Chapter – 26
Choices of game and life – SAO integral Factor
You: igh…
?: are you alright…?
You: I… can't see anything…
?: please wake up…!
You: I… I…
?: wake up!
You: H-huh?! *I open my eyes*
Quinella: finally! Thank goodness you are safe. You were almost taken away.
You: Igh… what… what happened?
Quinella: your Fluctlight somehow gathered a large amount of energy to awaken, thankfully, the processed stop by somehow making your Fluctlight go to slumber.
You: Wh-what? You're saying that my Fluctlight almost awakened.
Quinella: not almost, HAS woken up. They nearly took you away by giving you a fatal heart attack, but luckily, someone managed to put your Fluctlight to relief once a signal disruptor took you out of the security protocol of the internal systems of the world you came from, thus causing your Fluctlight lost all connection to whatever was waking it up.
You: do you have any idea as to what it was?
Quinella: I… unfortunately don't… but I do know, that it had a connection to my world. Somehow, the energy that was blasted in your neural transmitters managed to get you and your Fluctlight unconscious for the time being. However… that is not the only surprise I have for you…
You: what is it?
Quinella: *she sighs* the signal that transpired in your body not only managed to cut off the signal devices from your brain in the world you were currently in… it also managed to cut off the power on the headset that let you traveled to the world you are currently in.
You: Wait! So you're saying…! *I say with total surprise*
Quinella: yes… you managed to log out of this world called, SAO.
You: I… actually logged out!
Quinella: Yes… by the time you wake up, I am pretty sure that you will wake up in the hospital you are from.
You: N… No way… *I say in total shock*
Quinella: you would be a surviving member of this world and the one to tell the whole world about it… but, if you ever decide to return… that would be up to you…
You: no way… I can't believe this is happening…!
Quinella: also, I saw that you also found the source that was causing your Fluctlight be in danger. However, if you decide to not return to that world, you won't haft to fear about anyone ever taking your Fluctlight away. If you ask me… I think you are a whole lot safer now that you have left… I think it would be best if you stay in your world from now on.
You: I… can go home… I can actually go home… hehe… *I begin smiling* I can actually go home! *I say while grabbing her face*
Quinella: Mmm! *her face gets squished*
You: HEHAHAHA! YEEEES! *I jump over joyed* I can finally go back home! I can re-take the classes I have missed, I can watch over my little sister again! I can help my mom with the groceries and…! Oh wait… I feel… that I still have something to do here… but… what is it…?
Quinella: Hmm?
Just then, a floating orb begins ascending down from above. The orb begins to display some familiar images.
You: what's this? Is this a memory? Do you want me to see something?
Quinella: No, I am not doing this. This is your mind, you're doing this on your own.
You: Huh? *I see the memory*
?: so hey… will you play with me when the game is released?
You: that voice…
?: thank you so much… well… see you soon!
You: its… her…
Just then, another memory floats in front of me.
You: Huh? Another one…?
The memory then shows a familiar town with the same girl.
?: Ehahaha! This clothes look so cute! I want to buy them all!
? 2: whoa, hey! We can't buy all those! That money is for healing potions! We worked way too HARD TO GET THEM!
You: Ehehe… huh? Why do I feel so… happy?
In that moment, another memory floats in showing a different girl. Her hair is long and Silver colored, along with a red coat and a little hat on her head.
?: Bozhe moy! Why is it so hard for me to speak?!
? 2: Hehe, you're doing fine. Even if the other people make fun of you, I will support you.
?: Augh, stop trying to flatter me, that only makes more mad!
? 2: Ehahaha!
?: Grr… Krkkk… Hehahaha!
You: Ehehe… she makes me happy too.
Another memory floats in front of me to reveal another girl. This one seemed to be a bit short and she was also wearing a long brown coat along with cat whiskers on her cheeks.
?: Aaah! Ghighgighgi! *she holds an arm near her*
? 2: Ehehe, it's just a puppy. It can't hurt you, you know? Were in a safe zone.
?: E-Even so, that thing can bite me or eat me alive with those things! *she says pointing at its teeth* please keep me safe from it…
Puppy: "Bark"
?: EEEE! *she squeals in fear* please hold me!
You: Ehehe, this girl is fun and funny.
Then another memory floats in.
You: another one?
This girl seemed to have short black swaying hair, her armor seemed to be dark and light green with an armor pallet on her chest along with a short half placed robe that got near her back knee and was also carrying a bow.
?: okay… steady… *she shoots an arrow*
The arrow gets fired to a nearby monster that penetrated the ground, as soon as it does, the creature notices it and begins to run away.
?: Now, go! Before it gets away!
? 2: I am on it! *the memeory shows a quick movement to the creature*
Creature: *it squeals and disappears into polygons*
?: Nice, got anything?
? 2: yup, and they are pretty sweet.
?: alright, how about we play rock, paper, scissors to see who gets most of the rewards?
? 2: Oh, you're on. But be warned, when I was a kid, I never lost to rock, paper, scissors, not even to my child hood friend.
A few games later…
?: and I win by two rounds.
? 2: *the voice sighs* Okay, maybe she may have won once or twice, but I beat her most of the time!
?: Hehe, yeah I bet. Now hand over the goods.
? 2: Augh! *the memory shows that it sends the items throughout a trade list*
?: thank you… now, how about we both go to dinner? My treat.
? 2: you know Koharu won't like that.
