Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ Bashed, Slashed, and Pinched ( Chapter 7 )

Our adventures are continuing their journey through the currently ‘unstable’ Aincard as they make their way up to the top! As you well know, there are quite a few couples that you have seen forming throughout the story, but there are more coming up! You are just going to have to read when and where they are form! And there are plenty of surprises coming up! What are they? You are going to have to read and find out!

 

I DO NOT OWN Sailor Moon, Sword Art Online, Accel World, Digimon series, Yu-Gi-Oh R/GX/5Ds/Zexal/Arc-V, One Piece, Final Fantasy, and anything/anyone that comes from these and other stories that end up in this fanfiction! Sailor Moon is owned/licensed by Naoko Takeuchi and its various studios and publishers and Sword Art Online is owned/licensed by ASCII Media Works, A-1 Pictures Inc., and its various directors/publishers including Reki Kawahara and Tomohiko Itō!

 

Warning: This story contains intense violence, blood, possible gore, death, mild to explicit suggestive themes, including mind-control and brainwashing, mild to explicit bad language, and mature adult themes/situations!

 

Second Warning: Some to a lot of OOC (Out of Character) actions and mannerisms in this whole story!

 

Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment

 

Chapter 7: Bashed, Slashed, and Pinched

 

December 14, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

In the plaza of Arc Sofia that contains the teleport gate, Asuna is assembled around a group of assault team players including Kirito, Mamoru, the Sailor Scouts, Dai, Akari, and the Digital Knights are assembled together as they begin their meeting for attack on the boss of Floor 78.

 

Asuna says, “Thank you for coming everyone. Sometime ago, the boss’ room of floor seventy-eighty has just been found.”

 

The players knew what this meant and Yamato tells Taichi, “You know what this means.”

 

Taichi says, “No kidding, bro.”

 

Asuna says, “Based on the information that we could gather, the boss is known as ‘The Horn of Madness’.”

 

Dai whispers, “That’s original.”

 

Akari motions for Dai to be silent and Asuna says, “It’s main skills are the use of an axe, but it can also use special self-strengthen skills to increase its attack power. While its attacks can be dodged, the best way that we can weaken it is to damage its arms. Damage its arms and its attacks will be weaker. It’s weak against slash type attacks.”

 

Kirito says, “Slash attacks, huh? That means the Duel Blades that I share with Usagi and Dai will be very effective since the combos are mainly slash style combos.”

 

Usagi says, “Yeah, but I think that there are plenty one-handed sword techniques that are slash type attack combos along with two handed sword skills, curved sword skills, and katana sword skills combos too.”

 

Kirito turns to Klein, who is with his guild, Fuurinkazan, and he says, “And that means you are going to be a vital player in this boss fight, Klein.”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “Don’t worry, Kirito! Leave it to me!”

 

Asuna says, overhearing and giving a nod, “It means that players with slash combo attacks are going to be vital and it means that it includes slash style combos from one-handed sword skills, two-handed sword skills, curved sword skills, and otherwise. So, everyone, it is time for form parties and form our plan of attack based on this information.”

 

Soon enough, our heroes and heroines were talking among themselves and Tomoe says, “Haruka-papa, you used curved sword and have those skills, so, you are going to be vital to this fight.”

 

Haruka says, with a nod, “I know, Firefly.”

 

Minako asks Usagi, with a smirk, “So, are you and your prince going to join up with Kirito and form the dream team again?”

 

Just then a familiar female voice shouts out, “Kirito!” Everyone then looks to see Strea coming towards them with two other players.

 

The first player is a late teen male with green hair tied in a single high-ponytail and shoulder length bangs down each of his cheeks, grey-golden eyes, and he is wearing dark blue shirt with silver armored chest plate, armored elbow pads, and armored gloves on his hands, grey pants, and brown combat boots. He has large shield attached to his left armored glove with sheath for a sword around the right side of his waist.

 

The second player is a late teen female with same green hair as the teen male, but unlike the teen male, it is long and flowing down to the end of her waist, the same grey-golden eyes as the teen male, and she is wearing a pink version of Silica’s outfit made for her age and size in which she has a dagger with a silver handle and pearly white blade attached to her back. By her right, there is a creature that looks like a brown tiger cub with yellow eyes.

 

Hino asks, “Guess who’s back?”

 

Minako says, with a giggle, “Kirito’s and Usagi’s ‘stalker’.”

 

Usagi gives out an annoyed look and Akari asks, “Who is that?”

 

Makoto responds, a bit nervously, “Her name is Strea and she is a bit…strange.”

 

Kirito asks Strea, “What are you doing here Strea?”

 

Strea says, with a smile, “I’m here to see you, Kirito!”

 

The male green haired player says, “Kirito? Hey, you are the Black Swordsman!”

 

Kirito asks, looking at the player, “I remember you. You’re Rua, right?”

 

The male green haired player says, with a grin, “Yep! And this is my sister, Luca.”

 

The female green haired player says, with a kind smile, “Nice to see you, again, Kirito-san.”

 

Usagi says, “Nice to see you again, Luca-san.”

 

The male green haired player, Rua, asks, “Who are you?”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “Um, I’m Usagi.”

 

Kirito says, with a sigh, “You probably know her as the ‘White Valkyrie’.”

 

Rua yells out, shocked, “Wait! She is the ‘White Valkyrie’!”

 

Luca, the female green haired player, says, with a sigh, “Rua, you know that everyone is looking at us.” Rua then look to see plenty of the players looking at him and he nervously laughs as he rubs his head while his sister sighs with Asuna silently giggling.

 

Kirito says, changing the subject, “Anyway, are you going to join in the battle? The boss is going to weak against slash type attacks.”

 

Rua says, with a smile, “Sure! I use a one-handed sword and shield combo and I have plenty of slash combos!”

 

Luca says, with a kind smile, “I’m not sure if I can help since I use dagger type skills myself.”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “You are a beast tamer?”

 

Luca says, with a nod, “Yes. This is my partner, Kuribon.” The brown tiger cub gives a small growl as if to say ‘hello’ to Kirito.

 

Minako says, with a smile, “That’s really cute!”

 

Kirito asks Strea, “Strea, what type of weapon do you use?”

 

Strea says, with a smile, “This, Kirito!” Strea then produces a large two-handed sword that makes plenty of people nervous.

 

Makoto says, stunned, “Damn, girl!”

 

Usagi asks, nervously, “Is that a bit ‘heavy’ for you?”

 

Strea responds, with a smile, “Nope!”

 

Dai asks, nervously, “Who or what is she?”

 

Taichi tells Dai, nervously, “That’s a good question.”

Miyako says, nodding her head in agreement, “No kidding.”

 

Sam says, “That must take a high strength stat to hold much less use.” Kirito is thinking the same thing and he looks at Asuna, who has a surprised look as she is looking at Strea.

 

Kirito then asks Strea, “Strea, since this boss is weak against slash type attacks and both you and I use slash type combos, will you aid me in this fight?”

