Aoife

Aoife? You know her? I asked, a bit surprised. She's a shadow person, people don't normally see her. I explained. Well, anyways, who are the others? Oh, I also know Asen, too.

Yes, I'm sure. I was practically sitting on the edge of my seat. Who is it? Who could possibly be stronger than Zewo?

I looked up at that, quickly wiping away my tears. W-well.... Could you p-possibly teach me?

I sighed and lowered my head, suddenly feeling a bit dejected. I love singing and all, but I want to help fight. I don't want to just sit idly by and do... do... nothing! I'd go crazy! I like to travel and meet new people. I don't care that I could get hurt out there. I... I... want... revenge. I leaned forward a bit so that he couldn't see my face and closed my eyes, feeling the little salt beads trail down to drip off the tip of my nose. My small shoulders shook with silent sobs. I-I'm s-sorry, I gasped out. It really shouldn't be much of a deal, should it? I laughed softly. I'll be okay in

I looked up at the waitress and sat up so I wouldn't seem impolite. May I have a blueberry muffin and a cup of jasmine tea, please? I asked softly.

Oh, okay. Jumping down, I pattered over to the seat across from Zero and sat down, laying my head down on the table and sighing lightly. Stifling a yawn, I glanced around the room, noticing how we were the only people here. I guess it makes sense, since it's so late. Flitting my pink gaze back up to Zero, I asked, How long dos it normally take them to notice that we're here?

I can stay up here? Really? Cool! I smiled as we passed the pillars that guarded the town. Ducking a low-strung line of lanterns, a puzzled look fell across my face. Zewo? Are there always lanterns in towns like these? I asked, ducking another string to keep from being knocked down, or worse, hung.

Yes! I exclaimed. My pink orbs widened and a small smile danced across my face when I saw the stone pillars that signaled the entrance to the town. I placed my small hand on top of Zero's head and leaned forward, pointing. There it is! I see it! I glanced back down at Zero. That is town, right?

I choked back a sob and gathered the last of my will to answer the girl. Ryu... was still inside the building when it collapsed. He saved me, but... he.... I glanced up at the young girl, blurry to my tear-filled eyes. He's gone, isn't he? I asked solemnly. (I'll detail this more at a better time.)

I turned away from Zauis with a huff, and spotted a familiar face from across the diner. No way.... I whispered to myself. Aoi! I called, throwing my hand into the air, waving at her over to the table. Is it really you?! I inquired, shocked that she was also stuck in SAO.

That question burned in my mind. What happened? What did actually happen? I don't even know. I winced and numbly gestured at the collapsed building behind me. I didn't bother to turn around. Not wanting to see it. Kill me now if what I think is true.

I glanced up at the girl in front of me. I hadn't moved an inch from were I'd landed, too shocked to even fully understand what had just happened. My lip quivered and I blinked back tears, sick of crying. Shaking my head no as I didn't trust my voice, I burned holes into the sand, appalled at what just taken place.

I wonder what town looks like here? Okay! The snow continued to fall lightly, sticking to my nose and eyelashes, making me laugh. The bitter cold wind picked up, whipping my silver hair around in flashes of light where the moonlight would catch my hair. I love this place!

Alright! I swung my legs back and forth, making sure not to kick Zero. The silliest idea popped into my head and I giggled. Giddy up! I exclaimed, laughing.

My eyes widened and I laughed happily. Yes! I agreed. I peered into the night and saw what looked to be.... Lights? I think I see lights! I exclaimed, then glanced down at Zero. Are we really already that close to the town?

I got to the top of the log and stood up.I won't fall! I promise! I assured him. Looking back up at Zero, I exclaimed, Hey, I'm almost as tall as you, now! Hopping off the log and onto the snow on the other side, I scampered over to stand in front of him. And now I'm not!

A thin trail of sand piled in the middle of the floor. It reminded me of the bottom of an hourglass. I looked up at the ceiling, not seeing how the sand was getting inside. It started to concern me, so I got up and tip-toed across the creaky floorboards to the sand pile. I threw up gaze back up at the roof, still not able to figure out why or how the sand was getting inside.

Yeah. But I wouldn't have found Starglade if I hadn't gotten lost. That means I wouldn't have met you! I'm happy as long as I get to meet new people! I exclaimed, clambering over a fallen log that was halfway hidden in the snow.

Grateful that he'd slowed down, I slowed my own pace so as to not waste energy. I- um... I kinda got lost.... I keep portal jumping on accident.... I explained.

I struggled to keep up with Zero, since he was so much bigger than me. For every one of his steps, I had to take an extra two just to keep up. When he started talking about the snow, I smiled brightly. I love the snow! It's so pretty! And it's white! It's softer than hail, too. I stated, scampering at his side.

I nodded happily. Alright! I exclaimed, Let's go! I smiled and stood still, waiting for Zero to start walking.

Okay! I took several steps forward and stopped, suddenly realizing something. I turned back around slowly and looked down at the ground with a pink face. Um... Zewo? Where is the nearest town? I asked, embarrassed.

I'm sure you will. Even if it takes awhile, I'm sure that we'll see each other outside. I assured him. I sighed and fixated on the bits of dust dancing in the air. How long do these storms last?

Well, I do have feelings for you. No, I really don't care about inventory. I believe that we'll beat this game. I also believe that you'll see your little sister again. I sighed. You know, you're lucky. I don't remember my life outside of this game. I only know small bits and pieces. Like my name, birthday, the things I like and don't like, and that I have two brothers that are also in this game, but nothing more. Everything else that I know is from SAO. I explained, then glanced at Ryu. Promise me that when we get back, you'll introduce me to your sister. 'Kay?

I lifted my head and glanced at Ryu. Sighing, I stood up and walked over to him. I tapped his shoulder and spoke. It's alright. I understand. Thank you for keeping me company. I turned around and sat on the ground with a huff. I grabbed one of my knees and leaned my head back against the wood and stared at the ceiling. You know, I just woke up a few hours ago and I'm already exhausted. I stated.