ALfheim, Ancient Forest, Neutral Territory:
Kirito, Lexar, Rex, and Codex have rescued two players from the Salamanders that were chasing them. The fight was intense, especially with Kirito and Lexar taking them on by themselves. Kirito blocked with his large sword and pushed back hard.
'Hmph.. This is too easy.' He thought. He makes the slash against one of the Salamander players, knocking the sword out of his hand.
"Urk!" The Salamander was sliced in two, and disintegrated in green digitalized fire. Lexar was helping Recon with the spearman.
"Really! Try picking on someone your own size!" Lexar blocked the spear with his sword.
"Screw you!" The big Salamander yelled. He then raised the spear in the air, building up for a strong attack. Realizing this, Lexar slashes at his knees, causing the big Salamander to buckle.
"Now!" Lexar yelled to Recon.
Recon, startled at his demand, but he drives his sword into the big Salamander's chest. Recon screamed as he channeled energy into the short sword.
"Aaaaahhhhh!" The big Salamander screamed as energy surged into his chest. Lexar delivered the final blow with a stab to the head. The big Salamander fell to the ground after his HP bar reached zero.
"How's that for size?" Lexar quipped as the red player turned into a flame. Codex and Rex are taking on five Salamander players.
"Just like old times, right Codex?" Rex asked while blocking two of the Salamander attacks.
"Old times..." Codex muttered with mixed feelings as he jumped back from an attack. Rex ducks and dodged every swing and slash attack.
"Get him!" One of the Salamander players shouted. Another Salamander went for a strike behind Rex...
"Rex! Behind you!" Codex shouted.
Rex then spun his sword...
"Aaaaahhh!" The Salamander's sword was knocked right out of his hands.
Rex then swiftly struck and beheaded the Salamander. "Sorry to be a pain in the neck!"
As the headless player turned into green flame, the rest of the red players became scared.
"So... Who's next?" Kirito smirked. The rest of the Salamander players fled.
"I thought so..." Kirito muttered.
Lexar turned to the Sylph players. "You guys alright?"
"Yeah," Recon was a bit shaken, "I thought we were gonna be goners."
"Good thing that we came along." Lexar smiled.
"We had it handled," the Sylph girl, Leafa replied, "but thanks, I guess."
"I'm sure that you did from where we were standing." Lexar smirked. "And, you're welcome."
"And besides," He continued. "I don't like anyone ganging up on weaker players. Especially with a pretty face."
This caused Leafa's face to lit up and her cheeks turn pink from the Spriggan player's statement.
"P-pretty?"
Lexar nods and smiles. "Yep."
Kirito saw that the short player, Recon, seemed to eye Lexar with a bit of jealousy. Rex and Codex also noticed it as well.
"So... you four are new here," Leafa observed, "and yet, you all have higher than usual stats for rookies."
"Well..." Codex began.
"Oh?" Kirito raised an eyebrow, "you don't even know half of what we can do."
"That's correct." Rex smirked.
"Oh yeah?" Leafa raised an eyebrow. "I didn't see you guys use your wings."
"We're trying to get that trick down." Lexar confessed, rubbing his nap sheepishly.
Then Leafa moved closer to Lexar, sporting a grin. "Well... If you want, I can show you how."
Lexar blushes from the female Sylph player's offer. "S-Sure.. Wouldn't mind to be shown the ropes." He smiled.
"Oh?" Leafa teased, "I thought you were one of those tough rough ones who knew everything?" This causes Lexar to blush even more.
"Well... Not everything..." He chuckled nervously. It was then Leafa approached him, inches away from pressing her body against his. Sporting a innocent, but flirtatious grin on her face. Kirito was a bit taken off guard at how flirty this Leafa was being, while Recon really did look jealous.
It was then Codex stepped in. "Well, we were hoping that we learn how to fly from you."
"Yeah..." Lexar went along as he smiled back. "Think you can help?"
"Sure... in exchange for helping my friend here," Leafa gestured to Recon, "just don't lose your head over the difficulty."
"Sure thing. I'm more than welcome to help others." Lexar smiled in a gentleman manner. Kirito smirked to himself. During their time in SAO, Lexar was willing to help out others. Whenever it's his friends or complete strangers. One time, Lexar helped out Klein and his guild on quests.
'Lexar got to tease me about being in love with Asuna... now I think it's my turn...' Kirito mischievously thought... He then stepped forward to speak. "Same here."
"Me three," Rex added.
"Me... four," Codex allowed himself to laugh.
"Alright then." Leafa chirped.
"Shall we get started?" Lexar smiled.
"Yeah, let's..."
Kirito smirked as Leafa starts showing Lexar and the other Spriggan players the flight controls. They were all struggling and flying into things, while Kirito himself adapted rather quickly as he was flying next to Recon. Both watched Leafa's frustration with his friends' antics.
"Ow!" Codex crashed into another tree.
"Waaahhh!" Rex cartwheeled onto the ground.
"Mmmmppphhh!" Lexar lands face-first.
"Try flying with the remotes for a while!" Leafa facepalmed, "you're gonna hurt yourselves!"
"Hehehe.." Kirito chuckled.
"Where they at?" Rex asked while using the tree to help himself back up.
"My head..." Codex rubbed his forehead.
"Ppphhhhhh..." Lexar spat dirt and grass out of his mouth.
"They're in the avatar settings." Leafa groaned. Lexar, Codex, and Rex checked their settings and they found the joystick-like controller. They pushed the buttons and they equipped the controllers in their left hands.
"Okay, this should be easier." Rex muttered. As he slowly pulls the controller towards him, his wings flapped rapidly and he starts to levitate off from the ground like a bird.
Leafa sighed. "Not everyone can be a pro the first time..."
Rex slowly tilted the controller to the left, he moves to the left. When he moved it to the right, he swings to the right.
"Alright! I'm doing it!" He exclaimed.
Lexar also tried out his controller. He pulled it towards him, he also levitates from the ground. He tiled the controller left and right and he made perfect turns.
"Not bad for a beginner." Lexar quipped.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, Spriggan hotshot," Leafa waved with a whip of her hair, "you'll have to keep up with me first!"
"Sure thing." Lexar replied. Codex also manages to get the hand of the controller's flight. "When do we start?"
"I say we start now," Kirito suggested, "we've got places to be... and some serious leveling up." While the flying was entertaining, he was eager to get going to the World Tree.
"I agree, let's get started." Lexar agreed.