 

Strea says, excitedly, “Of course, Kirito! You can count on me!” Kirito looks at Asuna and she nods her head as she understands what Kirito is doing.

 

Usagi asks Rua and Luca, “Could you and your sister join Mamoru-kun and I for this fight?”

 

Rua yells out, “Sure!”

 

Luca tells Usagi, “We would be honored to help you Usagi-san.”

 

Rua shouts out, pointing to Mamoru, “Hey, is this guy your boyfriend?”

 

Usagi replies, with a nod, “Um, yes!”

 

Rua shouts out, excitedly, “Oh, wow! So, Argo’s information was right! The ‘White Valkyrie’ does have a boyfriend and she has a guild of her own!”

 

There are plenty of sweat drops and Usagi thinks in her mind, drolly, “I should have known that it was Argo that told them.”

 

Minako says, with a giggle, “I guess that she is known as ‘The Rat’ for a reason.”

 

Usagi responds, drolly, “Don’t remind me, Mina-chan.”

 

Hino says, “Let’s worry about this later, Meatball Head. We’ve got a boss to prepare for.” Usagi nods her head as she along with the rest of the assault team players come together to plan their assault on the boss of Floor 78.

 

December 14, 2024, Floor 78, Dungeon

 

Just outside of the boss’ lair on Floor 78, we find our assault team assembled together with Asuna in front of them.

 

Asuna says, “Everyone, as before, I have only one thing to mention to all of you: Let’s win and come back alive.” Plenty of the other players nod their heads in agreement and the doors to the boss room open in which the players march inside. Inside of the room, they find a massive minotaur-like monster, The Horn of Madness, waiting for them and it gives a mighty roar as it swings its axe.

 

Usagi yells out, “Okay, everyone! We have to attack as we planned!” Immediately, the players immediately move in to surround it on three sides and Horn of Madness swings its axe in which the shield players immediately the brunt of the attack.

 

Asuna shouts out, “Okay, switch!” Soon after, the shield bearing players leap out as the sword welding players, the ones with slash type combo attacks, leap into the fray in which Kirito uses Cross Block, the Duel Welding Sword Skill defense skill, to block another swing from Horn of Madness’ axe.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Strea, it’s time!”

 

Strea responds, “You got it!” Strea charges and she hits hard with large two-handed sword in which she inflicts significant damage on the boss monster.

 

Dai gives a whistle and he says, “She’s pretty good.”

 

Yamato says, “No kidding.”

 

Akari says, “No time to be amazed.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “Right, Kari-chan.” The players continue their assault on the boss monster and while the slash type attacks do a lot more damage the other types of attacks, the boss monster is managing to strike back pretty hard against the players.

 

Klein says, “Man! This bull might be weak against slash attacks, but he is one tough side of beef!”

 

Kirito says, “We don’t need jokes right now, Klein!”

 

Kirito then rolls out of the way of an attack from the axe, which would have made a good sized dent in the ground if the floor wasn’t indestructible, and Klein yells out, “I wasn’t making a joke, Kirito!” Klein and his guild mates then dodge another attack from the massive Minotaur style monster in which Haruka leaps in with a slash strike to its face with her curved sword causing it to roar out in pain.

 

Makoto shouts out, excitedly, “Way to go!” However, Horn of Madness manages to recover and focuses straight on Haruka as it prepares to strike Haruka while she is gently falling back down to the ground.

 

“Watch out!” Michiru shouts out, but before Horn of Madness can strike, Usagi strikes it in the chin with Rage Spike, a one hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

Haruka thinks in her mind, surprised, “Dumpling?” Horn of Madness turns to Usagi, but it roars out in pain as it is struck in the back by multiple Linear from Asuna, however, the massive boss monster manages to spin around to face Asuna, much to her shock.

 

Kirito shouts out, shocked and concerned, “Asuna!” However, before Horn of Madness can strike, Leafa, who had joined the boss party assault force, hits hard with slash attacks across the boss monster’s chest causing it to roar out and allow Leafa and Asuna to get out of the way.

 

Asuna tells Leafa, “Thank you, Leafa.”

 

Leafa responds, with a smile, “No problem, Asuna.”

 

With the Sailor Scouts, Usagi asks, “Are you okay?”

Haruka responds, “Thanks to you, Dumpling.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I’m glad.” As she prepares to rejoin the fight, Haruka sees images of Usagi as Sailor Moon and Princess Serenity and she can tell that her princess has grown into a stronger person, however, there is a nick of fear of how much her noble princess has changed during the two years that she has been trapped in SAO, but that nick of fear fades away in which she knows that Usagi risked her own life to protect her own causing Haruka to know that deep down, Usagi is still same person that she was two years ago through much changed. Rua strikes at Horn of Madness’ left arm with Vertical Square, a 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

Rua yells out, excitedly, “Got him!” Rua then becomes nervous as the boss monster turns his attention towards him and he says, nervously, “Oh, boy.” Horn of Madness then performs an attack in which it swings its axe, spins it around a few times, striking as it does so, and one final slash attack with its axe causing plenty of the players to get hit and knocked down the ground with significant damage to their health with a few of them in the red zone.

 

Asuna shouts out, “Shield bearers and tanks, protect those players! All other players get them out of danger to heal and distract the boss! Hurry!” Immediately, the high stamina and/or shield bearer players immediately take to the fight to protect the players while others drag out their ‘injured’ comrades away from immediate danger for them to take potions and restore their health while others take the fight to Horn of Madness to have it focus their attention on them and not their weakened comrades.

 

Kirito says, “Strea, let’s go!”

 

Strea responds, nodding her head, “Right!” Strea and Kirito are among the few players that take the fight to Horn of Madness to keep its attention away from the ‘injured’ players which include Rua, who is drinking a potion provided by Luca.

 

Luca asks, with a sigh, “What I am going to do with you?”

 

Rua gives a smirk, but he then yells out, “Sis, behind!” Luca turns around to see the boss monster bringing down its axe on her and her brother, but Akari uses her shield to block the attack while Dai gives a powerful kick to knock it away.

Akari asks, “Are you okay?”

 

Luca says, with a nod, “We are. Thank you.”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “No problem!” Dai then says, with a serious tone, “Okay, time to take this bull by the horns, Kari-chan!”

 

Akari asks, “What do you want to do, Dai-kun?”

 

Dai says, “Meteor and Star combo, Kari-chan.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “Okay, Dai-kun.” Akari then bangs her sword against her shield and the two of them glow in unison as Akari prepares to unleash her attack in which the others look on curiously.

 

Junpier asks, “What’s going on?”

 

Yamato says, “Something big, Jun.”

 

Akari yells out, with a strong tone, “Meteor Pummel!” Akari then leap and moves at Horn of Madness with incredible speed and bashing him in the face with her shield in which she then spin around and slashes it with her sword causing her to then to slash at it with her shield. Akari then repeats this into a sixteen hit combo attack of slash/bashing with her shield and slashing her sword that causes a strong stun effect on Horn of Madness and significant damage.