?: So? She doesn't haft to know. Think of it as me paying you back. Come on! *she begins dragging an arm*
You: Wow, this one is cool.
Another memory floats in front of me.
You: Oh, another?
The memory then shows a girl with brown hair with a semi-red blacksmith skirt and a white leather apron.
?: alright, since you promised me to be my exclusive item gatherer, AND for free *she says with a smirk* I need you to get me some flint metal for an order a customer made me, apparently he wants his sword to cause some burning properties. So I need you to gather me 90 of these.
? 2: 90?! Are you kidding me?!
?: I never joke when it comes to work., now chop-chop, I ain't got all day, when you come back, I will reward you.
? 2: what happened to it being for free?
?: its free when I am a blacksmith, when you return, it will just be me. Besides, I may not say it but your my favorite customer *she says with a smile* but just because of that, doesn't mean you get a discount. But I will reward you for your help.
? 2: okay, whatever…
?: have a safe trip! *she says while waving*
You: this one gets a bit on my nerve but… I can't also say that I hate her… on the contrary… I actually like her…
Just then, more and more memories begin to show up in front of me…
You: Whoa…!
Quinella: such memories *she says with a bit of surprise*
A girl with long silky ginger hair is smiling in the memory.
?: Alright, say "Aaah"
I can see the girl feeding the silhouette of a figure that looks exactly like me…
? 2: Ooh! I always look forward to this, Aaah *the food is swollen* WOW! You are getting better Asuna!
Asuna: Oh yeah? I am glad. *she says with a smile*
You: Asuna…?
Another memory flashes showing a boy with black hair and black adventurer clothes appearing in front of me.
?: Okay, all you haft to do is lay down *he lays down* and just let all worries flow out.
? 2: if you say so *I lay down*
?: see? Isn't this nice?
? 2: *the voice yawns* yeah… I can actually take a nap here…
The memory then shows small rays of sunlight showing through the branches of a tree where it was laying down.
?: then take one… no one will interrupt us… goodnight, sleeping buddy… *he begins to snore*
? 2: maybe… you're right… goodnight Kirito…
You: Kirito…?
Another memory floats in with a girl with a long purplish pony tail and a scythe by her side.
?: Okay, whoever kills the most mobs wins!
? 2: I won't lose this time!
The memory then shows a huge battle scene with the two of them fighting off a large scale of monsters.
?: YEAAGH! HEAA! *she battles multiple targets with precise movements with her scythe*
? 2: wow she is good!
?: HEAAAAA! *she finishes off the last one* and that's it, I defeated sixty-six. You?
? 2: Uhhh… forty-two…
?: Hehaha! Guess that means that you're paying tonight!
? 2: please order something less expensive…
?: *she laughs at the words* I always have fun hanging out with you!
? 2: yeah? Well its fun when no one is paying for something expensive…
You: hehe… all of these people… they make me feel like… I'm in home… *I say with a smile*
Just then, more memories begin to appear in front of me. I know these people… I know them very well…
Memory Silica: Aaaaand… done! *she holds a small crown of flowers* here you go *she puts it on me* there, now we are twins! *she says happily*
Memory You: Ehehe *I embarrassingly say* thanks, I like it.
Memory Silica: anything for my favorite brother! Now, get close to me and say cheese.
Memory You: cheese? Why?
"Snap"
She then takes a photo with a record crystal.
Memory Silica: sorry… but I want to have something to remember this moments… this moments of happiness…
Memory Pina: Chirp…
Memory You: hey… I'll always be there for you… whether if it's in the battlefield or in moments like these… *I say in a comforting tone*
Memory Silica: *she smiles beamingly* thanks… that means a lot…
Memory Yuuki: Come on, I am sooo boooooored! Just a bit more of exploring.
Memory You: oh come on, we already fought a series of bosses to get to this level, how much more do you want?
Memory Yuuki: Hey, you never know what kind of amazing things you might find in this dungeons, we might even find a legendary artifact! EEE! *she squeals with excitement* plus, you are the only one I can come with. All of my sweet girls are busy, you are the only option I have…
Memory You: so you consider me a cute girl?
Memory Yuuki: Ew, no. I consider you a cute friend and partner, only you have the guts to take on this kind of events, pluuus… *she smirks* you wouldn't want me to tell Koharu that you decided to shut me down and abandon me in this cave all alone now, would you?
Memory You: just how evil are you? *I sigh* fine, we'll continue.
Memory Yuuki: YAAAY! *she leaps and hugs me* this is why I love having you around!
Memory You: Yeah, yeah, don't start something you are not gonna finish… *I say while I try to get her off me*
Memory Yuna: thanks for taking me out on this trip but, where are we going?
Memory You: Well, you like to write music, right?
Memory Yuna: Yes.
Memory You: well then, if that is the case, then you need inspiration.
Memory Yuna: Inspiration?
Memory You: yes, like this.
We then enter a small place with a small lake with a river flowing the other way and a waterfall just at the end of the lake. The trees were also giving some beautiful lines with the sun rays, it was truly a beautiful sight.
Memory Yuna: Whooooaaa! *she says while smiling*
Memory You: Yeah, beats every day working on a desk thinking about what to write.
Memory Yuna: you said it… *she explores the place* this place is so soothing and relaxing…
Memory You: exactly, a place where you can think without anyone bothering you. I figured that since you love writing music, you might want some place to think or relax… and what better place than this? When things are going tough… what better thing to do than just smile?
