Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ Hollow Chaos in the Bastion ( Chapter 11 )

Well, we are past the first ten chapters of the story and our heroes and heroines have made it to Floor 81 of Aincard, but it doesn’t that things are going to go faster. Remember, there is still Mimete, the Hollow Area, and more to take care and don’t worry, the Yu-Gi-Oh 5Ds characters aren’t going to be ‘one chapter wonders’ or something like that. You are going to see them again and they will play a role in the future, folks!

 

I DO NOT OWN Sailor Moon, Sword Art Online, Accel World, Digimon series, Yu-Gi-Oh R/GX/5Ds/Zexal/Arc-V, Kingdom Hearts, 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 11: Hollow Chaos in the Bastion

 

December 23, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

In the streets of Arc Sofia, Usagi and Kirito are walking through the streets in which they are talking about the latest developments in the situation on Aincard/SAO.

 

Usagi says, “I can’t believe that floor eighty-one is a place in Sora-san’s universe.”

 

Kirito says, “I don’t think that Kayaba designed it that way, Usagi. The original floor must have been changed from data from the computer inside of that world known as Radiant Garden. Based on what Sora-san and Kairi-san told us, it looked a lot like it did when it was known as Hollow Bastion.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Nice name.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “I get what you mean, Usagi. This is making it worse for us. Mimete’s ‘tampering’ in the game is making it harder for us. Remember, while each new floor has led to a lot of different kinds of fields, quests, and whatnot, there is plenty of repetition and constantly in the game.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I know, Kirito. Even though we have no idea what’s on the next floor until we explore, we had a good idea on we could possibly expect, but with Mimete altering the game like this, we can’t be sure what to expect and it makes it more dangerous for everyone.”

 

Kirito says, “Yeah, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, “Anyway, where are we going?”

 

Yui then comes over and she says, “Daddy! Auntie Usagi!”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “We’re already here, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Hey, Yui-chan.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “I’ve got something for you. The present that you wanted.”

 

Kirito materializes the diamond and Yui says, “Daddy, you remember. But isn’t this a diamond? Wow!”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, but it is worth it since this world gave us a wonderful child like you.”

 

Yui asks, curiously, “But can I really take this stone? It doesn’t have to be too precious a gem. Are you sure daddy?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Of course, Yui! I brought it for you!”

 

Yui says, with a smile, “Thank you, daddy! I’m so happy!”

 

As Yui takes the stone, Usagi tells Kirito, “That was so nice of you.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “She is my and Asuna’s daughter after all.”

 

Usagi says, “I was shocked when I met Yui-chan for the first time and finding out that she is yours and Asuna’s daughter. However, I think that she is great. She is wise like a sage yet kind and gently as a child.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “She is. And I really cherish her.”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “Kirito…”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “I know what you are going to say and I know that, Usagi. When SAO ends, she won’t be able to exist anymore.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, since you linked her to your NervGear, she could store herself away in there.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s what will most likely happen, but there is no way that she can exist without a similar virtual environment.”

Usagi says, with a smile, “Well, maybe, Mizuno-chan can make something for her. Kirito, she is a total genius and I know that she will be able to come up with something. Once we get out of here, I’ll tell her to please do this for me.”

 

Kirito responds, “Usagi, you really don’t have to do this.”

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “What are you talking about, Kirito? Of course I do!” Usagi tells Kirito, “Kirito, if it wasn’t for you, Asuna, and the others, I don’t know where I would be now. You kept my light burning and kept me from falling into complete despair from loneliness and guilt that I bore.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “It is what friends are for and you kind of made sure that I didn’t get myself killed.”

 

Usagi responds, with a smirk, “You had better believe it buster.” Later on, Kirito and Usagi go into Lisbeth’s shop in Arc Sofia.

 

Lisbeth tells them, “Welcome, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Hey, Liz.”

 

Usagi asks, with a smile, “How are you today?”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Just fine, Usagi-chan.”

 

Kirito asks, “You want us to help level up and restore your skills?”

 

Lisbeth responds, “Actually, I’m comparing various weapons that I want to make.”

 

Kirito asks, “How do you do that?”

 

Lisbeth says, “By going out into the streets and comparing the equipment of other players. There are many top players here on this floor other than you and Usagi-chan of course.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “She does that a lot in order to get a good idea of what the other players want or need, Kirito. I’ve been with her on plenty of these research ventures.”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “She needed your help?”

 

Lisbeth tells Kirito, “Of course, Kirito! As a top player on the assault team, Usagi’s opinion is important since she is a weapon’s user especially with her Mimic Skill that allows her to use any Sword Skill possible. With the combination of perspectives from a swordswoman and blacksmith, we can evaluate the various aspects of weapons and armor.”

 

Kirito responds, nodding his head, “That’s a good point, Liz.”

 

Lisbeth asks Kirito, “Can you come along with Usagi and I this time?”

Usagi asks, confused, “Huh?”

 

Kirito asks, “Liz, don’t you have Usagi to help you with that usually?”

 

Lisbeth responds, with a smile, “She typically helps me, but Usagi is a girl and there aren’t too many girls in SAO despite her friends arriving here. Most of the players are males and while Usagi is good as any guy or gal, her opinions may be more ‘focused’ onto female players than male players despite there might be not much difference between them at least in turns of stats.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s a good point, Liz.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Okay, you are coming with Usagi and me!”

 

Kirito asks, confused, “Huh?” He then yelps as Lisbeth drags him out into the streets and Usagi sighs as she follows as close as she can.

