Crystal: Yes, I'm trying to update more! And yes we're near the end! I'm excited for this!

Belle: I'm not. You haven't told me what you're planning?

Crystal: well, the next chapter may be the last, maybe not. All I know is... there will be more and I'm excited for it. Also, I'll be ending the poll for Belle's fairy race when Chapter 11 comes out. I'll try to get that one done in two weeks and I'm planning to start it very soon since one of my classes got cancelled today. So you got at least one to two weeks left to vote. Also... the second place for the polls will have something special for it. There will be a new OC added to the AlFheim arc and second place will have that as his/her fairy race. For now, the disclaimers.

Disclaimers: I do not own SAO. I only own Belle and all the members of Fire Revolution. Now please enjoy and if you don't like it, there's the back button that can teleport you back in time.

Crystal: also, special shout out to Akiie-chan who made the new cover page for I'm in Hell. I love it so much!


Chapter 10: Full on War

A few days have passed since the whole thing with Yui and Adam but nothing has changed much. Kirito wore Yui's tear around neck as a necklace and I wore Adam's star as a necklace as well. I don't know how my dad or Jason reacted to us talking to them about Adam because after that, they fell silent. It took a bit before Gatsby told me Jason was doing a different VMMORPG to get prepared for the next problem, AlFheim Online. They didn't tell me much but it seemed like Jason was pretty important, I just hope they're not doing anything risky. Jason is still a minor and putting him at risk would cause major problems, especially from me once I get out of the game. He's still a kid after all. I kind of grew up while in this game so I can't really say I'm a child or teen any more. Still, I started feeling a little restless as days went on. For one thing, we're nearing the end by looking at the calendar.

We're so close to freedom that I would do anything to keep myself busy instead of messaging Asuna on the goings on of the guild nearly every hour. Kirito was pretty restless too, going out fishing everyday, or at least trying to fish. The poor boy had no fishing skills so he never caught anything even on a good day though I would joke with him about getting fish for dinner. Then again we're pretty high up so he'd need a better fishing skill than no skill. During this time, Paris would visit me while London tried to help Kirito learn how to fish… with very little success. I swear, Kirito and London have a budding bromance out there on that lake. Paris explained the Fire Revolution was working on leveling up their strongest players so that they could also help in the final battle coming up. Since it would be the final battle, it made sense that if the Fire Guild had some casualties, no one would really notice that those players actually lived. I was pleased, though I'm worried since I do remember the number of people who died in the final boss battle: fourteen. If the F.R came in, they would fight with recklessness and people would think we lost more people and maybe lose their nerves. So really, the whole thing could either make or break us. We can't afford that if Kirito can't beat Heathcliff. Not only that but I have been planning things with Paris for what is to come, something that will help us in the long run.

"Seems like you've been busy." Paris said, leaning over the counter as I worked on some dinner, well really the sauce and some rice since I think today was the day Kirito brings a dinner guest.

"Yeah well… I want to get out of this game and… I hope I didn't mess up." I admit as I stirred the sauce together. "I mean, I changed so much and I could've ruined everything. If I had known this earlier…"

"Would you have been mean to Kirito and Asuna?" Paris asked, resting her head on her arms. "Belle, I doubt you could be mean to them. You know they are keys to getting out of here and like everyone else, you put a lot of faith in them. In many ways, I think this would've happened either way."

"How'd you figure that?"

"Think about it, you've always been watchful of everything, getting to know people and helping them through their troubles. I think you've been there more than Asuna. Plus, you understand Kirito better since both of you are beta testers at least." Paris said, as I put down the spoon I was using to stir. "Also, you have an adorable factor to you when you get all flusters and when you open yourself to people."

"Okay, you don't need to say it like that." I sighed shaking my head. "Anyway, don't you need to get going? It's almost dinner time."

"Yeah, London and I are going out to dinner with a bunch of other players. Sort of us having a pre-celebration for the final battle."

