Chapter – 16
Land of the fairies… or subjects – SAO Integral Fragments
"Ding"
After the elevator came to a stop, we found ourselves at the top of the tower and at the top, the view was more than breathtaking. We made it up to a point in where you could barely see the bottom and the sky was so close you could touch it. Think of it as being at the top of Mount Everest.
Koharu: Wow… the sky and stars look so close…
Koharu then extends her hand into the sky with her toes tipped and attempted to grab the stars by opening and closing her palm.
Leafa: I know, the sky is so endless. I think that's part of the reason why I came to love ALO. Most players did it for the levels and items… but not me. I focused more on myself and what I could do in this game, the strength, magic and wings that this game provided… it's amazing to see just how much potential you can get by simply playing a virtual game.
You: Too bad not everyone will agree with you.
Leafa: I know… its stupid… why does everyone haft to look down at the other just because of a title? I don't understand why everyone is so quick to tie each other down like that… what's the point of even having wings…?
You, Koharu and Kirito: Hmm…
Yui: You humans are so complicated. "Flutter" honestly, your psychology is confusing. Why do you act so horribly to each other when the desire to seek others is by companionship?
Leafa: What do you mean?
Yui: Well… if it were me. *she kisses Kirito's cheek* I'd do that. It's simple, straightforward and efficient.
Leafa: Uh… sometimes I forget that Yui is an AI.
You: No kidding, the amount of emotion she can display, it doesn't seem normal for an AI.
Kirito: Well, let's just say she's a weirdo then most*he shoves her back into his pocket*
Yui: H-Hey—Mmmff!
Leafa: Haha! Well, let us get going. It will get more lately and we'll get tired pretty soon. *she summons her wings and takes off*
As Leafa takes off, we follow behind her and I stare down at the ground with all its colorful lights.
You: Wow…
Koharu: So pretty…
You: You know, they say that the light in Paris are so magnificent up in the air.
Koharu: do you think this is what it's like?
You: If so, we don't even need plane tickets to do so.
Koharu: Or a plane… just our wings… *she says as she stares at her wings*
You: yeah… *I say in a worried way*
Koharu: whats wrong?
You: Oh… I just can't stop thinking about my sister.
Koharu: Hey, she will be alright. I am sure of it.
You: Heh… she's my sister, I am more worried about the monsters and players who might find her.
Koharu: Well, after going through one of her tantrums, I'd be pretty worried about them too.
You: Ha! Yeah… and what about Sanya?
Koharu: Please, she's the silver devil, even the mobs run away from her gaze.
You: Haha! Yeah… I am sure they'll be okay.
Leafa: Come on you guys! "Swooosh!"
You: let's catch up! *I say excitedly* "Swooosh!"
Koharu: Oh… not this again… "Swooosh!"
This next event took place in the top of the world tree, where Asuna took the liberty to write down.
Top of the world tree, Asuna POV
Discomfort… pain… fear… and sadness… that is all I felt as these cold hands and fingers drew across my body… I couldn't describe anymore how it felt. You know the feeling of standing alone in a room with sound of thunder and wind blowing around… well, it was a sort of a similar experience…
?: My, My… *he lies down* your such a cold woman. It's just a fake body, nothing will happen to it. Why don't you just loosen up a little?
Asuna: You wouldn't understand, it doesn't matter if my body is fake or real. Not to me anyway.
?: your trying to say that It would damage your mind? Hehe, I think it'd be a good idea to enjoy yourself while you can.
Asuna: I won't be here forever. You'll see, he'll come save me.
?: Hmm… I wonder which one you mean. Either your boyfriend… or that other guy… what were they're names? Oh yeah… Kirito and (You).
With a great amount of fear and shock, I turn to see this sorry excuse of a man and a king, just staring at me with a face filled with pride, almost like as if he was proud if himself.
?: Did you really think I wouldn't find out? *gets up* you know, after that night... when I met that other guy, (You) Takayama, I would have been sure you had accumulated feelings for him after the way he stood up for you, not to mention that you kept seeing him even though your mother kept telling you not to do it. Honestly, I thought you had made up your own mind, but… this boy, Kirito, stepped in and took your heart. Life really does bring unexpected twists, don't you think?
Asuna: Mm…
?: you know, I am still surprised that he is the son of Alsevir Canongo.
Asuna: Who is that?
