Asuna's Team so Far
Necho Cat (Pina) MAXED
Magic
Thunder
Time Bomb
Sleepra
Stat Boost
Thunder Boost (x3)
Magic Haste (x4)
Magic Boost
HP Boost
Sleep Block
Confusion Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Tatsu Steed (Babaru) MAXED
Magic
Bind (Sacrificed for Hawkeye)
Blizzara
Mini (Sacrificed for Leo)
Blizzaga
Stat Boost
Bind Block
Confusion Block
Blizzzard Screen (x3)
Blizzard Boost (x2)
Magic Boost (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Eaglider (Hawkeye) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Firaga
Aerial Slam
Firaga Burst
Stat Boost
Attack Haste (x4)
Slow Block
Bind Block
HP Boost (x2)
Attack Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Fire Boost
Support Ability
Air Combo Plus
Wheeflower (Petal) MAXED
Magic
Blizzard (Sacrificed for Ashika)
Blizzara (Sacrificed for Babaru)
Blizzaga
Esuna
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x2)
HP Boost
Cure Boost (x2)
Water Screen (x3)
Magic Boost (x2)
Bind Block
Sleep Block
Chef Kyroo (Flambé) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Cura (Given to Kirito)
Aerial Slam
Blitz
Fira
Firaga
Stat Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Defense Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Item Boost (x3)
Support Ability
Air Combo Plus
Aura Lion (Leo)
Magic/Techniques
Curaga
Limit Storm (Given to Kirito)
Sacrifice (Given to Kirito)
Stat Boost
Magic Haste
Light Screen (x3)
Cure Boost
Attack Haste
Attack Boost
HP Boost (x2)
Juggle Pup (Ashika) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Baloonra
Blizzaga
Balloonga
Slot Edge
Stat Boost
Blizzard Boost
Attack Haste
Blizzard Screen (x3)
Item Boost (x2)
HP Boost
Magic Haste
Magic Boost
Attack Boost
Support Ability
Leaf Bracer
Pegaslick (Olympia)
Technique
Prism Windmill
Stat Boost
Light Screen
Kirito's Team so Far
Komory Bat (Komory) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Confuse (Sacrificed for Woeflower)
Zero Gravity (Sacrificed for Blaze)
Zero Gravira (Sacrificed for Halberd)
Drain Dive
Confusing Strike
Stat Boost
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Confusion Block
Attack Haste (x2)
Spirit Ability
Waking Dream
Sir Kyroo (Kyroo) MAXED
Techniques
Strike Raid
Blitz
Stat Boost
Water Boost (x2)
Cure Boost (x3)
Attack Haste
Water Screen (x3)
Attack Boost
Magic Boost
Stop Block
HP Boost
Support Ability
Combo Plus
Woeflower (Woe) MAXED
Magic/Techniques
Poison (Sacrificed for Kabuto)
Sleepra
Sleepga
Drain Dive (Sacrificed for Drill)
Poison Dive
Stat Boost
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Haste (x3)
Dark Screen (x2)
Magic Boost
Blindness Block
Support Ability
Treasure Magnet
Ryu Dragon (Ryu)
Technique
Superglide
Stat Boost
HP Boost
KO Kabuto (Kabuto) MAXED
Defense/Technique/Magic
Link Block
Circle Raid
Fira
Icebreaker
Stat Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Blizzard Screen (x3)
Thunder Screen (x3)
Reload Boost
Defense Boost (x3)
Tatsu Blaze (Blaze) MAXED
Magic/Technique
Fira
Firaga
Meteor Crash
Stat Boost
Fire Boost (x2)
Attack Haste (x3)
Magic Haste (x3)
Attack Boost
Fire Screen (x2)
Bind Block
Spirit Ability
Support Boost
Drill Sye (Drill)
Technique
Circle Raid
Blitz
Sonic Blade (Given to Asuna)
Stat Boost
Attack Boost
Defense Boost
Item Boost
Attack Haste (x2)
Poison Block
Mini Block
Slow Block
Stop Block
HP Boost (x2)
Halbird (Halberd)
Reprisal
Steep Climb
Stat Boost
Attack Haste (x2)
Stop Block
Attack Boost
Magic Haste (x3)
Support Boost
Air Combo Plus
Chapter 1: Dive Battle! Vs. Brawlamari
Kirito woke up once again, and found himself diving down to a new world. "Is this the way back home? By diving like this?" Kirito asked, "Well, one way or another, I'll take the dive, and see where it leads." Kirito saw the gate ahead, and discovered the new task; Defeat the Brawlamari. "The Brawlamari?" Kirito questioned, "I wonder what that looks like?"
Kirito got his answer when he saw something approaching on his path. It was an octopus-like Spirit, the same Brawlamari that Asuna had faced, only the purple color of the body is replaced by a green hue. "I take it you're the Brawlamari I'm suppose to take down?" Kirito asked, whipping his Keyblade, "Bring it on!"
(Insert 'Ignite' TV Size by Eir Aoi)
Without hesitating, Take the world of paradoxes,
(The scene opens with Kirito's face fading in from the left-hand side, his eyes opening as the symbol of the Original Keyblade wielders appear in the center. Kirito's face fades out as Asuna's face fades in on the right-hand side, opening her eyes as the Dream Eater Spirit symbol replaces the Original Keyblade wielders symbol.)
And shoot it with your hands
(Asuna's face fades out as Yui's and Leafa's faces fades in, back to back as they looked towards either side while Sora's crown pendant appeared between them. The crown shines brightly, then showing the title of 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy', with the Sword Art Kingdom symbol right behind it.)
In the warmth of fallen tears
We should've learned kindness
(The scene opens to Asuna standing on top of the school rooftops, looking out in the distance with a solemn expression. She looks down at the white Wayfinder in her hand, the ghostly image of Aqua passing by her. She closes her eyes as she clutches the Wayfinder tightly, then she looked seriously ahead, ready to proceed.)
So why do we keep hurting each other
And give birth to more hatred?
(Kirito is sitting on the porch outside his house, holding one of his kendo stick Keyblades he made in his hands, looking down at it with a serious expression. He then stands up and whips it around before stopping in his fighter's stance, as the ghostly image of Terra in his battle stance stood behind him.)
From the stinging pain I learn to be strong
(The first scene shows Gretinal at her desk, with Yui on one side, and Jackson, Latias and Cypress on the other, all looking at the screen. The next scene shows Yen Sid at his desk, with Donald, Goofy and Mickey on one side, and Sora and Riku on the other side.)
And gently blanket the future
(The next scene shows Leafa closing her eyes as she fall backwards into the black screen, only to be scooped up by the large hand of Young Xehanort. He waves his other hand forward as Heartless Oberon, Gouxus, Saïx and a black coat Recon stand around him, grinning maliciously. The screen distances from them to where Kirito and Asuna stood, angrily looking back as they charged.)
Without hesitating, Take the world of paradoxes,
(The scene next shows Kirito using Flowmotion to move around the city of Alne in Alfheim Online, taking out Nightmares that came at him, then slamming his Keyblade into the ground, causing a shockwave of energy that blasts away nearby Heartless.)
And shoot it with your hands
(Asuna appears leaping across the rooftops at high speeds with her Eaglider and Pegaslick at her side, unifying together into Dual Style: Bladecharge, and swinging her energy-extended Keyblade around, sending all Nightmares around her flying away.)
I ever so softly embrace, The sorrow that is covered in red tears
(The scene shifts to Asuna and Recon fighting with one another within the experimental lab at the top of the World Tree, Sora and Leafa's minds showing behind the two as they fought. Then it shows an open room within the top of the World Tree, and Saïx is going into Berserk mode as he faces Kirito, who roars in rage as he charges at him, determined to defeat him.)
Just as the ringing vibration, Marks the sound of the beginning
(The scene ends as Asuna and Kirito race forward towards the golden bird cage where Leafa was, surrounded by darkness and fast asleep, with Heartless Oberon and Gouxus standing in front of the locked gate, waiting for the two. Asuna and Kirito leapt at the two, producing their Keyblades to fight. Heartless Oberon and Gouxus produce their own weapons and leapt at the two, Oberon going after Kirito while Gouxus went after Asuna, and the frame freezes as they near each other, ready to attack.)
The Brawlamari quickly inhaled a large rock using its' suction, and used the tentacle blades to break apart the boulder, sending the pieces at Kirito. He ducked and dodged the attack, avoiding getting hit by it. The Nightmare then launched its' blades at Kirito, attempting to slash him. Kirito avoided all that he could, watching out for the direction of the slashes.
The Brawlamari then raised its' tentacles in front of it, the blades starting to glow brightly, it then spread them out, using its' other four tentacles to create a barrier as it slowed down to hit Kirito. He countered this by spreading his own body out, attempting to slow down to avoid hitting the barrier. Kirito held on as best as he could until the barrier subsided, and the Brawlamari was worn from using its' powers. Kirito saw the pair of glowing gems on top of its' head, the same ones he remembered as the weak point on the Queen Buzzerfly. He dashed down and started slashing at it strongly and repeatedly. Finally, he broke one of the gems, and the Brawlamari tumbled away, regaining itself.
The pattern of attacks continued in the next round; the Brawlamari attempted a double slash at Kirito, which he avoided, followed by striking with pieces of a broken boulder, and ending with forming a barrier and attempting to hit Kirito with it, who also slowed down to avoid getting hit. Once it was out of power, Kirito dashed in once more, and unleashed several slashes onto the gemstone on the Brawlamari's head, destroying it.
"That takes care of things." Kirito stated, "Now get out of my way!" The Brawlamari fell back a bit, but it caught itself, and something happened. It spun around repeatedly, and when it faced Kirito again, he was surprised to see that is' body had changed. It showed the squid-like head with three eyes, and a four-lipped mouth that opened like a bud. It roared at Kirito, who saw the interior of the mouth had four more glowing gems on each lip. "Okay, I guess our fight isn't over yet!" Kirito understood, and he readied to continue the fight.
It raised a pair of its' smaller tentacles, which started to charge up with energy. It then fired of a pair of lasers, attempting to aim at Kirito. He spun dodged, and it tried to redirect at him again. Kirito continued to dodge, using his speed in the air to avoid getting hit by the moving lasers. It then launched its' bladed tentacles at Kirito, trying to skewer him. Kirito avoided the attack, diving beneath them as he avoided the attack. "Is that all you got?" Kirito asked the Dream Eater. He was wrong to ask that.
The Brawlamari begun to charge up its' mouth, and Kirito could feel the intense amount of power that it was gathering. Whatever the next attack was, Kirito knew that he would not be able to avoid with speed. Suddenly, three large boulders suddenly gathered in front of Kirito. He looked at all of them, and came up with a plan. He dove behind one of the boulders just as the Brawlamari finished charging, and fired a massive blast of energy forward. Kirito braced himself as the boulder in front of him took the full blunt of the attack. When the cannon of energy died down, the boulders crumbled away, and Kirito could see he was close to the Dream Eater, its' mouth open, and its' weak points exposed. "Now!" Kirito shouted, and he charged in, slashing and hacking at the gems. He managed to break one of them, and was just attacking the second one, but the Brawlamari flew away, closing its' mouth. "I'll get it during the next round." Kirito told himself as he dove in pursuit of the Nightmare.
The same session happened once more; First it would try hitting Kirito with its' lasers, moving about as he did, then it would thrust its' two bladed tentacles forward at him. Kirito saw the pattern and avoided the attack as he could. The Brawlamari charged up its' cannon mouth again, and more boulders appeared in Kirito's path. He dove behind one of them, and the boulder took the full blunt of the blast. Once the attack was over, Kirito was within range to attack the Brawlamari, and he started slashing at its' open mouth, destroying two more of its' weak points before it closed its' mouth and escaped.
