Chapter 2...

Ethan POV:

"Ophelia...?" I called her name, this made her look at me impassively.

"Can I ask, why do you go against fate?" she spoke in a monotonous voice, but I felt that if she showed emotion, it would have been filled with disgust. Curiosity was something in her old life, before she was tested on, like me.

"I want to escape, must escape."

"We must go down this path...we were chosen," again, if she showed emotion, it would have gone something along persuasion. I shook my head.

"We were chosen, but that doesn't mean we must follow it. I don't want my path to be decided for me."

"Do you not trust these people? They made you this powerful."

"Yes...they did, but I didn't want to be part of this, neither did you, until you became this Starpulse Generation. That's when you accepted it. You accepted the power. I took it in reluctantly, I don't want to be a pawn."

She clenched her hand and her maisma rippled and I brought up my shadows in response, she spoke, "It is not like I would be able to stop you," I relaxed, then tensed again. She sighed, "You have been training in combat since you were six. I, on the other hand, have only been an orphan my whole life."

"Uh-huh...?"

"Our powers negate each other, my maisma cannot affect you within your body, making my poison ineffective, and your shadows succumb to my maisa once it no longer creates contact with your body heat."

"Yeah, I tend to forget, my shadows hold more power the closer they are to my heart, easily-"

"repelling the poison, yes." I thought I saw a smile from the white-haired orphan, but I knew it was too good to be true. "So...if you get past my powers, you are easily at an advantage, you are skilled for a boy of eight." I nodded at her acknowledgement.

"Oh, but you also have to remember, I still can't get close," I walked up to her and stood a good three feet away, "At this range, you can easily wipe me out, as even my shadows can't repel your potent power at its source, if you focus it that is."

She smiled with no emotion, "Thank you for reminding me of that, I'll keep that in mind to use as my advantage."

"You should, Ophelia..." There was silence afterwards, so to break it, I asked lightly, "How did we get in this conversation?"

She thought, "It started with you wanting to escape."

I sighed as she didn't understand I was trying to joke around, she never did, as an orphan who never faced a sense of humor, and as a test subject, who had her mind altered to follow her fate. It was saddening to see the life of a child reduced to follow a path until her death,"...Never mind."

She tilted her head, "So you won't escape?"

"I will, I was talking about another thing."

"Now you are making no sense. No matter," she sat down, "It is strange that you seemed unaffected by their tests, in terms of your mindset."

I turned, facing her, "My goal is decided, and I won't give it up. I don't want to sound harsh, but if you found a goal in life, and chose to follow it, you wouldn't have been changed."

"My goal was to have all flowers bloom in the world, forever," she frowned in my direction, "Was that not enough?"

I sighed and patted her head, "I suppose it was not. That seems like such a peaceful goal."

"..."

"Ophelia, I promise, one day, I will tend to the flowers you loved to tend, in memory of your lost life."

"..." she looked up, expression seemingly sad, but she always looked that way.

"I wish you wouldn't follow the path, but I can't change your mind, I have a bad feeling though."

"Of what?" she showed genuine emotion, I was so surprised, actually curiosity, she was intrigued.

"That you may follow Ophelia's path in Hamlet."

"That old play..." she muttered, "Ethan, when you escape..."

"Yes?"

"I hope, one day, you can show me that leaving the path in front of you can lead you to a better life than being a 'pawn'. That going against fate will lead you to your desired life. Prove me wrong."

Slowly opening my eyes, I remembered the words I last said to her when I talked to her in person, before I escaped and for two more years, trained and trained with those that taught me my family technique, to be able to beat her, the tragic heroine. Don't doubt that I will, Ophelia. I groaned then got up, "So, was I kidnapped?" I felt my foot then flinched, "Ow...And I'm a Genestella too..." I jumped off the bed and hissed. I stood, using the nearby drawer for support. "Whose house is this?"

The room had the bed on the left center of the wall. There were also drawers on each side. Across the bed was the wardrobe and bathroom door, slightly open. Then to the right center of the wall was the door, I assumed outside to the rest of the house. Besides there is no way the window will lead to the house, I looked to the opposite end of the door, left of the bed. In front of the window was a desk that held a lamp and some papers. I stumbled over to the desk and looked at the papers, the name was in Kanji, reading:
シルヴィア・リューネハイム. I translated it to Sylvia Lyyneheym; I smiled.

Then the door opened and Sylvia came in, holding a tray with sandwiches and tea. She saw me and widened her eyes in surprise.

"Ethan!" She ran over and I helped her put the tray on the desk. "Don't get up, your foot isn't healed!"

I waved it off, "How did you find me?"

"Using the same way I did from before."

I nodded, "I need to hear you sing that soon. Twice you did, and twice I didn't get to hear your voice." I looked out the window, "So, is it still the same day? Or did I clock out for a year or so?"

"It's still the same day, it's just really late."

"Ah, did you guys get the assailants?"

She shook her head, "No..."

"Ugh, this is so embarrassing, Rank Three, and I get knocked out by a mysterious person shooting my leg."

"Nothing embarrassing about it." She led me to the bed and we both sat, each eating a sandwich.

"Sylvia..."

"Ah?"

"How taxing is your Strega ability? The one where you can find anyone."

"It depends on how much I narrow down the search."

"Hmm. You may need to get some rest then."

"No! No, I-" she yawned, "I'm fine..." I smirked.

"You definitely are. Just lay down and don't worry about me." I moved the blankets and covered her. I hesitated, then I patted her head. "Good night, Sylvia~"

"Hmm. Night."

I got up, and limped to the door outside, turned, grabbed a cup of tea, then went back out. I turned off the lights and closed the door and tediously moved towards her living room.

