Sword Art Online Alicization: Lycoris
Part 7
*Let's Continue Where We Left Off*
Kirito, Sonic, and Eugeo were walking towards the stairs. As they were walking, Kirito suddenly stops which makes Eugeo and Sonic stop as well and look at him with confused looks.
"Wh-! Get back!" Kirito said
"What is it?" Sonic asks
Moments later, the same knight that was attacking the three with arrows appears on top of the stairs. Sonic takes out his sword from its scabbed, ready to fight.
"Evildowrs, be engulfed by my flames!"
The Integrity Knight aims his bow at the three.
"Huh!"
Moments later, the Integrity Knight releases his bow as many arrows start to fly down at the three.
"Jump back!"
As the arrows were heading towards the three. The arrows suddenly snap in half as they all fall around them, broken into pieces.
"What the?" Kirito shock
"Is that the best you got?" Sonic said
"D-Did he really destroy all those arrows in just seconds?" Eugeo thought
"Are you okay, Kirito?!" Eugeo said
"I'm alright, thanks to Sonic." Kirito said
"It doesn't seem like he's going to let us go this time." Eugeo said
"Nope. We'll have to take him down. Let's go!" Kirito shouted
"Go all out on this guy!" Sonic said
The three charge at the Integrity Knight. The Integrity Knight aims his bow at the three and fires at them. Sonic slashes the arrows and destroys them as they continue charging up the chairs to the Integrity Knight. The Integrity Knight takes out more arrows and aims once again, but this time, Sonic, charging up Excalibur, jumps right up the stairs and unleashes multiple powerful sword attacks at the Integrity Knight. The Integrity Knight attempted to block the attacks but Sonic was faster with his attacks and takes hits from it, leaving scratch marks on the armor behind. Kirito and Eugeo took this as an opportunity as they both rush from both sides, charging up their swords, and unleashing their attacks at the Integrity Knight. The Integrity Knight notices the two coming towards him and jumps away from them. The three-stop as the Integrity Knight continues to fire arrows at them. The three spread out as they continue dodging and slashing the arrows away. Eugeo charges up his sword as he charges at the Integrity Knight. The Integrity Knight fires more arrows at him but Eugeo slashes and breaks the arrows that were heading towards him. Moments later, Eugeo slashes his sword at the Integrity Knight as unleashes powerful slashes at the Integrity Knight. Kirito also charges as well as he performs a Sonic Leap attack at the Integrity Knight. Sonic throws Excalibur like a frisbee as it heading towards the Integrity Knight. Kirito and Eugeo both jump away back down the stairs as the sword was getting closer. The Integrity Knight blocks the sword with his bow as it deflects back to Sonic. Sonic grabs the sword that was spinning back to him as the three notice the Integrity Knight beginning to ignite fire.
"Enhance Armament!"
The bow begins to engulf flames as the Integrity Knight takes out an arrow it begins to glow and aims it at the three.
"Holy hell... I wonder what that bow was crafted from." Kirito said
"There's no time for gawking!" Eugeo said
"My orders are to take you alive, so I will not be incinerating you today, but do not think you will survive with all your limbs against my Conflagration Bow! See if you can warm your way through the flames of judgment with your paltry blade!"
"He doesn't needs a string or arrows to fire that, damn." Kirito said
"Do you have a plan?"
"To pray it's not capable of rapid-fire. Sonic will stop his attack and we charge in." Kirito said
"Sounds good to me. That stick doesn't know what it's facing up against." Sonic said
"Your plan... is to pray? Alright, I get it." Eugeo said
Moments later, Sonic charges at the Integrity Knight while the two following behind.
"Form Element: Shield Shape. Discharge!"
Multiple walls of ice appear in front of Kirito.
"Ludicus! I'll run you through!"
The Integrity Knight fires the arrow as it hits each ice wall and destroys them. The arrow hits the last ice wall but it stops as Kirito uses all his strength to stop from hitting him. Kirito soon was losing his strength was being pushed back till eventually, the ice wall breaks and arrows get destroy as Kirito is launched back.
"RrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaH!"
"Kirito!"
"Follow Sonic, Eugeo!"
"Come on!"
Moments later, Sonic and Eugeo start to run up the stairs once again.
"Doo not insult me!"
The Integrity Knight makes a fist as it engulfs in flame. Sonic, taking notice of it, charges up Excalibur once again.
"You have to find the force that you can carry with your blade on your own."
"I'm not worthy of the Blue Rose Sword, but I do have one thing I hold dear."
"Eugeo."
"Please... Blue Rose Sword, lend me your power. Grant me the strength to persevere!"
"You've lost!"
"Moments later, the three clash swords together.
"I thought you use some trained art to decide Eldrie, but it seems I was wrong. Your swords are pure and true, fortified by hard work and determination. Especially that sword that golden armor kid is holding. I have never seen a sword like that. Tell me your names."
"I am Eugeo, no family name."
"I'm Kirito."
"Sonic. Sonic The Hedgehog."
"A large force of knights awaits you at the 50th floor's Great Hall of Ghostly Light. Their orders are to extinguish your Life, not capture you alive. Should you charge them head-on a you did here, they will show no mercy."
"A-Are you sure you should be telling us that?"
"I failed to carry out the Administrator's orders. My bow and armor will be taken, and I will be frozen indefinitely. Kill me now, before I suffer such humiliation."
"..."
"Why would I do that you? I will do no such thing." Sonic said
"You needn't hesitate. you defeated me in battle, fairly and honorably. The Integrity Knight, Deusolbert Synthesis Seven."
"Deusolvert? THAT's who you are?" Eugeo said
"Eugeo?"
"What are you doing?" Sonic said
"We battled honorably? You want us to kill you here? You chained an eleven-year-old girl to you're a dragon and flew off with her! What the HELL gives you the right you ask for mercy?!"
Eugeo raises his sword to finish off Deusolbert but Kirito and Sonic stop him. Eugeo looks as both nodded with disapproval looks on their faces.
"Why did you two stop me?"