Kirito readied himself for the pattern again, only this time, he noticed the Brawlamari charging up all four of its' smaller tentacles. "Crap!" Kirito grimaced, and he spun out of the way as four lasers shot at him this time, and he did his best do avoid getting hit. The lasers were crossing with one another, waving about as they chased after Kirito, who was anticipating the laser's directions. When it ceased fired, it charged up its' bladed tentacles, and thrusted them at Kirito, who dodged this. It shot at him again, nearly catching Kirito off guard. It did it once more, and Kirito avoided this attack, and almost got struck by the cross slash it unleashed. He was now seriously sweating from the improved attacks.
Kirito then saw the mouth of the Brawlamari charge up, and Kirito saw the three boulders get in front of him. Kirito moved behind one of the boulders quickly, as the cannon was charged up quicker than before, and was fired at Kirito and the boulders. Kirito held himself behind the boulder, hoping this next attack wouldn't cause the boulders to shatter prematurely. Fortunately, it didn't and as the laser died down, Kirito saw himself in range, and slashed at the last weak point of the Dream Eater. After a few slashes, it was destroyed, and the Brawlamari tumbled away, unable to take the damage it had just endured, and it vanished in a sparkling of lights.
"That's more like it!" Kirito cheered, grinning at his achievement, "Now I just have to get out of this dive, and I'll reach my destination." Kirito saw the gate opened up for him, and he dove right through, embraced by the warm light it brought.
Kirito's eyes opened as he saw himself floating down to the ground below, and he could've sworn that his eyes were deceiving him when he saw where he was landing at. When he floated neatly onto his feet on the ground, he looked about. "Is this…?" Kirito started, but he knew exactly where he was. This was Arun, the city under the World Tree in Alfheim Online. More precisely, he was standing on the North Terrace of Arun, the same place he and Leafa went to when they had that one duel after discovering who they really were.
"Why am I back in Alfheim Online again?" Kirito asked, looking about, "This shouldn't be possible. I know this world is very much awake, and I know I've unlocked all seven Sleeping Keyholes." Kirito recalled all the worlds he had awakened, from the first Keyhole in Aincrad, to the alternate Twilight Town, Fate's world, the alternate Maleficent's world, the Digital World, Edolas, and finally, Kirby's World. That was all seven. So why did he land here of all places? Was there some sort of a mixup?
"You seem confused." said a familiar voice. Kirito turned sharply, and saw the mysterious man in a black coat he had met in Kirby's world.
"You again!" Kirito growled, ready to fight if he needed to.
"This world is already awakened." the man told him, "You are no longer drifting through the Sleeping Worlds anymore, and yet, you are not back to where you started, either. The proof of that is in your clothes. They hadn't changed, had they?" Kirito looked down at himself. He was right. He was still wearing the same attire as he had during this entire Mark of Mastery.
"We had hope you would steer clear of this world." the man noted, "However, you were guided here by your sister's light, or at least, what remains of it."
"Suguha?" Kirito realized, "She's in this world?"
"Indeed she is." the man answered, turning to the World Tree, "SHE was guided by us, sent here to be put into an eternal darkness, and then, taken to the other dimension."
"Thanks for the info, but one thing still doesn't click." Kirito told him, "Why Alfheim? It's a virtual world in my world. Tons of people play this game!"
"You're right. People USE to play this game." the man stated, "However, this isn't the Alfheim you know now."
"What do you mean by that?" Kirito questioned, feeling he was saying nothing but questions now.
"I'm far too busy right now to answer you." the man stated, opening up a Corridor of Darkness, "But ask yourself this; what part of this world is not here anymore, and why?" With that question left in Kirito's head, the man left him alone, closing the Corridor behind.
"What part of this world is not here anymore?" Kirito asked, looking about, "I don't get it. What is he…" But he soon realized what that man meant. Looking up at the sky, one thing was definitely not there anymore. "Hold on, Aincrad is not here!" Kirito noticed, looking at the spot where Aincrad should be at, "But how can that be? And, why aren't there any Players in the sky?"
Kirito looked up at the World Tree, viewing it carefully, and noticed something else. "Yggdrasil City is not in the World Tree, either." he noted, "What's going on? It's almost as if Alfheim has returned to the…" But he stopped himself, shocked. No, it was not possible, but according to all the things he had seen, there was no doubt in his mind. He knew where he was now.
"This is Alfheim Online, but the one Sugou's company, RECT Progress owned before it was shut down." Kirito realized, "This is the original Alfheim Online! But, how in the world is this possible? I thought the original Alfheim Online was shut down when RECT Progress was disbanded. So how can this be here?" None of this was adding up to him at all. However, he knew one thing for sure; This world was here, and according to the mystery man, so was his sister.
Ryu and Halberd appeared right by his side, crying out to him to signal that they were there, too. "You guys are still here." Kirito pointed out, rubbing their heads, "Guess this proves that we are in the middle of our examination." Kirito pulled out his Command Pad and Dream Eater cards, making sure they were there with him. "Okay, I guess I should start looking for Suguha." he told himself, looking back up at the World Tree, "And I think I know where to go." Kirito had a sort of nostalgic feeling going through him. It was like saving Asuna all over again, only this time, it was his sister.
Kirito wandered away from the terrace, and descended down towards Central Arun, where he knew the door into the World Tree would be. However, it was kinda difficult. For one, although he was in Alfheim, he no longer had the ability to fly like he usually could, so he had to rely on his Superglide. Secondly, there were Nightmares in this area, and they were really powerful. There were Aura Lions, Majik Lapins, Cera Terrors, and even new monsters called Skelterwild and Drak Quaks. They were all very powerful, and were more difficult to take down than the average Nightmare.
At one point, Kirito found himself and his Spirits surrounded by a group of Aura Lions and Cera Terrors. Kirito used his Sleepga spell to put the opponents to sleep, then unleashed Circle Raid to hit them all at once. Halberd and Ryu dove in, burning and diving at the opponents with everything they had. Kirito saw and Aura Lion reawaken, and send aura versions of itself at him. Kirito air dashed forward, and unleashed his Sliding Circular technique he had gained in the previous world, which allowed him to perform a double sword-spin that destroyed the clones. Kirito landed and unleashed his Firaga at the Aura Lion, defeating it. His Dream Eaters managed to take down the other Nightmares, and joined up with him.
"This isn't gonna be easy." Kirito told himself, "We haven't even reached the main road to Central Arun, and we're still getting attack hard."
Kirito continued on his path, using Superglide and Flowmotion to move quickly around the vacant buildings. The world was completely void of characters of any sort. All that were here were Dream Eaters. It took him quite a while before he made it to the main road, and looked towards the World Tree. From a distance, Kirito could see the place he was searching for; the large gates that led inside the world tree, off in the distance. "Great, we have a long ways to go." Kirito told his team, "Let's keep moving."
Just as he was starting to walk, Kirito heard a faint cry from somewhere, and looked about. Suddenly, he noticed at the top of the stairs he was close to, something was waddling down. It was a Hebby Repp Dream Eater. "Another one!" Kirito barked, ready to fight. As it got closer, however, Kirito noticed something was off. It was more colorful than its' Nightmare kind. Upon closer inspection, Kirito also noticed that the emblem on it was not a Nightmare one, but a Spirit Dream Eater symbol. "A Spirit?" Kirito questioned as the Hebby Repp drew close.
It stopped in front of Kirito, jumping up and down, screeching as it was trying to say something. Ryu and Halberd came to the Dream Eaters side, hearing what it had to say. "If you're a Spirit, then who made you?" Kirito asked, seeing the Spirit. He knelt down to eye level with it, and the two gazed at one another for a few seconds. "Are you…one of Suguha's Dream Eaters?" he asked. The Hebby Repp nodded in response to this question. This was Rebbi, Leafa's Hebby Repp.
"Where is your master?" Kirito asked, "She's my sister, and I'm determined to find her." Rebbi turned around and raced along the path. "Let's follow him!" Kirito told his team, and they raced after the anxious Dream Eater.
Rebbi was quite a survivor for staying about so long without Leafa being around to help him out. Kirito guessed that either the Spirit was just that tough, or there were more of Leafa's Spirits than this one. When Nightmares attacked, Rebbi joined in with Kirito and his Spirits, and Kirito was even able to connect with Rebbi, even able to pull off 'Link Action: Flame Thrower' with him. He wasn't sure how he was able to do so, since he was unable to connect with Sora's Dream Eaters before. During the breaks in between attacks, Kirito thought about it and guessed that, considering that he and Suguha were brother and sister, they might be able to share their Dream Eaters with him. It was a rough idea, and highly unlikely, but it was the best he could think of during this dire situation.
When the team arrived at the gate that led to Central Arun, Kirito noticed Rebbi stop and look up. Kirito followed his gaze, and looked at the World Tree. It didn't take him too long before he understood what this meant. "The bird cage!" Kirito gasped, "The same one Asuna was trapped in before." He looked back down at Rebbi, who turned to him. "Is Suguha inside that bird cage?" he asked. Rebbi screeched, and Kirito understood this as a 'yes'. "I should've figured that's where they would've taken her." he understood, looking up at the tree tops, glaring. It was just like before, when he reached this very same spot with Leafa, Yui discovered Asuna's presence directly above them. "Let's head to the World Tree." Kirito told his team, and they raced onward.
Kirito raced through the streets along side Rebbi and his Spirits, taking down the Dream Eaters that came in their way. Kirito was much more determined to reach the World Tree than ever, knowing that he was going on the right path. He needed to hurry, and find Leafa as soon as he could.
About fifteen minutes later, Kirito finally reached the stairs that lead to the gate of the World Tree. He looked up them, the seriousness of his goal implanted on his heart. However, the feeling of deja vu still hanged along with it. He was constantly reminded all over the place, from his journey to Arun thanks to Leafa, and how it was also thanks to her, along with so many other people, that he managed to reach the top of the World Tree, and save Asuna. She had done so much for him and Asuna, and now, it was his turn to save Leafa from the very same place. Kirito also felt that deep down, Asuna was with him, and that they would work together to reach the top.
Kirito started to walk up the steps, readying himself for the big battle that was gonna commence. This wasn't just a game, or a test, anymore. He was gonna take this battle seriously. Rebbi, Halberd and Ryu were right by his side, also ready to go.
Kirito pulled out his Dream Eater cards, shuffling through them, and deciding who would be the best for this battle. "I need to think not only of the strength of my team, but also what powers they will give me for it." Kirito told himself, examining what kind of boosts each of them would give. He could only gain power from three Dream Eaters at a time; the two that are fighting alongside him, and one in reserves.
Finally, he made a decision as he reached the top of the stairs. "Okay, considering that I prefer close quarter's combat, I'll have Blaze and Drill as my frontline team, since they will give me enough attack power and speed to fight." Kirito told his Spirits, "Blaze also gives me an increase in fire attacks, and Drill protects me from many kinds of status affects. However, considering how difficult it might be, I will use the powers of Kabuto's defense increase and reloading speed to make sure I can deal with taking hits and unleash my special attacks quicker."
Kirito looked at the doors, which had the two large, armored fairy statues standing on either side of the doors, their hands placed on top of their swords. He then looked up, seeing how high he had to go, and another thing came to mind. "Although, that strategy might be hindered if I have to fly, and those three would not work well in an aerial battle." he added, "In that case, I would switch out for Komory, Halberd and Ryu, since those three are capable of flying. All I know is that I need to be ready for anything that'll happen once I enter in there."
