Man it's certainly been a while.
Hey guys! I am back. Between traveling for work and Monster Hunter Rise, I am glad to get back to posting and writing this story. Fair warning, posts won't be as frequent as they had been before. At least, not yet. We'll see how everything unfolds for now. But I hope you continue to enjoy this story regardless.
Disclaimer: Reki Kawahara is the author/creator of SAO and its content. All rights to him and respective parties. I only own the idea.
Now,
LINK START!
Chapter 27:
The Librarian
A new dawn shined down on the fairy city of Arun. For a time, all was still. Silence pervaded the very air. Not even the birds were calling. It was if the world was silently mourning something. The loss of a loved one? A catastrophic event? No, this silence was due to unrest and despair. The kind only brought by a drastic shift in power.
It was to this that Alice awoke. Rising from her bed at the inn, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she got up to get ready for the day. She braided her hair as she usually did, moving to leave the room and prep herself for the day. Before she left, she looked over to the other beds in the room she and her friends were staying in.
Kirito and Asuna were in separate beds, but had somehow rolled close enough to the edge that, if they ever reached out, they would touch. Nestled beside Asuna was Yui, still in her normal appearance and not that of a pixie like before. The World Tree's mana probably now resided within her. But seeing them so close together like this was both heartwarming and saddening. Until this whole crisis was over, they would never be able to enjoy this life they had before them. And Alice knew she would need to give it her all if she were to help them see the life that awaited them at the end of this long road.
She left the room shortly after, going to a nearby brook to wash up. She had foregone her armor, only wearing the dress she wore underneath. She splashed water on her face to help wake her up, but paused when she saw her ring once again. The memory of the one tied to it flashed before her eyes, giving Alice pause as she was forced to go through the anguish of losing Eugeo again.
"Eugeo…" she muttered, bringing her hand to her chest.
It was at this time, with the crisis around Asuna resolved, that doubts and questions began to fill her mind after what happened back in Aincrad. Why did Eugeo do what he did, taking Administrator's art into himself from her? Did he know what would happen? Could she save him? All these and more came upon her, forcing her to sit at the brook's edge to contemplate. As she did, Amayori came by and nuzzled her a little.
Stroking the dragon's face, Alice muttered, "I'm scared Amayori. Administrator… No, Quinella. She has such power as to overwrite one's own mind. She did it to Asuna and she almost did it to me. Can I truly overturn her?" Amayori just cooed at her in comfort, offering no words of encouragement. Her heart sagged as she voiced her concerns, not sure how to go about this herself. Ever since Kirito and Eugeo went out of their way to rescue her and Asuna, the world had gotten more convoluted. A floating castle, a world of fairies, it was so much for her to consider.
As she was diving deeper into this state, she heard Yui ask, "Auntie Alice, what's wrong?" Looking back, she found the girl watching her, looking distressed.
Alice replied, "Nothing's wrong Yui. Your aunt is just troubled."
Sitting beside her, the little girl inquired further, "Is it about Uncle Eugeo?" Alice nodded somberly, saying nothing else. And to her surprise, Yui told her, "It'll be okay Auntie Alice. Quinella might be strong, but you and Mommy and Daddy are all stronger. And with Eugeo, you'll be unbeatable."
"I don't see how that might be possible Yui," Alice reasoned.
Shuffling right next to her, Yui explained, "Quinella only has herself to rely on. In all this time, she doesn't trust anyone but herself and what she creates. Because she never learned to connect like you all did. That's what makes you stronger. Your bonds with each other give you more strength than anyone else. I know this because it was what saved me and everyone you cared about." Facing her body towards the Integrity Knight, Yui went on, "Daddy and Eugeo have many people they are connected to. That's why they did so well at the academy and in Aincrad. You'll see."
Smiling softly, Alice returned, "I suppose you are right in that way. Those two have quite the following."
Yui then looked at her reflection in the water, and said somberly, "Uncle Eugeo… He was hurting, back in Aincrad." Alice raised an eyebrow at this, as the girl continued, "You three didn't notice, because he tried to hide it. But he began to feel inadequate among you. Like he was there simply because of your oath. I saw it while we went to rescue Thinker."
