No one's POV

It's been over a year since the events of SAO and ALO incidents, and everything started to settle down for everyone and currently, Kotone was standing in front of the park as she was looking towards the sky.

A/N: Kotone's casual clothing

Kotone: I wonder what's the difference between the real world and the virtual?

???: The amount of data, that's all.

Kotone looked surprised and saw it was Sora standing in front of her as he was smiling at her and she pouted at him.

A/N: Sora's casual clothing.

Kotone: Geez, you scared me!

Sora: My bad, I'm on time though...

Kotone: Actually your late 30 seconds...

Sora: -_- Seriously...?

Kotone giggled at his reaction and Sora just rolled his eyes.

Kotone: Anyway, nice to see you, Sora...how are you doing?

Sora: It's been good so far.

Sora then looked at her clothing and smiled at her.

Sora: Nice outfits...brings back a lot of memories...

Kotone: I guess it does. No dagger though...looks like you went overboard on the Bluish-Black today.

Sora: Does it look bad?

Kotone: It looks good.

Ketone then grabbed Sora's right arm and started embracing him.

Kotone: I can't believe we both dress at our blue colors today. What are the odds of that? Come on...

Sora: Sure...

(Timeskip)

The two of them then spent time together almost the whole time around Shibuya, checking out arcades, electronic shops, clothing shops, movies and underground mall. After they visited the mall, the two of them were currently at the Imperial Palace together as the two of them were sitting on the bench.

Kotone: Hey, do you remember about that question they gave us at school? About our future plan, do you know what do you want to do yet?

Sora thought for a moment and spoke up.

Sora: I guess, I want to be a creator. Me and Rumia used to stay at our rooms every night with me helping her with her computer subjects.

Kotone: A creator? For games?

Sora: No. Not for games, I want to make a human machine interface to replace the Full-Dive tech we use now. I've been going to these techs forum to learn more about it, but it's a lot of information to absorb. Luckily Kazuto had the same goals so with him along, I can manage.

Kotone smile at him and mutter something.

Kotone(mutter): For me, all I want is to be with you, Sora...

Sora: Did you say something?

Kotone panicked and changed the subject.

Kotone: I mean is how we can live with Rio in this world too.

Sora: I'm sure we will. Someday.

Both Sora and Kotone smile at one another and Kotone hold Sora's hand as they enjoys the moment of silence and gaze towards the sky.

Kotone: You know something. I wonder what if the SAO incident never happened?

Sora: What do you mean?

Kotone: I mean is what if we never got stuck inside SAO? What if it never happened in the first place?

Sora: Then I would still be moving from one place to another, alone with no family. I wouldn't be able to meet you or the rest.

Kotone: Your right, we wouldn't be able to hold each others hand and be happy with one another.

Sora: And I promise you that someday, we will bring both Rio and Yui to this world.

Kotone smile happily at him.

Kotone: Then you better start working...

Kotone then leaned on to his shoulder and close her eyes and Sora smiled at her before returning back to his serious face and thought back to what happened 4 hours ago.

(Flashback 4 hours ago)

Sora was currently on his way to meet the person who contacted him and after a few minutes, he made it to a restaurant and he walked inside and he heard his name being called.

???: Hey, Zora! Over here!

Sora looked at the man who called him and it was none other than Kikuoka Seijirou from the Internal Affair. And Sora looked at him annoyed for shouting at a quite place and he just sighed and walked over and sat down across him.

Kikuoka: Go ahead. Order whatever you want. It's one me.

Sora: Then I'll order the whole left side of the menu.

Kikuoka just giggled.

Kikuoka: I see that formality isn't your thing. Just talked to me like you would in ALO.

Sora: Fine...

Sora looked at the menu and ordered a huge Ice Cream Sundae and coffee and after he was done he looked at Kikuoka.

Kikuoka: Sorry to make you come all the way out here, Zora.

Sora: If your that sorry, then why did you ask me to come all the way to Ginza? And don't call me by my Avatar name at public!

Kikuoka: What's with the cold attitude? I thought we were buddies. I was the first to visit you at the hospital remember? And looks like that eye of yours is starting to heal...

Sora rolled his eyes and sighed and looked at him.

Sora: So what do you want to see me about? If it anything SAO related, me and Kazuto already told you everything we know.

Kikuoka: Actually, I want to talk to you about something else.

Kikuoka then pull out a file out of his bag and handed it to Sora.

Kikuoka: Have a look at that.

Sora looked towards the file and it was a picture of a man.

Sora: Who's he?

Kikuoka: This won't be pleasant, so last month on November 14th. The landlord of an apartment complex in Nakano Tokyo notice an unpleasant smell while cleaning. It was coming from one of the units. So we disable the lock and discovered this man dead. His name is Tamotsu Shigemura, and he was 26 years old, he'd been dead for 5 days. We found him in bed, his place were a mess but no sign of burglary. He had something interesting on his head though...