Rebbi screeched at Kirito, who looked down at him, seeing the determination. "Don't worry. I'll reach Sugu, no matter what." he assured the Spirit. He switched out his Spirits, and Drill and Blaze came into play. When he was done, he looked down at Rebbi, and saw a ghostly hand out in front of him. Kirito looked up, and saw the hallucination of Leafa in front of him, smiling as she held her hand out to him. Smiling, he knew what she wanted him to do.
He lowered himself and held out his hand in front of them. Rebbi looked at it, turned around, and stretched his tail out, touching Kirito's hand. Blaze placed his fin onto them, and Drill lowered its' horn on top. "No matter what, we'll stick together, and save my sister!" Kirito told the Spirits, who roared in response, all determined to win.
Kirito stood up straight, and walked to the doors. As he got close, the statues on either side of the doors started to move, their eyes glowing. They turned to the door and crossed their blades in front of it. Kirito stopped and looked up at them, knowing what was going to happen.
"THOU KNOWEST NOT THE HEAVENS ABOVE." a voice boomed out, "DOES THOU SEEK ENTRY TO THE CASTLE OF THE KING?"
Kirito had expected the quest marker appear in front of him, asking if he accepts the Grand Quest. However, none appeared. He thought about it, and decided on one choice. "I do seek entry!" Kirito shouted up at statues.
"GO THEN." the voice responded as the blades uncrossed in front of the door, "PROVE THOU ARE WORTHY OF THY WINGS. PROVE THOU ARE WORTHY OF FLIGHT." Once the blades of the statues were pointed straight upwards, the doors opened up before Kirito, and he walked in without hesitation, summoning his Keyblade to his side.
The interior was completely dark, and Kirito could hear nothing but the footsteps from him and his Spirits. Kirito had reached the middle of the room, and stopped, looking about. Suddenly, everything lit up, and Kirito looked upwards. It was exactly as it was before when he entered this place in the past. The walls had roots growing all the way up to the top, with glowing hexagons patterned all about, where Kirito remembered guardians appearing. At the very top of the room, Kirito could see the flower-like pattern, with the closed doorway that opened up to the top of the World Tree.
Kirito looked about, wondering how he was suppose to proceed. Suddenly, Kirito noticed a circle of light that flashed from the ground beneath him. Kirito looked down, and felt the ground shake. All of a sudden, he and his Spirits felt themselves being lifted off the ground by a circular platform that seemed to be made of glass. "This is new…" Kirito muttered, seeing the platform slowly rise from the ground, raising himself towards the doorway high up. He readied himself as he knew this wasn't going to be this easy.
Suddenly, the hexagons around him started to glow, and out appeared several Guardians of the World Tree. "These guys, again?" Kirito questioned, "I was expecting Dream Eaters." Shrugging the confusion off, Kirito and his Spirits went to work on destroying the Guardians. They were pretty strong, but simple to beat individually. Just like how Kirito remembered Yui telling him, the problem wasn't their individual strengths, but the sheer number of them. With every level the platform they were on rose, the more Guardians appeared to fight off the team.
The platform finally rose one-third the way up to the top. Kirito knocked out a few more Guardians with his Circle Raid before he looked up, and saw numerous more Guardians, just waiting for him. "This is gonna be tough." he grumbled to himself. He heard his Spirits call to him, and he looked to see them come to both sides of him. They all still held their determined faces on them.
"You guys still able to fight?" Kirito asked them. Rebbi, Drill and Blaze all nodded in saying 'yes'. Kirito nodded, looking up at that opponents. 'That's right. I'm not alone in this fight.' He thought to himself, 'I still have my Spirits beside me, wanting to help me. Suguha is counting on me to save her, and she's cheering me on. And Asuna…I know you're on your way to help me, too. Until you arrive, I'll keep fighting!' Kirito roared with determination as he leapt up just as the Guardians charged down at him with blades while Archer Guardians aimed at Kirito and his Spirits, and released their arrows.
Asuna woke up once again, going through a dive to another world. She looked about, realizing her situation. "Another dive?" Asuna questioned, "What's going on?" She looked at the path ahead, and the environment had a familiar look to it. She also saw the gate up ahead, and saw the goal she had to accomplish in order to proceed: 'Gather 300 Star Energy'. "I have no idea what is going on, but I bet I'll understand once I pass this dive." Asuna told herself, and she prepared her mindset as she dove through the gate.
The Star Energy in this dive was a little more difficult to get at than before, what with the obstacles being more complex. What's more, Asuna's feelings were right about the environment being so familiar. The floating islands, the floating incantations that acted like barriers. Asuna hoped that this was just some weird coincidence as she continued to dive, slowing herself enough to gather the tricky to get Star Energy and speeding through when the path was clear. There were also more Komory Bats that came in her path, but Asuna gathered magic to blow them away. It took Asuna a little while, and she did get injured by accidentally running into obstacles, but she was able to gather enough energy to pass the gate, and enter into the world.
When Asuna opened her eyes, she saw herself floating from the sky above, angling down towards an archway that led into a familiar sight. Asuna landed on her feet and looked about, seeing the clear indications that showed she had arrived at the entrance to Arun.
"Is this…Alfheim Online?" Asuna questioned, looking at the city, "How in the world did I end up back here?" Asuna looked at her body, and saw that she was still wearing her Mark of Mastery garments. She saw Pina and Olympia appear right by her, crying out to her as she looked back at them, confused.
"Something's not right, here." Asuna stated, looking at her hands and counting down seven fingers, "I'm sure I have already unlocked all seven Sleeping Keyholes. So, how can I be here, and not back where I started?" Asuna looked behind her, and up in the sky. "Aincrad isn't here, either." she noticed, "Neither are there any Players, as far as I can see." Asuna looked on ahead into the city, concerned. Was she guided here, just like she was to Riku in Traverse Town? If so, why? With so many questions in her mind, she knew one thing; standing around wasn't gonna get the answers. She entered into Arun, looking for answers.
Asuna was sure she was in Alfheim Online, but the fact that not only she was still in her garments, and that Dream Eaters, both Spirits and Nightmares, still existed by her, showed that she was still in the realm of sleep. Not only that, but the Nightmares Asuna had to face here were much more powerful than the ones she had previously encountered. With the exception of some, the Dream Eaters were the same as the ones Kirito encountered. The exceptions were Keeba Tigers instead of Aura Lions, and Drill Sye instead of Cera Terror.
After twenty minutes of venturing and fighting through Arun, Asuna and her Spirits took a break. Asuna wasn't showing it, but she was exhausted. "The level of power these Nightmares have is really tough." Asuna sighed, looking towards how close she had made it to the World Tree, "We haven't found any clues to why I ended up here, or why this world is sleeping, either." Pina and Olympia both looked tired from their fighting. "You guys…" Asuna muttered, "After all that fighting you have done now, not to mention that battle with Dedede in the last world must've exhausted you. I'll give you guys some time to rest." Asuna recalled her two Spirits, and pulled out Flambé and Leo in place of them.
Asuna stood up again, stretching her arms as she readied to continue. Suddenly, she heard a whine, and turned to the road she had yet to go. A Meow Wow Dream Eater was approaching her, looking as exhausted as Pina and Olympia. "A Dream Eater?" Asuna questioned, "Why does it look tired?" She approached the Meow Wow, and saw it sit down, looking back in her eyes.
"Wait a minute, you're a Spirit." Asuna noticed, kneeling closer to it, "Who do you belong to?" Meow Wow was speaking to Asuna in its' own language, and Asuna was able to understand. "I see, you're one of Leafa's, and your name is 'Wowzer'." she understood, "So does that mean she's here, in this world?" Wowzer nodded, and turned towards the top of the World Tree. Asuna looked up into the sky, wondering if Leafa was up there. She then realized that Yggdrasil City was not up there. The branches were bare of buildings.
"Why is there not a city up there?" Asuna questioned, looking up at the treetop. Suddenly, it dawned upon Asuna. There was no city up there because it wasn't built yet, just like how Aincrad wasn't in the sky, either. If that was the case, then there was only explanation.
"No way…" Asuna realized, "It's the Alfheim Online that Sugou made before it was remade." Asuna was shocked at this, and slightly frightened. This was not the version of Alfheim Online that contained many good memories. This was where she was captured, lived in for three months after she was freed from Sword Art Online, and had to endure Sugou's cruelty.
"I can't believe this place is still here." Asuna muttered, "I had really hoped it would no longer be a part of my life anymore. And yet, here it is, again." Asuna stood up, glaring at the World Tree. "Then again, if Gouxus is here, then I should've seen him try to remake his world like this." Asuna understood, "And if Leafa's Spirit is right, then she's at the top of the World Tree, trapped in that birdcage, just like I was." Asuna looked to the base of the World Tree, seeing the large pair of doors. Asuna could see that they were ajar. "Hold on, Leafa." she told herself, "I'll save you."
Wowzer led Asuna and her Spirits through the vacant streets of Arun, helping her out as it could to save Leafa. It was clear it knew its' way around, but it was also clear that it had to endure plenty of battles up to this point. Asuna helped it out while unleashing every attack she could do, from her Command Pad attacks, to her Flowmotion, to her Link Styles with her Spirits.
The Reality Shift in this world was similar to utilizing an incantation in ALO. When Asuna dove out of reality, she found herself surrounded by circling worlds. All she had to do was press the right ones as they came along, forming the phrase 'Let Two Keys Bonds Unite'. When Asuna reappeared, the projection of Kirito appeared right next to Asuna, summoning each a very long Keyblade that were similar looking to the Ultima Keyblades; Asuna's being a deep blue and pink guard with a light blue blade, and Kirito's being a bronze and gold guard with a gold to black blade. The two spun into the sky, uniting together into a combined Keyblade. Asuna and the projection of Kirito spun the Keyblade around several times, then thrusting it forward that sent a burst of energy forward, destroying anything in their path. After that, things went back to normal.
Asuna continued the assaults as she proceeded through the streets of Arun, passing through the archway into the central part of the city, then proceeding up several steps, finally reaching the final flight of steps that led to the entrance to the World Tree.
(Cue KH2.5 OST 'A Fight to the Death')
Asuna rushed up the steps with Wowzer in front of her, and both Flambé and Leo bringing up the rear. They stopped at the top, seeing the large doors in front of them. "This is it, the Grand Quest of Alfheim, just as Kirito described." Asuna noticed, recalling Kirito and Leafa explaining to her what they had to do in order to reach her.
Suddenly, Asuna could hear the sounds of battle past the door, and she placed a cupped hand to her ear. "A battle?" Asuna muttered. She then heard the unmistakable sound of someone's war cry coming from the battle. "That voice…Kirito!" Asuna gasped, and she rushed through the gate, followed by the Dream Eaters.
Asuna raced to the center of the large and tall interior, looking about, then upwards towards the top. She saw the platform slowly moving higher and higher, with Guardians swarming like wasps, and those on top of the platform, including Kirito. "He's up there!" Asuna cried out, "And he doesn't look like a projection of an alternate world. He's really there! Kirito!" Asuna called out to him. Unfortunately, Kirito was too busy trying to take down the enemies swarming him.
Asuna looked about desperately. "There has to be a way up to him!" Asuna hoped, "I need a way to reach him, but how?"
Just then, she turned and bumped into something, surprising her. She backed off and looked up at what she hit. It was a Kooma Panda Dream Eater. "Another Spirit!" Asuna noticed, "Are you one of Leafa's, too?" Leafa's Kooma Panda, Kooms, grunted in response, and Asuna understood it as a yes. Wowzer came to Kooms' side, happy to see the Dream Eater, and Asuna's Spirits coming to either side of them.
"Please, you have to help me reach where Kirito is." Asuna told them, "Leafa's at the top of the World Tree, and I want to head up there to save her, just like Kirito is trying so hard to do right now. If we don't make it in time, Leafa will forever sleep in the shadows, and the Organization will have her. Do you think you can help me?" Both Kooms and Wowzer cried out their approval in response. Asuna smiled at them happily.