 

Leafa says, amazed, “Incredible!”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I’ll say, Leafa.”

 

Akari yells out, “Now, Dai-kun, switch!”

 

Dai says, running forward, “You got it, Kari-chan!” Dai then hits Horn of Madness with Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, in which the boss monster is hit hard since it is a slash style combo attack, but the boss monster manages to hang on, barely.

 

Mamoru says, “It’s health is nearly out! We have to attack now!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Right!” Immediately, Usagi, Strea, Kirito, Mamoru, and Haruka leap into the fight in which each of them slash Horn of Madness hard and after their assault, the boss monster shatters into hundreds of data polygons when its health hits zero completely.

 

Makoto says, excitedly, “We did it!” Soon enough, the other members of assault group are also celebrating and the fact that none of them died during this battle which is a greatly relief to them all especially for our Moon Princess.

 

Tomoe asks Haruka, “Are you okay?”

 

Haruka says, with a smile, “I’m fine, Firefly.”

 

Mizuno says, “We haven’t lost anyone in this fight.”

 

Hino says, “That’s a good sign, but we can’t let our guard down.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Good point. Even though we didn’t lose anyone, it was still a tough battle and it was close.”

 

Miyako tells Dai and Akari, “Man, you, two, were incredible! I also never saw such a combo!”

 

Akari says, “Our time in the Hollow Area taught us a lot, Miyako.”

 

Dai says, “Yeah. No kidding.”

 

Junpier says, with a smile, “I have to admit that you are good, squirt.”

 

Taichi says, “You and my sister make an excellent team.”

 

Takashi says, with a grin, “Yeah, no joke! That combo was perfect!”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “Thanks!”

 

Kirito tells Strea, “Thank you for your help, Strea.”

 

Strea responds, with a smile, “I’m happy to help, Kirito!”

 

Asuna comes over and she says, “We should go to the next floor and activate the teleport gate.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Good idea, Asuna.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head in agreement, “Let’s go.” Soon after, the group heads out of the boss room and heads to the next floor, Floor 79, and the main town of that floor to activate the teleport gate for easy access to that floor from Arc Sofia.

 

December 14, 2024, Floor 79

 

On the main town of Floor 79, known as Aiotel, Strea comes over to our heroes and heroines after she activated the gate to the town.

 

Strea says, with a smile, “I’m done with the activation.”

 

Kirito says, “Thanks, Strea.”

 

Asuna says, with a kind smile, “You were really a great help today.”

 

Strea says, with a giggle and smile, “I’m glad to help Asuna.”

 

Hino says, “For a ‘bubbly girl’, she is really tough.”

 

Makoto says, with a nod, “No joke, girl. She really knew how to use that sword and kick ass.”

 

Haruka says, “And that makes me wonder who she is.”

 

Michiru says, “You are suspicious of her still.”

 

Haruka tells Michiru, “Well, Dumpling and her closest friends and comrades, here, never met her before and yet, she seems to know plenty about them including the fact that Asuna is Kirito’s in-game wife for one thing among others. Despite her being even more ‘bubbly’ than Mina-chan, which I’m shocked to find possible, she is really talented in this game including the ability to hide from even the detection abilities of both our princess and Kirito-san, which are supposed to be the best in SAO.”

 

Tomoe asks Setsuna, “What do you think?”

 

Setsuna doesn’t reply as she looks at Strea and she responds, “I’m not sure what to think right now, Firefly.” Tomoe thinks that there is more than what Setsuna is saying, but she decides to let it go for now.

 

With the Digital Knights, Dai, and Akari, Yamato asks Taichi, “What do you think about this Strea girl?”

 

Taichi responds, “Got me, bro. She seems to be just as strong as anyone in the assault team, but none of us have ever seen her before.”

 

Takashi asks, “Do you think that she is like Davis and Kari?”

 

Sam says, “That’s a good question, but she doesn’t seem to be from the ‘other side’.”

 

Miyako asks, curiously, “Who is she?”

 

Junpier says, “Good question, girlfriend.” On the meanwhile, Usagi is looking at Strea and she is wondering the same thing, but now, Usagi gives a yawn and she wants to get back to Arc Sofia to take it easy since it has been a long day.

 

December 15, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Back in their room in Agil’s inn/shop, Usagi and Mamoru come out of their room as Kirito comes up to them.

 

Usagi says, “Morning, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Morning, Usagi. And you, too, Mamoru.”

 

Mamoru says, “Good morning, Kirito.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Mamoru-kun and the others aren’t used to me waking up early in the morning. Back ‘over there’, I wasn’t a morning person.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “I’ll bet, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, annoyed, “Thanks a lot, Kirito.”

 

Mamoru says, “I was really surprised to see her get up in the morning hours. I’m still not used to the ‘changes’ that she has gone through.”

 

Kirito says, “We had to adapt to survive or in Usagi’s case, help our fellow players survive. Sometimes she doesn’t get much, if any sleep, at all with the way that she overworks herself much like Asuna did early on in the game.”

 

Usagi says, “Hey! I wasn’t as bad as Asuna was!”

 

Kirito asks, with a smirk, “Really?”

 

Usagi says, with a pout, “Maybe I got myself a little ‘obsessed’.”

 

Kirito asks, with a grin, “A little?” Usagi glares at Kirito and he asks, changing the subject, “Anyway, I was preparing to ‘stretch’ and prepare for the exploration of the next floor. Do you think that you and Mamoru can join me?”

 

Usagi says, with a kind smile, “Sure!” Mamoru gives a look of surprise at his girlfriend, but he remembers that she had to adapt and change to survive in this ‘death game’. Mamoru and Usagi then follow Kirito out into a courtyard in which Kirito starts to practice his swordplay as he prepares to exploration ahead.

 

Just then Leafa appears and she says, “Morning, big brother.”

 

Kirito says, “Good morning, Sugu.”

 

Usagi says, “Morning, Leafa.”

 

Leafa tells Kirito, “You always sleep late in the real world and yet, you get up early and train here?”

 

Usagi asks, with a sly smirk, “Oh, really? Could you tell me more?”

 

Kirito says, annoyed, “Hey!”

 

Leafa asks, curiously, “Isn’t SAO a game where you gain experience and level up? Does it do any good for you to practice over and over again?”

 

Usagi tells Leafa, “That’s true, Leafa. However, increasing your level doesn’t increase your proficiency in your Sword Skills, it just increases your health and stats.”

 

Kirito tells Leafa, “That’s right, Sugu. In order to increase your ability with Sword Skills, you need to keep using them again and again and you can only unlock certain skills when you reach a certain level of proficiency, Sugu. I couldn’t use the Vorpal Strike combo until I had a One-Handed Sword Skill of nine-hundred fifty.”

