Needed a break from all of my other stories. Time for a new genre, SAO! Don't get me wrong, I like Asuna... I just like Alice more! A couple heads up to fit the story more since Alice is my main protagonist. Selka will now be a little brother with the name "Selko" to fit the storyline. Yui will have the same blue eyes as Alice. I can't remember the rest T_T. If she doesn't act cannon, get over it. I'm writing the story and you are reading. It won't have many chapters, but the word count will be immense. Each arc will be a chapter.

As always,

Enjoy!

~Kyvena

~1: Wonderland Of Swords~

Long golden locks kept in a braid by a white ribbon with long portions hanging around her face blew in the wind as she sat on her backyard porch with sparkling blue orbs that appeared almost miserable. Her father then walked outside to see her face before making his way forward with two neatly wrapped gifts, only to stop to tap her shoulder lightly, "Alice...?" Internally shaking her head and plastering on one hell of a fake smile on her face, Alice gave a soft reply, "Yes?"

Seeing the gifts being handed to her, Alice began to blink in utter confusion before asking in a rather puzzled tone of voice, "What might this be for?" Her father, Gasupht, began to laugh gently at the question asked, "Well, your mother and little brother have noticed your sadness and are becoming extremely worried, so, I decided to get you something! I shouldn't need to justify as to why I am giving my daughter a present! Go on!"

Nodding her head and taking the gifts, Alice began to unwrap the largest present to see the nerve gear. Blinking rapidly, she then looked up at her father in confusion. Oh, Gasupht KNEW that when the beta for Sword Art Online was released, his eldest daughter had gone to her friend's house almost every day so that she could borrow his nerve gear once he scored one of the slots in the beta test for Sword Art Online.

However, at the time, her friend had to study relentlessly for upcoming exams and was unable to actually test it, or so he thought. All Alice had to do in return was tell him how the game was. Once she started, all she could think about, was this game... day and night. Opening the second present... there it was... the FULL Sword Art Online game. Beyond ecstatic at this point, she gave her father a hasty hug and thanked him before darting to her room.

Hooking everything up to her computer and doing the full body calibration, she groaned softly as she inserted the game before taking a seat on her bed to COMPLAIN softly to herself, "Man... I got SO far in the beta. Now I have to recreate my character and start from the beginning..." She found this to be an opportunity after thinking it over for a moment or two, only to place the gear on her head and lie on her back. This time, she would get all the way to the top without any issues.

Taking a deep calming breath and closing her eyes, a smile was quick to cross her beautiful face before saying the magical words of, "LINK START!" Signing into her account, she then made a short hair version of herself with light blue locks and silver eyes. Now came the challenge of the century... picking a name. Why was something such as picking a name such a tedious task to begin with? She supposed that she would never be given an answer over that initial question.

During the beta, she had gone by the name "Synthesis Thirty" but did not want to do that this go around. Huffing at how she couldn't pick a name, she did the most stupid thing that she actually could've done and used her own name. Once logged in, she blinked a few times to adjust to the sensation once again, only to notice a male with emo appearing hair clenching his fists while talking to himself, "Hello world, I'm back!"

Sweat dropping at this, Alice began to run with her sword clanking against her back. Making it out of all of that commotion fairly quick, Alice began to farm monsters left and right. For her, leveling was so easy and it took little to no effort involved due to her sleek and smooth movements, along with her reaction speed and initial sword skills being used. To her, this was all child's play in the grand scheme of the entire game.

As the sun began to set in the world, she turned and noticed that same "emo" dude helping another man, only for the two to stop and begin talking. Continuing her grind and leveling rather quickly, she then heard the man with red locks speak, "Dude, with how skilled you are, you HAD to know the top beta tester!" - "Oh, you mean Synthesis Thirty...? Nah, I didn't know him. If you thought that I was good, HE was always ten steps ahead of me."

Coming to a stop once she hit level five, both men glanced her way as she heard the male with the red hair speaking about how there was no logout button. Finding that odd, Alice swiped her right hand down to notice the same thing but could only think that this was only a bug and closed the menu to continue. Once they both witnessed her, they couldn't see her level; but they could tell that she had also been a beta tester with how she moved, making their jaws almost hit the floor.

However, right at that moment, the bells in the central plaza began to ring nonstop. Once the forced teleport had been achieved, Alice stood beside mister emo and mister noob while staring wide eyed at the sky once warnings began to conceal all of the blue. Getting to "meet" Akihiko Kayaba wasn't a first for her though due to the line of work that her father was in. He, too, was a VRMMORPG game creator that had brought Alice along for one of his meetings so that she could meet Kayaba.

He had appeared so lost... so sad... and almost appeared as if his soul was disintegrating into thin air. However, when she got some one-on-one time with him, he had opened up to her to speak brightly about his creation that she happily listened to, while also remembering one thing she had said... "I would rather be stuck in the amazing world you are wishing to create and live it as if it were my reality! I mean, that is the whole point of the Nerve Gear, to be in the creators world, right?"

She had remembered as to how his eyes began sparkling brightly over this single little comment, making the two brainstorm. After that, she had been asked for by Akihiko Kayaba many times to help him brainstorm to her on how to make their dreams a reality. Well shit, now she felt responsible for this. Through this entire little intro, she heard the fact that she would not be able to logout of the game until the game had been cleared and if you died in the game, you would die in real life.

As this little speech was concluding and proceeding to freak everyone out in the process, all were informed of an item now in their inventory as a gift. She already held a few items from monster drops, so she had to scroll through the short list of items before coming to a stop and tilting her head slightly once she selected it so that it materialized and dropped into her hands. She watched a few smashing those mirrors instantly out of anger... which kept them in their avatars.

All she did was look at this mirror in confusion while muttering to herself, "A mirror...?" A bright light then enveloped everyone's bodies and she had to blink roughly once it had died down. She felt the change almost instantly and felt her long blonde braid swinging behind her. Looking into the mirror, horror struck her face the moment she noticed that she was HERSELF and NOT her avatar. This was terrible... if she ever got out of here alive, everyone would know who she was.

People began to panic almost instantly, and hysteria broke out in droves within the Town of Beginnings between everyone who had never played the game before, but two different sets of orbs narrowed before darting out of the crowd to head to the next town so that they could work their ways up to the top. Her little brother and parents were her driving force at this point... so this game could not beat her no matter what odds she was put up against.

It had now been a month and no one, not even her, had been able to find the boss room. As frustrating as that was, it wasn't as frustrating as all of the men that were basically willing to chop their arm off to get in a party with her. She politely denied all of the invitations... but that didn't make her any less popular, which was annoying as hell. She was a solo player and planned on remaining that way until the bitter end to feel some sort of freedom from her life.

Walking out of her rented room, Alice walked out into the town before making it to a stand that a player was running, "Hey Saya." Turning around, Saya's eyes began to sparkle as the blonde took a seat, "Alice! It's great to see you!" Handed her breakfast that only satisfied her in-game hunger, Alice then puffed out slightly, "I swear... this is nothing like the beta..." In all her time spent in Aincrad thus far, Saya had been more of a mother to her than her actual mother ever was.

Saya was one of the few who actually kept her secret over being an ex-beta tester, making her frown, "Really...?" Right as Alice went to answer, a handsome short haired male sat down and waved lazily, "Hey Saya..." His voice was dull, even, and almost on the borderlines of monotone, but she honestly couldn't blame him for sounding as bummed as he just had. Hell, she probably didn't sound any different from him. Being a solo player in a game of death was lonely and risky as hell.

Saya peered over and smiled, "Kirito, it's wonderful to see you! How come you're still in town?" Kirito hummed slightly as he was handed his breakfast and began to talk with his mouth full with his chin propped up lazily by the palm of his free hand, "Well, there's going to be a meeting today. Apparently someone found the boss room." Saya then snapped towards the blonde that she mothered, "HONESTLY!? WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME, ALICE!? I SWEAR YOU'RE TRYING TO KILL ME!"

Holding her hands up defensively as she finished eating, Alice swallowed the last of her food before speaking, "Well, I was going to tell you. He just so happened to tell you first." Jumping down with a traveling cape on, the long-haired blonde then waved, "See you later Saya." Everyone then snapped their heads in her direction the moment Saya yelled, "BE CAREFUL ALICE, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME!?" Sweat dropping, she merely held her hand up and waved as she walked away.

Making it to the meeting and sitting down, Alice didn't even peer around due to the fact that she was already being stared at by any and all people. The person in charge of the meeting definitely knew her very well and everyone began to realize that he treated her as if he knew her in the real world as well, considering he then waved at her with a gentle smile laced across his face, making her raise a bored hand in return as the last person that had been invited then walked in.

With the meeting started, there was then an overly obnoxious voice that yelled out, "HOLD IT!" Jumping down, everyone peered at this man as he continued to yell, "MY NAME'S KIBAOU AND SOME OF YOU HERE NEED TO APOLOGIZE RIGHT NOW!" Diavel then frowned as he spoke, "Kibaou, I think I know who you are talking about. You are referring to the ex-beta testers, aren't you?" Lifting his nose in the air, Kibaou the snorted, "Of course I mean the ex-beta testers!"

A scowl then appeared on Kibaou's face, "Hell, the day this death game started, the ex-beta testers took off and left all of us behind. They cleared all of the good hunting areas and took all of the easy quests too! I bet there are some here now! Come out and show yourselves!" Pointing at everyone, he then smirked, "WE SHOULD MAKE THEM GIVE UP ALL OF THEIR ITEMS AND THEIR MONEY TOO! YOU CAN'T EXPECT FOR THE PARTY TO TRUST YOU IF YOU DON'T TRUST US!"

Diavel then peered at Alice, knowing fully well what this man was speaking about. When he had been a beta tester, he knew little miss Alice very well and watched her roll her dazzling sparkling blue eyes before lazily speaking something that made everyone begin laughing at this man that instantly became shocked and embarrassed, "What... you can't make any of your own damn money? Stop being a leech, sit down, and shut up. I'd like to have dinner sometime this century."

That's when the largest man Alice had ever seen took the stage and began to speak over things. This damn meeting was taking so long that it was ridiculous. Diavel then gave a lofty sigh and nodded, "Right! All of you need to team up into parties of six! There will only be one person by themselves!" Diavel then pointed to his ace card... Alice. However, she only shook her head. Noticing two individuals teaming up, Kirito walked up to her as the other left, "Hey, were you left out too?"

Lifting her brow, Alice sighed softly, "Not at all, everyone just seems as if they are already friends, that's all." She was then sent a party invitation and made her shrug before accepting while standing and walking away. Peering at the names in the party, she then hummed, 'I remember this Kirito from the beta... he was ranked as second. Good we're not doomed.'

Diavel then approached her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "You know that I would have teamed up with you!" Giving a dry face, Alice then chuckled softly at him and wrapped her arm around his hip in a teasing sense, "Yeah, I know that Diavel." Right then, the two walked into town and Saya darted out due to seeing the rather "intimate" hold they had on one another, only for her to begin mothering almost instantly, "Alice! You got a boyfriend and didn't tell me!?"

Lifting a dainty golden eyebrow, she then shook her head lightly, "Not at all. I just knew Diavel from the beta test." With that, she dropped her arm from his hip and pushed his arm off of her shoulder before getting dinner, "I'm going to sit somewhere quiet Saya, I'll see you tomorrow morning." Saya felt horrible for this girl. She ALWAYS played solo and was probably a former shell of what she had once been.

Sitting by herself, the young lady looked up at the digital starry night with saddened orbs. Finishing her dinner up and walking back to her room was all she could do. Once inside, she removed her gear and replaced it with a simple shirt when her door was knocked on. Not caring as to what she was wearing, or who was at the door, all Alice could do was emit a slight groan of frustration.

Undoing her hair, she walked to her door and opened it to see Diavel, "Yes?" Diavel hastily pushed her inside with a massive blush plastered on his cheeks, "Dammit Ali! Wear CLOTHES!" Looking at him lazily and lying on her bed, she then released a heavy sigh, "What do you need...?" Diavel hummed softly and folded his arms, "Ali, I was trying to give you the rare item drop! You don't even NEED a party!" Sighing, she then peered at him, "If that's all, then get out."

Frowning at her, he then walked up to her and sat beside her, "Come on Ali In Wonderland, don't shut me out too..." She was terrified of getting too close to anyone at this point in time due to the possibility of losing them. Too many had died right in front of her... whether it be from a monster... or suicide. Slowly, she rolled towards him and placed her head in his lap to cry, "You have to PROMISE me that you WON'T do anything reckless to get yourself killed tomorrow!"

He couldn't and, more importantly, wouldn't make that promise to her and she knew that far too well. All she could do was swiftly sit up and wrap her arms around his neck securely while crying against his neck, "PROMISE ME! YOU'RE ALL I HAVE FROM HOME DIAVEL!" He was shaky, but he wrapped his arms around her securely and buried his face into her hair as if this was going to be the last time he could do so before whispering softly, "I-I promise Alicat..."

The next day, she walked out of her room alone and wearing all of her gear as she approached Saya before sitting down. She didn't say much as she ate but did wave as she began to walk away with the raid group. As they walked, Kirito began to talk to her and the other female that sounded like a COMPLETE noob, "Okay, so we are going to be attacking the minions. I will hit them to knock them off balance before calling a switch."

The fully hooded female then tilted her head, "What's a switch...?" Alice continued to stare forward as she nodded, "I understand." At least ONE of them got it! That, Kirito was thankful for as he spoke, "Okay, level with me... is this the first time you've ever been in a party...?" Once the hooded lass nodded, Kirito almost felt as if they were doomed from the start.

However, Alice then spoke up, "If she cannot grasp the concept, then I will take over the switches." Thank GOD he had Alice. Shifting his dark gray orbs towards her, Kirito noticed her focused... yet saddened orbs, but chose to say nothing to her in the process. Once he looked at her level... he was shocked. He was level twenty-five, but she was ten levels above him.

Once they all stood in front of the boss's door, Diavel tried his hardest to look at everyone EXCEPT Alice. Snapping around and pushing the door open, all entered the boss room while holding their weapons tightly. Soon enough, the fight began, and Kirito darted forward to knock one of the minion's off of balance before yelling, "SWITCH!"

Alice darted forward and, with ease, took the beast down where it stood. Once the third member got the gist, Alice began to take down other minions by herself. Hearing the crashing of the boss's weapon, he then yanked out a blade that was far different from the beta. Diavel then darted forward and skidded to a stop as he shouted out, "EVERYONE STAND BACK! I'VE GOT THIS!"

Alice snapped her head to the side and Kirito did as well, only for both to yell, "STOP! DON'T GO!" However... all he did was smile at the blonde lass and that's when she knew... he was MEANING to break his promise to her. Once he was slashed and inevitably died, Alice's rage flew off of the charts and stepped beside Kirito, "I will give you my aid as well..."

He had to admit it... Alice was handy as hell and almost seemed overpowered. She was nimble, had extremely quick reaction speeds, she was fantastic with a sword, and more than anything... she was useful all by herself. Her gear were all rare drops that no one else had come across of as of yet and no info broker had the gear on their lists because she didn't care to inform them about it.

She, like him, was an STR and AGI build that held a flawless form and immense focus. Grabbing his arm and holding their blades together to block, she then spoke to him, "My gear is already rare and the cloak that drops is black. Take it." Nodding at her, Alice then jumped back and blocked the boss's blade while he finished the boss off to gain that rare drop.

Everyone was now cheering and clapping towards the two as Kibaou cried behind them all before yelling angrily, "STOP CHEERING!" Alice's beautiful blue orbs were now at the point of appearing dull and lifeless as the two were accused of letting Diavel die on purpose. All hell then broke loose and the two were called out as beta testers.

Alice didn't deny, nor confirm these claims made, but Kirito began to laugh like a maniac. She understood as to what he was doing... he was making himself appear as a bad guy. The two then gained a new nickname... a beater. A beta tester and a cheater. Walking away with her head lowered, Kibaou lashed out and slapped her across the face without knowing as to how close Diavel and her had actually been, "YOU HEARTLESS BEATER!"

Her head swiftly whipped to the side, but she slowly continued to make her way out. They were solo players... and solo they planned to stay if this is what it meant. Dissolving the party, the two used the warp gate to enter the second floor. Once they left and made it to the next town, the powerhouse of a blonde little lady darted off on her own and began to grind once again, only to gain more rare gear drops once a rare beast would come out to play.

She knew that she couldn't stop to think about Diavel's death for even a second without breaking down to cry. So, all she could do was continue fighting with all of her might to keep herself highly distracted over the matter presented to her. Diavel had been so cruel for doing that to her. In her time spent within Aincrad so far, Diavel had been her best friend when she chose to be around him in the first place. Now... she fully regretted not being around him more.

By the time all of her frustrations were out, she could still feel that pain in her heart and peered up to blink rapidly. Well, she'd be damned... she found the entrance to the maze for the dungeon. Entering the dungeon, the blonde began to take down beasts that were now much weaker than her due to all of her grinding. However, she had not been the only one grinding so hard that he was now only five levels short of catching up to her.

