As Church told Kyouko, Shouzou, and the just-arrived Kouichirou, Asuna's brother, of the last few hours' events and his time with the Reds and Blues, Shouzou was astounded to say the least. RECT had forayed into AI development during the SAO incident when the servers were transferred, but the plans were scrapped in time.

He had also never heard of the term "AI Fragment" before, as Church called himself.

"How exactly do you fragment an AI?" Shouzou asked.

"It's tough to explain." Church replied. "I was once part of a Full AI called Alpha, which was fragmented by the man the Apha was based off of, Director Leonard Church of Project Freelancer."

"When I was fragmented, I was basically subjected to a neverending loop of emotional torture and when I was at my lowest point, I was broken apart into my base emotions like rage or logic. These emotions became the Freelancer's AI Fragments."

"And who are the Freelancers?" Kyouko asked.

"The Freelancers were basically the misguided equivalent of elite mercenaries in the UNSC." Church replied. "They were named after the 50 States in North America, but the training program killed a bunch of them and the missions killed more. I think there was only a handful left by the time I came around."

"Problem was, the Freelancers were also technically accessory to their Director's illegal activities, which were pretty substantial. The program was taken down by the idiots who were somehow my friends, the Reds and Blues. It also helped that two ex-Freelancers joined up with them. Carolina and Washington, to be specific."

"And that brings me to my next point, which is how I got into this time in the first place." Church sighed. "Long story short is that I don't know. I supposedly erased my memories and deconstructed myself to see the Reds and Blues to victory, but that process should've killed me. Somehow, it didn't."

Asuna, who was currently curled up while being loosely embraced by Kazuto, nodded in acknowledgement.

"Anyway…." Church said. "That's pretty much it. I've stored myself on that NerveGear's local memory, which was surprisingly adaptable to my needs. I mean, I had to format a few useless system files to get enough space made up, but it wasn't a problem."

Kyouko nodded, and stood up to leave.

"If you'll excuse me…"

As she exited the room, Church looked at Shouzou, who had a pensive look on his face.

"Something wrong?"

"I was actually hoping to have time alone with Kazuto." he said. "There are things I need to know from you. And I'd prefer to know them sooner than later."

Kazuto nodded and the two of them headed outside. Kouichirou helped Asuna lie down so she could rest and she was soon asleep, and that left Church by himself.

"Huh, got quiet in here." he sighed. "Let's see what Mrs. Yuuki is up to…"

=RVB=

Kyouko stood in a vacant room nearby, glancing out the window at the afternoon sun. She looked at her phone, staring at emails exchanged between her and other families regarding suitors for Asuna.

Now it seemed they would no longer be needed, along with many of her hopes for her daughter's future. She truly wanted the best for Asuna, but was Kazuto really who he said he was?

"Something wrong?"

She turned to see Church appear over her phone.

"No, Church." she said. "Nothing is wrong."

"That's a fine lie." the AI fragment replied. "You're worried about Asuna."

Kyouko raised an eyebrow at Church, who continued.

"I saw those emails once I got on your phone, and I've become a good judge of emotions after some time. It comes with being like me."

"And why does it concern you?"

"Because I think you should let them stay together." Church said. Kyouko frowned and turned away.

"But here's the thing. You don't need to worry about them. Because I'll do it for you."

Kyouko looked back at Church, who held out his hand.

"You let them stay together, I'll keep an eye on them for sure they don't get into trouble. We got a deal?"

Kyouko sniffed, and shook the holographic hand.

"Deal." she said. "And I'll hold you to it, Church."

"I plan to." he said. "Besides, I think Kazuto's a good guy. He cares for Asuna with his life. And seeing as I'm just an AI and can't experience emotions…"

"I'd rather not deprive someone else of that opportunity."

Kyouko heard his words, and nodded again. As they returned to Asuna's room, Kazuto and Shouzou reappeared.

"We talked about Asuna's future and their time in SAO. I've decided to let her stay with Kazuto." Shouzou said.

"I was going to say the same." Kyouko said. "Church helped sway my mind on the matter."

Church gave a theatrical-style bow to Kazuto, who chuckled.

"Anyway, we should get going." Kouichirou said. "Asuna's fast asleep and she needs rest after everything that's happened."

"I'll stay here." Church said. "Keep an eye on her."

"Thanks, Church." Kazuto said as he prepared to leave, but not before bowing in gratitude to the Yuukis. As he left, the Yuukis soon left after. Church returned to Asuna's bedside, and after nodding in relief at seeing her medical stats report she was doing well, he entered standby mode to rest.