SAO: Avenger

by JCK824TO

It's been two months since SAO was cleared. But the 300 players remain comatose, including Asuna Yuuki. But when he learns about the arranged marriage & the possibility of Asuna in ALfheim Online, Kazuto, & his friends, dive into ALO in search of her. However, they're not the only ones. Steve Rogers, Thomas Anderson, & the Howler Platoon dives in to investigate.

9. Chapter 9

Kirigaya Residence:

Kazuto, Alex, and Suguha arrived home safely. The trio had to be aware of their surroundings for any patrol car that comes around the corner of every block.

"Strange to not be able to trust your own police in your town," Suguha remarked with a shiver, "and scary that they may not even be real."

"And seeing one in almost every block nearly made my heart stop." Alex added. He breathed a sigh of relief when they approached the driveway of the residence. They put their bikes away and headed on into the front door. Suguha fished out her key when the door suddenly opened. She almost screamed as she nearly fell back before Alex and Kazuto caught her.

"Sugu?" An older female voice asked in concern. Suguha was gasping as she saw that it was her mother, Midori.

"Oh! It's you, mom." Suguha breathed, finally relieved it was her mother. "Where's dad?!"

"Suguha? Kazuto?" It was Minetaka Kirigaya who rushed to the front door.

"Dad!" Suguha nearly cried as she hugged her father.

"Suguha, what-"

The kendo girl looked up at her dad. "I was so scared for you and Mom!"

"Sugu, what are you talking about?" Minetaka asked. He'd never seen his daughter this scared and upset since the SAO incident.

Kazuto suddenly stepped in. "You and Mom were in danger, Dad. Sugu feared men coming to kidnap you both... or worse."

Both Minetaka and Midori looked at each other. Confused by their children's statement. Midori was especially surprised by Kazuto's expression of concern after years of relative isolation from his own family.

"Kazuto, Suguha.. Please calm down and tell us what you're saying.." Midori said as she guilds the three teenagers inside and closed the door. Alex made a point of locking the door behind them. They sat down on the couch together, with Alex holding Suguha in the comfort hug.

"Who are you? Minetaka asked Alex.

"I'm Alexander Mitchell.." The blonde boy greeted him. "I'm one of the SAO survivors Kazuto's mentioned." He then looked to a very tired Suguha. "Suguha and I met on ALO a couple of days ago with Kazuto.."

Minetaka was about to press when Kazuto suddenly talked to Midori. "We didn't expect to see you and Dad home so soon, Mom. What happened?"

"Well... Something strange happened at the office today." Midori began. Minetaka rubbed a hand in his hair as he seemed annoyed and confused.

"Your father and I received a mysterious phone call saying that someone's out to kidnap us from work. He also told us not to inform the police as they're kidnappers posing as police officers."

"I would have told the caller a liar and reported him," Minetaka added... "But he seemed serious. As we left the office. A patrol car was following us from the parking lot."

Suguha shivered at that. "Y-You weren't followed all t-the way home, w-were you?"

The two parents looked to each other. It was Midori who spoke up. "It was... Until it turned off after a block."

Kazuto looked out the windows. He doesn't see any patrol cars outside in the street.

"Furthermore," Minetaka grunted, "the caller claims that he was calling on you and Suguha's behalf because you two were threatened... what is going on, son?" As if on cue, Kazuto's phone rang.

He looked at the phone number and it reads unknown. Figuring it's Fury again, he answers the phone.

"Hello?"

"Kazuto, you recognize my voice. Let me ask quickly... are you and your parents home and safe?"

Kazuto recognized the voice of Colonel Steve Rogers. "Yes, everyone's here at home. All safe and sound."

"Looks like the doctor's recommendation excuse to their employers worked after all," Colonel Rogers allowed himself to mutter, "your father was certainly not amused when I called."

"Yes, he assumed it was a prank." Kazuto replied. "What about the others? Are they alright?"

"Safe and in their homes as well. While they don't show up on Hydra's radar like you, your sister, and Mitchell, we took an abundance of caution to warn them."

Kazuto sighed in relief. "I'm just glad we're all safe."

"Kazuto who is that? Is it that same man again?" Minetaka raised his voice slightly.

"Do you have a TV nearby to connect?" Rogers asked, "we're on an encrypted line, so we should be okay. Not standard operating procedure, but I think I owe your parents this much, Kazuto."

Kazuto looked at the 50-inch flat-screen TV in the living room. "Yes we do, I'll hook you up." He went over and turned on the TV.

"Kazuto-"

"Dad, he needs to talk to you and Mom," Kazuto interrupted as he casted his phone-call onto the TV. Alex quickly shut the curtains to make sure no one looked in. He went to the back door to make sure it's locked and the blinds closed. As he returns to the living room, the TV starts to display the image of Colonel Steve Rogers. He was sitting at his desk in his office with a United States flag and US Army flag to his back. The two Kirigaya adults could not believe it.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kirigaya," Rogers began, "I'm sorry about earlier, but your safety was too paramount for a formal introduction then. I am Colonel Steve Rogers, United States Army Rangers."

"Tell us what is going on here? And why are our children becoming concern about us?" Minetaka demanded.

"Mr. Kirigaya, please listen to what your son and I are about to tell you. It's a matter of life and death for you, your family, and many hundreds of people right now," Colonel Rogers said earnestly.

Minetaka sighed before sitting back down. Midori spoke up. "How did our children get involved with the United States Army?"

It was Alex who answered her question. "Kazuto and I stumbled across what appears to be Asuna. She's one of the players Kazuto met in SAO." He explained. "She's being held in the servers of a game called Alfheim Online along with 299 other players who have not woken up."

"Alex and the others logged in to find and rescue them." Kazuto added. "However, it turns out we weren't the only ones on a rescue mission." He turns to Rogers.

"Our military intelligence has led us to believe that these 300 players are being held hostage by a war criminal and his secret organization inside the game... and has control of this game as well," Rogers explained. "Kazuto and his company stumbled across one of our recon teams in the game."

Midori did a double-take to her son. "Is this true?"

"It's true, Mom," Kazuto answered, "they're Colonel Rogers' officers on a mission inside Alfheim Online.

"And one of the officers is a brother of an SAO victim as well," Suguha added.

Midori and Minetaka processed what they've heard. The name Asuna rung a bell during the conversation.

"Wait a minute," Minetaka asked Kazuto, "she's the girl in the bed you've been seeing, isn't she?"

Kazuto nodded. "Yes, she is..."

Midori looked to Rogers worriedly. "Please tell us, Captain America," she referred to him by his former title, "who is it that's holding these players and threatening me and my family?"

"Sugou Nobuyuki... He's one of the employers of RECT Progress Inc." Rogers answers.

Midori's eyes widened. "That's the company that Asuna's family owns, isn't it?"

"And that's not all, Mrs. Kirigaya," Alex warned, "Sugou Nobuyuki is the war criminal the US military is looking for."

"Barnas Shinsei." Rogers answered, "under this alias, he was a leader in the Pacifican Army responsible for the torture and murder of many American soldiers and dissidents in the Western United States... and he's a member, even the leader, of the terrorist organization, Hydra."

"H-Hydra?!" Minetaka was shocked. "D-Didn't they.."

"They have secret chapters here in Japan, Mom and Dad," Suguha said in a dark tone, "and they have control of RECT Progress and Alfheim Online."

The Kirigaya adults couldn't believe what they've heard.

Minetaka slumped in the couch. "This has got to be a joke... It has to be... I mean, Hydra fell back in 2014.."

"We all thought that." Alex said, shaking his head. "Cut off one head," He cited, "and two more will take its place..."

Midori felt herself feeling faint from the revelations they're witnessing.

"And the reason I warned you both to return to your home," Rogers continued, "is because Hydra knows who Kazuto is, and likely tried to threaten you to intimidate him."

"Yeah..." Alex shook his head, "I wouldn't be surprised if the disappearance of Asuna's parents had something to do-"

"Asuna's parents have been captured by Hydra," Rogers interrupted.

Alex snapped his head back to the TV. "They were?"

"Our intelligence source who infiltrated RECT just confirmed it," the American colonel said, "Shouzou Yuuki's disappearance was framed as a kidnapping, but RECT is lying. He was talking with two US Navy personnel and a JSDF liaison officer before Hydra sent agents posing as police. They murdered the JSDF officer and are holding him and the two Navy officers somewhere inside the corporate HQ. We don't have solid proof for the mother, but we have reason to believe that Kyouko Yuuki's disappearance is related to her husband's kidnapping."

"Two navy officers? You don't mean..." Alex's eyes widen. "Dad... Jon..."

"What?" Suguha gave her new guy friend a worried look.

"My father and older brother are in the Navy." Alex explained. However, fear was starting to settle in. "They weren't home when I left this morning..."

Rogers seemed to look upon Alex with sympathy. "You said your last name was Mitchell, right?"

"Yes, Alex Mitchell. My father is David Mitchell and my older brother is Jonathan.."

The light brown/blonde and blue eyed World War II veteran seemed to dread what he was about to say next. Then...

"Confirmed..." He said, "our agent was at the crash site where Shouzou was last seen... your brother and father were in the passenger list."

Alex felt his own heart stop beating from those words. His father and older brother captured by Hydra. He slumped back against the couch, unsure how to respond. Suguha this time hugged him in comfort.

"Then, what should we do?" Minetaka asked. Now unsure what to think about all this. The salaryman just leaned over with his hands in his face as his wife held him.

It was then Kazuto, who spoke up. "The ALO server's down until 3 pm today." He looked down at his watch. It was half past noon. "That leaves only two and a half hours left until we log back on."

Midori looked to her adopted son like he was insane. "You... you can't!"

"Your mother's right, Kazuto." Rogers said. "It's getting dangerous. We-"

"I have to.." Kazuto interrupted Rogers. "We've started this mission to rescue Asuna and the other 299 players from a madman who's planning to marry her without her approval. And even though we never knew about who he was during the war and what he is now. We're not cutting our losses and sitting this out." He looks to Alex, who was still distraught and comforted by Suguha.

"We're maintaining the course of our mission. And we're gonna finish it together..." He finishes.

"Son... we just got you back," Minetaka protested, "and now you want to go up against real terrorists who can and will kill you and everyone else!?"

"We've faced great dangers while I was trapped in SAO." Kazuto countered. "And now, Hydra's threatening fellow survivors... Including one that means the whole universe to me.."

Minetaka was about to argue with Kazuto when Rogers interrupted. "You do know that this is a real war you are getting into."

"I'm aware that it's a war, Colonel." Kazuto replied. "And Nobuyuki was the first to declare it on us."

"He's right," Suguha lifted her face with an expression of righteous indignation. "I found it hard to believe yesterday. But now... We need to go in an fight him, and free all of ALO from Nobuyuki's and Hydra's rule."

"Now young lady..."

"No Dad," Suguha adamantly interrupted her dad, "Kazuto is right. Hydra started this, and they won't stop unless we fight back. They came to Asuna's room and threatened us already, and they already tried to get to you and Mom."

"That is why we need to go back into ALO and finish the fight." Her words reached Alex's ears, and he starts to come out of his despair.

Colonel Rogers regarded the two Kirigaya siblings with a solemn, but encouraging expression. "I know Fury told all of you to sit this one out..."

"I'm sensing a 'but' in this.." Kazuto concluded.

"But none of you are part of any chain of command," Rogers said, "and it's pretty clear that you people are a militia of sorts."

It was at that moment, Alex begins to speak. "So, that means we're allowed to log on?"

Rogers laid back and held up his hands. "You do what you need to do, and Howler Platoon will do their job."

"Thanks, Colonel America." Alex said. This time, with newfound determination. The Kirigaya parents looked at both their children and their new friend with disbelief. However, they soon realized that this was their choice and their chance of stopping Hydra.

"Colonel... Will any harm come to us during our children's and their friend's dive in ALO?" Minetaka asked. "If Hydra's out there..."

