Chapter Fourteen: Anima Fracta, Anima Experrecta

As much as PoH enjoyed the wondrous music of mindless slaughters, he could not help but abandon the concert and looked all about before smirking brightly as he saw a target to prove his resolve.

"If you won't wake up," PoH calmly spat out as he lifted a wounded soldier with only one hand before putting his sword next to his throat, "then I guess it's time to start killing."

Asuna stared from a distance angrily while she struggled to stand up.

How could you…

"It's no use…" Asuna uttered weakly, having slumped back down, clearly too exhausted and wounded to pick up the fight. "I can't even stand…"

"It's all right…"

A voice spoke to Asuna as the world faded away and a soft light surrounded the young woman.

"I know you can stand, Asuna."

That voice…Yuuki?

How long has it been since she last heard her voice? Too long. Asuna was hailed as the heart, the soul and the hopes of countless in Aincrad. But even a saint needs her own faith supported. Yuuki was that support. To continue on, to fight, sometimes just to keep up with the great Black Swordsman that was the love of her life, she needed a friend too. Before Asuna could even ask her soul mate any question, Yuuki gently pulled Asuna into an embrace and went on.

"Now, stand, Asuna. To protect what you love…who you love."

As Yuuki gave her one last smile before the world returned to the crimson abattoir it was, Asuna wrapped her hand into a fist and stood up.

"Well…guess this one will have to go." PoH said nonchalantly.

However, just a moment before his blade could end the soldier's life, a noise pulled him away.

Asuna thrusted straight at PoH, turning her sword the color of Goddess Stacia's divine purple as her Incarnation burnt. Unfortunately for her, PoH was just in time to dodge the attack, leaving Asuna exposed, not having the time to turn around.

Wasting no time, he threw the soldier away before slashing his great cleaver towards Asuna.

Perhaps it was luck, perhaps it was PoH's own mindlessness, or perhaps it was in some way related to a sudden flash of Yuuki's lilac color. But whatever the case, PoH slipped slightly as the ground beneath him was loose. His timely counterattack was then reduced to only a small cut at Asuna's side.

Despite the pain created, Asuna received the time necessary to recover and turned around abruptly, thrusting forward again just as she had once done so with her Lambent Light rapier in Aincrad.

Clang!

PoH blocked Asuna's strike with his giant sword at the nick of time, creating an air blast powerful enough to push the few approaching soldiers away.

As they locked blades, sparks of lightning and flames burst from their bounded swords.

Asuna glared at the former Laughing Coffin chief with disdain before demanding in anger, "What is it you want?"

PoH made good use of the moment Asuna had been distracted by her own question and pushed forward, forcing her one step back.

"Isn't it obvious? Your precious dark knight of course."

Asuna's eyes widened, fear and fury betrayed on her face. PoH merely smirked at her reaction before continuing.

"Ever since I tried and failed to kill him on the fifth floor in Aincrad, he's been the only thing I want."

"Why do you hate Kirito so much?" Asuna questioned, taking another step back as PoH refused to relent, "What did he ever do to you?"

"Hate?" PoH repeated in a mocking voice, "I thought you of all people would understand how much I love the guy!"

With a cool image of Kirito's figure in his mind, PoH went on every bit as sinister and amused as before, "In a world full of scumbags, he's the only one I could believe in unconditionally. Never breaking down, no matter how much I tormented him. Never getting corrupted, no matter how much I tempted him. He's always given me hope and joy."

PoH's smile then faltered, recalling Kirito's current state. "That's why it's absolutely unforgiveable that he ended up like this when I wasn't around. I'm going to wake him up no matter what. I don't care who it is or how many thousands there are… I'll kill them!"

With that proclamation done, PoH's dark Incarnation overflew from his sword and threatened to envelope Asuna, who was continuing to step back.

"Hope? Joy?" Asuna demanded while she attempted to push back, "Do you know how badly you've already hurt Kirito? Do you?"

Before Asuna could continue, she noticed PoH's might growing ever more as his sword once again shoved her backwards.

"You see? I figured out how this world works too." PoH taunted, "All the spilled blood and lost life is converted into energy. Back in Aincrad, the power of my Mate-Chopper goes down every time it killed a monster, but goes up if it slashed a human."

