Ch. 5

Okay, here's a few things I have to say:

Well, not sure if I'm rushing this, but this is already going to be the final chapter for the first season, I'll have to make sure to put more bonding starting next chapter, season 2 :/

Two, I fucked up. Badly. The events wouldn't make sense, so I have to make a few alterations from what I've said in previous chapters and all, so bear with me:

Dirk would be too old in this fanfic, and the only way he can be a student president is if he's failed grades, but he is too smart for that to be possible. To fix this, I'm going to rewrite that flashback in chapter two, and have Claudia pick up Ethan as Dirk did with Ophelia, with the former running away( as will be seen in this chapter) and the latter rampaging at the original lab before Dirk came in with the Rewolf police force. Two main events, and many others. Sorry for the inconvenience, but if you'd like, you can read the previous chapters again just to see my edits about his past, all the present events will be untouched.

I looked up to the door opening, "Hey, Julis." She smiled and placed a basket on the table in front of me, making me raise an eyebrow, "Hmm?"

"I-" she looked away from me while blushing, "I just want to thank you for the information you told me about why Irene and Priscilla are here, so I made these for you." I reached for the basket she had and opened the lid.

"Sandwiches! Perfect! Quick to eat and everything!" She smiled timidly.

"G-Glad you appreciate it." I took a bite and gave a nod of satisfaction. I took another and ate that quickly too. I reached for a third and stopped. Two reasons, my fight was soon and I was being greedy. Also, Julis looked somewhat uncomfortable.

"Oh, I'm sorry, you have some too," I gestured to the basket, "I was being greedy there, eating some and not letting you have a bite. Come, don't give me that look any longer, you're making me feel guilty and pity you."

She laughed nervously, "No, it's not that." As I looked at her, Julis gave a cough, "I, uh. Think you can do what you did with Kirin earlier, when we had that first match?" I thought about the first day, when I had...patted Kirin on the head for her good job after Ayato, making her nearly faint.

I shrugged, "I guess." I patted her head and while she was facing away from me, I could tell she was blushing. "There, happy?"

"..."

I watched her, "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing."

I nodded, "Hmph. Oh, I know! You like me!"

The slap rang throughout the room, "I don't!" Then lowered her hand, "I-I'm sorry."

I waved my hand, "No, no. I'm fine. It was a bit of a sudden exclamation. Do you?"

She couldn't meet my eyes, "...I do." I hugged her and she tensed, "I just couldn't admit it."

I laughed, "Of course, being the spoiled princess you are!" I lowered my finger, "So, why didn't you ask to partner up with me in the first place?"

She sighed, "I didn't know that you were planning to join."

Looking at the match that was going on, "Well, honestly, I didn't plan on it. Joining this year's Festa was more of on my 'Boast but Never Do' list."

"Like having a girlfriend?"

I fell onto the floor, then looked up, "Hey, I have Sylvie."

"Who?" she was confused. "Sylvie?"

"Sylvia? Sylvia Lyyneheym?" Her face fell, "Okay, what now?"

"I didn't know that you two knew each other." She stared off, a bit dejected and I shrugged, but Kirito walked in. He raised an eyebrow.

"Ho? I...Uh, won't ask what's going on. But Ethan, we're up next." I nodded and waved at the basket, offering a sandwich, but he kindly declined. We were leaving when Julis held my arm. I turned back, curious as to what she has to say. She looked worried and blushed as I stared at her, then cleared her throat.

"Ethan, win this match. Okay?"

"Of course! I need to win to get to the finals, and to keep Irene from killing, or destroying, Ayato and the Ser Veresta respectively."

She smiled, "I'll be rooting for you."

I nodded and after some thought, gave her a peck, "I appreciate it." I ran out before she could do anything in reply.

"This is the penultimate battle of the preliminary rounds! The Urzaiz sisters against the two Seidoukan swordsman! Let the round begin!"

Irene stood in front of Priscilla and I announced, "Irene, not to worry! We won't target Priscilla. It is not a honorable way. We will fight only you!"

She smirked in reply, "That's good to hear!"

Kirito drew Dark Repulser and I shook my head, "You will need both, Kirito."

"Roger." He acknowledged and drew Elucidator and held them both. I activated Murasame and held it limply to the side. "I'll start the fight."

"Hmph."

Kirito turned and saw me point a hand at Irene. Face grim, he charged and clashed the Dark Repulser. Irene was surprised when the sword held, despite not being an Ogre Lux.

"What's this? Despite not being an Ogre Lux, the sword of SAO is able to survive? It is due to its fame of being a sacred item that made it this durable?"

Irene smiled, enjoying the strength. When she saw the second sword fly, she used the shaft of the Gravi-Sheath to knock it down and pin it to the floor. Kirito gave a 'tsk' and then shouted, "Cresent Moon!" Irene widened her eyes as Kirito kicked up, and avoided the attack by leaping back. She watched as Kirito followed up with a backflip, then dropped to the floor instantly.

"Wha-" Irene started but had to jump back as orbs of shadow flew in her direction. The first ones hit the floor in front of her, but as she ran, some changed direction and followed her, forcing her to turn and swing, destroying the orbs. She faced right and saw a fresh wave target her. Irene smiled and then shouted, "Ten-fold Destruction!" Four orbs about a foot in diameter flew and met the smaller orbs. The larger ones connected and burst apart the small orbs, but dissipated before it reached the teen standing meters behind Kirito.

