SAO: Avenger

by JCK824TO

It's been two months since SAO was cleared. But the 300 players remain comatose, including Asuna Yuuki. But when he learns about the arranged marriage & the possibility of Asuna in ALfheim Online, Kazuto, & his friends, dive into ALO in search of her. However, they're not the only ones. Steve Rogers, Thomas Anderson, & the Howler Platoon dives in to investigate.

11. Chapter 11

Nobuyuki Estate:

"SHE DID WHAT!?" Nobuyuki shouted in anger. He was speaking to the monitor in his office.

"She broadcasted live in Alfheim and to the rest of Japan," one of the ex-STRIKE troopers told his Supreme Commander. "She's locked herself inside the virtual communications hub!"

"That little..." Nobuyuki curled his hand into a fist. His knuckles turned white with his tight grip. Then, he took a deep breath. "What about the test subjects.."

"They're almost complete, sir. Soon, they'll assist our forces in Alne."

"Very well... mobilize our forces, and keep them out of the World Tree and away from the GM consoles," Nobuyuki ordered, "once the auto-configuration of the GM console is complete when we go international, it won't matter what the Americans and their ragtag bunch can do."

"And the Yuuki girl?"

"Capture her and return her to the cage. I'll be there as soon as I can.." He ordered. "Wait... better yet," Nobuyuki amended before he rose, "have her taken to the lab... hopefully we can give her a proper... attitude adjustment."

"Yes sir.. It will be done.."

As the comms cut out, it was then that Nobuyuki's computer rang another call from another Hydra associate. With a frustrated sigh, Nobuyuki answered. "I'm a little busy here."

"Nobuyuki... you had better have a good explanation for this!"

He just groaned, now that Asuna's gone traitor, he'll have to give an explanation.

Another Hydra commander popped up on Nobuyuki's screen. "Well 'Supreme Commander'... I guess we have you to thank for this."

"I can assure you, that this is just a temporary setback." Nobuyuki said. "A obstacle that we'll overcome.."

"The whole of Japan knows now!"

"It doesn't matter if the whole world knows.." Nobuyuki replied calmly. "Once we launch our game beyond Japan, we'll alter their memories so that they don't remember even the slightest of what they've learned.."

"And many others will know allegiance to Hydra... I reassure you that everything's going according to plan.." He finished.

One of the elder commanders with a military position glared at him. "It had better be... the council will be silent running until then."

"Within an hour, Hydra will spread our influence to the world.." Nobuyuki cited. "Cut off one head, two more shall take its place... Hail Hydra!"

---

USS Wilson:

Nick Fury overlooks the aftermath of the broadcast Asuna made. CIC was being flooded with reactions from Japanese social media...

"Sir, the Japanese media 's covering the situation in ALO. The whole thing's blowing up." Marie Hill reported.

"That should put a dent in their plans..." Captain Miller smirked.

Maria Hill frowned. "There's a slight problem."

"And that is?" Her eye narrowed as she asked that.

"Hydra's agents must have instituted a media firewall, because none of it is making out of Japan... the international waitlist for Alfheim Online is already nearing ten million."

Miller's eye hardened. "Is there a way we could break it down?" she asked, her eye flicking to the controls of the Wilson.

"Trinity and Unity will work on that." Fury pointed out.

"Good." Miller nodded. "I want that firewall broken down ASAP. We cannot let Hydra launch this thing and brainwash players worldwide," she added.

It was then that Colonel Rogers appeared on the main screen with his coms. "Captain Miller!"

"Yes, Colonel?" Miller asked. She was quick to note his expression.

"We require you and your aircraft for assistance," Colonel Rogers told her, "we are accelerating the time tables for Howlers 7-2 through 7-4."

"I'm on it, Colonel." Miller replied. She turned to the controls. "Unity, I want you and Trinity to start cracking that firewall ASAP."

"We're on it, Captain Miller." Trinity replied.

"Aye aye, Captain," Unity acknowledged playfully.

"We will continue our assault on the World Tree," Colonel Roger said, "but we now need the Nobuyuki estate and RECT secured, and Nobuyuki captured ASAP."

"Be careful, Colonel," Fury said, "now that Hydra is exposed again, you can bet they will resort to even more drastic measures like lowering that Pain Absorber."

"We'll keep that in mind, Fury.." Rogers acknowledged.

"All the more reason for our AIs to take control," Miller suggested, "maybe Delta One's scrambler code can make it easier for us to gain control of the game and shut down Hydra's tampering and give our men a chance at the World Tree."

"I'll have Delta One hack into the monitors in RECT." Fury said.

"Thank you, Fury," Colonel Rogers flashed a smile, "then we are clear on what to do."

"Show Hydra what happens when they threaten the free world again.." Fury flashed a grin.

"Darn right, friend," Rogers laughed. "Colonel America out."

The communication was cut.

---

Inside the World Tree:

Asuna breathed heavy as she stood beside the door with her virtual Luger in hand. The pounding on the door continued, followed by angry shouts. It sounded like there were still only two coming after her.

"Open the door right now!" One of the voices ordered. Asuna did not answer, but checked her gun again for reassurance. She knew that the door won't keep them out forever as they'll override the palm panels.

"We'll come in and set your straight!"

Asuna then decided to be defiant. "Come in and get me!"

"Alright. Shane, override the door's panel.."

"Got it, Jon."

Asuna pursed her lips as she pointed the pistol beside the door. It was then, the door slides open. As the first trooper came through...

BANG

He fell to the floor with a digital hole in his head.

"What the..."

BANG

The second guard went down. Asuna's breathing picked up as she made a run for it. She hoped to get back to the lab where Naomi was, or at least find another place to hide and hold out. She ran down the corridor towards the lab. Stopping each corner and peeking over to see any guards present.

"Get her!" Asuna heard behind her as she sprinted away from gunfire. Her virtual heart pounded and her battle senses went into overdrive for the first time in two months. Bullets wizz past her as she dropped to her knee and took aim. She fires her luger, taking down one of the guards with a headshot.

"I guess my time at the virtual range paid off..." Asuna muttered to herself as she took aim again. She takes down two more guards with headshots. She sprinted away as she ejected the empty magazine and slapped in another.

'Kirito... Please hurry..'

---

With Kirito:

Castle and his Rangers yelled, "freeze!" They had gotten the jump on the ALO defenders as they leaned over the roof of one of the intact buildings and aimed their rifles and machine guns. "Stay where you are!"

Kirito and his friends likewise aimed their guns down at the surprised ALO leaders and their subordinates.

Eugene, taken by surprise, but complies and remains still.

"What's the matter?" One of the Rangers taunted, "we thought you were hot stuff!"

"Cat got your tongues!?" Another young Ranger laughed.

It was then, the female Spriggan leader said. "Hey! I knew that something was off with ALO!" She let her weapon drop and raised her hands. "If you Yankees have to know, we were hoodwinked just like everyone else!"

Kirito approached the female Spriggan with his rifle still raised at her. "What's your name?"

"The name's Charlie.." The female Spriggan answered.

"I'm Kirito..." The black-clad warrior said.

"Wait a minute," Charlie realized, "aren't you that rogue Spriggan who caused uproars with the Salamanders and Sylphs, and then tagged along with those two Americans?"

"Well..." Kirito rubbed his nape. "Yeah..."

"Well I'm surprised.." Charlie admitted. "None of the Spriggans go rogue on the first day."

"So what's you and your friends' stories tagging along with those soldiers?"

Lexar stepped forward and spoke up. "We're on a rescue mission, Charlie.."

"We are fellow SAO survivors to those three hundred being held by Hydra," Kirito said with a low tone and a glare up at the accursed World Tree, "and I'm here for Asuna... my wife."

"The girl from the broadcast?" Charlie asked.

"Wait a minute, your wife?" Echo was shocked.

"She's married to you?" Alias blinked. Eugene, Sigurd, and Barris looked at Kirito like he was pulling their leg, while Alicia and Sakuya looked very amused.

"Yes... Asuna and I are married.." Kirito's cheeks flushed.

"Oh ho!" Alicia gave a catty call.

"Never imagined a rogue Spriggan a married man.." Sakuya teased.

"It's true," Lexar snickered, "he'd render the barriers of reality just to get to her."

He then adds. "But hey, they're a lovely couple and they deserve to be with each other... Which is why we started this mission.."

"And that makes her my family too," Leafa boldly spoke up.

"Leafa," Sakuya recognized her.

"Sakuya.." Leafa greeted her.

"So you've been with these two the whole time," Sakuya stated, not apparently angry.

"Yes, I was.." Leafa replied.

Sigurd walked up to Sakuya. "Lady Sakuya..."

"Sigurd.." Sakuya shook her head.

"I can explain.."

"You let your hot temper get the better of you!" She scolded him. She then glared at Eugene. "And you are a buffoon as always, making yourself a pawn of Hydra!"

"W-we didn't know Hydra was pulling the strings.." Eugene replied shamefully.

"I don't know whether to be upset or enraged to have been hoodwinked and made a fool," Barris growled.

"How about both?" Alicia remarked.

"Hey," Barris shot back at Alicia.

"What are you doing here, Sakuya?" Leafa asked her leader.

"We're here because Alicia and I had this feeling regarding ALO's Industrial Revolution update." Sakuya explained. "And we've decided to investigate the events in the past two days..."

"And true enough," Alicia pointed up to the World Tree, "it was all a hoax."

"And now that the truth's out, we like to form a truce with the Americans.." Sakuya concluded.

One of the Howler soldiers did a double-take. "Truce?"

Sergeant Castle chuckled. "Appreciate the sentiment, but I'll have to wait until my superiors arrive on the scene."

It was then Yui perked up. "I sense the rest of the Howlers and our friends close-by.." She chirped.

"And..." the Punisher smirked, "here they come now." They all turned to see Colonel Stever Rogers, with Revere, Jackhammer, and the rest of both Howler platoon and the SAO guild. Sakuya and Alicia were surprised to see Steve Rogers.

"Castle.." Rogers greeted.

"Sir," Castle and his fireteam came to attention and saluted. "We've secured this position."

"Excellent.." Rogers said. Both Sakuya and Alicia approached Rogers.

"Captain America," Sakuya greeted.

"Hard to believe that you, Captain America, are the leader of this platoon.." Alicia added with a smile.

"Thank you... but I'm hardly a Captain," Rogers laughed.

"He's a Colonel, now.." Castle stated.

The famed World War II super soldier looked to Revere to his right. "If you want to see a Captain, this one here is a real one."

"Don't forget me.." Another soldier stated.

"Hey..." Alicia Rue pointed at Revere, "you're that soldier who disguised himself as a Sylph with the sword and shield!"

"That's me.." Revere acknowledged. Alicia noticed the other player standing next to him. She immediately recognized him too.

"And you too! You're that other guy!"

"That's me. Jackhammer, at your service." Jack grinned and made a low, sweeping, theatrical bow.

"Customs and decorum, Lieutenant," Revere reminded with a whisper.

"I've heard about the commotion you two made in Swilvane." Sakuya stated.

"Not by choice," Revere just flatly stated.

"You may want to take that to Sigurd there. I was just defending Kirito and the others from intimating them." Jackhammer pointed at Sigurd, who looked down shamefully.

"And I was just defending my subordinate from being assaulted by overzealous civilians," Revere said, "which is by the way, a violation of military law subject to military tribunal."

"Just watching over the innocent and all." Jackhammer defended. "Wasn't gonna let a group of kids get attacked on my watch.."

"You got that right Jack." A voice called out from behind the Howlers. "I mean, I'd do the same if I were in your position.."

"Wait..." Alicia pointed her finger at him. "You're Thomas J. Anderson of Anderson Tech Industries.."

"That's me, don't wear it out.." Anderson chuckled as he made a salute with two fingers and flashed a grin. If the sun was bright, a sparkle could been seen from his teeth.

Revere gave Anderson a slight glance before continuing, "however, given the circumstances, my superior and I are willing to overlook such offenses, and will request that all civilians evacuate this area of operations."

"We wish to forge a truce and an alliance with you.." Charlie suggested. "After all, we owe you for interfering with your mission.."

"That's..."

"I will allow it," Rogers cut Revere off.

Revere looked to his superior. "With all due respect, sir, but won't we be putting more civilians in harm's path?"

"Yes..." Rogers answered before he continued.

"But sir," Revere tried to object.

"They've showed some courage during the siege despite being pawns for Hydra." He added. "Plus, we could use all the help we can.."

Revere quietly backed down, knowing that while the Colonel respected his inputs and opinions, he had the final say.

"Most of you will defend the city from any Hydra agents posing as players." Rogers stated. "Knowing them, they'll throw everything they have at us to keep us from making it to the top."

"Colonel," Charlie spoke up, "please let us help you make it to the World Tree. The way to the top is guarded by very tough Guardians serving as the final bosses of this game, and if what that Asuna girl said is right, we don't have that much time before they start mucking with peoples' brains."

"Which is why you will be coming with us." Rogers stated.

"And since we are the ranking officers on the scene," Revere added, "under the classification of militia, you all will be subject to military authority and orders."

Some of the other leaders of ALO looked at Revere.

"You got it, captain.." Sakuya shrugged before she and Alicia saluted.

