Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ The Past Returns ( Chapter 8 )

We are in the next chapter and it seems like things are going down as they seem to be going down as usual for this story, but it could change at any moment, everyone! Trust me, there are going to be plenty of surprises coming forth in this story! However, you are going to need to read in order to find out what they are, everyone. Anyway, you must have been surprised to meet Leo and Luna from 5Ds season of Yu-Gi-Oh, huh? Well, don’t expect them to be the only members of that Yu-Gi-Oh season in this story, everyone!

 

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 8: The Past Returns

 

December 16, 2024, Yokohama North General Hospital

 

Inside of Yokohama North General Hospital, we see a doctor of early thirties with a small build and he looks to be slightly plump. He wears glasses and the hair on his shiny forehead is parted on one side. This doctor is facing none other than Yusei Fudo, age 25, champion Turbo Duelist of Neo Domino City, and son of the creator of the advanced Ener-D reactor.

 

The doctor tells Yusei, “I’m sorry, Fudo-san. I didn’t know who else to call.”

 

Yusei says, “It’s all right, Doctor Kurahashi. I can understand your situation. The results of early Medicuboid tests are perfect and this will soon revolutionize the medical field.”

 

The doctor, Doctor Kurahashi, responds, with a smile, “I’m not surprised that you would realize its worth, Fudo-san.”

 

Yusei says, “Anyway, I can understand why you only called on the government to help in your investigation though I don’t get why someone like me wasn’t called until now. This is serious and important.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “With what’s happening right now, in which you have personal involvement, this could cause the collapse of all Full-Dive technology despite all of the benefits to mankind that they will give.”

 

Yusei asks, “I know, but what about Mizuno-san and Meiou-san?”

Doctor Kurahashi says, “The government told me that they have gone off on an investigation to find the man that started that nightmare.”

 

Yusei says, “Kayaba.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “It has been over a month since they have left and right now, the third person, his sister, Tsukino-san, is focused only on her daughter right now.”

 

Yusei says, “Yes, I know. Before I learned this, I thought that Kayaba was a monster already, but to trap his own family shows me how monstrous he truly is.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “I was shocked to learn that you knew that Tsukino-san was the sister of Kayaba. You can understand why the government covered it up.”

 

Yusei says, “They are innocent people, but in their grief and sorrow, the family and friends of those that already died from this ‘death game’ won’t see it that way and despite them being completely innocent of Kayaba’s evil, they will just be ‘guilty by association’.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a sigh, “It is sad, but it is human nature despite it not being an excuse.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “Right, doctor. Anyway, I hope that the government will keep Serena-san under tight guard and you can be assured that only I know this secret. I made sure that my research was destroyed and that information remains in my head and my head alone. I hate to keep anything from my friends, but these are people’s lives on the line.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “Thank you, Fudo-san. Tsukino-san was a great help to develop the Medicuboid and she is a victim of her brother more than anything.”

 

Yusei says, “She and her daughter, doctor. They were betrayed by Kayaba like no tomorrow and if anyone deserves a happy ending, it is them.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a sigh, “Indeed. However, they don’t have much time. They can’t survive forever in their condition.”

 

Yusei says, “I know, but it seems like the only ones that can free those people from SAO are the people trapped in SAO themselves.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a sigh, “Yes, it seems so.”

 

Yusei asks Doctor Kurahashi, “Do you think that this has to do with SAO?”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “I dare hope not and I don’t see it possible. While the Medicuboid is based on the NervGear, much like the Amusphere, it is made for medical purposes and we had our own VRMMO specially prepared and made sure that the program is our own and has nothing of SAO in it.” Doctor Kurahashi says, with a sigh, “It was a test for the counseling system of our newest Medicuboid to help patients with horrible emotional and mental problems along with their physical condition. She was chosen because she suffered a major traumatic event as a child and felt that she was perfect for testing the counseling system.”

 

Yusei says, with a solemn tone, “I can see why. No child should have been forced into that situation. Personally, I think that if she let go of that gun, he would have killed her in cold blood on the spot.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “As do the witnesses and the police, Fudo-san. The woman that man was going to shoot was also carrying a child too.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “Yes, I know. I read the report. The damage was done and this poor girl was forever scarred.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “We had hoped that by perfecting the counseling system that we could help her and if it helps her, we can help not only her, but other cases like her.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “I can see, doctor. People that go through traumatic experiences like her can overcome such things and at least regain a good sense of a ‘regular life’.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “And now, this…”

 

Yusei says, “Based on what I can gather, there is coloration between what happened with her and SAO.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, “I was afraid of that, but how can you be so sure?”

 

Yusei responds, “You can’t let this leak onto into the public or it might cause another panic especially with those friends and family of the SAO victims that are still alive, but her ‘disappearance’ from the prototype medical VRMMO that you had set up happened shortly after a ‘malfunction’ happened inside of the SAO servers.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, shocked, “What?”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “It’s true. And we found that it was someone tampering with them, but the game is still running and the surviving people are still alive, so far, however, before Ami-san left with Trista-san on her investigation to find Kayaba himself, she managed to find out that there has been tampering with the router of the SAO servers.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, shocked, “Do you know who did this?!”

 

Yusei responds, “No, we don’t. However, since RECT and its Full-Dive division, RECT Progress, the creators of the VRMMO for the Amusphere, Alfheim Online, is in control of SAO servers since Argus collapsed after this nightmare started, there is an investigation of them going on as we speak, but there is no progress on that front so far. But I find it suspicious that they were able to get out a VRMMO so fast, however, the solution was quite obvious.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “Alfheim Online is largely based on Sword Art Online.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “Most likely. With Argus’ technology and resources under their control, it isn’t a stretch to believe that RECT Progress used the knowledge of the development of Sword Art Online to create Alfheim Online through making sure that it is ‘safer’, but something about them or should I say the head of RECT Progress, Sugou-san, doesn’t make my skin crawl.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “He seems to be a good person and he is second only to Kayaba when it came to the Full-Dive.”

 

Yusei says, “That’s what worries me doctor.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “I can understand why you feel that way, but you didn’t feel that way with Tsukino-san.”

 

Yusei says, “That’s because I can tell her pure and gentle nature. I can tell that Sugou-san is using some kind of persona.” Doctor Kurahashi’s eyes widen and Yusei says, “However, right now, we have to worry about her.” Yusei and Doctor Kurahashi look through a large glass window where they see a young teen girl connected to a Medicuboid with IV wires and motioning equipment to her.

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “Yes, I know. Now, you said that someone was tampering with the SAO servers.”

 

Yusei says, “Not the servers directly. We may know what could happen if the servers directly are tampered with. No, someone was tampering with the router where all of the ‘information’ goes into the game and comes out of the game. It is also the ‘route’ that the players’ minds have to take when they are coming out of the game.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, “Are you saying that someone wanted access the players?”

 

Yusei says, “It is only a theory, but if it is true, I don’t want to think about why, doctor. I think that this tampering has caused a ‘malfunction’ in the programming of SAO and it may have registered this Medicuboid as a NervGear and you know what that could mean.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, shocked, “No, you can’t mean…!!”

 

Yusei tells Doctor Kurahashi, displaying some files, “I looked over the data for that day and someone or something tapped into your network on the day that Asada-san or basically, her mind, vanished from your prototype medical VRMMO. It happened shortly after the registered ‘glitch’ in SAO that I can be sure. With the programming of the game slightly ‘malfunction’ it could be possible that system that runs SAO mistook the Medicuboid as a NervGear and you are probably realizing what I’m getting on with this.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, shocked, “I had my theories, but I didn’t think that it was possible.” Doctor Kurahashi says, concerned, “Oh no, it could mean…!!”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “That ‘she’ is in danger since she is using a Medicuboid too. However, I think that the reason that she wasn’t taken is that she has been in her Medicuboid for a long time and it has been running while Asada-san just logged in, so, it is possible that the server might have mistook it as logging in with a NervGear, but this is only a theory and I can’t be sure that your other patient isn’t as risk which is why I’m stalling firewall protection programs to keep her safe. She may be terminally ill, but she doesn’t deserve to be forced to fight for the last days and years of her life in which there is always a chance for survival until the very last moment.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a nod, “I agree, Fudo-san.” Doctor Kurahashi says, “And the reason why the people haven’t learned about that ‘glitch’ is pretty obvious.”

