Chapter – 14
Crossing – SAO Integral Fragments
Previously on SAO Integral fragments
As the next day arrived, everyone in our group followed me to the center of the teleport gate, where the other teleport gates where waiting.
Kirito: So, what do we do here?
You: I think we need to insert the cube into that space we saw when we first inspect it.
Sanya: which one will you chose?
You: I guess I'll chose the west one.
We all then headed to the west side gate, where the dancing fairy was in craved in it.
You: Okay… let's see what happens… *I insert the cube in the space*
As I insert the cube, light energy begins to power up the gate. The gate glows with yellow stripes and from there, a yellow portal is activated.
You: Whoa…
Sinon: Guess that did the trick.
Argo: So what now?
Asuna: How do we even know if—?
"swooosh…"
Asuna: Huh?
"vroooo-vrooOOOOOOO!"
Asuna: AAAAAAAAAH!
The portal begins to act like a black hole as it sucks in air and objects.
Asuna: AAAAH!
Kirito: Asuna!
Asuna: Kirito!
Asuna and Kirito both reach out to each other but the portal was too strong and Asuna is sucked inside the portal.
Asuna: AAAA- *she gets sucked in*
Everyone: Asuna!
Yui: Mommy!
Kirito: ASUNAAAAAAAA!
Now on SAO Integral Fragments
Kirito: ASUNAAAA! *he attempts to run to the portal*
You: Kirito no! *I hold him back* we have no idea where it leads to, we can't go in without a plan!
Kirito: it doesn't matter! She needs me!
You: I understand! I would be doing the same thing if it were Koharu! But jumping into the portal is not going to solve anything!
Kirito: Igh… *he calms down* …what do we do?
You: Well…
Players: "Whispers" "Whispers"
The players weren't idiots, they knew that Asuna was sucked in through the portal, there was no point in lying to them, so the only way to settle things down was to tell them the truth… with a few lies.
You: U-Um… ahem, everyone!
Players: …
You: The second in command of the KoB, has been forcefully transported to an unknown land, my friends and I are gonna go look for her and a few of them will stay here to help you guys climb up the remaining floors. Now, we have no idea where this portal leads to so I would please like to ask that you do not enter it until we know its safe!
Random player 1: how do you know the second in command is safe?!
Random player 2: Yeah, she could be trapped or worse!
You: Don't worry, I know her. Nothing gets to the second in command. My friends and I will search what's inside the portal and come back with the second in command, for now, Mito will be in charge!
Mito: Say what?
You: You all can continue with what you were doing, we will take care of everything!
The players seemed to have calm down a bit but I don't think I managed to un-catch they're curiosity about the portal.
Twilight: Are you sure that was a good idea?
You: Its better than not telling them anything, they all saw what happened, it was only a matter of time before they'd began to spread rumors.
Sanya: I think they may have already start it.
You: Well, regardless… *I face the portal* we need to save her.
Koharu: …I'm coming with you.
Kirito: As am I.
Sanya: Bozhe moy (My goodness)… I guess I shall also accompany you.
Leafa: I'm coming as well.
You: But Leafa, Mito might need help and—
Leafa: Look, I can't explain it, but I have the feeling that you're going to need my help. Something about that fairy seems familiar and I can't prove it, but it might be from the game I came from.
You: Hmm… alright then. The rest of you, you will need to stay here and help the rest of the assault team.
Silica: but I want to come too.
You: I understand but if I bring too many of you, the odds will be shortened, plus it could also get the players suspicious. I promise, we will come back with Asuna, alive.
Sinon: Well… you better keep your promise, otherwise, I will never forgive you.
You: Noted. As for you guys… *I face the team coming with me* are you sure your up for it, it could be dangerous.
Koharu: I told you, I am pretty much used to danger being by my side. I am your partner and she is my best friend… there is no way I am leaving her.
Kirito: She is my wife as well, she needs me.
Yui: Wait daddy!
Kirito: Yui?
Yui: I am coming as well.