"You must never raise your sword against someone who isn't going to fight back." Kirito said
"Think before that." Sonic said
"But... but he's the one who... He's the one who took Alice from me..."
"She steals your most precious memories, then replaces them with unwavering loyalty to make you into her Integrity Knights. After she freezes you, she'll play with your memories again while you're out. And I'd put money on her trashing this entire conversation too."
"Inconceivable. The great Ptifez... has me under such a spell?"
"It's true, though. there should be traces of your past left in you too. No spell can get rid of every trace of your most precious memories."
"I have had a recurring dream... ever since I was summoned to the human realm... A hand with a silver ring,s shaking me awake. But when I arise, no one is there."
"And you won't remember anything else, since she stole your memories of them. What you do from here is your choice. You can return and accept your punishment, rest and come after us again, or..."
"..."
"How are you feeling, Eugeo?"
"..."
"Let's us go then."
"Yeah."
"Seems good to me." Sonic said
*Later*
After the fight against Deuosolbert, the three were walking up the Cathedral with the stairs that reach far up in the top. As they were walking, minding their own business. Kirito suddenly stops, turns, and looks at Eugeo and Sonic.
"Someone's approaching."
The three look up and notice two little girls watching them. The two little girls hid once they were found out. They came out of hiding soon after.
"L-Little girls? Who are you two?" Eugeo said
"What they are doing here alone?" Sonic said
"I, um... I'm a run-in-training at the Axiom Church. My name is Fizel. And she is also training to be a nun..."
"L-Linel..."
"Are you by any chance... the invaders from the Dark Territory?" Fizel asks
"Huh?"
"Who are you calling invaders?" Sonic said
"I... I like to believe I'm human, but I guess the invaders part is true, at least." Eugeo said
"Oh come on. Look at them, Nel. They're just humans! Not even horns or tails." Fizel said
"A-All I said was I read that in a book. You just jumped to conclusions, Zel. W-What about that golden armor person there. He seems different from these two. Look, he has spiky hair, animal shape ears, and a tail!" Linel said
"Although that may be correct. It isn't attacking us right now. If it was, we would've just ended it already. Just who are you underneath that armor, anyway? Care to tell us?" Fizel said
"I-I'm just an average hedge- Uh I mean person here just exploring the Cathedral to see the wonders of the Cathedral. That's all." Sonic said
"I see." Fizel said
"Hey... Aren't you guys going to get in trouble for talking to us?" Eugeo said
"All the monks, nuns, and apprentices were ordered to stay in their rooms. Which means we can g looking for the intruders without getting in trouble." Fizel said
"I-I see..."
"But if you're not monsters from the Dark Territory... What made you decide to infiltrate Central Carthedral?"
"W-Well... A long time ago, a friend of mine was captured, and I'm here to take her back." Eugeo said
"Oh. That's boring."
"B-boring?"
"There are records of people coming here in search of captive family and friends. It doesn't happen often, though, and you're the first ones to get this far."
"You broke your spiritual chains, escaped the dungeon, and defeated two knights, so we were expecting a monster at least, or maybe even a real Dark Knight. We never would have guess you were humans and an animal that's able to act human." Linel said
"Are you done?"
"Yeah, I'm done. Then can we get your names before we say goodbye?"
"I'm Eugeo, and the two behind me are Kirto and Sonic."
"Is that so? Do you not have family names?"
"N-No. We're from out on the frontier. What about you?"
"Oh yes, we have full names. Mie is Linel Synthesis Twenty-Eight."
All of a sudden, Linel stabs Eugeo in the stomach.
"Eug-!"
Moments later, Fizel stabs Kirito in the stomach as well.
"Kirito! Eugeo!" Sonic shouted
"And mine is Fizel Synthesis Twenty-Nine."
"You were... Integrity..."
"Oh, don't be so afraid, Eugeo." Linel said
Moments later, Kirito and Eugeo both fall down to the ground, unconscious. Sonic runs up to them to help them get back up.
"It only paralysis you. You'll have it wait for the 50th floor to die." Linel said
"You monsters. Why would you do that to both of them?" Sonic angry
"Don't be a crybaby, be happy that we are only sparring you. Your just a complete waste of time." Fizel said
"These are just little girls... I can't take this to extreme levels..." Sonic thought
"You'll pay for this." Sonic taking out his sword
"Calm down, you can come with us as well. What else do you want from us?" Linel said
"(Sigh) I'll follow you two. But make a wrong move. I won't hesitate to back down with a fight." Sonic said
"Whatever you say then." Fizel said
"That was just as easy as we thought, Zel." Linel said
"Pice of cake. Now let's take them in and get our dragons and Divine Objects." Fizel said
"The Administrator will surely acknowledge us as full knights after this."
"She has to. We caught them before any of the other knights."
"So sorry about the poison, boys. We just wanted to bring you to the 50th floor alive, if possible."
"What's the point in talking to them? They'll die soon anyway."
"I'm just killing time. Oh, and don't be scared. We are very, very skilled at killing. It won't hurt one bit."
"We're almost there. I can't wait to see the look on the vice-commander's face when we kill them."
Hearing the two talk made Sonic's body boil in anger but doesn't want to take things far.
*50F- Great Hall of Ghostly Light*
"That's Vie-commander Fanatio Synthesis Two. The senators musty be in a real panic to send Fanatio down herself. Or maybe it's Fanatio who's panicking. She's scared the Osmanthus might take her place as vice-commander." Linel said
"Seriously, why do you all have Synthesis as your last name. It's not your real name, your being controlled! Hear me, controlled!" Sonic said
"What was that?" Fizel said
"We couldn't hear anything." Linel said
"What, might I ask, are two children doing up this honorable knights' battlefield?" Fanatio said
"Ahaha, you're pathetic! This is why two knights have lost already. You're so obsessed with Bank and honor. But don't worry, that's all over now. We captured the intruders, so you don't have to humiliate yourself any further!" Fizel said
"These kids take bullying to the next level." Sonic thought
"Keep your eyes peeled. You're going to have to report this to the Pontifex! I trust you won't take credit for our hard work, you oh so honorable knight."
