Hello there everyone. So some quick words before we get into the meat and potatoes.

First, I want to apologize for leaving this fic hanging so long. Several things hindered progress. First is actually good news. I am officially a married man as of April 2022. So my attention these days will go more to my wife, who is actually here on FF as a writer, known as TheImmortalWinchester.

The second reason was that this segment of the story I hadn't thought out as much as everything else, which includes the war arc (yes, that arc is coming). But Varo and Trace both helped me to get some ideas percolating for me to venture forth.

And now, we resume our trek into SAO Parallel. But first,

Reki Kawahara is the owner/author of Sword Art Online and its content. I only own an idea, nothing else.

And now,

LINK START!

Chapter 38:

The Absolute Sword

After a reminder of the mission given to them, Kirito and Asuna were riding with Eiji high in the skies to make their way to Alfheim. The dragon they were riding, Tatsumaki, surprised the two from Rulid at first since Eiji must have only been an Integrity Knight for a short time, considering it wasn't long ago they freed everyone in Aincrad. He had stated Quinella had done some things to help elevate him above most of the other Integrity Knights so far for her interests, but that all he cared about was the power and the promise.

As they flew, Asuna's thoughts overtook her attention. It seemed like, for every step forward they took to going back home, the world pulled them three steps back. It had been over three years since Kirito and Eugeo left Rulid to come after her and Alice, a couple months since they were fully reunited when she recovered her memories, and they had come back together earlier this week in their final bout. And now, here they were again, splitting up and going to different places. Asuna really couldn't blame Alice for having such heated thoughts about taking yet another mission that split them up.

Aside from that, she also had her thoughts about home. She had been made as a major promise for Rulid. Ever since she was born, her family had been grooming her to bring them prestige and make Rulid someplace significant. Whether that was becoming an Integrity Knight through the Swordcraft Academy and Unification Tournament or by marriage with a high-ranking noble, that was what her life would have been led to. Before meeting her friends, Asuna had accepted that path and worked hard for it. Meeting Alice so much back then only led to what became their lives now.

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She was maybe 5 when Alice was first introduced to her. Chief Gasfut had come as he usually did to check on the Yuuki family, wanting to introduce his eldest daughter. Her brother had been off to train while she was practicing etiquette. Immediately, Asuna felt something was off with the chief's daughter. When Alice dragged her away from the house, she soon realized why.

They stopped by a small tree in the village boundaries behind the bakery, and Alice lay sprawled out on the grass. Asuna, fearing for her, questioned, "What are you doing? You'll get your clothes dirty."

"Yeah, but then I wouldn't get to enjoy the breeze that comes through this place," Alice replied without any hesitation.

This confused Asuna, until she felt a breeze pass by. It was so pleasant, the way it caressed her skin and seemed to cool her under the scorching light of Solus.

"Give it a try, Asuna," Alice suggested.

Though hesitant, Asuna laid down slowly until she rested on the grass that felt surprisingly comfortable beneath the tree. Another breeze came by, bringing a rustling sound to the leaves overhead. Asuna was captivated by this new experience. Her mother's words rang in her head, but she was almost in a trance listening to the sounds around her.

"This is nice, isn't it?" Alice asked. "One of the village boys showed me this. It's also a great place to take a nap."

"We can't waste the day like that," Asuna exclaimed, shooting up.

But Alice took it in stride and stated, "There's nothing in the Taboo Index saying children can't enjoy themselves. They don't need to work yet. So taking a nap is not out of the question."

"Yes, but—"

"Besides," Alice went on, "learning everything we do gets tiring. We need to rest. That is in the Church Law and Taboo Index. One must never neglect the time to rest."

Asuna thought Alice had an answer for everything. She was still reluctant to lounge like the girl was. But, it had been nice to just lay there and listen to the wind. She ended up taking a nap with Alice.

Later, the two ended up in trouble with their parents for their complete lack of decorum. Asuna's mother was worse, but Gasfut was quick to placate her mother. Afterwards, the two let out small laughs, now having a bond of friendship between them.

