Sailor Moon Fan Fiction / Digimon Fan Fiction / Crossover Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Gaiden ❯ The Virtual Chef Queen ( Chapter 27 )

I know that you must be waiting for the latest update of my Spira series, Progressive series, or my version of ‘Mother’s Rosary’ stories, but please be patient with me. You see, with the walkthroughs with the ‘Memory Defrag’ games on YouTube, I’ve got tons of new ideas for one-shot or series of one-shots in which I have to get out. Now, with this one, instead of taking place during the Hollow Fragment, this one takes place during the ‘main timeline’ as I call it. And I think that you might like it, folks! Now, before I start this one-shot, once again, I must give thanks and credit to Belletiger and Kanius as well as Kanius’ YuYuGiDigiMoon fanfiction series, especially his The Invasion of the Rajita story, for giving me permission to use the idea of Valkyrie Sailor Soldiers and everything that’s a part of them in my fanfiction. I would like to give thanks and credit to Kanius and his YuYuGiDigiMoon series, including this author’s Dawn of Chaos story, and LazerWulf for giving me permission to use the idea for their version of Sailor Charon, namely the fact that she is Sailor Pluto’s sister among other things. I would also like to give thanks and credit to Matty G91 and this author’s story of Kamen Rider Lunar for giving me permission to use Kamen Rider Lunar, his looks, and everything about him as well as the UNI-SHOCKER organization as well as the idea of Darth Revan Sammy Tsukino, the other alternate versions of said character, and the basic plot of this one-shot.

 

Now, with that out of the way, as they say on SAO: Link Start!

 

I DO NOT OWN Sailor Moon, Sword Art Online, Naruto, Accel World, Digimon series, Yu-Gi-Oh R/GX/5Ds/Zexal/Arc-V, Kingdom Hearts, Hyperdimensional Neptunia series, Gundam series, especially Gundam Build Fighters, Dead or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, Mortal Kombat, Akiba's Trip: Undead & Undressed, Maken-Ki, Tenchi Muyo series, Ronin Warriors, Pretty Cure, Queen’s Blade/Gate, Dragonball Z/GT, Star Trek series, Star Wars, Log Horizon, Sonic the Hedgehog, DC universe, Marvel universe, Assassin’s Creed, Senran Kagura, Sekirei, Monster Musume, Karin/Chibi Vampire, 12 Beast, Stargate series, One Piece, Final Fantasy, Rave Master, Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu, Avatar: The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra, Code Lyoko, Transformers, and anything/anyone that comes from these and other stories that end up in this fanfiction! Sailor Moon is owned/licensed by Naoko Takeuchi and its various studios and publishers, Sword Art Online is owned/licensed by ASCII Media Works, A-1 Pictures Inc., and its various directors/publishers including Reki Kawahara and Tomohiko Itō, Naruto is owned/licensed by Masashi Kishimoto, Yuuto Date, Jump Comics, and Studio Pierrot, Digimon is owned/licensed by Toei Animation and its various directors, including Hiroyuki Kakudo, Yu-Gi-Oh is owned/licensed by Kazuki Takahashi, Toei Animation, and Studio Gallop, Yu-Gi-Oh GX is owned/licensed by Naoyuki Kageyama, Studio Gallop and its various directors, Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds is owned/licensed by Katsumi Ono and Studio Gallop, and Sword Art Online is owned/licensed by ASCII Media Works, A-1 Pictures Inc., and its various directors/publishers including Reki Kawahara and Tomohiko Itō!

 

Warning: These stories may and will contain mature level intense violence, blood, gore, death, mild to explicit suggestive themes, including mind-control and brainwashing, mild to explicit bad language, and mature adult themes/situations!

 

Second Warning: Some to a lot of OOC (Out of Character) actions and mannerisms in these series of stories!

 

Prelude: A castle of stone and metal floating in the sky that consist of one hundred floors. Within this massive structure, there are countless cities, villages, towns, forests, plains, lakes, and whatever you can imagine. There is only one staircase that connects one floor with another, and these staircases are located within dangerous mazes filled with monsters. The players with navigate through these floors to the top with nothing than the weapons in their hands. And yes, I said players.

 

This is the world of Aincrad, a floating castle in a virtual sky, and yes, I said VIRTUAL sky. This world and this floating castle world are in a realm made of digital information…the world of Sword Art Online. A world that was supposed to be game, but because a nightmare prison when its creator, Akihiko Kayaba, trapped the ten thousand players within this virtual world and if they die here, they will die in real life. The ten thousand players struggle in this ‘game death’ to reach the top of the floating castle where the final boss and the key to their freedom waits.

 

You may know this story and the stories that come after it, but do you know all the stories? All the tales that happened within the floating castle? What about the tales that happened after the floating castle was conquered? There are stories connected to the ‘tale’ of this floating castle, its ‘history’, and its ‘aftermath’, but they weren’t told…until now. These are those stories…

 

Sailor Moon Online: Gaiden

 

Story 27: The Virtual Chef Queen

 

Note: This story takes place around the time of the Epilogue of Shadow of Aincrad.

 

November 1, 2025, ALO, Ryne

 

Inside of the VRMMO world of ALO, we are within Ryne, the former ‘capital’ of Alfheim, where we find Asuna, Kirito, and Usagi walking down the streets.

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Ah, it feels nice to just walk around.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Yes, it is. After all that we have been through, it is nice to just relax and enjoy the day.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile and a nod, “Yeah, it is.”

 

Asuna asks Kirito, “How is Leafa doing, Kirito-kun?”

 

Kirito says, “Sugu is just fine.” Kirito thinks in his mind, concerned, “Through I can’t be sure about that. I can feel that something is still up with Sugu, but I can’t put my finger on it. Best not to pry for the time being.” Kirito asks Usagi, “However, I’m curious to know: How are you doing Usagi?”

 

Usagi replies, with a sigh, “Okay.” Kirito and Asuna give concerned looks at Usagi and she tells Kirito and Asuna, with a kind smile, “I’m still ‘processing’ everything through I try not think about it.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “I really don’t blame you, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod of her head, “I know.” Usagi thinks in her mind, solemnly, “Through it is quite hard NOT to think about it especially during this time. Soon, it will be nearly three years since that day and nearly a year since the three of us nearly ended that nightmare, Kirito.” Usagi thinks in her mind, while looking at Kirito, “However, I’m sure that you aren’t thinking about that and to be honest, I’m glad about that. But these are dates that will be in my mind forever.”

 

Kirito asks Asuna and Usagi, “By the way, you two, have you heard about Survival Cooking?”

 

Usagi and Asuna give curious looks and Usagi asks, “Survival Cooking? Is that a new television show or something?”

 

Kirito says, shaking his head, “Nope. It is a new type of competition here in ALO.”

 

Asuna asks, curiously, “A new type of competition in here?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod of his head, “That’s right. You have to collect specific ingredients from a given area and make a dish with them.”

 

Usagi says, “Talk about taking ‘Ultimate Chef’ to a new level.”

