Chapter One: A Harmless Game?

*Planeptune*

It was a particularly good day, for gamers at least, cloudy outside with a 90% chance of rain, a perfect excuse to stay inside. A lilac haired girl, who looked to be around 17 physically, was rushing to show her older yet shorter sister what she found in a package for them. "Neptune!" She excitedly called out as she entered the Living Area. The person in question just beat a level in Sonic Mania on her Sega Poseidon, when she heard her little sister call out a second time.

"Huh, what's got you up and running, Nepgear?" she asked curiously.

"Look what just arrived on our door." Nepgear held out two game cases, the art showed a giant stone castle floating in endless sky, the title above the image in bold blue letters. The game has been hyped up for the past few months, a new genre of game, a VRMMO. Sword Art Online, or SAO is the first truly virtual reality experience.

"WHAT?" Neptune dropped the controller she was holding before grabbing one of the cases from Nepgear's grip. She held the case close to her face, shock and excitement spilling over within her. "Did the others get it?" Neptune asked.

"I don't know actually." Nepgear asked

*A few moments later, Lowee Basilicom*

"The package just came in this morning." CPUs White Heart, AKA Blanc spoke through her computer screen, behind her where the White Sisters Rom and Ram, Rom in blue and Ram in pink, on the other lines were Neptune and Nepgear, CPU Green Heart "Vert" of Leanbox and CPU Black Heart "Noire" with her sister "Black Sister" Uni.

"Bonus was that the Nerve-Helms were custom fit for us" Ram said.

"Nerve-Gears, Ram" Rom corrected.

"Well, I personally am intrigued, and wonder if they have an AI Companion you can earn." Vert said.

"Knowing MMOs, they probably will..." Nepgear put her two cents in. "Anyway, Uni, I didn't know you were interested in SAO."

"Well, One, it's a truly VR Game! And two, I would just like to try something different for once." Said the Military Nut.

"True, true"

*Planeptune*

"Well, with how many players are going online today, I'm pretty sure Lonely Heart would have no problem finding friends in SAO." Neptune jabbed at her personal rival

"HEY!" said tsundere (their words not mine!) responded. Clearly not comfortable with the use of her supposed nickname, "Alright, once we're in this game, let's see how fast one of us can beat it. AND have a dual against each other" she snapped.

"Oh, you're on!" Neptune didn't back-down. Pumping a fist in determination, "You're in Blanny?" she asked.

"Any day where I can kick your asses is one I can't pass up." Blanc agreed, with her sisters sharing a war face,

"Perhaps I'll Join in too. This looks to be really entertaining." Vert Chimed in, "Meet you in there, then?"

"Deal!" the others said in unison before they all ended their calls to set up their games. Nothing like competitive banter between Apex Legends before joining a revolutionary new game, right?

*a few moments later, Rom and Ram's Room*

Strangely, the Nerve-Gear was comfortable, even when they're lying on their beds. The smiles were beaming with excitement, Rom's Especially, as it could give her more confidence in social skills, she'll admit she was never good at that.

All 8 Closed their eyes at the same time, taking a deep breath, before all saying the fateful words in unison.

"LINK START"

A flurry of colors came flying past Rom's Vison, then five circles, a calibration, each one saying to touch or move a certain limb, arms, legs, hands, head, feet. She did each one, and the circles glowed green in confirmation. Then the Sign In, for recognition purposes, she just went with her own name and entered a password. Don't ask, it's classified. The system confirmed her input.

"Welcome to Sword Art Online"