you would come to feel the same way about me.”
“I see…” Tokio nodded, prompting Saika to continue her story.
“That’s when I found this place,” Saika elaborated.
“You did?” Tokio asked, curious to hear more.
Saika nodded in agreement as Tokio prompted her to continue. “At first, I didn’t understand why I kept coming back to this place. Whenever I feel sad or stressed, it’s always this location that comes to mind,” she began to explain.
“I realize it might sound crazy or delusional, but it feels like I’ve been here before. This place has given me something so precious and unforgettable. It’s almost like experiencing déjà vu,” she concluded, a hint of wonder in her voice.
“Saika-chan,” Tokio spoke softly.
“Sorry for listening to my rambling just now,” Saika apologized.
“It’s fine. I can tell this place must hold something special for you, Saika-chan. I believe… it must be fate that brought you here,” Tokio said gently.
“I see… maybe it is fate,” Saika replied thoughtfully.
Tokio and Saika sat by the riverside, the gentle breeze soothing their minds as they found peace in the quiet moment together.
After a while, Tokio broke the silence. “Recently, I’ve been dreaming about AIKA-chan,” he confessed softly.
“AIKA?” Saika turned to him, surprised by the revelation.
Tokio nodded solemnly. “Yes. AIKA-chan has been appearing in my dreams more frequently. I can see the sadness in her expression, tears streaming down her face.”
“Tears… Do you think she’s trying to warn you about the dangers in The World?” Saika asked, concern evident in her voice.
Tokio started to explain, his voice carrying a weight of unresolved thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. Ever since the incident two and a half years ago, and now with this, it’s been on my mind constantly.”
He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing, “I think she was trying to tell us something about The World, or maybe she was waiting for us to come find her. But no matter how hard I search, I can’t find any trace of her.”
His words hung in the air, filled with a mixture of frustration and determination.
Tokio continued, his voice tinged with frustration and longing.
“And then, Aura is my only hope to contact her, to find AIKA, but it seems all contact is lost,” he lamented.
Saika nodded, understanding the gravity of Tokio’s journey. Since teaming up with Fluegel and his allies from NAB, Tokio had tirelessly searched for any lead on AIKA’s whereabouts. Each setback brought him closer to despair.
“Even though I used to complain about how AIKA always protected The World, even in danger,” Tokio confessed, his words filled with a mixture of guilt and helplessness. “Yet here I am, standing by and unable to do anything.”
Saika listened quietly, sensing the weight of Tokio’s unspoken regrets and the burdens he carried in his quest to reunite with AIKA.
Saika couldn’t help but wonder aloud, “I wonder where she is right now?”
“Is she out there somewhere, waiting for us to find her? Even though I miss her so much, I have a feeling she might feel the same. But…” Saika trailed off, her gaze dropping.
She acknowledged that she had devoted four years of her life to the search for AIKA. She had gone to great lengths, even securing a position at CC Corp in hopes of uncovering a clue. Yet, all she encountered was an insurmountable wall, the end of the tunnel.
No matter how expert she was at hacking servers and deciphering cryptic codes, the vast net sea yielded no results. Despite clinging to hope, Saika was beginning to lose faith in ever finding her dear friend.
“Arrrgghhhh!!”
“E-Eh?”
Saika watched in shock as Tokio shouted, running his hands through his hair in frustration. He took a moment to breathe deeply, trying to calm himself down. As the tension eased, a realization dawned on him.
“That’s right, it’s not over yet,” he muttered to himself.
“Tokio?” Saika asked, uncertain of what he was thinking.
Tokio’s confidence surged back. Despite feeling on the brink of giving up moments ago, he shook off his doubt.
“What am I doing? I can’t give up just yet,” he declared firmly, slapping his face with both hands.
With renewed determination, Tokio rose from the bench and took a few purposeful steps forward, facing Saika directly.
“She’s out there, and whatever happens, I can’t just sit here and watch this chaos unfold. I refuse to give up now and let CC Corp cause more trouble for The World. We have to act. There’s still hope to find AIKA.”
Saika watched him from behind, struck by his unwavering determination and refusal to surrender, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. A new opportunity emerged, a faint glimmer of hope in the darkness.
“I believe that somewhere out there, within CC Corp, Aura, or whatever else we may encounter, we will uncover the path to AIKA. We made a promise to her, and that’s why I won’t give up. That’s what being a hero means.”
Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she witnessed his resolve. Despite his occasional goofiness, his words resonated deeply with her, pulling them both back from despair as effectively as they had for her.
In that moment, they embraced the uncertain future together, united by their shared commitment and the belief that their quest would lead them to AIKA.
Tokio turned to face Saika, locking eyes with her.
