> Sword Art Online: Virus > by FandomPlays1234 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: A New Game > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Hey come on Twilight, this is so much better than studying!" Spike called out from halls. "Spike, I don't know what kind of magic that thing uses, but I don't like it," groaned Twilight flipping through a book. "It's not magic it's called Virtual Reality and all your friends got one of these babies, besides you need to stop studying and enjoy yourself for once," said Spike waving his visor. That was thing new craze. Virtual Reality. The Equestrians had never experienced this kind of thing considering that technology was known very little in this magical world. But after it was passed down to their world by the humans, the ponies had found a new way to entertain themselves whenever they were bored. Now a days ponies could be seeing these visors as they walked around. But things were going to get even better when a new game called Sword Art Online was announced. But for some reason the humans hated this game. Whatever the reason, Spike didn't care he, he wanted the game when it comes out. "Spike seriously, what's so great about Technical Reality when we have magic!?" groaned Twilight. "First of all, it's Virtual Reality, second nopony ever knew these things existed, this is big!!!" laughed Spike slipping the visor over his head. "And besides when that new game comes out, everyone is getting it so it's gotta be good right?" "Look, I know you want the game and that's fine, but I have friendship stuff I gotta work on, so just don't bother me ok?" asked Twilight. "Alright fine, but you're missing out," said Spike walking out of her room. Twilight rolled her eyes and went back to her book. "Aww yeah this is great!" Spike cheered as he swung his arm around as if he was swinging a sword before bumping into something. "Ouch," said Spike removing the visor. He looked up to see Luna standing there with the same visor over her eyes. She pulled them off and looked down. "Oh dear, Spike I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," said Luna. "It's fine, wait you have one too?!" Spike asked. "Indeed, and I must admit, this is amazing!" beamed Luna. "Haha, I know right, hey are you getting the new game?" asked Spike. "Why would I miss out on the fun?" giggled Luna. "Oh man I can't wait," squealed Spike. "Yes, my sister is also planning to get a copy as well," said Luna. "Princess Celestia too!?" asked Spike. "She IS a princess, she needs so time to enjoy herself as well," said Luna. "Oh man am I excited!" beamed Spike. The two laughed and chatted as they walked down the hall. It was only another week before the initial release. And everypony was hyped for it. The year is 2025, the skies above Japan is clear and the ground was covered in glistening white snow. Nico sipped his cup of coffee as he flipped through the morning paper. "Welp again nothing interesting," sighed Nico as he threw the paper on the table. He drank the last bit of coffee and placed the cup on the table. "Waiter check!" Nico called out. He looked around as cars zoomed past on the road. It seemed like forever since the SAO crisis along followed by the GGO deaths and the Ordinal Scale incident. But now everyone was living their lives as VR and AR slowly disappeared from society. "Morning Nico!" a cheerful voice called out. Nico looked up to see his friend running up to him. "You mind if I sit here?" she asked grabbing the chair across from him. "Hey Koharu, go on it's free," said Nico. Smiling, Koharu took the seat and looked over to the newspaper. "Reading the news again?" "Hey I'm waiting in case any other idiots decides to bring VR back," answered Nico. Koharu giggled. Her black hair flowing in the wind. She really was cute when she laughed. "It's not funny," said Nico. "I know that sorry," said Koharu. Her green eyes shining in the sun. Eventually the a waiter walked out with a tray and a small clipboard with a slip of paper. "Miss would you like something?' asked the waiter. "No I'm good thanks," replied Koharu. The waiter nodded as he walked back into the cafe. Nico placed 5 grey coins on the slip of paper and got out of his chair. Smiling Koharu jumped out and followed after him. "I thought you just came to say hello," laughed Nico looking over to her with a smile. "Oh come on you really hate me that much?" pouted Koharu. "I'm joking!" laughed Nico. Koharu smiled as she leaned into his arm. Nico gently wrapped his left arm over her shoulders and pulled her in. "Where are you doing today?" she asked. "Nothing much, just the usual," answered Nico. "Chilling at home I suppose, is it alright if I come