Sonic notices Kirito grab his sword slowly , standing up and slashing Fizel and Linel
"How..."
"I... can't move..."
Fizel and Linel fall to the ground.
"Kirito!" Sonic shouted
Kirito looks at Sonic and smiles.
"Swordsmen Kriito, Eugeo, and Sonic! My sincerest apologies for entering on my feet! And I pray you will allow me an additional moment to clear our names first! After which I would humbly seek the honor of crossing swords with you!" Kirito said
"i am the second-in-command Integrity Knight, Fanatio Synthesis Two! heretic, if you have anything you wish to say, do so while my heaven-Pivering blade sits in her scabbard, as she knows no pity!" Fanatio said
"You must be wondering how I can move. You slipped up. You said the monks and nun s were ordered to stay in their rooms. No one in here would disobey an order, though. And that meant you couldn't be nuns-in-training. Next, your scabbard. They're made of ruby oak from the south, the only material that doesn't corrode when exposed to Ruberyl's poishned steel. Now, why would nuns-in-training have ruby oak and poisoned steel? They wouldn't. So I started chanting a poison-dispelling art before you approached. Strength comes from more than the speed of your blade. In short, you're idiots. Dumb enough to get yourselves needlessly killed. But I won't be killing you. No, we're going to make you watch just how strong the knights you mock truly are. Come on Sonic." Kirito said
Sonic walks beside Kirito and takes out his sword from its scabbard.
"The paralysis will wear off in a few minutes. Once your can moe your mouth, start your Perfect Weapon Control incantation. Keep quiet so no one catches on, and wait for our signal to activate it." Kirito said
Kirito takes out his sword from its scabbard.
"Sorry for the wait, Sir Fanatio! Kirito and Sonic, ready for battle!"
"Show us what you got." Sonic said
"Show me your strength, heretic."
Fanatio takes out her sword from its scabbard.
"For I, Integrity Knight Fanatio Synthesis Two, will certainly not be holding back!"
"Just what I like." Sonic said
Moments later, Kirito and Sonic charge at Fanatio. Kirito charges up his sword and unleashes a powerful slash at Fanatio. Fanatio blocks the attack with no problem and counters back with a sword attack. Kirito blocks the attack as well but was pushed back from the force of the attack. After Kirito was push back, Sonic jumps spins around, and slashes Fanatio. Fanatio, slashes as well as both were clashing swords together as sparks from their swords ignited between their swords. Sonic charges up his sword as he uses his strength to push back Fanatio little by little. Moments later, Fanatio charges up her sword as well as they begin slashing each other over and over, clashing their swords over and over. The shockwave from their attacks causes the room to shake violently as the two were throwing powerful attacks at one another. Kirito, takes notice of the ongoing attacks decides to charge in while charging his sword and performs a powerful 3-hit sword attack at Fanatio. However, one of the other Knights stops Kirito and blocks his attack from hitting Fanatio. Kirito jumps away from the Knight as he charges once again at the Knight and attacks the Integrity Knight with slashes over and over again. The Integrity Knight continues to block Kirito's attacks until the Knight took the opportunity to counter and begins to charge up their sword. Kirito charges up his sword as well as they both clang swords together, causing a massive shockwave. After several moments of clanging their words together, Fanatio and Sonic jump away from each other as the two stared at each other. Fanatio begins to charge up her and aims it at Sonic. Sonic watches as he doesn't do anything but watch Fanatio charge her sword. Seconds later, Fanatio begins firing white beams at Sonic very fast. Sonic begins running towards Fanatio while sliding under, jumping, and sidestepping past the beams that Fanatio kept firing at him. Once Sonic was close enough to Fanatio, he charges up Excalibur once again and performs a Vertical Square attack on Fanatio. First, with a vertical slash from an overhead position and with a little bit of back motion. Soon followed by two upward verticals slashes. Soon after, Sonic releases a powerful downward slash from an overhead position. Fanatio took some damage from Sonic's attack as scratch marks appeared on Fanatio's armor. Soon after, Fanatio jumps away from Sonic and aims her sword at Sonic once again. Kirito runs beside Sonic as the two notice Fanatio prepares to attack.
"Enhance..."
"Hyaaaaah!"
"Hyaaaah!"
Fanatio continues firing beams as the two charge at Fanatio. The beams hit Kirito in the arm and rips some of the clothes of Kirito's arm.
"Wh-!"
Kirito and Sonic both slash at Fanatio but manages to jump away from the attacks. Soon after, Fanatio continues firing beams at the two as they spread out and dodge the beams.
"I haven't had this much fun in fight before." Sonic said
"A Divine Object that fires rays of light?!"
"Heretic, fall to your knees before the light of my Heaven Piercing Blade!"
Fanatio charges at Kirito and was about to finish him off but Sonic gets in front of Kirito and blocks Fanatio's attack and pushing her back. Soon after, Sonic slashes Fanatio but backflips away from the attack.
"You are skilled warriors, but no match for the Scared Power of my blade! Repent your sins and pledge yourself to the three goddesses while you still can. Farewell, young, foolish heretics."
Fanatio aims her sword at the two as she releases a powerful giant beam of light at both Kirito and Sonic.
"Now!"
"Discharge!"
Kirito summons a giant glass wall as the light beam hits it and stops from hitting Kirito. Sonic gets in front of Kirito and pushes the light beam away from the glass wall with Excalibur. The beam was then heading towards Fanatio very quickly. She didn't have much time to dodge and the beam hits her. Seconds later, the helmet fell off of her and rolls behind her.
"How's that for a quick time event?" Sonic said
"To be honest, Sonic. That's one of the most powerful swords I ever seen." Kirito said
"You saw me didn't you, heretics." Fanatio said
Kirito and Sonic look and notices the helmet was off Fanatio and her real face was showing.
"Well, that's a surprise."
