Equis Art Online II

As Harushi watched the festivities unfold, she sighed and took another sip of her water glass. As Asuna and Kirito watched from across the table, she yawned and put her head down.

"Harushi?" Asuna asked, poking her gently. She stirred and looked up.

"Sorry. I'm just so tired." she said, yawning.

"Well, it is around nine. Hard to believe we've been here for three hours." Kirito said, and Asuna smiled.

"Yeah." she replied, yawning slightly. "I'm kinda tired too."

Then, Harushi yawned and collapsed, her head on Asuna's shoulder. Asuna smiled big and gently placed her hand around her sister and gently brushed her cheek lovingly. Kirito stayed back, knowing this wasn't a moment he should interrupt, yet he smiled. As Shouzou and Kyouko watched them, Andrew smiled.

"I can't believe they're like this now. Back in SAO, they used to hate each other for a good few months or so. Then, well, things happened." Andrew said.

"Kazuto told us a story about how they met in Sword Art Online. He neglected to tell us that part." Shouzou said.

Andrew chuckled.

"He's always been one to keep friends close, and enemies a pretty good distance away."

"I can see that." Shouzou said.

"Asuna? I think it's time we get Harushi to bed." Kyouko said.

"Okay, mom. Call you in the morning, okay, Kirito?"

"Sure."

As Kazuto stood up, he kissed Asuna on the cheek, waved goodbye, and walked out. Then, they heard his motorcycle driving off. The noise woke Harushi, who yawned.

"We going home?" She asked.

"Yeah." Asuna replied. As the Yuuki family walked out, they entered their car. Asuna smiled and helped a very tired Harushi into her seat, and when they started to move, she collapsed in sleep again on Asuna's shoulder. Asuna smiled, and placed her hand on Harushi's cheek. She smiled and whispered.

"Goodnight, sis."

========================================

As Asuna gently helped Harushi into bed, she pulled the covers up to her cheek and sighed.

"See you in the morning." she said.

"You too, sis. You need help finding the dining room in the morning for breakfast?" Asuna asked.

"I might." she replied.

"Okay. Goodnight."

"'Night."

As Asuna gently shut the door, she smiled and walked into her room. As she changed, she smiled and sighed. As she turned out the lights, she sighed and looked out the window at the rising moon.

"I have a sister." she said, before closing her eyes and going to sleep.

==========================================

The noise of the birds chirping woke Asuna from her slumber. She slipped out of bed and changed, and then she walked down the hall to Harushi's room. She opened the door to reveal Harushi sitting up and looking outside.

"Morning." Asuna said.

"Morning, Sis." Harushi replied.

"Wanna get something to eat?"

"Sure."

As they walked downstairs, Asuna turned on the stove and began to fry some eggs for the two of them.

"That was a nice night." Harushi said.

"It was." Asuna said.

"How'd you meet them all?" Harushi asked.

"It's a long story. Simply put, I most of them in a VR game." Asuna replied.

"I see. Which one was it?" Harushi asked.

"I think you've heard of it. It was called Sword Art Online." Asuna replied.

Harushi gasped slightly.

"You're a survivor?" she said, shocked.

"Yes. So's Kazuto, and except for a few others, every one of my friends is a survivor." Asuna replied.

"Wow." Harushi said.

"There was nothing "wow" about that death game." Asuna said.

"Sorry." Harushi said. But she got up suddenly and embraced Asuna in a tight hug.

"It's all over? It's not happening again, right?" Harushi asked.

"It's not happening again. I promise." Asuna replied.

"Okay."

As they broke the hug and sat down, Asuna sighed.

"You okay?"

Harushi nodded.

"Just a bit shocked, that's all."

"Okay."

As they ate, Asuna and Harushi's mood gradually improved. Then, Asuna's phone rang.

"Hi, Kirito!" Asuna said.

"Morning, Asuna! Harushi!" came the reply. Harushi blushed slightly at hearing her name.

"What's up?"

"Check the ALO forums. It should be the first post you see." Kirito said mysteriously.

"Okay.." Asuna said, pulling it up on her phone. When she logged into the forums and read the post title, she gasped.

THE YGGDRASIL BALL-HAPPENING THIS WEEK!

Harushi hopped up and over to Asuna's side. Asuna clicked on the post, and began to read.

The first YGGDRASIL BALL will happen soon, (Yes, that kind of Ball) as a special in-game event atop the World Tree as a little reward for everyone! Players lucky enough to snag an invitation, gained as a rare monster drop, will be allowed to ascend to a branch of the World Tree, and dance the night away. One invitation allows up to two players, commonly one boy and one girl, to enter, so partner up, players! A special vendor in the Yggdrasil city plaza will be selling special formal suits and dresses, exclusive to this event. The Ball will begin at 10:00 PM Japan time on Wednesday, and the dance floor opens at 10:45.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

GM Aria

Asuna smiled and redialed Kirito's number.

"You see the post?"

"I did. I don't think you need to ask." Asuna said.

"I will, just for the sake of doing it. Will you go with me?"

"Yes." Asuna replied.

"Great. 9:30 at the Cabin sound good?"

"Sounds good. See you then!"

Asuna ended the call, and Harushi looked at her.

"This is good, right?"

"It is. I have an extra AmuSphere, so, wanna try out New ALO?"

"What's the difference?" Harushi asked.

"New map, new company, new Yggdrasil City, and New Aincrad." Asuna said.

"I guess." Harushi said.

"Alright. Let's eat. The eggs are getting cold." Asuna said. As they ate, the sun flashed a rainbow through the dew on the window.