It was then, maybe two weeks later, that Alice came over to invite Asuna to play with her. The girl was ecstatic to do so, but her demeanor changed when she saw the boy with black hair. He looked at her with a curious expression. Asuna dipped her head down, waiting for the inevitable. Before, every kid Asuna hung out with would either be annoyed or demand she use her status as a Yuuki to get them stuff. After meeting Alice, she was afraid that would happen here too.

However, in spite of her predictions, the boy greeted, "You're that girl Alice talked about, right? Asuna?" When Asuna gave a nod, her head still dipped, the boy requested, "I think it would be better if you smiled. That way, we can all have fun today. So please smile."

"Why?" Asuna asked in a small voice.

"Why?" the boy parroted back. He seemed unsure how to answer, but then replied, "Well, why not? Aren't things better when you have fun and enjoy yourself? That's what I say."

His words made Asuna's mind race. Why wasn't he asking about her family? Why wasn't he seeking something from her? What was he after?

Then, he did something she didn't think would ever happen.

"My name's Kirito. I'm one of Alice's friends. And now, I'm your friend too. It's nice to meet you, Asuna."

The boy held out his hand for her to take. She lifted her head slightly, surprised yet also fearful about what this could mean. She saw Alice behind the boy giving an encouraging smile and ushering her to take his hand. Slowly, shakily, she held out her hand to his. He didn't move to take it, and she recoiled a little when she got close. But then, when her hand came into his, he took it with such a gentle grasp that it surprised Asuna.

"Glad to have you as a friend, Asuna," Kirito told her with a big grin on his face.

Suddenly gathering herself, Asuna pulled her hand back and did a curtsy, beginning, "My name is Asuna Yu—"

"Hey, don't go doing stuff like the grown-ups do," Kirito interrupted. "You're Asuna, a kid just like Alice and me. Let's go out there and be kids, okay?"

A sudden feeling arose in Asuna that she had never felt before. Kirito wanted her to be a kid. Not just a daughter of the Yuuki family or the promise of Rulid. Just a kid like him and Alice. She didn't understand it, but she rather liked the idea of just being a kid with them.

So she returned, "Alright. I am Asuna, a kid like Alice and Kirito."

Kirito laughed a little and told her, "There you go. Now let's go play together."

And after meeting Eugeo, that friendship meant everything to her.

But three years after that, her mother sat her down to talk with her about her future. It was night, with the only light being a small candle on the table in front of them. Asuna sat upright, dressed in a red and pink dress with a bow tied around her waist, her feet barely touching the floor.

Her mother was across from her, brown hair cut at the chin and smooth as marble. Her eyes piercing as if to scrutinize everything she saw. She had her hands held together in front of her as she looked down at her daughter. It was difficult for Asuna not to squirm under that look.

"Asuna," her mother began, "you'll be of age for proper lessons soon."

"Yes mother," Asuna replied automatically.

"Which means you will need to focus solely on perfecting yourself and bringing honor to the Yuuki family."

"I will, mother."

"Therefore, when you turn 12, you will be sent to Centoria to be enrolled in the Swordcraft Academy. Before that, you will be drilled in our sword style. Which means you are to no longer fraternize with those kids apart from Alice."

This news stunned Asuna. So she asked, "But why mother? Kirito and Eugeo are my friends."

"They are a hindrance," her mother reasoned, her voice betraying no emotion. "Those boys are from lower families and have no value. They will be given their Callings soon. They might be farmers, bakers, or even Carvers with the Demon Tree. But they will do nothing for you."

"That's not true!" Asuna tried to protest. "Kirito always—"

"Enough!" Asuna's mother scolded, stopping her daughter's resistance. "From this point forward, you are not to fraternize with those boys. Alice will be the only friend you ever have. Do I make myself clear?"

"But mother—"

"Is that clear?!" The tone of voice made it clear there was no room for negotiation.

So in the end, Asuna relented and answered, "Yes mother."

With business settled, Asuna's mother took her to her room. That night, the sobs of a broken child could be heard throughout all of Rulid.

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"Asuna. Asuna," came a voice. Asuna snapped back to the present at Kirito's urging. As she looked back at him, he told her, "We're almost at the rift. Better get ready." Looking ahead, she saw the disturbance in the air that would lead them to Alfheim, back to the land that had been her prison. Now she was returning, not as a prisoner, but as a swordswoman alongside her beloved. Her fate would not be dictated anymore. Who she was would be for her to choose.