About to call it quits due to finding the boss room, Alice gave a soft hum, "Bosses never leave their rooms... so I will have a teleport crystal ready, should I need it." Right about to open the door, the long-haired blonde was then tackled to the ground. Groaning softly, she then sat up before blinking rapidly, "Kirito?" Huffing heavily, he then blurted out, "What in the HELL are you thinking Alice!?"

Pushing him off of her, she then grabbed a potion to max her health before speaking, "That should be rather obvious. Now, move!" Kirito hummed softly, now deep in thought, before saying what he had initially been thinking these entire couple of MONTHS from when they had formed that party, "You... You were Synthesis Thirty, weren't you?" Alice then peered at him yet did not answer as she walked inside of the boss room with deadly orbs.

The moment she drew her sword and those doors closed, the boss appeared, and she was brutal against it. By the time those doors opened again, Kirito ran inside, and his mouth fell to see that Alice... had won... but only had a sliver of health left. Darting towards her and catching her, she then chuckled softly, "I used all of my healing crystals... would you mind so terribly to share one...?" Shaking his head, he used a full recovery healing crystal on her, and she sat up, "I thank you."

Standing and placing the final drop on, the blonde's attire became lightweight golden armor with blue lining that gave her a strength boost, along with white fingerless gloves and thigh high golden boots for a major agility boost. Waving her hand, Alice then activated the warp gate and went to the next level. Kirito didn't know what to think at this point, but he did go back to town to notify everyone that a single person beat the boss and level three was now accessible.

Stopping at an inn, Alice paid for a room and walked inside. Once she closed the door, she peered down, "I could have been nicer to him... He was just worried about me..." Changing out of her attire to merely wear a shirt and undergarments, she then freed her long hair and laid back on the bed before whispering, "Did... Did you see that Diavel...? I-I beat the boss all by myself..." A knock then abruptly came to her door, and she peered over for a second silently.

Sighing, the long-haired blonde then stood up and answered the door, once answered, she was shocked. This was no one she knew, but he blushed furiously before speaking, "Y-You're Alice, correct?" Looking at his attire, Alice could only sigh heavily at the uniform alone, 'Knights Of The Blood Oath' - "You are correct, I am Alice." The man gulped heavily and bowed to her, "Commander Heathcliff wishes to meet you." Sighing, she then shook her head, "I will pass. Have a good night."

Level fifty-five now... and extremely bored, Alice stood in a room with the assault team members. The one who used to not even know what a switch was, was now the second in command in the Knights Of The Blood Oath - considering Alice had turned the meeting with the commander down - and was calling the shots on the boss as she slammed her hand onto the map, "Lure it to the village! While it's busy with all of the villagers, that's when we will attack it!"

With the blonde's long locks currently loose, she then sighed and spoke at the same time that another player who she knew quite well spoke up, "Sorry, I'm not cool with that." Asuna then peered up with a glare, "In case you have forgotten, I am the second in command of the Knights Of The Blood Oath, you will obey me... like it, or not." Alice then smirked as she folded her arms, "That's funny coming from someone weaker than me and had to be taught as to what a switch was."

Snapping around and walking out, one of her friends that was MASSIVE in height then jogged out, "Ali!" Stopping and turning towards him, he then leaned his bulky arm on the crown of her skull, "Yo, what is it with you and the second in command? You guys are always getting into it!" Chuckling, little miss Ali then sighed, "Oh, hey Agil. I've just never really got along with other females. They are seriously too catty for my liking." That made Agil chuckle until noticing her face.

Alice then frowned deeply before taking in a sharp breath, "My best friend in real life was a guy and he was the one who let me take one of his beta spots. The day the game started, he never told me that he had bought the game and since I was a solo player, I never saw him. He died during the first boss fight..." That's right, she knew Diavel had won TWO slots in the SAO beta and gave it to her. Once she logged in, he was already there and teased her to no ends.

Giving her farewells to Agil, Alice began to walk away until nearing the town of Danac and stopped once she witnessed Kirito being bitched at by Asuna for taking a nap. Alice then sat beside Kirito and leaned back to fall asleep, which only proved to further piss Asuna off, "SERIOUSLY!? EACH DAY HERE IS ANOTHER DAY LOST IN THE REAL WORLD!" Alice then cracked an eye open, "Yeah, but we're not in the real world right now, are we? Right now, we are ALIVE in Aincrad."

Hearing Asuna fume further, goldy locks then opened her eyes, "We all KNOW that you have a crush on mister solo Kirito! So, for once, SHUT UP!" The more Asuna ranted and raged, the more pissed off Alice became before she stood up and Kirito frowned that she was no longer near him; but he supposed that it was bound to happen with how distant she was... until, "Kirito, let's go have dinner." Nodding, he then stood up and the two walked beside one another with Asuna following.

Entering a restaurant, the two solo players sat down before Alice adjusted her white sleeveless dress that was short in the front and held a long tail behind her that held a golden breastplate over her breasts, blue gloves that held golden, white, and blue bicep high separate sleeves, a white headband with a single blue, white, and golden charm dangling by her face, a golden pendant with a sapphire jewel in the center, and thigh high blue stockings with heeled golden boots.

The closer Kirito observed her, that's when he noticed that her white dress held huge cutouts on her sides and her boots barely showed her stockings and at the top of her boots was a single oval shaped blue gem. All too suddenly, he then heard everyone murmuring towards one another, "Whoa! That's Osmanthus Alice!" - "Yeah... but, who's the shady looking guy with her...?" Alice could easily remember the day she had gained that title due to the beyond rare magical sword she wielded.

Peering towards goldy locks, the black swordsman then cleared his throat, "Thank you, Alice..." Just as she went to answer, both parties heard a scream and shot up before darting out of the restaurant with Asuna hot on their tails. Skidding to a stop to see a man with a noose around his neck and impaled, Alice then hurriedly instructed, "I'll go cut him down! Be ready to catch him!" Nodding his head, he then watched as Asuna shoved Alice away and rushed up the stairs.

Yelling now, Kirito projected out, "HURRY, PULL IT OUT!" Trying to pull the blade out was almost next to impossible due to the way it was designed. The two solo players' eyes widened the moment his body scattered as if he had died, making Alice snap around, "HURRY! LOOK FOR THE WINNER ICON!" Everyone glanced around to no avail as Asuna FINALLY yelled out, "THERE'S NO ONE HERE!" Both solo players then walked inside of the tower with dreaded expressions as if knowing.

Trying to come up with a hypothesis now as Alice peered out into the open sadly, Asuna then held her hand out, "Well, it looks like all three of us will be a team again until this is resolved. That means there will be no time for napping." Sending the two party invites, both internally groaned as they accepted the invitations before taking their leave. Walking down, a woman name Yolko was then questioned extensively by Asuna before Kirito and Alice walked her back to her inn room.

Alice then waved to the two, considering the fact that she didn't want to be around Asuna, "I'm going to get some rest now." Snapping around, she then walked away and paid for a luxurious inn. Once in her room she began to remove her gear, except for her undergarments, and placed a sleeping shirt on before hearing a knock at her door as she undid her hair to let it freely flow. Walking to the door, little miss Ali opened the door to see Kirito blushing furiously as she questioned, "Yes?"

Finding a way to word this while she was dressed the way she was, was harder than expected until he sighed heavily, "Asuna is following me everywhere... so do you mind... if... I...uh..." Chuckling at his nervous display, Alice stepped to the side, "Come on in." Grateful for her understanding, he then walked inside looking drained as hell. Pressing the lights to turn off, Alice climbed into bed once he took off all of his clothes except a pair of shorts and got in beside her curled up form.

He watched as she fell asleep and stroked her hair tenderly before whispering, "You really are beautiful..." Alice then rolled over to place her head against his bare chest, making him smile as he continued to stroke her hair; only to end up lulling to sleep in the process. By the time morning rolled around, Alice stirred awake and smiled before easing out of his arms and standing up. Walking to the kitchen, she blushed heavily before turning back to make sure he was still asleep.

Making breakfast and lunches, she then stored the lunches before undressing and stepping into the shower. Standing under the water for the longest time, she didn't even hear the banging at the door that had startled Kirito awake before groaning out, "Alice... the door..." Hearing his voice, she could already GUESS as to who it was and yelled, "ENTER!" Quickly washing and stepping out as the door opened for Asuna walked inside to see Alice toweling her long hair off.

It wasn't only this though, oh no. She was completely nude in front of a HEAVILY staring Kirito, which only made Asuna huff, "Are you DONE flaunting your BODY in such a tacky manner!?" Opening her eyes and blinking rapidly, little miss goldy locks flipped her hair while smirking, "Perhaps, or perhaps not. Besides, it gives Kirito a good idea of what my body truly looks like. What, are you jealous?" Before Asuna could reply, Alice had her gear back on and spoke, "Kirito, breakfast."

Nodding his head, he sat at the table, yet Alice pinched his cheek and chuckled softly as if unsure if laughing was even okay, "Go take a shower before the food gets cold." He was damn obedient after that glorious wake up call, but could only smile tenderly as she took his hand and hoisted him to his feet while smiling softly, "Do I need to bathe you too?" The male that was only a few months older than her then rapidly shook his head and rushed to the shower.

As the two females patiently waited, Alice began to think long and hard over how a death in a safe zone could even be made possible. The first obvious outcome would be a duel, yet there were no winner icons to be seen anywhere. Another thing she could think of was that the system was now being cheated, but quickly shook her head over that matter while pondering, 'No... that couldn't be possible. More or less, the game was created "fair" for all players... so HOW?"

Drumming her fingers against the table that was rented, she hummed in a thought filled manner until hearing Kirito sit down after placing all of his gear on but did keep it decent due to the fact that Asuna had been in the room as well. If it had merely been Alice, well, maybe that would have been a different story. As they ate, the two began to throw out ideas as to how this could have happened, but neither were getting too far on this.

It was obvious that they were going to need all of the details from the girl they had met the night prior, Yolko. They were in need of asking more questions, but first Alice and Kirito decided to head towards Agil to get the blade appraised by a merchant or blacksmith. Neither knew a blacksmith, so they took it to Agil to have it appraised. Telling Asuna to get Yolko to begin questioning her more, the two solo players then left without the obnoxious third wheel tagging along.

As much as Alice was not a people person, per say, she did speak to Agil when it was truly necessary. Kirito opened the shop door and walked in, only for Alice to enter behind him, causing for Agil to swiftly grab the black swordsman around the neck, "Man what are you doing with Alice of all people?!" Alice listened in as she browsed Agil's wares before Kirito whispered in return, "Don't blame me! I prefer being around Alice more than Asuna though! She stalks me! Now can you help?!"

Agil peered towards Alice and chuckled, "Ali, come on. I'll appraise this weapon." Walking forward, she then sat down in Agil's office as he checked the item and hummed, "A player made this. Grimlock. Get this, the weapon's name is Guilty Thorne." With the weapon handed back to Kirito, he flipped it and held it up to his hand and was about to stab his own hand, which Alice was going to let him do until Asuna rushed in and grabbed his hand, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! STOP!"

The two solo players immediately became drained as Asuna took the weapon and handed it to Agil, "Agil, keep hold of this." Alice then folded her arms as she stood up and walked out silently until they were in the streets, "What were you capable of finding out?" As Asuna began to speak about Yolko panicking and saying that it was a ghost and there was someone else from the Holy Dragons Alliance, Alice groaned internally, but couldn't exactly rule out a ghost as a possibility.

Walking back into town and blowing her bangs up, she realized that the lunches that she had made had expired due to it already being late at night. Holding her hand up, she then waved, "I'm heading back to my room. Message me if there is a change." She then brushed passed Asuna silently after the claim had been made. Once Alice was far enough away, Asuna folded her arms, "What is her issue? Whatever, let's go and brainstorm as to how this happened."

Kirito watched as Alice's so called getting rest meant that she was going to level up. Asuna followed him everywhere, and her so called brainstorming as to how this happened meant her consistently putting Alice down. Even he could tell that she was trying to make herself appear more appealing at this point. He couldn't even go inside of his own room without her stalking him. It was now getting extremely late, and he was exhausted, making him hold a hand up, "We should rest up!"

Back inside of her room now and having just taken a shower, she heard panicked knocks on her door and chuckled softly as she opened the door, making him shove her inside, "Alice! What in the hell?!" Not caring, she merely got into bed and fell asleep quickly. Getting in bed with her after removing everything except a pair of black shorts, only to wrap his arm around her soft belly without knowing that she was still awake with a bright red face, only to quickly sit up.

"A-Alice?" Kirito nervously spoke as his heart hammered against his chest. Swiping her hand down and placing undergarments and a t-shirt on, she laid back with her arm over her face, only to hear him laugh softly, "You normally sleep naked?" Alice snapped her head towards him with a furious blush before huffing out in agitation, "How indecent! I do too! Besides, how old are you even?!" Blinking at the question asked, Kirito then chuckled, "Sixteen, almost seventeen. How about you?"

Releasing a breath that he was older than her, she stared at the ceiling as she replied, "Sixteen. I will be seventeen in half a year." Feeling her cheek poked, he smiled, "Oh good, you're younger than me." She had to wonder as to why he sounded so relieved, but she simply decided to drift off to sleep. With her mass loads of long blonde hair, Kirito brushed it away from her face with a soft smile. Leaning to her ear, he then whispered, "You don't have to do it all alone... I am here for you."

The day following, she got into the shower, and like clockwork, banging at the door woke Kirito up. Staying in the shower, she called, "Yes, you may enter." Asuna walked in, only for Alice to sigh and call out, "Kirito, can you come here? I require your assistance!" Peering towards the shower, he chuckled and darted around the corner to witness Alice in all of her glory, "Y-Yeah?" Giving him a devious smirk, she spoke demandingly, "Get in." This had him gulping heavily, "B-But Alice!"

"Do NOT make some excuse with me, for I do not wish to hear it," her proper tone rang out, making him nod. However, the moment he got in, she exited and chuckled softly, "I merely wished to further agitate her." Placing her gear on, she then walked out before leaving her room without eating at all. Her narrowed blue orbs entered where the meeting was to be and leaned against a wall with her eyes closed. When Kirito and Asuna entered, he already appeared noticeably drained.

However, Alice did not pay much mind to any of his drained nature, nor did she really care all too much as of now. The moment she cared was when Yolko ended up with a dagger lodged in her back that caused her to fall out of the window and appear as if she had died, only to notice someone on the roof of the opposing building. Without saying a word, Alice dashed forward with an alarming speed, only to hurriedly shout out, "Kirito, watch over him so that no harm comes to him!"

Alice then jumped out of the window to land on the roof and began to bolt after the hooded person that now sweated nervously over Osmanthus Alice chasing after them. This girl was faster than Lightning Flash Asuna, and was probably even more ferocious as well, which was unnerving enough to prematurely pull out a teleport crystal as she swiftly gained on the hooded person, only for this person to teleport to a different city all together to not become captured by this little lady.

Narrowing her blue eyes, she then walked back before jumping back inside of the window to scowl once Asuna smirked, placed her hand over her mouth, and laughed at this softly before questioning in a snarky tone, "So? Did you find out who it was?" Alice was DONE with this girl, making her scowl as she spoke, "You know what?" Pausing, she then left the party due to figuring out what was truly going on, only for her to spit out, "I am done playing your game! You figure it out!"

Walking out of the room with a scowl, she did not go back to her temporary home as she began to slowly make her way out of the town. This was the exact reason as to why she played solo in the first place. Too many people were judgmental. She was already called a beater, so she did not want any more hatred directed in her direction by such a petty show of emotions. Keeping her emotions concealed as she made her way back to the front lines, goldy locks could only huff internally.

"Alice, wait!" Kirito yelled as he rushed after her, making her stop and turn towards him, "Yeah? What's up Kirito? Oh... I forgot to give you this." Opening a trade window, she then traded his lunch that she had made for him prior in the day, making him smile softly, "Thank you Alice..." Smiling nervously at him, she then nodded, "Not a problem, be sure to eat it quickly... its durability is about to run out." The two then sat down before he took a bite and told her how amazing it was.

Right as she was about to thank him for the compliment, Asuna slammed her boot down and startled Kirito to the point that he dropped his sandwich, making it shatter. That had been so delicious that he actually dropped to his hands and knees as if sulking, yet Alice smirked considering she knew that he had figured it out as well, considering he first hushed Asuna before exclaiming, "That's it!" Alice then chuckled as Kirito sat beside her again, only to hand him her sandwich.

Standing, Alice then waved, "I assume that you have figured it out Kirito. So, best of luck." Barely reaching out to her, he then retracted his hand and peered down before finishing the sandwich he gave her. Moving forward was all that she knew what to do anymore. It was all she could honestly do to stay sane anymore. With the image of Kirito popping into her mind, she blushed furiously, "Why would I even conjure up such indecent thoughts about someone that I barely even know?!"

A few months later, and now on floor twenty-two, and near the southwest edge of the floor, while out on a quest, Alice came to a slow stop when she found an adorable log cabin that was for sale and looked as if it were meant for a family. Peering down, her sparkling blue eyes then shifted up to look at the home again. Staring at it for a while, she noticed as to how much it costed and frowned. She supposed that was one downside of being a solo player. You didn't make too much money.

