Chapter – 8
Shattered fragments – SAO Integral Fragments
I can't remember much of what happened but my friends took the liberty on explaining to me what happened after I lost consciousness. After I passed out, Kirito, Koharu, Asuna and Alice where shocked to see me bleeding out on the concrete floor, Koharu tied a handkerchief on my arm as she wrapped her arms around me and carried me to the teleport stone where she brought me back to the safe zone and laid me in the bed. After that, it was all a matter of waiting for me to wake up, I however, had a different experience. After I lost consciousness, I was in the same dream I always have when I meet Quinella.
You: Mm…?
Quinella: Wake up… wake up!
You: "I let out a loud gasp" wh-wha?! Where?!
Quinella: Shh! You're over stressed.
You: Q-Quinella? What happened?
Quinella: your body has endured almost 93 percent of your fluctlight energy, as a result, your body could not handle the pressure and your mind shut down. That, and you lost quite a bit of blood.
You: I just thought it was the blood that made me pass out.
Quinella: it was. However, you have giving your fluctlight too much power and now it is taking over your body. Rather, your virtual body so to speak.
You: So, is that the reason why my body suddenly became physical?
Quinella: It was a theory at first but I was able to confirm a few things right after your arm got slashed with blood. First of all, I was able to confirm that the blood was indeed not yours. Although it is technically your DNA, it is not one hundred percent yours.
You: Okay, I am not sure I understand.
Quinella: the blood that came out of your body was indeed in fact yours, however it contained blood that was also combined with your secondary body.
You: Wait, you mean the body from Underworld?
Quinella: Exactly. The body you possessed in that world has emerged itself with the digital body of your avatar in SAO.
You: how is that even possible?
Quinella: Well… I do have a theory.
You: Hmm?
Quinella: For as long as I can remember, I have been living in your mind and heart for quite some time and have learned a lot about the nature of human beings. Unlike you however, I have a secondary vision, think of it as… a third eye that allows me see a person aura.
You: Hmm?
Quinella: Every living thing has it, not just humans. Their auras are so beautiful, there are some that are quite unpleasant but... they are all visions of one aspect in nature. Sometimes those auras become too powerful and slowly take over the person's state of thought. Let's say this for example, when you see a person getting beaten up by another individual, you feel a feeling of rage and hate, his aura becomes quite strange and overwhelming, so much so that it takes over his whole body and he starts taking action which only lead to unintended consequences. I have a feeling that the aura surrounding your heart has grown at a rate that emerged with the body you possess in SAO.
You: But that still doesn't make sense… how is it that the fluctlight that is contained within my heart in IRL emerging itself within my character inside a game? How can it possibly come to this world? Through cables?
Quinella: Your right… it is odd. That is why I came to the conclusion that these scenarios did not happen by mere coincidence… someone triggered them, both from outside and from within this world.
You: …the traitor.
Quinella: Indeed. And if that's the case, that means the traitor knows who you are, knows where you are, and knows exactly when to take action.
You: It's scary to think that…
Quinella: For now, all I can wish you is the best of luck. Your fluctlight has awaken. Not by the necessary rate of power but it is slowly taking control, if it does I am not sure if any part of yourself will ever exist.
You: I remember you saying that to me when we first met… now I see what you mean.
Quinella: Remember, if your fluctlight awakens to its true power… they will kill you. Be careful.
You: I… I'll try…
Before I could even say anything else, they sky blurred my vision as bright lights began to blind me out. Next thing I knew, I was lying in bed with a blanket covering me. I wasn't wearing a shirt and my whole arm was bandaged up. It still hurt to move it.
You: Man… I was out of it…
?: Hmm?
A voice was heard from the outside of the door, it sounded familiar. Before I can process the voice, the door bursts open and from it Alice came in.
Alice: (Y-You!) your awake!
You: Y-Yeah… Ow… what happened?
Alice: you were seriously injured by that dragon we faced. Koharu carried you all the way back here. My goodness…
Her voice cracked a little and… I could also see a slight tear form in her right eye.
