Hey guys, I was re-watching SAO and thought of this idea. The story starts in the fourteenth episode of the first season(around 4:00).

Disclaimer: SAO does not belong to me. All rights go to whoever created it.

Summary: What if when Heathcliff gave Kirito the opportunity to fight him he instead captured Kirito, taking him to the Ruby palace as well. Kirito's friends are devastated thinking him gone, almost as if he were dead. Asuna takes charge of the Knights of the Blood Oath Guild and begins to restart the energy of the other players to fight again. Kirito, meanwhile, sits completely bored out of his mind, watching that world in his lonely prison room in the Ruby Palace. Akihito Kayaba then offers him a deal, a deal Kirito can't refuse.

At around word 629(of the actual content of this chapter) is where it differs from episode 14, btw.

Chapter One:

Akihiko Kayaba

"An immortal object?" Asuna gasped, disbelievingly. She remembered Yui being an immortal object but the commander? "Commander Heathcliff, what's going on?"

Kirito answered for him. "I think I got the answer to that. The reason why the commander's HP never hits yellow is 'cause he's protected by the system."

Silence, except for a few gasps, penetrated the now empty boss room.

"You know ever since day one, something's always bugged me about this whole thing. I was always wondering, 'Where is he hiding while he watches us and controls everything in this world?' Well, the answer is pretty simple. It's basic psychology, in fact it's so simple every kid knows it." Kirito locked eyes with Heathcliff. "There's nothing more boring than watching someone else play an RPG. Is there, Akihiko Kayaba?"

More gasps were heard around the room, whispers silently echoed the players' thoughts.

"Just for my curiosity's sake, would you mind telling me how you figured it out?" Heathcliff asked.

Kirito answered calmly. "The first time I knew something was up was during our duel. Remember when you turned the tables on me? That move was way too fast."

Heathcliff nodded. "Yes, I thought so. It was a mistake to think that would go unnoticed by you. But you were so strong and so fast, the only choice I had was to engage the system's assist mode."

Disbelief and shock painted everyone else's faces as once again gasps filled the room.

Heathcliff, or Kayaba, looked around in hidden amusement. "Yes, I am Akihiko Kayaba. And now that my identity has been revealed, it should come as no surprise that I am the final boss on the top floor."

Gasps of shock and fear revolved around the room again. Asuna clutched Kirito's arm and moved closer to him.

"So the strongest player in the whole game ends up being the final boss. Kinda cliche, isn't it?" Kirito remarked.

"Actually, I kind of like that angle. One thing's for sure, I always thought you'd be the one to stand before me at the very end. You know, dual-wielding is a rare skill. The kind only given to the player with the fastest reaction time. He is the hero of this story, the one who rises up to challenge the demon king. But you, the power you displayed exceeded my expectations. I guess these unexpected twists and turns are what makes MMORPGs so thrilling to play." Kayaba explained.

One of the players from Kayaba and Asuna's guild tightly gripped his sword and gradually began to yell.

"Our loyalty… Our hope… How dare you… How dare you? How dare you!" With that he began to attack the former commander of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

Kayaba pulled up his menu and tapped the buttons for a code. The guildmember fell mid jump, paralyzed.

"Paralysis?" Kirito muttered as Kayaba began to distribute Paralysis to all the party members.

"Kirito." Asuna breathed as she collapsed. The clanging of swords and grunts of the players echoed in the room.

"What's the plan now, huh? You going to kill everyone here and cover it up or something?"

"Of course not. That wouldn't be sporting of me, now would it? No, I have a better idea. I'm going to head for the top floor and wait for all of you there. I'll be inside the Ruby Palace. It's a shame I have to leave you all so soon. I've spent lots of time developing the Knights of the Blood Oath and other elite players. Oh well." Kayaba chuckled. "You're all strong so I'm sure you'll reach me, eventually. But before I go," Kayaba slammed his sword sheath shield(whatever it's called…), "Kirito, I feel you deserve some kind of reward for discovering my identity. So you'll be coming with me to the Palace."

"What?" Kirito snapped.

"You heard me. It gives your friends something to fight for besides life. And before you object," Kayaba smirked as Kirito opened his mouth to retort, "You have no choice in the matter. Say you last goodbyes for a while Kirito. We leave in one moment."

"Kirito, don't go. You can't! Can you stop him, somehow?" Asuna whispered desperately. Kirito fumed and gritted his teeth.

"I could try but all I'd do is tire myself out."

"Something? Anything!" Asuna asked.

"I have to go Asuna. Even if I run now he is the gamemaster, he created the game. He'll most likely be able to track me down and then I might put you in danger. But I promise I'll find out how to stop him while I'm there okay. I-" Kirito was interrupted by a loud snap. His mouth moved but no words came. At least, none that Asuna could hear. He shimmered and glowed for a second then burst into pieces.