"Look!" he demanded while the Dark Resources gathered around his sword, nurturing a glow of darkness, if it were even possible, "Even here in Underworld, its original ability to power up by absorbing human life still works. On this battlefield, all the lives you people took are swirling around, just as the lives of those Human Empire Army soldiers. As long as everyone still slaughters each other, it will fill this place with a lot more life. And once I've absorbed all those powers, I'm going to kill every Fluctlight in this world. Be it the monsters from the Dark Territory, or the people in the Human Empire, I'll kill them all! If I go that far, it should wake up him."

PoH then visibly gawked at Kirito as he went on, "If he is the Black Swordsman I believe in, anyway."

Exactly as PoH had confessed, his power was mounting non-stop. His near-equal standoff with Asuna had begun to favor him. Asuna was then pressed to the ground, only barely holding on as his blade neared her neck.

"Don't worry, I won't kill you just yet." PoH added, "I'm just going to make sure you can't interfere anymore. You need to witness it, after all – him waking up only to die in my arms."

Narrowly before PoH's sword could sink into Asuna's cracking body, a great flame descended from the heavens and sent the murderer flying away.

Asuna looked up puzzled, but then realized Alice had returned with the two dragons.

Before PoH could regain his feet, Alice leaped from her mount, burning with her the rage of losing her father. Alice charged forth as PoH was still flying mid-air, and stabbed him right through his trunk, gaining a painful roar from the man. Not letting him recover, Alice continued her assault by slashing across his chest once more, sending him even further backward. As the man had yet to retaliate, Alice took the opportunity to repeat the process until she had punctured the man at least thrice more.

PoH was evidently not pleased with the sudden development, grinding his teeth in rage. While he struggled to stand to his feet again, Asuna had recovered from the previous fight and joined Alice. She rushed towards the unbalanced PoH and yelled while she drew with all the strength she could muster her divine sword. With a striking purple light Asuna thrusted forth, tearing the wound Alice's strike had done earlier into a massive hole as PoH was then catapulted through the air until he had hit the ruins in the back.

Smashing into the rocks, he let out an excruciating growl. Debris was flung around and PoH then dropped to the floor, buried beneath the rubbles in the process.

Asuna panted with exhaustion as she leaned on her sword for support. A moment later, Alice walked up to her and lightly patted her shoulders.

"Thank you…for keeping Kirito safe until now."

"No…I should thank you." Asuna replied with a tired smile as she turned towards the knight, "You saved my life."

"That's what friends are for, Asuna." Alice smiled.

Before Alice could react, Asuna leapt forward and pulled her into a wordless embrace. Initially surprised, Alice soon returned the gesture and wrapped her own arms around Asuna.

While they enjoyed each other's company, Asuna witnessed Yuuki's form ascending towards the heavens, shooting her a grin as she slowly disappeared.

Thank you…Yuuki.

The moment of peace, however, did not last long.

A sinister, crimson glow gradually oozed out of the dust cloud where PoH was buried.

Noticing this, Liena immediately shouted. "Watch out! That man's sword is absorbing the Sacred Resources!"

Alice and Asuna turned around in unison, and dashed towards PoH, hoping to stop him before he could get too powerful. However, they were in time only to witness the Dark Resources around his sword had grown and had lifted PoH up as if the two are of the same body.

Despite the five lethal wounds he had suffered, despite them all being so great his body could be seen through now, PoH was alive. His organs must have all been shattered, but the Dark Resources pumping into him via the cleaver was more than enough to sustain him.

He smirked slightly, and commanded the Death Army, "Kill every last one of them!"

A beam of Dark Power was shot from his Mate-Chopper to the skies. The beam transformed into a vast cloud, blackening all lights before raining down Dark Resources on the Death Army, turning all the wounded and broken corpses back into robust killing machines.

Whatever Alice or Asuna had planned to do, it was too late. PoH aimed the sword towards the worn-out and severely outnumbered Human Empire Army, and in an instant, all the decaying soldiers in the Death Army sprang into action.