 

Yusei says, “Yeah, I know. This is already leaving a panic and while the death rate has greatly slowed down, there are still people dying in this horror that Kayaba created. The day of the ‘glitch’, November Seventh, fourteen people died and while there doesn’t seem to have been any deaths for a month, deaths didn’t happen every single day.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a nod, “I know, Fudo-san. However, one can only hope that they have found a way to prevent any more deaths until they can get out of there.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “One can only hope, doctor.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “I know that you are personally involved in all this, but I won’t go into it.”

 

Yusei says, with a nod, “Thank you, doctor.” Yusei says, with a low tone, “They came back for a reunion and it was supposed to be a happy time, but instead, it turned into a nightmare that has gone on for two long years. Their parents are barely hanging on by a thread.” Yusei asks Doctor Kurahashi, “What about her mother?”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, with a sigh, “Her mother is in a complete panic. As you may have read, Asada-san’s father died when she was just two, but her mother witnessed the death of her husband that day in that horrible accident and it has left her emotionally fragile. What happened to her daughter when she was just eleven made her more concerned than ever before and what happened to her now is close to sending her to the edge, Fudo-san. She already lost her husband, her daughter is forever emotionally scarred and suffering, and now, she may lose her forever. If that happens…”

 

Yusei tells Doctor Kurahashi, “Let’s not think about that possibility, doctor.”

 

Just then there is a knock on the door and a female voice calls out, “Doctor?”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, “Yes, what is it?”

 

The female voice says, a bit nervously, “Kikuoka-dono from Internal Affairs to see you and Fudo-san, doctor.”

 

Doctor Kurahashi says, “Send him in.” Soon after, a female nurse comes through the door escorting the head of the Sword Art Online Case Victims Rescue Force, Seijirou Kikuoka, and Luke and Datamon into the room in which the nurse closes the door behind her.

 

Yusei asks, looking at Datamon, “Hey, isn’t that one of those creatures made of digital information: A Digimon?”

 

Datamon responds, a bit annoyed, “I am more than just a ‘creature’, human. However, your observation is correct. I am Datamon and this is my intelligent human partner, Luke.”

 

Seijirou says, “This young man is son to one of the members of the team that you worked with to create the Amusphere, Yusei-san. He actually helped his father as an advisor.”

 

Yusei asks, amazed, “Really?”

 

Doctor Kurahashi asks, “Why he is with you?”

 

Luke says, with a sigh, “I just found out about this.” Luke says, looking into the room, “So, this is Shino Asada-san, huh? I can’t believe that there is another one.”

 

There are gasps from Yusei and Doctor Kurahashi and Yusei asks, “What do you mean by another one?”

 

Seijirou says, with a plain tone, “I just learned this information recently, but the Medicuboids here aren’t the only ones out there, Fudo-san.”

 

Luke says, with a plain tone, “I’m here because I think that we can help each other. I have read the information about Asada-san and I think that she is the third new victim of Sword Art Online even though she wasn’t trapped in the game when it started.”

 

There are widening eyes from Yusei and Doctor Kurahashi and Yusei says, with a serious tone, “Something tells me that we have much to talk about Luke-san.” Luke nods his head in agreement as all of them, human and Digimon, prepare to discuss this situation in front of them.

 

December 16, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Returning to the world of SAO, it is the evening hours as Kirito steps out into the paved walkways of Arc Sofia where he finds Usagi looking up into the night’s sky.

 

Kirito asks Usagi, “What are you doing out here?”

 

Usagi responds, “Just woke up.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m surprised since you tend to sleep like a log.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, with a snort, “Thanks a lot.” Usagi asks Kirito, “What are you doing awake?”

 

Kirito says, “Same as you. I decided to come out and practice.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “That’s where we differ Kirito. I just needed to walk to clear my head.”

 

Kirito asks Usagi, “Worried about the boss raid tomorrow?”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Yeah. I mean that we managed to take out three bosses without losing a person is good, but we managed to defeat the boss monsters of floors sixty-eight through seventy-three in the same manner, however, there was The Gleameyes…”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yeah, I know. What happened there was exactly as Klein said: It wasn’t a boss fight, it was suicide.”

 

Usagi says, “I guess that I’m…scared.”

 

Kirito says, “Since your friends and the man that you loved came here to save you, you are worried that you might lose them.”

 

Usagi asks, with a sigh, “Am I really that obvious?”

Kirito responds, with a smirk, “Do you really want me to answer that Usagi?”

 

Usagi glares at Kirito and Kirito then asks, pointing, “Is that Sinon?” Usagi looks at where Kirito is looking and they see Sinon walking up.

 

Sinon asks, “Huh? What are you doing?”

 

Kirito says, “We couldn’t sleep, so, we came from some air.”

 

Soon after, the three of them sit down in a bench that’s nearby and Usagi asks, “What’s wrong, Sinon? Couldn’t sleep?”

 

Sinon responds, “I had a bad dream…an old dream.”

 

Kirito asks, “About the past?”

 

Sinon replies, “Maybe I had forgot about it. Anyway, due to the dream, I remember now.”

 

Usagi asks, “Remember? Wait! You mean you remember who you really are? You got your memories back?”

 

Sinon responds, with a nod, “Yes, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “That’s great!”

 

Sinon says, “Not for me.”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “What do you mean Sinon?”

 

Sinon says, “Well, don’t be surprised when you hear it because I am puzzled too. I heard about SAO…Sword Art Online from the television news. It’s the worst death game with so many people dying and the main suspect in it hasn’t been caught.”

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, solemnly, “They must be talking about Kayaba.”

 

Kirito says, “And that means…”

 

Sinon responds, “Yes, Kirito. You caught me when I fell and came into this world at that time.”

 

Kirito says, “That isn’t a surprise, but I don’t get how you got the hardware. If there are no hardware to access your senses and brainwaves, you can’t Full-Dive into SAO.” Kirito asks, “Have you obtained a NervGear and are using it?”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “Kirito, the girls told us that the NervGear was discontinued after this whole nightmare started and they were gathered up and ‘trashed’ other than the few that they are studying in order to get us out of here.”

 

Sinon says, “She’s right. It is because of the Medicuboid that I’m using.”

 

Kirito asks, “Medicuboid? Wait! Isn’t that the Full-Dive machine that’s based on the NervGear that’s being used for medical purposes?”

 

Sinon responds, “That’s right. They said that VR technology is good for people that are blind or can’t hear. It can be used as a form of anesthesia to block your senses. That’s what the doctors told me.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Hold on! Mizuno told me that current the Medicuboid, other than the versions that Dai and Akari were in, are being used for terminally ill patients and being tested to perfect the system.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “That’s right. I didn’t fall into that category. I was a test subject for the counseling system. VRMMO are supposed to be good effect in certain therapy, but it is another VRMMO that’s safer than SAO.”

 

Kirito says, “It could be a prototype VRMMO developed by the hospital.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “That’s right. Working with other hospitals, the hospital created a VRMMO for use to test the counseling system. I was part of that test. When I had finished created my avatar, I waited for the counselor and then the ground shook. I don’t know what happened afterwards. Did I fall or was I ‘absorbed’? I really can’t remember…”

 

Kirito says, with a nod of understanding, “That explains how you got here.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Really?”

 

Kirito says, “I’ll need to talk with Yui in order to confirm my theory, Usagi.” Kirito tells Sinon, “Anyway, your memory is back, Sinon. It is a step forward.”

 

Sinon responds, “Not really. I remembered what I wanted to forget.”

 

Usagi asks, “What you are trying to forget?”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “I think that it is best that we don’t pry more into Sinon’s past, Usagi. If she wanted to forget, it means that it must be painful.”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “I’m sorry, Sinon!”