?: Oh right… he was a former partner of mine. He and I understood each other very well, the power these world could provide was astonishing *he licks his lips* but it was such a pity he had to die that tragic night… the night his own son killed him.
Asuna: Uh!
Feeling way more tense then before, I stare at him with eyes filled with fear.
?: *he chuckles* he was smart… he did not leave one bit of evidence that could imprison him, not to mention that all of our research was held within his mansion. At least… that's what we I thought.
Asuna: what are you…?
?: who do you think is responsible for making you get trapped in here? It's that boy's fault, (You). He is the one who triggered the gate after all, I just did not expect you'd be so close to it. Although, I will admit that it would have been possible if she did not do her part.
Asuna: Who do you mean?
?: Oh, I think I spoke too much. *he stands up* I'll be taking my leave, Lady Titania. I am sure you'll be lonely, but please endure it.
Asuna: you wont get away with it…
?: *he stops in his tracks* hmm?
Asuna: If… you do know (You)… then you must know what he is capable of. He will stop you.
?: *he chuckles* … HEHAHAHAHAHA! You really think I am that stupid? Of course I know, but he is just another player. If he does get in my way, I will deal with him. Just like all the others that did, including him… Akihiko Kayaba. With him gone, nothing stands in my way. *he faces the outside of the cage* in this world, I am the great fairy king Oberon! The ruler of Alfheim, whom all players awe. And you are my bride… queen Titania. When will come the day in where you will open your heart to me as my bride?
Asuna: its hopeless, the only things I have to give are disgust and hatred towards you… and if those are the feeling I feel. I doubt (You) will have any mercy with you. In all honesty, with what you told me, I would prefer if he didn't find you.
Oberon: Hahaha! What can he do? In this world, he is just another subject. I am quite surprised that you talk more about him rather then that boy toy of yours.
Asuna: I know he will find me, if not him then I am sure Kirito will. And its not just them, I am sure they didn't come alone. You'll see, they will all save me.
Oberon: is that true…? *he sits down in front of me* then in that case, maybe I should take… serious measures and take you by force…
I felt so much fear and discomfort as he brought his fingers near my chest and begin grabbing the ribbons holding my clothes. I felt like, this is it… he is taking me by force. Tears and fear fell on the pages as I wrote this down.
Oberon: *he stops* Hehe… it was a joke. I told you, I will not force myself upon you, it will not be for long until you start to want me.
Asuna: you're insane.
Oberon: Haha, you won't be talking like that for so long. There are tens of thousands of players playing this game. But they don't understand the true value of the full-dive system
I felt both confused and scared as he said those words, what did he mean by that?
Oberon: by expanding the brains control regions, it's possible to control its thoughts, emotions and memories.
Asuna: Wh-what?! You cant! Technology like that is illegal!
Oberon: oh but your wrong. In fact, several countries are researching it, as we speak. The only thing standing in the way is finding people to experiment on. You know, (You) was one of the ever first successful test subjects before the unfortunate incident, now with him and the research gone, we were all held back. Until, one day when I was watching the news, I saw it… ten thousand Guinea pigs!
Asuna: Uh… *I stare in shock*
Oberon: Mr. Kayaba was a genius but he was also a fool. All he ever wanted to use his technology for was his game, he couldn't see its true potential… but I did and so did (You's) parents. My research has been taking great strides these past few months, I've been developing a technology that seeds memories with objects and uses them to control emotion. My work is almost finish now.
Asuna: You really are crazy… my father will never allow that kind of research.
Oberon: Oh… he wouldn't if he'd knew about it. But its being done in secret with a small team and myself, otherwise I wouldn't be able to sell it off.
Asuna: to who?
Oberon: an American corporation. You won't believe how anxious they are to get their hands on it, (You) parents and I were both planning on seeling this reasearch before that brath ruined everything but soon I will sell it for as much as I can. There is just one problem…
Asuna: what is that?
Oberon: I am missing a piece of research, a research that Mr. Alsevir discovered. Without it, the corporation is not interested in my own research and therefore will not be buying it from me.
Asuna: then why are you even trying? All of this man research's been destroyed, don't you remember?
Oberon: Oh did I forget to mention? The research that was destroyed in that explosion was the fake research… Mr. Alsevir was a smart man, he knew that he couldn't trust the research with anyone, not even his own family. So he toke precautionary measures and secured the real reasearch in a place no one would even think they would find it.