over today then?" asked Koharu. "Sure thing," answered Nico. "Yay," cheered Koharu. "Excuse me young man, but do you think you can help me out with something?" asked a voice. The two stopped as a man wearing a brown jacket walked up to them. "Um sorry who are you?" asked Nico. "Oh my apologies, I'm Elusive, I just moved here so I don't really know my way around yet," said the man. "I see, well what is it you need Mr. Elusive?" asked Nico. "I just need to find the nearest Police Station, I'm meeting with a friend of mine," said Elusive. "Well if you want the nearest station, if you just keep going down this path and turn right at the third stoplight you should find it three stores down," said Nico. "Oh why thank you, I appreciate your help, and sorry for taking up your time uh.." "Nico, and this is my friend Koharu," said Nico. "Well Nico, Koharu, it was nice meeting you, hope we can get acquainted soon," said Elusive. "Yes, it would be nice if we can get to know you Mr. Elusive," said Koharu. "Well I must get going, don't want to keep my friend waiting," said Elusive smiling. "Have a great day and Merry Christmas," "You too," said Nico. Elusive waved goodbye as he walked in the direction he was told. "What a nice man," said Koharu. "Definitely," agreed Nico. "Hope we can meet him again," said Koharu. "I'm sure we'll run into him again, but for now let's just get going, you must be cold," said Nico. "I am," said Koharu sneezing. The two laughed as they made their way to Nico's place. > Chapter 1: Corrupted > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sun was high in the sky and Twilight's friends were having breakfast at her castle. However Spike was busy playing with his VR machine to be eating at the table with the others. "Spike, your pancake is getting cold," said Fluttershy. "Hold on, just let me beat this level," said Spike swinging his claws. "What are y'all even playin?" asked Applejack. "I'm practicing my sword fighting skills," answered Spike. "Oh is it for the new game!?" beamed Rainbow Dash. "Yep, I want to make sure I know how to use a sword when I get the game," answered Spike. "Spike darling, you do realize that the game doesn't come out until tomorrow," said Rarity. "Yeah, but here's the thing I pre ordered a copy and asked the post office to deliver it, as a matter of fact it should come today," said Spike. Rarity was about to say something when something knocked on the front door. "That must be it!" "I'll get it!" said Rainbow Dash flying towards the door. Spike happily ran after her, leaving the others behind. "Ain't they gettin too worked up over a game?" asked Applejack. "It is his first game ever, just let him have some fun," said Starlight. "Hey where's Twilight?" asked Pinkie munching on her pancakes. "I'm right here," Twilight groaned. Her friends watched as Twilight dragged herself to her seat. "Sweet Celestia you don't look good, did you sleep well?" asked Starlight. "No, as a matter of fact I feel strange, almost as if somepony was touching me in my sleep," answered Twilight. "Oh, that sounds disturbing," whimpered Fluttershy. "No kidding, where's Spike?" asked Twilight. "IT'S HERE!!!!!" Spike announced busting in. Excitedly he held up a small package with the words Sword Art Online written at the top. "Huh package looks small," said Pinkie. "But whatever, just hurry up and try it!" Pinkie squealed. Smiling, Spike opened up the package and pulled out small cartridge. "That's it?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I guess," answered Spike with a confused look. "Why don't you read the instruction manual?" suggested Starlight. Spike looked down and pulled out a small booklet. "Ok let's see," Spike said flipping through the pages. "Starting your game, insert the cartridge into your visor and say Link Start," "Hey that's easy enough!" squealed Pinkie. "Alright I guess this is it?" Spike said flipping the visor onto it's side. Sure enough a small opening was engraved in that was big enough for the cartridge to fit. Spike inserted the Cartridge and placed them over his eyes. "Ok now what?" "Just say Link Start," said Applejack. "Link Start!" shouted Spike. However nothing happened. Spike repeated the words but once again the game didn't respond. "Well how does it look?" asked Pinkie. "Strange it must be broken," said Spike pulling off his visor. "What come on!" groaned Rainbow Dash. "You did everything the manual said right?" asked Fluttershy. "Yeah, but maybe it's just lagging or something," said Spike. He tapped the cartridge with his claws when his visor suddenly began to vibrate. "Uh Spike what did you do?" asked Twilight. "Nothing!" Spike yelped dropping his visor. Suddenly, without