 

Sinon says, “I know that you didn’t mean to cause me any trouble, but if it is okay with you, I don’t wish to talk about it. Maybe it is fate that brought me here. I can’t really feel it yet, but if the players are defeated by their enemies then they will…”

 

Usagi tells Sinon, “Yes, but you can’t think like that!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s right, Sinon. You don’t have to worry about that. Usagi and I are making sure that worse case doesn’t happen. We’ll make sure that you are safe until you can get back home with the rest of us.”

 

Sinon asks, trying to mask her blush forming on her virtual face, “Are you serious?”

 

Usagi says, “Well, sure. You are a member of my guild and our friend.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Usagi’s right, Sinon.”

 

Sinon asks, “Why to someone like me?”

 

Kirito responds, “Because…” Kirito then remembers the death of Sachi and he thinks, “I never want to lose any more friends to this death game anymore.”

 

As Sinon and Usagi look at the solemn expression forming on Kirito’s face, Usagi thinks in her mind, “Kirito…”

&n bsp;

Sinon says, “I’m sorry. It looks like that you don’t want to talk anymore too. I must have invoked a bad memory as well.” Sinon says, “I thought that you were a rude and a strange guy until now…”

 

Usagi says, with a winch, “Ouch!”

 

Kirito says, with a sweat drop, “You just said something rude now…”

 

Sinon says, with a smile, “But maybe, we are the same. I feel that…somewhat now.” Sinon closes her eyes and leans onto Kirito’s left shoulder.

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “Sinon?”

 

As Sinon gives off light sleeping sounds, Usagi whispers, “She’s asleep Kirito.”

 

Kirito whispers, with a nod, “But unlike before, she is sleeping calmly.”

 

Usagi says, “I wonder what she meant.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not completely sure, but I think that it is a good thing that she can be safe and sleep calmly. I don’t know. It is just I can see the pain in her eyes.”

 

Usagi says, “You, too, huh? I can also see it too.”

 

Kirito then asks, a bit nervously, “By the way, Usagi…?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I won’t tell Asuna and if she finds out, I’ll help you explain.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Thanks, Usagi.”

Usagi says, with a grin, “No problem, but you owe me buster.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Right, Usagi.” But then Usagi gets a chill and leaps to her feet as she looks around causing Kirito asks, “Is something wrong?”

 

Usagi asks, “Did your Search Skill go off?”

 

Kirito responds, “No. Did yours?”

 

Usagi says, shaking her head, “No.” Usagi says, with a smile, “Just nerves, I guess.” Kirito thinks that there is more than what Usagi is saying, but he decides to trust her. However, Usagi thinks in her mind, “What was that chill? My Search Skill didn’t go off and if it did, we are in a safe zone. Could it have been Strea? No, she doesn’t give such a chill even when she was hiding. I’ve got a real bad feeling about this.” Usagi decides to walk around a little to clear her head, but she and Kirito don’t notice a dark glow in the sky that fades away as quickly as it appeared.

 

December 17, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

In the main plaza containing the teleport gate in Arc Sofia, Asuna is standing in front of a large group of players including Kirito, Mamoru, the Sailor Scouts, and the Digital Knights as they prepare to discuss the assault on the boss of Floor 79.

 

Asuna says, “Thank you for coming everyone. As you know, recently, we had discovered the boss room of Floor Seventy-Nine. It is time to attack the boss and move onto the next floor.”

 

A fellow KOB member in the group asks, “What is this boss this time, Lady Asuna?”

 

Asuna responds, “From the information that we have gather, the boss is known as ‘The Tempest of Triad’, so, we suspect that it is a hydra style boss monster.”

 

Miyako says, sarcastically, “That sounds like fun.”

 

Asuna says, “We know that it is multi-headed monster since the information that we have gathered says that it attacks with its THREE heads and it uses various paralyzing and stun attacks.”

 

Mizuno says, “Attacks with paralyzing and stun effects will make this battle tough. If they hit, the player won’t be able to move and it means that we are going to have to other players come to protect them until the effect wares off.”

 

Mamoru says, “And that means that more players could get hit with stun and paralyzing effects.”

 

Taichi says, “That means that we need to strike hard and fast and make sure that it isn’t a prolonged battle.”

 

Sam says, “That’s right, Taichi.”

 

Asuna says, “From the information that we have gathered, the boss is vulnerable to slash type attacks, so, Sword Skills that involve slashing combos are vital for this fight and the center of our attack against this boss and because this boss using stun and paralyzing effects, a long fight isn’t encouraged, so, we must make this battle short to avoid the damaging effects of a long battle with this boss which could prove fatal for a good number of us. Now, please form your parties and let’s take on the boss together.”

 

With those words, the players start to form their multiple parties of about half-a-dozen at most in which Kirito asks Asuna, “Asuna, will you help me in this fight?”

 

Asuna responds, “I would love to Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito says, “Since you use Rapier Sword Skills, you mainly have thrust type attacks and while I know that you can take care of yourself, I would feel better if my Duel Welding, which consist of slashing combos, was with you.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I would too, Kirito-kun.”

 

Leafa goes over to Usagi and she asks, “They are like that a lot, aren’t they?”

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “They are, Leafa.” Leafa gives a pout and Usagi asks, “Is something wrong?”

 

Leafa responds, a bit nervously, “No! I’m just fine, Usagi.”

 

Minako says, with a grin, “Someone looks jealous.”

 

Leafa yells out, nervously, “Jealous?!”

 

Minako asks, with a smirk, “Isn’t it always the big sibling that has to be overprotective of the younger one and not the other way around?”

 

Leafa blushes nervously and Hino tells Minako, “Cut it out, Mina-chan.”

 

Usagi asks Leafa, “Anyway, why don’t you join Mamoru-kun and I in this boss fight, Leafa?”

 

Leafa asks, curiously, “Really?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I have been like Kirito’s sister, so, I would like to get to know his real sister through this is a strange way to do it.”

 

Hino says, with a grin, “No kidding, Meatball Head.”

 

Usagi glares at Hino and Leafa says, with a smile, “Sure, Usagi.” Leafa didn’t know why, but she felt that she had some kind of ‘connection’ to Usagi ever since she met Usagi when she first arrived in SAO and she wants to figure out what that ‘bond’ is. Dai and Akari prepare to team with each other as they always do, but they have a ‘bad feeling’ in which they look around.

 

Takashi asks, “Is something wrong?”

 

Akari says, “I thought that someone was watching us.”

 

Miyako tells Akari, “We’re in a crowd of players, Kari. We’re always being watched since we are the assault team after all.”

 

Dai says, with a shrug, “Nerves, I guess.” However, Taichi isn’t so sure since he feels that Akari and Dai were keeping something from them and he knows that Akari is his sister, after all, in which Dai is close to him like a brother much like the friendship of Dai and Sam, but he decides not to press the issue for the moment.

 

December 17, 2024, Floor 79, Dungeon

 

In front of the boss’ room, Asuna is facing all of the members of the assault team players that join in this attack on the boss of this floor of Aincard.

 

Asuna tells all of them, “As you might already realize, I have one thing to say to all of you: Win and come back alive!” Plenty of the other players nod their heads in agreement and soon after, they open the doors to the boss room and enter inside. Once they are deep inside of the boss’ chamber, the boss of Floor 79, The Tempest of Triad, which is a triple headed hydra monster, roars as it prepares to battle the players.

 

Kirito says, getting out his two swords, “Remember the plan! Surround it and attack it quickly! Don’t give it time to use its stun and paralyzing attacks!” As if on cue, the players immediately surround the tripe headed boss monster and attack as fast as they can. Tempest of Triad does a ‘spin attack’ and lashes out with its tail, but the majority of players either dodge it or block with a shield to very seriously limiting its damage to a very bare minimum allowing the players to counterattack nearly instantly. Tomoe and Michiru strike one of the heads of Tempest of Triad with their long spear-like weapons, Tomoe’s ‘scythe’ and Michiru’s trident, with Makoto leaping up into the air in which she uses Embracer, the one hit Martial Arts Sword Skill combo, to take the head ‘out of action’ for the time being.