"How?" Alice inquired.
To which Yui answered, "When Cardinal gave me some of her power when she sent me to find you, she somehow gave me the ability to understand how people think and feel. It's also why I knew Yulier was telling the truth. But Eugeo began to doubt his worth. He wasn't like Daddy, or Mommy, or you. He began to compare himself."
"Why would he do that?" Alice questioned. But she quickly realized why. Compared to all of them, it must have looked like Eugeo was more just someone tagging along. Kirito learned the Dual Wielding sword style by accident when using Eugeo's sword. Asuna was one of the fastest fighters around and was Vice Commander of a top guild. And she was an Integrity Knight, well-versed in the Sacred Arts and their uses. Compared to all that, it was easy to see how Eugeo might be self-conscious about that.
"Then, when he took Administrator's Sacred Art from me," she spoke as she came to grips with the implications, "he did it because he felt worthless compared to us?"
Looking saddened, Yui replied, "I'm not sure. I wasn't aware at the time. But I know Eugeo had to be hurting and never showed it. Because he didn't want to drag you down with him. At least, that's what I would think." But then she assured, "But Uncle is worth it. You know it, and so do Mommy and Daddy. He is better at the sword styles he is taught compared to Daddy. Uncle is methodical and kind, not wanting to shed innocent blood if he can help it. And he is just, not wanting injustice to reign in the world. Uncle is important too, just like you all are."
"But Yui, we pushed him to shoulder his burdens alone," Alice spoke, her voice breaking with emotion. "How can we show him that what he thinks is not right?" It just seemed to her like Eugeo was stuck in a pit she couldn't reach him in, which scared her more than anything now.
But the girl pet Amayori, saying, "Just like this. You just need that connection." Surprisingly, Amayori cooed at the little girl rubbing her face like that. Alice was still amazed that this little girl was so insightful, yet so simple in her reasoning.
Alice looked back to her ring, wishing it were as simple. It took them nine months to break Asuna of Administrator's art. It was highly questionable that they could snap Eugeo out of the same spell in even half the time. But she had resolved to not cry over it again. She would get Eugeo back, she owed him that much. And if he had been holding in those feelings of being inadequate, she would make sure he knew how important he was to her, Kirito, and Asuna.
A little later after everyone was up and prepped, they were outside Arun's perimeter prepping Amayori for the flight back to Underworld. Alice was fastening the last pouch on the dragon's back while Kirito and Asuna spoke with Leafa and Sinon.
"Are you sure you guys will be okay when we leave?" Kirito asked for the hundredth time. "I mean, killing Oberon was our fault. If what we did causes Alfheim to suffer, we should do what we can to help."
"Stop worrying already Kirito," Leafa assured insistently. "We told you already that we'll handle it. Lady Sakuya and Lady Alicia are already meeting with the other race leaders to convey the news and start a new regime for the world. Especially because we need to consider developing ties back in Underworld."
Taking Kirito's hand in her own, Asuna asked, "We'll do what we can after we take down Administrator to help people back home be accepting of fairies. It won't be easy, but I'll bet they will understand once they see you."
"Well if they don't, I wouldn't mind using a few snobs as target practice," Sinon spoke harshly. But at everyone's horrified expressions, she softened up and assured, "Kidding, relax. I'll be on my best behavior."
"We have to Sinon," Leafa admonished, "our leaders will be counting on us as representatives."
"Well either way, having the Dark Territory will give me an excuse to sharpen my skills," the archer pointed out. "You guys have enemies, which gives us a reason to work with you."
"Let's just hope Underworld and Alfheim are set in an alliance before we worry about the Dark Territory invading," Kirito suggested. Especially because, as he and his friends knew, an invasion would mean the goddesses would arrive. And if they didn't take care of matters, the vessels chosen might be overtaken by the celestial beings completely. They had to avoid that at all costs.
With that settled, Leafa and Kirito took one last hug. They clung together as siblings once more, reminded of their love for one another.