Finishing her quest, she then made it back to town to see a man in tears, rushing around and begging anyone who would listen to avenge his slain comrades due to murder, she hadn't even noticed Kirito, nor did he notice her. Both unknowingly accepted this man's proposition, who had spent all of his money on two teleport crystals that would send all of the red players, plus their leader, to the prison. Upon asking which guild it was, they found out that it was the Titan's Hand guild.

Now on floor thirty-five a few days later while following a lead over a particular individual, Alice sighed once she thought back to that adorable little log cabin that she had found as her golden boots made gentle thuds against the ground. It had been months since she had last witnessed the black swordsman. In all honesty, she was growing lonely... but she supposed that she should be used to it since she was a solo player. Peering down at her beautiful sword, Alice sighed softly.

It was a legendary based magical blade that could carry you all the way to the one-hundredth floor without any issues of you ever needing a new or different blade to do the job for you. So many people resented her because she even held this blade in the first place due to the fact that its drop rate was so low that you could fight the same boss over and over, only to never gain it. However, she had been extremely lucky and had gained the blade on the very first attempt of slaying it.

So, once she told the info brokers everything, the knowledge went public, but no one else had gained the blade yet. Her blade, the Osmanthus Sword, could be used as a normal blade, or it could be used as a long-ranged attack of osmanthus flower petals. Hearing shouting, "Pina! Don't leave me all alone!" Pulling her blade out due to finding her lead, the flower petals were released from her blade, destroying the monsters before walking forward to see the girl holding a feather sadly.

This girl reminded her so much of her little brother that she actually felt pain over it. Kneeling down, she placed a hand over her shoulder, "Hey are you okay?" The girl nodded before she looked down at the feather, "Yes... but Pina..." This made Alice realize completely that this was exactly who she was looking for, "You're one of those beast tamers, aren't you?" Having her check if the item had a name, she then had to quickly stop the girl from freaking out, "Do not panic."

The girl then looked at little miss goldy locks, who currently had her hair loose due to never caring about keeping it in its braid any longer, "There happens to be a flower that grows on the south side of floor forty-seven. It is said to revive familiars." Her face then brightened as quickly as it fell, "Floor forty-seven... huh? If I work really hard then I will get there. Thank you!" - "Yes well, the revival time is three days, and the tamer must be present to make the flower bloom at all."

Watching her face fall again as tears filled her eyes she then whimpered out, "No way..." Alice then smiled softly, "I will accompany you if you wish for some aid to accomplish the task." That smile almost instantly came back to the girl's fame, "Really?! You would help me?" Alice then nodded as her blue orbs shimmered softly over this being the exact way that her little brother would behave, "Yes, of course I will help you. Besides, I can tell that your friend means a lot to you."

Opening up a trade, she began to load gear in it that would raise the girl's levels a bit, but the moment she went to pay, Alice shook her head, "There is no need. Besides, we will be helping one another." The girl then nodded and held her hand out, "Alright then, my name's Silica." Smiling, Alice took Silica's hand and was about to speak before someone else did, "Alice?" Turning her head, she then noticed as to who it was, only to shift her gaze away once she blushed, "Oh, hello Kirito."

"Wait! You are Alice?! As in Osmanthus Alice?!" Silica's dumbfounded voice projected, making Alice nod with a soft smile, "Just call me Alice." Kirito had been following the same lead as Alice, making him place his hand on his hip, "You going to be heading to floor forty-seven soon? I was thinking of going there myself." Nodding her head, she then received a party invitation, making her blush softly, making her thank the game for it being night time once she accepted the invite.

Alice then released a breath as her face calmed to return to normal, "Silica, this is Kirito. Kirito, this is Silica." Kirito then handed over more gear to help the "dragon tamer" gain a few more levels. The three then left to the town, only to hear, "Silica! We got really worried after you left! Want to party? We'll take you anywhere you want to go!" Laughing nervously, Silica then held onto Kirito and Alice, "Uh... I can't! Sorry, but I already promised to be in a party with them!"

The two men instantly turned their heads to shoot death glares until they noticed Alice and blushed, only for Kirito's brow to twitch over this and snatched Alice's hand before beginning to drag her away as Silica began to jog after the two, only for another voice to stop them, making Silica take Kirito's arm once he dropped Alice's hand, "Silica, you made it out of the forest. Good for you girl. Hold on, where's your little pet friend the lizard?" Alice merely continued to walk as Silica explained.

Turning their heads as those long golden locks blew in the wind gently until hearing, "God this girl seduced another man?! No, it's not hard to level, but you don't look that strong." Alice came to a screeching halt over that comment before snapping around and walking to Kirito before taking his hand before walking away with a scowl, making him think, 'Is... Is Alice jealous?' Silica then rushed after the two as Kirito laced his fingers through the blonde's, only to fumble, "So um..."

Both looked at the young girl before she continued, "Are you two a couple?" Alice and Kirito turned bright red and released their hands, "No, of course not!" This made Silica smile while thinking, 'Oh good, I was hoping for that!' Silica then smiled, "I'll treat you guys to a great place to get some cheesecake! It's really good!" Rubbing the back of her head in an exhausted manner, Alice released a sigh, "That's quite kind, but I am going to go ahead and turn in for the night, I am rather tired."

She wasn't loaded, considering she had recently bought a home on floor sixty-one in the town of Selmburg, plus plenty of furniture. She loved the home due to its kitchen... but it always felt lonely. Cooking alone, eating alone, lounging alone, and sleeping alone. She just couldn't seem to catch a break. Heading to the same inn that the other two were going to have cheesecake and also spend the night, Alice then gave a gentle smile to Kirito and Silica after she paid for a room.

Sitting in her room all alone as she removed the armor from her gear, only to sigh and walk back out before heading down the steps. Shifting her head up, she witnessed Silica taking hold of Kirito's hand and turning bright red before Alice walked forward with a scowl, snagged the back of the black swordsman attire and began to drag him with her, making him blush heavily, "Alice?!" Opening her room without saying anything, she then tossed him inside while scowling, "Honestly?!"

'Why am I so damn jealous of a little girl?!' Was all Alice could roar in her mind before releasing a breath, "I... I... I just forgot to wish you a goodnight. I apologize." Turning away, she then went to the bathroom and turned the shower on, only to unequip all of her gear and stand beneath the warm water while looking down for the longest time before washing. Walking out while toweling her hair off, she noticed that Kirito wasn't in her rented room anymore, making her shake her head.

Turning the light off, she then got into bed and covered up to simply stare at the ceiling with the back of one of her hands against her forehead for the longest time. Hearing a light knock to her door, she absentmindedly called out, "Yeah... go ahead and enter." Kirito then walked inside before chuckling, "I don't know why I bother paying for a room when you're around." Humming in an almost lost fashion, she didn't put two and two together once he changed and got into bed.

Rolling over and lying her head against his chest, his hand then gently latched onto her bare hip for his thumb to leisurely stroke her soft skin. Still not putting the puzzle together, her eyes drooped before falling fast asleep. In her state of sleep, a single hand wrapped around the back of his neck to pull him closer, making him give a breathy chuckle as her face buried against his neck for her warm breaths to flick against his skin, only for him to think, 'She's going to drive me insane...'

The day following blue eyes fluttered open before her face turned bright red over how intimately the two were now holding one another. Lightly patting his cheek, she then sat up for the severity of her position to hit her, "Oh... Oh my god!" Snickering was all he could do before smirking, "Your body kept me nice and warm all night." Alice dashed her eyes to the side while using the blanket to cover her body until he tugged her back down to stroke her hair, "Hey, Alice?"

She felt as if her heart were going to explode as she replied, "Y-Yes?" Right as he went to speak, a knock came to her door, along with Silica's voice, "Alice, you awake? I tried waking up Kirito, but he won't answer his door!" Sighing and shaking her head, those loose long golden locks kept her body covered as she stood and placed all of her gear on, making Kirito sigh and stand before placing all of his gear on as well before she answered the door, "He's already awake Silica."

Peering around the blonde, she witnessed Kirito in Alice's room and gained a slightly jealous face, making the blonde fan her hand and shift her eyes to the side, "Worry not Silica, he merely enjoys my cooking. Though, I haven't cooked, so he was left highly disappointed. Anyway, we should go and grab something on the way." Exiting her room, Kirito and Silica jogged after her until they made it to a teleport gate. Teleporting to floor forty-seven, Alice was quick to gain a message.

Opening her messages, she noticed that it was from Asuna, making her gain a dreaded face as Silica laughed as she rushed towards a batch of flowers. Opening the message, Alice groaned, "Kirito, I am being... summoned... per say." Kirito then lightly folded his arms as he questioned with a slightly tilted head, "Really? By who?" Sighing, she then turned around as she answered, "The Knights Of The Blood Oath. Or I guess you could say Commander Heathcliff in specific..."

Pulling out the crystal with the coordinates to the prison, she then sighed, "I already figured out that you're here for the same reason as me, so please return that to the client." Shifting her head to Silica that held a bright red face while thinking, 'Couples...!' The blonde noticed the look on her face and internally grit her teeth, only to speak, "I am truly sorry Silica, I'm being asked for by the assault team. However, Kirito promised me that he would take very good care of you."

Before anything else could be said, she was gone, making Kirito internally frown. Appearing, she then held her head high with a straight face as she entered the Knights Of The Blood Oath headquarters. Everyone almost instantly pointed towards her and whispered out, "Look, it's Osmanthus Alice...!" - "She's pretty damn hot." - "Yeah, I wouldn't mind asking her out." Entering the room the commander was bound to be in, she then came to a slow stop, "You asked to see me commander?"

Having a good idea of where this was going, she listened to his proposition, only to sigh heavily, "No disrespect Commander Heathcliff, but you are already aware that I am a solo player. I am going to have to respectfully decline your generous offer. No matter what you say or offer, my answer will still be no. There would only be one way of getting me to join... and I doubt that you will figure it out." Giving a bow of respect, she then turned and walked out of the room.

Sitting outside by a tree, she then sighed. She supposed that this was the only downside of her sword. It needed sunlight to "recharge" in a sense. Scrolling through her abilities, her head then tilted as she mumbled, "What the...? Dual-wielding...?" Noticing that she had retrieved another message, she sighed heavily, hoping that it wasn't Asuna again. Hesitantly clicking on the icon, she noticed the name of the sender almost instantly due to it being, "Kirito..."

Opening the message, she softly read it aloud, "Alice, mission was a success. I know that you'll say no, but no matter what, I'm going to be bringing you half of the payment as soon as I apologize to Silica for basically using her to catch these fools. Is everything alright on your end? I've been worried about you." With that, there was a picture of Silica getting her dragon back, making her smile softly until she scrolled down to see another picture of the girl clinging to him.

'Why do I happen to be so jealous of a little girl?!' Alice internally fumed before raising her hand to reply until a new message came in, making her grumble quietly, "Why must everyone message me today...?" Clicking the message, she noticed that it was Asuna again. Clicking it, she then skimmed the words while softly reading aloud, "Alice, I know that we have never seen eye-to-eye, but I'm sorry for how I've treated you. I'm hoping that we can start over and try to be friends."

Well, there was no harm in at least trying, she guessed, so she replied, 'I would like that very much if we were actually capable of being cordial with one another.' A message was quick to come back in return, making her sigh, "That makes me so happy that we can wipe the slate clean and try to be friends! Oh, that reminds me! I have a friend that is a blacksmith! You should check her shop out! Its name is 'Lisbeth's Smith Shop' on floor forty-eight! We can go together if you want!"

Yeah, no thanks. It was so obvious in her eyes that Asuna was trying to get on her good side to get close to Kirito, but, she did reply... to Kirito, 'Asuna told me her friend is a master blacksmith. The shop is called 'Lisbeth's Smith Shop' on floor forty-eight. I'm going to check it out soon. She's trying to get me to go with her. What do you think?' Hesitating to press send, Alice took in a deep breath before actually sending the message. Standing, Alice then teleported to floor forty-eight.

Looking at her skills again, she could have sworn that dual-wielding wasn't on the list of skills... but there it was. However, she hadn't been the only one. Walking forward, miss Ali entered the shop and began to browse the wares until a girl with short pink hair that held a clip, along with a pink dress and pink shoes, making her think, 'That is a LOT of pink. There is something called too much of a good thing.' - "Welcome to Lisbeth's Smith Shop! Is there something I can help you with?"

Turning her head, she then walked forward, "Yeah, I'm looking for a sword that's just as good, or, better than the one I hold." Raising her blade and placing it in the blacksmith's hands, the weight alone had her stumbling forward, only for her to click it to check it, "No... No way the Osmanthus Sword... You never have to bring this blade in to hold maintenance due to the way soaking in the rays of the sun repairs and strengthens it! It's one of the hardest blades to obtain!"

Humming thoughtfully, she then turned around and picked up a blade before handing it over, "This is my masterpiece!" Alice took hold of it and could instantly tell that it was a piece of garbage, "This is far too light." Lisbeth then bragged, "Well it should be! I used a speed based metal on it!" Alice then tossed it back, "No thanks." Right then, the shop doors bell jingled, making her start all over again, "Welcome to Lisbeth's Smith Shop! Is there something I can help you with?"

Shifting her head back, Alice's mouth then dropped, "Kirito?!" Laughing, he then walked forward to speak the same thing that little miss Alice had just spoken before handing over his Elucidator, making her mouth gape, "This is also one of the best magical swords in the game!" Handing her "masterpiece" over, Alice knew he would hate it as he swung it around as if it were a toy, "Yeah, I dunno. It's kinda light." Repeating what she had said, Alice then pursed her lips to hold her laughter in.

"HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING?! IF YOUR SWORD BREAKS, THEN I AM NOT LIABLE," she hollered out as Kirito swung his blade down, "If it breaks, then it breaks!" The minute that blade came into contact with the said "masterpiece", it broke her sword in half, making her shriek in horror as she grasped the hilt of the broken blade, "Not... my masterpiece..." - "Yeah... uh... sorry about that," he exclaimed before Alice tossed him her sword, "Go play for a bit."

Oh, he LOVED playing with Alice's sword, so he rushed out of the shop as she folded her arms, "Now, I would like to commission two blades." Lisbeth began to furiously explain about the pricing of metal, making Alice gain a dry look, "There are two wyverns on floor fifty-five that drop metal. One on the west mountain and one on the east mountain. I will go and collect the metal." Told that a master blacksmith was needed for the metal to be obtained with a cat-like smirk made her groan.

Snapping around as she equipped one of her lesser, yet still powerful, blades, Alice then sighed, "Just keep this a secret from him and keep up..." Teleporting to the fifty-fifth floor, they first went to the west as Lisbeth shivered before Alice tossed her a fur-trimmed coat while speaking, "You don't feel the cold if you're disciplined." Walking forward as Lisbeth bitched, Alice then narrowed her eyes, "Go and hide now. It's coming." When she argued, Alice yelled, "Do as I say!"

Lisbeth then jogged to the side and watched as Alice reflected the breath attack with ease, but she could tell... this blade could only take a few more hits like that before it shattered. Lisbeth then idiotically came out as she battled this wyvern, only for her to snap her head to the side, "You idiot, get back!" Dashing towards Lisbeth, she took hold of her as the two plummeted, only for Alice to shield her before they hit the ground. Groaning, Alice then sat up and handed over a potion.

With the two healed, Lisbeth attempted to teleport out, but couldn't. With the two falling asleep in sleeping bags, Lisbeth asked to hold Alice's hand... which was an odd request to say the least, but she obliged. The next morning, Alice was up before the master blacksmith and had found the metal, "One down." - "Yeah, but we're still stuck in here... Hey wait, aren't wyverns nocturnal...? Meaning..." - "Meaning our ride is on its way," the blonde's focused gaze narrowed and held Lisbeth.

Out of that trap, the two were now on the east mountain where the rare sparkling white and gold wyvern was said to be held up. Looking at Lisbeth, Alice chuckled softly, "Let's get in the nest and not dawdle. Without my Osmanthus Sword, we don't stand a chance." Digging and digging, Alice then found the sparkling gold and white metal and chuckled, "Our ride has arrived. Once we are out, teleport to your shop." With the wyvern coming, it was the same process, but they teleported.

Standing in Lisbeth's shop, she started on the first metal obtained. The clanking echoed again and again until the first sword was created, she then inspected it, "It's called Dark Repulser. One of a kind." Picking up the blade and testing it, Lisbeth then nervously asked, "Good...?" Alice then smiled softly, "Indeed. It's nice and heavy. It feels as if you have forged your soul into the blade." Clasping her hands happily, she then turned to the second metal to begin clanking against it.

This was going to be even better, even she could tell due to the rarity of this particular metal... which Alice had obtained a few more just in case the blade should break, but it was no different for the blade she had commissioned for Kirito. Watching the blade form, it was beautiful. It would be a mixture of sparkling white and gold but considering it had come from a wyvern on the same floor, the appearance was the same. The long-haired blonde smiled brightly once it formed, "Let's hear it."