“What about you, Saika-chan? Wanna go find AIKA together?” he asked, extending his hand toward her with unwavering confidence.
“Geez, why are you such in a rush all of a sudden?” Saika sighed, though a smile started to tug at her lips. Tokio’s determination was infectious, stirring something within her and urging her to move forward toward their shared goal.
“I’m with you. I won’t give up on her either, not after everything that’s happened,” Saika declared as she stood up from the bench and approached Tokio.
“We’ll do this… together,” she affirmed, raising her hand to clasp his. Tokio smiled warmly, mirroring Saika’s determination. They clasped hands firmly, solidifying their resolve to thwart CC Corp’s schemes and find AIKA.
As they continued to stare at each other, Tokio couldn’t help but feel bashful and awkward under Saika’s gaze. He shrugged slightly, unsure how to express what he was feeling.
“Also, I’ve been dreaming about you too,” Tokio finally admitted, his voice hesitant but earnest.
Saika’s surprise was evident. “Wait, did you?”
Tokio nodded, trying to clarify. “I don’t know, maybe there’s some special connection between us or something. But it doesn’t make sense to me that you were there alongside AIKA.”
Saika withdrew her hands abruptly, her expression turning to one of disgust. “Eww! Gross, don’t tell me you’re being a pervert thinking about me, huh?”
Tokio waved his hands frantically, desperate to clear up the misunderstanding. “Whoa, what? No! That’s not what I meant!” He winced, realizing the situation had taken a turn for the worse.
“Idiot,” Saika muttered, her face flushed with embarrassment. She turned away from him, wearing a sullen expression.
“Oh, come on,” Tokio sighed, feeling mortified by the awkward exchange.
But unexpectedly, Saika’s lips curled into a smile without his noticing. Despite the confusion and embarrassment, she found it endearing that Tokio thought so much about her. It brought her a sense of joy and a thrill that he cared.
As they faced the challenges ahead, uncertain of what the future held, they knew their journey together was about to begin once more…
THE END…
Epilogue Act. The Message
In the quiet of his apartment, Tokio stepped out of the bathroom, the steam following him into the cooler air of the living room. He rubbed his head vigorously with a towel, his damp hair sticking up in all directions. Clad only in boxers, his skin still glistening with moisture, he sighed with contentment.
“Phew, I feel refreshed now,” he muttered, stretching his arms above his head.
As he glanced around the room, his thoughts drifted back to the evening’s events. “That Saika,” he grumbled, shaking his head, “She made me eat all the barbecue. Wasn’t she the one who ordered too much?”
He rubbed his stomach, the memory of the feast still uncomfortably fresh. “My payment for the month is gone,” he lamented, feeling the weight of his dwindling finances.
Tokio sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, his demeanor changed. His eyes lit up with renewed energy, and he clenched his fist in determination. “But tomorrow is going to be a big day,” he declared, his voice filled with resolve. “So… I’ll do my best.”
With a sense of purpose, he strode towards his bedroom, eager to prepare for the challenges ahead. Just as he reached for the door handle, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. The sudden noise made him pause, and he turned to see the screen glowing with a new notification.
“An email?” he wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued. Grabbing the phone, he swiped open the notification, his brow furrowing as he read the sender’s name: “2@^@&(!(!”
“What?” Tokio’s eyes widened in surprise. The address was strange, almost nonsensical. His heart pounded with a mix of intrigue and apprehension as he opened the email.
“W-What is this?!” he gasped, eyes scanning the unexpected message.
Tokio Kuryuu stared at the screen, his eyes scanning the email’s contents for the third time. The cryptic message left him bewildered and uneasy.
From: 2@^@&(!(!
To: Tokio Kuryuu
Subject: To Tokio Kuryuu, the Hero of Gear
Tokio Kuryuu, the one who was known as the Hero Gear five years ago.
If you wish to know where AIKA is, encrypt code 03202010 and solve it yourself, and you shall know the answer you seek.
But be prepared for the coming wave… because the twilight does not smile at you.
From 2@^@&(!(!
“AIKA-chan? Upcoming wave? Code?” he muttered, his voice trembling slightly. “What the hell?!”
Confusion and shock mixed in his mind, creating a storm of emotions that left him reeling. Questions swirled around his thoughts, each one more urgent than the last. Who was 2@^@&(!(!? And what did they mean by ‘the twilight does not smile at you’?
Every mystery can lead toward something big… or lead toward something even deeper… than the shadow itself…
TO BE CONTINUE IN .hack//Versus… and one story that would be told…
A/N: I regularly write author notes at the last below read, but this time, I’m gonna do it separately, make sure you all come to AUTHOR NOTE, because my notes will be much longer, so hop on it.
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