 

Usagi says, “It is kind of like ALO in that regard.”

 

Leafa nods her head in understanding and Kirito says, “You need to upgrade your skill mastery and your speed will depend on your technique. If your mind is sluggish, it could prove fatal.”

 

Leafa asks, “So, brother, can we have a match?”

 

Kirito asks, “What? What will be competing?”

 

Leafa asks, “Kendo, of course. Didn’t we used to do that all the time?”

 

Kirito says, “We used to have contests when I was learning kendo.”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “You learned kendo?”

 

Kirito says, “When I was younger, Usagi, but I quit when I was ten. I wouldn’t be able to beat Sugu in real life. She would crush me.”

 

Leafa says, annoyed, “Don’t say it like that! You make it sound like a monster! I’m still a girl!” Leafa says, with a smirk, “Although I’m still rank among the national top eight. I would lose to a weak bean sprout like you.”

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Wow! You are strong, Leafa!”

 

Leafa says, with a giggle, “Not to toot my own horn, but yeah.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “However, we are in SAO and no matter how good you are here, you can’t beat me here.”

 

Leafa says, “You are so naïve, big brother.”

 

Usagi tells Leafa, “Don’t be so sure, Leafa. The rules of the outside world don’t exactly apply here.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “While that might be true, Usagi, I’ve played ALO for about a year, so, I’ve got experience in VRMMO.”

 

Mamoru says, “While that’s true and ALO is similar to SAO, there are some differences between them, Leafa.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “True, but I won’t lose to big brother.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “We’ll see about that, Sugu!” Soon enough, they are in a grassy area within the town’s ‘safe zone’, but Kirito and Leafa activated the ‘duel mode’ and the duel just started in which Kirito says, “We can begin at any time.”

 

Leafa says, “Here I come, big brother!” The two of them clash with their swords and cause sparks in which Leafa says, with a smile, “You are pretty good, big brother! If this was real-like, we would have a winner!”

 

Kirito says, with a smirk, “You have a point, Sugu. Without the support system, I would have no chance against you. But you have forgotten that this is SAO!” Kirito strikes back with a Sword Skill and surprises Leafa causing her to get knocked down to the ground in which Kirito trips and falls on her causing him to close his eyes. Kirito grabs something and he says, “Ouch! Sorry, Sugu! Are you okay? What’s with this soft texture?” When Kirito opens his eyes, he yelps to find one of his hands on Leafa’s chest area!

 

Leafa shouts out, “Big brother! Watch where you have your hands!”

 

Kirito yells out, blushing and very nervously, “Yipe! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!” Kirito leaps to his feet and he asks, nervously, “Um, you have grown bigger since I last saw you, huh?”

 

Leafa yells out, irritated, “You are so nasty, big brother, you ecchi!”

 

Kirito says, “I’m so sorry!”

 

Usagi says, “You should be sorry, Kirito.” Kirito looks to see Usagi, with her arms crossed and an irritated look on her face, and she says, annoyed, “Touching your sister’s chest like that? You and I are going to have a long talk with Asuna about this.”

 

Kirito panics and he shouts out, really nervous tone in his voice, “It was an accident! I surprised Sugu and I tripped on her! Really!”

 

Usagi responds, with a sly smirk, “Well, we will see what Asuna has to say when we talk with you.” Usagi starts to walk away and Kirito, in a pure panic, tries to catch her, but Usagi dodges Kirito’s attempts to capture her and sticks out her tongue playfully as Kirito tries to prevent her from telling about this incident to his in-game wife.

 

Mamoru and Leafa give a confused and nervous look at this and Mamoru says, with a comment, “They really are like brother and sister.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “Yeah.” Just then both Mamoru and Leafa get a ‘vision’ of Princess Serenity with another blond haired princess with a rainbow Milky Way sigil under a golden crescent moon sigil on her forehead and a young teen male with them welding the same swords that Kirito is welding, Elucidator and Dark Repulser, causing them to gasp and wonder what was that ‘vision’.

 

December 15, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

In the grassy field, Usagi, Kirito, and Sinon are together in the field as Sinon is training with a dagger.

 

Kirito says, “That’s good. With a little more practice, you’ll be ready for real battle.”

 

Sinon asks, with a deep stare, “A little more? You should tell me how much more.”

 

Kirito says, “Repetition action is basic. You’ll have to do it one hundred more times.”

 

Sinon asks, shocked, “One hundred more times?”

 

Kirito says, “Basic weapon handling needs practice and Sword Skills have a recovery time. You can’t finish anything by that.”

 

Usagi says, “I hate to admit it, but Kirito has a point. This isn’t a game, Sinon. It is a battle for survival here. Many good people died believing that SAO was like other MMO games.”

 

Sinon says, “There are a lot of steps to your training.”

 

Sinon continues to train and Kirito tells Usagi, “She has gotten better and she is absorbing it quite quickly.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, she is amazing.”

 

Kirito says, “However, she has trained for a while and she isn’t used to the weapon. Maybe the dagger isn’t the best choice for her.” Sinon then stops and they look to see her fall to the ground.

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “Sinon?”

 

They run over and Kirito asks, “Sinon, are you all right?” Kirito then puts his hands on her shoulder and Sinon then screams out causing Kirito to fall back. Kirito yells out, “Don’t raise your voice like that! You startled me!”

 

Sinon responds, with a blush on her cheeks and annoyed tone, “You…You touched me somewhere!”

 

Kirito says, “I was concerned when you fell down, Sinon!”

 

Sinon asks, “You didn’t do that on purpose?”

 

Usagi tells Sinon, “Kirito wouldn’t do that, Sinon.” Usagi thinks in her mind, “Especially not with Asuna.”

 

Sinon says, “I’m angry at Kirito since he is too honest.”

 

Usagi gives a confused look and Kirito says, “Anyway, let’s take a break. You can’t stand since you are too tired.” Kirito and Sinon relax against a stone wall and Sinon then falls asleep in which she starts to lean on Kirito. Kirito asks, surprised, “Sinon?”

 

Usagi says, in a whisper, “Quiet, Kirito. She is taking a nap!”

 

Kirito whispers back, “Yes, but she is lying on me.”

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “I won’t tell Asuna.”

 

Kirito whispers, “That makes me feel so much better Usagi.”

 

Usagi giggles and Sinon then mumbles out, “Who…Who are you?”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “Sinon?”

 

Sinon mumbles out, sleepily, “So, that’s…No, I don’t want to… see it…”

 

Kirito whispers, “It sounds like she is dreaming and it doesn’t sound good.”

 

Sinon mumbles out, nervously and sleepily, “What…What can I do… Somebody…” Sinon then wakes up and looks around.

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Morning, Sinon.”

 

Usagi asks, concerned tone in her voice, “Are you okay?”

 

Sinon looks around and she asks, “When I was asleep, you didn’t do anything weird right?”

 

Kirito sweat drops, Usagi gives a giggle, and Kirito yells out, “No, I didn’t do anything!”