"Another swordswoman. And a tougher one." Sonic thought
"You two are just like everyone else. The second you discover I'm a woman, you refuse to fight me on equal footing. I am not human. I am an Integrity Knight summoned from the Heavens above. Yet you damned men always look down on me for being a woman! Even the general of the Dark Knights, the very personification of evil!" Fanatio said
"What are you talking about? Why would I look down at others just because of how they look? We're all
"Just so we're clear, our surprise was at how limp you went when your helmet came off. You hide your face, hide your skills. You're the one ashamed of who you are! Look at Sonic, he's way different than both of us but isn't afraid to show it." Kirito said
"He's right, watch, I'll show you my identity to you," Sonic said
Sonic drops Excalibur as he grabs his helmet and removes it off him to reveal himself to Fanatio. Fanatio watches as she realizes that Sonic is an animal and not a human at all.
"I hate when others think down of themselves just because of how they look. You don't have to hide anything. I want people to be free and express themselves to the world. Not hide and be ashamed of themselves." Sonic said
"S-Silence, heretics! I shall you those smirks right of your face!"
"That's more like it." Kirito said
"Show us your true self." Sonic tossing his helmet behind him and grabbing his sword
"We have been felled by enough women in battle that we have no intention of holding back!"
Sonic, now helmetless, charges at Fanatio and begins to attack her with powerful slashes. Fanatio blocks Sonic's attacks as he continues attacking her. Kirito charges up his sword as he performs a Sonic Leap attack on her. Fanatio backflips away from Kirito and Sonic's attacks she charges her sword and begins firing beams at them. The two split apart as the two were dodging the beam attacks. Sonic uses his boost kill to run fast towards Fanatio. Fanatio attempts to stop Sonic but Sonic was faster and performs a fast 10 hit combo at Fanatio. Fanatio began taking a ton of damage from the attack. Soon after, Sonic roundhouse kicks Fanatio away from him as Kirito charges at Fanatio soon after. Kirito charges his sword as he lesps towards Fanatio and unleashes a power sword attack on Fanatio, sending her back once more.
"You are indeed unlike any other men have faced. I must defeat you, though, even if it costs my honor as a knight! You have every right to mock me for the shameful display that is my victory."
The three charge at each other as they clang swords together and soon after begin clashing swords over and over very fast.
"Hidden Light of the Hevan-Piercing Blade cast off your shackles! Release Recollection!"
Fanatio aims her sword up in the air as it begins to glow and projectiles begin in every direction and shaking the whole room. Kirito and Sonic notice that the projectiles were beginning to damage Fanatio's armor.
"What the hell are you doing?! You're going to hit yourself with it!"
"Stop what your doing!" Sonic shouted
Behind them, Eugeo begins to get up from the floor and eventually stands on both feet.
"Enhance... Arament!"
Eugeo slams his sword on the floor as a wall of ice begins heading towards Fanatio. Kirito and Sonic both jump away from the wall of ice that was heading towards Fanatio.
"Bloom, blur roses!"
Moments later, Fanatio was stuck inside the ice while roses with thorns tangled around the ice.
"Great timing. Eugeo. You really saved our butts." Kirito said
"We owe you one." Sonic putting his helmet back on
"Stay there, Kirito. I'll heal you." Eugeo said
"No, don't undo the art! We haven't defeated her yet."
"Huh? But she's..."
Kirito and Sonic aim their swords at Fanatio
"System... Call!"
"Excalibur!"
"Ngh... rrh... Phew..."
Fanatio break's free from the ice she was stuck in.
"She broke through... with her hand? Is she even human? Dammit! No one... Not ONE of you goddamn knights has a shred of good in you! Just STOP!"
"You'll never defeat her with hatred, Eugeo."
"It'll hurt you instead." Sonic said
"Wha..."
"You didn't come all this way because you hate the Integrity Knights, did you? No, you did it to get Alice back. To see her again. Because you love her. And your love is in no way inferior to Fanatio's righteous mission. I want to protect the people of this world. You, Sonic, Alice, and even her. And to do that, we need to win this fight! Isn't that right, Eugeo?"
"O light!"
Fanatio fires a powerful ray of light towards the three to finish the fight. Kirito and Sonic begin to charge up their swords.
"Enhance Arament!"
"It's now or never Excalibur!"
Moments later, the two fire beams at the light beam that was heading toward them. The beams collided with each other as they begin trying to push each other back. Fanatio, Kirito, and Sonic use their strengths to push away the beams. Eventually, the ray of the light beam couldn't stop the dark purple and yellow beam as they destroyed it and both attack Fanatio at the same time. Soon after, the beams exploded as it shook the room violently. Once everything settled down, Kirito slowly falls to the ground out cold.
"Kirito!" Eugeo shouted
"Hang in there, pal!" Sonic shouted
"System Call: Generate Lumious Element! "
Eugeo beings to heal Kirito. Moments later, Kirito slowly opens his eyes as Sonic helps him to get up from the ground.
"Sorry, Kirito... I know I'm the one who should be out there fighting, but..."
"Don't worry about it. We've all got out roles to play. Thanks, Eugeo."
"Please don't overdo it. You've probably got internal wounds that weren't healed." Eugeo said
"I'll be fine. The goblins got me worse than this. I'm more concerned about her. And how are you feeling Sonic?" Kirito said
"I'm feeling alright. It's just that I'm shocked Excalibur was able to fire such a beam right now. I never seen it done that before. However, as you said, I'm more worried about Fanatio." Sonic said
"It may be the beginning to unlocking its full potential. Just give it more time to prepare for when the time is right." Kirito said
"Kirito... she tried to kill you two." Eugeo said
"In her eyes, she was a force of absolute good, and in years, she was absolute evil. But the truth is, we're all humans. Good and evil isn't for us to decide." Kirito said
Kirito and Sonic walk toward's Fanatio who was laying on the ground bleeding.
"System Call: Generate Lumious Element."
Sonic put's his hand on Fanatio's stomach as his hand begins to glow and heals her.
"It's no use. She's lost too much blood." Eugeo said
"I know there are more of you out there! Someone come help your companion! I'm begging you! If you're watching, come save her life! Oh, I know! Cardinal! Are you listening, Cardinal?!"
"No, you can't! She said she doesn't have any extras! That's for our battle with the Administrator!"