Lisbeth nodded and tapped the blade, "Another one of a kind... it's called Light Enchanter. Ironic that the blades have similar, yet completely opposite names." Alice then picked the blade up and skillfully swung it around, making the master blacksmith worry when the blonde was absolutely quiet until turning her head joyously, "It's perfect Lis! Thank you so much! Alright, now it's my turn. How much do I owe you?" Lis shook her head after seeing that smile on Alice, "Nothing."

This made little miss Ali puzzled, "Now hold on one moment, I do not need charity!" Lis then laughed and fanned her hands in front of her face, "No, that's not what I meant! Instead, I'd like to become your exclusive blacksmith. So when any of your gear becomes damaged, come to me." Alice then nodded and held her hand out, "Right. Thank you Lisbeth." Lis then questioned, "If you don't mind me asking... With a sword as powerful as yours, why have a new one made?"

She supposed she should have seen that one coming, so she nodded, "Please, keep this a secret..." Once Lis nodded, Alice continued, "A few months ago, dual-wielding appeared in my skills. Though, I'm rather hesitant to use it due to it not being on any info brokers list of skills." That was highly understandable, so she nodded while laughing, "Don't you worry Alice, your secret is safe with me!" Nodding her head as a thanks, Lisbeth then placed the Dark Repulser in a box with a ribbon.

Taking Alice's hand, she then softly added in one last request, "Oh... um, there is one more thing. I-I'd also like a favor. Can you set me up on a date with that guy that came into my shop yesterday?" Scowling, Alice then swiped her hand in front of her face, "Out of the quest..." - "ALICE! Where were you?!" Kirito's frantic tone rang out as he bolted inside of the shop and shot forward to take her shocked form in his arms, making Lis nod in a dejected manner, "Oh, now I understand..."

"A dungeon," she exclaimed as if it were such a simplistic answer. This answer made Kirito pale, "Why would you go all alone?! I would have come if you'd just asked me!" Alice then shook her head rather innocently, "I wasn't alone," she then paused to point at Lisbeth, "She went with me. Oh, thanks a ton again Lisbeth!" Lisbeth could only give a silent nod at this before fanning the two out "cheerfully" to fool the blonde, which did not work, "Go on and get out of here Alice!"

Nodding, she then sighed before smiling softly, "Lis, we aren't a couple. However, I'll keep my end of the bargain and come in anytime my gear needs maintenance, as promised. Thanks again for all of your help!" Turning away, she then began to walk out of the shop with Kirito following her like a lost puppy, "So, what did you have made?" - "First of all, give me my sword back," she dryly exclaimed, making him nod and hand it back over, only for her to pull her new blade out.

He noticed the way that the blade held a literally sparkling white and gold coloration, making him gawk as she answered, "It's called Light Enchanter. However... I... uh... I did not just merely go to gain something for myself." Holding the box out, he then blinked softly before taking the box, only to unlace the ribbon before opening the box for his mouth to drop, "Alice... you went to get metal to have a blade that I would be happy with?" This made her dash her eyes away, but nod.

Smiling at her, Kirito tested the blade before grinning like a child with a brand new toy, "This is awesome Alice! Thanks so much!" Shaking her head, she then gained a weakened smile, "There's no need to thank me. However, Lisbeth took a rather great fancy in you. As a thanks, you should take her on a date. She asked me for a favor for gaining two swords for free. She asked for a date with you. I think that you should do it, I mean, she did make you a rather awesome sword."

"Besides, I have some things that I need to tend to! So, yeah, you should definitely do it," she smiled as she turned away, only for Kirito to shoot his hand out to grasp her wrist, "Stop doing that to me Alice! Stop turning away in the attempts to run away!" Scowling at him, Alice's offended tone then shot out, "What?! How dare you! I am not running away! How do you honestly know that I do not have anything to do?! The answer is quite simple, for you do not know in the slightest!"

Pulling away as hard as she could, little miss goldy locks then ran while screaming in her mind, 'How dare he presume to know what I am thinking! He is not me, therefore, he cannot even comprehend as to what is going through my mind! My thoughts are my own and are not some toy to be played with!' Reaching the teleport gate, she stood there before wiping her eyes as she called out the teleport that would take her to her home was in, "Teleport, Selmburg!"

Days later, Kirito was out walking out of a dungeon that he had used to really work off some of his frustrations when, out of the blue, he heard a noise. Turning his head slightly, he then gained widened eyes, "No way." There, in all of its glory, was a Ragout Rabbit. Pulling out a few senbon, he hurled the first a tree beside it to startle it. The moment it was startled, it jumped, only for Kirito to then hurl another senbon at it and took it down before being rewarded its s-class meat.

Meanwhile, Alice entered the Knights Of The Blood Oath headquarters with Asuna before taken straight to Commander Heathcliff, making Asuna worry as she questioned, "Alice, are you sure about this? I mean, you've never wanted to be in a guild before, so why start now?" In all honesty, she had grown rather close to Asuna now that they weren't fighting like a couple of cats and dogs. Alice even found out that Asuna, just like herself, picked up on the skill of cooking to bring herself joy.

Sighing, Alice then peered down and kept quiet for the longest time. No, she really didn't want to do this at all. Releasing a gentle breath was all she could as she answered, "Yes, I am rather sure. I accomplished as much as I possibly could on my own." Asuna then chuckled at her friend that she found once they got around all of their differences, held many similarities that they could speak about. Entering, Alice then spoke to the commander and went through the training once branded.

The moment she had been branded, something within her told her that something was more than wrong once she was made the second in command. Apologizing to Asuna due to not know this was even going to happen, she laughed it off, but even Alice could tell that this was an annoyed laughter, yet, it didn't seem as if that annoyance was truly directed at her. Given one of the uniforms to style lock over her equipment, only to peer at it with confusion due to no one else having this.

This uniform issued to her to style lock over her blue, golden, and white attire really looked no different than what she was actually wearing. It even held the cutouts on her hips and the boots were thigh high. Right when she style locked the attire, the sick reality of her being in a guild sank in before a curveball was thrown at her in the form of a bodyguard that was fifteen levels lower than she was. Watching Asuna's brows twitch, she realized that was why she appeared so annoyed.

Releasing a sharp scoff, Alice snapped away for her heels to thud against the ground as the long coating of her attire chased after her. Opening up her friends list, she looked at where Kirito was and noticed that he was with Agil. Well, that was always where she went when she needed to blow off some steam and vent. With Asuna just as agitated, the two girls left together, but did not speak due to how initially ticked off they were. With Asuna branching off, she then entered Agil's shop.

Kirito was already standing with Agil whenever the massive male's eyes widened over what Alice had style locked over her gear as Kirito released a massive sigh at how much of a damn waste it was that he didn't hold the cooking level requirements to be dealing with an item such as this and would only end up burning it, which was now the reason that he was forced to sell it. Hearing nothing more from Agil, he witnessed the expression before turning around to see Alice.

Disregarding as to what she was wearing, Kirito's face then brightened up, "Alice, what level is your cooking!" Lifting a delicate blonde brow, Alice then blinked rapidly, "It happens to be maxed out, why?" Kirito swiftly pulled up the item before dragging the screen to her, making her eyes widen, "No... way! How in the world did you get your hands on a Ragout Rabbit?!" Kirito's eyes then sparkled brilliantly, "So, can you cook it?!" Softly smiling, she then nodded, "Of course."

Looking at him lazily, Alice then puffed out a heavy breath of air, "So, I am going to take a guess that you do not hold any kitchenware in the slightest at your home." Kirito could only rub the back of his head sheepishly, "Uh, well... yeah you're right." Nodding her head at this and giving his hands a light squeeze, she then smiled at how much of a dummy he was before replying to him, "Very well, since the main ingredient is special, just this once, you can come to my home."

Finally taking notice in what she was wearing, he then chuckled as he skill held Alice's hands, "So, you... uh... joined a guild? Who's he?" By now, her bodyguard that had formerly been assigned to Asuna, Kuradeel, looked highly annoyed and agitated as he grasped the hilt of his blade until Alice released a heavy and dread-filled sigh before speaking, "My bodyguard... Thank you Kuradeel, you may go now." He just had to follow and argue as she began to drag Kirito along with her.

"Ma'am, I fully understand that you can handle yourself in battle, but I cannot allow you to go home with an individual as shady as him!" Kuradeel argued until Alice came to an abrupt halt, snapped around with her blade drawn at her bodyguard's throat before anyone could see what was happening, "I am not sure of the extent of his shadiness... but I know that he happens to be ten levels stronger than you! Now do as your second in command orders, for I will not tell you a second time!"

Kirito then gained a dry facade at that, "You climbed the ranks extremely fast." That scowl of hers wasn't going away, and finally, Kuradeel teleported away before she sheathed her blade, "Silence yourself this instant!" Zipping his lips, he then allowed for himself to be dragged to the teleport gate before coming to a halt, "Selmburg," was all she explained, making him nod before the both called out, "Teleport, Selmburg!" Arriving, she scowled at the style lock as she walked.

Releasing an annoyed breath of air, Alice explained, "From what Asuna told me, I picked a terrible time to join the guild. Honestly, I am beginning to regret my choice entirely. All of the officers are being targeted, so now, we all have to hold a bodyguard. However... there is one person, other than Asuna and the Commander, that I know quite well... his name is Eiji. He's rather skittish, so I was going to help him find his courage so that he can protect the girl he loves... Yuna."

Reaching her lavish home that never felt like home, she opened the door and walked in before Kirito gaped, "How much did all of this cost?!" Releasing an inaudible breath, miss Ali replied, "Too much for a prior solo player." Smiling softly, Alice then spoke as her free flowing locks chased after her serenely, "Make yourself at home Kirito." All he could do was walk around until his eyes slightly saddened, "Honestly Alice... This doesn't seem like your style in the slightest."

Changing out of her style locked gear to be wearing a short-sleeved baby blue dress that reached to the middle of her thighs that held a loose white belt that sat firmly in place on her hips with a golden clasp on the center of her core. Walking back out as she smoothed out her dress, he then turned around with wide eyes at how she was dressed so adorably and not like she was about to kill someone. Opening her window, she then put her hair in its braid with a white bow.

Shifting her gaze to him, she took a step back, "What? Do I look bad or something?" - 'Honestly? Why should I care what he thinks?!' Her internal thoughts fumed, but, he frantically shook his head and smiled, "No, you look really cute. It just surprised me that you have such a girly side is all." Rolling her eyes playfully, she then winked, "Well, are you going to take your coat off? Come on, I want to get this started!" Nodding as she turned, he removed his swords, coat, and shoes.

Following her to the kitchen, he looked amazed at how much kitchenware she actually held as he brought out the main ingredient, making her place her hands on her hips, "So this is what a rare s-class meat looks like. Well, how would you like it cooked?" Kirito then fanned chuckled softly as he replied, "I figured that I'd leave that decision up to you." Smiling and pulling out many ingredients, along with a knife, "Well, why not a stew then? That does happen to be what a ragout means."

It was so easy to cook... considering all she had to do was tap the items for them to be cut up. Placing the meat in the pot, along with a few other ingredients, Alice then covered the pot and placed it within her oven before setting the timer, only to pull out more ingredients to begin tapping them, "In real life there would be far more steps than this. You can believe me or not, but, I actually find it to be incredibly boring to cook in this manner. There's no given hard effort..."

Releasing her mass loads of golden locks from their confinements to flow angelically around her once a salad and tea had been made, she then heard the timer go off. Little miss Ali then placed her oven mitts on before opening up the oven and pulling the stew out to place it on a potholder. Chuckling softly at his curious face, she then opened the pot for the delectable scent to slam into their noses before she motioned her head, "Go on to the table, we don't want it getting cold."

Alice had never witnessed this man move so fast in her entire life as she first brought a basket of bread out before returning and lifting the pot in her hands, only to enter the dining room and place the pot down on the table before stirring the stew with the gentlest eyes that he had ever witnessed on her. He couldn't find it in himself to rip his gaze away from the way her eyes sparkled as if they held stars within those blue pools as their clear captive and eternal hostage.

Once the two ate, satisfaction was all that could be witnessed until Alice leaned forward a bit, "Hey, Kirito?" Once he peered into her eyes, he nodded, "What's up?" Giving a gentle smile, Alice then chuckled, "We should team up again." Kirito then glanced to the side, "Yeah... I dunno about that, I mean, it will be dangerous..." His eyes then widened when a butterknife was being held to his face, making him sigh and nod, "Okay, okay." For once... he witnessed a genuine smile on her face.

"Right then, I'll meet you on the seventy-fifth floor tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe black will be my lucky color this week," she clearly teased as she sent the party invitation for once, making him glance away with a gentle blush as he accepted. Knowing he needed to get some rest, Kirito exited with Alice and equipped all of his gear again once they stood outside, only to speak, "Thank you for the delicious meal." Alice then shook her head lightly, "I couldn't have done it without you."

Walking down the steps Kirito then gave a genuine smile that she had never witnessed as he waved, "I will see you tomorrow Alice." Nodding her head, she then gave a gentle wave that lightly brushed through the air, "Please do be safe going home Kirito. I will see you tomorrow bright and early!" This made him chuckle softly as he left while imagining that look Alice had held on her face over and over again. He didn't know why... but it made him feel warm and fuzzy inside.

It was now the day following and Alice was still rightfully asleep in the nude as an intruder let themselves in to hungrily gawk at her beauty. By far this was the most beautiful woman that Kuradeel had ever come into contact with. He couldn't help himself, so he approached and slowly traced her lips before gently taking them to not wake her. She tasted sublime and wanted more, considering his hands began to slide over her breasts until hearing a soft moan, "Kirito... I'm trying to sleep."

Furious at the comment alone, he still continued on, letting his hand travel down her silky belly to stop at a place that he was forbidden at... he began to rub her sensitive bundle of nerves in a circular motion, causing for her back to arch, "Kirito... I mean it... stop it," she sleepily moaned out in a heated tone, not putting two and two together that Kirito was not even within her home, considering the fact that she had sent him off with a smile after the wonderful dinner they held together.

Pressing two fingers inside of her, Kuradeel marveled, even if she was infuriatingly calling out for that damn black swordsman. Continuing to pump his fingers inside of her, considering there was no such thing as a hymen to be broken in a virtual world, he then eased her creamy thighs apart to gain full access, only for her to then voluntarily spread her legs a bit more for him to press a third finger inside of her as he licked her lips as if claiming her as his until noticing her stirring to wake.

Those big blue eyes tiredly fluttered open before standing and stretching before tasting something disgusting in her mouth. It tasted as if she had just eaten a tray full of cigarette ash, making her face scrunch up entirely as if disgusted. Noticing she also had a problem, per say, Alice groaned in agitation. Quickly showering, taking care of an "issue", and cleaning her mouth four times to get that taste out of her mouth, Alice then gagged from remembering the taste, "What in the hell..."

Toweling her hair off and walking out of her room without knowing there were a pair of unwanted eyes on her, completely oblivious as she walked around her home in the nude before snickering to herself, "I must have had a feisty dream." Making two lunches for the day, she smiled brightly until she noticed something in the reflection off one of her pots that dangled, only for any and all color to drain from her skin. Hurriedly placing her gear on and storing the lunches, Alice panicked.

"What... What in the hell are you doing in my home Kuradeel?! How long have you just been awkwardly staring at me?! A better question, how did you even get inside?!" She yelled furiously, not knowing if she really wanted those given answers. Wait... the taste in her mouth was the same as the scent that Kuradeel carried. Figuring out what happened pretty quick, Alice dashed around a corner and darted forward to flip over his head in a complete and utter panic at this point in her life.

Hurriedly opening her front door as fast as she could with how distressed she actually was, little miss Alice bolted from her home as fast as she could to get away from this man that had just full blown taken advantage of her body while she was asleep. Virtual or not, that was one absolutely terrifying and completely sickening situation to even think about. She had never felt so exposed, embarrassed, shocked, humiliated, insulted, furious, and terrified wrapped all into one package before.

Kirito stood at the designated area to meet up at while yawning, only to end up grumbling, "She tells me to be here by a certain time, but she isn't even here." Far too suddenly a panicked voice, along with the colors of gold, blue, and white flashing through the teleport gate, "Watch out!" Being tackled to the ground, Kirito groaned and unintentionally had his hand on her breast due to covering his mouth to yawn, "What is this?" Squeezing gently, he then hummed, "Hmm... squishy."

Hearing Alice squeak, she abruptly sat up before slapping him roughly, "How indecent to do to a lady! Why would you even think that was remotely okay for you to do?! Honestly!" Snapping her head back as a teleport appeared, Alice ran behind Kirito and held his hand as Kuradeel walked out, "I don't know why you are behaving in such a manner ma'am. I am your bodyguard after all." Alice then said something that almost made Kirito snap, considering his eyes clouded over completely.