"Alright then." Leafa smiled before she levitated from the ground and took off into the sky. Kirito, and the others followed suit.
Near the Ancient Forest:
Two players arrived outside of the Ancient forest. However, these players are different. The both of them were wearing US Army uniforms on their avatars, with Ranger tabs.
"Mission Command, Helios," Captain Chris Burke called, "this is Captain Burke, Revere, do you copy?"
"Helios to Revere, we read you loud and clear." Helios replied from the other end. "Did you encounter any errors with logging in?"
Chris then opened his stats window and selected an option showing his connection. "Negative, connection is solid."
He then turned to his companion, "Lieutenant Preston, you okay?"
"Affirmative, Captain Burke. Everything ran smoothly." Preston replied. He then called Helios...
"This is Jackhammer to Helios, everything's solid. We're beginning our recon mission."
"Copy Revere and Jackhammer," Helios said, "we're uploading your mission data now."
"Revere and Jackhammer acknowledges. Standing by."
Chris then rubbed his head for a bit. Preston noticed that he seemed to be in a bit of discomfort.
"Something bothering you, sir?" He asks.
Chris grunted... "Sorry, but just a bit of discomfort I have with the VR world..." He then looked down to himself, "and of all the things... why this avatar?"
There was a small pause.
It was then Preston suggested. "Perhaps we should check our gear. Just to make sure that we got everything."
"Right..." Chris shook off his discomfort and opened his window. "Well, they gave us some decent gear and bladed weapons for the game." He scrolled down, "and there's the getup that would allow me to blend in. Interesting that the techies managed to actually code in our guns and actual gear... at least the virtual versions of them."
With a sigh, Chris turned to Preston, "I know that we are supposed to be stealthy, but I can't help but shake the feeling that sooner or later, our target might figure us out despite the cyberwarfare measures for masking our presence. I would not hold it against you if you were forced to abort."
"That won't happen, captain." Preston reassured him. "We're gonna find a way up that world tree. And we're gonna bring him in and free the 300 captive players."
"And besides. These Sylph avatars will disguise us for a time being until we're ready to spring in action."
"Thank you, Jack," Chris said. He then thought as he clicked on the option for his disguise. 'and I've got unfinished business with SAO anyways.'
"Jackhammer, activate camouflage," Chris/Revere ordered.
Preston activates the avatar's camouflage feature and his appearance changed into a fairy with a outfit in various shades of green, pointy ears and blonde hair. Chris did the same, with his blonde hair remaining the same, but his eyes taking on a green-blue hue. He had a militaristic armored green outfit, light sword, and even a helmet on.
"So far, so good." Preston inspects his avatar appearance. Their stat windows then beeped as their mission data came in. Chris and Preston opened their stats windows and observed the mission review.
"Maintain stealth and infiltrate the World Tree..." Chris read.
"And to deploy reinforcements once recon is carried out." Preston finishes.
Preston/Jackhammer then frowned as he looked at the schematics of the game. "Easier said than done," he complained. "That oversized tree trunk has cyber security that would rival Fort Knox, and there's no way we are getting past whatever boss is guarding it without being detected."
"This wouldn't be our first foray into uncharted territory," Chris/Revere said, "our best bet of course would be to determine Nobuyuki's whereabouts, grab him and get him to spill, shut down his experiments, and everyone would be happy."
"I say we start asking the other players about the World Tree and see if there's a way up the tree. They could provide useful information as this game's been out for how long?"
"A little over a year," Revere noted.
"Exactly. I'm sure that anyone has been playing this game long enough would know where everything is and how to get to certain quests." Jackhammer surmises. "We should start find where the players are gathering and start there."
"Alright," Revere sighed. "Where are the players are gathering at?"
Jackhammer opens up the map of Alfheim and zoomed in on the Sylph territory. "According to this map, we're close to a town of Swilvane. Which isn't too far."
"Then that is where we are going," Revere said, "I'll take point."
"Lead the way, cap." Jackhammer replied. They trekked on through the forest. Despite the map saying that Swilvane is close, they have to walk.
The two began walking, then Revere remembered something. "Wait, this is a game of flying fairies..."
"I believe so, sir." Jackhammer replied.
"Then, we should be able to fly our way to the town." Jackhammer thought about it. Revere does have a point. It would be easier if they just flew instead of walking. Also, it'll allow them to blend in with the others as seeing players who aren't using their flight ability would draw suspicion.
"Hopefully the techies thought of that..."
They opened up their avatar menus and found the controllers. Placing them in their left hands.
"Alright, I'll go first and test it." Jackhammer inspects the joystick-like controller. A pair of insect-like wings appeared on his back. He slowly pulls it closer to him, he levitates from the ground. He draws it away and lowers back down.
"Okay, we know that if we want to fly up, we pull it close to us." Jackhammer surmises. "And when we push it away, we descend." He levitates again and swayed the controller left and right, he swings in their respected directions.
"And that allows us to turn left or right." Jackhammer descends to the ground and lands softly. "Now you try it."
Revere takes out the controller. He slowly pulls it towards him and his wings flapped, levitating a few feet from the ground.
'So far, so good.' He thought to himself as he slowly moves the controller to the left, making him turn to the left. He swayed to the right, he turned to the right.
"It's not too bad, right cap?" Jackhammer remarked as Revere landed back on the ground. Chris rolled his eyes. Of course it was easy for Jack as he's the next Iron Man.
"Okay, we know that the controller helps us fly." Revere surmises. He sees the small sphere-like button on top. "I wonder what this does."
"Let's fly up and find out." Jackhammer was already up in the sky. Revere rose into the sky, and pressed the button...
He suddenly accelerated at top speed, passing up Jackhammer.
"Argh!" Revere was taken off guard as he rocketed towards the city. Realizing that he's still holding down the button, he releases it. He slows down quickly.
"Whew!" Revere breathed. Jackhammer flew towards him.
"What happened?" He asked.
"I pressed this button here." Revere showed Jack the sphere-like button. "And it caused my speed to accelerate."
"Hmm... At least we now know what it does." Jackhammer said. "Now that we got the basics of the flight down. Let's head on to Swilvane."
"Agreed," Revere sighed before they turned and headed on towards the town.
Swilvane, Sylph Territory:
Leafa leads Kirito and his company of Spriggans through the Sylph town. After spending hours in ALO, Kirito and the others managed to build up their experience points and skills. Not to mention improving their flight capabilities.
"Not bad for the first day," Leafa remarked. She and Recon were sitting with the four Spriggans in the tavern.
