"Another day, another trial in Origins." Opening my eyes, I stretch my avatar's body across the bed. I might've fallen asleep the last two nights in-game, but having stayed up late trying to figure out what to do to save the world of Ainground...it's just been heavy on my mind, that's… Hold on, why do I feel additional weight in my bed? I was alone when I logged off, so...oh. "..."

"So… What's up, Philia?"

"I am merely trying to figure out how we ended up like this. Beside one another." She says that, as if I'm the culprit, yet she's smirking. It's not the first time this has happened virtually, thanks to our time in SAO and previously in Origins, but this is definitely the first time I've logged on to see Philia in sleepwear. The least revealing, I might add, since it's a simple nightgown, yet it still pronounces her femininity.

If I wasn't used to it, I'd probably freak out, yet I just turn my face away. "You're being playful today, Takemiya."

"Hmm, I live alone in the real world. So do you, Hardin. There's no way this could have happened there."

"...You can leave. Or I can."

"Hm, no need. This is a rare opportunity for me, me and you totally alone. I suppose I have not decided if I like it or not."

"Oh, so you learned to lock the door." I roll my eyes, but can't help but smile. "You know you're putting me in a precarious position."

She smiles and holds up the red book that's been on her chest. It's my log book. "Hmm. Would you tell me something? Something interesting."

I nod. "I log on, wake up, and there's a pretty cute girl in my bed, but she's not my girlfriend or one of my AI companions. It's Philia, my true sidekick and favorite treasure hunter. ."

"Cute, huh?" Is that where she's stuck on? Philia closes her eyes and faces up. "Come on, make conversation with me, please?"

"All right… Tell me, how's your treasure hunting going?"

That gleam in her eyes brighten. "Pretty good, if I say so myself. Every day, my coffers overflow with gold, jewels, and shinies galore!"

"Hmmph, that's nice. Bet you've uncovered more gold than anyone else in Origins."

She giggles. "And I'm willing to let you have an exaggerated view of my skills."

I raise an eyebrow. "Am I exaggerating? You realize Genesis had been in that cave before I did, despite me going into others. In the Emperor's quest, you noticed traps and stuff I would've missed. I know you better than most of the team, Philia. Even without skills, you have the intuition and experience."

Philia shrugs. "Heh, sometimes, I guess."

"What can I say? To me, you're...fucking awesome."

"Not like you, though."

"No, you are. I mean, I'm the worst. I made you a promise to be there at your side, in the real world and virtual if we left SAO, but let's be honest, I've done everything but that. I was happy to be with Lis, then happy to be with Kureha, then happy to be back with everyone I neglected someone very important to me. You were the first person I knew from SAO outside of it. We go to the same school and play the same games, but I've neglected to keep my word."

Philia places her hand on mine, but hides her face under her blonde hair. "I'm glad you did."

"What?"

"I'm glad you did. I… I was jealous. I wished I told you how I felt, but I told you to go and tell Lis your own feelings. Then I watched you two grow close in the real world and… I did everything to distance myself from it. Got a job, took Strea on hunts, only partied up when we were in large groups. At school, I kept interaction with you at lunch and during necessary times. I hated it, but by that time you were in GGO. Then when… Rika called and told me about you being in trouble, I… I wanted to save you because I didn't want my best friend to die. Now we're back here in a familiar world, just found out we're partially responsible if Aincrad returns, and… I am so afraid of that. I know we're not in danger, but...that's the worst possible thing to happen. The only comfort I can find is that you, Kirito, and the others won't let it happen. You say I'm amazing and you're the worst? It's the other way around. Because of me, you felt guilty and tried making it up when I should be doing it to you."

I raise my hand up to her face, wiping her tears. "You know...you could've just said thanks."

Philia stares at me, then giggles. "Only you. Having me bear my heart and you complain about me not saying thanks. Idiot… Thank you, Jaymes."

I nod. "As for what you said… I guess we got lots to make up for, huh? How about we keep it to us two today? Rain will be busy, I can ward off our favorite AI and the others. We can just forget about Aincrad and everything for a few hours, or not, but let's just keep it to us, okay?"