"Then why did I find you skulking around inside of my home this morning?!" She yelled while holding Kirito's hand a bit tighter. Kuradeel then walked forward and grabbed her, "Come along ma'am, you shouldn't associate yourself with this beater." Apparently he forgot that she was one of those "beaters" as well. Kirito noticed the panic held within her face, only for him to slap Kuradeel's arm away from her before smirking as she held his shoulder while trembling over the scare she had.

"Sorry, but I'll be borrowing your second in command today. Don't worry, I'll keep her safe," the black swordsman smirked as Kuradeel growled out, "And just how does one as lowly as you plan to keep her safe?!" That's when Kirito's smirk became cocky when he retorted, "I'll do a better job than you." Infuriated, Kuradeel then growled out as he initiated a duel, "That's it you little punk. You are about to see the might of one of the members of the Knights Of The Blood Oath!"

Shifting his gaze back to Alice, she then gave a stern nod and took a step back once he accepted, only for the crowd to gasp and mumble, "Kirito is about to duel with a member of the Knights Of The Blood Oath." - "Yeah, this should be good." Kuradeel then called out to Alice, "Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to take a step back! You are about to see as to who is more qualified to protect you!" Well, she already had stepped back, so check that off of your bucket list pal.

With Kirito pulling his blade out, he then took his battle stance as Kuradeel did the same. Once the duel started, the two dashed towards one another, only for Kirito's blade to slice through Kuradeel's blade as if it were butter. Complains were all Alice heard and he equipped another blade, only for those long locks to flash in front of Kirito for her blade to hit Kuradeel's out of his hand, "Kuradeel, as second in command, I am relieving you from your duty as my bodyguard! Now leave!"

Once he growled out many profanities and forfeit the duel, Alice then held her hand out to Kirito, "Come on!" Smiling at her, he then took her hand and the two were off. Before entering the maze, her eyes filled with tears as she whimpered out, "Kirito... Kuradeel... He-He took advantage of my body while I was sleeping. I only knew because one, it tasted as if I had just eaten an entire tray full of cigarette ashes... and two, my body was fully... uh," yeah, she didn't want to finish that one.

"Fully what," he questioned, only to lazily turn his face towards her to witness her bright red face become even brighter, making her turn her face away from him, only for him to put that puzzle together pretty quickly as his eyes began to widen slightly while thinking, 'She... She actually gains those types of dreams about me?!' - "You do not need for me to spell it out to you! I am well aware as to how sharp you are, despite being a complete and utter dunce!" - "Alice... you... me... we?"

Oh hell, he wasn't going to drop it, but she tried anyway, "Idiot! I said drop it! I do not wish to hear about this again, do you understand me?!" His face turned bright red over this, his mind turning into a complete scrambled egg at that point as he spoke, "Al-Alice? You... You hold those types of dreams about me?" With her face fifty shades of red by now, Alice screeched, "IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT! I SAID DROP IT!" - "I get those dreams too. It's kinda hard not to when you sleep naked on me."

Throwing her arms up in complete and utter embarrassment at this point, Alice darted into the maze, leaving one petrified Kirito behind until he snapped out of it and snickered before dashing in as well to see her making mincemeat out of all of the monsters in her way. Watching Kirito dash passed her, Alice instantly became red again. She did not know if she could handle being around him right now... and it was honestly working her up to the point that her thighs rubbed together.

Swiftly opening her messages, she then typed a quick message to Asuna, 'Asuna, I need you to come and take my spot in the party that I'm in.' Her message was quickly replied to, 'Why? Did something happen? You aren't hurt are you?!' Sighing without knowing that Kirito was right behind her reading the messages as well with a teasing smile, she was about to reply until Kirito began to type, 'That was Kirito playing a prank, sorry!' - 'Go figure he would do that. Be safe! -Asuna'

Gaining a dumbfounded face, Alice then whacked his hands away, "Idiot! I would like to have some privacy in my life!" Kirito then gained a dry face, "You sure are calling me an idiot a lot today." Releasing a heavy breath, she then realized that she had been fighting by using the long ranged ability that her sword held to unknowingly keep Kirito safe. Coming to a stop, they realized... they were standing in front of the boss room now, making her peer at him, "Should we take a look?"

Nodding, he then replied evenly, "Yeah, but have a teleport crystal ready just in case." Pulling out their teleport crystals, both began to push the door open, only to begin taking cautious steps inside before torches began to light up until at this monstrosity of a boss, The Gleam Eyes. The moment they even witnessed it, they froze in place, yet, once it roared at the two, they almost instantly turned to begin rushing out of the room as fast as they could while hollering in complete fear.

Making it to a clearing Alice sighed heavily, "That one's going to be a tough one." Kirito then nodded in agreeance, "Yeah." Smiling brightly, goldy locks then motioned for the black swordsman to take a seat, "Well, we might as well each lunch while we are here." Kirito's eyes instantly glistened, "Did you make it?!"Sitting down, she then chuckled before nodding, "Mhm... I sure did. Here you go." Handing his sandwich over, Alice then groaned when she remembered how they were made.

The groan made him turn his head with a mouth full to appear as if he were a chipmunk storing acorns for the winter, fully knowing that he would be scolded if he spoke with his mouth full. The swordswoman then giggled at him before replying through a full burst of chipper laughter, "I made it all in the nude too!" Kirito instantly began choking over that initial comment, causing Alice to pat his back as Kirito blushed heavily over the comment, yet kissed her cheek as a thanks.

Finished with lunch Kirito then leaned back with a smile on his face, "Oh, that was so tasty Alice! How did you make it taste so good?!" Laughing softly at this, she then opened up all of the recipes she held before smirking, "Well, after a year of being stuck in here, I figured that I would create my own recipes using the create to taste engine." Pulling out one of the two bottles with a yellow color, she splashed a bit in his hand. Tasting the sauce, he looked shocked, "Whoa, mayonnaise?"

Alice then nodded before holding up the second bottle of purple liquid up that could pass for holding the appearance of poison, only to explain what she had used before splashing a bit in his hand. The moment he took the leap of faith that he wouldn't be poisoned by tasting it, he gained an extremely mind-blown facade, "This taste exactly like... soy sauce! You would be rich if you sold this!" Blushing deeply, Alice dashed her eyes away as she asked, "You really think it is that good?"

Happily nodding at her, his thoughts then came to a grinding halt as he folded his arms, "No wait, you can't sell it." This made her gain a worried facial expression, thinking that it possibly held a bad aftertaste or something, only to ask, "But why not?" His head then snapped towards her seriously, "Because then there wouldn't be any left for me." This had Alice gaining a dry facial expression before sighing, "Do you even comprehend how greedy you sound? If you like it, I will make more!"

Both became silent for a moment until Kirito spoke softly, "Hey, I have a question for you." It was ironic... because she had been thinking the same exact thing at the time, making her nod, "Yeah... I have a question for you too, but you did have the courage to ask first. So let's hear it." The black swordsman then spoke in a softer tone, "If someone was given an ability that no one else held, would you hate them for it?" This made Alice's eyes wide, "Kirito, I was going to ask the same..."

Right then both were cut off when they heard voices approaching and quickly hushed before jumping to their feet and grasping the hilts of their blades. Klein then came into the line of sight and raised his hand, "Hey Kirito! It's been a while dude!" Kirito then shifted his eyes to the side, "What's up Klein..." Alice then blinked in a puzzled manner the moment Klein took her hands and began to speak to her until Kirito slammed his foot on top of the older males' foot, "Knock it off!"

He knew what was about to happen, so he was prepared, "Guys, meet Alice. Alice, this is the Fuurinkazan guild." All of them stared intensely at her, making her scowl, "Staring is quite rude!" They all then shouted, "Whoa are you really Osmanthus Alice?!" Kirito was now having to hold the excited guild back before turning his head back to her, "They're tough members of the advance team, but they're all good guys." Klein then slammed his foot on Kirito's in return, making him crouch down.

"You dog, you never told us that you and Alice had a thing going," the red head whispered as his guild swarmed little miss Alice. Kirito then lifted his eyebrow, "It's because we don't. We're just in a party together." By the time the rowdy guild calmed itself, Kirito nodded at them, "Yeah, Alice and I found the boss room and got a good look at it. It's going to be a tough one to beat." Klein then nodded and hummed as he grasped his chin, "I see... that's extremely troubling news to hear."

Noticing the shifty eyes, Kirito was giving, Klein then slapped the teen's back, "Fine then, keep your secrets." Kirito then scowled and snapped his eyes back, "What do you mean by that?!" Alice then hushed everyone, "Kirito, look." Turning his head, he noticed the "army" of what looked like to be the walking dead, only to then hear a stern, "At ease!" All instantly crumbled to the ground before introductions were made and there was an argument over a damn map of all things.

Alice then rushed over to the men gasping on the ground before crouching down, "Hey, are you guys okay?" All of them shook their heads and she used a healing crystal on each weary member, despite possibly needing them for herself, as Kirito spoke about the boss, only for him to nod, "I give you my thanks for your cooperation." Turning away, Kirito's eyes instantly widened, "Are you insane?! Look at them, even with Alice's crystals, they look half dead! You'll get yourselves killed!"

"Nonsense! My men are tougher than that! Back up on your feet! The Liberation Army does not quit," he barked, making Alice frown and help the men up and softly question, "Do not be stupid and throw your lives away needlessly... alright?" They all looked into her worried gaze before nodding as their "grand" leader shouted, "Now march!" Alice then gained an overly worried expression, "You do not believe that they will try without looking first... right?" This comment worried them all.

Kirito then sighed, "We might as well go and check on them." The Fuurinkazan members then began to follow after the black swordsman as Alice stood there staring at him until brought out of her thoughts the moment Klein spoke, "So hey, listen. I know that he's anti-social and likes to do everything himself... but..." he then paused and bowed deeply, "Please, watch over him for me." Alice then laughed softly and nodded, "Sure! I will keep both eyes on him as often as I can spare!"

The closer they got to the boss's room, they still weren't hearing anything, making Klein release a breath he hadn't known he had been holding, "You see? They probably got a good look at the boss and decided to turn back!" Kirito wasn't so sure, considering he said it how it was, "If they had decided to turn back, wouldn't they have passed by us now?" Right then, screams could be heard, making all of their orbs widen as Kirito and Alice darted as fast as they could go, "Those idiots!"

Reaching the boss room, only for the one to lead his "mighty troops into battle" landed in front of the two, only to then shatter like glass. Kirito then yelled out, "Quick, teleport out!" However, they couldn't... it was an anti-teleport zone. Alice lowered her head and grit her teeth, "No... I... I can't let them die!" With that, she drew her blade as Kirito yelled, "Alice! You don't have any more healing crystals! Dammit, I don't have a choice now!" With that, Kirito entered the fray too.

Clashing her blade ferociously against the boss and throwing it off balance, she was then kicked and hurled back to slam against Kirito, only for her eyes to narrow, "Kirito, I do not need long, just keep him off of me!" Nodding, he took over as Alice opened her skills and began to scroll through the list, only to find that dual-wielding before nodding, "Alright, I'm ready! Switch!" Selecting it and dashing forward, Alice's left hand opened for the Light Enchanter blade to appear in her hold.

Kirito's eyes widened at this as Alice crossed her blades for that massive blade to come into contact with the two blades she wielded before yelling, "Klein! Get them out of here!" Klein gave a wide-eyed nod at what he was now seeing before groaning softly, only to yell, "To hell with it!" With that, he began rushing inside of the room with the rest of his guild member's help to begin pulling the surviving Liberation Army out of the room as Alice's loose blonde locks fluttered violently.

With eyes filled to the brim with determination, her Light Enchanter blade then blocked as she held her other blade to the side, only for the weight of that blade to force her to a single knee as she grit out a shout, "Bloom my flowers!" Those flower petals swiftly rushed out to connect with The Gleam Eyes. Watching its health begin depleting at a rapid pace, the boss then reacted and shifted its blade to hit her, only for her to flip back and catch herself with a single hand as she skidded back.

Noticing her health depleting far too quickly over a hit from a boss that they shouldn't even be fighting with while holding so few numbers, Kirito and Klein then yelled out together, "Alice, get out of there! They are all out now!" The boss wasn't going to allow her to escape after chipping its health down so much, which was proven to be a accurate assumption to be making the moment it slammed in front of her, making her scowl internally, 'Damn! Now I do not have a choice!'

The flower petals were not the only reason everyone wanted her blade, for it held one more ability that only a few knew about, "Now, come to me!" With the flower petals surrounding her, she regained a decent amount of health. However, there was a time limit to the usage of this ability. It wasn't like Silica's baby dragon that held a short cooldown for healing her when she needed it to, with the healing it gave her being an extremely small amount compared to what her blade could do.

However, this had been a major reasoning as to why she hadn't been too worried about healing crystals when she simply rushed in. Dashing back forward as everyone watched those flower petals healing her, she then internally swore, 'I already had to use my blades healing. This is not good in the slightest, for now I cannot use it again until an hour has passed.' She needed to make a mental note to find and tame one of those baby dragons to have it heal her when the time was needed.

Panting and swiping her hand across against her cheek, she watched as the power of her continuous healing from her flower petals continued, the blonde narrowed her eyes while thinking to herself, 'The consecutive healing will only last for a few more minutes... and that is it. This boss still has three more life bars too... and by then, I will die. No, there is no way that I am willing to just give up and die! That is not even an option! I have to take this thing down before my healing stops!'

Rushing up the blade once the boss attempted to hit her, only for the blade to get momentarily caught in the ground, she then jumped in the air for one of the longest combination attacks, with a single blade, in the entire game to be used with fifty consecutive swift strikes. Taking down one of The Gleam Eyes' health bars with that single combination, Alice then landed to the ground, only to shoot her head up to see that massive blade coming towards her before blocking the strike.

She had figured out what Kirito meant after he had asked her that question when they had stopped to take a break and eat some lunch, so she scowled and shouted out, "Kirito, stop second guessing yourself and just use it already! When solid, the Osmanthus Sword is of use for blocking and attacking! The moment I use the flower petals, I could be done for!" Kneeling, he began scrolling through his list of skills as he kept an eye on Alice's health bar all together before hesitating again.

"Fine! I will do it alone!" Alice furiously yelled, only to finally knock The Gleam Eyes back and stating, "Fury of the Enchanting Osmanthus!" Her agility and strength shot into orbit as she began slashing this boss at an incredible speed, only for her health to begin rapidly plummeting once hit. 'JUST USE IT ALREADY! It's her life, or my secret getting out,' he internally yelled, only to finally click it before yelling out, "SWITCH!" She now felt weak due to how low her health was but left a gift.

Right then, Alice did a side mid-air flip before slamming her foot so harshly against the boss that it hurled not only the boss back, but her as well. Flying back, Klein didn't want her to hit the ground to lose what sliver of health she still held by catching her and quickly using a full healing crystal on her, making her smile, "I thank you, Klein." Winking, he then teased, "Not a problem little lady! We'll just say that ya owe me one!" Watching Kirito's health, she became extremely worried.

By the time The Gleam Eyes was finally defeated, Kirito wobbly stood there and mumbled out, "Is it... finally over?" Wiggling out of Klein's hold, Alice sheathed her blades before reaching the cascading teen and catching him, "KIRITO!" Tears began to splash against his face before he stirred a few minutes later, "How long was I out...?" Alice then shook her head, "Only a few minutes... You are so reckless! Do not scare me to that degree ever again! Do you hear me?! NEVER AGAIN!"

Lying against his chest and wrapping her arms around his neck, Alice sobbed against his chest, making him smile softly, "Geez, don't hug me so tight or I'll lose the rest of my health..." Explaining everything to Klein about his dual-wielding simply appearing a few months ago out of nowhere, Alice then nodded, "It was the same for me." - "I can see as to why you kept it hidden. People would get pissed that you have something that they don't, but not me." Klein then paused for a moment.

Smirking, he then finished what he was going to say with a tease, "They'd get jealous over that... and THAT," he finished by pointing at little miss hysterical Alice. Chuckling, he then turned away and raised his hand in the air, "I'll activate the teleport for you two." Kirito then nodded tiredly as he held Alice tenderly, "Thanks." - "Kirito, don't be a stranger. Also, don't forget to restock on healing crystals. However, I think it's about time you started thinking about yourself. You deserve it."

He would have to think about taking a break, but he nodded anyway, "Yeah... I'll think about it." Klein then lowered his head as he softly spoke out, "It's about damn time that you started thinking about yourself instead of other people. Later." Exiting through the teleport, Kirito released a heavy breath and laid back with a pretty missy resting on top of his chest. Holding Alice tightly, he began to think about what Klein said, only to repeat, "It's about time I thought about myself, huh?"

Once he held enough health to carry the sleeping missy, Kirito made it back to his home, only to see info brokers surrounding his home... looking for answers right then and there. Not that Alice's home was any better. Neither were gaining a moment of peace and quiet due to the rumor spreading extremely quickly about out of the thousands of people stuck in the game, there was not only one dual-wielder, but two. Due to this disturbance, both had to find a new home to live at.

