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.

22. Chapter 22

February 2nd, Dicey Café:

Kotone could not believe that she was going to do it. So much so that she could not focus on the lunch party planned for Kazuto and Asuna.

"Kotone?" Momiji asked. Noticing her friend zoning out. "You okay?"

Kotone was startled. She realized that she had been staring at the phone with Damion/Dex's GeekChat contact. "Y-Yeah... I'm fine..." She stammered.

Momiji shrugged. "Alright then... Help me and Nijika with the tables."

"Right!" The blushing Kotone rushed to help. They placed table cloths across one of the tables, tucking the corners in to flatten the surface.

"That's one..." Nijika rubbed her hands across the table to flatten the table cloth. "One with the next..."

She then saw Scott and Rika lingering over a tablet. "Everything going good, Rika?" She asked.

"Yep, everything's going smooth..." Rika replied before asking. "Need help with anything?"

"We're gonna make sure that we have enough chairs for the party..." Nijika replied. "See if they're more in the back..."

"There are if you all can help me," Andrew called out.

"Coming." Scott called back as he and Rika head to the back of the café.

As they did, Rika muttered to Scott, "it's been days since we last saw Kazuto and Asuna before the trial."

"Tell me about it..." Scott agreed. "It's been crazy with both medias covering it."

Scott grimaced as he remembered the whole media and political circus. He wished that they get the whole trial over with and throw Nobuyuki in the Raft where he can rot there for the rest of his life. It had already been three days of non-stop drama. Asuna and Suguha giving their testimonies of what happened. With Kazuto, Alex, and their families to support them.

The case against Nobuyuki was turning in their favor as more evidence of the madman's plans and actions he committed were exposed with help from other witnesses. Even the girl known as Naomi Ootomi stepped forward... She nearly burst into tears when she gave her testimony on how Nobuyuki murdered her father and threaten her family to make her work for him. Naomi then became distraught and angry as she described the atrocities inside RECT that she was forced to be party to. Her mother stood by her side and comforted her after she was finished. The trial was both a relief and a challenge for the Ootomis.

Scott shook his head from the recollection. Even more shocking was the number of people who actually came to Nobuyuki's defense as his witnesses. This includes several lawyers acting on behalf of the creature. It exemplified a rot in Japanese society from Hydra's influence. It also cause some uproar from America as the result. If anything, despite the supposed cooperation, relations between Washington and Tokyo were very tense.

Scott hoped that things will settle down once the trial ends.

---

At a park:

Keiko and Tim sat together as they enjoyed a morning snack, wanting to relax from the drama of the last month and the legal turmoil embroiling the city.

"It's very peaceful here..." Tim commented, observing the surroundings in the park.

Keiko snuggled up to him. "Mmmmmmm... It sure is, Timmy-kun..." She cooed. Tim gently pulled Keiko in his embrace as they continued munching their morning snack. Around them, the snow has a nice glow from the sunlight. People were going about their day through the park. Some are taking the scenery while others, mainly children, are enjoying the snow.

It was pure innocence that Tim and Keiko basked in.

"All this reminds us of our first time together from SAO..." Tim said softly. "You remember, Keiko?"

Keiko sighs happily. "I remember... I was so shy that day..."

"Mmmm... You were so cute when I saw you," Tim cooed. "How your face was turning beet red upon seeing me, and I was the same too..."

"You were all shy that you've noticed a slim girl with pig tails gazing towards your direction..." Keiko giggled. "And when you tried to speak, it was all stutters..."

"I even saw your little blue dragon with you too..." Tim replied. "That was before you nearly lost him that one time..."

Keiko hummed as she had a solemn expression. "And then, you and Kirito helped me revive Pina..." She then smiled with a pink tinge to her cheeks.

"I still remember whenever plant creatures ended up ambushing you and I managed to help you with one of them..." Tim was now blushing.

"T-Tim..." Keiko blushed harder as she thought about how her skirt tended to fall upside down. She had to hold it in place while slashing her sword against the plant creature. And Tim was too flustered to help as her skirt was close of falling upside down.

"Right..." Tim decided to move on to less embarrassing things, "but it was a good thing you left that gang."

"Yeah... They just used me to get them items and barely leave me with anything..." Keiko shook her head.

"At least Kirito got to teach them a lesson," Tim added, "we have that as a consolation prize."

"Um... you also helped Kirito fight them, remember?" Keiko gave a cute smile.

"Eh," Tim chuckled as he scratched the back of his head, "it wasn't much. Plus Kirito used several moves and techniques that even I couldn't match..."

Keiko held his hands. "Don't downplay yourself. You also managed to square off with their leader. That was indeed a feat that took my by surprise..." Keiko poked Tim's chest playfully. "You were so brave to stand up against her...so don't tell me that it wasn't much."

Tim thought about it for a moment, Keiko had a point. If he hadn't came along with Kirito, she wouldn't be able to stand up against her former guild. And if not for Kirito... Tim would never had found his courage as Sleek. The young couple owe their gratitude to Kirito. And they did when they joined in the rescue operation.

"I hope Kazuto and Asuna are doing well..." Tim muttered, "it's been days."

"Same for Alex and Suguha..." Keiko added in a low tone. "I just want them back with us."

"We all want them back with us, Keiko..." Tim sighed. "But if they can prevail in court along with hundreds of other survivors brave enough to testify... we won't have to worry about that monster of a man again."

"Agreed..." Keiko said. "The sooner the monster's thrown in prison, the better... I never thought Hydra leaders could be so scary. Let alone, ruthless with their agendas..."

"But hey, we can say that we did something that no other guys and girls could have done," Tim smiled. "We helped out our friends, rescued the other 299 players, and saved the world from Hydra. We're heroes in a way!"

Keiko blushed after hearing Tim's statement. Heroes from SAO to the real world.

"Hmmm... oh, Tim?"

"Keiko?"

"Speaking of heroes... have you made sense of what happened... you know," Keiko twiddled her fingers, "you stopping those bullets?"

Tim thought about it for a moment. During their battle inside the World Tree. He managed to stop the Guardians' firepower in mid-air and sent it right back at them.

"After the whole Total War in Alfheim," He spoke. "I wasn't so sure if it was from the game or not... So, I decided to give it a test back home..."

"Okay, what did you do?" Keiko asked.

"I went to the backyard and tested my powers on one of the lawn chairs..." Tim answered. "And, I managed to lift it a few feet off the ground."

He raised his hands. A few seconds later, the cup he's been drinking out of rose up a couple of inches from the bench.

Keiko blinked in wonder. She then saw the hot drink rise out of the cup. It looked like a blob of liquid suspended in zero gravity.

"Tim..."

The hot liquid then returned to the cup before being gently lowered back down on the bench.

"Don't worry, I know when to stop," Tim assured. "And to be discreet about my powers..."

Keiko nodded, "good. I like you, but others in Japan may not if they find out."

Tim sighed, he knew what Keiko meant. There was still fear of superpowered beings among the Japanese population. Even before, during, and after the Second Civil War, when the existence of Inhumans were revealed by various sources. While there was a growing, if steady and cautious acceptance in America, many parts of the world remained fearful of such individuals. Especially in the European continent, where Inhumans, and Russia, were to blame for the terror attacks in Eastern Europe nations, Ukraine included.

Many identified Inhumans had either started political campaigns for greater rights, or had immigrated to America, Australasia, or Russia for asylum. It was all revealed that the Watch Dogs, under orders of the late US senator Ellen Nadeer, were responsible for the terror attacks and the assassination of presidential candidate Campbell.

Tim shook his head. After the peace he and his family enjoyed in Japan, he did not want to trouble himself with that thought... not yet anyways. For now, he'll keep his powers a secret. He then picked his cup up and sipped his drink again as he held his Keiko.

"Hmmmmmm..." Keiko hummed.

"And how are your parents doing?" Tim asked, "I hope they aren't still mad with you for going onto ALO and making your video."

"They were upset about the whole ALO thing..." Keiko answered. "But after I explained that Asuna's trapped and showed proof of both the image and the safeties of the AmuSpheres. They allowed me to log on..."

"Still, they did ground me a few days to 'keep me off the streets'," the pigtailed girl blushed, "that was the first time I was ever grounded."

"Yeah... My folks were freaking out when I logged in ALO with the NerveGear..." Tim admitted. "My dad placed a parental block on my account."

"Especially after how the Pain Absorber was tampered with..." He then chuckled and shook his head. "Who would have thought, that we... the most well-behaved of our friend group would get grounded?"

"I guess it's because they care for us," Keiko rationalized. "After all, we just came out of SAO over three months ago... and then we go and risk our lives against a neofascist shadow organization that assassinates people. Any loving parent would worry."

"True..." Tim agreed. "But at least we didn't fight Hydra head-on at Yokota Air Base like Kazuto and Asuna did... Now that would have gotten us grounded for months!"

"True!" Keiko laughed. The two had a good laugh at that. The laughter soon died down and the young couple continued their conversation.

"I do miss Pina the dragon though," Keiko said.

"Same here..." Tim replied. "Whenever I show up, he's very excited to see me..."

While they were both happy in a way to return to the virtual world together for a time, they never got to see Pina since SAO, and too much was happening for them to have figured out how to bring the little dragon into ALO. It would also likely be a much longer absence since pieces of ALO's operating code had been seized by intelligence officers in Howler Platoon before the Japanese authorities arrived at RECT.

"At least you have the other Pina in the real world..." Tim reassured Keiko.

"My cat... yes," Keiko smiled.

"I still remember seeing that Pina when you introduced me to your parents..." Tim stroked Keiko's pigtails. "Cute little fella."

Keiko giggled. "He's always lovely whenever guests come over..."

"I'm happy that he likes me," Tim said, "and I like cats."

"Which is good..." Keiko smiled. "You both are my beloved kitties!"

Tim's cheeks blushed a deep red upon hearing Keiko's statement. Then he smiled. "And you're my kitty as well... While you were a Cait Sith in ALO..."

Keiko then blushed.

"It's too bad we were on a rescue mission..." Tim admitted. "Otherwise, I'd pet you all the time..."

"Oh, you!" Keiko playfully slapped Tim on the shoulder. Tim chuckled, and he rubs Keiko's ears.

"I can't help that you're such a cute cat lover," Tim teased.

Keiko giggles and blushes from Tim's gentle touches. "You have a cat too?" Keiko purred cutely

"I sure do," Tim replied as he rubs her ear. "A black tabby... She's such a sweetheart..."

"A girl cat? Cute!" Keiko lit up.

"Yep. Her name's Blair..." Tim smiled. "And she's the family's little pumpkin cat."

He produced a photo on his phone. Keiko looks at the screen that displays the black cat with green eyes gazing upward. The cat also has a orange collar around her neck with the words 'pumpkin' on each side.

"Aaaawwwww!" Keiko squealed as she clutched Tim's hand and phone. "She's such a beautiful and adorable kitty!" Keiko had a gleam in her eyes as she excitedly tugged Tim's arm.

Tim chuckles. "Perhaps later on, I can invite you over and you can see Blair..." He suggested.

"I'd love that!"

"Also... Blair'll curl up against you..." Tim shows another photo of the cat all curled up in a bun and sleeping. Keiko squealed at the sight of the black cat curled up.

"So precious!" She squealed. "I can't wait to hold her!"

"I'm sure you will when we get the chance..." Tim added, causing Keiko to hum with delight.

The two sat together as they enjoyed the park.

It was then that their phones went off. Tim groaned as he looked at his phone. It was a news alert. It was showing updates on the Trial against Sugou Nobuyuki. Tim's eyes widened, but then he sighed in relief.

"What does it say?" Keiko asked.

Tim reads. "It says that Nobuyuki's found guilty for both war crimes from the Second American Civil War and for holding 300 SAO survivors in the ALO servers, the rape attempts of both Asuna Yuuki and Suguha Kirigaya."

"Finally," Keiko expressed, "so... it's over?"

"It is." Tim sighed. "At least he'll rot in the Raft in the middle of the ocean...and for the rest of his forsaken life."

Keiko hugged Tim some more. "It's over..."

It was then Tim's phone clinged, signaling a text message. He clicked on the notice... it was Alex.

Keiko reads the text message Tim's reading. It says. "Trial's over, on way to Dicey Café."

Tim got up and stretched. "I'm guessing that the others are needing help at the café." He helped Keiko up. He plants a sweet kiss to her cheek. Keiko giggles before returning the kiss on the lips.

"At least that's good news to top the morning," Keiko chimed.

"Indeed," Tim nodded. The two cat lovers smiled as they walked together in the snow.

---

With Kazuto, Asuna, Alex, and Suguha:

It was surreal for all four of the teens. To them, it felt like three years have passed by. However, it soon gave way too strong relief for Asuna and Suguha.

"So glad all that's over." Suguha expressed. "Goodbye to evil bad trash."

"Same for all of us, Suguha..." Asuna agreed. She leaned into Kazuto's loving touch.

"And now, we can celebrate." Kazuto said.

"Yeah... I'm missing the others real bad now," Alex agreed. "And they're missing us too..."

A police officer then told the kids, "Kazuto and Suguha Kirigaya? Your dad is waiting for the both of you."

"Thank you..." Kazuto acknowledged with a bow.

"And... you all should know that Captain America and Iron Man are also waiting."

"Thank you again..." The officer then guides the four teens out of the lobby and towards the parking garage.

"Still sucks that we need to be under guard," Suguha said as she clung to Alex.

"Same here..." Alex held Suguha. "But with Hydra still a threat, we can't take any chances... and I couldn't bear to see you harmed again either, Sugu."

Suguha shivered, she still trying to overcome the trauma. It wasn't easy when she gave her testimony. It was like reliving the nightmare, and she broke down quite a few times. Her mother and Alex had to comfort her each time.

"It's okay, Sugu." Alex stroked her hair. They finally reached the parking garage. Asuna and Kazuto then saw Two other teens being escorted by a combined American and Japanese security detail. It was both Naomi and Kenta Ootomi.

"Naomi!" Asuna waved.

Naomi turned and waved back. "Asuna!"

The four teens approach Naomi. "It's good to see you at last," Asuna expressed, "and for the first time in real life."

"Same here, Asuna..." Naomi replied. The two girls hugged. It was then Naomi sees Suguha, who was watching on.

"And you must be Suguha..." Naomi deduced.

"That's correct..." Suguha nodded. "And you're Asuna's friend from inside Hydra."

Naomi nodded before she introduced herself to Kazuto and Alex. "Asuna probably told you both about me as Naomi Hunter," she said, "my name is Naomi Ootomi." She then turned to Kenta, "and this is my brother, Kenta."

Both Kazuto and Alex turned their attention towards Kenta. The three of them frowned at each other.

"Though I can tell you all know him already," Naomi said.

"Kibaou..." Alex uttered.

"Who would have thought?" Kazuto asked aloud.

"We've both met in SAO..." Asuna explained to Naomi.

Naomi looked to his brother. "I know that Asuna was what they called a Clearer... so you were clearing floors then too?"

Kenta paused for a few seconds before he answered. "Yes... I was..."

Naomi smiled. "I'm glad that you helped out as well."

"Oh yeah, he sure did help..." Alex remarked.

"Yeah he did... sorta," Kazuto rubbed his head sheepishly. The two boys are unsure what else to say.

It was then Suguha spoke up. "Well, let's get going. Can't keep everyone waiting..."

True enough, there was Inspector Minetaka, and he was speaking to Captain America and Iron Man. They're waiting near Minetaka's Mazda SUV. They see that three more officers are also present. Captain saw the teens with the intelligence officers. "Colonel," he muttered to his superior.

"Captain..." Colonel Rogers nodded.

"About time," Anderson chimed in. He was dressed in his air force officer's uniform. "Although, we do have time to spare..." He smiled. Alex's eyes widened as he recognized the third guest being Tony Stark himself. In the back, he wore a business suit and tinted sunglasses. While he could blend in a crowd, his goatee on his face is a big giveaway to anyone who knew the name.

"So these are the stars of the show," Tony Stark remarked.

Alex stammered. "I-It's nice to m-meet you, Mr. Stark..."

"Tony Stark?" Kazuto and Asuna both said.

"That's right," Stark smiled. "The original 'Iron Man'."

"The old 'Doc' himself," Captain America remarked.

Tony gave the new Captain a look. "Hey Steve," he told his former rival and friend, "your successor just called me old."

Rogers just chuckled. "Well, we're both old, Tony..."

"But some age better then others," Captain America put it out there, causing some of the others to look at him.

"Okay, Cap," Anderson laughed, "ease off the age humor."

"Yeah, these kids need celebration..." Iron Man II agreed with a chuckle.

Minetaka then walked up to Naomi and Kenta, looking at the former in particular. "Hello Naomi-chan," he said, "do you remember me?"

"Minetaka?" Naomi realized. "My father used to talk about you..."

"Hmmm, of course, you were very young then," Minetaka smiled.

Kenta however, recognized him. "Uncle Mine?"

"Uncle Mine!?" Both Kazuto and Alex did double-takes upon hearing Kenta. Naomi 's eyes widened as she now recognized the man in front of her. He was that lovable Uncle Mine who would sometimes come home with her dad to entertain her and the siblings.

"It's been many years," Minetaka said, "you two were just toddlers then."

Even Asuna was surprised.

"But... what are you doing here?" Naomi asked him.

"I'm here as part of the escort team for everyone..." Minetaka answered.

"But... you were supposed to be retired," Kenta pointed out.

"That's true," Minetaka said as he glanced over to Kazuto and Suguha, "but Hydra threatened my family as well, so I'm back in the fray to at least make a good difference."

"Wait..." Kenta looked to Kazuto, "family?"

"That's right..." Suguha nodded. "To be honest, we were all surprised as well..."

Kenta glanced towards Naomi. "Uncle Mine is the beater's dad?"