 

Tomoe says, “We did it!”

 

Haruka says, “Don’t get too excited, Firefly.”

 

Michiru says, with a nod, “We may have only temporary knocked out that head of this hydra monster.” Tempest of Triad lashes out with a bite attack against Akari, but she easily blocks it with her shield with Dai coming in slashing with his two blades.

 

Dai says, “Back off, you overthrow triple headed lizard!” Dai then strikes back with Sonic Leap, then Horizontal Slash, and finally, Vorpal Strike, the one-hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, the 4-hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, and one heavy hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo in quick session via his ‘Skill Connect’ technique, inflicting significant damage to the boss monster.

 

Akari says, with a smile, “Nice one, Dai-kun!”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “You know it, Kari-chan!”

 

Miyako says, “Less celebrating, more bashing, lovebirds!”

 

Yamato says, “Miyako is right! This battle is far from over!” The players continue to battle in which they took out the right head of the hydra boss monster, but the left head managed to ‘regenerate’ itself.

 

When Tempest of Triad rears its head back, Kirito yells out, “Watch out! It’s a breath attack!” The players immediately scatter as best could as Tempest of Triad unleash a breath attack on them, but thankfully, none of them are hit by the attack.

 

Minako says, “Geez! I guess that these monsters don’t know the meaning ‘say it, don’t spray it’.”

 

Hino tells Minako, “This isn’t the time for jokes, Mina-chan!”

 

Makoto says, “We kind of have a digital hydra to slay right now!”

 

Takashi says, “Sorry, Mina-chan, but I have to agree with your friends.” Takashi ducks under a bite attack and he attacks with his two-handed sword with Cyclone, the one-hit Two-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

Asuna shouts out, with a strong tone, “Delta Attack!” Asuna then strike the boss monster with a 3 hit Rapier Sword Skill combo, which unlike most Rapier combos, it is a slash attack rather than a thrusting attack which is what most Rapier Sword Skill combos are.

 

Kirito yells out, “Good work, Asuna! Switch now!” Asuna then leaps back as Kirito leaps into the fight and he shouts out, “Inferno Raid!” Kirito then hits hard with a nine-hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo. However, the Tempest of Triad strikes back, hard, forcing plenty of the others back and two of the players got hit by a stun effect in which the hydra boss turns its attention towards them.

 

Taichi shouts out, “Oh, crap! They’re paralyzed!”

 

Akari yells out, with a strong tone, “Shield Hammer!” With her shield glowing, Akari throws her shield and it slams into one of the heads of the hydra boss hard causing it to also get stunned.

 

Junpier says, excitedly, “Nice one, girlfriend!”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “That’s my girl!” Akari gives a smile at Dai and Dai yells out to Usagi, “Hey, Usagi, I’ll hit up front! You take the back!”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Okay!” Immediately, Dai gets in front while Usagi takes it from the rear in which Dai performs Eclipse, the 27-hit Duel Welding Sword Skill ultimate combo, with Usagi hitting it with Starburst Stream, the classic 16-hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo. The two powerful assaults cause massive damage to the boss monster with Leafa coming in hard with a Vertical Square, a 4-hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo and managed to destroy the left head through the right hand managed to ‘regenerate’ itself. However, Tempest of Triad was on its ‘last legs’ with its HP gauge down to its last gauge and it is in the red zone.

Mamoru says, with a strong tone, “It’s nearly finished!”

 

Kirito says, with a serious tone, “Everyone, attack now!” Without any hesitation, the assault team player unleash an all-out assault on the boss monster and it quickly falls in which when it dispels into hundreds of data particles, the classic large sign of ‘Congratulations’ appears to show that the group has defeated the boss monster in which there are cheers immediately.

 

When they are done, Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “Wow, we did it…”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “And we didn’t lose a single player at all.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “That’s really good to know.”

 

Kirito says, “I agree. Three boss fights without a single loss is a good sign, but we can’t get compliance for our good fortune or we may lose focus. If we lose focus, we might lose players.”

 

Klein, who was part of the boss raid force with his guild, for obvious reasons, comes over and he says, with a grin, “Come on, Kirito! Lighten up! I know that we have to be careful, but we have just reach floor eighty! This is another milestone for us!”

 

Kirito says, with a smirk, “Well, we haven’t reached that floor until we activated the teleport gate, Klein.”

 

Klein says, with a smirk and a glare, “You got to have the last word, don’t you? You are the same old Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, let’s go activate the gate on the next floor.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod of her head, “I agree, Kirito.” Afterwards, the boss raid group reassembles and head off to the next floor to activate the teleport gate at the main town on that floor to connect it with the rest of Aincard and allow the players to easily access the floors that they have reached.

 

December 17, 2024, Floor 80, Kariana

 

In the main town of Floor 80, Kariana, which shows to have its teleport gate on a small piece of land in the middle of lake in which the middle of the town, where we find Agil, who has also joined the boss raid force, goes over to Kirito, Asuna, Leafa, Mamoru, our Sailor Scouts, Digital Knight, Dai, and Akari.

 

Agil says, “I’ve activated the teleport gate, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Thanks, Agil. We’ve finally got to floor eighty.”

 

Makoto asks, “Is it really that important?”

 

Asuna says, “When we have reached a floor that’s a multiple of ten, it feels like an important turning point that we are that much closer to home.”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, but we must be careful. It is going to get more difficult and tricky. We aren’t sure what kind of surprises that this game has in store for us.” Just then the whole of the area starts to shake and quake.

 

Junpier yells out, stunned, “Now what?”

 

Yamato asks, “You are asking me?”

 

Akari and Klein say in unison, “Earthquake?”

 

Dai asks, “How can there be an earthquake in a game?”

 

As quickly as the shaking and quaking started, it abruptly stops and Miyako says, “Okay, that was freaky!”

 

Taichi asks, “When was anything ‘normal’ in this place?”

 

Akari asks, “While my brother is right, I don’t think that this is ‘regular’ for this place, is it?”

 

Kirito says, shaking his head, “No, not usually.”

 

Klein says, “Nope. Not that I remember. However, I do remember something like this happening in previous MMO. Due to such kind of events, new maps and thus, new events, are unlocked.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I see.”

 

Haruka asks Klein, “Are you sure that this is similar to those ‘events’ in other MMO?”

 

Klein says, “Maybe.” However, the others then see the very serious looks on the faces of Haruka, Hino, Mamoru, and even Usagi.

 

Tomoe asks, “Haruka-papa?”

 

Makoto tells Hino, “I don’t like that look on your face.”

 

Minako says, pointing to Usagi, “I like it less on her face.” Dai and Akari are looking at Haruka, Hino, Mamoru, and Usagi in which they look at each other with serious looks on their faces.

 

Usagi says, “I’m just hoping that Klein is right.”

 

Klein says, “Man, Usagi! You are starting to act like Kirito! These past two years must have really gotten to you! I really don’t blame you, but your friends told me that you were so ‘uptight’!”

 

Usagi says, with a kind smile, “Really, Klein? Well, I guess that they are right.” Usagi says, with a sigh and light smile, “I know that I have changed, but I guess that I haven’t realized how much.”

 

Miyako says, with a smile, “Okay, let’s stop all this negative talk! We’re a big step closer to home! Let’s head back to base and take a breather.”

 

Junpier says, with a grin, “Yeah! We’ve had a long day!” The others nod their heads in agreement, but plenty of the others were concerned about Haruka’s, Hino’s, Mamoru’s, and Usagi’s ‘looks’ in which they know that they aren’t ‘good looks’.

 

December 17, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Returning to Arc Sofia, we are inside of Agil’s inn/shop where Klein is with Agil, Kirito, Asuna, Silica, Sinon, Lisbeth, Leafa, Strea, Mamoru, the Sailor Scouts, and all of the Digidestined trapped in SAO.

 

Klein asks, “Is everyone here?”

