No one's POV

Currently, Sora was at the Touto Institute of Technology at Meguro Ward, to listen to Professor Shigemura on his conduction on the Augma. And as he was waiting for the lecture to start, someone sat next to him, but he didn't even bother to look.

Sora:...

Kazuto:...

It was Kazuto. He apparently had made an appointment as well, after he had overheard Sora's story after being secretly phone call by Shino. There was an awkward silence between the two of them, as Kazuto was trying his best to start up a conversation, but his words just won't come out. After a few minutes of silence, Sora spoke up.

Sora: Just get on with it...

Kazuto: Sora, I...

Sora: What do you want...?

Kazuto: I-I'm sorry...

Sora: Sorry...? What for...? I'm just a traitor who just won't share his story with his own, brother. Am I wrong...?

Kazuto: No...! It was my fault... I lash out at you without considering your feeling... I demanded you, to tell me everything, when deep down, that was a very painful memories, that you don't won't to bring up...

Sora: How do you even know it was a painful memories...?

Kazuto: I heard everything, when you were telling the story through Sinon's phone...

Sora: *Sigh* I see...

Kazuto: That's why... I'm sorry. I'm sorry for lashing out at you. I'm sorry for not considering your feeling. I'm sorry for being a jerk. I'm sorry for not being a good brother. And I'm sorry, for everything...

Sora:...

Sora just sat there quiet as Kazuto gave his apology of all sorts of kind. He didn't even bother to look at Kazuto in the eye, but he could tell that Kazuto was bowing his head towards him.

Kazuto: Will you please give me a second chance...? I promise that, from now on, I will be there when you need me. I promise to be a better brother from now on. So, will you please give me this chance, bro...?

Sora:...

Sora continues to stay quiet and that made Kazuto sad. He thought that Sora would never forgive him for what he had done. He was about to leave when Sora spoke up.

Sora: Don't take this second chance so lightly... You stupid brother...

Kazuto looked at Sora with a surprise look. He saw that Sora had finally look towards him with a small smile on his face, with his eyes all teary. Kazuto smile at his brother and nodded his head.

Kazuto: Thank you...

Sora: But I'm still not going home though... It still hurts...

Kazuto: Then I'll be waiting until you go home...

(Timeskip)

About 2 hours passed when the lecture has started and, Sora and Kazuto listening to a lecture by Professor Shigemura on the advantages of Augmented Reality as compared to Virtual Reality.

Shigemura: The greatest issue with FullDive-type VR machines lies within the function known as full diving itself. The risks of cutting off all of the real body's senses to play a VR game are unfathomable.

While he was giving a lecture, all hundred participants listened to it very carefully as some took a note or some has fallen asleep midway.

Shigemura: Of course, FullDive technology can be applied to more than just games. Communication, browsing, digital production... However, the truth is that practically all of this can be achieved with just visual, auditory, and limited tactile information. That being the case, one should obviously have the choice of using a safe AR machine instead of a dangerous FullDive machine.

He checked the watch on his right wrist and saw that the lecture about to end in a few minutes. Thus, he decides to ask if anyone has a question before parting.

Shigemura: Let's bring it to an end here, any questions?

Immediately, Sora and Kazuto raised their hand to ask a question or confirmation.

Shigemura: Yes, the both of you in the back...

The two then stood up from their seat which they seat next to each other and began asking their question.

Sora: Professor, would you say, AR device has certain risk like VR devices don't? If so, what are your thoughts on that?

Shigemura: Yes, well, you talking about traffic accidents when wearing an AR devices?

Kazuto: No, what my brother meant was about risk like permanently altering and damaging the users perception of reality.

Sora: FullDive technology transforms the virtual into reality. On the other hand, however, is AR technology not created to make the Real World more virtual?

Some people agreeing with what the two said and the auditorium start to filled with unruly movement and noise of chattering. Professor Shigemura narrowed his eyes suspiciously, looked at Sora and Kazuto.

Shigemura: ...I shall answer that question in the next lecture. This will be all for today.

After everyone left the auditorium, the three continued their conversation in the professor's office.

Sora: We'll get to the point. Do you know a person named Eiji, who is ranked 2nd in the Ordinal Scale?

He said, showing yesterday's picture to Profesor Shigemura as he seated next to Kazuto on the sofa while the two facing Profesor Shigemura.

Shigemura: No...

Kazuto: But he was a student in your class. He even took your lab.

Shigemura: I had many students over the years.

Sora: Then let me try a different question. Did you know that the Augma is causing SAO survivors to lose the memories? Did you know that the Augma has a features the users don't know about? A features that scans their brain while they're wearing it?

Shigemura: ...Kikuoka of the Ministry told me the two of you just wanted to audit my seminar.

Kazuto: If the Augma does have a dangerous features built in. It won't be long until its found out...

Sora: And if that fact is uncovered, the Augma will be shelved like NerveGear. Do you really want to follow the same path as your student, Kayaba Akihiko!?

