Chapter – 19
To the top – SAO Integral fragments
Authors note: First I would like to apologize for publishing this chapter late, I have just been super busy with my two jobs. Yes I have two jobs, as a result I wasn't able to post anything for a while but I am back and have this new chapter, I hope I will be able to write the next one as soon as possible. For now, enjoy this next chapter.
It's been almost three days since we arrived in this world and we have finally gotten together, all that was left was to search for Asuna and Twilight, and of course the missing integral fragment. While although it was just a hunch, I had a feeling that the clues we were looking for were up our noses instead of under our noses.
Meanwhile, we stayed the night at an inn where a room was shared with multiple beds, we all slept in spate ones and eventually, morning came.
You: Mm… *I get up* man… what a night…? Where is everyone?
As I took a look at my surroundings, I saw that the only one in the room with me was Leafa, still sleeping in her own bed but after a few seconds, she turned around and sat up… but she was silent, I had a feeling that something was on her mind.
You: Hey Leafa, good morning.
Leafa: …
You: Mm…?
Feeling somewhat worried, I got up and walked up to her.
You: Are you okay?
Leafa: Mm… nuh-uh… I'm… not okay…
Tears began to fall from her eyes and she still forced on a smile, something seemed to bug her a whole lot.
You: whoa there *I sit down next to her* if something is bothering you, then why don't you tell me?
Leafa: B-Because, its just a stupid reason… this is just a game, we don't need to bring our real life problems "sniff"
Leafa wiped her tears with both hands but the tears kept coming and coming. I had a feeling that she must have been holding them for a while now.
You: stupid reason? What kind if reason would be stupid enough to make you cry this much?
As I sat down, I wiped her tears and hold her face with both of my palms, making her face me.
You: Leafa… does this have something to do with Kirito?
Leafa: "Sniff" I…
You: Leafa… I know you're in love with him.
Leafa: Uh…?!
You: you kind of told me that time when we were talking, remember? When I told you about my childhood?
Leafa: "sniff"
You: Leafa… you can't hide from your emotions, especially in a game. In this world, if you feel sad, the world can tell and that's why you're crying. I know that you have been holding these feelings for a while, and now that we are a world where you hide away your emotions, they suddenly got to you. I mean, the whole point of why we are here, is to search for Asuna, Kirito's wife. The girl Kirito has feelings for and no matter how many others try to win his heart, Asuna will always be the one for him.
Leafa: …
You: I don't know for how long you might've had these feelings for him but I don't think your weird because of it, I mean it's not like your actually brother and sister, and I have something similar with my own little sister, I mean you saw her behavior.
Leafa: *she giggles a bit* yeah… "Sniff" I can remember how she was all, "big brother, big brother, I want to marry you, please love me!"
You: okay, you just made those words up but my point being, I have a feeling that it's the same way with Kirito.
Leafa: Mm…
You: Kirito has a bigger responsibility on keeping his wife and daughter safe, heck something that Koharu and I haven't even done.
Leafa: what? Have a kid?
You: What? No! I mean… get married.
Leafa: Oh…
You: I am looking for a missing piece of my fluctlight but he is searching for his wife. I find that to be more loyal along from my standards.
Leafa: what do you mean? For almost three years, you've been protecting Koharu from danger and it's not just her, you saved so many lives than we could have expected. Some people are still alive thanks to you, like Diabel, Sachi and Yuna, heck, those are just some of the names of the people you've saved.
You: Heh, maybe.
Leafa: Hehehe… thank you for hearing me (You), I feel much better. I guess I just needed to get it off my system… because you're right. It doesn't matter how much I fight, Asuna will always be the one for Kirito and there is nothing I can do to change that… so maybe, I just need to let it go… *she sits up and looks at the ceiling* maybe there is someone else out there who will capture my heart…
You: Hmm… what about that Recon guy?
Leafa: Huh? Recon?
You: Yeah, I mean… he has feelings for you.
Leafa: Y-Yeah, but he's just a friend.
You: all couples begin as friends. How do you think Koharu and I got together in the first place?
Leafa: Yeah but—
You: Leafa… have you ever considered his feelings at least? Thought about what he thinks of you?
Leafa: Uh…
You: He went through a lot of trouble yesterday just to keep you and the entire sylph race safe. It's only thanks to him were we able to stop the fairy war, If it weren't for him, we would never have found out about this raid. They even hit him with an arrow and left him to rot in the sewers just to give you that information.