"And you'll be happy to know that we have enlisted the aids of the three other races and their leaders," Alicia beamed, "Leprechauns, Imps, and even Pookas are already racing to Alne as we speak!"

Alias the Undine leader then saw his chat going wild. "Whoa! I'm getting a whole lot of volunteer requests and statements! There are more players saying they are logging on because of Asuna's broadcast!"

"Looks like we'll be getting some backup.." Lisbeth remarked. "And lots of it, too.."

Revere decided to check by opening his own status window and checking the live chats of ALO. True enough, many new log ins were being declared on multiple chats... with motives ranging from being motivated to help the ALO players, to getting payback against Hydra for hurting friends and family suffering at homes and hospitals across the country.

"Colonel," Revere looked to his leader.

Rogers opened his status window and checked the live chats of ALO. "Wow... Lot of backup, indeed." He stated.

"But you know that we can't accommodate all of them, and it would take hours just to set up an adequate chain of command," Revere pointed out.

However, Anderson grinned rather confidently as he opened his window.

"This takes me back when I led the counter-attack against the federal forces and UN peacekeepers in Frankville." He stated when he saw the live chats.

"And as to the chain of command, no problem."

"Do tell Doc," Revere said with a deadpan expression.

"Doc?" Charlie wondered.

"He makes technology for Anderson Tech Industries. For both civilian and military." Kirito explains. "And he modified the VR helmets for this mission. Not to mention bypassing the block made by Hydra." He shows Charlie the military gear and weapons he and his friends have in possession.

"Woah..." Charlie could hardly believe it.

Sakuya went up next to Leafa and Lexar. "Excuse me... but it doesn't seem that your friend likes Anderson all that much."

"It's officer rivalry.." Lexar explained. He glanced at Anderson and Revere before turning back to Sakuya. "Anderson's more confident than Revere Two is.."

"Actually," Codex and Strea came up alongside them, "I saw them arguing rather heatedly... it's more of difference of opinions and temperament. Anderson is optimistic, but Revere is a very battle-hardened character."

"Codex, Strea!" Lexar beamed.

"Glad to see you're alright." Codex smiled.

"Strea," Leafa noticed her weary expression.

"I'm sorry, Auntie Leafa.." Strea sighed.

"She's been sensing the pain of the players here." Codex explained while he hugged Strea.

"Auntie?" Sakuya looked to Leafa with a questioning look.

"Long story," Leafa quickly answered.

Sakuya looked at the tired Gnome player, then back at Leafa. "Okay then." She nodded.

"So you've got another idea on the fly?" Steve Rogers smiled towards Anderson, clearly showing more respect for the tech prodigy Air Force captain.

"I do actually.." Anderson smirked. "We'll have the civilian players be split into several teams under our command.." Anderson then formed an in-game email link, and addressed it to the player tags of the race leaders.

"We'll be creating teams of our own. For instance, my team will be branded as Free States Rangers. As the successor to the actual Free States Rangers." Anderson smiled with pride. "And I've created an advanced command channel for you... and Revere to communicate with the leaders of the ALO races here and on their way to Alne."

True enough, Sakuya, Alicia Rue, Charlie, Alias, and even Eugene and Barris got notifications corresponding with what Anderson told Rogers.

"We're invited as members of the Howlers.." Alias commented. "Nice.."

"Wait a minute..." Eugene seemed to recognize the unit, "the Howler Platoon? The 75th Ranger Regiment's elite 7th Platoon from the 2nd American Civil War?"

"The one and only..." Rogers replied with a smile.

"Wait, how did you know that?" Alicia shot a glance at Eugene.

"I.. I've studied history and information from military conflicts..." Eugene admitted. "Ranging mainly from the Avengers to the Second Civil War."

"No wonder why you fashion yourself as a general," Charlie said with a smirk, "too bad you're in the presence of real military officers."

"True... I kinda had that coming.." He replied with a shrug.

"Alright, cut the chatter y'all," Revere said with his hand raised, "let's get this rodeo on the road."

It was then, they see more Salamander and Sylph players approaching them from within the city.

"Don't worry.. We're allies now." Eugene called out. However, the players didn't seem to listen as they raised their weapons up. Kirito took a look at one of the Salamander players and his eyes widen as he recognized him. Crimson...

"Everyone get down!" Kirito yelled as Crimson and the Hydra soldiers opened up on them. Kirito, Lexar, Leafa, and everyone ducked and ran behind cover to avoid getting shot. Suddenly, some of the other players of other races started to point their weapons with some evil smirks.

"Hail Hydra!"

"This is SHIELD all over again.." Rogers muttered as he return fire. More Hydra players continued to show up, increasing their numbers.

Charlie ran into one of the buildings alongside one of her fellow Spriggans, only for that Spriggan to pull his weapon on her.

"You!?" Charlie screamed.

"Hail Hydra!" The Spriggan players exclaimed.

A shot rang out... The turncoat Spriggan suddenly fell onto the ground. Then more shots rang out, raining down on the Hydra soldiers. Charlie found herself face-to-face with a rather unusual character saving her. This player is dressed in an outfit that is a combination of a jumpsuit and body armor with paddings in several places as well as covering his entire head. It also showed the buffness of the character's muscles and toned body through the suit. The outfit is red with black in some areas such as the gloves, shoulders, the sides of his abdomen, thighs, and around the eyes. On the belt shows a buckle that had an peculiar insignia on it. In his hands, he's holding what appears to be an AK-47 assault rifle. However, the rifle itself is modified with a larger hand guard/barrel with an M203 grenade launcher underneath, the skeleton butt stock, the Beta-C drum magazine that's designed to hold a hundred rounds, a shield that complete welded between the rifle's receiver and the hand guard. And the scheme of the rifle is in a gold color with silver in the magazine.

"Good evening cutie!" The red-suited man greeted in a cheery tone.

Charlie's eyes widen as she sees the red-suited man standing before her. "Who are you?"

"Deadpool.." The red suited man laughed. "The merc with a mouth!" He flexed his muscles before her.

"I bet the readers didn't expect for us to make an appearance here."

"Actually, we were suppose to make a cameo in the MCU: Liberty Chronicles.. But was set back after having... complications with it.."

"By complications, meaning that it took over six months to write one chapter."

"Like I said... Complications..."

Meanwhile, Kirito, Leafa, and Lexar took cover behind one of the defender barricades. Kirito peaked around the corner to see the red-suited man standing before Charlie.

"Who is that?" Kirito wondered as he gripped his M4v1.

Revere looked over, and grimaced. "Darn it, that loose cannon, Deadpool."

"Deadpool?" Leafa asked.

"A former Army warrant officer turned merc," Revere grunted as he assessed the situation around them, "and a looney tune."

He fired a burst up at the flying Hydra sleepers, but was forced back behind cover.

"My older brother told me about some guy in a red suit running around during the second civil war and afterwards.." Lexar stated as he got a glance of Deadpool. "I thought that was just soldiers telling stories... Turns out they're not..."

Kirito watches as the bullets hit Deadpool, but he doesn't seem to take notice of it.

"Now if you excuse me.." Deadpool produces his golden AK. "I got some baddies to kill." He turns around and fires his golden AK-47 at the Hydra soldiers.

"Maximum effort!"

"You got that right. Action sequence!"

"Colonel," Revere looked to his leader. The two seemed to give each other knowing looks. "At this point... the gloves are off."

"Tell me about it.." Rogers stated as he watches at Deadpool takes on the Hydra soldiers single-handedly.

"It's time to reveal our true strength, Captain America," Rogers told him.

With a firm, "yes sir," Revere clicked on his status window, and his avatar flashed as he took on his stealth blue patriotic armor of Captain America. Meanwhile the Hydra soldiers continued to empty their weapons at the red-suited figure who is jumping around and taking down soldiers with his golden rifle.

"Get to cover!" Crimson ordered as he loads a fresh magazine into the rifle.

Alicia and Echo ran as several turncoats rained fire from above. Suddenly, a blue and grey frisbee seemingly came out of nowhere and blew the Hydra troopers out of the air. Captain America II jumped out and fired more shots from his M4v1.

"Is that Captain America?!" Echo shouted.

Captain America II landed behind the two Cait Siths as his arm shield extended to block the shots. He looked back to the two as they saw his face behind his helmet and visor.

"Revere?!" They exclaimed.

"Stay focused on combat!" Captain America II yelled as he drew out his P320 PDW and shot from behind his shield.

"Right!" Both Alicia and Echo drew out their weapons and opened up on the Hydra soldiers.

"Alright, you Hydra scum, this is war," Captain America II said as he ran about the battle with his rifle and shield. Some of the players on both sides saw the new Captain America.

"So that's the new Captain America.." Alias observed. One Hydra Sylph snuck onto Captain II and slashed with his saber, only for Captain to spin around with his folding shield to block. He then produced a handle from his belt which unfolded into a sword and stabbed hard through the gut.

Sigurd and Sakuya saw Revere in his new armor go to town, shielding troops and players while fighting Hydra.

"Wanna make up for your past mistakes? This is your chance.." Sakuya produced the golden assault rifle with the large grenade launcher. She takes aim and fires at the Hydra soldiers.

"Somebody kill this clown!" One Hydra soldier shouted as he finishes emptying his clip against Deadpool.

"I am not a clown, sir!" Deadpool retorted.

"Oh! Do the cartwheel like in the Matrix!"

"Right! Slow-Mo time!" Deadpool dove sideways, planting his left hand onto the ground as he made a cartwheel maneuver. Taking out several Hydra soldiers with the AK rifle.

His gun clicks empty and discards is before drawing out two Desert Eagle pistols. Both which are modified with larger barrels, larger magazine capacity to hold more rounds, and in gold/silver schemes.

"Take out the Hydra soldiers stationed on the rooftops."

"Good idea!" Deadpool aims his two desert eagle pistols and took out several Hydra soldiers, whom of which fell off the roofs and onto the ground.

A group of armored riders tried to roast Deadpool from above, only for them to get knocked off their steeds by repulsor blasts.

Captain America II came next to Deadpool, shield up and firing his M4v1 singlehandedly. "What in Sam's Hill are you doing here, Wilson?"

"You were having trouble and I assisted you." Deadpool replied. He takes down a Hydra soldier with his desert eagle without even looking.

"You just seem to come out of nowhere," Captain America II said as he prepped another frisbee grenade from his backpack. "Frag out!"

"I sensed that you were in trouble, and I came to the rescue."

"Actually, we've been keeping tabs on the updates for SAO: Avenger on Archive of our own."

Deadpool drew out his status window and it shows the page of a fanfiction website that reads . And the story "SAO: Avenger" can be seen on the page. He opened up another web page to and sees the story with the same name.

"Been keeping tabs on two fanfiction websites." Deadpool beamed.

Captain America II glared at him as he blocked more gunfire with his shield and pushed Deadpool off to the side. "Are you breaking the 4th wall again?"

"That is our nature.."

"Come on, Burke. Everyone enjoys a comic relief.. And believe me, you guys need one.." Deadpool stated. He reloads his pistols before firing again.

"That's Captain to you, Mr. Wilson," Captain America II rebuffed as he reloaded his rifle, "and this is not the appropriate time even if those 'readers' of you think this is amusing." He leaned out and fired his under barrel launcher.

"Maybe.." He smirked under the mask. Then he was suddenly knocked down by a flying object thrown from Hydra's direction.

"Darn it," Captain America II grunted as he pulled Deadpool behind cover. An explosion is heard as the grenade detonated. The shield held out.

"Iron Man, Iron Patriot, we can use additional air support!"

"We're on it, Cap!" Iron Man II shouted as he and Iron Patriot II launched from the ground and begin raining down on the Hydra soldiers with repulsor blasts.

It was then that Colonel America came up alongside his counterpart. "Colonel!" Captain America II recognized him.

"We need to push through!" Colonel America ordered.

"I'm on it!" Deadpool said before firing his two Desert Eagle pistols at the Hydra soldiers. Colonel America pulled out his iconic shield and got out in front as Captain America and Deadpool fired their weapons from behind him.

Lexar and Leafa watched the teamwork in awe.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Lexar asked her.

"Then let's join in!" Leafa resolved as she pulled out a grenade. She pulled the pin and tossed it towards Hydra soldiers.

"Charge!" Lexar screamed over the explosion. He jumped out from behind cover and popped shots at the Hydra soldiers, taking them down with aimed shots. Kirito yelled out as he fire out of cover. Taking down more Hydra soldiers.

"They're retreating!" Kirito yelled.

"Good! Keep at it!" Lexar shouted back as he reloads.

"You bastards!" Rex roared as he laid down fire.

"Push forward!' Kureha shouted as she took down the fleeing Hydra soldiers.

The SAO and ALO players rallied as the American hero team and Howler Platoon counterattacked.

"Ahhh.. Nothing like the sight of everyone uniting against Hydra.." Deadpool commented.

"It's almost like the portal scene from Endgame.."

"Yeah, but this is different. We beat Thanos before he could wipe out half of life from the universe.. Including Earth.."

"Hey, cut the chatter with yourself," Captain America II bit back, "the job's not done yet!"

"Right!" Deadpool ran towards the fleeing Hydra soldiers towards Crimson. Who ordered the rest of his squad to concentrate all fire on Deadpool. But of course, it was all in vain as his advanced healing factor kept him from being killed.