 

Sinon says, “That’s good.” Usagi, Kirito, and Sinon decide to go back into town and while Usagi and Kirito are concerned about that dream that Sinon had, they decide to keep it to themselves for the time being.

 

December 15, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Later that day, Usagi is with Mamoru and the Sailor Scouts explaining about the safe zone to Dai and Akari.

 

Akari says, “Okay, you can’t be hurt in the towns since they are safe zones, huh? It sounds similar to ALO.”

 

Mizuno says, “It is Akari, but it is different in which there are no ‘races’ in SAO. All players are human and they are all protected in the safe area.”

 

Usagi says, a bit nervously, “And while you can’t lose health in a ‘safe zone’, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get hurt.”

 

Dai asks, “What do you mean?”

 

Usagi scratches her head and she then asks, “Hey, Pyro! Could you come here for a minute?”

 

Hino asks, coming over, “What is it, Meatball Head?” Usagi then performs Embracer, the one hit Martial Arts Sword Skill combo, on Hino and Arc Sofia’s protection field protects Hino, but an ‘explosion’ of violent light happens as Hino gets knocked to the ground in which she yells out, annoyed, “What was that for?!”

 

Usagi tells Dai, “That’s what. The town’s ‘protection field’ will protect your HP from getting depleted, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t get knocked down on your butt from an attack. Also, since you aren’t really getting ‘damaged’, the player that attacked you won’t be considered a criminal player.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “I see, Usagi.”

Usagi tells Hino, with a smile, “Thanks for the help, Pyro.”

Hino yells out, annoyed, “And why was I made to be the practice dummy?!”

 

Usagi retorts, with a smirk, “You really want me to answer that?”

 

Hino tells Usagi, annoyed tone in her voice, “When we get back to reality and you are healthy again, I’m going to so light up your butt, Meatball Head!”

 

Minako tells Usagi, “Hino is going to remember this, girlfriend.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Don’t remind me, Mina-chan.” The group then sees Silica and Pina walking by and Usagi yells out, “Hey, Silica!”

 

Silica stops and she looks to see Usagi and the group with her coming towards her in which she says, “Hello, Usagi!”

 

Usagi asks Silica, “How are you doing today?”

 

Silica says, with a smile, “I’m okay, Usagi. I heard about your latest victory against the latest boss.”

 

Usagi tells Silica, “Sorry we couldn’t take you along Silica.”

 

Silica says, with a smile, “It’s all right. I’m not ready for a boss and I use dagger skills which are thrust type attacks in which the boss is weak against slash type attacks like you and Kirito use with your swords.”

 

Just then a male voice says, “That’s right, Silica.” Everyone looks to see Kirito and Takashi coming towards them.

 

Minako says, with a smile, “Hey, Takashi!”

 

Takashi says, “Hey, Minako.”

 

Dai says, “Hey, bud!”

 

Akari asks, “Where are the others?”

 

Takashi says, “Our guild is taking it easy to prepare to explore the next floor. That boss fight was a real doozy.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “No joke, bro.”

 

Silica says, “Hello, Kirito!”

 

Kirito says, “Hello, Silica. Anyway, I was wondering about Pina.”

 

Silica says, “Pina has become more energetic than before!”

 

Pina gives an energetic ‘kyu’ in reply and Minako says, “Maybe Pina is going to grow or evolve or something like that.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not sure about that Minako, but then again, who really knows. Anyway, Pina has matured nicely and looks more like an adult.”

 

Pina ‘kyu’ happily in front of everyone and Silica says, with a happy smile and sigh, “Oh, Pina, it’s embarrassing. Don’t act so happy in front of Kirito and the others.” Silica then says, “Pina is so full of high spirits since the last adventure.”

 

Usagi says, “Not surprising, Silica. With Pina becoming a powerful shield.”

 

Silica says, with a nod, “Pina’s defense power has grown incredibly since then, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, “So, does that mean that eating the teleport crystal has given Pina a new ability?”

 

Kirito says, “It seems so, Usagi.”

 

Silica says, “I’ve been talking over my tamer friends via messaging and they mentioned that tamed monsters can grow stronger with special foods for them.”

 

Mizuno says, “So, the teleport crystal was like a special food for Pina, but I’m not sure about the relation between a crystal made for teleporting and Pina’s defensive stat increase.”

 

Silica says, “They said that different foods have different effects for different tamed monsters.”

 

Mizuno says, “Well, it makes sense. The teleport crystal could also be special food for other tamed monsters and if they ate it, it could have a different effect than what happened to Pina.”

 

Silica says, with a nod, “Yes, Mizuno-san.”

 

Usagi asks, “Are there different types of food?”

 

Silica says, with a nod, “Yes, Usagi. There are many types of food for tamed monsters like Pina.”

 

Kirito tells Silica, “There are different types of food that could help power up, Pina. Do you have any information on them?”

 

Silica says, with a smile, “I’m still investigating and I’m actually going to meet with Luca since she is a beast tamer like I am. I’ll let you and Usagi know as soon as I find something.”

 

Kirito says, “Please do. I’m curious to see how Pina can grow.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Same here, Silica. I think that it was pretty interesting on what Pina did now that we are out of danger.”

 

Silica says, “I can’t wait Usagi!” Silica then takes her leave with Pina as she prepares to meet with Luca and try to find information on special food that will make Pina stronger.

 

Minako says, “It is just like ALO.”

 

Usagi asks, “So, it is exactly the same?”

 

Minako says, with a nod, “Yep! In ALO, I’m a member of the Cait Sith, a fairy race that’s expert in taming monsters, and while we are good at that, we have to work hard with our partners to get them stronger and we need to feed them special foods to make them strong.”

Akari says, “But they just don’t tame small monsters like Silica-san’s small dragon, they have large dragons that they ride!”

 

Takashi, Kirito, and Usagi are shocked and Takashi says, stunned, “No way!”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “Better believe it, buddy.”

 

Akari says, “Originally, I wanted to be a Cat Sith since it reminded me of Gatomon in a way, but I settled for being an Undine.”

 

Takashi asks, “Why is that?”

 

Akari says, with a blush, “Dai-kun thought that I looked good in blue.”

 

Dai blushes and Takashi asks, with a smirk, “Oh, really?”

 

Dai yells out, nervously, “Hey! It isn’t like that!”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, I’m going to help Lisbeth improve her skills and regain her blacksmithing ability. She has been quite nervously lately.”

 

Usagi asks, “Is Liz okay?”

 

Kirito says, “I’m going to go see. If anything comes up, I’ll message you.”

 

Usagi responds, “You had better buster.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Later, Usagi.” Usagi nods her head as Kirito takes off to Lisbeth’s smith shop in Arc Sofia.

 

Makoto tells Usagi, “He is a good friend.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, he is.”

 

Haruka says, “You are going to need good and strong friends like that to survive this world.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “That’s for sure.”