 

Out in the streets, Usagi asks Lisbeth, “Where do you want to start, Liz?”

 

Lisbeth responds, with a smile, “Here would be good.”

 

Kirito asks, “How do we do this, Liz?”

 

Lisbeth replies, “All we need to do is look at the other players and evaluate their equipment.”

Kirito says, with a nod, “Got it.” Soon enough, Kirito, Usagi, and Lisbeth are walking down and glancing at the other players while making sure not to offend them by looking like that they are staring in which they are giving their opinions on their armor and weapons.

 

Just then Agil appears and he says, “Ah, Kirito! I see that you are enjoying your date with Lisbeth.”

 

Usagi yells out, annoyed, “Agil!”

 

Lisbeth asks, with a major hue on her cheeks, “D-D-Date? What are you talking about?”

 

Agil responds, “When a guy and girl are out walking the streets together, it is a date of course.”

 

Usagi yells out, annoyed, “Agil! You know darn well that this isn’t a date. Hello! I’m here with them!”

 

Agil asks, “Are you sure that it isn’t ‘big sister’ doing what she typically does?”

 

Usagi shouts out, annoyed, “Agil!”

 

Lisbeth says, with a major blush on her cheeks, “Don’t say such silly t-things!”

 

Agil says, “Don’t be so serious all. It is such a waste of youth for a pretty young girl to have a hammer in her hands all the time. At a time like this, you have to enjoy your youth. But Kirito, I know that you are young, but don’t do anything to make Asuna cry.”

 

Usagi shouts out, annoyed, “Agil!”

 

Lisbeth yells out, with a blush, “I’m telling you that it isn’t anything like that!”

 

Usagi pushes Lisbeth and Kirito away and Kirito asks, confused, “Usagi?”

 

Usagi responds, “We’re leaving!”

 

Agil says, with a smile, “Have fun now!”

 

Usagi shouts out, “When we get back, I’m telling Asuna that you have been causing Kirito and Lisbeth trouble!”

 

Agil yelps and he asks, nervously, “You wouldn’t?!”

 

Usagi replies, with a sickly sweet and dangerous smile that’s unlike her, “Don’t worry, we’re in a safe zone! She can’t kill you here!” After Usagi pushes Kirito and Lisbeth into a near store, Agil can’t help to wonder if he took his teasing a bit too far.

 

Within the store, Lisbeth breathes a sigh of relief and Lisbeth says, with a sigh, “Oh, geez…”

 

Kirito asks Usagi, “Would you tell Asuna that Usagi?”

 

Usagi replies, with a sweet innocent smile on her lips, “Maybe…”

 

Lisbeth says, with a sly grin, “Nice! I’ll remember that one next time.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, nervously, “Something tells me that I’m glad not to be Agil right now.”

 

The NPC owner of the store asks, “Welcome. A rare item has come in today. Are you interested?”

 

Usagi asks, “What is it?”

 

Lisbeth asks, “Do you think that we have time for this?”

 

Kirito responds, “It could be a good quest, Liz.”

 

The NPC owner says, producing an old looking book, “It is this ancient book.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Book of secrets? Let me take a look.”

 

As Lisbeth reads the book, Kirito asks, “What does it say?”

 

After a while, Lisbeth replies, “This book tells about an ancient people that are skilled at making weapons that were a deity like power. This book contains the methods of such weapons past down from ancient times.”

 

Usagi says, with a whistle, “Wow.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I agree with that sentiment, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, “Do you think that it is something of weapon smiting quest?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I believe so.”

 

Lisbeth says, “It seems that way. It says that we need to gather some special items. We need relation ore, put into sacred fire in a furnace, and hammed with Volundr Hammer. It says: ‘With the user of the weapon…’ But the page is torn off.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, this book is really old, so, it isn’t unusual.”

 

Kirito asks, “The first quest must be fixing the book, right?”

 

However, Lisbeth is focused on the book and after a minute, Usagi asks, curiously, “Liz?”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “This is going to be a great quest! I have never seen a blacksmithing quest like this!”

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Wow! You are really excited!”

 

Just then a male voice says, “Not surprising girl!” The group then looks to see Dai and Akari enter the room.

 

Kirito asks, “Dai? Akari? When did you get here?”

 

Dai says, “After seeing you rush in when Agil was making Lisbeth blush like Kari-chan when we go to bed together.”

 

Usagi, Lisbeth, and Kirito blush at that and Usagi yells out, nervously, “Okay, TMI!”

 

Akari says, embarrassed, “Oh, geez, Dai-kun!” Akari says, “Anyway, I’m interested in that quest.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “You are?”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “I’m a blacksmith myself.”

 

Lisbeth asks, curiously, “You are?”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “You are looking at the top smith from ‘Blacksmith Cats’ of Rainbow Gardens.”

 

Akari says, with a blush, “Geez, Dai-kun.”

 

Kirito says, “I wouldn’t have pegged you for a blacksmith, Akari. You are so good swordswoman with your rapier and your shield, but then again, Liz is a great blacksmith and she is a good fighter too.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a blush on her cheeks, “Geez, Kirito.”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “Actually, Lisbeth is wearing something similar to my smith uniform.”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “Really?”

 

Akari says, “Yeah.”

Kirito asks, “Has that translated into SAO?”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “Actually, it has. My main skills are my rapier and shield as a weapon skills, but I also have a lot of smith type skills too. I haven’t been able to use them until I got here.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “How good are your skills?”