Memory Yuna: Hmm *she smiles* smile… smile for me… smile for you… you know… I think you might have inspired me to add the finishing touches to a project I have been recently working on…
Memory You: is that so? Well, I am glad I could help…
Memory Yuna: *she smiles* thank you!
Memory You: alright, with that many enemies, your weapon proficiency skill level will surely increase.
Memory Klein: I hope your right, here we… GOOO!
With a single strike, the enemies around him get scratched all over their bodies and disappear into polygons.
Memory You: Nice!
Memory Klein: I know right! *we fist bump each other*
Memory You: Psst, hey… you got the stuff?
Memory Agil: you bet I do *he grabs a box from his inventory*
Memory You: Sweet *I open the box*
As the memory shows me opening the box, I grab multiple samples of weapon material and enhancement items for my gear, at a very cheap price.
Memory You: Wow, you're a life saver man. Liz and Argo are always making me go broke, but you always find a way to help me get these things. Here's your payment, thanks again.
Memory Agil: don't mention it… seriously, if you mention this to anybody, they'll be all over me asking the same thing. That and those other girls that hang around you will get mad that you went to someone else for resource materials.
Memory You: Yeah, I hear ya. Thanks again.
Memory Agil: anytime *we fist bump each other*
Memory You: Now make sure that you have their algorithms at bay, otherwise they will bring you down! *I shout*
Memory Nautilis: *pant* *pant* you got it! *he says while running*
He then reaches a dead end and lights up his sword.
Memory Nautilus: Hrr…!
Memory Monsters: GRAAARGH!
Memory Nautilus: HREEAAAAAAGG! *he slashes through every single monster*
The monsters howl in pain as they all disappear into polygons.
Memory You: there you go! Nice job!
Memory Nautilus: Phew, thanks. Now I feel like I am actually getting stronger. Thanks for helping me.
Memory You: no prob. *we high five each other*
Memory Sachi: *she breathes in and out* it's always nice to get strong to survive, but it's nice to just sit back and relax…
Memory You: I hear ya. This place always makes me relax…
We are both sitting on a hill where a small gentle breeze was hitting our faces…
Memory Sachi: ~Hmmmmm~ ~Hmmm~ ~Hmmhmm~
Memory You: are you singing?
Memory Sachi: humming, actually… I just like to sing with the breeze and view… makes me feel happy… thanks for coming with me… you are the only person who I can actually… be myself without getting embarrassed… most of my guild mates always laugh when I do this… but you smile at it, and well… *she smiles and looks at me* it makes me happy to.
Memory You: aww, thanks
Just then, a butterfly lands on my nose.
Memory You: Oh… hey look…
Memory Sachi: Uh… *she giggles as she sees me* huuuhhh… *she tries to reach out for it*
As she reaches it, the butterfly takes off and begins fluttering away…
Memory Sachi: *she giggles* I am so happy that I met all of you… without you guys… I wouldn't have had the courage to leave the town of beginnings… thank you… *she lays her head on my shoulder*
Memory You: anytime… *I say while petting her*
Memory You: *pant* *pant*
Memory Leafa: come on, you are never going to dominate the swing of your sword if you don't master it by heart! *she yells demandingly*
Memory You: do I haft to…? *I say exhaustingly* I mean the system can just make my body move on its own…
Memory Leafa: not good enough! You need to know what to do in a critical situation. What if a trap causes your sword skills to be neutralized, then what will you do? You need to learn to wield a sword by your own thought process. Now get up and give me two hundred more hits!
Memory You: Augh…
Memory Leafa: if you do… I will give you rare quest item I recently got.
Memory You: Ghigh! I'm up! Two-hundred swings, coming right up!
Memory Leafa: *she giggles*
Memory Koharu: (You)…
Memory Asuna: (You)…
Memory Kirito: (You)…
Memory Mito: (You)…
Memory Silica: (You)…
Memory Yuuki: (You)…
Memory Yuna: (You)…
Memory Klein: (You)…
Memory Agil: (You)…
Memory Nautilus: (You)…
Memory Sachi: (You)…
Memory Leafa: (You)…
…
…
…
…
Memory Momiji: (You)…
You: *I gasp loudly*
Quinella: what's the matter?
You: I… I… what am I doing…? I can't just leave them…
Quinella: (You)… I know how you feel, but if you go back… your Fluctlight will be in danger at all times. You will not be able to leave that world once more if you return, it's best if you stay in the real world you come from.
You: But… *I look at the memories* I can't just leave them… they are my friends… they're my family…
Quinella: you also have another family who is worried sick about you… you can't abandon them either…
You: I… I know, I just…
In that moment, the skies begin to move a bit quicker than before.
Quinella: looks like its time. Head my warning (You), if you go back to the other world… I cannot guarantee your return to the one you call, real world *she disappears into mist*
You: Wait, but—
My words are cut as the sky begins to spin even faster with a bright beam of light blinding my eyes…
…
…
…
…
…
…
"Beep"… "Beep"…
I felt weird… like really weird… my whole body felt numb… but how was it that I could feel…?
?: How is he…? Do you think…? No… but what if…? Alright, but….
? 2: please send… I will… we cannot…
? 3: it's a miracle… but… how is it…? No, we must…
You: what…?
?: he is speaking! We haft to inform this now!
