Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

I got so far and tried so hard.

As soon as I heard Heathcliff's offer I knew I'd accept. I couldn't let anyone else die because of me, my mind drifted back to every person that I'd seen die. Diabel. Keita. Tetsuo. Sasmaru. Ducker. Sachi. Kuradeel. No one else will die because of me, my mind made up I stepped forward and drew my swords.

"let's finish this" I said calmly.

I heard my friends shouting at me to stop, pausing I said

"Agil; Thanks for supporting the swordsman class, I know you spent almost all the money you made helping the players during the middle zones to level."

Agil looked shocked at that, he grunted slightly as though he wanted to say something but couldn't think of anything fitting.

"klein." I turned to my first friend in this game. "I really am sorry, for leaving you behind that day."

"Damn it Kirito! Don't apologize-don't you dare apologize to me now! I won't forgive you-I won't forgive you until you buy me a meal on the other side!"

"Got it, see you on the other side."

I turned to Asuna and smiled. No words were needed.

Turning back to Heathcliff I said "I'm sorry but I have a request"

"What is it?" Heathcliff, who had been waiting patiently, looked amused.

"I don't plan on losing. But if I die here, I want you to make sure Asuna can't kill herself, just for a little while."

Heathcliff looked surprised before nodding his assent "very well."

I was vaguely aware of Asuna shouting something at me but I ignored it, I needed to concentrate on the fight. Heathcliff opened his menu and turned his immortal status off, drawing his sword he got into a stance with his shield held in front of his body.

The platform faded away, the players too and everything else with them. There was just me and Heathcliff, a fight to the death. My mind cleared of all other thoughts, I'm going to kill him! With that thought I charged forwards a cloud of dust rising from my speed. My Dark Repulser clashed with His sword, the fight had begun.

For a long time we battled back and forth, he programmed every sword skill, He'll be able to block every combo I have to beat him with my own skill. Elucidator connected with his shield as I narrowly ducked under a his sword, I couldn't land any blows but I managed to dodge his sword. This stalemate can't continue. I have to be Faster!Stronger!Better! My Swords Slammed into his shield faster and harder, for a moment his defence faltered but it was not to last as Elucidator shattered against his shield.

Time seemed to slow as I did nothing but stare in shock hoping . . . no praying that hadn't just happened. Then disaster struck or Heathcliff struck, his sword slicing through my flesh like a hot knife through butter, my health points dropped rapidly and I dropped to my knees I'd failed I'd let everyone down. I could hear my friends crying and shouting my name.

Heathcliff withdrew his sword and turned away, dismissing me as a threat. "I expected more." He muttered quietly so only he and I could hear.

I locked eyes with Asuna. She was crying and struggling against the paralysis. The determination to kill Heathcliff returned but much stronger this time He expected more? . . . then he'll get it! My hand gripped Dark Repulser's hilt. Glancing at my health I saw it was in the red zone the phrase no time like the present flashed through my head briefly. I leapt forward roaring my challenge to Heathcliff. He tried to turn around but only got halfway before Dark Repulser cut through his chest. The shock on his face was the last thing I saw before everything went black. A system announcement appeared.

You are Dead.

I tried so hard and got so far,

But in the end it doesn't even matter.