Alice: You have no idea how worried I was…
You: I-I… don't know what to say right now.
Alice: "Sniff" you needn't worry. I am just glad you are awake.
You: Yeah… it's good to see you again Alice.
Alice: Y-Yes… it is nice to see you again as well. I will inform everyone that you have awakened.
You: You do that.
As Alice left the room, I saw that I was in the small house Koharu and I bought after arriving to the 76th floor. As I also take a look at myself, I can no longer see my HP bar, my cursor was gone too, I can no longer see any icon notifications on the items… everything felt… different. Although, as I slide my fingers in front of me, I saw that I still had access to the main menu, however, my status was all wacked up. I was still level 103, I still had all my skills but my name, HP and items are all in static. Like as if they are infected by a virus, every time I touch them, it just gives a small glitch without responding.
You: Okay… this is odd.
As I continue to monitor myself, the door opens again with all of my friends beginning to enter the room with relieved faces
Koharu: (You!) Your awake!
Koharu runs up to me but hugs me very gently, I guess she knows I am still hurt.
Kirito: You had us worried there, we didn't know what happened to you.
Mito: I guess we can all start by asking the obvious question.
Sanya: Yes, I agree.
Silica: G-Guys, are you sure it's a good idea? He did just woke up.
Sanya: If we don't get down to business who knows what else could happen.
Sinon: I mean, this does prove to be rather worrisome.
Leafa: I've never seen anything like this.
Everyone was looking pretty distressed, I guess I cant blame them.
Koharu: (You)…
Koharu crouchs down and faces me with serious eyes.
Koharu: what is going on? And this time I want real answers.
You: *I sigh* Well… okay. Remember when I told you guys that my parents used me for some kind of experiment in an unknown lab.
Everyone: …
You: Well… my parents installed one last trick. The secondary soul that was living inside a world known as Underworld.
Everyone: Uh!
You: I can't remember anything from that world, but Quinella said that I used to live there and that my parents ejected the light cube containing my fluctlight into my own heart.
Everyone was gazing at me with eyes of shock and mouths wide open.
Agil: To think that such people are capable of such horrid things…
You: That's not all of it. My parents used many tricks to also insert missing data from the facility into some kind of research project for human bodies. I don't know for what reason they would want such research but I do know that it can't be good. As a result, the secondary soul living within my heart is slowly taking over this body I possess in SAO, turning it into an actual living vessel.
Everyone: Uh!
As if there faces weren't shock enough before, they're eyes are now wide open and a look of terror baffles them as they see my arm all bandaged up.
You: This… is proof that my fluctlight is growing with too much power.
Argo: Out of all the crazy info I got over the years, this definitely takes da cake.
Kirito: Okay… is there any other reason why Alice and Eydis are here too?
You: Not sure yet, all I know is that Quinella told me that they'd be coming back. Where is Eydis by the way?
Lisbeth: She is still resting. If you can believe it, Alice and Eydis have both been fighting for days in the Hollow area.
You: Days?!
Alice: its true. I've lost track of time but I believe we have been there for two weeks.
You: Two weeks?! But… two weeks we've…
Kirito: Cleared the 75th floor…
Everyone: …
Klein: This is all crazy man… what in the actual hell is happening?
You: What do you mean?
Klein: There has been some weird things happening all over the place.
Sachi: I-Its true… For some time now my guild mates and I have been seeing glitches and static over items, sometimes landscapes, and feeling very nervous about it.
Mito: I think I had seen it once when we saved Sasha and the kids from those idiot ALA members trying to rob her.
Asuna: Interesting…
Kirito: What is it?
Asuna: Well… I actually saw it too, when we were fighting the Skull Reaper. At one point, the boss seemed to be focused simply on Heathcliff, or Kayaba however, and it was at that point that it began to behave strangely. It started to glitch and tried to make understandable noises.
Klein: Do you think SAO is having a malfunction?