 

Takashi says, nodding his head, “No kidding.”

 

Usagi asks Mizuno, “Anyway, you wanted me to take you to the Hollow Area Control and see if you can learn anything.”

 

Mizuno says, with a nod, “Yes. I was hoping to figure out more about what that Hollow Area could be in relation to the rest of Aincard and figure out if it could be related to the ‘glitches’ as well as what happened with Sinon, Dai, and Akari.”

 

Tomoe asks, “Didn’t they say that they were linked to special Medicuboids which what our pods are based off of?”

 

Mizuno says, “True, but it is also possible that their minds were not only Full-Dived into the ‘cyber world’, they were also ‘downloaded’ possibly out of fear of possible memory loss or otherwise due to brain damage before their bodies could be healed.”

 

Akari says, “That’s working that our bodies are still ‘intact’.”

 

Takashi tells Akari, “Hey, there is none of that Kari.”

 

Minako asks, “Is it really possible to download someone’s mind into ‘cyber universe’?”

 

Mizuno says, “Well, theoretically, it is possible. Our brains are more or less ‘biological computers’ and they are more efficient than most computers in which our memories and otherwise are electrical impulses which can be transformed into data, Mina-chan. However, until I know the specifics of their specialized Medicuboids, I don’t really know if Dai’s and Akari’s minds were downloaded into the ‘cyber universe’.”

 

Setsuna says, “Anyway, right now, our main focus should be the situation, here, in SAO. It seems like SAO is stable for the moment, but we aren’t sure how long that will last which is the reason that we are trying to complete the game as fast as possible, however, if the ‘Hollow Area’ is some kind of secret ‘administrative area’, there might be a way to log everyone out of SAO without the need to complete the game if the ‘glitches’ haven’t effected the ‘log out’ as well.”

 

Mizuno says, “There might be some clues in the ‘control zone’ of the Hollow Area, but since only Usagi, Kirito, Dai, and Akari can go to the Hollow Area, one of us have to be in their party to go with them and they can only take one person at a time.”

 

Akari says, “Oh, yeah. Takashi, could you come along with either Dai or I? We need to see if we can take people into the Hollow Area too.”

 

Takashi says, with a grin, “No problem, but I think that I had better go with Dai since he may not like me going with you, Kari.”

 

Akari glares at Dai, “Dai-kun…”

 

Dai says, with a blush, “Okay! Okay! He can go with you!” Plenty of the others giggle and Akari kisses Dai on the cheek causing him to blush with Takashi to smirk at him.

 

December 16, 2024, Floor 79, Field

 

On Floor 79, in the fields outside of Aiotel, the main town of Floor 79, Kirito, Asuna, Usagi, Mamoru, Makoto, Tomoe, Dai, Akari, and Taichi are assembled together as they look over the slope that leads to a bridge that leads into a building complex of some kind.

 

Asuna says, “Wow, what a view.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I’ll say, Asuna.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, let’s proceed carefully.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “We aren’t sure what kind of dangers are out there.”

 

A party of three KOB members walk by and one of them asks, “Will you be all right, Lady Asuna?”

 

Asuna responds, “I’m fine with Usagi and Kirito-kun. Now, you be careful. If the situation gets serious, please use a teleport crystal and return back to Arc Sofia.”

 

The leader of the three KOB responds, “Of course.”

 

Soon enough, our group of heroes and heroines head out and Akari tells Taichi, “You didn’t have to come along, big brother.”

 

Taichi tells Akari, “Of course I do, Kari! You are my sister after all!”

 

Akari responds, “I have Dai-kun with me and we have been together for nearly two years in ALO and Rainbow Gardens!”

 

Makoto says, with a grin, “That’s what your brother is worried about.”

 

Akari says, with a sigh, “Tai, I’m not a little girl anymore.”

 

Taichi says, with a smile, “I’m a big brother. It is what we do.” Akari groans as Asuna giggles at this and the large group tackle plenty of Death Stinger and Seiren enemies in which they enter an underground dungeon where they find a pool of water in their path.

 

Usagi says, “That could be trouble.”

 

Dai says, “It is just a pool of water.”

 

Mamoru says, “It could be a water trap.”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s test it out.”

Kirito goes over to the water and Asuna says, shocked, “Kirito-kun!” Kirito puts his foot into the water and collapses like a sack of potatoes in which the others quickly pull him away to make sure that he doesn’t fall in.

 

Usagi yells out, annoyed, “What were you thinking?”

 

Kirito says, “I had to try.”

 

Asuna says, with a sigh, “Geez, Kirito-kun.”

 

Mamoru says, “There must be something that can deactivate the trap.”

 

Makoto asks, pointing to a crystal on the floor, “What about that?” The group goes over and activates the crystal in which the water drains away revealing a stairway and passageway deeper into the dungeon area.

 

Dai says, “That did it.”

 

Akari says, “That means that we need to use those switches to get rid of the water traps.”

 

Taichi says, pointing down the stairs, “Yeah, but it still isn’t going to be easy.” Everyone looks to see large crab-like enemies, Fresh Crab and Father Crab, a huge version of the Fresh Crab, which are close to the size of humans, in the passageway down the stairs.

 

Makoto says, “Wow! Those are some big crabs!”

 

Dai says, drawing two swords, “Bigger doesn’t mean better.”

 

Asuna says, “They are probably going to attack us at once since they are so close together.”

 

Usagi says, “They always do, Asuna. We’re going to have to split up and take care of them.”

 

Kirito says, “Right, Usagi. You, Dai, and I will take care of the Father Crab and everyone else will take care of the other two.” The others nods their heads in unison and they quickly run down in which they are attacked by the Father Crab and two Fresh Crabs at the same time, but working together, they managed to take out without too much trouble through Usagi yelps as she nearly gets pinched in the cheeks by the Father Crab.

 

Usagi says, “That was close.”

 

Mamoru asks, “Are you okay?”

 

Kirito says, “Don’t worry, Mamoru. Usagi have been in closer ‘pinches’ than that.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Very funny, Kirito.”

 

Asuna says, shaking her head, “Bad Kirito-kun.” Kirito gives an annoyed look and they quickly clear out the hallways along the side, getting a few treasure chests, and they exit out in which they find themselves in on outside area with a small grassy slope leading to another underground dungeon, but they saw a small legion of Elder Lizardman.

 

Kirito looks over to one side and he says, “We may have trouble. There is a powerful enemy over there.”

 

Taichi asks, “How strong?”

 

Kirito says, “Very high level. It might be close to a field boss.”

 

Asuna says, “We had better be careful then.”

 

Usagi looks in another direction and she shouts out, “Uh oh! There are a group of players over there! They are surrounded!” The group looks to see a group of three players surrounded by Elder Lizardman.

 

Dai yells out, drawing his swords, “Well, what are we waiting for?” Soon after, Dai races down and the others race down with him in which they take care of some Elder Lizardman along the way and when they get to the players, they manage to dispel with the Elder Lizardman as fast as possible.