 

Akari responds, “Most of my smith skills are actually at one thousand with rest close to that.” Usagi, Kirito, and Lisbeth give flabbergasted looks and Akari tells Lisbeth, “Oops! That means that I’m your rival, huh?”

 

Lisbeth says, nervously, “Yeah…” Lisbeth thinks in her mind, “This is bad! Real bad! If her skills are that high, it means that she is good! Real good!”

 

Akari tells Lisbeth, “Anyway, I saw a lot of your work and you are real good at this.”

 

Lisbeth asks, curiously, “Really?”

 

Dai says, with a warm smile, “My Kari-chan is more than a pretty face. Our year in Rainbow Gardens has made her quite an expert in blacksmithing.”

 

Akari tells Dai, with a blush, “Cut it out, Dai-kun.” Akari tells Lisbeth, “Anyway, as one blacksmith to another, your work is pretty awesome. I can tell that you are really good at what you are doing.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Thanks, Akari.”

 

Akari tells Lisbeth, “Anyway, from what you read about that, if you had those types of things, your blacksmithing might go to a whole new level with that.”

 

Lisbeth says, looking at the book, “Yes, I know! I can’t help to be excited! I can’t wait to find out what kind of weapons that I can make with this stuff!”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it that exciting?”

 

Dai responds, “We, swordsman, live by our swords, bro. But smiths like Kari-chan and Lisbeth live by their workspaces and they making a living by giving us the ability to fight back in worlds like this one, Kirito. And people won’t buy unless the work is quality that they enjoy and that’s high quality.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Dai has a point, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “I agree.”

 

Lisbeth grabs Kirito’s hand and she says, excitedly, “That’s right! And with this stuff, I know that I’ll make something awesome!”

 

Kirito says, a bit nervously, “Hey, Liz, please don’t yank my hand so much!”

 

Lisbeth asks, “Hand?” Lisbeth then gives a major blush and yelp as she let’s go of Kirito’s hand in which she says, nervously, “Sorry.”

 

Kirito says, “No problem, Liz. I have never seen you so excited before.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “No kidding. You are really into this quest.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “I am. I hope that you and Kirito can help me, Usagi.”

 

Kirito says, “I would like to see what kind of weapon comes out of this quest myself, Liz.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I’m curious too. You made some awesome swords with my Escalon and Lunar Excelsior being two of them.”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “While I doubt that they are going to be as powerful as the Keyblade, I’m sure that a weapon from this type of quest is going to be great.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, “Personally, I really can’t wait to see what kind of weapon does come out of this quest.”

 

Akari asks Lisbeth, “Lisbeth, since the two of us are the only blacksmiths around, maybe we can become partners.”

 

Lisbeth asks, curiously, “Partners?”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “Lately, I have only been using my smith skills to upgrade the weapons of my brother and our friends. Maybe you and I can partner up and create some awesome new weapons to help everyone.” Akari then goes through her player menu and produces a one-handed sword in which she says, giving it to Lisbeth, “This is the first sword that I actually made here.”

 

Lisbeth takes the sword and she says, amazed, “Wow! Oh, wow! This is incredible! The quality! The workmanship!”

 

Dai says, “We found a lot of ores and stuff and we had a special item that allowed us to take a lot more items that our inventory usually allows. It is a rare one of kind item called a ‘sub-space pocket’.

 

Kirito says, “I never heard of such an item.”

 

Usagi responds, “Neither have I.”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “It was great! It really helped us out since it allowed us to put in one hundred times that items that you can put in your own player storage.”

 

There are gasps and Usagi shouts out, stunned, “No way!”

 

Kirito says, amazed, “That is an incredible item!”

 

Dai says, “The Hollow Area is a great place to find things, but it is really tough stuff.”

 

Akari says, “Anyway, we gathered a lot of stuff, but we really didn’t have anything to do with it. The only important items were weapons and armor that we could get for our survival and food items so we can eat for our hunger pains.”

 

Usagi asks, “Why do you want to work with Liz? Don’t you have what you need if you can make that?”

 

Dai responds, “We managed to make it since we managed to complete a little quest involving an NPC blacksmith, but Kari-chan needs to complete some more quests to be allowed to work on her own in that place.”

 

Akari says, “Since Lisbeth is such a top blacksmith, I think that I would be able to partner with her and start to do things on our own.”

 

Lisbeth tells Akari, with a sly smile, “Girl, I think that this is the start of another beautiful relationship.”

 

As Lisbeth escorts Akari away, Kirito asks, nervously, “Usagi, why do I feel nervous about this?”

 

Usagi and Dai giggle at this and Usagi responds, nervously, “I really don’t know.”

 

December 23, 2024, Floor 76, Field

 

In the field just outside of Arc Sofia, Usagi, Kirito, and Sinon is together in which Sinon is training to become stronger so she can venture out like the members of assault team can. While plenty of the others aren’t sure about this, given the situation that Sinon is in with her Medicuboid that she is using, Kirito assures them that he will make sure that Sinon is safe.

 

At one point, Usagi says, “You are doing pretty well, Sinon.”

 

Sinon says, “Thank you, Usagi. Anyway, I would like to more about the skill system.”

 

Kirito says, “You must have the ability to learn plenty of skills by now.”

 

Sinon says, “I have been trying various things. I was hoping that you could check them out.”

 

As Sinon brings up her player screen, Usagi asks, “Bring up your status screen to show us?”

 

Sinon asks, “Problem?”