Asuna, despite struggling to summon her divine aurora again, was overwhelmed by the sheer number of the undead soldiers. After all, what could one hobbled goddess do against five thousand demons? She cut and cut and cut, and tried with all her strength to muster up a Terraforming Art. Even though she poured what remained of her strength into the thought, they soon parried her sword away with corpses alone.

Alice, staring at the scene with horror, failed to notice PoH was charging towards her until it was too late.

In only a second, PoH gave Alice's cuirass a powerful kick, knocking the air out of her. Before she could react, the former Laughing Coffin chief then slapped her sword away with one swift stroke and pinned the woman to the ground, sword at her neck.

"Now now now…I did say I wouldn't kill the Flash yet." PoH muttered, "But I didn't think you had it in you to come right back to the battlefield and punch a damn hole through my body. Guess you could see your precious Kirito on the other side now, eh?"

A sudden explosion and PoH's was blown backwards. Fiery inferno spawned from Alice's fingertips and she managed to push the murderer away from her for the time being. Her two dragons fought off as many undead as they were able, but the larger the target, the more the attracted. Explosions no less potent than Deusolbert's spread around Alice, but the Sacred Resources around her were wanting. While Life was overflowing, they did not flow towards her, instead, every ounce of Sacred Resources there was made its way towards the Mate-Chopper. Soon, the fiery power was reduced to dying flames. With her weapon knocked away and no more Sacred Arts she could muster, PoH returned with a vengeance. Dark Powers struck at Alice the same way her sacred one had pinned down the murderer, and now, the need to kill could not be clearer in his eyes.

Meanwhile, the undead soldiers had totally surrounded Asuna. She tried her best to return those disgusting bodies to the earth, but it was all futile. She looked to a distance, only to see Alice was also in a position with no escape.

The imperial army was as good as annihilated, Alice's greatest ally was now one step away from death, and she herself was no better, seeing that the PoH already had his cleaver lifted, seconds away from impaling her. For the first time since the war began, real despair had found its way to her.

PoH – the Prince of Hell, had truly raised Hades to Underworld. His reign of terror would last until the end of days. Alice was in hell.

With her eyes closed, she prayed, "Kirito…please…"

It was dark, a space where pitch blackness stretched as far as the eye could possibly see. And so, it seemed only fitting that at the center stood a knight engulfed by darkness. Inside Kirito's mind, inside his heart, which now served as his prison, he stood aloof without knowing why it was that he should be there.

Where am I? I don't remember ever being here… Then why?

As millions of questions crossed his mind, a sudden ray of light shone towards him. The light was soft, and azure in color. But the soft glow had incited no relief. That color was not a welcomed one; Kirito could feel it, because it chilled him to the bones.

Unsettled as he might be, that source of brightness did provide him with the opportunity to see his own image clearly. Kirito's eyes widened, for he recognized his outfit. That cursed dark coat, those obsidian gloves…and that shiny crescent pin.

Crescent...! The Moonlit Black Cats!

Yes, there they were, in front of Kirito's very eyes. The Black Swordsman's former guild, his allies, his friends…Kirito now understood why the turquoise light was unpalatable. It was happening again, the Moonlit Black Cats' demise was about to happen all over again.

No, no, no, no…! Please don't do this! Stop! Don't do this!

Kirito's pleading was to no avail; Ducker, the eager treasure hunter of the guild had already opened the chest lying in the middle of a supposed treasure room. "Supposed" being the operative word here, for the eerie blue light that radiated from the walls of the room had then shifted to a crimson shade, as though foretelling the fate of those poor souls. The jingles of trap mechanisms, accompanied by two low-pitch siren sounds announced the true nature of the room loud and clear. There was no way out, the corridor that had led them inside was now shut. The true horror had only begun to unveil. Within seconds, groups of hideous Dark Dwarf Miners emerged from a cavity hidden behind the walls; should their appearances fail to explain their intentions, then the murderous axes on their hands certainly would not.