I took in the sight of the city at night, I gaped at the bright lights and cars driving on the roads. A screen appeared and I blinked at the incoming call. Tapping the "accept" button, I answered,

"Hello?"

[Ethan? Are you all right? Did Kasumi find you?] I faltered and then remembered Sylvia's false identity.

"Yeah," I laughed, "Let's not talk about that, it's pretty embarrassing, Ayato."

[Really?]

"Of course, also...do you mind not mentioning this to Claudia?"

[I won't, this may increase her worries]

"Cool, thanks."

I heard Julis on the other side

[Ethan, try to get some rest if we didn't find you, something must have gone wrong. I don't want you to push yourself too hard. If you're at Kasumi's house, sleep with her]

I blushed at the thought of sleeping with Sylvia and Julis seemed to realize

[I-I don't mean it like...you know, but just rest comfortably, and get rest is what I mean!]

I chuckled, "Yea, I guess. Thanks guys. Also, why are you two together? Are you doing something?"

Julis yelped.

[N-no! Nothing like that! I'm only sewing Ayato's clothes! They got a hit on him earlier today when we were chasing them!]

"Oh, I see. Well, uhm, I'll see you next time." They said their farewells and I walked over to the couch and laid there, my foot on a stool and my arm hanging off the side. "Not as comfortable as just sleeping in a bed...but it'll be worse than awkward asking Sylvia to sleep with her. I may even sound creepy. I put my left arm over my eyes and left my right arm hanging, and slowly, I fell asleep.

As I slept, Sylvia smiled slightly, hearing what I've said. She went back into her room, dug out a fluffy blanket, and carried it over to me. She tucked me in and giggled as I shifted, mumbling and curled up. She blushed as I called her name, then blinked as I mumbled, "Sylvia, do you like me? I don't want to like you if you don't return those feelings..."

She hugged my sleeping form, "I like you too, Ethan. Silly, you think I would hound on you for not calling me if I didn't have some feelings for you? I wouldn't ask for your number too if we were simply friends."

She stayed like that for a moment, then got up, went to bed, and fell asleep.

Next day:

I got up and rotated my foot, making it crack and I flinched at the sound. Luckily, most of the pain was gone. I got up and found Sylvia cooking. I walked up to her and said, "'Morning."

She smiled and when she finished, we sat down and she said, "Foot feeling better?"

I laughed and nodded as I took a bite of the muffin, "Man, these are great." Suddenly, I got a call. It was Claudia, "Huh?" Curious, I picked up and held a finger up to Sylvia. She nodded and I walked outside. "Hello?"

[Ah, Ethan. Are you well?]

"Yeah, pretty good here. My foot got better."

[I'm sorry to bother you, but do you think you can return to Seidoukan?]

I blinked and tapped the screen, "What for?"

[Simply school stuff, I'm not sure if I can handle it all, even if today is Sunday and all. I have Festa applications to hand out, and then I also need to find the attackers on Julis...]

I nodded absently, "Sure. I'll come. Give me a moment, need to thank Sylvie for taking care of me."

[Sylvia? I thought her name was Kasumi]

I flinched, realizing my mistake. There was nothing I could do to lie, so I simply told her the truth. Not like I could lie to Claudia, she could detect my lie and I'm not supposed to lie to her, "Well, I lied to Ayato and Julis. She's Sylvia Lyyneheym."

After I told Claudia, there was silence, then...

[Ah, the Rank One for Queenvail]

I waited, unsure of what to say or what Claudia will say next she smiled.

[You really set your bars up high for girlfriends~]

I yelped, "No! I didn't ask her! She asked me!"

She giggled, and put her finger to her mouth.

[She sure did~]

Blushing furiously, I ended the call. Walking inside, Sylvia looked up and I said, "Sylvie..."

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for your hospitality, but I have to go."

"Will I see you soon?" she looked worried.

I smiled, "Maybe, the Festas are coming up, and I'm thinking of joining. I'm going for a not-so-friend of mine as he is the only person who I think I can train and work with."

Sylvia nodded, then smiled, "Call me when you have the chance, I don't want to disturb you if you are training." She got up and spread her arms. I walked over and hugged her. "Good-bye for now."

"For now, Sylvie."

Seidouken Academy:

I sighed as I looked outside the window as I followed Claudia, but she stopped and I nearly bumped into her. I saw Yabuki and Ayato, Claudia asked, "Is something wrong, Ayato? You look troubled."

Yabuki answered, "The Princess just ran off, however, this morning, she was reading a letter from someone."

Claudia said, "That's not a good thing." This caused me to frown and before I could say anything, Ayato started and then Yabuki turned, both reaching the same conclusion before me.

"Don't tell me...that she's off to fight her assailants!" Yabuki exclaimed.

Ayato looked hurt, "But...why didn't she tell me anything? D-doesn't she trust me after all this time?"

Claudia giggled, "No. I believe it's the complete opposite. Remember, that girl does everything in her power to protect the most important things to her. If she did this, then she considers you to be one of those things."

Ayato muttered, "Protect...me? I understand." He sprinted, "I'm going after her!"

"AYATO!" Claudia cried, and threw Ser Veresta to him. He saw it and caught it midair.

"Thank you!" When he went around the corner, I turned to Claudia.

"Can I go too? I'll watch from the back, to ensure their safety." Claudia smiled and nodded, I started running after Ayato and then I heard a shout.

"No need to stay hidden! You can help them to your full power!"

I jumped out the open window and slowly fell down onto a roof. Landing, I rolled and started my way across the building. If I were to tell Julis to meet somewhere, where would I go?...Obviously to an abandoned area. Now...which one out of ten areas? I jumped over a gap between buildings with a 'hup' and then ran to the first area, an abandoned business building. Stopping, and breathing lightly, I shook my head and made my way to the next area, "Luckily...Luckily I can go counter-clockwise. Hup!"