 

Kirito says, “Well, it isn’t a good idea to show other players your status screen since it displays your level, health, capability, and what items that you are carrying.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “You can’t win in a duel if your opponent knows how to fight you and when dealing with the worst type of players, it could allow them to PK you which mean death in this horrible situation.”

 

Sinon says, “I don’t think that will be a problem since you don’t want to duel me or PK me.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head, “That’s true. You are a fellow guild mate.”

 

Kirito says, “If you make your status screen visible, it is visible to everyone the instant that you do.”

 

Sinon says, “True, but there is no one around and if there was, your ability to detect them with your Search Skill would have sensed it already.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head, “That’s true, Sinon.”

 

Kirito says, also nodding his head, “You have a point.”

 

Sinon says, “Then it is okay then.”

 

Usagi says, rubbing her head, “I’m sorry, Sinon. We’ve been in here for so long, I guess that we are ‘on guard’ all the time and that’s a necessity because this place is so deadly.” Usagi thinks in her mind, “And that makes me worried if we are going to be this way back in the real world when we get back if we stay in SAO much longer.”

 

Sinon says, with a kind smile, “That’s understandable.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Anyway, just show it only to me and Usagi and when we are in a place out here where our Search Skill abilities will be at their best.” Sinon nods her head and she makes her status screen visible for Kirito and Usagi to inspect it.

 

Sinon says, “That’s what I planned to do from the start. Here you go.” When they look at Sinon’s status screen, they find stuff that causes them to raise their eyebrows in confusion and curiosity.

 

Usagi asks, confused, “Huh?”

 

Sinon asks, “Something wrong?”

 

Usagi responds, “I’m not sure.” Usagi asks Kirito, “Kirito?”

 

Kirito replies, “You aren’t seeing things, Usagi. I haven’t seen these skills before.”

 

Usagi says, “Neither have I. I don’t think anyone on Aincard has ‘Precise’ or ‘Hit Adjustment’. But then again, they could be related to the Throwing Skill and you and I aren’t experts on that.”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, but this one is something that I have never seen or heard from before: The ‘Shooting Skill’.”

 

Usagi asks Sinon, “When did you get this?”

 

Sinon says, “Just today. It wasn’t there yesterday.”

 

Kirito says, “It means that you must have learned it today.”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “But how?”

 

Kirito says, “That’s a good question. A ‘Shooting Skill’? I can’t be sure that it existed in Aincard until now.”

 

Sinon asks, curiously, “Shooting…Like with a gun?”

 

Usagi says, “I don’t think so, Sinon. Remember, this is SWORD Art Online and the weapons, here, are restricted to close range combat weapons other than throwing knives and a few other throwing weapons like a boomerang.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s right, Sinon. There shouldn’t be any ‘shooting skills’ in this game.” They continue to look through Sinon’s stats screen with her help and Kirito says, amazed, “Whoa! And it says here that you have already mastered it!”

 

Sinon asks, “Is that bad?”

 

Usagi responds, nervously, “We…We’re not really sure, Sinon.”

 

Kirito says, “Your new skill could be related to the system error that brought you here in the first place.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “What about Mimete and her tinkering? Based on what Mizuno-chan told us, she has connected this world with other ‘virtual worlds’ and other computer systems causing the system to ‘expand’.”

 

Kirito says, “You have a point, Usagi. With what Mimete has done, new skills and abilities that the game never had before might have been added and Sinon’s new skill might be one of them. It could have been also one of the skills and abilities found in the Hollow Area too and somehow, Sinon managed to get it. However, with the system bug and now, Mimete’s tampering, I’m concerned about any ‘new stuff’ in the game. The system was already unstable thanks to what happened and what Mimete is doing might make it worse.”

 

Usagi asks Sinon, “Has there been any problems today, Sinon?”

 

Sinon responds, shaking her head, “No, Usagi.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, there is no error signs or garbled characters, so, it might be possible that this is more to due to Mimete’s ‘tinkering’ with the game than anything else.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Kirito, this whole place is using weapons that you would find like in Medieval European or Feudal Japan, right?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Basically, yes.”

 

Usagi replies, “What if Sinon’s skill is something like that. I mean, they had shooting weapons back in feudal times, right. I mean, they had crossbows and regular bows…”

 

Kirito says, snapping his fingers, “That’s it! Usagi, you are a genius!”

 

Usagi asks, curiously and a bit nervously, “I am?”

 

Kirito says, “Follow me.” Kirito heads back to town and after Sinon and Usagi look at each other, the two of them follow Kirito back to Arc Sofia.

 

December 23, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Within Arc Sofia, Usagi and Sinon are following Kirito to one of the park areas in town.

 

Usagi asks, “Where are we going Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “To a curio shop, Usagi. I found it a while ago and it sells useless items…or at least to you and me, Usagi.”

 

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

 

Kirito says, “We never have heard of the ‘Shooting Skill’ before and it is most likely that it is Unique Skill like my Duel Welding, your Mimic Skill, Dai’s Sword Emperor, Akari’s Shield Blade, and Heathcliff’s Divine Blade. I think that these items are useless to people like us, but it might be possible that they have items and equipment that only Sinon can use.”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “I see.” They enter the NPC shop where they see the NPC owner, an elderly man with a hooded cloak and greying beard.

 

The NPC says, “Welcome.”

 

Usagi says, “Wow. There is a lot of stuff here.”

 

Sinon says, “I don’t see anything useful.” But then Sinon sees something and she says, “Wait!”

 

When Kirito and Usagi look at what she is looking at and Usagi asks, “Wait! Is that an old fashion bow?”