The Moonlit Black Cat members drew their swords to prepare for an attack, albeit with shaky hands. Ducker cursed his impulse with such vice one would normally be disgusted; only the desperation seemed to have justified his mannerism. Tetsuo – another one of this beleaguered guild tried to regain composure by giving the suggestion of forming a phalanx, but then he realized he could not speak. His lungs had just been pierced and his heart torn. The loud thuds behind him confirmed the arrival of the Granite Elementals, hostile giants made of rocks that could hardly be harmed, let alone killed. With swords for hands, the Elementals were walking carnages. But then again, it was not worth mentioning anymore as Tetsuo drew his last breath before shattering into shining crystals and disappearing entirely. His life was now forfeit. The rest of the Moonlit Black Cats then descended into a state of chaos and panic. One by one, the monstrosities that had waited patiently in this room picked off the members. Screaming and yelling first filled the room, the gushing of blood then followed; Sasamaru and Ducker soon shared Tetsuo's fate, ending their lives in agony. Kirito stood in shock, unable to do anything; neither halt the slaughter, nor even cry in terror. Once again, he was forced to witness his friends massacred in front of him. He raised his hand with every ounce of power he had, but his body could not move, he was powerless to end that vision. The last of the guild left standing was Sachi – the girl Kirito had tried his utmost to protect. Kirito prayed, no, begged that whatever was making him revisit this memory would stop; it did not. Sachi was struck at the back by another giant; a swift but decisive slash gave its judgement – Sachi's life was also forfeit. Before her body was transformed into shards that pronounced one's death, she smiled lightly towards Kirito and said a few imperceptible words. Then, Sachi was also gone.

Sachi's end coincided with that of Kirito's memory, the trap room, along with everything else inside vanished in front of him. Kirito collapsed, knelt down and gasped erratically. Sweat and tears started to form; his exhalations grew and grew until his lung burned.

Another light shone towards him…another memory was about to visit.

No…no…no…please…not again.

The light was dim and hazy; it was the last of the sun's energy before going beneath the horizon. Warmth was the feeling one would usually elicit from such scenarios, but once again, it was fear that filled Kirito, for he recognized the location just as he did moments ago. In front of him stood the setting sun and a beautifully decorated stone fence, and a man who stood outside of the protection of said fence.

"A beater like you…" whispered Keita as disdain escaped from his mouth, "…never had any right to get involved with us!"

After the accusation was concluded, Keita, the leader of the Moonlit Black Cat, or what was left of it, jumped, ending his own life by plummeting into the endless chasm underneath.

"AHHHHHH!"

Before the vision had dissipated completely, Kirito screamed, screamed so loudly he could shake the very ground he was kneeling upon.

No more! No more! I don't want to see anymore! I don't want to hear anymore!

"…experience your life, your mistakes and your pains all over again…"

A voice echoed. Kirito was too shaken to even try and recognize it, but he had a feeling it was a premonition for what was to come. He was correct.

He begged it would not be so, but his imploring fell on deaf ears, yet another flash of image appeared. Years ago, when Kirito had just found himself trapped in Aincrad with another ten thousand, a man named Diavel stood up and led them towards freedom, and against the dreaded Illfang the Kobold Lord. He was a hero to many; he was a friend to even more. He died in Kirito's arms.

Something worse came after, it was Kirito himself. Not his death, but his crimes. It was murder.

Kuradeel, the former bodyguard of Asuna the Flash had betrayed the Knights of Blood. While on a mission with Kirito and another, the traitor poisoned them. Asuna herself figured out the scheme and came to their rescue. But she also came close to being killed. So Kirito struck him down, he slew the traitor in cold blood with his bare hands.

"You murderer…" those were Kuradeel's last words.

Murderer…maybe Kuradeel's murder could be justified, how about the others? Kirito quivered as the question flashed across his mind, he covered his ears and shut his eyes as he expected another memory to find its way. He was right.

With two clean slashes, a member of the Laughing Coffin died by Kirito's sword, he did not even know his name. Blood oozed out, crystals shone bright and a life was gone.

I don't want to remember anymore! I don't want to know what happens anymore!

Kirito begged in his mind as tears streamed down. His trembling body was all the response he had. The memories were not merciful; Kirito's petrified state failed to earn him any surcease.

