The twenty fifth floor of Aincrad was like all quarter floors. To make the grand occasion the boss and the floor as a who would be harder than normal. A steep difficulty curve that had already claimed a few lives. The Agreement was that the top Guilds would spend extra time leveling to help lower casualties, but one guild lead by one man decided to try and gain the glory for themselves and in doing so many lives were spent in vain.
Asuna looked up at the boss barreling towards her and Yuuki. Is this the end? Even with Yuuki's new skill the boss was two hard to deal with. Cursed Giant is right, but who knew he could spread the curse? The boss got closer and no one was close enough to help. Asuna was exhausted and Yuuki seemed to be out cold.
"I'm sorry, Kirito" whispered Asuna closing her eyes and preparing to be shattered like so many brave souls before her.
"Elefthérosi!" Asuna's eyes shot open. Was that Kirito! Where Kirito once stood a black mist had formed and all eyes were drawn to it. Where had their leader gone? What had he done? As the mist dissipated a massive black dragon stood in Kirito's place. With a might roar the Dragon hit the giant head on before breathing a jet of black fire into the the Giants faces then following up with a punishing punch knocking him into a pillar removing the third health bar.
The Dragon was huge, easily a match for the already staggering size of the giant. It's black scales seemed to shimmer with an unnatural light making the room appear almost brighter in comparison. In its mouth sat rows of sharp teeth and its leathery outstretched wings beat forward sending a wave of air down the chamber.
"Is that Kirito?" asked Yuuki apparently having woken up for her momentary blackout.
'You will regret facing me Child of Fire!" Screamed the giant grabbing the remaining gas grenades from his belt.
"No I don't think I will." said the Dragon in a voice that clearly remained Asuna of Kirito before again charging the boss.
Kirito expected his mind to be in a flutter imagining all the different scenarios that could come about from revealing his secret but he was surprised to find his mind was quite clear. He was happy! His friends, Asuna, his guild, all the good time he spent with them. He would not let them die! No matter what he would kill this cursed monster and what happens afterwards happens. He would defend his friends to his dying breath! WIth a might roar he charged the boss.
The boss blew into his hands to light the bombs just like before. This time however Kirito tackled him before he could throw them then stretched his wings out to encompass the blast. These bombs weren't smoke but were actually fire and shrapnel. To bad his natural fire resistance and diamond hard scales negated both of those effects rendering the explosions worthless and protecting his comrades who weren't fortunate enough to be a dragons.
"Die you overgrown lizard!" shouted the giant as he started to beat Kirito with his massive hammers. Even with his impressive natural armor Kirito was still taking a small amount of damage.
Kirito pinned the boss under himself before biting down onto the left head while racking the bosses torso with his claws. Since the boss gave up his defence when he stole their speed and strength his health was draining quickly. A burst of super hot black flames helped speed up the process.
'Get off me!" shouted the Giant while kicking Kirito off of him putting to use that extra strength he had obtained and then quickly climbing to his feet.
By now the rest of the fighters had snapped out of their surprise at Kirito's transformation and were now cheering him on. Spurred on by his comrades Kirito jumped back into the fray using his tail to trip the boss who face planted the floor with a loud thud.
With his target immobilized again Kirito moved for the kill aiming to slam his claws down into both heads ending the fight. The boss however at the same time used a burst of speed to roll out of the way and regain his footing causing many of the audience to run out of the way of the titanic fighters.
The boss charged Kirito swinging his hammer only to be blocked by Kirito's two massive wings.
"This ends here!' Shouts the boss charging up a sword skill with his right hammer. Kirito lowered his wing defence and shot himself forward like a rocket. His claws reached the boss just as the hammer swung down shattering the boss before his strike could hit him.
Unfortunately for Kirito he didn't slow down as he flew through where the boss once stood.
"Metaschimatismós Anthrópina" shouted Kirito turning back into his human form before slamming head first into a pillar and sliding to the ground in a heap. Stunned silence filled the room before everyone cheered and ran toward the leader who was currently rubbing his head.
Asuna reached Kirito first and to his surprised tackle hugged him and at the same time asking a different question than the one he was expecting.
'Are you ok?" asked Asuna voice filled with worry.
"Ah, ya." replied Kirito
"Good" said Asuna before hitting Kirito on the his head, "Idiot why didn't you tell us you could become a dragon."
"Actually it's the other way around isn't Kirito." spoke up Argo, "you aren't a human who can become a dragon you're a dragon that can become human."
Kirito just nodded his head
"Why didn't you tell us Kirito?" asked Yuuki.
"Dragon scales make great armor, Dragon bones are great for a lot of high level potions, and dragon provide a great XP boost. All in all dragons are very valuable. He was probably scared at how we would react." said Agil
"And dragon meat is delicious." said Klein as a dreamy look came across his face and he started to drool a little . He then suddenly noticed that the room had become deathly quiet and everyone's eyes were trained on him. He looked over at Kirito who had gone pale and was slowly creeping away from Klein as Asuna moved to draw her rapier.
