Hey yall I know its been a long time since my last update. I lost my muse for a while and just got it back and I am dead set on finishing it. Anyway here is Chapter 13 there is some Cameo appearances. I hope you enjoy. There will be one final Chapter for the Shadow falls and I'll try to have it up ASAP.

As Deen stared at the door his face was marred by a frown they had pressed the button to try to over come the quest again but the door remained closed. He was starting grow impatient when suddenly Leafa disappeared, then Kirito, Mat and finally Recon. Deen cursed as his body lit up and felt himself ripped away from the world, he growled sitting up removing the NerveGear he was tempted to throw it against the wall breaking the object an action that would most likely put a hole there. Getting up he moved toward the door only to find Matt and Miya standing there ready to knock on his door and from the looks on their faces they were just as confused as he was. He motioned to head down stairs so they could figure it out at least he hoped they could if Sugou had purposely logged them out then that meant he was on to them and that was very bad something he mentioned. Matt however had a different idea and looked to Miya "Wasn't the new 5.0 patch supposed to go into effect?" At her confused look he continued "You know the one with the reincarnation system."

Her brow furrowed as she thought about it before her eyes widened in surprise "Yes, but I thought it wasn't supposed to be implemented until next month."

Chris frowned "So we were forcefully logged out so the patch could be put in place" at their nods he turned to Matt "tell me about the Reincarnation system how does it work?"

"I'm not really sure but I believe you pick another race and your stats roll over. At least that's what I have read about." He gave his brother a curious look "Think about changing races?"

He nodded "Yes as a matter of fact I am. I like the whole fire thing but finding out all races can use the different magic I decided maybe I would be better off as something else" he looked to his younger brother and smiled "tell me, about the Cait Sith."

From there Chris listened to his sibling tell him about all of the advantages and disadvantages the Cat race held, but as he thought about it he could turn those weaknesses into strengths and the idea of the tail held many great purposes. He was told that the race was in lighter class than the Salamanders but that was easy to fix so he decided once the system was back up he would switch to a Cait Sith if it was in the system he couldn't risk choosing a new race now and having all of his stats reset not when they were so close. He voiced this thought aloud before an idea came to him and he politely excused himself but was stopped when Miya took his arm lightly questioning in her eyes.

He smiled "Don't worry I'm just going to see if I can get in touch with some people I know" he quickly gave her a kiss before heading up stairs where he picked up his cell phone. Opening it he started a text message asking that the recipients to reply ASAP by messenger, sending it to Angel, Fade, and Solace. As he closed his phone he hoped they would reply and that they didn't throw away their equipment he prayed hard that they didn't. He took a seat at the computer and logged on before he knew it all three messaged him at the same time Angel had been happy to hear from him, Solace was grumpy that it was so early in the morning while Fade was 'surprise' indifferent. He smiled they hadn't changed a bit 'Angel, Fade, Solace I have an important question to ask'

'What is it Deen' Angel always used pink and green texts.

'Yeah, spit it out already' he chuckled Solace always to the point.

'This is about that picture you received isn't it?' How the hell did Fade know... He cut that thought off right there he always seemed to know.

'You know I'm not even going to ask how you know that Fade but yes.'

'What picture' a question echoed by both girls.

He searched his pictures for it before attaching it and sending it 'This one, tell me what you think.'

Angel: 'It looks like Asuna.'

Solace: 'I agree, it looks like her. But what do you want us to do?'

Fade: ' Your going in after her aren't you? Or have you already?'

Deen: 'I have. I have done some recon and it looks like she is trapped at the top of something called the World Tree in a game called Alfhime. It is supposedly the grand quest to get to the top but according to sources its either unbeatable or no one was meant to be able to get to the top. Now the question I have to ask is have you gotten rid of your NerveGear?"

Angel: 'No, it was my brother's but I got my own just in case something happened and I got back into it. If your going to save her I'm in!'

Solace: 'I had thought about it but I figured all of us would get back into it. So yeah I still have it and I'm in.'

Fade: 'What do our forces look like? If it is as you say we will need a large force to go in.'

Deen: 'I know. I have been working on that end but I don't think it will be enough. I have two Armies preparing but I don't know or trust them, I'm asking if you will enter the game and come to Arund round up as many players from SAO as you can. I am still under my old name so you can find me.'

With that he logged off and headed back down stairs hoping that it would all work out as he stepped off the stair case Miya was watching him a knowing smile on her face "You asked your old party to help didn't you?"

He smiled rubbing the back of his head "Yeah. I know for a fact Fade, Angel, and Solace are in though I have no idea if anyone else will show up."