"Promise me you'll come back with Eugeo," Leafa whispered.
Kirito returned, "I will. I'm not leaving him to be a puppet any longer."
As the two broke apart, Leafa embraced Asuna and requested softly, "Keep my brother safe."
"You don't need to ask," the swordswoman assured. "I will protect Kirito with my life."
Kirito and Sinon settled for having a firm handshake. But the Cait Sith told him, "Let's have our duel the next time we meet up. I'm not counting that little moment before the grand quest, so you owe me."
Giving a determined smile, Kirito replied, "You bet. And next time, I won't go down so easily."
When they let go, Sinon warned, "You better hurry and get your friend back, because Leafa is going to help me improve my skills with fighting guys with swords."
The group then went over to Amayori, who was now packed and ready to fly. Kirito helped Asuna onto the dragon's back before working with her to get Yui up so she sat in front of her mother.
Alice went over to the two fairies, bowed, then said, "Thank you for your aid in our plight, Leafa and Sinon. I will strive as an Integrity Knight to repay your kindness."
"Just get back in one piece," Sinon replied, unamused by Alice's behavior. "I still want to see how I'd fare against an Integrity Knight in battle."
Laughing nervously at her partner's response, Leafa then regarded, "Just make sure you four don't get split up again. And make sure to see Selka when this is over. Losing you has been hard for her. She needs her big sister." She looked over to Kirito, remembering her own pain from him leaving back then.
Noticing who she was looking at, Alice assured, "He's in good hands. And I can't promise to return, but I will strive to go back to her. Once I have Eugeo back, that will be my next goal. I will hang up my sword and go back to a simpler life." She then went to her dragon and mounted with ease. She gave one last farewell to their companions from Alfheim before prompting Amayori to take off. And as they flew into the air, they heard Kirito screaming bloody murder from the back, forcing Asuna to cover Yui's ears so she wasn't tarnished by such vulgar language.
On they flew to the mountain border to return to the rift that would take them back to Underworld. They hoped that by going through the same rift that brought Kirito and Alice to Alfheim would take them back. But very quickly, they were starting to consider they may have a problem with that plan.
"You both are sure Kayaba never told you how to get back to Underworld once you came here?" Asuna questioned.
With Kirito rather rigid from flying on Amayori's back, Alice answered, "All he told us was how to get to Alfheim. He never said anything about getting back to Underworld."
"Terrific," Asuna grumbled inaudibly. Then she shouted, "How are we going to get back then? I thought Kayaba needs our help to stop Quinella and Sugou."
"That's been the impression he gave us," Alice recalled. "Not to mention he suffered at Administrator's hand when she took his daughter. He has as much stake as us to see the Pontifex dethroned." They continued to fly for the mountains, but they began to think they were stuck in Alfheim.
Until Yui perked up and called out, "Auntie, fly up over the mountains! There is a rift in the sky that will lead back to Underworld."
Glancing back, Alice questioned, "Are you certain Yui?"
"Yes. I can see it in front of us right now," the girl pointed out. Alice and her friends looked in the direction Yui directed but saw nothing noteworthy. Still, they had no reason to doubt her on the matter. The Integrity Knight directed her dragon where they needed to go and hoped for the best. It was a good thing she did, for not long after they went down the same colored tunnel she and Kirito went through coming to Alfheim. Everyone shut their eyes as they went through, though Alice squinted so she could still see where they were going.
After a few seconds, they entered a darkened skyline over a familiar forest. Norlangarth lay below them, and the Central Cathedral with Centoria at its base stood before them. Seeing the lights of the capital before them, they knew they had come home. Alice had not felt more relieved than she did now looking upon her home once more. Heart heavy, she glanced back to the north in the vain hope of seeing Rulid. But it was too dark in that direction, not to mention the village was far north. But being home reminded her of other people she had come back to, like Selka. Being reminded of her sister weighed her heart down even more, making her remove one of her hands to place over her chest.
Noticing her action, Asuna inquired, "Alice, are you okay?"