"Yes, indeed." Lexar agreed.
"We managed to gain progress thus far." Rex commented.
"Well don't get too proud of yourselves," Leafa warned. "and I'd watch your backs if I were you."
"Don't worry, Leafa. We'll be fine." Lexar reassured her.
Leafa's face took a serious tone. "No, really. You need to watch your backs out here."
"Spriggans aren't exactly popular," Recon gave Lexar a look.
"How so?" He asked.
"Well, Spriggans are tricksters and bandits in-game so..." Recon nudged to the other players in the tavern, some of whom glowered at them, "you don't exactly have the best reputations."
"Well, I don't know about that." Codex said. "But I think that's just silly."
Kirito, however, takes the Sylph's warning seriously. "Guys, I think they got a point."
One of the other Sylphs jeered... While Rex and Codex looked worried, Kirito and Lexar remained calm.
"Should we be worried that they'll jump us right here?" Codex asked.
"This is a safe zone," Kirito looked unconcerned, "what can they do to us?"
"I don't know." Rex gestures towards the other Sylph players. "But I'm getting a feeling that they'll try to attack us."
"I wouldn't worry too much about that." Kirito reassured Rex. Suddenly, two other Sylph players entered the tavern. Everyone looked up, and saw that they appeared much taller and stronger than most.
Revere took a scan around the room.
"This is the place." Jackhammer whispered while surveying the activity in the town's pub.
"Cheery company," Revere quipped, never being a big fan of such places. He subtly felt his his sword's scabbard, but would sooner have a gun on him.
"Let's find us a table." Jackhammer suggested before he and Revere headed towards the empty table next to Kirito and his company.
"Alright lieutenant, let's get our bearings back here..." Revere whispered, "you and I both know that finding Nobuyuki's whereabouts through this game is a long shot..."
"Right," Jackhammer agreed in a hushed tone. "And we need to find a starting point that'll take us up the giant tree. Flying up there is out of the question."
"True, and a frontal assault through the front gate is definitely going to get us spotted," Revere noted, "and no way we want the rest of the player base or the system to know that we are coming."
"At least we won't have to worry about the system locking us out." Jackhammer smirked. "But still, we should at least find an area where it is lightly guarded. Giving us a chance to make our way up and take him by surprise."
Revere then opened his stat window. "So now we know that there is a time limit to flight in this game," he said, "maybe we could request Command to issue us some climbing gear. It would be longer, but it would be the stealthiest way to reach our targets. Your mountain climbing up to par, soldier?"
Jackhammer smirked. "I'm always up for climbing high obstacles."
"Well this is no amphibious landing," Revere snarked back jestingly, "and I don't recall the jarheads having a 10th Mountain Division."
Jackhammer chuckled. "I took climbing training during my time with the American Rangers. They teach us everything that we need to know for certain missions."
"Well I cross-trained with the 10th Mountain Division before and after the war, Jack," Revere said, "and we have a saying back in Texas that there 'ain't no hill for a stepper'. You better keep up with this stepper, old timer, because that is definitely no hill up in the yonder."
"I managed to keep up with the prototype suit before and during the war. Not to mention the Iron Man suit afterwards." Jack quipped softly. "So, I wouldn't have any problem keeping up with you."
"Well, I got super soldier serum running in these Texas veins, and if I'm not mistaken, the game accounts for that," Revere smirked back, "how's that for young blood, grandpa?"
"We'll see about that once we get started." He grinned. "Until that time, when should we start asking around?"
Kirito and Lexar meanwhile looked over at the two whispering Sylphs.
"What do you think of those two?" Lexar whispered.
"Lexar," Kirito said, "you do hear them, right? They sound like Americans."
"That's because they are," Strea suddenly stood next to Kirito and Lexar.
"Strea is correct, Daddy," Yui suddenly popped up... from Kirito's pocket in a tiny fairy form, "their stats and speech patterns indicate that at least one of them is from a place called 'Texas'."
"Wait..." Kirito was surprised, "Yui, how did you get in there!?"
"While you were leveling up your skills a few hours ago."
"I thought I saw a small light flashing around you Kirito." Lexar pointed out.
"Wait... Daddy?" Leafa was shocked.
"It's kinda a long story." Lexar explained.
"And I'm her little sister," Strea beamed as she held and nuzzled Yui, "you are so cute!"
"Strea!" Yui was embarrassed.
"Sister?" Leafa was shocked again.
Recon looked to the four Spriggans. "What is going on?"
Lexar looked at Kirito. "Think we should tell them?" He whispered.
Kirito just rolled his eyes and said, "Strea is a funny friend, and Yui's my fairy."
Strea giggled. "Of course I'm funny!"
Leafa and Recon looked at each other with weird looks.
"Okay..." Leafa said. Very skeptical.
"Anyways," Leafa then brought things back on topic, "what would two Americans be doing here? I thought the game was Japan-only?"
"I'm not sure." Lexar looked back at the two older Sylph players, who don't seem to take any notice of them. "Perhaps they're trying to spread the game internationally?"
"But didn't you hear some snippets," Rex pointed out, "they probably didn't realize that we can speak English, but I might have heard some military lingo."
"I heard something about the American Rangers." Codex added. "Was he talking about the US Army Rangers, or the other one?"
"Wait," Recon's eyes went wide, "American military?"
"I believe so." Lexar whispered.
"They certainly look and posture themselves like soldiers," Leafa noticed.
"Agreed." Codex glanced towards the two players without drawing attention.
However...
"Cap," Jackhammer warned, "we've got glancers at your three o'clock, my nine."
"I know," Revere said, "how many do you count?"
"I counted seven of them."
"And one... fairy. I guess," Jackhammer added.
"Not favorable odds," Revere whispered back.
"Don't look like any threat to us, sir." Jackhammer pointed out. "They look young."
"Can't be too careful," Revere reminded, thinking of how those assumptions of youth cost soldiers their lives in the past.
Suddenly, another group of Sylphs, also men called out, "hey Spriggans, you know it is rude to stare!"
Everyone turned their attention towards the source of the voice. Leafa grimaced.
"Sigurd."
"The bully," Recon growled.
"Leafa! Recon!" Sigurd called out. "What are you two doing with those Spriggans!?"
Revere tensed up. He knew trouble was brewing. Jackhammer, on the other hand, watch on. Waiting to step in if things get out of control.
Revere touched Jackhammer on the shoulder. "This isn't our fight or mission."
Leafa then stood up. "These players saved us from the Salamanders, Sigurd. There's nothing wrong with that."
