"You asshole... Welcome back, Kirito. Hope you had a nice nap."

Kirito glances back at me and smirks. "Yeah, it was pretty nice letting you clean my messes."

"My pleasure."

"For real, sorry for making you worry. Thank you for all you've done, Jaymes." Kirito looks over to the girls. "You two, get Alice to the altar and make it quick. We got to get out of here."

Asuna nods. "Let's go, Koharu." Koharu nods and looks at me. As she touches my shoulder, I feel warmth come from her palm. We silently smile at each other and tap our foreheads together. The warm moment between us goes as she removes herself, following Asuna back to the knight behind us. Kirito looks away from her and the dragons that now shrunk to baby size back to Subtilizer.

"So this is the Emperor?"

"Same guy, different account. Vecta's was beaten by Bercouli and a little help from me, but this one's insistent on living and haunting me. But I got one more trick, and now I'm glad you're here." We turn around as Asuna creates a path from the ground to the floating island. "He wants to collect souls, and Alice's is of special interest."

"And who are you," Subtilizer asks Kirito. "Why are you here? What gives you the right to stand before me?"

Before Kirito can answer, he's surrounded by Subtilizer's tendrils, but before I get a chance to worry, he breaks free of them. "I'm Kirito! Kirito the Swordsman!" A yellow light bursts from Kirito's body, vanquishing a portion of Subtilizer's power. "Who are you?"

"Gabriel. My name is Gabriel Miller." Subtilizer, or Gabriel, stretches his right hand with his redrawn sword. Kirito, in that moment, takes out the two blades on his back and forms wings on his back.

"Can you fight?"

"I have enough for the trick I mentioned."

Kirito smirks. "So you're letting me take on the big bad guy for once? Heh… Leave it to me. Let's go, Gabriel!"

Kirito

Kirito ascends the skies, drawing the battle and attention from Jaymes. Whatever time Jaymes needs to plan his attack, however much time Asuna and Koharu need to get Alice to the console at the World's End Altar, he will give them every second possible. "Generate All Elements! Discharge!" Kirito descends towards Gabriel, firing all seven Underworld elements. Gabriel openly takes them head-on as they penetrate his body, then whips out black tendrils against Kirito. Kirito weaves and deflects the whiplike projections, flying down to Gabriel and strikes him with his swords to his abdomen and thrusts with the Blue Rose in the back.

If it was that easy, Jaymes would have long defeated Gabriel. Instead, it is Kirito who suffers a wound to his right shoulder, while Gabriel heals himself and stares at the staircase to the altar. "I estimate another five minutes until they reach the system console. I'll give you and the Crimson Squad captain three more minutes. Be sure to keep me entertained."

"How generous of you. Fine, I'll entertain you." Gabriel's response comes in the form of him absorbing his winged ride for wings of his own. His energy-blazing blade is pointed towards Kirito and the villain charges, stunning Kirito with his speed. As Kirito flies back, he turns around and descends as a storm of black lightning pursues him. His eyes catch Jaymes on the stairway shielding himself and the girls with his shield's memories, but Kirito has no time to take cover as Gabriel formally attacks with his sword...and a tail at one point. Defensive fights are not Kirito's forte, but he is forced to run against Gabriel's aggressive nature. Not even the barrier Kirito has utilized twice today is effective against Gabriel as his tendrils break through and penetrate Kirito. He frees himself but suffers severe wounds, including his lower limbs.

Gabriel's laughter is but a rough message for the boy who killed the Pontifex. This fight is nothing like any he's fought before. No, he's never fought a battle like this alone before. Heathcliff was beaten by Kirito, Jaymes, and Asuna. XaXa was beaten by Kirito and Sinon. Genesis and Tia, Kirito and the whole gang. The 100th Floor Boss of Aincrad, Kirito, the gang, and players from GGO and ALO. Quinella, the first time, Kirito had Alice, Eugeo, and Cardinal. But Asuna and Koharu are with Alice, Jaymes is stubbornly willing to fight against his better judgment… Kirito has to do it.