Once hearing the news about the dual-wielders, Commander Heathcliff called both Kirito and Alice in. Challenging Kirito to a duel with him using his dual blades, Alice sighed heavily the moment he actually agreed. Should he win by some sort of chance or miracle, he could take little miss Alice from the ranks of the Knights Of The Blood Oath. However, should he lose... Kirito would become an official member of the guild no matter what he said or did, nor was he allowed to complain.

"My god, what is honestly wrong with you?! I expect an answer," the long haired blonde huffed out as she folded her arms over her chest that held the style lock over her attire once again to appear as if she were part of the guild. This made Kirito rub the back of his head sheepishly, "Yeah, sorry about that Alice." Seeing her scowl further deepen, he was quick to lean back the moment she just about exploded, "It is not me I am worried about!" Kirito then tilted his head, "Then who is it?"

Eiji then walked out while sighing immensely, "What Alice is trying to say, you dunce, is that she's worried about you!" Thank goodness someone spoke the language of Ali, making her release a breath as she placed her hands on her hips and leaned forward as if scolding a small child, "Of course I am worried about your happiness Kirito! What did you expect for me to be worried about?! My clothing?!" The dummy then blinked rapidly, "I never even considered that as a possibility!"

Eiji then slapped his palm to his face as the match was then called. Standing, Kirito then stroked her hair, "Don't worry about me Alice. I won't go down without a fight." Walking out into the arena, Eiji then scoffed, "He's just about as clueless as one can get..." Turning his head, he then noticed Alice clasping her hands together to pray, only to take her into his arms, "Come on, where is my strong teacher?" - "I have no idea as of now," she spoke through muffled sobs while holding him.

Out of very few, Alice knew his true name, considered she then choked out, "Eiji, he HAS to win, or he will simply be miserable!" Trying to shield her from watching as the battle began, Alice's eyes widened immensely the moment she witnessed the time freezing for just about everyone, only capable of thinking in a frantic tone, 'What... What in the hell was that?!' Noticing the winner icon going to Heathcliff, Kirito did not look too thrilled about having to wear as much white as he did.

"Do I have to wear something so flashy..." his dry tone rang out, making Alice internally sweat drop, "From all of the male uniforms Asuna showed me to pick out for you... this was the least flashy," she sighed out in return before looking down as she continued, "This is all my fault. I am so sorry." Lying back and placing a single hand over his eyes, Kirito explained, "No... I got as far as I possibly could as a solo player." Sitting in front of him, she then took him into her arms, "Be safe..."

Chuckling, he then nodded and teased playfully, "Of course, second in command." Alice then placed a single hand on her hip while shaking a scolding finger at him, "I mean it! I do not wish to even see a single scratch anywhere on you!" Gaining a cold sweat as he straightened up, he then spoke out as if he were a soldier that had just been given a command, "Right! Don't worry a single bit about me, Alice! I'm sure nothing will go wrong on a simply training exercise to build teamwork!"

Raising a hand, Kirito then exited the building to see the "team leader" for this little farce, only to notice Kuradeel. Narrowing his eyes dangerously, Kuradeel then did the same. Ever since he had been relieved as Alice's bodyguard, he continued to sneak into her home as she slept... only for her to moan out the black swordsman's name instead of his own. Giving a rather fake apology that had sounded somewhat legitimate, Kirito then nodded towards him somewhat suspiciously, "Right..."

Godfree then clapped his hands together, "Alright ladies, this exercise is to work on your teamwork so hand all of your crystals over!" Even after hearing the enthusiasm held in this man's voice, Kirito looked a tad shocked, "What? Even our healing crystals?" This made Godfree nod, "I'm afraid so!" Handing all of their crystals over, Godfree then chirped out, "Let's go clear a dungeon!" Kuradeel and Kirito lazily lifted a single one of their fists in the air as their rather dry tones rang out, "Yay..."

Once they entered the dungeon, Kirito made easy work of majority of the monsters until they came upon a clearing that they could take a break. Godfree then tossed the two with him a bag that held lunch and a glass canister of water while grinning, "Alright! This looks like the perfect place to take a break! Chow time ladies!" Opening the bag, Kirito envisioned this lunch being one of Alice's home cooked meals, only to sigh when he noticed the buns up and instantly looked up.

Picking the water up and uncorking it, Kirito then released a breath and took a drink... only to notice the satanic smile on Kuradeel's face before his eyes widened. Throwing the water, his body began to fall back as Godfree fell forward as Kirito thought, 'Paralysis?!' - "Quick! Antidote crystals," he attempted to hurriedly strain out, only for those crystals to be kicked away by a laughing Kuradeel that began to stab their current leader, "Poor sad Godfree. All brawn with no brain!"

By the time Godfree's health hit zero, his body then shattered like glass, horrifying Kirito in the process. Kuradeel then turned towards the struggling black swordsman before walking forward, "Do you know how sick I am of sneaking into Alice's home and pleasuring her... only to hear your damn name through those beautiful moans?!" Slamming his blade into Kirito, who appeared shocked, Kuradeel continued, "I already have the perfect cover story to tell Alice about your death as well!"

Sadistically smirking, he continued speaking as he hacked away at Kirito, "We were clearing the dungeon and stopped to take a break whenever a band of people from a murder guild ambushed us! You and Godfree fought valiantly, but I single-handedly took them all down! Sure, Alice will be devastated for a while... but soon enough, she will forget that you were ever alive! Then, she will start coming to my bed willingly each and every night for me to ravage over and over again!"

The unnerving feeling Alice was feeling about his "teamwork" drill was stressing her out. They had been gone for a while now, yet, something still felt incredibly wrong. Standing there while watching Kirito's movements on the map, Eiji walked up and had her jumping, "You that worried about the great black swordsman?" Alice could only peer down as she ringed her hands together, "Eiji... something feels quite wrong about this simple drill for teamwork. It's almost as if something will go..."

Her words then froze the moment she noticed Godfree simply vanish from the map. Standing abruptly, Alice said absolutely nothing the moment she dashed towards Kirito, who was no longer moving. His health was dropping so low that he was now fighting against the paralysis drug he was under. Pushing herself as fast as she could go, the blonde drew her blade before releasing the flower petals to slam against Kuradeel. Dropping to her knees, she used a full recovery crystal on Kirito.

"Thank god, I made it just in time," she spoke with tears flooding her eyes. Hearing Kuradeel speaking made her absolutely sick as of now, considering she stood and stalked forward in an overly pissed off fashion before attacking. Hearing that he didn't want to die made her falter completely. Alice was no cold blooded killer, no. With her sword being hit from her hands, Kirito dashed in front of her for his arm to be cut off instead of her getting hit before he took Kuradeel down with his hand.

Dropping to his knees in front of her, Alice brought him into her loving hold before his lips pressed to her own as his, currently, only remaining hand, held the back of her head in a tender and loving hold. Her mass amounts of golden locks flurried in the wind as she responded to that more than loving gesture by deepening that kiss, only for him to lightly pull away, "Alice... can I stay with you tonight?" Nodding her head against his neck the moment she leaned against it, made him smile.

In her home, Kirito, holding two arms again, laid beside the... of course... nude little lady while holding her close. Taking in a nervous breath, he spoke, "Alice?" Nodding her head, he then continued, "We... We should get a home together and then... get married." Smiling happily, Alice nodded, "Yes! However, I do find it rather unfair that you get to feel my skin." Blushing deeply, Kirito then sat up, only for her to remove his top before he pressed her tightly to him as he collapsed back.

With skin-to-skin contact, teenage hormones were off of the scale, considering he slid his hand up her side, making her blush furiously as she arched against him, only to whimper softly, "Ki... Kirito..." That was all that needed to be said on her part for him to grip her hip tightly before calming himself and looking down at her and smiling softly, "After everything you've been through... I only want you close. Try to get some sleep Alice." Smiling in return, she slowly closed her eyes.

Kirito and Alice now stood in front of Heathcliff before the blonde spoke, "Commander, with everything that has happened, we both hold concerns over the guild. We both need time to think things over, as I am sure that you have guessed." This made Heathcliff nod and sigh, "Yes, it's quite understandable after what Kirito told me that Kuradeel has been doing to you without your knowledge. So, permission is granted. However... I'm sure that both of you won't stay away for too long."

Wearing their normal colors now, the two bowed, "Thank you for your understanding Commander." The two then left and sold their homes, only to gain a huge bonus due to Alice's home and furniture. Walking to a jewelry shop, Kirito bought Alice a white gold band that held a single embedded diamond, while Alice bought Kirito a normal white gold wedding band. The two were formally married, they now held shored storage. Thinking of where they should live, Alice blushed deeply.

Not noticing her blush due to being, well, Kirito... he then spoke, "I once did a quest on floor twenty-two and there is a really peaceful village there that is mostly for fishing. Want to check it out?" Alice couldn't believe her ears and smiled brightly before nodding her head, "Yes!" Holding hands, the two teleported there before walking to the same home that they both had come across. Looking at one another, they smiled at each other and placed their hands over it together to buy it.

With furniture already bought, thanks to Alice, the two entered and began to make the home feel like... home. Only holding one comfy bed, Kirito was about to head to bed until Alice, wearing her light blue dress and white belt, then walked in and chuckled, "Not in the mood to eat dinner?" He rushed by her so fast that it made her blink rapidly and chuckle softly. Walking to their table after picking the cooked dinner up, Alice then pressed her lips to his cheek before setting the meal down.

Being served, Kirito took a bite and gained a brilliant sparkle to his grey orbs, "This is great Alice!" Smiling softly at him, she then laughed softly, "I'm glad you think so." Once dinner was finished, Alice cleaned the dishes and placed them on the drying rack while nervously gulping, 'I know that we have slept in the same bed many times... but this is the first time sleeping together in the same bed as a married couple. What if I snore?! Oh, that would be so embarrassing!' - "Alice?"

Jolting out of her thoughts, she then looked up to see Kirito attempting to hold back a laugh as he squeaked out, "I don't think that pot will get any cleaner after five washes." Blinking rapidly, she then swatted his bare chest, "Stop that! Or must I teach you manners?!" This made him straighten up and shake his head, "No ma'am! However..." Alice was then swooped up once she turned the water off, only to be carried to their room before he continued, "It's bedtime. We both need rest."

Removing her dress and undergarments, Alice got into bed as Kirito laid down in his shorts for his wife to roll onto his chest, only to begin nervously tracing patterns on his chest, making him tilt his head, "Alice? What's wrong?" Sitting up so that her long hair spilled over her shoulders, she then questioned, "Kirito... I do not snore, do I?" Oh, he had to tease her over this, so he did, "Like a bear!" Noticing her mortified face, he burst into laughter, "I'm kidding Alice! You do drool though."

Gaining a dry face at the tease, she huffed, "I did not find that amusing in the slightest! Keep it up and I will never cook for you again! Do you hear me?!" It was his turn for his face to become mortified as he swiftly apologized, "I-I'm sorry Alice!" Opening one of her closed eyes as if winking, she then chuckled softly and turned their light off before curling up on his chest as he smiled and held her securely against him while stroking her hair, "Alice, I love you..." - "I love you as well..."

The next morning, Alice's blue eyes opened first to see that he hadn't been kidding. She had basically drooled a lake on him. Wiping his chest off in a hurry as he tried his hardest not to laugh, Alice stood up and stretched before going to bathe. Once done, she brushed her long locks and placed a white spaghetti strap dress on, a separate light blue open cover with elbow length sleeves, and a light blue belt around her waist. Walking out, Kirito then smiled at her, "You look beautiful."

Smiling brightly, Alice then laughed, "I thank you. Now, go take a bath while I prepare breakfast." Nodding his head as she walked away, he had to wonder as to why she sounded so proper for her age. Instead of saying "I'm", she said "I am". Instead of saying "don't", she said "do not". It was the same for many other words and sayings. As she walked away to begin cooking, he bathed and got dressed in an all-black t-shirt and pants before walking out to see her soft eyes.

Smelling the spiciness of what she was preparing, his eyes shifted over, "I didn't know that you liked spicy food." Alice laughed gently at this as she spoke in return, "Maybe that happens to be why I am so feisty." Walking out and placing his food in front of him, he picked the sandwich up and began eating before humming and speaking with a mouth full of food, "So, what should we do today?" Alice gained an overly dry face at this, "Honestly Kirito, do chew before you choose to speak!"

Swallowing his food and sweat dropping, he nodded, "Right!" Laughing, she then tilted her head slightly once she smiled softly, "I thought I would let you decide as to what we were doing on this day." Okay, now he was so curious that he placed his food down, "Hey Alice? If you don't mind me asking... why do you speak so incredibly proper?" Stiffening up slightly, she shifted her eyes down. She knew that one day he would ask, so she gave a short answer, "Well, my family is wealthy."

Not pressing matters further, he then chuckled, "Well, I still love you regardless of how you speak!" Alice then smiled softly as she finished her breakfast before washing the dishes, only to admit, "I am able to cook in the real world as well, but I am never allowed to do so. My mother hired a cook to do it. My father is rarely at home and my little brother lives at her boarding school. So, it is usually only my mother and me at home, " pausing as she washed the dishes, she looked down.

"My father will always claim that my mother is always worried about me, but she is merely worried about my education and finding a wealthy man to marry. From start to finish, I have despised the nature of my upbringing. My little brother, Selko, is always pushed to the side as if he does not matter. It does not matter as to how hard he tries to impress our mother, for he never seems to care. Even when I began intentionally dropping my grades, Selko did not matter," she spoke softly.

Kirito remained quiet with a frown as Alice wiped her eyes furiously, "So, when I became trapped in here, I felt the freedom that I had never once felt before. That is why I was a solo player for as long as I was. People had always claimed that I had appeared as if I had just given up... but that simply was not true in the slightest! I thought I would feel free, but I still felt imprisoned! Even though our bodies might be unconscious, I could still feel my mother's gaze on me at all times!"

He had to stop her now, so he brought her into his arms before frowning, "I guess I'd never be good enough for you in real life then. I'm not rich... nor was I born into a wealthy family that would be able to offer you anything. However, right now, we are here in Aincrad. So, no more crying, alright? Let's go out and look around. I'll even humiliate myself by trying to fish with no fishing skills if it will put a smile on your face." Holding him, Alice buried her face against his chest and nodding.

It had now been weeks and honestly... Kirito was becoming antsy due to sitting around for so long and not using his blade. Alice's blue eyes fluttered open to witness her husband was awake before her for once. She had been contemplating on doing this with him for the longest time and finally decided that it was time to place her full faith in the man she had married. She would have never become so damn jealous over any other woman if she hadn't wanted this from the beginning.

Slowly sitting up to look at his highly distracted form, Alice gulped silently... but heavily. Taking the initiative over the official "dual" the two were about to hold with one another, she then leaned forward and pressed her lips to his tightly before rolling the two over so that he now hovered above her. Keeping the contact with her delectable flavor, a single one of his hands slid down her body until stopping for two of his fingers to finally enter her, making her gasp and moan against his lips.

Yup... he wasn't bored anymore, his sleeping shorts told him that much. Feeling those shorts being removed, he smirked against her lips and removed his fingers to press inside of her, making her cry out to the point that he blushed heatedly and heavily. This was his first time having intercourse, but he could take a rather good educated guess as to what to do... considering all high schoolers were made to take sex education. Thank you sex ed for the lessons on how to hold intercourse!

Plunging deeply, he groaned at how absolutely amazing she felt, only for him to lean his forehead against her breasts. In Aincrad terms, his sword was meant for this warm sheath. She cried out beautifully for him the moment he took one of her nipples in his mouth to suckle on the tender and sensitive flesh as if he were a newborn. Her muscular thighs then wrapped around his lean hips the moment one of his hands gripped her hip as his free hand took hold of her unoccupied breast.

"Ki... Kirito!" Alice cried out and arched against his muscular abdomen, making him grip her hip a bit tighter as he picked up his speed. Pulling away from her nipple with a sharp pop, his lips began attacking her beating pulse located on her silky neck, only for a sharp breath to be sucked in by her. He then sat up to stare into those beautiful blue eyes as his eyes gazed at the mass load of splayed out golden locks haloing around her frame angelically... by the gods, she was beautiful.

He was about five-hundred percent sure that if this had been his actual body, he would have been done long ago... but here they were... as night began settling into place all around them. Sweat beaded down their bodies from how long this was going on and how fast and hard he now pounded into her. Hey, they were both strength and agility based players that held hardcore endurance. Her fingers tangled tightly in his locks until a few final pushes were given for his virtual seed to spill.

Collapsing against her frantically heaving chest, Kirito shakily rolled off of her before pulling her trembling body to him. Taking her lips momentarily, he then smirked against those swollen lips before chuckling out teasingly and tiredly, "Thank you for releasing all of my pent up boredom Alice. It was fun... darling," he snickered as he traced up her silky belly before she laughed gently and tiredly at him, "At this point... I am quite unsure as to who should be thanking who over the matters."

Another two weeks then passed them by as two married couple got out of bed. Thinking of something to do as Alice placed on a blue dress that held elbow length long sleeves with white and gold swirls at the bottom of the thigh length dress while wearing cute knee high boots, the two ate and Kirito, in the best mood ever thanks to his wife always in the mood to... play... then lifted her on his back before walking with Alice's arms wrapped serenely around his neck, making him smile softly.

