Hello, guys. I'm back with the continued story of The Thousand Blades. It took me two days, to finished it. I hope you all like it, and the followers, the favorites who liked my previous story, I hope you like this one. Presenting, Alfheim Online: The Shinigami. Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!

Chapter 1: Return

Izayoi and Asuna were sitting on a rocking chair outside of their home on the 22nd Floor. Izayoi watched her while she slept on a peaceful day. He brushed a single strand of her hair away from her face, as he look at her with a smile. He then look up towards the blue sky, seeing the sun shined brightly through the clouds passing by.

But quickly, the color of the sky began to darken, the sun was blocked by the clouds and the house itself began to fall apart, "Asuna... Asuna!" Izayoi called out, as he look around for Asuna, that was mysteriously missing. The house then disappeared completely, leaving the rocking chair and Izayoi remaining.

"Asuna..." Izayoi mutters as he stayed calm, looking around for her.

"Don't worry, Izayoi-kun. You'll find me, right?" A voice called out.

Right away, Izayoi woke up from the nightmare and got out of bed. "Huh... Huh..." Izayoi said with heavy breath. He looks at his clock beside his desk, to find that it was 7:15 am in the morning. He wore a long-sleeved black jacket, that had a hoodie attached to it, and a pair of black pants. Also, underneath the hoodie, he wore a red zip vest, and under the vest he wore a black shirt.

Izayoi then turns to the mirror hanging on his wall, below the rack of trophies.

"I will find you, Asuna. No matter what." Izayoi said with a determine face.

With that said, he opens his door and walked out of his room. He goes downstairs to the kitchen to make himself some coffee. He then sit on his couch in front of the TV, as he switch it on with the TV remote.

"Huh... There's nothing to watch..." Izayoi sighed boringly, after switching channel to channel, he couldn't find anything interesting, so he switch it off and finished off his coffee. He puts the mug down on the desk besides the couch, as he stood up and head outside the house. He slides his sliding door, as he felt the wooden surface of his front porch.

He covered his face with his hand to blocked the bright light of the sun from hitting his face, as he look around his front yard. With a yawn, he goes to the wooden shack from his back yard to get a hose. He then twist the switch on, as the water flowed through the hose and out to the tip of the hose.

He raised the hose up high, as he watered his flowers around the front yard. He does this everyday, as his mother ordered. Before, Asuna and him would sometimes watered the plants and flowers together, and sometimes they would play with water, getting their clothes wet and they have to changed clothes after they were done.

Izayoi sighed, remembering the happy times with her while he watered the plants and flowers.

After a while, he put the hose back into the wooden shack, after the watering was finished, and goes inside the house. He look around the place, to find something. "Where is it? I know I put it somewhere around here." Izayoi thought as he search all over the place, until he has to open a door to the storage room.

"Here it is." Izayoi stated as he pulled out a skateboard from the storage room. He could see that it was covered in dust. "I should put it in my room, than just put it in the storage room, all those years ago." Izayoi said as he blew on the skateboard, to get rid of the dusts that covered it.

"That's better. Now to Kazuto's house." Izayoi exclaimed as he went outside but not before closing the door to his house and locking the door.

"Should I take the car next time?" Izayoi questioned himself looking over his car. It was a sport car, that his mother bought shortly after the SAO incident, maybe his mother thought he was ready to have his own car, he guessed? He was surprised to see an expensive car right after he gets out the game, but he didn't care as he had the license, already before he joined in the death game. So, he will not have trouble with the cops questioning him if he had a license, or not. The car was black in color, and it was four-seated car also. It's better to have company, than two.

"Next time." Izayoi simply stated, as he moved around the car to the house gate.

He then open the house gate, as he walked out. He closed the gate, as he put his skateboard on to his left feet. A grin made it's way to his face, as he pushed the skateboard with his right feet, making it go forward to the direction of Kazuto's house.

He look around the neighborhood, as he smelled the fresh scent of air. He then skated off, to go visit Kazuto and Suguha.

A teenage girl by the name of Kirigaya Suguha, was outside of her house, doing her morning routine. She's the little sister of Kirigaya Kazuto, and secretly not known to the public, is that she is Kazuto's cousin. Suguha has short black hair and dark grey eyes, almost blackish.

Suguha was outside having her morning practice with her shinai while having flashbacks of all the events that had happened during and after the Sword Art Online incident.

She was crestfallen, as she watched her brother lay in a hospital bed. But even more so, as she visited Izayoi's hospital bedroom. She was suddenly given a rumor by her mother, as Izayoi, her mentor, and secret crush, had been inside the same hospital as Kazuto. She was shocked, but she immediately raced towards the hospital in a sprint to go to Izayoi's side. She couldn't utter any words, as she take a look at his peaceful face. She took a seat, beside his bed, and then cried on the bed, upset that Izayoi was trapped inside the game.

