Chapter One

Disclaimer: I do not own SAO!

"You better be off that game by the time I'm home, Harumi!" Mama yelled from the sidewalk outside.

I didn't respond. I was too eager to get started on the game. I had wanted to be a beta-tester, but they hadn't allowed me. Now, I had to go in without any ideas of what to expect.

I sat down on my bed and pulled on the helmet. I laid back and folded my arms across my stomach. A message scrolled along the visor.

Would you like to begin Sword Art Online?

I grinned and closed my eyes.

"Activate."

When I reopened my eyes, the sun glared down at me. I blinked my eyes to readjust, pulling my hand up to block the sun out.

When I could see again, I gasped at the view. I had been placed down outside of a huge city in a meadow. Colorful flowers surrounded me and the sky above, was a soft purple without a cloud in sight.

The city itself was magnificent. The bricks were completely white, gleaming brightly in the sun. Blue flags hung on the walls and overhead the streets.

A breeze whipped my hair around my face and I closed my eyes at the realness of it all.

"Hey!"

I snapped my eyes open at the voice and turned to look in the direction it came from.

A boy with midnight blue hair was standing behind me, staring in awe at the city.

"Hello." I greeted. "I'm Harumi."

"My name's Katsu."

"Isn't this beautiful?" I gushed, spinning once and throwing my arms out.

He chuckled and nodded. I smiled at him and his cheeks tinged pink. I turned back to the city and started walking down the hill.

"Where are you going?" Katsu called after me.

"I'm heading to town to get some supplies!" I responded without turning to face him.

He followed after me. He started whistling softly and I could help but try to join in. The only problem was that I couldn't whistle.

Katsu burst out laughing at my attempt. I blushed and lowered my head, hiding behind my hair.

"I'm sorry." He gasped, "That was just hilarious. I can't believe you don't know how to whistle!"

"Shut up!" I exclaimed, reaching out to punch his arm. He winced, but it didn't wipe the smile from his face.

I frowned and stomped ahead. He jogged after me, chortling.

"Do you want me to teach you?" He asked once he caught up.

I glared at him, thinking he was teasing me again, but he looked sincere.

"Really?" I asked skeptically.

He shrugged, causing me to grin. He smiled again and moved to my side.

"Purse your lips."

He proceeded to try and teach me how to whistle. By the time I finally made a sound, we were at the gates of the city.

"Oh...wow." I whispered.

The buildings were even more gorgeous up close. People were milling around everywhere, buying supplies and doing their best to start their lives here off on a good start.

"This is amazing!" Katsu exclaimed.

"Yes!" I agreed, grinning, "I'm just glad I was able to buy the game so I can play on the premiere. Now everyone is starting off from ground zero."

"Well, except for the beta-testers." He pointed out.

I didn't respond. I turned to him and sighed.

"I guess this is goodbye then." I said.

"It doesn't have to be." He told me. "We can form our own guild."

I bit my lip. I always had the idea of being a solo player. I didn't want anyone to be reliable on me. I don't even know if I would be able to keep my own avatar alive, let alone another one.

"I-I can't." I said. I didn't offer any other explanation.

He nodded. "I understand. At least message me if you ever get into any trouble."

I grinned and nodded. We split up, heading in different directions. I headed towards a blacksmith's. Since nobody had enough skills so far, all of them were defaults.

I quickly bought a one-handed sword with the 500 coins every player got when they first started.

Then I left and grinned up at the sky. This was going to be a good day.

Unfortunately, mama was going to be home soon. I had to leave before she came home.

I pulled up my menu, but the log out button was missing.

Then a scream pierced the air.