"Isn't it bad luck?"

"Yeah well, it's to boast the confidence of the players. We're all excited to be finished and move on to the next project."

"AlFheim right?"

"Yep, we're prepping for that." Paris said, getting up from her spot. "Jason's pretty excited a well. He's been logged into AlFheim for a while now and been testing some new programs we got from this game." I look at Paris, suddenly feeling nervous.

"What do you mean…"

"Well, we may have checked the programming of AlFheim and made our own version of the NerveGear."

"YOU WHAT?!" I screamed, nearly dropping my spoon into the pot. "PARIS, IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN…"

"We've been testing it an nothing has happened. Plus we're using it differently it won't fry your brain." Paris said, waving her hands defensively. "But we'll explain more of that to you. We're only getting into AlFheim as a precaution." I stared for a moment and sighed.

"So in other words, you're preparing for the worst."

"Yeah, but for now don't worry about it."

"Hard to do now." Paris smiled as she walked over, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"You got this, Belle. We've been planning for a while and I know you and Kirito can do it. You guys are a team after all." I didn't say anything as Paris left and I turned off the flames of the stove to sit down on the balcony.

In a way, I think I changed for the better. I mean, Kirito and I are close, I don't see him as annoying even if it is a Gary Stu. And I did "marry" him but… so many things have happened to us. If we leave SAO and there's no AlFheim… will it be the end? I felt kind of sad to think about that. Years ago, when I started the game, I would've been overjoyed to end the whole death game. But I've made so many friends: Asuna, Lisbeth, Klein, Agil, and Kirito. If it weren't for people like them I don't know how long I could've lasted. Though Kirito was a solo player, he couldn't have gone through the game alone. He had Agil and then… me and the rest of F.R. I was ripped from my thoughts as I heard Kirito calling me from the road and saw him bringing a man with him and holding a fish.

"Kirito, you caught a fish? Did the sky fall today and I didn't notice?" I joked as Kirito rolled his eyes.

"Oh ha ha. Very funny. No I didn't catch it." Kirito said, gesturing to the man with the fish. "This here is Nishida. We were hoping you can make something with this fish."

"Hm…" I look at the fish carefully and to Nishida. "How does sashimi sound to you?"

"You know how to make sashimi?" Kirito asked, as I shrugged.

"Hey, I may be American but I love some Japanese food too." Nishida laughed, handing me the fish.

"I'd love some sashimi! That would be perfect with some wasabi and ginger!"

"Well, we don't have those exact things but I do have great substitutes."

"Excellent!"

Within minutes, the three of us were sitting together and talking as we ate together. I gotta admit, the fish may look freaky but it tasted like fatty tuna, one of best types of sushi out there though expensive as all heck. Still, I think the person who loved it most was Nishida, who even had a bottle of what seemed like sake with him. I made tea for Kirito and myself since we were still minors… I wonder if it's actually possible to get drunk in SAO.

"That was excellent!" Nishida cheered as he finished the last of his drink. "I never know you could make something like soy sauce in this world."

"Well it is homemade after all. I can give you a bottle to bring home if you'd like."

"Yes please!" I laughed at Nishida's enthusiasm. It's nice to have someone around who isn't trying to tease you all the time.

"Really though, it's nice to see it's possible to get fish from that lake. Kirito has been going there all the time and hasn't caught a nibble." I say, looking to Kirito, who had an annoyed look, which he tried to hide behind his cup of tea.

"Well if the lakes on this floor weren't so hard, London and I might've caught something." Nishida and I laughed at this, and really, it's nice to see Kirito not being good at something for a change.

"Well, actually that's not entirely it." Nishida said as I moved to refill my cup of tea. "The only difficult one is the big lake you were fishing in."

"Seriously?!" Oh god. I busted out laughing at Kirito's expression. It was like someone had beaten him to rare quest, and believe me, that's happened before. "Why would they design it like that?"