 

Asuna asks, “So, you need more than high cooking skills to compete?”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “That’s right. You must gather up fruits and vegetables. Meats and fish come from monster drops so you must be able to fight too.”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “Yipe! Talk about multi-tasking.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head in agreement, “Right, Usagi. It is a test all of your skills that emphasizes cooking.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Actually, that sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll give it a shot.” Asuna asks Usagi, with a smile, “Want to join in, Usagi-chan? You have a great cooking skill too, you know?”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “I don’t know. I may have a high cooking skill and excellent fighting skills, but it takes more than that to make a good dish.”

 

Asuna tells Usagi, with a smile, “Come on, Usagi-chan. It could be fun. Isn’t this the point of being here?”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Well…okay.”

 

Kirito tells Asuna, “I knew that you would be interested, Asuna.”

 

Asuna tells Kirito, with a smile, “Well, thank you for telling me about it. Are you going to do it too?”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, with a sly smirk, “Really, Asuna? Kirito and cooking? Those are two words that don’t go together.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Thanks a lot. But then again, you have a point. I can’t cook to save my life.”

 

Asuna tells Kirito, “But it is you that got me interested in virtual cooking in the first place.”

 

Kirito says, “I know, Asuna. Just hearing you say that is enough for me.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Well, Usagi-chan and I have a contest to enter.”

 

Kirito tells Asuna and Usagi, with a smile, “Good luck to you both.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Thanks, I’M going to need it.” Asuna giggles at Usagi’s remark and Kirito gives a wide smile at them both.

 

November 1, 2025, ALO

 

Usagi and Asuna are at a field outside of Ryne and they are looking it over.

 

Asuna asks, “So, this is where the Survival Cooking competition is going to be held?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yep. I’m not surprising that it is over neutral territory near Ryne.”

 

Asuna nods her head and a familiar female voice shouts out, “Asuna! Usagi!” Usagi and Asuna look towards the source of the female voice to find Leafa floating down in front of them.

 

Usagi says, kindly, “Hey, Leafa!”

 

Asuna asks, curiously, “What are you doing here? Are you in the competition too?”

 

Leafa says, with a bit of nervous smile, “Yeah, that’s why I’m here. But it looks like I’ve got a slim chance of winning if the two of you are playing.”

 

Asuna says, “That’s not true at all!”

 

Usagi asks Leafa, “Aren’t you the one that cooks at home?”

 

Leafa says, “Sometimes. But cooking in the real world is one thing, but this is VR and you need a cooking skill, here, too.”

 

Usagi says, a bit nervously, “Well, you have a point.”

 

Asuna asks, “Haven’t been working on your cooking skills?”

 

Leafa says, “Not at all…Hold up. I thought that this competition tests all of your skills.”

 

Usagi says, “While there is more than just cooking involved in this including gathering ingredients and fighting monsters for ingredients, you need to know how to use those ingredients and have a high enough cooking skill to create the meal that you want.”

 

Leafa asks Usagi, “Speaking from experience?”

 

Asuna and Usagi nod their heads in unison and Asuna says, “You can say that Leafa-chan.”

 

Usagi asks Leafa, with a smile, “So, you are joining to test your skills?”

 

Leafa says, nervously, “Actually, Sakuya told me to enter on behalf of the Sylphs.”

 

Usagi flinches and Asuna says, with a sly giggle, “The truth comes out.”

 

Leafa says, “I can’t beat you or Usagi as well as all of the other elite players I’ve heard are entering.”

 

Asuna asks, “Elite players? Who?”

 

Leafa says, “Well, there is one woman whose cooking stats are off the charts despite being new to the game.”

 

Asuna asks, “Hmm, that sounds kind of fishy, doesn’t it?”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, “Doesn’t sound too suspicious. She must have imported her avatar from another game.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “You have a good point, Usagi. With the ability to import your avatar from one game to another, it isn’t too surprising.”

 

Asuna says, “Maybe…”

 

Usagi asks Asuna, curiously, “Asuna?”

 

Asuna then asks, “Do you know if she is here yet?”

 

Leafa says, shaking her head, “No. In fact, I don’t know what she looks like either.”

 

Asuna responds, with a nod of understanding, “Okay, thank you.” Asuna then says, “Usagi-chan and I should get ready for the competition.”

 

Leafa says, nodding her head, “Okay.” Asuna and Usagi then spread out their wings and take off.

 

As they fly off, Usagi asks Asuna, “Asuna, do you have an idea on who this person can be?”

 

Asuna says, “Actually, I do. And you should remember her too.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “I should?”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Yes. I don’t want to bring up any ‘bad memories’ for you, Usagi-chan, but…”

 

Usagi asks, her eyes widening, “You mean she is…?”

 

Asuna nods her head and she respond to Usagi by saying, interrupting Usagi, “Yes, she is. I know that you remember her.” Soon enough, Asuna starts to talk to Usagi on who she thinks that this ‘Master Chef’ is and Usagi’s eyes widen at what Asuna tells her.

 

November 2, 2025, ALO, Leprechaun territory

 

Within Leprechaun territory, which their ‘home’, is one massive factory-like structure, we find Usagi and Asuna in the workshop of Lisbeth where said Leprechaun female player gives Usagi and Asuna a knife.

 

Lisbeth tells them, “Okay, it is one knife, each, and each of them freshly sharpened. You weren’t kidding when you said that they had lost their edge.”

 

Asuna says, “Yes, but thanks to you, they were good as news. We knew that you were the one for the job.”

 

Usagi says, “That’s a given, Asuna.”

 

Lisbeth tells Usagi and Asuna, “Those are some pretty serious knives, you two.” Lisbeth asks, “You don’t use them for every day cooking, right? Both of your stats are really high in that regard.”

 

Asuna says, “Ordinary, no. However, since Usagi and I are competing against other players in a cooking competition, including each other, we need to be ready for anything and be at our best.”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, “Are you sure that you want to be doing this together, Asuna? As you said before, we’re competing against each other, too.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “True, but I want the best challenge possible and I’m sure that you feel the same way. It wouldn’t feel fair if we weren’t at our best.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I guess that you are right.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Well, kick butt, you two!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “We sure will. Oh, by the way, there is something that we would like to ask.”

 

Lisbeth asks, “What is it?”

 

Usagi asks Lisbeth, “Have you heard anything about a female player with crazy-good cooking skills that just started ALO?”

 

Lisbeth responds, “Crazy good cooking skills, huh?”

 

Asuna says, “Yes. We believe that she just entered the competition as well.”

 

Lisbeth replies, “Nope. Haven’t heard a thing about her? Think that she will give you and Usagi a run for your money?”

 

Asuna says, “I’d be lying if I said no, but there is more to it than that.”

 

Usagi says, “We think that it is someone that we know.”

 

Lisbeth asks, “Who?”

 

Usagi says, “Asuna is the one that started this theory. She thinks that it is Rechka from SAO.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Rechka, huh? Oh, yeah. You and Usagi met her, didn’t you? You mentioned that she was a master chef. I never met her, but she must really know her stuff if you and Asuna are worried about her.”

 

Asuna tells Lisbeth, “I want to meet her, but I also don’t want to…you know what I mean?”