But after the game was cleared, she immediately went over to the hospital, to check on her brother. She smiled, as her mother was happy to see her son again and cried tears of joy while she stood watching the scene in front of her. After that, she visited Izayoi's room, she laughed as she saw that Izayoi wore an annoyed look, as the doctors wouldn't allowed him to go outside yet, till the doctor said he was done checking him, to see if he was hurt or something, from being absent from the world for two years.

After Izayoi saw her, she smiled as Izayoi smiled at her and motioned for her to come closer. But all he got was a tackle by her as Izayoi was being hugged by Suguha. Izayoi stood there, as he then hugged her back, knowing that she missed him.

After several minutes...

Izayoi stopped as he held a foot to the ground, stopping his skateboard, as he look at Kazuto's house.

He then pick up his skateboard as he walked in the front yard of the house. He could see that Suguha was wearing her kendo uniform and was practicing her shinai.

"Training, Sugu-chan?" Izayoi asked with a smirk, as Suguha look at him. She slightly blush by Izayoi's arrival, as she wouldn't thought that he'd come now.

"H-Hi, Izayoi." Suguha stuttered at the name he nows give her, as she shook off her head, trying to regain her composure, and to not let Izayoi find out about her crush to him.

"Izayoi?" A voice called out as Izayoi look at Kazuto who walked out from his house, as he sat at the edge of the front porch.

"How nice to see you again, Kazuto. I was bored so I thought I might visit you and Suguha today." Izayoi stated as he joins Kazuto on sitting by the porch.

"Sugu, sit. You know its not always nice to practised unless you have to." Izayoi lectured as Suguha nodded as she sat next to Izayoi, putting her shinai on the porch, while she blushed sightly at the close proximity between them. "Water?" Izayoi offered as he held a water bottle in his hand for her. She look between him and the bottle, as she extended her hand to get the bottle.

But Izayoi had other plans, as he pulled away the water bottle from her. "Want this? You have to give me something in return." He said with a smirk, already a plan forming inside his head.

"W-What is it?" Suguha asked.

"Hmm... Well, a kiss on the cheek?" Izayoi suggested as Suguha flushed as her face was crimson. Kazuto who was watching them, covered his mouth from laughing. "I'm waiting." Izayoi said. "Um..." Suguha said while in her mind, she was choosing to do it, but she was too embarrassed to do it. Even if she want to do it, there's still the fact that Kazuto was here.

"Let me make it easier for you." Izayoi suggested as he positioned his face closer to her face, as he tilt his head sideways. "Or, do you want me to give you the kiss?" Izayoi asked turning towards her as Suguha blushed profusely.

Kazuto who was holding on his laugh, turns around, as he don't want to see the kissing scene.

Then, Izayoi turns towards the front yard, of where Suguha practiced earlier. "Just kidding." He said with a smile, as a frown made its way onto Suguha's face, but she masked it with a pout.

"Oh..." She said disappointed, but Izayoi just kept his smile. "Well, not now of course." Izayoi stated as Suguha turns to him, surprised and confused.

"Not now?" Suguha asked, as Izayoi turns to her. "Trust me, it will come but just not now. Instead, as a sorry gift. I'll give you something." Izayoi remarked as Suguha raised an eyebrow, while Kazuto just watched on.

"Close your eyes." Izayoi said to Suguha, who was hesitating on whether she should do it or not. "Don't worry." Izayoi said with a smile, reassuring her. Suguha look at him, as she nodded, and closed her eyes.

The seconds pass by, but Suguha didn't heard or feel anything. She attempted to open her eyes, but was against it, as she knows that she can trust Izayoi on whatever gift he'll give. After a while, she was beginning to get frustrated, as she slowly open her eyes. Suddenly, her eyes widen as Izayoi kissed her on the nose.

"There." Izayoi said withdrawing from her, while Suguha was just eyed wide. "So, how's your sorry gift?" He asked awaiting her response, as Suguha shook her head out of her stupor, as she look at Izayoi.

She held a hand to her nose, feeling the warm sensation on it. She smiled as she give her answer. "I love it." Suguha answered as Izayoi smiled, pleased with her answer.

"That's for me for leaving on you. All those years ago. And I thought I should gave you something in return for my leave." Izayoi explained as Suguha smile, while Kazuto nodded, happy that he did give something that makes his little sister happy.

"Izayoi." Kazuto called out. "Hmm...?" Izayoi turns to him. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is you're here with us now. Right, Sugu?" Kazuto asked as Suguha nodded.

"Right!" She said.

"Thanks." Izayoi said as he gave Suguha the water bottle, while he pick up Suguha's shinai.

"You know you kept this up this whole time." Kazuto said as he watch Izayoi practiced a few swing on the shinai.

"It's so light." Izayoi said practicing a few swings.

"Eh? That's timber bamboo, so it's pretty heavy." Suguha stated.

"I know. But, I always practiced with a metal rod than a bamboo." He said as Suguha nodded, remembering that he always practiced with a metal rod, when he was with her, while he teaches her kendo.