Kirito: Yui, I—
Yui: She's my mommy… there is no way I am leaving her.
Kirito: *he sighs* and you're as stubborn as she is… heh, isn't that funny… *he smiles* alright then. But promise me you will do as I say.
Yui: I promise.
Twilight: I am coming as well.
You: Ko-ahem, Twilight… are you sure about this?
Twilight: Asuna… she helped me with so much, what kind of friend would I be if I wasn't there for her. Besides, I haft to keep an eye on you and Koharu.
Koharu: Aww, you care about us?
Twilight: I only care about my brother, I just don't want you two to do something I wouldn't do.
Koharu: *she blushes* wh-what do you-?
You: Ahem, in any case. We cannot waste time. If were gonna do this… we need to do so now.
Mito: *she sighs* Good grief… how did I end up with this…? Just… promise me you'll save her… I couldn't live with myself if something were to happen to her.
You: don't worry, we'll save her.
Lisbeth: Just promise us that you will come back safely.
Sinon: And make sure you don't end up causing a big scene, we don't want people to get too suspicious of us.
Argo: Not to mention all the juicy Intel that could be held in there. Make sure to bring back da whole scoop! But most importantly…
Sinon, Lisbeth and Argo: Make sure you don't go flirting with other girls. Deal?
All the girls stared at me with creepy smiles that utterly made me feel uncomfortable.
You: Why do I feel like I am making a deal with the devil…?
Kirito, Koharu, Leafa, Sanya, Twilight, Yui and I began to head for the portal when an unexpected visitor came.
?: (YOUUU!)
You: huh—? MMMFFF!
Something round and squishy blocks my face and view.
You: H-Hey Shtrea… nishe to she you…
Strea: I couldn't help but eavesdrop on your conversation and if you're going to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar enemies, then I am coming with you.
You: Strea, I—
Strea: *she holds her hands together* pleaaase…
Strea stared at me with weird puppy dog eyes, it was like a child begging it's parents to buy him its favorite toy or candy.
You: *I sigh* good grief… fine then, but promise me you won't go hugging everyone you see…
Strea: *she holds her hand up high* 'Kaaaay!
Strea seemed happy to go, so I didn't argue, besides, I've never seen her this happy, it made me actually want to spoil her more. Heh, I am speaking like as if she were my daughter, but like that'll ever happen.
You: okay everyone, we'll be back before you know it.
Klein: Be safe you guys!
Lisbeth: We'll be here waiting for you guys!
Sinon: Be safe out there!
Leafa: Come on you guys.
Sanya: Are you all even sure about this? How do we know this might not kill us?
You: Well… only one way to find out, right?
Sanya: Bozhe moy… (My goodness) you always try to be the hero, don't you…? *she smiles* but to be fair, I'd also feel pretty ashamed if the so called Integral factor was a scared weakling who turns tail and flees from danger, that's pathetic.
You: Well, at least I got a compliment from you.
Sanya: Hmph, don't expect it ever so often.
Kirito: Come on, we don't have more time to waste.
Leafa: Come on… let's go save Asuna. *she enters the portal*
Kirito: Yui, stay close to me.
Yui: Yes daddy. *they both enter the portal*
Sanya: Well, see you guys on the other side. *she enter the portal*
You: Guess it's just us remaining.
Twilight: *she holds my hand* let's go together.
Koharu: *She grabs my other hand* Yes, lets.
Twilight: When I said "Let's", I meant just us. *she says annoyed*
You: Alright, alright you two. Let's just go.
Twilight and Koharu: Right.
The three of us still holding hands, we enter the portal and then my vision goes black. Within a few minutes, I found myself standing alone in a dark room, my hands feeling empty.
You: Huh…? Girls?
As I begin examining the room, a notification pops in front of me.
Welcome to Alfheim online
You: Alfheim… online?
Announcer: Welcome player, to Alfheim online. Please input your nickname and gender you wish to be known as.