 

Lisbeth tells Asuna, “Actually, no, I don’t. If it was Usagi, I would understand due to…obvious reasons.” Lisbeth gives an apologetic look and Usagi gives a smile that just says: ‘It’s all right, Liz.’

 

Asuna says, “Of course, I would like to meet her, again, but she had very specific reasons to play SAO. So, if she is here, she might be dealing with heavy stuff.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Yeah…”

 

Asuna tells Usagi, nervously, “Oh, I’m sorry, Usagi-chan. I knew that this would be a ‘sore point’ for you.”

 

Lisbeth asks, curiously, “Okay, you lost me. What kind of baggage would she be dealing with different from plenty of us, SAO survivors? And why would it be really a ‘sore point’ Usagi after all she went through?”

 

Asuna says, with a sigh, “Rechka’s husband worked at Argus. In fact, her husband worked on the graphics of SAO and in fact, he was the top graphics designer for SAO before he died. So, she played SAO to look at what her husband created.”

 

Lisbeth asks, curiously, “Wait! So that means that he didn’t die in SAO?”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “No, he died in a horrible accident before SAO even launched.”

 

Lisbeth says, a bit nervously, “Oh, I see. You learned this when she told you back in SAO.”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “Yes, I did. I got…kind of down learning that she was trapped in a place that her husband put his heart and soul into which has been perverted by the irresponsible selfishness of…him.”

 

Asuna says, with a sigh, “Usagi…”

 

Lisbeth tells Usagi, “Hey, girl, you know what Hino would say if she saw you right now.”

 

Usagi says, with a weak smile, “Yeah. Yeah. I know, Liz.”

 

Lisbeth asks, “So, do you think that she is here to morn?”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “We can’t be sure.”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head in agreement with Usagi, “That line of thinking has its own tragic beauty, but we’re really hoping that she has moved on.”

 

Usagi nods her head in agreement and Lisbeth says, “One would hope…”

 

Usagi says, “While Kayaba was at the core of SAO, even he couldn’t bring it to life on his own, he used everyone at Argus including Rechka’s husband. From what she told me, he was very excited about SAO and was doing something really great.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Until HE messed it all up.”

 

Usagi says, with a plain tone and nodding her head, “Kayaba, basically, spat and stepped on his grave.”

 

Lisbeth tells Usagi, “Whoa, girl! Going into ‘dark territory’ again!”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head in agreement, “That’s right! We have a competition to get ready for!”

 

Usagi says, with a weak smile, “Right.” Asuna and Lisbeth can’t help to worry that this ‘reunion’ might be leading down the ‘wrong path’ as it were.

 

November 2, 2025, ALO, Salamander territory

 

Now, we find both Asuna and Usagi within Salamander territory where they meet up with Klein.

 

Usagi says, “Hey, Klein!”

 

Klein says, excitedly, “Asuna! Usagi!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Good to see you, Klein!”

 

Klein says, with a smile, “I hope that I haven’t been keeping you, two, lovely ladies waiting long.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Not at all, Klein.” Just then Klein goes through his menu and produces two very high-quality looking frying pans.

 

Klein asks, “Isn’t these what you are looking for? The one and only Salamander-made, ultra-durable, and fireproof frying pans?”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Yes! Those are the ones! Only Salamanders can get their hands on these pans! Thank you!”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “These will be a huge help to us. Thanks, Klein.”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “No problem. Anything for my homies.”

 

Usagi says, “I thought that it would be difficult since the leadership of the Salamanders hasn’t been too friendly with the other races.”

 

Klein says, “True, but with the first ‘Grand Quest’ being a grand fake and New Aincrad being a cooperation between races rather than competition, you-know-who has been keeping things deep to a ‘simmer’ if you know what I mean.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod of understanding, “I see.”

 

Klein gives a sigh and Usagi asks, curiously, “Is everything okay?”

 

Klein responds, “Well, there is a story behind those pans. They are quest rewards. During the quest to get them, I ran into another Salamander and to make a long story short, we stopped along the way with this player making some KILLER barbecue. You, two, should have been there! It would have knocked your socks off!”

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Wow. It must have been something for you to say that.”

 

Klein says, with a nod, “No joke! I couldn’t help myself to blurt out: ‘LET’S BE FRIENDS FOREVER!’ I couldn’t help myself especially she was quite the babe.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “The player was a FEMALE Salamander?”

 

Klein says, with a nod, “You know it, Usagi. Anyway, she said that we could be friends, but nothing more than that. She said something about a loved one that she lost. That stopped me in my tracks. I’m a man of honor after all. And a dude of honor never messes with a lovely woman when they are mourning a loved one. Still, it was a punch to the gut.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Same old Klein.”

 

Klein gives a playful annoyed look at Usagi and Asuna asks, “Did you get her name?”

 

Klein responds, “Well, how could I ever forget? Her name was Rechka.” Usagi as her eyes with Asuna’s eyes grow wide and Klein asks, surprised when he sees, “Whoa! What’s up with you, two?”

 

Usagi gives a bit nervous and Asuna says, nervously, “Well…” Soon after, Asuna explains who Rechka is and Klein gives a look of shock on his avatar’s expression.

 

Klein says, shocked, “Dude!”

 

Asuna says, plainly, “And that’s her story.”

 

Klein says, “You know, she did give off that vibe that she was one of ‘us’. But I didn’t realize that she had that much baggage. Now, I’m glad that I didn’t say anything more. Between you and me, I think that’s totally messed up.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Yeah, it is.”

 

Klein asks, curiously, “So, why do you think that she is here? Does she know that ALO is based on SAO’s system?”

 

Asuna says, “Those are good questions, Klein.”

 

Klein tells them, with a smile, “Well, based on what I tasted, you aren’t kidding that she is a badass cook. The two of you have a real battle on your hands if that competition.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “Yes, we know.”

 

Klein says, with a smile, “Hope that she sticks around ALO. I would love to taste her awesome cooking again.”

 

Usagi asks, with a sly smirk, “Is that the only reason?”

 

Klein says, with a sight nervous expression, “That’s the only reason of course!” Asuna can’t help to giggle at Klein for obvious reasons.

 

November 3, 2025, ALO, Ryne

 

Within a massive stadium within Ryne, we find Kirito, Asuna, and Usagi assembled together as Leafa, Lisbeth, Mamoru, Hino, Dai, and Akari make their appearance.

 

Leafa says, “Asuna! Sis!”

 

Usagi says, “Hi, Leafa!”

 

Asuna says, excitedly, “Leafa!”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “We’re here to cheer you on.”

 

Dai says, pointing to the audience stands in the stadium, “The others are in the stadium.” Asuna and Usagi look towards the area that Dai is point and they see most of the rest of our heroes and heroines are in the audience seats.

 

Usagi says, “I see, Philia.”

 

Dai asks, “You think that she would miss this?”

 

Asuna asks, “So, you came to cheer us on?”

 

Lisbeth says, “Sure have! We’re rooting for both of you!”

 

Hino tells Usagi, with a sly grin, “I’m surprised that you would be in this kind of competition, but then again, VR shown that miracles can happen.” Usagi gives an annoyed look at Hino and sticks her tongue slightly at her causing her to say, with a smirk, “Through there are some things that VR can’t do.”