"Impressive," I commented, "Who knew that the Ten-fold Destruction could actually destroy them?"

"Oh, what's this new move that was brought up by Kichirou? It holds the same energy and appearance to the two-time champion of the Lindwurm Festa, no?"

"Aye, it's frightening. You could definitely feel the power from here, although it doesn't seem to hold any quick threat as to Ophelia."

Irene smiled slowly, "I see now. I was wondering why you weren't able to be taken in by Dirk." I grinned and put up a victory sign.

"This is a reason why I don't have a good chance to lose!" Irene suddenly jumped back as Kirito swung at her badge.

"Not bad, not bad at all."

Kirito swung his swords, "Same to you."

Irene grinned, showing elongated fangs, "Of course. This power of Priscilla and I, this power we share." Irene tapped the floor and Kirito jumped out of his area. I looked and saw why, as she sent a circle of intensified gravity to his area. "Ho? You react quick."

"I felt something was off, so I leapt out of the way, although you did catch my foot."

"Kirito!" I shouted, then infused shadows into my foot to release energy as I stepped and pushed, launching myself at Irene. Kirito activated Sonic Leap and Irene swung her scythe.

"Heavy Reed Prison!" Kirito skidded to a stop and I slammed my foot into the floor, creating a gash into the arena floor. "Haha! I made this for Priscilla if you're wondering why this is possible." Irene walked over to Priscilla, who reluctantly lowered the collar of her shirt to allow Irene to drink her blood.

"That's...how Irene gets her power," Kirito muttered and I frowned. Priscilla fell onto the floor on her knees and Irene stepped forward, ready to fight again.

"Irene, that's not right. You hav-"

"Shut up, Kichirou, I don't want to hear anything!" Irene growled.

"But-" the moment I said it, Irene slammed her scythe into the floor and we had to avoid the circle that flew our way. Kirito frowned and I glared, he looked at me and nodded.

I inhaled, "Sakamoto Style Absorbtion Style Hidden Technique, Twin Dragon Souls!" The midnight-colored dragons roared to life and I aimed my hand at Irene's direction, who growled, making her hesitate at the ferocity. They roared again and leapt at her, but she swung her scythe and sent a colorful, distorting wall at their direction.

"Hundredfold Funeral Procession!" The dragons sensed the danger and veered in opposite directions from each other and looked at the barrier between them and their target disapprovingly. Kirito appeared and shouted.

"Starburst Stream!" He cut right with Elucidator then an uppercut with Dark Repulser and spun in a circle. Then he cut right with both swords, spinning the first time and after the second time, he followed by cutting an 'X' with both swords and traced the same path by cutting up. He cut down left with the Dark Repulser then up right with the Elucidator. Irene blocked every strike with difficulty and when Kirito swapped to a reverse-grip, Irene charged, but Kirito met it, skill unfinished. Kirito made a corkscrew "attack", and shifted both swords into forward grip, pushing Irene's scythe down with a downward X-slash with both swords, following with another X-slash upwards.

He pulled off a diagonal top-right to bottom-left slash with Elucidator and spun in a circle, adding a horizontal right to left slash with Dark Repulsor. Finishing up the sixteen-hit combo, he executed an uppercut slash with Elucidator, brining the other swords upwards in an uppercut, slashing down with Elucidator, cutting diagonally with the left sword twice, spun, stabbed with Elucidator, and as he lunged, he shifted his target from Irene's badge to the core of the Gravi-Sheath.

"Woah! That was the dual swords skill that was rumored to allow Kirito to take down The Gleam Eyes alone!"

The crowd stared in disbelief at the smooth execution of the skill, but Kirito didn't pay attention, all focus on stabbing at the core of the Lux. Irene grunted as she swung at Kirito and he leapt back, dodging by a hair. "Whew, who knew you'd target the Gravi-Sheath. I almost panicked when you pulled that off, but no matter. It's my turn to attack! Ten-thousandfold Destruction!"

As many tiny orbs appeared around Irene, she smirked, "I can't control these, but these will definitely not miss." She sent the orbs flying and shouted, "Die!"

Kirito closed his eyes momentarily and opened them, slicing each orb that came his way out of instinct. I, on the other hand, leapt away from him and gathered the attention of the remaining orbs. I ran backwards but had to jump and spin over another line that came my way. "All aboard the good ol' rape train. Kanshou! Bakuya!" The dragons appeared at my side and reared, facing the strands of destruction orbs.

Kanshou charged and ate the left line while Bakuya gobbled up the right line. There was rumbling and I chuckled as I recognized their burps. They stayed still, waiting for more meals but then sank into the ground, having expended their energy reserves. When Kirito handled his set, shadows grew behind Irene, who sensed something was off. She turned and brought up the Gravi-Sheath, stopping the giant fist, but as I put more and more force to expend her energy and make her unconscious, although I had no plans to harm her.

Suddenly, the fist slammed down and I widened my eyes, but as I took a step forward as the dust cleared, I felt a sharp stab in my head. Kirito shouted at Priscilla as she ran, feeling something wrong too. I ran forward but was smacked back by a invisible force. Irene lunged at Priscilla and started draining her blood. "Irene! STOP!"

My shout was no use, it wasn't her anymore. It was purely the Gravi-Sheath.