warning, the visor began to float as a white light shot out and formed a giant portal. "What in Equestria!?" yelped Rarity. "Uh girls what's happening to me?" asked Twilight. Her friends looked over to see Twilight's body changing into pixels. "Spike turn it off!!" Twilight ordered. Panicked Spike grabbed his visor and attempted to push the power switch but to no avail. Then before anyone could say anything, Twilight's pixelated body was sucked into the portal. "Twilight!" Spike yelped. Then one by one, all of Twilight's friends began turning into pixels before Spike. "Spike do something!!!" Rarity yelped. Panicked, Spike ran out to find help. With nobody in the room to help, the remaining six was sucked into the portal. Nico sipped his cup of coffee not showing any interest in the conversation Koharu and Lisbeth was having. Next to him Klein was sloppily eating a slice of pizza. "Geez man, can't you eat more like Kirito?" asked Nico. "I would if this pizza wasn't so good," said Klein munching. "You boys have no manners," groaned Lisbeth. "Hey don't put me with this goofball!" objected Nico. "She's joking Nico," giggled Koharu. "Well I don't find it funny," said Nico setting down his cup. Lisbeth was about to say something when a flash of light caught their attention. They looked out the window as seven figures crashed onto the sidewalk outside the pizzeria. "What the hell was that?" asked Klein. "It's worth checking," said Nico setting down two 1,000 yen. He jumped up and walked out the door followed by the other three. What they found was seven multicolored ponies lying on the ground. "Ponies?' asked Koharu. The purple pony with wings groaned as she got to her feet. "Ouch," she murmured. "Hey you alright?" asked Nico. "Yeah I'm fine," she groaned. "What the, they talk?!" yelped Lisbeth. "Yeah we talk," groaned the orange pony. Nico bent down and helped the ponies while the other three watched. "Are you gonna help or what?" asked Nico turning around. The three quickly recovered from the shock and helped the others stand. "Hey thanks," said Rainbow Dash. "Who are you and where exactly did you come from?" asked Koharu. "Well it's a long story but-," The purple pony's statement was cut short when something shot past them and struck a nearby car. "What the hell!?" yelped Klein. The eleven turned around to see a pony resembling the purple unicorn with wings. The pony was glowing in a dark purple tint and it's eyes were glowing in a white light. Several black, white, and blue boxes flashed around the ponies body as if it was glitching. "Uh Twilight why is there another one of you?" asked the orange pony. "But that's not me!" Twilight exclaimed. The purple pony's body continued to glitch as it smirked. "Purge the errors," it sneered. "Um she doesn't mean us does she?" Koharu asked nervously. Then without hesitation the glitching pony lunged at the group. "Shit, get out of the way!" exclaimed Nico. The four quickly moved to the right while the seven ponies moved to the left. The glitching pony landed in between and fired a stream of black energy towards the seven forcing them to split up. "Hey you'll pay for that!" sneered the blue pegasi. She flew down only for the pony to glitch and disappear. "What the?!" The pony suddenly reappeared behind her and knock her into the ground. "Hey!" Klein hissed. The pony turned it's attention towards Klein. "Uh oh," said Klein. The pony lunged at him only for it to tackle Koharu who stepped in front of it. Koharu was knocked back into the restaurant through the window. "Koharu!" Nico called out to her. The pony jumped in through the broken window and stood above her smirking. "Purge the errors," she sneered. Her horn began to glow in a black light as she charged up an attack. Koharu shut her eyes as tears rolled down her cheek. "Please don't," she whimpered. The pony's attack was interrupted by the sounds of police sirens in the distance. The pony growled as it looked down at Koharu before jumping out the restaurant and running off. "Holy crap," said Lisbeth. "Koharu!" Nico exclaimed running into the restaurant. He quickly ran to her side and crouched. "Koharu are you alright?" "Nico," she whimpered. Nico helped her up as she hugged him. "It's alright I'm here," cooed Nico stroking her hair. "Can you walk?" he asked. Koharu nodded and attempted to stand but winced as she placed her hand over her left leg. Nico pulled away her hand to find a glass shard sticking out. "Shit," Nico cursed. He gently helped her up and carried her out of the restaurant where they were greeted by Lisbeth, Klein, and the seven ponies. "Is she alright?" asked Fluttershy. "Afraid not, that damn pony who is that pony?" asked