Kirito: If it were, the cardinal system would have recognized the bug and already found a way to fix it. I can't say for sure why it hasn't been fixed yet.
You: Ph-Philia! What happened to Philia?
Kirito: She woke up a few minutes after we left the boss room area. She's alright, so don't worry.
You: Hmm… you said that you were fighting that thing since last night, why would you fight that thing if you knew it was so strong?
Kirito: it wasn't originally the plan, we were merely investigating the area but we heard fighting noises coming from the top and went to see what was up. As we got there, we saw Alice and Eydis fighting off that thing. We had no choice but to help them.
You: Why would you fight that thing Alice?
Alice: I guess... I underestimated the strength of the enemies in this land once again. I thought we could handle it ourselves, but... I was wrong... and I put your life and your other friends' lives in danger... I'm so sorry.
You: Hey, it's okay. What matters here is that you're safe? For now, let's all get some rest, I have a feeling that we all might need it.
Asuna: Right, I'll go and make us some dinner.
Koharu: I'll help.
You: I could also help in any—
Before I could even lift the sheets, Alice pushes me back down.
Alice: Where do you think you're going? You're staying right here until you recover.
You: But I feel a lot better now than I did—
Koharu: No but's mister, you're staying here and will not be going ANYWHERE until we find out what is going on.
You: B-But—
Koharu: Ahem.
Koharu folded her arms and looked at me with those serious eyes once more.
You: Y-Yes ma'am.
Koharu: See, there's my good boy. Mwaa! *she places a kiss on my forehead*
You: Say Koharu, you know that I am NOT a dog and you are not MY mother.
Koharu: Yeah, Yeah whatever. Alice, keep an eye on him and make sure—
Before Koharu can finish, someone else walks through the door as if to break it down.
Strea: Oh yaay! You're awake!
Strea came in with a wide smile along with small tears of joy.
Strea: Oh thank goodness, I've been so worried, Darling!
You: H-Huh?
Everyone: Huh?!
Everyone was surprised to hear those words come out of her mouth, but no one could have been more surprised than me to hear the girl who was squeezing me address me like that.
You: H-Hey, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa! Who's "darling"?!
Strea: *She giggles* Well, I thought if I was going to fight alongside you, I should think of a name that would come out with a couple sensation. Something that would show our unique bond of partnership.
You: Oh, trust me… that name will definitely cause that impression.
Strea: Really?! YAAAY! I'll use it then!
You: Whoa-whoa! I never said that!
Strea: Oh? Do you not like it?
You: That isn't really the problem…
Strea: Mmm… Oh! Since you are more experienced then I am, and I am going to be learning from you… how about "Master"?!
You: Th-that one might bring some bad impressions then what the last one had to offer.
Strea: Okay then… since I will be learning from you, and you will also be raising me like an offspring… how about like a father… how about "Daddy"!
You: If the last one was weird, that one is WAY out of place! You can't just call me as your superior, if anything I would actually like something sweeter.
Strea: Oh Okay, then! Then how about something both sweeter and superior, my "Sugar Daddy!"
You: Okay, that one's my fault…
Later
Strea: Mm… I can't think of a good name to call you…
You: I have an idea…
Strea: What?
You: Just call me by my name!
Strea: Aww, but I want people to recognize you as someone extraordinary.
You: Well I would actually prefer if it stays the way it is. Look, I know I said that you could come with me on my adventures and that you will also learn new techniques as we go but that doesn't mean that I am superior to you. You are someone special Strea, you shouldn't treat yourself lower than all the others around you. If you're going to come with me, then you will come as a partner not a lowlife… got it?
Strea: (You…)
With tears of happiness leaking from her eyes, she hugs me tight and holds my face close to her twins.
Strea: Yes, I understand! I always knew you were kind and that you were caring! That's why from now on, I will call you darling!
You: Wh-What?! Were you listening to me at all…?
Sinon: Wow, she really has no boundaries.
Argo: tell me about it, if we aren't careful, she might sweep (You) away while we're all not looking.
Lisbeth: Agreed. She's dangerous, even for Koharu.