Philia's blue eyes brighten as she rises out the bed and sits with her back to me and switches out her attire in the menu. "Oh, that's why I'm here, hehe! There's an item that can raise one's attack, and well, I was gonna ask you to come once you logged on."

"Oh, suuure, Philia."

Later

"Man, this totally brings me back," Philia says as we come close to the end of the dungeon we're exploring. "It reminds me of the first time we met, and how I was somewhat wary of a frontliner who offered to help me find treasure."

I look back at her. "I remember some rude teenager who thought I wanted her treasure despite her begging me for help… But we did do a lot of exploring together back in SAO."

"At the time, I couldn't rely on anyone. I thought I had to do everything on my own. But that one quest proved I couldn't. I ended up relying on you and later Rain so much and put you in danger so many times."

I shrug. "Nothing I wasn't used to by then."

"Well, still. I figured I needed to make myself stronger. Not like you and Rain, you two are amazing warriors. But I couldn't rely on you two and Strea all the time, right? I had to become reliable for you guys too. And I don't mean just for game stuff, but for real life too. I may never be someone who fights on the frontlines, but I want to be someone who can aid you at any time."

"So you got stronger for others… I never assumed you to be weak, even back then. Front line back then meant risking your life, and I could never ask that of you or anyone."

"Yeah, well… Not for everyone. Just you and Rain. I care about everyone but you two are the most important treasures I've ever found… Hey, look! It's a treasure chest!"

I nod happily as Philia runs over to the chest. "All right!"

"That item has got to be inside! Open up for me, you little darling!" She opens the chest, reaches inside, and holds up the item. "Woohoo! I got it!"

I have to cover my eyes from the light around the object. "That's great, Philia."

"My treasure hunt for attack buffing items is going perfectly! I'm going to equip it right now! I love new trea...sure… What the…" As the light recedes, Philia is revealed to be holding a pair of white panties. "Is this...underwear? What good does under armor do?"

I smirk. "I don't know, Philia, I think you'd look great in that. Next time you sneak in my bed, come with that one."

"You...you pervert!"

I shrug and turn away. "I might be one, but it's not my fault if I've seen you in barely anything. But it's not like anyone can see it, it's under armor."

She continues to glare at my back. "Jaymes, you're not making it any better!"

"I'm not Kirito. So you're not gonna use it?"

She sighs and walks up to me. "No. Too embarrassing. Even if you're the only one who knows."

I silently agree as I open my received message from Asuna. "Well, it matters not. I'll help you if you find another… Dammit Kazuto."

"Is something the matter with Kirito?"

"Asuna's looking for him and Premiere. With Genesis around and the last stone needing both Goddesses present to be obtained… I'm going to join her. Coming with?'

Philia shakes her head. "No. Even though I want to be stronger and be with you, I know my limit. You, Kirito, and Asuna are enough against Genesis. But… I'll get help!"

"All right." I nod as I begin to warp to Asuna. "See ya then."

"There!"

"Haaa!" Asuna sprints forward and leaps between the fallen Kirito and the second Goddess, parrying the latter's attack. Despite the surprise, the second Goddess resumes her stance, similar to Asuna's.

Meanwhile, Kirito is surprised she's here. "Asuna?"

"I promise you, Kirito, I will protect you."

"She's not alone." I make my appearance, taking a stand beside Asuna. "But it's sad we have to come save you again."

"Asuna, Jaymes, you're here."

"Out of my way, weaklings," Genesis growls.

Asuna frowns.and glares at Genesis. "If you think I'm going to stand aside and let you ruin this world, you're sorely mistaken."

Genesis scoffs. "Was that supposed to be a threat? Ha! Call up your legions! You could never, never hope to slay me!"

I shake my head as my right hand takes hold of my sword. "We are the legion. And as for slaying...we fought tougher things than you together."