 

Kirito asks the NPC, “Sir, what is this?”

 

The NPC responds, “This is a bow. I got it several days ago. It is rare, but not helpful.”

 

Sinon asks, “Can I give it a try?”

 

Kirito says, “Sure.”

 

Sinon says, “Maybe I can use it and shoot with it.”

 

Usagi says, “It is possible.”

 

Kirito says, “Please give me that.” When he and Usagi see the price, Kirito yells out, “What the heck? This price is crazy! I thought that you said it wasn’t useful!”

 

Sinon asks, curiously, “Is it that expensive?”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “Well, not too much, but we are going to need to build our reserves of Col for a while.”

 

Kirito buys the bow, transfers it to Sinon, and they leave in which Sinon says, “I don’t want to be in debt to anyone.”

 

Kirito responds, “Don’t worry about it. That place was more of a rip off than Agil’s place.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Agil may not give you any more help with that kind of attitude, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with a nervous smile, “Which is why I’m hoping that you would keep that quiet, Usagi.”

 

Sinon says, “Anyway, I’m hungry. Let’s find some place to eat. It’s my treat.”

 

Kirito says, with a kind smile, “You don’t need to treat me, Sinon.”

 

Sinon asks, with an annoyed scowl, “You don’t like me treating you?”

 

Kirito responds, nervously, “I’ll accept your offer then.” Usagi does her best to hold back her giggles as the three of them head off to place to eat.

 

When they arrive at restaurant, Usagi says, amazed, “Wow! You found this place? This is so nice!”

 

Kirito tells Sinon, “You haven’t been here too long, Sinon.”

 

Sinon replies, “True. The monsters are strong for me at the moment and all I have time for is training. Therefore, I went to various stores.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I can see why. It can get kind of boring sitting in town all the time. I keep wondering how the people in the Town of Beginnings do it.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head in understand, “I agree, Usagi. Anyway, they should be better off since Aincard Liberation Army has been reorganized. I’ve been messing Thinker and Yulier a lot and things have gotten better since Asuna and I saved Thinker. People trust the new organization to keep them safe until we finish the game.”

 

Usagi asks, “Any trouble?”

 

Kirito says, “Nothing that wouldn’t happen typically in the game. However, the criminal guilds have gone quiet ever since we defeated Laughing Coffin and you have taken care plenty of the rest of them.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “That’s the only bit of good news.”

 

Sinon says, “It seems like this game is causing you a lot of stress.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, you can say that.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, looking at Usagi, “More like a ton of distress, Sinon. Hopefully, Usagi can finally put it behind her when we are back in the real world through I doubt that it will be that easy.”

 

Usagi asks Sinon, “So, you like this kind of store?”

 

Sinon responds, with a gentle smile, “It has a calming atmosphere.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I feel the same way.”

 

Kirito feels that it is too ‘stylish’ for him and it makes him a bit nervous in which Sinon says, “Anyway, you can order anything that you want here. There is a limited time item known as Apple Chiboust.”

 

Usagi says, excitedly, “Ooh, sounds great!” The three of them give their orders and a good time afterwards, their orders come to their table in which Usagi eats like she usually did as Serena back in the real world.

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “It looks like you are enjoying yourself.”

 

Usagi, her mouth full, nods her head in agreement and Sinon says, “I came here several times alone. This feels really odd. I never met you, two, in reality and now, we are having tea and food. But this isn’t reality since it is a game, so, it is like a dream.”

 

Usagi says, with her mouth empty, “Well, trust us when we say that this isn’t a dream. We’re living, not dreaming. And this is no dream…It is reality despite it being ‘virtual reality’, Sinon.”

 

Kirito says, “Usagi is right. This might be a game, but it isn’t any ordinary game. It is more like a game of survival than anything.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “I see.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “It was supposed to be a dream, but it turned into a living nightmare for over two long years.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “You have got to stop doing this to yourself, Usagi.”

 

Usagi replies, with a sigh, “Sorry, Kirito. I feel like some kind of old war veteran or something like that.” Usagi says, with a smile, “Sorry, Sinon, I’m ruining the atmosphere with my gloomy talk. I’m as dark as Hotaru-I mean Tomoe-chan’s clothing back IRL.”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “There is no problem, Usagi.” Sinon thinks in her mind, “Her eyes…They show so much pain. How much like me is she?”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, can you mess the others to meet us just outside of Arc Sofia?”

 

Sinon gives a curious look and Usagi says, “If Sinon is going to join our explorations of the final floors, you want Asuna to see what she can do and if she can join the boss raids.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s a possibility in the future, Usagi. However, I think that it is best that she works to joining us in exploring the final floors and the Hollow Area if possible. But we need to see what she can do and if I’m right, she will be very valuable player.”

 

Sinon asks, curiously, “Do you really think so?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I do, Sinon. And I may have another theory on your skill, but we need to see what happens when you use that bow.” Sinon nods her head in understand and Usagi starts to message the people on her friends’ list which includes Asuna, Mamoru, and the Sailor Scouts to meet Kirito, Sinon, and herself.

 

December 23, 2024, Floor 76, Field

 

In the fields just outside of Arc Sofia, Asuna, Silica, Lisbeth, Klein, Leafa, Mamoru, and the Sailor Scouts are with Kirito, Usagi, and Sinon in which she takes out her bow.

 

Klein asks, “What’s with the bow, Kirito?”

 

Kirito responds, “Watch and see, Klein.” Kirito tells Usagi, “You know what to do?”