"Mages and heavy gunners, blast those traitors back!" Eugene barked orders.

"We're on it!" The Salamander players replied. "For Alfheim!"

Sakuya pointed her sword up, "drive them back!"

"For the SAO players!"

---

Kirigaya household:

The Kirigaya adults couldn't believe what they're witnessing. All of the ALO players are rallying up against Hydra. Meanwhile, domestic newsfeeds in cities across Japan showed growing demonstrations as anti-Hydra and anti-RECT sentiments grew with the suffering of those injured inside ALO.

However, the footages of Rogers as Colonel America, Captain America II, Iron Man II, Iron Patriot II, and finally, the red-suited figure known as Deadpool fighting off against Hydra soldiers.

"That's the figure I saw earlier.." Midori stated.

"And I recognize Steve Rogers... but a second Captain America?" Minetaka was confused.

It was then Midori realized something. "Isn't that the other Captain America Rogers mentioned?"

"I believe so.." Minetaka answered. "He said something about meeting Iron Man and another Captain America.."

It was then that they saw a black-clad player run up beside the new Captain America, who deployed his arm shield to cover for him.

"Who's that?" Midori wondered. Minetaka zoomed in... and saw that it was Kazuto fighting alongside the new Captain America.

"That's Kazuto."

Midori double-blinked at the sight of the black-clad player. They watched as Kazuto engaged the Hydra soldiers head-on and striking the fleeing soldiers. She realized that Kazuto hardly seemed fazed by battle. Then again, he's been trapped in SAO for two years. So he must've been through a lot of battles.

---

Back in ALO:

"Looks like we fended them off," Colonel America assessed the situation as things calmed somewhat.

"All of the Hydra soldiers either been eliminated or retreated." Iron Patriot II stated. "All of they entered through the World Tree gates."

"Don't be too sure of that," Captain America II told Iron Patriot II as Kirito tagged alongside him, "I have a feeling those sleepers were just meant to throw us off balance. They've probably kept back their strongest forces for our final push."

"And by no small number," Kirito grit his teeth, "they must have a lot of sleeper agents across Japan to have caused this much damage." True to Kirito's words, the lines the ALO defenders had were in complete disarray.

Lexar walked up to them. "Then we gotta push them back harder."

"Iron Man," Captain America called.

The red/gold armored clad figure landed next to them. "Yes captain?"

"What's the state of our ground forces?"

"Most of our platoon have been logged out. This also included the ALO defenders... But we should receive additional re-enforcements soon."

"How much more?" Captain America asked, "the thing I want is to have to subtract manpower from the other companies that can be used to seize Nobuyuki and RECT in the real world Tokyo."

"Like Captain Anderson said. Many players are logging onto ALO after Asuna's broadcast and are now converging to our location." Iron Man answered. "Once they arrive, we'll make our way through the World Tree and fight our way to the top."

"I honestly don't like us having to resort to civilian militia assistance," the new Captain lamented, "but given our options, we'll make due." He then tapped on his earpiece. "Ramirez, Castle, martial whatever troops we still have logged on, and fix up whatever damage you can to your avatars before the final attack."

"Roger that, Captain. We're have it done in a few minutes." Ramirez replied.

Colonel America then patted Captain America on the shoulder. "We'll get through this... We did before in the past."

"And... well done for your first battle as my former self."

"Thank you sir," Captain America nodded, "and you were in fine form as always."

"Help is arriving soon.. We'll push through.."

"Well, you're gonna get some more help.." A voice called from behind. Rogers and Revere turned to see two soldiers standing before them. They both wear tactical military gear, body armor and such. They also wore bulletproof masks. One mask features a scar on the right side of the face, as if to resemble the scar from an explosion. The other mask shows hot rod flames on the sides. They both moved their masks above their heads and showed their faces. Both are males and in their mid-to-late thirties. One has no hair on his head and sports a scar on his face, resembling the scar displayed on the mask. The other has slick, black hair.

"Identify yourselves." Captain America II ordered.

"Tyson Rios, and this is Elliot Salem." The soldier replied. "We're sent by Delta One to assist you.."

"Delta One..." Colonel America recognized the callsign, "he sent you to help us?"

"That's right." Salem smiled.

"You don't look much of soldiers to me," Captain America II was blunt, "rather roguish."

"We used to be in the Army..." Rios answered. "That is, until the Second Civil War broke out and we defected to the Rebels."

"Don't judge a book by its color, kid," Salem seemed a bit offended, "not everyone looks like a Boy Scout like you and your superior."

"True.." Rogers agreed.

"Hmm... More Yankees to join the fight.." Charlie stated. "But hey, we could use all the help we can.."

Sakuya observed the remaining Howler Rangers and the Quinjets overhead. "You got that right, Charlie.." She remarked.

"Hey," Eugene walked up with Mortimer, "don't forget that we have a role to play as well."

"Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about you.." Sakuya laughed.

"He meant all of us," Mortimer clarified, "we each have a part to play in this siege against our deceivers."

"We know..." Alicia replied.

"This is our game, and we intend to take it back," Alias rallied.

"We're making up for being used as pawns.." Echo added.

"I'd like to get my hands on Hydra for what they did... making my friends hurt so bad," Barris slapped his fists together. "And making fools out of us.."

"Was it really our game though?" Charlie exhaled deeply, "you all heard what that Asuna girl said... it was all just a test hub for their Frankenstein experiments."

Some in the SAO group overheard that.

"True... But this is our second home..." Eugene defended. "And we're gonna defend our home from that madman.."

"I know that feeling..." Spade responded to Eugene's statement.

Mace and Lisbeth walked up to the leaders. "Believe us, we know what it is to be like under the thumb of a madman," Mace growled.

"We still remember that day he announced our entrapment.." Lisbeth shivered.

"Entrapment?" Alicia asked.

"You guys are SAO survivors," Sakuya deduced quickly.

"We are..." Silica nodded.

"And we've got a real score to settle with Hydra for kidnapping our own," Sleek raised his gun. Then, everyone sees more players arriving at the city's main entrance. Despite being in ruins, they arrived in droves.

"Look at them, Colonel," Captain said, "I'm counting hundreds."

"Never seen a gathering like this before.." Colonel America smiles.

"Think we should have a flag for them, Colonel?" Iron Patriot asked as he observes the players arriving at the city.

"We can talk about that later, Doc," Captain America II reminded, "people's lives are at stake right now." The Captain went over to the SAO and ALO leaders. "As soon as the remaining race leaders arrive, we need to get our battle tactics in order. We don't have that much time before Hydra weaponize this game and launches it worldwide."

"Alight then.." Iron Patriot agreed.

Kirito and Yui watched as many players started gathering in the city limits. Yui seemed to smile.

"Hard to believe this is happening.." Kirito whispered to Yui. "Everyone's helping us to rescue Asuna and the 299 players.."

"And we'll need all the help we can get at this point," Captain America II said as he clicked on his status window. "Gather everyone around... I'm going to host a tactical briefing."

Kirito, Lexar, and everyone in both the SAO guild and the ALO defenders gathered around the Howler Platoon leaders.

"Wait..." Alicia Rue looked to the Captain, "you... really are Captain America?"

"Captain America II to be exact.." Colonel America clarified. Eugene, Mortimer, and Sigurd still had a hard time believing that the defiant Revere was Captain America.

"That's amazing.." A male Sylph player observed. Lexar took a look at the Sylph player.

"Wait... you're..."

"Spike?" Spade called out.

The Sylph did a double take. "Spade?"

Spade ran up the Spike. "Hadn't seen you since SAO.." He hugged the Sylph player.

"Me neither..."

Iron Man II saw Spike, and recognized him. "You're the guy who pushed Crimson when he tried to shoot the Colonel and Captain."

"That's correct, sir." Spike said. "He was trying to disrupt the peace between you guys."

"Well..." Colonel America spoke. "I want to thank you for saving my life, Spike.." He extended his hand towards the male Sylph player. Spike, surprised by his gratitude, shook his hand.

"Y-you're welcome, Cap- I mean, Colonel America.." He stammered.

Captain America II looked to Sakuya. "How long until these three other leaders arrive?"

"They should be arriving soon..." Sakuya looked at her status window for the time. It was then she saw the three players flying in the sky. "There they are!"

The SAO guild, the ALO defenders, and the Howlers watched as the three players hovered before them and landed gently on the ground. A male Imp, a female Pooka, and a female Leprechaun.

"Greetings Americans, and company.." the male Imp introduced himself. "I'm Dash. And this is Juri, and Thomasina.." The female Pooka and Leprechaun leaders bowed in introduction.

Captain America II walked in front of them. "I am Captain America of the 75th Ranger Regiment's 7th Platoon."

"Nice to meet you, Captain America." Dash smiled and salutes to him. "Now that we're all here. Shall we discuss the mission regarding the World Tree?"

---

World Tree, Hydra base:

Asuna slammed the door shut behind her and locked it with her security pass. "Naomi!" She called out.

"Asuna!" Naomi called back.

"I saw your broadcast," Naomi said, "but now Hydra is hunting you!"

"It was bound to happen, sooner or later.." Asuna explained. "But we should buy Kirito and the others more time to get here." She looked towards the granite block that contains the GM console. Asuna didn't waste time going over and activating the console. She had an instant flashback of how Yui led her and Kirito into the room where this particular console was located.

"How soon it will be...?"

"According to the progress, they're almost complete." Asuna answered. Then she clicks on the status on the 299 players.

'Okay, we just need to install a delay status in the experiment. That'll cause a system scan which will take time.' She thought.

"Time to wreck their whole sleeper plan," Asuna resolved as she did her work on the GM console. In a short moment, the system's scanner beings a diagnosis on its software. Therefore, placing a delay on the sleeper project.

"Naomi, how soon can we move everyone?"

"According to the diagnosis on the sleepers... A few minutes. Maybe even more.." Naomi grimaced.

"Not fast enough..." Asuna thought aloud as there was banging on the door.

"Open up in there!" The voice shouted.

"Do we have any weapons in here?" Asuna asked. "All I got is this luger pistol.."

"We got a mobile cache in here." Naomi pointed out towards the giant silver box close to the GM console. "All the weapons for the sleepers are in there... We can use them to slow them down."

"Good thing my ruse lasted long enough for Sugou to trust me with them," Asuna muttered as she dug into the weapons cache. She pulled out a bullpup assault rifle. It resembles the Tavor bullpup assault rifle with Hydra markings on the side. She takes a tactical vest with several clips for the rifle. She unclipped her cape, which fell to the floor by her feet. She then threw the Hydra necklace onto the floor with it.

Asuna was now left in her bodysuit and ready for action. She types in the holo-keyboard a command that unlocks the GM door that's located within the dungeons below them. Hopefully, when Kirito and the others blast their way through the Guardians. They're reach the entrance and enter through and make their way to the top.

"That should make things easy for Kirito..." Asuna loads the Tavor rifle with a new magazine and chambers the round.

She looked to Naomi. "I can't risk endangering you, Naomi. I'm gonna protect you, your brother, and everyone in this room."

"What will you do?" Naomi asked, afraid of whatever risk Asuna was about to take.

"I'm fighting back.." Asuna said with determination. She presents the rifle for Naomi to see. "I need you to pretend that I held you at gunpoint," Asuna explained, "I'll lead those Hydra on a merry chase throughout the base. I can't let them do something to you this close to getting our friends out of here."

"Okay... I'll go along with your idea.." Naomi nodded nervously.

"I hope this won't hurt too much..." Asuna muttered as she raised the butt of her gun. Naomi shut her eyes. She felt the rifle's butt slamming against her head. Naomi fell to the floor as her vision blurred.

"Uuuuuhhh..." She groaned. She barely heard a door open, guessing that Asuna ran out. Then another door opened as multiple heavy footsteps sounded.

"She's been through here!" One soldier shouted. Although, it was almost muffled from her concussion. Naomi managed to get up to her knees as one of the ex-STRIKE operatives demanded, "where is she!?"

"S... She was here..." Naomi groaned. "She was talking crazy... Held me at gunpoint demanding to have her released..."

"Go and get her!" The ex-STRIKE leader barked to his men.

"On it, sir!" The other soldiers turned and ran out the door.

"Get the sleepers online," the trooper yelled at Naomi.

"Y-Yes sir.." Naomi navigated her way to the GM console. She clicks on the holo-screen. "Uh... We may have a problem.."

"What now!?"

"The system keeping the sleepers in check have been tampered... I can't activate them," Naomi told the Hydra members.

"Out of the way!" The officer shoved Naomi out of the way to inspect the progress. The officer cursed and swore like a sailor at Asuna's name.

"Get me Nobuyuki!" He shouted into the bracelet.

---

Nobuyuki Estate:

Nobuyuki scared his aides to death as he smashed a valuable into a wall.

"ALL OF THEM!? ALL?!" Nobuyuki screamed.

"Y-Yes sir... It appears that she managed to sabotage the 299 sleepers which had hindered all efforts to assist our troops down below.." The officer said. "She also managed to tamper with her own to keep us from making adjustments to them before fleeing the scene.."

The bodyguards and aides looked at Nobuyuki, who seemed silent for a bit... before he broke out into evil laughter. "I had to admit. I've underestimated Asuna Yuuki... Very clever of playing hard to get as well as hoodwinking everyone!" He laughed. "I love that minx more!"