"That so? It seems there's only one way through you." Genesis opens his menu and goes through it before selecting something and wincing. Just like before, when he slayed that monster, he begins to howl with power. "GGGGRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

Asuna, seeing it for the first time, gasps. "What… What the…"

"MWAHAHAHAHA! THIS POWER, MY POWER! It's paradise! It's perfection!"

"Leave him to me." I step away from Asuna, leaving the other Goddess to her. I've been itching for this fight against Genesis ever since he stole the fifth stone and insulted Rain and Philia days ago. "Genesis! Come for me, you pathetic sack of shit!"

"YOU WILL DIIIIEEEEEEEE!" Genesis comes so fast I barely am able to block him, but my reflexes from Gun Gale suddenly kick in to aid my defense. Still, all I can do is use my sword and shield for protection. If I had a dagger, maybe I could counter with Trojan Horse (which is a regular sword skill now, but deep in the weapon's progression) but my only option is my skills and reflexes until they give out.

"NOT BAD, BOY! PERHAPS YOU'RE MORE THAN YOU LET ON! YOU CANNOT HOLD OUT FOREVER! SOON, YOUR GUARD WILL FALL!"

His enhancement must have a limited-time effect. There's no way it lasts more than a few minutes. If I can just--"Argh!" A red line marks my wound across my upper left torso and shoulder, disabling the arm and the use of my shield.

"Jaymes!"

"You coward! If you think I'll let you hurt him, you're DEAD WRONG!"

Pissed, I toss my shield away and aim my sword at Genesis. "Come on!" Genesis resumes his clash, and despite my impairment, I continue to hold on.

"HAHAHAHA! JUST GIVE UP, OTHER HERO! I'M TAKING YOU AND THE GIRL OUT!"

"You may hurt me, but you'd never touch Asuna!"

"HAHAHAHA! CHIVALRY IS DEAD, BOY, AND SO ARE YOU! TWO SWORDS, A HUNDRED, A THOUSAND! YOU STAND NO CHANCE!" Genesis increases his attack speed, and I barely manage to continue parrying. When I do, it's so sloppy that it might as well never happen. With no room to attack, I'm a one-armed sitting duck, and the asshole is loving it. "SO WEAK! YOU'RE NOT GIVING IN ALREADY, ARE YOU?"

"Switch!" I leap back as Kirito joins the fight followed by Asuna. Seems she managed to dispatch the other Premiere but without taking on the blue cursor. Great.

Feeling my left arm again, I reach out for my shield and strap it back on. "Kirito, Asuna, be careful!"

Saying that, the pair struggle themselves against Genesis. "Damn! It's like he can see our moves before we do!"

"HAHAHAHA! I SEE EVERYTHING! I KNOW YOUR MIND, YOUR HEART!" Genesis performs a big swing, knocking Asuna into a tree and causing Kirito to lose his footing and his sword. Genesis grins maliciously as he stands over Kirito. "YOU CANNOT DEFEAT ME! YOU CANNOT EVEN HOPE TO HARM ME! I WILL TURN BLACK YOUR STARS AND SWALLOW YOU IN!" Genesis strikes but his great sword never touches Kirito. I'm still on the ground, Asuna is by the tree she was thrown towards… So who just--

"Geez, I was gonna surprise you all, but then I guess this expedites my payback." The hooded newcomer pushes Genesis back and twirls her sword. "I have no clue what's going on, but whoever you are, and however you're beating these three, it ends now."

Genesis grins. "FINE THEN! YOU CAN DIE WITH--UUUUGH!" Genesis grabs his chest, suddenly dropping to his knees. "NOOOOOO! GRRRRAAAAGH! RRRRRRRRAAAAAGH!"

"What the…"

"What's happening?"

"His trance."

Genesis makes his back to his feet, but he doesn't attack. Instead, he looks at the second Premiere and gestures in the opposite direction. "NNNGH! We're… We're leaving! GO!"

"Yes, Master."

He then looks at us four and points. "Next time--NGH--Next time will be the end of you. I will bury you in the Temple of Prayers! BURY YOU!"