 

Asuna says, with a nervous smile, “Usagi-chan and I will do our best.”

 

Leafa says, “I’ll be cheering for you, two, too.”

 

Asuna asks, curiously and surprised, “Huh? Leafa, weren’t you the Sylph entry into the competition?”

 

Leafa says, “Yeah, I might or might not have talked with Sakuya about that after we spoke. We, both, agreed that I would be better off cheering for you on the sidelines. Also, we have a better candidate.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “A better one?”

 

Just then a familiar female voice says, “Who do you think? I’m insulted girlfriend!” Everyone then looks to see Makoto coming up towards them.

 

Akari asks, “Makoto-chan?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Oh, yeah! I heard that she worked on her cooking skill in ALO!”

 

Makoto says, with a grin, “Big time!”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “We’ve had Mako-chan’s cooking plenty of times and it is a good rival for yours, Asuna.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree, Liz. She is good.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Mako-chan is good IRL and she has made sure that she is just as good in VR.”

 

Makoto says, with a smile, “Personally, I think that cooking, here, is too easy.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “Yes, I agree, Mako-chan.”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “By the way, you and Usagi were looking around a lot earlier. Why is that?”

 

Asuna and Usagi become a bit nervous at that and Mamoru asks Usagi, “Is something wrong Meatball Head?”

 

Usagi says, “We’re looking for someone.”

 

Dai asks, curiously, “Looking for someone?”

 

Leafa asks, curiously, “Do you mean…?”

 

Just then a female voice calls out, “Is that you, Asuna?” Asuna gives a yelp of surprise and everyone turns around to look at the source of the voice.

 

The source of the voice is a female Salamander player that looks to be in her twenties with long red hair tied in a ponytail that goes to her buttocks behind her back, similar red colored eyes, and she is wearing white and violet chef’s outfit with a red bow behind her back and brown boots.

 

The young female Salamander player says, “It is you. It looks like your husband is here too.”

 

Asuna says, “Hi, Rechka!”

 

Usagi says, “So, it is you, Rechka.”

 

The young female Salamander player asks, looking at Usagi, “Is that Bunny-chan?”

 

Mamoru, Hino, and Makoto ask Usagi, in unison and in surprised tones, “Bunny-chan?”

 

Usagi gives a nervous giggle and she says, nervously, “Yes, it is me, Rechka.”

 

The young female Salamander player, revealed to be Rechka, the fellow SAO survivor mentioned by Asuna and Usagi, says, with a smile, “Whoa! I almost didn’t recognize you! Finally ditched that cloak of yours, huh? I’m guess that the way that you look now is similar how you looked ‘back there’.”

 

Kirito says, amazed, “Wow. It is you, Rechka!”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Yep, it’s me. It looks like you haven’t given up the ‘Black Swordsman motif’.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Well…”

 

Akari asks Kirito, Asuna, and Usagi, “Do you know her?”

 

Lisbeth says, “Her name is Rechka. She is a SAO survivor like Kirito, Asuna, Usagi, and I.”

 

There are surprised looks from the non-SAO survivors of the group and Asuna says, “It has been ages, Rechka. Klein told me about a Salamander cook who really knows her way around the kitchen. I just knew it had to be you.”

 

Rechka says, “Klein…Oh, yes! That one little samurai guy! I felt bad for the kid to be honest.”

 

Kirito asks, a bit nervously, “Kid?”

 

Usagi tells Rechka, with a nervous smile, “Rechka, Klein is a full-grown adult just like you.”

 

Leafa says, “Wow. This is the master chef that started playing ALO.”

 

Hino asks, “So, she transferred her SAO avatar to ALO?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yes. That’s right. In fact, she looks a lot like she did ‘back there’.”

 

Rechka says, “The three of you are looking good and you have plenty of friends to boot. That’s fantastic.”

 

Usagi says, “Hino and Makoto are actually my friends in real-life for two years before ‘then’, Rechka. Mamoru-kun is my boyfriend.”

 

Rechka asks, looking at Mamoru and giving a look and tone of shock, “Really?” Rechka gives a whistle as she looks at Mamoru and she says to Usagi, “Call me jealous, Bunny-chan! And he waited for you for those past two years? Talk about faithful! You have a good man there!”

 

Usagi says, with a warm smile, “He is the best, Rechka.”

 

Mamoru says, with a traditional Japanese bow, “It is nice to meet you. I’m Mamoru, Usagi’s boyfriend.”

 

Rechka asks Usagi, “Usagi, huh? I guess that I wasn’t too off calling you ‘Bunny-chan’, huh?”

 

Usagi responds, nervously, “Right.”

 

Hino asks, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

Asuna says, nervously, “It is kind of a long story.”

 

Rechka says, “Anyway, I don’t want to keep you from your pre-competition preparations. I also need to do mine too. You can introduce me to all of your friends after the competition.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Y-Yes, of course!”

 

Rechka says, “So, see you afterwards then.”

 

Rechka then heads off and Kirito says, “She is playing ALO too.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “We thought that it was her based on what Leafa told us when she told that she heard about a female player with incredible cooking skill that just started cooking.”

 

Leafa says, nodding her head, “That’s right. But I didn’t realize that it was someone that you know.”

 

Usagi says, “We weren’t sure until Klein met her in Salamander territory on a quest that he was doing for a favor for Asuna and I. He got a taste of her cooking for the first time and I’m not surprised that he was blown away by her cooking.”

 

Makoto says, with a whistle, “Something tells me that she will be tough to beat.”

 

Usagi says, “She is the reason that Asuna and I got our cooking skills to such high levels.”

 

Makoto then says, “Okay, she IS going to be hard to beat.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “That’s right. You are going to need to be at the top of your game to beat her in this competition.”

 

Dai asks, “So, you are dealing with a ‘chef queen’, huh?”

 

Usagi says, “I’m not sure that she would agree to that, but that’s a good term for Rechka.”

 

Mamoru asks Usagi, “Is something wrong with you and Asuna, Meatball Head?”

 

Usagi says, with a weak smile, “It is the level of the competition. It is going to be hard with both Makoto and Rechka competition here and for Asuna and I, it will be against each other, too.” Mamoru, knowing Usagi all too well, doesn’t believe that his girlfriend is telling the truth, but decides not to say anything to cause her difficulties in the competition.

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Well, we will be rooting for all three of you.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “That’s right! Through I might be rooting more for Makoto since she is a Sylph like me! ‘Fairy pride’ and all that!”

 

Makoto says, with a smirk, “Thanks, Leafa! No pressure!”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “We’ll be rooting for ALL of you! Good luck!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Thank you, Kari-chan!” Soon enough, everyone assembled, minus Asuna, Usagi, and Makoto, left the arena floor as they prepared to compete while Kirito, Leafa, Lisbeth, Mamoru, Hino, Dai, and Akari joined up with the rest of our heroes and heroines in the stands.

 

Leafa says, “Hey, everyone.”