I jumped down and landed in a crouch, then started over to the next one, silently running. The next area that was a potential place was a few blocks ahead. I slowed to a stop when I reached the end of the building. I couldn't jump because of the large street between each building. I 'tsked' and went to the side and leapt. I grabbed onto a window sill and then leapt to the next one. At about three meters high, I dropped and ran across the street, getting honks from drivers and yelling. Pedestrians looked at me curiously, but moved out of the way as they recognized me. Police stopped me, but I declined their assistance, assuring them I could handle the situation.

I was almost at the abandoned parking lot when I heard a screech. I froze and looked around, then saw fire flash from the abandoned parking lot. Ah, there. Hopefully that was Julis's. I ran and leapt up one floor. I saw Lester lying on the floor, disregarded. I felt his pulse and sighed, relieved as I felt quick beats. "What could have done this?" I heard a cry of pain and I flinched, That was Julis! I looked at Lester, then up above me, hesitating. I made the bad choice, praying Ayato came here quickly. I leapt down and ran to the police cruiser that sat on the curb. The officer widened his eyes, and I quickly said, "Take Lester MacPhail to the hospital, but do nothing more, please."

The officer nodded and I was gone in a flash, to help Julis. There was a small boom as I put energy into my jump, leaping to the third floor. I saw two people as I ran forward, one pink haired, and one dark haired. His figure and stance seemed familiar. I widened my eyes as I noticed a large human-like being holding a large axe. I pushed myself to the limit, to neutralize it, not noticing the figure at the other side. I jumped in front of Julis as the figure swung at the puppet. I breathed heavily as I turned, hearing an assuring sound of energy flying through the air and cutting metal.

"Ayato."

"Ethan."

Ayato quickly cut the two puppets holding Julis and kicked the upper half of the large figure, A puppet? Then I faced the coward in front of me while Ayato brought Julis up. "So, Silas Norman. You are the one behind all this." He shook angrily as he pointed.

"Why did you have to meddle in this matter? Student vice-president?"

I spread my arms, "I have to care for the students, you know. Can't let them kill each other." He growled as people crowded around me.

"You'll pay for this, I'll make you and Lester the masterminds behind the attacks! Your name will be poisoned for centuries for being a coward!" He cackled, "Now, say good-bye!" The people removed their hoods to reveal more puppets. Silas took a few paces back and watched.

"Funny," I activated Murasame, "How these puppets are so powerful. On par of a Rank Five of Page One?"

He laughed, "I would like to see you, 'Rank Three' fall below the weapons of my precious dolls! A basic sword? If a Lux can't cut through them, what can a simple sword do?"

I watched the puppets, "This is not a simple sword." One jumped at me and I cut, it landed and suddenly, it spasmed and then went still."

"WHAT?!" I inspected Murasame, then said calmly.

"It's coated with poison. Glad it can take a digital form as a virus, or at least, kills the prana link between you and these pieces of junk. But Murasame, I thought you weren't as deadly as before." I ran a finger along the flat of the blade, not willing to test cutting myself. Suddenly, a dark aura appeared, surrounding the blade and seemed to wave. I started and rolled as a puppet tried to cut my back. "OH! You can control the poison. You are the poison." It hardened into a deadly blade and I smirked, "I think I'm beginning to understand you some."

"If you are so sure, THEN FACE MY PUPPETS!" Silas cackled and snapped. I rolled under the arms of two puppets and chopped sideways, cutting both. After that, I was simply facing all of them. I smirked and parried one slash and decapitated it. I backed up and let three charge me, allowing me to disembowel them all, if you could even cut out the organs of a puppet. I looked around and saw nobody. Nodding, I jumped up through a hole.

"SILAASSS!" He turned and widened his eyes.

"You're still alive? Perfect!" I zoomed past him and went back-to-back with Ayato as puppets started jumping down. Silas cried, "Now...can you face one-hundred of my precious doll?!"

I sweatdropped as he laughed, "A bit too much cackling, don't you think?" Ayato smiled as Julis giggled.

"Yeah, what do we do?"

I frowned and watched the puppets stepped up behind Silas, "Split up, we handle our own halves."

"Okay," Ayato barely got the word out when we heard a snap. I took a large step to my right and Ayato dodged left. Two sets of puppets aimed at us and fired. I stopped on a dime and slashed at the puppet that smashed the ground ahead of me. As it convulsed on the floor, I vaulted over it, only to be shot on my thigh. I grunted and rolled behind a pillar.

"AYATO! I NEED COVER!" I yelled around the column and hid again as bullets hit it. Suddenly, I heard rushing and the puppets suddenly stop firing. I looked to see Ayato, somehow, had dealt with all the puppets. He was standing behind Silas, who turned and shouted in surprise. Julis also shouted, and I smirked as she blushed, saying she didn't want to hinder Ayato any further. Ayato looked at her and smiled, saying something, then face Silas.

Silas shouted, "This time, I'm going all-out! FACE MY MERCILESS ARMY!" Tens of puppets fell and as Silas faced Ayato, he snapped his fingers and they all targeted the couple. Ayato easily dodged their attacks and deflected others. I got up, grunting and then slowly made my way to the lanky man. However, the bullet that hit my thigh made the process slow and painful.

I stumbled multiple times and looked up when I heard Silas shout in anger, "YOU BASTARD! I'LL DEMOLISH YOU, I WILL LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND, NOT YOUR REMAINS, NOT EVEN A SINGLE BIT OF FLESH!" But he stared in disbelief as Ayato calmly dodged every attack that was launched at him and cut up every puppet available. "A-a sword that cannot be blocked, in any way possible..."

Ayato faced Silas, and Silas raised his hands, but felt a cold blade on his neck. My blade. I growled, "Give up. It's game over."

