SAO - A New Matrix

-VIII-

[Neo's POV]

Marketplace, Town of the Beginnings – 5 mins before.

For me, Japanese people regard non-nationals as 'guests' who should be accepted as such and nothing more. You are never going to be one of them, but almost nobody would do petty things as such 'bully you for being a Gaijin'.

Since I was transferred to Japan with my mother, things were more and less going according to plan. At school, my classmates treat me well. I practiced the language a ton, and even at my shorts 14 years old, succeeded in integrating into the Japanese Tech Industry.

But as Japanese people say "Sore wa sore, kore wa kore" (This is this, and that is that).

I sensed the invisible wall that separated me from my peers and schoolmates. Never being shunned away, but never truly accepting me. And I cannot help but feel...grateful. It means this was 'a very familiar place'. I can work without distractions. A sanctuary where I can fulfill the purpose that I think was given, the reason why I'm not dead.

Dead, the state I should be. But am not.

So, while I was frantically cashing up the loot in the market, I was excusing myself for leaving Lisbeth to her fate.

She doesn't know me anyway.

We are barely acquaintances.

It's the best for her...for both.

My journey will be extremely dangerous. Even if externally we both have the same age, in spirit I was the adult and had the duty to make the right call. Will I make her go against the danger that could potentially kill her? Or will I deviate from my course to comfort her? Any of those choices were terrible. Our connection would cause us to lose mutual potential. Water and oil, trying to convey a meaningful result.

Even so, after all the rationalization I have raised, I cannot help but feel that something is...wrong.

Since when I've been like this? So...isolate as a person. It's because this is not 'my world', I told myself. This might just be the Matrix, and I was put back once Smith was destroyed. Or maybe not because I possessed no power at all. If am back, with my powers taken away...I can do as I did in the past: Function with complete detachment from other humans.

"You are 'The One', eh kid?

Well, don't think I will treat you as royalty.

Anyone over 18 must earn their stay.

Even if it's you...no, especially because it's you, I expect you to work hard.

Remember, in Zion, our destinies are intertwined.

Be welcome...soldier."

Captain Mifune. He was Japanese...not literally, but in heart and name. One of the few that treated me as equal. I enjoyed our few interactions. A man who believed that with collaboration and struggle, Zion would always prevail. He was proof that I can actually establish minimal cooperation and understanding with Japanese people... what are my excuses for not doing it these days?

They don't need me.

They don't want me here.

Nobody is getting hurt if am not hanging around.

It worked IRL, but can I say the same now?

...

I cannot say. And until I go back to that square and find out, I never will.

...

...

I made a run back to the center of the city once more. Players were still protesting...but...

Fewer people than before. And it's been only 15 mins.

As expected, things are starting to cool down, and a few players are already in a pitiful state. Still, most of the despair and sorrow were hidden by the indignation in the air.

She must be nea-

And there she is...but not standing as it was before.

Lisbeth was on the ground in a W-sitting position with a lost gaze. A death gaze. In shook. No sign that she was going to move any time soon.

I skulk in between the players until reach her side. I crouch and put my hand over the right shoulder, shaking her slightly.

"Lisbeth."

...no response. She is too absorbed in her own thoughts...in her despair.

I'm responsible for this? Did I hurt her?

No, it's not time to feel guilt.

"Come with me," I told her in a low tone but with an urge. "Things are gonna get wilder here," I take her hand- "Hurry up" -and find myself unable to think of anything but how real it feels.