The bodyguards and aides watched on as Nobuyuki's obsession for Asuna grew. Some of the aides sweated nervously by Nobuyuki's acts of obsession. But they choose to hold their tongues.

"Haha..." the Hydra Supreme Commander composed himself, "take her alive... she will be a most capable agent and leader once she's adjusted!"

"Yes sir! It shall be done!" The officer replied before the video feed was cut, ending the call.

Nobuyuki turned to his Hydra head of security. "How soon can we expect Howler Platoon to assault this mansion?"

"We believe that the Howlers could attack the manor in a half hour. Less, if they're successful." The Hydra head of security replied. "I suggest that we move you to the panic room in case such a thing occurs. As well as have an escape route set if things go south."

"And we have a few surprises rigged about the mansion, Excellency."

"Good.. By the time they arrive, we'll be long gone." Nobuyuki grinned wickedly.

"And of the upcoming assault on RECT Inc?"

"They're an acceptable loss.." He waved his hand. "It doesn't matter if RECT falls or not. They've served their purpose for us.."

"Evacuate our most important engineers, and make sure the place is wired," Nobuyuki ordered.

"What about the servers and test subjects?"

"We got the results on the hard-drives. We may lose the test subjects.. But we'll gather more for future experiments.. But make sure that the Yuuki girl is in our grasp."

"Will do, sir.."

Nobuyuki then told an aide, "prepare an AmuSphere for me."

"Right away, sir." The aide leaves the room.

---

Alne City, ALO:

Everyone stood in front of the World Tree gate.

"Alright." Colonel America said to everyone. "Everyone know their objectives?"

"Yes, Colonel," Mortimer said rather admiringly, "and for someone so young, the new Captain America is very detailed and knowledgeable."

"He learned quickly during the second civil war.." Iron Man II pointed out. "And that was after he graduated.."

"Where if I may ask?" Mortimer seemed curious.

"Texas Military Leadership Academy," Captain America II answered.

"TMLA?" Eugene, Barris, and some of the more military-oriented players caught that.

"You've heard of the place?" Iron Man II asked amused by their reactions. Charlie, Sakuya, Alicia, and the others gave the martial players looks.

Charlie spoke up. "the TMLA was one of the locations that the battle took place during the second civil war."

"I heard that several of the officer graduates fought back viciously when Pacifican forces wanted to purge the TMLA."

"That we did," Captain America II told Charlie, "it was a class of three hundred of us against one thousand Social Harmony monitors and soldiers trying to kill us."

"It was amazing that three hundred of you took on that many Pacificans.." Charlie replied. Some of the SAO guild gawked.

"Three hundred against one thousand?" Klein was shocked.

"That was just infantry," Ramirez chuckled, "he just didn't mention a full tank division and a helicopter squadron."

"My father told me about what happened in Texas.." Mace surmises.

"Wait," Lisbeth looked to Mace, "Revere here with 299 other students took on an entire mechanized army by themselves!?"

Mace chuckled, "yeah!"

Lexar then grinned, "and with just M16s, homemade explosives, and light vehicles from a National Guard armory."

"True.." Captain America II confirmed.

"Now that history lesson's over.." Colonel America spoke up. "Can we get on with the mission? Or, as the players here call it, the Grand Quest?"

"Right on, Colonel." Captain America then rallied everyone. "Listen up people," he said, "we only have a little more than thirty mikes before this infernal game goes international... Howler Platoon will form the vanguard of the advance, while you civvie volunteers provide long range cover fire and disruptive attacks for the main forces to breach the Hydra barricades..."

"According to our sources.. The Guardian Knights will try to prevent us from going further through the dungeon..." He continued. "While their stats are not very high, they make up in sheer numbers. And they have different targeting algorithms from regular monsters. Meaning that if anyone using healing spells and such will be attack upon respawning.."

"And then we have reports that several of the Hydra opposition includes former SHIELD agents with tactical ops experience. If you encounter any such troops, leave them to me and the Colonel, unless y'all wanna be smarting real bad from tangoing with them."

"Don't forget me!" Deadpool called out. "I can pave a way though the dungeons."

"Yeah..." Captain America II deadpanned.

"Any questions?" Colonel America asked. Silence filled the group. "Okay then... Let's get going!" He ordered.

Captain America II rallied, "y'all heard the Colonel... Howlers, let's get biting! SAO and ALO liberators, back us up. Let's do this!" Everyone cheered as they made their way to the gate.

Alicia yelled, "beast riders, take off!"

"Yes ma'am!" The beast rider players took off into the sky.

"Sylphs, bear your sabers, bear your rifles," Sakuya called out, "let the multi-headed beast of subversion tremble before our might!"

"It shall be done, Sakuya!" Sigurd replied before drawing out his guilded rifle.

Eugene barked orders to his army. "Salamander vanguards, move forth. Riflemen and artillery, lay down a barrage!"

"Ooh Rah!" The Salamander players roared.

"For Alfheim freedom!" The rest of the player base yelled in solidarity. The flag is carried by one of the Salamander players. The flag of the Free States of Alfheim, bears a green field with a couple of red stripes on each side. The white star in the middle surrounded by shattered chains.

Leafa was flabbergasted. "Where did they get that flag?" She wondered.

"I don't know," Lexar grinned as he hugged Leafa... "But it's amazing how Alfheim is united at last.."

Recon shyly nodded as he came up alongside the two. "It's unbelievable..."

Lexar then noticed that Recon had no heavy weapon. "You don't have any weapons.." Lexar pointed out.

Recon just smiled shyly as he produced his short sword and revolver. All of a sudden, both a Howler Ranger and Salamander came up beside Recon. "Hey, what are you doing without a rifle," the Ranger asked.

"I can fix that," the Salamander volunteered. He opens up his inventory and presses a few buttons. A few moments later, Recon's inbox clings. Recon clicked on it, and a sharpshooter bolt action fell into his hands.

"You'll make great use of that weapon." The Salamander player smiled.

"A sniper rifle?" Recon marveled at the form and finish of the gun. He recalled seeing some of the other Salamanders operating the bolt and gripping, was surprised at how smooth it was.

"Wow Recon, that weapons suits you." Leafa commented.

Recon blushed. "T-thank you, Leafa."

"Mauser action," Lexar remarked, "strong and accurate. You'll be able to pull off headshots with that." He smiled.

Frank Castle happened to be nearby. "Nice rifle." He grinned. "Looks like you could use someone to teach you, though."

"Yeah.. I'm not sure if I could hit anyone with this.." Recon admitted sheepishly.

"Just two rules," Castle patted Recon's shoulder as they moved forward, "one, just don't point that gun at me or the Captain."

"I won't, sir." Recon replied nervously. He made sure that the weapon's pointed at the ground.

"Two," Castle held up two fingers... "Always aim down at the sights. Don't try to fire it from the hip.."

"R-right," Recon replied.

"Oh... and another thing," Castle huffed, "you hit a Hydra, and they don't go down, just keep shooting until they do. Don't give them any chances."

"Will do." Recon gulped.

Kirito came up next to Captain America II and Iron Man II.

"You're ready to save your princess?" Iron Man asked Kirito.

"Never been more ready," Kirito answered back.

"Just don't let your guard down, Kirito," Captain America II said bluntly, "these guys are not your average mooks. They are highly-trained professional killers, not unlike us Rangers."

"I won't. I've come too far to get careless." Kirito replied.

Captain America II gave Kirito a deep stare.

"Uh.. sir?" He asked.

"Trust me... nothing about these guys allows for any margin of error," Captain America II warned, "they came close to killing the Colonel and two million people by less than a second."

"O-Okay..." Kirito nodded.

"You and your band want up that World Tree, stay close to me and the Lieutenant," Captain America II gestured to Iron Man II.

"I will, sir.."

"Good... don't get separated from us," Captain America II said with a pat to Kirito's shoulder. He held his rifle at the ready and radioed the other leaders.

"Um... everything okay, Kirito?" Klein asked.

"Yeah.. Everything's fine, Klein." Kirito answered.

"Cap there seemed a bit... intense."

"Well... His brother was killed in SAO... And we're about to go up against Hydra in the Grand Quest.."

Klein just shook his head. "It's like he's trying to bear this whole shindig on his shoulders."

"Kinda like how I was back in SAO.." Kirito lamented. "Only that he is responsible for an entire army."

"Don't worry Kirito.." Klein patted him on the back. "As long as we look out for each other, we'll make it to the top."

"Thanks Klein.."

"No problem.." He smiled.

Everyone approached the stairs that lead up to the World Tree gate. "Captain," Colonel America warned, "have the other ALO leaders split their forces. We don't want to cluster too closely together."

"Got it, sir," Captain II complied as he told the other leaders, "disperse into cover and take up siege positions around the target."

"We're on it sir!" The ALO leaders then ordered the defenders to take cover.

"Alicia," Captain asked her, "how equipped are your flying beasts?"

"all of them are wearing armor." Alicia explains. "However, the wings are the only parts the armor can't cover."

"I see... but could you work with our Quinjets and the Iron duo?"

"Sure.. We'll triple our air support.."

"Thanks, just be careful of any air assets the other side would try to create on here," Captain said.

"Will do, sir." Alicia saluted.

Iron Patriot II flew up next to her with Iron Man II.

"Alright! We know the drill! Any Hydra aircraft comes in sight, we shoot them down!" Iron Patriot II ordered.

"Just like in the Second Civil War, huh Captain Anderson?!" Iron Man II chuckled.

"Yep, only this time, we're in VR!"

Captain America the told, "Kirito, Sakuya, Charlie, keep up."

"Right behind you, Cap." Kirito replied as he produces his M4 rifle.

"On it all the way," Charlie affirmed.

"Same here." Sakuya added. "I have my troops behind us to stand with you and your troops," She vowed.

Captain America II drew out his binoculars and scanned the surroundings on the inner city around the World Tree... and the now-undisguised Hydra troops now fortifying positions.

"Hydra's fortified themselves." Captain America II stated. "They're no longer even hiding that Alfheim Online is not really a game... I'm seeing STRIKE gear and a whole slew of Insight Quinjets."

Kirito glanced over...

"All of which loaded for bear." He continued.

Kirito sees city blocks with concrete boxes with machine gun nests. SAM launchers are placed on the rooftops. And in the clearing of one part of the inner city, stood a line of Insight Quinjets. He even caught sight of Crimson... no longer as a Salamander.

"Jack Rollins." Colonel America surmised. He too drew out his binoculars and scanned the inner city's surroundings.

"Who is Jack Rollins?" Charlie asked.

"He's an ex-STRIKE operative who infiltrated SHIELD along with Brock Rumlow." Colonel America explained. "We had run-ins during the whole Hydra Uprising back in 2014."

"After SHIELD fell when the Insight Helicarriers were destroyed, many Hydra agents went into hiding.. Rollins included.."

"The Crimson that I tried to give chase back into the Legrue Corridor was Jack Rollins?" Kirito was shocked. He felt a chill run down his spine as he thought what would happen if Rollins got the jump on him.

"I've learned about that guy... Brock Rumlow's second in command in STRIKE," Captain America II said, "trained in firearms, explosives, blades, and barefist combat, covert warfare, information gathering, and assassination. He was among STRIKE's deadliest."

"Uugh.." Kirito shivered. "And to think I tried to go after him."

"Thank the heavens he didn't capture you," Colonel America expressed, "he and Rumlow used my best friend as one of their assassins."

"The last thing we need is them making Kirito into another Winter Soldier," Captain America II said dryly.

"Meaning, like what happened to Bucky Barnes?" Kirito asked.

"Yep," Captain America II was blunt. The others, especially Leafa, Lexar, and Recon shivered at the thought of Kirito being a Hydra killer.

"So... Taking out the fixed positions should be easy.." Kirito surmises, changing the subject.

"I don't know..." Charlie spoke up, "call me paranoid, but given all I've seen, I doubt that it is that easy."

It was then they hear an explosion from the distance. Colonel America and Captain America II looked towards the direction of the explosion. It was coming from Hydra's position. Captain America II then saw a feed from Deadpool's vision in his visor.

"Woo hoo!" Deadpool shouted from the video feed as he guns down four Hydra soldiers.

"What is that buffoon doing?" Captain America II was not pleased with this loose cannon. More explosions are heard from the distance. It was also heard from the video feed from Deadpool. It was followed by a volley of gunshots as Hydra soldiers are opening up on the loose cannon merc. Suddenly, there were more shouts as some of the other ALO and SAO players joined in.

"I guess we're starting the attack now.." Charlie surmised.

Captain America II grit his teeth and tapped on his radio. "Air support, commence bombardment. Iron Man and Iron Patriot, neutralize their air defenses."

"Copy that. Commencing air strikes now.." One of the Quinjet pilots replied.

"Roger Cap," Iron Man II chimed in, "Patriot and I will get those birds in."

"And send them back to the ground.." Iron Patriot II added.

And as if on cue, one of the Insight Quinjets was seen taking off.

"Looks like they're getting started," Leafa remarked.

"Let's hope the beast riders can handle them." Lexar added.

"Agreed." Rios said. "Come on, Salem! Let's get down there!"

"Hold on, cowboys," Captain America II then radioed, "Eugene, how are we looking on artillery?"