Kirito joined the fruitless effort, "Do you know what you are doing?!"

"You are going to lose what matters to you, Irene! Stop! Don't continue for all our sakes!" Irene lifted her head and a tiny, subconscious part of herself resisted and realized what she was doing. She let out an anguished scream, and the gravity intensified. Both Kirito and I were suddenly pulled to the ground and unable to get up. He resisted and tried to stand, but all I saw was Priscilla slowly falling to the floor, motionless.

I let out my own cries and my vision sharpened, turned clearer, and everything slowed. My entire body cracked and creaked as I stood up as if the gravity didn't affect me. I snarled at the Ogre Lux, and took one step, and another. Each pace quickening until I was running a full-on sprint at Irene and exceeding human standards to Genestella expectations. I swung Murasame up and Irene brought the Gravi-Sheath down, our blades colliding. I glared and moved the sword towards the shaft and snapped the weapon in half, both flying in the air. Irene reached up, but a fist knocked the blade side towards the ground and away from her.

When it clattered, the energy forming the blade gleamed and I slammed Murasame down, chipping at the core, "Die, you twisted excuse for a Lux, die! Succumb to the poison that created Murasame, succumb to the curse that kills in seconds!" When I broke through, the curse could be seen swirling around the broken core, then entered. The Lux grew bright as the energy brightened to the extent of the stadium lights and exploded. I heard the cries of a being unseen by anyone and they died. I landed on my knees and glanced at Irene, who fell unconscious. I got up with some effort and stumbled over, ignoring the cheers and the announcements.

I checked their pulses and only when I felt a beat from Priscilla did I truly relax. I fell facedown and felt hands pulling me up, the owner being Kirito. I gave a smile and a thumbs up, and he patted me on the back. I heard someone speak, not near me, but near me, Good job so far.

I replied to my absent mutual friend, Thanks Ophelia. Naturally, and understandably, there was no reply. Not that I would have heard it, as I had fallen unconscious myself, although with a lot of vomiting. While all this was going on, in different academies, more was happening.

Rewolf:

"Round 3, block C...the winners are Kichirou Sakamoto and Kirigaya Kazuto!"

"Hmph, this is a pain in the ass. Not do I have to worry about the Jie Long brats, the woman's kid brother, the Allekant girl...but now, the brat that slipped out of my hands a long time ago." The man grumbled as he stood and looked out the hole that had been smashed in the wall days earlier and stared at the skyline. "Guess Ophelia will really have to get serious."

Jie Long:

"This boy is different...even more different than the Amagiri boy," the purple-haired child mused as she observed the kneeling teen, vomiting blood before falling unconscious, "Ayato Amagiri...Kichirou Sakamoto. Both oh so powerful, both have so much potential." She mouth grew into a grin, anticipation of a battle making her happy.

"Wait, it's Otouto!" the 'nine-year old' Fan Xinglou clasped her hands, "I see that you've made your way to Askterisk." She pouted, "But it's a shame you are in Seidoukan."

This made the Rank One of Jie Long cross her arms and leaned back, "Now, why didn't you make it into Jie Long? I wonder how you didn't find this school. I will have to ask you when we meet, little brother."

Galahadworth:

Ernest smiled, observing the coughing teen, "Well, looks like he reached the limit."

The woman standing next to him nodded, "It seems so. Although...it's purely exhaustion at this point." She turned and saw Ernest's troubled face, "Is something wrong?"

"His abilities...where have we seen them?"

The woman gave a moment of thought, "Ophelia, yes. It is from her. Similar to hers."

"Hmm, I remember. There were two that survived, or only two known of their kind. But there were rumors..."

Hallway of the Arena:

As Ernesta skipped down the hallway, she ran and stopped in from of Camilla, "Oh! I know why he was recognizable! He's the one who broke out with that other girl, right? The ones Hilda managed to make!"

Camilla nodded gravely, "Yes."

"But..." Ernesta seemed deep in thought, "I thought the rumors went that he died after escaping?"

Camilla sighed, "Well, he obviously isn't an impostor or clone, so my best guess was that he laid low for a while after leaving. But escaping from the lab at Leiseltania, he went a long way."

"It does make sense, but why show up now?"

Camilla gave a shrug, "I have no clue myself. Although RM-C and AR-D would be able to handle them if it is needed."

Somewhere:

The girl clasped her hands while watching the screen. She was smiling happily, staring dreamily at the teen as he gave a thumbs up at his partner, "I never lost faith in you, Ethan."

However, Sylvia's eyes quickly widened in horror when Ethan started vomiting blood. She stood but realized she couldn't do anything and could only cover her mouth as he keeled over. She was still watching, tears glimmering when she heard someone call, "Miss Sylvia! You have to go!"

She turned, "Coming!" Sylvia swallowed and watched the screen worriedly one more time before walking out, "Please, Ethan. Please be fine when we see each other."

"Sleep. Sleep is all I need. Just two or three hours. That's all!" I stumbled into the alleyway and leaned on a wall for support. Never had I been so exhausted. I left the family area to go to Asterisk and apply for a school. Hopefully neither Allekant nor Rewolf. However, when I came down, I got lost going to Seidoukan, and encountered a gang. Not good.