They went through the rift, passing the multicolored tunnel, before coming out into a brightly lit sky with the World Tree in the distance. A ways to their left, Asuna thought she saw the towers from Swilvane, the Sylph home. Leafa's home, she recalled.

Asuna hadn't had much time to know Leafa in this new world after being saved, only that she was the reincarnated self of Kirito's younger sister, Suguha. And her partner, Sinon, was also a human reincarnated from Underworld as well. She hoped this mission might help her bridge that gap, especially for when she and Kirito officially tied the knot.

"Alright, so where to Black Swordsman?" Eiji asked begrudgingly.

Looking around a bit, Kirito decided, "Head for those towers. One of our friends lives there." Eiji said nothing in reply, and directed Tatsumaki down to it.

Not much later, a couple Sylphs in armor flew up to them with weapons at their sides. "State your name and business," one of them ordered.

To which Kirito replied, "I am Kirito, Swordsman of Underworld and Liberator of Aincrad. I come to meet with the swordswoman Leafa and Lady Sakuya."

"Kirito?" The other Sylph blurted out in a gasp. "Apologies. Lady Sakuya has been wanting to meet with you. Please follow us. Your companions are welcomed as well, and we can tend to the dragon." They then helped guide the group towards Swilvane.

"This must have been a better reception than when you and Alice first came here," Asuna remarked with an impish smile. "I hope you plan to introduce me to this Lady Sakuya, Kirito."

Flustered, Kirito reasoned, "It's not what you think. I just helped keep the Salamanders from interrupting their treaty discussion with Alicia. Nothing more."

"Then why won't you look me in the eye and tell me that?" Asuna questioned, making her betrothed squirm in his seat.

Letting out a grunt, Eiji griped, "Save the marriage troubles for when we're finished here. Don't forget we have a mission to complete."

Sadly, this earned Eiji glares from both youths behind him, but he ignored them all the way to the city.

"Thank you for coming to see me Kirito," Sakuya greeted as the three from Underworld entered her office. "I wasn't sure you would return after defeating King Oberon. But I am glad you are here."

Kirito bowed to her as he entered, before introducing, "These are my companions. Eiji Synthesis Thirty-Five, and Asuna Yuuki, my betrothed and Oberon's prisoner."

"Betrothed?" Sakuya said in mild surprise. "My my, so young and yet already thinking about marriage. It's no wonder your other friend Alice was so protective of you. Though I had thought she was your intended."

Rubbing his cheek, Kirito claimed, "She already has her beloved back in Underworld. She just helped me rescue Asuna." He could feel the silent glare Asuna was throwing his way, but elected to ignore it and hope the conversation moved along.

Done with the nonsense between the lovebirds, Eiji inquired, "You seemed to have been expecting the Black Swordsman. Was there something you needed of him?"

Her face becoming serious, Sakuya relayed, "A few things. Chief among them is the murders in the different territories." This shocked Kirito and Asuna. Murders in Alfheim?

"You see," Sakuya elaborated, "not too long after you left, we got word from members of the different races that some of their people were supposedly being killed by strangers from Underworld. They know they were humans because they never used magic and always stayed on the ground, unable to fly. Further are their weapons, made from iron and often laced with poisons not native to our home. They have eluded us too often when we gave chase, disappearing into the forests and wild areas. I fear for what this might mean."

"You aren't assuming we have anything to do with these murderers?" Asuna questioned.

"I'm not, nor are Rue or Eugene," Sakuya said to placate the humans. "However, others believe your presence did invite them to our home. And with Oberon dead, they blame you for the deaths of our brethren."

"No surprise, but that doesn't explain how they could have gotten here," Kirito reasoned. "The only entrance we know of is a rift in the skies high above Underworld. You can only get to it by way of dragon from Aincrad."

"Perhaps a new way has opened," Sakuya suggested. "Or something else brought them here. Either way, they pose a serious problem for the fairies in Alfheim."