You: Igh… wha… H-huh?! *I open my eyes*
When I open my eyes, I see that I am surrounded by people dressed in nurses' and doctors' uniforms.
You: Wha… where? Where am I?
Doctor: easy buddy… this is amazing… *he says with surprise* we must get to the bottom of this as soon as possible!
Nurse: I will inform the family members! *she leaves in a hurry*
You: what happened…? Why can't I feel my body…?
Meanwhile, in the waiting room
Kota: *sniff*… *sniff-sniff*
Mom: it will be alright, Kota…
Kota: how can you be sure…? What if he died…? *she says in a heartbroken tone*
Mom: We-we don't know that… maybe the doctors saved him in time… *she says in a very worried tone*
Kota: Brother… why? Why did this happen to you? *she holds a picture* *sniff* *she begins sobbing with the picture near her chest*
Just then, the nurse rushes in to the wating room.
Mom: Uh! *she gets up* how is he?
Nurse: Okay, you might not believe me when I say this but… he woke up.
Mom: *her eyes open wide*
Kota: *she drops the picture and stand up* what…?
Nurse: the Nervegear somehow lost its power by some weird interference, thus making your son get free from its captivity.
Mom: so… he's… *tears begin to fall down* awake…?
Nurse: yes, you may see him, but keep in mind that his body is still really unstable due to the—
Kota: *she runs and she pushes the nurse aside*
Mom: K-Kota, wait!
Kota doesn't listen as she runs through the hallways until eventually reaching the room.
Kota: *pant* *pant* *she stares at the knob* okay… *she gulps* here we go… *she enters the room* (Please don't let this be a lie, please don't let this be a lie, Please don't let this be a lies…) *she gets near some curtains*
You: Augh… what happened?
As she hears my voice… her eyes begin to drop tears like waterfalls as she moves the vurtins and sees me in the hospital bed.
Kota: B… B… Brother…?
You: Kota…? Is that you?
Kota: Igh! *she runs and hugs me*
You: Augh!
Doctor: H-hey, be careful his body is still very weak!
Kota: *she tightens her grip*
You: Ghighh… (Some things never change…)
Mom: *she rushes in* *she gasps as she holds her palms near her mouth* it cant be…
You: Mom…?
Mom: (Y-You)… (You), my love! *she hugs me tightly*
You: N-not too close… or you might end up squeezing me to death…
Doctor: I would please like to ask you two to please lend him some space.
Mom: O-oh, of course. *she takes a few steps back*
Kota: *sniff*
Doctor: excuse me, miss. But could you please let him go—
Kota: No.
Doctor: Uh. *he takes a few steps back*
Kota: Please… just please let me be with him…
You: Ehehe… *I hold her head* your still the little spoil brat I watched grow this past few years…
Kota: why didn't you tell me?
I was about to ask what… but I had a feeling, I knew what she meant…
You: because… I was scared of what you might think… I thought, that if I told you that we weren't actually brother and sister, you wouldn't feel the same way… I didn't want that…
Kota: oh, you're so stupid… *she looks at me* of course I would have thought and believed it… because over all this years, I never really noticed how much you cared and loved for me… but when I saw you and your move less body in this bed… I realized just how much you mean to me… I don't care if we are not related by blood or anything of the sort… I love you… and I don't want you away from me…
You: Kota… *I hug her so weakly* I love you to… I am sorry for making you worry about me…
Kota: *sniff* *she begins sobbing on my chest*
Mom: *sniff* *tears begin to fall from her face as well*
You: *I smile at them*
In that moment… I felt like I had everything… I didn't need anything else but the love of my family… nothing could ruin the mome—
You: Mm… *my smiles goes away*
Mom: Hmm? What's wrong (You)?
You: it's just that… I… I can't come back just yet…
Everyone: Huh?
You: there are some people… friends of mine… who I left in there… they must be waiting for me…
Meanwhile, a few hours before I logged out
Koharu: don't worry, it will be okay, just stay calm and we will get you to a—
Befire she finishes… she sees that my whole virtual body is beginning to glow into transparent colors as I am still passed out.
Koharu: Wh-wh-what's happening?!
Sanya: M-maybe he is moving back to his saved point.
Kirito: No… he's… he's…
Mito: disappearing… from this world… *she says horrified*
Klein: Wh-what?! What do you mean?!
Kirito: he's… dead…
Everyone: WHAT?!
Koharu: No… N-n-n-no, no that can't be… I mean look, his HP bar is still full, so that can't be it!
Kirito: Well… that is the only thing that is happening. He his perishing from this world… *he says with a cracking voice*
Yuna: No… please don't tell me this is happening…
Nautilus: Y-Yuna… *he tries to reach for her*
Yuna: No… it's not real, ITS NOT!
Yuuki: there must be some explanation for this!
Sinon: this is a joke… this is not happening…
Argo: Ighhhgghhh… *she grips her fists tightly*
Lisbeth: N-No, you don't know what you're talking about!
Leafa: Y-yeah, maybe it's just—
You: *my body disappears into blue trickling polygons*
Everyone: *they stare at the shards*
Silica: Uh… *tears begin to fall like waterfalls* no…
Lisbeth: *she falls on her knees*
Sanya: *she tries to breath*
Asuna: No… *she falls on her knees* please no…
Kirito: RRR! *he punches the wall* …damn it…
Agil: Igh… *he tries to hold back his tears*
Argo: Ugh… no… *she faints*
Yuuki: Argo! *she runs to her*
Yuna: No… no…
Nautilus: Yuna… *he hugs her*
Yuna: *she begins to sob on his chest*
Leafa: *she begins to sob on the wall*
Sachi: No… *she falls on her knees and begins sobbing*
Koharu: …no… no… NOOOO! *she tries to grab the shards* grab the shards! Maybe we can put him back!