Nico. "She looked like Twilight," said Starlight. "Who?" asked Klein. "Me," answered Twilight stepping forward. "But I don't get it, she looked just like me but something didn't seem right," "Yeah she was weird," said Pinkie. "Almost looked like she was glitching," said Klein scratching his head. "Well, well it seems like Virus got to you too," a voice spoke up. The eleven turned towards the right to find a man wearing a brown coat and a black hat with two officers standing next to him. A single cop car was soon joined by two more that drove up and parked off to the side behind the first. Four officers got out of the two cars and began approaching the group. "You four go on in, I'll deal with these folks," said the man. The four nodded as they walked into the restaurant. The man approached them with the two officers. "It seems like your friend there needs some assistance," said the man pointing towards Koharu's leg. "Will you please?" asked Nico. The man looked back at one of the officers and nodded. The officer ran back to the first police vehicle and later returned with a first aid kit. He walked over to Koharu and began treating her wound. "Now then, while my officer is doing that let's talk," said the man. "Wait, wait just a moment, who are you?" asked Twilight. The man pulled out a small badge from his coat pocket and held it up. "Name's Randell Merlin, Randy for short, police officer and investigator," answered the man. "But you know, just call me whatever's easy for you," "Right, Officer Randell, do you perhaps know who that pony was?" asked Nico. "Can't be a 100% positive, but if I were to guess, then that would be one of Virus's," answered Randell. "Virus?" asked Applejack. "You mean like a computer Virus?" asked Klein. "Yes and no," answered Randell. "What's that supposed mean?" asked Lisbeth. "Yes as in yes, a computer virus be a good analogy, and no as in no that's not what I meant," answered Randell. "You folks heard of Virus Incorporated?" The eleven shook their head. "Well then allow me to explain, but not here, follow me to my station," said Randell. He walked back to the police vehicles. "Well come on!" Randell called out to them. The eleven quickly ran over and crammed into two of the vehicles. Lucky for them, the station wasn't that far. When they arrived at the station, the eleven were led to Randell's office. "Please have a seat," said Randell. The eleven each took a seat in a chair as Randell settled down in his own. "Now please explain to us what that was about," Nico demanded. "Very well," said Randell leaning back. "So as I was saying, Virus was a electronics company that was well known for repairs, when the SAO crisis first started, Virus Inc. hoped that the government would turn to them in hopes of freeing the trapped players. Instead they ended up getting blamed, people started saying that Virus Inc. had joined forces with the creator, Kayaba Akihiko, and that they had purposefully trapped the players for their own selfish reasons," "Because of this, people started losing trust and faith and the company began to fail," "Oh god," gasped Koharu. "The president struggled to find a way to return the company back into it's original state, but the more he tried it only seemed to make it worse," explained Randell. "Unable to take the stress, the president took his own life," "He took his own life!?" gasped Koharu. "Oh no," whimpered Fluttershy. "The company was left without a leader and eventually the company went bankrupt," said Randell. "Eventually the employees lost their job and eventually became homeless," "Virus Inc. had been gone for a long time now, but I believe that they have something to do with what happened with you folks," "What do you mean?" asked Rarity. "You ponies aren't from here, it's obvious that you were brought here," answered Randell. "It's that game isn't it?" 'How did you know!?" gasped Starlight. "I had a feeling, but anyways, that game wasn't originally supposed to do that, someone had planted a virus and had somehow made copies of familiar faces and are using them to attack and terrorize the innocent," answered Randell. "Making copies?" asked Klein. "That's right, this wasn't the only time this has happened either, as a matter of fact this has been going on for almost a week now," answered Randell. "A week!?" asked Nico. "That's right, I've been tasked by the government to try and figure out what's going on, but so far I haven't found any clues, it seems that whoever is responsible for this is the hard to catch type," said Randell. "Either way, I'm not letting this go unchecked," Randell got out of his chair and began walking towards the door. 