"Maybe there's an ultra rare fish monster in it." I said, trying to catch my breath from laughing.

"That's exactly right! Good job, Belle-san!" Nishida said as I swelled in pride. "That lake contains and enormous fish."

"Seriously?" Kirito asked, with an expression I can only describe as close to being freaked out.

"Are we talking like shark big or big as house big?"

"Big as this house actually."

"Seriously?!" This time, I joined Kirito in this. The thought of that giant lung fish… I don't know, if that thing touched me while in the water, I'd be screaming like Jaws came at me.

"I've encountered it several times. But it's so huge, it dragged my pole away all together." I shuddered at the thought. If that fish had the power to drag a fishing pole out of a person's hands… if that pole was strapped to a person… good bye poor unfortunate soul. "And so, I'd like to make you an offer."

"Hm?"

Later that night, after Nishida left… after much convincing to get Kirito to help him with his fishing quest that would make the guy from that River Monsters show wet himself, Kirito and I were about ready to go to bed. I wore a long white nightgown while Kirito wore his usual PJs and trying to mimic a fishing throw.

"I don't fishing for that thing, but is switching possible with a fishing pole?"

"Probably, this game can be weird some times." I chuckle as I sit on my bed. "You know, you kind of surprised me. I thought you'd be coming home with London."

"Yeah well, he said he was going to a party with Paris and the others."

"If we got the fish tomorrow though, think I could cook it?"

"I doubt it, that fish probably wouldn't be able to fit in the oven and all the pots in the house." I laughed, as Kirito turned off the lights but I didn't lay down beside him. Instead, he looked at me, his face illuminated by the moonlight from our window.

"London says we're close to the end. Hard to believe right?"

"Yeah, but are you happy we're nearly done?"

"I don't know…" Kirito said and I was surprised by what he said next. "If we end it, we may not be able to see each other again… You'll be further away than ever before. It's not like I'll be able to find you if I go to America and find your hometown. We're from completely different worlds and times. So… I guess I feel mixed." I was surprise to hear the hurt in his voice, the honesty and vulnerability in him.

"Kazuto…"

"It's true though, and even with what London has told me, he's not sure if the next part will even happen." Kirito continued as he opened his eyes to stare at me. "Isabelle, our time together here has been the best I've had. But… to know that when I wake up in the real world… and you may not be there… It's a terrible thought…"

"Yeah… I know the feeling." I get up from my bed and lay beside Kirito, holding his hand in mine. "Kazuto, you, Asuna, everyone, you guys have become a part of my life. Even though I know that when I return home and you guys aren't going to be there… it does hurt. It hurts because I've left behind the people who made me who I am. It's worse than having someone you love die because you know they're alive but know you can't ever find them again. That's why… for now… can we focus on the here and now?"

"Isabelle…"

"Just hold my hand… please…" I say and Kirito nodded. We slept like that, hand in hand, facing each other, and enjoying the moment.

Kirito was right though. It could be the end once SAO ends. Sure AlFheim might happen but it all depends. Though… if we don't get AlFheim… I'm still gonna try and go in even if it's by myself. I still owe Asuna as a friend… she's been so nice to me and in the beginning I hide the fact I didn't like her because of the anime. Kirito and Asuna… the two characters I absolutely hated… turned into the best friends I could ever ask for. And Kirito… I gotta tell him how I feel, but with our time being limited now, will I even have time to? I woke up early to that thought and really, if I don't tell him before SAO ends… I think its really going to affect me.

We didn't speak much about the topic from last night but Kirito insisted on holding my hand as we walked to the lake, which I didn't object to even once. Kirito wore his usual outfit while I wear a knitted blue dress that went to my knees and black leggings with matching boots. Gotta make sure I can fight at least, right? As we walked, I noticed how lovely the day was, smiling as I looked to Kirito. It reminded me of the day we took a nap under the tree before the whole Murder in the Safe Zone case. One of our first adventures together… I gripped his hand tighter, trying to remember this moment and burn it into my minds. The dream will end but my memories of it won't die. Kirito seemed to notice this and smiled at me as we made it to the lake to see a large crowd of people.