Sugou A.K.A. the Fairy King Oberon – murdered, impaled by Kirito. At the time, he had such vice in his heart it felt good to do so. It was not the case anymore.

Death Gun A.K.A. XaXa – murdered, cut in halves by Kirito. At the time, he had such excitement and justification, it felt right to do so. It was not the case anymore.

No more! No more! I'd do anything for this to stop! Stop!

Kirito was at his limit, to be more precise, he had been pushed over his limit. The cruel bombardment of his most unpleasant memories had broken his spirit and ripped it to tatters, just as he was ripping his own coat. With both his hands, he tore the cloth to pieces and exposed his bare chest. Contrary to the chaotic breathings, Kirito's tears poured down rhythmically, hitting the floor one at a time, performing a tune of pain. The orchestra reached its crescendo when the rupture of flesh joined; Kirito's hands sunk into his own body, tearing open his chest and letting the scarlet liquid cascade down. Soon, all that occupied his vision was the color red, his chest hurt, his entire body ached but Kirito would not stop. No matter how excruciating the wound felt, it was no match for the injury his soul had sustained over the years. Kirito dug deep, he hurt himself so that the pain of his flesh could erase that of his soul, he was also punishing himself. Perhaps it was only logical, that crimes must be paid by the price of punishments.

"Kirito"

His hands stopped. Kirito's motions ceased when a voice called out. That voice was sweet, but pained, it was also familiar. Kirito raised his head and saw the owner of that voice. There he saw Asuna, materializing from thin air and looked at him with such concern.

"Asuna…"

"Kirito"

Another voice called out. Kirito's eyes swung right, there he saw Sinon, a comrade from another world, from better times.

"Sinon…"

"Brother"

Kirito's vision directed left this time, there he saw a girl with features that slightly resembled his own, it was his sister.

"Sugu…"

Before the broken and crushed knight, the three women radiated slightly, a soft golden light reached Kirito. This time, no abhorrent recollection haunted him; instead, pieces of happiness came to mind. He saw his friends from Aincrad, his adventures in Alfheim and his victories in GGO.

"You saved me, Kirito, freed me from Heathcliff and Sugou." Asuna said as she smiled brightly.

"You saved me, Brother, gave me love when I didn't know where to find, when I didn't even understand love." Sugu proclaimed happily.

"You saved me, Kirito, released me from my fears and helped me stand in my own right." Sinon reassured.

"So, please stand up now, Kirito." The trio said in unison, "All the things you've done, you have done them for good deeds, to save people."

The Black Swordsman looked up in shock, not knowing what to say.

I have saved people…all those people I've killed…I have done with just cause. I have saved people…

Kirito exhaled slightly upon reaching that conclusion, feeling a bit of the forgiveness and vindication he had craved.

What about the people I didn't save?

Those onyx pupils of his expanded promptly as that question crossed his mind.

Who did I fail to save? Who? Who was it?

Clang!

An ear-piercing sound of collision drew Kirito's attention. A young man around the same age as himself swung an axe and hit a giant cedar tree. It was Eugeo.

Kirito's shivering ground to a halt as he closely inspected what was being shown again. He saw the both of them meeting for the first time under the Gigas Cedar. The corners of his mouth moved upwards slightly at the memory. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Then he saw Eugeo, his best friend, studying in the Imperial Swordcraft Academy with him. He felt nostalgic and happy.

His happiness did not last. Eugeo's energetic and friendly face lost its spark. His entire face was pale, and his eyes abyss-like. Lying in front of Kirito was his most valued companion, his brother, bifurcated. He had fought against the mighty Pontifex, and lost.

Eugeo! No! No! No! Don't!

Kirito could not stop it, neither his brother's death, nor the scene thereof from playing over and over in front of him. Whatever little remained of Kirito's spirit was crushed completely. Asuna, Sinon and Sugu were now gone; in their stead, was Kirito's greatest mistake, his greatest guilt. Kirito believed himself a murderer, a sinner; no amount of heroism could possibly convince him otherwise. With a voice as broken as his sanity, Kirito whispered:

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry…but I can't stand anymore…I can't fight anymore…"

Kirito's hand dug into his own chest again, finally reaching the weak beating heart inside. As he exhaled one more time, his eyes shut and his hand enveloped the organ and prepared to end it once and for all.