 

Dai looks at a huge spread of food assembled on a group of tables and he says, “Man! This is a major spread!”

Klein says, “Of course! We are celebrating our arrival at floor eighty!”

 

Minako asks, “Sorry if I’m being insensitive, but is it really a big deal?”

 

Kirito responds, “Easy, Minako. You and Usagi’s friends only recently came to SAO. During the first month, we didn’t find the boss of the first floor and you should know that…a lot of people were lost in that time.”

 

Agil says, with a nod of his head, “It was a sad time. And a lot of players thought that they were never going home.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I was one of them. Back then I felt that sooner or later, I was going to die. Personally, I believe that only Kirito-kun and Usagi-chan were among the few players that had faith that we could get out of here and we could go home. It was because of Usagi-chan and Kirito-kun that I lived to this day.”

 

Kirito and Usagi rub their heads nervously and Usagi says, “I wouldn’t say that I did that much.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a teasing smile, “That’s our ‘White Valkyrie’. She is so modest.”

 

Usagi says, with a blush of embarrassment on her cheeks, “Cut it out, Liz!”

 

Klein says, “Anyway, looking back two years, my goal was to become the top player in the game.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Stop with your stories and let’s toast already.”

 

Klein says, “That’s mean! I haven’t finished my story!”

 

Hino says, pointing to Usagi, Kirito, and Asuna, “Also, I think that you are miles from your goal. You are good…And I mean very good. You managed to keep your friends united and turn them into a strong group in this world and all, but you are nowhere near the top player of this goal. I think that goes to Meatball Head and her two friends, the Black Swordsman and his wife, the Lightning Flash.”

 

Usagi, Kirito, and Asuna flush with embarrassment and Klein says, “That’s even meaner.” Klein says, with a sigh and smile, “Anyway, let’s toast everyone!” Everyone shares a toast as their celebration begins. Klein says, “Anyway, great job on reaching floor eighty, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “You, too, Klein.”

 

Klein says, “Man, it has been two years. It is good that both of us have survived to this day.”

 

Kirito says, “I agree, Klein.”

 

Klein says, “Now, let’s clear the rest of the floor together!”

 

Lisbeth comes over and she asks, “Kirito, having fun?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yeah, the food is awesome.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Of course! It is food prepared by our top chef, Asuna, and her new assistant, Mako-chan, so, it has to be good.”

 

Usagi says, “Mako-chan is an excellent cook back ‘over there’, but I never knew that she was so good over here too!”

 

Makoto says, “Well, I had a lot of practice cooking in the ‘virtual universe’ in ALO!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Mako-chan is just excellent!”

 

Makoto says, “Thanks, Asuna.”

 

Klein says, “Man, you get to eat this kind of food every day! You are one lucky dude!”

 

Kirito says, “Well, not every day. There are times that Asuna is busy.”

 

Klein says, “You are so lucky to have such food. At least this once, let me have all of it.”

 

Kirito says, with a sigh, “All right, here you go.”

 

Lisbeth asks, with a sigh, “What are you guys doing?”

 

Haruka says, “Let them be, Liz.”

 

Michiru says, with her classic sly smile, “Boys will be boys.”

 

Dai asks, with a glare, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

Agil asks, “Hey, Kirito, could you try the food over here?”

 

Kirito asks, “Did you make it Agil?”

 

Agil says, “It is quite tasty.”

 

Kirito says, excitedly, “Oh, wow! It’s pizza!”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Pizza?”

 

Agil says, “Yeah, I made it with ingredients from this world. I’ll leave to you and Usagi to see if the taste is right.”

 

Usagi says, excitedly, “Oh, wow! It looks good!”

 

Agil says, “Well, Asuna and Makoto did help out.”

 

Kirito says, “Great! Let’s eat!

Makoto asks, “Agil, I have one question: What was that stuff that you put on it?”

 

Usagi asks, “Stuff?”

 

Agil says, with a sly smile, “I’m glad that you asked Makoto. I have actually put in concentrate taste of ‘particular’ kind.”

 

Akari asks, “Particular kind?”

 

Miyako says, “I don’t like where he is going with this.”

 

Agil says, “One of the slices is mixed in with a hot spice.”

 

Usagi asks, nervously, “How spicy are we talking about?”

 

Agil says, “I didn’t taste it myself, so, I don’t know how spicy it is, but we are in a safe zone, so, I’m sure that it won’t kill us.”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it going to be okay?”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “I think that I’ll stay away from the pizza.”

 

Miyako says, nervously, “Same here.”

 

Klein says, “Hey, it sounds like fun! Let’s see who will get the spicy slice!”

 

Dai asks, “Hey, dude, are you trying to overload the taste center of your brain?”

 

Leafa says, “I wonder how spicy it can be.”

 

Silica says, nervously, “Yeah, it is a bit scary…”

 

Asuna says, “I saw him while he was making it. It was covered in an odd amount of powder.”

 

Usagi asks, “Why didn’t you stop him Asuna?”

 

Asuna says, nervously, “When Agil told me about it, I thought that it would be fun too.”

 

Usagi nearly does an anime face fault and Hino asks, curiously and sarcastically, “Really?”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Let’s try it! Consider yourself lucky that you get it!”

 

Miyako asks, “How would it be lucky to eat something that could numb the taste center of your brain?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I agree.”

 

Klein asks, “Hold on! Let’s make it lucky! However gets the spicy slice can order any player that they want, how’s that?”

 

Lisbeth says, “Only you would think about that kind of game.”

 

Klein says, nervously, “Hey! It isn’t some kind of misdeed! That’s a complete misunderstanding! I have helped out in making a lot of tasty stuff and find rare items!”

 

Leafa asks, “Or maybe helping out with shopping?”

 

Silica says, “I see. That’s what it is.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, that’s more accepting. Make them do anything within reason.”

 

Klein says, with a nod of his head, “Yeah, that’s right! Usagi-chan has got it right!”

 

Sinon shrugs and Asuna says, “There are eight slices, so, the chance are one-eighth.”

 

Yui, who was with the group, says, “Of course, I will participate.”

 

Klein says, “Same here!”

 

Silica says, shyly, “Me too!”

 

Leafa says, “Me too.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Me too!”

 

Sinon says, with a smile, “I’ll do the challenge too.”

 

Usagi asks, “Really, Sinon?”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I’ll do it too!”

 

Yui says, excitedly, “Me too!”

 

Asuna asks, surprised, “Yui-chan, too!”

 

Haruka asks, “Is it a good idea to give you daughter spicy food?”

 

Kirito says, “Yui-chan will be fine. She loves spicy food.”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “Yeah…”

 

Asuna says, “When Yui ate spicy food before, she made a bitter face.”

 

Makoto asks, “Then isn’t it not a good idea?”

 

Taichi says, “No kidding, Makoto.”

 

Kirito says, “I’ll participate too. I want to see how spicy that pizza slice is.”

 

Usagi says, with a grin, “You would Kirito.”

 

Agil asks, “This is a great success. Who will get defeated by the spicy slice?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Count on out. I’m just going to enjoy the show.”

 

Miyako asks, “Enjoy the show?” Usagi just smirk as the other Sailor Scouts also smirk as they sit down on chairs that they have gathered around in which Dai, Akari, and Mamoru, also smirking, assemble behind them with Mamoru behind Usagi of course.

 

Klein says, “Okay, everyone! Take the slice that you want!” Soon after, all of them eat their slices of pizza and they eat them in which nothing seems to happen, but then Klein screams out, giving a look of extreme agony, “Ah, yow! HOT!!!” Klein starts to fan his mouth and he yells out, “This is way too spicy! There has to be a limit!”

 

Takashi says, with a smile, “This is what Usagi meant by ‘the show’.”

 

Minako says, with a giggle, “Exactly, Takashi-kun.”

 

Klein screams out, “My head hurts! Kirito! Get me water!”

 

Kirito says, “Right. Hold on!”

 

Klein yells out, “Damn! My tongue is hurting!”