'Please officer let us help you," Nico said. "What?" asked Randell. "After hearing about this, we can't just sit around," said Lisbeth. 'We'll help as well," said Twilight. "I appreciate your will, follow me," said Randell opening the door. The eleven, without hesitation followed him out. Whoever was responsible for this surely was going to pay. > Chapter 2: Return to SAO > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nico lurched forward as the police vehicle came to a sudden stop in front of the house. "This is the one," said Randell. "Hmm doesn't look too shabby," snickered Rainbow Dash. Twilight elbowed her while glaring at her at the same time. "Geez I was joking!" "Let's go," said Randell getting out of the car. The others followed him out along with everyone else in the second vehicle. As They approached the house, Starlight could see a young girl swinging a katana stick in the yard. "Ahem excuse me young lady, but is Kirigaya Kazuto home?" Randell called out. The girl turned her head to face the group and walked over to the gate,"You mean my brother?" she asked. "I'm afraid not, he's currently out meeting someone," she answered. "I see, do you when he'll be back?" asked Randell. "He should be back soon, actually speak of the devil there he is," said the girl pointing behind them. The group turned around a s a young male teen wearing a black jacket and jeans walked up. "Oh what's going on here?" he asked. "You must be Kirigaya Kazuto," said Randell. "I'm sorry and you are?" asked Kazuto. Randell pulled out his badge and held it up in front of him. "Name's Randell Merlin, I'm a police officer and investigator, but of course just call me whatever is easy for you," answered Randell. "Ah, I see, what can I do for you officer?" asked Kazuto. "I would like to discuss some things with you," answered Randell. "Well in that case let's talk inside," suggested Kazuto. "We appreciate the offer," said Randell. As the 12 made their way into the house, Kazuto was stopped by his sister. "What did you do?" she asked. "Nothing," he answered nervously. Somewhere within the city of Japan, the hooded figure entered the building with the flash drive in his hand. The quickly made his way to the nearest empty elevator and shut the door as soon as he got in. he slowly pulled out the key card and scanned it on the pad. "Scanning," stated the computer. "Scan complete, welcome back Gonzago," "Alter Ego, Floor B20," said the hooded figure. "Roger," Alter Ego stated. Just then the ground beneath him opened up to reveal a glass floor and soon the elevator was descending. After 3 minutes of waiting, the elevator stopped and opened the doors to let the figure out. The figure quickly made his way through the metallic corridors that eventually led him to two doors. He pulled the key card out of his pocket and held it up to the scanner. "Scan complete," stated Alter Ego. The doors slid open allowing the figure to walk into a dark room lit up with the lights from the large sets of computer screens. "Welcome back Gonzago," a voice spoke up. "Boss, I have the data you wanted," said Gonzago pulling out the flash drive. "Good," chuckled the voice. He snapped his fingers as something swooped past Gonzago taking the drive. The creature later appeared next to the figure sitting in the chair. It resembled a pony but had scales instead of a coat. Small holes at the hoof allowed Gonzago to see right through them. It had small fangs and glowing blue eyes that stared him. The creature held up the drive in it's mouth as a robed hand reached out and plucked the drive. I must say these changelings are quite helpful, if only they existed here," snickered the figure. "Glad you like them," cooed a female voice. "Um sir who's that?" asked Gonzago. "Hey Chrissy why don't you come out and introduce yourself?" suggested the figure. Just then a larger version of the creature emerged from the shadows. However this one clear green eyes and a mane an tail that was also covered in holes. "This is my newest accomplice, Queen Chrysalis," said the figure. "Um hey there," stuttered Gonzago. "Hey dear, aren't you the helpful little servant to your boss here," cooed Chrysalis walking around him. "Chrissy behave," ordered the figure. "Aww, but the fun was just starting, but I guess it can't be helped," sighed Chrysalis. "Um boss just wanted to ask, how are we doing?" asked Gonzago. "Oh just great, now you that you brought me data of those fools," answered the figure inserting the drive into his computer. The screen flashed as screenshots of two people and one pony popped up. One female and one male, and one mare. "Let's see, Agil, Philia, and what does that say?" asked the figure. Chrysalis walked over and glanced over to screen