Sora: An AmuSphere?

Kikuoka: Yeah. It was ruled an unnatural death, so there was an autopsy. The caused of death was acute heart failure.

Sora: Wait what? Heat failure? You mean his heart stop? Did they find out the cause?

Kikuoka: No they didn't. Unfortunately, since too much time pass since his death, and low probability crime, the autopsy wasn't very through. We do know he'd been logged in for 2 days straight and hadn't eaten anything at all.

Sora: That's not unusual. Players do it all the time. And why are you telling me about this?

Kikuoka: He had a game installed on his system, and it is called Gun Gale Online. You know that one?

Sora: Of course, who doesn't? GGO, is the only MMO in Japan with professional players.

Kikuoka: This past October, there was a tournament that decide the most powerful player in GGO. The decease was the guy who won it. His character name was Zexceed.

Sora: Let me guess, he was playing GGO when he died?

Kikuoka: Actually no, when it happened, he was appearing on a show called MMO stream, as Zexceed avatar. We know the time from the logs. And then, although this information has yet to be confirmed, according to other players blog during Shigemura had his heart attack, something strange happened in GGO.

Sora: And what might that be?

Kikuoka: It seems that in a certain bar at that precise moment,there was a player who started acting out strangely. I hear that he shouted at the image of Zexceed on TV..."Face the judgement", and the like, and then fired his gun at it. At the time, the player happened to be recording Audio, he uploaded to a video site. Since the file contained a Japan Standard Time counter, we know that the shot fired at the TV and Shigemura avatar disappearing at the show happened in about the same time

Sora: Probably just a coincidence.

Kikuoka: There was another death though...

Sora then looked surprised.

Sora: What? Are you serious?

Kikuoka: This one happened on November 28. Somewhere in Saitama Prefecture. Same sighting as before, the decease was found in their apartment, the guy delivering a newspaper happened to look at the window, he was the victim laying in bed wearing an AmuSphere, another horrible smell. Well, why don't I skip over the details of the corpse's condition. Anyway, heart failure was the cause of death. The victim was also a top ranking GGO player. His character name was Usushio Tarako? We he was playing when he died. It happened in the Central Plaza. He was in a meeting with his squad, and strange player went to him and shot him point blank.

Sora: It was the same guy who shot Zexceed, isn't it?

Kikuoka: Most likely. He said stuff about judgement and power, and identified himself as the same character name.

Sora: What name?

Kikuoka: Death Gun.

Sora: Death Gun? Does he bring a Death note or something?

Kikuoka: Very funny.

Sora: Are you absolutely sure both victims died from heart failure?

Kikuoka: What do you mean?

Sora narrow his eyes and looked at Kikuoka with a serious look.

Sora: There wasn't any damage to their brain?

Kikuoka then narrow his eyes as well.

Kikuoka: I was wondering about that too, so I ask the coroner if he found any trace of damage to either of their brains. He said they were both fine. Besides, the NerveGear Rig use high output microwaves, powerful enough to fry out the signaling device and destroy the brain. On the other hand, the AmuSphere Rig was designed not to emit such powerful electronic waves. Or so the developers declared.

Sora: It sounds that you guys have done your homework. But even so, your story build around coincidence and rumors...

Kikuoka: True, it could be a coincidence or 90% a hoax. So we're speaking hypothetically here. Do you think it's even remotely possible to stop a players heart in the real world with virtual bullets from a virtual gun?

Sora then thought for a moment and looked at Kikuoka.

Sora: I don't belive it can be done, but...Let's just say that this...shooter named Death Gun sent some kind of signal to Zexceed and that Tarako guy AmuSphere...what would it be? Could the sensation of a touch stop a heart? Or maybe a taste or smell? A sight or sound? Or some other sensation...huh?

Sora then looked at Kikuoka and he was smirking at him and Sora looked annoyed.

Sora: Listen, you! You already thought of this, haven't you?! Oh, I get it, you and your team can't figure it out, so you invite me for coffee to pick my brain?!

Kikuoka: No, what are you talking about? I never do something like that to you, honest...I like talking to you, and just wanted your opinion.

Sora looked at him even more annoyed and stood up.

Sora: We're done. You want my opinion, here it is. You can't stop a players heart in the real world by actions in game! Shot fires and the heart are just coincidence.

Kikuoka: Wait hold on! Listen, you can order something else, just sit down and hang out for a bit. Please...Can tell you how relieve I am to hear you put it into words. Fact is, I'm on the same opinion as you. I don't believe this two deaths were caused by in game gun shots either. And now that we've talk, I want to ask you officially...Will you log into Gun Gale Online, and make contact with the players calling himself Death Gun?

Sora then looked at Kikuoka even more annoyed.

