Hey everyone!

Yes, I am still here and still writing. Just had life pulling me aside on more than one occasion. Then again, when you're married, your spouse should be your first priority. Something I am still learning to do.

Anyways, finally got to finishing this chapter. This might seem like a jarring shift after the cliffhanger of last chapter, but trust me when I say it does have a point to it. We'll get back to that bit of trauma soon enough.

Anyways, Reki Kawahara is the author/creator of SAO. I only own an idea.

Now then,

LINK START!

Chapter 40:

Homeward Focused

The winds began to change as Alice directed Amayori over the forests of Norlangarth towards the farthest reaches of the region, Eugeo holding on close behind her. There were many things on her mind that she was considering. Chief among these was this return to Rulid. To Alice, it didn't feel right to go back right now, especially when they still needed to clear Aincrad. Going to their village now felt premature, unwarranted.

But the look in Eugeo's eyes and the hesitance he held in asking to go back, if only to ensure people like Selka were alright, reminded her of Yui's words back in Alfheim. How Eugeo felt almost insignificant compared to the rest of their group. She couldn't deny his want, especially if she were to make amends and make sure he knew how important and wonderful he was to their combined might.

And if she was honest, she really wanted to go home. If not for Selka's sake, then at least for her own. She had longed to go back to Rulid, longed to walk the border where the river cut through that they played in as kids, to stroll through Asuna's flower grove, to feel the bite of the cold air. After all these years away, there was no doubt Alice longed to embrace her home once more, no matter how unearned it felt to return right now.

As they flew, Eugeo spoke up, "Solus is getting lower in the sky. We should find someplace to camp and finish the trek tomorrow at first light."

Alice said nothing in reply, but steered Amayori towards a brook at the foot of a cliffside. The mighty dragon glided down mightily before flapping her wings and softly landing on the grass by the water. As soon as they landed, Eugeo got off and began to unpack some of their gear to make camp. Alice thanked her partner for the journey thus far before going to help Eugeo. But the minute she went towards their cooking supplies, he took over and urged her to collect some water. She relented, if only because she still hadn't mastered the fine art that was cooking. A skill Asuna seemed to have in spades since their time in Centoria.

Dinner that evening was nothing special. A simple stew Eugeo claimed Selka had made for him and Kirito on a couple occasions. While the mention of her sister being a better cook brought some level of envy from Alice, she really enjoyed getting to try her sister's meal once more. She remembered trying to make it under Eugeo's guidance back in their log cabin with Kirito and Asuna, but her attempt nearly burned their house down had it not been for the boys' quick work in subduing the flames.

As they ate, Alice posed the question that had been on her mind since Eugeo asked to go back. "Eugeo, don't think I am ungrateful for the opportunity, but why did you want to go back to Rulid so soon?" she asked. "Wouldn't it be better if we went with Uncle and the others to Aincrad?"

Eugeo paused in his eating and set the spoon they had in the bowl. She noticed how his face became passive, almost mournful, at her question. It worried her that he seemed to feel this way. Perhaps it was insensitive to ask such a question, she thought. But she didn't like not knowing what her betrothed's thoughts were regarding such matters.

Finally, Eugeo gave her a smile and replied, "I don't really have a reason for going back myself, but I know you do. I feel it'd put your mind at ease to see Selka again."

While not untrue, Alice thought there was more to it. Eugeo's smile didn't quite reach his ears, telling her he was holding something back. What that was, she couldn't quite make out. She hesitated to ask more. The knowledge of Eugeo's lack of self-esteem was hindering her desire to understand the root of the problem. In matters like this, she became painfully aware of how intuitive Kirito became of him and could almost pick up on his hidden thoughts when he concentrated. How she wished she could do the same.

But then Eugeo asked her, "You still want to go back, right? I know we said we would live somewhere else if the villagers won't accept us, but what about you?"

Pulled from her musings, Alice returned, "I don't have an answer for that Eugeo. For now, I just want us to put this life behind us. I want all of us to have our own lives to lead." Her mind was still set. Once this was over and the Dark Territory dealt with, Alice would hang up her sword and armor and live life as a normal woman. That was her wish. But it felt like that wish was getting harder and harder to achieve with how their adversaries refused to let them be.

Eugeo didn't press her on the topic. Finishing his stew, he told her, "Get some sleep. I'll clean up and take the first watch."