"Kazuto..." Naomi defended.

"Well, yeah," Kazuto smirked, "you thought I was some gangster's son or something?"

"I... Well..." Kenta stammered.

Alex chuckled. It was amusing that after taking Kenta's abuse during their years of SAO, he's finally being put in his place.

"After what you said about Beta Testers.." Alex then added.

"But... he doesn't even look like a policeman's kid," Kenta defended, "I mean, you two look like rogues or something!"

Alex chuckled again before replying. "Well, you know the old saying... Looks are deceiving..."

"And my Kazuto here is quite the dashing black knight, as you've learned by now," Asuna jabbed as she embraced Kazuto, "more than can be said for you."

Suguha observed the debate going on. She can feel the rising tension between Kenta and the others.

"Now now everybody," Minetaka disarmed everyone with a fatherly smile. "We just got out of trial against the monster today... So no need for further discord, we had enough in the past three days..."

"Minetaka's right, Kenta-niisan..." Naomi agreed. "Let's just leave already..."

"Oh... right Naomi," Kenta relented, with a smile that he reserved only for his dearest little sisters.

Kazuto and Asuna then turned to Captain America and Iron Man. "So are you two going to be returning to your unit soon," Kazuto asked, "I guess your mission with me and Asuna is over."

"On the contrary," Iron Man then spoke up, "my Cap and I just received our new orders."

"Let me guess, you're escorting us to the party. Right?" Alex deduced.

"Not technically to the party per se, but..." Iron Man replied.

"What my lieutenant means," Captain America asserted, "is that in light of recent events and the fact that many of you are classified as high value intelligence assets, we are ordered to maintain asset security. After all, Okinawa HQ is following direct orders from Washington to have all our forces placed on Defcon Three."

"Umm... what is Defcon Three?" Suguha asked.

"The defense readiness condition, or DEFCON, is a alert system for the United States Armed Forces..." Alex explained. "Developed during the Cold War, It prescribes five graduated levels of readiness, or states of alert, for the U.S. military. It increases in severity from DEFCON 5, which is least severe, to DEFCON 1, which is most severe, to match varying military situations, with DEFCON 1 signaling the impending outbreak of nuclear warfare."

"N-nuclear warfare?" That scared Suguha. The thought of a nuclear war on Japan was frightening.

"Nothing of that sort," Captain quickly defended, "in our case, we are just merely raising our conventional military alert status. Our president likes to be crazy prepared, but nuclear war on an allied nation is totally out of bounds."

"Alex," Kazuto glared at his friend.

"Sorry if I made you freak out.." Alex said nervously. "But that it was originally designed. But what Captain America's saying. With the resurrection of Hydra, everyone's on full alert for any possible threat..."

"And with the way Hydra totaled our headquarters here in Tokyo," Captain America said, "we're not taking any chances."

It was then that Colonel Rogers added, "anyways, now that the outcome of this trial has been announced, we are currently hunkering down on security with all major assets pending more probable action in the coming hours and days."

"And what does that mean?" Alex asked.

"Well, I'm not at liberty to disclose any further details at this point," Steve put out a disclaimer, "but it's safe to say that you all should stay close to the Captain and his men here."

The teens looked at each other, everyone knew that their families and friends would have to be closely guarded from Hydra. In short, everyone they know will be in for the long haul.

"We understand, Captain..." Asuna acknowledged. It had only been some weeks after the War in Alfheim and the destruction of USFJ HQ, and it felt like Japan was on a war footing with increasing American troop activity. The JSDF itself was also seeing increased security reviews and mobilization, which was creating a major stir among the citizens and survivors of SAO and ALO.

It was then Kazuto asked. "What will happen to the SAO and ALO survivors?"

"Everything will be arranged." Anderson reassured them. "Had plans laid out for the school..."

"Wait, a school?" Alex asked.

"Correct, Alex..." Kazuto answered. "There's this building that was scheduled for demolition. However, after the SAO incident, plans were made to have it converted into a school for players who were in high school by the time we were trapped."

"However, thanks to the War in Alfheim and threats against intelligence assets and survivors, especially American expatriates including military personnel," Anderson indicated, "the US Army and JGSDF have been asked to get involved."

"Hey Doc, I don't think that this is the place to discuss this," Captain America said, "and I believe we need to get going soon."

"Right..." Anderson agreed. "I'll explain on the way... Now..." He opens the door to the SUV. "Shall we?"

"Come along kids," Minetaka said.

"Okay Dad," Suguha nodded as she got into the passenger side. Kazuto, Asuna, and Alex piled into the rear of the police SUV.

Naomi then tapped on Captain America's shoulder. "Um... Burke-taicho? What happens now? Can Kenta-niisan and I go with them?"

Captain America looked at Asuna, then to Naomi. "Alright, as long as there's no trouble on the way... Get into our MRAP. It's the best armored vehicle we have."

"Thank you so much, Burke-taicho..." Naomi bowed before she and Kenta climbed into the MRAP.

Captain America then whispered to Colonel Rogers. "In all honesty, I'm tempted to just take all of them back to our base... especially with the ongoing airborne operation with 7-2 going on. I don't get why they have to attend some lunch party when we can ensure maximum security during this operation."

"It's the least we can do for them..." Rogers whispered back. "They deserve to be rewarded..."

"And besides, we've also got a number of other operations set to go off on the condition that Nobuyuki was finally convicted."

"Pardon my frankness, sir," Captain advised, "but if something happens to our charges while 7-2 is on mission, this could fall back on you, and it will not look good for any of Howler Platoon in this tense security environment."

"Which is why I'm having you and Preston go with them, and 7-1 at your disposal as a QRF as a failsafe," Rogers told him, "I'm not showing all my best cards at once, and you and Iron Man are some of our best shields against any Hydra retaliations. Besides, Anderson and myself are coming as well with permission from HQ. We'll consider it a pit stop."

Captain paused for a moment before he answered. "Alright, sir..."

"Hey," Anderson chimed in, "if this works, we could set back Hydra's direct action capabilities by several months."

"We've stopped Hydra before..." He continued. "So we can do it again..."

"I have faith in Walker and 7-2," Captain America said, "I just don't want us to take any chances."

"I'm with the Captain here," Iron Man said, "we've seen what lengths Hydra goes to take revenge."

"Which is why you both are here in the first place," Rogers reminded, "you two are not only the best armed, but also the best shielded soldiers we have. If anybody can keep these heroic kids safe, it's you both."

"We'll go with them, sir..." Captain nodded.

"Alright then..." Rogers replied. "Now, let's get to the party..." They all climbed into the MRAP and closed the doors.

---

With Howler 7-2 ~ In the skies over Okushiri Island, Hokkaido:

Captain Logan Walker was fighting the drowsiness when he got a HUD notification in his helmet earphones. It was the go-ahead... for the extended Operation Finalizer as approved by the Pentagon through the new headquarters set up in Okinawa.

"So... the die has been cast."

They're riding in the Quinjet, pushing through the skies with such speed that'll rival the fighter jet.

Logan Walker checked his watch, then told the others. "We are go for mission, let's review what it is we are out here for."

He opens up the hologram display on the laptop before him. "Our target is a suspected former Imperial Navy submarine base... Intel showed us that Hydra's holed up there and are likely gonna try to stage a rescue attempt to free Nobuyuki..."

"... and sightings from local fishermen and sonar readings from anti-submarine planes have led us to believe that the submarine pen itself may be host to Hydra infiltration submarines that could be used for sneak attacks and subversion raids across Japan and Korea."

"Our goal is to destroy the subs and any equipment and vehicles stored there and wipe out all presence of Hydra forces from the island." Logan held up his rifle. "Let's get them good. For Yokota and 7-4."

"For 7-4, sir!"

Logan then tapped into his earpiece. "Pilot! How far until we reach our destination?!"

"Two mikes out, sir! We'll be there shortly!"

"Stand up, Rangers," Logan yelled out. The 7-2 rangers stood up with their weapons at the ready. Logan then checked his pack straps and sling to make sure that they were secure for the wingsuit jump. Everyone strap on the wingsuit attachments and checking that they're in working condition. So far, everything's in working condition.

A few minutes went by before the pilot spoke up. "We're at our destination!" The light suddenly lit up green and the back hatch of the quinjet opened up.

"Alright then," Logan yelled, "let's cut the heads of the Hydra!" There was a roar of cheers from the rangers before they begin jumping out of the hatch one by one.

---

Dicey Café:

Andrew and Trish watched the news coverage of the new USFJ headquarters being constructed... and the protests by the Okinawans.

"It has been one week since the US Forces Japan headquarters was relocated to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, and day four of the anti-base protests from locals opposed to the increased US military presence at Kadena," Jerri Reinecker reported. "While most American and Japanese we've polled have expressed majority support for the move and increased US military presence in Japan in light of the capture of Hydra Supreme Commander Nobuyuki and the ramping up of anti-Hydra counterinsurgency operations, many Okinawan citizens and leaders have sharply criticized the buildup and increased fortification around Kadena as troops, weapons, and command infrastructure continue to stream onto the island."

"It's like everyone's forgotten what Nobuyuki did to Asuna and Sugu..." Andrew lamented while shaking his head.

"Babe," Trish reminded, "this Okinawa business has been going on long before this mess. You know that."

"I know, hon'." Andrew agreed. "But after what happened in ALO? When it was broadcasted to the whole world... It kinds reminds me when Hydra's control over Shield was revealed back in March 5th, 2014... And these people go and protest the base instead of Hydra."

Trish placed her hand on Andrew's shoulder. "Babe, things will get back to normal... It just need to take some time for the people to trust the US military again..."

It was then that Jerri interviewed one of the Okinawans with an interpreter. The protester replied to her, It was then that Jerri interviewed one of the Okinawans with an interpreter. The protester replied to her, "in the first place, mainland Japan is where the Hydra are, and where the attacks took place. The Japanese government wants America to help fight their war, but are making us the dumping ground for the American soldiers who should be going over to the main islands! If the Americans are supposed to be fighting Hydra, they should be over in Japan, not here in Okinawa!"

Another was interviewed. "It's the same old dance, mainland Japan has military problems, but we bear the brunt of the costs of the American presence. Different war, same old attitude."

A third was interviewed. "I understand that the resurrection of Hydra has shocked everyone and the Americans are doing their best to eliminate the threat. But I'm not fond of having our home to be part of a military base where Hydra could target us. The Americans should be over on the mainland where the war is, not dumping their war material on Okinawa."

There were shouts of agreements in the background. The camera shifted over to a view of Kadena AFB, where there was barbed wire erected top and bottom on the perimeter fences, and USAF security airmen were posted with M4s and P418s as more transport planes flew in and unloaded troops and tanks. Apache gunships, Bradley IFVs, and F-16s are seen being unloaded as well. Even attack fighter squadrons were streaming onto the base. New pre-fabricated command centers could also be seen coming up with curtained fences erected to obscure most of the view. Okinawa police were also called out to police the outer perimeter, but most striking was the line of US Army soldiers in riot gear and some Iron-Man like exoskeletons bearing shields in the inner fenced perimeter marching along.

"That's new..." Trish commented on the Iron Man exoskeletons.

"Looks like these are fresh troops from the US mainland," Andrew noted. He pointed at the soldiers bearing the rifles. "Those guys look a lot like the Howlers with their demeanor and posture. There's a show of force about them that we don't see among most of the garrison that's been in Japan."

"You may be right, Andrew..." Trish observed the US soldiers. Some of the Japanese teens looked up at the TV screen.

"Okay, that is quite intimidating," Nijika said.

"Those guys are not playing around," Haruto remarked, "but do they have to show off their shields and weapons like that?"

"I guess..." Nijika shrugged. "I'll have to admit though that seeing soldiers like that intimidates me sometimes."

"Especially since they've been rebuilding after the second civil war..." Haruto agreed.

Scott shook his head. "Oh, it's on now."

"I remember seeing old photographs of scenes similar to this."

"Was it the Aftermath of the Battle of Frankville?" Rika asked. She remember seeing the images of the town of Frankville just repelled the US government forces when they attempted to arrest Thomas Anderson. And he, along with Jack Preston and Frank Castle, came out in their Iron Man exoskeletons and pushed back the federal armies.

Scott chuckled surprisingly. "Not quite that dramatic... I was more so referring to those old photos of when those troops would gather in staging areas in past wars, like World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf War, that kind of deal."

"Ahh..." Rika realized.

"Well, then again, President Wilson did say that we were in Defcon Three," Scott shrugged, "so I guess I should not be that surprised about this force buildup."

"That doesn't sound good..." Rika stated with concern.

"Well, considering that Hydra just totally annihilated an airbase in the middle of Tokyo and killed hundreds of US and JSDF servicemen," Scott reminded, "can you blame our president for feeling... jumpy?"

"Can't really say I would..." Rika realized. "And if I'm not mistaken, the JSDF sounds like they are preparing for mobilization as well."

"Let's not forget Russia joining forces with American forces to deal with the Hydra threat." Scott added. "This also includes volunteers from Australasia, Wakanda, and New Asgard."

"That's only partially true," Rika pointed out, "while our Prime Minister has agreed to American forces, Russians and Wakandans are another story. That's still being argued over in the Diet, remember?"

"I remember..." Scott replied.

---

With Kazuto:

Kazuto continued to hold Asuna and stroke her long, hazelnut hair. "We're almost there."

"Mmmmmmm... I can hardly wait..." Asuna cooed. "I'm just glad to be out of a courtroom."

"Same here..." Kazuto rubbed Asuna's ear, earning coos and sighs from the Yuuki girl. "Will your parents be joining us?"

"They are, they just need to get some legal stuff with RECT cleared out... They'll meet us later at the café..."

"Alright, everyone at the café will make them feel right at home..." Kazuto said. "I did tell them that none of them were at fault that RECT was co-opted."

"Thank you," Asuna said. Before and during trial, the RECT company was facing massive backlash for Nobuyuki's schemes and how they allowed Hydra in taking control of the company in the first place. But thanks to the testimonies of both Shouzou and Kyouko, it was clear that the rest of the Yuuki family had been taken for a ride that nearly cost them their lives. Thus, RECT has narrowly avoided prosecution. But it'll take a while for them to make a full recovery. And true to Shouzou's word, RECT Progress had been disbanded, and was formally disavowed with the exception of loyal employees like Naomi who helped Asuna expose the infiltration.

Both Kazuto and Asuna wondered what will happen now.

"Hey," Alex nudged Kazuto, "you both okay?"

They both snapped out of their thoughts.

"Y-Yeah... We're okay..." Kazuto stammered.

"It's just... It's been long days..." Asuna added with a sigh. "And I just want to have my family with us," Asuna admitted.

"Not to worry," Alex smiled. "I'm sure that they'll swing by afterwards..."

Kazuto laughed as a thought occurred to him.

"What's so funny?" Suguha was puzzled.

"Sorry, but it just occurred to me that Agil... Andrew was worried about his café not receiving business while he was gone," Kazuto explained, "but now all of a sudden, he's got all the business he could want, but might not have enough space."

"So... He may have to make renovations of the café..." Alex concluded.

"Or even open a second location," Suguha suggested.

"We'll see when we get there..." Alex shrugged.

Asuna then looked over to watch the MRAP being driven by Captain America in front. She wondered how would the others take Naomi upon introduction. And her brother Kenta. She witnessed Kenta causing trouble with the other SAO players, mainly beta testers of the game. How will they take him after all that? There's no doubt that they'll be sneers made by former SAO beta testers.

Asuna sighed, she hoped that it wouldn't cause rising tensions. At least Captain America and the others would keep an eye on the party and make sure it stays peaceful and festive. However, she decided to be positive, they'll be celebrating with their friends after their victory in the trial.

"I'm sure the others will like Naomi," Asuna muttered.

---

With Naomi:

The young girl intern found herself seated between the new Iron Man and her brother, with the new Captain America and a soldier she heard was Sergeant Ramirez. Before climbing in the MRAP, she saw both the new Iron Patriot and Colonel America board the other MRAP.

"Um... Captain?"

"Yes?" The leader of Howler 7-1 replied as he continued driving.

""f I may... how did your military learn about Hydra's operations in ALO and Nobuyuki? Hydra's coverup was very extensive and thorough," Naomi asked.

"I'm sorry young lady, but I am not at liberty to disclose such details," Captain replied.

"Not even inside the MRAP?" Naomi questioned, surprised by Captain America's blunt answer.

"Sensitive intelligence operation details, Ootomi-chan," Captain replied back in Japanese, showing his knowledge of honorifics, "and in light of security breaches that compromised details of our initial operations and destroyed Yokota Air Base, I am instructed to say little and have ordered my officers to comply."

It was then Iron Man spoke up. "Hate to be a downer, Miss Ootomi... But what the Captain says..."

"We're on high alert, girl," Ramirez chimed in, "and our command is taking no chances."

"Alright then..." Naomi replied, realizing that they're correct. "Still, I want to thank both you and Iron Man for coming to save us, Captain America."

"Just doing my duty as honor commands," Captain replied.

"Same here, miss..." Iron Man acknowledged with a nod. "And we thank you for aiding Miss Yuuki in ALO..."

Naomi felt sheepish. "T-Thanks... But I should also thank Asuna for giving me the courage while in ALO..."

"Oh?" Ramirez asked, "tell us."

"Well..." She began. "While I was forced to work for Nobuyuki, I was in the meeting room with the other Hydra officers when Asuna came in with that creature..." Naomi hugged herself. "At first, I thought she was like Nobuyuki... Until later on, it turns out she was a prisoner like me..."

Captain America showed no apparent reaction as he was driving, but the others in the car glanced at Naomi.

"She was the only person inside Hydra that managed to show us the way out and fight back..." She continued. "... And gave us the courage in doing so..."