"Really?" Sigurd spat. "They'll try to rob you when you're not looking."
"These guys haven't done any of the sort." Leafa shot back. "If they had, we would've been defeated by the Salamanders."
Lexar then rose up with hands raised. "We're not here to start any fights. So, there's no reason for any hostility."
"Who asked you anything?" One of Sigurd's friends menaced Lexar.
Jackhammer's hand reached for his sword, but Revere stopped him. "Jack, we cannot get involved."
"But we can't stand by and allow others to be bullied like that. I have to do something." Jackhammer stated.
"We attract attention, we have problems," Revere reminded.
"But I'm Iron Man, and you are Captain America for Pete's sake," Jackhammer reminded back.
"Lieutenant..." Revere began, but was cutoff by his subordinate.
Lexar sees one of the Sylph players moving towards them.
"Please don't come on like that," Lexar asked.
Meanwhile, Jackhammer was talking back to his own superior. "I have to put a stop to it."
"Jack, wait." Revere tried to stop him, but Jackhammer was already in front of Lexar.
"He said he's not wanting to start any fights." He stated towards Sigurd in a calm, but firm tone. "I don't know what's your deal with them. But they haven't done anything wrong to you or your friends."
"Great," Revere muttered as he stood next to his subordinate, but deep down, he knew he was right.
"Sir, I... we suggest that you back off and nobody gets hurt," Revere said in Japanese.
Sigurd glared at Revere, then at the Spriggans, then back at Jackhammer.
"What's it going to be?" Jackhammer asked. Hours seemed to pass as the standoff between players tensed.
"Fine!" Sigurd growled before turning around and heading back to his group.
"This isn't over, Spriggans!" He called back. "Next time, I won't go easy on you or your friends!"
"I would strongly recommend against that," Revere warned.
He then whispered to Jackhammer, "let's hope they take the warning, because this isn't the first time I'm bailing you out."
"I'm sure that they will." Jackhammer whispered back. "And besides, this game obviously encourages fighting against other players. If push comes to shove, we'll be ready."
He then turned to the Spriggan player. "Don't worry, he won't bother you anymore. "He reassured him.
"T-Thanks." Lexar said as he sat back down.
'I suppose this is as good a time as ever...' Revere thought. He then said, "do you seven happen to know if there are minimally defended points to the World Tree? My friend and I need to get there as soon as possible."
Leafa groans. "More players who wanted to go up the World Tree."
"I just need a yes or no, young lady," Revere said, "no need to get smart."
"Okay." Leafa then explains. "I heard that to get to the World Tree, you have to go to the city of Alne. That's where the front gate is at which leads to the dungeon that leads to the top. Players must defeat the Guardian Knights in order to pass through and complete the Grand Quest. At least, that's what I've heard."
"Is there anyway around the Guardian Knights?" Revere was being very direct.
"I'm afraid not." Leafa answered. "If you want a safe passage through, you got to defeat them."
"I see," Revere mused. He then told Leafa, "thank you for the help young lady. I strongly suggest that you and your friends not hang out around bars and pubs. Too many bad hombres frequent these places." He then patted Jackhammer on the shoulder. "Jackhammer, on me."
"Lead the way, Revere." Jackhammer replied as the two Sylph players leave the pub.
"Well... That was something." Codex commented.
"Definitely soldiers," Lexar remarked.
"But the question that still remains... What are they doing in Alfheim?" Kirito pondered.
"I don't know," Lexar said, "but based on the way they carry themselves and talk, these are definitely not US Forces Japan... they are way too serious and mission-oriented."
"How do you know all this?" Recon wondered.
"Because I came from a military family." Lexar answered.
Leafa did a double take. "Military family?"
Lexar nodded. "That's correct." This turned out to be an interesting day for Leafa.
'An interesting character, this Lexar is.' She thought. 'Perhaps if he and I meet in the real world one day.'
"They're also going for the World Tree," Kirito remarked, "and I have a feeling that it is not for any game rewards."
"Actually, there's this reward." Leafa pointed out.
"Yeah?" Kirito wondered.
"When you get to the top of the World Tree, you'll be reborn as an Alf. Alf's have the ability to fly for an infinite amount of time, in game. A pretty awesome reward." She explains.
"And the first race to get to the top of the tree pretty much exerts dominance over the other factions," Recon added.
Lexar looked to Kirito, who isn't very excited about the Alf reward.
Recon noticed this. "What's wrong? Isn't that an awesome reward for you?"
Kirito stared down at the table. "Not really?"
"What? Then what's up in the World Tree for you then?"
"I think that there's someone at the top of the tree, waiting for me..." His voice trailed off after that statement.
"Really? Who?" Recon asked.
"It's very personal for him." Lexar explains. "It's best not to question further about it."
It was then that Strea asked, "maybe we should follow those two?"
"Probably." Rex surmised. "But, we've been here for hours. And our folks would be worried about us wearing the NerveGear helmets." Kirito and Lexar grunted as they watched the two probable Sylph soldiers disappear into the night.
"So... This Alne city. That's where the World Tree gate is at?" Codex asked. Breaking the silence.
"That's right." Leafa answered. "The gate is located on the other side of the city."
"Okay then." Codex surmises.
"Well, we should get going." Leafa stood up and stretched. As the group stepped out, Lexar looked to Leafa.
"Thanks for showing us how to fly." He smiled. Leafa's cheeks went pink.
"What time are you online tomorrow?" Lexar's cheeks were flushing pink with hers.
Leafa cutely put a finger to her chin. "Well, I get online around 4 pm after school."
"So... I'll se-" Lexar paused. "I mean, we'll see you at four." His cheeks were now blooming a shade of red.
"Same here," Leafa was red too. The two players stood silent, unsure what else to say.
"Good night, Leafa."
"Good night, Lexar." Leafa shyly smiled to Lexar before turning around and leaving with Recon. Lexar smiled as she leaves before turning to Kirito and his friends. Kirito then gave a grin to his BFF.
"I see that you taken a liking to her." Kirito chuckled.
"Well... She is something. Isn't she?" Lexar blushed.
"Yeah," Rex teased, "and she's pretty endowed, don't you think?"
"What is endowed?" Strea asked.
Kirito turned to Strea. "Well... It means.."
Lexar suddenly hushed Kirito with a hand slap to the mouth. He shook his head, 'no'. Kirito forgotten that Strea is the little sister of Yui. Despite looking older, she's actually younger.