Leo walked up and growled at her, telling her something. "Right, I should be prepared." Asuna understood, pulling out her Spirit Cards, "If the enemies are really that tough, I'm gonna need a team that'll benefit my battle style." Considering her attack set was quite balanced, she thought about strength and speed of her attacks. She decided to choose both Hawkeye and Flambé for their physical strength, speed and fire power that'll help her Firaga Burst, and Babaru in reserves so that she could benefit from its' magic power and speed.
Asuna placed her cards and temporarily recalled her Spirits. "Okay, I'm ready to fight." she told Kooms and Wowzer, "Help me up there."
The two Spirits came in close, and Asuna focused herself. The two Spirits started to glow brightly, and envelop Asuna in a warm light. She felt the comfort of them, along with the strong bond they shared with Leafa, surging around her. Both of them turned into balls of light, and spun around Asuna's body as she was lifted into the air. With a great burst of speed, Asuna was suddenly rocketed upwards, the two balls of light that were the Spirits carrying her up with them. She, too, began to glow brightly, her cloth pieces fluttering behind her, tapping into an unknown power that connected her with the Dream Eaters.
Kirito had just used his Icebreaker to destroy a pair of Guardians, and turned to see five more about to strike him from behind. All of a sudden, a bright light shot from below, blinding Kirito and destroying the Guardians. He shielded himself from the light, surprised at the sudden light. "What's going on, now?!" Kirito cried out. When the light died down, Kirito looked ahead, and was shocked. Asuna was standing there, and so were Kooms and Wowzer.
"Asuna!" Kirito gasped. Asuna smiled and nodded to him.
"I'm glad you're okay, Kirito." she told him, "Now, let's go save Leafa, together."
Kirito was stunned at her sudden appearance, but he smiled gladly at her. "I knew you would be arriving, soon." he told her. Asuna giggled at this. Rebbi reunited with Wowzer and Kooms, rejoicing at their reunion.
The happy moment was short-lived, as the two were reminded of the swarm of Guardians about them, momentarily stunned at the surprised guest, but were starting to recover. Kirito and Asuna came to one another, and stood back to back, their Keyblades out. Drill, Blaze, Flambé and Hawkeye all came to their side, and Leafa's Spirits also joined them. "Watch my back, okay?" Kirito told Asuna.
"You do the same for me, too." Asuna responded. The two heroes, reunited once more, were ready to accomplish the Grand Quest together.
(Cue 'Ignite' by Eir Aoi)
The two simultaneously moved, striking down the Guardians with their own powers and the powers of the Spirits. Kirito unleashed a Circle Raid that spun about him on one half of the platform, while Drill activated his Spike Ball form, and started rolling about. Asuna unleashed her Firaga Burst that sent fireballs scattering everywhere on her half, while Flambé tossed fireballs from its' frying pan. Blaze added more firepower to Asuna and Flambé's attacks, while Hawkeye took care of aerial support for Kirito and Drill. Leafa's Spirits were working together, having Wowzer as the healer while Kooms and Rebbi were on the offensive. All three teams were uniting together on the platform, destroying all the Guardians that came in their way.
Kirito leapt up and unleashed his Howling Octave onto one of the Guardians, but was struck by a couple arrows from above, causing him to collapse back down onto the platform. Two more Guardians came in with swords, ready to stab him, but Asuna rushed in and used her Light Barrier to protect Kirito, then retaliate with her Counter Surge, unleashing a Barrier Surge that sent the two enemies flying.
Kirito got back up, and saw five more Guardians approaching Asuna, and he flipped back up onto his feet again, and used Superglide to fly past Asuna, drawing their attention to him, and making them pursue. Kirito's glide was too fast for the Guardians to catch up. He stopped gliding, and flipped about, unleashing his Sleepga spell that put the enemies to sleep, then he charged in and unleashed a quick set of slashes that took out the five Guardians.
Kirito and Asuna ended up with their backs to one another again, and several Guardians surrounding them. "There's so many of them!" Asuna noticed.
"They don't want us to reach the top at all, so they're trying to overwhelm us with numbers." Kirito told her, "We can't hold back, not even for a second!"
"In that case, I have a plan." Asuna responded, "On my command, jump, okay?" Kirito nodded in understanding, and set himself at the ready. "Now!" Asuna shouted, and Kirito leapt up and unleashed Icebreaker as Asuna started darting around the field with a Sonic Blade technique. Both of their attacks combined took out several Guardians, but more approached them.
"Asuna, switch out!" Kirito commanded as they stopped. Asuna leapt up and unleashed her Balloonga spell while Kirito charged up and unleashed a Meteor Crash technique. A rain of meteors and damaging balloons shot all around, taking out a wide amount of Guardians.
Asuna landed as Kirito straightened himself, smirking at one another. "We still have our teamwork down." Asuna pointed out. Kirito nodded in response.
They heard outcries, and saw Leafa's Spirits being overwhelmed by the Guardians. "We can't let them be destroyed." Kirito told Asuna, "We need to stop them!"
"On it!" Asuna responded, racing forward, "Hawkeye, Flambé, let's go!" Asuna's Spirits rejoined her side as they charged forward to the Guardians, their bodies glowing. "Dual Style! Bladecharge!" Asuna chanted, and the two merged with her, making her glow a light violet while wielding her massive sword of light.
Asuna started slashing heavily onto a lone Guardian, followed up with a sweeping sword spin that sent her propelling many Guardians flying upwards. While in the air, Asuna activated her Prism Windmill, which was a much wider ranged attack thanks to her blade of light, taking out over a dozen Guardians with this technique.
Kirito was just amazed at this assault was Asuna was pulling off. He didn't knew about the Link Style before, so seeing Asuna surging with this new power did surprise him. Drill called out to him, and Kirito turned to him and Blaze, seeing many more Guardians targeting Asuna and Leafa's Spirits. Kirito gritted his teeth, knowing what to do, and so did his Spirits. "Dual Action! Comet!" Kirito shouted, and he and his Spirits appeared riding on top of a large meteor, slamming through the swarm, and crashing into the platform, with the explosion causing massive damage that destroyed a wide birth of Guardians, including the ones around Asuna and the others.
Asuna was amazed at the huge elimination of Guardians, separating herself with her Spirits and turning to Kirito, who raced over to her. "That was incredible!" Asuna gasped.
"Not as cool as what you were displaying." Kirito stated, "Man, I wish I could use a massive blade like that." Asuna was surprised that Kirito was praising her powers more, despite how much better his attack was. She laughed at his statement. "What's so funny?" Kirito asked.
"Nothing." Asuna replied, "I'm just glad we are able to talk like this. It seems like forever since we started the Mark of Mastery."
"It kinda does." Kirito answered, "How many of the Sleeping Keyholes did you unlock?"
"All seven of them." Asuna answered him proudly.
"Same here." Kirito responded, smirking, "Now all that's left is to wake up Suguha."
The two Keyblade wielders looked up. A wall of Guardians suddenly appeared straight above them, separating them from the door to the top of the World Tree. "This'll be difficult." Asuna stated, looking up in a worried manner.
"This has happened before." Kirito remembered, "I was able to penetrate through with Leafa's power, but other than that, the only way of penetrating a hole would be at least something as powerful as an ALO Self-Destruction spell. That's what Recon tried, anyway."
Asuna looked to Kirito, wondering. 'Does he know about what happened to Recon? About how much he has changed?' Asuna looked up again, then after a few seconds, something happened that made the two gasp. A bright pink circle of light suddenly appeared above them, created by the glow of many Guardians forming the wall.
"Is that…?" Kirito wondered.
"It's signaling a Reality Shift!" Asuna gasped, "That's the plan; we break reality in order to break through the Guardians!" Kirito understood the plan, and the two readied themselves.
"Shift!" Asuna and Kirito shouted together, and they dove out of reality. Kirito didn't discover the Reality Shift before, but he was quick to learn. He and Asuna both started pressing the rotating incantation, forming the words 'Let Two Keys Bonds Unite'. When the two came out of reality, Asuna carried the blue and pink Keyblade, while Kirito carried the bronze, gold and black Keyblade. They connected the two blades together, grasping onto their handles, and large fairy wings appeared on either side of the back half of the blade, one side being Spriggan wings, the other being Undine wings.
The wings flapped, and rocketed the two upwards into the sky, pulled along by the handles. The combined Keyblade started unleashing a long mach cone of blue and yellow energy. They charged straight up as more Guardians attempted to stop them, but were instantly destroyed by their attack. The Spirits below glowed brightly, and flew up after the team, all uniting together as Kirito and Asuna roared with all their might, giving it their all to break through. With a quick burst of power and speed, the team instantly pierced through the wall of Guardians, kept going until their combined Keyblade slammed into the door above them, where it stuck point-first. For a moment, the two remained stationary, then as the Keyblade disappeared, replaced with their normal Keyblades, they landed onto the door. The gravity altered, so they could land upside down, with their Spirits recalled into their cards, and Leafa's Spirits missing somewhere.
"We made it up…" Asuna sighed in relief, "Now all that's left is to open this door."
"At least we don't need that system admin codes you gave to me and Yui to open it." Kirito reminded himself. The two looked to one another, nodded, and leapt up. They waved their Keyblades towards the door. Beams of light shot forward, hitting the door. There was the sound of the door unlocking, then it slowly open, introducing the two to a bright light. They shielded their eyes as they were enveloped in it, and were teleported inside, accessing the top of the World Tree.
Kirito's Side
Inside the curved, lit up hallway, Blaze looked down at the unconscious Kirito as Drill nudged him with his horn. Kirito grimaced, and opened his eyes. He sat up, looking about. From what he remembered about before, this was the same kind of place that he woke up in when Yui teleported him to the top of the World Tree. If this was the case, then that would mean that he was in the right place, in the interior of the upper World Tree.
Kirito stood up, and looked about. "Asuna?" Kirito questioned. Asuna was no longer around him. "Did we get separated?" he asked himself, "Maybe she's in a different part of this place…"
Asuna's Side
Asuna was woken up by Hawkeye and Flambé, and she was looking about as she had landed in a different part of the upper World Tree interior. "I hope Kirito's okay." Asuna muttered, then she shook her head, "No, of course he is! I can't be too worried about him. I bet he's searching for Leafa as we speak." Hawkeye agreed with a screech, and Flambé did the same with a croak.
Asuna smiled at them, then looking to the two different ways she could go. "I remember these hallways well, but I don't remember exactly where I'm suppose to go. The hallways all look the same." Flambé spoke to her, and Asuna responded, "What? I should ready my Spirits?" Asuna thought about it. She did deal with a ton of battling up till now. She wouldn't be surprised if she gained everything she could from her Spirits.
Asuna pulled out Olympia and Leo's cards, and saw that she had an immense amount of Link Points, enough to even unlock all that remained for her Spirits.
From Leo, Asuna was able to get all that was left, which was the Support skills, Leaf Bracer and Second Chance, which allowed her to recover without trouble and endure a fatal blow, along with a boost in attack strength, a boost to magic speed, and the new Spell, Faith, which Asuna could see was a powerful one.
From Olympia, Asuna gained a double boost to stamina, a quadruple boost to magic speed, a boost to defense, a quadruple endurance boost to light-based attacks, an extra attack to aerial combos, and the spells Sparkra and Sparkga.
"That's better." Asuna stated, "Now to see what moves would work for me." She pulled out her Command Pad, and it told her that she had gained something else. Asuna pulled them up and discovered she had gained the movement technique 'Double Flight' which was basically a double jump, and her most powerful Sword Skill, given to her by Yuuki, Mother's Rosario. "I have that move again." Asuna muttered, smiling, "I'm glad I am able to pull it off again. I get the feeling I might need it."