"Sounds like an inspiration within the dark cloud..." Iron Man commented.

"Correct..." Naomi nodded. "And, we managed to give everyone inside ALO a chance to break into the World Tree and inside the base during the Total War in Alfheim..."

Captain America digested this. Kazuto was right about Asuna being smart and brave. And his own experience with her shielding him was evidence of her strength of character.

"Still... I wished I could continue helping Asuna after she exposed Hydra to the world..." Naomi looked down. "But... She didn't want to risk my safety, or the safety of my family..."

"That's nothing to be ashamed of, young lady," Captain told her.

"Captain's right..." Iron Man agreed. "You did all that you could do, and that's what gave everyone the edge and stopped Hydra from world domination."

"You honored Asuna's orders, and everyone, including your brother, owe their lives to your being loyal to your family employer," Captain added.

The sounds of the tires on asphalt are heard as silence filled the MRAP.

"So why are we making this stopover again?" Kenta asked.

"We're attending a party at the café..." Iron Man explained. "A celebration for the trial against Nobuyuki..."

"And the Colonel authorized it as a lunch stop before you both are handed over to the JSDF Special Forces Group for protection," Captain America added, "my men and I will remain on site for security reasons as well."

"Okay then..." Kenta answered.

Naomi raised an eyebrow to her brother. "Kenta-niisan? You alright?"

"Yeah... I'm fine..." Kenta replied.

"What bothers you?" Naomi pressed, "and don't lie. I still know you too well."

Kenta hesitated for a moment. But he knew that it's pointless to keep quiet, especially since they're glances around him. He sighed before he spoke. "It's just that... During the first month of SAO... I never got along with the beater... Kirito."

"Kenta-niisan..."

"Or any of the beta testers during those months..." He continued. "If you ask me, I considered them worse than cheaters. Because they managed to get the most loot and experience before any of us did."

Naomi watched on as Kenta talked.

"I thought that would help all of you to get out of SAO faster." Iron Man interrupted. "If they're beta testers, they could at least give instructions of how to get experience points boost and loot..."

"But many of them were not good people," Kenta objected. "They could at least gave some of the loot to the rest of us. That way, we'd had a better chance of clearing the game faster..."

"But they did leave instructions, did they?"

Kenta again hesitated. "They did..."

"So they did help," Iron Man pointed out. "So I'd owe it to the beta testers who helped everyone to get a leg-up on the first few floors..."

Kenta glanced over to Iron Man a bit, but then continued... "After several months, I've created the Aincrad Liberation Force with others. Together, we were able to push through the floors and help everyone to clear the death game and get out of there as soon as possible..."

Naomi smiled. "As long as you'd took part of clearing the floors and help the others..."

---

In the Colonel's MRAP:

"I see... very well," Colonel Rogers finished his call.

"So, what's the scoop, Colonel?" Captain Anderson asked.

"The operation is underway," Colonel said. "Soon, the presence of Hydra's secret base will be removed."

"Alright..." Anderson nodded.

"And I also got confirmation from Sam that he and the Firebirds will be hitting a suspected Hydra airbase inside Mongolia, but can spare a detachment of Hitman Team to assist 7-2 in hitting the sub base," Roger smiled, "if 7-2 and the Firebirds can pull this off, we can set back major components of Hydra's long-range strike capabilities here in East Asia."

"Good to hear." Anderson grinned. "As long as the battle plans drafted by Trinity executes properly we'll have everything under control... But, we always have to expect the unexpected..."

"Still," Anderson added, "this is a rather large and ambitious operation to execute so soon after this trial."

"We gotta do what needs to be done." Rogers replied. "It is because we took down their Supreme Commander, that the time to move against Hydra is now. If not, they'll be in a stronger position when they appoint a new Supreme Commander."

"Agreed, the longer we wait, the longer Hydra gets stronger and will try to make the first strike..." Anderson shook his head. "I still remember the possible UN invasion of America months before Frankville..."

Anderson continued. "I even had Trinity to simulate the UN invasion of America and strategize the scenarios of what would happen in key areas. Such as the UN troops coming in from both Canada and Mexico and taking the border states, as well as a possible naval invasion in the east coast. Didn't had to worry about China or Russia as they denounced the UN back in 2017..."

"Yes, of course..." Rogers replied. "When we arrived in Frankville after you repelled the siege and assisted you in the coup of Washington DC. You had the plans laid out and ready to execute upon command..."

"Right... And we would've too... If the New Knights of Britain didn't came along and wiped out the UN in Vienna..."

Colonel Rogers groaned. "I still remember most of the people tried to blame you for Vienna's destruction, along with the destruction of Brussels and Davos, Switzerland."

"Right..." Anderson expressed. "And I managed to clear myself by admitting that I had no involvement, let alone knowledge, of the New Knights of Britain's existence..."

Just as well that we kept out of Europe," Colonel added. "The last thing we needed was the very strong UN to assist Pacifica."

"No kidding..." Anderson remarked. "Anyway, for now, we'll celebrate. The kids have deserved it."

Damion sat in the front passenger seat as he overheard some of the conversation. On one part, he was glad that the presence of Hydra's being dealt with and action is being taken. Yet, he was under no illusion that destroying a few bases would take Hydra out of the game when they survived in Japan for years. Plus, there's no telling how many bases Hydra has built or recovered outside of Japan.

His thoughts then went to Philia... He wondered if she'll be attending the party as well.

"I hope the Captain won't mind..." he muttered to himself.

"Excuse me," the driver cut in, "what was that, Damion?"

"N-Nothing." Damion stammered. His cheeks flushed a deep red.

The driver then just shrugged and refocused on the road. Damion sighed in relief.

'That was a close one...' He thought. He had enough of that with his squad. The constant teasing's from his squad mates, and the stern observation from his captain.

He could not stop thinking of Philia and why she looked familiar. It was like the image of her face came to him like a dream. So far, he hasn't heard anything from Philia ever since he gave his email address and phone number to both Kazuto and Asuna. And he hadn't had a minute to himself as he was buried with work after the Yokota Air Base was destroyed.

However, he checks his emails whenever chance he gets during breaks. So far... nothing...

For the moment, he'll find out once they reach the Café...

---

With Kazuto:

"That's a very interesting story you have there, Kazuto..." Tony Stark observed after Kazuto finished telling his time in both SAO and ALO. Tony was talking with Kazuto from another MRAP via hologram...

"And it was one big roller coaster ride for all of us..." Kazuto added.

"Just glad it's all over..." Asuna replied.

Tony looked at Asuna through the hologram. "And again, very sorry for what you had to go through in ALO..." He said with sympathy. "But I heard that you had help from my successor and Colonel's own."

"Don't forget Anderson..." Alex added. "He provided us with a lot of tech support!"

"Ahh yes, Thomas Anderson..." Stark remarked. "The man with superb computer skills like me..."

"And on and off rival and partner," Alex added with a grin.

"With the new Captain America, I assume..." Tony deduced.

"That's right.."

"Yeah... that new Captain is something," Tony said knowingly. "I still remember reading the reports of Christopher Burke's actions in Texas during the second civil war. I was impressed how he rescued and freed a great number of political prisoners and fellow soldiers while he and his team faced wave after wave of soldiers from both Pacifica and Blue Cosmos... I can see why Steve selected him as his successor..."

"You met Chris too?" Kazuto asked.

"I have... Whenever he drops off refugees and soldiers to the Free States..." Tony nodded. "And of course, I was there when he and his lieutenant were inaugurated."

"Which you've passed the Iron Man mantle to Lieutenant Preston..." Kazuto concluded.

"Yep, same with Anderson..." Tony added.

"Really?" Alex was puzzled. "Wasn't there a legal affair between you and Anderson?"

"There was..." Tony admitted. "I was a little miffed when I found out he reverse-engineered my Iron Man suit and the Arc Reactor behind my back before the civil war..." He paused for a moment before continuing. "To be honest, I was kinda impressed by him..." Tony then sat back, "of course, I still had to defend my intellectual property and settle accounts."

"But everything between you and Anderson-san was settled, right?" Asuna asked.

"Eventually..."

"As long as everything went smooth between you two, you began to help Colonel Rogers and the others in the civil war..." Suguha added.

"Correct... During the whole war, I assisted Steve in reinforcing army units for the push against the New England Separatists."

"And as you know, the siege of New York City was by far, the brutal... More brutal when the Chitauri tried to invade the city back in 2012. Which reminds me, I have a video that everyone would enjoy..."

"What video would that be?" Kazuto asked.

"I'll show you when we get to our destination..." Tony chuckled. "But I know you'll love it..."

"We're here kids," Minetaka announced.

"Which was sooner than I expected..." Tony quipped. "See you four in a little bit..." The holoscreen disappears, ending the video chat.

Chris and Ramirez were the first to step out of their MRAP. Preston, Naomi, and Kenta followed shortly. Some of the soldiers from other escort vehicles surrounded the Ootomi siblings while Minetaka's policemen surrounded the SUV.

Kazuto and Alex are the first to step out first. They turned to help Asuna and Suguha out by their hands.

"Safe and sound..." Alex smiled.

"Why thank you, my Spriggan knight..." Suguha giggled as she steps down.

"Can't wait to meet the others..." Asuna smiled.

"Just stay with us, young miss," one of the policemen of the SIT said, "we have our orders to continue to safeguard you and Ms. Kirigaya as principal plaintiffs and witnesses."

"We understand..." Asuna acknowledged.

Captain America and Iron Man then went over to the 'VIP' MRAP. Shortly after, Colonel Rogers, Captain Anderson, and Tony Stark stepped out. Kazuto and Asuna noticed how Captain and Iron Man purposefully put themselves in front of these men with their full armor facing out.

"I wonder why Anderson isn't wearing his Iron Patriot armor?" Suguha whispered to Alex.

"Perhaps it wouldn't be necessary." Alex whispered back. "Either that, or he is probably wearing it, and it's not active..."

It was then that Captain and Colonel whispered to each other with serious expressions.

"Whatever's going on, it doesn't seem good..." Alex pointed out. Kazuto and Asuna overheard the whispers, and realized they could hear what the Colonel and Captain America were discussing.

"With any luck, we can get the Ootomis to the base and the SAO/ALO lovebirds to a secure location while the operation is underway," they heard Captain America, "I'm still not so keen on this luncheon idea with us being on Defcon Three."

"Captain," Colonel followed up, "I will say this... I understand your concerns, Captain..." Rogers replied. "But it's the least we can do for the kids and make them feel relaxed as much as possible... I've notified Anderson to keep tabs on the area around the café... And besides, it would be advantageous for us to have the other SAO and ALO survivors within our protection during the afternoon."

"A lot of attention if you ask me," Captain remarked.

Kazuto and Asuna looked at each other quizzically. Unsure on what to think about Captain Burke's remarks.

"An operation?" Asuna whispered.

"Could be against Hydra..." Kazuto replied.

"So soon though? I thought Howler Platoon was not active for combat?" Asuna muttered.

"I thought so too..." Kazuto shrugged. "But I guess we'll never know the full picture..."

"...and we probably shouldn't talk if they meant for us to not hear it."

"Super-hearing... I never thought it would be so difficult," Asuna sighed. "Anyway, we should get going to the party..."

Kazuto smiled as he held Asuna's hand. He rubs her slender hand with his thumb, earning giggles from her. "Yeah... Let's get going..." He added.

Captain America walked up to Minetaka, with his rifle visibly slung. "I'll take point up ahead."

"Alright then, Captain..." Minetaka nodded.

"Um... may we follow the Captain for a bit?" Kazuto asked.

"Same for me..." Asuna added.

"Sure, if that is fine with him," Minetaka said.

Captain gave the two looks, but gestured with his head to walk with him. Both Kazuto and Asuna caught up and walked alongside. Two of his soldiers closed flanks behind them as the Captain walked in front.

The walk was silent for a minute before Kazuto spoke up. "So you timed your operation with our trial outcome."

"That's correct," Captain Burke replied. He then glanced back at the two teens. "You two listened in..."

"Y-You knew?" Kazuto asked. Realizing that they've been caught.

"I could tell that you both were listening, and why else would you be asking about an operation," Chris replied.

"We kinda figured it out before we heard..." Asuna admitted.

"Well, I appreciate if you don't say too much," Captain told them.

"We won't." The young couple said in unison.

"Good," Captain America said as he led the armed protective procession.

A few minutes went by without incident. Iron Man spoke up. "We're near the café."

Chris took in the sight of a small line of people outside the café... SAO and ALO survivors no doubt. In fact, there were so many that seats and tables had to be set outside.

"Looks like they're getting business." Anderson observed. He looks at the other buildings surrounding the café. Kazuto, Asuna, Alex, and Suguha were shocked to see all the people around.

"That's a very big crowd..." Damion commented.

"They're all... survivors?" Suguha blinked.

"I guess so..." Alex answered. "But I don't think it's just SAO survivors..."

"Could they be survivors for ALO?" Kazuto asked.

"Let's get inside," Captain America said as he led the way. Several people did double takes as he and his lieutenant approached.

"It's Captain America and Iron Man!" Someone called out.

The whole crowd turned to see the themed soldiers making their way over. "And they've got Kirito and Asuna with them!"

"Three cheers for the heroes of SAO, Alfheim, and Yokota Air Base!" Everyone began to clap and cheer. Kazuto chuckled in amusement while Asuna blushed.

"Looks like we're famous after all..." Alex said to Suguha, who blushes. Iron Man just waved while Captain America looked a little tense. Kazuto shrugged and waved with Iron Man.

"Might as well take in the superhero title..." Kazuto remarked. Asuna, though sheepish at first, she waves alongside with her husband.

"Sergeant, secure the site," Captain ordered Ramirez.

"On it, sir..." Ramirez nodded before he ordered a couple of soldiers to position themselves around the crowd.

"I'll go in and secure the restaurant." The America-themed officer turned to his armored adjutant, "lieutenant, keep an eye on these six teens."

"Affirmative, Captain..." Iron Man saluted. As the Captain walked ahead, a young boy in glasses came running up. "Leafa!"

Suguha recognized him as Recon from ALO. "Shinichi?"

One of the policemen raised his hand to stop Shinichi when one of the American rangers instead stepped in front, causing the boy to bump into him and fall on his back.

"Ow!" Shinichi exclaimed.

"Wait, that's a friend of ours," Suguha told Iron Man, "he helped us in Alfheim!"

"Let him pass, soldier..." Iron Man ordered.

"Wait a minute," Alex looked closely, then turned to Sugu, "is that?"

"Recon... It's Recon from ALO..." Suguha explains. Shinichi then walked up to the two.

"We're sorry about that, Shinichi..." Suguha bowed. However, Shinichi seemed more happy and relieved to see his friend.

"It's alright, at least the four of you made it for the celebration." Shinichi smiled. "And I'm just happy that you're alright."

"I'm glad that you're alright too..." Suguha replied.

"Recon is it?" Alex asked with a smile, "fancy meeting you here."

Shinichi nodded. "Everyone from ALO are helping setting up for the café, since business here is picking up." He explained. "And we were invited by... Agil I believe, as part of an invite for both SAO and ALO survivors to celebrate both the end of Sword Art Online, and the victory in Alfheim."

"We were waiting for the trial to end so we can celebrate... "

Alex and Sugu were awed.

"And I assume that everyone in SAO's inside, right?" Asuna concluded.

Shinichi nodded, but then his jaw dropped at the sight of Asuna. "Y-You're Asuna Y-Yuuki..." Shinichi stammered. He'd only saw her broadcast the first time and later during the Battle in the Void. And later on, saw her in TV fighting Hydra alongside Kazuto. But he didn't expect the Yuuki girl's beauty.

"Yes she is," Kazuto beamed. "And she's also known as Lightning Flash..."

"And also, his wife..." Asuna chimed. To empathies this, she pulls herself in Kazuto's arm.

Shinichi recognized Kazuto as well. "So, it's true that you're survivors of SAO..." He realized.

"That's right," Kazuto said, "and now we are survivors of ALO just like you and the others."

Just that, Captain America II walked out of the café. "Everything's clear inside the café." He reported.

"Thank you, Captain," Colonel Rogers smiled, "it's chow time, boys and girls."

Everyone headed on inside the café, they see their friends from SAO gathered at various tables. The various conversations stopped when the armed group entered.

Then a female voice called out. "Hi, Kazuto, Asuna!" It was Rika waving.

"Rika," Asuna smiled and waved back.

"Welcome to the party!" The Blacksmith girl cheered.

Andrew Mills and his wife also stepped up front. "And it's an honor to host Captain America, Iron Man, and their predecessors."

"Thank you, it's an honor to be here..." Tony Stark smiled. "Nice place you got here..."

"Whoa what?" Klein did a double take, "Steve Rogers and Tony Stark are here too?"

"That's right, Klein..." Rogers nodded.

"And don't forget me," Anderson joked.

"Right." Klein chuckled.

"It's quite a turnout you have going on here." Anderson observed the party. Many of the teens stared, while the Americans were awed at the military all-stars gathered in the café.

"It sure is," Andrew replied. "business has been picking up in the last few days. Gotten more customers coming in than we had before."

"So that really is Captain America..." someone muttered.

"Yes he is, Wendy..." Another voice replied. Alex turned to see his cousin Randy with his sister, Wendy.

"Hey Randy! Hey Wendy!"

"Hey Alex!" The Mitchell siblings waved back. "Why don't you sit with us?"

"Sure thing!" Alex replied. Kazuto hands the yen to Andrew and the teens took seats. Alex, Suguha and Shinichi sat with Randy and Wendy while Kazuto and Asuna took seats with the SAO group.

"Hey Kazuto," Scott grinned, "welcome back to the world of us ordinary folk!"