Hardening her gaze, she responded, "I'll be alright. Let's find someplace to land before going into the Central Cathedral." While normally she would guide Amayori to the landing on the 30th floor, she knew that would not be a smart ploy since she and her friends were viewed as traitors to the Axiom Church. They would probably expect her to land and were waiting to greet her. Thus they needed to enter at ground level.
That was when Kirito suggested, "Head for that clearing in District 4. We can land there before we head for the cathedral."
Curious, Alice inquired, "Why should we go to that area? It's part of the noble's district."
"Because we know the noble that lives down there," he pointed out.
With that cleared up, Alice directed Amayori to glide down to the indicated landing zone. As she got closer, Alice noticed someone on the terrace of the mansion. She couldn't make out who they were, but she did spot a smaller figure fly over to them. Thus she had an idea who was down there. She guided Amayori to descend slowly so as not to surprise the occupant, touching down gently and not creating a lot of noise.
As she and her friends came down, the figure came up to them to reveal themselves to be Silica and Pina. "Alice! Kirito!" she called. When she spotted Asuna helping a little girl down, Silica stopped partway, her mouth hanging open.
Alice noticed this change in her, glancing back as she understood the why. Out of the two, Asuna had been the closest to Silica and Lisbeth. Not to say Alice didn't help in any way, but more that Asuna was more invested. She figured this was quite an emotional moment for Silica after nearly two years of not seeing her role model and friend.
As Asuna brought Yui over, she was met with a tackle hug from the other girl with them. "Asuna!" Silica cried, hugging her tightly as if she would disappear any minute.
Asuna returned the hug, whispering, "It's good to see you're safe Silica."
Silica's only response was to hug tighter to her, tears pouring down her face. Pina let out a squawk, hovering in front of the white-clad warrior.
Not wanting to linger too long, Alice urged, "Asuna, we should go."
Her friend nodded, helping ease Silica away. The little girl then guessed, "You're going to rescue Eugeo, aren't you?"
Giving a sad smile, Kirito told her, "Yeah. We still have an oath to fulfill."
Resting a hand on the young girl's shoulder, Alice said softly, "Give our regards to Lady Serlut when she returns from Aincrad." And she let her feet guide her out of the estate. Her friends gave more heartfelt farewells, even allowing Yui a brief exchange with Silica, before they came after her. While Alice would love to spend time with Silica, they did not have the luxury like they once did. Not to mention they were likely being actively looked for by Integrity Knight patrols.
Looking to the moon, Alice prayed, Goddesses, if you can hear me, help us reach Eugeo safely. And help me to save him from what he has become.
It took a bit of doing and sleuthing, but the group eventually made it to the threshold of the Axiom Church. Alice led them as best as she could past sentries and church staff into the inner courtyards. Their goal was the Central Cathedral, and Alice knew there would be an entrance in the gardens that wouldn't be so heavily guarded. That is if they could get there unseen.
While she wouldn't voice it, bringing Yui with them was already bogging them down. Asuna held the little girl's hand and helped lead her around, but it was clear Yui was slowing them down. If they were to get into the Cathedral and confront Administrator, they could not afford delays like this. It was only fortunate there were so few church officials walking around. But as they went deeper, the feeling from having fewer people to slip past turned into dread. Alice could sense something was very wrong with the lack of more people being in the institution.
After several minutes of skirting the outer perimeter, they finally made it to the inner garden. Alice noted the entrance to the dungeon where Kirito and Eugeo were imprisoned as they went, recalling the day with a mix of fondness and sadness. She shook her head to focus back on their task, but felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked to see Kirito watching her with a concerned expression.
"Get us to the Central Cathedral, and we'll rescue Eugeo," he told her, trying to get her mind off her regrets. Alice nodded before they pressed on.
There weren't any patrols here, not even an Integrity Knight flying in the night sky. All of this sent numerous alarms through Alice's head. Where was everyone? Even if Administrator knew they were coming, not having any security seemed like such a foolish thing to do. Especially given how they had beaten both Kayaba and Oberon so far. The former Integrity Knight started being even more cautious, looking every which way to find any signs of a surprise attack or other entity meant to interfere in their quest.