Alice didn't debate the matter. To Be honest, she was a bit tired from today and from keeping Amayori going. She handed him her own bowl as he went to the creek to wash everything. While she went to Amayori and shed some of her armor to sleep more comfortably. Normally, an Integrity Knight was to never remove their armor outside of the Cathedral. But Alice was more practical, as well as not being an orthodox Integrity Knight. As Amayori cooed at her, Alice allowed sleep to take her while her dragon draped a wing over her body to shield her.

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In her sleep, she was back at the top floor of the Central Cathedral. They were battling Quinella and her sword golem, but matters were not so favorable. Alice had been dealt a devastating blow, trying to protect Eugeo undergoing the metamorphosis into a sword. Something that bothered her greatly. They both underwent the ritual at the time. This couldn't be real.

Then she saw Asuna and Kirito get blown away blocking another of Quinella's strikes at Cardinal, who looked like her Life was quickly leaving her as she conducted the spell. Before long, Eugeo turned into that blue-ish white sword they became in their battle. Cardinal marveled at the form before passing on, her body turning into golden specks of light that dispersed into the air.

"This isn't right," Alice muttered, her strength abandoning her as she tried to move. "We have to stop her together." But the sword surged forward, fighting the sword golem with ferocity.

"Wait… Eugeo," Alice tried to call, slowly raising her arm. She watched as he took out the crystal that powered the sword golem. Witnessed it fall apart as if the very creature went limp. Then, she watched with mounting terror as she saw the tip of the sword point directly at Quinella.

"No, don't," Alice pleaded, her hand outstretched with great effort. "Don't leave me. Wait for me."

But the sword spread its luminescent wings and went forth. Kirito was nowhere near it this time. Neither he nor Asuna could stop their friend. The three friends merely watched as the blade met Quinella's. She swung down on it, resulting in a great clash. Before the dreaded sound of metal breaking was heard, echoing in the halls. At the same time, a cascade of red erupted from the Pontifex's right side as her arm was cleaved off. The blade halves from Eugeo's sword clattered at Alice's feet before they shone and became her beloved, only he was now cut in twain. Alice tried to reach him, horror mounting inside her.

Eugeo opened his eyes just a crack and looked up at her with a sad smile. Then, suddenly, his entire body was encased in red ice. And then, the ice shattered right before her eyes, turning into diamond mist. Alice saw all of this before her, frozen with shock. His Blue Rose Sword remained where he was, broken partway up the blade.

And after a few tense seconds, she screamed an unearthly scream.

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Alice's scream came out as she awoke with a start to the real world. Everything around her was muted, like someone stuffed wool in her ears or stripped the color from the world to leave only black. She screamed and clutched herself tightly as the image of Eugeo's demise burned into her memory.

"No! Come back!" she cried out. "Don't leave me!"

Whether she was aware of it or not, someone had rushed to her side and was trying to get her attention. But their voice sounded so distant, as if in the heavens from which her beloved went to in her dream. She just kept screaming, as if to wake up the world to her tormented soul. She felt something grab her shoulder and she lashed out, striking at whatever touched her. The presence persisted, and she fought harder. She was incomprehensible, uttering nonsense and screaming at whatever was approaching her.

At last, the presence engulfed her in such a way that she couldn't fight back. She struggled despite that, but to no avail. As her hearing came back, she heard shushing as her voice became hoarse. Someone was whispering that everything was alright, that they were there, and everything was alright. As she calmed down, the world came back to her. She saw the deep blue uniform of the person holding her, saw her dragon Amayori watching her like a mother wanting to comfort their child. When she looked up, she saw the flaxen hair of her betrothed.

"It's alright Alice," Eugeo continued to whisper. "It was just a nightmare. We're all here."

Now seeing everything, Alice's walls broke down and she wailed into Eugeo's chest. Whether she looked foolish or not, she didn't give it a second thought. Something inside her made her believe she had lost the love of her life. And if she was honest, if matters had not gone the way they had that day against Quinella, she might have lost Eugeo then. Perhaps it was her fear of loss that evoked that nightmare. Perhaps some part of her wanted to believe this moment now was the dream. Whatever the case, Alice cried against Eugeo, letting all her emotions out, which in turn exhausted her back to sleep once again.

The next morning, Alice woke up to the smell of fried eggs. She rose up while Amayori still slept, lifting the wing to find Eugeo was finishing breakfast.

When he saw her, he greeted, "Good morning, Alice. Feeling better?"

Sitting down near the fire, Alice replied, "I suppose. But shouldn't you have woken me up for watch? I thought we agreed to share the responsibility."