"It's good to be back," Kazuto chuckled. Keiko and Tim smiled at Kazuto and Asuna as they sat down.

"Tim, Keiko, you two finally arrived." Rika chimed.

"We came here as soon as we heard the outcome," Tim laughed.

"Asuna... you did it," Keiko chirped. She proceeds to hug Asuna.

"Don't forget us.." Alex chuckled from the table next to them, He was referring to Suguha and himself.

"Why would we forget you two?" Tim teased. "You all gave that guy a walloping in court."

"We sure did..." Alex smiled while cuddling with Suguha. "And I hope they find the deepest hole that Hydra can never reach into.

"Same goes for me as well..." Suguha answered. She hugged herself, "and I hope they never have any lady guards around him."

"I'm pretty sure The Raft's security team are all males." Scott mentioned. "At least, that's what I've heard..."

"I hope so..." Keiko shivered.

"Let's just celebrate the fact that we won against Hydra..." Rika said, trying to cheer up her friends.

"It's just a relief that we don't have to sit in a room of stiff suits and robes anymore," Kazuto said, "gets boring after a while." That elicited giggles from Asuna and the other girls.

"I didn't really mind at all..." Asuna giggled.

Captain America and Iron Man stood next to their predecessors as a table with a certain group of race leaders took notice.

"So... What did you think, Tony?" Rogers asked.

"I say not only they've posses a strong bond with one another in darkest times, but they could be the next Avengers..." Tony observed. "And I recall hearing their marriage in SAO as well?"

"That's what Kazuto said..." Preston replied.

"Interesting..." Tony was amused. "Although, they're a bit young for a married life." He chuckled. "But hey, if they love each other that much..."

"It's not that simple, Mr. Stark," Chris interrupted, "they are minors."

"Oh come on, Chris." Tony laughed. "I mean, it worked with Romeo and Juliet. I'm sure it'll work for Kazuto and Asuna, minus the tragedy of course. No one wants that..."

"That's Captain Burke, to you citizen," Chris retorted, "and your tragedy is going to happen over my dead body or some Hydra scum that gets into our sights."

"I wouldn't bother trying to reason with him, Tony..." Anderson explained.

"You know, for whatever reason, I get the feeling that he does not like me that much," Tony whispered.

"Ah... he sometimes doesn't get the humor," Anderson replied.

"I see..." Tony observed Burke before turning back to Anderson. "Ugh... this guy takes himself more seriously than Steve."

"But he does have an outstanding military record during the war..." Anderson pointed out. Steve glanced over to Stark, before turning back to his successor.

"Anderson and I were chatting with the Yuukis..." Steve explained.

"I'm listening," Chris acknowledged.

"They've been talking with the Japanese Diet over their daughter and her beloved. And since they've showed a strong bond with each other, and Kazuto's promising future..."

"Oh really?" Chris seemed to be amused as he leaned in.

"The Japanese Diet is going to allow the marriage between Kazuto and Asuna..." Anderson finished. "Turns out, the Yuukis were considering it..."

"Huh..." Chris just looked at Kazuto and Asuna as they chatted with his friends.

"And they actually liked Kazuto during their first visit..." Anderson smiled.

"I know... you'd think that they were already the in-laws," Chris admitted, "it was rather sappy if you ask me."

"I thought it was adorable," Preston said.

"Of course you do," Chris told his lieutenant, "you're a sentimental romantic, Preston."

"I had to be, especially since I've been with Misty for a few years..." Preston smiled.

"Hmmmm..." Chris just shook his head as Trish came up to the officers.

"Morning, gentlemen. Welcome to the Dicey Café." Trish introduced herself.

Colonel Rogers removed his hat and offered his hand. "Colonel Rogers, United States Army."

"Captain Thomas Anderson."

"Lieutenant Jack T. Preston."

"Captain Christopher Burke."

"Anthony Stark. But everyone calls me Tony."

"Everybody here knows who you all are," Trish smiled, "and I've got to say..." Trish pointed to the new Captain America and Iron Man, "you two have really made names for yourselves."

"Oh, it's nothing really..." Preston chuckled.

"We have a duty," Chris imply said, "and that is to neutralize any active threats to America's security, which is what we did with Nobuyuki."

"I understand, Captain..." Trish nodded. "Just wanna thank you for stopping Hydra."

"Yes, ma'am," Chris said, with his southern Texan accent showing again.

Trish glanced towards Kazuto and Asuna with their friends. "They've been through a lot these days..."

"And they continue to put themselves through a lot," Chris added, "I still do not know whether they are brave, crazy, or both."

"According to Andrew, they've gone through quests together and faced against all odds..." Trish answered.

"Something that no kids should be ever put through," Chris added with a knowing expression. "And that includes Alfheim Online... they are too young to go to war."

"After what happened in the ALO servers and what that creep did..." Trish shivered, still remembering seeing the broadcast coming from within the Void.

At another table, a certain group of ALO leaders took note of the new Captain America and Iron Man being present.

"It's him, Revere as Captain America," Alias aka Shinji Hashima whispered.

"For real?" Alicia Rue, aka Asumi Nagata, whispered back.

"I recall that he is Captain Chris Burke, the hero of the American Southwest," Sakura/Suzuki Tsujimori remarked, "either I underestimated him or he looks bigger in real life."

"I think he looked like that back in Alfheim Online..." Charlie/Aki Nishina added. "Although, he looked different from the photos from the civil war..."

"For one, he looks taller and buffer."

It was then Juri/Chiharu Maeda pointed out. "Now that you've mentioned it, he does look taller and buffer than he did..." She pulled out her smart phone and pulled out a picture of the Texas Campaign from the second civil war. She showed it to the others.

Thomasina/Yumiko Tanaka looks at Chiharu's phone. "Kinda figured that when we started the video tread online..."

Eugene/Shinzo Honda then suggested, "hey, maybe we should get that captain and his predecessor over here. A meeting of the leaders, if you will."

Shinji gave Shinzo a look. "He's real life military. Do you think he would have anything to do with gamers?"

Shinzo glanced towards Rogers. "Perhaps we could reason with Colonel Rogers or maybe Anderson..."

"Allow me," Mortimer/Hajimi Honda raised his hand as he stood up. He then approached the military leaders' table. "Captain Burke? The name's Hajimi Honda, Mortimer in ALO..." He introduced himself.

"Mortimer?" Captain America mused, then he remembered. "You are the second-in-commander to Eugene. What are you doing here?"

"The others and I wish for you and your superiors to join us." Hajimi asked. "You know, a meeting of the leaders.."

"A meeting of the ALO leaders?" Chris asked.

"It would be an honor to have you over for lunch," Mortimer said, "that is if your commander is okay with that."

"As long as we're not discussing classified information, It'll be fine..." Rogers replied.

"Of course, sir," Captain America studiously affirmed. As Colonel and Captain arose, the latter told Iron Man, "keep an eye on the Doc and Stark."

"Will do, Captain..." Iron Man nodded as they approached the ALO leaders at the other table.

"We meet again, Revere," Eugene said in a deep tone.

"Your appearance is different, but I can already guess who you are, Eugene," Captain America replied.

"Sharp deduction," Asumi whistled, "can you guess who I am?" She said with a bit of a cat expression.

"Not too difficult to figure you out, Alicia Rue," Captain America answered, to the astonishment of the ALO leaders.

"And you could guess who I am..." Suzuki asked while straightens her long black hair.

"You're Sakuya..." Captain America deduced. "It's not too difficult with your... rather charismatic personality."

Sakuya smiled. Captain America then turned to Aki Nishina. "And you're the Spriggan leader, Charlie..."

"And you figured that out because..." Aki asked.

"You have an appearance and posture that scream rogue to me," Captain answered that.

"Like Kirito and his friends over there..." Aki gestured towards Kazuto in the other table. "Still hard to believe he's married..." She giggles.

Captain America then looked upon the other leaders, and his sharp memory and reading abilities led him to recognize them. "You're Juri, Barris, Alias, and Thomasina..." He said.

"Incredible memory," Thomasina/Yumiko was wowed.

"How did you?" Juri/Chiharu wondered.

Colonel Rogers smiled for his successor. "He has a photographic memory."

"And me?" Hayato asked.

"You're Echo..." Captain America answered quickly.

"You are Alicia Rue's adjutant... and a nervous one at that."

"Correct..." Hayato nodded.

The boy did not wish to appear nervous, and was embarrassed to have the Captain remember that. Asumi leaned in and whispered. "It's alright, Hayato-kun." She smiled.

"I hate to look bad in front of you," Hayato confessed. "I just that... It really Captain Christopher Burke, the hero in Texas..."

"Hey," Asumi shrugged, "you held the line until Suzuki and I arrived. You did well."

"And don't forget that we also pushed into Alne and through the World Tree..." Aki added.

Eugene then pointed to some chairs that he pulled up. "Gentlemen, why don't you sit with us?"

Colonel Rogers and Captain Burke sat down. Chris happened to be sitting to Shinji's left with his M17 sidearm showing out of his holster. Shinji was a bit surprised to see the weapon. "Um, begging your pardon, but is that a real gun?" Shinji asked as he pointed at the piece.

"Yes... Yes it is..." Captain Burke answered. Some of the younger leaders and Eugene noticed the weapon. That made Chris a little apprehensive as the Japanese players scrutinized his gun. "But don't get any funny ideas..." He stated his warning. "It's dangerous to simply take another man's loaded weapon out of its holster."

"Don't worry..." Yumiko reassured. "We have to be that dumb to try that stunt."

"It's just that we've never seen a real gun before," Aki explained. "An actual one that is..." She added.

Colonel Rogers saw how uncomfortable Chris was and decided to shift the subject. "Anyway, we thank you for helping us push through Hydra's defenses in Alfheim Online... it was a brave thing you all did considering the real world danger that Hydra posed to your lives."

"Most of us caught on before the fight and tried to defuse the situation before it got out of hand..." Asumi explained.

Aki rubbed her hands through her hair. "It all happened so fast..."

"Very fast..." Suzuki added while rubbing her nape. Chris then noticed the big men he knew as Eugene and Barris looking silent and embarrassed. It was then that Alias said, "sorry we shot at you, sir."

"It's nothing..." Colonel Rogers replied.

"No... we mean it..." Alias expressed. "We allowed Hydra to trick us into fighting you with promises for rewards."

"It was Crimson... Rollins that started it," Chris reminded.

"True... But we just went along instead of spotting the treachery sooner... If we had, then the whole shootout could've been avoided..."

"Well, what's done is done," Chris shook his head. He then removed his helmet to everyone's surprise, revealing his boyish blonde hair, blue eyes, and face. "Anyways, I think we can move past that and get to the introduction."

"R-Right..." Hayato stammered.

"I'm Captain Christopher Samuel Burke, leader of the 7th Platoon's 1st Company. You all know about my superior Colonel Steve Rogers."

"The 'original Captain America'." Suzuki greeted. "I've read about you and your actions during World War II and in the 2010s..." Suzuki then put a hand to her chest as she introduced herself...

"I'm Suzuki Tsujimori, and it's a pleasure to meet you, Colonel Rogers, Captain Burke..."

Eugene then added himself. "Shinzo Honda."

"Hajimi Honda." Mortimer added. "Shinzo's brother."

"Asumi Nagata, Alicia Rue."

"Jun Ueda, Sigurd."

"Taizo Uzaki, Alias."

"Yukijiro Tezuka, Barris."

"Aki Nishina. Charlie"

"Chiharu Maeda, Juri."

"Yumiko Tanaka, Thomasina."

"H-Hayato Nakao, and I'm Echo..."

Chris gave a slight smile. "Konichiwa mina," he greeted in his fluent Japanese.

After they finished the introductions. Kazuto and the SAO gang looked over to the ALO leaders conversing with the senior Howler Platoon officers.

"Looks like the leaders of the ALO races are getting comfy with the Howler military officers..." Rika remarked.

"The meeting of two worlds," Momiji added, "gamers with military commanders."

"It's a shame Anderson and Stark aren't with them," Kotone pointed out. "even though Stark's not military personnel..."

"Because we want to talk more with you guys," Stark suddenly appeared behind Kotone, surprising her.

"Eep!" Kotone squeaked.

"Mr. Stark, Captain Anderson," Kazuto greeted.

"Mr. Kirigaya, Miss Yuuki..." Stark greeted. "Or should I say, the future Mrs. Kirigaya..."

Asuna blushed. "Oh, thank you."

"I knew that the two of you will tie the knot in the real world..." Anderson smiled.

Kazuto and Asuna smiled. Alex and Suguha were also happy while the rest of the SAO team did double takes.

"Don't you mean their marriage back in SAO?" Rika asked in confusion.

"Oh no, this also includes their weddings in the not-to-distant future..." Anderson explains.

"You know, that was supposed to be a secret," Kazuto jested.

"Well... It was reported during the big fight in Alfheim if I recall..." Anderson pointed out.

"He meant the real world, silly captain," Asuna pouted playfully, but then blushed as she realized that she just gave it up.

Anderson just chuckled. "Exactly... It's nothing to be embarrassed about..." He reassured with a smile.

Keiko then squealed with many of the other girls. "Asuna-chan's getting married!" She squealed happily. Rika laughed as she hugged Asuna.

"We're so happy for you!" Rika cheered. It was followed by the hugs from Keiko, Kotone, Momiji, and Nijika.

"Kazuto, you sly dog," Scott teased as he put Kazuto in a headlock and gave him a noogie.

"Who would've thought the Black Swordsman of SAO would get hitched in the real world." Kenji laughed.

"Hey, take it easy guys," Tim tried and failed to stop the humorous dogpiling.

"Come on, Tim." Haruto chimed. "It's not often we have friends that are set for a wedding in the future."

"Besides," Scott said as he continued to hold a struggling Kazuto, "he's only got so much time left to be a bachelor."

"We should think of a bachelor party for Kazuto." Randy said. "Any ideas?"

Kazuto then managed to get himself free. Even Alex himself was laughing before patting Kazuto on the shoulder.

"You guys are animals," Kazuto groaned.

"We're just happy to see their best friend getting hitched with Lightning Flash..." Randy chuckled.

Suguha laughed for her brother. And after the girls break their hugs from Asuna, Sugu went up and hugged Asuna. "I guess we'll be sister-in-laws for real... and I could not be happier, Asuna."

Asuna smiled before returning the hug, embracing her future sister-in-law.

It was then Randy whispers to Kenji. "You think they're gonna be strippers for Kazuto's bachelor party?"

Kenji looked shocked at Randy.

"What?" Randy defended. "Doesn't all bachelor have stripper parties?"

"You honestly think Kazuto would approve, get out," Kenji shook his head.

Their snippets however, was heard by both Stark and Anderson.

"First of all, no strippers," Tony said. "Trust me, they're more trouble than they're worth. I remember my bachelor party... And boy, Pepper was furious when she found out..." He shook his head.

"Speaking of Pepper.." Anderson spoke up. "How's she and Morgan?"

Tony smiled. "Pepper and Morgan are doing fine, been living the quiet life since the war. It's tough, but we've managed."

"What's the second?" Scott asked, reminding Tony.

"Second..." Tony added... "Just make the bachelor party simple, like hanging out at someone's home or a public place like the café here..."

It was Anderson's turn to speak. "When I was engaged, my friends and I headed to the arcade place and made high scores on arcade games. Not to mention dined in."

"In other words," Tony said to the surprise of the American teens who knew of his previous reputation, "keep it clean and sober; nothing that would make you guys ashamed to face your girls."

"Very true, Mr. Stark..." Kenji agreed. He then glared at the now sheepish Randy with an raised eyebrow.

Asuna meanwhile was dealing with her own female tidal wave.

"So... Any ideas for a bachorlette party?" Rika asked. "Minus the male stripper party..."

"Oh Rika!" Asuna blushed as she slapped Rika on the shoulder.

This caused the former blacksmith girl to giggled. "Come on, Asuna. Imagine a bunch of Kiritos dancing for you and us..." She teased.

"There's only one Kirito, for me," Asuna defiantly retorted.

Rika just busted out laughing. "Come on, Asuna. You know I'm teasing..."

Keiko just shook her head. Kotone however, was focused on something else. While the other girls continued to squeal and tease Asuna, she looked over the crowd for a certain uniformed American. Kotone did not see him yet though. She scanned the huge crowd inside the café.

'Is he outside?' Kotone wondered. She then saw Colonel Rogers and Captain Burke still occupied with the ALO player leaders. 'I can try to slip past the Captain,' she thought. While her friends are busy teasing Kazuto and Asuna while chatting with Anderson and Stark, she decided to get up from her chair and heads towards the entrance. As she stepped outside, she was greeted by the sight of armed police and soldiers posted outside the café with numerous other SAO and ALO survivors standing and sitting around the erected outdoor tables.

'He's gotta be here somewhere...' Kotone thought. It was difficult with the soldiers having their helmets and goggles on. And spotting their name tags is also difficult as none of them appear to be wearing them.

Meanwhile, Damion himself was anxious behind his façade as he held his rifle as sentry. Despite their victory in trial, the Howlers have to remain alert. This also includes Damion.

'This shouldn't be difficult,' He thought to himself. 'after all, with their leader captured and their leaders disorganized. Things should get better...'

However, he saw the Captain talking with the Colonel earlier. While he did not hear and was not privy to all the details, something about their tone told him that something was up. For now, he decided to remain focus on the task on hand.

Kotone looked around at each soldier carefully. She watched closely at their postures.

'They really had to tint their goggles so much?' Kotone shook her head.

It was then that Sergeant Ramirez noticed her. He could tell that she's looking for someone, so he approached her.

"You looking for someone, miss?" He asked.

Kotone was startled. "I- I was..." She stammered.

Damion was still focused on the crowd when...

"Hey Dex!" A feminine voice chimed from behind. Damion turns around and sees a girl in her late-teens with short, brown hair and blue eyes.