"We've managed to mostly shield your home address and most other sensitive personal details from being accessed," Colonel America assured, "but it's probably best that you lock all your doors and windows... and don't answer for anyone or anything."

"Anything else? Don't you have agents to protect us or something?" He asks.

Colonel Rogers smiled. "I have an old friend watching over you already."

"R-Really?" Midori stuttered.

"As a matter of fact..." Colonel Rogers added, "I think one of them just took care of the agent tailing you back there in the cop car."

It was at that moment, the Kirigaya adults realized the cop car that was tailing them before turning away was one of them. "How did you..."

"They work for us on this mission.." Rogers answered while smiling. "So rest assure, that you're all in full protection from Hydra."

"One less fake cop," Kazuto shrugged.

"At least no one will attack us while we're in FullDive." Alex commented.

Suguha sat next to her mom and dad. "I know that this is a lot to take in one day. But it has to be done. If we're gonna be rid of Hydra and have our lives return to normal. We need to free the 300 players and expose Hydra once again."

"She's right.." Alex added before he continued. "When Kazuto and I found out about Asuna being held in ALO, I've called other SAO survivors to mount a rescue operation in-game. And, even though we never knew of Nobuyuki's past or him as the leader of the resurrected Hydra. We're gonna finish our mission together with Colonel America and the Howlers."

"We end SAO, we end the second civil war, and we end Hydra," Kazuto resolved.

Colonel Rogers gave Kazuto a mock funny look. "Funny, I thought that war ended."

"Nobuyuki was involved in the second civil war." Kazuto explains. "It'll end with his defeat."

Colonel America laid back in his chair. "Certainly would tie up loose ends." He then sat forward. "Very well... I will let Captain America and Iron Man know that they have reinforcements coming their way."

"Alright, we'll be there once the updates on the ALO servers are finished." Kazuto replied.

Suguha perked up. "Wait..." She looked up at the colonel. "Captain America and Iron Man?" She looked at Colonel America. "Aren't you..."

"You will meet them soon enough." Rogers added. "Also, Anderson and I will be there as well to oversee the mission in ALO."

"Hold up, Colonel." Alex blurted. "Did you say Captain America and Iron Man?"

Rogers nodded. "Yes, I did. And like I said, you'll meet them very soon." He finishes with a smile.

Minetaka then stood up. "And what about us? What do we do?"

"Well, since we got agents watching over you and your children's friends. You can wait it out until we wrap up the situation... Unless you two want to dive in with them.." Rogers suggested.

Minetaka and Midori looked to one another. "We don't have Amuspheres... but," with a grunt, Minetaka went over to a closet. He pulled out a sword and to everyone's surprise... a revolver. "I'll be darned if I let some terrorists break into my house and attack my family."

"Dad? When did you carry a gun?" Suguha said in surprise.

"Never needed to... not since my days with the Metro Police," Minetaka confessed as he tossed the sharp sword to Midori and deftly loaded the gun.

"You were a cop?" Kazuto gasped in surprise.

"Yes, I was..." Minetaka replied. As he loads the revolver and tucks the holster underneath his arm.

"Nambu M60," Alex recognized the gun, "I thought they were only carried by active police?"

"I'm semi-retired, kid," Minetaka said, "and headquarters is replacing these old things with those shiny new semi-autos."

"Ahhh.." Alex surmised.

"Okay, I see that you have some protection.." Rogers said.

"Where did you work in the police?" Kazuto asked.

Minetaka gave a flat response. "Homicide Investigation." Kazuto was surprised.

Suguha could not believe it. "You mean chasing killers?"

Minetaka nodded. "Helped to nab some of them... and some really ugly ones too." Suguha would never have dreamed that her salaryman father was ever a lawman, let alone a detective investigating and chasing down real murderers. However, it did give her some relief that if Hydra ever does try to invade their home. Her dad has the means to fight back.

"Not sure what I can do with just my father-in-law's katana and my old service revolver against submachine guns and assault rifles," Minetaka said, "but it's better than just letting them waltz in and kill us all."

"Indeed, better than nothing." Alex commented.

"Don't forget we got agents watching over you.." Colonel Rogers reminded. "But it's good to be prepared for anything.."

Midori looked to her husband worriedly. "Y-you're not going to... shoot someone again... are you?" The Kirigaya siblings did a double-take to their dad.

"If push comes to shove." Minetaka replied without hesitation. "I'll do anything to protect my family.. If it comes to someone getting shot, it will be those guys."

Suguha was both amazed and frightened as she saw something in her dad that she never thought he was capable of. She still remembered how grandpa was harsh on Kazuto for not pursuing Kendo when they were young. But this was different. She was the daughter of a man who clearly knew danger... and had to kill.

It was then Rogers spoke again. "Well, since there's nothing new to report. I'll be seeing you three in ALO." Rogers was referring to Kazuto, Alex, and Suguha.

"Right on," Kazuto said, pumped for action, "we've got a war to win and a wife to free!"

Colonel Rogers just laughed. "I like your spirit, soldier. Don't be late." And with that, the video feed is cut as the call ended. The TV screen went blank. Kazuto was still upbeat when Both Minetaka and Midori did double-takes. "Wife? What!?"

Minetaka gave him a weird look. "What was that about a wife?"

Kazuto's face blushed profusely when he realized what he blurted. Suguha also looked at Kazuto in disbelief.

"Kazuto?" Minetaka crossed his arms. "Was there something that you failed to tell us?"

"Um..." the black swordsman found himself getting stares from his family.

It was then Alex spoke up. "Kazuto and Asuna got married while in SAO."

A pregnant silence followed. It felt like it lasted for hours. Alex gulped when he realized he let some big cat out of the bag. Suguha, on the other hand, started to blush.

"Kazuto..." Midori said with no apparent expression. Kazuto gazed down in embarrassment.

"Now, son..." Minetaka was about to begin when Midori suddenly jumped up and squealed. She grabbed Kazuto in a suffocating hug.

"My Kazuto has finally grown up!" She exclaimed and squealed again.

"M-Mom..." Kazuto groaned as he felt her hugs squeezing him. Midori released him, but her eyes shined as she was really giddy.

"Was it a big wedding?" Midori asked. "Was there a reception? Did all your friends come over? Did you have a honeymoon? Get a new house there?" Midori was bombarded Kazuto with questions. Alex couldn't help but chuckled at Midori's giddiness. Suguha blushed redder still. Minetaka was speechless. Their adoptive son, getting married while trapped in a death game?

"Mom, Mom, please!" Kazuto waved his hands, "slow down!"

Midori stopped for a moment. "I'm sorry, but I'm just so happy for you."

"Is that why you've been going to that hospital almost everyday?" Minetaka questioned.

"Yes..." Kazuto confessed. "However, the feelings Asuna and I shared in SAO are real. And we made a promise that when we escape from the game. She and I will find each other and fall in love all over again.." He finished with a blushing face. "And I'll be darned if some Hydra bigshot thinks he can just snatch her away."

"Which is why we started our mission to rescue her." Alex added. Midori swooned. It was then Minetaka approached Kazuto and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

"Son... you should have at least been honest with us..."

"I was gonna wait for the right moment. Hopefully after everyone was rescued.." Kazuto said. "But with Hydra roaming around. I guess sooner is better than later.. I'm not always good with that sort of thing."

It was then Minetaka smiled. "When this is all over, we want you to introduce all of us to Asuna."

"You found us such a lovely daughter-in-law..." Midori gasped in deep happiness. "And we want to get to know her more."

"Wait... so she's my sister-in-law this whole time?" Suguha muttered as she fell back into Alex's arms.

"I believe so.." Alex chuckled. He held Suguha tenderly.

"Then... that makes me an aunt to... Yui and Strea..." Suguha drifted off as she fainted. Alex gently set her down on the couch after she fell limp in his arms.

"Suguha?" Minetaka asked out of concern.

"It's been a rough time for her, Mr. Kirigaya..." Alex explains. "A lot happened in both in ALO and in the Real World... And I think her hearing Kazuto marrying Asuna was more baggage added.."

Midori then sat down and cradled her daughter.

"Poor Suguha... It's must've been overwhelming.." Midori said.

"It was for all of us..." Alex admitted.

"I'll make sure the school knows that we have some sort of emergency," Midori said, "she must have been frightened to death."

"Being accosted by the leader of Hydra himself will do that..." Alex growled, "he was at the hospital with his gun-toting goons."

This caught Minetaka's attention. "He was?"

Kazuto's brotherly anger showed on his face. "He tried to intimidate us... To keep us from logging back on... He tried to do the same with me. Intimidating me from seeing her or contacting her family.." He added with a dark tone. "Asuna's parents have her engaged to him in real life."

Alex remained silent. Disapproval was visible on his face.

"That's horrible..." Midori remarked.

"Engaged to the leader of a murderous shadow organization... sad," Minetaka shook his head.

"But I'm not sure if they knew about it..." Kazuto added. "When we told her father, Shouzou, about it. He seemed distressed. So, I'm sure he's unaware of what was happening."

"Well, I'm sure being kidnapped is a rude wakeup call... provided they're still alive," Minetaka said with a bluntness Kazuto had never heard before from him.

"I'm sure that they're still alive.." Alex reassured.

"From what I've heard, Asuna, and the other 299 players are held in the World Tree.." Kazuto continued. "And we're gonna storm the gate to reach to the top."

"And you have the US Army to help... not bad," Minetaka said with an impressed hum.

"And some more an elite unit. These guys are Army Rangers," Alex added. "The Howler Platoon."

"I'm sorry?" Minetaka and Midori were confused, not exactly into military affairs.

"Elite Rangers formed by the new American military after the Free States faction won the last civil war," Kazuto simply said, "Colonel Rogers himself leads them."

"And they also have several veterans from the civil war, such as Thomas Anderson." Alex said. "And I'm sure that Jackhammer was one of the Free States Rangers. That was the PMC made by Anderson Tech Industries before the civil war broke out.."

Much of this flew over the older Japanese adults' heads, but all they knew was that there were real deal military involved.

Suguha then stirred. Midori watched as Sugu's eyes slowly opened.

"Huh... wha..." She murmured.

"You fainted, dear," Midori stroked Suguha's face.

"I... I did?"

"You've been through a lot, Suguha," Minetaka looked upon her, "we had no idea what you and Kazuto were going through..."

"It's been rough for the past two days.." Sugu sat up. "And I've been worried sick since this morning for everyone being hunted by Hydra."

"But we're safe now..." Minetaka replied. "And you, Kazuto, and Alex will be logging on ALO this afternoon"

"But first," Midori clapped, "you all must be hungry after this long afternoon..."

"You have no idea, mom.." Kazuto chuckled.

"I got to admit.." Alex chimed. "Your home looks very lovely.."

Midori then got a look at Alex. "How long have you and Kazuto been friends?" She asks.

"Since SAO." Alex smiled. "We've kept each other safe and watched out for one another."

"And... you get along with Sugu here I notice," Midori smiled.

This caused Alex to blush.. "Y-Yes, I have..." He nearly stuttered.

"Come, come," Midori gestured, "we can talk more over lunch... certainly don't want any of you fighting on empty stomachs."

"Sure.." Alex smiled. As Midori gets up and heads to the kitchen. Alex sits next to Suguha.

Minetaka suddenly whispered between the two, "no funny business, you hear?"

"I w-wouldn't think of it." Alex stuttered.

"Good..." Minetaka then leaves the living room.

"Where is your dad going?" Alex asked Suguha nervously.

"He's probably checking the windows. Or maybe check the bedroom closet.." Suguha answers. She scoots closer to him and smiles. "No need to worry. He'll warm up to you once he gets to know you.."

"Yeah... just didn't think he was a hardened ex-cop," Alex admitted.

"Me neither.." Suguha agreed. Kazuto sat down in contemplative silence. Despite receiving the scare of their life, they're didn't give up. And yet... so much had changed in just the past few days. But they're close of completing their mission. And there was a liberating feeling of admitting in the real world that Asuna really is his wife. It was awkward for him to accidentally blurt it out. But the thought of being married to Asuna and that carrying over into the real world occupied his fantasies every night.