A keyboard and selector was placed in front of me, it was like starting SAO all over. It had me wondering though, if this was what I was seeing, is this what the others are seeing as well? It looked like I was in the beginning point of SAO, only in a different game. It seemed to have the same functions as SAO but who would have such access to such technology?
You: Hmm… guess I must go through this first before I try anything…
Going the old fashioned way, I input my nickname and add my male gender role. Authors note: remember that I am merely using a nickname that goes by (You) to signify the place of your personalized nickname, you can even view it as your gamer nickname if you don't like the plot of using your own name in game.
You: *I press enter*
As I press enter, a list of different fairy's appear in front of me.
Announcer: There are nine races of fairies to choose from. Please select which race you wish to play as.
As I scroll, I see that the races come in different colors, like red, purple, orange, green, it like goes depending on the type of race.
You: Hmm… since my clothes were originally green… I think I would prefer something that goes similarly…
I then scroll down and find the sylph race, a fairy with green attire.
Announcer: you have selected Sylph. Your characters appearance will be decided at random. Do you wish to continue?
You: *I press accept*
Announcer: you will now be teleported to your homeland, the sylph territory. Good luck player.
You: Well… here we go again… *I get teleported away*
As the room begins to shine brightly, I then feel a breeze running through my whole body. My body itself also began to change, my clothes, my face, I could feel everything changing.
You: Uh…?
As my vision cleared, I was able to see a whole new world…a world with the night sky and beautiful light shining everywhere. Four huge buildings surrounding a large tower at its center with lots of similar fairies flying everywhere.
You: So… is this the game where Leafa came from? Alfheim online…
"Jingle"
You: Hmm?
My front pocket was making a jingle noise, as I take a look, I see that the cube was reacting strangely, it was glowing bright yellow.
You: what is…?
"Jingle!"
You: Huh?
The cube gave a bright flash and not too long after that…
"SWOOOSH!"
The cube lets out a massive blast that seemed to spread out through the whole world, the flash lasted for only mere seconds and after that, the area from where I was falling seemed to be glitching out.
You: H-Huh?!
"B-Beep-Swwrll-Grrreech"
Popping sounds and electrical buzzing began to ring through the area I was falling from, I also seemed to be stuck in place.
You: What…?
The center from where I was landing seemed to open up as a black hole, mere seconds later, I begin falling once again, only this time, I was falling into the hole.
You: Wh-what is going on?!
As I was sucked inside, the area around me begins to change and I find myself falling down in a forest area.
You: WHOOOAAAAAA-DAUGGHH!
As I land, I fell on my face and then I fall down laying upwards.
You: Augh… good thing I can't feel pain…
As I look up, I can see the full night sky with beautiful stars and a full glowing moon. The sounds of crickets and cicadas were heard all over the place, the sound of water flowing and tree branches moving were also hearable, it was like being back on the third floor in Aincrad.
You: So… I guess I'm in a different game now… only question now is… *I get up* where am I? *I attempt to open the main menu*
As I scroll down with my two fingers, I see that nothing happens, which made me a bit confused but then I tried with my left hand and the main menu was shown.
You: Oh, so its left handed… let's see… hmm, I wonder.
I check out the settings and unsurprisingly, the log out button was still unavailable.
You: *I sigh* darn… guess I still can't log out. Oh well, let's check out the status window.
As I check out the status window, I discover something incredible.
You: Wait what…?! It's all my skills and stats of SAO! Could it be… that I never left SAO? Hmm… but then, why did my appearance changed?
As I look at myself, I see that my hair has turned light green, my adventurer jacket has now turned into a light green coat with loose brown pants. I also felt my face, I could feel my ears all pointy, there was no doubt about it, I wasn't the (You) from Sword Art Online anymore.
You: my appearance have changed, so at least that confirms it. Is this some sort of bug? *I open my inventory*
As I open my inventory, I see that the items I was carrying were all set with question marks, like as if the system did not recognize them.