 

Usagi replies, annoyed, “Yeah, I know. But why are you using me as the bait?”

 

Kirito replies, with a smile, “You know how to run very well especially after I heard plenty of stories about you from your friends.”

 

Usagi glares at the Sailor Scouts and Minako says, nervously, “Oops!”

 

Usagi says, shaking her head and in an annoyed tone, “Fine!” Usagi takes out a knife and heads out while Sinon takes out the bow in which an arrow somehow appears in it.

 

Lisbeth asks, “Huh? Where did that arrow come from?”

 

Asuna says, confused, “I don’t know, Liz.”

Silica asks, “Are there any skills involving bows and arrows in the game?”

 

Klein says, “I don’t think so, Silica.” On the meanwhile, Usagi sees a Death Hornet, one of the local bee-like monsters of this area of the floor, in which she using her Throwing Sword Skill to inflict minor damage and get its attention in which it glares right at Usagi.

 

Usagi yells out, “Hey, buzz brain! Come and get me!” The Death Hornet then attacks Usagi, who easily rolls out of the way and dodges the attack.

 

Makoto asks, “What’s she doing?”

 

Mamoru, instinctively, prepared to assist his beloved princess, but Kirito says, “It’s all right. Usagi is too powerful and skills to be hurt by that monster much less killed by it.”

 

Asuna says, “You are right, Kirito-kun, but I don’t understand this.”

 

Kirito says, “You’ll see, Asuna.” Usagi continues to dodge the Death Hornet’s attacks and Kirito yells out, “Usagi-chan, you need to hold it in place for a moment!”

 

Usagi shouts out, annoyed, “Easy for you to say, Kirito! You aren’t bug bait!” After dodging another attack, Usagi draws her Lunar Excelsior and Keyblade and crosses them in which the stops the stinger of the Death Hornet right in its tracks causing the bee-like monster to struggle as it is stopped and trying to sting its way through her defense in which Usagi thinks in her mind, annoyed, “Any day now…”

 

Kirito tells Sinon, “You know what to do, Sinon.”

 

Sinon replies, plainly, “Roger that.” Sinon then aims the arrow at the Death Hornet and the arrow gives off a green glow in which she launches it with the arrow hitting home, but then the Death Hornet is hit with a secession of arrows and inflicts a poison effect that depletes the tiny bit of health that it had left from the assault causing it to shatter into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Nice, Sinon!”

 

The others are shocked and Lisbeth says, “No way!”

 

Asuna says, stunned, “That was a Sword Skill!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s right, Asuna. That was Sinon’s Hale Bullet, a multi-strike combo that also gives a poison effect.”

 

Hino asks, “Wait a minute! Are you saying that Sinon-san has some kind of ‘bow and arrow’ skill?”

 

As Usagi comes back over, Kirito says, “It is actually called ‘Shooting Skill’.”

 

Klein asks, surprised, “Shooting Skill?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “A Unique Skill that only Sinon has. It seems to be a Sword Skill that involves projectile weapons other than the Throwing Skill weapons. In this case, bows and arrows.”

 

Lisbeth yells out, “Wait a minute! That’s not possible! This game shouldn’t have projectile weapons other than what can be used by the Throwing Skill!”

 

Haruka says, “Until now, Lisbeth.”

 

Asuna asks Kirito, “When did Sinon-chan get this skill, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “Just today, Asuna. I kept wondering if it was a bug or involved the ‘manipulating’ that Mimete is causing, but I have another theory. I think that while the system error that happened on the day that Usagi and I fought Kayaba is involved, it isn’t the source of Sinon’s skill.” Kirito asks Usagi, “Usagi, remember what Kayaba said about your Mimic skill?”

 

Usagi asks, “Oh, yeah…Huh? Wait! Are you saying that her Shooting Skill could be like my Mimic Skill?”

 

Kirito responds, with a nod, “I think so. I think that Sinon’s Shooting Skill is actually a prototype Sword Skill that Kayaba had sealed away during the development of SAO.”

 

There are gasps and Asuna asks, “Just like Usagi-chan’s Mimic Sword Skill?”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “Yeah, I think so, Asuna. Remember, Kayaba had sealed away the Mimic Sword Skill feeling that no player could fit the requirement, but the system calculated the Usagi fit the requirement for the skill and gave it to her. And Usagi’s Mimic Sword Skill might not be the only prototype Sword Skill that was sealed away during the development of SAO. Sinon’s Shooting Skill might be another prototype Sword Skill that Kayaba sealed away for various reasons in which I think that it was that it messed with the ‘design’ of the game since it is called SWORD Art Online and the dynamics of the game than the way that he wanted it. He must have developed this skill around the same time as the Throwing Sword Skill.”

 

Mizuno says, “And the system error caused that skill to be unlocked.”

 

Kirito says, “Most likely, Mizuno.”

 

Usagi asks, “But Sinon has been with us for a month now, why now?”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Remember, Usagi, you didn’t get your Mimic Sword Skill until the same time that I got my Duel Welding Skill which was over a year ago.”

 

Usagi says, rubbing her head and in a nervous tone, “Good point, Kirito.”

 

Sinon asks, “But why me?”

 

Leafa says, “Well, ALO has bows and arrows. They have shorter range than magic, but they are better than close range weapons like a sword and if you can’t fight close combat and you have no mana on you, a bow and an arrow is better than nothing.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, Sinon never had an Amusphere or even a NervGear. She never used a Full-Dive until she used the Medicuboid that the SAO servers somehow ‘hacked’ to bring her here.”

