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.

14. Chapter 14

Asuna's hospital room:

The Yuuki girl slowly opened her eyes. She felt stiff and groaned. Her eyes and joints ached from over two years of neglect. She surveyed her surroundings. She could see that the hospital room she's in was dark.

But... she was rejoicing inside.

Slowly, she started to sit upright. She groaned at the stiffness of her body as she slowly removes the NerveGear helmet that has held her prisoner since November 6th, 2022. Her long, hazelnut hair fell freely from the helmet and landing softly on her shoulders and back.

As the Yuuki girl placed the NerveGear aside. She processed everything that had happened over the two years and two months. After stiffening her nerves in the first few months trapped in SAO and tagging along with her classmate, Misumi Tozawa, aka Mito.

Then losing contact with Mito... For two years, Asuna wondered what happened with her. She wasn't sure if she was killed in the game or not.

That was... until she saw her in ALO. She was amongst the 299 players captured by Nobuyuki. Her mind then drifted to all the other friends still alive or no longer with her.

"So many lives lost..." Asuna lamented. Then her thoughts of Kirito... revealed as Kazuto Kirigaya... She started to remember how she found him laying in the grassy fields in one of the floors. Resting as he had no worry in the world.

Asuna's smile brightened as she looked out at the moon, thinking of the love that grew and blossomed into marriage. And the day they adopted Yui as their child.

"Yui..." Asuna sighed. She couldn't believe that she was there with Kirito when they rescued her. Yui made their marriage all the brighter and even more real. It broke her heart when the Cardinal System attempted to delete Yui's programing after she saved her and Kirito. And to see her with Kirito again was a real pleasant surprise.

However, she wondered about the other AI. Strea. "How did Yui have a sister? And one that old?"

She didn't recall seeing Strea during their times in SAO. But one of the players, Codex, has fallen for her sometime before their final battle in SAO.

Asuna smiled and giggled to herself. The sight of one of their fellow SAO survivors and one of Kirito's daughters showing romantic interest in each other. Despite knowing the fact that she's Yui's little sister.

'What a strange little family...' Asuna thought as she giggled.

---

With Kazuto:

Minetaka drives through the streets of Tokyo. Snow was falling half an hour earlier before Kazuto, Suguha, and Alex woke up from ALO. There are a few cars on the streets. It was strangely relaxing despite the fact that Kazuto and everyone in ALO defeated Nobuyuki and Hydra from launching their New World Order. But the best part of it all is that Asuna's finally rescued from the clutches of her so-called fiancée.

"So far, nothing.." Kazuto commented. Minetaka tucked in his Nambu M60 revolver in his coat pocket before they left.

"True.. But that doesn't mean that Hydra won't retaliate." Minetaka replied. "And I'm pretty sure that they're hiding around corners..." He added darkly.

Kazuto sank back in the passenger seat. He thought of the very moment Asuna's logged out. For all he knew, that she's up and awake. And she's waiting for him to come in like her knight in shining armor.

Kazuto turned on the radio. It was turned to the Tokyo News Station. The radio station's host, Sato Honda speaks.

"And in this upcoming news. The Battle of Alfheim Online has ended with the victory of the Free States of Alfheim. Many nations around the world are outraged after witnessing the footages of Nobuyuki sexually assaulting both girls." Sato added. "And one of them is Asuna Yuuki, the girl who exposed Hydra's plans with ALO. Many organizations are calling for investigation of RECT Progress Inc."

Kazuto winced from the agonizing memory. The sight of Nobuyuki violating both Asuna and Suguha was too much for him. And both him and Alex were immobile to do anything to prevent it.

"And we have unverified reports that an elite US Army unit was involved in the siege of Alfheim Online... Further details will be reported in due time."

"In other news... fires have been reported at both the Nobuyuki Estate and RECT headquarters. According to witnesses, they're tied with both the RECT employer Sugou Nobuyuki and the US Army unit. Gunfire and explosions were also reported at both sites."

"What a crazy evening this turned out to be.." Minetaka commented.

"No kidding..." Kazuto replied.

"Whatever happened to Nobuyuki, I'm sure that the pain absorber that kept him strong was shut off before Asuna went all rage on him.." Minetaka added. "Good chance that he's dead now."

"I hope so..." Kazuto muttered to himself.

"But... I do worry for Asuna," Minetaka expressed, "the poor girl has been through a real ordeal... and to see her mother killed like that..."

"I'm worry about her too..." Kazuto confessed. "You think she'll get in trouble with the police for going all out on Sugou?"

Minetaka pursed his lips. "Usually on normal circumstances.. But since Nobuyuki's the leader of the resurrected Hydra. They shouldn't..." He continues. "Then again, there's no telling how far Hydra stretched into Japan's society."

"I just hope that the Howlers' could defuse the situation before it gets out of hand.." Kazuto sighed.

"The Japanese legal system is very opaque and closed, son," Minetaka shook his head.

Then Kazuto asked. "What about the Virtual Division? Surely Kikuoka could help Asuna somehow.."

"True... but don't forget that they also operate under the same legal system... now compromised by Hydra. And if it does turn out that the American military is indeed present in Tokyo, it would be nothing short of a complete legal and diplomatic crudshoot for the entirety of Japan and the United States."

"I-I just wish there's a way to bring all of this to light.." Kazuto lowered his gaze. He can't stand the thought of losing Asuna again.

"I wish I could be more certain, Kazuto," Minetaka said as he rounded a corner, "but with how everything is thrown into flux with the Hydra infiltration being exposed... anything can happen." Minetaka then added, "but perhaps your old man here might pull some good old connections."

Kazuto's gaze rises up. Tears were starting to stream down his face. However, his face was filled with hope. "You've seen a lot in your police career, haven't you?"

"Hey... I know what it is to be in life-and-death struggles with some of the worst killers in my day," Minetaka said in a sympathetic tone. "Things will work out in the end. And you and Asuna will have your happily ever after." He finishes with a smile.

The two drove into the hospital parking lot.

"Here we are.." Minetaka parks the car. Kazuto bolted out of his passenger side door. He made a bee-line towards the hospital's entrance. Within moments, he'll have Asuna in his arms again.

A loud bang then sounded, and a sharp pain emanated from Kazuto's left arm. Kazuto fell over and hit the ground as his arm bled from a gunshot wound.

"Kazuto?!" Minetaka called out and rushed towards him. However, his third sense of danger screamed in the old detective's head and was forced to duck out of the way of machine gun fire behind another car.

Kazuto heard footsteps crunching the fresh, fallen snow on the ground approaching him.

"You shouldn't kept me waiting.." A familiar voice said. "I could've caught a cold out here..."

It was hoarse... but Kazuto recognized it as he looked up. "Sugou!? You're suppose to be dead!"

The man in question looked horrible... His body looked like he'd gone through a row of moving gears. It was pale and weak-looking in areas... Kazuto wondered how he was still standing after his body taking so much abuse.. Let alone, surviving it.

"You're little wife did a number on me. After someone tampered with my Pain Absorber.." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small bottle. He popped a couple of pain-killer pills into his mouth. "Not that it matters as I got drugs to keep me going..."

"Well.." Kazuto groaned, still clutching his arm. "You deserved it.."

"Kazuto!" Minetaka yelled as Sugou's Hydra bodyguards fired more rounds in his direction.

Sugou gave a low cackle as he raised his bronze P226.

"Once I deal with you... I'll pay your beloved a visit. And then, your sister. They'll be safe under my protection.. And no one will stop me.."

Kazuto was supposed to feel weak, but something in him burned. The numbness in his left arm suddenly dulled away. As if the pain just vanished. It was the same feeling he had during ALO.

"You have no power here!" Nobuyuki shouted as he placed his finger on the trigger. Prepared to fire.

"Aahh!" Kazuto yelled as he suddenly swept his right leg hard. Sugou was tripped up and fell with a thud, causing the shot to go in the air.

Kazuto got to a crouching position when Sugou's bodyguards took aim. Another strange thing happened as Kazuto felt a sudden strength and stamina as he got up and ran from the guards as they opened fire with their AK-103 rifles. He zipped, ducked, and dodged every bullet at super speeds that he'd felt since SAO and ALO. He knocked the rifle out of the hands from the Hydra soldier and delivered a punch against his jaw.

Sugou recovered and grabbed his gun. "Kill him!" He called to his other bodyguards.

The bodyguards took aim at Kazuto, only to get hit by gunshots. One bodyguard falls onto the ground. The guard next to the downed one looked up to see a winged figure come flying in. The figure kicked him hard in the head as he landed. Captain America II threw a hard disk at another soldier, breaking his helmet and face as he fell.

More bodyguards appeared and took aim at the winged figure, repulsor blasts hit them and they fell hard against the ground. A red/gold armored figure flew in from the sky and landed on the ground with a ground punch.

"Engage, Lieutenant!" Captain America II ordered as he crouched behind a vehicle with his Pulsar M4v1. Iron Man II turned his attention to the Hydra soldiers and fired his repulsor blasts. Sending Hydra soldiers flying backwards onto the ground.

Minetaka looked up from behind cover. He sees both Iron Man II and Captain America II pushing back against Hydra soldiers. However, he was focused on Kazuto, who was disarming one Hydra soldier after another.

"Kazuto?" Minetaka was stunned by his adoptive son's newfound ability.

Hyyyyaaaahhhh!" Kazuto yelled as he threw one of the Hydra soldiers against the black van. Leaving a huge dent on the side.

Sugou hid behind a divider with some of his bodyguards. "What is taking you fools so long!?"

"Still prepping up the Exo. Commander!" One of the bodyguards explained.

"One boy should not be this much trouble," Sugou wheezed.

"He's tearing through us like we're nothing."

"And we've got Captain America and Iron Man to deal with," another said.

"Bring out the Exosuit." Sugou ordered. "I'll deal with them myself!"

"But sir.. It's not properly tested." The bodyguard protested.

"DO IT!" He barked.

---

In Asuna's room:

The popping noises snapped her out of her train of thought. She leaned over her bed to look out the window.

She could hear the popping noises very clearly. They're faint as she was several floors above. But she could tell that they're not fireworks. As she peered further out the window, she could see flashes coming from below.

It was then, something occurred to her.. Something dreadful..

"Kazuto..." Asuna felt the growing pit in her stomach. She could not get a clear view of the ground...

However, it didn't prevent her from assuming the worse.

"Kazuto..." Tears starts to spill from her eyes.

---

Parking lot:

The back doors of the black van opened up and Sugou steps in while the bodyguards hold off the others. He then turned to another who was prepping the Exo for combat. However, before he could enter, he was suddenly grabbed by the coat and was thrown out of the van and onto the snow-covered asphalt.

"Supreme Commander!" The two bodyguards raised their rifles at Kazuto, only to be shot down by Captain America's and Iron Man's fire.

"You think you're a God by trying to brainwash everyone!" Kazuto bellowed. "Including my wife!"

Sugou aimed his pistol at him, only to have it quickly smacked out of his hand with one swift motion. Kazuto proceeded to punch him hard in the face, and slammed him against the side of the van, denting it.

Kazuto picks up the pistol and inspects it. It was a SIG P226 9mm, polished in bronze.

Kazuto frowned as he examined it. Sugou looked up and saw that the boy had his gun. He tried to crawl away, only for a bullet impacted the ground near him. Forcing him to stumble backwards. Kazuto has discharged the SIG pistol to keep him from escaping.

"I'm not done with you yet..."

"No! Wait!" Nobuyuki panicked.

"This pistol may be feeble to some..." Kazuto muttered. Then, his voice raised to anger. "But, it's enough for me to kill you!" He went over and grabbled Nobuyuki by the collar and slammed him against the van again. He aimed the pistol at Nobuyuki's head, the barrel inserted in his mouth and finger on the trigger. Inches away of squeezing it.

Captain America II dispatched the last of Nobuyuki's guards when he saw Kazuto threatening to execute his target.

"Clear!" Iron Man II called as Captain America II rushed over to the boy in black.

"Kirito! Kazuto Kirigaya!" Captain America II called out with his rifle at ready.

"I got this, Captain!" Kazuto called out, not taking his eyes off of Sugou.

"Stand down!" Captain ordered.

"He's caused suffering! He needs to die! You wanted him dead as much as I do!"

"Yes!" Captain America II replied. "But not yet! We need to take him back to America where he could stand trial for the crimes he committed to both America and the 300 SAO survivors. And then, we can execute him."

"But..." Kazuto hesitated. "If I let him live...He'll haunt me and Asuna forever..."

"He's also knows secrets of other Hydra operatives in not just Japan. But all across the world." Captain continued. "He can't tell us if he's dead."

Kazuto grit his teeth as he looked upon the weakened Hydra leader with contempt.

"Don't do it, kid..." Captain America II held out his hand, "lower the gun."

The memories of Sugou touching Asuna flashed into his mind. From the first day he encountered them to where he violated both her and Suguha. Kazuto pressed the muzzle hard against Sugou's mouth.

---

Asuna's room:

The Yuuki girl shed tears from the thought of Kazuto being cornered by Hydra soldiers. But the thought was shattered when she heard sounds of thrusters, yelling, and additional gunfire outside suggesting a fight.

"That's an aircraft?" Asuna said to herself. "Quinjet?"

She felt curious enough to try and stand to look out the window, though she should not be able to. After all, she's been under the NerveGear for over two years. There's a possibility that her legs would feel like jelly the moment she tries to stand up. Asuna slowly moved her legs to the side of the bed, her feet inches away from touching the floor.

'Here goes nothing...' Asuna thought as she starts to stand up. Using the IV stand as support.

True enough, the legs felt stiff, but it felt more akin to pins and needles. However, to Asuna's surprise, the numbness and tingling started to dull. Moments later, she was able to stand on her own. She looked down to her pale arms. She started stretching her arms. She could hear them popped and cracked as well as feel them aching. She was surprised to feel them coming alive.

'But... How?' She thought. She should be feeling like jelly. And yet, she just got up and walking around as if she just went to bed last night. True enough, the skin on her arms returned to her lively light colors.

'Now I can try to see what's going on down there...' She turned to the window again. However, she felt her arm being held back. Asuna looked down to see that she's still connected to the IV tube. She decided to remove the IV tube from her arm. She bleed for a moment before the small hole in her arm before it sealed itself.

When she looked out... she thought she was still dreaming. Every single day in SAO, she never believed that she'd live through it all the next day as it could be her last moment. She found herself looking over a fight in the parking lot.

"Kazuto..." Asuna planted her hand on the glass window. She watched as he somehow sped around the parking lot dodging gunfire and smacking down soldiers larger than him. Seeing her beloved taking on Hydra bodyguards reminds her whenever they fight the bosses of each floor and other rogue players.

Some other guards took aim at Kazuto, only to be shot and killed from above as a dark blue winged soldier swooped in firing laser bullets.

She recognized the winged figure.. "Captain America..." It was the new one... the one she knew as Revere, and now Captain Chris Burke.

She then spotted an red/gold armored figure swooping down and took a number of them down with bright beams of light shooting out of his palms.

"What are they doing here?"

Then she spots a man in a trench coat trying to climb into the back of the black van. Only for Kazuto to yank him back and slam him against the side. Her eyes widened and she gasped to see the withered figure of Sugou Nobuyuki. "He's alive!?"

Asuna wondered how did Nobuyuki survived. As the Hydra leader stated that the pain absorber set to zero will leave players in a state of shock to the point of death. It was then it occurred to her. His pain absorber was separated from the rest of the ALO system.

"Who turned off his pain absorber?" She asked aloud. "Kazuto didn't do it... And neither did I..." Kazuto then picked up the gun and fired a shot when Nobuyuki tried to crawl away. He then grabbed Nobuyuki by the collar and forced the pistol barrel into his mouth.

"Kazuto?" Asuna gasped as she sees Nobuyuki at the mercy of Kazuto. With Captain America II with his weapon at the ready, trained on Kazuto. She wanted Nobuyuki dead as much as Kazuto. However, deep down, she felt that he needs to be brought in alive.

And she didn't want her husband to stain his hands like this. "Kazuto... don't do it..."

---

Parking lot:

Kazuto glared angrily at Nobuyuki while pressed the pistol's muzzle against his mouth. Iron Man II came up alongside Captain America II, while Minetaka came in from another direction.

"Don't you pull the trigger, Kirigaya," Captain America II warned as he raised his M4v1 slightly, "I have orders, and you don't want to do this..."

"I understand that you want him dead.." Iron Man II added. "But we need to take him alive. To stand trial and be charged for his war crimes. And then, he'll be executed..."

"Kazuto... Please listen to them.." Minetaka pleaded. "Think about Asuna..."