'We'll make our proper introductions when all of this is over.' Kazuto thought to himself. Midori came in with a tray of steaming bowls of food.

"Lunch is ready." Midori chimed. Suguha and Kazuto smiled. As everyone sat down to enjoy their meal. Midori asks Alex. "So, Alex.. Tell us about yourself?"

Alex cleared his throat before beginning to speak. "Well... It all started when I moved to Japan back in 2015..." He tells how his father, David, was in the navy and stationed in Japan a year before. They decided to move to Japan, so that they can be close to him. Then back in 2017, a few houses were built next to their home as a few families who are stationed in Japan decided to move out of America because of the civil unrest that was taking place due to the Sokovia Accords. After the civil war began on May 2018, the majority of the US navy in Japan defied both the old US government and the Federated States of Pacifica to return and assist them. Their neighbors counted their blessings that they've gotten out of there in time as the Pacifican soldiers moved eastward and rounding up civilians and committed atrocities towards them.

"So these soldiers you encountered in the game must be troops of the victorious faction," Minetaka stated, though it seemed obvious to most.

"Yep." Alex answered. "And we were surprise to see them... Especially the heroes who stood up against the Accords."

"The captain... Revere was quite a surprise though..." He added. "From what I've heard that he graduated the same year the civil war began and he quickly sided with the Free States."

"That's not all though," Kazuto added, "first time I met him... I almost thought he was someone back from the dead."

"Revere.." Alex stated. "However, we later found out it was his twin brother.."

"An SAO victim with a twin from the States?" Midori wondered.

"Yep. And there's Kyle..." Kazuto added. "They saved us from Laughing Coffin in SAO." Kazuto explained to the family who Revere One and Kyle were, their actions and fate, and Revere Two's relation to them.

"I suppose we owe his brother our thanks for saving you and your friends." Midori surmised.

"The new Revere takes it really hard though," Suguha remarked.

"There's that hard emotional edge to the guy," Alex remarked, "I've seen it on some of the newly deployed troops that come from the mainland."

"Several of them are new recruits.." He added. "But those older ones from the last civil war are pretty rough."

"And soon, we'll be meeting them in ALO." Kazuto finishes.

"I still worry for you three," Midori expressed... "Even though that Colonel America and the Howlers are gonna be present in ALO. I still fear for your safety. As well as our safety.." Midori looked to her husband. "Just like when Suguha's dad here was out trying to catch those killers... Every night, I feared for his safety."

"Most policemen in Japan I hear don't normally worry about violent criminals, though," Suguha pointed out.

Midori shook her head, "true, but this was different..."

Minetaka shook his head. "She's right, Suguha... The job was very dangerous. Investigating and locating violent criminals can have hazards. With the possibility of them getting the jump on ya' when you're not paying attention.."

"Being part of Homicide Investigation in this country means going to some really dark places that most people would never think could exist here..." Minetaka said, "and the kind of things that would give most beat cops nightmares..."

"In fact... when I first joined," Minetaka confided, "I was immediately put into investigating a sex and murder Yakuza ring inside a Tokyo movie studio. And believe me, that was no walk in a park." He uttered in a dark tone.

Suguha's jaw dropped. "No traffic control... park duties... anything normal?"

Minetaka sighed. "Nope... straight right into the ringer... seeing exactly what powerful men and women were capable of doing to others..."

Suguha shuddered from the thought. Even Kazuto and Alex were shaken from Minetaka's job details.

"I didn't sleep well for a while because of the evidence and crime scenes I've been to..." The Kirigaya children and Alex didn't know what to say.

"What I'm concerned about now based on what I've heard..." Minetaka admitted, "is that you three are going up against that kind of man who would not hesitate to murder."

"We know, dad... We know..." Kazuto said.

"I just have a very bad feeling about letting you kids go... I should be the one," Minetaka said.

"I wish you're coming with us.." Suguha admitted.

"Sounds like you would make for a great ally, being a former detective and all," Alex added. "But we only have enough VR headgears for the three of us."

"And I've got my own job... securing this home," Minetaka replied, "I'm not going to let some Hydra killers walk up to this house."

"True." Kazuto agreed. After a few minutes, everyone finished their lunch.

"That was delicious.." Alex commented.

"And you are such a nice boy to look after Suguha," Midori beamed.

"He sure is.." Suguha giggles. Midori takes away the empty bowls back into the kitchen.

"I just wish we were meeting more casually rather than because of a threat, " Alex sighed.

"Same here.." Kazuto admitted. He checks his phone for the time. It was 12:45 pm. "Still got plenty of time.." He muttered.

Midori then said. "Then that's time for all of you to rest. Gonna need all the energy you can get before you three dive in."

"Agreed, mom." Suguha yawned before she curled up next to Alex. Alex stroked Suguha's hair gently. Midori was endeared to the sight of her daughter curling up to her boy. Even Kazuto smiled for Suguha. It didn't take long for Alex to yawn as well. He felt himself dozing off with her curled up against his chest.

Midori then sat down next to Kazuto.

"Mom," Kazuto said, "I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Kazuto." Midori reassured him before she gently pulls him in her embrace.

"I'm sorry I left all of you behind like that. I should've told you about what I've learn the truth on my tenth birthday.. About what happened to my actual parents instead of distancing myself from all of you and immersing myself in video games and computers." Tears begin to spill from his eyes as his sobs took over.

"I know..." Midori said while stroking his cheek, "it wasn't easy talking about my late sister, your mom and your dad, ever since we lost them." She continues to cradle her adoptive son in her arms. "But we all still love you ever since we adopted you... And you'll always be our child." Kazuto relaxed in Midori's arms.

Both Alex and Suguha already dozed off and cuddling with each other. Soon, the room fell silent for the Kirigaya family and Alex.

---

Onboard the USS Wilson:

Captain Chris Burke was in the tech center as he was being evaluated over his mental state with the use of the AmuSphere. However, the new Captain America was hardly amused. "You guys done probing me or what?"

"We're almost finished, Captain Burke." One of the doctors said. Another doctor was doing an examination of the Revere avatar created for the mission.

"We're also making calibrations with you avatars in ALO." The technician explains. "It seems that Hydra might try to hack into it. Which is why we're making additional protection for all of your accounts."

"Understandable," Chris replied, "but why need a shrink to question me about glitches?"

"Captain Anderson wanted to double-check with the avatars." The doctor replied. "He and Colonel Rogers are joining with you and the Howlers in ALO. And your lieutenant did express concern in his report about the glitches you experienced in the course of the mission." The doctor asked. "Something about reliving memories of your brother... Was it true?"

"Why don't you ask Fury about it?" Burke retorted, "he and his techs helped create the avatar."

"We'll do that when we get a chance." The doctor replied. "But for now, we're searching and fixing the glitches. And that also includes examining you to make sure that you are alright and able to carry out your duties in VR."

"I'm not crazy or becoming depressed, Mr. Shrink," Chris Burke was becoming irritated, but kept an even tone.

"We know, Captain." The doctor quickly replied. Captain Anderson shook his head nearby. Standing next to him is Colonel Rogers.

"Your Captain America worries me a bit, Colonel," Anderson said, "he's very testy since he came back. And the glitches he experienced in ALO could be the source."

"I'm not sure if he should be heading out on this mission honestly." He added.

"Maybe.." Rogers replied. "But he is the leader the Howlers know and trust to lead them into battle and back," Rogers assured, "and I know he has the fortitude to keep going despite the odds."

"Okay then." Anderson agreed. "I'm just hoping that it's not pushing him over the edge or anything.."

Rogers patted Anderson on the back. "I know that you look after our troops. Like you have with the Free States Rangers in the past." He smiled. "And I see that same strength in Burke more than he lets on. He feels responsible for everyone despite the pain he's endured."

"Don't we all?" Anderson added. Reminding themselves of leading their teams in battles. Whenever it was either the Avengers, or Anderson Tech's prelude to the civil war.

"But why him, if I may ask?" Anderson wondered, "what in your mind made him qualified for the mantle?"

It was then Rogers begins his explanation. "While he's not an orphan like I was, he has had a lot of expectations put under him as the eldest son of his family... And being the son of a very active Army general and having an ailing mother, you can imagine how hard it was for him to have to shoulder the responsibility."

"Especially during the civil war when various drug cartels came over in Texas to assist the Pacificans." He added. "Much of the time, he was having to fight against a numerically superior force that could outgun him and his band of brothers the majority of the time. Kind of like how I was surrounded by bullies back in Brooklyn towering over me."

"I see." Anderson surmised. He knew about the Mexican drug cartels invading America on Pacifica's behalf. Despite ordering to send reinforcements, it was impossible to do so with so many defensive lines stretched thin.

"He rescued and freed a great number of political prisoners and fellow soldiers despite the superiority of Pacifica's peacekeepers and ferried them to safety across the Mississippi with the limited resources and manpower he had... and despite the harsh persecution he endured, he never lost sight of himself nor stooped to the brutality Pacifica later became known for. If not for him, we could have lost many more patriots and innocents in Texas."

"I remember reading the reports in Texas.." Anderson said. Now realizing the truth behind the Texas.

"The Pacifica movement and regime wanted to make an example of that state..."

Any ships that picked up refugees and back to the Free States came from Texas. Many of the Rangers talked with the refugees and learned of a lone soldier single-handedly lead a small band of soldiers against a much larger army. Many of these young Texas soldiers had either been brutally imprisoned, tortured, or killed by the regime in it's quest to implement its ideology of a new America in the wake of the power vacuum and instability of the Matthews Administration from rogue pro-Sokovia agents undermining the former US government's authority.

"Now I see why you've selected Chris as the next Captain America." Anderson concluded.

"He has a silent strength and fortitude that he tends to hide," Rogers said, "he cares for people, but often cannot show it."

"This also includes the 300 trapped players.." Anderson surmised before adding. "You do know that his brother was one of the SAO victims."

"Yes... Chris told me about it.." Rogers replied.

"I'm just a little concerned that his angst for his brother might cloud his tactical judgement," Anderson said.

"It'll take a moment to get his mind back on track." Rogers reassured him. He turned to Captain Burke, whose checkup was almost finished. "If anything, he's even more driven than before to save those people."

"And about earlier... When he believed that one of the players turned traitor..." Anderson trailed off.

"What was that about then?"

"When he was talking about putting her down. I feared he was being led astray." Anderson confessed. "I've seen too many innocents that were pushed over the edge during the months after Campbell was assassinated.." He was hesitant to bring up the death of his father with Campbell.

"You don't think the California campaigns had any effect on him and other Texas-based soldiers?" Anderson referred to the fact that when the counterattack came, Texas-based US Army units led the charge into the heart of the corrupted Pacifica movement in California... which saw some of the most brutal fighting and later suppressions of Pacifica remnants.

"It's events like than can push anyone into doubt and depression. As well as given up hope for anyone who have sided with the enemy... I've seen that before..." He added. His worries were not unfounded, as the antipathy and regional animosity between Texas and California had exploded, with both states being sites of some of the worst reprisals by some of the military units on both sides. Many soldiers from the two states had emerged either broken or hardened by their ordeals, and Anderson feared that Burke was no exception despite the applause he received as a hero.

"I managed to keep myself from spiraling down that path... Even in the aftermath back in 2016.." Anderson continued. "There were times where doubt and anxiety nearly conquered me. Unsure what to do... And when I felt it was gonna head down that road, that's when it hit me. I was trying to take control of the situation when I had no control at all.."

"And?" Rogers asked.

"That's when I started putting my faith in God. I let go of my doubts and anxiety and let him guide me down the path.. And that's what I did. My mind was clear in those dark times and I begun preparing.."

Rogers smiled.

"And I waited for the government to make the first strike. As I knew never to strike first. I waited patiently while building up my faith and trust to our Lord."

"And your faith was rewarded," Rogers said.