Chris looked to the clock and seeing it was a little after noon since the servers were down he brought up the idea of going out for lunch to which the others agreed to instantly. After going up stairs to change Matt was waiting downstairs with Chris and he finally noticed something a shiny glint on his left hand. He turned his head to get a better look and saw the silver band around his ring finger he then remembered they left early for something. He smirked as it all fell into place they went and got married. It wasn't surprising as his conversation with Miya earlier that morning pretty much indicated it, he couldn't help but be happy for the two of them especially since all that they had been through.

Before leaving Chris gave Matt a great idea to invite the Kirigaya siblings who practically jumped at the idea. Sugu was the only one who was excited about going out so she could meet her boyfriend, Kazuto however was angry. Angry that the system was down and he would have to wait even longer to save Asuna, his sister tried to cheer him up and talk him into going but he refused saying he was going to stay in to see if he could come up with a good strategy. She had met the three at a small Western style cafe, it was kind of surprising as she hadn't had some in quite a while but one of the main reasons she wanted to go was to ask what life was like in the United States.

The four ate sharing small stories about their personal lives, Chris and Matt found out they had the most stories from all aspects ranging from funny to embarrassing though some of them really got rises out of the girls present. But the two boys got into telling stories about the other they didn't want known, the girls were laughing so hard they were doubled over while Chris and Matt had their fore heads pressed together growling at the other. When lunch was over they headed toward a park Matt and Sugu walked off in some unknown direction while Chris and his new wife sat on a park bench to wait for the young couple to come back around. All the while sitting there they spoke about nothing in particular just random things, what life would be like when they moved to the States, when they got a place of their own, and of course kids though that was one topic Chris definitely wasn't keen on. Miya had picked on it right away and giggled all the while giving boy and girl names, he noted she used mainly female names and asked her if she wanted a girl more than a boy.

She had told him that she did before asking what he wanted, his response was a smile "I don't care as long as they are healthy." The two spent the rest of the time in silence cuddled up shielding each other from the cold. When Matt and Sugu came around they were holding hands, Chris had been ready to tease them but Miya was on to him and pinched him to make sure he didn't. She giggled at the innocent look he gave her, Sugu glanced to her watched "Sorry but its time I get home" her head lowered wanting to stay with Matt.

Chris smiled "Its ok. We'll walk you home" his smile turned mischievous "so you can spend a little more time with you boy friend" he said in a sing song manner.

After dropping Sugu off and her sharing a small goodbye kiss with Matt they headed back to the Asakura mansion where they hoped that the system would be back up. Chris was more than a little anxious to get back onto the battle field as he thought it was time to put an end to everything that was causing pain in the virtual world he just hoped that it would be enough. As they made their way through the door Matt's cell phone went off having received a text from Sugu, after having it translated by Miya saying that the system was indeed back up and her brother went in alone, Chris released an audible curse before running up the steps to his borrowed room. He knew the other two wouldn't be far behind so he powered up the system and launched into the game he appeared at the login screen and after getting in he came to the start menu and the same female voice came out.

"Welcome to Alfhime Online. You have one Reincarnation token, would you like to use it?" A screen popped up and he clicked yes, "Your stats will roll over for your first Reincarnation. Please choose a new Race." He scrolled until he found the Cait Sith he smiled clicking on the Cat creature "Cait Sith, are you sure you want to reincarnate as a Cait Sith?" He clicked yes again "Your appearance will be chosen at random." The area went black and when he opened his eyes he was staring at the entrance to the world tree, feeling something moving behind him he turned to see a brown tail a slight twitched on his head let him know he had the ears. 'So it does work' he mused internally it took him a few minuets but he did get the hang of using the tail as if it was his arm or leg, he visualized the virtual bones spreading through the appendage and he found it was just as he thought it was very useful and the others were very surprised to find him hanging upside down by his tail.

Mat when he first saw it he had to look a second time before doubling over with laughter Leafa had done the same, he was about the same height and build as his Salamander and his appearances was similar except his hair. His hair was now a dark blue with a short ponytail and several thick strands hanging over his forehead, his clothing remained as it was and he still had the sword and shield. Leafa looked around not seeing her brother something she voiced. Deen pointed to the closed door "Its been that way since I got here so I don't think he has gone in yet."

"Not yet because I have had to hold him back" a familiar gruff voice drifted to Deen's ears. He turned quickly to see a taller and well built Spriggan holding onto Kirito, who was flanked by a small Sylph girl, and on his other side was a Salamander girl. He dropped off the tree and moved to them he smiled as tears fell from the Sylph girls eyes she tackled him, he grunted with the impact as he fell on his rear and patted her head. She had been calling him a jerk while crying, "I'm sorry, I missed you too Angel." He looked up "You too Solace and Fade."