"You practiced with a metal rod?" Kazuto asked shocked.

"Yeah, I've always train with it. And that's why I won, on your grandpa's bet." Izayoi said with a smirk. "Really?" Kazuto asked as Izayoi nodded.

"So, Sugu want to give it a go?" Izayoi asked turning towards Suguha. "A go? You mean sparring?" She asked looking at him.

"Yeah." Izayoi answered as he stood up.

"With protective gear?" She asked again.

"Or we could stop before we strike each other. But I wouldn't want you getting hurt right off." Izayoi said with a smirk, while Suguha held an angry look.

"You still have your Grandfather's gear, right? Let's do it in the dojo. We'll start with Kazuto first." Izayoi said turning towards Kazuto who stood up, and was stretching himself for the fight.

Suguha look at her brother, "It's been two years, but you sound pretty confident. I was a quarterfinalist in the middle school nationals. Think you stand a chance?" Suguha said sarcastically at Kazuto. "And also, are you sure you feel up to it? You shouldn't stress your body." She asked Izayoi.

"You shouldn't underestimate me. I'm a finalist in the country's nationals." Izayoi said smirking. "And I'll show you the results of all that rehab I've been doing at the gym." He said crushing a bottle, while Izayoi stifle a laugh.

At their family's dojo, Suguha and Kazuto were getting ready to begin, while Izayoi stood off by the sides, watching the two.

"What's that supposed to be, onii-chan?" Suguha giggled at Kazuto's stance.

"Don't worry about it. It's my own style." Kazuto said as he used his one-handed sword stance.

"Here I go." Suguha said.

"Okay." Kazuto stated.

"He's totally open in the front. I'll hit him there, and..." Suguha said mentally as she could see an opening in his stance to attack.

"Huh? It's like it's second nature to him." Suguha said as she observed that stance was like Kazuto's own personnel style.

As Suguha observing, Kazuto attacked first. She backed away and was about to attack, but Kazuto backed away, not allowing her to hit him.

Kazuto then charge at her as the two begin to fight, dodging and attacking each other.

Kazuto charged at her again, but she dodged to the side and turns around, as she was at her previous spot. She then look at Kazuto.

"In that case..." Suguha said as she attack Kazuto, turning to the offensive. She then begin to attack Kazuto with every strike she could, but he would always dodged it.

Then, two came to a standstill, as they cross shinai's together. The two then begin to push each other, but Suguha who had more experience, pushed even further against Kazuto's shinai, making him slightly backed away and that gave her the advantage. she then backed from the standstill, "Head!" Suguha shouted as she strike Kazuto on the head.

Kazuto swayed a little from the strike, as Suguha quickly regret hitting him as she rush towards him. "A-Are you okay, onii-chan?" Suguha asked.

"Oh, man..." Kazuto mumbled. "You're strong, Sugu. Stronger than Kazuto. Heathcliff wouldn't have had a chance." Izayoi said clapping his hands, as he walked towards them.

Suguha turns to Izayoi, and then to Kazuto. "Are you really okay?" Suguha asked. "Well, let's stop here. You've got to fight Izayoi now." Kazuto said as he took a few steps back and swung to sheath the shinai like he did with his sword in SAO. "D-Did you hit your head?" Suguha asked confused and concerned, while Izayoi shook his head.

"N-No, it's just years of habit!" Kazuto said.

"Well, Sugu?" Izayoi called as Suguha turns to him. "It's my turn now. Are you ready?" He asked as Suguha blush a little, but she nodded. The two then came towards the center of the dojo, as Suguha took her stance but before she could, she raised an eyebrow at Izayoi attire.

"Izayoi, aren't you going to wear protective gear?" She asked concerned about his well being if he gets hit.

"Don't worry, you'll never hit me. I know you're concern but trust me. If i get hit, then I'm the one at fault for not wearing protective gear in the first place. So, focus on the fight, okay?" Izayoi stated as Suguha cast a worried glance at him, but nonetheless she nodded.

Kazuto who stood by the sides, raised his hand, to start off the fight. "Begin!" He shouted as the two didn't move, but just stayed on their spot. Izayoi took a normal kendo stance, as he took a look at Suguha, wanting to look for any openings he could find.

But it was short lived, as Suguha charges first, as he just dodged to the side. "Oh? Attacking first, eh?" Izayoi smirked as he dodged every single strike Suguha could land on him.

"Why can't I hit him?" She asked herself as she continued to attack him.

Izayoi smiled, seeing an opening as he dodged to the side, as Suguha's shinai nearly hit him. He then quickly went to Suguha's back, to attack her from behind, but he was quickly stopped by Suguha who turns to him, as he dodged a shinai from the side.

"Sugu, you've improved." Izayoi said in mind, pleased that she was improving.

"But I win." Izayoi stated mentally, as he spun around Suguha, her back against him, as he tried to attack her again from behind, but Suguha catches on fast, as she turns to him and backs away.