 

Minako says, excitedly, “This is going to be awesome! Mako-chan, Usagi, and Asuna are awesome cooks! They are going to be at top in this competition.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not sure about that. With Rechka, they are going to have a fight on their hands.”

 

Miyako asks, surprised, “That was Rechka?!”

 

Takeru says, with a nod, “I thought that she looked familiar.”

 

Sam says, nodding his head, “I guess that she converted to ALO.”

 

Klein says, “I guess that I shouldn’t be surprised that you know her. I also bet that you know about her cooking.”

 

Taichi says, with a smile, “I guess that you were among the first in ALO to taste her cook, Klein.”

 

Klein says, excitedly, “You know it! She was off-the-chain!”

 

Haruka asks, curiously, “So, she is a SAO survivor?”

 

Juniper says, “That’s right. A number of us knew her personally especially Kirito, Asuna, and Usagi.” Juniper says, with a smile, “Her cooking was the best!”

 

Yamato says, with a nod, “I’ll drink, or should I say, eat to that.”

 

Philia asks, “So, she is just like us?”

 

Taichi says, with a nod, “Yeah, she is.”

 

Philia gives a curious look and Miyako asks, curiously, “Why is she in ALO?” Miyako asks, concerned, “Hold on! Do you think…?”

 

Lisbeth says, “I guess that you know her backstory too.”

 

Taichi says, “Yeah, we do. And all we have to say is what I’m sure that Kirito, Asuna, and Usagi felt the same way that we did when they found out: That’s seriously messed up.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yeah, we did.”

 

Hana asks, curiously and a bit nervously, “Can I ask what’s her story?” Kirito, Lisbeth, Klein, and the Digital Knights, Taichi, Yamato, Juniper, Miyako, Takeru, and Sam, look at each other and they nod their heads in which they explained Rechka’s backstory to them in which, obviously, caused them to give plenty of shocked and stunned looks as well as gasps of shock as well.

 

Minako asks, stunned, “Are you serious?”

 

Takeru replies, with a nod, “Yep. We are, Mina-chan.”

 

Klein says, nodding his head in understand, “When I heard it from Asuna and Usagi…Well, Taichi-bro just said what I was thinking exactly.”

 

Tomoe says, solemnly, “That’s so sad.”

 

Silica says, with a nod and solemn tone, “It is.”

 

Michiru says, nodding her head in agreement, “Indeed.”

 

Mamoru says, “I guess that was the reason that Usagi looked nervous around Rechka.”

 

Kirito says, “Most likely, Mamoru.”

 

Leafa asks, curiously, “Rechka called Usagi ‘Bunny-chan’, does that mean that…?”

 

Kirito says, shaking his head, “Unlike those closest to Usagi in SAO, Rechka never knew Usagi’s avatar name. It was the nickname that Rechka’s husband gave her when she visited Argus back in the day.”

 

Akari asks Kirito, “She knew Rechka-san’s husband personally?”

 

Kirito says, with a sigh, “That’s right, Akari. It shouldn’t be too surprising since Kayaba was her uncle and he was the one that made Argus a success until SAO brought it down. So, it isn’t surprising that members of his family, especially those closest to him, namely Usagi, would be well-known to the company personal.”

 

Haruka says, with a plain tone, “Especially due to the fact that she was the first to get one of the mainstream NervGears and was a tester of other games before SAO.”

 

Philia asks, amazed, “Really?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “She was, Philia.”

 

Dai says, “Dude. That’s pretty well…twisted.”

 

Klein says, with a nod of his head, “No joke, bro. Not only was her husband’s work twisted and perverted to hurt people, but she was trapped in the ‘death trap’ that SAO became because of Kayaba, who basically spat on the toil, sweat, and heart that her husband put into it. That really pisses me off.”

 

Miyako says, with a sigh, “Don’t blame you.”

 

Juniper says, “Yeah, but it was a real ‘sore point’ for Usagi.” Plenty of the others realize by what they meant by Juniper’s words.

 

Minako asks, curiously, “So, why do you think that she is here in ALO?”

 

Mamoru says, “That’s a good question. A question I think that only Rechka-san herself can answer.”

 

Just then a voice is heard booming, “Attention, everyone! Thank you for your patience!”

 

Kirito says, “It looks like they are about to start.”

 

The voice, the MC of this event, is heard saying, “It appears that the contestants are ready, so, it is time to reveal the challenge! The challenge before you are…a full course dinner! Chinese, French, Italian…anything goes! Take your guests on a culinary that’ll leave them in a food coma!”

 

Taichi says, “Whoa! They aren’t kidding around!”

 

Yamato says, with a nod, “No kidding.”

 

Michiru says, with a smile, “They are going to have a real ‘fight’ on their hands.”

 

Miyako says, nodding her head in agreement, “That’s for sure. And in more ways than one.”

 

The MC then yells out, “You have three hours to prepare your meal and it must be prepared here! Survival cooking starts now! Cook as if your life depended on it!”

 

Leafa says, “Geez, a full course meal? As if the time limit wasn’t bad enough, you’ll have to be good at cooking a lot of different stuff. They really want people to bring their A-game on!”

 

Kirito asks Leafa, “Are you feeling like you dodged a bullet, Sugu?”

 

Leafa gives a nervous giggle and Hino says, “Ouch. That’ll hurt Meatball Head.”

 

Kirito responds, “Don’t count on it, Hino.” When Hino looks at Kirito, he says, with a smile, “In SAO, she made plenty of delicious food items and trust me, she was the rival of Asuna.”

 

Akari asks, curiously, “But this is more than that, do you think that any of them can handle it?”

 

Minako says, with a smirk, “Mako-chan isn’t a problem. She has made full-course meals IRL and she had tons of practice VR.”

 

Kirito says, “However, Asuna and Usagi have just as much experience in VR and stats show it. Now, let’s cheer them on.”

 

Lisbeth says, excitedly, “Yeah!”

 

November 3, 2025, ALO

 

Out in the fields that are outside of Ryne, Usagi and Asuna are competing against each other to get ingredients needed for their dishes.

 

Usagi tells Asuna, with a smile, “Sorry, Asuna, first come and first serve!”

 

Asuna tells Usagi, with a grin, “We’ll see about that!”

 

Just then a familiar female voice calls out, “Mind if I get a piece of the action?” Usagi and Asuna yelp as they look to see Rechka coming into the field.

 

Usagi and Asuna yell out in unison, “Rechka!”

 

Rechka says, “It looks like we were looking pretty much the same thing.”

 

Asuna says, “Yes, but they are quite rare.”

 

Rechka says, “It looks like it is a mad dash between the three of us.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Looks like it.”

 

Asuna says, “We could always fight for it. Duels are enabled.”

 

Usagi says, with a grin, “There is a problem for you, Asuna. Duels are one-on-one and there are three of us.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Not so fast, Usagi-chan. The developers figured this, and they included a ‘battle royal mode’ for this competition. You aren’t getting out of this one.”

 

Usagi says, annoyed, “Oh, man!”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Sounds like a blast. I’m game. It will be like our reunion battle.”