Then Gabriel completely changes the game, becoming a being of pure energy and power. Kirito planned to prolong the fight until Asuna and Alice escape (because Koharu will be logged out by her STL anyway) and Jaymes can hit a strike good enough for the boys to escape themselves, but that was optimistic. He will have to speed the next 200 years in the Underworld if he fails. Or maybe he wished to stay here, in the world that has surpassed Aincrad as an alternative world. But that means he is stomping on the grief, sorrow, and tears of Alice, Asuna, Jaymes, and everyone who saved him. It is a selfish desire of someone who has yet to understand the feelings of others.

"You're wrong, Kirito. If you didn't want to leave this world, it wasn't for your own sake. It's because you love the people you met here. But that's not true of your enemy. That man is the one who doesn't understand how others feel. He can't understand them. That's why he seeks. And tries to steal. And tries to destroy. And that's because...he fears them."

Subtilizer shoots down black spikes, but they're completely blocked by a walled barrier. Kirito looks up to see Jaymes' shield as the source of the barrier. "You should go while you can."

"I know the situation. But you're not the only one who loves this world, Kazuto. I spent a total of three and a half years here, some of it fighting, others just living. I made friends out of artificial lives but just as human as the friends we made on Aincrad. Ronie and Tiese had just trained to a proficient level, Medina just regained the honor I watched Matthew Orthinanos build nine generations ago and Eydis… I made a promise to return to them, so if 200 years is the cost, so be it… Just make your move."

As the barrier vanishes, Gabriel flies down and grabs Kirito. puncturing his chest. "Your emotions, memories, heart, and soul...everything! I'll devour them all now!"

"As if you'd find...the heart of memories there. The body...is just a vessel. Memories are always…" Kirito opens his eyes, shocking Gabriel as he stretches his arms out. "Release Recollection!" Both the Blue Rose and the Night Sky erupt with power. Kirito uses the Blue rose first, gripping Gabriel with ice vines, then raises the Night Sky towards the heavens, creating a purple blade that turns the red sky black.

"What's this… I see. This night is Kirito's heart! Then, please...send my heart to him, too."

"Big Brother… Send the last of my strength to Big Brother's sword."

"Your sister fought hard, and so did everyone else. So make use of our power, Kirito."

"Hey, Sheyta, what do you think it means to have power...to be strong?"

"You already know the answer. There's a greater power than anger or hatred."

"It'll reach you, Kirito, because our souls are connected!"

"What it means to live. To live, fight and connect our lives and hearts. And that...that's the only proof of strength."

"Eugeo, please… Project my sister and Kirito."

"It may be an ephemeral soul that only lived a brief time as an artificial knight, but these emotions, these sensations flooding my heart are real!"

"Kirito…"

"Kirito, finish this. Give Jaymes the opening."

"Null...Nu...ll… Null!" Gabriel breaks free and attempts to attack, just to be mesmerized by the collecting power of the Night Sky Sword. It heals Kirito's entire power and surrounds him in a yellow aura. Now he can do this. Now he can give it his all. Kirito screams and repels Gabriel's tendrils, zipping forward towards the enemy.

"Cast away all murderous intent. His empty soul cannot be slashed by an Incarnation of murder."

"Have no fear, boy. The weight of the world itself rests on your sword."

"Now, show me. The strength of willpower you inherited from me."

"Kirito, you must believe in the hearts of the many people you love and who love you."

"Starburst...Stream!" Kirito lands the first hit and proceeds to lands hit after hit. If he can land them all, it should be enough for Jaymes to unleash his attack. "Take this, Gabriel!" Kirito prepares for the final swing, but Gabriel surprises Kirito by cutting off his left arm.

"Null!" Gabriel attempts to cut Kirito down, but the falling Blue Rose protects him.

"Now's your chance, Kirito."

Kirito grins and charges the Night Sky with power. "Thank you, Eugeo!" Kirito strikes but finds it hard to cut through his enemy.

"It's pointless! I'm going to drink every last drop and devour all of you!"

"As if you could! Someone's who's scared and intimidated by the power of the human heart!" Kirito digs in a little deeper and decides there's no better time than now. "Jaymes, now! Let's finish this!"