Izayoi stood there, waiting for her to strike, while Suguha look at him searching for any openings. "I can't find anything." Suguha said observing Izayoi, as she can't seem to find any openings on his stance, even if it's the same stance as her.

Then, with no choice at hand, Suguha charge at him. She swung her shinai from the side, as Izayoi raised his shinai to blocked it, but as Suguha gets closer to him, she quickly maneuvered her shinai across her head, as she attempted to end this.

Just as Suguha was in front of him, raising her shinai to hit him on the head, Izayoi dodged it instantly, by moving to the side, completely dodging Suguha's Sinai from hitting him. Instead Suguha hit thin air, as her shinai was next to his left hand. "Head." Izayoi said as he hit Suguha's head gently with his shinai in his right hand.

Suguha was shocked that he could dodged as something as fast as that. It was impossible, considering the distance between them, and her shinai was just near on hitting his head, as he couldn't possibly had time to dodge it, like most people, but he just did it, and that completely shock her.

"Looks like I win, Sugu-chan." Izayoi said with a smile as he positioned his shinai onto his shoulder.

Suguha look at him, as she smile and nods. "Looks like you win, Izayoi." Suguha said as Kazuto walked towards them.

"You two were amazing!" Kazuto exclaimed complimenting them, as Suguha blushed cause of the compliment, while Izayoi nodded, appreciating the compliment.

"Izayoi, how did you dodged that?" Kazuto asked referring to Suguha's final strike at him. Suguha who listened on the conversation, turns to Izayoi, wanting to hear it from him, on how he dodged that attack so easily.

"Well... That's a secret." Izayoi said with a finger on his lips.

Kazuto deflated but nodded, while Suguha was upset that he can't tell them, but it's his secret, they know it's his decision on whether he could tell them or not.

"Why don't we go out of this dojo?" Izayoi suggested as Suguha nodded, followed by Kazuto.

"The footwork was fine, but the attack was poor. Guess I can't do the sword skills without the system to help me." Kazuto mutters.

"I was really surprised, though. Have you been practicing?" Suguha asked after washing her face.

"In a way... But it is pretty fun. Maybe I'll take up kendo again." Kazuto said as Suguha held a big smile. "Really? Seriously?" Suguha asked.

"Sugu, would you teach me?" Kazuto asked.

"Of course. We can spar together again!" She said excitedly as Kazuto pat her head.

"When I regain some more muscle." Kazuto said patting her head. Izayoi then arrived at the two, as he drink a water bottle.

"Yeah. So be prepared, okay? I'm not gonna go easy on you, and so is Sugu. Right, Sugu?" Izayoi asked as Suguha nodded.

Kazuto sighs, knowing Izayoi would train him to the ground.

Suguha then look at Izayoi. "Actually, Izayoi...I've... Nope, I think I'll keep it a secret." Suguha said as she turns around to head inside the house.

"Huh?" Izayoi raised an eyebrow.

"What are you doing today, Izayoi?" Suguha asked as Izayoi and Kazuto followed her inside the house.

"I'm going to the hospital today." Izayoi said as Suguha turns to him with a frown on her face. "Right. You're going to see her, aren't you?" Suguha said while one of her hands clutches her kendo skirt. "Asuna-san, was it?" She asked as Izayoi raised an eyebrow at Suguha's behaviour. But he will asked her later.

"Yeah, that's all I can do right now." Izayoi said with a sad smile. Kirito sensing the tense situation, made his way to the kitchen, but not before going to Suguha. "It's my turn to make breakfast, so you go take a shower." He said patting her head, as he went to the kitchen.

"Yeah." Suguha said nodding towards his request. After Kazuto left, Suguha and Izayoi were left with a silence air around them. Izayoi sighs as he heads towards Suguha.

He grasp her cheek, surprising her completely, as the two stare at each other. Izayoi held a small smile, as he pecked Suguha's forehead. "You know a smile fits you than a frown on your face. So keep that frown upside down, alright?" Izayoi said smiling while looking at her.

Suguha look at him, surprised edge to her face by the kiss Izayoi gave. But she heard the comforting words from him, as a smile started to form on her face. "Alright. Be careful on the way to the hospital, okay?" Suguha said carefully, as Izayoi nodded as he released her cheek.

"Okay. I'll be careful." He said as he went to leave but not before he turn his head slightly to look at Suguha. "Bye, Sugu." He said waving his hand at her, as she waved back with a smile on her face now.

Suguha raised her hand to grasp her forehead, that was kissed by Izayoi. She then felt warm inside all of a sudden, and she couldn't know why.

Izayoi skated off after leaving the house, as he heads for the hospital. He look left and right at the middle of the street, after knowing that no cars will cross, he crossed the street to the hospital.

"Two months ago, I defeated Heathcliff, and I beat the death game. As soon as I got out, I traded information about SAO to the Ministry of Internal Afffair's SAO Incident Task Force, in exchange for Asuna's whereabouts." Izayoi said in mind as he get out of the lift, that went to the floor, where Asuna was.