He had to mess with her, considering he bolted, making her yelp and cling tightly at the sudden run before whacking the back of his head, "That was not funny Kirito!" Whining softly at her and rubbing the back of his head, Alice burst into laughter, making all of the people that were fishing turn and wave. Waving back with a bright smile, she then swatted his shoulder, "Do not be rude Kirito! They will believe that you are unfriendly!" Yeah, no. He didn't care what they thought.

Bolting again, he finally slowed once they were at the woods and grinned deviously, "I heard a rumor that in these woods... there was a ghost spotted." Growing pale at the comment, Alice held onto him a bit tighter, "You... You mean those astral monsters, right?" His grin further growing, he shook his head, "A carpenter was apparently out later than usual to gather wood and that's when he saw it. A pale figure wearing all white that slowly walked, a spirit of the forgotten, forever lost."

Out of the corner of her eye, Alice witnessed white, making her head turn in horror before panicking, "I want to be put down!" Releasing her, she then hid behind him and pointed shakily, "It... It's over there!" Turning his head, he then gained a dumbfounded expression, "You've gotta be kidding me! I thought the story was bogus!" Suddenly, that supposed ghost girl collapsed face forward, making him put two and two together rather quickly before rushing forward, "That's not a ghost!"

Alice then rushed after his fleeing form, "Hold... Hold on! Oh geez!" Slowly coming to a stop, Alice looked at the young girl with a frown as her husband knelt down and lifted her upper body into his arms to sit up before speaking, "It's another player? Why would a little girl be walking around all on her own...? She must have logged in with someone else." Kirito then hummed as he thought aloud, "Perhaps, but, isn't something odd?" - "Odd? How?" - "She doesn't have a cursor."

Looking closer she nodded at this, "You are right, maybe it is a bug." Kirito's face then scrunched up slightly, "She's not an NPC... because if she were it would have alerted me, and she's not a quest giver... or I would have been given the quest once I interacted with her." Alice then shook her head lightly, "Well, we cannot just leave a defenseless little girl out here all on her own. Let us take her back home so that she can rest. Once she wakes up, then we can ask her questions."

Agreeing, Kirito then lifted the adorable young girl up in his arms before taking her back to their home. Arriving, Alice opened the door for him before they both entered. She was then placed on their bed, only for the blonde to chuckle, "Give me one of your shirts. I can't exactly sleep naked with her in the same bed." This made him softly huff before tossing her one of his black shirts that she gave a dry face at how it was black once she changed to wear his shirt and her undergarments.

Getting into bed, they then fell asleep with the little girl right next to them. Waking up in the middle of the night, Alice sat up and looked at the little girl before lying back down to hold the young girl, only to whisper, "Please wake up soon..." Kirito then rolled over in his sleep and wrapped his arm around his wife's belly tenderly while burying his face into her hair. The three looked like a family, making the young girl smile in her sleep due to finding who she had been wandering around for.

The following morning, Alice's eyes fluttered open to witness the young girl's blue eyes that looked like her own blinking at her, making Alice realize that this young girl appeared as if she truly could be one of Kirito's and her own children. Shooting up, she then spoke in an almost frantic tone, "Ki... Kirito!" Waking up after hearing the panicked tone that his wife held, he sat up as Alice helped the young girl sit up, "Hello, my name is Alice, and this is my husband, Kirito. What is your name?"

She blinked and thought long and hard over the matters at hand, "My name is... Yu... Yui. Yes, my name is Yui." Alice then frowned, "What were you doing in the forest all alone?" Trying to think long and hard over the matters, Yui began to cry, "I... I don't remember." Kirito then smiled softly, "Don't worry so much, it will come to you. Just give it some time. Can you say my name? It's Kirito." Yui tried, but she ended up completely trashing it, "Kee-toe?" - "Kirito." - "Kee-toe."

Chuckling at how adorable she was, he then stroked her hair, "I suppose it is a tad hard. Why don't you just call me what you want for now?" Yui thought about this long and hard until looking at Kirito's black hair and Alice's blue eyes, "Kee-toe is daddy. A...ice is mommy." This made Alice clasp her hand over her heart before smiling and lifting the young girl before twirling her around, "Mommy it is then!" Yui then smiled brightly and hugged the motherly blonde, "Mommy! Daddy!"

Alice then smiled brightly, "You must be starving! I am going to go breakfast made!" Kirito then walked out and began reading over the paper that made announcements of what was currently going on as Yui sat beside him. Walking out, Alice placed a plate with the "nuclear" sandwiches down that Kirito and herself loved, only to place a piece of breakfast pie down for Yui, "Eat up Yui!" Walking back to make her own sandwiches, Alice smiled at how their home finally felt complete.

Yui watched curiously once Kirito bit into his sandwich as he continued to skim over what was happening... but hadn't actually soaked in a single word due to feeling the same way that his wife currently did, only to feel eyes on him before turning his head towards him, "Something wrong Yui?" Her doughy orbs blinked rapidly before holding her hands out with a determined gaze, "I want the same thing as daddy!" Alice then walked out to place her plate down holding the same sandwiches.

"Alright then! If you want to try it, then I won't stop you! I will warn you now though, your mommy is an amazing cook that can make some of the most delicious spicy food that I've ever tasted!" Alice leaned her cheek into her palm as Yui took a bite and chewed before swallowing and squeaking, "I like it!" Kirito then began to boast, "Whoa, you must have an iron stomach like your mommy and me! Tonight, we can have the spiciest dinner that your mommy can make if you want!"

The precious young girl happily nodded at this, "Yeah!" Alice then smiled softly as she began to eat. Once everyone ate, Alice cleaned and spoke softly due to Yui falling asleep, "It is wonderful having Yui here. Having her here... makes our little home... feel like home." This made Kirito smile and nod, "Yeah, I know what you mean..." pausing, his smile then became a soft frown, "However, if she has parents out there, they must be worried sick. We should start at the town of beginnings."

Nodding at her husband with a frown laced upon her own face, the two placed all of their gear and weapons on before Kirito lifted Yui on his back. The two then walked to the teleport gate before calling out, "Teleport: Town Of Beginnings!" The three then arrived and began walking through the basically dead first floor until hearing a panicked yell, "Leave those children alone!" The two looked at one another before running towards such sound of clear panic to see the Liberation Army.

Three children looked scared as members of the Liberation Army smirked at them, making their caretaker yell for them to give them all of the money and gear that they had. When they claimed that they had, a flurry of loose long blonde locks, along with blue, gold, and white gear, appeared in front of the children while grasping her Osmanthus Sword and pulling it out, "You can pick up all of your gear and money." The moment she was hit on, Kirito knew that they had screwed up.

Watching Alice's brow twitch, Kirito sweat dropped as Yui gained a worried look, making the black swordsman chuckle, "Don't look so worried Yui, your mom's super strong." These men continued digging a deeper grave until she snapped, "BLOOM MY FLOWERS!" That blade then vanished, except for the hilt, only for those flower petals to slam against the main man before she walked forward as her blade reformed, "Do not worry, you are in a safe zone. So no matter what, you will not die."

Her blue orbs then sparkled defiantly as she continued, "That being said... a fight with me will still be rather terrifying enough to put you scumbags in your place." - "Do something, you assholes," the one being pummeled yelled, only for the others to back away until one of their eyes widened, "Wait... that's Osmanthus Alice! Run away!" Each member of the Liberation Army began running away as Alice growled, "I risked my life for people like that... what is this... a sick joke?"

Taken to where all of the children here were being kept and cared for, they asked the one caring for all of the children, Sasha, if she had ever seen Yui, only to be told that she had never seen the young girl before. A knock then came to the door only for them to meet Yulier, only for her to thank the married couple for setting the others in their place. Yulier then asked for their assistance due to their leader Thinker, being trapped thanks to someone that Alice had once mocked... Kibaou.

"So, where is he exactly?" Kirito questioned, making Yulier frown slightly, "Below the Black Iron Palace, there is an extremely high level dungeon. That's why I came to the two of you. If there is any possible way that you can help..." Yulier then bowed deeply with tears in her eyes, "Then I'm begging you." The married couple looked at one another before nodding and talking to Yui, "Yui, stay here with Miss Sasha until we get back." Yui then lightly scowled, "No! I want to come too!"

After losing that fight, Alice carried Yui into the dungeon on her back until monsters began appearing, making Kirito grin like a madman once he drew his blades before looking at Alice, "Mind if I..." - "Yes I mind if you borrow the Osmanthus Sword! You have your own rare sword, plus a one of a kind blade that I commissioned for you!" Stepping back from his wife, he blew his bangs up and grumbled due to loving to play with his wife's Osmanthus Sword, but, began fighting.

Yulier then peered at Alice with a frown, "I'm sorry that I'm making you two do all of the work." This made Alice chuckle softly, "There is nothing to apologize for. Kirito is having plenty of fun out there and enjoys a good fight." Yui was cheering happily until Kirito walked back while rolling one of shoulders around, "Phew! I fought my butt off!" Smiling at him, the long-haired blonde then questioned, "Did you happen to get any good drops?" Kirito then grinned and nodded, "Check it out!"

Holding up a frog leg, Alice's face drained of color the moment her husband exclaimed with a grin, "Maybe we can have a frog barbeque!" His wife almost instantly grossed out, grabbed it, and hurled the toad meat as she yelled, "That is so disgusting!" Kirito instantly gained a dumbfounded facial expression, "The... HELL?! Okay, fine! Then what am I supposed to do with all of these then?!" Toad meat began flying as Alice yelled out, "No, no, and no! That is quite revolting!"

Placing a hand over her mouth, Yulier began to softly laugh at this display until Yui chirped, "You smiled! I've never seen you smile like that before!" The two parental figures glanced over as Yulier blushed. Handing Yui to Kirito, he carried her on his back while happily chattering to her, only to boast out as to how one day she would be a powerful swordswoman just like her mother. Yulier was in awe the moment Alice was up and demolished and entire fleet of toads with one attack.

"Yulier!" - "Thinker!" - "Yulier, no, stop! It's a trap!" Thinker yelled, but she was already rushing to him, only for Kirito to swiftly tackle her to the ground the moment a scythe almost hit her. Alice's eyes were wide due to the fact that she couldn't even read what level this thing was, making her hurriedly speak the moment she placed Yui down and hand Yulier take her before taking her two blades out and crossing them over her husband's dual blades to protect him, only for both to be hit.

Slamming to the ground, Kirito and Alice looked at this thing in clear panic until they both stood as the wife spoke, "I can keep us healed for only a short period of time! Now, come to us my flowers!" Her flower petals engulfed the married couple before dashing forward. However, the moment they both were hit again, her healing was nullified, making her eyes widen, "What... What is going on? I have never had that attribute from my sword nullified and reset to its dormant stage before!"

It baffled Kirito as well as he stuttered out, "This... This thing has to be over level one-hundred. Alice take Yui and get out of here!" Alice instantly scowled, "I will never leave you! So never suggest such nonsense ever again! If we are to go down, then it will be together!" Kirito was about to argue until both parental figures eyes widened the moment they noticed Yui calmly walking out, making Alice hold her hand out, "Yui! Stop!" - "Mommy... daddy... it's okay, I remember everything now."

With Yui demolishing the monster, she then walked into the control room to explain everything, "I am a program made by the Cardinal System, much like this interface that I now sit on. MHCP001... Mental Health Counseling Program... code name... Yui. I was created to monitor and comfort all of the players that were in distress. However, on the day the game launched, I was denied access to actually complete any of my initial tasks as I was meant to. All I could do was watch."

She wasn't understanding as to why this was so hard to tell the two that now stood mortified in front of her, but she continued, "One by one, little errors began piling up in my system core programming function until one day... I witnessed two players emotional states that stood out from everyone else. They were laughing, smiling, and held a deep and profound love for one another. It was the two of you... Kirito... Alice. After witnessing the two of you, I went out in search of you two."

Pausing, she then looked down with tears falling down her face, "It's odd... I'm nothing more than a program, yet I held the deep desire to be close to you. Nothing about me is real... not even the tears that I now shed." Kirito then kneeled in front of Yui and smiled, "Yui, if you want something, then tell us." Slowly looking up, she then held her hands out to the two parental figures, "I wanted... I wanted for you two to be my real mommy and daddy! But... now it's too late for that."

Alice wrapped her arms around the young girl while crying, "Do not say such foolish things Yui, you are our child!" Yui smiled sadly at this, "I wish that were true. Due to using my admin properties to defeat that monster, the system is now running a scan on my core program, and soon, my program will be erased and deleted." Alice began to cry as Kirito's eyes filled with tears for the first time since this game of death began as Yui began to slowly vanish, "Don't cry mommy and daddy..."

"Yui, don't go! Please," the blonde begged until all she now held were her own arms, causing for her to cry hysterically. Kirito then scowled deeply, "Cardinal! No... Kayaba! You're going to find out really soon that not everything will always go your way!" Rushing to the interface, Kirito began to type as Alice whimpered, "What are you doing?" He had never wanted to hear his wife sound so weak as he replied, "I'm downloading Yui's program before she's completely erased from the system."

Downloaded, the system rejected his authority before he was hit back, but he did now hold something valuable. Opening his hand once Alice rushed to him, he then frowned, "Sorry... all I could do with the short time was convert Yui's core program into an item. However, this means that we will see her again one day." Alice noticed the name "Yui's Heart" attached to the item before he chuckled, "I also saved her program to your Nerve Gear with the short time." - "Thank you..."

Back on floor twenty-two now, Kirito sat by a lake looking bored as he at least attempted to fish, Kirito released a hefty sigh of boredom until a voice startled him half to death, "Catch anything good yet?" Snapping his head around as his heart throbbed in his ears after just about launching out of his throat, Kirito clutched his hand over his chest, only to release a breath, "I keep trying, but none of the fish will take the damn bait. It shouldn't be this hard to catch a damn fish!"

Laughing, the elderly man then cast his pole into the lake, which made this whole fishing ordeal a bit better now that he had someone to speak to, "My name is Nishida, what about you kid?" Kirito then peered over as he answered, "My name's Kirito. Honestly, why are all the lakes on this floor so hard to catch anything?" Hearing the name, Nishida then claimed, "You are the black swordsman?! To answer your question, only this lake is hard to fish at. You simply picked the wrong one."

This made Kirito's mouth drop wide open, but did answer, "Yeah, that's me... Why in the hell would they design it like that?!" Nishida then laughed at the outburst, only to become serious, "It's because this is the lake of the king of all the fish! We're old pals, me and him. I've have him on the end of my line plenty of times, I just don't hold the strength requirements to pull him in. Say, you wouldn't want to help me reel him in, would you? It would put on quite the show."

Watching this man catch a fish before simply tossing it back, Kirito then lifted his brow, "Why do you catch and release? Don't you want to eat them?" Nishida could only dream about it as he spoke aloud, "I don't really hold any other skills besides fishing. If I tried to cook it, I'd ruin it. Ah, what I wouldn't give for sashimi with some soy sauce... but that doesn't exist. A man can dream though, can't he?" Blinking slightly, Kirito then chuckled, "I think I can help you there old man."

Catching a large fish, Nishida figured that the boy was joking once he stood and smirked, "Why not come over for dinner? My wife has maxed out cooking skills. Since you caught the fish, I will help you with your fish king problem too." Following Kirito, he then entered and removed his shoes, "Hey Alice, we have a guest for dinner." Walking out from the kitchen to pause her new recipe creation while blinking rapidly, she then scolded her husband, "You did not catch a single fish did you?!"

Holding his hands up defensively, he then shook his head, "Nope! However, I did gain a challenge! Can you make sashimi for dinner with your special sauce?" Kirito then winked, making her understand completely, but, she had to shake a scolding finger at him, "Honestly?! How dense can you possibly get?!" The husband then snickered teasingly, "Are you sure you want to figure that one out?" This made Alice blow her bangs up as if saying "GOOD GOD, PLEASE KEEP IT TO YOURSELF"

Looking at Nishida, who now stared at how beautiful this lass was, only for her to smile at him, "My name is Alice, welcome to our home." Jolting out of simply staring at this angel, or goddess, among mere mortals, he then smiled, "My name is Nishida. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Alice." Wait... Alice... he knew this name from somewhere, other than Osmanthus Alice. When it hit him, his eyes widened in shock, "Zuberg?!" This made Alice's eyes widen immensely at this.

Hell, everyone had heard the name "Zuberg" at least once in their lifetime. Gasupht Zuberg was a technological genius that stood head and shoulders beside Akihiko Kayaba. Before Sword Art Online had launched, he had been working on a different game at the time due to his eldest daughter's love of magic and fairies, but he ended up handing the reins over to another company for its final stages right before it had been completed due to being needed for a top secret project.

Smiling at him, she then gave him a puzzled expression, "What about the Zuberg company? I have heard of them, yes. I mean, what virtual reality gamer has not heard of them?" Lying to her husband felt horrible and the guilt hit her hard. She had been the first one to test her father's new game. However, she had become so depressed that her father became distracted by her distress to the point that Sword Art Online was inevitably released before his game had been released.