"Anyways, what I'm concerned about is that Burke's judgement is clouded with emotion for his own brother... and that he might have too personal a stake in this mission," Anderson expressed.

"I see.." Rogers surmised.

"I don't doubt his capability for leadership, but the guy is still young and emotional. It's something that he needs to work on."

"Give him a chance," Rogers urged, "he will prove himself. I've seen him in action, and I can see that he has it in him to rise to the mantle." It was clear that there was a difference of opinion between him and Anderson on Burke's suitability for the mantle of Captain America

"And, it's finished." The doctor said. "The glitches in your avatar are finally patched up.."

"Thank you," despite his earlier annoyance, the new Captain America was nonetheless thankful.

"You're welcome.." The doctor smiled as Captain Burke got up.

"Ready for duty, sir," Chris saluted Rogers.

"At ease, Captain." Rogers saluted back. "Everyone's waiting for us in the briefing room. We should get going.." The two America-themed soldiers walked to the briefing room. Thomas Anderson followed them. The whole room stood up to salute the three senior officers.

"At ease." Rogers saluted to the rest of the Howlers.

"Gentlemen... and ladies," Colonel Rogers made a nod to Captain Miller in the room, "we are set to execute Operation Finalizer at 1500 hours Tokyo Time today."

"Howler 7-1 will log on Alfheim Online to raid the World Tree. Howler 7-2 will prepare to drop over the Nobuyuki estate to capture him if he's at the manor. Howlers 7-3 and 7-4 will airdrop over RECT Progress Inc HQ to eliminate any Hydra presence and liberate the hostages being held there." Anderson types in the laptop's keyboard and the holographic image of the World Tree and Alne City is displayed before them. "Delta One has identified likely points of entry and defensive positions Hydra and their civilian bounty hunters will be positioning around the target."

"The Industrial Revolution update for the ALO server will give the players somewhat modern weapons. So expect a fierce firefight when the time comes."

Sergeant Ramirez raised his hand. "So you're saying that we'll be facing not only Hydra, but civilian bounty hunters armed with modern weapons?"

"Unfortunately yes," Chris confirmed, "and they're putting it out there that there are NPCs in the form of American soldiers invading Alfheim, and putting bounties on Howlers as well."

"Great..." Ramirez groaned.

"Game-crazed civvies," Sergeant Castle said with gruff disdain.

"You said it." Ramirez agreed.

"So I guess that means we'll have to barge through the whole lot of them as well," Castle said openly.

"We have to.." Preston replied. "I don't like the idea of going up against civvies. But since it's in the game, we have no other option..."

"Listen up people," Captain Burke policed them. Both Preston and Ramirez remained quiet as Burke continued. "Our ROE does not change at this point," he made clear, "anybody who opens fire on Howler Platoon is to be treated as hostile. There are no exceptions to this."

"Also," He continued. "There's a possibility of Hydra trying to hack into our accounts on there. Which is why Captain Anderson has increased cybersecurity for this mission."

"There will be no half-steps for this op. We'll be going in hot and loaded, so treat this like you would any live combat op."

"Any questions?" Captain Hernandez of Howler 7-4 raised his hand. "Colonel Rogers..."

"What is it, Captain Hernandez?"

"If recall," he said, "we were supposed to just have a smaller team raid just the Nobuyuki mansion for the purpose of capturing Nobuyuki while maintaining a lower profile. Are you sure that this is prudent given that we are not sanctioned by the White House or Pentagon to carry out this operation?"

"When Hydra had control of SHIELD, we had to scrap up whatever assets and personal we could to stop them. Needless to say, we were outnumbered and outgunned."

"But we managed to stop Hydra from carrying out Project Insight that would've wiped out millions." He continued. "And now... That time has come to bring Hydra down once more, and there's no telling how large they've grown since then..."

"But as long as this super soldier body of mine holds up," Rogers resolved, "I will devote my entire being to ensure that Hydra can never prevail, in Germany, in America, in Japan, or anywhere in the world. And I'm willing to bet that many of you feel the same way."

Silence filled the room. After a few seconds, Ramirez spoke up. "I'm with you, Colonel."

"I've followed my Captain into battle numerous times," Preston added, "and Hydra is no different from any threat I've faced with you or him."

"Alright, then." Hernandez said. "We're with you.."

Logan then said, "Hydra has done immense damage to our country, and I have no intention of letting them escape justice."

"Agreed.." Castle added. "Though many of them have fled justice after the Civil War. We will keep an eye out and bring them in. Whenever they're Pacificans or Hydra..."

"Any enemy of Colonel Rogers and the United States is our enemy," Captain Pierson said. "We will follow you, Colonel. To the ends of the earth if we must.."

Captain Burke expressed, "as Captain America, I too have a duty to help finish what you started."

"And nothing, not even Hydra and civvie bounty hunters will stop us.. Right?" Anderson asked.

"They'll have to deal with the new Captain America and Iron Man," Chris revealed, "if Hydra knows we are coming anyways, no point in holding back."

"Don't forget Iron Patriot.." Anderson grinned. Colonel Rogers nodded, proud of his men.

"We'll log on right after the ALO servers finished with their update..." He surmised. "And then... we raid the World Tree..."

Captain Miller then stepped up.

"Yes, Captain Miller?"

"The Wilson and her air wings will provide air support to the companies on the ground in Tokyo as necessary... And when we grab Nobuyuki and bring him onboard, we'd be out of here before any of us knew what happened."

"What about the other officers of Hydra?" Pierson asked. "Surely, one of them might take up the leader role once we spirited Nobuyuki away with us."

"Our primary objective at the moment is Nobuyuki," Captain Burke responded, "but we believe that if we strike hard and fast at both him and RECT, we could do some serious damage to Hydra in the process."

"Alright then.." Pierson said.

"That way, we stand a good chance of catching them with their pants down." Anderson added. "And, with luck, they'll get careless when they panic."

"At the very least, a quick strike at Nobuyuki could seriously disrupt, if not outright shatter Hydra in Japan," Captain Burke iterated.

"That will cause a chain reaction throughout Hydra." He added.

"I doubt that it will be that easy, Burke," Logan said, "but it's worth a try in hurting Hydra."

"And, hopefully, bring them to ruins like Colonel Rogers did before..." Burke finishes.

Colonel Rogers thought to himself, 'I have a feeling that it's not going to be an easy victory...' However he kept that to himself. "We initiate in forty-five minutes. All Howlers to your stations."

"Yes sir!" Everyone saluted to Rogers before they began leaving the briefing room.

"I'll start the preparations for battle inside Alfheim Online, sir," Chris said to Rogers.

"I'll have my laptop hooked up. That way, I'll make some updates while we're in FullDive." Thomas added.

"You can do that?" Colonel Rogers wondered.

"You bet your dollars I can." Captain Anderson said with a smile. "How else was I able to develop the best software Anderson Tech could conceive?" He finished with a chuckle.

"You continue to amaze, Anderson," Colonel said with a pat to the back.

"Well, as long as the Doc can make our jobs easier," Chris just shrugged, "I mean it's just numbers and code."

"Numbers, Codes, and other things.." Anderson added. "Now, let's get to our stations and prep up our arrival.." As Anderson walked on ahead, the Colonel and new Captain faced one another.

"You feeling alright, Captain?" Rogers asked.

"As alright as I would be going into combat, though never as Captain America."

"Good to hear." Rogers patted Chris on the shoulder.

"Neither Iron Man nor I will let you down, Colonel," Chris assured.

"Good. Now let's head with the others." Rogers said. The two American-themed soldiers left the briefing room.

---

Alfheim Online ~ Forest near Alne city, 3:00 PM:

Kirito, Lexar, and Leafa logged in, finding themselves in one of the tents.

"So far, everything's good." Lexar surmised. Leafa went up next to Lexar and hugged him.

"I'm still nervous.."

"I know, Leafa. I'm nervous too." Lexar replied in a sooth tone and stroking her blonde in-game hair. Kirito was endeared at the sight of his best friend and sister together, but heard the sound of American voices and movement outside. He approached the tent's opening and peaked through to see.

"Guys... check it out..." Kirito gasped. Lexar and Leafa approached Kirito to see what was going on outside. Their eyes widen... As stood before them is Colonel Steve Rogers aka Colonel America, in his old Captain America outfit with the shield slung on his back. The very same he woe during his times with the Avengers. Yet he now sported an old-style leather tactical vest holding rifle mags, grenades, and an old WW2-era knife, a holster with his pistol at his side, and a SIG Sauer MCX short carbine slung across his chest. His uniform even had the addition of the colonel eagle insignia on his right shoulder.

"Afternoon," Colonel America greeted with a beaming smile.

"It's really him.." Lexar gasped softly.

Colonel America extended a hand to Kirito. "And the Black Swordsman of Sword Art Online, I presume." Kirito, despite being dazed in awe of the World War 2-era hero, he extended his hand out towards him.

"Captain America," Kirito greeted.

Colonel America smiled before breaking the handshake and turned to Lexar. "Lexar." He greeted the other male Spriggan player.

"Captain America... for real!" Lexar exclaimed. He took the Colonel's hand and shook it vigorously. "It's an honor to meet you, sir!" He said excitedly.

"Thank you," Colonel America replied with a chuckle. Then he joked, "even if you did demote me back to captain by accident."

"Sorry." Lexar stammered. His cheeks flushed pink. "I-It's just that.."

"Colonel America?" Leafa asked with the correct title. She extended her hand out to him.

"And afternoon to you, Leafa," Colonel America shook her hand.

Kazuto and Lexar then looked around to see the virtual theater of war developing. They see soldiers all dressed up in the various fatigues, camo, and gear of the tactical US army soldier. They've noticed the insignia images of wolves on their helmets and shoulder patches with the camo colors that are to blend in with the whole outfit. They were tall men, with the new fatigues seeming to hug their forms, and their helmets, vests, arm and shin guards seemed to bulk them up further. Many of them carried a mix of the M4v1s, SCAR 25s, and P418s that the SAO crew saw earlier, with others carrying what appeared to be large machine guns with robotic arms attached to harnesses with large backpacks and ammo belts. If anything else, they're ready to take on whatever threat comes their way.

"Whoa..." Lexar gasped.

"Talk about locked and loaded." Leafa commented.

"You there, halt!"

Colonel, Kirito, Lexar, and Leafa turned to the shout, and saw two of the soldiers holding Klein and his Fuurinkazan band with their rifles. "Identify yourselves!"

"Easy!" Klein held his hands up. "It's me.. Klein. And this is my posse.."

"This is a restricted area, civilian," the other soldier retorted.

"But we're with Kirito." He explains.

"Never heard of whoever 'Kirito' is," the first soldier said.

Colonel America quickly rushed over. "They're alright. Let them through." He ordered the soldier.

"Colonel?" The Howler asked.

"These guys are with us," Colonel America explained, "and so will some others who are about to spawn into the camp."

The Howler soldier looked at Klein. After a moment. "Alright, let them pass.." The second soldier also lowered his rifle and backed off. Klein and the Fuurinkazan band walk on. They spotted Kirito and ran towards them.

"Hey Kirito!" Klein fist-bumped his Spriggan friend.

"Klein!" Kirito grinned, "glad to see you and the others made it back to your NerveGears safely."

"You know," Lexar said, "Hydra was crawling all over looking for you guys."

"Tell me about it.." Klein shivered. "It was out of the blue, getting that call from that Fury guy..."

"And he tried to talk us of staying out of the fight." Dale pointed out.

"Like heck," Harry One spat, "we don't bail out on a good fight."

"Especially since our friend's held against her will.." Issin added.

Dynamm whistled at the sight of the military camp. "That's Howler Platoon then..."

"Yes... Yes they are.." Lexar replied. "They're something. Aren't they?"

"They can amass this many soldiers here?" Issin asked.

"Just enough for the mission.." Kirito answers. "Especially since the update for ALO has been made."

"You mean where everyone is locked and loaded?" Klein groaned.