"K-Kotone?" He was shocked to see his old friend. What was she doing here?

"In the flesh, Damion..." Kotone smiled. "It's been too long..."

"But... what are you? How did you?"

"Your sergeant told me where to find you in the crowd..." Kotone answered.

Now Damion was conflicted. He was expecting to find Philia, but Kotone had now reappeared in his life. "K-Kotone... it's great to meet you again..." Damion felt awkward.

"Thanks..." Kotone smiled. "In case my appearance confused you, we've met during the Total War of Alfheim. I was the Spriggan girl that you've met there..."

"Wait... Philia!?" Damion was surprised, "you were... Philia?"

Kotone nodded. "I was... Do you remember when we first met before ALO?" She asked.

You were Tr34sur3Maiden, I remember," Damion recalled as he let his rifle muzzle lower a bit, "y-you changed your tag name."

"I did... I tried to find you after your country was plunged into civil war. I was afraid for your safety and wanted to see if you were alright... why didn't you call me after it was over?"

"When the Pacificans and Blue Cosmos began their reign of terror throughout the western states, many of us were evacuated. My family and I managed to escape our home from Arizona before it was destroyed..." Damion explained. "I didn't even have time to grab my laptop before we left..."

"... and even after all that was over, things were still not great for us." He continued. "We've been struggling to regain our lives back... I even joined the US Armed Forces to help my family..."

"I guessed that much," Kotone sighed. "But I'm glad that you and your family are safe..."

"Thanks," Damion said as he lifted his goggles, allowing Kotone to see him behind his helmet. His green eyes can bee seen in the sunlight.

Kotone smiled. "You've gotten taller and buffer, but I can still see you in there, Dex." She spoke surprisingly good English. Damion felt his cheeks fluster upon Kotone's comments, not to mention her beauty. He'd imagined her being cute in the past, and wondered what she'd look like older.

"T-Thanks, Kotone.." Damion stammered. "You've also grown too," he added.

"I sure have..." Kotone flashed her short, brown hair and her blue eyes. Her light-toned skin shined in the daytime sun and made her eyes sparkled like sapphires.

---

Over the mountains of Western Mongolia...

Trigger hugged the mountains as he flew towards the designated target. As per his briefing, he was to exploit the stealth capabilities of his F-22C to destroy the enemy's long range AA capabilities to allow for the rest of the Firebird Squadron to hit the Hydra base.

It had been a little over two hours since the guilty verdict had been handed down with Hydra's Supreme Commander, and about the same time Firebird had taken off from Seoul to commence the operation to seize the old former Soviet air base. Abandoned after the end of the First Cold War, the old base was left in ruins, or so it seemed. However, US and Russian intel had discovered that Hydra elements from inside Russia had acquired the base and not only refurbished it, but outfitted the airbase with ballistic and strategic stealth bomber capabilities to strike throughout Eurasia.

With all the bombers on standby, they can launch an attack on any base in the Eurasia if given a chance. And the base will be on edge as of recently. As such Firebird was given orders from Okinawa to eliminate this base, with Trigger leading the penetration strike.

'Alright, the mountains are just like training...' Trigger thought to himself. He checked his time for the rest of Hitman and Falcon Teams' arrival, he needed to get to the radar station in time.

'I should be there by now...' He zipped through the mountain pass with ease. Trigger had been equipped with two JDAMs in his plane's center bay, but had only one shot to hit the station within five to ten seconds of being sighted. If he took too long or missed, they would alert the enemy of his approach. He'd taken training courses on perfecting his move with the JDAMs. However, the results only 3 out of five direct hits.

It was still a sixty percent chance of success. But it's better than nothing. After he zipped back another mountain pass, he sees the small building near the mountain's base. It was no doubt the radar station. The radar dish, his second target, was miles up on the mountain peak above, and SAM sites surrounded both targets. Trigger had but a short time to take both out.

He launches one of the JDAMs to take out the first radar station.

"Bombs away." Trigger then pulls up, towards the radar dish. He'll have to fly in a better position to make the last JDAM count. But first, he decided to take out the SAM launchers.

"Rifle Two." Trigger released two AGM-176 Griffins from the same underside bays at two of the launchers in front of him, both exploding as he shot past up towards the radar. 'That takes care half of them. Now I need to do the rest...' He thought to himself. He throttled up and climbed rapidly towards the radar; he had only eight seconds left to destroy it and get out of range of the SAMs.

"Give me tone!" Trigger yelled as he sped upwards. He have to time the launch just right. One slip and he'll miss. He got a radar lock just as the enemy alert tone sounded. "Dropping, dropping!"

---

Ten miles west of Okushiri Island:

Diplomat was bored out of his mind, and he was stuck flying in a holding pattern with Cipher for that matter as both of Hitman Team's Russian-made jets soared through Japanese skies.

"Why are we here again?

The radio comms in Diplomat's helmet crackled as Cipher made his reply. "We have intel that Hydra's presence is located in this area... Howler 7-2 has commenced their insertion."

Diplomat groaned. "I don't get why we have to stay behind to babysit Howlers while the rest of Hitman gets to net the big game in Mongolia."

"I know what you mean, but we have our orders..." Cipher then added. "And besides, you can never tell what could happen next. So it's best to be on your toes about it..."

"I know, I know..." Diplomat shook his head. "And if the intel is correct, how are they sending just one small section of Rangers against an entire base? Wouldn't it be much wiser for Command to have called up more troops for this op instead of playing cloak and dagger like this?"

"I asked command if more reinforcements would be sent to assist Howler 7-2" Cipher answered. "They made it clear that Howler 7-2 is considered sufficient enough for this op."

"But that's so limited a force," Dip remarked.

"True, but did you see how fired up they were," Cipher reminded, "they're just itching for revenge against Hydra for their losses."

Diplomat remained silent for a few seconds to process what he'd heard. Despite capturing their HVT, Howler Platoon suffered losses from Hydra's counter-attacks.

"Seeing that," the Russian mercenary then surprised Dip, "I have little doubt that they will ultimately succeed."

"Alright then..." Dip replied. "I suppose that they'll pull it off without a hitch..."

"And remember that you're the one carrying all the smart bombs and AGMs, Dip," Cipher added, "so please don't go missing your targets, American."

Dip tipped his wings as he glared at Cipher's Flanker. "If you're so concerned, why didn't you arm up for ground attack, Ivan?"

He hears Cip laughing from the other end. "I'm here to cover your behind for possible Hydra fighter jets, Dip."

"Besides, it will be fun to watch you get more practice with precision air strikes with a bulkier-than-usual plane. Your MiG looks really fat by the way."

"Drop dead," Dip muttered.

"I heard that." Cip laughed again.

"I hate you," Diplomat bit back.

"And I love you too, little brother," Cipher retorted. "Anyway, let's focus back on the mission."

---

With 7-2

Logan manipulated his wings to glide gently to a slowing stop. He landed with a hard crouch and roll. He turned to check his surroundings, all clear. He sees the rest of 7-2 arrive shortly after and land behind him. He then checked his GPS on his wrist panel. They were on the northern tip of the island, well away from the populated areas on the southern tip and east center.

"Headcount, sergeant," Logan commanded, "everyone accounted for?"

"Everyone's accounted for, sir." One of the corporals called out.

"Good," Logan said, "team leaders, sync to my PDA for tactical details."

Everyone pulled out their PDAs and linked up to Logan's PDA within ten seconds. "Our objective is believed to be somewhere underground in the center or west side of the island," Logan briefed as he highlighted the designated regions. "We don't really know where the entrances to the Hydra's secret submarine base are. So, keep your eyes peeled for any possible secret passages."

"And also, we must keep in mind that with Nobuyuki behind bars, the Hydra personal on this island will be on edge. So if you see any Hydra patrols, make sure you take them out quickly and quietly..."

"Yes sir..." The Howlers acknowledged.

"Our objective is to destroy the base in its entirety and any submarines Hydra may have in their possession," Logan reiterated, "all personnel are crew expendable."

Logan picks up his rifle. "Let's move out." The elite Rangers set about like dogs on the hunt...

---

Dicey Café:

"...I have an idea for a bachelor party..." Alex said. "We should hang out at my place, we'll have like a movie marathon or something..."

"That's a good idea..." Anderson nodded. "Simple, and fun for everyone..."

As the friends of Kazuto and Asuna are discussing parties, Kenta and Naomi listened on with the conversation.

"Why are we sitting over here?" Naomi asked her brother.

"We are too far away."

"We should sit with the others..." Naomi suggested.

Kenta looked awkwardly at his sister. "I wish it was that simple..."

"Look who it is," a male voice said.

"Different hair color, but I can recognize you, Kibaou," a female said.

Both Yolko and Caynz pulled up chairs and sat with Kenta and Naomi.

"Fancy meeting you here," Yolko said.

"Guess you're here for the reunion party as well..." Caynz deduced.

"It was my sister here," Kenta told them.

"You may not remember me," Naomi introduces herself. "... but I'm Naomi..."

"Hunter..." Yolko finished, "I guessed that much."

"Still cannot believe you are his sister," Caynz added.

"We thank you for helping to free us.." Yolko bowed.

"Actually, Asuna and the others are the ones who freed us..." Naomi clarified.

"True..." Caynz agreed. "But we're thanking you and the others who allied with Asuna... We don't know what would've happened if she didn't..."

"I think we all know..." Kenta murmured.

"Kenta..." Naomi said. She knew, but she never wanted to hear it ever again; it was too horrific and painful a subject. It was then two more people approached their table. One sports curly golden-brown hair and brown eyes and the other sports long purple hair with teal eyes.

"Misumi... Tomo..." Yolko said.

"Hello Yolko..." Misumi greeted. "Mind if we sit with you?"

"Not at all..." Caynz pulled out two extra chairs.

"It's very crowded here..." Tomo observed the party.

"Yeah... Didn't think it'll be a turnout here..." Misumi added.

"Well, it's a celebration for both SAO and ALO survivors..." Caynz explains.

"...and Agil, I mean Mr. Mills said that it was a victory celebration over Hydra," Yolko said, "even the American soldiers are here."

"We saw them on the way inside..." Misumi pointed towards the entrance. "I still cannot believe that Asuna and her boyfriend can have all that armed security..."

"Speaking of which, where are they at?" Tomo asked. Naomi gestured towards the table a few feet away.

"Asuna..." Misumi almost teared up at seeing her old friend for the first time in real life since SAO and the end of the war in Alfheim. She wanted to forget how Nobuyuki violated her and her friend in the ALO's void. She also managed to watch the trial against the former leader and how both Asuna and Suguha testified against him.

It was both a heartache and relief for Misumi. And now, she sees Asuna all happy and surrounded by her friends. There were excited about something that occurred and she doubted it's about the trial results.

"Oh, where are our manners, we should introduce ourselves properly," Yolko suddenly said to Naomi.

Caynz realized this and turned to Naomi. "I'm Yuji Murata, and this is Mayu Okawa..."

"And I am Naomi Ootomi."

"Kenta... I'm Naomi's brother."

"Misumi Tozawa."

"Tomo Carina Hosaka."

"Mito and Argo..." Naomi deduced their avatar tags. "I recognize you both from when... you know."

"Yeah... We know..." Misumi/Mito nodded. "Based on what we were told afterwards..."

"I'm glad you sedated us, actually," Tomo/Argo expressed, "I certainly would not have wanted to remember any of that."

"Same goes for us too... " Mayu/Yolko agreed. "Not to mentioned getting us out from the hologram pillar prison..."

"Well, I did need a distraction, and Asuna was brave enough to do so," Naomi admitted. She explained that during the final push towards the World Tree, Asuna created havoc within the Hydra base.

"So that's how Kirito and the military got in," Yuji/Caynz realized. "As well as stalled the brainwashing progress."

Misumi then walked over to the group of squealing girls around Asuna. It was then they took notice of Misumi approaching their table.

Rika recognized her. "Hey, Misumi!"

"How you been, Misumi?!" Nijika called out.

Asuna blinked as she heard the name. She spun around to look at her old friend.

"Hey Asuna..." Misumi smiled.

"Misumi?" Asuna muttered with a wavering tone in her voice. Her lips trembled as she saw the friend she thought she had lost.

"It's been a long time since we last saw each other..." Misumi approached her friend. Asuna rose up with tears in her eyes to embrace Misumi. No words were spoken as the Yuuki girl hugged her classmate friend. Naomi also walked over and joined in.

Kazuto and the others watched the tearful reunion of friends from SAO and ALO. "Looks like Asuna found an old friend again."

"She sure did..." Alex watched on.

"Hey boys..."

Kazuto and Alex turned to the source of the voice. "Thinker? Yulier?"

"That's correct, Kirito and Lexar..." Thinker, aka Hiroshi Ozaki smirked. "Thought Rei and I decide to come here and check on you and your friends..."

"This is an interesting place you got here..." Rei/Yulier commented.

"Well, it is Agil's," Kazuto scratched his head.

"Really? How's he doing?"

It was then Andrew showed up. "Perhaps you can ask him yourselves." Alex smiles.

"Well lookie here," Andrew beamed.

"Agil?" Hiroshi and Rei asked in unison.

"Yep, Andrew Mills at your service. Welcome to my Dicey Café."

"Thank you, Andrew-san..." both Hiroshi and Rei bowed.

"You got a lovely place..." Rei commented.

"Thank you..." Andrew smiled.

Hiroshi then looked back at Kazuto. "Sorry we could not come to your aid in the war..."

"We just tried to recover what happened back in SAO," He explained. "And the thought of us going back into the NerveGear scared Rei..."

"We understand," Kazuto replied. "we managed to pull off the rescue mission..."

"... and with American military help unexpectedly," Rei added.

"Don't forget the former Avengers' leader as well as heroes from the second civil war..." Alex quipped with a smile.

"One of which includes the new Captain America."

Hiroshi and Rei looked around to see Steve and Chris talking with the ALO players. Their eyes widened upon seeing Chris. "That's Revere," Rei told her beloved.

"Wait," Hiroshi did a double take, "Revere's alive!?"

"It's not Revere..." Kazuto explained. "That's Christopher Burke, Taylor's twin brother... and an Army captain in the 75th Ranger Regiment."

"... And the new Captain America..." Kazuto finished.

"My goodness," Rei gasped, "he looks so much like him."

"We were shocked when we saw him in Alfheim Online..." Alex agreed.

"It was like seeing a ghost," Kazuto added, thinking of how funny it would have been for Asuna in particular.

"I see..." Rei observed the new Captain America chatting with the ALO leaders. The two older lovers could tell that there was a military edginess to him... even more so than Revere.

It was then Asuna breaks the embrace. "Kazuto-kun, everyone... This is Misumi Tozawa... My classmate and friend before SAO..."

"Hi everyone," Misumi waved shyly.

"Welcome, Misumi..." Kazuto greeted.

"It's nice to see a friend of Asuna..." Rika added with a hug.

"And you too, Rika," Misumi smiled.

"Don't forget me!" Keiko chirped.

"Keiko!" Misumi walked over to hug the girl.

"Of course I would not forget you," she cheered. "I still remember seeing you with your boyfriend."

"Well, he actually wasn't... but he is now," Keiko admitted with a blush.

Tim introduces himself to Misumi. "Hi, the name's Timothy Hudson, you probably known me at 'Sleek'."

"I remember you, but it is finally great to see you in person," Misumi expressed.

"And I'm Scott Mason, aka Mace..." Scott introduced. "I'm the boyfriend of Rika/Lisbeth..."

Now Misumi was surprised, not having met Mace, let alone with Lisbeth. "Didn't think you'd get a boyfriend, Rika..." Misumi blinked.

Rika pouted. "What's that supposed to mean!?"

"I mean, I never thought of someone who's all tough can be swept off her feet by a boy..." Misumi sweated.

"Yeah, I was surprised about Mace getting a girlfriend..." Alex added.

Rika then hugged Scott's arm furiously. Scott chuckled before returning the hug to Rika.

"Joke's on you, Alex."

Alex was confused. "Meaning?"

"You said that I was so tough that no girl could ever fall for me," Scott teased.

"I did not!" Alex shook his head.

"You sure did," Scott laughed. "same went with Tim. Who is just as shy as Keiko-chan here..."

"I did not," Alex continued to deny.

"Well, you sure were surprised when we had the meeting here..." Tim chimed.

Suguha giggled at her boyfriend being teased. Even Momiji and Nijika are amused at the display. Naomi and Kenta hovered nearby. Watching Kazuto's and Asuna's friends teasing one another.

"I'm going to go talk with the both of them... it's such a nice group," Naomi told her brother.

"Same here..." Tomo agreed as she approached the Ootomi siblings. "No point sitting by ourselves..."

Kenta did not know what else to do...

"Something the matter, young man?" A voice asked. Kenta turned to see an elderly old man.

"Who are you?"

"Stanley..." The old man replied. "Now... Is there something the matter, young man?"

Kenta looked down. He wasn't sure what he would say to this stranger. "I'm not sure if I even belong here."

"Oh nonsense, I'm sure you'll fit right in..." Stanley smiled. "Perhaps you need some help introducing yourself?"

"I... Uh..." Kenta stammered.

"Kenta-niisan?" Naomi noticed. "Are you coming or not?"

"Uh.. Yeah. I'll bring the chairs over..." Kenta replied, composing himself.

"Hey Naomi," Asuna greeted with a smile.

"Hey Asuna," Naomi replied. "Kenta-niisan and I figured that we'd sit with you..."

Asuna turned to the others.

It was then Tony Stark spoke up. "I'm sure that it'll be fine. The more, the merrier..."

Asuna smiled as she introduced her new friend. "Everyone remembers Argo..." She asks.