"What in the world just happened?"

Kirito shrugs in response to Asuna's question. "I wish I could tell you. Jaymes, you okay?"

I nod as I stumble over to Asuna and Kirito, still holding my aching shoulder. "Never been better, hehe."

He nods. "Asuna, Jaymes...and you, you saved my life."

Asuna smiles. "Of course. I told you that I would always protect you. And I mean to. Both of you."

"Asuna did call me in, but… Consider that we're not even anymore. You owe me a rescue."

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Asuna nods and glances to the side as Premiere comes over. "Premiere, are you all right?"

"Yes. I am perfectly fine. Thank you."

"You're safe now, both of you. That's all that matters."

"We need to head back now. Everyone needs to know what happened."

Asuna nods. "I'm right beside you. Always."

I stand up, looking to the hooded person who stands away from us. Sheathing my own sword, I break away from the trio and advance towards the mysterious warrior. By frame, it is a girl. She wears a pink and white tunic underneath the black cape. I can't see much of her face, but I do recognize those blue eyes. Smiling, I turn to Kirito and Asuna. "I'll catch up to you all later." Neither question my intention to stay as they warp back to the Town of Beginnings. Sighing, I reach up for the hood of the girl and reveal our savior. "So Dad got you in, huh?"

She smirks. "Your dad said you were getting in some tomfoolery again, and asked that I come see just what you got yourself into. Soon as I log on, I run into Philia, and she tells me how you're going looking for Kirito and how that's troublesome. Rest is history." Brushing her pink ponytail aside, she folds her arms, looking up to me in disappointment. "Mind explaining everything?"

"Let's go back first, Kureha. But first…" I step up and take Rain into my arms. "Thank you, Momiji."

She hesitates, but eventually hugs me back. "Oh...um… You're welcome."

Later

"So he modified the safety restrictions of the AmuSphere. That makes sense." I groan as I lay in the grass at Lakeside Park. It's been a few hours since the fight, but the memory is ingrained in anger.

"Can't believe that's possible. Or any of this Aincrad business." Kureha says as she chews the last bite of one of Silica's pork buns. "But I'm happy I got to you. Feels like everything I did to get stronger paid off."

"Kureha…"

She lies down beside me and stares up at the sky. "After that day, we were in disarray. Itsuki's betrayal, you left, and Crimson Squad was falling apart. But I couldn't let that happen. You are the rightful leader but we built it together, you and I. So when you came to Kyoto and we met, I took your words to heart. 'Until I'm ready to return, the squad is yours. Grow stronger, be better.' So we did. We participated in the Squad Jam, Pitohui's team won, and it was fun. But… I missed you. Rei missed you. I think we all do. So when your dad asked me to come to you, I was ecstatic… Hey, I was thinking… I might move to Tokyo after I graduate this semester."

"For university? Nice."

"No, I think I'll wait a year before I go to university. I'd rather wait until you graduate next year so we can go...together."

I stare at Kureha, confused and surprised. She wants to delay university a year...and go with me? I...haven't even realty given much thought to university yet. I do have the plan to go… I don't know how to answer it. But I can say the answer isn't no. "I… I want to tell you yes, but...well, can I think about it?"

"Yeah. I'm more or less interrupting your life, it's your choice. But I think this will be good for both of us. You get to have someone with you, even though I bet you won't admit it. As for me… Maybe a life away from my family is best for me. It might change how I view my sister...maybe I can see my life away from her shadow."

I nod. "You're right, it could be beneficial for us both. We can catch up and stuff… All right. Fine with me."

Kureha smiles and hugs me. "Yes! I can't wait!--I mean…" She releases me and makes a complete 180, folding her arms and frowning. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. Just don't try to outdo me, it's not gonna happen." Kureha grabs another pork bun and smiles. I don't think she cares...sigh. Well, throwing that out of my head, I think about tomorrow. In the meeting, we decided to storm the Temple of Prayers in one day and finish the fight against Genesis once...and for all.