You: Hmm… all my items seem to be either missing… or have been deleted… *I scroll down*
Taking a look to see if there were any items that were still alive, I came across an interesting item that seemed to be working.
You: Hmm? What…?! Esper! *I click on Esper*
As I click on the Esper icon, my palm begins to glow brightly and the sword I carried from SAO was now laying on my hands.
You: My god… my sword is still alive… *I test swing it*
As I swung my sword, it gave a bright flash with a strong wind, letting me believe that it still had all of its strength and stats.
You: out of all things, why are you still alive?
Esper: "Jingle"
You: Hmm?
My sword begins imitating a small light that begins to grow larger and larger.
You: Wh-whoa! What is going on?!
The light shined brighter and brighter until eventually it were down a bit. As it did, I saw the silhouette of a person floating in midair, it was Yui.
You: Huh? Yui?
Yui: Mm… *she opens her eyes*
You: Y-Yui… it's me, do you remember me?
Yui: Uh… Yes, I remember you Uncle.
You: *I smile at her* thank goodness.
Yui then floats down and wraps me in her arms, I return the embrace as we both stand together hugging each other.
You: What happened? I thought you were with Kirito.
Yui: I do not know what happened. Once we both entered the portal, I was shut off from any contact with the world. It was like I was set off.
You: Hmm… do you know what is going on?
Yui: No, I don't.
You: Well, were in a different game now. It's called Alfheim online.
Yui: Mm… *she holds her head* it might take some time for me to process this but I think I got a bit of an idea of what is going on.
You: Oh yeah?
Yui: Yeah, from what I can tell, this world has been copied from the sword art online servers.
You: Really?
Yui: Yes. The engine, program and graphic format are exactly the same. The cardinal system needs updating but that is the only thing that stick out to me.
You: Hmm… but who would have access to such technology. As far as I know, Argus was the one company running SAO. Due to the massive impact of SAO, it would be logical that Argus would go out of business but even if they had to be taken over, what other company took over Argus's technology? And why would they do it knowing how much of a negative impact SAO gave to full dives?
Yui: I honestly have no idea.
You: Also, I noticed that I had all of my stats and levels from SAO.
Yui: strange, I'll take a look at your data and see what I can find… *she closes her eyes* very strange… your right, this is the same character data you used when you were back in SAO. The formatting from saved data is almost identical. Whatever skills you had that were both similar in SAO, were ported over and marched.
You: Hmm… so whatever skills I possessed back in SAO were either lost or marched within the game. Won't know until we test them I guess.
Yui: not only that but your items seem to be missing as well. Normally in this case it would be wise to delete them due to the error detection program finding out about it but I have some good news.
You: Oh?
Yui: since SAO is still running, I can transfer all of your items back to SAO in a safe storage.
You: you can?
Yui: Yes. Since SAO's server is still running, I can still reach it. You did acquire a secondary safe storage back in SAO, right?
You: Yeah. All of my either old items or reserved emergency items are held within a chest at my house.
Yui: Perfect. I will make a connection with the SAO server, your data and your items so that I can transfer them. That way, you won't lose them.
You: whoa… having you around is extremely useful.
Yui: Ehehe, you flatter me.
As I take a look at my item storage, I see that all of my items disappear and my item storage is now empty.
You: So all of my saved items have been transferred to SAO's server?
Yui: Yes. Though it was not easy since we are in a different game.
You: okay, now what am I going to do about my skill level?
Yui: No one else can see them other than the GM, so as long as he doesn't know you should be fine.
You: I don't know if that makes me feel secure or in danger. Plus I am no longer a beta tester so, I am a 100 percent cheater now but I guess this can add a massive boost for my time here. Oh yeah, how is it that my sword is here and you spawn here instead with Kirito?
Yui: Don't you remember uncle? The sword was already a lost item in SAO, since this world also works on the same system as in SAO, it is identifying itself as it did in SAO and my heart is kept in your sword program, that's why I spawned here with you.
You: So, my sword is still basically a lost item and it is only identifying itself as an uncommon sword. It still has all of its stats and level though.