"What?" Strea tilted her head cutely.
Codex looked at Kirito, then to Strea.
'Not sure if we should tell her... Or should I...' He thought.
"Let's just say that she is good looking instead," Lexar suddenly said.
"Yeah. That's what endowed means." Codex agreed.
"But... I wouldn't recommend using that in most conversations," Codex quickly added with a pointed glare at Rex. Who recoiled back sheepishly.
"Sorry."
"Anyway... We should get to leaving." Lexar yawned. "Wonder where the Inn's at?"
"Usually, near the tavern." Kirito looked around as they exited the tavern. He spotted one to his right. "There it is."
As they headed toward the Inn, something was bothering Codex about those two Sylph soldiers that stood up for them.
Rex noticed his expression. "Something wrong?"
Well... I'm been thinking about those two supposed Sylph players." Codex said. "There's something that doesn't make sense. If those two are soldiers from the US armed forces, why would they need to power of the Alf?"
"I agree." Rex pointed out. "It's strange to see the American army be interested of going to the World Tree. It only works while in the game, and cannot be used in reality."
"I've been wondering about that too." Lexar added.
With Revere and Jackhammer...
"We didn't get much out of that all," Revere noted.
"At least it's a start." Jackhammer surmised. "Not much, but better than nothing."
"I'd better get in touch with mission command," Revere opened his chat window. He activates the encryption feature so that the system won't snoop on their conversation.
"Helios, this is Revere reporting in. We have no intel on bypassing the World Tree's security so far. Please advise."
"Revere, this is Helios. Are you positive that there's no way of entering the World Tree undetected?"
"Based on intel we received from interacting with other players, no," Revere indicated, "unless there is some way to scale the exterior of the tree itself."
"Are you sure that scaling the tree could be possible, Revere?"
"It's the only way I can think of," Revere answered, "what does tech support say?"
"We're talking to tech support about your suggestion. Please stand by, Revere."
Revere put the chat on mute. "I don't like how this op is going..."
"Suppose if we can't get into the World Tree stealth. We may have to use full frontal assault..." Jackhammer suggested.
"And run the risk of Nobuyuki catching wind and making his escape?" Revere raised an eyebrow, "and who is to say he won't execute the hostages before we get boots on the ground to nab him?"
"Just a suggestion if things go south." Jackhammer countered.
Revere glanced sideways in contemplation. "Okay, so say that we do mount a frontal offensive... we still have many questions to answer."
"Of course.. Jackhammer nodded. "Once we get into the World Tree, one way or another, we'll find Nobuyuki and the 300 hostages. And we'll make him spill the beans on how to release them."
"Not just that," Revere said, "for one, we don't know the full strength of these Guardian Knights or how many there are, let alone if they have infinite respawns."
"I'm pretty sure that these games, once the bosses are defeated, they don't respawn." Jackhammer replied. "That sums up how these Role-Playing games work..."
"I've not even started yet," Revere cut in, "then there is the possible security at the top of the tree. For one. We have yet to determine what is the nature of the security, their functions, the weapons and abilities they may use, and how many troops they might have lying in wait for us. And then there is the power and personnel requirements for our own forces that we have yet to determine."
"Which is why we're bringing in reinforcements, sir." Jackhammer stated. "Once we clear any obstacles, we'll make a bee-line to the top and take them by surprise. Plus, we got tricks up our sleeves so they'll never know what hit them."
"But we can only field so many troops in VR with what we have," Revere argued back, "think lieutenant! Every Ranger we pull into this op also means that Ranger will not be participating in the real world mission, which is our real one, which is to capture the target and shut down his operations at the source. The planning for a successful execution of this VR op will also have to account for how many avatars we may lose on the way up, the health and damage to those who do make it, the number of rounds we'll need to fire, and how many securities NPCs, personnel, and barriers we may encounter and have to kill and destroy for any reasonable measure of success. Then there is the issue of figuring out possible egress options, and with hostages in tow if we can even move them! Will the enemy have failsafe that could jeopardize them and our lives, and what about possible jammers that would trap us inside the system?"
"Can you honestly and with certainty answer any of those questions right now?" Revere was pointed in his tone.
Jackhammer paused for a moment. "Hmmm... A fair point."
"Now you see where we are at this moment," Revere said, "nowhere."
It was then that his chat rang again. Revere tapped on the window to unmute. "Revere here."
"Just finished chatting with the tech support. We will add climbing gear to the Howler's equipment once the outpost is set up."
"Good," Revere said, a bit happy that something was going their way.
"There is a slight problem however..." Helios put the dampener on, "tech support analyzed a possible world barrier at the same approximate altitude as the lowest hanging branches."
Revere resisted the urge to roll his eyes, but he still muttered a sarcastic "terrific" that was heard by Jackhammer. "Well, can't it be disabled somehow?"
"The game have been scanned before the mission, and it seems that there's no way to have it disabled. But rest assure that Anderson will find a way to make the mission successful."
"And how long until he and his team gain security access?" Revere was trying to mask his impatience.
"The exact time to completely break into the Game Master system is unknown and it may take longer."
"Negative," Revere put it down, "let him know that we need this whole security system torn down by the time we reach the target and the mothership enters Tokyo airspace. Get it done."
""Helios copies all. Good luck. Out." The call ended.
Revere huffed as he shook his head. "Why do I have a bad feeling that this op is going to have detours?"
Jackhammer patted his shoulder. "Don't worry about it. Detours or not, we're not giving up. We never gave up before the civil war began. And we're very sure we won't now."
Revere gave him a solemn smile. "What will I do without you?"
Kirito and his friends have settled in their bedrooms. So far, things have gone smoothly, except for the scuffle at the tavern. Codex sighed. Strea looked to Codex and walked up to him.
"Hey Strea." Codex smiled.
"Are you okay?" Strea asked.
"Y-Yeah. I'm fine.." Codex replied. "...I guess..."
"You're lying," Strea teased. Codex, however, had a sad expression on his face.
"Tell me," Strea urged him.
Codex sighs, there's no point of remaining quiet. It's only gonna make her worry. It was time to tell her.
"Strea... Do you remember when we first met?"
"Yes?" Strea said with a head tilt.
"I still remember seeing you for the first time and I couldn't help but think of how beautiful you were back in SAO." He confessed. "And you're still are too."
"Why thank you," Strea smiled cutely.
Codex smiled before adding. "However, I never knew that you were an AI, let alone, Yui's sister."