"Wow, a lot of people came for this."

"Yeah… didn't Nishida say this fish was as big as our house?" Kirito asked, as I nodded.

"Yeah, but I guess that makes it all the more interesting."

"Well here it is! The moment we've all been waiting for!" Nishida called out as the entire party seemed to cheer in excitement and encouragement. "Let's do it, Kirito-kun!"

"Yeah." The two of us looked at Nishida as he helped what looked like a baby sized lizard in his hand, which happened to be the bait.

"That poor thing is crying!"

"What kind of fish needs that kind of bait…" Kirito asked himself as I fought the urge to grab the poor animals. I like lizards okay!

"Here we go!" With a swing of his fishing pole, the threw the little lizard with hook and line into the lake. I flinched hearing it scream then hit the water in silence. Little lizard, may you rest in peace. I kept my distance as Kirito and Nishida waited for the line to get a bite, but I tried not to laugh as Kirito was nearly pulled into the water, still gripping onto the pole for dear life.

"Kirito! Try dragging it up! I think I can see it!" I call out as Kirito ran towards the end of the dock. Sure enough, a shadow could be seen beginning to surface. "And that's the signal to run!" I shouted, as the men saw what I meant, running for their lives with Nishida and I bringing up the rear.

"Hey! Where are you going!" Kirito shouted, but fell down a the line broke. "oh crap!"

"Kirito! Don't go there! You're gonna get eaten!" I shouted as Kirito went to check over the edge of the dock.

"Wait, what!?

"Too late." I was right, the giant mutant lungfish appeared out of the water destroying the dock and probably soaking Kirito in the process. It towered over Kirito as it roared right in the boy's face and I think a few men behind me got the new item 'Soiled Pants'. Have I ever marveled how fast Kirito was? Well, one second he was under the lungfish, and then the next second he appeared by my legs with a cloud of dirt and glaring up at me with a freaked out look in his eyes.

"You ran away! You left me there to die!"

"Well I knew you were fast enough to get away."

"That's cruel!"

"And you had a funny expression on your face too."

"That's even worse!"

"Here it comes!" Nishida shouted, as we looked at the crazy lungfish. Though slow, it was running on all fours with this crazy look in it's eyes and it looked like it was breathing normally. Freaky… yet a little bit interesting.

"Whoa, it's like a crazy lungfish."

"I think we have those in Florida." I commented, taking out my sword. "Still, I got this, it doesn't seem to be two high leveled."

"What, are you crazy?!" Nishida said as I got in front of the group with my sword unsheathed and at the ready.

"You guys might wanna stand back!" I shouted, as the lungfish charged at me. I charged as well, my sword at the ready and I sliced right through it. It really wasn't that strong, it died with one long strike and vaporized leaving me standing there as I sheathed my sword. I didn't realize but all the men cheered surrounding me, shaking my hand eagerly. I didn't realize people knew who I was, I guess I am famous.

"Nice job, Belle!" I heard Kirito call out to me but I hear a ping in my ears and saw I got a message from Asuna.

"Sorry guys, I'm gonna need a minute." Opening my menu, I read the message from Asuna.

Belle,

We need you and Kirito to come back to the guild. We've found the boss room, but something's happened. I can't explain it now. I'm about to go into a briefing about the event myself. Will see you when you get back. We can talk about your trip then.