She had to wonder... was Kirito's love for her just as virtual as the game they now stood in? Finishing dinner as her thoughts ran wild over fretting over her in-game husband's love for her, she then sat the dinner down with three different sauces for them to dip their fish in. The moment the poisonous appearing sauce was tasted by Nishida, his eyes widened immensely, "Kirito, you were not kidding over the soy sauce dilemma and your wife! Miss Alice, my tastebuds bow down to you!"

Standing up as dinner finished, Alice began washing all of the kitchen and tableware used for this night's dinner before hearing Nishida telling Kirito that he would see him on the next day for the festival of sorts to catch the king of all the fish once and for all. Entering their bedroom, Alice then submerged her body in the warmth of her bath until feeling strong hands rubbing her shoulders rather silently. Peering back, Alice then smiled softly, "Something troubling you Kirito?"

Not really knowing what to say to her, he then shook his head before standing and holding his hand up as he walked out, "I'm going to, as you call it, play with my swords for a bit before bathing and coming to bed." Nodding her head, she washed every inch of her body clean before getting out and placing undergarments on with one of her husband's long-sleeved shirts covering her top. Getting into bed to feel the chill of the fall air settling in around them, Alice then curled up.

Kirito trained... and boy did he train hard. Realizing as to how late it was, he entered his home before walking inside of his room to pause at his adorable sleeping wife that adorned his top, he then entered the bath while thinking the same things that Alice had thought earlier to himself, 'Does our love only apply to the virtual world, or will that same love also shadow into the real world as well?' Bathed, he then dressed in a pair of sleeping pants before exiting their room with a frown.

Lying on their couch with his hands laced behind his head, he continued to ponder over this entire matter until he fell fast asleep. During the middle of the night, Alice woke up, only to sit up and begin chewing on her bottom lip, "Why has he not come to bed as of yet...?" Standing up, the cold air hit her legs, only for her to equip a pair of his sleeping pants as well before walking out to see her husband in a deep sleep on their couch. Walking forward, she then kneeled beside him.

With Yui's heart made into a necklace for her to wear, she then whispered softly, "Yui... what do I do?" Tears splashed against the item, only for her to kiss her husband's lips deeply to wake him. Leaning away, Alice then frowned and took his hand, "Kirito... come to bed." Shifting his gaze away, he then nodded, "Right..." She had heard that unsure tone, making her eyes slightly widen before giving a fake smile, "If you wish to sleep out here tonight, I see no harm in that."

'Yui, please... help me,' she internally screamed, fully knowing that she would never gain an answer so to speak of as she picked a blanket up and covered him. Turning away, her tears splashed against his face, making him grab her hand swiftly before speaking loud enough for her to hear, "Alice, what's wrong?" Shaking her head and releasing a breath, she then spoke, "I merely miss my little brother is all. So, do not trouble yourself with me. I will be just fine, I promise!"

She had sounded so sincere that he released her and nodded, "Alright... if you say so." As she walked away, she was then stopped at their door the moment her husband spoke again, "Alice, just know that you can tell me anything. I am always willing to listen and help in any possible ways that I can." Nodding her head, Alice's tone then cracked out, "I know Kirito... now, get some rest so that you might hold enough strength to accomplish the task that you have been entrusted with."

This had been the very first time that the two had slept apart since becoming married, so it was quite the odd sensation for Alice to the point that she tossed and turned all night long. Once the next day was upon then, Kirito sat up and yawned. He actually didn't hold a shred of motivation for the tasks that the day held. Once his wife exited from their room, he noticed that she looked as if she had been dragged to hell and back simply from the disturbance of him not being there.

The king of the fish was easily caught, yet, he held no motivation to take this beast down in the slightest. Equipping her sword, Alice then sulked forward before drawing her Osmanthus Sword and running the damn thing clean through. Fawned over by many men, it wasn't only her that gained a message, because her husband had also received one as well. The two then clicked the icon to see the name 'Commander Heathcliff' attached to see as to whom the message was from.

Watching as her husband laid on their bed with all of his gear on with his arm covering his eyes, Alice finally chuckled, "Come on, you have sulked quite enough. The Commander would not have messaged us if it were not important." The two were now over what Nishida had said and were simply happy to have one another in their lives. He had her... and she had him. In this game of death, that was all that was important. Nodding at his wife, he then sighed, "Yeah, I know, I know."

At the teleport gate now, Nishida was there to see them off with a smile, "Well, you two be careful and come back to your home in one piece. I will pray for both of your safety. Perhaps one day we will all be released from this trap of a game to return to our normal lives." Smiling Alice then chuckling, "Someone once told me that wherever we were... that was our reality. He claimed that even though this might be a game, we were still alive here in Aincrad. Kirito taught me that."

Thinking about what she said, Nishida then smiled brightly, "Yes, you're absolutely right Miss Alice! Life here isn't too bad! Nope, not one bit!" Smiling at him softly, Alice then brought out a full bottle of her in-game soy sauce before handing it to him, "I made this for you, mister Nishida." Taking it with bright eyes, he then gave a nod, "Thank you Miss Alice. Kirito, be sure you take care of your wife. Even I can tell that her boundaries of love far exceeds the boundaries of this world."

Smiling as he waved, the two teleported and were now off to first head to Lisbeth. Reaching her shop, the two then entered with a smile and handed three blades over before Alice walked outside to allow her Osmanthus Blade to begin auto-repairing it's durability by soaking in the rays of the sun as her husband spoke cordially to the blacksmith that held a crush on her husband. Releasing a gentle breath as she heard the two speak about everything so far, only to smile at the sun.

Hearing him then give his thanks to Lisbeth, Kirito exited with their blades with a smile, "Did your Osmanthus Sword soak up enough sunlight?" Watching her hold her hand up to him silently, she then mumbled, "Just give it a few more moments to soak in the rays of the sun." Nodding and leaning next to her, he then chuckled, "You know, I'm going to miss playing with your Osmanthus Sword once the game ends! More than anything, I'm going to miss having you." - "Come, let us be off."

Entering where the Commander was while not wearing any style locks anymore due to not caring any longer, they both entered the base for the Knights Of The Blood Oath to be debriefed over what has happened during their absence. Told that they was going to be holding a raid against the boss soon, they were then told that they both were needed for this particular raid. Both Kirito and Alice then nodded at this comment and left from the debriefing room after bowing respectfully.

Standing in the main hall now, Alice noticed Kirito's face and gained a worried expression, "Kirito? What happens to be wrong?" Clenching his fists, he then looked down, "Alice... I want for you to sit this one out." Scowling, her heeled boots thudded closer to him with a scowl, "What did you just say to me?! You are wishing for me to stay where it is safe while you go and risk everything?! Not a chance! If you were to die due to my absence, I would never be able to forgive myself!"

Now he understood what Nishida had said... her love for him truly did hold no boundaries. Game or not, they were married in her eyes... for as of now, this was her reality. Folding her arms while thinking deeply now, Alice began to bite her bottom lip nervously. She remembered Kayaba's voice clearly... and Commander Heathcliff held the same pitch. Perhaps it was just a similarity in pitches and the way that they spoke, but she couldn't shake that unnerving feeling that she was right.

With how god-like Commander Heathcliff was, it was almost supernatural. Once in front of the boss room, they were all spoken to by the Commander before entering. Seeing no boss, Alice shot her head up, "On the ceiling!" The Commander then hid his hand behind his shield as he removed Alice's and his own administrator properties that would make them an "immortal object". However, he had never expected that she would forget how he got his character name due to the goofy nature.

He had bought a ton of Heath candy bars and had placed them on a cliff, only to laugh at her dumbfounded face before claiming, "Look! I made a Heathcliff!" The dry expression that she had given him was so priceless that it had made him laugh softly. Also, he had been offered her hand in marriage and was going to tell her, but, for some reason, couldn't bring himself to do so in the first place out of being embarrassed over it. He enjoyed her company, so what exactly held himself back?

Alice was so much younger than him. She had been fifteen when he had met her, spent an entire year with her, only for her to end up in Sword Art Online. When he had given those mirrors and it had given her natural radiance back to her, Kayaba had been mortified to see her in the mixture. Once he had witnessed her, he had, unknowingly to her, given her admin privileges. Once this world they had created came to an end, full admin privileges would automatically split between the two.

Kayaba had been the one to gift her with the Osmanthus Sword, considering her "immortal object" turned off any time she left the safe zone due to him keeping an eye on her. However, he had been shocked that the dual-wield ability went to both Alice and Kirito, for it had only been made for one with the fastest reaction speed. He had been further shocked when he witnessed that Kirito and her had become married inside of the game... and in a sense... it had hurt immensely to witness.

Watching Alice helping Kirito block with her two blades crossed over his, its scythe-like claw came straight towards the blonde until she witnessed the same thing that she had witnessed on the day of Kirito's dual. With wide eyes, she witnessed that time unfreeze once Heathcliff blocked the blow since she no longer held her admin privileges at the moment so that she did take damage and most definitely could die if too much damage is taken on, to which he did not want in the slightest.

Everyone then swarmed the boss until it had finally been dealt with, but no one celebrated due to how many players that they had lost in this battle. Commander Heathcliff had already turned his and her "immortal object" back on as Alice stood and began to slowly walk forward before swiftly drawing her blade... knowing who this was now. Dashing, she then slammed her blade against the barrier that claimed "immortal object", making her yell furiously, "DAMMIT AKIHIKO! WHY?!"

All eyes were now large and began yelling at him at how everyone else that was no longer of this world was dead because of him, he then sighed and rammed his blade towards Alice, making the long-haired blonde's husband panic, "ALICE!" That panic quickly faded the moment everyone witnessed her own "immortal object", making him explain, "You see, it was Alice who unintentionally gave me the idea to make everyone stuck in here, but... when I saw her here, I couldn't harm her."

Chuckling at the furious blonde who's hair was held in a braid behind her, Akihiko then further explained as he stroked her cheek, "You see, Alice had admin privileges and could have logged each and every player out of this world on the first day. However, I watched each time she lazily opened up her menu... not even witnessing that she even held a logout button. I always had my eyes on her, so if she left a safe zone, her so-called "divinity" was turned off almost instantly." - "ASSHOLE!"

It was so rare for Alice to swear that it even shocked Akihiko, making him sigh heavily, "Alice, for a year in the real world... I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. I didn't know if I found it odd or embarrassing, but I had been the one that had been picked as your husband. The Osmanthus Sword has a point five percent drop rate, yet you miraculously gained it on the first defeat of the rare boss. That was because I forced it to drop for you. However, now that you have exposed both of us..."

His eyes stared into her own furious blue orbs before looking out at everyone, "I regret to inform you all that Alice and myself are the final bosses on floor one-hundred inside of the Ruby Palace. There was one hitch in my plans though," he paused and shifted his narrowed orbs to Kirito, "There was only supposed to be one dual-wielder, yet two emerged. I initially only gave this skill to Alice once her reaction speed was god-like... but somehow, you obtained the ability as well, Kirito."

Taking in a deep breath, Akihiko then continued, "This was because you held the fastest reaction speed that always matched and rivaled Alice's completely." Alice was so angry at this point that she could only see red, making her yell, "Drop this infuriating barrier and take your true appearance, you coward!" Sighing, the creator of the world then dropped his looks to stand there before her as she landed in a hostile manner before nodding, "As you wish... but first this must be done."

No longer an "immortal object", Akihiko didn't need others jumping in the way, so he then proceed to place paralysis on everyone... including Alice, only for Kirito to be left standing. Falling forward and dropping her blades, Akihiko hastily caught her and those blades, only to sheath the blades as he held her tenderly. Kirito was beyond furious at this point and dashed forward, "Alice!" Taking hold of his wife, she then smiled at him weakly, "I believe in your strength and courage Kirito."

Smiling, he then placed her left hand that held her wedding band over her heart, "Don't you worry, I'll take care of this." Standing, Kirito took in a deep breath, "Kayaba, what was the point in doing this?" Akihiko then narrowed his gaze, "The hero stole the queen of these lands from the king. Now, you must show your valor and worth for those dual blades that you now wield. However, if you can defeat me, then the you will have defeated the entire game and everyone will be released."

Tears now slid down her face as Alice spoke, "I never wished for any of this to be my fault Akihiko, why would you force so much blood and death on my shoulders when you knew how fragile I was?!" That made him chuckle softly, "You made that blatantly obvious that you didn't wish for this. As for the blood and death, it was all my doing. I didn't have to listen to you, but I was fascinated with the way your mind worked... that is why he, the black swordsman, must fight and defeat me."

She listened intently as he continued almost miserably, "For a life that has been robbed of you and your creative mind will be far too painful and it will hold no vibrant colors as it once had. To be honestly, I had almost released everyone from the game so many times... but you appeared like a freshly watered flower that had just recently been watered, only for the sun to then come out and give its nourishment. I watched you blossom into the person you have become today... so vibrant."

With that, the dual began, only for one of Kirito's blade's to be smacked from his hand before Akihiko raised his blade. Finding the willpower to stand, Alice swiftly dashed in front of Akihiko the moment it was too late for him to stop, making both of their eyes widen as her life began to quickly drain due to having her "immortality" removed. Glowing now, Alice smiled weakly at Kirito, "Thank goodness... you are safe. Kirito, take it and free everyone," she held the Osmanthus Sword up.

Placing his hand over her blade with tears in his eyes as Akihiko swiftly rerouted everything for Alice to not die. With her health dropping quickly, she spoke one last thing, "Do not dishonor the way that I lived... or died. For I was Osmanthus Alice. Now, stand with honor and pride as the black swordsman. Fight with everything you have to offer. More than anything... remember that I love you, and I will be right here with you," with that her body shattered, making Kirito's eyes lose all focus.

Standing, he began weakly swinging both swords at Akihiko, who merely sighed and stabbed him. Watching his health going to zero, he heard her, "Do not dishonor the way that I lived... or died. For I was Osmanthus Alice. Now, stand with honor and pride as the black swordsman. Fight with everything you have to offer. More than anything... remember that I love you, and I will be right here with you." Something else was then heard from her, "I do not wish to see you die! Now fight!"

His health was at zero and his body had shattered, yet he defied all common logic and reappeared with Alice's blades, "I'm not going down until she has her vengeance! You will be the one to fall right here and now Kayaba!" Smiling, Akihiko allowed for that blade to pierce him, only for the announcement of the game being cleared to ring out. On a platform, Alice stood there as she watched this with a frown, making Akihiko chuckle softly, "We once envisioned it, and now watch it fall."

Alice hummed softly, fully comprehending that she wasn't dead, only for her to begin scolding him and use his touch interface before smirking, "Do not presume that I will allow you to just vanish. You will not get out so easy this time Akihiko." His eyes then widened at this, only to vanish once she made him an object that held the title "Akihiko's Heart" as well, making her huff once she stored the data in her Nerve Gear. With that, she also stored her Osmanthus Sword and gear.

With how skillfully she had just stored everything due to being around Akihiko for an entire year before she became stuck in the wonderland of swords, she would easily be capable of using this gear in any other games if she held the nerve to put the Nerve Gear on ever again, that is. However, she knew that just like Akihiko... she wanted to be anywhere that wasn't reality, so she probably would use it again for a new game to play. Smiling sadly at the sight was all she could do.

Kirito then approached and sat down, "Sorry, I died." Alice chuckled at this and brought him into her arms, "You idiot." Pulling away, the two then shared a deep kiss with one another until it hit her and she lightly pulled away, "Hey, you never did tell me your real name... though, I am guessing that you now have a pretty deep understanding of who I am now, so I will simply introduce myself. My name is Alice Zuberg." Laughing, Kirito then replied to her, "My name is Kazuto Kirigaya."

Smiling at this, Alice then brushed her hand against his cheek, "Kazuto Kirigaya... I like it. While out of the game, I shall refrain from referring to you as Kirito, so, I cannot wait to meet you in the real world Kazuto." This made him smile softly and lean his forehead against her own as the countdown continued for them, only for Alice to chuckle, "I live in Setagaya... and am probably in some rich hospital." Kazuto then laughed at this, "I actually don't live too far away! I live in Kawagoe!"

Right then, then promised to find one another once they awoke from their deep slumber and leaned in for one last deep kiss until they world they witnessed, vanished. Slowly, sparkling blue eyes opened dully before she weakly sat up and removed the Nerve Gear from her head and removed everything from her. Shakily standing, she couldn't do it... so she sat back down with tears in her eyes, "Kazuto..." The door then opened for her little brother's eyes to widen, "ALICE!"

Wrapping his strong arms around her, she then weakly brought her hand up to stroke her little brother's spiked locks, "Selko... I cannot hear too well as of this moment... I-I need your help with something." He then nodded to her with tears in his eyes, "Anything sis, what do you want? Cookies? Ice cream? Water? Flavored milk?" She could only hear his muffled tone, so she shook her head, "This means a lot to me, so I need your help finding a survivor. His name is... Kazuto Kirigaya."