Shigemura: ...What are you talking about? Even if such memory scanning or whatever you two call it were possible, why would it be a problem for them to lose their memory of SAO? There's a saying, "Blessed are the forgetful, for they got better even of their blunders." Don't you think that those SAO survivors want to forget their terrifying past?

Kazuto was mad hearing Professor Shigemura's words. It's true that sometimes it better to forget but sometimes, by remembering the past you can change for the better. Sora put his hand on Kazuto and looked at him with an "It's alright" face as the black-haired nodded and Sora spoke up.

Sora: Its true that there are many terrifying memories in SAO. We won't deny that... But there are also good memories, like my time when I was there, with your daughter Yuuna.

Shigemura then looked at Sora completely and utterly shocked when he mentioned that.

Shigemura: How do you...?

Sora: I was friends with her during my time in SAO. Along with the second rank name Eiji. I don't know if you'll understand what I'm feeling. But won't you be sad, if your memories of the person you care about got taken from you by force...?

Both Sora and Kazuto look at Shigemura with contempt. He was trying to tell that, there are some good memories during their time in SAO. And not many people want to forget their time inside. After all, those 2 years have been very special for them.

Shigemura: Next time, get yourself an official appointment. Of course, that doesn't mean my schedule will be open for you two.

He said, stand up from his seat, indicating the two boys to get out from his seat. Understand what he means, Sora and Kazuto stand up from their seat and bow in gratitude to Professor Shigemura for talking to them.

Sora: I didn't know you built robots too, Professor. Thanks for your time...

Sora followed by Kazuto walked to the office's exit and when they about to leave, they noticed a box with robot parts near the entrance.

Shigemura:...

The man itself just stood behind his office table in silence, doesn't have any intention of answering Sora's questions. Kazuto just sighed and walked out of the office but when Sora stepped outside of the room, he looked back at Professor Shigemura or specifically at his desk. On the left side of the laptop is a picture frame of a brown-haired girl about his age. By the look of the picture, he was a 100% sure that was Yuuna.

(Timeskip)

After getting out of the Touto Institue, Sora told Kazuto what he saw then the two decide to call Kikuoka Seijirou to enquire about Yunna.

Kikuoka: She was a victims of SAO.

Sora: Why would he do this? What is he trying to prove...?

Kikouka: Well, probably he honestly thinks that he's doing goods by making the SAO survivors forget.

Sora: Well, we don't have any prove, but the Augma is dangerous... We need your help.

Kazuto: Kikuoka, please shut down the service...

Kikuoka: I'll keep analyzing the issue, but we're up against a colossal project linked to the METI. I can't act unless we find solid evidence. It's going to take some time.

Sora: There are a lot of SAO survivors among the OS players. If they fight the old Aincrad bosses, they'll be more and more case of memory loss.

Kikuoka: I know. And I'm doing the best I can. I check the hospital about Klien and his friends. And their symptoms from their doctors. Though their external injuries were worrisome than their memories. Take your own advice, don't fight any more bosses. Both your memories are important to me too. Don't forget that...

After the conversation with Kikuoka, Sora and Kazuto go to the parking lot to get their motorcycle unaware of them being watched by Eiji on the second floor of the building. Kazuto says that he will be visiting Asuna, and after bidding farewell to Kazuto, Sora was about to depart to his house but suddenly, he received a call from Kotone.

Sora: Hey, what's up?

Kotone: Nothing, I just wanted to hear your voice.

Sora: I see... Um, how about I come over? Is that alright...?

Kotone: Now?

Sora: Yeah. Or later if that's better...?

Kotone: No. it's fine. I would like to come to you, but I'm scared to come outside...

Sora: I get it. I'll be at your place in about 20 minutes...

(Timeskip)

After arriving at Kotone's house and he knocked on the door and went inside.

Sora: Sorry for barging in...

Kotone: Why are so nervous...? It's okay. My parents and little sister are out...

Sora: Yeah, but its my first time here... And here, some souvenirs for you and your parents...

Sora hand Kotone a bag of paper and saw that it was some snacks and homemade cookies and Kotone look at them in awe.

Kotone: You don't have to go through that much... Please come in...

The two of them are making their ways towards Kotone's room and Sora spoke up.

Sora: I was taking a lecture today and the lecturers told me that all survivors want to forget their terrifying pasts. In a way, that might be true.

Kotone: A lot of horrible things happened. It was scary, and sad. But, the memories of we had in those two years, good and bad. Is what shape us into the people we are today...

Sora then step inside Kotone's room.

Kotone: I'll go bring us some drinks... Make yourself at home...

Sora nodded with a smile as Kotone go to get a drink downstairs. When the door closed behind him, Sora looked around the room but as he accidentally bumped into a round small chair, it hit the makeup table behind it and automatically open its drawer, and inside it Kotone's secret diary.

Sora: This is...

When he opened the page where the bookmark last at, he started to read the diary.