"I'm sure Kazuto remembers me..." Tomo smirked at Kazuto. "Been his supplier for information in SAO..."

Kazuto grinned. "Well look who let the cat out of the bag."

"You look different without your whiskers, Tomo..." Randy pointed out.

"Yeah, you shave or something?" Nathan joked.

Tomo just glared at Nathan. "They were part of the SAO game from the challenge that I failed to complete before the beta version ended."

"Easy on the tomboy jokes," Kazuto joked.

"I know," Randy chuckled. "I always thought the whiskers looked cute on her..."

Stark then noticed the old man with Naomi and Kenta. "You look familiar, have we met before?"

Stanley smiled. "I guess I'm one of those people with those faces..."

Anderson shrugs. "Whatever the case is, you could join us if you want..."

---

With Kotone:

Never had she thought that her first meeting with Dex, Damion Burton Jr. could be like this... losing contact with him some four or five years ago, getting trapped in SAO and almost forgetting everything else, and throwing herself into an all-out war in ALO, where she would meet him again as a soldier on one of America's most elite army units. Now here she was, face to face with that same boy now in uniform and helmet carrying a rifle.

Ramirez gave Damion permission to chat with Kotone while he kept watch. Despite Damion being pleased, he also continue to keep watch while he and Kotone catch up with each other.

"Still can't believe that it was you I've met in ALO," Kotone said.

"I still cannot believe it myself," Damion said glancing towards her again with a smile. "And I imagined that you'd be beautiful and cute too..."

This statement caused Kotone's cheeks to turn pink. "R-Really?"

Damion nodded. "Especially with the blue eyes and short brown hair..." His face bloomed a shade of red from both the cold and the confession. Kotone hoped that she was not too cherry red, in case anybody including the other Rangers were watching.

Damion manages to compose himself. "Anyway, glad that things have finally worked out." Damion looked around the crowded street. So far, nothing.

"The hospital raid was a mess too..." Damion said. "We didn't expect that Nobuyuki would survive, but my Captain somehow figured it out."

"It was all over the news that night, how the whole firefight took place right in the middle of the parking lot." Kotone replied. It took a while, but her eyes widened as she realized. "You were there, Damion?"

"I was..." Damion nodded. "And during the raid, I've gotten injured by one of Hydra's combat drones..."

"Injured? You were shot!?" Kotone almost yelled.

Damion winched, feeling the many eyes staring at them. However, he breathed a sigh of relief when he turned to see everyone still idling with each other.

"I was..." He nodded. "However, that guy in the red suit, he jabbed me with a syringe and quickly healed me..."

"You mean Deadpool?" Kotone asked.

"Yeah, him..." Damion nodded. "... At least, that's what he calls himself..."

"It's amazing that he came prepared." He added.

Kotone pouted. "First foot here in Japan and you had to get shot."

"Well... It's a good thing I don't have to be in crutches or anything..." Damion smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah you big dope," Kotone snarked. She crossed her arms and pouted, this sudden revelation of being shot wasn't a good impression to make to her.

"It wasn't like I was itching to be shot," Damion defended, "it just... happened."

Kotone huffed. "I'm sure it did..."

"Honestly..."

"Don't go... what do they say? Buy the barn?" Kotone ask.

"You mean buy the farm," Damion answered.

"Yeah, that's what I meant..."

The young couple fell silent as the noise of the social gathering continued around them.

"So... where does this leave us?" Kotone asked.

It was a excellent question for Damion. He'd joined the US Army to help his family financially.

"I don't know... but what I can say is that it doesn't look like my unit and I are headed back to the States anytime soon with this Defcon we're at," Damion told her.

"Defcon?" Kotone asked.

"Oh you know... The levels of alert during conflicts and wars..." Damion explained. "Nothing too serious or anything..."

"But I recall your president making a speech about your military being on... Defcon Three I think it was," Kotone said, "sounds serious enough for them to keep you in Japan."

"Well... That's true..." Damion admitted, rubbing his nape sheepishly. "But at least things have died down here for the moment..."

"Yeah, but I can never get used to tanks and army trucks passing by more frequently," Kotone remarked, "my family and I have been seeing more Defense Force troops moving around Tokyo and outside our home."

"Especially since most of the Japanese Diet are secret agents for Hydra..." Damion shook his head.

Kotone shook her head, "I think most is stretching it..."

"True, but nobody knows how far Hydra's planted themselves here in Japan... Which is why after the Yokota Air Base attack, nobody's taking any chances of being caught off guard..." Damion sighed.

Kotone looked around, and saw some of the other soldiers staring or glaring at her and Damion. She then said, "hey Damion, can I ask you one thing?"

"Sure." Damion nodded.

"I know that you're a soldier now... And that you'll probably be busy here in Japan..."

Damion had a sense of what this girl was getting at. "Go on..."

"If possible, during your time off, think it'll be okay if we could get together sometime? Like go out on a date?" Kotone's face begins to bloom. "That is, if your superiors are okay with it..."

Damion lowered his head and gave her a smirk. "Believe or not... I've hardly used any of my leave since joining the service for over a year."

Kotone's face perked up. "And?"

Damion looked into Kotone's blue eyes, they shined from the daytime light. "And I think they wouldn't mind if I took some time off..."

Kotone squealed with delight and proceeded to hug Damion. Mindful of the ordinance he carries with him.

"Easy, easy!" Damion laughed nervously as other people now watched.

"Hey girly," one corporal, Vance, noticed and walked over stern-faced.

"What is it, Vance?" Damion asked, recomposing himself. He pretended nothing was out of the ordinary, but he could already tell Vance was glaring at Kotone.

"Is there a reason you're man-handling a soldier on duty?" Vance asked sternly.

Kotone gasped as she backed off, realizing that she was in trouble.

"Vance, she didn't do anything wrong." Damion replied, defending Kotone.

Vance looked to Damion.

"All she did was hug me, is that a crime?" Damion continued.

Vance rolled his eyes looking down at the younger soldier. "Pay attention, kid. Don't want you getting shot again so soon."

"Is there a problem, corporal?" Ramirez asked, glaring at Vance.

"Nothing, Sarge," Vance respectfully answered, "just addressing a situation."

"From what I can see, it seems that you're trying to harass both Private Burton and his lady friend..." Ramirez continued to glare at Vance.

"That was not my intention," Vance kept a straight face.

"Just get back to your post, corporal. And don't let this happen again..." Ramirez ordered sternly.

"Yes, Sarge," Vance said as he marched back to his station.

Ramirez turned to Kotone. "Very sorry about Corporal Vance's mistreatment." He apologized. "That wardog gets a little cranky."

"So I can see..." Kotone replied. She was still nervous. Damion stepped in and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"He's one of the older soldiers of the squad," Damion said, "but he takes his job a little too seriously sometimes. Sorry you had to see that from him."

"I-It's alright..." Kotone felt his arm wrap around her, reassuring her.

"Well..." Ramirez said. "Guess I'll be leaving you two lovebirds to have your moment... but do be mindful of the PDA. You don't want the other soldiers getting jealous."

"I think that's why Vance was giving us trouble..." Kotone then giggled.

"Oh..." Damion realized that he was in for it when they got back to base.

Kotone then wrapped her arms around Damion's arm. "Thank you for standing up for me..."

"I... you're welcome," Damion smiled softly as he cradled his rifle. While Kotone rested her head against his shoulder.

"Um... people are watching," Damion said as some girls giggled with their phones out.

"Perhaps they could see another couple competing with Kazuto and Asuna..." Kotone giggled. True enough, one of the girls did take a picture of a smiling Kotone holding onto the soldier, posting it to social media.

---

Over Western Mongolia:

Monarch led the formation of Firebird planes including himself, Comic, four F-35s and four Quinjets as they awaited Trigger's strike.

'Won't be long now...' Monarch thought. He and Prez were startled when they heard a tap on their canopy. Falcon was flying next to them. Prez scowled a bit. "Show off..."

"C'mon!" Falcon laughed. "Thought you could enjoy the sideshow before we get the green light!"

Monarch chuckled, but then said, "Trigger should be checking in."

"The sooner Trigger gives us the green light, the faster we can get this done." Prez replied. "Don't wanna linger around too long and waste fuel"

"I highly doubt that you'll run out of fuel before we get the mission started." Falcon pointed out. "After all, all of the aircraft and land vehicles are equipped with the mini-arc reactors."

"Only for a bonus," Monarch reminded. "As all of them are hybrids, such as the fighter jets and quinjets here."

Prez rolled her eyes and laughed. "Of course... we Hitmen get the best tech now."

"You might wanna thank Anderson Tech for that." Falcon added.

"And the good taxpayers of the reborn United States of America with their millions of dollars," Comic added in sarcasm.

It was then Monarch hears the radio in his helmet comms crackle to life. "This is Hitman 5," Trigger called, "early warming radar system destroyed. The long range SAMs are blind to your approach."

"Roger that, Hitman 5, we're enroute now." Monarch replied.

Falcon made the call. "All Firebird elements, the Cyclops is blinded, I say again, Cyclops is blinded, initiate attack run towards the target."

"About time!" Prez whooped.

"Just keep up and don't end up as smears on the mountains," Falcon reminded as he dove hard towards the valley.

"You heard him, Hitman squad, let's go." Monarch ordered as he adjusted the flight stick and down towards the valley. Following Falcon as he does so.

"Let the fun begin," Prez cheered.

"Don't forget to leave some for me," Comic added. "Trigger had better not start the party too soon."

The Firebird Squadron zoomed towards the target.

Trigger, on the other hand, has already engaging enemy aircraft. "I guess I got their attention!" The HUD warns him of an incoming missile heading towards him. He deploys flares to veer off the missile. He looked out the canopy to see that the Hydra bogeys were Su-30s.

"That should make things easy for us to spot," He observed, before turning his focus back to his flying. However, the Su-30s were still quite maneuverable, and there were three of them loaded for bear.

'Gotta outsmart them.' Trigger continues flying maneuvers to avoid missile lock-ons. The three Su-30s pursued vigorously, but Trigger was a prodigious pilot with a highly advanced F-22C capable of high-speed maneuvers while climbing or descending. The Hydra Su-30s tried to get a missile lock-on, but couldn't and resorted of using auto guns to try to tag him.

One even tried to weave closer to get a better lock with its heat seeker. But Trigger barrel-rolls out of the way before a lock-on could be made and dives down again. "You guys are good, but I was trained by even better pilots," Trigger taunted.

Bullets zipped by his canopy as he brakes and pulls up in an ascending climb. He outran the Su-30s in the climb with his more powerful thrusters. Trigger knew he would have the edge if he kept his enemies in a high-speed dogfight. At least until Hitman Squadron arrives.

---

Okinawa:

"This isn't looking good..." He muttered. Two young Japanese Hydra sentries disguised as rural folk were bored out of their minds, so they decided to check in on national news. The two were treated to news of the increasing American military presence in Japan as more troops and weapons arrived on Okinawa, and the JSDF increasing domestic mobilization and training exercises. "We were supposed to be on the winning side."

"We were, until that Yuuki girl came along and everything went sideways. What was Nobuyuki thinking..."

The young Hydra soldier looked to his partner with a scolding look. "Watch what you're saying. That's our Supreme Commander."

"I know," His Hydra partner replied. "But he let his urges to get the better of him and allowed an outsider to join our ranks."

The guy just rubbed his head. "And now we've got the Americans arming up to wage World War Three here in Japan. If I had known this would happen, we wouldn't have ditched the old gang." The news continued to show US soldiers and military vehicles being unloaded from cargo planes.

"I thought Hydra was a way to get away from the yakuza and become legit in a new order, but I didn't sign up for a war like this."

The first guy just shrugged, "hey, I would sooner be doing this than dealing with that old sleaze of a boss." He continues. "And besides, this is just a setback. But it never stopped us before..."

Suddenly, there was a snap of a branch in the brushes ten yards away. Startling the young Hydra soldiers as they turn their attention towards the window. The first guy quickly and quietly approaches the window, peaking around from the edges.

"I'll go check it out," the first guy said as he drew out his assault rifle. The rifle itself was a mixture of SIG P556 SWAT pistols fitted to SIG SG 550 series lower receivers. Developed by Hammer Industries as a bid for the next generation assault rifles for the US army, until the military terminated the contract with Hammer Industries.

He went out into the brush. He scanned the surrounding area for any movement or sound.

"Huh..." The young Japanese man waved his rifle around. However, someone suddenly jumped out from behind him and grabbed him by the mouth. Before he could scream, a knife went to his spine. He felt himself growing cold and darkness enveloped his vision. Soon, he was no more. The second Hydra guard waited anxiously in the shed. He slowly peaked out the window to see his companion anywhere.

"Where is he?" He was getting a sinking feeling in his stomach that something's happened to him. He quickly picked up his Hammer Industries assault rifle and stacked himself against the wall.

"Darn..." He peeks out the window again. There was no movement, but the silence unnerved him. The shed fell silent as he held his breath. He could only hear the sound of his heartbeat. He looked around, and then eyed the computer radio set, which linked all sentries to the base underneath the island.

'If I can get to the radio and call for help.' He thought. Glancing back towards the window, he quickly made his way to the radio set. However, the window was suddenly smash in as two grenades were lobbed in. The guard did not have time to swear or regret his life decision before he was blasted by shrapnel. He groaned as he lay on the floor injured and bleeding, he tried to crawl for the radio set. It was only a couple of feet away from him.

However, two of the Rangers broke in, and two gunshots sounded in the old shed. The life in the second Hydra soldier slips away into darkness. The two Rangers of Howler Platoon cleared the shed... and found nothing. "Clear."

"Damn... nothing here. Probably just some listening post."

One of the Howler Rangers approached the computer radio set, being mindful to lookout for any explosives rigged to the radio. "It's too mucked up, but I can tell that this is a secure command radio," the Ranger told his partner, "we must be getting close."

"Let's get going, some of the Hydra goons must've heard the explosions..." The other Ranger suggested. The two Rangers left the shed and continued on through the thick brushes.

"There should be an secret entrance around here somewhere..." One Ranger whispered.

---

With Logan:

Logan breathed softly as he and his men approached another seemingly abandoned house. So far, he didn't see any Hydra soldiers guarding the entrances and windows. But that doesn't mean they're not inside. It was frustrating... the submarine base was well hidden under the island, and because much of the information regarding this base from World War II had been lost, it was a needle in the haystack finding it. Hanging along the coast by coast's out of the question. There's a possibility that the cave entrance could be underwater and, if above the waterline, there's a chance that it could be guarded with new weapon emplacements.

"There has to be a way, but we are running out of time..." It was then Logan hears his radio comms crackle in his ear.

"Hello, is this Howler 7-2?"

Logan stiffened up at the unknown voice. He refused to answer.

"I think I may have the wrong number." The voice said again. "Is this Howler 7-2?"

Logan looked to his sergeant. "Sergeant, can we get an ID on this?"

"Negative, sir. No military ID."

"If you're looking for Hydra's secret submarine base, I know where the back door is."

"Identify yourself," Logan commanded, "this is a secure US military channel. You will identify yourself and your affiliation, or be tagged as hostile."

"Easy there, Colonel America sent me here." The voice responded. "You could call me a friend to the Colonel."

"I need a valid authorization code to believe you, mister," Logan radioed back. He then turned to the Air Force ETAC attached to his unit. "If this joker is fake, I want you to trace the call and get Hitman a target."

"Wait, I have the authorization code for you." A few seconds went by before the voice answered again. "Ready for challenge."

"Authenticate: Tango-Delta," Logan issued the radio DRYAD challenge as per protocol."

"Authenticate... India," the voice answered.

"Second challenge," Logan decided to be sure one more time, "Authenticate: Sierra-Alpha."

"Authenticate..." there was a tense pause as Logan could hear the guy's breathing as though to figure out the correct answer, "Foxtrot."

"ETAC, verify," Logan ordered. The ETAC slung his rifle and checked the codes and call security on his PDA.

"Confirmed, sir," the airman verified, "secure and authenticated."

The Ranger leader sighed with some relief, then answered firmly, "this is Howler 7-2 Actual. You have my attention now, allied party. Who am I speaking to exactly?"

"Call me Ant-Man..." The voice replied.

"Ant-Man..." Logan murmured. Then it hit him. "Are you that Ant-Man?"

"The one and same." Ant-Man chimed. "Don't worry, I'm close-by.."

"This is a top secret mission," Logan answered back, "and I was just one trigger call away from tracing you and calling an air strike. You understand the severity of our situation, I'm sure."

"Already been debriefed on the mission, sir." Ant-Man replied.

"What do you know about the secret entrance to the secret submarine base?" Logan asked.

"Wasp and I did recon on the island. Managed to take out several Hydra outposts." Ant-Man replied.

"We took out a few ourselves, but we're not any closer to finding our objective, so give me something," Logan requested.

"Wasp flew into the house and found what appears to be an entrance in the basement. And we've also found a large vehicle ramp concealed in the back wall of the garage... it's large enough for a good-sized lorry carrying heavy supplies to enter."

"So the house up ahead is clear?" Logan asked.

"Yes, that's the house."

"So where are you guys right now?" Logan asked.

"We've been two hundred feet below the surface waiting for you guys," Ant-Man jokingly answered, "had to mark out all the meal selections here before you all arrived. Don't keep us waiting."

"Cheeky scumbag," Logan muttered. He turns to the rest of his men. "Alright, the house is cleared, let's move in and find the basement."

"What's the ROE on Hydra personnel?" The young Air Force ETAC softly asked.

"If Hydra's activity is present, take them all out and capture the base." Logan replied. "Combatants expendable."

"And if they surrender?"

"I doubt they'll surrender, especially after the Yuuki girl exposed them. They'll be more on edge than ever before..."

"Yes sir." Howler 7-2 made their way towards the abandoned house and slowly creaked the door open. No activity inside.