Asuna: what do you…?
Oberon: His son… he hid it in his own son's heart… *he says sinisterly*
Asuna: what…? *I say horrified*
Oberon: its clever really, no one would ever think that it would be hidden in such a place.
Asuna: How…? How is that even possible?
Oberon: Molecular transfusion, it's not as difficult as it sounds. What is difficult is finding a place to be in trusted with that kind of technology. He, of course… had way more access then that. All I need to do is find that piece of fragments scattered in this world. Those nosy nimrods on the other side already played with our plans for far too long, they won't stop what needs to be done.
Asuna: that won't happen, I'll see through to that *I get up with anger* when I get back to the real world, the first thing I'll do is report you to the police.
He didn't even flinched, which meant he had something else up his sleve.
Oberon: you wanna bet? You're in the same bout as the others.
Asuna: Uh…
Oberon: what? You haven't figured it out? If I wanted, I could have your memories altered too, all the way back from SAO and beyond.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I couldn't do anything, I felt so hopeless and helpless. He had me tied around his finger and I couldn't fight back… all I could do was endure it, I was trapped inside that cage… which made me wonder, is this how (You) felt back with his family… because if so, then I now understand what he meant by being trapped. I thought SAO was a prison, but nothing could compare to this…
"A message notification pops in"
Oberon: Tch… Yeah, yeah I know, sorry for the delay, I'll be there in a moment, just wait for my orders. (You) has a piece of the research doesn't he? If he is truly what you say he is, then I am sure he will find you, and he'll also bring your boyfriend along, I am sure of it. I will take care of everything from there… normally I wouldn't let anyone up here… but since its them, I think I can welcome a few guests. *he walks to the entrance of the cage* but I will take more serious actions. "Bip-bip-bip-bip"
He entered the passcode but every time he inserts it, my vision goes blurry and I can't see it the passcode.
Oberon: Starting with her *he grabs someone*
?: H-Hey! Let me go! Igh! *she falls down*
Asuna: *I gasp loudly*
I couldn't believe who I was seeing, it was (You's) little sister, Twilight.
Twilight: why are you doing this?! I told you, I didn't mean to be around that place, I just fell down there because of some weird black hole in the sky!
Asuna: Twilight?!
Twilight: Huh? Asuna! We came to save you!
Feeling a lot of reliefe from seeing her, I run and hold her in my arms but I turn my focus on Oberon or should I say… Sugou.
Asuna: what is this?! Why did you bring her here?!
Oberon: Well, for starters, she's seen a lot of things that she shouldn't have and now… I can't let her leave. But think about how safe she will be in here then she would be out there *he says with a sinister glare* now, if you two excuse me. I have some business to attend to *he closes the gate and leaves*
Asuna: tch… that bastard… are you okay?
Twilight: Y-Yeah, he didn't do anything besides drag me here. And tied my hands.
Asuna: Ugh that bastard. Here let me get those off *I untie the ropes*
Twilight: they were tight. Whats going on here?
Asuna: that man… he's my fiancé in the real world…
Twilight: but I thought Kirito was your boyfriend.
Asuna: He is… and I want him to be my future husband.
Twilight: then what is going on?
Asuna: at this point… I can say that we are trapped in a secret experiment. One that I fear, could have serious consequences.
Twilight: experiments… hmm… well that would explain all those weird things I found.
Asuna: what weird things?
I let twilight take the rest of the story.
Twilight POV
Before I got here, I was in a room where I was supposed to create a character. It was like asking me to start SAO all over again but I saw different type of races that I did not see in SAO, so I knew it had to have been a different game. I chose a Imp race since I saw that it had great combat abilities but then some weird black hole showed up out of nowhere and I was sucked inside. I don't know for how long I was falling but eventually I landed on a hard wooden path. The place was filled with trees and leaves but at the end stood an entrance. The entrance however, was far different then the pathways. It was made with iron and in the middle stood a circle like pressure plate, I pressed then it turned green. The door opened and from the inside stood a large white futuristic looking hallway. It was in circular shape and the lights were too shiny.
Twilight: what is this place…?
The hallways were too long, I didn't even know where I was going. Eventually, I found a map and I guided myself using that but I came across in interesting room.
Twilight: Huh? The experiment hangar…?