Koharu: I guess we all agree on something…
You: Alright, alright, enough with the accusations. *I get free from her grasp* Well, how is my sister doing?
Koharu: O-Oh yeah! She actually woke up!
You: R-Really?!
Koharu: Yeah! A few hours ago.
You: Oh… man.
Feeling a huge weight being relieved from my shoulders, I lay back on the bed with a smile on my face.
You: Thank goodness… I was really starting to worry about her.
Koharu: We all were, but she still hasn't gone out of bed. I will tell her that you—
?: (You…?)
I can hear a small weak voice coming from the doorway.
You: K-Kota?
I then see my little sister peek through the side of the door as I see her face all shy to see everyone.
You: Kota—Ow!
Before I even get up, the pain in my arm begins to fill me up once more.
Alice: I told you to stay still!
You: S-Sorry, I kind of got hyped for a second there.
Lisbeth: Come on Twilight, aren't you going to see your brother.
Twilight: O-Of course I am! No need to tell me what to do.
She crossed her arms and tried to look away to prove a superior face, but instead she acted more like a child.
You: you're awake… I'm so glad…
Twilight: Mm… "Sniff"
Without having anymore will power to fight back, she burst into tears and come running to my bed. Sobbing uncontrollably.
Twilight: Waaahaaa! Your awake… you're alive… I was so scared…
Hearing her voice, muzzled up in the sheets… tears falling down, voice cracking up… I could tell that she was destroyed in the inside.
You: I'm sorry… I truly am… I should have payed more attention to you.
Twilight: "Sniff" No… I know you were just doing what had to be done, it was my fault for being selfish… I'm sorry I caused you pain again.
You: Hey, I'm your big brother, it's my job to take in all the tantrums you throw at me. I will not be like my own biological sister who just mistreated me and left me to rot in the dark… which is why I promise that I will not leave you again.
Twilight: "Sniff" good… your promise… no take backs.
You: Hehe, not planning on it.
Alice: I'm quite curious. Are you saying that this girl is your sister?
You: Well, step-sister. I was adopted by her family when I was younger.
Alice: A sibling bond that is not shared by mere blood... quite fascinating.
Twilight: *she giggles* what happened while I was out?
You: A lot of things, I'll catch you up on it later, right now we need to figure out what is going on.
Kirito: He's right. How did you guys end up here?
Alice: We don't have any idea as to how. After we parted ways in our last encounter, we arrived back at the entrance of the cathedral, however… there was something odd upon our return.
Kirito: And what was that?
Alice: Well… how should I put this? That other goddess… Lady Lunaria, she began explaining some odd things about the significance about this world and ours and how the Kirito from my world is actually… not related.
Klein: Huh? The heck does that mean?
Alice: At first we didn't think she was talking all that seriously but… Kirito began to have some sort of a mental breakdown… he began screaming in pain while holding his head, I was doing everything I could to hold him down until eventually he passed out. I began to demand an explanation from the goddess but all she responded to me was… that I already knew the truth.
Everyone: …
You: (Hmm…?)
As Alice said those words, it reminded me of something the traitor said when I first encountered her.
Traitor's memory voice: Those people who visited OUR world are not FROM this world.
I am wasn't entirely sure but I had a feeling that it might have something to do with it.
Alice: I honestly have no idea what she's talking about... but after she said that, I've been getting terrible migraines in my head and visions showing me events that seem to have already happened.
Asuna: Did Eydis feel the same way?
Eydis: No, it was just her and Kirito.
You: Eydis!
Eydis slowly walked into the room with a weak smile on her face.
Alice: Are you sure you should be walking around like that?
Eydis: Aww, are you worried about me! Don't worry, I'll be fine. With that nice home cooking meal Asuna gave me, I am back in action.
You: It's good to see you again Eydis.
Eydis: L… Likewise… *she says with a slight blush face*
Twilight: Wait so, who are they?