"Clear." Logan whispered before proceeding. He then saw a fake wall that had been opened to reveal a passageway. No doubt that Wasp and Ant-Man had cleared the path. Logan looks through the opening and sees that it's a staircase leading down.

"Found the entrance. Heading in now..." Logan and the Howler 7-2 made their way through the passageway and down the stairs.

---

Dicey Café:

Asuna could not be a happier girl... soon to be woman. The thought of marrying Kazuto in the real world felt like a dream to her. But as the hugs from her friends, as well as compliments Kazuto's receiving from his friends, it was all real. Naomi was especially supportive as she was giving Kazuto and Asuna a hug. "I'm so happy for the two of you."

"Thanks, Naomi." Asuna smiled.

Alex patted Kazuto. "So... Which movies do you wanna bring to the party?" He asked.

Kazuto grinned. "Wanna surprise me?"

It was then Anderson spoke up. "If you want, I can offer some movie suggestions..." He offered.

"I'm all ears, mister," Kazuto accepted. Anderson gives details of his large movie collection. Ranging from action/adventures, science fiction, and comedy. He also gives details of historical and war movies as well.

"I'd recommend this new movie. It was released last year. Crimson Skies..."

"Crimson Skies?" Kazuto was curious of the movie title. "What's that?"

"Well..." Anderson began. The background of the movie takes place in the alternate 1930s where the United States of America split to many nations after the first epidemic of Spanish Flu hit North America after the Great War ended. Then, the 18th Amendment failed to pass as many states began to adopt wet/dry laws and created checkpoints on state lines. This caused tensions with the US government.

To make things worse, the second epidemic of Spanish Flu hits North America again in 1927. The Stock Market Crash of 1929 left the nation in economic ruins, and many states declare secession from the union, creating various nations.

Anderson continues as he explains it paves way of 'Sky Piracy' across North America. One of the sky pirate groups are called the Fortune Hunters, led by Nathan Zachary.

"A bit like a Mad Max World War One, if you will," Alex said.

"True..." Anderson chuckled. "However, it shows how Zachary and the Fortune Hunters look out for one another despite the dark times and find new ways to get rich while, at the same time, protecting the innocent from other dangerous sky pirate factions."

Meanwhile, Chris and Steve continued to talk with the ALO leaders about military and superhero matters... as much as was not considered confidential.

"I can tell that some of you are quite the students of military tactics and history," Chris said, "it reflects in your personalities and how you led your factions in Alfheim Online.

"Indeed," Suzuki nodded. "most of us have been inspired by military commanders throughout history..."

"Any particular examples?" Steve asked with a grin.

"Well..." Hayato was sheepish. "You for starters, Colonel Rogers..."

Chris looked to Steve, noticing how sheepish and spaced out his superior was at still being regarded as a historical figure.

"And it wasn't just the second world war..." Hayato continued. "It was during the 2010s."

"Many of us saw what you did," Asumi said. "From fighting off the Chitauri Invasion of New York City, the Hydra Uprising in 2014, Ultron a year later. And of course, rebelling against the Sokovia Accords and the Second American Civil War..." She finishes.

"I wasn't exactly military in all these engagements," Steve remarked in humble self-deprecation.

"True, but you also stood up against the Sokovia Accords when they tried to control you." Asumi explained. "And you united your allies in ways that no one else could." She glanced towards Anderson before glancing back to Rogers. "That also includes Thomas Anderson..."

It was then that Aki looked to Chris. "I have a question."

"Yes?" Chris said as he turned his attention towards her.

"When I heard your name back in ALO, we were all stunned that the hero of the Texas campaign..."

"Right," Chris nodded.

"It's amazing that you managed to hold off against the Pacifican Armed Forces with just 300 soldiers..." Aki expressed.

Chris then knew what she was talking about. "Dallas," he replied.

"Correct." Aki nodded. "How did you do all that?"

Chris shifted in his seat, with visible discomfort. "A whole lot of planning, grit, and fighting... with a high cost."

"The Pacifican Army, backed up by the Blue Cosmos, were determined to take all of Texas and make examples out of us all..." He continued. "We held Dallas, but a whole lot of the city died, and along with our contingent."

"So many lives lost..." Aki lamented.

Chris gave a slight smile. "It would have been much worse. It was the finest students of TMLA holding out until reinforcements from Eastern Texas arrived."

"And later, from the Free States Rangers." Aki concluded.

"That's right."

It was Taizo's turn to speak. "I also read that both the Pacificans and the Blue Cosmos tried to sneak into New Orleans from the Gulf of Mexico to cut off reinforcements and invade the Free States."

"That they did, but my Rangers and I made sure that city became a death trap for them, until the Navy could choke them in and snuff them out," Chris said in a low tone, "and we made especially made sure that ten BCs died for every civie they tortured."

Shinzo nodded in agreement. "I'd do the same thing if I were in your position..."

Suzuki gave Shinzo a skeptical look. "Says the guy who likes to brag about his strength."

"You insult me," Shinzo gave the long hair woman a glare, "I may not be the kindest, but I have no sympathy for butchers and murderers."

"Same goes for me as well," Hajimi added. "We both have standards when it comes to warfare... And we don't resort to torturing innocent civilians whenever if they're real or NPCs."

"Code of honor..." Shinzo finished. Chris and Steve could not help but smile a bit. Even Suzuki was surprised by Shinzo's honesty.

"There is one thing that I want to know though, Colonel," Taizo asked sheepishly. "You came from World War 2, right? You... you think that war would really break out in Japan again?"

It was then Steve replied. "I hope not... For a moment, I assumed you were gonna ask me how I came from the 1940s to the 21st century..."

"That too, but it worries me to see tanks and troops just rolling by on the streets non-stop," Taizo admitted.

"I know what you mean..." Steve admitted. He knew that the large presence of the Japanese Self-Defense Force in the streets of Tokyo could be worrisome for the citizens in the city. And until the threat of Hydra is eliminated from Japan, they gotta take measures to make sure none of the Hydra remnants remaining to stage other stunts.

Chiharu then spoke, "the thing is, Colonel... none of us expected to ever see the day that our country would be at war. All our lives, we lived in peace and only heard war in other countries. That also includes what happened in New York City back in 2012. Which are surprises that none of us expected. And to have this visited on us after 80 years..."

"It's like all our lives have changed..." She then looked back to Kirito and the others from the table across them and back. "Then again, all our lives changed since SAO and before..."

"I see..." Rogers observed. He had read about Japan's defeat in the Pacific War and the demilitarization before the abrupt realities of the Cold War. Fearing that the Soviet Union would try to influence Japan into embracing communism, the US Armed Forces expanded their bases within Japan alongside with the JSDF. The heighten alert status in Japan remained until 1991 when the Soviet Union imploded on itself.

Then the War on Terror began and Japanese sent volunteers to aid America in the war against Al Qaeda, Taliban, and later, the Ten Rings. Yet through all these years, Japan by and large was a country at peace... sadly in an ironic way, fertile ground for Hydra to rebuild itself out of harm's way and attention of the world powers. And when the Sokovia Accords were ratified in the UN, triggering a chain of events that lead to the Second Civil War, the Collapse of the EU and UN, Hydra rebuilt itself in secret.

Now innocent citizens of Japan were waking up to the harsh reality of Hydra inside its government and foreign military scrutiny unseen since the last world war. But no matter how big the danger is, and despite the loss of the original Avengers nearly ten years ago, Colonel Rogers, Captain Burke, Captain Anderson, Lieutenant Preston and the rest of Howler Platoon will prevail once again.

"While it is regrettable that it has come to this," Chris told the players, "it will be our solemn duty to avenge the blood of innocents and brave souls against the ghouls responsible for this state of affairs."

It was then Jun spoke. "And if possible, we could help out any way we could."

Chris gave the young boy a look. "If you mean moral support and supporting the troops, I'm down for that," he said, hoping that was all Jun meant.

"Something like that..." Jun replied. "I mean, if we had special powers and such, we'd be able to help out in general..." Jun turned his attention towards Kazuto and Asuna. "Still can't believe that they engaged Hydra head-on..."

Chris then took on a more serious expression. "This isn't like your Alfheim game. Everyone's lives are riding on this..." He said in a soft, but stern tone. "War is not something to commit to so flippantly, and there are things that no 15 or 18-year old should have to see."

Jun gulped, "I see..." he said.

Suzuki spoke up this time. "We'll do whatever we can. As long as we stay out of actual combat..." She reassured. She turned to Jun. "It'll be best not to get killed for nothing, Jun-san..."

"And no pun intended, everyone," Chris added, "this is no game to lose."

"I second that." Asumi agreed.

It was then that Trish came up to the table. "Welcome to the Dicey Café, I'm Trish Mills and I'll be serving you and your friends today." She introduced herself.

Steve smiled as he opened his menu. "Hmmmm... I'll have the Dicey Café deluxe cheeseburger with fries, please."

"Make mine a steak," Chris simply said as he handed her a list, "and those are for my troops outside."

"I'll get right on that, Cap..." Trish smiled before turning to the ALO leaders. "And you?"

As Trish took more orders, the various SAO and ALO survivors began to greet Kazuto and Asuna. Shinichi watched as the SAO couple are getting the attention. He then turned to Alex and Suguha.

"You know," Alex grinned encouragingly, "that was some slick aim you had there. You a natural or competitive shooter or something?"

"I-It's nothing, really..." Shinichi was sheepish from the compliment.

"I'm serious," Alex added. "you helped us push through Alne by taking out Hydra soldiers that we've missed.."

"Alex's right, Shinichi-kun..." Suguha agreed. "You helped to keep us safe enough to reach up to the World Tree."

"T-Thanks..." Shinichi replied.

"Seriously though," Suguha asked, "why weren't you an archer back in ALO?"

"I agree," Alex added, "like that anybody trying to get close to you could be shot in short order. You handled that rifle like it was no one else's business."

"Well..." Shinichi twirled his thumbs as he began. "I used to look up to this one marksman from America's Navy SEAL team... Richard Drake..."

"Richard Drake?" Suguha was curious. "Who's that?"

"I heard of him..." Alex spoke up. "During the war in the Middle East back in the 2000s, Richard Drake took part of the sniper watch during the US Army's push through Baghdad and Fallujah..."

"When he was little, he used to be picked on a lot." Alex continued. "But his family taught him how to stand up against those who prey on the innocent and never run away from problems... And one way he got around his initial disabilities was to go hunting with his uncle... Rumor has it that he took down a buck nearly 500 yards..."

Shinichi nodded. "And he was nicknamed 'Deadeye Drake'' by the others..."

"I even heard that he made nearly 600 kills total..." Alex added.

"Nearly 600?" Suguha was surprised.

"Over his ten years of service of course," Alex grinned. "They're those who tried to break his record too..."

Suguha was still surprised at Shinichi. "Never took you for a military nerd."

"Well... It's one of the reasons that I named my avatar Recon. It was suppose to be fore Reckoning..." Shinichi explained.

Alex snapped his fingers. "Force reconnaissance."

"Huh?" Sugu turned her attention to Alex.

"Recon is short for reconnaissance," Alex said.

"I see... I assumed it would be for something else..." Sugu expressed.

"You guessed right," Shinichi confirmed, "I wasn't the strongest, but I pride myself on being intelligent and being able to gather information."

"Good to hear..." Sugu smiled. "This also including your knowledge for marksmanship..." She concluded.

"Correct..." Shinichi nodded.

"My father had met him once..." Alex added. "It was during his days in the US Army before being transferred to the Navy... He in fact saved my dad's life."

"Wow..." Suguha was surprised again. Her boyfriend continues to surprise her again. She then hugged Alex. "Then I should be thanking him for protecting your family... Otherwise, you wouldn't be here right now..."

"That he did," Alex beamed.

It was then Preston spoke. "I also met him when I was a teenager."

"You have?" Randy then asked.

Preston nodded before continuing. "I've heard his stories during his time on leave with his family. He's one of the inspirations for me to join the armed forces after high school..."

"The United States Marines, that is..." Klein concluded.

"Correcto-mundo," Preston quipped. "Although, I only saw him a couple of times during my time in the Middle East. Quite a shy fella though."

"He was?"

"Yep..." Preston nodded. "He doesn't like the spotlight. Despite that he saved fellow US soldiers.."

Preston crossed his arms. "He was more-or-less the silent professional who just did what he knew had to be done."

"I see... That sounds like Kazuto here..." Alex's eyes glanced towards Kazuto.

It was then that Trish came up with a steaming tray on wheels. Everyone is excited at the sight of the food. "Hope you all are hungry!"

"Don't worry, Trish. I bet Kazuto's starving." Rika teased.

"I'm not a glutton," Kazuto huffed proudly.

"I hope Asuna isn't too jealous of Trish's cooking." Rika giggled.

"Of course not," Asuna retorted.

"I can see the competition between the two chefs... Asuna and Trish. Who will win the cookoff for Kazuto-kun.." She added.

"Rika..." Asuna shook her head.

"Don't worry Asuna," Kazuto assured. "Your cooking is amazing to me, and always will be..." He leans in and plants a kiss on Asuna's cheek.

"Ugh... get a room you two," Rika stuck her tongue out. It was then she felt soft lips pressed against her cheek.

"Does that include us, Rika?" Scott smirked.

"Oh Scott," Rika whined as she blushed. After Trish passed to steaming plates to everyone, they gazed at the meals before them. The deep dish pizza sat on a large pizza pan with a side of garlic bread.

"Pizza!" Tim's eyes went wide.

"Oooohhh.." Keiko's eyes glazed over the pizza toppings. Meats such as pepperoni, bacon, sausage, and Canadian bacon on one half, and vegetables such as olives and onions on the other half.

"Meet our pizza supreme boys and girls," Trish beamed.

"Thanks Trish." Alex thanked her as he helped Suguha with her plate. "Meat or vegetable?" He asks her.

"Hmmmm, I'll take both..." Suguha smiled.

"Sure thing." Alex picked up a couple of pieces each and hands the plate to her.

"For you, Asuna," Kazuto offered. He picks a few pieces of the vegetable pizza for Asuna.

"Thank you, Kazuto-kun." Asuna smiled as she takes the plate. "Mmmmm... It smelled delicious..."

Kazuto grinned as he took a bite out of his meat supreme. "It taste delicious too," he commented.

"And I can tell that Trish-san puts a lot of love into this," Asuna commented with her cooking experience. "Mmmmm... Maybe one day, I can learn how to make pizza..." She suggested.

"Oh... you do that," Kazuto teased with a finger smudging Asuna's cheek with some pizza sauce. Which earned a squeak from the Yuuki girl.

"Kazuto-kun." She giggled as she gently pokes Kazuto's nose, smearing some pizza sauce at the nose's tip.

Momiji rolled her eyes at seeing the star couple tease each other. It was then she felt soft lips pressed against her cheek. Kenji got Momiji's attention as he offered her a slice. "If you don't eat, it'll get cold."

"Kenji-kun.." Momiji giggled before taking some of the pieces of the meat slices and takes a bite. Meanwhile, as Trish got around to serving the Colonel, Captain, and ALO leaders, the Captain stood up. "I'll take the rest of this out to my men, thank you," Chris said as he gripped the cart.

"Oh... I don't mind at all. Gotta look out for your men." Trish smiled.

"I'll come out and help too," Steve said as he stood up, "excuse us for a moment." The two super-soldiers headed outside with the cart to meet with the rest of the Howlers.

The ALO leaders watched the two leave. "They really do care for their soldiers," Hajimi remarked.

"Indeed, they do." Asumi agreed.

Hajimi then turned to his brother. "Looks like you could learn a thing or two from them."

Shinzo nodded. "That I agree... I mean, a lot of our loyal Salamander players really turned out to render assistance in the war. I really should think of a way to reward them for the trouble."

"I just wish there's something that we could do." Shinzo added.

"You know," Hajimi muttered, "I might have some ideas..."

---

Okushiri Island:

Logan and Howler 7-2 continued down in the secret tunnel hidden underneath the abandoned house.

"You Howlers don't have to worry about security weapons or alarms along this path... Wasp and I took care of that as we scouted out your best entry point," Ant-Man radioed again.

Logan responded with a question. "How do we know that you took out all of them?"

There was a chuckle from Ant-Man. "Fear not, we've checked every corner and crest of the area. We've made sure they're no hostiles left. Besides, that's already the shortest and safest route we were able to create for you."

"I'll breath easy once we see the results." Logan replied.

He heard a groan as a response. "Alright, if it makes you feel better, why don't all of you meet the two of us? Will that make you feel better?"

"Yes, it'll be best if we meet face-to-face..." Logan remarked. "Forgive me if my men and I are... cautious."

"Figures... But hey, no hard feelings." Ant-Man replied. "You lost an entire company of brave Rangers and saw the military's regional HQ get trashed. Not to mention watching two Japanese teenagers kicking Hydra butt on live TV."

Logan could not help but chuckle at that. Kazuto and Asuna teaming up with Colonel and Captain America, Iron Patriot II, and Iron Man II was a sight to see. Logan was very grateful for those two, especially Asuna using her shield powers to fend off the worst of Hydra's bomb attacks. What was supposed to be a Hydra's psychological warfare victory turned out to be a victory for the Howlers, and the old and new Avengers.

Logan and his team then came across another door at the end of the passage. It was cracked open and Logan peaks inside through the cracks before slowly opening it. A painful metallic squeak of the hinges was sounded.

"Ugh," Logan groaned before he just finally decided to slam it open and point his rifle through the room, with his troops sweeping in from behind.

"Clear!" A response sounded, and Logan made his way inside and finds an empty room.

"Nothing... Just another empty hallway..." He muttered.