Kirito looked to Asuna, the two of them considering a similar string of murders that happened back in Aincrad. Before Asuna remembered who she was, there was one incident that involved people being killed in the towns where everyone was supposed to be safe. They, Eugeo, and Alice ended up teaming up to investigate the murders. They solved it and found the ringleader, as well as some of the hired hands of Laughing Coffin. If what happened then was happening now, they might have to resolve it before going after Excalibur.

"The other matter is more in the interest of your skills rather than for our sakes," Sakuya brought up. "You see, someone has been challenging our best fighters to duels in exchange for teaching a powerful technique not known in Alfheim. They call themselves Zekken."

"Zekken?" Asuna repeated in contemplation. It was such a strange name. And if the fairies here weren't familiar with it, then was it one from Underworld?

"I recently sent Leafa to look into it," Sakuya went on. "She was going to meet with Sinon to investigate this Zekken. I doubt they mean any harm, but with the other matter we are handling I don't want to take any chances."

"Smart move," Kirito commended. "I'm guessing you want us to meet with her too and look into this Zekken figure?"

Smiling, Sakuya returned, "You are quick on the uptake. I like that in a warrior. It'll prove useful if you ever consider reincarnation."

Before Kirito could get a word out to refuse, Asuna kicked him in the shin just enough to make him flinch. She then told the Sylph leader, "We'll go take a look into that. We might have a quick request when we get back though." And before anything else could be said, Asuna was dragging Kirito out of the room and Eiji followed with an impassive face.

Just before he left, Sakuya asked the Integrity Knight, "Your name is Eiji, correct?" He looked back at her as she then asked, "That isn't your original name, is it?"

Said Integrity Knight answered, "It's the only name that matters now. Who I was before died a long time ago."

"I see," Sakuya lamented. "I just heard from some members of my council about a voice lamenting about a boy by your description. Almost like a requiem."

That info made Eiji's eyes widen. But he shook it off before following the lovebirds, leaving Sakuya to contemplate what all that has happened could mean.

"Seriously Asuna, there was nothing going on back there," Kirito tried to defend himself while Asuna gave her icy glare. "Alice and Yui can vouch for me. I swear."

Asuna's gaze never wavered, even at the boy's bending over backwards to convince her he was faithful. Not that she doubted it, but it was more what he missed that bugged her.

"You did know she was flirting with you," she pointed out. "I'm amazed she hasn't taken advantage of you."

"She wasn't flirting," Kirito refuted. Then he redirected, "Anyway, shouldn't we talk about those murders and Zekken? We might not get any help finding Excalibur until those matters get resolved."

Letting up, Asuna confirmed, "You're right. Still, like you told Lady Sakuya, no one else should be able to get into Alfheim from our world. Assuming these murderers are even from our world."

"And then Zekken, challenging anyone for a chance to learn a special technique," Kirito added. "We better meet with Leafa to get started."

"Then let's go," Eiji prompted, coming up to them. "Tatsumaki can get us to the area that fairy indicated."

But right then, Kirito manifested his wings and lifted up a bit. "I can get myself there," he indicated. "Though Asuna, we should try to find an Yggdrasil root to get yourself wings too."

"Didn't you mention how Yui had to help keep the world's mana from overwhelming you before?" Asuna brought up at the proposal. "How are we going to avoid that with me?"

Kirito grunted at not having an answer to that. Not that Asuna was against having wings to traverse Alfheim with. Oberon had been intending for her to be remade into his ideal bride, which likely involved giving her wings with her new form. But seeing as how that would never come about, and that she had no intention of going back to the birdcage to even attempt the metamorphosis for risk of losing herself in the process, it was unclear how they would achieve that.

While Kirito was mulling over how to overcome their little obstacle, something inside Asuna seemed to speak with her. She wasn't sure what or who it was, but something told her to acquire wings through the root despite Yui not being with them. That she would be alright if she took in this world's mana. She then glanced down at her right foot to see what looked like part of the World Tree peeking out from under the ground.

Kirito noticed her glancing and voiced, "Hey, that's an Yggdrasil root like what Leafa used with me."

"What's it doing here?" Eiji wondered.

Kirito went to explain his idea about why it was here, but Asuna wasn't listening. With that pull from earlier, she bent down and went to reach for it. She still felt hesitant, but something continued to assure her she would be alright. Who or what it was, she had no idea. She eventually made contact and received a massive surge of mana.