Yui: that's because it doesn't work like a normal programmed sword, all its stats and levels are fixed on it and the cardinal system can only read it as shown, that's why it can be wielded and can't be lost or removed.
You: Wow, I guess I should thank Kayaba for not disposing of it.
Yui: Kayaba did not think anyone would find the sword and even if they did, they would have gotten rid of it or tried to sell it due to its poor state, but you took it in and repair it, thus causing a run back on its program and bringing it back as a lost object.
You: Guess I should also thank Argo for giving me that advice. Well, I guess you and I still have some more time together, ey?
Esper: "Jingle" *I sheath esper*
You: Okay, so this game is also identifying my sword as a lost object, how is it identifying you?
Yui: Lets see… its classifying me as a player support program, in the world of the game, I am a navigation pixie. *she begins shining brightly*
You: Whoa, hey what are you—? Aagh!
The bright light blinded me as Yui began to change form. She turned small, like very small, about the size of a palm, 10 centimeters to be precise. She was also wearing a light-pink tube top dress with detached sleeves, pink anklets, and a blue flower in her hair. Her dressed kind of reminded me of her battle dress in her teenage form back in SAO. I would go as far to say, she looked cool and very cute.
Yui: this is what I look like as a pixie. *she says I a very high pitch tone*
Yui's voice also seemed to change as it was more high pitch.
You: Whoa! That is so cool… *I poke her cheeks*
Yui: U-Uncle no stop, that's annoying.
You: You had admin privileges back in SAO, do you still have them?
Yui: No, and unfortunately I am not classified as a weapon either, so I won't be of any good in the battle field, the system is only allowing me to access the wide area maps as well as the reference data base.
You: Well, it's good to at least have some navigation. Oh yeah, I was supposed to start the game in a sylph territory, so how come I ended up here?
Yui: I don't know, your location data may be corrupted or perhaps there was some interference…
You: Well… *I grab the cube* this thing did just react when I entered… *I take a look at the world* I wonder if this game also changed…
Yui: Mm…
You: Hmm… wait, now that I think about it, what about the others? They don't have any navigation, they might be lost, stuck and or confused. Plus the same weird glitch could have happened to them, I think we better find them before we do anything else.
Yui: I agree.
You: Well, let's go.
As I stand up, my back begins to shine brightly and green wings spawn.
You: Whoa… are these my wings? How do I use them?
Yui: you haft to access your controller first. Raise your left hand, then position your fingers like your grabbing something.
You: Hmm… *I do as Yui Says*
I felt something in my hand and I could see the controller. It kind of reminded me of the secondary controller from the WII console.
Yui: Pull it towards yourself to elevate, pull it away to descend, and move it left or right to turn.
You: Hmm… *I pull it towards me*
When I pulled the controller towards me, I could feel my feet levitating off the ground. It was quite exciting.
You: Wh-Whoa, whoa! Okay-okay…
Yui: hold down the button to accelerate, then ease up on it a little to decelerate.
You: Okay-okay… I am flying… I am actually flying here… *I move my controller to the right*
As I move the controller, I could feel my body moving to the right and I wasn't moving my legs. It was an amazing experience, getting to fly with my own wings. Something I am sure a lot of people wish… hope you don't get jealous by reading this.
Yui: As long as your wings are shining, you can stay airborne. But you can't fly forever, after a while you need to rest your wings.
You: Alright, you can do this. Its like playing SAO for the first time, only its with wings and altitude… left… *I move left* right *I move right*
After a while, I was finally flying appropriately and the wind blowing on my face was absolutely amazing. Ever since I was a kid, it was my dream to fly with my own wings and get out of that house. The fact that I was doing it was like an actual dream that came true.
You: Hahaha! This is awesooooome! Hey Yui, do me a favor and scan the area, maybe our friends are close.
Yui: Hmm… Yes, there are players not too from here.
You: then let us go check it out!