You: Oh yeah that's right, you haven't met yet. Alice, Eydis, as you may already know, this is my little sister Ko-Twilight. Twilight, this is Alice and Eydis, they are integrity knight from… another world.
Twilight: Oh… pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Alice and Miss Eydis. *she says with a bow*
Alice: Such formalities. Eydis could learn a thing or two from you. And please, just call me Alice.
Eydis: hey, I'm right here you know. It is always a pleasure to meet a cutie like you.
Klein: Well, since that is settled…what the next move?
You: I honestly don't know, with the way things are for me, I am not sure if I can keep showing my face around the Assault team anymore.
Koharu: but that would prove to be rather worrisome, if you don't show up, people will start to get mad and suspicious.
You: But they will be even more suspicious if they see blood coming out of me along with me passing out.
Asuna: This is a troublesome situation.
Lisbeth: Isn't there anyway to turn you back to… you know, digital form.
You: Not that I know of a way, this will certainly slow me down in the Assault team.
Asuna: Well, maybe we could—
Before Asuna finishes, Yui comes in running through the door with a panicked look on her face.
Yui: Mommy, Daddy!
Kirito: Whoa, Yui?
Asuna: What's going on?
Yui: Something is wrong, I can sense the cardinal system uploading mysterious files within the SAO program and is beginning to emerge it within the world itself.
As she says that, the whole house begins to glitch out.
Agil: Wh-Whoa! What's going on?!
Mito: that's exactly what I saw the other day!
Sachi: Me too! No doubt about it!
Not so long after that, more and more glitches begin to accumulate all over the house, along with my friends beginning to glitch with digital numbers and colors waving on their bodies with unteligable noises.
Kirito: Whoa! Wh-Wh-Wh-What is g-g-going o-o-on?!
Lisbeth: I-I-It se-e-e-ems we-e-e ar-r-r-e gl-l-l-itching!
"Thu-Thump!"
You: Augh!
Twilight: (You!) What's going on?!
Alice: Everyone! Try to stay calm, do any of you have any idea what's going on?
Lisbeth: W-W-W-ell, the g-g-glitches d-d-don't k-k-kill us.
Koharu: b-b-b-but it can s-s-still throw us o-o-o-off balance.
You: Wait, if the objects and players around here are full of static and glitches, what about the others in...
Everyone: Uh-oh…
Later in the 76th floor: Arc Sophia
I thought the SAO players experienced the dread of true fear when Akihiko Kayaba revealed to us that we couldn't log out of SAO anymore, but everyone was in a frenzy.
Random player 1: wh-wh-wh-what is g-g-g-going on?!
Random player 2: S-s-s-someone stop th-th-th-this!
Random player 3: Wh-wh-whats hapenin-n-n-ng?!
Yui: It's just as I feared! The effect SAO is facing is due to the cardinal systems lack of attention.
Kirito: B-B-but why is it n-n-not detecting the problem?!
Asuna: I-I-it seems to be c-c-calming down.
All the glitches and statics begin to wear down as the buildings begin to stay in one place and the players begin to calm down as well.
Random player 1: Is it over?
All the players start looking at each other with slightly scared eyes and trembling hands. It was like the aftermath of an earthquake. The guild members began to gather everyone as they walked by on shaky hands and legs.
Koharu: Looks like things calmed down for now.
Klein: what the hell was that anyway?
Yui: It's not over…
Everyone: Huh?
Yui: it was just a simulacrum… the real issue is about to take place…
As she says that… the following happens.
KoB member 1: All right, is that everyone?!
Players: Yeah…
Random player 1: that seems to be all.
HDA member 1: with all the players gathered here, the numbers show that no one died.
Random player 2: But what was that?
Random player 3: was that some sort of event?!
KoB member 2: Everyone remain calm, we are still trying to figure everything out. All of our members are doing the best they can.
Random player 4: Where the second in command? Is she alright?
KoB member 3: We will speak with her in a moment, for now, make sure that everyone is gathered and—
Before he can finish, the world begins shaking as the entire world begins to glitch out with static noises and object misplacements going all over the place.