Just as he gets off, a little girl who recognize him, rush towards his side. "A-Are you Izayoi Sakamaki?" She asked as Izayoi greet her with a smile.

"Yes, that's me." He said kneeling down to her height, as the little girl's father walked behind her, knowing that she had recognized an idol of athlete.

"Will you signed me your autograph?" She said as she search for a paper, and pen, but after she found out that she doesn't have it, she frowned.

"I don't have a pen and paper..." She stated frowning. Izayoi stifle a laugh, as he look around for someone that had a pen. Then, a nurse passed by as Izayoi stood up calling for her.

"Nurse!" He said as the nurse turns to him, from what he could tell, she looks like a 21 year old woman.

"Yes, how may I help you?" She asked.

"Can I borrow your pen?" Izayoi said as the nurse was surprised by the request, but she comply and gave him her pen from her chartboard.

"Thanks." Izayoi said as he goes to the little girl and brought out a paper from his pocket.

"It's a good thing I brought a paper around." He said showing the little girl the paper, by waving it in front of her, as she giggled. "Well, from your idol athlete and friend, miss?" Izayoi asked as he look at her, wanting her name.

"Oh, um... It's Nene." She said timidly. "Okay, Nene. Here you go." He said giving her his autograph as she looked at it with a happy smile. "Daddy, daddy I got his autograph!" She exclaimed at her daddy that stood by her side.

Her daddy smiled seeing her happy, as he looked at Izayoi and bows. "Thank you." He said as Izayoi waved his hand in dismissal. "It's nothing." He then turns to the little girl.

"But if you want a healthy life style, exercise sometimes. When your older, can you do that, Nene?" He said smiling as Nene blushed, but she nodded.

"Hai. Bye, Izayoi." She said as she and her dad went in the lift. Izayoi look at them as he waved at them, as the two waved back, and the doors closed off on the lift.

"You're good with kids." The nurse said walking towards him. Izayoi turns to her as he smiled. "It's nothing. I love to see them happy, that's all. Oh, and thanks for the pen." He said as he gave her pen back.

"No problem, Izayoi-sama." She said with a bow of her head, as Izayoi scratched his head. "Haha..." He laugh awkwardly, as the nurse giggled at his look. "All the women knows you. Better be careful when you go home." She said as she bows and left.

"This is troublesome." Izayoi said with a sigh, as he then continued his way towards Asuna's room.

"I learned that Asuna was being cared for in Saitama, at the Tokorozawa General Hospital." He said mentally as he stopped at a door. A name was stated beside the door.

Yuuki Asuna

He slides a card below the name, as a tiny green light showed up after he slides the card.
He went inside the room, "And that, including Asuna, approximately three hundred players had yet to awake. People believed the still-missing Kayaba Akihiko is behind it. The SAO incident hasn't ended yet." He said walking slowly inside the room.

He then slides the curtain away, to reveal Asuna laying on a hospital bed, who was still wearing the NerveGear.

Izayoi walked up towards her bedside, "Asuna..." He said as he grasped her hand.

Then, Izayoi heard the door being slide open, as he look towards who enters inside.

"Oh, you're here, Izayoi-kun. Thank you so much for your support, by coming in here almost a month." Asuna's father, Shouzou Yuuki said as Izayoi smile at him.

"It's not to worry. I like to be here with her." He said as Asuna's father smiled endearingly at him. "It's good that she have a good boyfriend with her, to visit her while she's in... This condition." He said looking over his daughter.

"It makes her happy, knowing that someone is visiting and looking over her." He stated as he put the batch of flowers on the tableside beside the bed.

"President..." A voice said as Izayoi look towards it, as a dread feeling appear inside his stomach.

"Oh, you haven't met before, have you? This is our laboratory chief, Sugou-kun." Shouzou introduced as Sugou smiled at Izayoi, as inside Izayoi narrows his eyes mentally.

"I'm Sugou Nobuyuki. Nice to meet you." He said introducing himself.

"Izayoi Sakamaki." Izayoi said as Sugou walked towards him, as he shakes Izayoi's hand.

"Really? So you're the hero Izayoi-kun?" He said as Izayoi turns to look at Shouzou, to explain.

"Oh, I apologize... We aren't supposed to discuss what happened instead the SAO server, right? He's the son of a dear friend. He's a always been like family." Shouzou said as Sugou smiled.

"Oh, President... About that, I'd like to make it official." Sugou said as Shouzou realized what's he talking about. But, he stole a quick worry glance at Izayoi for moment, as he knows that this news will destroy him. Even if Sugou was like a family, he's still prefer Izayoi over Sugou. Over the years, he never saw Asuna so happy everyday, as she and Izayoi were fitted with each other.

"I see... But are you certain? You're still young. You could start a new life." Shouzou said with a worry tone.