Leafa: I guess…
You: he might be short and quite nerdy but… did his appearance ever bothered you?
Leafa: No…
You: you don't need to take it from me. Do whatever it is that you feel is right, after all, it's your choice.
Leafa: Mm…
Leafa then stares at the floor with hint of guilt, I think she never did actually considered his feeling or even asked him about it and after a while.
Leafa: *she smiles* thanks (You). *she hugs me* you're the best…
Leafa held me so close, her arms were strangling me.
You: Argh, not to close.
Leafa: *she giggles and let's go* thank you, really.
You: Hey, you helped me when you listened to my story, it's only fair that I'd do the same in return.
Leafa: I guess me tricking you into telling me our story was worth it after all.
You: Yeah well, don't get too used to tricking me.
Leafa and I both shared laughs and jokes until eventually, we heard a knock on the door. It was Kirito, Sanya and Koharu entering with new gear sets.
Kirito: Hey guys.
Sanya: we made it back.
Koharu: what do you think of our new and improved gear?
Kirito and Koharu walked in with new armor and weapons. Kirito was wearing a coat that oddly enough, sort of seemed similar to his SAO coat, only it was more fabricated and larger. He was also wielding a very long one handed sword.
You: Whoa, talk about a massive sword.
Leafa: *she holds her laughter*
Kirito: what?
Leafa: Nothing, nothing.
Koharu was also wearing a dark blue skirt with black tights and light blue adventurer boots. Her jacket was light blue with a gray plate on her chest, her dagger was made of silver with a green emerald on its barrel.
Koharu: Taa-daa! *she says with a twirl* how do I look?
You: that attire suits you well with your previous SAO attire.
Koharu: Right! And look, its even made to fit my tail and the jacket comes with a small hoodie! *she says as she puts it on* the ears are a bit of a bother though.
You: you always did have a sense for fashion.
Koharu: Well, I sure hope you'll like what I bought for you!
Koharu then sends me some items through our transfer windows and as soon as she sends them to me, I equip them and I change into my new and improved gear.
The items she got me included a light green jacket that covered my arms and waist and the fabric went down almost near my legs, kind of the same way my old adventuring jacket from SAO did, only it did not have a hoodie like my last one did, I also had dark green pants with black adventuring shoes, lastly my chest was covered with a brown vest which was slightly seen between the gap of my jacket, the same way with Koharu's jacket. Then of course, Esper was on my back.
You: Nice.
Koharu: since I know you like lose but sturdy equipment, I researched a lot of equipment clothing and found the best match that suited you.
You: looks like you know me well.
Sanya: I, of course, recommended the vest.
Koharu: only after I suggested it.
Koharu and Sanya: Grr…
Kirito: Err… well, you guys ready to go?
Leafa: Yup. *she says cheerfully*
Kirito: whoa there, you seem to be more cheerful then you were before, did something happen?
Leafa: Nope, nothing at all. *she says with a smile* come on, haha!
Koharu: wow, something did happen if she's suddenly feeling more cheerful. Did you do something?
You: Let's just say, I helped her.
Koharu: Oh?
You: it's a long story. For now, let's just continue.
Kirito, Sanya and Koharu: alright then… *they say questionably*
After a while of walking, we entered a small part of the town in where multiple races of fairies were gathered, laughing and chatting, we even saw a few couples going out on dates.
Koharu: Whoa, there are tons of people here.
Kirito: I guess this is the center of Alfheim.
Strea: Indeed, look at those two, you can totally tell they're on a date! This place seems wonderful for outing! Hey, maybe we can have our next date here darling!
You: Yeah, not happening.
Strea: Aww, your no fun!
Koharu: hey guys, look…!
As we all went up some stairs, we made it to the center of the world… the entrance to the world tree. I could tell just by looking at it, its massive white curly trunks reaching the far limits of the sky, its branches being covered by clouds and small yet large castle architectures built on its sides, it was truly a site to behold.
Kirito: the world tree…
Leafa: yeah, its been so long, I nearly forgot about just how gorgeous it is up close.
Kirito: Um, I heard that there was supposed to be a city up there. What else?