He muttered, "Y-you can still walk, even through that?" I slid the tip to over his heart and walked around him. Calmly, but the pain can be seen.

"Yes, I can, but it hurts like hell. No worries, it's simply a bullet in my leg. I've felt worse."

He stared, "W-worse?"

I pressed the tip of Murasame into his chest, but not allowing it to pierce the flesh. Then I realized something and saw the gleam in his eyes, he snapped his fingers and Julis shouted at me. I tried to jump back and fell down on my knees instead. Julis tried to jump down to help, but she cried out as the wound on her thigh flared. Ayato caught her, but then looked at the bulging ground under me hopelessly. Both he and Julis cried out my name as I flew up when the ground beneath my feet exploded. Silas cackled as he saw me fly out of sight. "Now that that bastard is gone, my queen only have the two of you to deal with."

Julis had tears in her eyes and Ayato glared. Once again, Silas snapped his fingers and the queen charged. But it was knocked sideways by a huge force and it crashed into multiple columns. They stared at the fading fist and looked for its origin, seeing someone walk to Julis and Ayato. Right beside them, I put my hands on my hips, "Did you just call me a bastard?"

Everyone stared at me as I pointed at Silas, "You are the bastard." Silas opened and closed his mouth like a fish and I laughed at the question he won't have the chance to ask. "In case you haven't forgotten, I've haven't gone past using my human limits."

I snapped my fingers and multiple figures appeared, "I have my own personal army..." then they all disappeared, "But I haven't seen anyone I've wanted to actually try with yet."

Ayato and Julis watched me, Julis asked, "You're a Dante?"

I bowed in reply, "It appears so, milady." I nodded at the queen that got up, "Ayato, do your thing." Ayato looked at the queen that jumped up and landed right in front of him. He leaped back along with me and he raised Ser Veresta.

"Amagiri Shinmeiryuu Style Intermediate Technique, Nine-Fang Longswords!" Ayato dismembered all four limbs, and made five different cuts on its chest, two of which disemboweled and finally decapitated it. As it flew back from the force, Silas ran and landed onto a destroyed puppet, which started levitating. Ayato looked up and said, "You sure won't give up..." He looked around for me, but I smiled as his efforts were hopeless. I jumped down the barrier and ran over to Claudia.

"How'd it go?"

I tapped my chin, "Lester was hurt...no, severely injured, but he's at the hospital right now. Julis got a cut on her thigh. I also got hurt, but I'm good. Had to reveal that I'm a Dante though."

Claudia sighed, "Shame, I was hoping you'd keep that hidden."

"Well, at least it would be easier than explaining why I am perfectly fine after they see me. And revealing...the testing."

She nodded and looked up as there was a loud scream. "You do have a point there." As Silas fell, she smiled, "Well, let's get this chase going."

I grinned wickedly, "My pleasure."

As we chased Silas, I heard a faint screaming and looked, seeing Ayato being restrained by something. I frowned, but then started following Claudia again.

Few hours later:

Claudia smacked aside the feeble attempt to kill her and she giggled, "My, my, do you really underestimate me. Or you are just ignorant of the powers these sweet children have?" Silas stared gaping, then smirked. Claudia and I whirled around and saw a puppet bringing down its weapon, too late for either of us to block the attempt, but not too late for me to protect my superior. And friend. I pushed her out of the way and raised my arm, making her scream my name. There was a clang and then a chop.

I heard the newcomer mutter, "Double Circular." Then in no time after, the puppet was destroyed. Claudia turned slowly and smiled. Silas stared, sweating furiously.

"W-why is this day going so horribly? F-first two bastards come to ruin my plan to kill Julis. Now some kid comes and saves the two of you?!" In reply, Claudia's eyes flashed and Pan-Dora gave out a wave of energy, making a large slash in Silas's chest. He fell to the floor gargling and blood pooled quickly under him.

"That was for nearly killing Ethan," Someone shifted in the shadows and gave a 'tsk'.

"My, don't tell me you simply killed him," I turned and saw a auburn-haired teen walk out in a green hoodie and Seidoukan uniform, arms crossed.

"Hello Yabuki," I said and he flashed me a smile.

Claudia answered him, giggling, "I didn't. He could still be of some use. But I'll leave that to the Shadow Stars to decide." The boy who saved my life gasped and walked up into the light. He was black-haired and more matching black shirt, pants, and coat. On his back held two scabbards, both holding two swords. It contained two swords well-known throughout the survivors of SAO, and here. Elucidator and Dark Repulser. The boy was Kirigaya Kazuto, known as Kirito within the SAO survivors.

"I didn't know a lazy kid like you was in the Shadow Stars!" Kirito exclaimed.

Yabuki shrugged and held up his hands, "Well, can't reveal too much of me, can I? Keep this a secret, Kirigaya Kazuto, or if you'd prefer...Kirito." Kirito flinched and nodded. Yabuki turned back to the motionless form of Silas. "So...I'm guessing that instead of using him as a bargaining chip by making this incident public, you'll make Allekant owe you."

"Yes, I suppose. I'll leave the rest to you now." Yabuki nodded and waved us off. Claudia informed Kirito and I that she needed to get to Ayato and Julis and we nodded. As she walked away. The two of us walked back to Seidoukan awkwardly. To end the silence, I asked, "So, Kirito, what academy are you in?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Don't you know? Seidoukan."

Now I raised an eyebrow in return, "How come I've never seen you then?"

"Ah," he waved a hand, "I just hang around with Asuna, away from others, I don't like the attention. From the SAO incidents. I'd prefer if it was other things...but being questioned about that. I'd rather not."

"Hmm, I see. So do the two of you plan to join the Festas?" The Festas were competitions held in Asterisk that were essentially tournaments, and the winners were allowed their wish to be granted. At this time, the Phoenix Festa is going to be held, and it required a tag team for applicants.