The sky begins to radiate in blinding yellow, the source coming from behind Gabriel as the red swordsman appears. "I told you, Subtilizer, you'll never reach the truth! Exalted Falchion! Critical Hit!" The tip of Falchion glows bright as Jaymes yells and impales Gabriel from behind. The villain roars with laughter and hysterical screams before exploding in a great burst of energy...

Lisbeth stands by Silica as the bright flash of light is swallowed by the dark sky. She sighs and holds her hands to her chest, wondering just how Asuna, Koharu, Kirito, and Jaymes are faring right now. Is Alice safe? Did Kirito use their power to win? Are they okay? Did the three of them get to Jay--

A yellow light appears on the ground nearby, and forming from it is a swordsman with a red cape covering his back. In his arms is Sinon, the other girl looking exhausted from what was probably tough battle. Slowly he turns around, causing Lisbeth's mouth to fall as she sees the boy she loves' face for the first time in...seemingly forever. However, she's beaten by Rei and Strea to the punch as the Arfa-Sys and MHCP run out to their beloved Master, almost knocking him down. Crimson Squad is right behind them, and he greets them along with Rain, Philia, and Sanya. When he finally looks up and at her, she drops her head immediately, feeling unworthy to be noticed by him. After all...no matter how much she hopes for her favorable future, the one he truly loves has returned from the dead.

Footsteps approach her, but he doesn't address her, not how she wants him too. "Liz, Silica, Klein, Agil, you guys from the Sleeping Knights, and...um, you people in the red armor… Thank you for coming."

Klein scoffs. "Yeah, like we'd let you, Koharu, and Asuna fight alone here. Oh, and Leafa is here too."

"Is that so? She must be elsewhere, then."

"And if you're really going to thank anyone, it should be Lisbeth." Klein… Lisbeth's head crunches closer to her torso as Jaymes goes silent, then gasps as she finds her forehead against his chest, his hand in her hair.

"J-Jay--"

"Everyone. In a few seconds, Kirito, myself, and maybe Asuna will be stuck here in the Underworld. For you all, just a few minutes, but for us, it'll be 200 years." He then looks down to Lisbeth, holding her so he can see her face. "In those couple hundred years, I could live almost 2 and a half lives however I want, but it'll mean nothing if I don't say this now… Thank you, Rika, for saving me for the third time."

"You're… You're welcome." Holding on to his chest, Rika sniffs and looks up. The night sky vanishes as words replace it with a warning saying "'Entering the maximum-acceleration phase.'" So this is what he meant… She moves her face over in front of his. "200 years, huh?"

"Yeah. I'll try to get along with them both."

Rika smiles and giggles. "Then I see you later, Joshua. And…" No, she can't say it now. He doesn't need to concern herself with that thought right now. That can wait until they meet again as Rika and Joshua. "...Make sure all of you come home so we can welcome Koharu back together."

Joshua nods as blue lights start appearing, warping everyone from the Underworld. "I will."

As Kirito and Jaymes defeat Subtilizer, Koharu watches as Alice vanishes from the Underworld. Just in time, with around a minute and a half left before the maximum acceleration, She sighs in relief and wipes the sweat off her forehead. Mission accomplished, hard-fought as it was. She couldn't see much of the fight from the single domed building on top of the altar, but her ability as Lunaria and the power of minds gave her an idea of things. Seeing the blue sky over the Dark Territory is a sign her work--and others--is done.

"Asuna, Alice has been safely ejected. It's just you, Kirito, and Jaymes now. Hurry!"

Asuna drops her head. "I'm sorry, Ms. Rinko. I'm...staying here."

Koharu turns her head to Asuna, the other girl standing at the console. She's not surprised in the slightest Asuna is staying behind. If she could, she would stay with them too. But Dr. Rinko's voice conveys the opposite feeling. "Wh-What are you…"

"Please take care of Alice. Alice is a kind person. She's full of so much love, and she's loved by so many people. For the sake of all the souls who are gone now, and for Kirito's sake as well, please don't let the military use her, no matter what. Please tell everyone that I said 'I'm sorry. Thank you. Goodbye.'" Asuna cuts communication and steps away from the console, then turns to Koharu who has walked up to her. She smiles and hugs Asuna, trying her best to hold her tears.