scowling. "Starlight Glimmer," she hissed. "Your grudge belongs to her?" questioned the figure. "That's right!" Chrysalis hissed. "Interesting," snickered the figure.He reached out and was about to hit the copy button on his screen before a voice spoke up. "Are you sure about this?" asked the voice. The figure looked over as the ghost of Kayaba Akihiko appeared. "You're positive you want to do this?" asked Kayaba. "Of course, all for the one I held dear to me," answered the figure. He clicked on copy. "You do realize that the boy isn't going to just give up and forget about this right Hax?" asked Kayaba. The figure said nothing. As the blank hole in his robe stared at the computer screen. "The silent treatment eh?" asked Kayaba. "Well it's your decision, but don't say I warned you," said Kayaba. "I don't need any warnings," hissed Hax. "You sure?" asked Kayaba. "First me, next Sugou, then Shigemura Tetsuhiro," said Kayaba. Hax said nothing as Kayaba vanishes. Hax silently stared at the bright computer screen as Gonzago exited the room. "It's all for the best, don't worry father," "You won't have died in vain," "I promise," "What are you crazy, return to SAO!!!??" gasped Kazuto. "It's the only other way we can find more clues that can help us catch the culprit responsible for these attacks," answered Randell. "But that game....." stuttered Klein. "Hey come on it's just a game, why are you afraid of going back?" asked Rainbow Dash. The room fell to dead silence as the humans looked at the ponies. "You don't know?" asked Klein. The ponies shook their head. "You didn't hear about the crisis?" asked Lisbeth. "What crisis?" asked Pinkie cheerfully. Randell gave Kazuto a serious gaze and nodded. Kazuto sighed as he explained the life-and-death situation the SAO players were put in when playing through the game. By the end of it nopony in the room had the courage to speak. "No that's impossible!" stuttered Rainbow Dash. "It's just a game!" Rarity hesitated. Fluttershy whimpered as she covered her ears. "I knew that thing couldn't be trusted," growled Twilight. "I understand that none of you wants to return to SAO, but please this is the only shot we have," pleaded Randell. "But I don't want to have to be stuck in that crummy game again!" exclaimed Lisbeth. "That you won't have to worry about," said Randell. "When the government asked me to take on this case, they knew I had to enter the game to find clues, so they had their scientists modify the game so you could actually log out for real," "Wait they modified the game?" asked Koharu. "Yes, if that makes you feel any better, than that's great other than that I have no other offers," said Randell. The five players looked at each other trying to figure out what to do, but their thoughts were interrupted when the sound of a girl's scream rang out throughout the house. "What the hell?" asked Nico. Kazuto eyes widened as he ran out of the room. "Suguha!" Kazuto called out to her. Worried, the others followed him out of the room towards the sound of her scream. Kazuto found her sister on the ground trembling in fear. "Suguha is everything alright?" he asked kneeling next to his sister. The others ran into the yard to find Kazuto comforting his sister. "Kazuto what happened asked Randell. "Uh guys," Klein stuttered. Everyone looked at him as he pointed up towards a nearby tree. The groups looked over as a strange figure suddenly disappeared and reappeared. The figure was glowing in a deep purple tint and resembled that of a young girl. She seemed to be wearing a small cape around her neck and had several pieces of armor covering certain parts of her body. Her short hair flowed within the winter breeze as she stared menacingly at the group with her deep yellow eyes. Small black, white, and blue boxes flashed all over her body as if she was glitching. "Who the hell?" asked Klein. "Philia what are you doing here?" asked Kazuto. The figure said nothing but smirked wickedly. Kazuto took a step back as the figure let out a low menacing laugh. "Purge the errors!" she hissed. She quickly drew her sword and lunged at Kazuto who managed to drag his sister out of the way. "Holy Crap that was dangerous!" yelped Lisbeth. The figure turned he attention at the small group and lunged at them. But before she could reach them, Twilight jumped in front and created a barrier with her magic. The sword clashed into the magical barrier with a loud clang. "Damn that is one powerful sword!" exclaimed Klein. "Stop making jokes Klein and help!" Nico hissed. Panicked, Klein began searching around the yard trying to find something that he could use as a weapon. But before Klein could make a move, the glitched figure jumped back