"I know that... But if I use this, I can save her. No life is more important than another's. I have a way to save her, so I will."
Moments later, Kirito stab's Fanatio with the Dagger Cardinal gave him.
"You never stop causing trouble, do you?" Cardinal said
"Is that you, Cardinal?!"
"Do not ask questions to which you know the answer. We haven't the time."
"I'm sorry, Cardinal..."
"DO not apologize. I suspected this would happen from the progression of your fight. I shall take it on myself to heal Fanatio Synthesis Two's wounds. It will take some time to complete though, so I must take her with me."
Moments later, Fanatio disappears in front of the three.
"Given the situation, it would appear the Administrator is not in a waking state. If you reach the highest level before she wakes, you can erase her without a dagger. Hurry. Only a few Integrity Knights remain."
"Sorry for losing my cool like that, Eugeo." Kirito apologizing
"You don't need to apologize. I was just a little surprised, that's all." Eugeo said
"Come on you two. Let us continue going up this building." Sonic said
"Yeah."
"Alright. Let's get back on the road. To the top floor!"
"Yeah."
"Th-There aren't any staris..." Eugeo said
"That's great. Very fantastic from the people who made this building." Sonic said
"How do the people even get up to the floors above floor 51?
"Good question."
"Hey, something's coming."
"Huh?"
Moments later, an elevator lands right in front of them.
"Apologies for the delay. Which floor?" The girl said
"Which floor? You mean you'll take us to the floors above this one?" Eugeo said
"That is correct. Please tell me which floor you'd like to visit."
"Uh... I'm not sure your understand..."
"We're actually intruders here, Can we really ride your elev... wee, platform?" Kirito said
"My only job is to operate this platform. I have received no other orders."
"If you say so. Let's take a ride, then." Kirito said
"Come on, let's get this over with." Sonic said
"W-Wait up! Are you sure this is safe?"
"If you've got any better ideas, I'm all ears." Kirito said
"I... fuess I don't, but..."
"Um, please take us to the highest floor you can." Kirito said
"Understood. Ascending to the 80th floor: Cloudtop Graden."
"A garden? Oh right! I can rest there before the main event." Sonic said
"Please keep your arms and legs inside the platform at all times. System Call: Generate Aerial Element. Burst Element."
"Interesting! So that's how it works. So... what's your name?"
"My name? I've... forgotten. Everyone simply calls me "Operator." Operator... That is my name."
"So, um, we're planning to defeat the leader of the Axiom Church..."
"I see."
"We have arrived. This is the 80th Floor: Cloudtop garden."
"Thank you."
Later...
"Poor girl. Being controlled and stuck doing a job isn't right." Sonic said
"In terms of Callings with no end in sight, I thought I had it the worst. At least I could have retired when I got too old to sing an axe. But her..." Eugeo said
"Even if you halt the decrease of Life, you can't stop the deterioration of soul. Cardinal said they'll eventually lose their memories and break down. The Axiom Church is wrong. That's why we're here to defeat the Administrator. But it won't end there, Eugeo. The real struggle comes after that..." Kirito said
"Huh? Can't we leave things to Cardinal after we defeat the Administrator? Kirito?"
"We'll ta;k about it after we get Alice back. No time to worry about it now."
"I suppose..."
*Central Cathedral - Cloudtop Garden*
The three enter the room where it was green and calm. They look around for any movement but nothing.
"This is really nice. However, I do prefer to rest where a roof is not blocking the beautiful sky." Sonic said
"Ah... Ah... Alice..."
"Please wait. It's such a nice day. I'd like to let her soak up some Solus." Alice said
"Well, there's something I can agree with you," Sonic said
"Don't fight here, Eugeo. Concentrate only on finding a chance to use Cardinal's dagger. Sonic and I will do whatever it takes to stop her attacks." Kirito said
But..."
"I won't dodge: I'll stop after her first move. Use the dagger then. Got it?"
"So you've finally made it all the way up here," Alice said
"I know, it was a shocker for me as well," Sonic said
"I thought that even if you show how managed to escape your cells... Eldrie should have been able to stop you where I left him in the rose garden. But you struck him down, and even Deusolbert with his Divine Object. You even bested Faantio, and here you are now in the Cloudtop Garden. Just what is it that gives you such power? And why do you wish to destroy the peace of the human realm? Each time you harm ab Integrity Knight... you hurt our chances against the growing forces of darkness. Can't you see?"
"...Go..." Sonic whispers
Moments later, Kirito, Sonic, and Eugeo begin to run towards Alice.
"I suppose the only way to teach you is by the sword. So I will oblige you."
Alice put's her palm on the tree beside her as it transforms into a golden sword.
"Huh?!"
"Oh no... That sword is already in Perfect Weapon Control form!" Kirito said
"Heh, like that thing can scare me. I have my sword here ready as well." SOnic charging at Alice
Kirito and Eugeo follow behind Sonic. Alice begins charging up her sword and fires beams of flowers to the three. Kirito and Eugeo both get hit from the attack as both get knockback and fall to the ground. Sonic jumps and cuts the beam of flowers in half as he continues running towards Alice. Alice charges at Sonic and slashes Sonic but Sonic blocks Alice's attack. Both charge up their swords as they begin clashing their swords over and over. Kirito and Eugeo watch as both Alice and Sonic were fighting each other. Alice spins and slashes Sonic but Sonic knocks her back with a swing of his sword. Moments later, the two clang swords as sparks flew out and two attempted to lose one another balance.
"That sword you wield. The armor you are wearing. The will to fight an Integrity Knight without second thought. Do you mock me? Who are you? Did you come from the dark territory?" Alice said
"Names Sonic. Sonic The Hedgehog. I'm just a hedgehog who protects the innocent from evil and exploring the world. That should be enough for accusing me to be from the Darkness.