 

Plenty of the others are smirking, giggling, and/or outright laughing and Agil says, “It is a good reaction, Klein.”

 

Klein shouts out, “Agil! What kind of stuff have you made?”

 

Minako responds, with a wide grin, “The ultimate prank! That’s one that I have got to remember!”

 

Hino says, with a glare, “If you do that to me, I’ll show what it means to be burned up.”

 

Minako gives a nervous winch and Kirito says, bringing a huge mug of water, “Here is the water.”

 

Klein says, “Thanks.”

 

As Klein is drinking the water, Mizuno says, “Water doesn’t help with spicy foods. It only makes it worse. You have to drink dairy products since they have a chemical that negates the chemicals that creates the burning sensation creating with spicy foods.”

 

Makoto tells Mizuno, “Mizuno-chan, you remember that we are in a virtual world, right? Some rules of the real world don’t apply.”

 

Mizuno says, nodding her head in agreement, “You have a point, Makoto.”

 

Klein breathes a sigh of relief after drinking the water and Silica says, shyly and nervously, “I was a bit disappointed, but I’m pretty glad that I didn’t get the slice.”

 

Leafa says, nodding her head in agreement, “Yeah, it was dangerous.”

 

Klein says, “Man, what a painful experience.” Klein asks, with a grin, “Anyway, I got the slice! So, the real game starts now! So, who will I chose?”

 

Usagi says, with a smirk, “Hold it, Klein! You already had your pick!”

 

Klein asks, surprised, “Huh?”

 

Usagi responds, “You made Kirito get you some water!”

 

Klein says, shocked, “Wait! That doesn’t count!”

 

Haruka says, with a sly smile, “You commanded Kirito to get you some water. It sounded like you made him do what you wanted to me.”

 

Akari says, “Oh, I agree.”

 

Junpier says, with a grin, “Yep!”

 

Michiru says, “You basically ordered him to get you water and he got you water.”

 

Kirito says, “They are right, Klein. I did what you said.”

 

Klein says, with a groan, “Oh, man! Not you, too! I thought that we were bros!”

 

Agil says, “It looks like Usagi outwitted you on that one.”

 

Klein says, “Hey, Usagi! That wasn’t nice!”

 

Usagi responds, with a glare and smirk, “Like you weren’t planning something, Klein?”

 

Klein shouts out, annoyed, “Hey, I wasn’t planning anything bad!”

 

Agil says, “You might think so, but everyone else doesn’t think so.”

 

Klein says, with a pout, “This stinks.”

 

Minako says, with a grin, “It seems like our ‘little bunny’ has turned into such a ‘rascally rabbit’.”

 

Usagi responds, with a mischievous grin, “To kind of quote the famous Bugs Bunny: ‘Gosh, aren’t I a stinker?’” (Disclaimer: And you know darn well that I DO NOT own Looney Tunes!)

 

Hino says, with a smirk, “Ha. Ha. Very funny, Meatball Head.” Plenty of the others snicker and laugh while Klein just annoyed expression on his face just glare before he sighs and smiles as the group continues the party.

 

December 18, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Right now, we find Kirito, Usagi, and Mamoru coming down the stairs where they find Klein, Leafa, Silica, Asuna, Lisbeth, Agil, Sinon, Yui, and our Sailor Scouts assembled together.

 

Usagi asks, “What’s up guys?”

 

Klein says, “Hey! Good timing!”

 

Kirito asks, “What’s up?”

 

Klein responds, “We were talking about Sinon. Does she remember anything?” Usagi and Kirito look at each other for a second and Klein says, “I could ask my guild to find out information and see if even Argo heard something.”

 

Kirito says, “Actually, we wanted to discuss about that.”

 

Usagi asks Sinon, “Is it okay to tell what we learned?”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “It’s all right.” Soon after, Kirito and Usagi explain to everyone else about how Sinon came to this world.

 

When they were done, Mizuno says, “I had my theories, but it looks like this confirms it. She is connected to a Medicuboid after all.”

 

Setsuna says, “Since they are based on the NervGear, it isn’t too hard to believe that this system could have mistaken her for an SAO player and brought her into this world.”

 

Makoto says, “It was the reason that we managed to get here. The pods that we are using are based on the technology from the Medicuboid.”

 

Haruka says, “And it is the reason that Dai and Akari are here. They came into the ‘cyber universe’ via two advanced Medicuboid prototypes.”

 

Klein says, “Even with all of you, I’m surprised that people from outside of SAO are coming here.”

 

Lisbeth says, “I was shocked and I knew that there had to have been some reason.”

 

Yui says, “I believe that it has to due to the malfunctioning and overburdening of the Cardinal System. She must have gotten detected by the NervGear network and mistaken from an SAO player in which she was brought here.”

 

Mizuno says, “That’s the very good theory, Yui. It is the way that we managed to get here. Since the Medicuboids are highly based on the NervGear, we created our pods based on that in the hopes of connecting with the network that run SAO and allow us to come in here. We’re here, so, it is a success obviously.”

 

Hino says, “Obviously, Mizuno-chan.”

 

Klein asks, confused, “What’s this? Cardinal system?”

 

Usagi says, “It’s the main operating system for SAO, Klein. It controls monster appearances, item drops, money, AI routines, and practically everything in the game. SAO was designed to be a self-sufficient game without the need of a lot of human interaction.”

 

Klein gives a whistle and he says, “Wow! You would know about this since…”

 

Klein then becomes very nervous and Usagi says, with a kind smile, “I know that you don’t mean to hurt me, Klein.”

 

Agil says, “But what an unfortunate fellow since she is being forced to participate in this death game in the middle.”

 

Tomoe asks, concerned, “Setsuna-mama, didn’t you say that you, Mizuno-chan, and our hime’s mother help complete the first Medicuboid close to two years ago?”

 

Setsuna says, with a nod, “Yes. When they were starting to work with them, they were going to be used with terminal ill patients. We managed to complete the first Medicuboid during January of Twenty-Twenty-Three, around three months since the start of SAO. With what happened with the NervGear, you can suspect there weren’t many volunteers to go into something that produces ‘stronger waves’ than the NervGear, however, one brave young girl decided to ‘take the dive’ in which the lure of the virtual world appealed to her.”

 

Usagi asks, concerned, “Are you saying that girl could be dragged here at any time?”

 

Mizuno responds, “I don’t think so. It seems like when Sinon logged into the medical VRMMO, the Cardinal System mistook her for a newly logged in SAO player. This young lady has been inside of her Full-Dive as long as you have been trapped here.”

 

There are gasps and Klein asks, stunned, “Are you serious?”

 

Setsuna says, “You can log out, but you don’t have to since the Medicuboid is connected to sensors and cameras in the room in the hospital that allows to see into the ‘outside world’ in a ‘personal virtual area’ filled with monitors in which this brave young lady hasn’t logged out for a long time.”

 

Mizuno says, with a light smile, “She is probably enjoying herself by ‘bouncing’ from one virtual world to another. There are other VRMMO for the Amusphere in development since ALO is proving to be a real ‘safe’ VRMMO. This girl plans to live life to the fullest until the last moments and she is still hopeful for a cure for her terminal illness.”

 

There are plenty of amazed looks and Silica says, awe-struck, “That’s amazing.”

 

Lisbeth whistles and she says, “That’s one brave girl.”

 

Asuna thinks in her mind, amazed, “Amazing…”

 

Kirito says, “Well, it shows that we can’t give up. It means that we have to continue on until we clear the game.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree, Kirito-kun. Sinon-chan, you’ll be okay since we are going to clear this game for sure.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, curiously, “When did Asuna and Sinon become so friendly with each other?”

 

Usagi says, “Well, we can’t take that risk. We have to clear this game as soon as possible.”

 

Kirito says, “Good idea, Usagi. If the system is confusing other Full-Dives for NervGears, we need to make sure that we end this game soon. Others that are using Medicuboids or similar Full-Dive to the NervGears might get dragged down in here through errors like Sinon. And with the game as it is, there are possibilities that worse could happen, but not just to us. It could start affecting other systems in the outside world since the server is connecting to other computer systems like a virus and we can’t be sure what’s going to happen.”