Asuna

I looked to Kirito and it looked like he got the same kind of message. We quickly said our good byes and went back home to change into our armor again. I went into the bathroom to change but once I had placed on my uniform and armor I realized I may not be able to return to this cabin for a long time. I closed my eyes, remembering how we had spent so much time together the cabin. Kirito and I, along with our friends. This place has a lot of wonderful memories… 'If only we could've stayed her longer, maybe this couldn't been a real home.' I thought, closing my eyes. I imaged my dad, Jason, Kirito, Adam, Yui, and I all together here in this cabin. My dad glaring down at Kirito as Adam and Jason would laugh, and Yui napping on the couch. Maybe some day, that dream could come true… but I'm not even sure if it's even possible. I heard a knock on the door and I went to answer it to see Nishida standing there with Asuna.

"Sorry for disturbing you, this young lady's been looking for you so I brought her here." Nishida said as Asuna smiled at me.

"Hey, Belle. You ready to go?"

"Yeah, let me just get Kirito. He's probably moping in the bedroom. Be back in a minute." I say, jogging to the main bedroom to see Kirito laying in bed, spread eagled. "Come on, you lazy bum. Asuna even came to get us."

"I know, but this sucks. We've only been on vacation for two weeks." Kirito groaned, not looking at me. "Plus… I get the feeling this will be the last time we see this place." He finally looked to me with a knowing look in his eyes. "I'm right, aren't I."

"Yeah, you are… but… we're needed." I say, walking over to him so I could pull him up. "I said good bye to the house… still, we had fun while here. You got to catch the biggest fish ever."

"Yeah… and I could've been eaten." Kirito pouted making me laugh a little.

"Okay, come on. Before Asuna yells for us."

"Right." Together, we left hand in hand as we followed Asuna to the teleport plaza. Nishida had to go to the after party of his big catch so he couldn't see us off. Another thing that changed from the anime. He didn't get to see us off and Asuna didn't get to say what her new reason for living in the game was. Then again since I'm with Kirito now, I guess it would've been my speech so I'm glad I didn't get to do it. I've already told some of my feelings to Kirito and I didn't want to get too sappy before the final battle. I was already nervous. So many things can go wrong. Still, we're at the home stretch. No turning back now.

Once we arrived at the headquarters at Grandzam, we were escorted into the main meeting room where Heathcliff and the other generals were waiting for us. And instantly broke the news to us. The news of how a party of twenty had been cut in half by the newest boss on the Floor Seventy-Five. How after being cut off from the rest of the party, the remaining party leaders looked into the boss room to see no sign of the boss or their fallen party members. Felt Kirito grip my hand as Heathcliff described the room to us, knowing about the whole thing with the Moonlit Black Cats and all. Still, when Kirito spoke, I looked at him.

"We'll help. However, Belle's safety is my highest priority." Kirito said, in a serious voice that kind of impressed me. "If things get bad, I will protect her over the rest of the party."

"Same goes for me." I say, gripping Kirito's hand tightly. "I'm not letting my partner die on me." Heathcliff smirked at us with a knowing look on his face that always pissed me off.

"A person is very strong when he seeks to protect something. I expect a good fight." Heathcliff answer and with that, the meeting ended. Leaving the two of us in the room while the rest of the members of the guild went to spread the word for the upcoming raid.

"And with that, three hours of nothing to do…" I sighed, leaning against the wall as Kirito stood by the window. "I'm gonna need to go shopping for more health crystals." When Kirito didn't respond, I turned to look at him. "Kirito, what's up? You've been silence since the meeting ended."

"Belle, I know you're going to hate me for asking this… but… could you stay behind this time?"

"What?" I asked. I knew this was coming but really. I'm not helpless… but I bleed.

"Belle, you're more vulnerable than the rest of us. One wrong move and this boss can kill you. I just…" Kirito looked away, and I could see his hands were curled up into tight fists. "I don't want you to die in there."

"Kirito… I've faced a bunch of bosses before now. What makes this one so different? If anything, we're getting more help now and we're prepared for the worse." I point out, walking over to him and pinching his cheek.

"Ow!" He swatted my hand away as he looked at me. "Why'd you do that?"