When they got to the center garden, that was when her suspicions were realized. She stopped her friends when she spotted the lilac and purple of her apprentice when she had been among the order. Eldrie sat at a table in the center, sipping at wine as if he had waited for them for a little while. He soon acknowledged their entrance, but his face was soft. No hurt, no malice, more pleased than anything. Alice adopted a more steely expression, falling back on the persona she built up as an Integrity Knight.
Setting his wine glass down, Eldrie regarded, "I have been waiting for you. The Pontifex truly is astounding to predict your arrival." He then got up from his seat, his cape hiding his arms and weaponry, and went on, "My dear Alice, I prayed to the goddesses that you would be returned to us. When you took those criminals to Aincrad with you, I feared the worst. The Pontifex assured me you would survive, but I was beside myself. Imagine my elation when she informed me that you had bested the ruler of Aincrad."
"I believe you are mistaken, Eldrie," Alice interjected. "It was not I that defeated Kayaba. I am afraid that, for my part, I was helpless before him. I deserve no such honor from Administrator, nor do I seek it."
"Humble and graceful as ever, Lady Alice," Eldrie returned with a beaming smile. "Truly, you must be blessed by the goddesses themselves to have come down among the people." Looking behind her, he added, "And you have brought Asuna back with you. But why the criminal? Is his punishment to be meted out by the church?"
"His name is Kirito, Swordsman of Rulid," Alice returned scornfully. "And if anything, he is the one you should give due respect to. He has proven himself time and again, regardless of his past actions."
Regarding her again, Eldrie addressed, "No deed can ever wipe away the stain one earns from violating the Taboo Index. Surely you know of this."
Alice did not respond to this matter. Instead, she ordered, "Eldrie, as your superior, I must ask that you stand aside. We have business with Administrator that we must see to without delay."
"I am afraid I cannot allow it, m'lady," the other Integrity Knight answered. "I have been ordered by the Pontifex to stop you from reaching her. Only if you submit yourself to the order like you had when you began will I allow you passage."
Alice remained silent at these words. She knew her stance as an Integrity Knight was nothing more than a fancy name at this point, but she had hoped Administrator would have given her some leeway in reaching her. She regretted being so hopeful in such a vain notion.
Thus, she told him, "Eldrie Synthesis Thirty-One, you once submitted to my word as an apprentice. My only regret as your mentor was in creating distance between us, to not foster the bond a teacher must have with their student."
Even as Kirito and Asuna looked at their friend in shock, Eldrie's smile widened as he asked, "Then you shall return to our order? You will return?"
"However," the golden Integrity Knight went on, "I know it is foolish to wish for times that have long passed. As well as submitting to the will of one who believes herself to be above the gods." Drawing her sword, she declared, "I renounce the name I bore as an Integrity Knight. I cast off the yolk put on me by Administrator all those years ago. Today, I stand before you as who I truly am. Not a swordswoman or a knight. I stand here as the girl from Rulid: Alice Zuberg."
Eldrie seemed to deflate at her announcement, which pained Alice only a little to witness. Then he said, "I truly wish you had decided to come back to us. Even now, I still think of you as my mentor. But I cannot defy the Pontifex." He held out his right arm, which held a whip. He allowed it to pool out, revealing the silver cords that it composed of, with fine spiraling spikes running down its length like thorns. The extra length coiled on the ground like a snake. The Frostscale Whip. Alice remembered Eldrie receiving it a week before she went to Aincrad.
Just then, Kirito came up to her side, the Night Sky Blade already drawn. "Hate to interrupt, but I have someone I need to see. I'm going to finish this fast, if you don't mind." Suddenly, he seemed to notice something to his side. He pulled his sword across to block as another figure appeared from out of nowhere, their swords clashing. Alice was shocked that someone had come from out of nowhere. Who was this new figure that tried to strike at her and Kirito without their knowledge?