"They're in position and ready to fire." Eugene replied.

"You can count on us Leprechauns having the finest equipment for the job," Thomasina affirmed. "Just give the order and we'll fire." She added.

Captain looked to Colonel, who just nodded. "Send it."

Everyone sees streams of magic and shells appear in the air and flew down on the inner city's fixed positions.

"Looks like we've done some damage, but they're still standing!" Recon exclaimed.

"Fire again!" Captain America II ordered.

He then ordered, "all sharpshooters and air support engage hostile Hydra positions! Howler Platoon, Sylphs, Undines, Spriggans, Imps, Pookas, and Gnomes, advance. It's time to deliver a blow to these devils."

"Roger that," one Howler sergeant radioed, "time to send these tyrants and traitors to the grave."

"We're going in!" Salem called out as he and Rios start making their way into the inner city.

"For the States."

"For Texas."

"For America."

"For the Free World."

"For Alfheim."

"For Asuna."

"Commence," Colonel America ordered his younger counterpart. With a firm nod, Captain America II gave the order, "commence fire. Storm the World Tree!"

Without a moment to lose, Kirito, Lexar, Leafa and everyone made their way to the waring inner city. They ducked behind cover as Hydra soldiers opened up on them.

Captain America II reached for his backpack, and a star-themed frisbee ejected from it. "Frag out!"

The frisbee grenade explodes, taking out the machine gun nest and a few Hydra soldiers stationed it. After it was reduced to rubble, Lexar took aim and squeezed the trigger, taking down five Hydra soldiers in précised aimed shots.

"Wow! That's impressive!" Charlie commented on the frisbee grenades.

"Cap, your grenades," Colonel America yelled over his shooting his MCX.

Captain America II then detached the backpack from his armor and pulled out more.

"Colonel," he tossed his superior one.

Kirito looked at the weapon and asked, "let me use one."

"You sure you can handle these?" Captain America II raised an eyebrow.

"I handled throwing weapons in SAO." Kirito replied. "I'm sure I can handle an explosive frisbee."

Captain looked at the explosive disk in his hand, then showed Kirito the underside. "Pull the pin underneath," he instructed, "and give it a firm toss."

"Pull pin and toss it. Got it." Kirito nodded. Captain America II gave him the grenade. Kirito peeked around the corner. He sees a small group of Hydra soldiers trying to surround Lexar, who has ducked behind cover to reload.

"Lexar, head down!" Kirito pulled the pin.

Lexar, despite hearing the gunshots, hears Kirito and ducks behind cover.

"Hyah!" Kirito tossed and watched as the circular shell fell from around the spinning frisbee. The frisbee flew a good distance before landing near the feet of the Hydra soldiers. It exploded with a good fragmentation radius. Knocking down the Hydra soldiers as they got hit by the fragments.

Little did Kirito know was that a Hydra sniper drew a bead on him and was about to pull the trigger...

BANG!

The Hydra sniper fell forward off the roof and landed on the stone streets. Kirito turned to see Recon holding the bolt-action rifle with smoke emitting from the barrel. Frank Castle was prone on the roof that Recon was also resting on, and patted him encouragingly. "Good shot."

"Thanks." Recon smiled.

Leafa and Sakuya were behind some of the Salamander armored vanguards as they fired their rifles at the Hydra defenders.

"They're putting up fierce resistance." Sakuya observed.

"They've got an entire Frankenstein mind project with three hundred hostages up there," Leafa told her as she took down a STRIKE member with a burst, "they'll leave us hurting before they let us get close."

"They try to hurt us, we hurt them back." Sakuya reassured Leafa before taking out another STRIKE member with a burst.

"Hey Ms. Sakuya!"

Leafa turned to see that it was Sergeant Ramirez running towards them.

"Sergeant Ramirez!" "Leafa yelled.

He slid up next to both Sakuya and Leafa. "Ms. Sakuya, we've got Hydra Quinjets hampering our advance, my squad and I have been tasked with reinforcing your group to advance on the Quinjet depot just 150 meters east of you."

"Alright! Let's get going!" Leafe urged.

"Very well, Ramirez, follow us!" Sakuya prompted.

"First Foley, then Burke, and now this chick... 'Ramirez this, Ramirez that...'" the sergeant muttered under his breath.

"Squad on me," Ramirez prompted, "target is the Quinjet depot up ahead!" Leafa, Sakuya and the others followed Ramirez as they made their way to the Quinjet depot.

The Salamander vanguards advanced, but it was clear that even their hard shields were starting to buckle under heavy fire. Damion was running and firing from behind one of the armored Salamanders who was suddenly struck in the head. Damion ended up tripping over him and hitting the pavement.

"Damion!" He heard a familiar feminine voice who came close and suddenly helped to drag him behind some Hydra Quinjet wreckage. The young soldier turned up to see that it was Philia and the Undine leader he recalled was named Alias.

"T-Thanks for getting me behind cover." Damion smiled to Philia.

"Hope you're not embarrassed by a lady," Philia teased.

Damion blushes. "Uh n-no actually. I'm very thankful." He stammered.

Damion then looked over the wreckage. "I got separated from my squad though..."

"We'll help you get back to your squad.." Alias reassured him. "For now, let's keep our head down."

"Right, but I'm an Army Ranger, and I've got a fight to help win." Damion leaned carefully out from cover and took pot shots. He takes out one of the STRIKE soldiers.

"Missiles!" Everyone ducked as the missiles impacted the depot. The ground shook from the impact, nearly knocking over Ramirez and his squad along with Philia and Alias.

Damion shook his head and saw Ramirez just across from him. "Sarge!"

"I'm..." Ramirez coughed violently. "I'm alright! You?!"

"Alive," Damion gave a thumbs up and a gesture of his rifle.

"Same here." Philia added with a thumbs up of her own. Along with Alias.

"Our shields can't hold for much longer against another missile attack!" They heard one Salamander player shouted over the firefight. An Insight Quinjet then swooped in and hovered some distance away from the group.

"They got us in their sights!"

"Move!" Damion grabbed Philia by the arm and ran. It was then they hear sounds of weapons discharging. However, there was no bullet impacting the ground. Damion and Philia looked to see flashes coming from within the cockpit of the Insight Quinjet.

"Hey everyone! Look what I got!" Deadpool announced over the PA system.

"Is that..." Philia trailed off.

"Deadpool?" Damion finished.

Ramirez grimaced, "that loose cannon again."

"Come on! This will speed things up more easily!" Deadpool replied.

"As long as you don't crash it again like you did with the X-Men's Blackbird on Genosha."

"That was the one time!"

"And there's both transport helicopters and gunships during the Second Korean War."

"Whatever.." Deadpool interrupted. "Let's thin out the STRIKE soldiers." He turns the Quinjet to the left and starts mowing down the Hydra pilots and destroying the remaining Quinjets that haven't taken off.

Ramirez, Damion, Philia, and Alias just stared.

"Well... At least advancing into the city will be easier for us.." Alias admitted.

"I don't know what to think of that guy..." Ramirez groaned, "or how he got here."

"At least he hijacked one of the Quinjets." Philia observed. "That should even the odds. Right sarge?"

Ramirez just shook his head. "Squad advance!"

"Push Hydra back!" Alias shouted.

"Get behind me, Philia!" Damion yelled as he advanced with his M4v1.

Philia followed behind while taking potshots at the remaining Hydra pilots with her rifle.

"We're not making any satisfactory advances," Captain America II grunted as he reloaded his grenade launcher.

"They're dug in too deep." Lexar groaned as he reloads his P418 rifle.

Kirito took a look at the clock. "We got 29 minutes left!"

It was then the Quinjet appeared and fired its missiles at the gun emplacements and barricades.

"Freebird!" Deadpool announced.

"Deadpool?" Kirito was bewildered. It was then that several Hydra Quinjets turned to give chase to Deadpool. He flew all over the sky, narrowly avoiding ALO dragon riders and USAF Quinjets.

Captain America II just shook his head, but had an idea. He radioed, "Alicia, Cap here, any flying beasts you can spare?"

"We sure do. Need to take down Hydra Quinjets?" Alicia asked.

"And make sure our wild card doesn't hurt himself or your people," Captain America II said dryly.

"Will do sir. Alicia out!" A moment later, Alicia and the other beast riders showed up in the sky.

"Here, Cap, a beast and more!" Alicia presented several tamed dragons who landed next to the group. "Want us to take you to the gate faster?"

Captain America II slung his rifle and leapt onto one of the armored dragons. He saddled himself as he would with the thoroughbreds at home. "I'll lead the way."

"Okay then. We'll pick up the others and get us to the World Tree gate faster." Alicia stated.

"Giddy-up," Captain urged his steed in his commanding rider's voice. The dragon flapped its giant wings as it took off from the ground.

"Hiyah!" Captain America II snapped the reigns and nudged with his feet as the armored dragon sped off with him. He soared towards the sky, the wind howling at all sides as he ascended.

"Come on boy, let's ride like the wind."

The dragon roared in response. A few moments later, Alicia flew up next to him along with several dragons. All of them carried Kirito, Leafa, Lexar, and everyone.

"Hi ho, Thunder!" Lexar joked.

"Whoa! Yeah!" Kirito called out.

Captain America unslung his rifle and aimed at one of the hostile Quinjets. He fired several bursts at one of the thrusters, causing it to short out. The Quinjet started to spin out towards the ground. Captain America II then drew out an HE frisbee grenade and spun it towards the two still on Deadpool's tail. They exploded on impact. Sending the flaming Quinjets burning through the sky.

"Good shot!" Alicia was awed.

"Thanks!" Captain America replied.

"Woo! That was awesome!" Deadpool called from the comm link. "Gotta get me one of those!"

"Cut the chatter, Wilson," Captain America II said, "we've got a tree to breach."

He then swung his dragon down on top of a squad of Hydra and swatted them with his dragon's tail. He fired his rifle with surprising precision as he guided his dragon with a skilled and steady hand. "Yeehaw!" Captain yelled in a very Texan accent.

"Nice!" Lexar called out.

"Hah!" Captain America II produced his non-explosive frisbee and tossed it at a line of anti-air guns, the projectile ripping through the turrets.

The ALO defenders sees this and begin pushing through Hydra's crippled defenses. Kirito slung his rifle and jumped off his dragon in midair... He landed on the ground gently with the jetpack attachment that came with his new avatar. It was an improvement with the fairy wings he was accustomed to. Lexar and Leafa jumped from their dragons and landed near him just as Kirito drew out his swords. He liked the modern weapons and all. But he felt that the swords are more personal when fighting off enemies with them. Despite the possibility of getting hit with the Pain Absorber set to level 5, he's not backing down.

"Need some covering fire, Kirito?" Leafa asked while brandishing her M24 service bullpup rifle.

"Sure." Kirito replied.

"Same for me too, Kirito." Lexar unslung his P418 rifle and takes aim at the remaining Hydra soldiers. "Just like old times, eh Kirito?"

"It sure does." Kirito smiled as he makes a fighting stance with two swords at the ready.

"For Asuna!" Kirito yelled as he charged towards the Hydra soldiers. He swung his swords outwards and the blades made contact with a couple of Hydra soldiers. Sending them flying outward with their limbs hacked off.

Lexar and Leafa picked off several Hydra soldiers as Kirito fought his way through the crowd like a tornado.

"HAAAHHHH!" Kirito yelled as he spun around with swords swinging. Slashing and hacking every single Hydra soldier. He ducked and dodged every bullet Hydra shot at him.

"We're thinning them out!" Lexar called out as he reloads the P418 rifle. However, one of the Hydra soldiers took aim at the American player.

"Lexar! Look out!" Leafa cried. Lexar ducked as Leafa fired her M24 bullpup rifle at the incoming Hydra soldier. He went down crumpled onto the ground.

"Kirito!" Captain America II jumped behind him with his shield deployed.

"Captain!" Kirito replied. Shots pelted off the repulsor field as Captain II deflected heavy machinegun fire from a Hydra tank.

"They got tanks here too!?" Leafa exclaimed.

Iron Man II and Iron Patriot tried to swoop in from the skies, but the Hydra tank had an automated turret that repelled them with heavy machine gun fire.

"Come on! Let's get it while it's distracted." Lexar suggested.

Gunfire then erupted from another direction... it was Spike and several other sharpshooters. The Hydra tank tried to take out all of them. But the turret's starting to take damage.

"Gotta get a grenade in the back." Kirito pointed out the exhaust port behind the tank. Captain America gives him one of the frisbee grenades. Kirito pulls the pin from the bottom and throws it. The frisbee disc made its way to the back of the tank. Landing right behind the turret before it exploded. The entire tank erupted into a ball of fire, the turret flew up a few feet into the air before falling back down against the flaming wreckage.

"Nice throw Oni-chan!" Leafa hi-fived Kirito.

"Hehe!" Kirito laughed.

"Push forward!" Lexar called out as he discharge more rounds from the P418, dropping more Hydra soldiers.

"Fall back!" One of the Hydra officers yelled as everyone begin retreating.

"They're retreating!" Leafa yelled as she reloads.

"Don't be sure!" Captain America II replied. "They could be reorganizing for a counter-attack!"