 

Makoto says, “There goes that theory.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “Okay, Kirito, your idea might explain on how the Shooting Skill got here, but what I don’t get is how it shows Sinon mastering it even though she got it today!”

 

There are gasps and Klein asks, “Wait! She already mastered that strange skill?!”

 

Sinon gives a sigh and Usagi says, slapping herself on the head, “Me and my big mouth.”

 

Hino says, “No joke, Meatball Head.”

 

Usagi glares at Hino and Asuna says, “I think I can see why the commander had sealed away this skill. This could really radically change the dynamics of the game.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a nod, “No joke, Asuna. The ability to attack, inflict damage, and also inflict stasis conditions to your enemies from a distance is no joke. You could inflict the first blow and a lot of times, the one that strikes first usually wins.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head in agreement, “And if it doesn’t give you an instant win, it can give you an immense edge. This gives Sinon a great advantage since she could start a fight with most monsters from a distance and start the fight when she wants to. For that reason, I want Sinon to develop her Search Skill and also gain the Tracking Skill.”

 

Klein says, with a nod, “No joke, Kirito. If she gets a Search Skill as good as you and Usagi, she can find plenty of monsters and know when to strike and when to get out of there.”

 

Setsuna says, “It can also help her avoid the greatest weakness of that skill: Close range combat.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s the major weakness of the skill. Like in real life, an archer’s greatest weakness is fighting at close range because an arrow will be useless if someone is close enough to chop your bow and your arms off with a sword. Since Sinon started training with a dagger, I think that it is a good idea that she also train to master Dagger Sword Skills just in case the enemy gets close to make her Shooting Skill useless.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “I agree.”

 

Mamoru says, “However, you have a point about this ability that Sinon has, Kirito. It could really be helpful in the future.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I know so. However, I still want Sinon to level up a bit more.”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head, “I agree, Kirito-kun.”

 

Sinon asks, “Is it because of how this game works?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “In a normal MMO, you would normally could fight up to the floor that matches your level, but SAO isn’t a normal MMO at all. Because of our situation, we had agreed that you have to be ten levels above the number of the floor that you are in to explore it safely.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “I see.”

 

Kirito tells Sinon, “However, levels don’t mean anything to actual complete ability. It is just a number, Sinon. You could be at a real high level beyond the floor and you could still be killed since you didn’t have the skill and ability, Sinon. So, you have to remember that level doesn’t completely guarantee that you have the ability to handle that area or floor, Sinon.”

 

Sinon says, nodding her head, “Understood, Kirito.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “But this is great, Sinon-chan! You have a great Unique Skill of your own.”

 

Klein says, with a nod, “No kidding, Kirito.” Sinon can’t help to smile at this knowing that she has something that can allow her to fight to get herself and everyone else trapped in SAO out.

 

December 24, 2024, Floor 81, Hollow Bastion

 

Within Floor 81 of Aincard, we are inside of the town that seems to be a replica of the town in the world of Radiant Garden when it was known as Hollow Bastion before Sora and his friends driven out the ‘evil’ that took it over and the people of Radiant Garden remembered the true name of their world before it was ‘lost to the darkness’ at one time. In the center of town, Leafa is there and looking up into the sky.

 

Leafa thinks in her mind, “What is this feeling? I didn’t tell big brother, but I came here for two reasons. The first of the reasons was for him and bring him home. But the other reasons was like something from this world was calling to me…like something inside me told me to go to Sword Art Online to finish important unfinished business from long ago. I don’t get why and what are these ‘visions’ that I’m seeing all the time?” Soon after, images of the Moon Kingdom palace, Queen Serenity and Princess Serenity, and then someone that looks like Princess Serenity, but she has a rainbow Milky Way sigil with the golden crescent moon sigil on her forehead and Suguha Kiriguya’s eyes in which a mysterious Sailor Scout welding Elucidator and Dark Repulser fighting against none other than Heathcliff/Kayaba.

 

Just then a familiar male voice asks, “Leafa?” Leafa then whips around to see Kirito, Asuna, Usagi, Mamoru, Takashi, Minako, Sora, and Kairi walking up to them.

 

Leafa says, “Oh, big brother.”

 

Usagi asks, “What are you doing here, Leafa?”

 

Leafa says, “I wanted to see the new town.”

 

Mamoru says, “You have to be careful here. This place would normally be a safe zone for players, but with the alternations to the game begin caused by Mimete and whatever she is doing, we can’t be sure anymore.”

 

Kirito says, “While you may have a point, Mamoru. I think that she still has to follow much of the game’s programming despite the changing since the changes need to follow the game’s core programming. However, you still have a point since Mimete might find ways around that core programming.”

 

Asuna says, “Kirito-kun is right, Leafa. We need to be careful more than ever.”

 

Minako says, “Since you are here, maybe you can help us explore.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “Sure!” The group, now joined by Leafa, head off to explore the alternate level of Aincard in order to find the boss of this floor and prepare to attack it.

 

December 24, 2024, Floor 81, Field

 

Within the wasteland-like fields of this floor, the group of Kirito, Asuna, Leafa, Usagi, Mamoru, Takashi, Minako, Sora, and Kairi are going across the passageway to the castle that looks like the entrance to the main dungeon area of the floor where the boss monster of this floor of Aincard awaited the players.

 

Sora says, “That’s Maleficent’s castle.”

 

Minako asks, “The scary ‘dark fairy’ that wanted to take over your universe.”