He shook his head, "Well, actually yes, but she's left Asterisk for a while, so I have nobody to team up with...Do you plan on joining? Wait...the leaders can't join, right? Of the student bodies."

I laughed, "It's only a self-proclaimed title, there's no such thing as vice-president. I've just helped Claudia so much with her work and all, the government doesn't really mind, in fact. As long as I don't share any info." I winked, "Would be bad if that info got out around academies."

"Oh, I understand now. That explains why no other academies seem to have a student vice-president. So you do plan on joining a Festa."

I nodded enthusiastically, "I have a goal in mind when I win...but I don't have a tag partner yet. I was hoping for Ayato, but he's most likely going for Julis. A friend of mine who I would have gladly paired up with is in another academy...So I'm most likely pairing up with Lester, if he does. He's pretty strong, but he just needs some training in skill and all."

Kirito laughed, "You're forgetting a kid who'd also like to join."

I looked at him as Seidoukan appeared over the city, "Judging from that, Asuna isn't getting back any time soon?"

He shook his head sadly, "No, I suppose not."

I put my arm around him, "You must be so happy, your girlfriend went on a vacation and didn't even bring you! So! I guess we are going to be partners for the Festa. With your skill and mine, we would be able to dominate it! Well, hopefully. Ayato is going to be tough, and I heard the other Academies' former competitors are so powerful, Seidoukan has been ranked fifth on average. And that's out of six schools." I tsked, "Hopefully this year will change..."

He nodded, "Hey, may I ask?"

"Hmm?"

"Who's the other person that is from another academy?"

I smiled, "It's a secret."

"Really."

I sighed, "Well, I guess it won't hurt. Sylvia Lyyneheym." He frowned and scrolled through his memory banks, then after a moment. He widened his eyes.

"Wait, the Rank One of Queenvail?"

"Don't see her as that," I told him, "She's cute, nice, also a great singer. In fact, I've gotten her attention with my street performances." I laughed. "I also owe her for helping me when I got injured while chasing Julis's attackers."

"Ah..."

"Speaking of which, how did you find us? Claudia and I?"

He scratched his head, "Well, if the two leaders of a school look determined while going in a certain direction, wouldn't that spark your curiosity?"

"Well...I guess so." By this time we were at the boy's dorm and we went to our rooms, "See you soon, Kirito. We will have to train if you're serious about joining the Festa."

"I am serious." I nodded and we arrived at the fifth floor.

"See you tomorrow at the training room then."Kirito stepped out and we saluted. Then the elevator zoomed to the top floor and I stepped out. I unlocked the room and stepped inside, then locking the door, went to the window. Looking over the academy, I smiled. Bringing up a screen, I called Sylvia, but I entered voice mail. Sylvia's voice came on the line:

[Ethan, if you're getting this message, I'm most likely busy, please call another time~]

Laughing, I flopped onto the bed and went to sleep, "Well, I guess telling her that I'm joining the Phoenix Festa will have to wait..."

Next day:

I sprinted down the hallway and when I heard footsteps from the other direction, I turned my head and saw another person running towards me. The girl gasped and stopped, but I was already a few feet in front of her, "Well, that was close." I blinked as I realized what I did, Whoops, I wasn't supposed to use any Dante powers until absolutely necessary.

As she bowed, I took a look at her, she was pretty short. Her eyes were grey and she had long silver hair, with two small twin tails with a braid wrapped around each. She wears the Seidoukan Academy uniform jacket and skirt. She also wears a grey belt with light red designs. Her jacket had trimmings on the upper sleeve. I blinked as she finished talking, "No, it's fine." I smiled, "It's a good thing I have fast reflexes."

"B-but you moved too quickly!" I was about to answer when an angry, commanding voice yelled.

"KIRIN! What are you doing there?" I saw a man wearing a brown coat and a mustache turn his head. Kirin bowed and started running towards him when I held her shoulder.

"We'll talk next time," I smiled and she blushed. I waved as she looked back and I started towards the training area again. Outside, Kirito was there with his arms crossed and I nodded, "Nearly crashed into Kirin Toudou." He raised an eyebrow and I confirmed, "Yes, the Rank One of our school. I think she was meeting her uncle." He nodded and we entered the training area, or tried to.

"Locked?" Kirito asked.

I snapped and he fell through the ground, and I laughed, making myself go inside the room too. He stared at me amazed, "No worries if it's locked. Normally, I wouldn't show you my Dante powers, hut you know too much already, so it doesn't matter."

He nodded, eyes glittering, "That teleportion was awesome! Felt just like a portal, but colder, and...ominous."

"You'll get used to it, very useful thing I can do."

When the two of us walked inside, I saw Ayato run past some of Julis's attacks and then suddenly, Julis shouted, "Come out! Gloriosa!" A small magic circle appeared beneath Ayato's feet and flames spurted then covered him. Then she started when Ayato spoke.

"Amagiri Shinmeiryuu Style Intermediate Technique, Ten Linked Thistles!" Julis gasped and then Ayato materialized in front of her. I looked up at the timer and it hit three minutes flat. Julis slumped as the room brightened.

"I thought I had you then..."

Ayato sat down, "Well, you almost got me on the last one, you really have a huge arsenal at your disposal. Did your family teach you all that?" Before she could answer, I started clapping, they looked in my direction.

"Bravo. That was impressive, you two."

Julis got up, "What are you doing here?" Then she looked at Kirito, "You! You're the kid who's always slacking around! And never wearing your uniform."

Kirito shrugged, "So? We came here to train." Julis opened her mouth to protest but Ayato stopped her.

"Hey, might as well if we're taking a rest. I'd also like to see how they perform. The two of you are going to participate in the Festa too?"