"I didn't feel like burdening you after you had that nightmare last night," Eugeo told her. This earned a hard look from Alice, to which he added, "And Amayori also helped. I slept a little bit while she looked after us."

Alice let it slide, but she was worried Eugeo didn't get enough sleep. "You should rest for the remainder of the journey. You'll need to look well before we enter the village."

Eugeo just looked into the fire, whispering wistfully, "If anyone even cares about me anymore." Before Alice could ask what he said, he told her, "Breakfast is ready. Let's eat then finish the flight home."

Alice was going to find time to find out what was going on with him. She wasn't going to let her betrothed continue to belittle himself as they moved forward. She needed to find some way to help him with that.

After another long flight, they soon spotted Rulid Village as Solus peaked in the sky. They decided not to land near the village, lest they cause an uproar, and had Amayori land on the other side of the hill where the Gigas Cedar used to stand. Alice donned a cloak and drew the hood up to hide her face. This was merely a visit back to her home. She did not need to draw the ire of her peers right now. Eugeo didn't wear any disguise. While it was possible they heard about the crime he committed with Raios and Humbert, Alice assured him word might not have gotten this far north. The incident had been largely contained when Eldrie was sent to take him and Eugeo away.

Walking up to the village boundary, the two found the village to not have changed since they left. Even for Alice, that had been a surprise. Though, when she thought about it, Rulid was not one to change all that much. However, their approach was different, as Zink the man-at-arms for the village barred their way.

"Identify yourselves," he ordered.

Alice clenched her cloak clasp, about to tear it off if necessary, until Eugeo stepped in front and answered, "Eugeo, Swordsman of Rulid Village. Returning from Centoria for a brief respite."

Now seeing the flaxen-haired boy that humiliated him years prior, Zink faltered and replied, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be working for the Axiom Church by now as an Integrity Knight? Or maybe you just didn't cut it after all. Wouldn't surprise me."

"It's not that simple Zink," Eugeo reasoned. "Not like a man stuck in Rulid would know."

"What was that?" Zink returned angrily. But before his hand was on the pommel of his sword, Eugeo had already drawn his sword and had the tip right at his nose. His gaze was like ice, and his stance was firm and steady.

Before things could escalate, they heard a man call out, "Zink, what seems to be the matter?" Coming up to them was Chief Gasfut, Alice's father. Seeing him, Alice pulled the brim of her hood down to hide her face and hair.

As Eugeo returned his sword, Zink responded, "Nothing sir, just investigating these strangers from Centoria."

At that, Gasfut saw who he meant and greeted, "Glad to see you are doing well Eugeo. Welcome home."

"Thank you Chief Gasfut," Eugeo returned the greeting while also giving a small bow. "But I am only here for a brief time. I have an assignment to fulfill back in Centoria."

"Well, you and your companion are welcome to stay as long as you need," Gasfut told him. "Would you like me to inform your family of your arrival?"

"That's alright sir," Eugeo quickly addressed. "I'll stay with Sister Azalia in the chapel. And I'll contribute however I can to the village."

Smiling softly, Gasfut assured him, "You've already helped us plenty. Just look out to the fields near where the Demon Tree once stood." With that prompting, both youths looked back and saw what he meant. What used to be stretches of grassland and trees now contained at least three new rows of farmland that hadn't been there before. The whole reason the village assigned a Carver to the Demon Tree was to topple it and allow for any crops to receive Terrarria and Solus's blessings to grow. In the near three years since the boys accomplished their goal, Rulid was beginning to grow.

"I'll inform Sister Azalia that you will stay at the church while you are here," the chief went on. "And perhaps you would like to see Selka as well. She has had a hard time moving on since Suguha's death a year ago."

Neither Eugeo nor Alice reacted to that, which probably struck the chief as strange. But that was because they knew Suguha was alive, albeit not human now. That did make Alice think it might be sensitive to even say Selka's friend was still alive despite evidence to the contrary. Even so, Alice felt obligated to help her sister. She had missed so much with her already.

"Thank you, Chief Gasfut," Eugeo said as he regarded him. "We will also pay our respects to Suguha and her family."

"Speaking of them, where is Kirito?" the chief asked. "Didn't you two venture to Centoria together?"

"Oh, he's helping some leaders on another assignment," Eugeo fibbed slightly. "He's become so proficient as a swordsman that he was given a very important task by the Axiom Church."

Zink faltered upon hearing Kirito was so accomplished. Add to Eugeo's current skill, and the guy was gritting his teeth out of envy. Alice decided to watch him for now in case he tried anything underhanded. It wouldn't be the first time she and her friends suffered because of someone resorting to dirty tactics.