The Salamander crossed her arms and smiled "I know, and its about time you told us you were back into it" she rushed forward and punched him in the face "and you should have called us sooner about this" she growled kicking him in the ribs when he was down. Kirito and Leafa were stunned by the action and were surprised to hear Mat, Angel, and Fade laughing. Leafa then noticed Recon had logged back in and was trying to escape unnoticed she quickly grabbed him by his collar before dragging him back to the group. As soon as Deen was up and healed he hugged Solace who embraced him in return before he got down to business "So who all is coming?"

Fade shook his head "No one. We are it."

Solace nodded "I tried to talk Sylvie into it but he refused." She looked away "Though I'm not surprised after all SAO left us all a little messed up."

Leafa looked between the newcomers "You all are SAO survivors" they nodded and she lowered her head "I'm sorry."

Fade shook his head "Don't worry about it" he looked up at the world tree "So this is it. What's the plan?"

Deen crossed his arms "The plan had been using Leafa and Recon for support, myself and Mat would be defenders for Kirito as he attempted to reach the top. Now that you are here we have a better chance of success." He looked around at the group and smirked "I guess my earlier statement came back to haunt me."

Mat chuckled "Yeah. But the question is what do we call ourselves?"

Deen smirked "The Brotherhood. We are of difference Races but we fight together, we are family." Deen held out his hand Angle was first to add hers, Solace was next, Fade, Mat, Leafa, and finally Kirito added his own. Thus The Brotherhood a group of Mercenaries from different Races was born. They turned toward the door Deen at the head he glared at the door "Lets crush them" he said accepting the quest. As the doors opened he drew his sword and shield, everyone rushed in weapons at the ready "Stick to the plan and we should make it through" Deen called out as his wings appeared dropping down her shot toward the ceiling with the other offensive fighters in pursuit. When they reached midway the creatures began to spawn and just like last time destroy one two take its place, but they were giving out just as good as they got, Deen knew it was putting strain on their healers to continue. With a primal roar he led the charge but he wasn't ready for fifteen to come at him alone and was knocked back, they were ready to finish him and before it could it a large flame blast came out of nowhere.

He smiled seeing Sakuya and Rue leading the large raiding party who quickly took up their position, both leaders gave command to Deen who led them and they was steadily pushing the enemy back. He nodded mentally then turned to Kirito "Go. Go now that we have the way clear, don't worry about us we will retreat once your through." The young boy nodded taking off in a burst of speed getting through the small hole with inches to spare, once he was Deen gave the order to retreat he was the last one out making sure no one was left behind. Outside of the dome Sakuya immediately wrapped her arms around Deen she had watched him almost die and memories of SAO had flooded into her mind, everyone watched as the Sylph leader cried into the shoulder of the Cait Sith mercenary leader. He held her tight petting her hair as he watched Fade and the other introduce themselves to Rue, Angel was teasing Recon about him being so shy.

Mat was sitting on a bench with Leafa who was resting her head on his shoulder he looked around despite looking energetic everyone was exhausted, but there was a glint in Deen's eyes and if he was honest he could feel something was off as well. He didn't know what but it felt wrong, Deen kissed Miya before logging out and she moved over to explain why he left so quickly. Chris opened his eyes as he came back bolting up he removed the NerveGear grabbing his hoodie he rushed out of the house ignoring the cries of Mr Asakura who had come home, he had to get there and fast. Someone like that bastard Sugou would no doubt be waiting for him, it was a good thing he was closer than Kazuto. He hid behind a car and noticed a deformed looking Sugou arrive which meant the boy wouldn't be far behind, when he saw Sugou start to make his move he intervened.

The Japanese man didn't expect to be ambushed but that was his only though before a mind numbing pain shot through his face as it was slammed through a pane of glass. He could hear the angry growls of the man who had him at his mercy he was speaking English but his thoughts drifted away as his face was rammed into the side of the car making a face shaped indenture. Five times this occurred and with each successive hit the man yelled "No one" hit. "Messes" hit. "With" hit. "The" hit. "Bad guy" hit. Chris watched the unconscious man lay on the ground face bloody from the attack, looking up he watched the boy enter the Hospital without a care in the world "Enjoy it little brother." Shoving his hands in his pockets he turned and walked away.

Its kind of short I know and not as descriptive as I normally am for that I'm sorry.