Leafa: Oberon the fairy king lives up there, along with the Alf's. The fairies of light, they say that whoever gets to the top and sees the king, they will become an Alf and have the ability to fly without ever getting tired.
Koharu: has anyone ever reached it yet?
Leafa: Not a single race has made it to the top yet since they don't want to help the race who will make it to the top.
Kirito: why is that?
Leafa: because it doesn't make sense, why would someone just help the other race when the reward will just be handed out to them? Its actually one of the many reasons why they try to reach the top without any help but every time they try, they are always defeated.
"Th-Thump!"
You: Uh! *I hold my chest*
Koharu: what's wrong?!
You: Irgh… I… I can…
Kirito: whoa there, you okay?
Sanya: you seem like your in pain.
You: my fluctlight… I can feel it up there! *I point up to the tree*
Yui: *she gasps*
Kirito: Yui, what is it?
Yui: its mommy… and twilight! They're here!
Everyone: Uh!
Kirito: Uh! Are you sure?!
Yui: yes, I did a scan of the entire area and scanned they're player ID's. They're coordinates are… above us in the clouds!
Kirito: Uh… grr…
Without wasting a second, Kirito summons his wings and then takes off with a blasting sound.
"swoooosh!"
Leafa: Wait! Kirito! KIRITOOOO!
Kirito did not listen and continued to fly all the way to the top, he showed no signs of stopping and after a few minutes…
Kirito: Uh…!
His wings disappeared from his back.
Kirito: WHOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Kirito was falling down from the sky and was about to crash land.
You: Kirito! "Swooosh!"
Using my speed, I leap through the stairs and jump as high as I could, catching Kirito with my shoulders and landing both of us to safety.
Kirito: "pant" "pant"
Leafa: are you insane! No one has been able to reach the top by just flying, after reaching the midway point, your wings will grow tired and you'll fall back down.
You: Hmm… why don't I give it a try?
Leafa: what?! Did you even hear what I just say?!
You: nobody was able to fly as fast as me before… maybe I can reach a higher point if not the top.
Leafa: what do you even hope to gain by doing that?
You: if there is any chance that Asuna and twilight are up there, along with my flutclight, maybe there is something up there that we don't know about… or maybe the GM doesn't want us to know about.
Koharu: but it's so high up, what if you hurt yourself?
You: we can't feel pain so even if I fall and hit the ground, I won't feel any pain and I am sure you guys will try to catch me. *I summon my wings*
Sanya: just to warn you, if you fall and we don't see you, you only have yourself to blame.
You: well thank you for that uplifting poem.
As my wings spread out, they glow bright green and with a massive wind blow, I am shot in the air like a bullet and I begin flying at fast growing speeds.
Strea: I-Igh! D-Darling, are you sure about this?!
You: what?!
Strea: I SAID ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THIS?!
You: it cant hurt to try!
Strea: what?!
You: what?!
As the wind pushes me back, I continue to fly up to a higher point then the midway and my wings still have enough energy to fly even further but the faster I went, the weight of the wind pushed me back harder.
You: GHigh… it's easier to fly faster when you're flying downwards!
My speed kept increasing and the town below me got smaller and smaller.
You: just a little bit further!
"SWOOOOOOOOOSH!"
The wind and friction were pushing on my face and a cone shaped wave front was forming in front of me and after a while…
"KAAAA-BOOOOOOM!"
A massive blast shouted through the sky and I was flying a lot faster to the top but my wings got tired almost immediately and gave out. Although my wings disappeared, I was still thrown into the air, still reaching altitude.
You: come on gravity, don't pull me back just yet…
I cut through the clouds and was able to see the top only… there wasn't a city… only a cage.
You: wh-what…? WhoooaaaAAAAAAAAA!
?: Huh?!
It was faint and quick, but I could hear voices in the cage before I began to fall back down.
You: WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Strea: A-AAAAAAAAAH!
You: AAAAAAAAAAH!
Strea: AAAAAAAAAH
You: AAAAAAAAAAH! U-Uh…
Strea: AAAAAAH! Aaaah…. Aaaaah… mmm…
Our fall was too great to even share screams, all I could do was reflect what I just saw.
You: did you see that?!
Strea: Y-Yeah! It was a cage, right?!
With the wind barely making us hear each other, we exchanged our thoughts.
You: Yeah, there was no city! Just a cage!