 

Haruka says, “Kirito has a point, everyone.”

 

Klein says, “It’s bad enough for us, but if more people get involved, it will be a real horror movie.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree.” Asuna tells Sinon, “Sinon-chan, while we complete the game, please wait here…”

 

However, Sinon asks, interrupting, “If this world is cleared, then there are no problems right?”

 

Klein responds, a bit surprised, “Well, yeah…”

 

Sinon then asks, “I want to fight in this game, too. Is that okay?”

 

There are multiple gasps of shock and Lisbeth says, shocked, “Wait a minute!”

 

Agil asks, stunned, “Hey! Are you serious?”

 

Usagi asks, shocked, “Sinon, do you know what you are saying?”

 

Asuna says, “It is too dangerous, Sinon-chan! This isn’t an ordinary game!”

 

Sinon says, “I know that it is dangerous, but I would like to do it. Nothing will be solved if I back down, I want to fight too. I would like to become stronger, so, that this difficult game can be cleared.”

 

Silica says, nervously, “But Sinon, you just came to SAO.” Silica asks, nervously, “Isn’t it hard to fight with your level and skill?”

 

Kirito says, “Well, Sinon has shown some talent and she can be trained soon. Her level can be managed somehow and what really matters is her motivation.”

 

Haruka says, “Whoa, cowboy! Hold on a minute!”

 

Hino says, seriously, “She could be in worst danger than the rest of you and that’s saying something!”

 

Klein asks, “What do you mean?”

 

Mizuno says, “She is using a Medicuboid, which is based on the NervGear, but it is much stronger. If the SAO servers managed to bring Sinon into this world, it must have ‘invaded’ the systems of the Medicuboid and it is possible that it could have taken them over. The Medicuboid is much stronger than a NervGear and also ‘covers’ her spinal cord. If she is ‘assaulted’ by those waves, it won’t just destroy her brain, it could destroy her entire nervous system!”

 

There are multiple gasps and Agil says, shocked and horrified, “That’s not killing her! That’s DESTROYING her!”

 

Klein says, also horrified, “No kidding, Agil!”

 

Mamoru says, “The pods that we are in are based on the Medicuboid too, but we managed to include Amusphere styled safety systems and we are using severs to protect us from certain aspects of SAO’s programming, however, even that doesn’t guarantee our safety here if we get killed in this world. However, while we have some form of protection, Sinon doesn’t have that at all.”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “Those that are already trapped here will die if they die in this world, it is guaranteed, correct? Then I am no different from majority of you.”

 

Asuna says, nervously, “Well, that’s true, Sinon-chan…”

 

Sinon says, with a smile, “Then I will be just fine. And Kirito said that he will protect me.”

 

Asuna asks, surprised, “Huh?”

 

Lisbeth glares at Kirito and he asks, “What is it?”

 

Leafa says, with a suspicious look in her eyes, “Kirito likes to say that a lot.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Kirito is just a good person, despite what he says otherwise. That’s the way that he is.” Usagi says, with a sigh and solemn tone, “And you have done a better job at protecting people that I have.”

 

Plenty of the others look at Usagi and Asuna says, lowly, “Oh, Usagi…”

 

Hino thinks in her mind, “Not this again, Meatball Head…”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “You can’t say that Usagi! You’ve done a lot more for the players than I could ever hope to achieve.”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “Yes…But it wasn’t enough…” Usagi then walks away back to her room in which the other Scouts motion for Mamoru to follow her.

 

When they are gone, Klein says, with a sigh, “That girl is putting too much on her shoulders.”

Asuna says, with a solemn tone, “We know, Klein-san.”

 

Kirito says, “I think that deep down, in her subconscious, Usagi still kind of blames herself for her unwilling and unknown help in creating SAO and all of the death that she has seen here.”

 

Agil says, with a nod, “Yeah, I can see in her eyes.”

 

Leafa says, “She seems so strong…”

 

Asuna says, “She is, but SAO has torn into her heart more than others and for various reasons.”

 

Lisbeth asks, “Do you think she is thinking about ‘that mission’?”

 

Haruka asks, “That mission?”

 

Lisbeth puts her hands over her mouth, Kirito and Asuna look at each other, and Asuna says, “I think that it is best that you talk to Usagi-chan for details, but basically, Usagi was part of a scout group on one mission in a field close to the main dungeon area.”

 

Klein says, “I remember that. The leader was one of the few that had that ‘biased’ position about Usagi at the time, right? He didn’t like it taking her as part of the team.”

 

Kirito says, “Yeah. Usagi had great suspicions that they were heading into a trap area, but the leader of the group refused to listen and you can guess what happened.”

 

Hino says, “They went into a trap.”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head, “It was a monster trap filled with powerful monsters and the leader of the scout group died instantly. They fought desperately to survive, especially Usagi-chan, but Usagi-chan was the only survivor.”

 

There are gasps of shock and Kirito says, “Actually, the better way to put it is that the group made her be the only survivor. They had a recording crystal and they recorded much of what happened in which they used a corridor crystal and forced her through the portal with the recording crystal so that the rest of us could learn what happened and handle the trap.”

 

There are gasps from the Sailor Scouts and Leafa and Asuna says, solemnly, “It was agreed that the blame for what happened fell on the leader of the scout group, but Usagi-chan also blamed herself for not speaking against the leader just because she didn’t want to cause any trouble. She wasn’t seen at the front lines for a while and Kirito stayed behind to keep an eye on her.”

 

Kirito says, “It is probably the reason that she spoke up against your battle plan for that field boss that one time.” Asuna blushes and clears her throat in which Kirito says, “Usagi-chan was back doing her usual thing soon after, but we knew that she was scarred and we decided to agree not to speak anything that would remind her of that ‘incident’ ever again.”

Leafa says, shocked, “How horrible…”

 

Asuna says, with a solemn sigh, “You know why she wouldn’t mention such things to all of you.”

 

Hino says, with a solemn expression, “That would be her, Asuna.”

 

Kirito says, “We keep hoping and trying to make it that the past doesn’t hurt her ever again.”

 

December 18, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

It is evening time in Arc Sofia and within Usagi’s and Mamoru’s room, they are sleeping under the covers together, but Usagi is gently moaning and grunting as she is suffering from a bad dream in which she is seeing her friends battle and die from the battles with the DD girls of the Negaverse, Rini brainwashed and turned into Wicked Lady by Doom Phantom, and including her horrible experiences in SAO. However, a figure wearing a strange hooded cloak enters the room and goes over Usagi’s form in which he reaches for her arm, but what he doesn’t see coming is Usagi’s foot into his face causing him to slam into the wall with such a loud ‘thud’ that it wakes Usagi and Mamoru.

 

Usagi asks, “What?” Usagi yelps as she sees the hooded, but when the figure’s hood comes down, she gasps in shock and she yells out, “You!” The face under the hood is none other than Kuradeel, the Knight of the Blood Oath member that betrayed the guild, joined the red guild, Laughing Coffin, and after murdering a former guild mate, he attempted to kill Kirito, stopped by Asuna, and finally, killed by Kirito when he attempted to kill Asuna. However, there is something different in which we can see the sclera of his eyes is pitch black in color and he has a strange violet aura around him.

 

Mamoru asks Usagi, “You know him?” However, before anything could be said or done, Kuradeel runs and leaps out the open window in which Usagi leaps to her feet, calling up her menu, and putting on her clothing since she was only in a white bra and panties before this. Usagi then leaps out after Kuradeel and Mamoru shouts out, “Wait!” Mamoru then quickly calls his menu to put on his clothing, armor, and accessories before he runs out the door as plenty of the others come out due to the noise that they heard. In the streets, Usagi is running after the player in which she can see that he has an orange cursor.