I laughed. "Well," I activated Murasame while Kirito drew his two iconic swords, "We wouldn't train if we weren't participating, no?"

Now Ayato frowned, "By the way, how did the two of you get in? Shouldn't the doors be locked?"

I blushed and scratched my head, "Well, I didn't really realize why it was locke-"

Then Kirito exclaimed, "So he teleported us in! You should have been there! It was so am-"

"Yeah, yeah. So, can we go?" I gestured to the floor. They nodded and backed up against the wall. The room went dark and I said, "Stopwatch function." A timer went up and I looked at Julis, "On your mark."

Kirito held up his two swords and I held Murasame in two hands. "Start!" The timer rang and started counting up.

I charged Kirito and he held up both swords in a cross, "Cross block!" Murasame hit at the intersection and he jumped back, making me fall forward. He charged and I looked up, but he threw up both weapons and I widened my eyes and he quickly punched forward, "Meteor Fall!" It hit me, but I rolled to the side as he slashed down with both swords.

He made a downward slash right and I sidestepped it, and leaned back as he cut back up, following the same path. He tackled with his left shoulder and I stumbled. Then blocked the upward slash. I jumped back at his vertical cut up, tackled him in response to another tackle, and with a yell, "Meteor Break!" cut horizontally at my neck. Which I also blocked. I kicked his stomach and he made a backflip, kicking at my chin. I moved my head upwards, feeling the rush of wind go past my face and looked down again as he landed.

He and I rushed and he yelled, "Slant!", cutting at an arc, which I parried. I stabbed forward and he brought Dark Repulser to block it, but I brought the blade up at his throat. he quickly brought up his left arm and used Elucidator to smack it aside. I chuckled, "Keep forgetting you practically became ambidextrous once you got the Dual Blades skill." He smiled in return, but was launched back with a grunt. I stood calmly as he raised Elucidator. "Sonic Leap," I widened my eyes as he seemingly teleported and I used the flat of Murasame to block the attack. He grinned as he thrust with Dark Repulser, but I used my leg to knock it down then kicked his side, sending him flying to my left. He rolled and looked up, to see Murasame between his eyes.

He smirked and said, "Well, I lose."

The lights went on, "Fourty-two seconds?" Ayato asked, "That was so quick."

Julis smirked and crossed her arms, "That's good for a slacker like you. Actually..." she started mumbling, "You lasted twice as long as me. Ethan wasn't holding back when I dueled him. He didn't seem to hold back when he fought you."

Kirito laughed and Julis looked at him. He tilted his head and I looked away, "You know Julis..." then laughed again. This caused her to stare in wonder then become irritated.

"What is it?"

"He did hold back. Even as a Genestella."

Julis stopped, "So...you mean, he didn't use any of our enhanced speed nor strength when he fought us?" Kirito shook his head and held out his hands, then started talking.

"You've heard the rumors," I nodded at that. "He hasn't used his Dante powers as of yet. We all know he is one. Now I proved myself correct."

"Huh?" Ayato and Julis looked at me then Kirito.

"It's not that he didn't use his powers as a Dante, he hasn't resorted to even Genestella powers." I nodded and uncrossed my arms, sitting down, I pointed at the floor and they all sat.

"It's difficult, you know, to keep up with all of you. Using only what I believe to be human limits. I rarely resorted to Genestella powers. Actually Kirito, I had to use some today just now. Also when I talked to Lester the other day. Remember?" Julis and Ayato nodded at that. "There was no way I could have caught it normally. Then also against Silas's puppets."

I made a finger gun, "Finally, I've only used my powers as a Dante once."

Ayato stared off, "Yesterday, that huge fist of shadow..."

I nodded and suddenly a screen appeared in front of us, we saw Saya and Lester.

"No fair," Saya started, then pointed at Julis, "Riessfeld, you're monopolizing Ayato! I know you've been locking yourselves in a room afterschool. Indulging yourselves in unspeakable acts..."

Julis blushed, then glared, "DON'T SAY THAT! WE AREN'T DOING ANYTHING!"

Saya rolled her eyes, "Sure you aren't, are you sure you're still a vi-"

"I AM!" Their arguement made Kirito and I laugh. I stood up as Lester nodded at me. Kirito watched the two girls, smirking as Lester talked to me and Ayato. Ayato smiled kindly, nodding at Lester.

"I see you're up and running."

"Yeah..." he mumbled, "Thanks to you I'm alive. And you for bringing me to a hospital in the first place." I nodded, smiling.

"You also have to thank the officer who was parked nearby. He drove you. Besides, I can't let a student die like that." Lester grunted.

"So...what brings you here today?" Ayato asked, then looked at Saya, "and with Saya of all people?"

"I just happened to pick up the little squirt along the way."

Saya turned to Lester, "Who are you calling squirt?" Saya bowed right after, "I have to thank you for brining here regardless." Then went back to arguing with Julis.

Lester looked at them then Ayato, "Anyway, about the incident with Silas, you did a great help saving me...Just so you know...t-thanks..." Ayato smiled nervously, about to answer when Claudia came in.

"Oh, so you are all here? Ethan too!" Suddenly, a young girl ran out from behind Claudia.

"Ahh, so this is the Seidoukan training room!" She started running around and the taller, older woman crossed her arms, unamused.

"Don't get so carried away, Ernesta." Ernesta ran around the room, admiring the details and space of it. I blinked and watched her then she ran to Claudia's side, hands on her hips.

Claudia looked to her right, "This is Camilla Pareto of Allekant Academy." Camilla had light brown skin with blonde hair, reddish eyes, and about the same height as Claudia. To her left was the young girl with brown hair. She had sea-green eyes and was about a head shorter than Claudia, "This is Ernesta Kuhne." She flashed a smiled and held out her hands, making peace signs."