"Because I need you to snap out of it." I said, frowning at him. "We're a team, or have you forgotten? I held his left hand, which had his ring on it. "We're partners, we're married, and I'm not living you alone and unguarded. You can be restless too you know. Don't you think I'd worry about you while waiting here? Or better yet, I could just follow you."

"B… Belle… I'm… I'm sorry. I… I know you'd follow me into this battle but… I don't want you to die." Kirito's voice shook, his eyes beginning to water and I relaxed a bit. I rested my head against his, closing my eyes. "Belle… I… I just want to run away!" I heard the pleading in his voice, the desperation as he continued. "I don't care if we return to the real world now! If we do, like we talked about, we may never see each other again! I… I just want to live in our little house in the woods, just being ourselves."

"I know but… if you were to die in there, I know I'd be all alone in the end. I'll go crazy." I said, realizing I was trembling slightly and I kept my eyes tight shut. "I… I didn't tell you this but I think you knew deep down. Do you remember a week or so after the game's first day? People began to collapse all over the place. It's because people were getting transferred to hospitals. If people were to pull the life support from the sleeping players…"

"We'd die. At least everyone who isn't a special beta…" Kirito said, a look of horror on his face. "But… but that means."

"Even when everyone is gone, us special betas will be here and I don't think we have enough resources to make it through the game even with the F.R's help… I'll… I'll be fighting alone. People probably would just give up and live in this world." I started to cry, gripping Kirito's hand in mine. "I can't fight alone. I don't want to stay here forever while my family is moving on without me. I want to hug my dad for real, to see my bother graduate, to show him to you, Kazuto… I know… I'm not strong enough to end my life when I become the last one fighting, but I'll go insane when everyone is gone and none of the special betas want to leave. I'll be the only one fighting and probably then… I'll die…"

"Belle…" I felt him pull me into a hug and that's when I began to cry for real. I'm scared of what'll happen if we don't ends this now. What if people can't wait much longer and cut off the life support. I will be alone. But… if I had to choose living in a world where I could lose my friends and loved one any minute or the real world where I can always have memories of them and know they're alive… I'd pick the last one. At least then, I'd be comforted by the fact they're living. "We have one more fight, right?" I nod, letting Kirito rub the back of my head.

"We're nearing the end of this war… we have this chance… So please… lets not be sad…" I said, wiping my tears away and looking at Kirito. "I'll be your anchor and you be mine, okay?"

"Yeah." He said, not letting go of my hand as we left the room to get supplies for the raid. That entire time, our hands never left each other's grasp… well, except for one moment. While shopping and when Kirito pulled away to do something, I spilled my wedding ring off my necklace and only my left ring finger. I guess now there's no denying how I feel. I'm not sure if Kirito noticed but after that, he held on to me tighter, like he never wanted to let me go and I guess I felt comforted by that. Acquaintances, friends, partners, and now kind of dating/married: I've grown to finally accept it at last.

We finally arrived at the teleport plaza on Floor Seventy-Five to a rather… tense crew. Actually tense isn't the only word for this group. More like… tense, stressed, scared, nervous, and all the terms that leak to boarder line near catatonic from fear and worry. That and a few people were glaring at Kirito since again, he is a Beater and the people coincidently forgot that he has been fighting on the front lines for a very long time. Actually, a few people glared at me as well, probably because I was planning to leave the Knights of the Blood Oath and left the front lines for a honeymoon vacation with Kirito. To that, I have no regrets! I gripped Kirito's hand so he could look at me. "It's going to be okay." Kirito smiled at me and was about to speak when we heard a familiar coo.

"Aw! Look at them. Two lovers blossoming in the afternoon sun." Kirito and I jumped to see London, Paris, the rest of F.R, along with Klein, Asuna, and Agil.

"Come on, guys! You have to tease us right before a boss fight?"

"Well, we gotta. The two of you look more lovey dovey than ever." Paris smirked, looking at Kirito and I as we blushed. "What? Did something happen today? Come on, you can tell us."