The new figure gave a mighty leap back, going perpendicular to Eldrie's position. He was then revealed in the moonlight. Pale brown hair bordering grey that was messy and unkempt, wearing a tunic that seemed to fit tightly on his person and covered him up to his neck in black and dark purple with strips running down around his legs, with black pants that also were closely fitted to him and seemed to merge with his boots. His sword looked rather simple, with silver edges and the flat being black, but lacked any sort of crossguard.
The new figure regarded, "Impressive. I was sure I could take out the criminal with ease. Looks like this might be a challenge after all." Chuckling, he added, "If only."
Looking to Eldrie, Alice challenged, "An assassin? How deplorable Eldrie. We Integrity Knights must maintain honor in combat."
Briefly regarding the new entry, Eldrie told her, "I am afraid you are mistaken. He is the newest addition to the Integrity Knights as of two weeks ago."
Kirito looked to the new fighter, demanding, "And who are you supposed to be?"
The figure smirked, resting his sword on his shoulder. "I am Eiji Synthesis Thirty-Five. Remember it well, as I carve your blackened heart."
This news shocked Alice. He was numbered Thirty-Five? Even with Asuna being Thirty-Three before, there were still thirty-two and thirty-four to grant to new Integrity Knights. Even if Eugeo became the former, why was Eiji numbered Thirty-Five? It didn't make sense.
Not bothering to drag this on any longer, Kirito got into his fighting stance and spoke, "You can try. But I won't let you win that easily."
With blinding speed, Eiji dashed at Kirito and met him in another heated clash. The two boys struggled against each other as their swords grinded against one another. The new Integrity Knight then pulled back and moved to Kirito's side in a blur, giving the black-haired youth little time to block. He barely succeeded, but without proper footing he was pushed away from Alice.
As Eiji gave pursuit to his opponent, Alice refocused her attention on Edlrie. He hadn't made any moves since they started, but that was about to change. She charged for her former pupil, sword aloft as she prepared to strike.
"System Call," he muttered, stunning Alice further, "Enhance Armament." He lazily raised his arm, and Alice stopped herself just in time. The whip left a silver trail as it stretched beyond its normal length at her, and she barely had enough time to bring her sword up to parry the strike. The ringing from the strike alone spoke of how strong the whip was, as well as how the two Divine Weapons equaled each other in strength.
Behind her, Asuna had to pull Yui aside to get out of the whip's path. Alice berated herself for forgetting the others present. She couldn't afford such careless mistakes against someone like Eldrie. She had to end this bout as quickly as possible, lest they draw too much attention and get surrounded by the church soldiers. Thus she went for a diagonal slash to his left shoulder.
But Eldrie was quick, drawing his whip back and swinging it up to knock the strike aside.
Alice used the diverted momentum for a backswing to his hip, but she was deflected downward by his whip. She couldn't understand. In the past, she was always the superior fighter to Eldrie. Never once had she been in a position to have her opponent control the flow of battle. How could she be slipping?
As if noticing the same thing, Eldrie commented, "You have lost your edge." Alice barely had time to block his next attack, only to have the whip wrap around her Osmanthus Blade. She held with both hands, fighting her pupil's attempts to disarm her.
"When we sparred before, you were always so precise and unwavering," the Integrity Knight went on, not even straining to wrestle with her sword. "I trained as hard as I could to become your better. To prove myself to you. But now, the Lady Alice before me is beside herself. What have you done with her?" Alice gave no response, having no answer of her own.
To her great fortune, Asuna used a Linear to push Eldrie back, freeing Alice's sword from his whip. Pointing Lambent Light at him, she regarded coldly, "I don't know what you saw of Alice, but I won't let you belittle her. She has faced obstacles the likes of which you cannot even imagine. I will show you."
"Very well, traitor," Eldrie responded with an equally icy tone. "Let us see what has come from these claims you make."
Asuna moved fast, darting up and not giving Eldrie time to block her rapid strikes. His whip couldn't wind up fast enough to block the stabs Asuna made, allowing her to create marks on his armor. That is until he snapped it aside and made it split into three. This forced Asuna to retreat to Alice, deflecting one strike that nearly grazed her cheek.