Players: Aaaaaah!
All the players held each other tight as they all screamed in terror with the whole world shaking and gitching out. All of my friends were either hugging each other or holding each other's hand.
Silica: I-Is this an earthquake?!
Lisbeth: I've never heard of earthquakes taking place in a game!
Leafa: Everyone, hang on to each other!
Silica: Mm! *she holds on to Lisbeth*
Sachi: Igh… *she tugs on Klein sleeve*
Klein: Mm… *he holds her*
Leafa: Get down… *she says as she joins Klein and Sachi*
Asuna: K-Kirito…
Kirito: *he holds her*
Yui: D-Daddy…
Kirito: *he hugs them both*
Argo, Sinon, Sanya, Strea, Kota and Koharu all gathered up with me as I lowered them to the ground and shield them with my arms.
Mito: Mm… *she shields Lisbeth and Silica*
Eydis: Alice.
Alice: Mm… *they both hold each other*
Koharu: (Y-You…)
Twilight: Brother…
Strea: Darling…
The three of them looked at me with eyes filled with fear. It was like seeing two puppy dogs begging for help.
You: H-Hang on… its gonna be okay…
As I say that, I hold every single one of them closer as I begin to move them within the group. From there, Agil uses his entire body to hold all of us together in one place.
The whole world begins to flash out as the light of the sunset begins to shine brighter and brighter until eventually covering the whole area.
All I could hear was a beeping noise. The entire floor was all filled with white light. I couldn't tell if I was alone or squeezed within the group. But I couldn't see or hear much of anything, but after a while, the light began to fade away and I was beginning to see the town of Arc Sophia once again.
You: Igh… *I rub my eyes*
As the light faded away, everyone began to get up and look around. All of my friends began to look around as well as the town seemed to have return back to normal.
Silica: Mm… i-is it over…?
Kirito: Yui, are you picking up on anything?
Yui: I… can't say for sure… but I think the scary part is over.
"Thu-Thump"
You: GHigh?! Augh…!
Feeling so much pain in my chest, I remember falling on my knees while also holding my chest very tight.
Koharu: (Y-You?!) what's wrong?!
My whole body ached, I couldn't even utter a word. I just opened my eyes and gasped for air.
Asuna: What's happening?!
Agil: hey, is he alright?
Alice: (You…)
Eydis: Please don't tell me…
I could hear everyone's voices but all I could think about was the pain in my chest.
Quinella's voice: (You!) its them, they're trying to take you away!
I could hear Quinellas voice ever so slightly, she sounded very distressed as well. My chest was beginning to burn as I dug my fingernails on the ground and began scraping it.
You: Igh… Augh… ghagh….
Twilight: No, you can't leave me! Please, you promise! Stay with me!
I held my chest with my arms as I felt a burning sensation accumulating within my chest.
You: Gagh… igh… GrrraaaaAAAAAAAAAAH!
I couldn't see what was going on, but my friends said that yellow like waves began to leap out of my chest and began to circle around the teleport gate. The yellow waves of energy span and glow like a disco ball and as the yellow like energy began to fly out of my body, the burning sensation faded away and I drop to the ground.
Koharu: (You)!
Argo: His cursor is back!
You: Koharu… I…
Koharu: Relax, it's okay. I'm here.
Koharu hold me on her arms and held me close to her chest.
You: (When was the last time she held me like this…?)
Random player 1: What is that?!
Random player 2: is this all part of an event?!
The yellow energy waves began to meltdown and begin to take the form of a body. Although, the body was really small and yellow lights only moved in a straight line within its body curves.
Weird figure: Everyone… its alright… I am not here to hurt you.
The voice spoke softly, it was hard to tell if it was a male or a female.
Weird figure: I am hear because I need to save someone… this is the only way to secure eveyones safety… rest assured, that there will come a time in where your freedom will come. It will lie within the hands of (You) Takayama.
Everyone: Huh?! "Whispers" "Whispers"
Weird figure: (You)… are you there?