"Then let's strike back before they do!" Kirito ran towards the retreating Hydra soldiers, cutting them down with his swords. It was then Colonel America jumped down next to Kirito and threw his shield at the fleeing Hydra soldiers. The shield struck down the Hydra soldier onto the ground. Captain America II came up behind Colonel and Kirito firing his rifle and grenades at the stragglers, striking and deleting several with deadly precision.

"We can't let them get away!" Kirito slashed six Hydra soldiers.

"Don't get too far ahead, Kirito!" Colonel warned as he fired his pistol from behind his shield.

"He's right!" Lexar agreed while he fired more shots. "We need to be smart about this!"

Not far from Kirito, Jack Rollins was aiming his SCAR-L at the young swordsman. He deviously bided his time as he lined up a shot.

"I have you now.." Rollins muttered. His finger lined up on the trigger, poised for the kill. However, he saw a bright green in the distance with a scope glint. The Hydra assassin quickly ducked out of the way as a bullet whizzed above him.

"Sniper.." Rollins growled. He peaked out for a moment before ducking back down as another shot whizzed by him. The sniper's had him pinned.

"Missed..." Recon grit his teeth as he cycled his gun.

"You got him pinned, kid." Castle said while looking through the binoculars.

Jack tried to slip away when the new Captain America appeared in front of him with his rifle trained. "Jack Rollins.."

Colonel America appeared behind Rollins and had him disarmed and pinned against the ground.

"We meet again, Jack," Colonel America said.

"Same here too, Cap.." Rollins sneered.

He suddenly pulled out a flashbang with the pin flying out, causing a flash to blind both Captain and Colonel. The Colonel landed on the ground as Jack Rollins was nowhere in sight. "What?"

"Shoot... he logged out, sir," Captain America II realized.

"Nothing we can do about it." Colonel America reassured him. "Right now, we need to get to the World Tree fast."

"Right! Let's get going." Captain America II radios Alicia. "Clear a path for us towards the World Tree gate. We'll be there shortly." He ordered.

"Roger that, Captain. We're on it." Alicia replied.

"Iron Patriot, make sure these Quinjets hit their marks."

"We're on it sir!" Iron Patriot II replied.

Both Iron Patriot II and Iron Man II flew alongside with the Howler Quinjets and the ALO Defender Flying Beasts.

"Alright! Let's show them what happens when they mess with our lives!" Iron Patriot roared as he dive-bombs towards the inner-city. Iron Man II whooped along with the others as they followed suit. Eugene flew above his cannons with his binoculars.

"I see tanks gathering at the courtyard!" Eugene observed. "Let's give them a taste of our fury!"

Everyone dive-bombed towards the line of Hydra tanks and lined their weapons right at them.

"Fire!" Eugene bellowed. A row of tanks were hit by the bombardment and exploded in fireballs.

"Let's rock!" Agil yelled as he unleashed minigun fire. Hitting several of the Hydra tank crew that were fleeing from the burning wreckage that was once the pride of Hydra's might. Other ex-STRIKE troops that failed to fall back were shot or cut down by the combined lines of Howler Rangers, SAO and ALO players. This also includes two Delta One agents and a loose cannon merc.

"Ramirez," Captain America II requested, "are we clear!?"

Sergeant Ramirez look at his surroundings. There were flaming vehicles and buildings in ruin, along that are the small flames in the surrounding area. "We're clear, Cap!"

"Iron Man, Patriot?" Captain America II asked.

"The skies are clear of Hydra Quinjets! And all armored vehicles have been dealt with sir!" Iron Man II reported.

"We're clear, Colonel," Captain reported to his leader.

"Good," the WW2 Colonel nodded, "hopefully our Japanese friends are still with us."

"This is Charlie! Area's clear!" Charlie reported.

"The enemy is gone and running," Klein cheered.

"They're heading towards the World Tree gate." Spade pointed out. "I can see more barriers being put up around the gate."

"They're trying to fortify the World Tree entrance." Ramirez surmised.

Captain America II and the Colonel surveyed with their binoculars. They see Hydra and ex-STRIKE soldiers gathering at the World Tree gate. Setting up machine gun positions with their technicals and sandbags. They also spawned in several more turrets and a few modded tanks.

"They're digging in." Colonel America said.

Kirito came up next to the two.

"See that you made it," Captain II acknowledged.

"What's the situation, Colonel?" Kirito asked as Lexar and Leafa came up next to him.

"Looks like we took a chunk out of Hydra's forces, but you can bet that they still have more surprises up their sleeves."

Suddenly, the giant World Tree doors began to creak open.

"Look.. The World Tree gates are opening.." Lexar pointed.

"Is that supposed to happen?" Kirito looked questioningly to his sister, "I thought they would have locked it down."

"They should have.." Leafa observed. "Unless..."

"It's got to be Asuna," Kirito realized, "she must be overriding them from the inside."

"It's her alright.." Lexar concluded. "She's causing havoc up there in the World Tree... This should make things easier.."

---

World Tree:

Asuna ran down the corridors that honeycombed throughout the World Tree. She took down Hydra soldiers with the Tavor bullpup rifle while at the same time, dodge bullets that were fired at her. She quickly outran the troopers and dove into another lab to hide and reload. The whole skirmish was bringing back memories both exciting and terrifying at once.

'Just like Aincrad.' She thought as she chambers a fresh round after loading the magazine in. 'Except with modern weapons.. And real world consequences.'

Asuna hid behind the GM console as she hears pounding at the door.

"Remember, we need her taken alive!" The voice said from the other side of the door. Asuna's eyebrow raised in confusion. They want her alive.

'Of course..' She thought. 'Nobuyuki's ordered them to take me alive... Either for reprocessing or...' Asuna gulped. 'his honeymoon...' A shiver ran through the Yuuki girl's body. She then looked over at the console. She heads over to the hologram keypad and types in the commands. It brought up feeds of the surroundings around the World Tree.

'There they are..' Asuna spotted Kirito and his friends and the US Army pushing back the Hydra soldiers. She then saw Captain America... no, two Captain Americas leading the charge with Kirito.

'Two Captain Americas?' Asuna was puzzled. The two seemed to work well in tandem, even with Kirito. She also spotted something flying around in the sky. Asuna zoomed in and see a red/gold streak flying around along with a Red/White/Blue streak.

'Iron Man and Iron Patriot?' She witnessed the flying armored figures shooting down the Hydra Quinjets with ease alongside with the flying dragons. She also watched as the Hydra tanks were destroyed by the ALO players.

Her heart welled up at the sight of the ALO players. All of them working together with Kirito and the others. They finally set aside their differences in the game at last. Asuna set her rifle down as she accessed more of the console's menu. She came across the security measures for the main gate. Clicking on it, she sees that the gate for the World Tree is locked. There was an admin system lock by Hydra to prevent automatic access.

'Not on my watch.' Asuna types in the passkey, overriding the admin system lock on the main gate. Asuna watched as the large gates opened to the surprise of the Hydra fighters in front.

'That should make things easier for Kirito..' She thought. However, she noticed how entrenched the Hydra soldiers were.

"Splicer! Get it open!" Asuna heard outside the door.

'Gotta work fast.' Asuna returns to the console's menu and locates the progress on the 299 players. The system scan's almost complete. Asuna types in more commands. Not only she had another scan to take place right after the first one. But, she managed to have some of the communication systems taken offline.

'That should cause more chaos with Hydra..' Asuna smiled from the thought. She quickly picked up her rifle seconds before the doors opened. A loud bang sounded with a flash...

It was a flashbang grenade. Asuna was smart enough to know that they'd use the flashbang grenades to blind her and subdue her while she was stunned. She covered her eyes for a second before taking aim with her Tavor rifle and dropping more Hydra soldiers.

'Come on, Kirito...' Asuna bolted out of the lab and continued on down the corridor.

---

Inner Alne:

"Great! How are we gonna push through that?!" Leafa complained. She noticed that Hydra's dug in around the World Tree gate. Despite the gate's now open. It hasn't increased their odds against them.

"Just fall already!" Klein yelled as he fired off more shots.

It was then Kirito spotted a Quinjet with Hydra markings flying down towards the World Tree gate. The Hydra soldiers spotted this and tried to shoot it down with their heavy machine guns. However it returned fire as it got closer and closer.

Captain and Colonel America watched as Deadpool's commandeered Quinjet veered towards the defensive line. The rear ramp opened as Deadpool suddenly jumped out.

"What's he doing?" Lexar observed.

"He's using the Quinjet as a battering ram." Leafa pointed out.

It was then, the Quinjet crashed right into the middle of the entrenched Hydra soldiers. A few moments later, it exploded. The explosion took out all of the Hydra soldiers and weapons around the World Tree gate. The shockwave caused by the explosion shook the entire city. Kirito and everyone nearly fell over from both the blast pressure and the shockwave.

Captain America II looked to see the results, and saw several stragglers down on their last legs. With a flex of his left arm to deploy his shield, he gripped his rifle tightly as he yelled. "CHARGE!" He yelled mightily as he fired shot after shot.

Kirito and Lexar charged towards the World Tree gate. Everyone followed suit. The Howler Platoon Rangers yelled as they followed their Colonel and Captain to overrun the remaining Hydra defenders.

"Yeah! Let's knock 'em down!" Klein exclaimed. Captain America II yelled as he continued to shoot, before running up to one dazed Hydra trooper and smacking his head with the butt of his rifle. Colonel America followed with his own shield bashes.

Kirito slashed two dazed Hydra soldiers, cutting them down in quick sessions. Leafa yelled as she wrestled with a female Hydra before punching her and thrusting her rifle bayonet into her stomach.

"Haaaa!" Leafa slash the rifle bayonet against the female Hydra soldier and delivered a roundhouse kick to her.

"Leafa!" Lexar fired a single 6.8mm shot, deleting another Hydra that was about to stab Leafa from behind.

"Thanks Lexar!" Leafa smiled.

"Let's kick them to kingdom come!" Lexar beamed.

"And push on to the World Tree!" Leafa added.

Sleek was shoved to the ground by one of the larger Hydra goons.

"Get off of him!" Silica shouted. She tried to jump on him for a stab to the neck, only from him to throw her over the shoulder into Sleek.

"Aahhh!" Silica crashed into Sleek. The ex-STRIKE soldier pulled out his pistol to execute the both of them...

In a split-second, Iron Man II slammed his fist into the ex-STRIKE soldier's face. Sending him flying into the sky.

"You kids okay!?"

"We... We're fine.." Silica groaned. "Thanks."

Sleek gets up and helps Silica up on her feet.

Colonel America deletes the last Hydra soldier with the bash of his shield. "Okay, that's the last of them."

Suddenly, Captain America II rushed over to the Colonel, and kicked a wounded Hydra that was about to cut him with a knife. The Captain aimed his rifle point blank and blasted him in the head, deleting him. "Now we're clear," Captain II quipped.

"Next stop, the World Tree.." Kirito commented as he stared at the World Tree gate that lead into the giant dome. The explosion ripped the doors right off and now lay on the ground. Sakuya and Alice landed next to Kirito, Colonel, and Captain.

"This it it.." Charlie marveled. "The World Tree.."

Sakuya then remarked to the two officers and black warrior. "You three look pretty scratched up.

"Yeah well, Hydra managed to put up a fight.." Colonel America replied. Sakuya then offered the three some healing medicine bottles. Captain America II visibly frowned, remembering its overly-sweet taste.

Kirito waved his hand. "I'm good. But thanks though." Kirito then looked to the health bars of both Colonel and Captain. "You two look like you could use them though."

"Hope you aren't diabetic, sir," Captain warned his superior.

"It can't be that bad.." Colonel replied. The two accepted the vials.

Colonel America takes a swig from the vial. He groaned a bit and gasped as he drank it all down. "It is very sweet," Colonel America shook his head, "and I thought Cola was the sweetest thing."

"Too sweet," Captain America II regarded the vial before downing it and coughing, "like someone overcompensating for medicine with too much sugar."

"Very true.." Colonel remarked before turning to Sakuya. "Don't you have anything else to wash it down?"

"I'm a Sylph leader, not a bar tender.." Sakuya joked. Captain America II and Kirito also looked over to their other troops and party members, many of whom were needing health replenishments.

"Hope you brought enough of healing potions.. Looks like everyone's gonna need them.." Kirito remarked.

Leafa brought out her own. "Came prepared."

"Same for me." Lexar produced his own supply. Codex and Strea suddenly came forward with their own stash. Strea in particular seemed happy to help.

"We got this covered, Kirito." Codex smiled.

Alias the Undine stepped in. "My group has many to chime in."

"The more, the merrier.." Strea beamed.

"Let's get to work." Codex suggested as he, Strea and Alias went around and passed out healing potions to the injured soldiers and ALO defenders.

Haze gratefully accepted a vial from an Undine medic and gave it to Rain.

"Thanks.." Rain groaned as she drinks the vial. She fought a gag as she felt the echoing pain fade.

"Uugh.." Rain's face distorted after she swallowed. "Too sweet. Does Hydra intend to give us diabetes or what?"

"I highly doubt we'd get diabetes from ALO.." Haze chuckled.

Mace, Lisbeth, Sleek, and Silica sat down together as they drank their vials and checked their gear.

"Still got ammo.." Sleek reported.

"We all still got ammo, Sleek." Mace remarked. Pointing out that Anderson gave their ammo reserves infinite ammo.