Alice had nearly forgotten this part of his Perfect Weapon Control. He could divide the Frostscale Whip up to seven times to attack. This realization only made Alice more self-conscious at her earlier performance. Even so, she knew there were ways around such a tactic with the numbers they had.
The two girls split to the sides to divide his attention, but Eldrie was unfazed. He snapped his whip at them both with the extensions, but both slipped by and cut across. If it wasn't for the third, his armor would have a large gash in the middle.
Alice went for another slash downward, but this time Eldrie sidestepped her attack, putting him in the line of fire for Asuna's follow up. But even then, he showed impressive reactions to bring his whip across, slapping her wrist enough to interrupt her attack. Alice brought her sword around to strike, only to be met with the whip handle as Eldrie carried the momentum around back. Alice backed away before he could retaliate, bringing her sword up to deflect a strike aimed at her head. Asuna shot forward, but he jumped away to dodge.
"There it is," he boasted. "There is the Lady Alice I had seen before. And with the traitor in all her glory. I might have to start giving it my all."
"I think not!" Alice shouted, running at him. He lifted his whip and shot it out at her. She moved her sword forward to intercept, causing it to wrap around her blade once more. "You indeed have improved since we last fought together," she commended.
"I never once gave up my pursuit of superseding you," he returned. "Day and night, for nearly a year, I had worked tirelessly to improve. In the hope that, if I could find you again, I could bring you back to the order. Bring you home once again."
Keeping his whip taut on her sword for her partner's sake, Alice responded, "You are mistaken Eldrie. My home has never been this place. My home has been with those I swore myself to. No matter what you think or what you say, that fact will never change."
"Even so, I will not give up," Eldrie insisted, "I will fight for you. My Lady Alice, you give me purpose. Even if the Pontifex condemns me, I will bring you back to where you belong."
In a low voice, Alice said, "You never can, for you do not know where I belong."
As if on cue, Asuna came at Eldrie with a mighty cry. He wouldn't be able to defend himself as it was, focusing solely on Alice. At least, that was the thought. Until,
"Release Recollection."
That one command, chilled Alice to the bone, even as the whip wrapped around her sword shined brightly. The next thing she knew, Asuna was being met by a part of the whip with the head of a snake. It bit down on Lambent Light and lifted her into the air before slamming her down into the ground. Seeing him possess such power unnerved Alice, who hadn't even attempted doing something similar with the Osmanthus Blade. She and Asuna had only practiced the first stage of Perfect Weapon Control.
As the snake receded back into the whip and returned to normal, Eldrie drew his sword at last, pointing it at Asuna before she could rise back up. And at that moment, Kirito tumbled back amongst them, looking worn and a little worse for wear. Eiji strolled back into the clearing, unhurt and smug. He seemed to be more than a match for Kirito. Even with Alice still tugging on the whip wrapped around her sword, things were not looking well for them.
"You're supposed to be the one that took down Kayaba?" Eiji taunted Kirito. "If that's all you have, no wonder the old geezer let you win."
Kirito could do nothing aside from glower at the knight. Alice knew he refused to use the Blue Rose Sword out of respect for Eugeo. He didn't want to rely on his friend's weapon to use Dual Wielding if he could fight under his own power. But now, seeing how easily this new knight was trouncing him, it made one wonder if Dual Wielding would even make a difference.
Looking around briefly, Eldire pointed out, "It seems all your allies are at the end of their ropes. This will all be over soon."
"What are you prattling on about?" Alice asked. But it was when she looked over to Yui off to the side, by the fountain with the statue of Terraria, did she see the girl's body giving off a golden light as a part of her body faded into gold dust. What were they going to do? Even Asuna looked panic-stricken by Yui's condition.
"Yield, m'lady," Eldrie requested of Alice. "I will grant you amnesty before the Pontifex and reinstate you as one of our own. I do not want to have your blood spilled if I can help it."
To this, Alice replied, "I will not subject myself to the horrors Administrator has in store for me. I would rather perish than submit to her."