Curiosity took over me and I decided to check it out. When the doors opened, I saw a room filled with these weird circular things that had a brain at the top.
Twilight: what is that…?
"Terror" "Pain" "Laughter"
All kinds of labels came out from the weird brain looking thing.
Asuna: Whoa… did you say…? Brains?
Twilight: Yes, just these weird see through like brains floating on top of those things reflecting all kinds of emotions.
Asuna: No way… *she says terrified*
Oberon memory voice: did you know that by expanding the brains control regions, one could influence a person thoughts, emotions and memories…? Hehehe…
Asuna: those brains… they were all players…
Twilight: next thing I knew, I was suddenly grabbed by these weird purple like tentacles by these weird purple like aliens.
Asuna: what?
Twilight: I know it sounds crazy but that's just how they looked like. I don't know what they were exactly and they said they were gonna take me to the boss. They took me, asked me some questions and when I answered them he said, this is just a dumb child what could she do. With that said, he tied me up and took me here.
Asuna: you were so brave. It's not your fault, that man is evil. Although…
Twilight: what is it?
Asuna: He mentioned something that got me thinking… he said that… "All this wouldn't have been possible is she hadn't done her part" what did he mean by that? Did someone help him?
Twilight: Mm…
Asuna: what's wrong?
Twilight: Uh-Uh! N-Nothing, really! I-it's just that… I want to see my brother…
Asuna: Hmm… *she hugs me* I know… I want to see Kirito as well… and your brother and Yui… Koharu, Mito, Yuuki… everyone… don't worry, we are not giving up. We will get out of here and then we will be free.
Twilight: how can you be so sure?
Asuna: because I believe that Kirito will find me. What about you?
Twilight: I believe…. I believe that my brother will find me. That he will find us both.
Asuna: that's right. They will both find us… I am sure of it. I am at least glad that I am not alone here.
Twilight: Me too. *I say with a smile*
Asuna and twilight: Hahaha!
Back to your POV
The events you just read are events that took place after we logged in ALO, now as for the events that took place in our stead as we were flying through the forest in search of the others, we all eventually grew tired and sleepy. Since the forest was the only place we could be at the moment. We all gathered together and took turns watching each other while they sleep. When it was my turn to take watch. I sat down and watched the others as they slept.
You: Hmm…
The sounds of birds chirping, frogs croaking and crickets singing were all over the forest. It was hard not to think that it was an actual real forest… made me think about all the other NPC's that were back in SAO. Kizmel, Idis, Erassa, Ratio, and all the other NPC's that I have met. How is it that being that have no heart and soul care more for a human being then a human being could ever do?
Emotions, are what makes a human being. Mistakes, thoughts, ego and jealousy, everything defines us… but what mostly defines us… are sadness and fear. We all feel it every day… every single day in our lives… sadness, pain and fear. When you think, what do you feel? And why do you question it?
Koharu: Mm… *she opens her eyes*
You: Oh hey, did I wake you up?
Koharu: Mm-Mm… I wasn't that sleepy *she says as she rubs her eyes* what are you doing?
You: my turn to watch.
Koharu: Oh, that explain why everyone is still sleeping.
Leafa was sleeping next to Kirito and Yui was sleeping in his arms as she was in her kid form.
Koharu: *she chuckles* they look cute when they're together.
You: Yeah well, at least they look cute…
Strea: "Snore" hehe… I can't take another bite…
Strea was sleeping in my lap.
You: but she looks a bit pathetic… why couldn't she just sleep in my pocket?
Koharu: *she giggles* come on, leave her alone.
You: I know, I know… hmm…
Koharu: still thinking about your sister?
You: Yeah… I know I said that I knew she'd be fine but… it's just hard not to think about it, you know.
Koharu: I understand. She's your family after all.
You: Family… if I am being honest, I don't understand what the term means from a hundred way perspective since… well, you know.
Koharu: Hmm… *she gets up and sits next to me* Well, how about I tell you what I think family is. I think, that a family are a group of individuals and no, they don't need to be large in numbers. Do they need kids? No. Do they need money? No. Do they need a house? No. Do they need to be together? No. Do they need to be blood related? No. I think, that that a family are the people that care and love you. That is all. Some families don't live together and yet they love eatch other, no matter how far away they are and they support each other by showing their love in their own ways. Many others don't have money and yet they still smile and laugh… Kirito and Leafa, they say they brother and sister when they both clearly stated that they are actually cousins. Yui says that Asuna and Kirito are they mom and dad but we all know that she is not they're biological daughter and yet they love and care for her like an actual daughter. Don't you think that is something special?