"Want us to introduce ourselves now?" Ant-Man asked. Suddenly, Ant-Man and Wasp appeared as they shot up to their full sizes. Ant-Man's suit is a mixture of black and red. The chest pattern, shoulder pads, and some parts of the upper-torso is red while the rest is black. The helmet sports a silver hue with red eye socket-like visors.

Wasp's suit was similar to Ant-Man's. Except the red is replaced with yellow, and her suit sports wings.

"Ant-Man and Wasp, reporting for duty." Ant-Man expressed with a salute.

"Captain Logan Walker," Logan introduced himself, "so how long have you been out here?"

"A couple of hours. We had to make sure that every single Hydra soldier is found and eliminated." Ant-Man replied.

"Well... Almost cleared out..." Wasp clarified.

"How many?" Logan interrogated.

Wasp explains that they found the hallway that leads to the submarine base. "We estimated about nearly eighty... Could be a lot more though."

"Also, the submarines are heavily guarded with those combat androids." Ant-Man reported.

"Great... more robots," one Ranger groaned.

"We're gonna deal with the robots. See if we can rewire them." Ant-Man explained. "Although, we may have to do it quick as they may have countermeasures to dealing with internal sabotage with the circuitry."

"Robots... I really hate robots," another Ranger remarked.

"Same here," A third Ranger agreed. "I heard one of those things nearly got some kid in 7-1."

Logan shook his head. He's glad that Ramirez isn't around to hear that remark. "Alright, cut the chatter. Let's get down there and begin disabling the submarines." He ordered.

"We'll lead the way," Wasp urged. As she and Ant-Man guided Howler 7-2 through the corridor. It wasn't very far after descending down more steps and through more of the corridors before reaching a metal door.

"We got this..." Ant-Man replied as the costumed-clad heroes sprayed lubricant on the door hinges before sliding the door open.

"Door," Logan called, "breacher up." Everyone begins stacking up against the door with their rifles at the ready. The breacher unsheathed his shotgun as Ant-Man and his companion pushed the door open. The hinges never creaked as the door is fully open. Logan peaked around the corner to see any activity.

"Clear." He whispered as Ant-Man and Wasp lead the way. Logan and Howler 7-2 quietly made their way through the corridor. They could hear activity echoing from the hallways.

"Jackpot." They slowly made their way through the corridor. The noise continued to grow louder and louder until. They reached an opening that leads inside the submarine base.

"Well I'll be..." Logan muttered as he took in the size of the facility and the submarines inside. He counted the number of submarines that are docked. He found six to eight of them. And one was already loaded and making final preparations to launch...

"Let's focus on taking out that sub first." Logan gestures towards the one submarine.

"We'll have to get in range to damage it with RPGs."

"Want us to take out that sub?" Ant-Man asked.

"Correct," Logan said, "I don't want any possibility of Nobuyuki getting an undersea ride out of prison anyhow."

"Understood, Cap." Ant-Man acknowledged before adding. "Not the original Cap or the new Cap." He joked. Then he and Wasp shrunk out of view.

---

Mongolia:

Trigger dodged two more missiles after deploying flares.

"I'm getting tired of this," Trigger grunted as he backflipped into a steep climb. Hitman should be arriving by now. He then felt slight shaking as some cannon rounds shot past. "Alright, this playtime's over!" He hit the brakes hard and did a hard flip on his back, causing the Su-30 behind him to shoot past.

"I have you now." Trigger locks onto the Su-30 and fires the F-22's cannon. The rounds hit the Su-30's tail and engine, causing it to spin and plummet towards the ground.

Meanwhile, the rest of Hitman and the Firebird Squadron flew towards the base at low altitude.

"We should be getting closer now..." Monarch said. He then flicked his master arm switch. Arming the weapons on his fighter jet. "Prez, prepare for ground attack mode, but watch the skies for patrols!"

"You got it, Monarch! Watching the skies now!" Prez replied.

"And I'll be watching the ground too." Comic added.

"The Lightnings and I got the ground," Monarch said, "stay on the skies."

"Roger that, Monarch." Comic replied.

"I'll get down onto the ground and start messing up their air defenses," Falcon indicated.

"Good, that'll make things easier for us." Monarch remarked.

"I'll make sure to stay out of the way, but you drop every bomb you have on everything that moves, Monarch," Falcon ordered.

"Acknowledged, Falcon." Monarch replied.

"Let's get burning, Firebirds," Falcon yelled. There were whoops and hollers with excitement as responses. Monarch pulled his stick back and his jet climbed upwards. "Prez, laze some targets!"

"Roger that, Monarch. Lasering targets."

Falcon meanwhile zoomed in on one of the outer SAM sites. "This should be easy," he said to himself. He swooped in on several battery operators. He let loose with the cannon guns, taking out three of the AA batteries. Falcon evaded some return fire from an AA gun, pulling out his carbine and shooting down the gunner in his exposed seat.

"Too slow for you." Falcon quipped before taking off into the air. He was glad that the Falcon suit received upgrades for this mission. The plasma pulse cannons Anderson installed really even the odds.

'That's one.' Falcon thought before moving onto the next AA battery. The F-35s then lined up around the F-14D.

"The AA defenses are down!" Falcon reported over the comms. "Monarch, drop your payloads on the hangars and aircraft!"

"Roger that, dropping payloads now." Monarch replied. He looked onto the first hangar on his flight path. He adjusted his F-14D towards the designated target.

"Targets locked, Monarch," Prez prompted.

"Launch JDAMs now!" Monarch ordered. Hitman dropped their payload of JDAMs and headed towards the hangers and aircraft on the runway either parked or taking off. The distant explosions and erupting flames from wreckage planes and hangers below notifies Hitman that the targets' been destroyed.

"Pickle, pickle!" The other F-35s also dropped their guided munitions, destroying more targets along the tarmacs and runways.

"Smoked them!" One of the pilots whooped. One of the guided bombs took out one of the larger warehouses. There were massive explosions that erupted from the flames.

"Took out the munitions storage!" Prez cheered.

Comic watched the destruction from her cockpit. "I can imagine the enemy's reaction upon losing their footing here." She chuckled.

"You got that right, Comic." Prez agreed.

Comic's radar then beeped as some hostile aircraft appeared. "Looks like company's arrived."

"And don't seem like a lot..." Prez commented. "So, this is gonna be fun."

"Don't you go and hog all the kills, Prez." Comic laughed.

"Hey, I'm stuck here dropping bombs with Monarch. You go have your fun, girl," Prez urged.

Comic laughed again before replying. "Copy that, Prez. Comic out." She banked hard to intercept. "Now for the real fun to begin." She lets loose with the cannon.

---

Back at the Dicey Café:

"This pizza is delicious." Suguha moaned happily after she finished her pizza.

"That hit the spot," Asuna moaned cutely.

Alex and Kazuto chuckled at their girlfriend and fiancée respectfully.

"I'm glad you love it, Sugu." Alex kissed her cheek, earning giggles from her.

"You Americans never cease to amaze me when it comes to food." Suguha remarked.

It was then Stanley chimed in. "True, but pizza originated from Italy and came to America in the 20th century."

"Very true indeed." Tony agreed. "Also, they're different pizza types in various cities. Especially in New York City..."

"Alright, next time we take a trip to America, we'll make sure we'll stop by New York City." Kazuto smiled.

"And don't forget to try shawarma while you're there too." Tony added. "It's very good."

"Didn't you decided to try that right after the Avengers defeated the Chitauri?" Anderson asked.

"That's right." Tony smiled.

"On that note," Asuna added, "isn't Colonel Rogers from New York?"

"That's correct." Anderson smiled. "Straight out of Brooklyn... But these days, he lives in Virginia."

"Interesting..." Asuna replied. "... and wouldn't it have been, over eighty years since he was last in Brooklyn?"

"Correct." Anderson nodded. "And to answer your next question about Rogers. He froze after he brought the Hydra plane down in the artic. And he defrosted after nearly seventy years later..."

Asuna and Kazuto gave Anderson astonished looks. "How did he live through that?" They both asked.

"No idea." Anderson shrugged. "Usually, freezing someone's body is impossible due to our cells contain mostly water. And when it freezes, it expands and burst the cell walls..." He paused before continuing. "But I'm pretty sure that the super-soldier serum may have enhanced his ability to withstand freezing tempuratures and underwent suspended animation..."

"Just like that?" Kazuto was stunned.

"Yep..." Anderson nodded.

Kazuto and Asuna looked at each other, both bewildered from Anderson's revelations.

"So Chris Burke would also be..."

"... Able to survive the cold plunge..."

"Well," Anderson glanced towards the Captain as he was seen outside with his troops. "It could be possible... But we're not planning on dropping him in the middle of the Artic to chance it..."

"Yeah, let's not do that," Kazuto chuckled.

It was then Tony remembers something. "I almost forgot, I got the video of inside Stark Tower the day Loki tried to invade Earth..." He pulled out a pad. He taps it and a holo-screen appeared before them. He plays the recording and it showed the interior of the penthouse suite of Stark Tower. It showed a figure dressed in green and holding what appears to be a scepter. For a moment, the SAO guild thought they saw Oberon. However, the long, black hair dismissed the claim and sighed in relief.

It showed a footage of Tony entering inside and dialogue was exchanged. The green-robed figure, named Loki, revealed that he has an army to take over Earth. While Tony countered that if he and his team fail to stop the invasion, they'll avenge the planet. And then Loki pressed the tip of the scepter on his chest. Perhaps trying to brainwash him. However, it didn't work.

"What did he try to do?" Kazuto asked.

"Just watch," Tony urged.

"This usually works." Loki uttered in disbelief.

"Well, performance issues, it's not uncommon. One out of five..." Tony chuckled. It was then Loki grabbed Tony by the neck and threw him through the windows. Moments later, a red/gold blur zipped by Loki and out the window towards Tony. About a minute later, Tony reemerged and blasted Loki.

"He threw you out the window!" Kazuto nearly exclaimed.

"He did..." Tony answered. "But that's not the interesting part." He then fast forward and he stops at the part where Loki's back inside the penthouse with the Hulk.

"Enough!" Loki shouted at the Hulk. "... You are, all of you are beneath me! I am a god, you dull creature, and I will not be bullied by..." He was cut off when the Hulk suddenly grabbed Loki by the ankles and thrashed him against the floor like a rag doll. As he left Loki in one of the craters, the green giant muttered. "Puny god..."

The audio also picked up the faint sound of exhaled wheezing from Loki. Kazuto and Asuna tried to stop themselves from laughing. Even Alex and Suguha found it hard to contain their laughter.

"Now I wish the Hulk was with us during the whole ALO mission!" Alex laughed. "He would've used that creature to wipe the floor!"

Suguha just cutely and loudly giggled.

"Hehe... I figured that all of you would love to see it... Especially after..." Tony hesitated.

"We know..." Kazuto nodded in acknowledgement. But he and Asuna continued to laugh.

---

Outside:

"Thank you, sir," one grateful soldier thanked Captain America for the meal.

"Not a problem, soldier," the new Captain said as some of the crowd murmured in Japanese at the sight of him. While at the same time, Captain America continued to scan the surrounding crowd for any possible threat. He found none. He then walked over to Damion. "Hey, here's your lunch, Ranger."

"Thanks, Captain." Damion thanked him. He received a six-piece chicken tender dish with a side of fries.

"Wow..." Kotone said in awe at the size of the chicken tenders. "They're big..."

"And I bet they're juicy too..." Damion added before he took a bite.

Captain America looked upon Kotone behind his visor. "You must be Philia."

"That's correct, Captain America..." She bowed before introducing herself. "I'm Kotone Takemiya." It was quite imposing to stand before this new Captain America, especially one with such an authoritative personality.

It was then the new Captain added. "And I can see you're getting acquainted with Private Burton here."

Private Burton seemed a little nervous. He was still keeping an eye out for Corporal Vance.

However, nothing got past the sharp young Captain. "Private."

"Y-Yes, Captain?" Damion stammered.

"I know that Ms. Takemiya is attractive, but don't make the squad jealous," Captain warned, "it's not good for unit cohesion."

"Y-Yes sir..." The private stammered a reply.

"Good, at ease," Captain said as he moved on to Sergeant Ramirez. Damion recomposed himself before taking a deep breath.

"Is your captain always like this?" Kotone asked.

"He... he takes his job very seriously," Damion answered.

"Just like Vance, huh?" Kotone surmises.

"Nah, not as old and grumpy," Damion said with a grin, "more like a taciturn older brother."

"I see..." Kotone replied. "How's the chicken tender?"

"Delicious..." Damion offered her a piece and she took a bite of it. She hummed with delight.

"It is delicious. The outer layer is very crunchy, while keeping the juicy tenderness on the inside." Kotone hummed.

"Whoever cooked this must be right from Kentucky," Damion added, "because this is perfect."

"Probably..." Kotone deduced before taking another bite. "Because now I'm hooked." She giggles. After taking his second chicken, Damion handed another to Kotone. Which she munched on with delight.

"With all the business Agil's receiving, the Dicey Café may open up a second location..." She says.

"Agil?" Damion asked, "he owns this place?"

Kotone nodded. "He's a friend of Kazuto from SAO."

Damion then remembered a tall black man who went by that name back in ALO. "The tall black dude with the huge gatling gun, right?"

"That's him..." Kotone replied. "Perhaps we could ask him after we finished our meal..." She suggested.

"Well, you can ask him," Damion shrugged, "I will be heading out with the rest of the unit after this."

"I see..." Kotone sighed. Although she's sad to see him leave for his daily patrols. But at least she got to spend some time with him in the real world.

"Hey," Damion gently murmured. "No need to despair. I'll make sure to visit you every chance I get."

She turned to Damion with a sad expression. "True, but what if you're sent home once the threat's over?"

"Then we'll talk," Damion smiled with his phone out, "just like the old days."

"I guess..." Kotone let out a small smile.

"And if that isn't enough..." Damion said, "you could come see me back home."

Her eyes lit up as she did a double-take. "R-Really?"

"If you can, and want to."

"I do! I do want to come visit you in America!" Kotone exclaimed happily. Her eyes shining with hope and excitement.

Damion chuckled. It was turning out to be a perfect day for him and Kotone.

"Anyways," Kotone stood up, "I'd better let you continue your work. Later then?"

"Sure thing, Kotone." Damion sets his plate aside and stood up with her. "I'm so happy that we could meet, face to face," Damion muttered, "even under our current circumstances."

"I've dreamt that one day, that we'll be able to meet in the real world..." Kotone whispered. "Even during my time in SAO, my hopes and dreams is what kept me going in those dark times..."

Damion seemed to be somber and dropped his gaze.

"There were times where I thought I would die in SAO and never got to see your for real." She continued.

"And all that while, I was stuck in basic while you were fighting for your life, for real," Damion muttered. Before he knew it, Damion held Kotone's hand with gentleness and care. "If I had known, I would have smuggled myself here and shot the mastermind dead if that's what it took."

"And I'd probably would've freed you and the rest of the trapped players months earlier..." He added.

"And that creature Nobuyuki?" Kotone asked.

"I'd do the same to him as well and stop him and Hydra from taking over the world." He answered.

"Damion..." It was all she said. "But... of course you could not desert your post," Kotone added, "you had to be in training."

"I know..." Damion felt Kotone's fingers stroke his hand. "But now the guys and I are here to put the hurt on Hydra for hurting your friends."

"Promise me that you'll be safe next time you go out on your missions." Kotone said with pleading eyes. "I don't want to hear you getting shot again."

"I promise I'll keep my head down in a firefight..." Damion promised.

Captain America and Sergeant Ramirez noticed the exchange from a distance. "Sergeant," Captain America asked, "I'd like your personal assessment of Private Burton."

"You got it." Ramirez acknowledged before approaching Damion. "Private, is everything copacetic? You seemed very engaged."

"Yes sir, everything's copacetic." Damion reported.

"And you can still do your duty?"

"Yes sir."

Ramirez glanced around at the other soldiers, who were focused towards the crowd. He also saw his Captain looking straight at them. He then leaned in, "listen, I don't necessarily oppose you and that girl being together..."

"But Captain Burke isn't very keen on his soldiers engaging in idle conversation with the civilians." Kotone deduced.

"Right," Ramirez said, "and it would not be good for Burton here if he were demoted and forced out of 7-1 into the regular forces. Our Captain is very strict, and I would not recommend getting on his radar like that."

"We understand..." Damion sighed.

"Okay, it'll be best if you two finish up the conversation and rejoin with your friends, Miss Kotone. And stay on mission, Burton. Remember that you're still on the taxpayer's dime, and our Cap is counting every cent of it."

"Got it, sir." Damion saluted before Ramirez turned and left. Damion turned back to Kotone. "Well... I guess we'll have to schedule for our next chat... I'll buzz you later..."

"Okay, Damion..." Kotone then leaned up on her tip-toes and gave a quick peck on his cheek. Damion's face flushed as he felt her soft lips pressing his cheek.

"Alright, easy on the PDA," Ramirez quipped, "you're gonna make everyone jealous."

"Right..." Kotone replied as she leaned down. "Well... I should head back inside..." She smiled before turning and walked back through the front doors.

Damion smiled back, but was brought back to reality by Ramirez's nudge. "Hey kid," he warned, "you'd better be careful. The Captain may start watching you more closely."

"Don't worry, Sarge. I'll watch my step." Damion nodded. Then he resumed his meal.

Ramirez then returned to the Captain.

"Well, sergeant," Captain America asked, "can he remain focused?"

"He says he's still on task." Ramirez reported. "I assure you that he is reliable. He's just young, and this is his first time outside North America on deployment."

"Understood, sergeant." Captain America nodded. "But we need everyone sharp on duty," he reminded, "once we are finished with lunch, we are moving out to the safe location until it is safe to return the charges home."

"Understood, captain." Ramirez saluted.