Kotone: [To the future me. Its been a long time since I've written this diary. This days I've been more worried about losing more memories since I've came back to the real world. So I'll write what I feel now, in case I do. I met Zora, 4 years ago. But I only remember the last 2. The moments with him I can still remember are precious. Like jewels. There's a chance that Ordinal Scale will cause me to forget things more and more. And that scares me, but as long as I can keep making more new memories with Zora, I should be fine. My calendars says, that I should go to the mountain, in a couple of days, to watch the sunset and stargazing with him. But, I don't remember the day we make plans to go there anymore. I went back, and read this diary, and from what I can tell, Zora saids he wanted to give me some kind of present. I hope he'll forgive me for not remembering what... I want to get him something, but since I'm not allowed to get a job yet, I'm going to use all my points, from I saved, to buy him a gift...]

Sora continues to read the diaries as tears started streaming down his eyes. He read that Kotone hoping that this feelings will never fade away. And hope that she could still create new and more precious memories with him. After finished reading the last entry of the page, he turned around when heard the sound of the door open and saw Kotone standing behind him with a tray of drinks.

Kotone : It's ok! You can read the whole thing if you want.

She said without any hesitation after she caught her boyfriend reading her diary. After Kotone put down the tray on the table, Sora who overwhelmed by emotion, ran and embraced Kotone tightly, the momentum causing them to fall onto the bed.

Sora: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...

Sora said, feeling down because he was afraid of failing on getting back her memories for her and knew that she was distraught herself.

Kotone: I love you, Zora. So much. Even if I forget everything that happened in SAO, my feelings for you will never ever change.

She said with a smile while caressing Sora's head, returning his embrace. Hearing it, Sora lifted his head to look at Kotone in the eyes.

Sora: They won't for me either. I love so much. Always have, and always will...

He said, closing his eyes and leaning over to give her a sweet kiss on the lips as Kotone did the same to her boyfriend. The two continue to kiss for a minute before their lips separated and looked lovingly at each other.

Kotone: I know...

Sora: I'm gonna get your memories back. No matter what... I promise... and I won't let you down...

Kotone: Mhm...

(Timeskip)

In the evening, Sora currently walking through a park in Meiji Shrine after he suddenly received a message from an unknown to come here. As Sora walking around, he doesn't notice that he was approached by the hooded girl from behind.

When the hooded girl touched his Augma, Sora suddenly found himself transported to a mysterious place in his Ordinal Scale outfit. The night sky suddenly changed to sunrise and Zora found himself standing in front of a courtyard with a huge Ruby-colored castle.

Zora: This is...

He continued to walk through the courtyard and once he reached a bridge before the Ruby-colored castle, he saw the very person he wanted to meet all this time. The person he failed to save, as he saw Shigemura Yuuna standing in front of him, leaning on the bridge.

Zora: Yuna... Where are we...? Is this a dream...?

Yuna: Dreams and virtual world are the same thing. When you wake up, the experience become a fleeting memory...

Zora: So you finally decided to talk to me...

Yuna: Here's a thought. Maybe everything is just a dream. Clearing that death game, and returning to the real world. And what if you open your eyes, you got trapped in Aincrad again...? Did you ever think about that, Zo-kun...?

Zora: I have... But I never wish it was true, not even once. Are you alive? Why did you send me to your dad? Why did you suddenly appeared before me?! Are you mad, that I wasn't able to save you that day?! Is this some sort of revenge on me?! And why is Nautilus doing this?! Why does your dad want to steal the memories of the SAO Survivors...? Answer me, Yuna!

His pent up emotions has finally burst. He couldn't contain it any longer. Finally able to see the person who he failed to save. The second biggest failure in his life. And Yuna finally looked at him with tears on her eyes and she suddenly hugged him tightly.

Yuna: I-I am so sorry. I never wanted you nor Eiji to fight like this. I never wanted things to turn out like this...

Zora finally started crying himself and hugged her back.

Zora: I miss you too much...!

Yuna: I miss you too, Zo-kun...

Zora: In the end, all you want is to sing. That's all you ever wanted...

Yuna's eyes widened even further as tears started streaming even more and hugged Zora even tighter.

Yuna: You remember. Our promise...

Zora: Will you please help me? I don't ever wanted to lose someone precious again...!

Yuna: If you want to save Philia, you need at least 10 ranks or higher...

Zora: So I have no choice but to play...

Yuna: Yes...

Yuna suddenly gave him a kiss on and Zora let go of her and saw that she was smiling with tears on her eyes.

Yuna: Is time for you to wake up. We'll see each other again, I promise...

Yuna smiled and snapped her finger and Sora was transported back to the Real World, and Sora jolted up and saw a surprised security guard pointing his flashlight at his face.

Security Guard: H-hey, are you okay...?

Sora: Y-yeah.

Security Guard: ...Were you playing that Augma game? It seems to be a crazy fad these days, but you better be careful. Try not to fall on your face, okay?

Sora: Thanks!

The security guard nodded and walk away, leaving Sora there along sitting on the grass. And Sora look at his Augma and gripped it tightly and he decided that he will get his rank higher. He checked and see which ranking he's currently in and saw that he was at rank 95.

Sora: That means, 85 rankings left to go...

Yuna's live performance is tomorrow, so he only got one hour to get the ranks he needed to save both Kotone and Asuna's memories