Luckily, I think I lost them. I glanced at the streets quickly and leaned against the trash bin. I couldn't reveal any of my Dante powers. Or...inserted powers. Ophelia would sense it, Dirk would sense it, everyone will be able to. I looked inside the bin and made the decision, I jumped in and gently closed the lid. I leaned on one trash bag, which was surprisingly comfortable, just smelly. I heard squishing and flinched, hoping I didn't cut a hole open in one bag.

I closed my eyes and brought my right leg close to me, patting the throwing knife reassuringly. I didn't take two breaths when the two lids opened. There was shouting and I cursed, quickly drew the knife and threw it straight at the eyeball of the first gangster. He screamed and I vaulted over the side. Stopping just to bring the knife out of his eye and sprinted out the other side of the alley, bumping into someone just as I turned left.

They grabbed my arm forcibly and I struggled to get them to release their grip. They didn't and I brought the knife around to stab at them, but they caught that arm too. I looked up to see a flash of purple eyes and wavy blonde hair. She glanced at the gang who were picking up their injured comrade and sprinting at us. She smiled and released me, suddenly bringing up twin handles. I blinked at the two Luxes and looked up as she activated them, one blade pink, the other cyan.

Faltering, the gang stared in disbelief as the woman spoke, "Arara. Trying to murder another child on the streets."

One man stepped forward, presumably the leader, "This is none of your business, leave now." He licked his lips, "Or maybe we can add you in, but not before we have our fun."

The Luxes gleamed and I felt energy flying everywhere, the intent evil. However the case, I was virtually unaffected save a headache, in contrast to the invisible cuts in the mob's chests, splitting their fronts apart and cutting their spines in half, lengthwise. When she turned, I cowered, I wanted to fight back in case she wants to fight me, but it puts me in too many dangerous positions. I had to run, but I couldn't. Maybe it was because of her kind smile as she turned and the hand she offered. "Are you all right?"

Nodding fearfully, she held my hand and started leading me through the streets, "The police will find the bodies in the early morning, but they won't be missed at all."

My voice croaked, "Okay."

I was led to a large mansion that was presumably hers. She unlocked the door and went in unhesitatingly, "Nobody will be home for a while. After you clean up, let's get to know each other, okay?" I blinked and nodded, relieved.

I saw the note that the woman, or teen she's still pretty young but I'll call her woman out of respect, left for me. She would be buying me clean clothes and that I would have to wait. I understood and went back in the tub, turning on the hot water to warm up the water inside and fell asleep.

"...use me." I blinked my eyes open tiredly and looked at the clock, almost an hour. I saw the woman offering me a pile of clothes, "I've returned, and if you don't mind, I bought dark colors."

"I don't mind. I mean, you spent your time choosing the clothes, so it'll be rude if I complain." She giggled and looked at me with her purple eyes, "Uh, will you watch me while I get out?" The thought horrified me, she shrugged.

"If you're uncomfortable, I can leave."

I blushed furiously at her suggestion that she didn't care and I did, "Please do!" After I had dressed, I walked down the stairs and saw the woman looking at me seriously.

"You are the boy who fled from the testing lab at Lieseltania." I was silent and she giggled, "I'm not going to do anything. Please, take a seat."

I sat and then after a moment, "How'd you know?"

Still smiling, she answered, "You leak your prana, I can feel the energy, the same as the one when I was visiting the country that day."

"Oh. So...does that mean I have to leave? Dirk wanted me to enter Rewolf, and considering I'm leaking prana, they'll find me soon."

She shook her head, "No, I have to be close to you in order to feel it, I'm sure that nobody will know unless they pass by you."

"Hmph. Who are you?"

"Oh my, I didn't introduce myself, my name is Claudia Enfield. How about you?"

"K-Ethan Sakamoto."

"Ethan...Ethan..." It wasn't the young Claudia that spoke, but someone from outside the memory.

"It's been too long. You need to get up," I blinked and squinted at the lights that shined down from the ceiling. "Thank goodness. You're finally awake!"

As my eyes adjusted, I saw a flash of pink hair, worried blue eyes, and a mouth that sighed in relief. Julis put her hands on mine that lay on the hospital bed as I struggled to sit up. I heard beeping and looked at the heart monitor beeping steadily, although it quickened when I turned away from it and I saw one of two other people in the room.

"Kii-kun!" I was tackled by a short girl with waist-length purple hair, wing-like head accessories, and a Queenvail uniform. I looked into her sparkling purple eyes as she gave me a smile that warmed my heart.

"Don't call me that," I said while laughing.

She pouted, "You had me worry so much! I even thought you went in a coma! Of course I should call you that!" This made me frown, Coma?

"Wait..." Another voice broke in and answered the question for me. The person said is a teen wearing a green hoodie and Seidoukan uniform, he wasn't looking in my direction as he answered, scrolling through the net.

"A week and a half." I tried to sit up, but Sylvia held me down from beside me and Yabuki looked up. "Pretty amazing show you put up though, everyone's talking about it." I groaned, now that the Starpulse Generation was out, it'll be much harder for me. I'm not sure if anyone knew about the project, but they just know that my Dante powers would be exceptional. How? Ophelia. I'm on par on her and mostly everyone has seen her fight.

"What now? Am I like, disqualified or something? Did I hold up the Festa?"

Julis shook her head, "No, the finals don't start until the beginning of next month." I nodded grimly and brought up my screen, August 15th, 3163. That leaves me about two weeks and a half to recover. "And Kirito is outside, he came just as often as us. It appears that the moment your condition was known, Sylvia rushed over here."