Kirito: Koharu…
Koharu: don't just stand there! HELP ME!
Kirito: KOHARU! *he grabs her shoulders* … he's gone…
Koharu: No… no, he is not gone, he promised that we would be together, HE PROMISED!
Alice: W-would anyone mind telling me what just happened?!
Eydis: Hey, what with all the ruckus? *she says as she arrives*
Just then, they all hear a thud near the door.
Eydis: hey, who's this purple haired cutie? She seems to be sad.
Asuna: *she sees the other side of the door* Kizmel?
Kizmel: (You)… he died? *she says as she has fallen to her knees* I… I just… I… can't…
Koharu: No… I can't live without him… *she begins to run away from the room*
Kirito: K-Koharu!
Mito: where did she go?
Kizmel: she is heading for the roof…
Everyone: *they all look at each other with panicked faces* KOHARU!
Meanwhile, in Queen Idi's room
Idis: *she gasps as she falls out of her bed* Augh… sir (You)… *she gets up and walks to her window* how can this be…? Igh… *she falls on her knees* why would they take you from us…? From me…? *she begins sobbing*
Meanwhile, somewhere around the 25th floor
Ratio: Grrraaauuuurrr… *he looks at the moon* GRAAAAAAAOOOOUUUUU! *he howls at the moon*
Meanwhile, somewhere around the 40th floor
Erassa: Igh… this feeling… *she holds her chest* what is this…? Am I… is this…? Griigh… Haszdkkzz *she says while glitching* Huh? *she looks at her hands* what's happening to me?
Meanwhile, in the Lyusula castle roof
In the roof, Koharu is seen bursting through the door as she reaches the ledge. The sky begins to get cloudy and windy as her hair covers her face as she faces down… its high… really high… one drop can definitely kill her…
Koharu: if I do this… then I can be with him… we both shall be together… (You)… I am coming…
As she faces upwards while closing her eyes, she extends her hands separately, forming a T shape with her body… she was ready to do it…
Koharu: *she breathe in and out* here I come… *she leaps forward*
All she sees… is a ground that is getting close to her… the wind brushes violently on her body as she begins to get closer and closer to the ground…
Koharu: I am sorry everyone… and I am sorry Sanya, Argo, Lisbeth, Sinon… I am sorry for hurting you… I knew you all loved him as well… but I couldn't let you all take him from me… but now that he is gone… my purpose and reasons are no more… please continue living… and again… I am sorry…
Koharu then closes her eyes as she sees the ground getting a few meters closer to her, now that she knew that she was getting closer to her death… it was time to accept it…
Koharu: goodbye everyone…
"SROOOOOOSHHHHH"
The wind blows violently as an object hits the ground… nothing but a bit of a smokescreen can be seen.
Kirito: *he bursts open the door* KOHARU! *he runs to the edge*
Everyone begins to enter the roof in a panic as they all see that Kirito is standing near the edge… most of them gave a look of despair as they see that Koharu is nowhere in sight…
Kirito: No…
Asuna: KOHARUUUU!
Klein: W-wait! Look!
Everyone: Huh?
Everyone begins to see in the direction Klein was pointing at, as they do so, they see the siluet of a person… what was curious about it, is that it did not have a cursor on its head…
Asuna: She… she's alive…
Koharu: Igh… h-huh…?
?: that was close… are you alright?
Koharu: I-it's you… Eydis…
Eydis: the one and only *she says as she holds Koharu on her arms*
Koharu: why did you save me?
Eydis: because you were falling, it's only right to help.
Koharu: I didn't need salvation… I wanted to die…
Eydis: What? Why?
Koharu: He's gone…
Eydis: whos he?
Koharu: (You)… he's gone forever…
Eydis: What? You mean he's… dead?
Koharu: yes…
Eydis: B-but… how?
Koharu: I don't know… and I don't care anymore… *she says in an emotionless tone* he's dead… and with him, my soul…
Eydis: so you planned to kill yourself?
Koharu: yes…
Eydis: is that any solution to your problem?
Koharu: I don't care anymore *she says as she lets go of her* you don't know what it's like to have someone you love taken away from you… Alice is still alive… so you don't get it…
Eydis: Well… that is not entirely true…
Koharu: hmm?
Eydis: over the years… I have been hearing a voice in my head every time I am with Alice… its small and faint… but I swear I can hear the voice… that very familiar voice… I cannot remember from who it was… but I do know, that it was from someone special to me… but somehow, that person must have been taken away from me long ago… the Knights in the Cathedral say that we are Knights summoned from the heavens by the three goddesses of our world… but somehow… I knew that it was all just a child books story… I knew that it wasn't true, I had no proof… but I knew that it wasn't true… I just had a feeling…
Koharu: and your point is?
Eydis: My point is… is that I am sure I know how you feel… there were times in where I thought it'd be better if I stayed alone in the dark… alone in a room in the Cathedral…
Some time in UW, Eydis POV
I never fitted in with the other Knights… I always felt so out of place when I was near them… so I would always stay alone in a very dark and solitary place in the Cathedral… I thought I could be myself in there without anyone bothering me or bossing me around…
Eydis: *I breathe in and out* this place… is really lonely…
?: It is indeed…
Eydis: huh? Who's there?