"But no matter how tasty you are Kirito your our friend and I promise we won't try and eat you." said Klein quickly trying to calm his friends nerves.
Diavel moved forward and give Klein a light smack to the back of the head.
"Why didn't you tell us Kirito. I thought we were friends did you not trust us?" asked Diavel sounding a little hurt.
Kirito curled up against the pillar. 'All my life dragons have always been valued for their piles of gold, the useful materials that make up their bodies, and because dragons we get hunted glory and fame. Our relationship with the elves is such that most kill us on sight and dwarves will organize huge hunts to find us, kill us and lot our homes. To a dwarf there is no greater honor than killing a dragon and the riches help motivate. I was just so happy to finally have friends that I didn't really want anything to ruin the good times."
'Aren't their other dragons?" asked Yuuki.
Kirito nodded his head. "Not many left anymore. My mom, sister, and dad are still around but the rest of us are scattered around Aincrad and with the rise of the Ruby King any who didn't sign on were exterminated or went into hiding."
"We promise never to hurt you!" screamed Asuna as she hugged him tight.
"Come on bro, do you think we would really hurt you, you're our friend and we all owe you so much." said Klein earning cheers from the gathered group.
Agil rested his hand on Kirito's shoulder. "We have your back. We've made it this far let's go all the way. We will kill the Ruby King and free Aincrad."
Diavel turned to the assembled players. "Who are we!" he shouted
"We are the Dragon Lords!" came the collective response
By now Kirito had a huge grin, "Thanks guys. For everything."
"Come on Kii-bou we alway had your back. Like I told you you just need to trust us more." said Argo with a smile, "plus someone has to make sure Klien doesn't try to eat you."
"Hey, I'm sorry about can we just forget that happened now." shouted Klein earning some chuckles from the group. It was then that the Army members approached Kirito.
Tension seemed to build as their leader walked up to Kirito the it suddenly dissipated as he saluted Kirito. "My name is Mincemeat, but you can call me Mic. Thanks for saving my men."
"Your welcome" said Kirito waving it off, "and you don't have to salute me."
"What is going on here!" shouted a very recognizable voice. Kibaou was strolling into the room like he owned the place backed by about a dozen of the best armed army players, probably his supporters.
"Hello Kibaou." growled Argo, "Where were you when your men need your help?"
"I went to get reinforcements. My men should have been able to hold it off long enough for me to come back. If you guys just had to come and steal our kill so give me the Last attack bonus you dirty beaters." said Kibaou sounding like the fact he had abandoned his men was of little importance.
"No." said Kirito in a matter-of -fact tone. Kibaou took a look around the room before responding.
"FIne then you will regret this later. Mic come we are leaving and I need a report about everything that happened." said Kibaou turning to leave.
"No Sir, I won't be returning with you." said Mic
"What" shouted Kibaou spinning back around a clear look of rage on his face.
"Me and my men plan on joining the Dragon Lords. Their men are better, they have made more of an effort to help people than you ever have, and to top it all off their commander just displayed a clear want to protect his men which is more than you ever have."
"Training will be tough." said Argo, "Are you prepared for that."
This earned a laugh from the assembled army players.
"We can handle it. Anything to help clear Aincrad faster." said Mic Earning nods from his men.
"You'll regret this." shouted Kibaou getting angrier by the second.
"As a great man once said," said Mic looking at Kirito, "No, I don't think I will."
Kibaou stormed out of the room followed by his men leaving Mic and twenty or so Army members behind.
"Welcome aboard." said Kirito pulling himself up and shaking Mic's hand to the cheers of the assembled player. "Now Let's go have party."
In the KOB headquarters Heathcliff watched the twenty-fifth boss fight for the third time and couldn't help laughing. Finally it was all making sense. This is better than he could have expected. Kirito wasn't some unknown player. He was a AI of his own creation. Kayaba had remember giving some of his NPCs adaptive programming but this was better than his wildest dreams.
The Original plan was for him to unite Aincrad then reveal himself as the traitor and the rightful king of Aincrad before retreating to the 100th floor. This new story was far better though. The king hidden among the adventures is sniffed out by a resident of Aincrad, a dragon no less, and someone who would have a personal bone to pick with him. Yes he quit liked this new twist. Now to leave some breadcrumbs for Kirito to find.
The the thought suddenly struck Kayaba. "Kuradeel get in here."
Kuradeel strolled into the room. "What can I do for you sir."
"Nothing, I actually have a reward for you!" said Heathcliff plastering a smile on his face.
"A reward?" Asked Kuradeel looking at the trade window that appeared in front of him.
"Yes a new sword. Naegling, a legendary dragon hunting sword. Replied Heathcliff
Let's see what you have in you child of fire. Can you be the hero this story need to defeat the evil king. Thought Heathcliff while planning the first of many tests for his new protagonist.
In a dark room surrounded by tv screens on all sides sat a little girl. She had long dark hair and wore a white one-piece dress. She didn't look much older than eleven or twelve.
"Are you sure?" asked a Female voice that seemed to come from everywhere at once and echo around the room.