"Yes.." It was then Kirito checked his inventory. If everyone in ALO has gotten modern weapons. Then maybe...

"Ow let us go!" Kirito heard Sleek cry out. He turned to see two soldiers grabbing Sleek and Silica by the arms.

"No unauthorized personnel, kid." one Howler said.

"Hey! They're with us!" Kirito protested.

"Stand down, soldiers," a familiar voice sounded, "what he said."

Kirito turned to see that it was Revere... but different. The combat outfit Revere's sporting nearly resembles Colonel America's original outfit, including the helmet. However, it was a mix with the gear seen in the special ops soldiers. It was stealth blue with some grey and silver outlines, and most striking were the star on his chest, helmet, and the blue and silver flag patch on his right shoulder patch.

"Don't worry, we have local militia joining us, Howlers," Revere assured, "let them go."

"Captain America, sir!" The two soldiers let go and saluted.

"Sheesh. Talk about being rough.." Silica rubbed her arm. Silica and Sleek then stared up at Revere and noticed his outfit.

"Nice outfit, Revere.." Sleek commented.

"Wait... why are you dressed like... Captain America?" Silica wondered.

"Wait," Leafa did a double-take, "is that Revere? What's with the stars and blues?"

"You're the new Captain America Colonel Rogers mentioned." Lexar surmised.

"Wait... What?!" Sleek and Silica exclaimed together.

"The new Captain America!?" Klein added. Revere crossed his arms to his side as he showed off his tactical Captain America II gear and armor. "You got it, Klein. Captain America reporting for duty."

"You looked awesome, Revere!" Dale exclaimed with excitement. Kirito stared at Revere, the new Captain America. "Wait... then when you tackled me back in the Corridor..."

"Super soldier strength, buddy," Captain America II answered. "The same stuff that Colonel Rogers used when he took the experiment."

"Correct," Captain II said as he flexed.

"That's so cool!" Lexar fanboyed.

"Wow... So, you took the experiment, and you became the successor to the original Captain America." Leafa surmised in both curiosity and in amazement. "But how?"

"How I'd taken the serum?" Revere asked.

Lexar looked to Colonel America. "You said the original was lost with that Erskine guy back in World War Two."

"Yes..." Colonel America replied. "At least, that's what I thought..."

"Wankandan Intelligence raided an old Hydra facility in Central Africa," Colonel continued. "and apparently found that the late Dr. Zola kept copies of the original formula."

"Zola..." Lexar wondered. "Isn't he one of the scientists for Hydra?"

Colonel America nodded. Captain America II then said, "and I'm not the only one taking on old mantles."

Captain II was looking in the sky as a red and gold streak leaving blue jet trails was returning from the direction of Alne.

"Is that who I think it is?" Lexar eyes widen in shock. The metal figure stopped in midair with his hand repulsors and lowered himself to the ground. Lexar's eyes widened as the robotic figure landed near Colonel and Captain America. The metal armor is slick and aerodynamic in almost all over the body. Small patches of gold color is seen behind the knee joints, stripes on the thighs, forearms, and in the hands. Not to mention the face plate. He had distinctive unit markings in gold on his shoulder pads, and the US flag was etched in subdued red over where the heart was.

Klein's and the Fuurinkazan clan's jaw dropped at the sight of Iron Man before them. Even Kirito and Leafa were speechless.

"What kept you, Lieutenant?" Captain America II greeted gruffly.

"Recon, like you asked," Iron Man II said as his faceplate lifted, "I just thought to do a more thorough job."

"Jackhammer!?" Klein exclaimed.

"Wait! You're the new Iron Man?!" Lexar asked in shock.

Jackhammer saw Lexar and smiled. "Well if it isn't our young friend Lexar!"

Lexar, on the other hand, was speechless. Leafa, being a secret superhero fangirl, suddenly let it all out.

"It's Iron Man!" She squealed. "And Captain America! All this time!"

"Yes they have, Leafa.." Kirito chuckled at his sister's fangirling. Iron Man II laughed while Captain America II looked a bit uncomfortable.

It was then Leafa asks. "Does that mean that Thor and the Hulk would be showing up too!?"

"Not quite young lady."

It was then that Iron Patriot walked up, with his faceplate open, "but one can say there is a whole lot of metal here."

"Iron Patriot!" Klein nearly fell over.

"In the flesh," Iron Patriot joked, "if there is such a thing in VR."

"Wonder when the others will show up?" Kirito looked around. "They're missing everything here."

Suddenly, tents started to open up. One by one, the SAO guild came out and gathered at the center of camp. Most of them are chatting with each other, neither of them noticing the armored-clad figures nor the American-themed soldiers.

"Hey Kirito!" Lisbeth greeted him.

"Liz!" Kirito greeted back, "you're late!"

"We all logged in almost after ALO updated." Lisbeth protested. Lisbeth then saw Revere and Jackhammer in their new armor.

"Wait! You two are Captain America and Iron Man!?" She exclaimed.

"Jackhammer!? You're Iron Man?!" Mace's jaw dropped.

"No Way!" Rex exclaimed. "Revere's Captain America too?!"

"I can't believe it." Kureha gasped. "The Iron Man, Captain America, and Iron Patriot.." She spots Rogers. "Wait.. You're Colonel Rogers. Right?"

"Revere? Jackhammer?" Spade was flabbergast. "You two were Captain America and Iron Man this whole time?!"

Haze and Rain were speechless. Neither of them couldn't believe what they're seeing. The whole US platoon's presence in Alfheim Online was one thing. But Colonel Steve Rogers in his old Captain America outfit, along with the fact that Revere and Jackhammer are Captain America and Iron Man was another. Even Philia was stunned.

Captain America II was nonchalant. "Yes, why?"

"It just never occurred us." Spade explained while trying to contain his excitement. "Are the rest of the Avengers gonna show up?"

"I- I've asked.." Lexar answered. "And this is all we'll be seeing on our mission.."

Strea and Yui went up to Captain America. Strea tilted her head in curiosity, examining the soldier.

"So, this is your true form, Revere?" Yui asks.

"It is," Captain said.

"Wow..." Strea gasped in awe. Codex approached Strea.

"This is hard to believe. Isn't it, Strea?" He asks her.

"I did data gathering when the ALO servers were closed for maintenance," Strea told her love, "but nothing in the internet told me about a new Captain America and Iron Man!"

"Perhaps it's done in secret?" Codex guessed.

"Let's just say that we just got promoted," Jackhammer said with a grin.

"Oh... Okay then.." Strea smiled. The SAO survivors crowded around Revere in interest.

"Looks like we're celebrities here." Jack chuckled. The Captain just shook his head as he was bombarded with questions.

"How's being the next Captain America?" Sleek chimed.

"Do you have the same shield Rogers have?" Mace added.

"Hey, hey," Captain America II urged them, "easy now. I am Captain America, but I'm also still an Army rifleman. This..." He unslung an M4v1, still having the Pulsar Resonator, but now also having some sort of digital sight and an underslung weapon. "This is still my primary."

"Okay." Mace said. "I figured you'd be tossing a shield of your own, like Colonel America here.." He smiled.

"Well... I do have one."

"What color scheme is it in?"

Lisbeth looked all over Revere and saw no shield. "Is it in your inventory?" She asks. Revere, Captain America raised his left arm and pressed on a small control in his palm with his index finger. A shield opens up all over his left arm. It was big enough to shield one person or two. It was a rectangular nanofiber mesh sheet that was stealth blue with a silver star in the center.

"It's safe to assume that this shield isn't throwable.." Lisbeth observed. "So it's just like a normal shield then."

"Doesn't seem much.." Mace added.

"It has it's advantages," Revere said as he tapped on more palm controls. The others watched in amazement as the shield glowed for a moment.

"I can generate a repulsor field through the nano-mesh."

Spade whistles. "Nice.."

"And thanks to one-way micromirrors, I can see y'all from behind my shield just fine," Revere said, "I can even open small gunports in the micromesh and shoot anyone shooting at me without having to expose myself."

"Awesome.." Rex was impressed. "Is it made with Vibranium as well?" It was then that Captain America II gave his older counterpart a knowing glance. The Colonel suddenly threw his shield at Captain II. The circular shield bounced off the rectangular one. A metallic clang is heard as if a large bell was being rung.

"Cool!" Many of the SAO survivors exclaimed. Colonel America catches his shield with ease. Captain America II lowered his own and it folded back into his arm gauntlet.

"I'll take that as a yes." Rex said at last. Impressed by the Shield's durability.

"Right," Captain II affirmed. He suddenly then frowned as he looked up into the trees. "Excuse me." He let his rifle hang on his sling as he tapped on his right palm control. His right gauntlet ejected a small metal disk into his palm. Most of the SAO survivors were curious about the small device that they're witnessing. It unfolded into a frisbee in his grasp and he threw it hard into the tree...

With a hard smack, the disk flew back down with a small light green figure falling to the ground. Leafa looked at the down player and her eyes widen as she recognized him.

"Recon!" Leafa ran towards him. Recon shook his head, but was suddenly set upon by three of the Howlers drawing their rifles running up to him.

"On the ground! Get on the ground!"

Recon was kicked to the ground as the three pointed rifles in his face.

"Wait! What's going on!?" Recon was shaking to see soldiers aiming their rifles at him.

"Why are you spying on us?" One Howler barked in English.

"Hands where we can see them!" Recon placed his hands up, his knees trembling.

The third one roughly rifled through his outfit for weapons. "Anything that can hurt us, knives, needles, guns?" He finds nothing.

"He's clean.." the third Howler grunted.

Leafa tried to approach Recon, but the first soldier stopped her.

"Wait a minute," the second soldier said, "game inventory. Check that!"

"You! Open your inventory! Now!" He barked. Recon quickly complied and opens up his game inventory. The Howler soldier searched through it. He quickly tapped on two items, causing Recon's sword, and to Leafa's surprise, an ornate revolver to fall to the ground.

"Now he's clean!" The third soldier planted his foot on Recon's back and held him hard on the ground.

"Let him go!" Leafa protested.

"Sorry missy," the first soldier held her, "but he's been detained."

"Why are you here?!" The third soldier demanded. "Who sent you?!"

"N-No one!" Recon panicked. "I came h-here on my o-own accord!"

"Wait a minute!" Lexar called out. "He's not a threat!"

"He's not!" Kirito agreed. "We've saved him a couple of days ago!"

"He's my friend!" Leafa yelled, "let him go!"

Realizing what was up, Captain America II barked, "stand down Howlers! That's an order!" The third Howler soldier took his boot off Recon's back and stepped backwards. The others did the same. Recon got up and rubbed his back.

"Ow..."

Leafa and Lexar rushed over to help him.

"We're sorry about that, Recon." Leafa apologized.

"Sorry... our new friends tend to be on the rough side," Lexar said sheepishly.

"Other than that." Kirito added. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here because I had to get away from Sigurd." Recon said. "He made an alliance with Eugene of the Salamander faction and has joined forces."

"We're aware of that last night." Leafa groaned. "We ran into them in the Legrue Corridor."

"But did you see pictures of those two rogues? Leafa, they were American soldiers!" Recon exclaimed.

"We know." Leafa sighed. "But there's something going on that neither of us are understanding."

"Like what?" Recon asked. Confused by his friend's statement. It was Captain America II who stepped forward.

"Hydra's in control of the Alfheim Online game. And their leader, Nobuyuki, is using the game as a testing ground for the 300 captured players from SAO."

Recon looked up... "You mean..." his voice trailed off. His eyes widened as he saw who it was.

"Captain America?!" He exclaimed.

"Sorry for my men and hitting ya, buddy." Captain America II reached down to help Recon up. As he was helped up to his feet. Recon couldn't believe what he's seeing.

"The Industrial Revolution update didn't mention anything like this.." Recon gasped.

"They don't tell much of the truth about anything," Captain America II said, "that's just how Hydra rolls."

"You said something about Hydra?" Recon was confused. "But I thought.."