"Well I'll be," Gasfut said in wonder. "You both do the village proud." With that, the two groups parted ways as Eugeo led Alice into the village. But as they walked, she saw his hand clench into a fist. No doubt he was upset the chief refused to acknowledge her in any regard. But these people were steeped in tradition, flawed as it was. It would take a lot for them to accept either her or Asuna back after what happened back then. But someday, she would walk these streets with her head held high. She promised Eugeo in her mind that she would.

After entering the village center, Alice looked around for any signs of Selka. She would most likely be at the chapel doing her duties. She indicated to Eugeo to start there. They knocked on the door once they arrived, but didn't have to wait long before the girl in question answered, her hair tied back and donning the robes of a sister of the church.

When she saw Eugeo, her eyes went wide and she uttered, "Eugeo, your back?"

"It's good to see you again Selka," Eugeo returned with a warm smile. "I hope you'll forgive our intrusion."

"O-Of course not," Selka replied with a stammer, which made Alice curious as to such behavior. Then she noticed the color in her cheeks flush a bit. "I just wish you had sent a message or something. It's been almost two years since I heard anything from you and Kirito. Not since you got into Swordcraft Academy in Centoria."

Glancing around, Eugeo inquired, "May we find someplace private to speak? There were some things I wanted to speak with you on."

Returning to a more composed manner, she returned, "Yes. There's a room in the back we can use." She led them in, and all the while Alice kept her face hidden. While she had seen Selka almost one year ago before their trip to Aincrad, it still felt like such a relief to be here now. Back then, she had to be discreet lest Quinella found her acting under her own agency. Now, there was no such concern.

Selka led them to one of the rooms further into the church, making sure to close the door behind them to avoid anyone eavesdropping. She then addressed, "Now, what was it you—"

But she was interrupted when Alice tackled her with a hug, holding her tightly. "Selka," she cried softly.

The minute she spoke, Selka went rigid with shock for the briefest moments. As if some part of her recognized that voice, the way she spoke to her. After giving one last squeeze, the elder sister pulled away a little and yanked off her hood, revealing the cascading length of light that hid under it, and the deep blue that were now filled with tears of immense joy.

Hesitantly, as if afraid something might happen, Selka spoke, "Sister?"

"It's me, Selka," Alice said, emotion threatening to spill over as she restrained herself as much as she could. "I'm back. It's really me."

Selka reached up and held her sister's face in her hands. And a long distant memory flashed in her mind. A time when she did something similar when she was new to the world. And Alice looking at her with that same smile.

Tears pooling in her own eyes, Selka spoke once more, "Sister." And she finally allowed herself to cry, hugging her sister as she let out whimpering sobs. Alice was happy to comfort her younger sister, tears falling as she breathed in this moment, searing it into her heart. At last, she was home.

After the sisters calmed down and they sat together on the bed, Eugeo and Alice relayed their stories to Selka, after Alice removed her armored gauntlets and pauldrons. Admittedly, many things were hard to believe for her. Surprisingly, she never called blasphemy with any of it. Not even regarding the Axiom Church being corrupt and using the Taboo Index as an excuse to kidnap Alice and Asuna. One thing that did shock her was that Asuna was a chosen vessel for the goddess Stacia. While she didn't deny their claim, she just didn't believe Asuna would become a vessel for such a revered figure. But she shared the same sentiment as them: that they would want to keep the goddesses from coming to Underworld so as to protect their friends.

When Alice got to Alfheim, Alice informed, "Selka, we met an old friend when we came to this new land. But please believe me that I speak nothing but the truth. You see, Suguha is alive. She lives in Alfheim as a fairy, with a new name. She goes by Leafa now."

Selka held her head as so many revelations were just dumped on her. Alice worried this was the leaf that broke the horse's back. Considering everything else, how could she not?

But then she surprised them by stating, "So that's why… When we found her in the woods, I thought I saw someone with wings taking something from her body. I thought it was one of Stacia's servants."

Astonished that her sister saw the reincarnation process, Alice confirmed, "Yes. That was Sakuya, leader of the Sylphs. She reincarnated Suguha after seeing her valor fighting the goblins in the caves."

Resting a hand at her chest while taking a breath, Selka spoke with utter relief, "All this time, I thought I had lost everything. I had lost you. I lost Asuna. Eugeo and Kirito were in Centoria. Then I lost Suguha. I thought I committed some mighty sin and I was being punished." Looking at her friend and sister, she concluded, "But the goddesses were watching over you all along. They were watching over everyone. I'm so happy."