"My heart has always been set on one thing." Sugou said as Shouzou wore a frown at this. Sugou look over Asuna, "I'd like Asuna-san to wear the dress while she's still beautiful." He said as Izayoi's eyes widen and narrows.

Shouzou looked over Izayoi who look shocked, as he then look at Sugou. "Uh... That's a good point... It might be time to decide." He said looking over Asuna.

He then look at the two boys. "I'm sorry to end our conversation, but I have a meeting. We can discuss this another time." He informed them, as he look at Izayoi. "Izayoi-kun, may I talk to you?" He asked as Izayoi look at him as he nodded.

The two then walked outside, as Sugou was left with a sinister smile on his face, while he look over Asuna.

"Is it true?" Izayoi asked as he look at Shouzou, who wore a frown on his face.

"It's true. I'm sorry about this. But now, I'm trying to find some way on this." He said as a smile formed on his face.

"I never saw Asuna so happy before, as she would talk about you in the house. I would prefer you and Asuna to go down the aisle than Sugou." Shouzou said as a smile was on Izayoi's face.

"Thank you for that, that makes me happy at least, if you really think like that." Izayoi stated as Shouzou raised his hand to pat his shoulder. "I really do think like that, you would make a fine husband to Asuna." Shouzou said with a sincere smile.

"I'll do anything to make sure that Sugou won't have to do this. I better investigate about this along the way that I work. Well, I better get going. See you later, Izayoi-kun. And take care of Asuna for me." He exclaimed as he left. Izayoi smiled at his reassuring words and his support for him and Asuna, as he went inside the room.

He saw that Sugou turns around the bed to the right side of the bed. "I heard that within the game, you were living with Asuna." Sugou asked as he look down at Asuna, to which Izayoi narrows his eyes.

"Yes. What has that got to do with you?" He asked as he walked towards the left side of the bed.

"Then I suppose that complicates our relationship." Sugou as he went to grabbed Asuna's hair, but before he grabbed it, Izayoi grabbed a hold onto Sugou's wrist.

"Don't touch her." Izayoi warned with marrow eyes that would make anyone cower, as to which Sugou flinched at his stare.

"W-What we were just discussing was Asuna's marriage to me." He said gaining his composure, as Izayoi grit his teeth, seeing Sugou licked his lips.

"You can't do that." Izayoi stated as Sugou stayed in his spot, seeing as Izayoi held him in his place with his hand gripping tightly around Sugou's wrist.

"Indeed. It can't be done legally. On paper, I'll simply be adopted into the Yuuki family. You see, she's never actually liked me. Neither my parents nor hers know that. But if marriage was ever discussed, its likely that she'd reject me. So this situation is quite fortunate for me..." Sugou mutters.

"You know... Trying to take advantage of the fact that she's in a coma? That's not a good thing to do." Izayoi said as he released his grip on Sugou's wrist, as he went around the bed to grip Sugou's wrist again, to which Sugou tried to let go, but he was powerless to Izayoi's strength.

"Take advantage? No, this is my right. Listen, Sakamaki-kun. Do you know what happened to Argus after they developed SAO?" Sugou asked.

"I heard they went bankrupt." Izayoi exclaimed.

"Yes. The development costs, plus the massive damages they were forced to pay, bankrupted the company. And the maintenance of the SAO servers was entrusted to the electronics manufacturer Lect, whose CEO is Shouzou Yuuki." Sugou said, slightly surprising Izayoi, as he then continued.

"And I work for its Full-Dive Technology Research Division. You could even say that I'm the one who's keeping Asuna alive..." Sugou whispered to Izayoi's ear, after he stood up to faced Izayoi.

"So I can ask for a little something by way of compensation, can't I? I don't know what sort of promises you made to her in the game. But I'd prefer that you never come back. Or have any contact with the Yuuki family. The ceremony will be held in this hospital room in one week, on January 26th. The Japanese calendar has more auspicious days for a wedding, but it's a day that brings misery to friends, so I'll invite you. Enjoy your final goodbye, Hero-kun." He said with a sinister smirk, but then a smirk started forming on Izayoi's face.

"You know what I think about this?" Izayoi mutters as Sugou look at him. Suddenly, the grip around Sugou's wrist tighten, making Sugou winced.

"This is... What I think you'll have when I'm finished with you, but I'm just letting you with some advanced pain for making me sick from your sick plans." Izayoi said venomously as he tighten the grip around Sugou's hand more, to the point you can hear bones breaking.

Sugou winced painfully, as he desperately pulled on his hand that was in pain.

"L-Let go!" Sugou said as Izayoi raised an eyebrow at this.

"Really? Then you wouldn't mind I'd go like this, right?" Izayoi asked as he twisted Sugou's wrist, making him screamed in pain, but not to the point where anyone will hear it.

"Get out." Izayoi ordered pulling on Sugou's wrist and leading him the way to the door. He then let go of the grip on Sugou, to which he nursed his broken wrist by massaging his wrist. But he'll need to go to the doctor to find out if it was as serious as it was.