"Kirito!" Asuna cried as she hit the ground.

"Kirito!" Klein called and began to fight against the paralysis.

Kayaba smirked then began walking away through an opening doorway. He turned his head back to look at the scene.

"One last thing, you will be safe here until you leave the room. The skull reaper will not come back while you all rest up. And you also will not be able to follow me or Kirito. Goodbye players."

With that Kayaba disappeared from the room, melting into the shadows of the looming exit doorway.

The deep breathing and grunts of the players struggling against the paralysis was all that could be heard. It stayed that way for what seemed like hours, days, but no one knew for sure how long they had been paralyzed and for how much longer.

"Dangit!" Klein yelled, slamming his fist to the ground. It took him a moment to realize the moment he did. Asuna caught on quicker and started to push herself up. She stumbled for a little then stood up straight and walked over to Klein, offering hand. All over the room other players were doing the same.

"We have to get out of here now guys. We have to beat this game!" Asuna yelled.

Cheers of agreement deafened their ears but it was obvious the coming outcome was going to be. Asuna lead them out, following the same stairs Akihiko Kayaba took when he disappeared. Floor 76 was beautiful in a desert oasis kind of way. The town stationed there was small with what looked like only a couple inns, houses, and places to eat. It was surrounded by an oasis that looked like it was out of reality itself and beyond that was a harsh desert. The remaining boss raid members whooped in joy for the change of scenery.

Asuna stayed back, watching her guildmates and other party members.

"You know, waiting for him to appear just doesn't do it."

Asuna jumped. "Klein! Don't sneak up on people!"

Klein gave a half-hearted chuckle. "Yeah, well it wasn't much of a sneak attack if you should've known I was right next to you."

Asuna looked away. Klein noticed her give a quick glance at the ring on her ring finger.

"You're beating yourself up over this whole thing, aren't you?" Klein questioned.

"No, just thinking on what I could've done to notice or save him." Asuna told him.

"That's beating yourself up." Klein remarked. "We don't even know if he's-

"Don't say another word or you might never live longer to explore Floor 76, let alone reality again."

Klein gulped at the threat and at the sword pointed at his neck. "Okay, okay. Leaving you alone. Seeya!"

Klein left hurriedly and this time Asuna was completely alone on the hill. She heard the dungeon doors slam behind her, smashing all her hopes that Kirito might come running out and that it was all just a stupid dream. For the first time in a long time, alone on the hill, Asuna let herself cry her heart out. She fell to her knees, her face practically touched the ground. She didn't hear the sound of someone being teleported near her, only the sound of her own sobbing.

"Asuna! Oh thank goodness you're okay. I came as soon as I could know that you were out of the boss raid." Lisbeth said. She then noticed that Asuna was crying. "Asuna? Why are you crying. Where's Kirito when you need him?" She began muttering but kneeled down to her friend's level. Lisbeth began to rub circles on Asuna's back.

"F-fourteen died Liz. Fourteen." Asuna managed to get out through her sobs.

Lisbeth then hugged her. "But at least you're alive, right? You and Kirito- wait where is Kirito by the way?"

Asuna answered by crying even harder and clutching tightly to Lisbeth.

"N-no… You mean Kirito is… gone?"

Suddenly Lisbeth understood Asuna's current state. Tears threatened in her own eyes and she pulled her friend closer. What am I going to tell Silica? She thought, remembering how close of friends Kirito and Silica had become. Gently, Lisbeth helped Asuna up while still comforting her.

"How about we get you home, huh? I'm sure the guild can wait until-"

"No Lisbeth. It can't." Asuna murmured, between sobs.

"Wait, what do you mean? I thought you're only second in command?" Lisbeth said.

Asuna's expression changed. That's the thing, Lisbeth. I am the leader of the Knights of the Blood Oath now. I can't abandon them.

Lisbeth winced. "The commander as well? And I never said you were abandoning them, you're just go to heal."

"Stop trying to change my mind Liz!" Asuna snapped. Lisbeth backed up. "Sorry I just, I need to head back to headquarters. Thanks for helping Liz."

"N-no problem." Lisbeth stuttered as she watched her friend walk to find a teleport gate. She called after her. "If you need anything Asuna, You can always come to me!"

Asuna waved back to let Lisbeth know she heard. Asuna had her work cut out for her and this time, there was no solo player to help her get out of it.

So I hope you enjoyed it. And I promise to at least work and update this story better than some of my others. I won't push for reviews, although I do love the feedback and advice, but please tell me if one of the characters are OOC. Until the next chapter!

Chapter 2: The Ruby Palace