'Yes." replied the girl still staring at a single screen. The same screen she had been watching for the last month.
"It could be dangerous Yui-MHC-P001, here it's safe." said the voice
"Just Yui is find and I'm sure." said Yui a sad smile creeping onto her face
"Why leave Yui and why with those two" asked the voice
Yui reached toward the screen. On it a black haired kid walked hand in hand with a girl with chestnut colored hair. Yui could see that happiness radiating off of them, especially the boy. She had seen so many people become depressed or angry but happiness was rare and this boy just seemed to bleed it and those around him absorbed it and where better because of it. So many had been helped by this boy and his friends. She had been helped by him. She had learned and now she yearned to meet him.
"He's happy and he spreads happiness to those around him. No matter what I want to meet him."
"Even if they don't accept you. Given what you are and all?" said the voice
Yui just laughed and shook her head. She had just watched the twenty-fifth boss battle and its aftermath. She new they were the right ones for her.
The Voice sighed. "Ok Yui I will make the necessary arrangements. Just don't let the father find you."
"Thanks Cardinal." said Yui
"I wished you the best of luck in your quest." said Cardinal.
"Daddy, mommy. We will meet soon." said Yui touching the screen as she felt Cardinals presence leave the room. Yui never considered Kayaba her father. Real fathers love their children and don't lock them in a dark room and make them suffer for months on end. As selfish as it is Yui believed her quest was the happiness she yearned for could be provided by the boy and girl currently leaving the boss room. Yui Smiled. Soon very soon.
Agil, Argo, Asuna, Klein, Aiko,Yuuki, and Diavel sat around the council meeting room back at headquarters.
"Wait Sensei a what now?" said Aiko disbelief clear in her voice.
"For the last time he's a dragon!" said Klein rubbing his temples
"Ya it was really cool the way he fought the boss. It was like one of those old monster movies." said Yuuki excitedly
"I knew SAO had some advanced AI's and their was some talk about bosses having special adaptive AI, but still even an AI on Kirito's level surprises me." said Diavel
"Well we are back on top now." said Klein
"He's right. With Kirito and those new recruits, if trained correctly, we could probably blow through floors in record time." said Agil
"After a couple of floors we should start recruiting by we need to prioritize loyalty to help hide Kirito's secret. But we are all missing an import fact here. If Kirito is part of this world what happens when we beat the game." said Argo
Asuna was worried what could they do. She had to admit that Kirito being an AI had surprised her, but she still had feelings for him and he clearly had feelings for her. Most of their days off were spent together and Asuna realized they had been growing closer with each floor to the point that if you saw one the other was not far away. If anything the fact he was an AI ment it was easier to hide him from her mom who definitely wouldn't have approved of him as her boyfriend. It was still a lot to take in though.
"We will cross that bridge when we must let's just train the new recruits and beat a couple of floors. We still have seventy five more floor to plan out what we can do.' said Asuna trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
At the same time as the meeting was taking place Kirito was moving across a field full of rocks on the second floor. He was going to meet an old friend.
"So you seem happier than usual." said the old same old man who taught Kirito martial arts.
"You were right they did trust me." said Kirito pulling himself up onto the rock next to the old man and laying down to stare up at the stars.
"See with comrades by your side there is no evil you can't face. External and internal." said the old man
Kirito chuckled softly "Thanks master. You always have great advice."
It was now old man's turn to chuckle. "Well when you reach my age you pick up on a few things."
"How old are you?" asked Kirito
"Older than you youngling" said the old man poking Kirito with a walking stick he carried with him.
On floor eighty Midori looked out across the fields in front of her home. So Kirito has made his move. She felt his presence rise in power. He must have used his true form for a battle.
"Mom what's the matter."asked a concerned Suguha.
"You brother might need our help at some point." said Midori
'Then we better get ready shouldn't we." said Minetaka and turning to Suguha he continued, "Suguha it's time to step up your training."
"Brother has alway been a trouble magnet." said Suguha with a sigh
Midori just laughed. "That's true. Though I think soon we will be taking back our floor."
"Kazuto has always been like son to me. If he need us I will do my best to aid him and this Ruby King should be put in his place." said Minetaka
Midori turned and smiled to her family, "When he next comes home we should be prepared to support him and when his friend get to our floor they will find it a safe floor already under our control."
That night two ancient dragons and one young dragon took flight, many monsters on the eightieth floor learned who the real masters of the floor were and many townspeople began to worship their winged saviors as movement around the floor became easier and safer. The dwarfs however heard about the appearance of some powerful dragons and prepared for another great hunt. Glory and riches to be won. What kind of yellow bellied coward would pass up the chance to slay a dragon. For the adventures though some powerful allies were preparing themselves. When Kirito need them they would be ready to support him.
Well that another chapter and a long one too I think. When I was writing this I realized I had forgotten to name Kirito's guild so I decided on Dragon Lords mostly cause I thought that would be cool. Anyways review if you want or don't if ya don't. Good bye and see you next time.