"Told you they'd be doing something on that trip. The old soldier keeps going on."

"Seriously, Klein, really?" Kirito sighed, looking at his redheaded friend. "Still, I'm surprised you know London and the others."

"Oh yeah, we some times go on raids together." Klein said as Agil nodded.

"Yeah, and I help out the F.R from time to time with it comes to weapon inspections."

"I'm just surprised you guys even came." Kirito said, looking at Agil especially.

"Hey, I closed my shop to help you guys out." Agil said, bending down to look at Kirito up close. "I'm gonna make a killing on this fight so you better believe I'm ready. And with the back up from the Fire Revolution Guild, I think we got this in the bag."

"Oh, so then you wouldn't mind the next time we go on a big quest we take you off the drop list." London said as Agil instantly panicked, causing the rest of us to laugh. Well, when I mean the rest of us, I mean my friends and I. The rest of the guild were talking among themselves while the other fighters were too busy glaring at us. We stopped though as we heard the clanging footsteps of Heathcliff and his crew coming and they got to the archway. Heathcliff took out one of those special teleport crystals that lead to a specific place the player wants rather than just the plaza.

"Corridor, open." The crystal dissolved as a portal appeared and Heathcliff was the first to enter through. I gotta admit, I didn't like the feeling the place we entered felt. The room corridor was cold for some reason but the silence made my skin crawl. The large door stood before us and I let go of Kirito's hand for the first time in hours.

"Kirito, you feel that?"

"Yeah… really bad feeling." Kirito said, as we followed the rest of the crew. I looked around us. There were about thirty players from the main story plus the extra fifteen from F.R meaning that we're going in with forty-five players… We do have a chance but… it's still going to be tough. I looked around hoping to see my dad here but I didn't see Gatsby anywhere. Probably a good call since Heathcliff is joining us for this raid but still, having him around would make me feel a little better.

Some may think that knowing things ahead of time is great, like knowing the boss before any of the boss rooms are open. Well, it's not. It's just setting you up for hurt because you know how deadly the boss is going to be and the Skull Reaper is one of the bosses I've been fearing the most. It's probably one of the scariest bosses I've seen in SAO so…. I'm trying to make sure I don't end up doing something stupid. We got to the boss door and finally Heathcliff made his speech.

"The Knights of the Blood Oath will be in front. Distracting the boss and blocking it's attacks." Well, I'm going to scream like a girl first. "In the mean time, you all need to watch the boss and figure out its attack patterns. I won't lie, this battle will be hard." Great motivational line Akihiko. "But I have faith we can and will prevail. For our day of liberation!" The crowd cheered, ready for battle but Kirito looked worried. His serious look stuck on his face as he stood in the cheering crowd. I leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"You be careful, Kirito." I say as he looks to me. "Klein doesn't have another revival item so we can't bring you back from the brink again. I got your back and you got mine, okay?" Kirito looked a bit shocked but smiled.

"Yeah, you got it." We all got our weapons ready as we stood by the entrance to the boss room. The doors slowly opening before us as I gripped my sword.

"Don't die, guys."

"Oh great motivational speech, Kirito."

"Like we're gonna let that happen."

"I'm gonna make a fortune from all the drops. No way I'm missing out on that."

"Don't get careless, Belle."

"You should talk, Paris."

"Hey, we're about to run in! Save the bickering for later."

Heathcliff did his battle cry and we all ran inside, getting to the center of the room as the doors closed behind us, vanishing into thin air. The room was virtually empty, or at least it appeared to be. I looked around us, trying to hear the sounds of the Skull Reaper and sure enough, I hear the sounds of clicking from above.

"It's on the ceiling!" I shouted as we all looked up. I know people have seen this before in the anime but really seeing it in person was even worse.