 

When they are done, Usagi asks, “Are you okay?”

 

One of the players, a female with violet hair, responds, “Yes, we are. Thank you.”

 

Asuna says, “We are just glad that you are okay.”

 

The violet haired female player says, looking at Kirito and Usagi, “Ah, Kirito, the Black Swordsman, and the White Valkyrie, too. We’re glad that you are here. We have been trying to defeat the enemies around here, level up, and move on, but as you just saw, we aren’t doing so well. We hope that you and your group can help us.”

 

Usagi says, “Sure.”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head in agreement, “We would be glad to help fellow players.”

 

Taichi says, “No joke.”

 

The violet haired female player responds, “Thank you.” Soon enough, our group assists the group of three players in battles against a lot of Elder Lizardmen while it seemed like the glowing armored Lizardman type monster, the one that Kirito was looking at earlier, is just pacing around.

 

Tomoe asks, “Why isn’t that monster attacking us?”

 

Makoto tells Tomoe, “Remember, it is just a computer program, Tomoe.”

 

Kirito says, “But we can’t know what kind of action that will set off its attack pattern, so, keep a close eye on it.” They continue on, but at one point, the powerful monster, the Zain Lizardman, spins on its heels and aim an attack on Usagi.

 

Mamoru sees this and he yells out, “Look out!” Mamoru tackles Usagi down, but gets slashed in the back in the process giving him some damage to his HP, but not even close to critical.

 

Usagi asks, shocked, “Are you okay?”

 

Mamoru responds, “I’m fine, Meatball Head. A minor scratch and I don’t feel a thing.” Usagi gasps as she grabs Mamoru by the shoulders and rolls them out of the way of the attack from the Zain Lizardman.

 

Dai shouts out, strongly, “Hey, lizard lips!” Dai then strikes the Zain Lizardman in the cheek with a Rage Spike causing it to stumble back.

 

Kirito tells Asuna, “Asuna, take some of our group and help the other players! I’m going to help Usagi!”

 

Asuna responds, with a nod, “Right, Kirito-kun!”

 

Akari tells Taichi, “I’m going to help Dai-kun, Tai!” Taichi gives a look of reluctance and she yells out, “I’ll be fine, Tai! Trust me!” Taichi gives a nod of his head as he prepares to help Asuna while Akari goes over to assist Kirito and Dai against the Zain Lizardman. Mamoru is drinking a potion to restore his health while Usagi has her swords out to make sure that no other monsters ‘pop up’ to attack Mamoru while he is restoring his health.

 

Dai leaps over a swing attack from the Zain Lizardman, who is welding a two handed axe, and shouts out, “Duel Cross!” Dai then slashes Zain Lizardman with one horizontal slash and then a vertical slash and he then slashes him vertical and then horizontally. Zain Lizardman attempts to strike Dai, but its axe only hits Akari’s shield.

 

Kirito says, “Good work, Akari! Switch now!” Akari nods her head and she spin around to allow Kirito to make his attack on Zain Lizardman in which he yells out, “Inferno Raid!” Kirito then comes in with a powerful 9 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo and causing significant damage, but while Kirito suffers post motion delay from using his skill, the Zain Lizardman is prepared for another assault, however, an assault from a Vorpal Strike, a one hit heavy strike One-Handed Sword Skill combo, from Dai and a Quadruple Pain, a 4 hit Rapier Sword Skill combo from Akari put a stop to those plans, allowing Kirito the time to recover and Usagi to come in with a Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo to finish off the Zain Lizardman.

 

Dai says, with a grin, “Nice!”

 

Akari says to Usagi, “You are incredible, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a nervous smile, “It was nothing.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Humble as usual, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, with a glare, “And what’s that supposed to mean Kirito?”

 

Mamoru says, “We can joke around later, love. The others are going to need help.” Usagi nods in agreement in which she, Dai, Akari, Kirito, and Mamoru assist the others in helping the three players finish off the Lizardmen for the moment.

 

The violet haired female player says, “Thank you for your help. We can take care of it from here.”

 

Asuna asks, “Are you sure?”

 

The violet haired female player responds, “Yes, we have leveled up. We can take care of things from here.”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, but if things get bad, don’t hesitate to use teleport crystals to return to town.”

 

The violet haired female replies, “Thanks, Kirito-san.” Afterwards, our group head down to the underground area and they look over to a door on the side.

 

Taichi says, “Locked.”

 

Kirito says, “And by the direction, this is the way to the maze area of the dungeon.”

 

Tomoe says, “There has to be a switch for us to open the door.”

 

Usagi says, pointing to a water filled passageway, “And I’ve got a feel that’s where we are going to find it.”

 

Mamoru says, “Like the last passageway, there has to be a switch to drain the water.”

 

Kirito says, “Mamoru is right. We need to find it.” The group then heads across the hallway where they find a switch in front of another water filled passageway in which when they activate the switch, the water in front of them drains away in which Makoto goes back to examine the previous room and she comes back.

 

Makoto says, “The water is still there.”

 

Akari says, “I guess that it only drains the water from here. It could mean that there is another switch.”

 

Taichi says, “Kari is right. Let’s keep going.” The group advances on and they find another switch in which they activate causing them to hear water drain.

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “That sound encouraging.”

 

Asuna says, “Let’s head back everyone.” The group then ventures back to the room with the door where they find the passageway that was water filled is now completely clear.

 

Makoto says, with a grin, “That did it!”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s get going, but be careful everyone.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “Right, Kirito-kun.” Soon after, the group ventures into passageway which proved to be a maze in which they venture into rooms where they fought more Lizardmen monsters and raid a few treasure chests. However, they find an area with another switch.

 

Tomoe asks, pointing to the switch in front of them, “Is that it?”

 

Usagi says, “Let’s find out.” Usagi activates the switch and then everyone hears what sounds like a door opening.

 

Dai says, with a grin, “Finally!”

 

Taichi says, “At least our worries are over for the moment.” But then everyone hears a female scream ring through the hallways of the dungeon.

 

Akari says, “I think that you spoke too soon.”

 

Asuna says, seriously, “Someone is in trouble!”

 

Taichi says, annoyed, “Me and my big mouth.”

 

Kirito says, “It’s back at the entrance where we first came in!”

 

Makoto yells out, “Well, what are we waiting for?!” Soon enough, our group rushes back down the hallway to the entrance area where the door that was locked is wide open and they see a brown haired female player lying down in front of a huge dark green crab monster.

 

Usagi shouts out, concerned, “Are you all right?”

 

The female player says, weakly, “Be careful… poison…”

 

Kirito says, seriously, “She has been poisoned! She is losing a good amount of HP and fast! We need to get her an antidote crystal!”

 

Mamoru says, “End this in one strike!”

 

Dai says, with a serious tone, “You got it!” Everyone then attacks the enemy, called a Huge Poison Crab, and it quickly shatters into hundreds of data polygons. Soon after, they use an antidote crystal on the female player.