Strea: could it be that there is a final stage you need to complete before actually entering the city?!
You: I don't know, I heard voices inside there! It could be either Asuna or Twilight in there!
Strea: Yui did say that they're coordinates were up in the clouds, it is a possibility!
You: I guess we wont know until we actually reach the top!
Strea: I think we might need to consider how exactly we are going to reach the bottom first!
As we both looked down, we saw the ground getting closer and closer.
You: Oh gravity, thou art some heartless bitch… AAAAAAAAAAAH!
Screaming and squirming, Strea tried to pull me up with her small body by grabbing my jacket but it was useless, I was falling down and falling down fast.
You: Oh well… this is gonna hurt!
The ground got closer and closer and I braced myself for impact but… the wind stopped blowing on my face and was instead surrounding my body, holding me in place.
You: Huh? How…?
As I looked down, I saw Koharu and leafa with glowing palms, chanting as the winds brought me down and put me gently on the ground.
You: Whoa, now that was a trip.
Leafa: what happened? Did you see anything?
You: Mm…
Feeling a bit resentful from telling her what I saw, I grabbed my courage and told everyone what I saw.
Leafa: what?! A cage?
You: Yes, and I think Asuna or twilight or both might even be there.
Kirito: damn it, we got to get to the top! *he says with anger*
You: I know we haft to reach the top, but the question here is how?
Kirito: we'll do it by completing the grand quest, beating the world tree.
Everyone: Huh?!
Leafa: but no one has been able to defeat it, not even the biggest party of assaulters were able to take it out.
Kirito: what other choice do we have? If there is any chance I can get to the top and save Asuna, I will take it!
Kirito's eyes seemed more than determined, it was actually a little scary… but he's right, what other choice do we have? I can't reach the top without getting exhausted and fall back down. I was only able to see a quarter of the cage, I couldn't even see anyone inside it.
You: He's right… *I stand up* what other choice do we have? We need to reach the top. We need to find out the truth!
Leafa: Well… the gates to enter the grand quest are at the base of the tree.
You: then that's where were heading.
Leafa: wait, but—
Before Leafa can finish, Sanya grabs her shoulder and puts on her helmet.
Sanya: you know we can't stop them. Once they made up their minds, they're Yaks. They can't hear what you're saying and just proceed to do what they do.
You: what?
Koharu: I'm (You's) partner, wherever he goes, I go.
Leafa: Uh… *she sighs* your right, we haft to at least try. Come on, lets go!
Leafa then begins flying up the stairs and we proceed to do the same. After reaching the the last bits of stairs we all stand in front of a massive gate with two concrete sculptured fairies guarding the entrance.
Yui: A-Are you sure about this daddy? Based on everything we have been told, breaking into the tree is going to be very hard.
Kirito: we don't have any other choice, besides, I am sure you want to see mommy as much as I do.
Yui: I do…
You: And besides, this isn't SAO, we won't die even if we die in game.
Koharu: right! Besides, we faced worst dangers, I am sure we can make it if we work together.
Sanya: Aww, how adorable… and remarkable cheesy.
You: She's right though. I am sure we can make it. We just need to work together. Koharu, Leafa, you two will help with the healing while the three of us will hande the attacks. Sound good.
Koharu: Yes, but I hope you remember what I told you before.
You: yeah… I remember.
As the four of us began to approach the gate, the concreted fairies begin talking.
Guardian fairy: does thou seek entry to the castle of the king?
A quest dialogue appears in front of us saying, "Will you challenge the grand quest Guardians of Yggdrasil"? We all press accept and as soon as we do.
Guardian fairy 2: very well then. Prove thy worthy of wings, prove thy worthy of flight.
The gates begin to open and the entrance is revealed. As we all head inside, the dark room is soon revealed as the light shine brightly with massive roots growing on every side of the room. Each set of root had a glowing spot and right at the top of the room stood a massive gap with an entrance on the top, which I assumed would be the goal.
You: that must be the goal.
Sanya: if one of us can reach the top, we'll be victorious.
Leafa: I cant promise you guys will reach it… but I can wish you all good luck.
Koharu: we'll provide support and will help you reach the top.
Kirito: thanks guys. Okay, you guys ready?
You and Sanya: Yeah.
The three of us summoned our wings and dashed into the air. As we did, the bright spots began spawning fairy knights.