Sora: And once I do find the guy then what? You want me to get shot, is that it?

Kikuoka: Well...no...of course not...

Sora: Well screw that! I don't want to get kill! What if something went wrong?

Sora then went to walk away, but Kikuoka grabbed Sora's jacket.

Kikuoka: That's not possible, we just agreed it would be impossible, didn't we?! Besides, this Death Gun guys is only going specific target, they have to meet his criteria!

Sora: Criteria?

Kikuoka nodded his head and Sora just sighed and sit back down.

Kikuoka: Here is the deal. Zexceed and Tarako weren't just any old players, they were top rank. So it safe to assume he's not interested in newbies. But if you were strong enough to beat your own Uncle in his own...

Sora: First of all, don't say that information out loud in public! And secondly, GGO is no walked in the park! It's filled with Pro Gamers!

Kikuoka: Hold the phone. You say Pro Gamers. What is that mean Pro?

Sora: It means professional. Like literally, Gun Gale Online is the only Virtual MMO with a game coin to real currency system in place.

Kikuoka: What?

Sora: It means whatever money you earned in the game gets pay back to you in cold hard cash in the real world. Being a Pro, means you have a constant stream of income from the game coming in every month. And if you're a top player, that means monthly, your making 2 to 3 hundred thousand yen. It's an awesome game, that's why the high level guys in GGO were so hardcore. They pour more time and passion into it than players from other MMO. Someone like me can't just log in and match players like that. You should find someone else.

Kikuoka: Hold it! Who else I'm gonna find, your it! I need your help in this investigation, and if taking these Pros is going to be that big of deal. I can pay you this much.

Kikuoka then held up 5 fingers and Sora looked at Kikuoka and sighed.

Sora: Look man, I don't get why your so hung up on this? You find horror stories like this every time online.

Kikuoka: Yeah I know, but still it got my boss worried. The effect of full-dive technology on the real world is the hottest topic in all field today. People are going to try to use this death to regulate the technology. We want to know the facts before that happens. We want to be sure. That's why we're interested.

Sora: You guys could go directly to the admins about it.

Kikuoka: Right, but Zaskar, the company that develop GGO was in the US, their address, phone numbers and email, none of it has been made public, so we can't contact them. Ever since the Seed was released, all kinds of shady VR world have popped out.

Sora: Yeah...

Kikuoka: Maybe they're legit, maybe they're not. We need to find out the truth and the only way is by contacting them in the game. I'm not asking you to get shot, we'll take whatever safety precaution we have to. Just evaluate the situation and report back. So will you help us or what?

Sora close his eyes and think back to everything that happened.

Sora(mind): Four thousand people died in Aincrad. It's been a year, and I nearly put it behind me. But now, more people are dying on another Virtual World, and I'm getting pulled back in. It's like someone doesn't want me to ever forget.

Sora open his eyes and looked at Kikuoka.

Sora: Alright fine I'll do it.

Kikuoka: I'm glad to hear it. I'll send the specifics later on.

Sora: Sure...

(Present)

Sora was brought out of thought when Kotone spoke up.

Kotone: Next time we go here, let's bring the rest of the gang. Wouldn't it be fun for everyone to do a picnic here?

Sora: Of course it would be fun...especially in Spring Time.

Kotone: Well shall we head back?

Sora: Sure...

(Timeskip)

The next day, after Sora and Kotone had their date, Leafa, Liz, and Silica are all grinding in the field area getting different materials they needed.

Liz: Let see what we goy?

Silica: Please tell me that's the last of it?

Liz: I think I pretty much got everything I need now.

Leafa: You want to keep going some more? You always hook us up at your shop, so if you need more we don't mind helping.

Liz: Thanks guys! Although...we sort of pick this place clean didn't we?

Leafa: Let's take a break and let them respawn.

Liz and Silica: Yeah...

Leafa: By the way, where is my brother and Asuna?

Liz: They are probably being lovey-dovey somewhere.

Leafa: Big Bro Zora and Philia?

Silica then pointed her hand towards the tree, and they saw Zora and Philia together and Zora were laying on the tree with Philia sitting beside him.

Silica: They are so into each other!

Liz: At least they are not as bad as Kirito and Asuna is!

Leafa: Now, now...

Liz: Doesn't matter if they are at school or here. Kirito and Asuna couldn't keep their hands off each other. At least those two aren't...

Leafa: You mean, my brother and Asuna are like that at school too?

Silica: All day everyday...

Leafa: And those two are not like that?

Liz: Zora would occasionally hang out with me and Silica from time to time. And Philia as well.

Leafa: I agree, Big Bro Zora would sometime help me with some shopping in the real world, just the two of us.

Thhe three of them sighed at the same time before laughing with one another, and with Zora and Philia, the two of them were currently with one another, with Philia playing with Rio, and Zora was in thought.