You: Hmm… yeah.
Koharu: in all honesty, I don't think you're the only one who doesn't understand what the term family means. Don't waste your brain cells on something you can't understand and instead, enjoy it… *she lays her head on my shoulder* because… you're my family.
You: Uh… *I smile* and… do you think that someday in the future, we could have a family of our own?
Koharu: I… do hope so… ever since I was a kid, I always dreamt about having a family of my own… with my own house, own kids and husband… *she blushes*
You: Hmm… you know, it's because of my own parents that I want to be a good parent. One that will teach its kid how to walk, potty train, read, play… all kinds of things kid like to do.
Koharu: I know you'd be a good dad… if anything, I fear I won't be a good mom.
You: Please, you practically take care of me. I think you'll be okay.
Koharu: Haha! Yeah, maybe in some ways… but… you always make me laugh, feel safe… showed me that, just because you're different doesn't mean that you can't fight for yourself… can't prove to the world that you truly mean something, that you're special.
You: I… actually—
Kirito: so what are you guys talking about?
Kirito, Leafa and Yui all get up and look at Koharu and me.
You: Oh nothing.
Strea: it sounded to me like you two want to have a family.
You and Koharu: Uh!
You: have you been eavesdropping?
Kirito: this place is so quiet, we can even hear the sounds of your breathing.
Yui: Having a child can actually enhance the relationship and bring the partners closer together.
Koharu: W-wait! Wait! Were talking about having a family in the future! Not now! (Y-You) and I are still to young to have a baby!
Leafa: So is Kirito and Asuna, that didn't stop them.
Kirito: you make it sound like as if we actually had a baby.
Leafa: Yui is solid proof of that.
Kirito: You know what I mean.
Koharu: Geez, would you all drop it! This is so embarrising.
Leafa: why are you feeling all embarrassed. It's good to be talking about these kind of stuff.
Koharu: you… you think so?
Leafa: totally. You two are going to get married in the future, aren't you?
Hearing Leafa say the word marriage, made me feel utterly flustered and nervous.
You: w-well… we are thinking it.
Leafa: then I see nothing wrong with talking over it. If you two are going to get married in the future, then it is necessary to bring these topics.
Koharu: it's just… embarrassing… *she says as she covers her blushed face*
Leafa: I see nothing wrong with it… I mean… if you like someone, then you should… think about it.
You: What? You mean like you with that Recon guy?
Leafa: H-Huh?! *she blushes* N-No! Absolutely not! *she summons her wings* and if you all have enough energy to chat, then you have enough energy to keep flying. *she takes off*
Kirito: *he stretches* well, I am all woken up now. What do you guys say we follow her?
Koharu: might as well, we might lose her otherwise.
As we all summoned our wings, we began to grab altitude and continued our search around the forest.
Strea: "Flutter" hey darling, if you ever did get married in the future and have kids of your own, can I be their auntie?
You: Auntie? I don't see how that would work but if you'd like, you can go ahead.
Strea: Yay! I can't wait until you two have kids!
You: Seriously, we are not planning on having kids so soon. What is wrong with everyone?
As I fly, I see Koharu flying a few feet away from me. She was smileing while also blushing… I had a feeling that she wanted to have a family… and if that was the case… then maybe I should consider the fact of me becoming a father in the future… what about you guys?
Do any of you plan to have a family of your own?
To be continued…
Epilogue
Kirito: Yui, can you sense any players around the area?
Yui: No I am not sensing any other players.
Leafa: Hmm… it's possible someone placed a tracer on us.
Koharu: Huh? What's a tracer?
Leafa: a kind of tracking magic. It looks like a small animal or insect. It tells the casters a targets position.
Kirito: can you dispel it?
Leafa: Sure, if you can find it that is. The thing is, if the casters level magic is high, it can track at a very far distance and with a forest this wide, it will take forever.
Kirito: I see… oh well, its probably nothing. Come on "Swoosh!"
Leafa: "Swooosh!"
You: "Swooosh!"
Koharu: *she sighs* can't we just fly nice and steady?! "Swooosh!"
"Fap-fap-fap"
Bat: Squeak!