as a single sword struck the ground in front of it. "Wha?" Koharu gasped. "Thank god I made it in time," a voice spoke up. The group turned around to see a young teenage girl wearing a white jacket and a brown winter pants. Her long brown hair flowing in the wind. "Asuna!" Kazuto exclaimed. The girl looked over and smiled at him then turned her focus on the glitched girl. "I don't exactly know who you are or why you're here, but if you're planning on hurting my family then I won't hesitate to kill you," growled Asuna. The glitched figure glared at her as she clutched her sword. Looking hesitant she jumped over the fence and ran off. Asuna sighed as she returned her sword and turned to face the group. "Is everyone alright?" "Yeah we made it out somehow," said Starlight. "Asuna, what are you doing here?" Kazuto asked. "I heard Leafa's scream so I came to see what was going on," answered Asuna. "You were lucky I was just casually walking nearby here," "I see, well thanks for that," said Kazuto sighing. "Wait who is this?" asked Rarity. "Guys, I want you to meet my wife back in SAO, Yuuki Asuna," > Chapter 3: A New Aincrad > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nico groaned as he sat up. Looking around he found himself at the Teleport Gate Plaza with Koharu next to him. "Koharu, wake up," said Nico shaking her. Koharu slowly sat up yawning. "Wh-where are we?" she asked. "SAO somehow," answered Nico. "What how'd we get here?" she asked. "I don't know but it seems we got split up from the others," answered Nico. "Should we go look for them?" she asked. "Yeah, definitely," answered Nico. He took Koharu by the hand and helped her up. At that moment, the sky above them grew dark as purple clouds soon began gathering above the Teleport Gate Plaza. "What's going on?" asked Nico. "Nico!" Koharu screamed. Nico turned towards her to find Koharu on the ground. "Koharu what's wrong?!" Nico asked kneeling besides her. Trembling she pointed forward. Confused Nico looked up to see that the environment was suddenly glitching. He turned around to find that the Teleport Gate Plaza pixels were fluctuating as if it was corrupted. "What the fuck?" Nico stuttered stepping back. "Wh-what's happening?" Koharu whimpered. "I don't know, but we have to get out of here," answered Nico. He dragged Koharu towards the Teleport monument and attempted to interact with it when a message popped up. "Error, unable to process system commands, please try again later," read Nico. "Are you serious!?" "Nico," Koharu whimpered. He turned around to find themselves suddenly surrounded by strange glitched out creatures approaching them. "Koharu, we can't teleport out of here, so we just have to log off," said Nico. Koharu nodded as began pulling up her menu. Nico quickly went to do the same. But when he attempted to log off the same message had popped up. "Error, unable to process system command, please try again later," "What the hell we can't even log off!?" Nico gasped. He turned around to see the creatures closing in. "Shit, at this rate, we're both dead," "Nico, I'm scared," Koharu sniffled. Nico quickly grabbed Koharu by the arm and pulled her in as he drew his sword. "Nico," Koharu looked at him her cheeks glowing red. "Don't worry I got you," said Nico. That's what hoped. He didn't know if these things could be defeated or how long he would be able to keep them away from Koharu. But considering the numbers, it probably won't be for long before they took their life. "Purge the errors!" hissed one of the creatures. "Purge the errors," repeated another. Nico clenched his sword as the creatures trapped him and Koharu into the Teleport Gate. Terrified, Koharu closes her eyes as she jumps into Nico's arms. Just as Nico was preparing to protect his damsel in distress, the tip of a sword burst out from one of the creatures chest. The sword moved up slicing the creature in half revealing the swordsman standing behind it. "Kazuto!" Nico gasped. "This way!" he said. Nico grabbed Koharu's hand and ran past the creatures and Kazuto as he slashed another creature in half. 'Thanks for that Kazuto!" said Nico. "Ok I appreciate the thanks, but please just call me Kirito while we're in here," he said. "Alright," said Nico. "Hey, Klein give me a hand!" said Kirito. "Right behind you buddy!" said Klein rushing in for an attack. "I'll help as well!" said Asuna drawing her rapier. "Are you two alright?" a voice asked from behind. Nico and Koharu turned around to see Lisbeth and Leafa standing behind them. "Yeah we're fine," answered Koharu. "Geez where were you two?" asked Lisbeth. "That's our line," said Nico. "Very funny," groaned Lisbeth. "Hey watch my princess will you?" asked Nico pushing Koharu towards the two. 