Strea still kept her smile. "Well... I'm sorry if I haven't mentioned it to you. Have I?"
"You were looking for her all this time, weren't you?" Codex surmised.
Strea nodded her head. "Yes, I was. But couldn't find her." Strea looked down with a slightly sad expression. "When I couldn't locate her, I thought I lost her forever."
Strea snuggled up to Codex, causing him to blush. He remembers how straightforward Strea was when they were together in SAO. Whenever they were out or when they're staying on certain nights.
"And now? I have both my sister and you."
"Yeah... But, don't you think it's a little weird?" He asks her.
"Oh?"
"I mean, you and Yui are Kirito's children and he's one of my friend... It feels weird that I'm dating my friend's daughter." Codex looked at Strea, who seemed to be a bit miffed.
"Codex? Are you saying that you don't want to be with me?" Strea started to tear up.
"No no! I didn't mean that." Codex said suddenly. "It's just that... Everything's been going on a lot lately. Still trying to recover from SAO, being in ALO has made me nervous. I'm on a mission to rescue Asuna, your mother. And finding out that you and Yui are sisters... It's a lot for me to take in all at once.."
Codex held Strea's hand as she sobbed softly. "I do want to be with you... I was just trying to process what has transpired..."
"R-Really?" Strea spoke, followed by sniffles.
"Yes. There's something I didn't tell you when we first met. My anxiety isn't my greatest. I get panic attacks very easily. I still remember the day when we were trapped in SAO. I literally thought I was gonna die. I even remember crying to sleep every night, thinking every day was my last."
Strea was still sobbing, but she looked sympathetic.
"I would never think about leaving you. When you were appeared to be killed, it shattered my heart." He continued. "I don't want to go through that again. I would never forgive myself if something happened between us." As he was saying this, tears formed in his eyes and started to stream down his face.
"Codex..." Strea was now starting to smile again. Codex then pulls her in a gentle hug.
"I'm very sorry if I upset you. I never mean to do that." He sobbed softly into her shoulder.
"Upset?" Strea stroked Codex's face.
"I never attended to hurt you with... out..." Codex pulled away and found himself gazing into Strea's red-violet eyes. He could see a mixture of sadness, relief, and love.
"Strea..." He breathed.
Strea gazed back into his sapphire-blue eyes. The two just hugged silently as Strea moved herself and Codex into the latter's room.
As they sat on the side of the bed, both the Spriggan player and the female AI were lost in each others' presence. Unsure what to do or say. However, the Spriggan felt his exhaustion beginning to settle in.
"So exhausted." Codex sighed as he lay flat on his back, slipping off his boots. He suddenly felt Strea's gentle hands on his chest.
Strea?" Codex asked as he sees her lying next to him. She scoots closer and threw the blanket over them.
"Mmmmmmm... Now we're cozy..." Strea sighed. She moves up and gazes into Codex's eyes lovely and strokes his face. Something inside of Codex swelled up, compelling him to act.
It was then Codex leaned in and planted a soft, sweet kiss to her lips.
"Mmmmm..." Strea hummed as Codex's soft lips touches hers. He parts from the kiss and gazes back into her eyes. A heavy blush is visible on his face.
"Codex... Please do it again..." Strea pleaded. He smiled and kisses her again. This time, it was a soft, passionate kiss. The memories of Strea's soft lips brought pleasant memories for Codex.
"I love you, Strea." Codex whispered as they parted for the second time."
"I love you too, Codex." Strea, now smiling warmly and happy.
It was then Codex yawned and laid his head down on the pillow. "Good night, Strea."
"Good night, Codex." Strea yawned before pecking his lips for the third time. Finally, she fell asleep.
Onboard the USS Wilson:
Chris and Preston woke up after logging off from Alfheim Online. Chris rubbed his face hard. Preston got up and stretched his limbs. Chris however, seemed noticeably out of it. Preston recognized it as some PTSD.
"Something wrong?" Preston asked. The technician and a nearby Colonel America also took notice.
"What's with Captain Burke?" Colonel America whispered to Thomas.
"Not really sure..." Thomas answered.
"I... I'm okay," Chris shook his head as he slid off the dive bed.
"You sure? Did the FullDive experience had any effect on you?"
Chris just ignored Anderson and saluted Colonel Rogers. "Captain America, reporting back, sir."
Colonel Rogers saluted back before asking. "How goes the mission, cap?"
"We've made contact with several locals to gather intel."
"And did you learned anything from the intel?"
"We've learned that in order to get to the top of the World Tree is to enter the city of Alne where we have to pass through the World Tree gates that lead inside the dungeon and to face off the Guardians Knights in order to pass through."
"I tried to ascertain alternative routes and avenues, but was not successful."
It was then Preston spoke. "It appears that we may have to fight the Guardian Knights if we're to get to the top of that giant tree."
Colonel Rogers looked to Anderson. "Please tell me that is not the case, captain. There has to be another way."
"Well..." Thomas began. "... There doesn't seem to be any other way. I've scanned the codes of the ALO game several times and kept finding the barrier that prevents players from flying up to the top. The codes are very complicated, even I can't change them from the outside. The only way for me to alter the game itself is to do it from the inside." He pulls out the image of the ALO map.
"If the 300 players are held up there." Thomas pointed at the giant tree. "My guess is that the Game Master console system's there, too." He looks at Colonel Rogers and the others. "We may have to go in guns blazing if met with the last resort."
"And we run the risk of the target, Nobuyuki escaping," Chris pointed out, "and worse yet the possibility of the hostages being executed."
Thomas glanced at Chris. "Unless you have a better suggestion, we're all open for it. Otherwise, we stick to the plan."
"The only other way I can conceive, doctor," Chris retorted, "is that we get boots on the ground, get a second team to storm RECT Progress, apprehend any and all agents, and shut down the game direct from their central hub. Just because we're Army doesn't mean were dumb, flyboy."
"And if they sense us approaching and ambush us. Then what?" Thomas retorted back.
Colonel Rogers sensed tensions rising between the two CO officers. He had to defuse the situation quickly.
"Alright, that's enough you two!' Rogers ordered.
"Sir," Chris quickly deferred to the older former Captain America.
"I understand that you wanted to free the 300 players. We all do." Rogers reasoned with Chris. "But we must stick to the mission. Even if things go south, we will not abandon those players."
"I... I wasn't saying that sir," Chris said, "I was trying to say that getting Nobuyuki is the key to saving them."
"The captain is right, sir," Preston agreed, "get Nobuyuki, the hostages are freed and the whole scheme falls apart."