The energy made her arm feel like it was on fire as it coursed up her body, filling out her person with its power. She wanted to cry and recoil from the intense pain of it all entering her. But her arm wouldn't retract no matter how much she willed it to move. It felt like she was glued to the root while she took in the mana. She might have heard Kirito call out to her, maybe Eiji too. She couldn't tell as their voices sounded distant. Time seemed to slow as her body was overwhelmed by mana.

I don't want to die, she pleaded. Stacia, please, let me live. For Yui. For Kirito. For Alice and Eugeo. I want to live.

As she made that prayer, her world went white as a voice responded, "This is not your time to die. Have faith, my child."

When the presence disappeared, Asuna's vision returned with Kirito hovering over her, calling out to her in a panic. As the world got clearer, she saw Kirito was crying.

"Thank the goddesses," he uttered, his voice breaking with emotion. Nearby, Eiji was speaking with Sakuya as she brought Sylphs that might have been healers or mages to them. She must have made quite a scene channeling that mana.

As Kirito held her cheek in his hand, he asked, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Strangely enough, Asuna felt like nothing was wrong. Maybe a little weak from what just happened, but not unwell. At least, so it seemed.

Kirito helped her to her feet, though it didn't seem like that was completely necessary. She looked back, and found transparent wings, tinged blue extending from her back. Unlike Kirito's, which pointed more up and outwards, her wings seemed to arc downward.

"So these are my wings?" she wondered, looking them over as best as she could.

Kirito then went behind her and pressed his palm at the mid part of her back. "Imagine you have bones and muscles extending out from this point, connecting to your new wings," he told her. "Try to imagine moving those new muscles."

Asuna hummed in affirmation before attempting what Kirito told her to do. Little by little, the rustling of her wings beginning to move entered her ears.

"Good. Now give a soft flap," her beloved instructed. The minute she did, her feet left the ground and she hovered in the air. Joining her, Kirito offered, "Now, let's get you used to those."

A little while later, Asuna was soaring alongside Kirito and Eiji over the skies of Alfheim. She couldn't believe how liberating of a feeling having wings was. The openness and great expanse felt exhilarating. But what made it even more so was flying alongside her partner and dearest friend.

Kirito stayed closest to her during their flight, glancing back to make sure she was keeping up. She beamed at him in assurance, looking ahead over the forest they were flying over. She could get used to such an experience, if it weren't for the fact they would go back to Underworld eventually.

After some time, Asuna inquired, "We should be getting close to where that Zekken person is supposed to be, right?"

"We should," Kirito returned. "And based on what Lady Sakuya told us, the duels have been taking place near where the most recent murders occurred. If Stacia is with us, we might just kill two birds with one stone."

"That would be nice," Eiji voiced, disgruntled. "The sooner we finish our task here, the sooner we can part ways."

Asuna let it be, but she didn't like how Eiji regarded them. Kirito had informed him he worked with Quinella to bring back someone important to him. While she sympathized with his pain, Asuna couldn't believe he would willingly work with someone so cruel just to bring back one person. If she could, one of these days, she wanted to help him move past that pain of loss and live his own life.

They then heard the clashing of swords and spotted two figures dancing around in the air. A keen eye could make out Leafa as one of the contenders, who was looking like she was struggling in the duel. Just then, the other fighter knocked her sword out of her hands and had her at swordpoint, forcing the Sylph to surrender.

"Whoever this Zekken guy is, he's pretty good," Kirito commended. "Leafa is pretty good as a swordswoman."

They saw Leafa begin to descend and followed suit. As they did, they spotted Sinon in a clearing near where the two were landing. They began to approach, and her ears twitched to alert her to their presence before she turned to face them.

"Hey, you're back," she greeted. "Took you long enough."

"Good to see you too Sinon," Kirito returned.

"How have you been, Sinono?" Asuna asked, earning a puzzled look from both Kirito and Sinon.

Deciding to forego the weird nickname, Sinon answered, "Been alright. Up to my ears in work helping Lady Alicia." She then glanced at the Integrity Knight, inquiring, "Who's the brooding guy that makes Kirito look cheerful by comparison."