"They control this game kid," Iron Man II came up next to his Captain, "the Industrial Revolution update is a cover to stall us."

"I understand this is a lot for you to take in, Recon." Leafa reassured him. "Even I found it hard to believe it."

Recon's jaw was agape as he saw the two soldiers. "Wait... you're the rogues... and you both are Captain America and Iron Man this whole time?"

"That's right, kid." Iron Man II smiled.

"Knocked my socks off too," Kirito laughed.

"And that's not all..." Lexar gestures to Colonel America. The young Sylph was confused. Until he got a closer look at him.

"You're the original!"

"That's right, son." Rogers smiled. "The other Captain America is my successor.." He extended a hand to Recon. The male Sylph player took his hand and shook it.

"I-It's an honor to m-meet you... Colonel America.." Recon stammered.

Captain America II spoke up, "as exciting as it is to meet my superior officer, do you have any information on Sigurd and Eugene since you mentioned them?"

"Well... They're still looking for the two rogues since they were defeated yesterday.." Recon answered. "Especially since the bounty have been increased."

"Won't they be surprised." Klein and his Fuurinkazan snickered.

"Considering that you have Captain America, Iron Man, and the original Captain America in your ranks.." Recon observed. "I wouldn't be surprised if they start running.."

"I wouldn't be too sure about that," Iron Man II shook his head, "I just left the scout unit we had outside of Alne..."

"And?" Leafa asked in concern.

"There are a lot more... hundreds of players of all races guarding Alne," Iron Man II said, "and enough to rival our forces."

"Well.." Iron Patriot II spoke up. "Nothing that we can't handle... Just gonna make some tweaks with the systems." It was then Kirito realized something. He was checking his inventory for the weapons from the new update. There was nothing.

"Lexar, check your inventory." Kirito demanded. The American Spriggan does so.

"Am I looking for weapons from the update?" He asked. "Because I don't see any..."

Leafa frowned as she looked. "I got nothing either."

Everyone in the SAO guild checked their inventories.

"None of us got any new weapons from the update." Spade called out. Iron Patriot then did a scan of the avatars.

"It appears they're a block program on your avatars." He deduced. "Probably placed during the update." Kirito then went to the game store and tried to download the update. However, a 'system error' window popped up. Everyone else groaned, as they were also denied access.

"He's blocked us from the update." Lexar surmised. A hint of frustration is hinted in his tone.

"This sucks!" Kureha whined.

"And we're up against firepower," Haze added.

"Not to worry, kids." Iron Patriot smiled. "Not even a system block can stop these fingers." He claps his hands and expands his arms wide. The screen before him grew bigger, showing various strands of digital codes.

"You sure you can break it?" Lisbeth asked, seeing the entire screen.

Iron Patriot just chuckles. "There's nothing that can withstand my skills." He begins typing in the codes on the hologram keyboard displayed before him. Kirito watched as Iron Patriot's fingers danced across the keyboard buttons and the codes at a fast pace.

"Don't get too full of yourself, Doc," the Captain muttered.

In under twenty seconds. The red codes begin to disappear. Kirito and company watched in amazement as the entirety of the red codes disappeared. Then Iron Patriot types in more codes. This time, they begin to light up in green and blue colors.

"This shouldn't take long." He said softly as more blue/green codes appeared. The others waited as Anderson's fingers and hands continued to dance across the holoscreen.

"Annnnnddd... Done!" He said at last. "Now you're free from the GM administration block."

Kirito opens up his inventory and checks the add-ons. To his surprise, it wasn't the Industrial Revolution update he was expected. But an unknown package.

"We got unknown packs in our inventory.." Rain said.

"Same here.." Philia added.

"Is it safe?" Rex asked.

"Don't worry everyone. It's safe." Iron Patriot reassured. Kirito shrugs and pressed the button. Kirito suddenly felt a rush as his avatar started to transform and begins to shine a bright light. Kirito looked down and saw his outfit and gear change. The colors and schemes resemble the very same as the rest of the Howler soldiers.

"We added the outfit and gear of the Howler Platoon." Iron Patriot explains. "That way, you're one of us.."

Kirito was amazed by the new outfit. However, he felt something tugging on the inside. It was then he asks. "Can I be allowed to alter the outfit to something with... character?"

"Why, of course..." He smiled. "I also added the ability to allow you to change your outfit, color schemes. And weapon loadouts to anything that'll suit you.."

Upon hearing this, Kirito clicks to his avatar settings and sees that Iron Patriot's words are true. There's a setting that'll allow him to alter the outfit and color to it. He immediately clicks on it and starts making changes to it. It didn't take long for him to finish up and push the 'save' button. His avatar shined, and the outfit changed to a similar outfit that he wore previously. And it resembles the very same outfit he word during SAO.

"Hey Kirito, your outfit looks just like in SAO." Klein smiled. Soon, everyone clicked on their inventories and it didn't take long for their avatars to change. All their outfits bore the US 7th Battalion soldier combat uniform. However, that wasn't the only thing they've noticed. They've noticed that their hairstyles and color reverted to their real life versions.

"Hey! We have our real life hair!" Codex commented.

"I wonder if I can make my hair color the same?" Lisbeth wondered as she clicked on her avatar settings. Lexar quickly changed his outfit that resembles one that's suited for urban warfare. The dark grey/black camo patches are shown on his combat pants and shirt. Save for the black vest, gloves, and combat boots.

"Nice.." Lexar said to himself. Soon, everyone changed their outfits that is a mix of both the US military and their old SAO avatars.

"Oh Lexar..." Leafa called to him in a honeyed voice. He turned around to see Leafa in an outfit that nearly resembles her ALO version. However, what he saw made his jaw drop. She wore emerald-green combat pants that showed her curves. Grey/Silver combat boots that went up to her knees. Her combat shirt was a mixture of a tank top, a one-piece bathing suit, and a combat vest that's showing her cleavage. With a emerald-green color that matches her pants.

"L-Leafa!" Kirito was blushing to see his sister in an alluring outfit. Iron Man snickered in amusement.

However, both Colonel and Captain America glared at Leafa. "Young lady, that is too light of an outfit," Colonel America said.

"You are going to get shot like that," Captain America II deadpanned.

"Actually, it's perfect as it'll make me more agile and dodge attacks more easily.." Leafa explained.

"I might have some old sensibilities," Colonel America shook his head, "but why all that cleavage?"

"Same here," Captain America II concurred, "you gonna seduce the enemy?"

"That might work." Iron Man II shrugged. "It'll give her a chance to drop them. Plus, less armor means she can move freely and faster that others."

"A-Actually, They're both right." Lexar answered, who's blushing profusely. "I've seen her dodging the Salamander's attacks when we met her." The other guys seemed amused at Lexar's reaction. Klein and the Fuurinkazan seemed to admire Leafa, but backed off when Captain gave them a warning look.

"Hehe.." Iron Patriot chuckled. "Looks like Lexar's taking a liking to her new outfit." He teased.

"You're married, Doc," Captain America II reminded.

"I know... That's how I was when I first saw Jenny when I was Lexar's age." He explained. "I remember it like it was yesterday.."

"No one's interested in your love life right now, Doc," Captain America II snarked back as he looked over the SAO group.

"So..." Kirito said, breaking the awkward moment. "You said something about customizing our weapon loadouts?"

"That I did." Iron Patriot II answered. "We got an array of pistols, revolvers, shotguns, smgs, assault rifles, sniper rifles, explosives. You name it, we got it." Kirito checks his inventory...

And he sees various types of firearms. Most of them are standard US military variants. While others ranged from various countries. He saw the M4v1 like the one Revere carried. He clicked on it and showed the options of attachments. Including the Pulsar Resonators muzzle attachments for the rifles.

"Why not?" Kirito clicked on it, and something flashed in his arms. The M4v1 assault rifle appeared before him.

"Whoa!" Kirito caught it, expecting the gun to be heavy. To his surprise, it was light than it ought to be.

Kirito could see a rifle appear in Lexar's hands. He went for the P418 rifle. While it has attachments such as the Pulsar Resonator and the red dot sights. The color scheme caught his attention. The handguard, the stock, and the top half of the receiver have the blue scheme with white stars. And the bottom half of the receiver sports the red and white stripes. He saw something that appears in gold on the receiver's top half. Upon closer inspection, he sees it's a golden cross.

"I went for the Free States decals for the 418." Lexar smiled. "I've also given the rifle the 60-round box magazines."

"Looks a little clunky though," Kirito remarked as he turned his M4v1 in his hands. It had a 32-round mag and Pulsar Resonator like Captain America's M4v1, but had fixed iron sights instead of optics, making it a good deal lighter.

"If we're gonna take on ALO players, we need to increase firepower.." Lexar smirked. "And I can't wait to see this in action..."

"You got that right, Lexar..." Leafa added. She sports a bullpup-style assault rifle in her arms. It was a cross between the FAMAS G2 and the Tavor TAR-21. Specifically, the rear and trigger guard resembles that of the TAR-21 and the front resembles that of the FAMAS G2. The weapon is fitted with a bayonet and, like the P418, it holds a maximum of 60 rounds.

"M24 service bullpup," Captain America II remarked, "interesting that you went with the new Philippine rifle."

"What can I say, Cap." Leafa remarked. "The bullpup rifles are unique in their own way.."

"Never took you for a gun girl," Lexar jested.

"Well, I don't learn just Kendo. You know.." Leafa winked at him. "I've taken interest of looking up modern firearms in the past. Even during SAO..."

"You continue to surprise me, sister, you know that?" Kirito chuckled.

"Hey," Leafa smirked, "says the one who kept Asuna and the truth of her being your wife to himself."

"True..." Kirito gazed down sheepishly.

"We should also consider adding secondary weapons such as pistols.." Lexar suggested. He started scrolling through his inventory.

"This is so rad!" Mace exclaimed he looked down at his own black combat suit with elbow and knee pads.

"Wow Mace, you look slick.." Lisbeth commented. She wore pink-red short-sleeves with a tactical vest. Dark pink short with an ammo belt and a leg holster. And light grey combat boots that ran up to her knees.

"Looking lovely, Lisbeth.." Mace smiled.

"And you look like a real hunk carrying that large gun," Lisbeth purred. Mace checks the weapon, he sports an AA-12 auto shotgun. Anderson Tech modified it in the past. Making it a closed bolt as opposed to opened bolt like the older version, as well as bolt hold-open device. The mags are drop-free for faster reloads. The charging handle was also redesigned, placed on the side to allow a rail on top for features. And finally, the magazine capacity is added to 12 and 16 shells. Lisbeth also sported a shotgun, but it was a more traditional Remington 870 pump-action.

"Looks like we're a shotgun couple.." Mace chuckled.

"And I've got some special surprises for the mob ahead of us," Lisbeth said as she showed him her explosive and riot rounds.

"Indeed, I have them too.." Mace checks the ammo inventory for explosive and riot rounds. It was then Mace noticed the ammo count for the weapons has the infinity symbol behind the ammo capacity.

"Hey... my ammo reserves..."

"Same as mine.." Lisbeth added.

"And mine.." Leafa was confused.

"I've got the same over here," Klein remarked as he tapped on his newly acquired SC-2010 battle rifle, thinking it was a glitch.

"I've got the same for my Minigun," Agil added.

"It's no glitch.." Iron Patriot said. "That's one of the additions I've made for everyone.."

"For everyone?" Kureha asked..

"You mean the Howlers as well?" Rex concluded while checking his ammo reserves. "I kinda love it.." He smiled.

"Fine by me," Spade grinned as he showed off his MCX carbine. He also sports a XE012 heavy pistol. Made by Anderson Tech to rival and replace the Desert Eagle .50 pistol.

Meanwhile, Lexar examines the ZE-10 handgun he selected. It was made from the Ordnance branch of Anderson Tech. The increased rate of fire without the recoil, along with the magazine capacity of 15 to 20 rounds. Making the pistol reliable. Everyone else had their new militarized outfits and own special weapons, with exclamations of excitement and amazement at what their military allies had given them.