"Very well, Sonic... The Hedgheog. That attack was merely a warning, but this time I will take away all your Life. Come at me with all your strength, for the sake of the Integrity Knights you've already defeated." Alice said
"Just to let you know. Killing isn't one of my objectives. So all of your partners are alive and well." Sonic said
Seconds later, Alice and Sonic jump away from each other as the two disappear and begin to attack each other all over the Garden. Kirito and Eugeo watch as after images of Alice and Sonic appeared all over the Garden. The two were running at top speed while attacking each other. Several moments later, Alice and Sonic reappeared as the two were clanging swords at each other once again. Soon after, they begin clashing swords at each other over and over till Sonic slashes Alice, sending her back away from him. As Alice was pushed back, she notices Kirito heading towards her while charging his sword. Alice charges at Kirito as the two begin attacking each other. Kirito using his strength to land at least one hit on Alice but Alice blocks Kirito's attacks with no problem. Alice knocks Kirito back as she charges soon after and slashes him across, making a cut on his outfit. Kirito charges his sword and performs a Sonic Leap attack on Alice. Alice, run's behind Kirito super fast and attacks him. Kirito jumps over Alice, lands behind her, and continues to attack Alice. Alice quickly turns around as the two continue to clash swords at one another. Sonic charges at Alice and performs a sword spin attack towards her. Alice looks behind her and jumps away from the attack. Sonic slams her sword on the ground as the ground around him exploded, leaving a crater around him. Alice charges back at Kirito and Sonic as the two charge at her as well. The three continue to slash swords. As they were clashing swords, Eugeo began charging up his Blue Rose Sword and slams it on the ground.
"Enhance Aramanet!"
A wall of ice headed towards Alice. Moments later, she was stuck inside the ice and couldn't move.
"Kirito... Alice, I'm so sorry!"
Seconds later, Alice charges up her sword as her sword burst and destroys the ice around her.
"Do you three not wish to win this match? A splendid show, but mere ice is not enough to stop my flowers. I'll light with you next, so be a good boy and wait quietly for now." Alice said
Alice turns around to see Kirito and Sonic charging at her. Alice slashes as she blocks Kirito and Sonic's oncoming attacks.
"Enhance Armament!"
"Excalibur!"
Both Kirito and Sonic's swords begin to burst as the two charge at Alice. Alice's sword begins to glow with flowers as she charges at the two as well. Seocnds later, the three clash swords together as a shockwave shook the room violently.
"Eugeooo!"
Eugeo charges Alice to finish the fight. However, the wall next to Alice, Kirito, and Sonic begins to crack. Seconds later, the wall breaks as Kirito, Sonic, and Alice were sucked out of the building and falling down the Cathedral. Eugeo looks as the three were nowhere in sight. Moments later, the wall begins to rebuild itself back to normal.
"Aaahhh! Kiritooo! Sonicccc! Aliice!" Eugeo cried out
*Outside*
Outside the Cathedral, Kirito had his sword slammed into the wall of the Cathedral while holding Alice to prevent them from plummeting to their deaths. Sonic also slammed his sword on the wall right next to Kirito.
"Beautiful sunset." Sonic said
"Ugh..."
"I won't last much longer... If my hand slips from the sword, we're finished." We were lucky the blades stuck into the Cathedral wall, but for how long?"
"ENough. Let go of me! I don't intend to live a life of shame, recused by criminals like you!" Alice said
"Idiot! An Integrity Knight should realize that dying here won't solve anything!" Kirito said
"Wha... How DARE you insult me! Rescind your words, criminal!"
"Can it! I called you an idiot' 'cause you're acting like one, you IDIOT! Now listen! If you fall and die here, Eugeo will reach the Great Pontifex! Isn't it your job to stop him?! As an integrity Knight, you should be separate to survive this!"
"You have a point. But... why don't you just let go?!"
"Eugeo, Sonic, and I didn't climb the Cathedral to destroy the Axiom Church. And we can't let its strongest knight die. The world needs your strength." Kirito said
"You're one of the keys of this world, Alice." Sonic said
"Then why have you been fighting? Spilling blood is the gravest taboo!"
"Because the Church and the Taboo Index are wrong. You see it too, don't you? Should innocent girls like Ronie and Tiese be treated that way... simply because it's not strictly forbidden in the Taboo Index?! Do you believe that?! Answer me, Integrity Knight!"
"What is wrong with all of you if you think that is fair treatment and should not have consequences!?" Sonic said
"A crime is a crime... and the law is absolute. If people arbitrarily decide otherwise, then how can we possibly keep order?" Alice said
"And who decided that the Administrator, who wrote your laws, was correct? Eugeo, Sonic, and I have come all this way to make this, all of this, crystal clear! We'll defeat the Administrator to prove she's wrong. And for the same reason... I can't let you die here! Uwaaaah!"
"Outside the Cathedral walls, we decided to cooperate to climb up the tower. Alice said we could enter the Morning Star Lookout with no walls on the 95th floor. We chained ourselves together and generated pitons to climb the wall. But on the way, some winged gargoyle creatures took off flying and attacked us. I used out chains to get us up to the terrace above so there was room to fight. After defeating the gargoyles, we took a short rest."
"We somehow managed to defeat them." Alice said
"It wasn't really that bad. And we get a better look of this beautiful sky." Sonic said
"Yeah. It sure was hard to move around in such close quarters, though."
"Better than that narrow ledge."
"We'll have to use it to keep climbing, though."
"...I am aware. You were so incredibly reckless, flinging me upwards like that... I thought my heart would stop."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. But y'know, you keep surprising me." Kirito said
"How so?"
"You're so strong... I didn't expect you to be scared of a narrow terrace."
"It's true that I behaved shamefully, but keep talking and our truce is over." Alice said
"Ahaha, sorry!"
"More importantly..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"You got some of that minion on you. Wipe it off before it makes you sick."
"You mean I can borrow that handkerchie- I mean, this cloth?"
"You're not carrying one yourself, are you? Just wash it before you return it." Alice said
"Thanks, Alice. So those gargo- I mean, stone things are called minions, you said?"
"Yes, but I don't understand what there were doing." Alice said
"You mean they were here?"
"They're evil monsters, created by users of the Dark Arts in the Dark Territory."
"Minion... That means "pawn" or "subordinate." But..."