Asuna pulled up her attacks, and decided to do some reorganizing on her moves. Faith, Sparkga and Mother's Rosario all took two command slots to utilize, and she had eight slots in total to work with. Asuna decided to work with Mother's Rosario and Faith, which she discovered was not only a powerful attack, it also heals Asuna at the same time. She added Balloonga, Firaga Burst, and finally Sonic Blade for her set of attacks. As for her Spirits, she decided to work with Olympia and Leo, and have Hawkeye in reserves.
"I'd better go and send Kirito some moves that might help him out." Asuna told herself, and she shuffled through her attacks. She remembered she didn't send Limit Storm or Sacrifice yet, and decided to add Balloonra, just so he could have a strong magic spell. With the three attacks in place, Asuna sent Kirito the three attacks, then placed her Pad away. "I hope he'll get them soon." Asuna told herself, turning to the summoned Olympia and Leo, "Let's keep going, guys." The two roared and whinnied in response, and they started walking through the hallways.
Kirito's Side
Kirito was already walking about, searching for an exit so he could reach the exterior. "I wish I hadn't said we didn't need Yui and the system admin codes." Kirito moaned, "She new the quickest way out of here, and where the exits were. I might have jinxed myself when I said that."
Just then, Kirito's Command Pad vibrated, and he pulled it out. He noticed that he had gained a new technique, along with something from Asuna. "She sent more attacks?" Kirito questioned, and he pulled it up to see the three new moves that Asuna sent; Sacrifice, Limit Storm, and Balloonra. "Wow, I wonder what these attacks can do?" Kirito asked, "I'm also wondering what new technique I also gained…" Kirito pulled up the new technique and was startled. It was his Dual Wielding Skill, Starburst Stream. "I can do this now?!" Kirito gasped, "That's incredible. Although, I don't have a second Keyblade, so how can I pull it off?"
As Kirito pondered, Blaze honked at him, and he turned to him. "What?" he asked. Blaze nudged his clothing, specifically the pocket that contained the Spirit cards. "Oh, yeah!" Kirito realized, "Since we did all that fighting, I bet I could unlock a full load of moves and boosts. Let's see what I can do."
Kirito pulled out Drill, Ryu and Halberd's cards. Like Asuna, he had a ton of Link Points to work with, so he was able to unlock practically everything. Drill only had a couple of things to gain, which was a boost to defenses, and the ability, EXP Boost, which increased the speed of his experience boosts from fighting monsters. Kirito thought that this was given a little too late, but he didn't care.
From Halberd, Kirito gained a double boost to attack speed and a boost to magic speed, plus an extra attack in aerial combos, and three new moves; the Timestorm and Break Time techniques, and the Tornado spell.
From Ryu, Kirito gained a double boost to fire-element attacks, a double boost to attack, magic and defense powers, a boost to command recovery speed, an extra attack in his ground combos, the ability 'Combo Master', which allowed him to continue combos even if he doesn't hit anything, and three powerful moves to boot; Another Meteor Crash technique, and the Firaga Burst and Mega Flare spells.
"I've got a nice set of new moves to work with." Kirito told himself, "Now to see how I should set things up…" Kirito pulled his Command Pad out, and examined all the new moves. Timestorm was similar to Asuna's Prism Windmill, only it inflicted slow or stop effects onto his opponent. Break Time was unusual, as Kirito would dance and strike a random pose, each causing a different result, whether it fully links him with his Spirits, or causes his health to be restored, or other such skills. Tornado and Mega Flare both took two command slots, but were both powerful. Tornado spells itself, summoning a cyclone that Kirito can control and cause continual damage. Mega Flare only did one powerful attack, but it causes a wide-area blast that is impossible to avoid.
As for Asuna's sent moves, Kirito understood Balloonra, but understood that Sacrifice and Limit Storm were risky attacks, but complimented one another. While Sacrifice unleashed a powerful strike by giving up stamina, Limit Storm is a sword spin that is much stronger when he has weak stamina. As powerful as it was, Kirito reckoned this kind of gamble was something he wouldn't take, but was thinking about another gamble.
Kirito decided to work with Mega Flare and Starburst Stream as his stronger attacks, then decided on using Circle Raid, Balloonra, Drain Dive again, and after some thinking, decided to risk it, and add Break Time. As for his team, Kirito utilized Komory, Ryu, and Drill as his reserves.
"I should probably send something back to Asuna." Kirito told himself, looking at his attacks. He decided to give Asuna the Tornado spell and the Timestorm technique. He felt that these were best suited for her skills. After sending them to Asuna, Kirito placed his pad away, and summoned out Ryu and Komory. "You ready to go, guys?" Kirito asked them. They cried out in response. "Let's look for Suguha, then!" Kirito told them, and they raced through the hallway.
Asuna's Side
Asuna had been in the hallways for about five minutes, although it seemed a lot longer. "Just how long does this go on?" Asuna questioned herself, "All I'm trying to find is the birdcage…" She stopped herself, thinking about it. "It's kinda ironic for me wanting to FIND that place again, considering the past." she told herself, "Well, considering Leafa is the captive one, this time around, I have to bury behind that past hell."
Asuna's Command Pad vibrated, and she pulled it out. "Kirito sent something back?" she questioned, and she pulled out what Kirito sent her; Tornado and Timestorm. After examining the attacks, Asuna smirked. "He knows my specialty." she told herself, "In that case, I think I'll use them." Asuna decided to switch out Sonic Blade, in exchange for the Timestorm and added Blizzaga. Asuna wanted to see how the Faith spell would work for her, so she saved Tornado for later.
Asuna continued on her path, deciding to try different doors, only leading into a couple empty rooms, and more pathways to take. Asuna finally reached one more door, and stopped at it. She had a funny feeling she had been through this one before. She opened the door, and discovered herself in a place that was foreboding. There were about three hundred column-like machines, each that once contained the minds of the captured SAO Players. It was the experimental lab, the place Sugou once tested for any mind control methods.
"I really didn't want to come back into this room." Asuna told herself, "I had hoped it no longer existed. Does this mean any one of these is active?" Asuna shuddered, then walked into the room, with Leo and Olympia wandering behind. She examined the room, which was very large and spacious, for any ongoing experiments. For the most part, Asuna couldn't see any machines active.
Just as she reached the back, she saw the spot where the GM computer she discovered before was, only in its' place, two more of the same machines stood, each of them active. Asuna rushed over, scared to realize who it might be. Asuna approached the right one, examining it. "This is…Leafa's mind?" Asuna questioned, "No, this is different. It's like this is prepared to do something to her. What are they attempting to do here?" It didn't take a genius, after all the experiments in this room, what the enemies were attempting to do.
Asuna looked at the left machine, examined it, and gasped, "This machine…is for Sora's mind?! Wh-why is this one here?!" Asuna stepped back, shocked. She then recalled what Gouxus and Ansem told her and Riku. "When you least expect it, one more of you will join Leafa and us." Asuna recalled, "So that means…Sora was the second target!" Asuna stepped into the middle of the two machines. "I'm not sure what they plan to do to Leafa and Sora, but I won't let anything happen to them!"
"I agree. We shouldn't let anything happen to them." said a voice from behind. Asuna turned, and saw none other than Recon approaching her.
"Recon!" Asuna gasped, "How did you…?"
"I see you finally found Leafa. 'Bout time, you did." Recon told her.
"This isn't Leafa." Asuna retorted, "These machines are somehow connected to Leafa and Sora's minds. We have to shut them off!"
"There's no need to do that." Recon retorted, walking past Asuna, over to Leafa's machine.
"What?" Asuna questioned, surprised.
"You heard me. There's no need to turn them off." Recon repeated, "I'll protect Leafa, right here. Why don't you go along and tell Kirito there's no need to go so far for his sister."
"Maybe you didn't understand what I am trying to say, Recon." Asuna said sternly, "First of all, you're completely ignoring Sora, and secondly, I have seen what this room was used for before. It was an experimental lab used on SAO Players, designed to find ways of controlling people's hearts and minds, completely! They are planning to do that to Leafa and Sora! We can't let that happen!"
"Maybe YOU didn't understand what I'm saying, Asuna." Recon retorted, turning to Asuna with a sinister grin, "I am going to protect Leafa while she sleeps. While I do that, her body will become a vessel for my master. He promised that he won't harm her heart, only make it sleep in total darkness while he gives her a new heart! The same will be said for your friend, Sora!"
Asuna was shocked beyond belief. Leafa's body will be a vessel? She will be given a new heart? And what's more, Recon was just accepting all of this, like it was nothing! He didn't care for Leafa, only her heart. Asuna looked down, her eyes shadowed as she calmed herself, contemplating.
"Now leave us!" Recon ordered, "You don't have anything to do with this!"
Asuna stayed still, both Olympia and Leo came to her side, glaring at Recon. "You…you are not Recon, at all, are you?" Asuna questioned. Recon raised an eyebrow. "I should've figured it out before." Asuna told herself, "I remember that Riku also dove into the Realm of Darkness, too. True, he had to endure the darkness, but he was strong enough to avoid having it take him over. Recon's heart is as strong as Riku's, so there's no way he would act like what you are, right now."
Asuna raised her head, glaring. "What's more, you love every part of Leafa, and you would never bow down to evil hearts like Gouxus and the others." she continued, "In fact, the last time you fought Gouxus, you were protecting Leafa even to your own life. Now, you don't care what happens to her, as long as you can have her sleeping heart. Tell me…" she produced her Keyblade and demanded, "Who are you?!"
Recon looked to Asuna, who glared fiercely right back. Finally, Recon looked down, and smirked. "I see there's no way I can fool you any longer." he told her, "Well, it was fun, and I did accomplish my job by using my powers to bring Leafa to us, and trap her in a nightmare." He reached back and pulled his black hood over his head, "I had really hoped to lead you astray, but it seems they didn't teach me enough about Recon's behavior to fool you. Which means one thing left; take you out!"
(Cue KHDDD OST 'The Dread of Night')
Recon's face was hidden under the black hood, but he raised his head, and red eyes suddenly appeared, similar to those of a Nightmare Dream Eater. Olive-green whirlwind-like designs suddenly appeared on the sleeves and the bottom of the black coat. Asuna glared back, realizing what he was. The proof was what was then added to his black coat; the Nightmare Dream Eater symbol, which appeared on the right side of his coat, similar to where Asuna's Spirit symbol was at on her cloth.
"You're the one who's trapped Leafa in that Nightmare!" Asuna barked, "You were made in Recon's image to easily lure her in, and try to confuse me, too." The Anti-Recon didn't respond to Asuna's words, but just stood there, ready to fight. "I'll make you pay for using her bond with Recon against her!" Asuna growled, "I won't let her live in a nightmare!"
Asuna charged forward, unleashing her Timestorm technique onto the Nightmare. She moved so quick, that it didn't have time to dodge it, and got struck back. However, the Anti-Recon was resistant to all kinds of affects, so it didn't stop or slow down. The Nightmare then waved its' arms out to slow down, and the area around Asuna went dark, with nothing but a small radius of light around Asuna. She launched forward, attempting to strike the Nightmare, but he dodged, coming around with a summoned short sword and unleashing a combo of attacks onto Asuna, who placed up her Light Guard in response, then retaliate with a Counter Surge.
Leo summoned two aura version of itself while Olympia charged forward at high speeds, both targeting the Anti-Recon. It retaliated with raising its' hand and sending a large, red, four tentacle finger-like claw at them, eliminating the aura clones and knocking back Olympia. Asuna used this chance, and unleashed her Blizzaga spell, but Anti-Recon moved too quickly, and ended up behind Asuna, summoning a pool of dark red energy beneath Asuna, followed by another claw that pincered her, making her cry out in pain and fall over when it disappeared.