"Selka," Alice spoke wistfully, resting a hand on her back in comfort.

When they got to ascending the Central Cathedral, they had to take more breaks in telling their story. Every new revelation made Selka pause and have to be talked down about why everything was so backwards regarding what they had all been taught since they were little. Again, she didn't doubt Eugeo or Alice, but this was one segment where her own dubious thoughts kept her from accepting some truths. Except when it came to Quinella. Having been briefed earlier with Yui and Cardinal, Selka had no qualms believing that she was a tyrant. She was also relieved that Alice and Eugeo worked together with Kirito and Asuna to take Quinella down.

Once they finished, she asked, "So, after your next assignment, you'll come back?"

"That is my intention," Alice replied, even as Eugeo seemed to look away as if in shame. "I will hang up my sword and—"

"Wait sister," Selka interjected. "You can't give this up after everything you've done. The world will still need you."

"Selka, my wish is to live a normal life," Alice tried to reason. "I don't want to live this life of fighting and duty. I just want to spend my days with Eugeo, bringing up the next generation."

"I know that," Selka responded, her hands tightening at her robe. "But what if someone needs you to save them? What if there was someone who needed protecting? Would you really give up your sword if it meant someone could be in danger because of it?"

Those questions gave Alice pause. This entire time, she had been so focused on finishing everything so she could live her own life. Both she and Asuna had their lives delegated to them by others. Their parents, the church, even Kayaba. There weren't too many times she could claim she lived for herself.

The same could be true of her life as an Integrity Knight. Or, she would like to claim so. But between sneaking away to look after Silica and Lisbeth, going home, or even rescuing Eugeo and Kirito, she had been choosing her own path. And many times, her ability to fight did save lives. It helped protect Kirito in Alfheim, and brought Eugeo back to her in the Central Cathedral.

Was she wrong to wish for things to change?

But Eugeo came to her rescue by saying, "We don't know what the future holds, Selka. But we don't want to continue this life of fighting if we can. We'll just see what comes as each day dawns."

That seemed to appease Selka, her body visibly relaxing. But it did bother Alice a little that she nearly got defensive about her surrendering her sword. Was there something she was missing?

They finished their stories, explaining what they were going to go back to as well as where Kirito and Asuna were. When they finished, Selka just beamed at them.

She got up from her seat and came before both of them. Then she took their hands and put them together.

"Eugeo, Sister, I'm so glad you were able to find each other after all this time," she began. "I know, as long as you fight for each other, you will always be together. I swear to it by the goddess Stacia."

Alice smiled at her sister, replying, "Thank you Selka. And I know you will be a greater sister for the church than I could ever be."

"If this Cardinal helps make the church a better place than the previous Pontifex, I know I will do my best."

Alice never realized how much her sister admired her. But since she had been so young when she was taken, maybe she just never got the chance to experience it. And Selka only had what Kirito and Eugeo claimed to go off of in terms of who she was. But she rather liked having Selka look up to her like that. And she wanted to do everything she could for her too.

Then she turned to Eugeo and told her, "And Eugeo, I know you will rival even Sir Bercouli someday. I bet even Sister has to agree that you are quite strong as a swordsman."

"I, uh…" Eugeo tried to speak, trailing off with him losing confidence.

"I agree," Alice came in haughtily. "I know you will rise through the ranks to become the best swordsman in all of Underworld." He seemed even more unsure with that praise, but there was a small smile that she could see. She only hoped his confidence would return to what it once was.

At that moment, Selka told them, "Well, I best be getting back to my duties." She opened the door, but kept it open just a crack to say to them, "Don't try anything before you're married, my dear sister." And she shut the door before scampering off.

Alice merely chuckled at her sister's warning. "I have to wonder if she had been waiting to say something like that. Goddesses know what she had to have missed with me gone."

Eugeo then told her, "I think she's just really happy to have her sister back in her life. I don't know what her family told her, but I know Selka missed you terribly. If she tried to follow in your footsteps by going into the End Mountains, she had to have longed for that connection she never got to have."

Gazing across the room, Alice muttered, "I feel much the same. I hope I can make up for lost time."

Eugeo took her hand in his, assuring her that she would. She then suggested they check the bakery for something to eat and then figure out what they would do before going back to Aincrad. That entire day, nothing seemed wrong with the swordsman. Nothing at all.