"Oh," I said, "You talked about this Claudia, but...why?"

Claudia smiled, "You see, Seidoukan and Allekant are about to embark on a joint venture, to develop a new type of Lux. They're here today to sign the contract."

Julis narrowed her eyes, "So that's what this is all about..."

Kirito tilted his head, "I don't get it."

Lester nodded, "So do I."

Julis looked to her side, "In return for not charging Allekant for the Silas incident, they must have secured the technological collaboration...But...why bring them here?"

Ernesta cheerfully jumped and said, "Oh yeah! I wanted to see for myself! I wanted to see him myself! The young man who tore every one of my puppets!" She jumped in front of Ayato, "Heh, heh!" Camilla put her hand on her head as Claudia put hers on her chin. Julis took out Aspera Spina and pointed it at Ernesta, Saya took out one of her guns.

Julis growled, "Get away from Ayato right this moment."

Ernesta ignored the threat and examined Ayato, "Uhm...hm. I see!" She pointed at Ayato, "You're not bad! I like you!" She got close to Ayato, and whispered something, then kissed his cheek. At that, Julis and Saya went berserk, meanwhile, Camilla sank lower, Claudia seemed worried. On the other hand, Kirito and I laughed joyfully at what was going on.

Saya mumbled, "Thieving cat! MUST DESTROY!"

Ernesta skipped away, "My, my, how scary!" And went behind Camilla, "It was only a greeting!" Julis and Saya took aim.

"Burst."

"Burst into bloom, Longiflorum!"

When the attacks were fired, everyone was surprised, but I reacted, "Sakamoto Absorbtion Style Hidden Technique, Twin Dragon Souls!" Two pure black dragons with transparent eyes appeared in front of the attacks and with a roar, charged forward and swallowed both up. Then diving into the ground, disappearing after half a minute. They appeared at my arms and I pet them, "It's been a while, no?" They growled as I pat their heads. "Well, sorry about that, nothing else to eat." They sank back into the ground.

I pointed at both girls, "Rule number one, don't attack representatives. Rule number two, try not to use so powerful attacks, I need to keep my own techniques hidden."

Ernesta skipped over to me now, "Ah, I know why you seemed to familiar now, you're the self-proclaimed vice-president!"

I nodded, "Yeah, glad to know to know that you understand it's self-proclaimed."

She giggled, "I can see how you became Claudia's right hand man. Top three too." She put her finger to her mouth, "Although...if you could do that easily," she looked at me, "Why aren't you Rank One?"

I waved my hand, "Gah, I haven't tried yet. You probably heard the rumors."

She gave a little chuckle, "Of course I have." She leaned in close and before she could do the same thing again, I put my finger on her lips.

"Tut. I'm saving the first kiss I'm getting for my would-be girlfriend," my eyes twinkled and Kirito chuckled. This got Ernesta's attention.

"Oohh, it's also the main leader of the SAO survivors," she gave a happy shriek, jumping, "You people in Seidoukan are so interesting!" Then turned to Camilla, who was walking towards Saya slowly, examining the Lux she carried.

"Interesting, such a unique design I haven't seen in ages. Three Manadites, forcibly linked together."

"Correct," was Saya's reply, "How did you know?"

Camilla put her hand to her chin, "This is my specialty. However, this isn't practical." Saya glared at Camilla after that statement. Camilla continued, unfazed, "You have to understand that it was dismissed as half-baked technology ten years ago due to the fact you have to deploy the Meteor Arts nonstop just to boost the Lux output by pouring your prana into the Manadites. Therefore, each attack will need an interval before continuing."

Camilla finished, "Looks as if this isn't fixed as of yet."

Saya admitted, "It's true." Then looked up, "But I won't let you get away with insulting my father's guns! Take it back!"

"Ah, so you are Dr. Sasamiya's daughter, all the more to not take it back." She closed her eyes, "Your father's renegade tendencies got him exiled from our faction Ferrovious and Allekant. As the leader of the former, I cannot acknowledge what's his improper actions."

Claudia cleared her throat, "May we return back to business?"

Camillla turned, "Sure."

"Wait," Saya said, "I want you to retract that statement."

Ernesta grinned, "You know, Camilla is a bit stubborn, you'll have to force her to take it back. Not a duel, no. But I'll let you know," her eyes glinted, "we are participating in the Festas too."

Camilla said before turning, "Let's go Ernesta."

"Coming!" After halfway out the door, "Oh! Hold up!" They turned back and Camilla ran up to me, "By any chance, is your girlfriend Sylvia Lyyneheym?"

I started, "H-how'd you know?"

"I have my ways~ Is she?"

I blushed, "Wel-" A screen popped up and the identity of the caller was...Sylvia. "Ah." I looked at Ernesta, who was grinning.

"Heh, heh."

Shaking my head, I accepted the call, and Sylvia appeared, "Hey."

"I'm so sorry Ethan I didn't accept your call earlier! I was in the middle of a tour then! That's okay, right?" She quickly said.

I smiled, "That's fine...by the way. I'm sort of around people...like. Right now."

She watched me for a moment and then said, "Really?" Before I can answer, Ernesta jumped beside me.

"HIYA! Girlfriend of Ethan's! Or, Sylvia Lyyneheym!" Sylvia watched for a moment, then started laughing. She wiped her eyes then looked at the two of us.

"Well, I guess we can't hide it a bit longer, huh?"

I stretched, then admitted, "Nah, I was actually hoping to hide it until after the Festa." This got everyone's attention, but Sylvia asked me their question. Ernesta looked at her then me.

"What did you plan to do?"

I returned her iconic wink and she blushed, "You will see when I win~" Ernesta giggled then went out to follow Claudia and Camilla.