'Wait what!?" Leafa yelped. "P-princess!?" Lisbeth asked. But Nico ignored the two and dashed forward leaving the three behind. Koharu blushed as she watched Nico join Kirito, Klein, and Asuna in battle. "Nice for you to join us Nico," said Kirito as Nico slashed another creature. "Just playing my role as knight for Koharu," said Nico. "Geez trying to steal all the girls aren't you?" Klein asked disappointed. "Well maybe if you'd stop acting like a perv then maybe you'll get girls to actually like you!" said Asuna slashing a fourth creature. "Geez what are these things anyway?" asked Nico. "Whatever they are, they need to chill!" grunted Klein. The creatures eventually gave up and ran off in different directions leaving the exhausted four standing in the Teleport Gate Plaza. "Looks like we managed to beat them," sighed Asuna. "Man what a workout," gasped Klein. "You did it guys!" Koharu cheered. "Yeah, but seriously what are those things?" asked Nico. "Interesting enemies aren't they?" a voice spoke up. The seven turned around to see a figure standing behind them. They weren't able to tell what she looked like due to the brown hood she wore. But the brown cloak and boots was enough to tell Kirito who she was. "Argo the rat, didn't think I'd see you again," said Kirito. "Hey I'm an info broker of course I'd be here," Argo snickered. "I would've preferred to talk to Randell a little longer, but seeing what just happened I need to do my job," "Wait you know Randell?" asked Lisbeth. "Yeah, pretty cool guy, for a hacker," answered Argo. "Wait he's a hacker?" asked Klein. "It's in his blood apparently," answered Argo. "That's how I got info on the infected," "The what now?" asked Leafa. "Well aren't you a lucky group, I would've asked for Col in exchange for information, but considering our situation, this ones on the house," said Argo. "Anyway, the 'infected' as Randell called it, is the weird enemies you guys just fought," "You mean those creatures that was glitching out a lot?" asked Koharu. "Yeah, that's it," answered Argo. "Infected like a virus," said Asuna. "Do you think that maybe Randell was right about Virus Inc?" asked Koharu. "Possibly, but we can't say for sure," answered Kirito. "That's what I'm here for!" announced Argo. The seven curiously began to gather around Argo. "So according to Randell, those infected monsters are the only enemies you'll be facing from now on," "Do you mean the infected version's of ourselves?" asked Leafa. "Yeah those guys too, apparently they came into existence because somebody took the data on your bodies and copied them," answered Argo. "Somebody copied our bodies?" asked Asuna. "Yeah, but that's not the only problem, the infected aren't any normal enemies, they will continue to spawn unless the source is destroyed," added Argo. "Wait so they're immortal?" asked Lisbeth. "According to Randell, yes" answered Argo. "But then there's the spreading of the quote on quote virus," "Spreading....of the virus," Koharu repeated with a nervous tone. "It works just like any ordinary virus, getting scratched, bitten, or even struck by an attack by the infected, will in turn, leave you infected," answered Argo. "What happens when you get infected?" asked Koharu. "Well, then you become quote on quote infected, it basically works like a zombie apocalypse," answered Argo. "Are you serious?' asked Nico. "Is there anyway we can reverse the process?" asked Kirito. "We don't know, but Randell believes, that you have to beat the source if you want to save the infected," answered Argo. "So the solution to this entire problem is, beat the source?" asked Klein. "That's according to Randell," answered Argo. "Does he know where the source is?" asked Lisbeth. "He's still working on pinpointing the location, but until he finds the source, he wants you to stay in here and find some clues, while he and those ponies stay in the real world and do some research there," answered Argo. The seven looked at each other with worried expressions. "Welp we're stuck in here," said Klein. "Yeah pretty much, until the virus clears you guys can't leave," said Argo. "And I assume if our HP falls to zero we all die in real life?" asked Leafa. "Not this time, Randell didn't want to have to lose his precious assistants so he modified the Nervegears and sent you here himself," answered Argo. "Holy shit that Randell is a boss!" Klein beamed. "Either way, we should do what he asked us," said Kirito. "I agree," said Asuna. "Well I'll be here if you ever need me," said Argo sitting down on the Teleport Gate. The seven looked at each other and nodded. This world was in danger, and it was up to them to save it.