Kazuto glanced up to the window to Asuna's room. For a moment, he thought he could see her gazing down from above. Kazuto then looked back at Nobuyuki. He felt the sudden surge of both rage and common sense conflicted with one another.

He crowned towards the night sky. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed towards the heavens.

He arm and hand suddenly went limp. He pulled the pistol away from Nobuyuki and lets it drop to the ground. Kazuto backed off as Captain America prompted his lieutenant to restrain Nobuyuki.

As Iron Man II slaps the cuffs on Nobuyuki, Minetaka approached Kazuto.

"Come on, we need to get that bullet wound looked at-" Minetaka was interrupted by a metallic ding on the pavement. He looked down and saw something lead covered in red laying on the ground. He picked it up and inspects it. His eyes widen when he realized it was a bullet. It was covered in Kazuto's blood, but there was no fragmentation.

Kazuto looked down at his shoulder, expecting more bleeding. To his surprise, there wasn't any bleeding. He pressed his fingers against the hole of his coat. Only to find that the bullet wound has sealed itself up. Other than the bloody sleeve, his skin looked like it had hardly been scratched.

As the new Iron Man secured Nobuyuki, the new Captain America radioed, "Helios, this is Howler 7-1 Actual, Luther is secured. Say again, Luther is secured. Send the rest of Howler 7-1 to my ten-twenty to secure the site and extract the HVT."

"Copy that, Howler 7- Actual." Helios replied. "Sending a Quinjet to your location now."

"And be advised that Howler 7 Actual will also be on site."

'The Colonel's coming then...' Captain America replied, "roger that, Helios, standing by."

"Kazuto?" Minetaka asked.

"I-I'm... okay actually," Kazuto admitted. He gazed downward. As if he was ashamed. Minetaka knew what it was though...

Before the Kirigaya father could say anything though...

Kazuto brought his gaze back up. "I almost killed him..."

"I know how you felt..." Minetaka said with sincere. "You had to kill those threatening you and your loved ones before..."

Kazuto was shocked. How did his dad know?

"Your eyes tell me," Minetaka said. "And believe me, I too wanted him dead for what he did.."

"To Suguha... to my daughter-in-law... to Alex... and to you..."

Kazuto was about to respond.

"Contact!" Iron Man II shoved Nobuyuki to the ground and started firing beams in another direction. Kazuto and Minetaka ducked behind the van with the latter drawing his service pistol. A rocket came out and slammed into Iron Man II with explosive force, blowing him into several cars and out of the parking lot.

"Lieutenant!" Captain America II yelled as he grabbed Nobuyuki by the collar and ran for cover behind a divider.

"I'm fine, Cap!" Iron Man II replied as he got up and brushed off the snow. Then, a Quinjet appeared from the sky.

The Quinjet then deployed its Vulcans and pointed it down at Iron Man II.

"Ah!" Iron Man II was suddenly pelted by HE 20mm shells. It was clear that Nobuyuki had backup.

In the meantime, an armored Exosuit jumped into the parking lot, equipped with a rotary chaingun and missile pods on its back. "Exo!" Captain America II yelled.

Kazuto and Captain II watched the Quinjet deploying Hydra soldiers by repelling down on ropes.

"We've got company!" Captain raised his M4v1 and tried to shoot down the Quinjet.

Iron Man II tried to take aim, but the HE 20mm shells kept him from moving any further. He was forced to materialize the the suit's nanotech shields.

The Exosuit opened fire on Captain and Sugou's position. Captain's shield opened up and took the brunt of the Hydra Exosuit's weapons. The concrete divider chipped and exploded into fragments, while the repulsor-enhanced folding shield held up.

---

Asuna's room:

Asuna saw more gunfire as Hydra reinforcements arrived to pin down Captain America and Iron Man. She had to duck as some stray shots actually punctured through the window. She feels the cold air seeping through the bullet holes as she peeked to see the Quinjet hovering over the parking lot.

"Hydra has this many reinforcements!?" She shook her head. It was a pretty dumb question. Of course they have this many reinforcements.

She then looked down at both Kazuto and Captain America II, who had Sugou handcuffed next to him as he returned fire with beam fire. While Iron Man II is pinned down by the Quinjet's Vulcan cannons. His armor and shield are holding up.

Suddenly a nurse on her late night shift came rushing in. Who stopped to see Asuna up and walking.

"Miss Yuuki!?" Asuna turned around, while keeping her distance from the window in case of stray bullets hitting the window.

"Get away from the window!"

Asuna moves away from the window.

Asuna looks back towards the window. "Kazuto's out there."

The nurse took her hand. "We need to get you and the other patients to safety inside the building!"

At first, Asuna hesitated. But deep down, she knew that the nurse's right. She and the nurse ran out as Asuna heard the window shatter behind her. In her mind, she prayed for Kazuto's safety..

---

Parking lot:

"Stay down," Captain America II ordered Sugou as he fired back at the Exo. Kazuto didn't have to be told twice as he kept his head down. He looked over to see that Captain's cover would not last long, and enemy soldiers were moving to flank him.

It was then, another Quinjet arrived from the opposite side of the parking lot. Kazuto realized that his vision was sharper, and saw more dark colored Hydra troops drop down. They went in another direction from the Exo and Quinjet attacking Cap and Iron Man in the parking lot.

"They're trying to surround us!" Kazuto yelled out as he drew out Sugou's gun, which he somehow held on to.

Minetaka grunted, seeing how his revolver would have little effect before running out. He suddenly ran out towards Captain's direction.

"Dad!?" Kazuto was shocked.

Minetaka ran with a speed and strength Kazuto would not have expected from a man his age. He then deftly dove and slid on the ground next to one of the downed bodyguards and picked up an AK-103. He then fired some shots which killed some of the Hydra soldiers who were about to flank Captain America.

"They're closing in on us!" Iron Man II yelled as he felt himself being pushed back. He planted his armored boots against the pavement to keep himself in place. He takes aim at one of the Quinjet engines and fires his wrist-mounted missile. Kazuto grit his teeth as he eyed the Exo with determination. With a yell, he ran from behind his vehicle concealment and started firing with the P226.

---

Kirigaya Homestead:

Alex lay on Suguha's bed, still clutching his shoulder. It pain was starting to dull, but it wasn't enough. Suguha and her mom were sitting next to him. Suguha held his hand, feeling him shaking. She looked to her mother pleadingly.

"Is there anything we could help dull the pain?"

Midori gave her daughter a knowing look. "I can put some ice on his shoulder.. Don't know if that would help make it go away..."

"Just anything to help, please," Suguha asked.

"Don't worry, Sugu.." Midori gets up and leaves the bedroom.

"S-Sugu..." Alex tried to smile.

"Alex.." Tears streamed from Sugu's eyes. She held his hand in a gentle squeeze.

"Hard to b-believe that w-we've met two d-days ago.." Alex said, trying to ignore the phantom pain.

"And hard to believe we found love in the midst of war," Suguha expressed.

"That's something... Right?" Alex chuckled. He strokes her hand with his thumb.

"Right," Suguha trembled with emotion as she allowed herself to smile back. Alex gazes at Sugu's eyes. Despite showing sadness, the onyx eyes shined from the bedroom light.

"And I never knew that you'd be so beautiful as well..." He added.

Suguha now blushed. "T-Thanks.." She stuttered.

Alex then suddenly reached up and kissed Suguha on the cheek.

"Eep!" Sugu squeaked in surprise. Her face flushed red the moment she felt his soft lips pressing against her cheek.

Alex chuckles. "What? Spriggan caught the Sylph's tongue?"

"I... Uh..." Sugu stammered, her face continues to blush.

"Hehe... oh," Alex slightly winced. He laid back down as he was adding pressure to his shoulder. "Guess I got hasty..."

"You sure did.." Sugu nodded. "But don't worry. I'm here for you..." She gently strokes his face. She was about to reach down and give him a kiss...

Suddenly, both their phones vibrated and sounded with civil alert alarms. Surprised, they both checked their phones. Both paled when they saw what it read...

There was a shootout taking place in the very hospital Asuna's located in. Suguha then frantically clicked on the live news, and found herself looking at security and drone footage of the hospital parking lot on fire, and figures trading gunfire.

"Kazuto..." Suguha cupped her mouth in horror. As on the security camera, she could see Kazuto taking cover. Several dark troopers she recognized as Hydra were about the parking lot, with two Quinjets and what appeared to be an Exosuit providing support. But what shocked Suguha more... was the sight of Captain America II firing his pulsar-enhanced M4v1, and her dad running up to one of the guys on the ground, grabbing a rifle, and just shooting two troopers flanking the captain with deadly precision.

Alex clicked on his phone for the live news feed in time to see Minetaka taking down two Hydra soldiers.

"That's Dad... and Captain America." Suguha gasped.

"And I see Iron Man.." Alex added. His eyes widen to see the actual Iron Man in action. Iron Man II fired a missile up at one of the Quinjets. The missile hit the Quinjet's engines and started to smoke. As it crashed, it cause an explosion that lit up the lot and the surrounding neighborhood in an angry orange glow. It was then that Captain America II and Kazuto were more easily seen as they joined up together behind a parked ambulance. It was then that Suguha and Alex saw who Captain America was dragging with him in cuffs.

"Sugou?" They both said at the same time.

"I thought the pain absorber would kill him.." Alex stated.

"So did I..." Suguha almost sounded disappointed, "he should not have survived what Asuna gave him..."

---

Parking lot:

"What are you doing!?" Captain America asked Kazuto as he reloaded.

"We're giving you cover!" Kazuto replied. He took aim with the P226 pistol and fired at one of the Hydra soldiers.

"This isn't your fight, Kirigaya," Captain America told him as he fired more shots at the armored Exo, which took some damage, but not enough to cripple it. "You already rescued your girl!"

"You need to get inside and take cover!" He added.

"Like heck I will, Chris!" Kazuto retorted as he rifled through Sugou's pockets for more ammunition. "We have common enemies in Hydra!"

"Crazy little kid, this ain't a game!" Captain America shook his head as he ducked from the Exo's fire. "If you get hit, you're dead! How would Miss Yuuki take it?!"

Iron Man II managed to recover and shield Minetaka with himself as the two ran for more cover.

"He's right, Kazuto!" Minetaka rifles through the dead Hydra soldier's ammo pouches and reloads the AK-103. "I'm not about to lose my son for real like this!"

Deep down, Kazuto knew that they're right. He promised Asuna that he'll meet her in the hospital when she woke up.

Sugou laughed...

"Why are you laughing, Nobuyuki?!" Kazuto demanded.

"You're all gonna die," Sugou giggled, "and my men and I will take what we need and go underground!" He then looked up to Captain America as he was still shooting at the Exosuit.

"You've won nothing, Burke..." He jeered. "Tell me... What was it like to lose someone so close to you?"

"I bet losing you country and brother stung bad..."

"My country didn't lose.." Captain America retorted. "And we just shut down Alfheim Online!"

"But it hasn't brought back Taylor... Did it, Burke?" Sugou said. Captain America gave Sugou the stinkeye.

"Enough of that," Minetaka suddenly rifle-butted Sugou, knocking him out. "He was yapping too much.." He added.

"And who are you supposed to be?" Iron Man asked as he secured Sugou.

"Minetaka Kirigaya. Kazuto's father."

"And clearly knowing what you're doing!" Captain remarked as he tossed a grenade. The explosion took our five Hydra soldiers.

"You need to get your son inside!" Iron Man ordered.

"Inside where? We're cut off!" Minetaka pointed out. There were Hydra soldiers between Kazuto and the hospital entrance. Some went up to the entrance and started kicking down the glass doors.

"They're trying to get inside the hospital!" Iron Man II yelled.

"They're still going after Asuna Yuuki," Captain America II grit his teeth.

"Asuna..." Kazuto gasped. He tried to bolt towards the door. Only for Minetaka to pull him back.

"No! It's too dangerous!"

"I'm not about to let them take Asuna again!"

It was just then, the Hydra soldiers that served as a buffer against Kazuto was suddenly hit by HE 20mm cannon fire. Captain America looked up to see a USAF Quinjet coming in.

"The calvary's here!" Iron Man called out. As it came closer, the hatch opened in the rear and several soldiers jumped out with wingsuits. As the Quinjet soared overhead, Captain America saw Colonel America jump out and throw his shield at the Exosuit.

However, Kazuto and Captain America saw some of the Hydra soldiers managed to break the glass doors and are entering inside the hospital.

"ASUNA!" Kazuto bolted for the doors while passing the Howler soldiers.

"Kirigaya! Darn!" Captain America was forced to bolt after him.

The Exosuit stumbled in the way of the Captain.

"Shoot that thing!" Iron Man II yelled as he and Minetaka opened up on the monstrosity. But the Exosuit seemed unstoppable and knocked the Captain down.

"No!" Colonel leapt into the air and landed on the Exo. The Hydra soldier tried to reach for the Colonel. But couldn't reach him due to the Exo's limited flexibility. Colonel America held firm as he produced a Mk.46 LMG, and fired into the protective face shield.

The face shield held for a moment before the visor glass is covered in spider-web cracks. Obscuring the soldier's vision. The Exosuit pilot inside maneuvered wildly. Colonel took out his shield and slammed it against the exposed cracks and joints of the Exosuit. Damaging it severely.

Captain pulled out his conventional M67 frag grenade, and gave a knowing glance to Colonel. Guessing what Captain was about to do, the Colonel smashed the shield hard into the visor, shattering it.

Captain leapt on and got into the pilot's face. "Special present, scumbag." He let the pin loose on the grenade and tossed it into the suit. Colonel jumped out of the way as the grenade explodes. Causing a chain reaction within the suit and destroying it entirely. The flaming Exosuit stumbled forward before falling onto the ground.

Minetaka winced as he saw what the new Captain America did to the pilot. However, it had to be done and Hydra's Exosuit was destroyed.

"Kirigaya!" Captain called after the boy running after the Hydra troops into the hospital. The rest of the Hydra soldiers held their ground, despite losing their heavy armor.

But now a contingent of Howler 7-1 touched ground and began to engage the enemy with their rifles and light support weapons.

"Captain!" Ramirez called as he and a healthy-looking Damion Burton rushed to his side.

"Ramirez! Burton!" Captain yelled. "Some of the Hydra soldiers made their way inside. I'm going in! Both of you, on me!"

"Yes sir!" Both Ramirez and Burton followed as Captain America II ran into the hospital's entrance.

"Don't forget me!" A voice called out. They turned to see a red jumpsuit-clad figure running towards them slashing Hydra soldiers as he ran.

"No..." Captain America II groaned. "What are you doing here Wade?"

"I'm here to assist you.." Deadpool answered. "After all, any teams had to have four soldiers in case they need to split."

"Very true. As we were both in the military..."

Captain America groaned. "Fine.. But you have to follow my orders. You got me?"

"Relax Cap. We'll get Hydra wrapped up in no time.." Deadpool laughed. They continued on towards the hospital entrance.

As they entered the lobby, Damion went over to the receptionist desk where he heard whimpering. His eyes widened to see one female slumped back in her seat, blood leaking from gunshot wounds from the chest and neck. Someone else sounded like they were hiding under the desk.

"Hello?" Damion asked. When there was no answer, Damion tried. "We're here to help."

Guessing whoever it was behind the desk was in shock, Captain America called out in Japanese. "United States Army, come out."

It was then they hear movement underneath the desk.

"D-don't harm me!" Another female receptionist shook as she raised her hands. Captain America could immediately tell she was in shock at seeing her friend get shot.

"We're not gonna harm you." Captain America replied calmly. He then gestured to Ramirez to check on the shot receptionist. He turned back to the shocked one. "Where are the shooters?"

"T-They went up." The receptionist stammered. "T-They've took the f-fire stairs."

Ramirez checked for a pulse on the bloodied woman's body. There was no signs of life in her.

He shook his head. Captain grunted; more innocent life had been taken. He then followed up, "and what about a dark-clothed boy? Did you see him?"

"I-I don't know... I hid under h-here when they started s-shooting through the doors." The receptionist replied.

"Ugh... Ramirez, let's secure the building."

---

With Asuna:

"This way," the nurse led Asuna. They headed down the hallway where they see the hospital staff moving patients further into the building.

"Is that all of them?" One nurse asked

Another nurse did a headcount. "At least all those whose rooms were closest to the front of the building."

"No one got hurt. At least that's the good news." The third nurse added. "Can't believe that this is happening.."

"What's going on? Why's there shooting out there!?"

"Hydra..." Asuna uttered. "It's Hydra.."

It was then that one of the other patients recognized Asuna. "Wait a minute... You're the girl from the announcement in Alfheim Online.." One patient concluded.

"I am," Asuna said as all eyes were on her, "and the Supreme Commander of Hydra is trying to take revenge. Sugou Nobuyuki..."

One of the patients seemed to get mad. "You're the cause of all this! They're attacking us because of you!"

Another rose up. "It's not enough to expose yourself to them, now you have to bring them here to kill us all!?"

Asuna realizing the attack. "They're here for me... He's here for me..." She muttered.

The nurse escorting Asuna suddenly defended... "Would you rather be under Hydra's control? If you've seen the broadcast, she revealed the truth about Hydra's plan.."

"And no way we are surrendering a patient to be killed by those animals. Especially after what happened to her.." She added.

"But we have no defense or weapons." Another nurse pointed out.

As the nurses and patients argue. Asuna looked at her hands and thought of her powers during their battle in ALO.

'And I shouldn't be walking now,' Asuna realized. It was then she spoke up. "I'll go.."

The nurse next to her protested, "Miss Yuuki, don't be silly-"

"Something happened to me while I fought Nobuyuki in ALO." Asuna interrupted. "I'm not sure how I did it. But somehow, I was able to display new abilities that gave me an edge against him.."

"That can't be..."

"I'll buy everyone time to keep Hydra away.." Asuna added. Before more protests could be made, Asuna ran out.

---

With Kazuto:

He ran into the room where Asuna was supposed to be. Only to find it empty, he sees Asuna's discarded NerveGear helmet laying on the bed in a pile of broken glass.

"Oh no..." Kazuto's mind began to think the worst.

"No!" He shook his head as he gripped his acquired gun.

"She's gotta be here somewhere.." He continued down the hallway. It was then he sees someone ducking behind one of the open doors up ahead.

---

With Asuna:

The Yuuki girl arrived at the deserted hallway. She ducked behind one of the open doors.

"Asuna?!" She hears a voice down the hallway.

Asuna's eyes widened. As she knew what that was. She peaked around the doorway and sees a boy with black hair looking in one of the rooms.

"Kirito..." She muttered. She decides to step out into the open to her beloved.

"Kirito! It's me, Asuna!"

The boy turned to the source of the voice. His eyes widen.

"Asuna..." He gasped.

Asuna eyes welled up. "Kirito!" She ran towards him.

Kazuto felt his heart stop when she called him by his avatar name. It was no doubt it's Asuna.

"Asuna!" He started running towards her. Asuna stretched her arms outward and he catches her in his arms. Holding her tenderly.

"I wanted to see you so bad..." Kazuto felt his eyes well up and tears spilling down his face.

"Me too..." Asuna said with her eyes also tearing up. "I knew that you'd come rescue me. During those two horrible months in ALO. I never gave up... And you didn't give up on me either..." She pulls herself in the hug.

Kazuto wanted to get deeper into it...

"There they are!"

Both the teens felt their hearts stopped the moment they heard shouts. They turned to see Hydra soldiers.

"Surrender to us, Yuuki," the leader said, "you are coming with us."

Kazuto moves in front of Asuna. "She's not going anywhere!" He retorted.

The leader grinned. "She will... after we shoot you dead!" He raised his HK416 to shoot Kazuto. As he squeezed the trigger, Asuna raised her hands out towards the incoming bullets.

"No!" Asuna focused and felt that same willpower allowing her to cast energy from her hands. A large, white energy shield appeared before them, causing the bullets to be stopped.

"Wha..?" The leader was flabbergast.

Kazuto was surprised. He saw this energy shield during their fight against Nobuyuki.

'I guess our powers are not part of the VR system..' He thought.

The leader grit his teeth. "Guess we're doing this the hard way! Open fire!"

The Hydra soldiers loosed their shots at the teens. However, the energy dome deflected the flying bullets.

Asuna winced a bit even as her barrier held.

"Our bullets are not penetrating that shield!" One soldier pointed out.

The leader cursed.

Kazuto looked at Asuna. "Come on dear, let's show Hydra what happens when they interfere with everyone's personal lives." He pointed his pistol up for emphasis.

Asuna notices the pistol, but smiles. "Let's do it together.." She creates an opening for Kazuto the shoot through. He fired several shots, causing the Hydra troops to scatter.

Asuna pushes forward with her energy shield protecting them. She moves her other hand behind them. The energy shield materialized with her hand. Now the dome completely covers them.

---

With Ramirez:

"Check your corners, Private." Ramirez warned, "they can be anywhere."

"Affirmative, Sergeant." Damion scanned the corners with his M4v1 rifle. "Clear.."

Captain America II peeked around another corner... still not finding the enemy.

"It's all quiet here..." He concluded. Captain America II took point with his M4v1. He was not stupid to think that Hydra had just withdrawn.

"What floor is Asuna's room located at?" Damion asked.

"Tenth floor... based on what the surviving receptionist said," Deadpool answered.

"The nurses and receptionists didn't deserve to be treated like that.."

"They're after the Yuuki girl.." Ramirez stated. "After all, Nobuyuki said something about abducting her and taking her with Hydra."

"Hasn't she had enough of this?" Damion shook his head, "how much more can a young girl take?"

"Which is why we're gonna put a stop to this once and for all." Ramirez replied. "I suggest that we head up there before they find her.."

Voices were suddenly heard down the hall.

"We got company.." Damion said in a hushed tone.

"Hold up," Captain America gestured. Ramirez and Damion peeked around the corner towards the source of the voices. Captain America II peeked around as well, and got eyes on two hostiles. They're likely on patrol for anyone trying to follow them.

Captain America produced a flashbang. He pulls the pin and tossed it at their direction.

"Flashbang!"

Both Ramirez and Damion covered their eyes as the flashbang exploded. Blinding the Hydra soldiers. Captain America quickly fired four precise shots that killed both instantly.

"Ahh!" Deadpool was blinded by the flashbang. "I hate flashbangs in the face!"

"They're a real pain in the Call of Duty games."

"The Hydra patrol's been taken care of.. Let's move." Captain America ordered. "That includes you, Deadpool.."

"Give me a second," Deadpool rubbed his eyes. "Gotta regain my sight."

"We have no time!" Captain yelled. "We need to get moving now!"

"Alright! Alright!" They ran through the hallway.

---

With Kazuto and Asuna:

The two teens made their way through the abandoned hallway. They knew that Hydra's waiting in behind cover, ready to pounce on them at the second's notice. They heard a loud bang, and four more bangs suggesting gunfire down a hallway.

"Hope that's the Howlers.." Kazuto breathed.

"Could be anyone... we can't tell whose guns are which," Asuna pointed out.

"True... But no matter what.." He reassured her with a smile. "We'll fight them together.."

As the reunited SAO power duo navigated the dark halls... They halted immediately as they heard the sounds of soft whispers nearby. Kazuto listened, and realize that he could hear whispers more clearly than previously.

"They're nearby.." Kazuto whispered.

"That's not Chris Burke or his men..." Asuna added, surprising Kazuto.

"You... hear their voices that clearly too?" Kazuto asked.

"I do..." Asuna nodded. "They're Hydra soldiers.."

"Then we need to face them hand-to-hand combat to lure them out.." Kazuto suggested.

"In these confined spaces?" Asuna shook his head. "I saw your super-speed, but don't forget that bullets are still a very deadly competitor..."

Asuna then looked down at her hands. "And that begs the question of how we have these powers in the first place..."

"It's like they just appeared out of nowhere.." Kazuto rubbed the area of his arm where Sugou shot him. "But they've given us an edge so far... However, you're right, we should be careful.."

Asuna saw the blood and gasped.

"Nobuyuki shot me in the parking lot.." Kazuto explained. "But it seems I've developed advanced healing capabilities."

Asuna exhaled softly. "Incredible..."

"And I was about to execute him after overpowering his goons." Kazuto added. "But I decided to spare him.."

"I've saw the whole thing.." Asuna smiled. "I wanted him dead too... But, he needs to stand trial for what he's done with the 299 players... Including me and your sister.."

"Not to mentioned what he did in the States during the Second Civil War.." She added.

Kazuto gave Asuna a loving and sympathetic look, but the chatter down the hallway brought him back into focus. "We still have to get rid of these guys."

"But how are we gonna draw them out?" Asuna asked.

Kazuto looked at his gun.

---

With Captain America:

"The shots came from upstairs..." Captain America surmised as he, Ramirez, Damion, and Deadpool ascended the stairs.

"How many floors does this hospital have anyway? It almost looked tall from the ground." Damion panted.

"Based on the diagram in the lobby," Ramirez chuckled, "twelve."

"Aw man!" Damion gasped.

"Come on, this is what we're trained for.." Ramirez said. "And besides... Deadpool's far ahead of us." He referred to the merc, who had made his way to the tenth floor.

"Cut the chatter," Captain America II reminded as he scanned the route up ahead. He then saw that the emergency door to floor 10 was slightly ajar. "Open door on ten... Private Burton, behind me." He stood slightly to the side of the door with his rifle trained. "Ramirez, Deadpool, open and clear."

Ramirez and Deadpool trained their rifles at the emergency door and opened it slightly. Captain America and Deadpool both quickly swept through the door and flashed their lights.

"No one's in sight.." Ramirez whispered. "Proceeding through the door."

"Alright, Ramirez, you and Burton go to Yuuki's room and secure it," Captain America whispered. He then looked seriously at Deadpool, "and Wade, you're with me. Keep it down until we come into contact with the enemy or find Kirigaya."

"Alright. We'll play it nice and quiet.." Deadpool brandishes his katana swords.

Suddenly, several gunshots echoed down the halls.

"Let's investigate." Deadpool suggested. Both the Captain and Deadpool moved like silent panthers as more gunfire sounded.

"We're getting close.." Deadpool whispered.

"Oohh.. we love sneaking up bad guys.."

"Yeah, but if Kazuto and Asuna are up here. We need to be careful.."

"This suppose to be a tearful reunion for the couple.. But, that'll happen later.."

"Hey, save the 4th wall monologues and stay focused," Captain rebuked.

"Right.." Deadpool replied as they approached one of the hallway doors.

More gunfire and shouts sounded. "That's a struggle," Captain said. With a swift kick, he took out the double-doors and moved faster towards the source. When they rounded the corner, they see Hydra soldiers firing at an white energy dome in the middle of the hallway. They are suddenly jumped by a black figure firing his pistol and punching out some with his left fist. It was dark in the hallway, but the flashes of the gunshots lit up the empty hallway.

"Can't get a clear shot," Captain said as he produced a hard frisbee from his gauntlet.

"I'll handle this.." Deadpool said as he then ran towards the Hydra soldiers armed with his Katanas. It was at the moment, one of the Hydra soldiers spotted Deadpool running towards them. But he was cut down before he could sound the alarm.

"Maximum effort." Deadpool remarked as the Hydra soldier fell to the floor. He was dead before he hit the floor with a thud. Two of the Hydra soldiers spotted Deadpool and opened up on him at close range. But the bullets had no effect on him as he quickly sliced the HK416 rifles out of their hands before slashing at their torsos. They tumbled onto the floor before Deadpool locked onto another target.

"Deadpool..." Captain America growled in frustration.

---

With Kazuto and Asuna:

Asuna managed to locate a couple of them hiding and Kazuto took them down. Kazuto shot one, grabbed his rifle and used it to bash the other one in the head. He then takes aim with the rifle and fires away. Taking down six Hydra soldiers in précised shots.

"Impudent whelps!" The rifle clicks empty and Kazuto discards it before switching back to the P226 pistol. But he was beaten to the punch with a bright blue bullet going through the Hydra trooper's helmet.

"Kirigaya!" Kazuto turned to see the source of the voice. Down the hallway, he saw the lineouts of Captain America. And a red suit figure slicing and dicing the Hydra soldiers.

Captain America II punched and shot whoever Deadpool missed before the two ran over to him and Kazuto. "You should have waited for us."

"I'm sorry.. But I was afraid for Asuna.." Kazuto admitted sheepishly.

"Running in to face twenty plus enemy soldiers solo?"

"I used to run solo in SAO.. So, it's a force of habit.."

"One that would have gotten you shot," Captain sighed. He then saw Asuna.

"Miss Yuuki, good to see that you are safe."

Asuna likewise got to see the new Captain America up close for real.

"And it's nice to see you too... Captain America.." Asuna smiled.

"Captain America II to be correct." Deadpool remarked. "He got the super soldier serum that good ol' Steve Rogers took to be the original Captain America."

"And now he's Colonel America."

"Minus becoming a zombie and such.."

Captain America II shot Deadpool a look. "Don't be confusing them with your 4th wall meta references... warrant officer."

"Right.. Since that we have Kazuto and Asuna here. We should radio Ramirez and Damion that we have the girl. And her beloved." Deadpool gives Kazuto a "thumbs up".

Kazuto grinned back and gave Asuna a kiss on her cheek. "Let's get out of here and meet up with the others... After the Howlers clear up the hospital, that is.."

Captain America then looked over at the soldiers that Kirito and Asuna had taken down. "Based on my count, that just leaves us with six enemies still inside the building..." He then radioed, "Ramirez, do you copy?"

---

With Ramirez:

"This is Ramirez. What is it, Cap?"

"We've secured the Yuuki girl. And we've also have her beloved with us. They're safe and sound."

"Well," Ramirez huffed with a chuckle, "that's a relief, because her room is pretty much trashed."

"Don't let your guard down though," Captain warned, "we may still have six hostiles left inside the building."

"Roger that, Captain. We're gonna resume the sweep on this floor." Ramirez replied. "We'll report back to you when we clear out. Ramirez out."

"Well that's a relief," Damion shrugged with his M4v1.

"But we need to keep a eye out." Ramirez pointed out. "We can't let Hydra get the jump on us."

Damion then topped off his rifle. "Okay. Let's get going.." However as Ramirez and Damion stepped back out, a mechanical-looking figure with red optics hopped out and opened out with a deafening machinegun report.

Both Ramirez and Damion ducked behind the hospital room.

"Ugh!"

Ramirez had cradled Damion close to him when the shooting started, but then he felt a sticky sensation on his left palm where he held Damion by the thigh.

"Sarge... I'm hit.." Damion groaned. There was a rather big and bloody wound on his leg. "How bad?" Darmion was starting to go pale.

Ramirez grunted as he looked around the corner... In the moonlight, he spotted an armored looking figure walking through the hallway. It was armed with two PKM light machine guns.

"Crud... they brought in a combat android!?" And as if on cue, another android armed with two PKM LMGs followed behind it.

"Two combat androids!?"

He took some shots from his SCAR 25 at them, but since, like many of the other Rangers, he did not have a Pulsar Resonator, the 7.62mm rounds just bounced off the armor. This also caused the combat android to turn their heads towards the source of the gunshots.

Ramirez almost bit his tongue as he ducked back behind cover as the android sprayed the hallway with gunfire. He could barely hear his captain calling on the radio...

---

With Captain America II:

"Ramirez? Ramirez!" Kazuto and Asuna saw the new Captain get troubled at the sound of heavy gunfire over the radio and echoing down the halls.

"They're in trouble." Asuna concluded. "We need to help them."

"I agree, Asuna." Kazuto nodded. "Let's get going."

"Hold up," the Captain held out his hand, "you two have had enough trouble for one night."

"Especially after what happened in ALO." Deadpool added.

"But Captain.." Kazuto began. "Everyone has helped us in ALO..."

"Kirigaya, it would all amount to nothing if you and Yuuki were hurt or killed tonight-"

"No," Asuna broke in, "I've already lost my mother and family maid tonight. And I'm tired of Hydra taking the lives of people I love and who have helped me."

"She's got a point there.." Deadpool remarked. This earned a annoyed glanced from the Captain.

"What? It's true." Deadpool put his hands up.

"Face it, Cap." Kazuto shook his head, "she and I will not be dissuaded. We stuck our necks out to help end Hydra, and we intend to see it through."

Captain America II grunted. "You are very stubborn..."

"Something we've picked up in SAO." Asuna smirked. She stroked Kazuto's arm. "It suits him well.."

"Ugh..." Captain America II knew that he was not going to win the argument. Checking his rifle, he looked both teens in the eyes intently. He then radios Ramirez. "We're on our way over."

---

With Ramirez:

"Gotta keep pressure on the wound, Damion.."

"That freaking hurts..." Damion's face contorted in pain.

"I know it hurts." He pulls out a stim, removed the cap with his teeth, and jabbed it into Damion's thigh. "That should dull the pain.."

Damion hissed as he felt the stim being stabbed into his leg. A moment later, he felt the pain in his leg going dull. Ramirez finds the towel and rips it to ribbons and wraps it tightly on Damion's leg wound.

"Not gonna have you bleed out here, soldier," Ramirez resolved.

"T-Thanks.." Damion groaned. The sounds of the two combat androids were getting closer. "They're getting closer... And we're outgunned..."

"Crud..." Ramirez fired more shots, but his standard rifle hardly dented them.

"W-What are we gonna do?" Damion asked.

The androids opened up with their guns again. However, they're not aimed at the two soldiers. They're firing further down the hallway.

"Ramirez, Burton!" They heard the mighty voice of their Captain.

"Cap?" Damion groaned.

Captain America II deployed his shield as he was now taking fire. "So Hydra brought combat androids!"

"It looks that way, Cap!" Another voice was heard.

"Let me try and damage them!" Deadpool said as he fired his AA-12. The Frag-12 shells exploded on the androids' armor. While the armor blackened, it dented little with no penetration.

"Looks like the Frag-12s aren't enough to penetrate their armor.."

"You think?!"

"Well, that can't be good.." Deadpool remarked. The androids fired at Deadpool.

Deadpool barely managed to get behind the Captain's shield. The Captain grunted, "if only I can get off a shot! The Pulsar Resonator would let my rifle penetrate that armor!"

And if that wasn't enough, the Captain sees four remaining Hydra soldiers stacked up behind the two androids.

"Now would be a good time..."

It was then shooting came from behind the Hydra soldiers. One of them fell to the floor dead.

"What?" The gunshots were not what the veteran Captain expected. The remaining Hydra soldiers turned around and open fire down the hallway. Several more return shots came at the soldiers. Two of them are hit. One fell dead and the other injured. One of the Androids turned around and fired the PKM LMGs down the hallway.

With one less android shooting, Captain was able to push back with his shield and get a bead on the first android with his rifle. Despite not being able to take it down with headshots, it even the odds.

Captain fired a shots, and with the Pulsar Resonator on his M4v1, was able to actually damage an optic.

"I may have found a weakness!" Captain said.

"Aim for the optics," he prompted, "then I'll take out their power sources!"

Deadpool aims his AA-12 at the optics and fires away. Three shots took out the android's optics. It started shooting blindly, spraying bullets everywhere like an untrained rookie soldier. With a yell, Captain America II charged with his shield and knocked down the machine, before unloading his enhanced M4v1 point blank into the chest. The shots penetrated and shredded the battery underneath.

The combat android tried to fight off Captain. But the damage was too severe and shuts down.
The Captain fired into the chest area again and another at the head, blowing it off. The android was destroyed.

"Now that leaves only one android and two Hydra soldiers.." The Captain concluded.

The two remaining soldiers and the last combat android continued to fire down the hallway. The energy shield appeared and deflected the oncoming bullets.

On the other end, Delta One aka Black Widow had rushed to the hospital to try and help Asuna, only to be helped by Asuna herself.

"You're full of surprises, Miss Yuuki." Black Widow commented upon seeing the energy shield before them.

"Same for Kazuto..." Asuna added. Black Widow glanced at Kazuto with a curious look.

"I was shot by Nobuyuki.." Kazuto explained. "But I was able to heal from the gunshot wound.

Suddenly the android rushed up to the shield...

"Look out!" Kazuto exclaimed. Asuna pushed back the android with her energy barrier. However, the android continued to attack the barrier.

"Ugh!" Asuna strained.

"We need to distract it." Kazuto said. "It must have a weakness."

"Try hitting it in the optics." Black Widow suggested. The teenage couple, realized what she meant, decided to take her suggestion. Asuna leaves an opening in the barrier, but she had to keep in mind of the android firing its two PKM LMGs at them. Kazuto takes aim at the optics and squeezes the trigger. Firing the pistol and damaging the android's optics.

The android seemed to be confused with one of the optics out.

"It's working.." Asuna observed as Kazuto fires more shots. Then he has to reload and resumed. It was at that moment, the android's optics have been destroyed, leaving the android blind.

"Thanks for the help." Black Widow said. "I'll take it from here."

Asuna nodded before opening up the gap in the energy barrier. Black Widow charged up and knocked the LMGs out of the android's hands.

She then put a device that stuck to the android's head. Blue electric shocks emitted from the device. The circuits and servos on the android overloads and overheat. The android collapsed.

Captain America II and Deadpool shot the last two Hydra troopers as they ran up to the trio. "Are you two alright?" Captain asked.

"We're fine..." Black Widow said. "I see that you two managed to disable the other android."

"It was tough... But we managed to bring it down.."

"Wait, that voice..." Captain America II took a look at Black Widow, "you're... Delta One aren't you?"

"That's correct." Black Widow smirked.

"Wait... Colonel told me about you..."

"The Original Cap and I went back in the 2010s. Back when the Avengers were together.. "

"Black Widow..." The new Captain narrowed his brow.

Black Widow herself got a good look at the new Cap herself. "And it's no doubt that you're the new Captain America.." She deduced.

Kazuto and Asuna looked to Black Widow. Kazuto was about to speak when the secret agent put a finger to her lip. Kazuto realized she was telling him to shush, he nods in acknowledgement and does so.

She then looked to both Captain and Deadpool. "You both never saw me, understood?"

"Our lips are sealed." Deadpool gave her the "thumbs up".

"Except for the readers.. But they won't do anything.."

Captain quickly shoved Deadpool in the shoulder. "Shut it."

"But... before I leave," Black Widow gave Asuna another glance, "you should know about your mother and maid."

"I know..." Asuna looked away sadly. "They've both dead..." Kazuto held his wife to comfort her.

"Actually, both survived," Black Widow revealed.

Asuna did a double-take upon hearing this. "T-They have?"

"My team just confirmed it," Black Widow revealed.

The Yuuki girl couldn't believe what she was hearing. "B-But how? We saw the bombs explode."

"Apparently, it was your mother who saved herself, the maid, and my agent..."

It was Kazuto's turn to be surprised. "She has?"

"... with the shield your girlfriend put up."

Asuna looked at her own hands.. Could she inherited the same powers from her mother? "So... she and Sada are alright?"

"Shaken, but okay," Black Widow revealed more, "though your mother was distraught with you."

"About me siding with Hydra in ALO?" She asks. She kinda knew the answer.

"She was out of reach of any outside media, so we had to debrief the both of them." Suddenly there was movement down the hallway. Black Widow took it as her cue to leave. "You two take care.." She said as she took off into the dark hallway.

"Captain America, Sergeant!" It was a member of Ramirez's squad that was calling.

"Over here," Ramirez was now yelling, "I need help here!" He was slapping Damion's pale face as his eyes and expression began to blank out. "Help! I've got a man down here! He's going into shock!"

While Kazuto and Asuna attended to the wounded soldier, Captain America II radios Helios. "Helios, Howler 7-1 Actual here," he called, "the hospital is secure. I can confirm that Snow White is safe, and Luther is in custody."

"Copy that, Howler 7-1 Actual." Helios replied.

Meanwhile, Ramirez was desperately trying to keep Damion conscious.

"Stay with me, Damion.." Ramirez said while slapping his face. "You're gonna pull through.."

Two soldiers ran up to the group and saw their squad leader trying to slap Damion back to his senses.

Kazuto and Asuna also got a look and saw that Damion was pale and fading.

Ramirez then yelled. "Doctor! I need a doctor here!"

Asuna pursed her lips before she shouted in Japanese down the hallway. Moments later, some of the nurses came out after realizing that the hospital is secured. They were confused as some of the American soldiers came up and brought them over to the scene.

"Speak English?" Ramirez asked desperately.

"I-I do.." One of the nurses spoke in English.

"I have a man here going into shock," Ramirez pointed to Damion with his shot leg, "help me please."

Asuna told the other nurse in Japanese, "this soldier was shot. Can you treat bullet wounds?"

Both nurses seemed nervous. Ramirez saw that they clearly had not encountered emergencies with gunshots.

After a few moments, one of the nurses spoke. "W-We'll do the best we c-can.." She stammered.

"I'll get someone," the other nurse told Asuna in Japanese as she shakily reached for her phone, trying not to think of the amount of blood Damion had lost and was in the hallway from the skirmish.

Deadpool examined the tourniquet. It was stained in deep red.

"Did the bullet exited out of the wound?" He asked.

"I'm not sure..." Ramirez said, still looking at Damion's eyes. "Nurse, check, but be careful moving him."

Captain then added to his call, "be advised that we have a man down, and currently being treated by hospital staff. Mobility to be determined."

"Copy that, Howler 7-1 Actual. We'll be on standby for extraction." Helios replied.

"I may have something to stop the bleeding.." Deadpool added. The merc rummages through his inventory and pulled out random items such as chimichangas, a rubber chicken, and a black cat.

"That tourniquet was not enough," Deadpool said, "you only slowed it, but he can still die."

Asuna shook in both fear and anger at what had just happened.

Deadpool tossed more items aside. "AHA! Found it!" He pulled out a stim-like device. He pulls the cap off and jabs it into Damion's leg.

"Ahhaaaa!" Damion suddenly screamed out, "Urgh!"

"Forgot to mention that you may feel a little pain.." Deadpool said sheepishly.

The nurse was then able to look more closely at the leg wound. Then, she sees something being pushed out of the wound and fall onto the floor with a metallic clink. Then the wound started to seal itself up.

"That's the bullet?" The nurse was trying to hold it in at the sight of the bloody projectile.

Captain America II then pushed through and looked down at the bullet. "No fragmentation... good."

However, Damion still looked pale and sweaty. There was also heavy breathing on his part.

"We need to get him into a bed and hydrated," the English-speaking nurse said, "help me get him to one."

Asuna then stepped back and let herself slide against a wall. Kazuto went over and sat next to her.

"Someone else almost died..." Asuna gasped.

"I know..." Kazuto held her. "But... your mother is alive."

"For a moment, I thought she and Sada were killed." She confessed.

"So did I..." Kazuto remarked.

---

USS Wilson:

"Hard to believe that it's over.." Agent Hill observed.

Titania sat back in her Captain's seat as she observed the various battle sites with the smoke and flames. "But... so many soldiers still lost their lives tonight."

"And now that the Japanese medias are aware of our presence here." She added. "At least we still have the optical camouflage, though."

Suddenly, one of the other operators reported. "We have incoming."

"Two bogeys approaching from the north."

Titania suddenly sprung back into command. "Identify."

The operator checked the signatures. "Two Japanese Air Defense Force F-2As on bearing one-five-zero, altitude twenty-five thousand, and flying at nine hundred knots."

"Do they know we're here?" Titania asked.

The F-2As continued to approach, with no apparent urgency. Titania was starting to feel uneasy. They were just about the same or a little below the Helicarrier, but their current course put them on intercept with the Wilson.

"Are the Wilson's defense systems active?" Titania asked Hill.

Big U's response came within seconds. "They are, but they are on automatic programs."

"Have all of them switched to manual.." Titania ordered. "And have us be taken over the Tokyo Bay."

"What's their distance?"

"Distance twenty miles and closing, no apparent response-"

Suddenly the warning alarm came on. "The F-2s' fire control systems are active. They've got a lock... On us!"

"Take evasive action!" Titania ordered. "We need to get over the Tokyo Bay ASAP!"

"Two anti-ship missiles closing from northwest bearing three-three-zero! Seven seconds to impact!"

"Countermeasures!"

"Too late, brace for impact!"

Everyone felt the USS Wilson shook from the missiles' impacts. Alarms started blaring the moment the missiles impacted the Helicarrier.

---

At the hospital:

Explosions sounded in the sky.

"What was that?" Kazuto looked towards the windows. Captain America II rushed to the window. His eyes widened as there was a static in the air, before the Helicarrier suddenly materialized in the air. "Oh no!"

Kazuto and Asuna sat up and headed towards the windows. In the sky, they can see an aircraft carrier from the high distance.

"That's the Helicarrier!" Kazuto realized.

"Only America has three of them built." Asuna concluded.

"But... that ship is camouflaged," Captain America II grunted. He then saw two F-2As of the JSADF pass it by aggressively, "how did...?"

Asuna came to a grim solution. "Sugou's American connection..."

"Hydra's connection..." Kazuto concluded grimly..

---

In the parking lot:

Iron Man II watched in disbelief as the Japanese fighter jets struck the Helicarrier.

"It can't be.." Iron Man II watched as the Helicarrier's camouflage has been shut down.

Another soldier stared up in disbelief. "That's our ship!"

"How did they find out where we're at?" Said another.

Minetaka Kirigaya looked up towards the sky. Surprised to see the Helicarrier above their city.

---

USS Wilson:

Titania glanced around the bridge. "DAMAGE REPORT!" she barked.

"Our optical camouflage is disabled!"

"We've got a fire on the starboard side! Engine Four is on fire!"

"How soon can we fly over Tokyo Bay?" Titania demanded.

Maria Hill felt herself being rocked with the ship's shaking.

"How are the repulsor engines!?"

"Engine Four is still functional, but we're losing thrust."

Maria then saw the F-2s circling back in the distance. 'So even the fighter pilots could be Hydra...' She then snapped back into action. "CIC, designate the F-2s as hostile aircraft, and prepare for defensive action!"

"Unity! Switch all defenses back to manual!" Titania ordered.

"Affirmative!" the AI remarked.

The ship shuddered under another onslaught before she heard those words she wanted to hear.

"All defenses back at manual!" Unity exclaimed.

"Get CIWS online and launch defensive aircraft," Titania added, "don't let them hit the engines!"

"Another two F-2s from bearing two-zero-zero, FCS active and targeting us!"

"It's a pincer attack!" Maria Hill exclaimed, "counterattack!"

"Can we get any of our fighter jets in the air?!"

"Cats one and two are operational!"

Maria processed the information flow quickly and commanded. "Launch two F-18s ASAP!"

"And get us over the bay!" She added.

The center deck elevators allowed two of the Omega Hornets to be moved into position.

"Two F-18s are loaded up and ready to launch!" One of the operators said.

"Intercept One, launching." One F-18 radioed as he was catapulted forward.

"Intercept Two, Away!"

"Let's hope that they lure the hostile fighters away.." Hill lamented.

---

Kirigaya Home:

Alex and Suguha were glued to their phones since the shootout in the hospital occurred. However, it died down when the Howler soldiers have secured the parking lot and the hospital. Some of the cars were just flaming wrecks, and there were dead bodies, a destroyed Quinjet, and an Exosuit that the Captain America they knew now as Chris Burke had totaled.

"Can't believe he took down that Exosuit.." Alex commented. He completely forgotten the pain in his right shoulder... For a while at least...

"And he did it with no reservation," Suguha shivered. "I'm just glad that Kazuto's alright."

Suddenly flashes of explosions were seen off the corner of the screen.

"What was that?" Suguha was puzzled by the new noise. One of the bystanders viewing the standoff through his phone shouted in Japanese and pointed the phone at the sky. Then they see the aerial aircraft carrier being attacked by Japanese fighter jets.

"A flying aircraft carrier?" Suguha was flabbergasted.

"A helicarrier.." Alex clarified. He also recognized the ship.

"That's the USS Bruce Wilson.. One of the three Helicarriers built after the civil war.."

Suguha was speechless. She learned about the Hydra Uprising that occurred back in 2014 which involved three Helicarriers.

"They brought a freaking Helicarrier all the way out here..."

---

USS Wilson:

The Helicarrier started to turn away and started heading towards Tokyo Bay.

"Prepare to intercept anti-ship missiles," Hill warned, "protect the thrusters!"

"And keep the hostile fighter jets off of us too!" Titania added.

"We're on it, Captain Titania." One of the pilots said through the comms.

The first flight of hostile F-2As began another attack run. But before they could line up their targets, the F-18s locked onto one of the hostile F-2As.

"Got a lock-on." One of the F-18 pilots said. "Firing away!"

"Fox 2, fox 2." The F-18H's AIM-9 homed in on the F-2A's engine. However, the F-2A's pilot deployed flares, diverting the missiles towards the flares. It was sufficient to drive both attackers to go evasive.

"Don't let them escape." The F-18H's gave chase.

The second flight of F-2As turned back towards the Wilson.

"We're gonna need more support." The F-18 pilot radioed.

"Two F-2As from bearing two-five-zero at our eight o'clock," CIC reported.

"I see 'em. We'll hold out until we get over the bay."

"Prepare firing solution," Maria Hill ordered.

One of the F-18s turn sharply to the right and fired on the second F-2A flight with its guns.

The F-2As evaded and managed to launch their anti-ship missiles.

"Missiles incoming," an operator reported.

"SkyRAMs, intercept!" Maria Hill ordered.

---

In the parking lot:

Minetaka watched the flashes from the Helicarrier, followed by thundering booms.

"You people had a Helicarrier this whole time!?"

"We did.." Iron Man II answered.

"But somehow Hydra knew where it was," Colonel America shook his head. The whole of Operation Finalizer was going sideways. And it was suppose to be a secret operation.

It was then he took his phone out of his pocket. He knew that Midori would be worried of him and Kazuto being caught in the firefight. True enough, the missed phone logs showed her number in fifteen missed calls. He calls her number. After a couple of rings, he hears Midori's voice.

"Midori?" He asked.

"Minetaka!?"

"We're alright." Minetaka reassured her. "Nobuyuki and Hydra got the jump on us. But we're fine."

"I almost thought I'd lost you both tonight..."

"Gotta thank Captain America and the others for helping us."

"The new one? I didn't think that he was actually in Japan," Midori was surprised.

"Well... He's here. And he's not alone, apparently." He added.

"So I can see from the news coverage," Midori gasped, "and are you seeing what's in the sky?"

"Yes, I have.." Minetaka said, "and so has everyone else.."

It was then that police cars with sirens came flooding into the parking lot. For a moment, Minetaka wasn't sure if they're on their side or with Hydra. The police officers aimed their guns at the Army Rangers and wounded Hydra.

'Well, they are on our side...' Minetaka thought.

"Japanese police..." Iron Man II murmured as the Rangers got into defensive positions with rifles and LMGs at low ready. It was then, they see someone stepping out from the crowd of police officers.

"Hold your fire and stand down everyone! We are all on the same side here!"

"W-We are?!" One of the Howler soldiers asked aloud.

The Japanese official with glasses and coat raised his hands.

"Yes.. The name's Seijirou Kikuoka.." He introduced himself, speaking in English. "I wish to speak to your commanding officers!"

Colonel America lowered his rifle and shield. He then tapped his wrist communicator to contact Captain America. "Captain America?"

---

Inside the Hospital:

Captain America tapped on his own communicator. "Colonel."

"We've have the parking lot under control.." Colonel America said. "And your presence is required along with Lieutenant Preston's."

"Copy that," Captain America said.

"And bring both Kazuto and Asuna.." The Colonel added.

"Very well." Captain looked to Ramirez as he, the nurse, and Deadpool helped Damion onto the bed. The bleeding has stopped after the wound sealed itself up. But he's lost a lot of blood.

The English-speaking nurse said, "I got the doctor on the way."

"Please do..." Ramirez replied.

"Might be tough," Deadpool looked out, "police have the place surrounded."

"Didn't we spent the last two chapters locating and taking out Hydra soldiers posing as police officers?"

"We rooted out fake cops instead of attending the Battle in the Void."

Captain gave Deadpool a look saying, 'don't do it.'

"But I'm pretty sure that they're on our side.." Deadpool chuckles.

One of the nurses gave shoes for Asuna as she was in bare feet. Kazuto even gave her a jacket.

"Thanks.." Asuna smiled. "Let's get out of here.."

"You two stay with me," Captain America II ordered, "until we can confirm that hostilities have ceased, we are not out of the woods yet."

"Got it, we stick close to you.." Kazuto replied.

Captain America II then walked up to the bed and grasped Damion's hand firmly. "You rest and hang in there, Ranger."

"I won't be going anywhere. sir.." Damion groaned. He forced a smile on his face.

"And that is a direct order," Captain said in a tone where they others could not decide whether he was being serious or bantering.

"And we should let Philia know what's happened." Kazuto suggested. "So that she can come over here and visit him and such.."

"This is an active mission zone, Kirigaya," Captain America rebuffed, "now come along."

Kazuto nodded in acknowledgement before he and Asuna followed the Captain as they leave the hospital and entered the parking lot. Captain America frowned as police and news choppers swarmed the scene with lights on the parking lot. He then spotted Colonel America and they headed towards him.

"Colonel!" Captain called out.

"Captain.." Colonel America approached him.

"Captain! Colonel!" Iron Man II also approached with Nobuyuki being dragged by two soldiers at gunpoint. Kazuto and Asuna watched as Nobuyuki's being dragged away. Captain then noticed that some of the remaining Hydra troops were rounded up, and that the second enemy Quinjet was nowhere to be seen.

'They must've bugged out when they were outgunned..' Kazuto thought.

Captain America and Iron Man saluted their superior.

"At ease.." Colonel America said.

Kazuto notices Kikuoka approaching them.

"Ah... Kazuto Kirigaya."

"Kikuoka?" Kazuto was puzzled. "What are you doing here?"

"A little birdie told me," Kikuoka remarked. He then looked to Asuna.

"I'm assuming that you're referring to the broadcast I've made.." Asuna said sheepishly.

"That..." he then looked to Colonel America, "and Director Fury.

"Fury?" Kazuto's eyebrows raised in surprise. "As in Nick Fury?"

"He gave me the full details of what was going on in ALO," Kikuoka continued. "This was during Asuna's broadcasts.. To be honest, I was stunned by the news..." He looked towards the police before facing towards Kazuto and whispered. "About Hydra..."

Kazuto nodded, knowing what Kikuoka was referring to. More over, he was glad that Kikuoka's taken aware of Hydra's possible activity in Japan. Colonel America gave a smirk of amusement, while Captain America II seemed to frown. Iron Man II seemed to share the amusement of the Colonel unlike his serious Captain.

"And don't worry about Nobuyuki.." Kikuoka added. "He's in our custody.."

Captain America II looked indignant as he stared down Kikuoka, making sure that his burning blue eyes met Kikuoka's. The Japanese official seemed to be taken aback, and Kazuto and Asuna quickly felt the tension rise. "Excuse me, sir, but who are you?" Captain America II let his Japanese be crisp for emphasis.

"Seijirou Kikuoka.. I'm head of the Ministry of Internal Affair's Telecommunications Bureau, Advanced Network Division. Also known as the Virtual Division..."

Colonel America quickly put a hand on the Captain's shoulder and shook his head. Getting the cue, the Captain gave a resigned, but respectful nod.

"Also, I managed to deputize the entire Howler platoon into the Virtual Division..." Kikuoka continued.

Kazuto and Asuna were surprised.

Captain America II seemed to be not too enthused with it.

"Well..." Iron Man II spoke up. "It's better than nothing.."

"Now hold on, under what authority-" Colonel quickly shushed his Captain.

"Burke... Not now.." Colonel America whispered. "We'll worry about it later..."

The Colonel then removed his mask, exposing his poster-boy soldier face.

"Colonel Steve Rogers, I presume." Kikuoka smiled.

"Yes," Steve flashed a grin to lower the temperature, "75th Ranger Regiment."

"Howler platoon.." He added.

Captain America II and Iron Man II also removed their helmets.

"And you two are Captain Christopher Samuel Burke and Lieutenant Jack Thomas Preston.." Kikuoka deduced.

"That's us.." Preston did a small salute with two fingers. Followed with a friendly smile.

"Captain Burke of the 75th Ranger Regiment," the stone-faced veteran introduced himself.

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you.." Kikuoka added. Kazuto sees his father approaching them. He was being flanked by two police officers.

"It's alright officers.." Kikuoka waved his hand. "He's with us.."

"Isn't that right, Inspector?"

Kazuto did a double take. 'Inspector?'

"That's right, Kazuto.." Minetaka nodded.

"That high a rank?"

Minetaka just smiled.

"They called him the legendary 'Beretta Minetaka' back in his heyday," Kikuoka quipped.

"This is certainly a surprise.." Kazuto admitted.

"Indeed, it is, Kazuto..." Asuna added.

"Stories for another time," Minetaka added, "but we should get down to the police station so that we can give testimonies and head home."

"We'll escort you safely to the police station.." Kikuoka said.

"Hold on," Captain America II protested, "Nobuyuki was our prisoner and these two are under my protection."

"Correct... And remember that if it wasn't for Fury.." Kikuoka replied. "You'd be in huge trouble with the authorities here..."

"He's got a point..." Deadpool observed.

Captain grunted. "Speaking of whom..."

---

USS Wilson:

"Cat 1! Cat 2! What's your status!?" Titania demanded. Explosions from the number 4 engine rocked the limping Helicarrier when CIWS failed to intercept one of the volleys of anti-ship missiles.

"If we lose another repulsor engine, we'll drop right out of the sky!" Hill yelled. "We need to take down those fighters!"

She turned to the Tactical Action Officer. "TAO, engage the flight of fighters closest to the ship!"

As this was taking place, Titania observes the chaos outside the command bridge. There were aircraft on the catapults, but the swaying of the ship made it difficult to safely launch.

"Unity, try and steady the ship!" she barked.

"I'll steady the ship once we're over the bay." Unity chirped. The TAO went manual with one of the naval guns to target one of the enemy fighters. The F-2A's flown in loops and sharp turns to evade the naval guns. However, one of them gets hit and the jet engine starts to flame.

"Direct hit, splash one," the TAO reported his kill.

The other F-2A fired its missile at the wounded carrier. The CIWS 20mm cannon facing the threat fired off a burst and destroyed the missile.

"Switch to the SeaRAM," the TAO's assistant advised use of the interceptor missile. The hostile F-2A flew away after its missile was destroyed.

"Tracking target." The TAO's gunnery controls linked to the SeaRAM's targeting radar as it looked on. "Shot out." He fired a missile at the jet. The hostile jet tried to evade it. However, it was destroyed when the missile hit the jet. The canopy burned brightly the moment the missile impacted the fuselage and the fuel tank. It spun in a cork-screw twist as it dropped toward the Tokyo Bay.

"Radar tracking on target," Intercept Two's F-18H managed to get another lock on one of the last of the F-2As. "Fox three, fox three." The AMRAAM streaked towards the target. The F-2A tried to launch flares, but it ran dry and he tilted the jet to a nosedive to evade.

The missile anticipated his dive and rolled into his path. The F-2A jet flew straight down and performed a High-G Turn. The pilot hoped that the missile will overshoot him...

It did... only for a second missile to find its mark. The F-2A jet exploded in a fireball, and the flaming wreckage descended towards the bay below.

"Pilot ejected."

"One bogey left.."

Intercept One was chasing the last bandit. "Intercept Two, I'm driving this one hot towards you."

"Roger that, Intercept One. Preparing for the kill.."

The last hostile F-2A jet evaded Intercept One's gun fire.

"I've got you now.." Intercept Two said as he fired two ARAAM missiles. They streaked towards the last F-2A fighter jet, striking its target.

"Splash two."

"All the hostile jet fighters are down!" Unity reported. The USS Wilson shook as it descended towards the water.

"Hang on everybody! We're gonna land in the water.." The AI called out. Everyone throughout the USS Wilson braced themselves. The engines took a serious beating, but the Helicarrier managed to stabilize itself. The waters of the bay continued to grow larger upon approach.

Titania yelled, "brace for impact!"

The USS Wilson slams onto the waters, creating large waves as they crested the ship's bow. Titania barely fought to keep from being thrown from her seat. Maria Hill fell onto her console. The entire crew were either thrown to the floor or held on. The USS Wilson rocked and jolted back and forth, the supplies that were stacked in storage and hangers tumbled onto the floor. However, the fighters jets, which all of which were strapped in, remained in place.

The rocking then ceased, the USS Wilson becomes stable. Damage and fire alarms sounded.

"Unity! Damage report!" Titania barked.

"The Repulsor engines three and four are damaged, but still functional.." Unity reported. "None of the aircraft are damaged, but there's some damage on the flight deck and some of the naval guns."

"How long will the repairs take?" Titania asked.

"Still scanning for other damages..." Unity replied.

'At least the hull's not breach for flooding..' She thought.

"We've got Japanese naval vessels approaching."

"Hostile?"

Maria Hill recomposed herself. "TAO, weapon status?"

"All weapons are reloading. We'll be ready in a couple of minutes."

"We still have our 57mm guns," the TAO's assistant said, "we can fire warning shots if needed.

"Alright then... Until then, we'll remain vigilant."

It was then, Nick Fury arrived at the command bridge.

"Japanese warships still approaching."

"Preparing to fire warning shots," the TAO reached for the trigger.

It was then Unity spoke up. "Wait! I'm receiving a message from one of the ships."

"Play it through." Fury ordered.

"This is the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force... We've spotted your ship descending into the bay... If you're getting this message, please respond."

Titania looked at Fury. "Should we answer their call or not?" She asked.

"Do it." Fury gave a knowing smile.

Titania pushes the button on the monitor. "This is Captain Titania of the USS Bruce Wilson. We got your message."

---

With Kazuto and Asuna:

They sat together in the back of Minetaka's car, with the ever-serious Captain America II riding shotgun. Colonel America, Iron Man II and Kikuoka rode in the car up front, leading the way. Asuna breathed and exhaled, taking in her real senses.

"Not long now.." Minetaka said as they rounded the corner.

"Technically, my unit and I are not even supposed to be here," Captain murmured, "we should be going back to the States."

"Once all this gets cleared up, that is.." Minetaka pointed out.

"Knowing your laws and justice system," Captain remarked, "I'm no fool to think it is that simple..."

"True.." Minetaka replied. "However, the truth of Hydra's resurgence in ALO and after what happened. I'm feeling your presence in Japan could be crowding the medias in both countries."

Captain America II frowned as he looked out the window. "Last thing we wanted... the President is gonna have our hides."

"I'm sure that things will quiet down.." Kazuto reassured the Captain.

"Kirigaya, this is now an international incident," Captain informed him, "the fact that we are even having this discussion would incriminate us in the eyes of both our governments." He then huffed. "Then again... how could we have known that we'd stumble on a much larger conspiracy..."

"True..." Kazuto agreed. "But knowing your country's media... Heck, knowing Anderson. He'd counter your involvement with Hydra's existence..." He continued. "I've studied on how he challenged the old US government back in 2017 after Campbell's assassination. And he got the majority of your nation speaking out against the Accords... Just like Asuna here speaking out... knowing that she could endure shame and difficulty with her own family."

"He's right.." Asuna spoke up. "I've grown up in a sheltered environment leading up to SAO. But that hasn't stopped me from learned what happened to the States and the events that lead to the Second Civil War.. And I was not about to let Hydra use RECT and my country to commit further acts of evil."

She continued. "If we have to, we'll continue the fight against Hydra..."

"Asuna..." Kazuto looked to her.

"Kazuto... I saw inside Hydra," Asuna replied, "I hate to say it, but Sugou is only the tip of the iceberg..."

"And if we don't do something about it.." She continued. "They'll just keep coming back... Plus, I've learned how far Hydra's hand stretched since the 2014 Uprising.. And they have allied themselves with other organizations in the world."

Asuna held Kazuto's hand pleadingly.

"If we're to have a future together, we need to prepare to fight back.." She said. "And... I want you by my side just like in SAO."

"Don't worry, Asuna.." Kazuto gave his wife a reassurance smile. "I'll be by your side... And together, we will defeat Hydra... Whatever it takes..."

Captain America II just shook his head at the heart-to-heart sweetness taking place. Minetaka, on the other hand, was smiling.

"And what's your story, Pops?" Captain America II asked, "heard that official Kikuoka call you Inspector."

"It's a long story.." Minetaka replied. He then glanced over to the Captain, still in his full armor and helmet. "I used to be with the Metro Police.." He began. "And I so happen to be Kazuto's father."

Captain America's expression softened somewhat. "I see." He looked back to see Kazuto and Asuna snuggling. "You did know that your son here was heading into danger with Hydra. You could have stopped him."

"I did.." Minetaka answered. "But he was determined in rescuing his wife.."

"And he's a little young for that," the new Captain added.

"They married while trapped in SAO.." Minetaka explained.

"So I heard..." Captain said, "but I'm just saying..."

"I know..." Minetaka nodded. "But they do share a strong bond for each other..." He glanced through the rearview mirror to see Kazuto stroking Asuna's hair. "And they've been through a huge ordeal..."

"And I hope you keep them safe from what is likely to come..." Captain warned, his bright blue eyes giving Minetaka's glance a deep stare, "I hate to break it to you, but this is war."

"I understand..." Minetaka sighed. The group drove up to the police station. They're directed towards the underground parking garage. They and their police escorts stopped near the entrance into the station. Captain frowned a bit as he read the Japanese. "This is an entrance for high profile or violent offenders and protectees."

They see Kikuoka talking to the guard up ahead. The guard seemed to nod in acknowledgement. After a few moments, the guard lets them through. Minetaka noticed that many of the officers surrounding them were carrying either revolvers or the new semiautomatic handguns in numbers, both of which were relatively rare for duty officers of his time.

He parks his car next to Kikuoka's and shut off the engine. "We're here.." He said.

Captain and Minetaka were the first to step out of the vehicle, with the officers tensing at the sight of the new Captain America's armor and rifle. Minetaka helps Kazuto and Asuna out of the car. Colonel America, Iron Man II, and Kikuoka stepped out of the other car and meets up with them.

Iron Man II whispered to his Captain under the scrutinizing gazes of the police officers. "I do hope they're on our side..."

"More likely they don't like us having guns," Captain America II replied.

"Probably they may try to get the drop on us unarmed..." Iron Man added.

Kikuoka suddenly answered... "No need to worry, gentlemen.. They're alright.. Though it is policy to not bring unauthorized weapons into secure police areas."

"Of course..." Iron Man II sighed. Captain seemed displeased though. He looked to the Colonel for some guidance.

"Might as well do what he says..." Colonel America said.

"Very well," Captain America II sighed.

Kikuoka led them to the armory booth through the doors. Kazuto, Asuna, and Minetaka meanwhile were taken to another room for questioning.

"Make yourselves comfortable.." One of the police officers said. "Kikuoka will be here shortly.."

"What about the American officers?" Asuna asked, "nothing will happen to them, right?"

The officer gave Asuna a look. "They are foreigners who are technically not supposed to be in this country. Our superiors will have to decide how to handle this with foreign affairs."

"But they helped us expose both Nobuyuki's and Hydra's plans to the world.." Kazuto countered.

The police nodded in the affirmative to Kazuto's counter, but just simply said, "Mr. Kikuoka will be with you all." He then walked out. The room became quiet. Kazuto just sat back and held Asuna's hand.

Asuna also let herself relax. She had been on such high alert and stressed out. It had been stressful for her in the past two months. And it had metastasized into a national emergency unseen since World War II and Japan's reconstruction. The fight in ALO was over. But deep down, she felt the war has only begun.

The two lovebirds then got to look at each other again.

"It's hard to believe that we've stopped Hydra's plans for world domination..." Kazuto said, breaking the silence. "But... we never got to really settle down and get to know each other better..."

"When we get back home..." Asuna replied. "We'll get right on that.."

"So you're the young woman who captured my son's heart," Minetaka said as he gazed upon her.

"That's correct.." Asuna blushes as she introduced herself. "The name's Asuna Yuuki... And you must be Kazuto's father..."

"Minetaka Kirigaya.." He greeted the Yuuki girl.

"An editor at a video game magazine..." Kazuto gave a smile as he looked to him, "and as I recently learned... a former homicide detective."

Asuna glanced at Kazuto, then to Minetaka. She then smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Minetaka-san.."

"Likewise," Minetaka gave a soft smile, "and clearly my son has found a wonderful and courageous companion in the midst of hardship and opposition."

"I never thought I'd find love in a death game.." Asuna added. "But, in the midst of the chaos, we've grew closer and gone through all the hardships and challenges."

"And she's been there for me when I thought I'd hardly make it many times," Kazuto beamed. "And I'm very thankful that we've met.." He held Asuna's hand tenderly.

---

Kirigaya Household:

Midori sat with Suguha and Alex in the living room, eyes glued to the TV coverage of the RECT Campus, the Nobuyuki estate, and even the hospital where Asuna was. There were fires from explosions at all three sites, and police and news choppers shining their lights on the soldiers everyone could now clearly see were US Army Rangers as they secured the sites.

Alex held the ice pack over his right shoulder. It helped dull the pain for him. It was then that the news shifted to the massive American Helicarrier now floating in Tokyo Bay. It was being escorted by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force to one of the navy bases. The choppers hovered around as they shone lights onto the damaged engines and flight deck.

"Oh man..." Alex groaned, seeing the damage that was inflicted on the Helicarrier.

Suguha herself could hardly believe that it was Japanese fighter jets that attacked the carrier. "Those were our missiles that did that damage?"

"It appears so.." Alex observed. "But wasn't the USS Wilson invisible?"

"If I recall, all three helicarriers are equipped with stealth technology.." He continued.

"It was?" Midori asked.

"Yep." Alex nodded. "However, it doesn't explain how did the Japanese jet fighters find them. It's like they knew where they were hiding.."

"And why suddenly attack them?" Midori asked pointing to the screen, "we are allies with America?"

"We are.." He stared at the TV screen for a moment.. "...Unless..."

Suddenly the news anchor put a finger to her earpiece.

"We have more breaking news... one of the pilots of the Self-Defense Force planes that attacked the USS Wilson has been found and is in custody." The camera then shows the downed Japanese pilot being escorted by the police. Alex focused his attention on the pilot as he noticed something on his neck.

"While the police have not yet released any details pending an investigation, the Ministry of Defense has released a statement that no attack was sanctioned... and that the four F-2As reported to have engaged the American Helicarrier were reported missing from their assigned airbases two hours ago."

"...Hydra..." Alex concluded.

"All the planes have been reportedly shot down by the Americans, with the other pilots unaccounted for." The news then changed to another reporter; this one being the American branch of the channel in Washington. It showed the general public shocked and outrage from the footages showing Nobuyuki sexually assaulting both Asuna and Suguha in ALO. As well as proof that Hydra survived after eleven years.

Suguha averted her attention away from the TV screen and buried her face into Alex when footages of the assault was played.

"Uh..." Suguha curled up.

"It's okay, Sugu..." Alex cooed. He set the ice pack aside so he can hold her.

"I wonder what your president has to say," Midori wondered as the news coverage shifted to protests against Hydra, and counter-protests against military adventurism abroad camped outside of the White House.

"I don't know..." Alex answered. "But the US Army did what they had to do.." He shook his head in disgust by the counter-protest activists in the capital.

"There is currently no comment from the White House or any military officials on the presence of the elite Howler Platoon in Japan, but the Japanese embassy has put forth a statement claiming that the platoon's presence alongside the USS Wilson was not sanctioned by the Japanese government as part of the US-Japan Security Treaty of 2020, and has accused the US military of letting the unit conduct military operations on Japanese soil in violation of the treaty."

"Don't they even realize that it was a necessary decision?" Alex frowned. "I know that they violated the treaty, show why should it matter?"

"The Army Ranger unit was scheduled for a joint-branch exercise over the Hawaiian Islands back on the 20th of January..."

"My older brother used to talk about how the Avengers were there to protect humanity in the past." Alex continued. "But that didn't set too well for the old US government and the United Nations.."

"Political analysts and lawmakers in both Japan and the United States are now expressing concerns over the state of US-Japan relations as the crisis over Howler Platoon and Hydra in Japan unfolds..." the news went on.

"And yet, the events of what happened in ALO are ignored.." Alex sneered in a hushed tone.

"Hold on..." the reporter seemed to get an update, "we are getting reports that the President of the United States will be addressing his country and the world regarding the Howler-Hydra affair and the Alfheim Online Incident in five minutes."

"I'm sorry if I was venting..." Alex apologized. "It's just that, all this feels too familiar.."

Suguha clung to her boyfriend as she saw the discord unfolding on TV. Alex winced softly, but not too much. He held onto his girlfriend. He then caught a glimpse on something on Suguha's shirt. He gently picked it up with his two fingers and examined it.

"Alex?" Suguha felt his fingers plucking something off of her shirt.

"What is it?" Midori asked.

Alex didn't answer at first. It was then, it hit him. He recalled Nobuyuki saying something about having another odor analyzer placed on Suguha in the real world.

"It's an odor analyzer.." He concluded.

Suguha recoiled into her mother's arms.

"Why would something like that-" Midori asked.

"To get Sugu's odor in ALO..." Alex answered darkly. "Just like what he did with Asuna.."

Alex's hand shook in anger as he eyed the contemptible device. Nobuyuki snuck this device onto his girlfriend and in ALO, he proceeded to molest her while sniffing her. He felt his hand heat up.

"Alex?" Midori asked as she saw his hand beginning to glow.

Suguha's eyes widened as the offending device sparked and melted. Alex himself, became startled from what he just did.

"What!?" He and Suguha were left speechless.

---

Police station:

Kazuto, Asuna, and Minetaka hears the door open by one of the police officers. Kikuoka walks through the door. He was even accompanied by another police officer, who seemed to be one of the older ones with high rank insignias.

"Kazuto, Asuna, and Minetaka.." Kikuoka greeted them as he sat down in the chair positioned from the opposite side of the table.

"Sir?" The senior officer, just slightly younger than Minetaka, seemed to recognize him. Both Kazuto and Asuna looked at Minetaka, then back at the senior police officer.

"My goodness, Beretta Kirigaya, what are you doing here!?"

"Officer Sato," Minetaka recognized back. "Been a long time.."

"It's Inspector now," Sato answered back, "but what are you doing here?"

"We were involved an incident involving the Alfheim Online game.." Minetaka explained.

"Oh..." Sato realized. He then looked to Kazuto. "Then you must be that Kirito guy that Sugou guy also called Kazuto Kirigaya."

"That's me.." Kazuto smiled.

"You're Minetaka's kid?"

"Yes... and you know my dad?"

"Yep." Sato smiled. "Your dad and I were partners in the Metro Police."

"More like my young protégé still figuring out the business end of his piece," Minetaka retorted in jest.

"Hey," Sato pretended to be hurt, "not everyone in Japan can be as intimately familiar with a Beretta 92 like you."

"True.." Minetaka admitted.

Kikuoka cleared his throat. "As much as I enjoy a small reunion, mind if we get down to business?"

"My apologies," Minetaka bowed.

"Now..." Kikuoka opens up a file folder. "Asuna Yuuki."

"Yes?" She asked.

"It's good that you and the 299 other players are awake..."

"Not to mention up and walking about.." He added. "Several hundreds of players are still recovering from SAO. Which begs the question of how you were able to recover so fast in a short amount of time?"

Asuna felt a bit awkward... should she tell him?

"Well?" Kikuoka asked again.

Asuna took a deep breath and sighed. "To be honest... I'm not really sure how I recovered fast.." she admitted. "When I woke up, I've felt the numbness of my body. And when I stepped out of the bed, the feeling of pins and needles surged through me for several seconds before dulling. It felt like I just went to bed last night."

Kazuto was surprised now that he thought of it. Even his father and Kikuoka were surprised too.

"Interesting..." Kikuoka admitted. "As I recall, Kazuto here and his friends have recovered within two months... But to recover within seconds? That's a rare gift.."

"If not for that, those Hydra guys would have found me and kidnapped me again," Asuna added. "Or get hit by either bullets or shrapnel.. One of the nurses moved me away from the room I was in.."

"Ah yes," Kikuoka recalled, "the gunfight in the parking lot... I can already guess that Nobuyuki and his men were trying to kill your boyfriend here."

"Yes... They tried..." Asuna nodded.

It was then that Kikuoka noticed the bloody sleeve on Kazuto's sleeve. "Should we have that wound checked, Kazuto?" He asks.

"I..." Kazuto then remembered, and found his skin unblemished where he had been shot. "I'm in the same boat as Asuna. Nobuyuki shot at me in the parking lot when my dad and I arrived."

"You healed just like that?" Kikuoka mused.

"Apparently so.." Kazuto shrugged. "But it's strange that these abilities just came out of nowhere.."

"Interesting..." Kikuoka made notes, then he moved on to the next subject, "and Kazuto Kirigaya, regarding your contact with Captain Chris Burke..."

"Okay..." Kazuto listened.

"Were you aware of his presence or knew of his mission prior to ALO?"

"No... Upon learning of what his mission was. Me and my friends started the rescue operation when I've learned of Asuna's entrapment in ALO.."

"And you knew he was American military?"

"We had suspicions that he was as we overheard his conversation a couple of days ago in ALO."

"Let me guess... his lieutenant," Kikuoka asked.

"That's correct.." Kazuto answered.

Kikuoka then looked Kazuto in the eyes, "I'm not quite sure that you know this, but there could be some implications in the fact that you not only made contact with an officer of a foreign military, but then you apparently proceeded to follow his instructions."

"Well... not all instructions..." Kazuto replied. "They tried to keep us out of the ALO earlier today when we found out the truth.."

"And you ignored this?" Kikuoka raised his eye brows. Minetaka and Sato gave Kazuto looks.

"We had to..." Kazuto explained. "Asuna was trapped in ALO for two months since SAO was cleared... And Nobuyuki tried to steal her away from me..." He lowered his gaze. "I couldn't stand the thought of losing her again... After I almost lost her in SAO..."

Kikuoka could hear a hint of sadness in Kazuto's voice when he finished his statement. Asuna herself seemed to be shaken up as she remembered what happened. How Kayaba aka Heathcliff was poised to strike down her beloved. So she jumped in front of Heathcliff's sword attack, saving him. But it depleted her health to zero.

"I understand..." Kikuoka seemed to follow up. It was then that Asuna quickly interjected, "Kikuoka-san..."

"Yes, Miss Yuuki?"

"Kirito... Kazuto-kun and Burke-taicho are not in trouble, are they?"

"We're trying to get Kazuto's side of what has transpired in ALO." Kikuoka explained. "Captain Burke is being held for questioning himself."

"I understand.." Asuna said. "But both Kazuto and Captain Burke risked themselves in their mission to rescue me and the other 299 players from Nobuyuki's schemes."

"True, but it does still stand that this has become a major international incident," Kikuoka pointed out, "because of the attempted international launch of Alfheim Online, compromised by a terrorist organization, and the fact that an American military unit conducted operations on our soil without sanction." Kikuoka leaned forward to both lovebirds, "the fact of the matter was that Howler Platoon was acting on their own prerogative, and without official approval or orders from the White House or their military chain of command."

"And of Nobuyuki and Hydra?" Asuna then asked. She wasn't taking the news very well.

"How did you come across Hydra?" Kikuoka asked.

Asuna breathed. "Believe it or not... Nobuyuki himself revealed it."

The Yuuki girl then continued. "During my two months in that birdcage. Nobuyuki made several attempts to woo me. And then, two days ago, he revealed that Hydra survived the failed uprising in 2014." She suppressed the memories of Nobuyuki's perverted advances. "I've learned that he and his family were members of Hydra after SHIELD fell and rebuilt in secrecy. Taking control of almost everything. Ranging from my father's company RECT to some of the JSDF branches.."

Kikuoka took notes, with a noticeably troubled look in his eyes despite his professional face.

"I managed to learn as much as I could while pretending to take interest..." She added. "There's no telling how far they've stretched in the past eleven years."

---

Meanwhile:

Kikuoka's fellow questioner was not having much luck or cooperation from the new Captain America aka Captain Chris Burke. The American captain had his helmet off, but he put on a stone poker face. He just continued to stare and not say anything. The same went for Iron Man II aka Lieutenant Jack Preston. His Iron Man armor was dematerialized and placed in a different room. Captain Burke was sure that he would remain silent on his part.

Captain Burke had no idea where Colonel Rogers was, but assuming that he was the one doing the talking or else, he would not say a word.

"Look..." The officer spoke. "We could go a lot faster if you answer the questions... We just want to know why you'd arrived in Japan without authorization.."

Captain Burke said nothing. The officer groaned in annoyance. Captain Burke could tell that the young questioner had no experience dealing with trained and seasoned soldiers able to resist.

"This little stunt you and your army division pulled is causing heads to roll." The questioner then said.

Captain Burke just looked over towards the one-way glass.

"You could be here for a very long time.." He then said to Chris. "Just give us something to work off of. And things will go smooth for you and your fellow soldiers.."

---

With Colonel Rogers:

"Colonel Steve Rogers.." The older officer said as he entered the room. Steve Rogers in contrast to his hardened subordinate Chris chose to take a different angle, playing on his 'good gentleman' image from the 1940s as he rose to greet the Japanese man.

"It's nice to see the 'original Captain America' here.." The officer let a smile.

"My pleasure," Steve replied.

"As well as one of the heroes from the Second Civil War.." He added.

"Well in all fairness, I've known honorable men who've gone through arguably worse than I did," Steve deferred.

"That's understandable.." Rogers replied with a nod. They both sat down. "Before I answer any questions though..."

"Yes?" The officer asked.

"I would like to know about the safety of those aboard the Helicarrier that was over Tokyo."

"From what I've heard, the Helicarrier's in one piece... Although, it took some damage. But the ship still floats..."

"And Fury?"

"Got word that Nick Fury's fine. Along with the rest of the crew.."

"That's good," Rogers said. With Fury still alive, he and his officers had a better chance diplomatically.

"The Helicarrier's being docked at a US Navy base near Otsukayama and Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture.." He added. "And they're making repairs to the ship's engines. So no worries.."

"Good to know.." Rogers replied.

"Anyways," the questioner brought out his file... "Care to explain why you and the Howler Platoon's doing all the way out here?"

Colonel Rogers got down to business. While the officer wrote everything down. The Colonel knew he had to be careful though, as there were sensitive details.

"I see..." The officer observed.

"Nobuyuki has had outstanding warrant for war crimes unresolved for the seven years since the war... and it was only by accident that we discovered his being the leader of a much larger conspiracy not just in Japan, but around the world."

"Very interesting.." The officer replied. "Some of the metro police stations witnessed the broadcast from ALO.. And, to be honest, everyone's in a state of shock."

"And worldwide..." Rogers added.

"And that also includes the footage of Nobuyuki..." He paused. Not for dramatic effect, but because of the disturbing content.

"You mean what he did to the Yuuki girl," Rogers finished.

"Yes, as well as to the other girl..." The officer grimaced.

---

With Kazuto:

Kazuto was finding this questioning tiresome. But he knew it had to be done if they want the truth of what Nobuyuki has done and was planning to do. The hardest part was giving details of what Nobuyuki having both Asuna and Suguha in chains, as well as having his friend strung up on a meat hook while inflicting pain on them.

"I don't know how we could have done it without the Colonel or Captain intervening..."

Asuna, however, started to show signs of distress. The memory of being violated while chained up is still fresh in her mind.

"But they came in just as Nobuyuki tried to attack me and Lexar. Colonel hit him with his shield and Captain held him at gunpoint."

"However..." Kazuto continued. "He managed to put up a fight. With additional help from the Guardian NPCs he created.."

"And that was also when... Miss Yuuki's powers manifested," Kikuoka noted.

"Correct."

Minetaka looked to Asuna.

"I was able to free myself at that point.." She stated.

"At the time, we all thought it was something with the... game," Minetaka spat out the last word in restrained contempt.

"But it turns out it's not." Kazuto finishes.

"Which I'll admit is quite impressive," Kikuoka said, "but Miss Yuuki, you did know that you were also on national TV?"

"Nobuyuki mentioned something about having the camera recorded.." Asuna admitted. "But was I?"

"Yes..." Kikuoka suddenly stiffened up, "did you have to stab him repeatedly like that?"

Asuna gazed down to the floor in shame. "He committed horrible acts. H-He kept me as a prisoner... A-And he m-molested both me and K-Kazuto's sister.. And hhe was planning to d-do the same to us in t-the real world..."

"A-and when... he s-showed M-Mother and Sada... I just lost it." Tears started to spill from her eyes. Kazuto gently pulled Asuna into a comfort hug.

Kikuoka saw this and decided not to go on too much longer about Nobuyuki. "Well... he's currently in custody and under guard in a police hospital for traumatic injuries and nerve damage. Needless to say, he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

"That's good to hear.." Kazuto said. "He needs to stand trial for what he's done.."

"And we're putting those American soldiers to use guarding him even," Kikuoka smirked, "not standard procedure I know, but consider it putting extra resources and man hours into taking no chances, if you will."

"Understood.." Kazuto nodded.

Kazuto generally had his reasons to be skeptical of the Japanese government's responses given their track record on the SAO Incident. Especially since with Hydra's revival now in the general public. Their control of RECT and now the fact that they were able to hijack four of Japan's fighter jets to attack the American Helicarrier cemented that grim reality. And there's no telling how far they've reached while hiding in the shadows.

"And what of the American officers?" Minetaka asked, "what is to be done with them?"

"We're doing whatever we can to help them." Kikuoka answered. "Despite the fact that they were never formally authorized to carry out their operation..."

"But the evidence of Hydra surviving could change all that." He added.

This came as surprise and relief for Kazuto and Asuna.

"Japan is now under intense world scrutiny along with RECT incorporated," Kikuoka said particularly to Asuna, "and unfortunately, it also means that Miss Yuuki here herself is even more a subject of interest."

"Meaning?"

"It means that it is likely that Miss Asuna and the Yuuki family themselves will be high value witnesses, but sadly also targets as well."

A cold feeling formed in the pit of their stomachs. This means that Asuna and her family will become targets by surviving Hydra officers. This also could mean Kazuto and the others would be targeted as well.

"And while some of my colleagues would deny it," Kikuoka added, "the fact that Hydra has allies across the world to facilitate the propaganda concerning Alfheim Online's launch has put this affair beyond the scope of this merely being a Japanese affair. If so..."

"That means that Nobuyuki could walk away scot-free.." Kazuto murmured.

"I wouldn't get ahead of myself if I were you.." Kikuoka said with reassurance. "We'll make sure that we use whatever evidence we can against him..."

"And not to mention that everyone is talking about what he was apparently doing in America," Sato added. "I don't know how, but there are reports leaking out that he was involved in some sort of human experiments in California..."

"Indeed... From what Captain Burke said, he committed those acts under the Pacifican banner." Kazuto explained.

Both Sato and Kikuoka looked to Kazuto questioningly, "he told you?"

"Yes. Nobuyuki went by the alias Barnas Shinsei."

---

With Chris Burke:

As the other questioners got more answers from Colonel Rogers and Kazuto, the one assigned to Captain Burke seemed to be on the verge of losing his composure. Ten minutes had passed, and the successor to Steve Rogers' role as Captain just said nothing and continued to stare with his burning blue eyes.

'How long is this gonna take?' Burke thought to himself. He knew that he was not entirely welcome, and yet he did not want to say anything that would reflect badly on his superior and unit. Yet he continued to keep up with his mute act, which he learned was a rather effective form of psychological warfare against his previous interrogators.

The questioner, on the other hand, was starting to become unnerved of Captain Burke's strong resilience. The questioner's handlers themselves found the silence unbearable as they watched the whole thing behind their window.

"Can he even speak at all?"

"Don't think he will... It's like he's toying with all of us.."

The SAO Task Force member then texted Kikuoka. "Captain Burke's remained silent for a while now. What should we do?"

---

Back with Kazuto:

Kikuoka shook his head as he looked at his phone.

"Something wrong?" Sato asked.

"Ten minutes..."

"For who?"

"Captain Burke.."

"Not a word."

"What should we do?"

He looked to his notes. Kazuto, Asuna, and Minetaka watched.

"Clearly our new Captain America is well-trained."

"Indeed, he is."

"What's going on?" Asuna asked.

"Captain Burke's remained silent in the other room." He explained. "He just stares at the questioner."

"What do you think will happen?"

"Well... I think there would be no point... since you three and his superior officer are answering most of our questions," Kikuoka closed his notebook.

"Colonel Rogers, you mean.." Kazuto deduced.

"Of course, Colonel Rogers," Kikuoka rolled his eyes.

"So, now what?" Kazuto asks.

Kikuoka rose from his seat. "I think we got all the details and answers we need." He then said. "We'll escort you two and Minetaka out and you'll be on your way.."

Kazuto and Asuna smiled in relief. They were happy to have the questioning done.

"I must warn though, that there is a crowd and media outside of the Yuuki estate," Kikuoka pointed out, "might be tough to get in."

"I'm considering of staying with the Kirigaya for a while..." Asuna then turned to Minetaka and smiled timidly. "That is, if you don't mind."

"Not at all... just like when I did witness protection back in those days," the seasoned former police inspector expressed.

"And besides.." He smiled. "This is a great time to meet with our daughter-in-law.."

The now-renowned SAO survivor blushed.

"I told them that we got married in SAO." Kazuto sheepishly confessed.

"Oh Kirito," Asuna playfully jested, "that was our secret!"

It was Kazuto's turn to blush as he smiled.

"You're just the same as in VR, you naughty boy," Asuna teased.

Kazuto chuckles as he pulls her closer. "And you became attractive to me later on.." He smiled.

"Alright you two," Minetaka reminded.

Both Kazuto and Asuna blushed heavily when they realized this. Even Kikuoka and Sato were flustered by the affection the two young lovebirds were showing.

Kikuoka decided to quickly shift topic. He turned to Sato. "Release the American officers."

Sato nodded before he radios the other officers.

"Now, if the three of you follow me.." Kikuoka said as he heads towards the door. Minetaka took Kazuto and Asuna by the shoulder and walked them out. Shortly after, they arrived in the parking garage and climbed into the back seats. As Kazuto and Asuna got in, they saw Colonel America, Captain America, and Iron Man coming out and walking to a separate vehicle.

"I assume that they'll be checking on the USS Wilson.." Kazuto surmised.

"Or the rest of their unit," Asuna remarked as she watched, "their men must be worried for them."

"I bet they are.." Minetaka observed before turning the car on and setting the gear to 'drive'. They begin to drive out of the police parking garage and getting past the guard post before leaving the police station. The streets of Tokyo looked peaceful as the snow continue to fall from the nighttime sky.

Asuna scoots closer to Kazuto and rests her head on his shoulder.

---

Meanwhile:

"I've made contact with your embassy," Kikuoka told the three American military superheroes, "and I've been asked to pass along orders from your White House."

"The President?" Colonel Rogers asked.

"Yes... Both the embassy and your president will do everything to clear this mess up.." Kikuoka added.

"But in the meantime, I've been asked to relay to you that the 7th Platoon has been ordered to be interned at Camp Zama outside of Tokyo until further notice."

"The US president has ordered your combat operations to be suspended."

"And of the USS Wilson?" Rogers asked.

"Under repair, and suspended from combat as well."

"The ship won't be going anywhere anyway.." Preston remarked.

Kikuoka then looked to Chris. "I hope your stay was not... too boring."

"I was not impressed," Chris was very blunt.

"Well, the point is that we've captured Nobuyuki.." Preston said. "Despite a few setbacks, we did it.."

"That we did," Chris acceded.

"Now everyone can take a breather..." Preston added.

"Only a reprieve, Lieutenant," Chris reminded, "only a reprieve..."

It was then Rogers asked Kikuoka. "Will the others be questioned as well?"

Kikuoka waved his hand. "Don't think that would be necessary."

"Your testimony will suffice, Colonel Rogers." Kikuoka then glanced over to Chris Burke, "sufficient enough for your captain and lieutenant's lack of cooperation."

"Same goes for me.." Preston quipped. Like Captain Burke, Lieutenant Preston was also silent with his questioner.

"It was kinda boring," Preston remarked, "though I noticed the guys with my captain seemed... a little off balance."

"He kept his tongue while making the others unnerved." Kikuoka said.

"Very well-trained, Colonel Rogers."

"Well... Next stop, Camp Zuma.." Preston said as they drive on into the night.

---

With Kazuto:

The warm sight of home coming up on the street gladdened Kazuto's heart...

"And we're home.." Minetaka said as he pulls into the driveway and parks the car.

"Mmmm..." Asuna hummed as she opened her eyes.

"Welcome to my home.." Kazuto says softly. Asuna gazes upon the Kirigaya Residence.

"Such a lovely house you have.." Asuna commented.

"Thank you," Kazuto smiled back. He steps out of the car, walked around to open the door on Asuna's side and he helped her out of the car.

Footsteps sounded from the front door. "Daddy, Kazuto-niisan!?"

"We're home, Suguha.." Minetaka called out. They approached the front porch of the house. Suguha was crying as she tackled her dad.

"We thought you and Kazuto are goners!" She sobbed. "We saw news of fighting, shooting, explosions-"

"We were afraid for the both of you!" She clutched onto her dad. Asuna stared at the black-haired Suguha, then towards Midori, who also seemed stressed out.

Midori also went up and hugged her husband. Squishing Suguha in between.

"We're thankful that you and Kazuto are alive and well..." Midori teared up.

"Kazuto managed to take down Nobuyuki and some of his goons..." Minetaka said. "I've never seen him move that fast before.."

"He even risked himself by running into the hospital to save Asuna.." He gestures towards the long hazelnut-hair girl behind him. "But, we made it back in one piece.."

As Minetaka explained the situation, Asuna watched the tearful reunion of Kazuto's family. Deep down, she's glad that they've made it out.

"Thank goodness that Captain America and Iron Man came to your rescue," Midori sighed, "those two new heroes really came through." It was then Midori see the blood stain on Kazuto's sleeve and gasped.

"Son!"

"It's okay, Midori.." Minetaka reassured her. "When I went to check his injury. The bullet fell onto the ground and his wound sealed itself up.."

Midori, unsure, checks Kazuto's arm. She placed her fingers in the hold of his blood-stained sleeve and, to her surprise, it was smooth. And when she pulled away, her fingers were clean. No massive blood could be seen.

"Kazuto?" Midori was confused.

"It's something I can't explain..." Kazuto confessed.

Suguha exhaled in relief and disbelief. "Kazuto-niisan..." She then hugged Kazuto. "Don't die on me and leave me like that."

"We almost lost you in SAO..." Suguha continued. "And I'm not gonna lose you again.."

Kazuto hugged back. Asuna approached the Kirigaya family. Midori then got a good look at her. Her eyes lit up despite the drama of the past hour.

"Oh! You must be Asuna!"

"That's me.." Asuna bowed. "Asuna Yuuki's the name.."

Midori gushed... "It's wonderful to meet you at last!" She gives Asuna a suffocating hug.

"Oh!" Asuna was startled. She felt herself being squeezed in Midori's embrace. Midori then relaxed and held Asuna by the shoulders.

"Kazuto spoke very fond of you.." Midori said. "And you are very beautiful."

This caused the Yuuki girl to blush from Midori's compliment. "Why, thank you, Mrs. Kirigaya.."

Kazuto smiled as he watched his family introducing themselves to Asuna. He'd dreamed of his reunion with his beloved every night. But introducing Asuna to his family is even better. Although it was awkward when his friend, Alex accidentally spilled the beans.

"Alex..." Kazuto realized. He should go check on him, to see how he's holding up. He turned and entered the house. He spots him sitting on the couch in the living room. Kazuto could see he's holding the ice pack on his right shoulder.

"Alex?" Kazuto approached the couch.

"Hey, Kazuto..." Alex grinned.

"How you doin?"

"Still recovering.. But at least the pain's starting to dull away.." Alex tried to stand up. But winced and plopped back down. Kazuto helped him up.

"Heard that Nobuyuki's finally captured.." He added. "I was surprised that he survived Asuna's attacks.."

"Almost wish he didn't..." Kazuto growled.

"Same... But now, he's in custody.." Alex reassured him. "And once he returns to the States, he'll stand trial for the crimes he committed during the Civil War and on the 300 players."

Alex shook his head.. "Still can't believe he's both a war criminal and a leader for Hydra.. It's really a shock for all of us.."

"Tell me about it.." Kazuto muttered. Deep down, he wanted to kill Nobuyuki for trying to steal Asuna away from him. Along with molesting both her and his sister, and for harming his friends. But he knew that he had to stand trial, and killing him won't solve anything.

Alex then rose with a grunt. "Still can't believe he had Hydra soldiers trying to get the drop on you and your father.."

Kazuto helped Alex up as they walked to the front. As they do so, they see Suguha giving Asuna a hug.

"It's nice to meet my sister-in-law.." The kendo girl said. Asuna hummed as she hugged back. She spotted Kazuto and Alex coming out through the front door.

"Lexar?"

"That's M-Me.." Alex clutched his shoulder. "The name's Alexander Mitchell.."

Suguha huffed, "Alex!" She crossed her arms. "You should be resting!"

"Sorry, Suguha... Just wanna to c-check on everyone.." Alex smiled, despite the pain.

Suguha gave Alex a cute angry look, before huffing with a grin. "Come here you dope!"

Alex made his way towards Suguha. "The pain's starting to dull... That's good, right?"

Suguha took Alex in her arms. "What do I do with you..."

"Love me? And never let me go?" Alex quipped. He gave a cute smile to the female Kirigaya.

"Alright kids," Minetaka said, "let's go inside now."

"Yeah... It's gonna continue snowing out here.." Kazuto pointed out. Everyone headed on inside.

"Welcome home, Asuna," Kazuto showed his wife in.

"Wow..." Asuna observed the interior of the Kirigaya household. "Such a lovely home you have, Kazuto.."

"It was Grandfather's on Mom's side," Kazuto remarked.

"And maintained by the hard work we do at gaming publications," Midori beamed.

"Plus a generous retirement pay from my service with the police forces," Minetaka added.

Asuna was amazed by her husband's side of the family. "I think I'm going to love it here.." She commented.

"I have some soup ready for all of us," Midori offered, "it's not much..."

"I would love to have supper with you.." Asuna smiled. It was then that Asuna saw the news on the TV. It was live feed of the police holding back demonstrators from RECT. The RECT campus was crawling with US soldiers and even Japanese soldiers... some of whom were dragging out dead bodies and others marching out prisoners with their rifles.

Asuna sighs. She knew that RECT will suffer both backlash and shame from Hydra's experiments. However, the camera zoomed in on a group of soldiers surrounding some men. Asuna saw that it was her dad with two other men. The ones Alex recognize..

"Dad... Jon..." Alex gasped.

All three men looked haggard and worn down, but able to walk nonetheless. Asuna was glad that her father made it out in once piece. Kazuto also saw the coverage. He places his hand on Asuna's shoulder, reassuring her.

"Good that your dad is alive... And your mother..." He hesitated to continue. Remembering how her supposed death nearly sent Asuna into a full-blown rage on Nobuyuki.

Almost coincidentally, the news anchor interrupted. "Hold on... we are getting yet another report..."

"We're getting reports coming from the Tokyo Harbor area.. that Kyouko Yuuki is alive and well. Along with Sada Akiyo.." The image cuts to one of the warehouses in smoldering ruins.

"The two women were discovered in an empty office building not far from the site of the blast." The video shows Sada's being treated by the medics. Someone had put a patch on Sada's shoulder, but she was still bleeding. Kyouko, on the other hand, looked worn down. Aside from a few scratches, she's alive and can walk.

Asuna gasped at the sight of her still-living mother and maid. To her, she was glad that they both survived the explosion. She was also amazed that it was her mother who saved them.

Suguha and Alex stared.

"It's hard to believe they'd survive the bomb blast." She commented. "But we all saw the explosion.."

"We all did..." Alex added. "However, when we were in the Void, I thought I saw something in the midst of the flames." He turned to Asuna. "Although, further observation was halted when..." He trailed off. He also doesn't want Asuna to relive that moment.

Asuna looked away in shame. But Kazuto gently wraps his arms around her. "She's alive..." He reassures her. "That's the important thing.."

Sada was then loaded into an ambulance. While Kyouko was escorted to the police car. Probably to ask questions of her ordeal.

"Come on, Asuna," Kazuto urged Asuna towards the dining room.

Asuna snapped out of her thoughts as she felt her beloved nudging her. She saw the two live shots side by side of her parents being taken into custody; mother by city police, father by military police.

'They're both safe..' She thought as she turned away from the TV set and started towards the dining room.

Midori had just finished cooking and serving her own ramen soup. Kazuto and Asuna sat next to each other. Alex and Suguha does the same. Although, Suguha had to help Alex to keep him from falling over, despite reassurance that he could sit down without any trouble.

"If you all don't mind..." Alex asked, "can I say grace for us?"

"Sure, you can say grace.." Kazuto nodded.

Minetaka also consented, "I don't mind... especially after today."

"Same here.." Midori added.

Alex bowed his head. "Lord Jesus... we thank you for your divine hand of protection today..." Everyone bowed their heads as Alex continues.

"We thank you that you allowed us to bring Asuna back to us safely..." He continued. "And to help all of us recover from the ordeal we have endured in the past two days... We also thank you for the numerous friends and allies you've given us... This also includes the Howler Platoon.. We also thank you for protecting us in the hospital and capture the madman alive so that he may face justice for the crimes he committed."

Minetaka seemed to smile at that.

"Now I want to just pray for those soldiers and players who have suffered injury, and even for the soldiers who may have lost their lives in real life... And everyone who have suffered in the hands of a madman in ALO as well as the SAO survivors in the past two years.."

Kazuto squeezed Asuna's hand. Suguha held on Alex's hand.

"And now, we just want to celebrate the return of our dear loved ones and friends to reality, while still honoring those who risked their lives, and gave their lives tonight for this reunion to happen... And to live life like no other with new friendships and newfound love that was found in SAO.."

"In Jesus' name we pray.. Amen.." Alex finishes.

"Amen.." And with that, the prayer is finished.

"And with that... Itadakimasu," Suguha softly added.

Asuna smiled as she gazes at the bowl of ramen noodles, a first in two years. She surprised herself when she picked up her chopsticks. She drew out the first strands and slowly brought them to her mouth. She opened up and took them in, as the others watched anxiously. The ramen noodles made contact with her taste buds. It was overwhelmingly good.

"Mmmmmm..." Asuna hummed as she ate. After she swallowed the noodles. "Oh how I miss this.."

Kazuto was happy for Asuna. The Yuuki girl continued to eat the ramen delightfully.

"I miss this so much!"

"Being trapped in VR makes you miss the things we love.." Kazuto said. Asuna hummed some more as she savored the taste.

Suguha remembered the time Kazuto tasted real food after he escaped SAO.

Midori laughed joyously. "Looks like Asuna enjoys my cooking.." She observed with a smile. "Never before have I seen a girl eat so... excitedly!"

"Asuna's also an amazing cook while in SAO.." Kazuto remarked. "The meals she makes were amazing.."

Asuna blushed slightly.

"Ah..." Midori looked contentedly upon Asuna, "so young, yet already mastering the kitchen?"

"Yes.." Asuna replied sheepishly.

Minetaka gave a grin. "And I'm sure your magical touch makes my boy here a very happy man."

This statement caused Asuna to blush even more.

"D-Dad!" Kazuto sputtered. Alex chuckles while Suguha blushes.

"Dad!" Suguha was also flustered at her dad's sudden marital humor. Minetaka just chuckles heartily.

"Honey," Midori laughed as she mock-scolded him.

"And maybe one day, Suguha and Alex would tie the knot in the future.." He grins.

"Daddy!" Suguha blushed even deeper. Alex nearly sputtered from Minetaka's statement.

"You're embarrassing us," Kazuto sheepishly told Minetaka.

"Hehe... It's alright... I knew that you and Asuna were meant to be the moment you've mentioned your marriage with her.." Minetaka quipped. "And you'll learn that it is the family man's job to embarrass the kids over the boy or girlfriend..."

"Very true.." Midori giggled.

Asuna glanced shyly over to Kazuto. The proposal Kazuto made a few months ago was sudden. But deep down, she was glad to accept. They grew so close during their times in SAO. She'd wondered what her life have been if she never logged into SAO.

"But enough of that," Midori said as she ate more noodles, "what can you cook, Asuna?"

Everyone turned to Asuna, who looks more sheepish.

"It's okay, Asuna..." Kazuto reassured her. "How about that stew you made?"

Asuna smiled before she turned to the Kirigaya family. "I made a Ragou rabbit stew one time..."

"Ragou rabbit?" Suguha asked.

"A creature inside SAO that I hunted," Kazuto told her.

"Aahhh... If only we could able to taste it.. It does sounds delicious as you describe it.." Suguha commented.

"Very chewy, I can say that," Asuna smiled.

"I bet it was fun finding the right kind of meat for you to bring home.." Alex said.

"Well... Almost all of them..." Kazuto rubbed his nap.

"Yeah... almost," Asuna said as she remembered a certain kind of meat out of a certain dungeon. Scavenge Toad Meat.

"What does that mean?" Suguha asked.

"Toad legs.." Asuna shuddered.

"What?" Suguha gasped.

"Kazuto came across Scavenger Toads in the dungeon and collected toad legs for me to cook." Asuna shook her head.

"Yuck!" The feminine Kirigaya teen stuck her tongue out at her brother.

"What? I thought it would be a new thing to try." Kazuto defended.

Alex chuckled. "I bet she had you throw out every single toad leg away.."

Even Minetaka was laughing, causing the girls to stare at him. Kazuto just shook his head. He had to throw away every single toad leg when Asuna rejected the idea of toad meat.

"That's too bad," Minetaka laughed, "they likely taste like chicken!"

"Dad!" Suguha rolled her eyes. She can't imagine tasting something that's so slimy. It could also be stringy as well. Kazuto laughed with him. Asuna stared at Kazuto for a bit before giggling herself.

"I remember stuffing one of the toad legs into your mouth.." Asuna admitted to Kazuto.

"Oh?" Midori sounded amused, "I guess you made him eat his words."

"I sure did.." Asuna giggled.

"Ouch," Kazuto jested back.

Alex was laughing at this point. But the pain in his shoulder made him wince and he stopped. "Heheh, I guess I should just eat and relax."

"Yes. You need to rest your shoulder." Suguha agreed. Asuna and Kazuto glanced to one another as they slurped up their noodles. They smiled at each other from the pleasant memories they've shared in SAO. And now... they had the opportunity to make more pleasant memories in real life and with loved ones together.

The family soon finished their dinner, and not long after, Alex's phone buzzed. Alex checked the caller ID and it reads 'dad'. He answers it.

"Dad! Thank goodness you're safe!"

"Same goes for you too, Alex." David replied. "How are you feeling?"

"The shoulder still hurts... But not too much.. You saw the whole thing too..."

"We all did... But I'm glad that you're safe and sound.."

"I'm the one who should be saying that," Alex huffed, "Hydra had you and Jonathan in their grasp... I thought you were goners, Dad!"

"We thought we were goners, too..." David replied. "I do know that your mom is going to kill us for worrying her."

"I'm sure that she'd understand what has happened." Alex replied. "But I've told her that I'm spending the night at Kazuto's... So where are you and Jon staying now?"

"Right now, we're speaking with Kikuoka.. Don't know how long this will take before we head back home."

"Hold on..." There was chatter over the phone, before a sigh was heard. "Sounds like your brother and I have a late night appointment with NCIS."

Alex sighs. "I guess I won't be seeing you until tomorrow then.." He surmised.

"You know son... I have a feeling that we will be having a long talk with the naval investigators and HQ, especially since we had Army Rangers involved and killed coming to save us."

"Yeah... But it could've been worse.."

"By the way... how are your friends?"

"My friends are doing fine... And also, when I see you tomorrow. There's someone I want to introduce to you.." He glanced towards Suguha.

"Would that have something to do with that blonde girl you were... sorry, but looks like I have my orders..."

"Don't worry, we'll make introductions later. See you and Jon tomorrow. I love you, night."

"Night, Alex. Stay safe." The phone call ended.

"Dad and my big bro are safe," Alex told Suguha, "but the Navy wants to question them."

"Probably why the Army Rangers are in Tokyo.." She surmises.

"And what they had seen of Hydra... they were inside RECT after all," Alex added.

Asuna then wondered, "I hope that Revere... Captain America is okay."

"Same here, Asuna.." Kazuto agreed. Kazuto and Asuna sat down as they continued to digest the events of the day.

"I gotta tell you, Asuna, the first time I saw him... I almost thought he was a ghost."

"I almost thought the same thing when I saw you in the footage.. And then later when everyone charged up to the World Tree.." Asuna added.

"And you said you saw his military profile some more," Kazuto recalled.

"Yes... Apparently, someone in the White House leaked information to Nobuyuki.." Asuna explained. "Never found out who the mole was... Well, their real name anyway..."

Kazuto rubbed his head. "I can't imagine what it's like for him to revisit the things that took his brother from him."

"He must've took it very hard to lose someone in SAO.." Asuna sighed.

Kazuto shook his head as he held Asuna close to him. "He was... he was not like his brother at all."

"He wasn't like you?" Asuna asked.

Kazuto pursed his lips. "There is an intensity and hardness to him... when he fights, he really fights to kill. He must've seen combat before... He was in Texas during the Second Civil War.."

"Wasn't Texas a major contributor to the American loyalist victory in the war?" Asuna asked.

"Against the Pacificans? Yes, it was..."

Alex shook his head as Suguha rubbed his shoulders, "but it was also one of the sites of the bloodiest battles and political purges in the country."

"They say that Texas, California, and the American Southwest states account for more than three fourths of the casualties in the entire Second Civil War alone."

"I've heard of something like that when I was young.." Asuna admitted.

"Fifteen million Americans dead in the Southwest US in just almost two years, Texas suffered three million alone." Alex revealed. Kazuto and Asuna stared at him. "And that's not counting other states such as Oregon and Washington.. Or, to Pacifica, New Sokovia.." He added.

"Fifteen million?" Suguha shuddered at the number of people killed, and thought of the new Captain seeing many of them in front of him.

"My family and I are fortunate that we were in Japan by the time the war began." Alex continued. "And that includes my neighbors.."

Asuna hugged Kazuto tightly. Already over four thousand dead from Sword Art Online was a tragedy, but the thought of fifteen million people being killed in real life, let alone twenty million, was unimaginable. Kazuto held Asuna with gentle care.

"I can't imagine what Captain Burke had seen in Texas and California to be who he is now," Alex shook his head. "While brave men such as Thomas Anderson and Steve Rogers earn their titles in history. The atrocities committed by the Pacificans were also added.."

"Yeah... and just the way Burke looked at some of those Hydra before killing them..." Kazuto shuddered. Asuna clung onto Kazuto tighter. Suguha realized that the atmosphere was getting depressing. Both Alex and Kazuto felt this as well.

"Guys, we are supposed to be celebrating Asuna's rescue," Suguha reminded. "Maybe we should talk about something less depressing?"

"Suguha's right." Alex agreed. "We should be celebrating."

"You're right. The other SAO survivors are safe, and Asuna is finally back with us..." Kazuto said. "And now, once all this clears up, we can go on double-dates in both VR and the Real World."

Asuna smiled. "I like the sound of that... but first..." She plants a soft kiss against Kazuto's lips. Kazuto's eyes widened at the pleasant sensation. Then, he relaxed in Asuna's embrace.

Suguha blushed while Alex grinned.

After what felt like hours, Asuna parts lips and gazes into her beloved's eyes.

"That... is even better in real life."

Kazuto's smile grew bigger, his eyes swelled up in tears as he cupped Asuna's cheek. "You don't know how much I wanted that... I've dreamt of waiting for this moment every single night.. And now..." He paused to contain his sobs. "And now, I can have you in my arms..."

"So have I the past two months," Asuna cooed. "I've waited for you to come in and rescue me.." She smiles. Tears begin spilling from her eyes.

"Hey, don't undersell yourself," Kazuto said, "you did as much to help us get to you and stop Hydra."

"I know... But there were moments when I thought I'd never see you again..." Asuna explained, her expression was changed to sadness. "I had to play along in order to infiltrate Hydra from within.."

"I know..." Kazuto's voice trembled, "Captain Burke told me about you having to join Hydra. He believed that you went traitor on all of us. I refused to believe that.. Deep down, I knew that you would never turn against us."

He continued. "And both Yui and Strea vouched for you after they scanned your brain waves from a distance."

Asuna smiled with tears in her eyes for Yui. She still remembers the day they found Yui wandering around in the forests of the 22nd floor. "Yui helped us so much..."

"As well as Alex, Sugu, and everyone from SAO.." Kazuto added.

"And... Strea is really Yui's sister?" Asuna asked.

"And the young sister of Yui.." Kazuto nodded. "However, Strea appeared in the different area in SAO. She was looking for Yui.. and they both ended up in my inventory in ALO..."

Asuna sat back. "Wow..."

"It's hard to believe that we didn't met her in SAO.." Kazuto wondered.

"But to have two girls for daughters... and a teen one..." Asuna gasped.

"And one of our friends fallen for Strea..." Kazuto chuckled. He'd never guessed that Strea would be taking an interest in one of their friends. Especially since Strea is younger than Yui.

"Oh?" Asuna gave an amused smirk, "and will I have to give the threatening parent act?"

"You can if you want to..." Kazuto laughed. "Although, I don't think we should worry..."

"He'd better not worry us," Asuna became mischievous, "or I'll chase him off with a potato peeler."

The young SAO couple laughed.

Suguha went deep red at the teasing she was seeing. Alex, on the other hand, chuckled. He's getting the feeling that they will give Nathan a hard time while dating Strea. Minetaka and Midori watched the marital banter and teasing.

"Perhaps we should get VR headsets for the both of us.." Midori suggested. "That way, we can visit our granddaughters in the future..."

"Granddaughters... but how?" Minetaka wondered.

"I'm sure we'll find out in time.." Midori replied.

"So young... yet they're already into the marital talk and banter," Minetaka sighed.

"It seems that SAO showed them the values of having a family..." Midori observed. "Even though it was a death game."

The two watched as their married son held his wife. He stroke Asuna's cheek with care. Midori then looked to Suguha. Who started to curl up against Alex. She looked with a mix of sadness and relief for Suguha. The tenderness of the late night contrasted with the horror just two hours ago. And now, she's nursing Alex's injuries received from the phantom pain. The six just sat together with their respective partners and loves in the room, resting and getting to know one another...

"Mmmmmmm... Kazuto's finally got his 'happily ever after'.." Alex whispered to Suguha. Suguha hummed back as she watched him give Asuna another soft kiss. Kazuto held Asuna's hand, their fingers entwined with one another.

Suguha really saw Kazuto smile for the first time in a long while. He has changed for the better. Minetaka and Midori witness the tender moment for their son and his wife. There was a softness and care that was new to Kazuto, and his family loved it.

Suguha's hand entwined with Alex's hand as she rests her head on his shoulder. Despite the ugliness of a world-saving life and death struggle and coming face to face with the evil mastermind of Hydra, Suguha Kirigaya felt her world falling into place in wonderful ways she could not imagine.

It was that moment, Suguha lifts her head up, gently cupped Alex's cheeks and kissed tenderly. Kazuto and Asuna continued their kiss, and yet they felt something and looked towards the fogged up window outside... Outside, the sees SAO versions of themselves. Kazuto as the Black Swordsman. And Asuna in her Knights of Blood outfit. The two avatars nodded to their counterparts, and with smiles, walked hand in hand into the distance...