Sugou glared at Izayoi, "It just a friendly advanced advice." Izayoi smiled triumphantly at him, with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I'll let this one slide, Sakamaki-kun. But next time won't be the same." Sugou said as he left the room.

Izayoi stood there, as he walked towards Asuna. "I'm gonna find you, Asuna. Just hand in there, okay?" Izayoi asked as he kissed Asuna's forehead.

"Bye... Asuna..." With a whisper and a heavily heart he left.

Later...

Izayoi grit his teeth, as he clench his fist tightly. He just wanted to punch that man, right then and there. But he kept his calm composure, as to not alert any news and rumors to be spread out.

"Keeping her alive... More like keeping her inside a cage." Izayoi stated as remembered Asuna's condition, she was just laying on her hospital bed. He sighed, as he glance behind him, where the hospital was. "I'll do anything to find you, Asuna. I promise." He promised as a sad smile grace his features. "And just like you said, that I'll find you." He stated, remembering her words to him, in his dream.

He then look forward, as he put his skateboard on the ground. "Better go to Kazuto's house. I need something to lay on for a while." Izayoi said as he skated off, heading towards Kazuto's house.

Izayoi stopped and look up at Kazuto's house, as he arrived at the front gate. "I hope someone's at the door, in this hour." He said as he carried his skateboard by the hand, and approach the front door of the house. He closed his eyes, and breathed a deep breath.

He then knocked on the door a few times, as he step back, waiting for someone to answer his knock. He didn't have to wait long, as after he stepped back, Suguha appear to open the door.

"Izayoi? What are you doing here at this hour?" Suguha asked looking at him with a curious face.

"Well, let's just call it someone had ruin my day at the hospital." Izayoi said as held a smile as he sigh, while inside he was furious.

"Ano..."

"Oh, I forgot. Can I stay with you for a while?" Izayoi asked completely surprising Suguha.

Suguha look at him, "Are you okay?" She asked worriedly.

"I'll tell you. Anyway, do you still have my room?" He asked as Suguha nodded, as she allowed Izayoi inside.

"It's been a long time since I stayed here." Izayoi stated as he look around the house, even if he's been here earlier that morning.

He slowly strip off of his jacket, as he was left with his red zip vest. Suguha blushed, seeing Izayoi's arms, she definitely could see some muscles underneath the short sleeves.

"He really is an athlete." Suguha said mentally as Izayoi stretched, making Suguha blushed seeing his muscles flex.

"So," Izayoi said as Suguha shook her head out of of her thoughts of seeing Izayoi muscles. "Where is my room?" He asked as Suguha raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you remember where it is?" She asked as Izayoi turns to look at her with a smirk. "Well, since your the mistress to this house beside your mother, you'll have to guide me to it. Right. Sugu ojou-sama?" He said with his famous smile, that makes Suguha blush.

"Um... Alright. Well, I-it's this way." Suguha said as she showed the way, while Izayoi followed her behind. The two went upstairs as they walk passed Kazuto's room. "Is Kazuto asleep?" Izayoi asked.

"Yup. He said he needed the rest." Suguha answered.

"So, why are you up this late?" Izayoi asked as Suguha stiffen.

"U-Um, Um... I was watching TV. Y-Yeah, that's it!" Suguha exclaimed trying to hide that earlier she was watching Izayoi in the TV of one of the channels. He was being interviewed on his return, after the SAO incident. Other athletes companies held a press conference on Izayoi's absent. And they questioned if he should continued to participate on tournaments.

Izayoi with his personality and characteristic, gave his answer with a devillishly smirk.

"To answer that question of yours, I will continue to participate on tournaments if you so wish to held it. And I realized that some athletes are getting weaker and out of breath, of constant training. Are you responsible for that?" When he questioned, everyone went silent. And that's was when Izayoi knocked on the door, that Suguha closed the TV to answer who knocked.

She didn't expect that it was Izayoi, and at this late of night.

Suguha then stopped at a door in front of her own door. "We're here." She said as she turns to Izayoi, who nodded at her, knowing that she showed him the right room.

"Thank you for the guide, Sugu ojou-sama." Izayoi said with a famous smile, while Suguha blushed by the compliment, and seeing Izayoi smile at her, makes butterflies flutter in her stomach.

"Well, let's go inside, shall we?" Izayoi asked as he open the door, and enter inside followed by Suguha. "It hasn't changed a bit." Izayoi said looking around the room. It was big, but it was all the same as the rooms in the house.

He look through the pictures hanging on the wall, there were pictures of him, Suguha wearing kendo uniform, and they were smiling as they posed for the picture. Izayoi was standing beside a blushing Suguha with his cheek against her.

Some of the pictures, were with him and Kazuto, posing in front of an arcade. Izayoi then turns to look at Suguha.

"I'm gonna go take a bath, okay?" Suguha asked as Izayoi chuckles and nods. "Okay." He answered as Suguha left.

Izayoi then sat on the bedside, as he clench his fist. "Asuna..."