Kirito: Grrr…. GEAAAAGH!
With a single slash, Kirito defeats the enemy as it explodes into smoke.
Sanya: Hmph!
You: GEAAAGH!
Sanya and I bith charge at a fairy knight and within a single blow, they are out.
You: these enemies don't seem to be strong. A single attack can kill them!
Sanya: Yeah but its not going to be so easy when there are multiple of them! *she says pointing up*
The entire room was filled with fairy knights, it was like a swarm of knights.
Kirito: Grr… come on you guys!
The three of us begin slashing at random knights and they are easy to eliminate but the more we defeated, more were spawned.
You: Gheaaagh! *I slash through to fairy knights* more just keep coming!
"Swooosh-swooosh-swooosh-swooosh!"
Sanya: Bozhe moy! I've never seen so many enemies in my life. It's like a sea of knights.
Kirito: GREAAAAAAAAAGH!
With a single slash, Kirito eliminates a row of fairies but more just manage to spawn.
Kirito: damn, there is so many of them!
The knights get together and begin shifting their swords onto us. Like a swarm, they fly towards us and begin slashing through us one at a time.
Kirito, Sanya and You: Gaagh-ghigh-dugh!
Leafa: Igh! Koharu!
Koharu: right!
Leafa and Koharu: HEAL!
Magical waves surround us and the red marks are gone within an instant.
You: that should keep us going for a while…
The entire room was filled with fairy knights, you couldn't even see the top anymore. We were all surrounded.
You: but there are too many fairies…
Sanya: as mush as it pains me to say it, the best we can do Is to live to fight another day.
Kirito: No way!
Everyone: Uh…
Kirito: I'm going up there if it's the last thing I do!
Kirito then begins flying up towards the swarm.
You: Gigh! Kirito you idiot!
Kirito: GEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
Kirito slashes through a few fairy knights before getting punctured in the hand but an arrow.
Kirito: Uh! Wh-what?!
As he saw down, he saw another set of fairies who instead of having swords, had bows instead and they all fired at the same time.
The multiple set of light were seen as the arrows began to fall down on top of us.
You: take cover!
The arrows pierced through every last one of us, including Leafa and Koharu.
Koharu: igh! There's too many of them!
Fairy knights: *they focus on them*
Koharu: Huh?! Are they targeting us?!
Leafa: My guess is they are using a different targeting algorithm then any of the other bosses in this game. Looks like we're gonna haft to do some fighting after all.
Koharu: fine then… *she twirls her dagger* then let's do this!
Koharu then dashes towards the swarm.
Koharu: HEAAAAAAAAAARGH!
Her dagger sparkles with light and within seconds, an entire swarm of fairy knights are destroyed with smoke coming out of them.
Koharu: (You!)
You: koharu!
Koharu and I tried to reach each other but the swarm didn't let us as it stood in our way.
You and Koharu: GAAAAGH!
The impact between us and them was too great to even explain, its like they were using an entire swarm of them to act as a shield.
You: damn it, I cant even fly properly with this many of them.
Sanya: we need to get out of here now! GAAAGH!
A sword is then stabbed into Sanya's back as multiple sets of arrows also pierce through her.
You: Sanya! GAAAGH!
I saw a sword through my torso as I saw more sets being throw at me.
Koharu: (You!) No!
Leafa: oh my gosh… *she says in disbelief*
Sanya: Gagh… damn it… *she disappears into a red flame*
Sanya was out and the only one's remaining were Kirito, Koharu, Leafa and me. Kirito's Hp along with mine were already low on the yellow zone, anymore and we are done for.
Strea: Darling, you can't go on! If you keep fighting you'll die!
You: not much of a choice… *I say as I take out the sword from my torso* besides, we need to help the others.
So I said, but the room was already filled with enemies. Too much to even count. The walls and ceiling weren't visible anymore.
Leafa: great, now what…? They can't keep this up forever.
As Leafa said that, swarm of fairy knights also surrounded her and were getting ready to attack.
Leafa: Gr… Mm… *she prepared herself for impact*
?: LEAAAFAAAAAAA!
A small and squeaky voice was echoed through the room.
You: wait… I know that voice.
Koharu: Recon!
Leafa: Huh? Recon?
Recon then flies through the swarm with a small but effective wind attack.