Sylvia gasped and watched me through the screen then smiled, "I hope you win!" Kirito popped over my shoulder and we both looked at him.

"Not bad, not bad, you two seem to be a good couple!" Sylvia smiled while I blushed.

Putting my hands in my pocket, I strolled down the academy's grounds with Yabuki, "So, I don't really get it, what's with the factions?"

"Ah, Allekant is split into two groups, one who creates the Luxes, the research class. The other tests them in the Festas, the practical skills class."

Nodding at the screen, "I see."

"Not only that, but the research classes also has its own groups, fighting over the best students from the R & D facilities." I saw a pentagon appear with few names, but what he said made me think.

"Hold up, so that means Camilla and Ernesta are in both?"

"I guess so, the only other way is if they are testing it for someone in Ferrovius or they are taking someone's place in the practical class." Before I could say more, I heard a slap and saw a man in a brown coat, Isn't tha-

"What did I say? It's none of your concern, not now, not ever," Kirin's uncle growled.

"B-but uncl-" Kirin started. This made him raise his hand angrily. I widened my eyes and rushed forward.

"I never let you speak back either!" His hand came down and it hit my cheek, but I put my foot out and stopped it. Looking up, I smiled.

"Hey, you know you're not supposed to hit random passerby, right?" I looked up at Kirin quickly and she gasped as she recognized me, and I faced her uncle.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he yelled at me.

Now I frowned, "I know who I am. What are you doing? Hitting your niece like that?"

He grunted, "It's none of your business."

I put my hands on my hips, "The moment you hit Kirin, it became my business. I don't care if you are in her family, but she's a student of Seidoukan and I'm not just going to let that happen on my watch."

"What are you, the student security?"

I acted insulted, "The vice-president! Who else?"

He gave a 'hmph', "I'm disciplining her as an uncle, outsiders should not butt in. If you understand I am her uncle, don't interfere."

Raising an eyebrow, "I can understand. BUT! That gives you no permission to hit her, Koichiro Toudou. I don't like the traditional ways, you know. I get more irked with those kinds of treatments."

"Oh? So you insult the Toudouryuu technique?"

I shook my head, "No, of course not. I don't like the family style of traditional ways, but the fighting styles really impress me." I waved my hand around us, "More interesting than currently."

"Good, now leave. Besides, you Genestella kids are immune to anything of this level." I glared and Kirin backed off as I leaked some power. Her uncle also widened his eyes and a drop of sweat shone.

Meanwhile, interested, Yabuki took out a camera and started recording, "Ohh, never have seen Ethan like this, is this some of his power he hid for so long since he joined Seidoukan with Claudia?"

I took a step forward and growled, "That gives you no more permission to hit her than being a family member!" Kirin grabbed my arm and tugged it.

"I-it's okay senpai, I'm used to it." I shook off her arm and pointed at her uncle.

"'Used to it', eh?" I smirked, "You're worse than I thought."

"What is your name?" Confused by the question, I faltered and Kirin sighed in relief, I also noticed her uncle relaxed.

"Ethan Trent."

He put up a screen, of my profile and ranks, "I see nobody by that name, you're unranked."

I tilted my head, "No, Ethan 'Trent' Sakamoto."

He nodded, "I see. Rank Three. Hmph, not as good as Kirin, but...'Rumored to have not gone past using human limits?'" He tapped his foot, "Sakamoto...I haven't heard of any family like that. Among the circles of family techniques."

"We train and fight on our own. We also hide our techniques. We focus on pushing ourselves to the limit before resorting to anything else."

He looked right again, "Ohh...Interesting weapon." He looked at me, "You have a problem with my ways, then I'll let you speak once. To make an agreement."

I put a hand on her shoulder and she blushed, "Don't ever act violent to her. Don't bully her, don't harass her, don't hit her."

"Sure," he nodded. "As long as you beat her in a duel." I gasped.

"B-but Uncl-" Kirin started. But he yelled at her and she stopped. "I'm not defying you." People gathered around and watched as they noticed me and Kirin.

"Good, you beat the adamant Murasame, it'll boost the quality of your resume," he walked towards a tree with shade, out of reach from either me or Kirin.

Kirin was looking down, "I'm so sorry." I walked over and put both hands on her shoulder and she looked up to see me smiling. I wiped tears from her eyes and nodded.

"I understand, but don't worry. I was hoping to fight you one day, you know?"

She gasped, "M-me?"

Laughing, "Of course, to fight the Lighing Blade Speed, Rank One? I'd love to! Besides, I'd like to test my limits. Being at the top with just a Katana. It's very impressive." She watched me, eyes twinkling. "This duel will be a test for me."

Okay, as those of you know, June 18th was the last day for season 2, not sure if they'll release season 3 as soon as the second, but I hope so 3. So I'm reading the light novels as of now, no I don't read Japanese, but there's a blog that handles the translations to English, felt so happy when I found out about it. However, hopefully all volumes can be translated quickly, so I can finish this story, then jump into Hundred, which is slightly a sequel. Hundred is another anime, but I can incorporate the Gakusen Toshi Asterisk characters.

To answer questions that may have appeared for those who are familiar with this series:

1. I made Ethan tested along with Ophelia, but he didn't become as emotionless and slavelike as her, but just as powerful and probably less.

2. Kirito is here, but not so sure about Asuna. Partner for Festa, as obviously stated.

3. Ophelia and Ethan will fight one day, maybe here, maybe in a spin-off, or maybe in the Hundred story.

4. #1 Also makes this true, Ethan is not originally a Genestella.

5. Making the decision of whether Dark Repulser and Elucidator will be Luxes or normal swords.

6. Ethan and Sylvia's relationship isn't official (yet), but because they act that way when hanging out, it became rumors.