"I'll do my best to watch over Alice."

"And while I have my hands filled with Kirito, I'll make sure Jaymes behaves himself… Anything I should tell him?"

"...Tell him that I… That I think I'm stronger than him now." Asuna half-smirks and beams at Koharu while patting the red-faced girl on the head.

"Is that what you really want to say?"

"...For now. We still have one more thing to do before I say that to him."

"Right." Asuna steps away as time winds down, wiping her eyes as Koharu's body glows blue. "Well… As unbelievable as it is to say this now…we'll see you later, Koharu."

Koharu nods. "See you three again, Asuna."

"Goodbye, Eugeo." Kirito corrects himself as the sky of the Dark Territory turns blue for the first time and sheaths his swords. He looks around, not seeing Jaymes anywhere nearby, but sees the staircase to the World's End Altar breaking apart. In a hurry, he flies up and lands on the lush floating landmass. He doesn't see Alice or Asuna in the garden or around the shrine. "Thank goodness. They were both able to log out. Good luck, Alice." Kirito sighs and places his hands on his waist. "Now then, 200 years, huh? Asuna, Koharu, Sinon, Leafa, everyone… I'm sorry." Overcome with grief, Kirito drops down and bursts into tears.

"Man, if you don't stop crying in front of us." Kirito looks up, expecting to see Jaymes after all that's happened, but what shocks him is the second set of footsteps.

"Kirito."

"Asuna?"

"Did you really think I'd leave the two of you here for two more minutes, let alone 200 mental years? One of you may kill the other." Asuna helps Kirito to his feet and hugs them both. "The three of us have been together forever already, and it's not fair that one of us return to Koharu and everyone right now. So we'll do that together as well."

Jaymes laughs and breaks out the hug, walking a few steps away. "Yeah, well… 200 years here… If my calculations are correct, it'd be about another 20 or so minutes before we're out of here in the real world...and that's without further complications. So, unless you can't wait that much longer, I'm going to let you two have at it. A little...privacy."

Kirito frowns. "Why are you acting like that? I mean, thanks, but why so weird?"

Jaymes looks to Asuna and winks. "You two have lied to me for two years. About the night after Kuradeel after picked you both off."

Asuna gasps and reddens. "K-K-Koharu told you? Why?"

He chuckles and turns away from the pair. "She's my partner, not yours. So take your time, I've got business of my own. We got two centuries of work to do."

"Wait," Asuna halts Jaymes. "Koharu wanted me to tell you...that she's stronger than you now."

Jaymes forms a surprised look on his face, but it vanishes quickly behind a sincere smile. He walks back to his friends, then nods to Asuna. "She didn't need to say it. I know it...and happy to see it come true. Let's do her proud here." He looks to Kirito and holds out his hand. Kirito smiles and slaps Joshua's hand, enacting their handshake. Once it is over, Joshua walks away again and waves. "Ciao." As Jaymes vanish, Kirito and Asuna stand and look at each other.

"We don't have to see him, right?"

"Underworld's large enough to avoid him for 200 years…

Asuna steps up and leans on Kirito's chest. "Do you think Alice will scold us when we get back?"

"It'll be fine. As long as we remember. As long as we don't forget one second of the time we spent with Alice."

"Yes. You're right. About Alice… Liz, Klein, Agil, Silica, Yui, Rain, Philia, Strea, Kureha and Crimson Squad...and Koharu. As long as we don't ever forget about them, it should be fine, right?"

"Mhm."

"So, a minimum of 200 years, right? Even if it were a thousand years, it wouldn't feel like a long time if I'm with you." Asuna looks up and smiles brightly at Kirito. "Come on, let's go, Kirito! Let's not make Jaymes worry more than he already has."

Kirito sighs with some laughter. "Yeah, let's go, Asuna. Goddess forbid we leave him alone. We have a lot to do. This world was only just born..."