Eldrie looked even more disheartened by her declaration, but he was given no time as Kirito cried out, "Burst!" Next thing she knew, steam enveloped them all and obscured their vision. Realizing he was giving a means to escape, Alice released her hold on the whip and sheathed her sword. She reunited with Kirito and Asuna outside the steam cloud when Kirito hurried over and scooped up his daughter, holding her close to him.
Yui seemed to be in pain as whatever was happening to her body progressed, even as Kirito tried to soothe her with his words. But as they ran, they knew not where they were to go to escape the Integrity Knights behind them. Especially not Eiji, who was quickly catching up.
Suddenly, at a fork ahead, Kirito shouted, "Go right!" And he led them down the right path.
To which Alice warned, "Kirito, this leads to a dead end. We'll be trapped." Sure enough, the path ahead ended in a wall. Even so, Kirito pressed on. Then, to Alice's amazement, a door materialized to their right. How it appeared there, Alice did not attempt to understand.
Kirito instructed them both, "Dive for the door! Hurry!" The door opened as they approached, and he dove in with Yui held close to him. Asuna followed right after, diving into the doorway. Alice took a moment to glance back and see Eiji pursuing them before she ducked into the door, leaving the gardens behind her.
Coming out on the other side, Alice collapsed onto a carpeted floor as she heard the door close behind them. She looked up after catching her breath, seeing rows of shelves of books reaching the ceiling of the hallway, stretching down the hall to an area that looked to have even more books. The tomes themselves seemed to have differing lives about them, most looking frayed and worn by time. Whatever the case, Alice was relieved to have someplace to escape the Integrity Knights from.
Beside her, Kirito and Asuna had recovered from the jump, looking over their daughter. Yui looked rather sickly, breathing heavily. Her left hand was transparent as the gold light began to seep out of it. Asuna fretted over her, trying to make sure Yui didn't pass out. Seeing the little girl fading again reminded Alice of last time back in Aincrad, as well as how powerless she was to stop it. Before she made a move to enact a Sacred Art, a new figure came over and bent down before the little girl. Alice could only make out the maroon robe, a cap with a tassel, and brown hair resting just above the neck. In their hand was a scepter with rings hung on the end.
The figure raised the scepter over Yui and uttered, "System Call. Stasis." Immediately, a sphere of blue light manifested around the girl. She raised the scepter, and the orb lifted Yui with it. "This should help halt her deterioration," the figure addressed, sounding like a girl barely older than Yui.
Rising to her feet, Asuna asked, "Who are you?" Alice herself had the same question, her hand on her sword in case this person was going to be a problem.
But the figure spoke, "You can stand down. You are safe here." Moving with Yui following, the figure added, "Quinella won't find us here."
As they eased up, Kirito asked, "Who are you? You sound familiar."
"Let us attend to the girl before we begin to explain matters." With those words, the figure went between a couple shelves to what looked like a bedroom. The three followed, watching as the sphere changed to accommodate Yui going from a fetal position to lying on the bed, looking almost peaceful. The figure then said, "System Call. Reconstruct ID P-001." With the command uttered, it appeared the golden light that had been leaving Yui's body was re-entering it and slowly reforming her hand.
Realizing what was going on, Alice surmised, "You are restoring Yui's body."
"And stabilizing her so she doesn't deteriorate again," the figure finished. It was then the figure turned around, revealing a young face behind tiny glasses and brown eyes.
"You're—" Alice began to say.
But the girl interjected, introducing, "A pleasure to meet you at last, Kirito, Asuna, and Alice. My name is Cardinal. I only wish I could have met Eugeo as well, but we'll have to focus on rescuing him."
Quickly looking to her friends, Alice said as it dawned on her, "You are the person Yui told us about. The one Quinella tried to convert into another of her agents. You found out about Asuna being a vessel for Stacia."
"All true," Cardinal responded. "But there is more Yui wasn't able to tell you."
"Well, we know you're Kayaba's kid," Kirito mentioned, "So—" But he was interrupted when Cardinal pointed her staff at him, giving him a hard look that made him end his train of thought before he said anymore.
"Now then, follow me and I will tell you what you need to know," she instructed. And she led them to another room in the library to reveal truths they would need to know.