"That is the plan." Thomas pointed out. "Which is why it's imperative that we get close to this World Tree gate."
"And then we unleash the hounds..." The young Ranger captain muttered.
"Anything else to report?" Rogers asked.
"Nothing else, sir," Chris answered.
"Good, we should be arriving in Tokyo, Japan by 4 in the afternoon tomorrow. Get some rest captain, you two earned it."
"Yes sir!" Chris and Preston saluted. As the two departed for their quarters, Colonel Rogers looked to Captain Anderson.
"Sir?"
"Did you notice anything about their behavior?"
"I've noted Captain Burke's behavior when he logged off. The captain seemed to show signs of moderate to suppressed PTSD," Anderson told Rogers.
"But that would not make sense," Rogers mused, "he's never said anything to me about a trauma relating to virtual reality."
"Either that or something else." Anderson pondered. For Steve Rogers, the reality of virtual reality continued to be a rocket science, yet something about it bothered Captain Burke.
"Either way, we should be ready to deploy the Howlers to Alfheim. And upgrade if things go south."
"Excellent work," Colonel Rogers smiled, "despite the Captain's earlier retorts, we are glad to have you aboard.
"Thanks, my computer skills tend to get people to underestimate me. But I always prove them wrong." He smiled proudly. "I did help created the new computers, smart phones, and game consoles through Anderson Tech."
"Tony Stark would have been jealous," Steve remarked.
"He would." Thomas chuckled. "Especially when he found out I reverse-engineered and built the Iron Man suit and arc reactor of my own."
"You two still duking it out in court?" The former Captain America raised his eyebrows.
"Not really, since I took part of fighting in the Civil War. Plus, the suits gave us an edge when the government and UN peacekeepers tried to arrest me back in 2018."
"I'm just glad that Stark and the others began to see what the Accords were truly about," Steve reflected, "but sad that it came at the cost of the original Avengers splitting, and Thanos nearly wiping us out."
"Followed by the Second Civil War and the world which we live in now." Thomas added.
"Yeah, true." Rogers agreed.
"Well... Best we get some rest. Got a very big day tomorrow." Thomas yawned before giving Colonel Rogers a crisp salute.
"Agreed, see you tomorrow Anderson." Rogers saluted back. Thomas turned and headed towards the barracks.
ALfheim, Neutral Territory ~ On top of the world tree:
Asuna wistfully looks towards Alfheim below. She woke up in this bird cage two months ago after SAO was cleared. But, instead of heaven, she only saw prison. Asuna reached her hand out for one of the birds that landed across from her. But they flew away the moment she tried to touch them.
Asuna sat back down on her king-sized bed.
'Two months in here.' She thought to herself.
Then she hears the cage's door opened. Asuna refused to look in disgust.
"My dear, Titania..." The voice called to her. "Why so gloomy?"
"Why are you calling me by that name?" Asuna asked, refusing to look.
"My dear, that is your name." The voice approached her. "After all, you are my queen." The voice was sooth, but venomous.
"That is not my name." Asuna retorted. "My name is Asuna and you know it... Sugou.." She finished with venom in her voice. "And you will release me if you know what is good for you."
Sugou, sports long blonde hair, a toga in a venomous shade of green, white tights that covered his legs and his feet covered in gaudily, embroidered boots. He approached her.
"Was that suppose to be a threat?" He asked, with a grin as he knelt down.
"More than you think," Asuna muttered. Sugou started stroking Asuna's cheek.
"My little queen, that's no way to speak to your future husband." He smirked. "After all, your parents went through all this trouble to set up our marriage between you and me."
He took a handful of Asuna's hair and sniffed it. Asuna winced in disgust.
"Especially your mother." He added. Asuna clenched her teeth in sadness and anger.
"It's very sad that she stopped visiting you after the first few months. When the death toll of the SAO players climbed." He continued, his long fingers touched her shoulder. "It's no wonder why she hand-picked me in the first place. She's given up on you and decided to hand you over to me... Once I promised that I help with the players trapped that is..."
Sugou's eyes darted at her dress top. He reached for the red ribbon that held it together.
Asuna's eyes flashed with anger and with a swift hand, slapped his hand away. "Don't."
Sugou was taken by Asuna's sudden assertion. He quickly recovered with a grin. "My my, playing hard to get, huh?" He stood back up. "Very well then. When SAO was cleared, I managed to snatch up the 300 players that were being logged out. It was very easy, especially after I tapped into the cardinal system that made the game after RECT took over Argus. I did admire Kayaba's goal to rule SAO. But he never saw the bigger picture for the use of VR technology... Which is why I've taken the chance to experiment on the 300 players with the alterations of the human memories, emotions, and senses."
Asuna eyed Sugou...
"You what?... 300 players? You can alter them?"
"That's right dear." He turned to face the view of Alfheim before he continued. "And before you get sentimental on me about being inhumane about it. A lot of people would be interested in my research... But I'm loyal to one faction that will make it useful... Hydra..."
Asuna's eyes widened in shock. 'Hydra?' She thought, recalling how this fascist terrorist group was a part of Nazi Germany in WWII before splitting off, and their resurgence in America in 2014.
"Impossible... Hydra died after Project Insight failed back in 2014." Asuna retorted.
"Oh no, my dear," Sugou said, "you know that if you cut off one head, two more take its place."
"Do... do Mother and Father know this?"
"Oh no, they don't even realize that I'm using their company to conduct my little experiment. Which is why they'll never find out about it."
"After all," Sugou grinned, "I would not have gotten where I am if my family and I were not the leaders of the new Hydra in Japan."
"Y-Your family were with... Hydra?" Asuna asked.
"We helped found Hydra here, since our alliance with Baron Von Strucker from the last world war," Sugou boasted, "and imagine how much stronger we are since then!"
He grinned before he continued. "And we even took revenge on the very country that thwarted us all those years ago, and how mightily they have fallen, a shadow of their former strength and force they are now."
Asuna was both intrigued and horrified. She learned about how the Sokovia Accords had split the Avengers back in 2016, and how it started the Second Civil War in America two years later.
"The Sokovia Records, the Second American Civil War and the worldwide chaos... that was all Hydra?"
"Correct, my dear. All of which orchestrated to cause chaos amongst themselves! And it worked!" He laughed. "And look at the American government and its military... all smaller, paler shadows of their former size and glory, all because we made them too busy fighting themselves!"