 

Asuna says, “I like the sound of that, but remember, I won’t be going easy on you.”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, “You should know me better than that.”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Just because the two of you are former members of the Assault Team doesn’t mean that you should underestimate me!” Soon enough, a three-way ‘battle royal’ match between Asuna, Usagi, and Rechka starts and it is intense with the three of them matching each other move for move in which the battle ends in a three-way tie. Rechka says, with a grin, “You’ve got some fight in you! I’m not surprised from two of the top girls in SAO’s Assault Team.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “And I regret pegging you as a simple cook. You aren’t so bad yourself.”

 

Rechka asks, “That was the first time that we’ve fought?”

 

Asuna says, “Yes. Hench my surprise.”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, “I’m not too surprised.”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Yeah, since you have seen me fought before, Bunny-chan. Anyway, speaking of, imagine my surprise when I found that my husband’s nickname for you wasn’t too far off.”

Usagi says, nervously, “Well, you may not be wrong…”

 

Rechka says, “Anyway, I finally get to see your face. Yes, I already know that there are differences, but my husband gave me a good description of you, so, I know that you have blond hair and not blue. And now, I see why he called you ‘Bunny-chan’.”

 

Usagi says, with a nervous smile, “I guess so.”

 

Asuna asks Rechka, “Rechka, may I ask you something?”

 

Rechka asks, curiously, “What is it?”

 

Asuna hesitates for a second and she then says, “You escaped from SAO with your life.”

 

Rechka says, with a nod, “Yep. Thanks to you, your husband, and Bunny-chan from what I heard from other survivors.”

 

Usagi asks, “So, you know what happened?”

 

Rechka says, with a nod, “Yep. Must have been tough.”

 

Usagi says, nervously and a bit solemnly, “Not as much as you think, Rechka.”

 

Rechka says, with a nod, “Yeah, you may have a point.” Rechka asks Asuna, “Anyway, Asuna, what do you want to ask?”

 

Asuna asks, “Why play another VRMMO?”

 

Rechka says, “I could ask the same about you, your husband, and Bunny-chan.”

 

Usagi says, a bit nervously, “Well…”

 

Asuna says, “We’re different. I’ll grant you that. But the majority of SAO survivors fear returning and rightly so.”

Rechka asks, curiously, “And?”

 

Asuna asks, “Huh?”

 

Usagi also gives a surprised look and Rechka asks, “Aren’t I allowed to play another VRMMO as long as I live?” Rechka tells Usagi, “And plenty of our fellow survivors could be wondering the same thing about you, Bunny-chan, and I’m not surprised that they are. After what HE did to you with SAO, why would you be playing another VRMMO?”

 

Usagi says, a bit nervously, “I wouldn’t blame them for asking that question.”

 

Asuna tells Rechka, “The reason that I’m asking is because that you went into SAO to see what your late husband had created. I thought that would have been enough.”

 

Rechka says, “That’s a fair point. I was satisfied with cooking in VR.”

 

Asuna asks Rechka, “So, why come back?”

 

Rechka replies, “How about this? If either of you beat me in this contest, I’ll tell you.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Really?”

 

Rechka says, “What? Isn’t that fair? Plus, it will give you, two, some much needed motivation.”

 

Asuna says, “No more that we already have.”

 

Rechka responds, curiously, “Are you sure about that? It seems to me that the two of you are so hung up on something that the two of you can’t focus at all.” Rechka says, looking at Usagi, “Especially you, Bunny-chan. It kind of reminds me when we first met.”

 

Usagi asks, nervously, “Really?”

 

Flashback, Late February 2023, SAO

 

Out on one of the fields of SAO, we find Usagi, in her SAO avatar with her familiar white hooded cloak covering her face/head, fighting with Rechka, who is wearing equipment that ‘mid-level players’ of the time are wearing, in which they are finishing off the monsters.

 

Rechka says, “Whew! That was close!”

 

Usagi asks Rechka, “Are you okay?’

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Peachy! Thanks for the helping hand!”

 

Usagi says, “It is no problem at all.”

 

As Usagi walks away, Rechka asks, “Whoa! What’s the rush?”

 

Usagi tells Rechka, “I have got to get going.”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, with a sarcastic tone, “Aren’t you the friendly one?”

 

Usagi says, “I’m sorry, but you should know who I am.”

 

Rechka says, “Yeah. Yeah. I know. Kayaba’s ‘little princess’ that he trapped here in with us. Personally, I thought that no one could ever be so twisted.”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “You aren’t the only one.”

 

Rechka says, nervously, “Oops! Guess that’s a ‘sore point’ for you.”

 

Usagi says, “I don’t blame you for feeling that way. Anyway, you should get going before the mobs respawn.”

 

As Usagi starts to walk off again, Rechka says, “Man! I can see why you were called ‘Bunny-chan’. You are hopping around like a rabbit!”

 

Usagi gives a silent gasp of shock and she asks, “How do you know that nickname?”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “So, you remember my husband’s nickname for you, huh? I’m not surprised.”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “Your husband?”

 

Rechka says, with a smile, “Anyway, we should get out of here before the monsters come back.” Usagi nods her head as she follows Rechka away to an area that’s relatively safe.

 

Once seeing that they are safe for the moment, Usagi asks Rechka, “You told me that your husband gave me that nickname?”

 

Rechka asks, curiously, “You don’t remember him? With all of the time that you spent at Argus, I thought that he would have mentioned me, right? He was the top designer for this place, remember?”

 

Usagi gasps as certain memories ‘form’ in her mind and she asks, “You’re HIS husband?”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Yep!”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “I can’t believe this…”

 

Rechka says, with a smile, “Kind of wild that we have our first meeting in here, huh? I mean, we must have seen each other…back then…”

 

Rechka rubs the back of her head and Usagi says, a bit nervously, “I’m really sorry, but I really don’t remember.”

 

Rechka says, nervously, “Yeah, I’m not surprised. We really didn’t talk back then. In fact, I really don’t think that we really saw each other then.”

 

Usagi says, shaking her head and with a bit of nervous tone, “No, we didn’t. I’m sorry.”

 

Rechka asks, curiously, “For what?”

 

Usagi says, “For not being there for you. I knew him well at Argus. He was great person.”

 

Rechka says, with a smile, “Great? That’s giving him too much credit, but he was a good guy and he was an awesome artist. Heh. I guess that’s why he told me that my cooking was a ‘work of art’.”

 

Usagi says, “His artwork was incredible. He and designer team created stuff that’s…alive.”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “That’s one way of putting it.”

 

Usagi asks Rechka, “Why are you here?”

 

Rechka says, with a smile, “Why? Why else? My husband went on and on about this place that they were creating, and I had to check it out. Didn’t figure that I get trapped here.”

 

Usagi says, “I’m sorry.”

 

Rechka asks, curiously, “For what?”

Usagi says, “For what he…my uncle has done. He has taken all of your husband’s hard work, sweat, tears, and love and perverted it into his horrible prison as well as nightmare ‘death game’.”