Asuna got back up, and saw the Nightmare summon multiple dark arrows around it, and send them flying at Asuna. She cartwheeled out of the way, and saw that they were homing arrows. Asuna utilized her Balloonga spell as a barrier to block the attacks, but the arrows pierced through the balloon and struck Asuna. The smaller balloons summoned by the large balloon homed in on the Anti-Recon, who attempted to dodge, but got struck by them.
Asuna got up again, feeling her stamina draining. "Crap…those arrows were poisonous." Asuna moaned. She saw Anti-Recon racing towards her, summoning its' sword again. The poison was making it difficult for Asuna to move, but saw Olympia fly in and unleash a cyclone that sent the Nightmare flying back. Leo came behind Asuna and used Curaga, healing her. Pegaslick also used magic on Asuna, countering the poison with a regenerative spell. "Thanks, guys." Asuna sighed in relief, shaking her injuries off, and unleashing a Firaga Burst that sent a plethora of fireballs at the Anti-Recon, peppering him while he tried to avoid it.
Anti-Recon disappeared into the darkness, and Asuna looked about, wondering where he might reappear. She suddenly felt something approach from her right, and she dodged just as the Nightmare caused a red line of energy to cross the part of the ground she was just at before. Asuna could feel that if she hadn't moved like she did, she would be in major trouble then. Asuna skidded to a halt, and raced towards the Anti-Recon, who sent another claw forward at her, but she side-stepped the attack, and came close to the Nightmare, unleashing her Mother's Rosario, the 11-hit combo that stabbed an X onto it, then with one final thrust, she struck the cross of the lines, sending Anti-Recon flying.
Asuna, Olympia and Leo were keeping the pressure on Anti-Recon, but Asuna was also being cautious about the way she moved. The Nightmare was powerful, able to use the darkness for sneak attacks, unleashing a flurry of attack from his blade, and summoning claws that came in two different forms; launched forward towards the target, then closes around them, damaging them, or surprise pincers from below, which was more difficult to dodge. It also continued to unleash more poison arrows that home in on their target, which was usually Asuna, and even held some back to protect himself.
As for his final attack, he would disappear and reappear shooting a red line across the ground. Asuna was capable of dodging it, but she wasn't sure what it was gonna do. Unfortunately, she discovered what it did when it struck Leo, when it got tossed into the air, roaring in pain, and its' stamina was seemingly purged from his body in the form of green mist. Leo collapsed to the ground, seemingly lifeless while the mist came to the Anti-Recon, helping him recover slightly. Asuna came to Leo's side, hoping he was okay.
"Leo!" she cried, "Please tell me you're okay." Leo whined slightly, signally that he was alive, but barely.
Asuna turned to see Anti-Recon come her way. Angered by the way Leo was damaged, she unleashed her Faith Spell, sending a swirl of light columns that struck Recon heavily, while at the same time, healing Asuna, Olympia and Leo, who rose to its' feet again, regained of some of its' stamina. "Well, at least we know what that attack is capable of." Asuna told her Spirit, "Everyone, watch out for that attack!"
Asuna and her Spirits had to keep moving about in order to avoid getting hit by Anti-Recon's attacks. The Nightmare was capable of flinching from attacks, but that didn't matter much since it kept going with back to back attacks, making it difficult to close in. Even magic attacks were difficult to aim right. While Faith was a move that was difficult to avoid while healing Asuna and her team, it was difficult to pull off since it required Asuna to be stationary for a moment, and Anti-Recon being so ruthless.
Asuna was slightly worn from the battle, but she kept her stance, her expression determinate. Olympia and Leo were right by her side, still able to go on against the Anti-Recon, who disappeared into the darkness once more, waiting to strike again. "I found it hard to believe at first that Leafa would be taken down so easily during the Mark of Mastery." Asuna wondered out loud, "But with you about, it makes complete sense. Someone made you to deceive her, make her fall into the hands of the Organization. The question was why her? Did you do the same with Sora?!"
"Oh, Sora was already dealt with in another fashion, though I am not sure how." the Anti-Recon answered, and his voice became more distorted than ever, "As for Leafa, well, she was only a second choice. They did want to pick Kirito as the primary target, and make me into a look-a-like of you."
"They wanted to go after Kirito?!" Asuna gasped, "And you were going to turn into me to trick him?!"
"Love is so deceptive." the Anti-Recon stated, "It wraps you in, and when it betrays you, love becomes a nightmare that you can never wake from. I guess that's one of the benefits of understanding the heart. They were able to wrap Leafa in so easily. And the best part; she knew it was a trap all along, yet she still dove in head-first, hoping to take down one of us, but she wasn't able to win!" The Nightmare's cackled echoed all about the darkness, amused at this. Asuna, on the other hand, was not.
"Leafa was no fool. She knew what she was getting into." Asuna spoke up, silencing the laughter, "She may have been deceived by you, but she also knew that something was wrong about you and the fact she was being tricked by the Organization. However, I know she never gave up, and came to take down you guys with everything she had, even if it meant she would fight a losing battle! Do you know why she would do that? So that we could take out what remains, and stop the Organization's plot!"
By instinct, Asuna turned to her left, and unleashed her Timestorm technique, striking the Anti-Recon, who tried to sneak up on her. "And one more thing!" Asuna continued, "Even if you were able to turn into me in order to deceive Kirito, he would see right through it. He knows me and loves me too well to have a fake trick him. But one things for sure; you and the rest of the Organization are still gonna pay!"
Asuna unleashed a close ranged Balloonga, making the spell explode in the Nightmare's face, and making all the smaller balloons hit him repeatedly, pushing him into the air. Asuna pulled her Keyblade back, making it glow a bright violet that pierced the darkness. She launched herself up at him, unleashing her Mother's Rosario, forming an X on his chest with ten strikes. Asuna got above the Anti-Recon, and with one final thrust, finished the attack with striking the cross of the X, sending him crashing into the ground with an explosion of debris.
As Asuna landed onto the ground, the darkness faded away around the room, reverting back to normal. Asuna looked at Anti-Recon, seeing it flat on its' back, a dark vapor rising it from it. Its' eye closed as it slowly disappeared from existence, turning into nothingness. Asuna watched it fully disappear, then turned to the machines that showed Sora and Leafa's minds.
Asuna turned and walked back to them, looking at Leafa's mind. A part of her really wanted to scold her, and she even muttered, "I can't believe you were that desperate to find Recon, that you would be tricked by a fake." She placed a hand on the machine, continuing, "I promise you, we will find Recon, and bring him back to you. But first, I'll get you and Sora free from control."
Asuna pulled up the holographic computer on Leafa's machine, and started finding a way to shut it down. It took some time to shut both Sora and Leafa's machines, freeing their minds. However, as she backed away, she thought about what she had learned from working the machines.
"I'm glad those two are safe now." Asuna told herself, "Thankfully, those machines weren't controlling them. They were ready to do so, but why weren't they? And what was with that 'tracking' system? They placed some kind of symbol on them in order for the Organization to track it down, but why make it 𝒳?"
Asuna thought for a second, then Leo and Olympia called out to her, and she turned. She was surprised to see both Kooms and Wowzer there. "I was wondering where you two went off to." she told them, "Where did you go?" Wowzer cried out as it bounced about. "You were looking for a shortcut to the outside?" Asuna asked, "Please, show me where it is." Wowzer and Kooms turned and led Asuna and her Spirits out of the experimental lab, head towards wherever Leafa might be.
Kirito's Side
During the time Asuna went to the lab, Kirito was still wondering where the exit was, with Ryu wandering right by him. Komory was further ahead, as requested by Kirito, to search for any signs of opposing forces or exits. "How long does this place go?" Kirito asked, "It seems I hit more corridors everywhere I go! Wish I had a map…"
Suddenly, Kirito heard a screech, and saw Komory fly back to him. "Did you find something?" Kirito asked it. Komory screeched in reply, and flew away, indicating Kirito to follow it. He did so, with Ryu racing alongside, going along the long hallway, and turning into different areas until he saw Komory stopping in front of a door. "Is this the way to Leafa?" Kirito questioned, looking to Komory and back, then he opened the door and entered in.
The room was large, slightly decorated with plants, blueprints on parts of the walls, and a large, fancy desk at the other side of the room with a holographic computer connected to a GM Console. "An office?" Kirito noticed, "Why would Komory lead me here?" Kirito looked about, then back at the door, and above it. It was there that Kirito saw something that shocked him; a large portrait of Asuna, hanging on the wall like a monument, with her gentle smile and beautiful clothes. It was definitely a portrait of a younger Asuna, but only by a few years, probably just before she entered SAO. It took Kirito a few seconds before he came to the sickening conclusion what this office was. It was Sugou's online office.
"Komory sent me into his office for a reason." Kirito told himself, looking to Komory, who came in and landed on his shoulder. He walked over to the far side of the room, looking at the computer. It was still on. "Hold on…I bet I could find a map to this place using the GM Console." Kirito realized, "Maybe I'll even find some clues about Sugou as well, not that I want to dig any further into that jerk's mind." Kirito sat down and started typing away, looking about the multiple files in the computer, while his Spirits reentered their cards to rest.
After a while, Kirito managed to discover journal entries within Sugou's computer. Wondering if this might give him a clue, he opened it up, and started reading through some of them that drew his attention. The latest journal entry was on the day when Kirito saved Asuna and shut Sugou's plans down. The journal entries went further and further back, mainly talking about the slow results of the mind control programming and his twisted words of love for Asuna. He skipped through a few of the journal entries, finally reaching the parts during Alfheim Online's early construction. As he read through these, one journal entry made him stop and read out loud.
"November 3rd, 2023. Today, I had an unusual encounter with a man dressed in a brown cloak. He was strange, but also familiar. I could not describe exactly who this person was, all that he told me his name was 'Ansem'. He didn't tell me about where he came from, or rather anything else about him other than his name. However, he somehow knew a lot about me, and told me that I was made for greater purposes. Most people would find this hard to believe, but I somehow immediately trusted him. He gave me a set of numbers that he requested I would add into Alfheim Online's server. He only told me that it would serve a purpose that is meant for a greater power that I would join in the future. Did he know about my projects on manipulating the mind?"
"Immediately, I brought the numbers into Alfheim Online, and placed them in. What I thought was something to help my research turned out to be some sort of strange program, one that allows someone to send anything from here to another place, sort of like teleportation. However, I wasn't able to work it out. It didn't make sense whatsoever. The man was either fooling with me, or I was missing something. All I knew was the words he told me; 'It would serve a purpose that is meant for a greater power that I would join in the future.' So for now, I will keep the programing in the system, and focus mainly on setting up the experimental lab so that I can gather the SAO Players into Alfheim. I had better make sure to specifically target Asuna. She must be kept here."
Kirito finished reading the journal and sat back in the chair thinking. "Ansem? Why would Ansem the Wise be here?" Kirito questioned, puzzled. Finally, he remembered something; During the first adventure with Sora, he learned that there were two different Ansems; the Ansem the Wise that sent Kirito, Asuna and Yui into Sora's dimension in the first place, and the one that Sora destroyed before, though Riku still had a part of him in his own heart for a while. If Sugou's words were right, then this must be the evil Ansem he had spoken too.
"If Ansem somehow did come to this dimension in order to seek out Sugou, then what did he give him?" Kirito asked, "The journal said it was a teleportation program of some kind, but where to?" Kirito could only think of one place that would make sense to him. "Sora's dimension." Kirito understood, "The program was made to send something to Sora's dimension…or perhaps, someone…" Kirito then gasped in realization. "Suguha! They plan to send her out of the Sleeping Worlds, and to another world! If that's the case, then I need to head there and stop them from taking Sugu away!"