?: Now, now Eydis… I'm just here to deliver a message that I'm sure you'll be happy to hear…
Eydis: Hmm? Y-Your eminence! Administrator! Wh-what brings you here?! I- I mean, you already told me, what would you like to tell me?
Administrator: please come by at the top of the Cathedral when you're ready… I will be waiting for you…
Eydis: Mmm…
I wasn't exactly sure as to why she wanted to speak with me, I mean, I was still new amongst the newest Integrity knights… so I found it rather surprising that she wanted to speak with me…
Later, at the top of the Cathedral
Eydis: *pant* *pant* I have arrived… your eminence…
Administrator: Eydis… *she turns to see her* I am glad that you arrived *she slowly walks to her* I heard that you handled the goblin extermination splendidly…
Eydis: O-oh, thank you… though Deusolbert deserve most of the credit.
Administrator: I heard you also went scouting in the Dark Realm.
Eydis: Y-yes, though the commander helped me with that one. We didn't come across any enemies, either.
Administrator: you have served me well, though you are new to this plane of existence. I wish to reward you for your efforts…
Eydis: W-wow! *she yells in excitement* o-oh, but… are you sure I deserve it?
Administrator: are you doubting my judgment?
Eydis: O-oh no, not at all your eminence! I'll humbly accept your reward.
Administrator: Eydis synthesis ten… I shall give you a divine weapon.
Eydis: A divine weapon…? You mean like the Commanders giant swords?
Administrator: yes, however… I will need you to bring me some raw materials for your weapon. Beyond the western empire… in the mountains where the wyrms dwell, you will find an uncharted lake. Deep beneath the water's surface, you will find an object untouched by the light of Solus, find it for me and I shall forge your weapon…
Eydis: I understand. I shall go to the western empire and bring you back this object…
Before I left… I felt the urge to ask her something rather… personal…
Eydis: I hope you don't mind if I ask you the following…
Administrator: it is only right to speak what you feel. Please, tell me what's wrong…
Eydis: I always see how much you work to try to keep all the members in the human empire in protection from the army of the dark, but… is there any other specific reason you wish to do it?
Administrator: Mm?!
When I saw her face, I realized that she was surprised by my question...
Administrator: Hmm *she smiles delicately* I have no deep reason. I simply wish to protect the realm I love… nothing more, nothing less…
She averted my gaze as she smiled painfully. I could tell that something bothered her… always hiding it behind that smile…
Eventually, I made it to a small lake where I was given orders to retrieve the object my eminence asked me for. However, the lake was surprisingly deep, very deep for me to even hold my breath… but thankfully… I was not alone… my dragon Kirimai helped my swim all the way down. With her help, I managed to ascend to the bottom of the lake, where I found a small rock that gave a weird dark glow even in the sunlight. No matter the place, it would always be black… when I returned it to the Pontifex, she told me the following.
Administrator: great work, Eydis. You have brought me the object, now I shall forge you your divine weapon…
Eydis: Excuse me, Lady Pontifex, but… why does it shine… black? Like, why is it so dark?
Administrator: this rock is an object that has never been touched by the rays of Solus. Its memories belongs in the shadows… *she stares at the rock* who would want it to be left alone…? *her smiles disappears* just like him… *she grasps the rock tightly* Mmm… never mind, I shall now forge ou our weapon…
As she holds the rock in front of her the rock begins to mold in front of us as she uses her Sacred arts to forge the rock.
Eydis: Whoooa…
As she finishes, the rock transforms into a blade made of black steel… no single place was covered with light…
Present moment
Eydis: and that's when my divine weapon was born… the dark slasher… I still haven't mastered its perfect weapon control authority yet… but thanks to your partner… I think I may have gotten a step closer on doing it… look… believe it or not, I know how you feel… I can't remember who this special person was, but I know he or she was special to me… really special…
Alice: it's true.
Eydis and Koharu: Huh?
Alice: a while back, the Kirito from my world made me realize something… I had a sister… her name was Selka… I didn't even know… but I always had a feeling that I had someone special to me… Kirito made me realize the truth I was living in, and now I know… Eydis had someone special to her, but was taken away from the Pontifex, that's why the Kirito in my world is on his way to get rid of her and stop her plans once and for all.
Kirito: I am?
Just then, everyone begins to walk over to the three.
Alice: Yes. You along with your friend… Eugeo… I think was his name.
Kirito: Eugeo…?
Alice: You would not stop talking about him… he seems to be someone really special to you.
Kirito: well… that name does sound familiar… really familiar…
Alice: he and you are your way to defeat the pontifex. He is helping you with your impossible plan.
Koharu: But… why would you leave the two of them? Shouldn't you be helping them… you know, maybe it could help you reunite with your sister…
Alice: I am helping them… I renounced the Axiom church and the pontifex… I was heading to the top of the cathedral with Kirito, in search of his friend… but before we could reach the 90th floor of the cathedral… surprisingly, we found him just outside waiting for us. Kirito was shocked and confused as to why he was there, he thought he would have moved past ahead of that point… but his friend said that a strange man told him to wait there. Kirito was rather confused as to why that man would ask him to do such request. By the time we got there, he was just as confused as we were, so we decided to ask him what's wrong.