 

Rechka says, with a nod, “Yeah, you have a point. He is pissing on my hubby’s grave and it really pisses me off.” Rechka tells Usagi, “However, when I first heard about it, I couldn’t believe it! You, of all people! He trapped you, a member of his own family, and from what I heard from my hubby, the two of you were really close!”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “We…We were. He was like a second father to me. He was so kind…so gentle…I couldn’t even imagine him doing this.”

 

A scowl starts to form on Rechka’s facial features, and she asks, “He didn’t even offer you a chance to leave? Didn’t even give you any special skills or abilities?”

 

Usagi says, shaking his head, “No, I’m just a ‘regular player’ just like you.”

 

Rechka’s right hand turns into a fist that she clenches tight and she mutters to herself, lowly, “Bastard.” Rechka says, plainly, “I guess that I was wrong. Someone can be THAT twisted.”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “I guess that we are both wrong.”

 

Rechka says, with a bit of sarcasm in her voice, “Man! You are a real bundle of joy.” Rechka says, a bit nervously while rubbing her head, “But then again, it shouldn’t be surprising that you should be a ‘bundle of joy’. Sorry about that.”

 

Usagi says, “It’s okay. I…I really don’t have much to celebrate.”

 

Rechka says, “Yeah, I’ll bet.” Rechka says, with a nervous smile, “My husband told me a lot about you because, as I said before, he told me all about you. You were always a bundle of joy and bouncing around like a bunny. That’s why he gave you the nickname ‘Bunny-chan’.”

 

Usagi says, with a low giggle, “Yes, I remember him telling me that.”

 

Rechka says, with a smile, “Anyway, I should get back to town! I need to stock up on supplies!”

 

Usagi asks, “Will you be okay?”

 

Rechka replies, with a smile, “Just fine.”

 

Usagi says, “Okay.”

 

As Usagi starts to walk away, Rechka asks, “Are you sure that you don’t want to come along, Bunny-chan?”

 

Usagi tells Rechka, with a kind tone, “I’ll be fine, Rechka. It is nice to meet you.”

 

Rechka says, “It is nice to meet you, too, Bunny-chan. I hope that we meet again.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I hope so too.”

 

End Flashback; Return to the Present

 

Back in the present, Rechka says, with a grin, “I remember that day. It seems like you had a ‘major chip’ on your shoulders through it was obvious what. However, it looks like you still have one.”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “Well…”

 

Rechka says, “Anyway, I’ll be off to get ingredients elsewhere.”

 

Usagi asks, “Are you sure about that?”

 

Rechka says, with a smirk, “Don’t worry, I’ve already got another recipe in my mind. Remember, I have a bigger repertoire than you. So, catch you later!”

 

Rechka races off into the distance and Asuna yells out, “Wait! Rechka!”

 

However, Rechka, showing that she can fly WITHOUT using the flight controller, flies off and Usagi says, “There she goes. Oh! She isn’t using a flight controller.”

 

Asuna says, “That isn’t too surprising. We’ve managed to get flying without the controller quite quickly.”

 

Usagi says, “Anyway, back to the contest!”

 

Usagi rushes off and Asuna yells out, “Hold on!” Soon after, Asuna races off to catch up with Usagi to get what she needs for her meal for the contest.

 

November 3, 2025, ALO, Ryne

 

Back in Ryne, we return to the arena where the contestants including Asuna, Usagi, Makoto, and Rechka are returning and heading into the special kitchens prepared for this event.

 

The MC shouts out into the loudspeakers, “One by one, the contestants are returning and heading into the kitchens! There is only thirty minutes left! If this was the real world, this would be game-over for sure! However, here in VR, they have plenty of time to create a full-course meal!”

 

Lisbeth asks, annoyed, “Thanks a lot, Captain Obvious. What is up with this MC?”

 

Tomoe says, with a kind smile, “He is just doing his job, Lisbeth.”

 

Miyako says, with a nod, “I know that it is annoying, but it is his job. He is trying to make the competition sound as exciting as possible even through he may not be doing a good job of that.”

 

Sam says, with a nervous smile, “Come on, Miyako…”

 

Minako says, “It looks like all of them are back!”

 

Mizuno says, amazed, “Wow. They are really rushing through this. In real-life, they wouldn’t be doing a good job by rushing like that, but here in VR, cooking is much simpler, and they can afford to rush like that.”

 

Mamoru says, “However, it doesn’t mean that you can create a fantastic tasting meal on that alone. Cooking is a science and an art which still applies even to here.”

 

Juniper says, with a nod, “That’s a good point, Mamoru.”

 

Philia says, amazed, “Wow.”

 

Silica says, with a nod, “I agree Philia-san. It is amazing to watch them go.” Back in the special kitchen area, we find Asuna, Usagi, Makoto, and Rechka trying to get their meals done with Asuna and Rechka having a discussion as they cook with Rechka revealing that she has opened up a restaurant in the real world that serves Italian.

 

Overhearing this, Usagi says, excitedly, “Italian?! Now, I have to got come to your IRL restaurant!”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “I would love to have you, Bunny-chan! It is nice to see you really smile for once!”

 

Usagi gives a nervous laugh and Makoto asks Usagi, curiously, “What are you trying to make Usagi?”

 

Usagi says, with a giggle, “Asuna is making a traditional Japanese meal while Rechka is going from Italian. Well, I’m mixing it up and going for another Asian country: India!”

 

There are gasps of shock from Asuna, Makoto, and Rechka and Rechka asks, surprised, “Seriously?”

 

Usagi says, with a grin, “Yep! Don’t ask me which region of India…because I’m not sure myself.” Usagi gives a nervous giggle at that, but she then says, with a grin, “However, I think that it is a good way to ‘spice things up’.”

 

Rechka says, “Clever, Bunny-chan! Let’s see if it will pan out!”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “You’re on, Rechka!”

 

Makoto says, seriously, “Don’t forget about me!”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “And me too!” Asuna, Usagi, Makoto, and Rechka then continue on with their meals while the other contestants in the competition also do the same. Over half-an-hour afterwards, the judges are tasting the entries by all of the participants including Asuna, Makoto, Rechka, and Usagi.

 

Lisbeth says, annoyed, “Ah, man! This is most annoying part!”

 

Leafa says, annoyed, “Yeah, they could give the audience a taste!”

 

Minako responds, “Hey! Food tasting is more complex than you think, Leafa-chan! It takes a specific talent.”

 

Haruka says, with a grin, “That’s not reassuring coming from you, Mina-chan.”

 

Minako gives an annoyed glare at Haruka and Kirito says, “Well, it is still faster than real-life cooking competitions.”

 

Taichi says, “True, but your stomach still feels expands even through it isn’t really.”

 

Lisbeth says, “That’s because your brain is being fooled that it is full.”

 

Leafa says, “I don’t usually feel that way through…”

 

Kirito was about to say something, but Setsuna tells him, “I know what you are about to say, but Leafa is in similar situation to Usagi. Usagi needs eat more due to her enhanced metabolism because of her powers especially the Silver Crystal. Leafa is in a similar situation. Ever since her awakening, her metabolism has also speeded up and she needs to eat more than average person does or else, her body will ‘eat’ itself.”