She smiled, "Of course, because I care for him."

Julis looked slightly uncomfortable, then, "May I ask why we've never seen you two together?"

"Ah, I'm busy, so is he, and when we spend our time together, we make the most of it. Also, we did meet. I'm 'Kasumi Toujou.'" Julis blinked and widened her eyes, making Sylvia giggle, "Didn't recognize me then, of course."

"H-how...?"

Sylvia replied with a wink, "My own secret." I raised a hand and caught Yabuki's attention, he looked at me curiously and I waved him over.

"Think you can show me the recording of the fight?"

He shrugged, "When can I not?" He swiped through multiple screens and tapped, loading the video then flipped it to make it face me. I was surrounded by aura that was dark as night as I stood, and after some wobbling, I started running towards Irene. The steps were large and slow at first, but I picked up speed and was soon running full speed at Irene. She tried to block my attack, but her movements were too slow, I assumed that the Gravi-Sheath was still adjusting to its new host. As I ran, I left a trail of wriggling objects and I realized that it was the same hands that Ophelia has, then again, we do share similar powers. Hers focuses on degradation from her miasma and I have more pure power. The weapon flew, broken, and landed. As I started striking it, my eyes were red and Murasame became coated with its curse and aura, eventually breaking the Gravi-Sheath. After the explosion, the camera shut off.

He swiped to another and added, "This is after." I saw me giving a thumbs up to Kirito and then keeling over vomiting blood before falling unconscious. I went still and Kirito quickly started pulling me out, all the while, people were exclaiming and the live commentators giving their worried opinions. "Well, I best be going now. People want to talk to you." He went out and Julis stood.

"I'll go out too."

I nodded and blinked, "Oh! Did you make it to the finals?"

She beamed, "Yes, it was a difficult fight, but we did it."

I spread my arms, leaving her confused until she realized I was trying to give a hug. I didn't notice as Sylvia gave a smirk as Julis blushed, "Congrats! I knew you'd do it." She couldn't speak but nodded as she let go and walked out. I turned to Sylvia, "So, you'll stay here?" Her answer was a cuddle, just as Priscilla and Irene walked in. I gave a nervous wave to Priscilla and Irene, the former was envious while the latter gave a look of disapproval.

"So...this is what they call a harem," commented Irene.

"Yes," answered Sylvia as she clutched tighter, smiling at Priscilla, "You'll have to work very hard to beat me~"

Irene scoffed, "Alpha, always already have a headstart."

I looked up, "Does that mean you want to join?" This made her look at me as if I was an idiot, well...I am at times.

"Do you think I have an interest?"

I scratched my head, "I'll take that as a 'no.' Anyway, why are you guys here?"

Irene replied, "Priscilla wanted to see you."

Priscilla gave a 'tut', "And?"

"Give her congratulations."

"And?"

"Check if you are recovering quickly."

"And?" I looked back and forth between their sisters.

"Wish that you get well quickly."

"And?"

Irene's eye twitched and she mumbled while looking at the floor, "And I have to thank you for destroying the Gravi-Sheath."

Priscilla smiled, "Thank you, sister. I have to thank you too, Ethan."

I put out my hands, "No! No need, I should be apologizing. Even if it was an evil Lux, it was still your Lux, Irene, and the property of Rewolf."

Irene shrugged, "Still, it was an evil one. I'm glad you managed to destroy it, honestly."

"Hey, what did Dirk say about it?"

She sighed, not in frustration or anything, but a happy one, "Nothing. He didn't do anything in return of its destruction, but I'm still not free of the debt. It'll be tougher to pay it off without it. The worst thing was not even a bit of cash for the effort, jeez."

I nodded sadly, "You'll find a way. I can pitch in to help when I can."

Irene smiled, "You being you, I will appreciate it."

Priscilla looked up at us, "Guys."

Curious, I answered for everyone. "Huh?"

Priscilla smiled at all of us, "I thought that the most important thing for Irene was to do what she wanted, because she treasured me more than anyone else. But I want to fight too, I just don't want to be protected by Sister, but also fight with her. I don't want you to stop me, Irene. I promise that one day, I will be stronger than you and Ethan."

I wiped a stray tear and aimed a thumb at Sylvia, "Sylvia too, she's very powerful on her own, maybe even surpassing me." Priscilla nodded and Irene placed her hands on her sister's shoulders.

"I look forward to that day." Priscilla gave a determined nod. "Oh, Ethan. I'd just like to point out that you may be stronger than Ms. Lyyneheym."

"Nah," I waved it away, but Sylvia gave a light shove.

"Don't be modest, we can see that you are more powerful than me. You are too similar to Ophelia, and I lost to her in the Lindwurm Festa."

Irene laughed, "Right! I remember seeing that!"

Shrugging, I replied, "Well, I guess so. I plan to beat her, I have about two more years, and prove to her that what she believes it wrong."

Sylvia wrapped her arms around my neck, "With all of us, you'll be even stronger than before." She gave a peck and that prompted a small argument between herself and Priscilla, only to have Irene and I jump in to stop it. Suddenly, the door opened and a grey-eyed teen poked his head in.

"Guys all okay?" he asked nervously.

"We're fine," grunted Irene and looked at her sister, "We are ready to go?"