"God damn it! Why? How come?" Higa cried in desperation. "Why isn't this enough? Kirito, don't you want to come back?"

The computer genius searched frantically, hoping to find something that could help treat Kirito's condition in the Underworld.

"Oh no, oh no no no no…why's this happening?" Higa cried again as he witnessed the connection of the three women from the Real World began to destabilize, not only were they being disconnected from Kirito's Fluctlight, they were losing their connection to the Underworld as well.

If this continues…Asuna and the other two could be kicked from the server…why are you doing this, Kirito?

"What person, who else could possibly have ties with him strong enough to rebuild his mental image?" Higa questioned out loud.

To his surprise, his question was answered.

The three blocks on Higa's screen that indicated Asuna, Sinon and Sugu slowly disconnected from the one representing Kirito. However, in their place, three other connected.

"Objects from the Underworld? How are they…?"

"Kirito"

A different voice called out. Kirito recognized it, but he dared not, he dared not look up because he feared more pain was to be suffered. His hand remained buried, but it was relaxing.

Another voice was about to speak, Kirito knew this for he could feel warmth pouring towards him. Unlike the encounter with the previous three, something was distinct about the one he was receiving right now. It was…purer, more childish, but also more innocent. That feeling for him was unfathomable, and intense. That foreseen voice spoke:

"Kirito!"

It succeeded, succeeded in finally lifting Kirito's bowed head. Still kneeling on the floor, Kirito slowly turned his vision upwards, and stared at what he would deem his own salvation. Before him now stood two figures, a young man uniformed in blue and a young girl in an azure dress and a small apron. Those two were his saviors – Eugeo and Alice.

"Eugeo…Alice…you're alive?" Kirito asked with a shaky but somewhat eager voice.

The blonde-haired boy shook his head with a hint of sorrow.

"So in the end…I still couldn't do anything. I didn't just fail you Eugeo…that day I failed to save you too Alice…"

"Don't worry, Kirito." The young Alice reassured.

"This is the memories of us that live inside you now." Eugeo said softly, "And the fragments of memories we left behind."

"Memory?"

"That's right. Have you forgotten already? Back then, we were all certain. That memories…" Eugeo continued as he gestured towards his chest…his heart, "…live right here."

The knight extracted his hand, instead of wishing to crush his own heart; he now lightly caressed his wounded chest.

"Yea…" Kirito replied finally, "…right here forever."

"We're all connected to you, no matter how far apart we may be." The young maiden added.

"Even if we have been parted, even if we shall never meet again," Eugeo said, "Our memories and feeling will stay bonded forever."

"Is it really alright, Eugeo?" Kirito asked as he wept again. "Is it really right for me to start walking again?"

"Of course it is, we've only made so many memories together because you were there with me. Had you not come to me under the Gigas Cedar, I could never have journeyed to Centoria, learned so many precious things and created so many beautiful friendships." Eugeo answered warmly. "Don't blame yourself, Kirito. You've already saved me countless times, and you will save countless more."

"But…Alice…"

"Oh Kirito you clueless idiot!" Alice exclaimed teasingly. "When the Axiom Church took me away that day, you didn't stay still and came after me. For that, I shall be eternally grateful. But you didn't fail me, Kirito. Had they not taken me away, I would never have understood my feelings and how much I loved our time together."

"But I promised, I promised that we would return to Rulid together!"

"Kirito…can't you see? Am I not here with Eugeo right now? The two of us will be with you always. As long as you live, as long as you can go back…your oath will be fulfilled." Alice smiled, "Besides, don't you have other responsibilities?"

Another figure appeared before Kirito. A young woman, covered in golden armor, knelt down and prayed silently with her hands closed. Kirito's breath was taken away, partly due to the anguish she had on her face that wrenched his own heart, but also due to her dazzling beauty.

"Day after day, night after night, she prayed for you." The young Alice resumed, "Even right now, at the deepest part of her heart, she is praying for your protection. She has been fighting all this time because she wished nothing more than to see you safe. She's still mired in battle, but her heart will remain by your side, forever."