Kirito rose up from the desk, and raced towards the doors. As he drew close, he saw a black portal, a Corridor of Darkness, open before him. Kirito stopped, and saw Saïx step out of the Corridor, closing it behind. "You again!" Kirito barked.
"I cannot allow you to leave with the information given to you." Saïx stated, "No matter what you try, Leafa will soon become one of us."
"I don't know what the hell you mean, but I know that is not gonna happen!" Kirito barked, pulling out his Keyblade and summoning his Spirits, "Suguha is coming home with me. I won't let you have her!"
(Cue KH2.5 OST 'The 13th Dilemma')
Saïx smirked as he raised a hand, and summoned his heavy claymore, the Lunatic. He held it in a reverse grip behind him as he muttered, "Struggle all you might, but I will not let our goal be stopped. Even if it means eliminating your light, I will unleash my rage onto you!"
Kirito leapt forward, unleashing an overhead swing onto Saïx, who blocked it with his claymore. "Then let's not waste anytime, and get on with it!" Kirito declared. He wanted to finish Saïx off quickly so that he could save Suguha.
Kirito pushed himself off of the claymore, and used Balloonra to unleash a storm of balloons at Saïx. He endured the attack, then leapt up at Kirito, unleashing a heavy slash at him. Kirito blocked with his Keyblade, but the attack sent him flying across the room.
He managed to skid to a halt, and saw Komory fly in with a sonic screech right into Saïx's ear. He grimaced in pain, and attempted to swipe at him, but Komory avoided the attack. As soon as Saïx landed, Ryu dove in and unleashed a five-lined dash about him, scorching him. Kirito used the moment of him flinching to dive in for another attack, using his Flowmotion to get in quickly and unleash a strike that sent Saïx skidding backwards.
Kirito and his Spirits regrouped and rushed in for another attack, but Saïx gritted his teeth, and roared as he unleashed his rage, distorting his hair and facial features, and unleashing a shockwave that stopped Kirito and his Spirits in their tracks. The head of his claymore became more menacing as he reeled it back, then made a horizontal swipe that sent a shockwave of energy that tossed the trio. Kirito grimaced in pain, looking down and seeing Saïx immediately come at him. Kirito unleashed his Payback Raid in response to being tossed back, but Saïx knocked the Keyblade out of his path, striking down the defenseless Kirito, making him crash into the ground heavily.
"Damn…" he moaned, and he saw Saïx above him, roaring in rage as he came down upon him. Kirito flipped himself out of the way, and just barely avoided the attack as it created a crater in the ground. Kirito recalled his Keyblade back to him as he saw Saïx rise up again, glaring at Kirito. "I forgot how menacing his rage was before." Kirito muttered, reminding himself of the battle he had with him during his first adventure, "I can't keep up unless I eliminate this rage form, but how?" Saïx angrily charged at Kirito again, and Kirito put up his guard to endure the attack. As he put everything into preventing from being knocked back, Kirito noticed that Saïx's body started to glow a pink aura. Kirito realized what this meant.
He willingly allowed himself to be knocked back by Saïx so that he could have some distance, and entered his Reality Shift. He cast the spell once more, and he and a ghostly image of Asuna appeared, gripping onto the Combined Keyblade. They slashed several times at Saïx, who felt the full force of the attack, then with one final swipe, knocked him back, and his distorted face and claymore went back to normal. "That's how I do it!" Kirito realized, and he charged at Saïx again, roaring with determination.
Saïx was a powerful opponent, and one that Kirito was struggling against. Even while out of his rage mode, Saïx was powerful, unleashing heavy sword swings with his claymore, along with sword spins, tossing his claymore at Kirito and his Spirits followed by recalling it, and gathering up energy to unleash a line of energy. Kirito knew that a battle of strength would not work well against such a powerful opponent, so he had to utilize speed to overcome him. The other problem Kirito had was that he still couldn't unleash his Starburst Stream Dual Skill. He was frustrated that he wasn't able to utilize it, since he knew it could work well in this situation.
Saïx entered rage mode once more, and his attacks became faster and more ferocious, and the energy shockwaves became wider and stronger. While in this state, Kirito couldn't act quick enough to strike him. All he could do was endure, avoid, and wait until he saw the pink aura, and enter the Reality Shift.
When Kirito was finally able to perform the Reality Shift, reverting Saïx back to normal, he growled, "Okay, I've had enough of this. Komory, Ryu, let's go!" The Spirits joined forces with Kirito and focused. "Dual Action! Comet!" Kirito shouted, and he and his Spirits appeared, riding on top of a flying comet. They came crashing down on top of Saïx at full force, heavily damaging him.
The trio landed back on the spot they came from, and Kirito decided now would be a good time to use Break Time. He started going into a break dance spin, pivoting on his hands, then he pushed himself off the ground, and struck a pose with his hands crossed and forming symbols. Instantly, Kirito and the trio's stamina's reverted to normal again. "I didn't know I could break dance like that!" Kirito realized, "But it did help me out."
Saïx got back onto his feet again, glaring at Kirito. "You put up a strong fight, but without that extra rage in your heart, you won't be able to defeat me." Saïx stated, "Embrace the rage of the Keyblade, and let it make you stronger."
"I won't let that happen just because you say so!" Kirito barked, "I can defeat you, even without unleashing my rage. My friends are my power, and they'll help me defeat you!"
"Really?" Saïx stated, "Was it not rage that you defeated Heathcliff or Death Gun? Was it not rage that helped you break through the Guardians when you went to save Asuna?" Kirito was shocked that he knew so much about his past endeavors. "You have a raging heart that made you powerful even before you were able to harness the Keyblade." Saïx continued, "You were only able to overcome obstacles so far because you had your friends by you. Now, you are alone, with nothing but your rage to help you accomplish your goal." Kirito gritted his teeth, forcing the idea that rage was the answer to stopping Saïx.
"If you don't give into it, you will never be able to accomplish anything!" Saïx finished, and he entered his rage form, and charged at Kirito. Komory came in the path, and used another screech attack. It failed to do anything, and Saïx struck Komory away, who hit the wall near the door.
"Komory!" Kirito shouted, panicked. He saw Ryu tackle down Saïx, breathing an explosive flame in his face. While it looked like it did great amount of damage, Saïx's berserk moment was preventing him from feeling the pain. He pushed Ryu away with his claymore, and slammed it heavily to the ground, making a shockwave that pushed Ryu into the desk on the far side of the room, destroying it completely. "Ryu, no!" Kirito shouted, raising a hand to his Spirit.
Kirito heard Saïx roar, and he put up his guard as the raging Nobody unleashed a series of swipes at Kirito, who was parrying as best as he could, but the force of the attacks were so strong, that he couldn't do anything to stop him. "Where is that Reality Shift?" Kirito told himself, "I need to stop his rage…"
"You can never stop it!" Saïx shouted, and he unleashed a close-ranged shockwave that sent Kirito flying in pain, "Don't you see? This is the power you so refuse to show me can do! Dismiss your friends, the hearts connected to you, and give into nothing but rage!"
Kirito struggled to rise into a sitting position, and saw Saïx racing towards him, his claymore held back, ready to swing at him. Kirito unleashed his Balloonra spell in order to stop him, but it was useless. Kirito was frightened, and he rolled out of the way just as Saïx nearly struck him down for good. Kirito rose back onto his feet, and looked up just to see Saïx toss his claymore, hitting Kirito hard with it as he was carried and pinned into the wall by it. Kirito gasped in pain, and struggled to get the claymore off of him, but the spikes around the claymore were keeping the weakened Kirito stuck in the wall.
Saïx walked over, grasping the handle of the claymore, and pulling it out. Kirito slumped to the ground, heavily injured from the toss. Saïx reverted back to normal by himself, watching Kirito. "Now for the final strike." he told him, "This is goodbye, Kirito."
Kirito's eyes were shadowed as Saïx raised his claymore, ready to strike it down onto him. 'Is this it?' Kirito thought to himself, 'Can I really not defeat him like this? Is rage the only way to stop him? Asuna, Suguha, help me! I don't want to die, yet!'
As Kirito closed his eyes, he heard a voice call out to him. "Don't give up, yet!" the boy's voice shouted.
Kirito opened his eyes, and looked up. He was standing up again, and he was no longer inside the office. He was standing on a familiar glowing platform in the middle of the black environment. The platform was like a stainless-glass artwork that he would find in churches, but it was a picture of himself, asleep, with the faces of Asuna, Yui, Sora and Leafa about him, and the picture of Aincrad beneath it.
"I've been here, before." Kirito noticed, looking about, "Why am I here?"
"Kirito." said a voice behind him. He turned, and saw a young man standing there, about his age. He was tall, muscular, with messy, dark brown hair that reached his neck, and blue eyes. His attire was a skin-tight black, high-collared shirt with red cross-straps, a black obi with a gold badge, tan hakama pants and armored shoes. He also had a black wristband on his right arm, while his left had armor pieces on his shoulder and arm.
(Cue SAO OST 'Past Sadness')
"Who are you?" Kirito asked, "How are you here?"
"Because you accepted me, when you were young." the man answered, "My soul has been inside you for a long time."
"Your…soul?" Kirito questioned, then he realized, "Then, you must be Terra!"
He nodded in response. "I was only able to meet you now because some power is allowing me to." Terra told him, "My mind is trapped somewhere, my body seized, and my heart and part of my soul are asleep. Yet, I am able to speak to you now. I do not understand it, myself, but here I am."
Kirito had so many things to ask, but with the short amount of time he felt he had, he knew that there were only some he could ask. "I don't know where to start." Kirito told him, then he looked down as he pointed out, "Although, I'm not sure how long I'll last. Saïx is about to defeat me, and I don't have the power to stop him. Does that mean rage is my only choice left?"
"What he told you about rage benefiting you in your past endeavors was wrong." Terra asked, making Kirito look up at him, "You're right about it being a dark emotion, but there are other kinds of rage out there. I once used rage myself, in order to protect my friends from danger."
"You used rage to protect your friends?" Kirito questioned.
"Yes, although, it clouded my heart in dark vengeance, and it resulted in my downfall." Terra continued, "I was not strong enough to stop him, and a part of my soul was sent away from my body, all the way to another dimension. Here, let me remind you of what happened…" Terra raised a hand, and a swirl of light appeared all about them, blinding Kirito.
When he opened his eyes, he discovered himself standing in the backyard of his house. It was nighttime. He looked about, and looked up at the rooftop of his home. He saw, to his surprise, himself, but as a young boy. He was in a black short-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and slippers. He was looking in the sky, his face neutral.
(Cue SAO OST 'Everyday Life')
"This was you twelve years ago." Terra's voice told Kirito, although he was nowhere to be seen, "You were probably six years old, and this evening was an important one to you.
Kirito watched his younger self, wondering what was going to happen. Suddenly, he heard a young girl's voice shout, "Kazuto! Get down from there!" It was Suguha, looking up from the ground. She was very young, in a pink sleeveless jersey and a pair of shorts.
Young Kazuto sat up, looking down at Suguha. "Mom said that it's time for supper, and she wants you to wash your hands!" Suguha called up.
"Coming!" Kazuto responded, sitting up and looking back down at his sibling.
Kirito watched as his younger self crawled his way down the roof, finally reaching the edge, and lowered himself off. "Be careful! That's too dangerous!" Suguha warned him in a worried tone. Kazuto made sure to get his feet to the ground, and he dropped himself. Suguha shielded her eyes, and heard the crash and the 'oof!' of her brother. She peered through her hands, and saw Kazuto getting back onto his feet again after falling, brushing his pants off.