"Mhm," Priscilla answered and waved good-bye to me, to which I returned without hesitation. Kirito allowed the Urzaiz sisters to leave before entering, with a auburn-haired girl and hazel eyes following just behind him.

I smiled, "Hello, Asuna Yuuki. I believe this is the first time we have met."

"Aye, it is. Congratulations on making it to the finals."

"Thank you," I tried to bow, but she stopped me.

"Please," she said while laughing, "You don't need to be formal." I shrugged in reply.

"Sorry, just my nature around new people."

Kirito spoke, his voice controlled, "It's my fault for this, Ethan. I could have helped more."

I shook my head, "No, it's not. Her power is immense, and with the Gravi-Sheath taking over, it grows to insane levels. I was surprised that you managed to stay conscious, your will and perseverance is above average."

He gave a nonchalant shrug and grabbed a chair for Asuna, allowing her to sit before getting his own chair, "Well, it wouldn't have happened if not for SAO. Although it generally a bad event, I managed to receive a few good things in return." Asuna grabbed his hand and squeezed as he turned to her and smiled.

"Lovely," Sylvia commented dreamily, "If we met like they did, right Ethan?"

I rested my head on hers, "Well, we were attracted to each other by talent, no?"

Kirito perked, "Oh! That's right! Sylvia, can I have your autograph?" Before she could answer, Asuna grabbed his ear, making him shout in protest, "Ow! Asuna!"

She looked unamused, her expression deadly, "Why is that?"

"I-It's just because we don't meet a famous person everyday, you know!" He told her as he tried desperately to release himself from her grip. Sylvia giggled as I laughed at Asuna's sigh. Sylvia accepted Kirito's notepad and signed it, them looked at Asuna, who smiled as she looked at the floor.

"Might as well, you are right about that, Kirito-kun." She brought out Lambent Light and inspected the hilt, and handed it to Sylvia, who gladly signed the handguard of Asuna's weapon.

I held up a finger, "Hold up, how'd you get that past security, Asuna?"

Her eyes twinkled as she put it away...somewhere? "What are you talking about?"

I lowered my hand, "Never mind."

She stood, along with Kirito, "Visiting hours are almost up, so I want you two to have some time alone before they have you leave." She winked while saying that and I blushed as Sylvia smiled in return. "Ethan, in case we can't see each other in the near future, win the Festa with Kirito-kun."

"Of course! We will give our all!"

As they walked out, I laid back on the bed, "Well, honestly I think we haven't been able to spend free time together, right?"

She hummed sadly, "It's a problem with me being Rank One and a famous diva and model."

I poked her side, making her jump slightly, "Paparazzi is probably camping outside the hospital waiting for you."

She gave a joking exasperated sigh, "Don't jinx me, I was alone when I came up. Let's hope news don't travel fast, as I forgot to disguise myself."

A doctor poked his head in, "Oh...visiting hours have passed, Miss Lyyneheym."

I smiled, "It's okay if you guys make an exception for us?"

Sylvia joined in, "Please."

The doctor hesitated, then laughed joyously, "I guess we can make one. Make sure to keep quiet, as others are still around."

"We will make sure to," I assured him.

"Would you like me to do something about the electrocardiograph?" He gestured to my arms and everywhere else that was covered by the electrodes.

"Please do." Once they were removed, and we were alone, Sylvia rested her head on my shoulder and placed her hand on my chest. I snaked my arm around her waist and onto her butt and squeezed. She gave a small gasp and arced her back before hitting me playfully. As I closed my eyes, I whispered to Sylvia, who was also falling asleep, "Sweet dreams, Sylvie."

"You too Ethan. I wonder if we can sleep like this more often."

"One day..."

I slowly opened my eyes as I became aware of a weight on my chest. "Ugh?"

Somehow, while sleeping, she managed to move on top of me, resting her head on my chest and arms splayed to either aside of my head. Her left knee bending my right one, spreading both our legs apart, "Hmm?"

"Sylvie..." I cautioned.

"Oh, good morning," she raised her head and looked at our positions, and widened her eyes, "Oh my." She got off by sliding to my left and put her ear to my chest.

"Morning too, I guess."

She laughed as she listened, "You don't have to be nervous, I'm listening to your heartbeat. It's a perfect one, slow and strong." I relaxed and drew her closer and she listened on, "Your breathing is also good to listen to."

"What are you doing now? Judging me on those two things?"

Lifting her head, she smiled mischievously, "Maybe, maybe not. It sounds good, just hearing a strong ba-dum, ba-dum as the heartbeats."

"Well, you're the expert on that, I guess."

She sighed, "No need to be modest, you aren't bad at judging the rhythm of sounds yourself."

I sat up as the door opened and the doctor came in, "Good news, we have signed the paperwork, you are free to leave, Mr. Sakamoto."

Bowing, I replied gratefully, "Thank you."

Sylvia had her hat back on and disguised, with me standing by her side. "So, you have free time today?"

She nodded cheerfully, "This week, but I'll be gone for the next week. My next tour will be in Kyoto."

Shaking my head as we started down the streets, "Shame, can't be helped though."

Pulling me into a store, Sylvia answered, "Well, I can bring you along with me on these and you sing with me!" Sylvia combed through the store, picking out blouses and skirts. The occasional coat as it was getting close to winter. She offered to pay for my clothes and I reluctantly agreed to buy something. However, when I picked a simple t-shirt, windbreaker, and shorts, she shook her head disapprovingly and dumped a pair of jeans, sweater, and overcoat on top.