 

Usagi helps the female player to her feet and she asks, “Are you okay?”

 

The female player says, with a nod, “Yes, somehow I am.” After introducing herself as Natsuko, she says, “Thank you. I’m saved. While the rest of my team was outside, I came into this dungeon in which I entered this room. This huge crab monster appeared and I wasn’t prepared in which you saw what happened.”

 

Taichi says, “The room was originally locked. You must have come in when we just unlocked the room.”

 

Kirito says, “Sorry about that.”

 

Natsuko responds, “No problem. You managed to save me after all. Anyway, my teammates must be waiting for me. I had better head back and get new supplies.”

 

Mamoru says, “Good idea.” Soon after, Natsuko takes off to rejoin her team and return to town.

 

Usagi says, “We have got to be more careful when we open doors.”

 

Makoto tells Usagi, “We didn’t know that would happen.”

 

Kirito says, “We know, but death in here is death in real life. Any action that we take could result in something horrible for another player.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “We always have to take that into consideration.”

 

Mamoru says, nodding his head, “That’s understandable.”

 

Just then the door in front of them opens and Tomoe says, “The door opened!”

 

Taichi says, “That must be the entrance into the maze area of the dungeon.”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, everyone. We need to be careful in our search for the boss’ lair.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head, “Yeah, the higher we go, the tougher than the monsters.” The group ventures through the door and into the maze area of the dungeon area of Floor 79 where they face more Father Crab, Fresh Crab, and Lizardman type monsters and raid some treasure chests along the way. Soon enough, they find themselves looking down a familiar hallway.

 

Taichi says, “This looks oddly familiar.”

 

Makoto asks Usagi, “Are you getting that same ‘feeling’ Usagi-chan?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, Mako-chan.”

 

Kirito says, “A different ‘feel’ than the rest of the floor.”

 

Asuna says, “The boss’ room must be up ahead.”

 

Dai says, seriously, “Let’s find out.” The group then ventures down the hallway until they reach a familiar sight in SAO: The large door that leads into the room containing the boss of the floor, the powerful monster blocking the ability to the players to advance onto freedom from the death game.

 

Tomoe asks, “Is this it?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, Firefly-chan. This is the room containing the boss for this floor.”

 

Taichi says, “We had better set the Corridor Crystal and head back to inform the others.”

 

Akari says, “I’ve got a crystal.”

 

Usagi says, “I’ll give you a hand.”

 

Akari says, with a plain tone, “Thank you, Usagi.” As Usagi and Akari prepare to set the Corridor Crystal for when the boss raid team is assembled for the battle against the boss monster of Floor 79, they can travel to just outside of the boss room right away without having to go through the whole dungeon again and use their full strength for the battle.

 

December 16, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Returning to Arc Sofia, our group is assembled in the plaza containing the teleport gate in which Dai, Akari, and Taichi prepare to take off.

 

Taichi says, “I’m going to report back to my friends and guild about us finding the boss room.”

 

Kirito says, “No problem, Taichi.”

 

Asuna says, “We’re glad for your help.”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “No problem.”

 

Akari says, “We’ll see you later.” Soon after, Dai, Akari, and Taichi head off to the area of town where the Digital Knights are staying to report to them on what happened during their exploration of Floor 79.

 

Makoto says, “Man! What a day!”

 

Tomoe says, “Well, even though we can’t get physically tired, we can still get mentally exhausted. We learned that during our ventures in ALO.”

 

Kirito says, “And that mental strain can become stronger by using your Sword Skills, so, you need to watch yourself. If you get yourself mentally exhausted, you could be in danger and worse if you are solo in a dungeon.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Says that ‘infamous Black Swordsman’, Kirito.”

 

Kirito retorts, with a grin, “The ‘famous White Valkyrie’ shouldn’t be calling the kettle black, Usagi.”

 

Usagi gives a nervous winch and Makoto says, with a giggle, “It looks like that he got you, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, annoyed, “Thanks a lot, Mako-chan.” Usagi then notices Asuna giggle and she yells out, “Asuna!”

 

Asuna tells Usagi, with a smile, “Kirito-kun does have a point, Usagi-chan.”

 

Usagi responds, with a smirk, “Oh, really? Maybe I should remind Mamoru-kun and my girls about how I first saved your life, Asuna.”

 

Asuna gives a nervous winch and Kirito says, with a smile, “She does have a point, Asuna.”

 

Asuna says, with a blush of embarrassment, “Kirito-kun!”

 

Kirito says, “I’m just saying that you shouldn’t be criticizing us about our ‘crazy stunts’ when you have done such things too yourself.”

 

Asuna says, embarrassed, “I was a different person then!”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Yeah, you were.” Usagi then sighs and she says, “I guess that we, all, were back then.” Usagi takes a deep breath and she says, “We’re not the same people that we were when we started the game.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “You’re right, Usagi.”

 

Mamoru tells Usagi, “You may have changed, but deep down, you are still kind and caring Meatball Head that I know and love.” Usagi smiles warmly at Mamoru and kisses him on the cheek.

 

Kirito says, “When we get back, it doesn’t mean that all this will be over and we can get on with our lives. Our bodies are going to be greatly weakened and we are going to need to regain the physical strength that we have lost here, but that’s not what’s worry you, is it? You are worried about adapting to life ‘back there’ after being here for so long.”

 

Asuna says, “I understand how you feel Usagi. We have been fighting so long and we have gotten used to this life, but I want to go back.”

 

Usagi says, “We need to go back, Asuna. There are just too many people that care for us for one thing.”

 

Makoto says, with a nod, “Yeah, girl! And so much more! You should have the choice to live your life the way that you wanted and Kayaba stole that from you! We’re here to help you take it back!”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I wish that you didn’t have risk your lives, but I’m glad that here. I’ve missed you all so much.”

 

Mamoru says, “I told you that I’m not going to let you go ever.” Usagi smiles warmly and lovingly at Mamoru and the group decides to head back to Agil’s inn/shop to rest and prepare for the venture ahead.

 

December 16, 2024, Unknown Area

 

Deep within the world of Sword Art Online, a dark figure looms and looks at a screen that displays the whole of Arc Sofia.

 

The dark figure says, in a dark sinister female voice, “You thought that you could trap me here, Kayaba? Well, with all of the negative emotions that you used for your prisoners, you gave me plenty of what I needed to get some ‘influence’ here and I will make sure that your precious ‘game’ becomes my ticket to power! And soon, you will pay along with your wretched niece…Sailor Moon!”

 

And that’s the chapter, everyone! By this time, it looks that there is something or someone waiting in the shadows and this ‘dark figure’ knows about the ‘connection’ between Kayaba and our Moon Princess, but what did this ‘dark figure’ meant by what she said? Well, you are going to have to read and find out and there are plenty of surprises to come, folks! Please read and review and tell me what you think! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!