"So why are monsters from the Dark Territory lined up on the Cathedral?" Kirito said
"Got any answers to that? I mean surely you all in this building would at least know something." Sonic said
"That's precisely what I'd like to know! They absolutely should NOT be here. There's no way they could have flown here from the Mountain without being seen"
"...Or been placed here by someone high up within the Church?"
"I'm really intrigued by your fighting styles."
"Pardon me?" Sonic said
"Oh? Why's that?"
"You use strange skills. You could gather quite the crowd at a summer fair."
"Uh, thanks! Wait... have you seen the Centoria summer fair? It's really fair for commoners. Even am, long students, most nobles don't attend." Kirito said
"Don't compare m,e to those haughty nobles. Of courses, I've... seen... No... I've only heard about that fair from one of my instructors. Integrity Knights are forbidden to interact with citizens except for work." Alice said
"Man, the more I hear stuff about the stuff you Knights go threw. The more I want to help set you all free." Sonic said
"At any rate, let's wait until the moon rises, so we can generate more wedges." Alice said
"Yeah, we'll need Sacred Power from the atmosphere to generate that steel element."
"And so we decided to stay here through the evening until nightfall. I wonder what Eugeo's up to right now... In the two years since we met, we've never been separated like this before. I took his presence for granted, but now that he's not here, I feel uneasy. If I can solve the problems her and bring his fluctlight to the Real World... I'll introduce him to Asuna and the others as my friend and first pupil. I really can't wait for that moment..."
"What are you grinning about?" Alice asks
"Oh, nothing... I was just thinking about the future..."
"If that makes you smile, you're either very optimistic or very foolish. We haven't even made it off this wall yet."
"We can start climbing again once the moon comes out. As long as we can make these pitons... err, wedges, it's not too hard." Kirito said
"You sound awfully proud, but anyone with Sacred Power can make a metal wedge. The most important tool for our climb is this chain linking us together."
"Y-Yeah, I know. I told you I'm grateful for you gauntlets and high-level Matter Transformation." Kirito said
"It's not Matter Transformation: it's Shape-Changing Arts."
"Either way, you Scared Arts saved us. No wonder your sister Selka's so proud- oops."
"Kirito!" Sonic shouted
"What... did you just say?"
"I said you... had a sister."
"I... have a sister?"
"I'll tell you everything. I don't know if you'll believe it, but it's the truth."
"Yes, tell me. But If I decide you're deceiving me, I'll kill you two on the spot." Alice said
"If that's your choice. Then I have no right to stopping you." Sonic said
"Go ahead. If that's what you really wish, of your own free will. And why would say a thing like that? You don't know it, ut your mind has orders implanted bt ssomoene else."
"Are you referring to my duties as an Integrity Knight?"
"Yes, exactly. Your first memories are likely of the Administrator... telling you that you're a divine knight, summoned form the Heavnes. Right?"
"That's because Integrity Knights' memories are sealed by Stacia when we come here. Once we defeat the Dark forces, I'll return to the land of the gods... where I'll remember my family... That's what the Pontifex told me..."
"Just one thing the Administrator said was true: your memories have been sealed. Not by Stacia... by the Pontofdex herself. And not memories of the heavens... but of your life here, where you were born and raised as a normal human child."
"It can't be! The Pontifex would never interfere with our memori-"
"But she has! After all, you have no memories of the criminals you transported!"
"C-Criminals?"
"Yes. You carried me and my other friend here from the academy. You remember, right?"
"How could I forget? It was the first-time I had to escort criminals."
"But Deusolbert Synthesis Seven didn't remember you from right years ago... The young Alice he himself dragged away from the northern village of Rulid."
"Rulid? That's where I'm from? And I was taken away as a criminal, by Deusolbert? So I must have broken a taboo... I that what you're saying?" Alice said
"Your real name is Alice Zugberg. You were born in Rulid, near the End Mountains. You're my friend's age, so 19. You were taken by the Church eight years ago, making you 11 at the time. You and Eugeo went exploring in a cave through the End Mountains. And you just barely crossed the border of the Dark Terriotry. The taboo you broke was "entering the Dark Territory." You didn't hurt anyone. In fact, you were only trying to rescue a dying Dark Knight..."
"Wait. Did EUgeo actually tell me that much detail about Alice's crime?"
"Alice Zuberg? That's my name? Rulid... The End Mountains... I don't remember..."
"Your father is the chief of Rulid, and his name is Gasfut Zuberg. I'm sorry I don't know your mother's name, but as I said before, you have a sister. her name is Selka, and even now she's training as a Sister in Rulid's Church. She's a good girl who loved her sister. She's always wondered about you..."
"Deeply misses her sister from the way she always reacted." Sonic said
"Selka... Selka... I don't remember her face or voice, but it feels like I've called that name before. My tongue, my lips... and m,y heart remember it."
"Alice..."
"Please..."
"I called it so many times. Every morning, every night... Selka... Selka... It's all true... I have a familiy. A father and mother and a sister, out in the world."
"Alice..."
"I'm sorry I lost my composure."
"Don't mention it. Are you feeling calmer now?" Kirito said
"Please tell use if you're alright." Sonic said
"I'm... still not sure I believe everything you said. But there are many things I want to ask you about this world and the Pontifex."
"Yeah, ditto."
"Kirito revealed the secrets, taking nearly half an hour."
"First... I'd like to ask you a favor." Alice said
"What is it?" Kirito said
"Anything for you." Sonic said
"Will you take me to see Rulid... before the real Alice takes over my body again? Then, from the shadows... even just for a moment... Show me Selka... my sister Selka, and my family. That's all I ask." Alice said
"Okay... We promise. I swear that I'll take you back to Rulid before you regain your memories."
"...You swear it. Alright. Then, in order to protect the human realm and the people within it... I, Alice SAynthesisi Thrity, do hereby renounce my role as an Integrity- Nnh... Aaahh!"
"What's wrong?!" Kirito said
"Alice, what's happening?!" Sonic said
"Nn... Aaaah... My right eye feels like it's on fire! And... I can see... words?!"