After shopping, my arms were laden with bags, naturally. It was noon by then and we sat at the bench facing center of the park we were in, watching the children, Genestella and human alike, run, fly kites, and playing games. The adults were socializing or browsing the net.

"This is different than before the Invertia, no?"

Sylvia took a bite of the ice-cream we bought to share, "Definitely. Last I heard, all humans did was stay inside, games, stream, generally do nothing."

I rested my free arm behind my neck and looked up at the sky, "Right. The Invertia seemed to wake us up. Look, most of the population is outside, very few cars as most places are so close together. Even the wealthy are generally healthy, not through medication and science, but they work, get themselves fit, actually, I think the wealthy are the most fit of the world."

"It's very nice," Sylvia agreed, "With this, most people you know know you in return in life rather than online. It's almost as if we have technology of the twenty-first century, but the social level of those in maybe the twentieth or nineteenth. We don't need technology to find people, and talk. We actually use it just for the news and surfing."

"Although...some things won't change. We still stand idle, watching shows for entertainment, the Festas in this case, and discrimination. Always that."

Sylvia nodded sadly, "Yes. Regrettably, people seem to exempt me as I am world known as an idol, singer, all kinds of things, but...you should see the treatment of others." Just at that moment, a shriek wand cries for help were heard. Running could be heard going in our direction and I knew what to do.

As the thief was in front of us, I stuck out my foot and he stumbled, but did not trip. He turned and swung a knife while dropping the purse, which I dodged casually and grabbed his wrist, jamming my thumb into the hinge. He shouted in pain and tried to pull away as his hand became momentarily paralyzed, but I kneed his diaphragm and he doubled over, coughing violently. I glanced up at the crowd gathered around a person and my anger flared. I put him in a choke hold and growled, "You have nerve to mug a person in daylight. Even if it's cowardly to do it at night, you won't get caught, right?"

He managed to grind out, "Why would I care what you freaks have to say? All you guys do is flaunt your power, showing how much better you are. Especially you, you murdered my brother when he made you. Because of you, I have no way to pay for anything. My brother willingly helped me out until I found a way to sustain my lifestyle. Now he's gone, murdered in a secret project."

I widened my eyes, "Then how about I end it for you?"

"Go, you merciless animal." I prepared to break his neck when a hand was placed on my shoulder.

"Ethan," Sylvia said sadly, "Don't let them get to you." I frowned and pinched the mugger's carotid artery until he fell unconscious.

"I'm sorry," I said, head down.

"Good thing I stopped you. There are crimes for Genestella killing humans, even if the human was a criminal." I flinched as I thought of Kirin's father, who was jailed for killing a burglar, unacceptable as the burglar 'couldn't defend himself.'

Police came and to my dismay, they were humans, I informed them, "He's unconscious." They felt his pulse and checked his breathing then nodded and frowned at me.

"You don't need to take our jobs, Genestella. We could have handled him."

"But...he could have escaped and you use up time searching."

"If Genestella do our jobs for us, where will we be then?" shot back one officer.

I gritted my teeth and ground out, "Sorry. I'll leave you alone." The one officer nodded triumphantly and the others looked concerned as I stomped past them and gathered the shopping bags from earlier. I started off to Queenvail and Sylvia trailed behind before coming up beside me.

I said without looking, "You know, you are lucky they exempt you from the discrimination."

She was cautious and asked slowly, "Are you upset?"

"Slightly," I shot back. Then, I told her something only few people know, the person who made me, Dirk (as he has Ophelia), Claudia, and the man who I stopped, "You know that I'm not a true Genestella, right?"

After her initial shock, she managed to utter, "No, you are one. I don't see how you can't be one."

"I wasn't before. I'm an abomination," I clenched my fists, not that I could any further while I was holding the stuff from earlier. She held my arm tightly and I glared at her, "What? Going to assure me that I'm not a monster? Huh? I am! I'm a h-"

"That's it," she said firmly, "You aren't a monster. I wouldn't like a monster, would I? You see yourself as a monster for whatever reason, but I don't. You are Ethan Sakamoto, a part-time singer, frontrunner Pheonix Festa participant, self proclaimed vice-president of Seidoukan, and my boyfriend."

I froze at 'boyfriend' and stared at her, "You really see me as that?"

She looked at me, irritated, "Of course." Then she stopped and realized what she had said. "Well, are we? If we haven't made it official yet?"

I shrugged, "I will ask, but once I drop off all of these clothes. Then, we'll go someplace and I'll tell you about myself. I hope you'll see why I thought me of the way I did." She looked at me curiously then nodded.

Nighttime:

We sat atop of Queenvail girl's dorm. That was actually redundant. Why? There are only girls in the academy. How I got here? Don't ask.

...Okay, I'll tell anyway. When we had returned, all the girls were fascinated by our relationship, so much that they let us climb up here to stay during the night and hiding the fact from the instructors and student president. Oh wait, Sylvia is the president. No worries there. We only had to worry about the janitor coming up here. Not like anyone would come up here to clean up a mess. I wonder, did that mean the janitor is a girl? Or someone who is unaffected by the infinite presence of girls? Queenvail might be the most complicated academy I've seen in terms of gender.