"At least we just have to worry about our avatars still holding out..." Silica seemed to smile, not minding the sweetness.

"You said it, Silica." Lisbeth groaned. Sticking her tongue out at the taste.

"They teach us in boot camp that no weapon, no matter how reliable it is, can ever be taken for granted." The four turned to see Private Damion Burton walking up next with Philia. "A rifle is only as good as the rifleman wielding it after all, they say."

"Is that so?" Philia asked.

"Cap even told me," Damion revealed, "'take care of the rifle, and it will take care of you.' For all the latest gear and gadgets this platoon has, riflemen like Cap are still the core of what makes Howlers Rangers."

"That's good advice." Philia smiled. "Been doing that with my gear back on SAO." She explained. "Even though it was a game, maintaining weapons and gear is important.."

Sleek and Silica took a look at Damion, and noticed just how young he was.

"He looks very young for a soldier.." Silica whispered to Sleek.

"Like we are any older?" Sleek told her back.

"Yeah, but don't they have some sort of age limit?" Silica asked, "he looks much younger than even the new Captain America. Maybe just a little older than Kirito-san and Asuna-san."

"Perhaps he's older than he looks." Sleek shrugged. "Or he had experience."

Colonel and Captain America meanwhile regrouped with Kirito and the other race leaders of ALO.

"We now only have twenty mikes before ALO goes international," Captain America II informed everyone, "so how are we all on available manpower?"

"We managed to hold out.." Kirito replied. "So that's something.."

"Plus, we still got heavy weapons in our disposal." Lexar pointed out. Referring to the heavy weapon wielders such as Agil and Mace.

"Also..." Leafa gestures to Deadpool, who is munching on a couple of Chimichangas he brought with him.

"Wilson, stop chewing and just get your fat butt over here," Captain America II called out.

"Coming!" Deadpool replied with his mouth full. He swallowed and pulled his mask back down before approaching Captain America II.

"We've got the World Tree Guardians to contend with, and hearing how tough they are, I don't want to even imagine what surprise mods Hydra probably made to those things to repel our assault," Captain America II told Deadpool, "so I've got some new orders for you."

"Want me to run in there with guns blazing and attract the Guardians' attention?" Deadpool asked.

"That's our usual tactic every time."

"I need you to work with Eugene, Barris, Thomasina, and all the other heavy hitters to clear a path for us," Captain America II said, "and yes, given your insane regeneration that could give me, Colonel, and Thor a run for our money, you will be helping to draw their fire."

"We're on it, sir!" Deadpool gives a salute before producing two Light Machine Guns. Both of them are M249-E3 SAWs with larger handguards, barrels, drum magazines and custom sights and butt stocks as well as in gilded color schemes. Underneath the barrels appeared to be grenade launchers with drum magazines to hold more grenades.

"On my honor..." Eugene beat his chest plate...

"We're ready when you are.." Barris replied, producing a minigun.

Thomasina grinned as she wielded a P418 battle rifle taken from a fallen Ranger. "I'm ready to get.." Thomasina inspects the attachments on the P418 rifle.

Dash, the male Imp leader, marveled, "I dreamed of making it to the World Tree, but I never thought that we would have all the races doing this at once."

"True Dash," Alias hummed, "but now it's a case that if we don't do this, people in real life will be in serious danger."

"That includes everyone around the world." Alicia pointed out.

"Who would have thought that we'd be fighting Hydra..." Juri the Pooka girl expressed, "but there's no way we are going to let them get into our heads!"

"Not to mention the 300 players up there.." Charlie added.

"And we are freeing them all..." Kirito followed.

"And ending Hydra's scheme here and now," Captain America II finished. Seeing that the remaining Howler Platoon and ALO liberators were now ready, he raised his rifle. "Follow me, and Colonel America! Let's finish this!"

Everyone started making their way to the gate. They passed through the gate and entered the dome. Captain II and Kirito regarded the bright and beautiful surroundings.

"Never though the dungeons to the World Tree would look like this.." Kirito admitted.

Leafa seemed glassy eyed for a bit.

"This is something.." Lexar said to her.

"Don't let your guard down, kids," Colonel America reminded, "it's always the most unlikely places that have the nastiest surprises."

Recon came from behind, and looked up to see the World Tree hollow was opening to a bright light above. Then, Kirito spotted the pathway that led to the top of the tree.

"That's got to be it!" Kirito then sprouted energy wings and flew up.

"Kirito, wait!" Captain America II yelled.

It was too late, as suddenly massive guardians spawned out of nowhere. Kirito's eyes widened as one of them took a swing. He narrowly avoided a sword to his head.

"Contact!" Ramirez called out as he opened fire.

"Suppressing fire!" Deadpool screamed as he opened up on the guardians with two M249 SAWs.

Bullets ripping through the guardians and dropping many of them as he fired the LMGs from the hips. Agil stood next to Deadpool and fired his minigun at the guardians.

However, more and more of the deadly white winged monsters spawned in by the hundreds.

"There are so many of them!" Philia screamed.

Deadpool adjusted his aim and fired the under barrel mounted weapons. Instead of grenades, it fired rockets right at the winged monsters. The explosions that followed upon impact were devastating, taking out several winged monsters.

"Controlled bursts, Howlers!" Iron Man II called out as he fired his repulsor beams.

"Same for the SAO and ALO Defenders!" Iron Patriot II added while firing his repulsor beams.

"Short controlled bursts!" Charlie fired a short burst at one of the monsters, dodged its sword and fired another into its head.

Lexar and Leafa ducked and dodged the guardians' attacks while scoring headshots and chest shots.

"Archers!" One of the Rangers yelled as deadly yellow arrows of light flew.

"They've got archers!" A Salamander yelled as he tried to fend them off. However, he ended up get hit by the flying yellow arrows.

Suddenly light bullets also started to fly, striking those dodging the arrows. "Musketeers!?" Alicia groaned.

"I got this!" Deadpool exclaimed as he took aim at the archer and musketeer guardians and fired more rockets at them. Taking all of them out with the large explosions. However, several more continued to spawn, taking down several flying players and Rangers trying to hitch rides with some of the beast riders.

"This is gonna be a tough challenge!" Deadpool said aloud.

"You think?"

---

World Tree, Hydra Base:

Naomi was still working in the lab to stall the manipulation... and implement Operation Nobunaga.

'I hope Asuna's doing alright on her end.' She thought. Even though she's armed. There's a chance that her luck may run out. And good luck doesn't last forever. Naomi started to worry about her own luck when two sleaze slugs came in upon orders to finish what Asuna was originally supposed to do. Asuna told Naomi what had happened after one of them tried to make a pass at her. While Naomi was made Commander by the Supreme Commander, she knew that she had little real influence outside of technical expertise...

And now, there's a possibility that if Asuna gets captured. Shuto, one of the slugs, will try to finish what he started. Naomi felt chills crawling all over her body from the thought. As she carefully put in the triggers for Operation Nobunaga into the master console, she quietly eyed the two slugs examining the players and the cache of weapons nearby.

Unfortunately, one the slugs seemed to notice something...

"What is it, Shuto?" The other slug whispered.

Naomi's paranoid listening kicked in as she continued to put in the last of the triggers.

"There's something strange going on around here.." Shuto whispered back.

"What are you talking about?"

"All of the test subjects have been tampered with.." Shuto then brought up a diagnostic. "The subjects are clean, no probes."

"Impossible." One slug pointed out. "We had them placed hours ago."

'They'll be onto me...' Naomi sighed to herself. The young techie then opened her eyes with a shine. 'No time for subtlety anymore.' She executed the restoration triggers...

"Naomi.." The slug called out as he approached her. "Can you explain why all of the test subjects have their probes wiped clean?"

"Ugh..." The tech girl rubbed her head, pretending to still be groggy from the hit Asuna gave her, "that insolent traitor must have done something..."

"Which is why you need to fix it." The slug retorted. "It shouldn't taken you this long to fix a problem like this."

"They should have been ready for service by now," Shuto pointed out. The slugs then eyes Naomi suspiciously.

"Now that I think of it..." the elder slug remembered, "you were close to Yuuki these past number of days."

Naomi eyed the countdown on the console.

"Yeah... I've seen those two together.." Shuto recollected.

Naomi glanced towards the console, wishing that it would go faster with restoration. She tried to give the slugs a commanding glare. "So what?"

"You two jealous of my close relations with the queen?" She added.

"You and the Yuuki girl have been secretive as to your collaboration," the slug deduced.

"What do you mean?" Naomi retorted. Trying to buy herself more time.

"Look little girl," the older techie said, "I don't need to be Stephen Hawkings to realize that you may be part of the traitor's plans to screw up Hydra's New Order!"

"Little girl?" Naomi pretended to take offense by being talked down. "How long have I been loyal to Hydra?"

"Not long enough apparently."

Naomi gasped. However, it was a fake gasp to attempt to fool the slugs. "How dare you talk down a loyal Hydra commander."

Neither apparently noticed one of the brains floating up out of the cradle and taking form...

"As one of the commanders of Hydra, I take great offense to your accusations." She continued.

"Then how do we explain these setbacks," Shuto added, "if you weren't close to her, why aren't we any closer to finishing!?"

As the slugs approached her, both of them with tentacles raised at the ready to grab her. Shuto grabbed Naomi by the legs.

"Aahhh!" Naomi screamed as she was suddenly lifted off from the floor.

"Another devious... and beautiful traitor in our grasp," Shuto yelled.

"Let me go!" Naomi demanded. She found herself flipped upside-down.

"Not on your life... you know the Supreme Commander and Jack Rollins will have your head when they find out."

"Like how that fool Hideki lost his?" The other slug sadistically suggested.

"But not before I have my fun with you.." Shuto grinned before wrapping his tentacles around Naomi.

"No... get your slimy..."

BANG!

Shuto groaned in pain. It was followed by few more loud popping noises. The tentacles loosen around Naomi as she fell onto the floor.

Shuto's avatar faded into particles as a familiar light brown spiky-haired young man glared dangerously at the other slug with a shotgun in hand. "Hands off my sister..."

The elder slug turn around and was about to reach for one of the weapon caches before the male player fired another shot. Cutting him down into particles.

Naomi was speechless... it was her brother, Kibaou, but also known as... "K-Kenta-niisan?"

"Naomi.." Kibaou aka Kenta, smiled. Overjoyed, She got up and hugged her brother.

"Kenta!" Naomi sobbed.

"Naomi..." Kibaou hugged his sister. He then looked up and about in confusion. "Where am I?"

Naomi leaned back with tears in her eyes. "You've been in here since SAO cleared two months ago." She said.

---

With Asuna:

The Yuuki girl continued to run down the corridor. She checked her remaining ammunition.

'Only three magazines left.' Asuna concluded. 'Not enough to take on Hydra all by myself.'

She knew she would not have long, but she looked to do as much damage as she could. She tried to recollect where she's at. Hopefully she can get to another console and sabotage more of Hydra's systems.

"Reacquired the target!"

'Uh oh.' Asuna ducked, narrowly avoiding the bullet that whizzed by her.

"Careful! Supreme Commander wants her taken alive and unharmed." One of the soldiers shouted. "You wanna explain it to him?!"

Asuna fired back. "You are not taking me down!"

The Hydra soldier went down and faded into particles. The other cursed her. "Stop running!"

"Try and make me!" Asuna shouted back. She emphasized her point by spraying more rounds behind her. She ran around the corner of the corridor. Hoping it'll lead to another lab. And, hopefully, another weapons cache so she can stock up and continue her carnage against Hydra.

Unfortunately... she ran into a dead end. "No!"

"We got you now!" The Hydra officer exclaimed. Asuna glanced back to see a line of ex-STRIKE troopers training their rifles on her. She doesn't have enough ammo nor does she have any grenades left to fight her way out of this. She had to think fast.

Asuna sighed, and let the Tavor clatter to the floor. She unclasped her vest and also let it fall. The girl raised her black-gloved hands.

"I give up.." Asuna sighed.

"A wise choice.." The Hydra officer approached her. Asuna had cuffs placed on her wrists.

"You caused a lot of trouble, Asuna." The officer sneered. "And to think you joined us on your own accord."

"Glad I did make trouble..." Asuna defiantly shot back, "fooled all of you, didn't I?"

"That you did.." The officer cupped Asuna's chin. "It's a shame for someone as pretty as you would have to be processed. No wonder Supreme Commander took a liking to you.."

"I could never take a liking to someone so vile, especially the leader of Hydra," Asuna confessed, "I let my friends and the Americans know everything, and soon the whole world will know!"

The officer chuckled. "It wouldn't matter if you have. Once our research reaches one-hundred percent complete. No one will remember what you said anyway.."

"Even if you did tamper with the GM console, the launch controls and sleeper programs are connected to the RECT Gaming center in real life." The officer guffawed, "and don't worry about your American friends... we will be ready for their airborne landing operation in real life."

Asuna's eyes widen. They knew about the American's plans to air-drop their HQ. She could only hope that her loyalists and Delta One could still remain hidden until then.

The officer turned to the slug. "Hideo! Escort Queen Titania to the lab to be processed." He ordered.

"My pleasure," the slug said. Asuna cringed as she felt slimy tentacles wrapped around her. Before she knew it, she was lifted off from the floor and landed on the slug's slimy back.