Kirito grunted in annoyance at her jab, but said Integrity Knight introduced, "I am Eiji Synthesis Thirty-Five. And you are..?"

"Sinon," said archer replied in a cold tone much like she had with Kirito before.

Their conversation was cut short when Leafa came up to them with the other figure they assumed was Zekken. And said figure made everyone but the Cait Sith with them do a double take.

Instead of some burly, armored figure like Deusolbert or Bercouli, the figure was a girl maybe a couple years younger than either Asuna or Kirito. She had deep purple hair that ended just above her waist, wearing a long-sleeved coat with the ends resting below her shins but above her ankles. She wore stockings that went past her thighs and fingerless gloves that were the same deep purple color, and a breastplate. She had deep amber eyes and seemed to radiate excitement.

"Alright!" she cheered as she noticed the newcomers. "Who wants to have a shot at dueling me?"

"How about it, Black Swordsman?" Eiji prompted.

"Yeah, this should be up your alley," Sinon said in a jab. "Although, you did lose to me the last time you were here."

Kirito just grunted in annoyance. Asuna knew he would have taken up such a challenge no problem in the past. Testing his skills was something he was prone to do. Then again, he usually had reservations fighting someone he didn't know unless he needed to. Much less against a girl who looked younger than him.

Seeing that no one was taking up her challenge, Zekken inquired out of pity, "Aww! Is no one going to take me on? I'm all fired up and everything."

"Asuna, you want to accept her challenge?" Kirito whispered to her. This surprised Asuna a bit, as she turned to look at him. His eyes were fixed on Zekken, but they were stoic and firm. "You can do it," he told her.

It was almost like he sensed what had been troubling her coming here to Alfheim in the first place. And it was heartening that he wanted her to try this challenge rather than himself. And if she was honest, she needed this. She couldn't back down now.

Asuna stepped forward as Leafa approached the group, still massaging her arm after her own fight. The Lightning Flash hadn't expected Zekken to be a young girl, but she knew not to underestimate her opponent. If Leafa was as good as Kirito claimed, she would need to bring her all to this.

Seeing the new face coming to challenge her, Zekken greeted, "Hey there. You wanna take me on?"

"Is that alright for someone like me?" Asuna questioned.

Confused, the other girl asked, "Why shouldn't it be? Anyone can challenge me." She then gestured for Asuna to come over, to which the swordswoman stood a few feet apart from her opponent.

"What are the rules of this engagement?" she asked the one issuing the challenge.

To which Zekken answered, "No killing, for one thing. But you can use magic or items. I'm just going to stick with my sword though."

Asuna took note to the girl's sword. It was thinner than Kirito's sword, but slightly wider than her own. It was a similar black, but had a more purple-ish tinge to it. She took that to mean this girl was a speed fighter with some power to help out.

"Will you fly or stay on the ground?" Asuna inquired further.

"Oh, ground, of course," Zekken assured. "I want a fair fight anyway. No fair if you can't fly yet." Then, as if an idea struck her, she then introduced, "Oh yeah. My name's Yuuki, by the way. What's yours?"

"Asuna. Asuna Yuuki."

"Huh. So you're family name is the same as my name," Yuuki pondered aloud. But she didn't ponder it too long before drawing her sword and holding it before her as a salute. Asuna did the same with Lambent Light. They each took their stance, Asuna keeping her rapier in front of her with the tip pointed down, and Yuuki with her sword held across and angled downward. And thus, they waited.

The others watched on as Asuna and Yuuki looked at each other to gauge who would make the first move. A breeze blew past, causing the trees to rustle and shake. Until the two women charged.

Their first few strikes were met with a clang of metal as they both countered strikes and parried thrusts. But it was clear to Asuna that Yuuki was faster than she anticipated. A couple of blows she barely dodged as they got past her guard, causing them to separate and catch their breath.

She really is a powerful warrior, Asuna commented mentally. But if I can't hold my own, I wouldn't be able to call myself a swordswoman.

As she thought that, her memories from before came back to her. About her mother wanting to choose a life for her. About her sorrow at having her freedom stripped away so many times. With it came resolve. A resolve never to allow anything or anyone dictate how she would live.