I shook out of my thoughts as Sylvia came back up holding a bento box. She opened it and I smiled at the riceballs that she made for us to share. "Ethan, do you want to explain now, or later?"

I motioned for her to set the box between us. I as we ate, I started speaking, recalling everything. Things nobody knew, not even Claudia as much as she knew me from the day she found me. The furthest she's reached was to the results of the Starpulse Generation testing. Sylvia will be the first to know, and maybe the only one to know. I swung my feet and inhaled.

"So, let's start with how this me came to be later. For now, let's go with why." She watched curiously, my tone not helping her anxiety.

"I...never knew my true parents. I was raised in the Sakamoto family and their dojo. I was abandoned, but my parents weren't so cruel as to let me die who knows where. They left me sleeping peacefully at the door of the Sakamoto dojo. The extended family had taken me in and raised me as one of their own. They didn't mind, they wanted to experiment if an outsider was able to learn and possibly master in their techniques. They started my training as early as three, if I recall them telling me.

"So I trained and trained. As a human, Sylvia, human." She blinked and opened her mouth but I cut her off.

"Then, one day, when I was just six, the grandfather of the family pulled me aside and told me I didn't originally belong with them. Everyone in the family came too, no malicious intent, nothing wrong. They just wanted me to know. It explained why my earliest memories were so cold. I digressed for a moment. They wanted me to simply know, nobody had rivalries or hated me for being on par, the opposite in fact. I accepted the fact and thanked them for raising me as their own. When I offered to leave, they gave me the choice, not them. I couldn't decide whether to leave or stay. My brothers and sister comforted me and said that even if I left, they'll be there to help, they'll be with me, beside me, behind me. They would continue teaching me despite not being one of them, as they didn't know as well. At least, only the sister, who was the eldest, had suspicious, but she found me endearing nonetheless.

"I chose to stay, touched by their words. Six weeks later if I recall...or was it half a year? Six something..." I gave a harsh laugh, "Hah! Six years old, taken away either in six weeks or six months. Six sixty six, how demonic, Satan old buddy. Sorry about that, Sylvia. Anyway, some time after, I was approached by two men in suits, who spoke to the Sakamoto family, the sister told me, 'Kichirou, they want to take you away and we cannot lift a finger. Please, if you escape, return to us. We will wait for you here. Remember, you are Kichirou Sakamoto, the one and only outsider who has mastered the Sakamoto techniques and surpassed us. Remember this and promise you will return. They call you an orphan, someone nameless, with no home, no family. You would never make yourself known. They want you because you can die and nobody cares. Return and prove them wrong. We care for you, we have a home for you. Remember the Sakamoto motto: Prove all wrong.'

"They gave me my name, Kichirou Sakamoto. A lucky son. I was technically lucky. I can be called a miracle in ways, just kidding. When I promised to return and when they let me go, I was brought into the limousine, the first thing they did was knock me out. That was fun. Afterwards, I woke up in a room with eight other people. Orphans. Only one was a girl, and some of the older ones...well you can take a guess of what they tried to do. Naturally, I had to protect her, and when I was about to be overwhelmed, the father's words rang in my head, 'No killing. Never kill, unless they force your hand.' They did try to kill me then, those juvenile adolescents. When they pulled me away, I destroyed the kidney of one boy, flipped another over my head and crushed his throat, then slammed the leader's head against my knee enough to almost make him black out.

"Everyone saw how serious I was and backed off. I threatened that I would kill them without any hesitation if they target the girl, me, or any other orphan in the group, whether it was while everyone was sleeping or secretly. Even as a six year old, I established my leadership there. The survivors of that event feared me. I unintentionally became the leader. That was when the door first opened and no children came in. The guards were unimpressed and demanded what happened. The three survivors blamed me for violently attacking them, I defiantly stood with my position that I was defending the girl. I didn't know they were professionals, they already knew from the get-go, just by looking at the scene for a few seconds, that I was the one who caused the mess, but the survivors were the troublemakers. They were shot on the spot. I was surprised at how unhesitant they were. I thought that they'd receive a beating or no meals, but shooting?" I shook my head and looked at Sylvia. "There's a lot more to go. You have any water?"

"Yes, here," she ruffled through the bag she had brought out the bento box from and handed to me a thermos timidly. When I had taken a swig, she nodded with determination, "I'm ready."

Well, chapter finished here. I will input more detail, just next chapter. This is only the beginning.

Yes, yes. Ethan is the common, oh abandoned OP child who will change the world. But Hilda and the rest want test subjects, guinea pigs. If you look at it in the real world situation, (if you think like a criminal) who are the most obvious targets for that? Orphans, girls and boys alike, the poor, needy, beggars, all those kind of sorts.

Why? As I had made them say, they have no history and will make none. They are supposed to die soon, and not live long. People can kidnap them and they won't appear on the news. If a homeless person disappears, no problem. If a child is snatched away from Disneyland, they'll appear on 'Have You Seen Me?', if a celebrity disappears, it'll make the news for sure. It's a dark world out there boys and girls, I'm not following the novels/manga/anime/whatever.

Oh, and I do hope you like a somewhat in-depth explanation of Ethan's past.

Soon, I'll have Sylvia sing her song. I managed to find the anime one online, but earlier, I was trying to listen to the song and write it down on my own...it was super, super difficult to hear. But when I compared mine to the one online, it was close. I was glad. Thank god for people who do it for you.

Anyhow, next time.