"Seriously? You can't use your door like a normal person?" she huffed.
"It's quicker this way." Kazuto answered simply, "I'll get better at the landing, I'm sure!"
"Mom would kill you if she saw you do that…" Suguha sighed, shaking her head, "C'mon, let's go wash our hands!" Kazuto nodded, and followed Suguha.
Kirito watch himself wander away, then he saw him stop and look up into the sky, curiously. Kirito looked into the sky, wondering. "What's up, Kazuto?" Suguha asked, turning back to him.
"I don't know…" Kazuto answered, "I feel…like someone is hurt. They are calling out to someone to protect them."
"You sure you didn't bonk your head when you landed?" Suguha asked, amused.
"No, I fell on my butt." Kazuto answered, "But…I wonder who it was?"
"I don't really get it, but if someone was in trouble, why don't you go and help them?" Suguha suggested, "If it were me, I would definitely save that person, whoever it is."
Kazuto looked to Suguha, not sure how to help someone he couldn't see. However, he could feel it deep in his heart; a person calling out to him, asking for shelter. He touched his heart, looking down at it. He then decided to close his eyes, relying on his other senses to find that person.
Kirito watched his younger self carefully, then he realized it what was going to happen as the scene shifted about him, and he now stood back on the platform again in the darkness, only this one was different. Kirito wasn't asleep here, and the circles that once contained his friends now contained different kinds of thing that were connected to his favorite things, such as a computer, flowers, a kendo stick, and many other things. The picture underneath was a sky with a bright sun in the distance. The young Kazuto stood in the center of the platform, looking about curiously.
"Where am I?" Kazuto asked, "Is this some kind of illusion?"
"Hello?" called out Terra's voice. Kirito and Kazuto looked up as a stream of light flew towards Kazuto, flowing about him. "You…feel like me." Terra's voice told Kazuto, "Tell me, who are you?"
"M-My name is Kazuto. Kazuto Kirigaya." the young boy answered, "Who or what are you?"
"I…don't remember." Terra's soul answered, "All I know is that I am separated from where I was originally from. I can't go back again like this. I couldn't even find a way to go forward, either. That is, until I felt your heart, and I was drawn to you."
"You were drawn to me?" Kazuto asked, confused.
"Yes. You hold something special within you, and I feel like you will join someone that is special to me." Terra's soul stated, "If you would allow me, let me stay here, inside your heart with you, until I find my way back again."
"Okay." Kazuto answered, "I may not know you, but somehow, I feel okay having you here."
"Thanks." Terra's soul thanked him, "I promise you, if you ever need my help, I'll be there to protect you." Terra's soul swirled deeper and deeper into Kazuto, then it entered into his body, and he glowed slightly before he sighed in relief, smiling.
"I remember now." Kirito realized, watching his younger version looking at his body, "I can't believe I had forgotten this moment. It was strange, but the moment you entered my body, I felt something slightly change. After that, I must've forgotten you were there, and I never realized it."
"You may have forgotten, but I kept my word; protecting you when you needed it the most." Terra told Kirito, suddenly appearing right next to him, "Your soul and will was a powerful one already, but it was amplified thanks to my soul being a part of yours, and so many hearts connected to you."
"You mean like Asuna and the others." Kirito guessed, "I already heard that Asuna is Aqua's younger sister. She was probably the person you meant that was special."
"And it was through her heart and Suguha's heart that helped you awaken my powers and accomplish goals that were impossible to believe. All those things Saïx mentioned to you, about what your rage did for you? That wasn't it. It was me, and the people closest to you."
"Huh?" Kirito questioned.
"Asuna's heart connected to you gave you the power to defeat your enemies, and Suguha's heart also helped you push through impenetrable barriers." Terra reminded him, "It was because you accepted me into you that made it possible. Even when you were sent to the other dimension, I helped awaken the power sleeping in you."
"You helped me awaken the Keyblade?" Kirito asked in surprise.
"You and Asuna. I made sure both of you were ready to protect the heart of someone else important to me." Terra told him.
Kirito looked down, thinking. "I guess that means I have to thank you a lot for many things. You saved me and my friends more times than I can count."
"I'm the one who should be thanking you." Terra stated, "I can never thank you enough for saving my soul." Kirito smiled back at Terra.
(Cue KHBBS OST 'Terra')
His face became determined as he stated, "But the fights not over yet, is it?"
"Yeah. You still have more goals to accomplish." Terra replied seriously, "I will help you again. Make sure you save your sister, and stop the darkness from growing!"
"You got it!" Kirito responded, and he was blinded by a bright light.
Back in the battle, Saïx was about to bring down his claymore onto Kirito. Unfortunately, this attempted failed as Kirito knocked the claymore out of the way with enough force to make Saïx fumble back, surprised. "You know something, I don't care for your principles about using rage as your power." Kirito muttered, slowly getting back to his feet, "Because I'm using the powers that I already have; the ones granted by the hearts connected to mine, and the souls that I accepted into me. They are my strength, and they trump anything that you can muster!"
Kirito glared at Saïx, who remained stone-faced. "So you say, but you will never be able to defeat my raging heart with the strength you speak of." Saïx stated, "If that is the principle you live by, then you are a bigger fool than I thought!" Saïx entered his rage mode again, and charged at Kirito, who lunged forward. The two clashed blades, and Kirito was able to keep his footing as the two pushed against one another. They begun to swing blades, countering and parrying one another as they attempted to deal even a scratch on one another. Kirito saw in the corner of his eyes that Ryu and Komory were up again, ready to continue.
Kirito kept up this endurance battle against Saïx, leaping over him with a somersault as he brought his claymore down, attempting to attack him like he did before. Kirito struck his back, angering him as he attempted a sword spin, but Kirito ducked. He saw the pink aura glow on Saïx again. "Finally!" Kirito shouted, and he entered the Reality Shift, using its' power to combine his and Asuna's powers, and silence Saïx's rage mode.
(Cue SAO OST 'Swordland')
"I told you; I have friends that give me the power to overcome anything you got!" Kirito barked at him, "That's why you'll never win!" Saïx glared up at Kirito as he shouted, "Now!", and backed off as Komory and Ryu dove in, unleashing a fire blast and sonic screech that combined together, injuring Saïx. Kirito then concentrated, and unleashed his Mega Flare, sending a massive ball of fire that connected with Saïx, causing a massive explosion that spread throughout the entire room, burning the plants, blueprints, and Asuna's portrait.
Saïx placed his claymore in front of him, making sure he didn't fall over, but it was obvious that he was on his last legs. He looked up at Kirito, who stood ready to continue. "I will cut you down to size!" Saïx roared, and he charged at Kirito, trying to swipe at him, but Kirito avoided it. Kirito came in between Saïx and his weapon, and a miraculous power happened; Terra's soul allowed Kirito to summon the Ends of the Earth Keyblade in his left hand, both of his Keyblades glowing brightly. 'Two of them?!' Saïx thought to himself.
Kirito, at last, unleashed his Starburst Stream Dual Skill, slashing Saïx repeatedly, making him drop his claymore as he did so. Kirito kept up this attack, his eyes glowing a golden aura as he did so, until he complete the sixteen-hit combo with a forward thrust of his Elucidator Keyblade, followed by a lunge from Terra's Keyblade. Saïx felt the full force of the final attack, and fell to the ground on his knees. Kirito stood in front of him, glaring down at the man who's body started to turn into a dark vapor.
"Why…Kingdom Hearts…" Saïx questioned, "Will you never give me you power?" With those final words, Saïx faded from existence, leaving Kirito and his Spirits alone.
Kirito looked to the Ends of the Earth Keyblade, and saw it disappear now that he had completed the Starburst Stream. "Thank you, Terra." Kirito thanked him, "I promise you, I will save Suguha, and return you back to your body again. For now, bear with me." Kirito turned to Ryu and Komory, who awaited orders. "Let's keep going." Kirito told them, and they exited the room.
As soon as the doors opened, Kirito was greeted with a familiar face on the other side; The Hebbi Repp that guided Kirito to the World Tree. It screeched as it saw him. "Hey, you just missed the easy battle." Kirito greeted sarcastically, "Unfortunately, the battle isn't over. First, we have to get out into the exterior of the World Tree again. Think you can show us the way there?" Rebbi nodded, and raced down the hallway. "Follow him!" Kirito ordered his Spirits, and they raced right after it.
Asuna's Side
Wowzer and Kooms had finally led Asuna and her team down a hallway, to a round door. Kooms and Wowzers both pushed onto it, signaling Asuna's team to join in. They pushed together, forcing the door open. When it opened up, Asuna was met with the sunlight, along with the familiar scene of large tree branches, most of which formed paths that went to different parts of the tree.
"Thank goodness! We're out!" Asuna sighed in relief, looking about, "Now where's the birdcage?" Asuna looked all about the branches to either side, beneath her position, and finally, above it. Asuna carefully examined the area until she saw it. High above in the Word Tree branches, she could see the large, golden birdcage that she once was trapped in for three years. She glared up at it, wishing she didn't have to see it again.
"It feels like I'm walking straight back into Sugou's hands again." Asuna muttered to herself. She began to shake a bit from the fear of that past. Leo and Olympia came to her side, assuring her she was safe with them. She looked to them, and calmed down. "You're right. Things aren't the same as before." Asuna understood, "This time, it's Sugou who's going to be put in his place." Asuna strode forward into a brisk walk, going up the branching path, heading to the one place she was sure to meet Leafa again.
Kirito's Side
Rebbi led Kirito down a series of hallways, finally reaching an end of a hallway, and pushing against the end of it. "Allow me." Kirito told him, and he waved his Keyblade forward. A Keyhole appeared on the door Rebbi attempted to force open, and Kirito pointed his weapon at it. A beam of light came out, hitting the Keyhole, and opening the door for him. "Just like Yui and the codes." Kirito stated, and he raced through the door, into the bright sunlight.
As soon as his eyes adjusted, he looked about, seeing the environment. It was the exact same place Kirito arrived with Yui when they found themselves outside, at the top of the World Tree. Kirito looked up at the tree branches above him. Just as he remembered, no city was at the top, just as Sugou made it. He couldn't help but get ticked off. Sugou lied to thousands of players about this. In the original Alfheim, there were suppose to be a grand city containing great fairies called Alfs, who were granted the power of infinite flight. Whichever fairy race reached the top would be branded as Alfs, too. That was the grand lie of Alfheim Online.
Kirito looked on ahead, up the path, and towards the upper right part of his position. He saw it, far off in the distance; the golden birdcage that once housed Asuna within, branded the name Titania by Sugou. Now, it house Suguha, and Oberon was attempting to take her away. "If what I read was true, then we need to hurry." Kirito told the Spirits, "Let's make a run for it!"
Kirito led the team up the tree branches, running as fast as they could. Kirito examined the birdcage as they were running. He could barely see it, but it was definitely Leafa, hanging in suspension around a bubble, almost in a half-sitting, half-sleeping position. Realizing that she was still there, Kirito hastened his running speed, heading up the path, just as Asuna was doing right now. "Hold on, Leafa/Suguha!" the two shouted, "We're coming to save you!"
Next Time on SAKFF:
Asuna: I'm worried about Sora. If they were targeting him, too, then I hope Riku's on his way to save him!
Sora: I won't let you beat me! I'm going to stop you!
Xigbar: As if! You walked into our trap the moment you started your exam. Now, there's no escaping!
Riku: Sora, you gotta wake up! If you go any further-
Young Xehanort: It's too late. He's completely ours.
Asuna: Sora, please be okay!
On the next 'Sword Art Kingdom: Falling Fantasy'
TWTNW! Trapping Nightmares!
Sora, Asuna, Kirito & Riku: The Dreams have yet to be discovered!