She was not someone's puppet, she was not someone's bride, she was not someone's project. She was Asuna Yuuki of Rulid Village, betrothed to the Black Swordsman and conqueror of Aincrad, Alfheim, and the Axiom Church. She was the Lightning Flash, an Integrity Knight.

Her gaze steeled as she raised her rapier to eye level. Yuuki noticed the change and became serious too. After a brief moment, they came at each other again. Yuuki came at her with a swing, but Asuna parried upward with such force, the ringing resounded in the area and generated a strong gust towards the others. She fought back, getting close to landing a few blows on her opponent, dodging or parrying those coming at her.

Then, at one moment, the ringing sound of a sword skill resounded as Yuuki's sword glowed purple and she made two strikes in a 'V'. This indicated Yuuki might be a reincarnated fairy herself, possibly one who had been in Aincrad and learned sword skills. But she was adept at these, sliding aside and using the brief pause to land a glancing blow at Yuuki's side. The other girl managed to bring it back, scratching at Asuna's arm in retaliation.

Their fight became a blur for everyone, their strikes fast, precise, and powerful. Sword skills went back and forth between them as they landed glancing blows one after another. Nothing crippling, but nothing decisive either. Sometimes they would readjust where they were in the ring to try and get a better angle, but they both matched each other stroke for stroke, footstep by footstep, sword skill for sword skill.

And as they fought, Asuna saw Yuuki was not holding back when invoking her sword skills. This must have been one of the few times she had to really fight. But Asuna's experience came in handy as she knocked away another skill. Then, to Yuuki's surprise, she landed a solid punch to her midsection, right under the solar plexus, winding her and opening her up.

"Got you!" she called, prepping one of her strongest sword skills: Quadruple Pain. With her sword glowing and ringing, she executed the sword skill in the hope of landing a decisive blow.

But she did not anticipate Yuuki recovering fast enough to block all four lightning-quick stabs of her sword skill. The blowback forced Asuna on her backfoot, where she saw the bright purple glow of another sword skill. But this one wasn't like any skill she knew or had seen.

Despite this, Asuna did her best to block the skill as best as she could. Five strikes going from her right shoulder to her left hip, and five more from the left shoulder to the right hip. These weren't complete blocks, as she still felt the impact on her body.

Before the tenth stroke, Asuna set her feet in, activated her Shooting Star skill, crying out, "I won't lose!" The two skills met and canceled out the strikes. Asuna thought she might recover, until Yuuki's sword pulsed with light once more for a final strike.

An eleven-hit sword skill?! Asuna exclaimed in her head. Most skills aside from Kirito's Dual Wield never went beyond five. For a sword skill to land eleven consecutive hits meant trouble. She had to do something and fast, otherwise she might lose.

Angling Lambent Light as best as she could, she shouted, "Enhance Armament!" The glyphs quickly manifested over her sword before it transformed into a streak of light that shot in the direction Asuna guided it. Hers and Yuuki's swords met at the tips, sparks flying as the skills fought against each other for dominance. Both girls gave a great cry, urging their swords to overcome the other. In the end, the blowback knocked both swordswomen several feet away from each other.

In the brief pause that followed, Asuna gazed at Yuuki as the two panted from the effort exerted earlier. Yuuki had some cuts and grazes along her arms, legs, torso, and even her face. Asuna didn't doubt she sported similar marks from their bout. Yuuki was a fierce opponent, but it was taking so much of her skill to keep up with such an opponent. Her speed nearly matched her own, reflexes that contended with those of Kirito's, and even how she used her sword seemed similar to Eugeo.

After catching their breath, Yuuki stood up and sheathed her sword as a smile came to her face. In respect, Asuna sheathed Lambent Light as she got to her feet. Then Yuuki approached Asuna and put a hand on her shoulder.

"That was amazing girl!" she said with glee. "You are totally the one."

"The one what?" Asuna asked, confused by the statement.

Rather than get an answer, the girl conjured purple wings that made Asuna think of bats before yanking her into the air. She heard Kirito call her name, but they were rushing into the sky and out over the forest.

As they flew, Yuuki looked back and told Asuna, "Alright. To explain what's going on, we need your help."

"We?" Asuna questioned as they zoomed through the sky.