Asuna couldn't believe what she was hearing. The thought of this madman experimenting on the 300 players was one thing. But Sugou being part of Hydra that crippled the world in the past decade was another.
'I'm engaged to the leader of Hydra...'
It was then, a small ringing sounded off. It was coming from Sugou's bracelet.
Sugou seemed annoyed that his monologue was interrupted. He tapped the bracelet.
"What is it? I'm busy." Sugou demanded.
The speaker echoed to life.
"Sir, everything's going as planned. The subjects are making progress..."
"Then why did you bothered me?"
The voice on the other end hesitated. "We've picked up two new players that entered the ALO game not too long ago... However, the codes of the players appeared to be corrupted. We're not sure that if it's our equipment. But we're running diagnosis right now."
"You know that I don't like unknowns," Sugou barked back. Asuna was a bit amused by his sudden break in his egoistic composure.
"Make sure that you take care of whatever it is." He ordered before turning off the bracelet.
"Let me guess... not everything is as you had planned," Asuna surmised.
Sugou was annoyed by Asuna's response. But he sighed before continuing. "Just some hiccups in the system. Nothing that interests you."
"Well..." Asuna's mind went into tactical overdrive, "it just might interest me..."
Sugou raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
"Hydra's cooked up all of this since their fall in 2014. The Accords, the Civil War, and the world which we live in... I must confess it does sound impressive..."
"Oh?" The Japanese Hydra leader was confused and amused at Asuna's sudden change.
"It took me a moment to process it all... After all, like you said. Cut off one head, two more shall take its place.."
"Right..." Sugou said with a smile. He considered of altering her memories once his experiment is complete if she threaten to go to the police. Perhaps she's changed her mind?
Asuna then gave a smirk.
"Very well then..." Sugou added.
"What would my place in your new order be?" Asuna asked, with a hint of curiosity.
Sugou smiled. "If things go according to plan... I can make you my queen in the real world..."
"And in exchange..." Asuna proposed...
"Hmmmm..." Sugou tapped his finger against his chin. "Perhaps I can leave your memories unaltered."
"Why would you have to at that point?" Asuna was internally screaming at herself, but put on a brave front.
Sugou grinned. "It's just that perhaps you've decided to accept your fate to the marriage, and to be by my side once Hydra rules the world." He moves closer. "...And to be my queen..."
Asuna smirked, and Sugou smirked back.
"Hail Hydra," he whispered.
"Hail Hydra..." Asuna replied. Internally she felt disgusted. But she managed to push through.
Sugou then stepped back with a victorious grin. "Very well, my new queen and accomplice," he said, "then I think it is time to give you something a bit more suitable for your new role in Hydra."
Sugou opened his window, "beautiful as you are, I think you could use a more fitting outfit for your eventual service."
"Oh?" Asuna acted surprised for Sugou's gift. It was then the revealing dress she wore changed into a different outfit. The new outfit began to hug her body with a sense of weight and power. She turned to the full body mirror to see her new outfit. Although some parts of her body was revealing like her shoulders and stomach. But she sports a black top with a matching black pants and boots. She had a matching black cape/robe, and there were dark metal tips to the cape, the toes of her boots, and even gauntlets running the length of her elbow length gloves. The cape was pinned together with a necklace collar with the emblem of Hydra. Asuna then felt a weight on her belt, and looked down to see a knife with the Hydra emblem on its hilt.
"How do you like your new outfit, Asuna?" Sugou asked.
Asuna shivered at the dark theme of the outfit... But she turned and smiled. "I love it.."
"Welcome to Hydra, Mistress Titania," Sugou/Oberon said.
"Thank you, King Oberon." Asuna replied.
"You and I will lead the new Hydra into ever greater heights," Oberon boasted, "rest now. We have much more work to do together."
"And once again, Hail Hydra," Oberon said.
"Hail Hydra." Asuna stiffen the smile. Oberon left the cage, but this time left it open in confidence that Asuna was now loyal. Asuna waited for a few minutes to make sure that Sugou's out of sight and ear shot. After she was sure she is alone, she sat down on the edge of the bed. Gasping softly as if she was held underwater for so long. She allowed herself to shed some tears, praying that she was not making a mistake, pretending to swear allegiance to an organization hellbent on world domination.
'Forgive me, Kirito...' she thought quietly, 'and please help me quickly.'
She quickly wiped her tears away, and rose up. She turned to the view again and placed her hand on one of the bars. Hoping that Kirito would hear her.
Kirigaya Residence:
Kazuto lied down on his bed, he had eaten dinner and washed up after he logged off. He didn't fall asleep right away as his mind continues to race. So far, he made great progress in ALO along with his SAO friends. He even reunited with Yui. But, he shouldn't celebrate just yet as Asuna is held up in the World Tree.
"Asuna..." He breathed.
He takes out the printed screenshot of Asuna and gazes sadly at the image of the love of his life being trapped in the bird cage. Her sad expression only gave him heartache. He raised his hand up for the picture as if she is with him. His two fingers made contact with the picture and stroked her cheek.
"So close... yet, so far away..." Kazuto muttered. The memories of their times together in SAO ran through his mind from the first time they've met to buying the log house on Floor 22.
"...Asuna..." He held the picture close to his chest tenderly. Tears formed in his eyes and leaked down his face. Oh, how he missed her so much. His heart ached for how much he wanted her to be with him right now, to be in his embrace, and to tell her that he loves her and how much she means the whole universe to him.
"I know that you miss mommy so much, daddy." Kazuto heard Yui's voice. He still remembers the conversation with the little AI. "But I believe you'll save her. We believe that you'll save mommy. And once you do, we'll be together again."
Kazuto then wiped the tears away. They're right, as always. There's no point in crying about it. His friends believe in him, Yui believes in him. Even his sister, Suguha, believes in him too. He sits up on his knees and sets the photo aside. He turned towards the window and looks on towards the night-time sky. The lights of the city shined beautifully through the night, but all of it was oblivious to him. He placed his hand on the glass as he focuses towards the sky.
"Don't worry Asuna, I'm coming to save you." Kazuto vowed. "And this time, I'm not alone."
At that moment, the image of a girl appeared before him. She sports long, beautiful hazelnut hair with matching eyes. For a moment, he thought he saw Asuna staring back at him. But, it could be the figment of his imagination. Whatever the case, he placed his hand over the section of the window where her hand is at.
"Asuna..." Kazuto breathed, his tone was desperate, but hopeful. He will never give up on her, and neither will his friends. They will find her and rescue her... Whatever it takes...