Captain America II and Iron Patriot watched this. "Now they look like a real modern militia," Captain remarked.

"This should even the odds for us.." Iron Patriot observed. "Since we're going up against almost all of ALO, plus the Guardians. We'll need all the firepower we could get." Colonel America patted both men on the shoulders.

"I can feel that things are starting to go our way..." Iron Patriot II smiled.

"Well, we can't congratulate ourselves until the job is actually done," Colonel America said, "though I wish there was a way to convince all those players that the threat is real."

"True.." Iron Patriot agreed. He glanced towards the SAO guild who are marveling over the weapons they're received. "They may not be special forces or anything, but they're more than willing to join the fight.."

"But we can't leave them unattended," Captain America II objected, "they'll have to answer to the ranking officers in the field as in the real world."

"Speaking of ranking," Iron Patriot said, "looks like your chief NCOs are reporting in, Cap."

"Sergeants Ramirez and Castle reporting, gentlemen."

"We're almost ready to storm the city of Alne." Caste said. "Anything else we should be expecting, Colonel?"

"At this point... I say expect nothing less from Hydra," Colonel America grimaced.

"We also have more reports from the scouts in the field," Ramirez said, "more and more civilian players are arriving around Alne by the minute."

"That's what I was afraid off," Iron Man II shook his head, "Hydra is using them as shields."

"At least no one will be killed for real in ALO, right?" Ramirez pointed out. "So, pushing through isn't gonna be a problem.."

"Yes..." Colonel America shook his head, "but somehow, I just have this very bad feeling..."

"I know that feeling, Colonel.." Castle said. "I have it too.."

Captain America took Ramirez next to Kirito and Lexar. "Sergeant Ramirez, these are two of the kids dumb and brave enough to hike along with us."

"So, you want me to keep an eye on them?" Ramirez surmised.

"Well, they have the fighting potential... in VR at least. Ramirez, just don't let them out of your sight."

"Okay then. Mind if I take Burton with me on this?"

"A rookie? I know he's skilled and trained, but I'm not quite sure..."

"It'll be a chance for him.." Ramirez turned to see Burton, who is chatting with the Philia. "And besides, I'm sure he'll find his calling during the battle.."

Damion Burton was getting acquainted with Philia.

"Philia, isn't it?" Burton asked the blonde Japanese player as he shouldered his M4v1.

"Yes... Yes it is... Private Burton.." Philia giggles. "This is quite a turnout. Right?"

"Well it isn't exactly a party," Burton shook his head, "this is a combat mission, and has major real world implications... My Captain and Sergeant Ramirez drilled it into me to take this assignment as seriously as any other."

"True.." Philia agreed. "But I've seen parties like this during SAO, even before we clear the floor... So, this is no different."

"Still, crazy that a game like that could actually kill people," Damion shook his head.

"Yeah... We've lost too many good people in SAO.." Philia lamented.

"And I can't believe someone cute like you got caught in something like that."

This caused Philia to blush. "R-Really?"

The young Ranger realized what he had said and quickly corrected, "innocent. I mean an innocent like you. Sorry."

"It's alright..." Philia giggles. It was then she leaned close to him and whispers. "I think you're cute too.."

"Um... thank you, but my superiors might..."

"See us?" She finishes. She grinned to Captain America and Sergeant Ramirez, though the former did not seem too amused.

"Um..." Damion seemed uncomfortable with his Captain's reaction, "fraternization is a... sensitive issue in the military."

"You're probably right.." Philia replied. "After all, we're going on a dangerous mission." She then adds. "And I'm pretty sure you'll head back home after all of this is over. Correct?"

"That's the plan," Damion said, "which means I may not see you afterwards..."

"Don't say that," Philia laughed. "It's a shame that you're not stationed in Japan... Otherwise..."

"True, but I was chosen by the 75th," Damion said, "and I go where I'm ordered to."

"Do you mind online dating?" She then asks. "I mean, it doesn't sound much. But with the help of VR, we can make it happen.. Which I don't mind at all..."

Damion blushed. Philia smiled. Captain America noticed Damion's interaction with Philia. "Ramirez, get the other NCOs together for a tactical briefing," he ordered, "and police the men into their fireteams for mobilization."

"Yes sir." Ramirez acknowledged.

---

World Tree, Hydra Base:

Asuna felt herself going into overdrive as the whole Hydra base mobilized their cyberdefenses. She was in the operations center as Hydra prepared for the anticipated assault by the US Army Rangers' vaunted Howler Platoon.

"Anything so far?" Asuna asked. Observing the activity.

"So far, nothing..." One of the technicians said. "No sight of the American soldiers... But I have a feeling that they'll show up eventually..."

It was then that the chief tech got a call. "It's the Supreme Commander."

"Put him on.." Asuna ordered. The chief did so, and Nobuyuki in the real world was on.

"Anything to report?" Nobuyuki demanded.

"Nothing yet, Excellency, but everyone in Aincrad worth their stats seems to be answering the event to defend Alne against the invaders." The chief laughed, "and they think it is a special game event against NPCs!"

"All these little people will be doing most of the fighting for us!"

"I don't care about these small fry!" Nobuyuki retorted dismissively, "as far as I'm concerned, they can be mowed over by the Americans as long as they wear down enough of the opposition for us."

Asuna continues to watch on.

"Rest assured, Excellency," the chief technician said, "between the races of ALO, the Guardians in the World Tree, and our own ex-STRIKE, this World Tree is an impenetrable virtual fortress."

"Good. We're very close of completing our experiment." Nobuyuki pointed out. "The last thing I want is to have our project end prematurely and our plans for world domination to go up in smoke.."

Asuna shuddered... if the sleeper project was almost finished... then 299 SAO survivors would be made to serve Hydra.

"And I'm setting the international launch of the game today at 1100 hours Greenwich Mean Time, which is 1900 hours our time," Nobuyuki said, "I want our sleepers and the indoctrination programs available before then, and make sure those pesky Americans are repelled."

"We will fight them to the last man, Supreme Commander." The chief smiled.

"Cut off one head..." Nobuyuki cited. "Two more shall take its place... Hail Hydra!" He saluted.

"Hail Hydra!" Asuna was forced to chant the accursed words with the rest of the center. She hoped that Naomi could find a way to slow down the whole project and launch until Kirito could come with the American reinforcements.

Nobuyuki then turned to Asuna on the screen. "And my dear Titania, I have need of your services."

"Anything for my king." Asuna replied.

"I need you to oversee the sleeper project in the lab," Nobuyuki said, "you seem to have a good rapport with Commander Hunter, and I trust that you can urge her to finish on time."

"Will do, my king.." Asuna smiled. For her, this could be a chance to take a look inside the lab.

"Oh, and by the way, I've also made the decision to place you in command of our special sleeper division. I've reviewed your tenure as Vice Commander of the Blood Oath Guild in SAO... and I've become even more impressed with you."

"Y-You have?" Asuna was nearly caught off guard by Nobuyuki's statement.

"Yes... so much so that I think you would be perfect for leading espionage and secret military operations against our enemies in Japan and throughout the world..."

"That's correct.." Asuna quickly recovered. "I had a feeling that my leadership in SAO would pay off one day..." She giggled for Nobuyuki. "I'll make sure that our agents will be ready once the process is complete.." She added.

"I knew I made a wonderful choice with you, Titania," Nobuyuki grinned, "now prepare them... and if you can mobilize them as loyal servants, feel free to take care of our little American problem out in Alfheim."

"Will do, King Oberon... Hail Hydra.." Asuna saluted. Inside, she felt sick whenever she does so. But this is her chance to give Kirito and the others the chance. She walked the halls hurriedly. Before she knew it, she found herself right outside the lab doors.

'This is it, Asuna.' She thought to herself. 'Time to bring Hydra down..' She put her hand up to the scanner, which beeped. The doors opened for her and she walked in without a second to lose.

"Mistress!"

"Naomi.." Asuna breathed. Asuna's imagination about this place had lingered in the back of her mind... What she saw before her are small pillars in rows. She didn't need to count them all as she deduced that these are the 299 players from SAO. Save for herself. She shuddered at the sight of holographic brains being probed with all sorts of programming. She's near one of the pillars and takes a closer look at the holographic brain. She gasped in horror as she recognized the name tag... Yolko. She hadn't seen her since she and Kirito helped her apprehend Grimlock for killing Griselda. She then glanced over to another... it was Caynz, Yolko's boyfriend.

Asuna couldn't believe it. Two players that she knew have became prisoners of Nobuyuki's experiments. She looked around, dreading that she might recognize more... Or worse, she found a pillar with her own name on it. She then saw that Naomi was tending to one of the subjects with a mix of care and shame. Upon closer inspection, Asuna saw the name tag Kibaou.

Her eyes widened. Kibaou... the same hotheaded older player that gave Kirito a hard time for being a beta tester... a member of the Aincrad Liberation Force and later the betrayer of Thinker. She still remembers Kibaou's clashes with Kirito and Lexar after clearing the first floor after a month of being trapped.

She then stared at Naomi. "You're... his sister?"

Naomi, without turning to face her, nodded. "This is my brother," Naomi added.

"I'm... I'm very sorry..." Asuna placed her hand on Naomi's shoulder.

"I know..." Naomi said in a sad tone, "but it'll be over soon."

"Which is why they sent me in here.." Asuna explains. "They want me to oversee the process. Probably speed it up.."

"In time for the international launch," Naomi added as she glanced around at the guards and other technicians in the room.

Asuna leaned in close to Naomi's ear. "Which is why we're gonna hinder the process.." She whispers. "But we gotta be discreet about it... Are our loyalists in position?"

"Yes, they're waiting for the signal.." Naomi answers. "Which will be in a form of a PA announcement..."

"And what about communications and security?"

"Those will have to be dealt with first.. There's a GM console in here.." Naomi gestures towards the giant black box at the end of the room. However, it was heavily surrounded by ex-STRIKE troops, led by Jack Rollins himself.

"How's George, Fuji, and Yuki doing with those in security who are not Hydra," Asuna hissed her question, "I hope we can loosen things up when the Rangers and Kirito come knocking."

"They're making good progress.." Naomi said. "They managed to get several of the security guards on our side. But... are you really sure that the Americans will raid the RECT headquarters in the real world?"

"Yes, I'm positive.." Asuna hushed. "I've spoke to Delta One and she told me about everything.."

"This Delta One character you talked to... can they be trusted."

"Yes... Otherwise, the American's wouldn't be logging on ALO in the first place.."

"I thought they were supposed to be non-interventionist in their policy now, and that's not to mention their depleted military strength and population," Naomi said as she and Asuna pretended to work from station to station.

"I thought so too..." Asuna replied. "But it appears they got wind of what was going on.."

"And enough to send an entire elite Ranger platoon," Naomi said awed as she gave one of the subjects some virtual painkillers to help keep them calm.

"Which is why we're gonna do our half here. Cause disruptions in Hydra's systems. That'll give Kirito and the Rangers a chance to fight their way up here without any trouble."

"And I've got what we need to accelerate OUR program," Naomi smirked, the first Asuna had seen out of her, "and our subjects will be ready to move out."

"I can't wait to see.." Asuna smirked back.

---

Howler Base Camp:

Kirito sat in one of the chairs watching the others interacting with the Howler soldiers. Some of the soldiers, especially the young new ones were quite friendly and helpful, but it was clear that many of the more veteran soldiers from the 2nd American Civil War tended to be rougher around the edges and more reserved, especially towards those like Sleek and Silica they considered to be 'kids'.

Kirito also couldn't help but detect a certain kind of tension between these American soldiers from the mainland United States, and his expatriate friends. At least Iron Patriot, Jackhammer, and Colonel America are soft around the edges, despite being veterans of the civil war themselves. Klein sat down next to Kirito, seemingly exhausted.

"Whew! Talk about excessive training.." Klein breathed.

"You call arm wrestling training?" Kirito raised an eyebrow.