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, “It can’t be! Asuna told me that Kirito got rid him after he murdered a former guild mate and he attempted to kill Asuna! How is he here? And why aren’t the NPC guardians of the town attacking him?” Soon after, Usagi and the figure that seems to be Kuradeel are heading for the exit out of town.

 

December 18, 2024, Floor 76, Field

 

In the fields just outside of Arc Sofia, Usagi is changing the figure that seems to be the dead Kuradeel until he stops a short distance away.

 

Usagi yells out, sternly, “Who are you?”

 

The figure responds, “Who do you think I am, bitch?” The figure that looks like the dead Kuradeel and he says, with a sinister smile, “I’m Kuradeel, former member of the Knights of the Blood Oath that your wretched Beater buddy stripped life from!”

 

Usagi responds, “You…You can’t be here! You…”

 

Kuradeel responds, with a wicked smile, “Dead? That’s right! But thanks to a secret my new leader has found out about SAO, she managed to restore me…at least in this world. My body is long gone thanks to your beater bastard of a friend.”

 

Usagi asks, “Wait! She? This world?”

 

Kuradeel shouts out, “You won’t live long enough to find out, bitch!” Kuradeel whips out his two-handed sword and attacks Usagi in which she rolls out of the way. She then uses her player menu to get out Elucidator and Lunar Excelsior and block Kuradeel’s next attack with Cross Block, the Duel Welding Sword Skill defensive technique, in which he yells out, “You are just like that beater! It is going to be a double pleasure to kill you!”

 

Usagi yells out, “Not on your life, jerk!” Usagi throws Kuradeel back as Asuna, Lisbeth, Leafa, Klein, Mamoru, and the Sailor Scouts arrive on the scene.

 

Asuna shouts out, shocked, “It can’t be!”

 

Akari asks, “What’s wrong?”

 

Dai says, “Who is that guy?”

 

Asuna says, stunned, “He shouldn’t be here since he should be dead!” There are multiple gasps as Kuradeel attacks Usagi with Avalanche, a powerful one hit Two-Handed Sword Skill combo, but Usagi counters with Sonic Leap, the 1 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo attack, and slams it into the weak point of Kuradeel’s sword and breaking it in half.

 

Kuradeel says, shocked, “No. Not again.”

 

After Kuradeel’s sword shatters into data polygons, Usagi asks, “It is you, jerk. Still using the same swords with all style and no substances. Still think that Kirito cheated or can you accept that you are a sore loser?” Kuradeel sneers as he goes through a player menu to bring out a knife and he charges at Usagi in which she knocks out it out of his hands, but Kuradeel then gives an evil smirk as he produces another dagger in his free hand.

 

Kuradeel shouts out, “Surprise, wench! You’re dead!” Kuradeel then prepares to drive the dagger into Usagi’s neck, but before it hits, Kuradeel’s arm holding the dagger is cut off the rest of his virtual body in which shatters into pieces causing Kuradeel’s eyes to widen in shock before he yells out in agony as he is hit by a full force Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, from Usagi and he screams out, “No! Wait!” However, it is too late as Usagi, who had triggered her sword skill unconsciously due to her ‘survival instinct’, cuts him apart and he yells out as he shatters into data polygons, but then the data polygons glow violet as they fly off in one direction causing everyone to look to see a dark violet cloaked and hooded figure gathering the data polygons into an orb.

 

The figure says, in a female voice, “Damn it! This is what I get to leaving to a nimrod who I give a new body by using virtual body of his ‘hollow counterpart’.” The figure says, with a shrug, “Oh, well!”

 

Usagi shouts out, “Hold up! Who are you?”

 

The figure responds, with a sinister sly tone, “Don’t you recognize me, Moon brat?” The figure then removes her hood and Usagi, Mamoru, and the Sailor Scouts gasp to see Mimete, one of the Witches 5, an elite group of the Heart Snatchers, right in front of them.

 

Haruka asks, shocked, “Mimete?”

 

Lisbeth asks, “You know her?”

 

Makoto says, “She is one of our enemies who we thought were dead!”

 

Mimete responds, “Wrong, Sailor brat! I didn’t die when Tellu betrayed me! I was trapped in cyber space for a good long while, but then I found my way, here! It was glorious! It was a brand new world where I could make my return… until Moon brat’s wretched uncle sealed me in his wretched castle!”

 

Tomoe asks, “Kayaba sealed her in here?”

 

Mimete says, with a smirk, “I had managed to make headway into his previous servers before he sealed me away and thanks to this precious game, I’m free because when that glitch happened, it unleashed all of the wonderful dark emotions that gave me the power to set myself free…Well, mostly. I’m still stuck in this wretched castle of Kayaba’s! I hate him as much as I hate you and my former comrades!”

 

Hino says, with a sneer, “As much as I hate to admit it, we have something in common.”

 

Haruka says, with a smirk, “And I think I also realized something.”

 

Tomoe asks, “What is it, Haruka-papa?”

 

Haruka says, with a grin, “If we complete the game, this world gets deleted and Mimete will go with it.” Mimete yelps out in surprise and Haruka says, with a grin, “I knew it.”

 

Mimete yells out, “So what if you know? You won’t be completely the game before I figure a way to get out of here!” Mimete gives an evil smile and she says, “And I know exactly how to do it! I can’t reach the players below this floor, but I can get rid of all of you! And once you are gone and I take your life-force, I will have more than enough power to break free of this world forever and conquer the world!” As menus appear around Mimete, she yells out, with an evil smirk, “Get ready Moon brat! This ‘death game’ is going to turn into a slaughter and I can’t wait to feast on your anguish and despair as your precious friends die before your eyes before I delete you for good!”

 

Usagi shouts out, strongly, “No!” Usagi then activates Fell Crescent, the one-hit One-Handed Curved Sword Skill charge combo, and she rushes at Mimete, but before her strike hits her, Mimete vanishes in a blue-violet light and Usagi’s attack hits nothing, but air.

 

Haruka says, “This is not good.”

 

Michiru says, with a nod, “I know. This game just became much harder.”

 

As Mamoru runs out to Usagi, Klein asks, “So, she is one of your enemies?”

 

Hino responds, “Yeah, she is. Her name is Mimete. She was part of the Heart Snatchers, a group trying to gain the power of an item known as the Purity Chalice in order to bring their leader, Pharaoh Ninety, into our world.”

 

Tomoe says, “I was possessed by their ‘lead lady’, an evil parasite known as Mistress Nine, and she used my body to give herself life until my powers and the part of me that’s Sailor Saturn managed to drive her out.”

 

Haruka says, “Mimete belonged an elite group of sorceresses known as the Witches Five.”

 

Lisbeth says, “That’s a pleasant name.”

 

Asuna asks, “And Kayaba sealed her in here?”

 

Setsuna says, “It sounds like that she was trying to take over the servers that contain SAO and Kayaba found out about her as well as find a way to seal her in here. However, it looks like that seal that he put on her was mainly broken on the day of that glitch since it unleashed the negative emotions of the players that were or still trapped in here stored by the SAO severs.”

Asuna says, with a sneer, “So, she basically ‘fed’ on our pain in order to free herself.”

 

Leafa says, horrified, “That’s horrible!”

 

Hino says, with a sneer, “And that fiend intends to feed off the pain of the players in order to increase her strength.”

 

Setsuna says, “Now, more than ever, we need to get the players out of SAO. We can’t be sure about how much ‘influence’ that Mimete has over SAO.”

 

Lisbeth says, drolly, “Just great.”

 

Haruka says, “This ‘game’ just got a whole lot harder.” The others nod their heads in agreement as Mamoru escorts Usagi back to the others where they head back inside of Arc Sofia to discuss this latest development and what kind of danger that this puts the other players in causing them to know that they need to escape SAO as quickly as possible more than since the danger for them and entire world has become greater than ever before.

 

And that’s the chapter, everyone! I told you that there are going be interesting twists and turns in this story, didn’t I? Well, everyone, you can expect the situation to get ‘hot’ with an enemy of the Sailor Scouts and there are going to be more surprises to come! If you want to find out, you are going to have to read and review, folks! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!