 

Kirito’s eyes become wide and Leafa says, annoyed, “No, I haven’t started becoming skin and bones, big brother.” Leafa tells Kirito, glaring at him with a ‘death glare’, “However, I don’t like you implying that I might be getting…”

 

Just then the MC shouts out, “That should do it for the judges, everyone! They have tasted everything offered!”

 

Kirito says, nervously while changing the subject, “Ooh, we had better listen!”

 

Leafa tells Kirito, still glaring at him, “This isn’t over, Kazuto!”

 

Kirito gives a nervous look and MC yells out, “And now, the moment that you have been waiting for! The winner of ALO’s first survival cooking is…” After a brief pause, the MC says, “A course so good that you swear that you were in a Japanese restaurant, prepared by none other than…Asuna the Undine!”

 

Kirito says, excitedly, “Asuna won!”

 

Leafa says, excitedly, “I feel bad for Makoto and Usagi, but I’m glad that Asuna won!”

 

Haruka says, amazed, “Personally, I can’t believe someone beat Mako-chan. I knew that Asuna was good, but…”

 

Minako says, shocked, “I still can’t believe it myself!”

 

Miyako says, with a grin, “We do! Now, let’s go congratulate her!” The others nod their heads in agreement and head down to the arena/stage where Rechka, Asuna, Usagi, and Makoto are assembled.

 

Usagi says, “Well, I’m not surprised that you beat me, Asuna.”

 

Makoto says, looking at Usagi, “What about me? You beat me, Usagi!”

 

Usagi says, “Yeah, but Rechka beat both of us!”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, “Well, your meal was really something else, Usagi. Your Indian style meal was unique and delicious.” Rechka says, looking at Asuna, “However, Asuna beat you as she beat me, hands down. Your meal may have been something else, but Asuna’s food was out of sight.”

 

Asuna says, with a blush of embarrassment, “Rechka, you are embarrassing me.”

 

Rechka says, “Come on, you earned it! You really buffed up your stats and learned a lot since coming to ALO along with Bunny-chan and you, two, never stopped practicing.”

 

Asuna asks Rechka, “Rechka, since I won, can you tell Usagi-chan and I why you came to ALO?”

 

Rechka replies, “I just did.”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “You did?”

 

Asuna asks, “Wait! Did you come to ALO to see how Usagi and I were doing?”

 

Rechka says, “Oh no, I didn’t say that I wanted to train you as a cook. You have been always a great cook and Usagi had talent. I think that she needed to apply it in a different way.”

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, nervously, “That’s one way of saying it, Rechka.”

 

Rechka says, “I wasn’t talking about cooking when I said that you and Usagi made it. I also wanted to see more of the virtual world that you, your husband, and Bunny-chan loved so much. So, I came to the land of fairies to see what I can see. Mostly, because I heard that this was the easiest for SAO survivors to adapt to.”

 

Usagi tells Rechka, “That’s because ALO uses the exact same system that SAO used: The Cardinal System.”

 

Rechka asks, curiously, “Really?” When Usagi nods her head, Rechka whistles and she says, “That’s a surprise. No wonder I found it so easy and why it was so similar to SAO.”

 

Asuna says, “Oh, I see.”

 

Rechka asks Asuna, “You thought that I was still trying to connect over my dead husband?” Asuna and Usagi yelp at this and Rechka says, “You aren’t wrong. I loved my husband and his words about SAO really entranced me. However, I know that it is time to move on. My hubby wouldn’t have wanted me crying over him forever. That’s why he was such a great guy.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yes, he was.”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, “I also wanted to say that you are honoring him by going into ALO in the first place.”

 

Usagi and Asuna give surprised looks and Usagi asks Rechka, “Huh?”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, “Like I said, my darling put his heart and soul into SAO and he really loved it. He also told me on how much you were excited about it, too, Bunny-chan. And then you-know-who turned yours and his dream into a nightmare for you, Asuna, her husband, I, and around ten thousand other people. My hubby would have been heartbroken because I know that you have been too. I could tell. However, he also loved Full-Dive VR and the possibilities that it brought. Going through SAO showed me what he saw, and I know, he would have been in love with this place. And this place and the other VRMMO that have been coming out honor him too. His dream is still alive and that makes me truly happy.”

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Rechka…”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, “If my husband was here, Bunny-chan, he would also be telling you to move on. Move on from Kayaba. I can see that he still ‘haunts’ you along with what happened back there with everyone that didn’t make it out with us. Especially with what happened with that ‘Sword Art World’ mess.”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “I guess that you saw that.”

 

Rechka says, with a nod, “The whole world saw that one, Bunny-chan. The world said that Kayaba fried his own brain to escape justice for his crimes.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “They weren’t exactly wrong. He modified his NervGear to scan his brain and transfer his mind into cyberspace.”

 

Rechka says, amazed, “Whoa! Guess he had one final trick up his sneaky sleeve.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah.”

 

Rechka tells Usagi, “Look, I just said what my husband would have said to you and would have wanted me to do. It is time to move on from the past. We can never forget, that’s for sure, but we can’t let it rule our lives. That’s what you are kind of doing by playing this game, Bunny-chan. You aren’t what that ass did to all of us scare you into giving up on this world. Deep down, I know that you still these worlds that my husband truly loved and gave his heart and soul for.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I do.”

 

Rechka says, “And I know that my hubby would be grateful for that since I am.”

 

Usagi says, with a warm smile, “Thank you, Rechka.”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “No big!”

Asuna tell Rechka, “Can’t wait to see you around here, Rechka!”

 

Rechka says, with a grin, “Same here, Asuna!” Soon enough, the others assemble around Asuna, Rechka, Makoto, and Usagi in which they get into a conversation about the contest and all with the former Digital Knights greeting Rechka in which they have a long discussion.

 

November 9, 2025, GGO

Right now, we are looking at a high-tech city in the middle of a vast wasteland. This is the virtual world of Gun Gale Online or GGO for short and in the city, we find Dai and Akari, both in their avatars for this virtual world, walking through the streets of the city and heading towards a bar.

 

Akari says, “That was really awesome, wasn’t it? Rechka’s cooking was among the best!”

 

Dai says, “I’ll say!”

 

Akari asks Dai, “Do you think that Sinon will come to ALO sometime?”

 

Dai responds, “I doubt it. I don’t think that a fantasy world like ALO is for someone like her.”

 

Akari says, “You have a point, Dai-kun. Sinon doesn’t seem to be the type.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “Yeah. Someone as cool and hardcore as her wouldn’t be into the fantasy stuff like fairies and stuff.”

 

Akari says, “Wouldn’t hurt to ask her? Let’s talk to her.” Akari and Dai head into the bar, not noticing a sinister brown hooded cloaked figure following them inside in which we can see that under the hood, this figure looks like is wearing a metal mask shaped like the front of a skull with the eyeholes giving off a sinister red glow.

 

The End…of the story, but adventure continues on…

 

Another day and another story. You must be wondering: Will be seeing these characters in the ‘main stories’ and not just Gaiden? Well, that’s up for debate right now. You are going to have to wait and see. I have to say not to get your hopes up, but you never know, folks! Keep reading and reviewing and no flames, please! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!