After a while, Suguha came up to Izayoi's room, as she knocked in the door. She was wearing a red pajama, and a pair of red pants pajamas, as she look upon the door. She then grabbed the knob and slowly twist it, to find Izayoi sitting on the bedside, staring down at the floor.

"Izayoi... Why didn't you turn on the heat." Suguha said as she shiver from the cold. "What's wrong?" She asked turning on the heater. "Sorry. But could you leave me alone for a while?" Izayoi asked.

"But it's so cold." She said as she then realized the foul mood of Izayoi and she could see a tear running down his cheek.

"Wh-What's wrong?" She said kneeling down in front of him as she grasp both of his hands. "It's nothing." Izayoi said with a weakly chuckle. "But... You're freezing... You'll get sick. You should take a bath." She exclaimed as she felt that his hands were cold. "What am I going to do...?" Izayoi said as he grits his teeth.

"Did something happen to her? To Asuna-san?" Suguha asked looking up at him. Izayoi weakly chuckle again, "She's going to go away and I'm sitting here doing nothing... Somewhere I can't ever reach her..." Izayoi said sadly as he chuckles, as Suguha hugged him, his head was to her chest.

"Thanks Sugu..." Izayoi mutters as Suguha smiled. "Hey, do your best. You can't give up on the one you love so easily." She said as a smile formed on Izayoi's face.

"I won't lie to myself anymore, either." Suguha said mentally as she look up staring at the night sky, as a star falls down.

After a moment, Suguha look down at Izayoi, who fell asleep. She then proceeded to moved him to his bed, so that he can comfortable sleeping. She gently lay him on his bed, as she tucked him with his comforter.

She look down towards Izayoi peaceful face, as she look up towards the moon shinning brightly, in the night sky. "But your heart... Your heart...belongs to her alone." She said as she lay beside Izayoi, and then tears were formed from her eyes as she closed her eyes.

Izayoi opened up his eyes slightly, to saw that tears were falling from Suguha eyes to the bed, as a frown made its way to his face. He rubbed her eyes gently with his thumb, careful to not wake her up, as he brushed her tears away.

"Goodnight, Sugu." Izayoi whispered as he tucked the comforter over Suguha, as he wrapped his hands around her, keeping her warm. Even if she wore pajamas, it still make her cold under the cold air. With his hands around her, he brought her closer, with their foreheads touching against each other. He raised his head and gentle pecked Suguha's forehead, as a small smile appear on Suguha's face. "Don't cry." Izayoi whispered as he then closed his eyes and fell asleep, next to Suguha.

Izayoi opened his eyes, as he yawns. He then look next to him, as a smile was edged to his face. He doesn't know why but Suguha had a soft spot in his heart, whenever she was sad, he always comforted her.

His eyes widen slightly, "Am I..." His eyes look down at Suguha sleeping form. "I might have to tell Asuna about this when she wakes up." He said softly as his eyes settle on the ceiling. "I'll never give up on you, Asuna." He said with a determine face.

He then proceeded to wake Suguha up, seeing as it was morning and as much as he didn't want to interuppt her sleep, he'd have to.

"Sugu, wake up. It's morning. Wake up." Izayoi said as he shook her shoulder, but Suguha stayed asleep as she roll on her side.

"You won't have time for morning practice." He said as Suguha slowly open up her eyes, as she look to her left to see Izayoi smiling at her. She then felt something wrapped around her waist, as she look down and saw one of Izayoi's arm was wrapped around her.

She then look up at Izayoi, M-Morning, Izayoi..." She said as she sat up, but not before Izayoi released his hand from her. Suguha rubbed her eyes, as she look around the room. Then, she realized the past night came to her mind, as her eyes widen, and her face was red. "Um... I..." Suguha said as she quickly ran out of Izayoi's room, blushing furiously, as she immediately enters her room.

"Jeez..." Izayoi said as he then recalled Suguha's encouraging words. "Yeah, she's right." Izayoi said as without any stuff to do, he stood up and sat down on a chair as he stare at his computer. He switch it on, "It's been so long since I last used this." He said as he notices that the keyboard and the screen hadn't collected any dusts over the past years he was gone.

"Sugu..." He said as he guessed that Suguha cleaned the computer when he wasn't here. After he switch on the computer, without any warning, his computer bleeped.

You have new mail

He then opens up his mail, to see what the sender gave him.

Subject: Look at this!
Sender: Egil

"What is this?" Izayoi said as he stood up, as the message showed a picture of a girl in a golden cage who greatly resembled Asuna, surprising Izayoi.

"Asuna!"

So how's the ending? Pretty, shocking huh? Well, I'm doing what I'm doing, continuing the story for all of your viewer who view this story. I hope you review it, favorite it or follow me. That's the support I want, cause it'll make me want to make the story faster.

Oh, and if you want to see Izayoi's sport car, the link is on my profile. Check it, if you could and imagine it. So, I gotta go, Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!