As the figure says my name, I begin making my way towards it.
Koharu: (Y-You), wait…
I couldn't bring myself to ignore it, something about it seemed familiar.
You: Yes… I am here.
Weird figure: Heh… you really don't rmember anything, huh? Don't worry, that is to be expected. Listen to me carefully. I am going to change this world.
You: Huh?
Weird figure: Those people who are trying to take your fluctlight have come so close to stealing it once again. However, I have a plan to weaken the power of your fluctlight, and you may be able to control it this time.
You: How do you intend to do so?
Weird figure: With this.
He then shows me a small glowing item. It reminded me of a small seed. Though, it was glowing and… it had strange figures within it.
You: what is that?
Weird figure: Its called, the world seed.
You: How is that going to help?
Weird figure: Akihiko Kayaba developed this small archive to create a large variety of MMORPG's. An acquaintance of mine is taking care of downloading all its properties and is beginning to modify the program. Be expecting big changes in this world very soon.
You: Wait, what about my fluctlight?
Weird figure: Your Fluctlight energy will be shattered into pieces and will expand on to different locations to secure your safety, however, you will still need to get it back into one if you wish to protect all the players from the others who are trying to take it. We are calling this project, "Missing Fragments".
You: Missing fragments? Wait so, my fluctlight is going to shatter into pieces and scatter into different parts of this world?
Weird figure: Nope… it will scatter into different online worlds.
You: Different online worlds?
Weird figure: Don't worry. I will make sure to tell Quinella everything you will need to know. I must get going. Oh, and before I forget.
The mysterious figure brought its hands together and began crafting in object with the weird energy waves.
Mysterious figure: Your gonna need this. *he tosses me the object*
The object appeared to be some sort of grey cube.
You: what is this?
Mysterious Figure: It's the tool you are going to need to get your fluctlight back. Oh, and a quick clue. The first piece to gather will be here in Sword art online. Gotta go, good luck.
You: W-Wait!
The mysterious figure began to ascend at a slow pace and the energy waves that surrounded it began to move faster and faster. Over time, the waves of energy began to move uncontrollably and then…
"Swoooosh!"
Yellow waves flew into the sky as they also began to spread out and slowly ascended towards the ground. However, the energy ripples began to form into pilasters. Each had the same yellow energy floating on top. There were three pedestals, however one appeared to be inactive as there was no power source attach on it. Each pedestal surrounded the teleportation gate around the central plaza and all the players stood with confused faces and expressions.
Alice: What was that?
Lisbeth: We are just as confused as you are.
Kirito: Whatever it was, it seem to be attached to (You).
Random player 1: Hey, he's the integral factor! Maybe he knows!
As he says that, all the players begin to chatter asking me questions like, what was that? Was that an event you triggered? Could he be an outsider? Would you be able to help us?
You: E-Everyone! Please calm down! I am just as confused as you are… although… I might have an idea as to what is going on. Rest assured, you are not in any danger, my friends and I will take care of everything.
With that being said, I run through the crowd until eventually reaching my group of friends. Although, everyone in the crowd kept shouting questions at me, but I just ignored them.
You: Come on, we gotta go.
All of my friends began to follow me with confused faces but I had to take them away from there, I need to speak to them in private.
Later, The house
As we all got back to the house, everyone began to settle in as they waited for my answers.
You: Okay, everyone is probably wondering what that was all about.
Everyone: …
You: Well… I honestly have no idea myself, but I can say that it had something to do with my fluctlight.
Koharu: I probably shouldn't be mentioning this, but your cursor is back.
You: Hmm?
As I take a look, I see that indeed it was back.
You: Yeah… plus my body feels lighter. I think I am back to normal.
Kirito: But wow, I've never seen anything like that before.
Klein: are you sure you're feeling okay?
Sachi: You were screaming with a lot of pain back there.
You: Yeah… but I feel better now… a lot better actually.
Koharu: (You), are you sure you don't have any idea as to what happened back there?