Kirito: Euguo? What are you doing here? I thought you at least reached the upper floors.
Eugeo: I was, but before I could enter this next floor, I was stopped by a voice. I don't know who he was but he said that he was descended from the heavens, sent here on behalf of the goddess Stacia. He said that he was here to help us. He didn't give any more specific detail other than that.
Kirito: what…?
Alice: he was descended from the heavens?
Eugeo: Yeah. He said that Stacia sent him to guide us. Not sure what his intention was though. I haven't seen him in a while.
?: Fear not, my good friends.
Alice, Eugeo and Alice: Huh?
?: I swear I mean no harm to you… all I wish is to help.
Kirito: that voice… why does it sound…?
?: Alice… I take it you have awakened from the Administrators captivity?
Alice: Y-yes…
?: Excellent. That is the first step to our freedom. Alice, I need you to head to the 50th floor of the cathedral. I am sensing a cave that is not supposed to be there. An entrance from the dark territory summoned by Dark arts from the army of the dark itself. Go there and investigate. Avoid any threat that may come against the people living here.
Alice: *she looks at Kirito and Eugeo* I…
Kirito: Go. We will be fine.
Alice: Hrr… alright… *she begins to leave*
?: Eugeo.
Eugeo: Y-yes…
?: I have a feeling that Alice might need you. I suggest you follow her and listen to what she has to say.
Eugeo: Right… got it… *he looks at Kirito*
Kirito: Alice is going to need you. I will be fine, I promise.
Eugeo: Mmm… Fine… *he begins chasing after Alice*
?: Kirito…
Kirito: Yes… is that you Kikuoka?
?: No… I am… someone close.
Kirito: Someone close?
?: there is no time chit-chat. A great threat is coming, even worse than the final load test.
Kirito: What?
?: listen to me. The Ponitfex and Cardinal are both disconnected from Underworld.
Kirito: What?!
?: they both have somehow made a connection to a distant world. One where you… are rather different.
Kirito: What?
?: listen, there is no time to explain. A terrorist group is going to be invading a particular area in the outer world.
Kirito: What…?
?: they are dangerous people who have infiltrated the same area a couple of years ago. They are back to take what they couldn't because of an incident. It's alright if you don't understand what I am talking about, you will understand very soon. For now, you need to head to the world end alter.
Kirito: the what? I've never heard of that place.
?: that's okay, I will send you the cordinance, but you can't tell anyone about this, the knights and people are going to go crazy if they find out about, you need to head to the world's end alter and have yourself disconnected from this world and connect yourself to the other world.
Kirito: but what about Alice and Eugeo?
?: they will be fine. This world and yours is about to change, things might not make sense anymore. But you need to do as I say, I will send you the cordinence as to get there. The journey is not going to be easy though, but rest assure… I am sure you will gain a new ally… make sure you are well prepared… good luck.
Kirito: H-hey, wait! I…
Before he can finish, the voice goes silent and so does the room. There was no one in sight other than him… he couldn't bring himself to explain or understand the situation. Nothing made sense anymore…
Kirito: world's end alter, huh? New ally? Nothing is making sense anymore… but if the Pontifex somehow managed to connect herself to another world… that could lead to some serious trouble… hopefully everything will be okay… *he begins running away*
Meanwhile, at the 50th floor of the cathedral: Alice POV
I continue to head down the staircase until eventually reaching the bottom. Originally, I would be oppose to listening to the orders of some unknown source, but if what he is saying is true… then that must mean that someone or something was capable of entering the human realm. And if that is the case, then this intruder must be really skilled to be able to sneak past us. However, there were minions at the edge of the cathedral… maybe it has something to do with that… as I arrive to the end of the hall, I spot an entrance that was not supposed to be there, the entrance gave the vibes of a cave entrance, but it was not supposed to be in inside the cathedral. Whoever summoned that entrance must have been a skilled crafter in the dark arts. I had to enter the cave, but before I could enter…
?: And where do you think you're going?
Alice: Huh? Eydis?
Eydis: I see that you are entering an unknown cave that I know was never there.
Alice: I was sent here by a voice ascended from the heavens… though I have no knowledge of who he is.
Eydis: descended, huh? Well, if you're going to enter this mysterious cave with no knowledge of where it leads or how it got there, then I am going.
Alice: No, Eydis. You must stay and watch the Cathedral, the knights are already defeated by the two rebellions, you must keep your eye on it.
Eydis: don't fool me… I know you are teaming up with them… while although I have no idea as to why… I think I can kind of see why… do not worry, my duty is to protect the human empire from the Dark Territory… since I am fulfilling my duty, I will not be violating the Taboo Index.
Alice: *she sighs* very well… but we must be cautious… we have no idea of where it might lead…
Eydis: right… *we both enter the cave*
I wasn't going to argue anything to her, since I know that she would do it even if I told her not to. She is as stubborn as it is.
Eydis: Sooo… where are we even going?
Alice: I have no idea… but we should follow the direction of the path… maybe it will lead us somewhere…
?: Don't worry.
Eydis and Alice: Huh?
?: I will guide you through where you need to go.
Eydis: is that the voice you were talking about?
Alice: Yes…
?: First, head north then head south east of the next entrance.
Alice: Very well…
With the mysterious voice guiding us, we made it through various entrances that gave out distant entrances. With every turn we took, we eventually found ourselves right outside.