Klein grimaced as he held up a sore arm. "Hey.. That was just for fun.. I'm talking about the weapons training..."

"These guys not only train to fight... they really train to kill you real fast and real bad."

"True... But, it's no different from SAO.. Except for the modern weapons and such..."

"And these men have been training and fighting for nearly all of their adult lives... the military is their life and career," Kirito noted as he saw Captain America II talking with Iron Man II and people he called 'NCOs'.

"Indeed... But at least we got firepower of our own.." Klein pointed out. It was then that Colonel America whistled loudly to call the officers and the SAO militia into order. "Atten-hut!" Captain America called as he and the other ranking COs and NCOs stood at attention.

"At ease," Colonel America said, "I ask that all present respectfully focus their attention on Captain America here as he conducts our tactical briefing." Kirito, Klein, and the others watched as Captain America II begins to speak.

"Gentlemen," Captain America addressed primarily the men in his unit, "we are set to execute the second phase of Operation Finalizer, so I'm about to go over the latest tactical information concerning our target. The entrance to the World Tree is located in the city of Alne. Which is close. According to the information we've received, that's our only way to get to the top."

"Unfortunately, based on our field recon surveying the perimeter of Alne, and inside sources from inside RECT, the World Tree is a veritable fortress with numerous defenses, including Guardians serving as ALO's final bosses, security cyber-bots inside the base bolstered by Hydra troops from the former STRIKE crew, and now numerous civilian game players newly armed with projectile weapons enhanced the game's fantastical energy elements."

"However, our mission still stand, in spite of the current changes and situation.." He continued.

One of the other sergeants raised his hand, "any kind of heavy firepower can we anticipate?"

"We could expect heavy machine gun nests in the form of the ALO variants.." Captain America answered. "As well as several of the players armed with heavy weapons.."

"We do have Iron Man and Iron Patriot on our side.." The sergeant said. "Surely, they should even the odds for us. Right?"

"And there's still alot about Hydra Japan's strength that we still do not know, so don't disxount anything," Captain told the sergeant.

"Right.." The sergeant finished. It was then that Agil raised his hand.

"Yes? Agil?" Captain America II addressed.

"You're saying that not only we'll be fighting against Hydra in ALO. But we'll be facing them in the real world?" He asks.

"Correct, Agil." Captain America answered. "Which is why by capturing Nobuyuki, it'll cause a chain reaction throughout Hydra."

It was Kirito's turn to raise his hand up.

"Yes, Kirito?" The Captain addressed.

"You're saying that if we take down Nobuyuki, we take down Hydra at the same time?" Kirito asks.

Captain America II seemed to be cautious. "It is possible, but we are prepared to take additional steps if needed. Hydra is a highly subversive organization, and not easy to completely destroy. Still, we Howlers will do what we must."

"Okay then.." Kirito sat back down. 'I sure hope Hydra's put down for good..' He thought to himself.

Lexar then stood up. "So... How are we gonna get into Alne City, sir?" He asked.

Captain America II then turned to one of the other soldiers, whom Lexar guessed was a recon. "Corporal, present your findings."

"Yes sir.." The Corporal stood up. "We checked the main entrance to the city and we saw several players entering the city by the minute. Plus, we saw what appears to be a security checkpoint at the entrance. So, trying to disguise ourselves as merchants could be out of the question.."

"We also tried to find secret passages that could lead us into the city undetected... However, we're unsuccessful of finding one.."

Captain America II turned to Leafa. "Is there another way into Alne?" He asks her. Leafa put a finger to her chin.

"To be honest sir, I never got the chance to fully explore the city before all of this.." she answers. "However..." She did a web search of a gaming site.

"There's a rumor I've heard about a secret entrance located nearby..." Leafa clicked on the ALO website and scrolled through the pages. "Aha! Found it! You won't see this on standard game maps... But there's a secret entrance not far from here. It's located on the outer walls that connects to the forest. That way, we'll be able to sneak in and enter the World Tree gates before anyone noticed our presence.."

"There are also said to be other secret entrances, but the forest one may be our fastest into the city."

"There's one problem however," Ramirez pointed out, "we can't fit an entire company of soldiers into an entrance that small."

"Then, we'll just have to go in a single file.." Leafa suggested.

"But if we get attacked at the other end of the tunnel, we'll all be trapped like fish in a barrel, don't you think Leafa?" Lisbeth added.

"Which is why the main force will be going ahead with a frontal assault," Captain America II interrupted.

"Meaning, we go to the front gate and attack head-on?" Klein spoke up.

"As a diversion," the veteran captain added, "we divert the enemy's attention while sending a smaller force into the secret entrance to bypass their defenses."

Alright, that sounds like the plan.." Klein smiled. "Anyone's interesting of attacking the main entrance? 'cause I'm up for it.."

"As am I.." Agil added.

"I'm not good with sneaking around anyways," Lisbeth held up the muzzle of her shotgun.

"Same here.." Mace agreed, holding his AA-12.

"I'm with Klein," Rex hoisted his SCAR-L.

"Don't forget me!" Kureha holds up her ACR.

"Looks like we'll be sneaking in through the secret passage, Kirito." Lexar commented.

"Don't forget us, Lexar." Sleek commented holstering his AAC Honey Badger rifle.

"And me." Silica giggled while holding her SIG Sauer MCX rifle.

Codex and Strea raised their bullpup rifles. "Frontlines for us."

"We should take a headcount on who's going to the frontlines and who's going through the secret corridor." Ramirez suggested.

"Very well," Captain America II looked to Frank Castle, "Sergeant Castle, I'll take a headcount of those coming with me and the main force, then you'll take the rest."

"Yes sir!" Castle saluted as Captain America II begins the headcount. The main force of Army Rangers would consist of most of the platoon including Ramirez's squad... This also includes Mace, Lisbeth, Codex, Strea, Rex, Kureha, Agil, Klein and the Fuurinkazan clan of the SAO guild. Sergeant Castle counted his own squad, with Kirito, Lexar, Leafa. Along with Sleek, Silica, Spade, Haze, Rain and Philia. Yui has transformed into her pixie fairy mode and tucked herself in Kirito's breast pocket.

"Sarge, am I going with Castle or with Captain America?" Damion asks.

"Ramirez, prepare to move out," Captain America II ordered.

Sergeant Ramirez looked to Damion. "Private, hustle up, we are oscar mike!"

"Okay, sarge.." Damion replied. He checks his SCAR-25 rifle. Then he sees Philia running up to him.

"I'm part of Ramirez's squad, so... I'm going now," Damion said.

"Okay... Be careful..." Philia replied. It was then she leaned up and pecked her lips against Damion's cheek. Several of the other members of Damion's squad hooted and whistled. Damion, on the other hand, was blushing..

"For good luck.." Philia blushed.

"Ramirez," Captain America II shook his head, "and please do make sure Private Burton is focused on the mission."

"Come on, Burton. We gotta stay focus.." Ramirez ordered. However, the moment Captain America II looked away to check the status. He leaned in close. "But congrats on landing yourself a girlfriend.." He whispered.

"Um... I guess?"

Ramirez smiled.

"The Captain doesn't seem to approve though," Damion shook his head, "I don't want get in trouble for a relationship."

"Don't mind him." Ramirez reassured him. "He's been on edge... We all been on edge for this mission.." He shrugged.

"Ramirez," Iron Man II called out, "let's get going!"

"Alright everyone!" Ramirez called out. "We're oscar mike!"

"You must be Kirito," Frank Castle said, "Sergeant Frank Castle, but you can also call me Punisher."

Kirito noticed that this particular Ranger had similar armor to Captain America II, albeit shorter sleeved with a black color scheme, accentuated with a white skull emblem and black and white US flag.

"P-Punisher?" Kirito stammered. He'd read up about Frank Castle's alias as the Punisher. Even before the Sokovia Accords.

"Wait, aren't you that Marine who went rogue in New York after his family was..." Lexar began.

Castle cuts him off. "Yes... I'm that Marine... And the punisher..." He added. "Joined the Marines in 1999 and lasted for sixteen years."

"During my time in the marines, I've met Maria back in 2002 and proposed to her after three months." He continued. "But she, and my son and daughter were murdered while we visited Central Park for the carousel and a picnic. Three gangs, the Dogs of Hell, Kitchen Irish, and the Mexican Cartel were gunning at each other. Catching us right in the middle of their crosshairs.." He paused for a moment before he continued. "I should've died right then. I took a bullet to the head, but I've survived that and my family didn't.. And after the police refused to investigate the gangs and that incident, I decided to take matters into my hands and went after them and anyone harming the innocent."

Castle then rubbed his head, "I then found out that it was my own superiors in the CIA who tried to assassinate me... But I've learned that when I joined Anderson Tech Industries as one of the leaders for the PM branch."

"Why?" Lexar was surprised, yet not surprised at the same time.

"Because, while I was in the Marines, I found clues that the CIA were partners with Hydra through SHILELD. However, it wasn't news as Hydra was controlling SHIELD. But how the CIA distanced themselves while covering up their tracks was different..."

"Well, it's no secret that the CIA was capable of doing things that ignores both honor and morale.." Lexar lamented.

"The leader of the CIA, William Rawlins, was able to use the fallout of Project Insight to cover his own tracks, and used me and my squad as professional assassins in Project Cerberus to fund his own activities, and later Hydra's overseas in exchange for their support."

"And when the CIA, along with various government agencies were disbanded after the coup and the second civil war began, he fled to Pacifica." He continued. "But after Pacifica's brief one year reign and collapse, no one has heard of him since," Punisher shook his head.

"So how did you end up back in the military?" Kirito wondered.

"Both Anderson and Rogers vouched for me for my actions during the civil war." Castle answered. "Announcing that my actions have improved during my stay with Anderson Tech."

"I was able to finally direct my skills where they were most needed and effective," the older Ranger grinned. "And thus, redeeming myself for my past actions."

Sleek and Silica looked up at the gruff-looking Ranger. Although tough and rough as he looks. However, by looking closer at his eyes, he could tell he's still human. He gave a rather kind smile to the younger SAO survivors.

"Well... That's good to hear.." Kirito smiled back.

"Sarge," one of the Rangers reminded, "we're ready to move out."

"Right..." Castle agreed as he picks up his SCAR-25 rifle. "Let's get going!" They set off into the forest.

"Hard to believe that we have the Punisher, right here with us.." Spade whispered to Lexar.

"I know... the Howlers is really stacked." Lexar had heard of Howler Platoon, but it was something to see the lineup that the unit had amassed.

"Still..." Spade continued. "It would be interesting to see Thor and the Hulk here. That should even the odds for us.."

"Same here.." Lexar agreed. "But we gotta stick with what we got. That's how things are..."

"Leafa, right?" Punisher asked, "can you help us find this secret entrance?"

"Sure thing, Castle.." Leafa ran in front of him and looked around the forest. "It's this way.."

---

World Tree, Hydra Base:

"You want us to lower the Pain Absorbers, Excellency?"

"Yes!" Nobuyuki replied. "We cannot allow them to make a beeline towards Alne's main entrance. That'll be the first place they'll try to strike... If they're foolish enough to do so.."

"But Excellency. The Pain Absorbers will not just affect the Americans.. But everyone else who's connected through ALO." The chief explains. "It would also affect our troops when we send them out into the field, and what happens if the players also suspect us?"

"By the time our research is fully complete. All that won' matter as we'll alter their memories of it all!" Nobuyuki barked. "Now, do as you're told!"

"I... It will be done, Excellency. Hail Hydra." He then turned to one of the slugs in the room. He gave the order, "lower the Pain Absorbers to level five."

"Yes sir!" The slugs obeys and set the Pain Absorbers to level five. "It is done, sir." Everyone in the center shuddered as the sensitivity increased.

"Not to worry." The chief reassured everyone. "We're safe and sound up here. Nothing will happen." The course had been set... Alfheim Online was on a collision course between two mortal enemies, with many other parties caught in between. It'll be a battle not seen since the Second Civil War.