"Kirito," Eugeo said, "didn't you say you would surely fight me to save Integrity Knight Alice's soul. Now more than ever, she needs you. She needs you to fight for her."

Eugeo and young Alice then both extended their hands to Kirito, "Now, let's go, together. Until the very end."

Kirito gave the wordless, blonde knight one last glance, before standing up and joining the duo. He led his friends to where Knight Alice was and turned their handshake into an embrace. Glowing ever brighter, Kirito smiled.

Kirito's eyes widened. The darkness had all dispersed. In their stead was a blinding white – the color of the Central Cathedral.

"Now you see. The keys have always been in your grasp."

Quinella said softly as Kirito finally recognized his whereabouts. Lying in the palm of his hand were two keys. A giant one made of freezing ice, and another smaller one crafted beautifully in gold.

Kirito slowly calmed his panting. "Yea…I understand now."

"Eugeo never blamed you for his death, and neither should you." She whispered as she caressed the frozen key. "And Alice, the Zuberg girl and my mighty Integrity Knight, they both loved you." Quinella continued.

"Yea…" Kirito responded. He grabbed those keys as tightly as he could.

"What will you do now?"

Kirito turned towards the former Pontifex, looking at her while his hands fixed their target. The heavy chain binding the handles dropped to the marble floor, thereupon the icy key disappeared, but not without Kirito whispering a "Thank you." first.

"What do you think?"

"Eugeo's chain… the chain you created out of guilt is now unbound." Quinella said, touching the tiny golden key on Kirito's hand as she went on. "But this key is different. This one can heal your broken soul, this key is destined to awaken your soul, but are you sure you feel this way? Are you certain your feelings are the same as hers? This golden key fits only when your soul…"

His soul. His soul found its match when a certain knight declared her will at the Central Cathedral a long time ago. The burning humanity that was her was all he had ever been looking for. It was all that was necessary to make his heart burn. His destiny was discovered that night, and now, he would never turn his back.

"Kirito…please…" A voice echoed.

Whatever more resolve he still needed, that voice had granted it him.

"I know." He said quietly. There was no hesitation. He knew his soul and his feelings. The key fitted just right and the great doors opened with a blinding light shooting in.

"Save her then, Kirito." It was the first time he had heard the Pontifex saying his name properly. And with a smile, she continued. "Save Alice, bring peace to this world like I never did and love like I never could."

Author's notes

The time is come! After thirteen excruciating chapters, Kirito is finally awake. I cannot even find the words to describe how excited I was when I finally finished this part. As you noticed, Kirito's "dream sequence" here is massively different from the original one, so what comes next will only be as different. And yes, the golden key here, like so many other in the earlier chapters, is definitely a reference to the original Alice in Wonderland. Anyway, do tell me how you like the version of Kirito's awakening here.

I have to say, this version of the Kirito's dream was something I had expected/imagined as early as the first time I watched episode 5 of War of Underworld. When Bercouli said "So he'll be back one day, that's what I think, probably the moment when you truly need him." I was one hundred percent certain something like this would happen - that it was Alice, and Kirito's feelings for her that would bring him back - and of course the anime colossally disappointed (like almost always in the case of SAO) Well, it doesn't matter, this one here is my head canon now. Oh, and one last thing, the title of this chapter is Latin, and I'll leave it up to you to think of why I've made it so. (I certainly hope I did not make any grammatical mistake, since I kinda suck in this language) See you next time!

UPDATE 12th July:
Hello, for those that read this, I'm sure you are waiting for an update. So first, let me clarify: No, this story isn't dropped, nor is it on permanent hiatus. I assure you, the next chapter (the 15th) and indeed even the one beyond is one hundred percent being actively worked on right now. Having said that, I am dealing with some personal issues at the moment, and unfortunately, I can't be everywhere at once, so the story will have to suffer a bit of a delay. However, I can also promise that I can get back on by August, so the next chapter will definitely be there by then. Until next time!

Playlist:

"Death Gun"
"Vassago - his revenge"
"a sword of bravery in her heart"
"the final war"
"despaired"
"goodbye, again and again"
"a holy sword in his heart"