It looked like a giant skeleton of a human mixed with a spider that had mated with a monster centipede. I'm reminded of another video game London had told me about where it had messed up fairy tales. One of which was about Cinderella, who had the loveliest feet in the kingdom and of course, the prince had a foot fetish. After their marriage though, the prince grew tired of Cinderella and she made a wish to have the best feet in all the world. The wish had a cost turning Cinderella into a human centipede like monster but had very lovely feet. I think London told me you had to fight her and tied to her back was the dead remains of the prince she made the wish for. Well… I think I found her undead corpse. Some of the men looked absolutely terrified as the Skull Reaper…. You know what, to reduce the incoming nightmares, I'm gonna call it Cinderella Centipede. Why, because I don't want to have nightmares for the rest of the year. Anyway, Cinderella Centipede came down upon our raid party, some of the men stood there, shaking in fear and I can imagine them having accidents in the bedpans at the hospitals they were in.

"Come on! This way!" Kirito shouted to a few of the men, who instantly turned to run for aid but were slashed by Cinderella Centipede's scythe blades on it's front legs. Asuna and Paris tried to catch them but instantly vaporized as they made contact with the hard matter.

"Th… that was one hit!"

"Man, we are so dead!"

"Don't freak out now!" I shouted at Klein and Agil, my sword ready to defend myself and anyone close to me. "If we lose it now, it's all over!"

"I'm gonna have nightmares after this!" I heard London shout nearby as he had Paris readied their weapons as well. I can tell that even though they had no fear of dying, Cinderella Centipede freaked them out just like the rest of us. I was surprised at the speed it had for such a large monster. It slashed throw one man with ease after getting blocked by Heathcliff's shield. Not only that, the thing jumps to the point nearly all it's body is off the ground!

"We can't even get close to hit the damn thing!"

"We gotta stop those scythes, they're its main weapon!" I shouted as Kirito ran to aid another player. Even Kirito's high level couldn't stop Cinderella Centipede from digging one of it's scythes into his shoulder as the other scythe made to slash him to ribbons. "Guys!"

"We're on it!" London and I blocked the second scythe as Paris stuck her spear into Cinderella Centipede's eye

"If we can block it's attack, we should be able to deal more damage. We just gotta be careful!" Paris shouted looking to the other players while I helped Kirito up.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, thanks for the help." Kirito said, looking at us and I suddenly got an idea.

"Asuna! I'm gonna need your help here in the front!" I shouted, before looking to Heathcliff. "Heathcliff, you and the rest of the guild keep the tail busy! I looks like it could also be used as a weapon!" I could see Heathcliff smirking at me with that annoying knowing look.

"All right!" Asuna quickly joined us and looked to me with an impressed look.

"Seems like you're ready for this."

"Yeah well, it's going to be a long battle. Kind of actually feels like war, don't you think?"

"Don't get like this now, Belle." Asuna said, and the five of us lunged into battle. Kirito and I blocked one scythe while Paris and London blocked the other. Asuna helped chip away at damage by attacking the openings we left.

"Everyone! We'll block the scythes while Heathcliff and his men block the tail! The rest, flank it and attack!" Kirito ordered and with renewed vigor, the rest moved in for their attacks. My heart pumped in my ears as I fought along side my friends. With Heathcliff, Asuna, Kirito, and I shouting orders or advice to help the battle it kind of felt like we were fighting a war against an army that was more powerful than us. But hasn't that always been the way? Haven't we been fighting against something that was more than us? 'It's always been a war to get to the end of this guys…. Now we're going to finish with one last major battle!' I thought helping Kirito block another attack. 'We're going all out today! We're going to go home today! No matter what!'


Crystal:... Um... I'm gonna make this quick since... Belle found my outline for the next chapter and... she's very angry and...

Belle: *from a distance* I SWEAR WHEN I FIND YOU, YOU ARE SO DEAD!

Crystal: Um... see you guys in Chapter 11: Promise. See you soon...

Belle: hehehehehehehehe found you...

Crystal: *screams and runs away*