You: Well… I just know that whatever that figure is, it definitely knew me very well. It even knew about Quinella, that figure seems to have connections to her if it says that it will inform her about this.
Asuna: I am just mostly concern about you, you looked like you were about to die back there.
Alice: You actually had the same reaction back when you were speaking to me in my room. The day we all thought you died.
You: Hmm… I can't say for sure what exactly happened… but I do know that whatever it was, it definitely made me feel better. I can no longer feel pain, the weird dreadful feeling inside me is gone and I have my cursor back. I guess that whatever it was that was making me like this, it finally went away… however… *I grab the cube* if what that weird figure told me is true, and I think it is, I think I am going to haft to search for the missing fragments of my fluctlight if I wish to get to the bottom of this.
Sinon: I remember that strange figure saying something about missing fragments and that it was some kind of operation. What do you think that means?
You: I'm not sure... but I think if I start looking for the missing energy pieces of my fluctlight, I'll be able to find out why my family decided to do it, why it lived inside me, and what purpose it has.
Before I think of anything else, I feel a warm sensation on my hand.
Koharu: that doesn't mean you haft to face it alone.
Klein: Yeah man, whatever you need, you let us know.
Agil: You know we got your back.
Sanya: Hmph, I'll also provide aid, since you can't seem to handle it yourself.
Twilight: If a big brother has problems, its only natural for a little sister to help out.
Silica: Agreed, I will help out on anything.
Asuna: I guess it means that we are all willing to cooperate.
You: So you guys are really willing to help me? You don't even know what you're fighting for.
Koharu: it doesn't matter, were a team, we don't need to know.
Strea: That's right Darling. No matter what hardships you might face, you can always be sure that we will be there for you.
You: Heh… I really don't deserve any of you, you all know that?
Mito: I know that.
Asuna: Mito!
Mito: Just kidding.
Yui: I will help in any way I can, I can also help in battle. Whatever you need, just let me know.
You: I guess this means we will be searching for the missing pieces of my fluctlight. This cube might be the source we need to store it back into one.
Asuna: I was thinking that as well, but where do we even begin searching.
Argo: In my experience, missin' pieces only spread to the area where nearly no one visits and it is also hard to find.
You: The only place like that I can think of up to this point... would be the Hollow area.
Kirito: then that will be our next move. Asuna, think you can handle things back in the guilds, we don't want them getting anymore supicuosu then they already are.
Asuna: I will do what I can. Mito, Leafa, I am going to need you guys with me.
Leafa: Count on us, we'll take care of things here.
Mito: in the meantime, you guys should try to figure things out on that Hollow area. We'll be in touch.
With that, the three of them leave the house leaving us with the decisions.
You: Okay, that strange figure did say that the first missing piece was in SAO. If we're going to get to the bottom of this, I think we better start exploring.
Kirito: the sun is still out. We can go and check right now.
Koharu: I am coming too.
You: If you wish to come, then we need to make a party. Only those are in a party with either me or Kirito can enter.
Agil: I just got a message from one of my employers. I need to sort this out, but if you need me, you know where to find me.
Klein: I am free to go. Just let me know when you're ready.
Strea: Then I guess, I will be coming too.
Twilight: Me three.
Silica: Me four!
Sanya: I will also participate.
You: Alright. So I guess we're all going. Are you all set?
Koharu: We are.
You: Then let's go find the missing Integral Fragments!
Everyone: Yeah!
To be continued…
Epilogue
Koharu: Wait, did you just say "Missing Integral Fragments"?
You: yeah… something wrong?
Koharu: Did you thought of that just now?
You: W-Well, I just thought of giving them a name…
Koharu: Well… you certainly put a whole lot of thought into that.
You: H-Hey, it was a last minute thought, okay.
Strea: I think Darlings names are always fancy.
You: It doesn't help when you put it like that. And would it kill you to just call me (You)?
Strea: Okay… if you don't like Darling… how about honey bunch? Or sweet heart? Or honey? Or Dear? Or—
You: You know what… just stick with Darling…