"Ugh!" Asuna groaned, feeling the tentacles wrapping around her and holding her in place. "Gross!"

"Get use to it, Asuna." Hideo growled. "You've caused pain to a fellow colleague and friend."

"That's nothing compared to what Kirito and the Americans will do when they get here..." Asuna growled.

"We'll see about that." Hideo chuckled deviously as he slithered towards the lab.

---

The World Tree Dome:

Damion yelled out in pain as a light arrow struck his left arm.

"Damion!" Philia yelled as she rushed over to him. Ramirez saw what happened and rushed over as well.

"Arrow go- got me.." Damion groaned.

"How bad?" Ramirez asked as the Punisher came up next to them to cover with his rifle.

"I-It hurts.." He groaned, clutching his left arm.

Frank grit his teeth as he continued to fight. "We are not making progress..."

"Everyone her are engaging the Guardians and flying monsters here." Ramirez concluded. "But no matter how many we take down. More guardians and monsters spawn and start gunning for us."

Eugene and Barris landed next to them, both damaged. "We don't know how much more we can take here." Barris reported.

"At this rate, we'll all be depleted," Ramirez grunted.

Kirito and his band weren't fairing so well.. While Kirito, Lexar, and Leafa are holding out on their own. The others are beginning to struggle. Captain America II and Colonel were using their shields and firearms to repel the Guardian attacks, but the two super soldiers could only cover so much.

"There's too many!" Silica shouted as she reloaded her MCX rifle.

Kureha yelled as she sprayed with her ACR. "We're not gonna make it!"

"Hold them off! Just hold them off!" Rex ordered as he discharges more rounds from his SCAR-L rifle. Recon sniped at one of the Guardian musketeers while Iron Man shielded him.

'They're way too many here.' Recon thought.

He suddenly saw one of the Guardians race towards Leafa and Lexar. Recon tried to hastily shoot it down, but missed. "Leafa! Look out!"

Leafa turn to see the Guardian running towards her. She jumps out of the way. Lexar was too slow however... and the Guardian was poised to cut him down.

It was then that a certain green-haired Sylph blocked the blade with his golden rifle's bayonet. Lexar was surprised to see Sigurd save him. Straining against the guardian, Sigurd yelled, "don't you go getting defeated here!"

Lexar, not wasting a moment, drew out his P418 and fires pulsar rounds into the Guardian's face. "Thanks, Sigurd!"

"Thank me after getting back at Hydra for fooling us," Sigurd retorted as he fired back at the Guardians, "you still owe me a proper match."

"I'll remember that when all of this is over." Lexar smiled.

Charlie flew up next to Sakuya, Alicia, Alias, and Juri, who were all bunched up together with their guards. "We can't all get up there without incurring heavy casualties!"

"Which means..." Sakuya looked over to Captain America II and Kirito, "that only a few of us can make it through..."

Charlie ran up to Captain America II and Kirito. "Captain! We're gonna have to stay behind and cover you while some of you make your way up to the path!"

"Are you sure?" Kirito asked.

"It's the only way." Charlie replied. "And besides, you'd be faster when split in two teams."

Yui then popped out of Kirito's jacket. "Charlie's right, Daddy." She said. "We have a better chance if we split away and make our way to the top."

"We've got less than fifteen minutes," Captain America II said, "so I agree that we should go on ahead."

"Alright, to the World Tree!" Kirito yelled as he ran up towards the path.

"Kirito! Wait up!" Lexar called out as he and Leafa ran towards him.

"Captain, Iron Man, Iron Patriot! Let's escort Kirito and the others to the top." Colonel America ordered.

"Roger!" All three officers yelled.

Captain America II yelled, "Ramirez, Howlers, cover us!"

"You heard the cap, lay down covering fire!" Ramirez roared as he and the Howlers opened up on the Guardians.

Strea sees them and turned to Codex. "I have to help dad and the others."

Codex gave Strea a supportive look. "Okay. Be careful, Strea.." He said.

"I will, Codex." Strea smiled. It was then she planted a sweet, passionate kiss to his lips. Codex was surprised that she'd kiss him right in the middle of the battlefield. However, he felt himself relaxed and pulled her closer.

Codex sensed another Guardian running towards him. He pulled out his pistol and fired right at the Guardian's head. Taking him down while not breaking the kiss.

Rios and Salem finished one of the Guardians. They noticed Codex and Strea sharing a passionate moment with each other. And witnessing the former taking down one Guardian.

"Well... That's something you don't see everyday..." Salem bemused.

"No we don't.." Rios agreed.

Codex and Strea break the kiss. "Now, go save your mom." He encouraged her.

"I will.." Strea smiled before turning and running with the others up the pathway.

"Time to take flight then..." Captain America II clicked on his status menu and searched his inventory. Clicking on the desired option, his standard backpack vanished... and was replaced with Exo Wings similar to Falcon's model.

"Let's jet, Kirito!" He spread his wings and blasted upward.

Kirito, Lexar, Leafa, Strea, and Colonel America sprout out Exo Wings after clicking on their inventories and took off after Captain II.

"Alright, Elliot. Back to back!" Rios shouted as he and Salem stood facing in opposite directions and held their M4v1 rifles at the ready. Guardians are coming in all directions at the duo. Rios and Salem let loose with their rifles. Taking down the charging Guardians as they fell and respawned.

Alicia yelled to her beast riders. "Cover them!"

The beast riders engaged the winged monsters that threated the two soldiers. Deadpool, on the other hand, whipped out the stinger launcher. However this is custom-made as they're four barrels on it. And they're encrusted with the gold/silver colors. He takes aim at the winged monsters and waited until they lock on.

Sigurd, Sakuya, Alias, Juri, and Dash led their nimble races to drive back the guardians with their sabers and carbines.

"Targets locked."

"FIRE!"

Deadpool fires all four missiles at the flying monsters. They exploded in mid-air, appearing to be hit by musket balls. However, several small, but fast missiles jettisons out and struck the monsters. The explosions were so powerful that it knocked down the remaining winged monsters. The ALO defenders steered their beasts away from the impacts.

"We've faced worse challenges during the Second Civil War!" Rios stated. "And the Second Korean War!"

"Clear the way!" Eugene bellowed to his Salamanders and other heavy-hitting races with their heavy weapons and magics. Both Mace and Agil joined in on the barrage as they unleashed their heavy weapons on the Guardians.

Captain America II shielded Kirito and fired back with his rifle and frisbee grenades as they flew up.

"Wait up!" Strea called as she flew up, trying to catch up.

"Strea?" Kirito turned around and see Strea flying up to them. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come all the way to save mom. And we're gonna do it together." Strea said.

Captain II groaned. "Alright. But stay close and we'll take you with us." He ordered.

"Yes sir, Captain." Strea replied with a salute. She presented her bullpup rifle and took out the Guardians that took aim at them.

"Strea, get behind Captain America!" Kirito said. "Don't want you to get hit!"

"Okay, dad!" Strea few next to Kirito and they both took out several Guardians. The flying monsters have been kept busy, which increased their odds.

"Captain!" Colonel America yelled as he threw his shield at several Guardians while peppering them with carbine fire.

"How far are we at the entrance?!" Lexar asked. He discharged more rounds at the Guardians before he reloads.

"Just a little more!" Iron Man II yelled as he punched away a Guardian from Lexar.

"Let's keep at it!" Leafa shouted with encouragement. Everyone pushed upward. Dodging yellow arrows and musket ball shots. One Guardian managed to get close, and Captain II blocked with his shield. Lexar spots two more and took them down.

"There it is!" Leafa pointed her finger. Up ahead is the giant gate.

"Right on!" Kirito slashed the Guardian hanging on Captain's shield. Lexar and Leafa mowed down five Guardians as they approached the gate. Yui then flew up towards Strea.

"I've scanned the gate here and it's part of the GM setting and not part of the Grand Quest." Yui deduced.

"I sense the same as well," Strea concurred, "and there is no indications of any Grand Quest whatsoever."

As they approached the giant gate, it suddenly opens up.

"That's also got to be Asuna!" Kirito beamed.

"Let's get inside before it closes!" Lexar suggested. Leafa took Lexar by the hand.

"For us.." Leafa smiled.

"For us, Kirito, Asuna, and everyone.." Lexar added.

Colonel America speaks into the radio. "This is Colonel America to Ramirez! The gate's opening! We're heading on inside! Everyone head back to Alne City!" He ordered.

"Ramirez, withdraw! All Howler units withdraw!" Captain America II radioed.

"Copy that Colonel, Captain. We're falling back now.." Ramirez replied. Captain America II and Colonel looked to Kirito, Lexar, Leafa, Strea, Yui, and the Iron duo for final affirmation.

"We're going in." Together, everyone passed through the gate. The moment after they did, the gate closed behind them.

---

Ramirez turned towards the group.

"Everyone! Fall back to the gate entrance! They've made it to the top!" He ordered.

"We did it!" Charlie cheered.

"Great! Now let's get out of here!" Lisbeth suggested.

"Retreat!" One of the other Howler sergeants yelled, "get the lead out!"

"No need to tell us twice!" Silica said as she and Sleek started running towards the entrance. However, the Guardians are charging at them with full force.

Thomasina commanded, "Leprechauns! Use scatter guns!" All of the Leprechaun players took aim and shot at the charging Guardians. Even Lisbeth and Mace took shotguns and discharged many buckshots. Some of the musketeer Guardians took aim at the female Leprechaun player and fired.

"Lisbeth! Lookout!" Silica jumped in front of Lisbeth. Sleek, on the other hand, jumped with her and held his hands up. Thinking that it'll stop the oncoming musket balls and yellow arrows. However. Neither of them felt the pain of arrows and musket balls hitting them. They opened their eyes and, to their surprise, see the yellow arrows and musket balls floating in the air.

"What?" Lisbeth wondered.

"Sleek?" Silica looked at Sleek, who had his hands up in the air. Curiously, he stretched his hand out to examine it. When suddenly, the arrows and musket balls shot back towards the Guardians. Hitting them with deadly precisions.

"Whoa!"

Lisbeth was stunned. "When did you have that?"

"I-I didn't.." Sleek stammered. "It just happened."

"Retreat!" Castle yelled as he and Ramirez led the troops out. Lisbeth and Silica would have to learn more about Sleek's new ability later.

"You heard him! Let's get out of here!" Lisbeth yelled as she ran with the others.

"Right behind you, darling!" Mace yelled as he sprayed his auto shotgun.

"Don't forget us!" Kureha shouted as Rex, Klein and Agil lay down covering fire. Rios was carrying Salem over his shoulder. Philia and another soldier helped Damion out. They're going at a slow pace.

"I got you covered!" Deadpool shouted as he ran towards the Guardians armed with two modified P90 SMGs.

"Where do you get all that!?" Damion yelled back.

"I've came prepared!" Deadpool fires pulse rounds at the Guardians. "Go ahead! I'll meet you back at Alne!"

"Come on, Damion!" Philia urged.

Damion groaned as the pain in his arm intensified. But he pushed through and ran with the others.

'Fight the pain, Damion. You can do this.' He thought to himself. Finally, everyone exited the dome and arrived at the inner city outside the World Tree gate.

"Whew! We made it.." Philia sighed.

"We did it.." Damion groaned as they set him on the ground. Rios set Salem down next to him.

"Didn't think you would get hit." Damion remarked. "Giving that you're an experience soldier.."

"Nah..." Salem replied. "Had worse challenges during the Second American Civil War and the Second Korean War.."

"Really?" Rios retorted. "As I recall, you always charge the enemy with guns blazing." He pulled out a syringe and jabbed it into Salem's leg.

"Ow!" Salem exclaimed.

"And whenever you go down, I'm the one ended up dragging your butt behind cover and heal you.." He added.

"Sounds very reckless of you, Salem." Damion said.

"Hey! At least I'm not like Deadpool back there." Salem protested. They heard explosions from the World Tree gate, followed by a flying red figure.

"Aaaaaaaahhhh!" Deadpool screamed as he flew across the sky and skidded on the ground when he landed.

He was immediately pulled back by a Howler Ranger and Salamander.

"OW!" Deadpool exclaimed.

"Not the perfect landing we had in mind."

"Yeah well... We got the job done.." Deadpool got up. But his head was stuck in a tilted angle.

"Everyone okay?" Sakuya asked as the doors shut.

"All of us are fine." Charlie answered.

"Same here.." Alicia added.

"Same as well.." Alias said.

"Hold on.." Deadpool snapped his head back in place. A noticeable crack was heard. "I hate it when I land like that." He groaned.

"Well... At least no one's seriously hurt.." Thomasina observed.

"Hey!" Damion exclaimed.

"Well... mostly no one.." Thomasina replied sheepishly.

"Still... We need to stack up and mop up the remaining Hydra soldiers here.." Sakuya suggested. "Knowing them, they're not gonna let this go unanswered."

The SAO group looked up at the World Tree with some of the NCOs of Howler Platoon, Castle and Ramirez included.

"Let's get to work." Castle suggested.

"Right." Ramirez agreed.

"Well, that's it for chapter 11." Deadpool said. "Readers, stay tuned for Chapter 12 of SAO: Avenger.."

"I hope that doesn't flag this story for no reason.."

"If they do.. Well, there's always Archive."