Meanwhile, Leafa POV
The sky, the land and map… there was no doubt about it, this was Alfheim online. After a long while, I am back. My stats and level have been saved as well as my avatar but I couldn't seem to find the others. (You), Kirito, Koharu, Sanya, Strea and Twilight might have spawned in their own fairy race territory but there was no way to communicate with them. Right now I am flying through these lands to see if I could find them but no luck so far and right before I could proceed any further.
"Swoosh!"
Leafa: Whoa!
A firblast was shot right at me.
Leafa: Salamanders... damn it, I don't have time for this… *I unsheathe my weapon*
Using my speed, I fly towards the first salamander and manage to slash him.
Leafa: Heaa!
Red salamander 1: Gaaagh!
I then fly through their defense and face the three remaining salamanders.
Leafa: Hrr… Heaa! *I stab the first salamander*
As I stabbed the first salamander I saw, he bumps with his buddy and I slash through his body with an air strike skill.
Leafa: Yeaaa!
Red salamander 2: Damn it… *he disappears into a flame*
Red salamanders 1 and 2: Grr… *they fly towards me*
Using my wind speed and agility, I manage to swiftly dodge their attacks and face them head to head.
Leafa: I can do this…
"Blaaast!"
Leafa: Huh?!
"Swoosh! Swoosh! Blaaast! Swoosh!"
More fire spells were being fired at me, it was their backups, shooting right at me. I managed to dodge their spells but the other two were still on my tail, I couldn't keep up with all of them and that's when…
"Blaaaast!"
Leafa: GAAAAAAGH! *I got hit*
As I got hit with the spell and fell down the ground.
Leafa: "Pant" "Pant"
I was standing alone, facing three salamanders.
Red salamander 1: Sorry about this. Were on a mission though. Give up your money and items, and we'll let you go.
Red salamander 2: why are you acting like such a gentleman now?
Red salamander 3: Yeah, we haven't had the chance to fight with a chick in forever, let's waste her!
Leafa: Grr…
Hearing their words made me sick, like as if they don't know how hard I've worked.
Leafa: Go ahead and try it… *I ready my weapon* but I am taking one of you with me. Whoever is not afraid of dying, step up and get some.
Red salamander 1: you're a stubborn girl. Suit yourself.
The three salamanders took their stance when they were ready for battle. I knew I had no chance, there were three of them and only one of me, their strength is stronger than ours so I won't even last long… but still, I faced them. But before that…
?: WHOAAAAA! GAGH!
Leafa: Huh?
?: augh, Man… I gotta learn how to break…
(You) crash landed on his face just a few feet away from where I was standing.
You: Alright, I want you three to answer me… why are you attacking her? She's my friend I'll have you know, and I don't appreciate you two bullying her like this.
Red salamander 2: what did you just say?
Red salamander 3: Get out of here noob! Unless you wanna die.
You: Geez, you're just as stupid as the other players I knew…
Red salamander 3: what?! Alright, you asked for it! GEAAAAAAH!
At first I would have panicked, but knowing (You), I was actually panicking for the salamanders.
You: Hmph.
As the red salamander strikes, (You) hold the tip of his weapon with his palm. No damage and no effort.
You: *he grabs the weapon*
As (You) grabbed his weapon, he throws it at its wielder and the two salamanders crashed in with each other due to the impact.
You: Hey Leafa, sorry I'm late. Do you know where the others are?
Leafa: Nope. I've been searching for you guys all this time. Think you can handle this, I am not as strong as I was in SAO.
You: No prob. *I unsheathe esper*
Leafa: Wait, is that Esper? How-?
You: I'll explain later, right now… *I breath in* Hmph!
Within the blink of an eye, (You) dashed to the other side of the salamanders with his weapon held up high.
Red salamander 3: What?!
Red salamander 2: How did he get—?! GAAAAGH! *he disappears into red flames*
Red Salamander 1: Wh-what?! How is he so strong?!
You: Hehehe… look out ALO… because the Integral Factor has just arrived.
To be continued…