Zora's main sword.

Zora's second sword.

Zora's third sword.

Philia's avatar and Dagger.

Zora then brought out of his thought and looked at Philia.

Zora: Philia. There is something important I wanted to tell you.

Philia and Rio looked at Zora confused and Zora told Philia that he'd be leaving ALO for awhile and the two of them looked at him shocked.

Philia: Wait what?! Your kidding?! Your quitting ALO?!

Zora: No...I'll just be gone for a couple of days. I'll reconverted soon.

Philia: But why?

Zora: Well actually, it's complicated. There's this other virtual MMO that I need to check out.

Philia looked at him with a suspicious look.

Philia: Need to, huh? You've done this before and just use new accounts. Why not for this one too? I mean, if you convert, your items will be reset. Why would you want to do that?

Zora: I need to do a favor for that guy in the Government from the Internal Affairs.

Philia: I guess id Kikuoka asking you to, you can't say no. But I don't know what it is about that man. But there is a part of me that still has a hard time trusting him.

Zora: Yeah, I feel the same way you do.

Philia then grabbed Zora's hand and Rio flew on top of their hands.

Philia: Just get back as soon as you can. This is our home, and it's not the same without you.

Zora: You got it. I'll be back in ALO before you know it...I'll just dive in GGO for a couple of day, see what's going on and that's that...

Both Zora and Philia looked at the rest as the three of them were waving their hands towards them and the two of them smiled.

Zora: And Philia, don't tell the others...

Philia: Your secret safe with me.

(Timeskip)

After logging out from ALO, Sora then made his way to the hospital Kikuoka told him to go and after he arrived, he mad his way inside towards the room he was assigned to.

Sora(mind): I'm 99% sure that Death Gun story's a hoax. Probably someone trolling. You can't kill someone on the real world from the virtual world anymore. I know that's impossible.

(Flashback)

Sora was currently in his room after he had back home after his date with Kotone and listen to the audio that Kikuoka gave him.

Death Gun(audio): This is real power, real strength! Let your fear cause carve my name into your brains. The name I share with these weapon, Death Gun!

Sora:...

(Present)

Sora(mind): But there still that 1% chance it could be true. That's why I need to investigate this.

Sora was then in front of the room that he was assigned for and when he entered the room, he saw Aki, his nurse from his rehab from SAO.

Aki: What's going on, Yatagami? Welcome back!

Sora: Miss Aki, is nice to see you again.

Aki then walked over and grabbed Sora's butt and he jumped up and she started feeling his arms and body.

Sora : Stop it!

Aki: Woah, you finally got some meat on you. You could use some feeling out though. You sure your eating right?

Sora: Yeah, I'm eating...I'm eating.... and what are you doing here?

Aki: Your friend in the suit and glasses told me about your mission. He said something about you going into a virtual network and doing some reconnaissance or something. I can't believe he asked you, I mean you only been back for a year. Anyway, he found out I was the one in charge of your rehab, so he ask me to keep an eye on your monitor while you dive. They took me off my normal shift and everything. The head nurse wasn't happy, but what can she do about it? If the Government want something, their gonna get it! Well, I guess you and me are back together again!

Aki gave her hand out and Sora shook it.

Sora: L-Likewise...thanks for being here. So it's just us, no Kikuoka?

Aki: Yeah, he ask me to give you a message though.

Aki then pulled out a piece of paper and Sora took it and started to read it.

Kikuoka's note: Email your reports to me at the usual address. Your fee and expenses will be payed when you finished the mission, so please don't forget to send me an invoice. P.S. Just because your alone with a pretty nurse, your still on the clock. Try to keep those Hormone of yours under control!

Sora ripped the paper and had an annoyed looked on his face.

Sora: I swear that guy is so dead when I'm done with him! But anyway, I like to connect to the network now.

Aki: Yeah, sure... it's all setup.

Aki then went to the network and grabbed the electrode.

Aki: Okay hot stuff, strip!

Sora: Huh? Why?

Aki: For the electrodes. Don't be shy, I've seen all of your goodies before.

Sora then started to blush.

Sora: Oh no, no. If you want to do that you need to take me to dinner first. If you don't I'm not doing it. So I'm just gonna take off my shirt.

Aki just pouted at Sora.

Aki: Fine...

Sora took off his shirt and Aki hooked up the electrodes to Sora.

Aki: There, your good to go.

Sora then picked up the AmuSphere and put it on.

Sora: Well, here I go...wish me luck. I don't see this taking me more than 4 or 5 hours.

Aki: You got it, and don't you worry about your body while your gone. I'll keep a close eye on it!

Sora: -_- Thanks, I feel better already.

Sora then laid back and closed his eyes and he took a deep breath.

Sora: Link Start!

A/N: Alright, here is the first chapter for GGO arc. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading.