Hello again everyone. Hope you all had an amazing Christmas and got to spend time with loved ones during these trying times.

So the last few reviews for the past few chapters have brought up some things I do want to clarify. Putting it simply, I have this story well mapped out. I've actually thought the whole concept over years ago, and have several chapters already written as buffers. Please have faith that I am in control of what is going on.

Aside from that, I do want to thank the issues that were brought up, because it gives me something to look over and ensure all my bases are covered. Not to mention it helps my partner Trace and I look them over before we post. If you guys have further thoughts to bring up, I'd urge you to discuss with me via PM so I can better understand things from your perspective.

With all that out of the way, we move on to a chapter that will be quite... engaging. Why do I say it like that? Well, only one way to find out.

Disclaimer: Reki Kawahara is the creator of SAO and its content. Everything regarding the series is owned by him.

Now then,

LINK START!

Chapter 14:

A New Vow

Entering the meeting room, Bercouli addressed the KoB commander, "Hate to interrupt you and your dealings, but these kids have been under my care ever since they first arrived."

"I am aware Alice is your ward, being an Integrity Knight herself," Heathcliff replied. "But this matter is with the boys. Particularly Kirito. I am afraid the matter will be resolved between us on this."

"You are aware Asuna is also an Integrity Knight," Bercouli reminded. "Her decision to join your ranks was hers and hers alone. As it stands, her decision to leave as often as she does is also her decision. I'm here to ensure that such impositions are not made on one of my own." The four friends watched between the two, seeing the growing tension between them. But they weren't sure why Bercouli was becoming so invested in them to the point that he was challenging Heathcliff's authority on one of his members.

"It seems we are at an impasse," Heathcliff said with resignation. Then he asked, "How do you propose we resolve this then?"

"Oh, we already have a means," the Integrity Knight returned. "You were challenging the boy to a duel for their freedom. It's only fitting that these be the stakes for a duel between two commanders."

"Wait, what?!" the girls cried out. The men didn't acknowledge their outburst, but the boys didn't catch on to what was so big about it. They had seen plenty of duels between major members in the academy. They didn't understand what such a big issue there was in this duel of all things was.

But Heathcliff replied, "Very well. Then we shall use our blades to determine fates. Brace yourself, for I will not hold back in fighting my point."

Smirking, Bercouli spoke in kind, "Neither will I. I've got too much damn pride at stake."

Scouts had found what appeared to be a coliseum on the 75th floor and had informed everyone about it. So it was decided the duel would be held there. The news of the Integrity Knight Commander and Heathcliff of the KoB dueling sparked much interest from the people of Aincrad, rapidly filling the stands with spectators. Some merchants even showed up to handle bets made on who would win the duel about to take place. All in all, it was getting lively.

The four friends hurried to the arena entryway to find Bercouli waiting for the match to begin. When they arrived, Alice was the first to protest, "Uncle, you can't be serious about this."

"I don't get serious too often Alice," he responded, his voice lower than how it usually was. "But this is one time I will be getting invested in a matter. Especially because it involves one of my own."

"But Bercouli, how can you be sure about this?" Asuna questioned. "This is Kirito's battle. He was challenged by the Commander."

Bercouli just looked to the other wall as he leaned against the closest one, stating, "You should know why I am fighting this fight. It's not for pride or right and wrong. It's because I have something worth fighting for. Something you four should have in spades." The friends looked among each other, realizing his implications. "Besides, I can already tell you this, the boy would be defeated. And not just because he is still a rookie." Kirito seemed more curious than offended by that comment.

Eugeo then asked, "How do you know that Bercouli? What gave you that impression?"

"Being honest, it was something only a warrior like myself could sense," he told them. "I sensed that Heathcliff was ready for a fight, even without his armor and sword on him. If he wanted, he could have attacked Kirito right then and there. He would not hesitate to employ that will in this duel. Only someone like myself has any chance of fighting him on an even field." Just then, the grate barring the way into the arena opened, signaling the start of the duel. Bercouli made his way inside, and the others watched on in mild worry about what was to come.

Suddenly, a voice made them jump by claiming, "He'll win." They turned to see Sheyta and Renly had come up to them. The voice they quickly figured was Sheyta, which was surprising to them since she rarely spoke. But they shared in the faith that Bercouli could succeed. Asuna especially, because it would decide things for her and Kirito.

On the arena floor, the two swordsmen met in the middle. Heathcliff looked around at the gathered crowd as they roared and cheered for the match to begin. Bercouli kept his focus on the battle, watching Heathcliff the whole time.

"I must say, I did not anticipate this kind of turnout," he remarked.

Bercouli chuckled in reply, mentioning, "Two Commanders duking it out. Who wouldn't want to miss that?"

"Indeed," Heathcliff replied, fixing his gaze on the Integrity Knight.

Then, Agil came up from the side and announced as loud as he could, "This is a match between Commander Heathcliff of the Knights of the Blood Oath, and Commander Bercouli Synthesis One of the Integrity Knights. The match shall be a first strike match. Whoever lands the first blow, no matter how intense, is declared the winner. Draw your swords!" The two combatants gave a quick salute before drawing their respective blades.

Noticing his opponent's weapon, Heathcliff commented, "The Time-Splitting Sword. I have heard tales about its creation. The story is the Pontifex forged it from a Divine Object called a clock back in Centoria."

"That's right," Bercouli affirmed. "You certainly know your lore."

"It would be foolish of me to not be aware of such legends," Heathcliff replied. "After all, legends have an element of truth to them." They each took a stance; Heathcliff with his sword at his side and his shield in front, and Bercouli in a more relaxed stance with his sword hanging down.

The crowd hushed, and Agil called out, "BEGIN!" Immediately, the two charged forward and met steel as they both swung from the sides. A great clang resounded throughout the stadium, hurting the ears of most sensitive to such noises. But they backed away after the first clash. Then, for reasons unknown, Bercouli slashed his sword through the air. A shimmering shape in the air where he slashed told everyone he had just used his weapon's Perfect Weapon Control. But it wasn't important as Bercouli went to meet his opponent again. This time, he was knocked to the side when Heathcliff used his shield to throw him off. He tried following up on that, but Bercouli brought his sword up just in time to block. He then pushed back and swung right to knock the shield out of the way. Heathcliff brought his shield around in the nick of time to block his strike.

The two went back and forth, trading blows and making advances on the other at times. The power they emitted was immense with each clash made. It seemed like neither was going to give the other a chance. Even when one parried or dodged an attack, the other recovered too quickly for them to take advantage of it. Back and forth, on and on, the fight continued to rage. The crowd cheered as each made a move on the other. Agil watched as closely as he could for any signs that one had dealt a blow to the other, but they matched each other too well that not a scratch was made on either of them.

Then at last, Bercouli fumbled when Heathcliff rolled out of the way from his thrust. The man collapsed to the ground, and Heathcliff's sword glowed red as he prepared for the attack that would end the bout. But as his sword drew nearer, he saw Bercouli's expression. And he noticed that he was smiling. Realizing too late what was about to happen, Heathcliff tried to divert his attack when he saw a ripple in the air. He dodged it, but his cheek was cut as he missed most of the surprise attack.

Spotting the wound, Agil proclaimed, "This match is over! And the winner is Bercouli!" The crowd went wild as a great cheer arose, so much so that even people in Rulid were likely to hear it. The two swordsmen dusted themselves off before putting away their swords, and then giving each other a salute.

"Well met Bercouli," Heathcliff commended. "You have bested me."

"Had I stuck to my basic sword and not done what I did, I think it could have been the other way," Bercouli remarked.

Heathcliff replied, "I doubt that would be true. But now, take what time you need with your wards. They no doubt earned their freedom."

Just as he turned to leave, Bercouli reminded, "Asuna is still a member of your guild. Consider this some much needed time off, so she can reconnect with the people who brought her back." Heathcliff simply stood there for a moment, as if contemplating those words.

Then he returned, "Yes. The people she was meant to be with." And he then left.

In the corridor, the four friends celebrated the victory of Bercouli. It seemed that finally, they could be just like they were before ever leaving Rulid.

A couple weeks passed since the duel with the two commanders, and things became peaceful for a time. The Assault Team still made efforts to clear the next dungeon, but their efforts were slightly hampered by the absence of four particular fighters. And said fighters were enjoying a peaceful afternoon back in Danac, resting underneath the tree Kirito had used before. They were having a picnic reminiscent of the one they had when they were children under the Gigas Cedar, catching up on old times and telling stories about each other from their time apart.

"So then Eugeo runs into class with his uniform half-made," Kirito relayed. "And the instructor brings him up to the front and uses him to demonstrate some sword forms."

"Kirito, will you please not," Eugeo pleaded, cheeks red with embarrassment.

Alice giggled at the story, before telling them, "That's nothing compared to the incident Asuna got into. She was being tasked one day to help a nun deliver some fruit to the priest. But when she is about to give the offering, she trips over her own feet and the fruit splatters onto the priest's robe."

"Hey come on. I was nervous," Asuna said in her defense. "The priest was intimidating enough without having to yell at me."

"Maybe you two should have switched places for a time," Eugeo brought up. "I can't even begin to count how many times Kirito got in trouble with the instructor for all the antics he pulled."

"Hey, no fair," Kirito griped. "Those instructors were way too strict. You were on the receiving end as much as I was."

Smiling, Asuna remarked, "In a way, Kirito was still Kirito. I'm at least glad some things didn't change." Kirito puffed his chest out at the praise, making her laugh at his little show.

As the conversation entered a lull, Alice mentioned, "It feels like it's been ages since the four of us were together like this. I start to think this is all a dream, and I'll wake up back in the Axiom Church to learn it was nothing more than a simple wish."

"I agree," Asuna added. "I worry that something is going to drag us back to our lives in Centoria. That maybe this freedom, however much we have, is just an illusion we made to escape our world."

"No way!" Eugeo protested. "If it was an illusion, that would mean I would still be working on the Gigas Cedar. And I'd much rather not go back to that."

"You just don't want Selka giving you a hard time," Kirito teased his friend. But then he simmered down and said, "But yeah, I've thought the same thing. Heck, when we ran into Alice after we were arrested, I was afraid that was just us imagining her before we died."

"Well I'm glad you mentioned your names when I asked," Alice said snootily. "It would have been dreadful to clean the stains out of my dress after it was all over." The three went back to eating their food to let the atmosphere simmer down once more.

Setting her stuff in her lap, Asuna brought up, "You know, I hear there's a tranquil forest down on floor 22. I've always wanted to buy a cabin down there to live in. It'd be like being back in Rulid. But we wouldn't have troublesome Callings like chopping down a demon tree."

Smirking, Kirito mentioned, "I bet being a Carver here would be far easier than back home. That Dragonbone Axe was not the best at all. But it was the only tool we could use until our Object Authority was high enough to use the Blue Rose Sword."

Looking down, Asuna then said, "It's funny how all this started because of four kids looking for ice in the End Mountains." It was such a profound statement that the four stopped to really think about it. In a way, she was right. If they hadn't gone to the End Mountains looking for ice to help preserve their food each day, then the girls would probably not have been taken by Deusolbert. They would have grown up into their respective Callings: Kirito and Eugeo slaving away at the Gigas Cedar, Asuna training to go to the Imperial Swordcraft Academy, and Alice learning Sacred Arts to become like Sister Azalia.

That was when Eugeo pointed out, "If we hadn't gone to the End Mountains, we may not have been split up. But we would still take separate paths as we grew older. Asuna would be offered to one of the nobles in Centoria for her parents' sake in securing a marriage with the nobility. And Alice might have moved to the Axiom Church in Centoria due to her high Sacred Arts prowess. Even if we hadn't gone then, you two would still be in Centoria without us." It was a valid point. Their lives had been set up by their families because of certain things. Staying in Rulid might have still done what the Integrity Knight did.

Alice then said in consideration, "Perhaps it was for the best that we did what we did. Especially because you boys did some things that we would never have dreamt of. You both felled the Gigas Cedar, learned a sword style so unique not even Uncle knew it, and even ventured all the way to Centoria and entered the academy on your own. And now all of us are here in Aincrad, living lives we never thought would become a reality. Fate sure is a funny thing."

"It certainly is," Kirito murmured. The three took the time to really consider all the implications of all their actions thus far. In truth, these circumstances were better for them to uphold the oath they made. Another path might have torn them so far apart that they would never have reunited.

They continued enjoying their picnic when a messenger came up to them. "Message for Mr. Kirito." The man gave him a letter before taking off for places unknown. The four were curious who would be sending a letter to Kirito, especially now. But Kirito opened it up and read out the message inside:

Kirito,

Hope you and your friends are taking this time to relax and spend time together after all that you have lost. I know it hasn't been easy for Alice and Asuna to get by while they were away. Don't think I haven't picked up on a few things. Anyway, I need to talk to you about something regarding one of the guilds on the front lines. Meet me in the canyon on floor 55. Don't bring the others with you, the fewer souls that know this troubling news the better. Don't want to create a panic after all our progress that we made. I'll see you soon.

-Bercouli

Perplexed, Eugeo asked, "What could Bercouli want to talk to you about?"

"No idea," Kirito answered as he got to his feet. Retrieving his sword from the side, he told the others, "I'll go and check on what he wants and be back." And he hurried off to go meet the Integrity Knight Commander.

On Floor 55 in the canyons, Kirito looked around for any signs of Bercouli anywhere. Though that was difficult, seeing as how he didn't have an exact meeting place to go to. He wondered what about the other guilds could have prompted the strongest Integrity Knight he knew to call on him to help investigate. Then things started to bother him about the contents of that letter. Why just him? Why not all four of them? He and his friends had proven to be very capable fighting as a group. Heck, the last few floors were breezed through because of the teamwork he and Eugeo had developed since training with Kayaba.

On that note, Kirito contemplated how much he and Eugeo had gone through since they made their promise to rescue the girls. One thing they always worked on was when they had to fight together. They had developed a repertoire with each other to the point that they never needed to say what the other should do. It certainly impressed everyone else, and even Alice commented on how the two of them would make a difficult team to beat. But he noticed how Eugeo's swordsmanship had been growing compared to his. He was becoming far more proficient with his skills using a sword than Kirito ever could. He wagered that, if they dueled each other, Eugeo might be the better of the two.

Stopping to take a rest in the middle of his thoughts, Kirito muttered to himself, "Maybe that won't be such a bad thing. If Eugeo distinguishes himself, he might earn the prestige needed to move up in life. He's got a brighter hope for the future than I do." He recounted how, in two of his duels, Eugeo was able to pin down the weak point of his opponent's sword to break it. That took real skill, something Kirito was lucky to manage if he went for the same tactic. But Eugeo made it look so easy.

But as he thought about him and Alice, he knew that recognition would be important. As the daughter of the village chief, Alice would be expected to marry someone who would have good leadership qualities to take over for her father. It wasn't something he particularly liked, nor did Eugeo, but it was something that had been done in their village. So he knew if Eugeo wanted any chance of having a happy ending alongside Alice, he needed to demonstrate that he was more than capable of being beyond his station. Of course, he himself needed to do the same for Asuna. Perhaps inventing the new Dual-Wielding style would contribute to it a bit.

As he thought on these matters, he felt the hairs on his back. Switching gears, Kirito drew his sword and turned around. He reacted just in time to block a strike from a man in the armor of the Knights of the Blood Oath wearing a helmet hiding his face. He pushed back and retreated a bit from his assailant, getting himself ready for a fight. He didn't understand why someone from the KoB would be attacking him out of the blue like they were, but he figured some of the members had a grudge after Bercouli helped him in battling Heathcliff. Guess this was one who was willing to act on it.

The assailant came at him again, and Kirito parried his blade while moving in to get a better angle to retaliate. But the man was cunning, as he pulled up a dagger with his free hand to push his sword out of the way. Kirito had to duck out of range when he tried to stab him with it, then block another swing made for his head. This man was out for blood, he could sense it in his actions. It made him conclude this man wasn't a KoB member but was wearing the armor to make it look like he was and frame the guild for a murder they didn't sanction. As he deflected another blow, he tried to shift to the offensive. He went for a low to high swing on the man's left side, but the man went into his swing to get out of the way. The next moment, Kirito felt steel pierce his flesh in his abdomen. The tiny dagger the man was using stuck out from it, but it was only then Kirito realized it was coated.

Poison?! He thought in shock. And immediately, he felt his limbs grow weaker till he could not support his own weight. He collapsed on his back as the man drew his dagger back and sheathed it. He then stuck his sword in the ground and moved to take off his helmet. Kirito watched as he pulled off the steel hiding his identity, until at last it was revealed who had attacked him.

"You?" he questioned as he stared at the face of Kuradeel.

"You seem shocked at my actions," said knight responded. "I must say, I am offended. Who else would have done what I did?"

"I don't understand," Kirito said with a grunt as he tried to make his body move. "Why are you doing this? What could you possibly hope to gain by attacking me like this?" Kuradeel seemed to think on the question for a moment as he dropped his helmet.

Picking up his sword, he explained, "It's quite simple Kirito. I hate you. I hate all three of you. You all shamed me before the people, embarrassed me before my commander. I was disgraced because of you."

Grunting, Kirito replied snippily, "You should have been more aware. Asuna told you to leave her be. You're the one who did this to yourself."

Smiling, Kuradeel replied, "No Kirito, you are wrong there. I fulfilled my duty as bodyguard. But you three were in the way. But now I have the means to kill you all." Standing over Kirito, he told him, "I'll start by killing you, and tell your dear friends how you were ambushed by monsters and abandoned by Bercouli. I'll take the little urchin that beat me out to investigate the death and kill him before he even has a chance. Unlike you, the fool is gullible to a fault." Kirito began to seethe with rage at how this man was talking about his friends. "And then, I'll arrange for the death of the Integrity Knight in your company," he continued. "It will be easy to do her in when I tell her how her two friends were killed."

"Don't you dare," Kirito threatened, still struggling to get up.

"What can you do to stop me?" Kuradeel questioned.

"My friends will discover the truth," he told him. "They'll find out your tricks. They won't be beaten so easily. I bet they already figured out that letter was a fake."

The man smirked at Kirito's claim, telling him, "It'll be far too late. By the time they learn the truth, I will have already killed you. After all, I only learned from the best." He then removed his left gauntlet to reveal a brand on his forearm. The mark of Laughing Coffin. Seeing that shocked Kirito to his core.

"Laughing Coffin is dead," he uttered. "We took them down. I killed two of their members."

Replacing his gauntlet, Kuradeel pointed out, "But you never did find the leader. Silly boy, have you never learned? When you want to kill a snake right, you cut off its head. So long as the head remains, the body shall never die. And now, I will show you the error of your ways." Raising his sword, Kuradeel smiled like a madman before plunging it into Kirito's leg. The boy let out a cry of pain as he dug the sword into his calf. Blood seeped from the wound as he wiggled the steel within his flesh, furthering the damage he was doing. He raised it up to jab again, eliciting a violent response from Kirito.

He then moved to his right hand and stabbed clean through. Kirito cried out as the steel cut through bone. His vision blurred from the immense pain that he nearly passed out. But Kuradeel was not done yet. He went back down and stabbed into his left thigh, blood seeping from the wound as Kirito grunted in pain.

"Yes," Kuradeel uttered in a manic tone, "this is it. So sweet! Keep it up. The show is almost over." He rested the point over Kirito's heart, giggling with deranged glee as he prepared to end the boy's life for good. But instead of stabbing down, he slowly pressed into his shirt and into flesh as if to savor the agony he was causing.

But Kirito would fight him, he would not let himself be killed if he could help it. Using his left hand, Kirito grabbed onto the blade and tried to lift it from his body. Kuradeel seemed mildly surprised by the resistance, but then smiled wider than ever and laughed with insanity.

"Yes!" he shouted happily. "That's what I want to see. Struggle against the inevitable. Suffering is most pleasurable when your prey squirms under your boot." He applied more pressure to overpower Kirito's feeble resistance, penetrating the skin and slowly moving to his heart. "Die," he began to chant, "die, die. Die!"

Further and further the blade sank into his chest. Kirito fought as hard as he could, but it was no use. His hand beginning to go slack, he braced for the end.

But before he went any further, a blow from behind Kuradeel sent him sailing over to the other side of the canyon. Dropping her rapier the minute he was dealt with, Asuna collapsed to the ground and pulled out a Healing Crystal, using its power to heal the worst of Kirito's injuries. The wounds on his chest and hand sealed up instantly with its power, but the wounds in his legs only partially healed. But it was enough to set Asuna at ease, as Kirito saw her pant with a terrified look in her eye. As she did, she kept muttering, "I made it. I made it."

Not long after, Eugeo and Alice arrived. Though both looked beyond exhausted, slumping over as they breathed heavily from running after their hasty friend. Once they recovered, Alice came over and began using Sacred Arts to heal Kirito's final wound while Asuna searched for a tonic to heal the paralysis.

"We realized the letter was a fake," Alice told Kirito as they worked. "Not only because Bercouli will rarely call me by my name, but he always addresses his letters as 'Bercouli Synthesis One.' I just wish I had picked up on it before you left."

"Not your fault," Kirito tried to reason. "We all got played." Asuna had tears in her eyes as she found and administered the tonic to help Kirito heal up.

"I should have seen this coming," she said, her voice breaking. "I've almost lost you again. If you had died, I don't… I would've…" But she was unable to finish.

As Kuradeel recovered from the blow, Eugeo stepped in front of the group with his sword drawn. "Alice, Asuna, watch over Kirito," he instructed them with an edge in his voice. "This is something I need to finish." And he slowly stepped forward.

Seeing the boy approaching, Kuradeel began to worry. And seeing the girls healing Kirito made him panic. "Oh, Sir Eugeo," he tried to say to claim innocence, "thank goodness. We were ambushed by some murderers when—" He didn't get far when Eugeo cut across and left a scar on his face. The boy's face was devoid of any warmth, any kindness. His gaze was like ice, his expression fixed into one of a cold indifference. Even the way he held that blue sword was unwavering, indicative of someone ready to cut him down.

Realizing he was not going to worm his way out of this, he scrunched up his face in anger and yelled, "Damn you!" But Eugeo proved the more capable opponent. While Kirito had fought with less finesse and left openings, Eugeo was more disciplined and controlled in his attacks. Kuradeel couldn't find an opening in the boy's attacks. Because of his control, Eugeo got in many hits that began to cut away at his armor and strike at exposed areas like the inside of his arms or parts of his legs.

After he received enough damage, Kuradeel bowed and pleaded, "Please, please spare me. I'll stay away. I'll leave the Knights of the Blood Oath. I'll do anything."

But Eugeo gave a cold gaze as he replied, "You cowards are all the same. You act all high and mighty when you dominate, but when the tables turn you plea for your lives. How many people have your kind killed or exploited?" Readying his next strike, Eugeo shouted, "You don't deserve my mercy!" But as he struck down, Kuradeel brought his sword up and parried the boy.

With a manic smile, Kuradeel gloated, "You fool! Now you die!" But he was shocked when he saw Eugeo's other hand generate Cryogenic elements, the balls of light forming into small darts.

With them in hand, Eugeo cried out, "Discharge!" And the darts shot forward and struck Kuradeel in the face, taking out both of his eyes. The man screamed as he thrashed about, blood pouring down his face. Eugeo readied his sword and struck.

With a sickening 'squelch', Kuradeel was no more, his body collapsing to the ground with the neck spurting blood briefly. Blood dripped from Eugeo's sword as held his posture from the end of his swing. Gradually, the cold fury he bore began to fade, and regret set inside him.

Having finished tending to Kirito enough that he could begin to rise on his own, Alice went over to the flaxen-haired boy to check on him. She was apprehensive about approaching, but not because she was terrified of what he did. She was worried she might inadvertently cause him to do something that would be harmful to himself. She hesitated to reach out to him, pausing midway as he relaxed his stance and stood up, slumping over.

"I'm sorry Alice," he muttered, making it almost impossible to hear him. "I'm no longer the person you knew."

"Eugeo…" she began to say.

"I'm not worth anything to you Alice," he continued. "You, Asuna, Kirito, you all can't be associated with me. I'm a monster, a stain on the earth." Looking down at his free hand, he said, "I let it happen again. My rage, my anger, it overwhelmed me. Made me commit such foul acts. If I hadn't been struck that day, I would have killed Humbert like I did now with Kuradeel. I'm… I'm a horrible person."

"Eugeo, that's not true," Alice tried to debate.

But the boy turned around and argued, "But it's true! Any time someone does something horrible, I lose myself. I let my emotions drive my blade. I can't be the man for you. I… I might lose control and come after you. I don't want to hurt you, any of you. I'm better off in this place, among people like me. I—" But he was interrupted when Alice took his face in her hands and plunged in, her lips on his. The action shocked Eugeo so much he was unable to react. He didn't know what to do or how to behave like this. Alice eased him to his knees while she kissed him, letting out a soft moan as she did something no one saw coming.

After a bit, she pulled back and rested her head against his chest. "Don't," she begged, crying. "Don't say that. You're wrong. You have it all wrong. Eugeo, you are no monster. You are nothing like the monsters I have known. You are kind, empathetic, and you love. A monster would never feel such things. This regret, this apprehension, it shows that you care. That you are human." Clenching the fabric of his uniform, she continued, "To hell with the Taboo Index, to hell with everything. If the world says you are a criminal because you act out in love, then I will not stand with it. I only ever wanted one thing in all of Underworld." Eugeo was stunned, frozen as he listened to her words.

"Alice…" he muttered, stock still.

The girl told him, "I don't care about the blood on your hands. I will be there to cleanse them. I will be there to ease the pain when you must do what must be done. Every day, every moment. Because I want you to come back to me. I want nothing else. No titles, no prestige, no honor." Looking up with tear-laden eyes, she finished, "All I want is you, my Eugeo." And Eugeo was hit with a sensation he had never experienced before. This sensation reminded him of their first meeting all those years ago, when Alice brought him over to join her, Kirito, and Asuna to play with them in the village. This feeling of elation filled every inch of his body. And in that moment, he came to his senses.

With his tears watering, Eugeo hugged Alice back. "I promise," he said, his voice cracking, "I will always find you. I will never run away. I will always seek you out, my light in the darkness. Always and forever, Alice."

"Eugeo…" Alice breathed. The two then stared deep into each other's eyes and came together for one more kiss. This one they shared together.

Over to the side, Kirito and Asuna watched as the two confessed to each other their love. Looking down, Asuna confessed, "Kirito, you want to know how I remembered everything?"

Looking at her, Kirito guessed, "It was because I nearly died, wasn't it? Fighting the Gleam Eyes."

"It's… more than that," she clarified. "It's the same reason the Pontifex got to me back at the church. Ever since we were little, my family had always said I had to marry into nobility. It was to help bring up our glory and improve our status. Everyone kept saying that about me, that I was going to improve everything at Rulid by marrying into the nobility." Hearing that, Kirito got a bit miffed, his brow furrowed and creasing his face.

But Asuna told him, "I was always kept away from other kids, and told not to associate with anyone except Alice. But then I met you. That day the four of us became friends, I was surprised that Alice was with another child. And when you saw me, all you asked was what I wanted to do. Ever since that day, you never considered me as some kid predestined to do something she never asked for. You always asked what I wanted. You got me treats, got into fights with other kids, and always tried to make me smile. You were the only friend besides those two that treated me like a person. Not even the adults thought of me like that. It was… amazing."

Adjusting his sitting position, Kirito told her, "I knew you were the daughter of the Yuuki family when we met. I had seen you before. But I always saw how sad you looked, and I didn't like it. I hated when adults and the older kids said you were nothing more than a means to make life better for the village. I didn't want things to be better. I liked how Rulid was. There were no big rules outside the Taboo Index, and the place was beautiful. And whenever I saw you laugh or play along with us, I was happy. And I was even more happy when I could make your day." He then took her hand, and declared, "Asuna, with every fiber of my being, I want to keep doing that for you. I want to make every day you have better than the last. I'll give everything I have to see you happy and smiling. Whether I become some famous swordsman, or just some nobody, I want to do everything I can for you."

Cheeks flushed and tears coming down her face, Asuna returned, "And I want to be there for you. To ease the burdens you bear, and to give you a home to come back to. Whether for rich or for poor, I want us to be together forever. All I could ever want in life, is the man before me." Kirito gave a soft smile, and the two shared a tight embrace. Then they faced each other and shared their own kiss.

As they got back to Grandzam, the four friends made their way over to the Teleport Gate to go home and rest. But just as the girls were about to run ahead, Kirito called out, "Hey wait. We need to talk about something." Both girls didn't catch what was going on, but they went back regardless.

"What is it Kirito?" Alice asked. Then, unexpectedly, the boy shoved Eugeo forward into Alice, much to his shock.

"Hey Kirito," he began to protest.

But Kirito interceded by suggesting, "Go on ahead to Selmburg before us. Asuna and I need to do a thing on one of the lower floors." Then Eugeo gave a look like he realized something.

But he quickly went over, pulled Kirito down while turning away, and asking in a hushed but panicked voice, "Are you sure? I know this was our plan ever since last week, but it's too soon. I'm not ready."

"Will you relax," Kirito urged quietly. "Look, this is the perfect time. It's all out in the open. And after what happened today, she needs something like this. You both do." Standing upright, Kirito then said, "Now don't you forget."

Sighing with resignation for some odd reason, Eugeo returned, "I won't. You do good."

Then the boys did a bizarre series of gestures: high fives going up and down, fists bumping before thumping their chests, bumping fists again, index fingers to their lips before raising them above their heads, and one final high five with their other hands.

Once they finished, Eugeo escorted Alice onto the Teleport Gate, and called out, "Teleport: Selmburg!" And the two disappeared.

Not liking the secrecy, Asuna softly demanded, "Alright, what are you two up to? Don't think I haven't forgotten how you tend to pull pranks when we were younger."

"Trust me, this isn't anything like that," Kirito assured as he went up with Asuna to the Teleport Gate. Then he called, "Teleport: Floria!" And the two vanished.

In Selmburg, the two friends arrived and went left near the harbor. No ships were present, giving a clear view of the sunlit lake in front of them. Alice stopped for a bit to admire the view, letting the gentle breeze wash over her.

"This is such a beautiful sight," she said quietly. "Don't you think so Eugeo?" But when she turned to her friend, she abruptly made to face him entirely.

xxxx

At the same time in Floria, Kirito took Asuna among various gardens of flowers. She was enthralled at all the colors and types that were up here. She breathed in the scent of all the flowers, lost in her own world.

"I've never been to the lower floors before," she mentioned. "I can't believe Aincrad has something so beautiful here." No response came from Kirito, which made her anxious. She turned just in time to see him taking a knee. "K-Kirito?" she questioned.

xxxx

"Alice, my words before are all true, and I know yours were as well," Eugeo spoke as he took a knee before her. "But now I want my actions to match my words. And I hope you feel the same." And he moved to pull something from his coat.

xxxx

"Asuna, I want to make a new promise with you. This one I can only make with you, nobody else," Kirito told the girl standing gob smacked before him. "With all we said before, I don't think I could wait a moment longer." With each pair, the boys pulled out rings: Eugeo's was gold with a silver rose inlaid with small sapphires, while Kirito's was silver with a gold band around a teardrop-shaped gemstone that shone pale green in the light.

"I want to be a man who can always make every day the best you've ever had…" Kirito started with Asuna.

xxxx

"I want to be the man you can be proud of and find happiness with…" Eugeo said to Alice.

"Asuna…"

"Alice…"

"Will you marry me?"

The minute those four words came forth, each girl went into hysterics. Alice collapsed to her knees as she was overwhelmed with emotion. Asuna held her hands over her mouth as she felt like so many things were happening all at once. Both girls took a moment to collect themselves, before facing the boys with beaming smiles and tear-filled eyes.

And they answered breathlessly, "Yes." The boys were both exhilarated by the response. Alice removed her left gauntlet so Eugeo could slip the ring onto her finger, and Asuna set her hand in Kirito's to do the same. After that, the two pairs came together and shared one more kiss.