"Kirito... It's happening again!" Sonic said
"it's the same as with Eugeo... Alice! DOn't think about anything! Just let your mind go blank! It's some kind of mental barrier triggered when you try to disobey the Church. it hurts your right eye, and demands unconditional obedience... If you keep thinking this way, you'll lose your whole eye!"
"How could they... not only steal my memories, but control my thoughts too?! It's so cruel... Did the Pontifex brand these red letters... into my eye?"
"No... I don't think so. I think It was a "god" who doesn't exist in your Genesis. One of the ones who created this world and keeps watch from the outside." Kriito said
"A god... We Integrity Kngijtys have fought endlessly to protect this world and gods made... And yet they still don't trust us. They stole my sister from me, and now this seal demands my absolute obedience... I am not a plaything! Yes, perhaps I was created. But I have a will of my own! I want to protect this world and the people in it! That is my only mission!" Alice said while in pain
"Alice!"
"Please Alice." Sonic said
"Kirito... Sonic... Please, hold onto me."
Both look at each other and nod.
"Alright."
"Will help you." Sonic said
"Pontifex Administartor! And you nameless gods! To do what I must... I will fight you!"
Moments later, Alice's eye right exploded as blood spewed out everywhere.
*Central Cathedral- The Morning Star Lookout*
"NnH... Uunnh... Where... I... What? This chain... Kirito, did you actually carry me all the way up here? Oh, yuck, you're covered in sweat! It's on my clothes now too! Getaway!"
"First of all... It was Sonic who carried you all the way up here. I did carry you halfway but I got tired." Kirito said
"With my flight ability, I manage to bring you up here easily, it was actually easier then what Kirito was doing. So you're welcome." Sonic said
"Alice fainted after breaking the seal, so Sonic carried her to the 95th floor. And Kirito got them back in the tower at the Moring Star Lookout."
"Umm..."
"What is it, Alice?"
"I shouldn't have said what I said."
"What, telling me to get away right after waking up?
"I was just so shocked at how sweaty you were... And I've never been that close to someone. It startled me."
"Ahahah, perhaps you should attempt to thank Sonic the most, Lady Knight?" Kirito said
"A knight should never be grateful. And so I thank you and Sonic for your efforts... but mostly Sonic." Alice thanking the two
"Don't mention it, its always nice to help others out." Sonic said
"Anyway, how's your eye? Sorry, my Sacred Arts aren't good enough to heal it." Kirito said
"It's fine. You did enough first aid. I'll heal it with my own Sacred Arts later. There's not enough light element in the atmosphere for me to replace it now. I doubt it will be possible until Solus rises." Alice said
"Then we could exchange a high Priority item for Sacred Power... like that chain."
"The exchange itself requires Sacred Power. You should know that for the academy. it still hurt, and I can't see as well to my right, but... neither problem is so bad that I can't fight. I'll be alright for a while. Besides, I deserve the burden. This pain is proof of my decision to fight against the Church I once believed in."
"Got it. If we have to fight, will guard your right side."
"Will won't anyone damage your eye more," Sonic said
"By the way, it seems your friend Eugeo hasn't reached this floor yet." Alice said
"Huh? How do you know?"
"After we were thrown out of the Cathedral, this floor was the only way back in. That's perfectly obvious when you see the layout of this place. So if he'd arrived here first, he should have been waiting for you two here."
"I see. You're right..."
"Why don't we search for him just in case?"
"I guess so... System Call! Generate Umbral Element. Adhere Position. Object ID WLSS703. Discharge."
"I ran a search for the Blue Rose Sword. I guess it does help to memorize things."
"It's... below us."
"So it seems."
"Then let's hurry. Based on that search, it seems like Eugeo's pretty far down."
"We don't know who Eugeo might face next so we need to hurry." Sonic said
"I'll take the lead. I know the way well. Of course, we're just going downstairs." Alice said
"Oh, right, Alice. there's something I wanted to ask you."
"What's that?"
"I've heard that there are people called Senators high up in the Axiom Church. But even up this high, we haven't seen a single one. Can you explain why?" Kirito said
"Actually, even we Integrity Knights don't know everything about the Senators. We've heard that they work on floors 96 and above, but we can't go there." Alice said
"Not surprising at all." Sonic said
"Huh... What is the Senatros' job, anyway?"
"The Taboo Index They watch over all the people in the human realm to make sure they're obeying. And if anyone breaks a taboo, they send an Integrity Knight to deal with it. When I wne to the Centoria Swordcraft Academy two days ago to collect you three... it was because I was ordered to by a Senator." Alice said
"I see... So they're basically doing the Pontiofex's job for her. But the administrator is so cautious. Why would she give them so much power? Or has she restricted their memories as well, like the Integrity Knights?" Kirito said
"Stop talking about memories, I couldn't handle my left eye hurting now too." Alice said
"Oh, uh, sorry. But I think you'll be okay now. After Eugeo broke the seal for the first time, nothing else seemed to happen..."
"I hope you're right."
"Great, more minions!"
"How's your eye, Alice? I'll take it with you if you need rest." Kirito said
"Worry not about me. An eye is no handicap for a knight!"
"Got it, let's do this!"
"Let's have some fun." Sonic said
The three take out their swords as the Gargoyle Minon charges at them. Sonic throws Excalibur at the minion as it forms into a yellow tornado and begins slashing the minion many times and dealing tons of damage. Alice charges at the minion as she fires flowers at the minion, the minion roars in pain the flowers kept attacking it and dealing damage. Kirito jumps in front of the Gargoyle Minion as he charges up his sword and performs,s a 5-hit sword combo on the Minion. Soon after, Kirito slashes in a vertical direction and sends the Minion down towards the ground hard. Alice and Sonic both charge their swords up as they unleash powerful slashes at the Minion was knocked out cold on the ground. Soon after, the two chops off the minion's wings as the beast roars in pain and lays down dead on the ground. Soon after, it disappears in thin-air.
"It was rough, but we made it through. Eugeo sypuld be on a lower floor. Let's go."
"Indeed."
"Got it."
To Be Continue...