Recon: sorry I'm late, I had to find a way to get out of the sewers.
Leafa: Recon, what are you doing here?
Recon: Well, after I got out of the sewers, I got a tip from Sakuya that you were heading over to the center capital of Alfheim. Feeling curious, I thought I should follow you and after a day of searching, I found you and decided to follow you with my invisibility spell. I then over heard that you were going to take on the grand quest. I couldn't believe it when I heard it but after I did, I sent a message to Sakuya to hopefully get you help. Surprisingly, she agreed. She should be here soon, she said that she needed time to get ready.
Leafa: and you went through all that trouble… just to help me.
Recon: Huh? O-O-Of course, you're really important to me Leafa. I had to do something.
Leafa: *she blushes* oh… well uh… thanks. You arrived just in time, I am helping my friends reach the top and we need to clear a path, thank to you, you bought me some time.
Leafa then began getting ready to take off but before she could…
Recon: Wait *he grabs her hand* I don't know what is going on exactly but… is this really that important to you…?
Leafa: Huh? Um… yeah it is. I don't think its just a game… not now anyway…
Recon: Mm… alright then.
Recon takes off instead of Leafa and begins attacking the fairy knights the same way he did when he got here.
Recon: GREAAAGH!
Fairy knights: Grough… "Poof!"
Recon showed a face of determination and showed no signs of stopping.
Recon: "Ectoo-Gara-Sweeve-deerontee"
Leafa: Uh! He's using a dark magic spell.
The spell began swirling around his body as the knights began surrounding him, through the gap, a missive yellow like ball was set between him and the knights and within seconds.
Recon: "Noto-Regeen-Magmaa-MisaaavAAAAAAAA"
"KUUURPOOOOOOOW!"
Leafa: Uh!
A gap was formed as the explosion cleared off and all that was left, was a small Green flame from Recon.
Leafa: a self-destruct spell. He used even though the penalty is worst than a normal death…
(Your) memory voice: if hes going all the way just for your sake… doesn't that mean that he truly cares about you? have you ever considered his feelings?
Leafa: Nagata… igh… *she sheds tears* I'm sorry… if only I'd known sooner…
Seeing this chance, Kirito attempts to enter the gap and reach the top but before he can even make it, the fairy knights gather together and push Kirito back.
Kirito: GAAAAAGH!
The faries did not stop there, they continued they're attacks and stab Kirito multiple times.
Leafa: no!
You: damn… I can't reach him or Koharu or Sanya…
Koharu: there are just too many… we can't win this.
Leafa: Gr…
?: GRAAAAAAAAA!
Everyone: Huh?
The roaring screaming came from below us and from there, we see the Sylph fairies entering the room.
Kirito: Huh? What are the Sylphs doing here?
?: Groooar!
The sounds of dragons came from the other side as dragon riders began reaching us.
Leafa: Dragons, it's the cat siths!
Both of the leaders get together and meet up with us.
Sakuya: hello there, we hope we aren't too late.
Alicia: Yeah sorry, thankfully we were testing out this new gear when we got the message so we are here just in the neck of time!
Leafa: Sakuya! Alicia!
Alicia: Okay Dragoons, prepare to attack!
Sakuya: Slyph warriors, hit the enemy with all you got!
The fairy knights change they're trajectory and begin attack the Sylph and cat siths.
Alicia: fire breath… ATTAAAAAAAAACK!
The dragons then fire swirling fire breaths that not only take out a swarm of fairy knights, they begin to clear out the path to the top.
Sakuya: Fire away!
The sylph's chanted they're spells on their weapons and the spells are then fired at the knights that explode in a similar way the dragons fire breath did.
You: Great, they're opening up a path for us!
Koharu: Sanya!
Koharu then flies to Sanya's flame and chants a resurrection spell. Within a few seconds, Sanya is resurrected.
Sanya: Igh… Koharu, you saved me!
Koharu: I won't tell anyone.
Sanya: Great, please don't.
Leafa: Sakuya! Thank you so much for coming!
Sakuya: you don't haft to thank us. It's only thanks to that Spriggan that we are here on time.
Alicia: Yeah, I mean the only reason we are able to do this little raid is because of all the money he gave us.
Leafa then offers a pleased smile and then faces the swarm of fairy knights.
Sakuya: *she folds her fan* Warriors! Forward to battle!