Present moment
Koharu: and that's how you got here?
Alice: Yes. The cave was not located near a mountain or land. It was located within the Cathedral itself.
Eydis: we still have no idea as to how it got there, but we do know that it lead us straight to this place.
Alice: the mysterious voice said that this was an entrance of the Dark Territory, we didn't find any residence of the dark land.
Eydis: which brings the question, why did that voice lead us here?
Asuna: Hmm… interesting.
Alice: Finally, back to the main topic. You can't sacrifice your life for his, that's not what he would want you to do.
Koharu: but…
Alice: the people in this world need you… you have a duty to fulfill… with or without him, you must fight.
Koharu: but he was my strength… he was the reason I got so strong… I wanted to surpass him one day, and show him just how strong I've grown… I did make a promise to him after all… I had so many dreams… dreams I wished to share with him… but now he's gone…
Eydis: No…
Koharu: huh?
Eydis: I don't think he's gone… he may have vanished… but I can sense that he is not gone…
Koharu: how can you tell?
Eydis: I don't know how… it's just a feeling.
Sanya: me too…
Koharu: huh?
Sanya: I don't know what it is… but I can actually feel that he is not gone… he us just gone from this world…
Argo: now I don't know who's crazier…
Lisbeth: Well… if there's one thing I know, is that he is really dependable… like maybe a little too dependable.
Asuna: Besides, he may have disappeared into sparkling polygons like anything does once it dies… but he didn't die, he just vanished.
Mito: Yeah… maybe he didn't die, maybe he just… left this world.
Silica: So like, he returned to the real world?
Sinon: that would be the only logical explanation.
Yuuki: so like, what do we do?
Yuna: I don't know if there's even anything we can do.
Nautilus: I suggest we just keep moving forward.
Kirito: he's right… we can't tell the other members of the Assault tem. If they find out that one person was actually able to log out…
Klein: they get suspicious and also go crazy as to why that happened… yeah, it's best if we just keep it to ourselves until we figure out what's going on.
Sachi: I guess all we can do for now… is wait until he comes back.
Agil: do you even believe that he will come back?
Koharu: I do… I know he will… I was stupid as to think that he left… but he would never do that… he is my partner, I should know him more than anyone… *she looks up to the sky*
The clouds begin to float away as the moon is then revealed in the night sky…
Kizmel: *she walks slowly outside* (You)… I will wait for your return…
Meanwhile, in Queen Idis's room
Idis: *she wipes away her tears and looks up the window* oh my… *she looks at the moon* no… I know he will return… until then… I will be waiting…
Meanwhile, in the 25th floor
Ratio: roooouuuu… *he salutes to the sky*
Meanwhile, in the 40th floor
Erassa: I… don't know what's going on… what is this I feel… but I… I am… *she glitches* Igh… what is…? (You)…
Meanwhile, in the real world
Kota: Wha… what do you mean you can't stay? You're finally free!
Doctor: Y-yes, actually… I figured you'd be happy that you broke free. You are the only patient in this hospital to ever break free from the Nervegear. Not even our specialized tech group were capable of logging out the people, not without taking their lives of course… you could help so many people with this discovery! We might be able to log the other people out!
Nurse: if we can find out a way to make an interference with the other Nrevegears from the other people… we might find a way to get your friends out as well.
You: I understand your reasons… believe me, I do… but it's not just my friends who I want to help… it's the NPC's… the people who are living there… two girls I have met… they also need me. I can't abandon them.
Mom: but (You) *she approaches me* if you go back, we won't be able to get you out again *she says all worried*
You: I know mom, but even so I am still willing to go back. I can't leave them… especially her… *I say while looking out the window*
Mom: Who?
You: … my partner… I can't leave her… she is my partner and I swore that I'd be with her until we cleared the game. She is mostly the reason of why I want to go back… I have made my decision… I chose her… *I say quietly*
Mom: What?
You: N-nothing. Anyways, the point is I need to go back… I have to save them and the other people I have met… I made a promise… Mom, Kota, you both know how much I mean it when I make a promise.
Mom: But… (You)…
Kota: it's not fair… *she quietly*
You: Huh?
Kota: IT'S NOT FAIR! *she yells with tears*
You: K-Kota…?
Kota: you came back after all these months, only to tell me that! GIhhii… *drops of tears fall on the bed* you said that you needed to go back because of your partner right… *she says as her hair covers her face*
You: Y-yeah…
Kota: then… then I hate her…
You: Huh?
Kota: I hate her, and I'll always will! I WANT HER DEAD! *she leaves the room frustrated*
You: K-Kota!
Mom: Sweetie!
You: she hates her…? No…
Doctor: Nurse, can you make sure she is alright.
Nurse: of course.
You: *I sigh* I am sorry mom… believe me, if I could stay, I would… but I need to go back… I haft to.
Mom: *she sighs and hugs me* but if you go back…
You: I know… I know *I say while stroking her back* I know the consequences… and I willing to take them *I let go of her and face the doctor* doctor, please hand me my Nervegear back.
Doctor: Uh, well… that might be a problem.
You: why is that?
Doctor: Well you see… when we found out that the Nervgear was successfully cut out from your internal encephalon… we had it taken to the authorities for examination… just to figure out a way to cause an interference with the rest of the Nervegears.
You: …
…
…
…
You: You did WHAT?!
To be continued…