The Sylphs and cat siths begin to attack the swarm of fairy knights, each race helping the other and each race delivering they're own special techniques.
Leafa: HEAAAA!
With dashing movements, Leafa slashes through multiple enemies and allows the race leaders to chant they're spells and destroy a swarm of enemies.
Koharu: they are all fighting together.
You: yeah… this is what happens when you put your differences aside and begin working together… as a team. *I face Koharu*
Koharu: then let's do this… because I am your partner.
You: right… *I grab her hand* right… partner.
As our hands hold each other, my sword and her dagger begin to shine brightly as the sun.
Sakuya: Igh… what is going on?
Alicia: are they chanting a spell?
Sanya: No… it's worse then that.
With my sword and her dagger glowing bright yellow, a small shape was created on Koharu's chest plate that looked like a brooch and a ring was formed on my finger. We faced each other and then point at the swarm of fairy knights.
You and Koharu: LETS DOOO THIIIIIIS!
The bright light engulfs us and the light turns into a shape that was all too familiar.
Leafa: Uh! They did that move when we were fighting the skull reaper!
Kirito: they turned into the Phoenix duo!
Phoenix: SKRAAAAAA!
The phoenix that once defeated the skull reaper returned and began flying and fired multiple fire balls towards the fairy knights, whenever a fire ball hit a knight, it exploded inside it causing an area attack to any enemy within range of the explosion.
Pheonix: SKRAAAAA!
The phoenix flew through the entire room and cleared the walls from the knights and once again the walls were visible and then reached the gap where Recon exploded.
You and Koharu: Radiant… CROSS FIRE!
The Phoenix then exploded with feathers flying across the room and each feather destroyed a swarm of fairy knights and the gap was as wide and clear as we entered.
You: Kirito! This is your chance, you gotta get to the top now! *I grab my sword* here!
I then throw Esper to Kirito's hand and he grips it with all his might as he dashes through in a last attempt to make it to the top.
Kirito: GEAAAAAGH! *he slashes through a knight* GRRRIGH! *he slashes through another* GREAAAAAGH!
Kirito was dual wielding his sword and my sword and as the fairies began heading towards Kirito, he gathered both of the sword and holded them together as he chanted a shield between him and the swords, as a result, the knights got either pushed back or pushed to the side. The gap between Kirito and the fairies looked like as if Kirito was flying at my speed… but it wasn't enough.
Kirito: Gigh… got to make it through…
As a last resort, I got behind Kirito and hold him by his shoulders.
You: Hang on Kirito, were going in hot!
Kirito: GHiigh! Whoaaa-WHOOAAA!
Kirito and I began flying at high speeds and the two of us were reaching the top.
Leafa, Sanya and Koharu: Igh… GOOOOOOOOO! SAVE THEM!
You and Kirito: GEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
"KAA-BOOOOOOOOOOOM!"
Within a few seconds, we break the sound barrier and break through the wall of fairy knights. Kirito's sword along with mine, stab the ceiling of the room, and the two of us make it to the top.
After a while, the gap is blocked once again and we can't see what is going on, on the other side.
You: Looks like we're on our own…
Kirito: but now what do we do…?
The door wasn't opening, its not even reacting.
You: *I try opening it* no good.
Kirito: Ghigh! *he tries opening it with his sword* not doing much either.
Strea: "Flutter" Yui, do you think you can help with this?
Yui: I'll try… *she lands on the door* Daddy… something is really strange… this door isn't lock by a quest… its locked by the system administrator.
You: wait… so that means we cant get in?
Yui: yes, this door wasn't never meant to be open by a player!
Kirito: What?! No way!
Before we could react as to what was going on…
Announcer: congratulations player, you reached the top of the world tree and have been granted permission to enter.
The doors begin opening and bright light emerges from the gaps.
Announcer: the fairy King Oberon will be waiting for you at the end of the of the tree. Good luck.
Yui: What just happened? The protocols were somehow taken off and granted us access.
Kirito: Well, as long as we got a way to get in, I don't care what happens.
You: Strea, get back inside, no telling what might be on the other side.
Strea: alright. *she flies back into my pocket*
You: Alright Kirito *I grab my sword* you ready?
Kirito: …yeah.
Feeling confused and nervous, we both walk through the door and the bright light blocks our vision.
To be continued…