 

Kairi says, with a nod, “Yes. Sora fought her plenty of times and she planned to use the Heartless to do so.”

 

Sora says, “When Xehanort’s Heartless, possessing Riku, turned her into that dragon and I beat her, I thought she was gone, but she found a way to revive herself. She then went into a virtual universe based on Jimmy’s Journal, but my data counterpart managed to beat them and they were forced to retreat from the ‘data worlds’. However, I heard from Mickey that while Riku and I was on our Keyblade Master trial that she attacked again to get the data on the worlds for some reason.”

 

Mamoru asks, “Did they mention what reason?”

 

Kairi says, “I overheard them mention something called the ‘Book of Prophecies’.” Just then images of a strange book appear in the minds of Usagi and Leafa for a moment in which they clear their heads for a moment.

 

Takashi asks, “Book of Prophecies?”

 

Sora says, “We don’t know.”

 

Asuna says, “Maybe we should ask Setsuna-san.”

 

Kirito asks Usagi, “Should we?”

 

Usagi responds, with a nod, “Sure. It wouldn’t hurt.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, our main focus should be getting to the dungeon and finding the boss of this floor.”

 

Takashi says, “And we can’t be sure that the boss was changed as much as this floor.”

 

Mamoru says, “And speaking of this floor, we need to be careful since we aren’t sure what’s up here.”

 

Kirito says, “I agree.”

 

Usagi says, pointing ahead, “I think that we have our answer to that question, Kirito.” Everyone then looks to see a group of monsters come up and these monsters looked like werewolves with black pants and oversized ninja style sandals on their feet in which Kirito’s and Usagi’s identification shows them as ‘Fang Blades’.

 

Kirito says, “Those creatures are known as Fang Blades.”

 

Takashi says, “Appropriate name.”

 

Usagi says, “I don’t see any weapons on them, but they have blade-like claws on their hands.”

 

Asuna says, “They must be hand to hand fighters.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Most likely, but we had better keep a close eye on their movements.”

 

Leafa asks, “What’s the plan big brother?”

 

Kirito says, “Our best bet is to have several of us go in while the rest of us hang back, but not too far so back up group can’t get in to help too quickly, however, they are far enough away not to attract the monsters’ attentions.”

 

Asuna says, “I’ll take the first strike, Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito asks, “Are you sure, Asuna?”

 

Asuna says, “I’ll be fine, Kirito-kun.”

 

Leafa says, “I’ll help her.” Kirito wanted to say something, but Leafa’s glare makes Kirito stay silent.

 

Minako says, with a smile, “I’ll help them out.”

 

Usagi asks, “Are you sure, Mina-chan?”

 

Minako says, with a grin, “I’ll be okay.”

 

Takashi tells Minako, “Be careful.”

 

Minako says, with a sly grin, “No problem!” Leafa, Asuna, and Minako head forward and get the attention of the Fang Blade in which it attacks them with its blade-like claws in which they clash with the Fang Blade with claws against swords and other bladed weapons.

 

As they watch Mamoru says, “They are doing well.”

 

Kirito says, with a plain tone, “So far.” However, as the combat goes on, the Fang Blade’s blade-like claws then grow as large as a sword blade and they start to grow.

 

Usagi yells out, “What the?!”

 

Kirito asks, stunned, “A Sword Skill with claws?!” The Fang Blade then unleashes a Vorpal Strike One-Handed Sword Skill right at Minako with one of its extended claws, but Asuna and Leafa knock it off course and Minako’s silver dragon partner blows smoke in its face inflicting a blind effect on it allowing all three young ladies to finish off quickly causing it to shatter into hundreds of data polygons.

 

The others come over to them and Takashi asks Minako, “Are you okay?”

 

Minako says, with a smile, “Just fine! Told ya, Taka-kun!”

 

Usagi asks Minako, “Taka-KUN?!”

 

Minako and Takashi blush and Mamoru says, changing the subject, “Anyway, this case shows that these monsters are dangerous.”

 

Kirito says, “It looks like they can perform Sword Skills when they extend their claws.”

 

Asuna says, “We had better inform the other players about this.”

 

Usagi says, bringing out her player menu, “I’ll contact the girls and tell them to spread the word.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Good idea, Usagi. We’ll watch your back until you are done.” Soon after, Usagi sends a message back to the other Sailor Scouts to inform the other players of the assault team about the Fang Blade monsters and their abilities. Afterwards, they continue on towards the castle in which they face another new foe in the form of Guard Armor, which is ten foot tall living knight armor, but they didn’t have too much difficultly with that foe. Standing in front of the castle which contained the entrance to the dungeon of this floor of Aincard, the group looks at each other and they open in which they enter inside of the dungeon.

 

Inside of the dungeon, Sora says, “Doesn’t look like much.”

 

Kirito says, “Be careful, Sora-san. With the game as it is, we’re not sure what about what’s ahead.”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Don’t worry, with my friends on my side, I know that whatever comes up, I can handle it.”

 

Mamoru says, “You have much faith in your friends and comrades.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “My friends are my power. They gave me the strength to have a strong heart to weld the Keyblade.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I know how you feel Sora-san. If it wasn’t for the few friends in here, I don’t know where I be.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Well, you and Kirito-kun helped me become strong and gave me a reason to live, Usagi-chan.”

 

Kairi says, “It must have been tough for you.”

 

Asuna says, “It has been Kairi-san. Over two harsh years and a struggle to survive.”

 

Leafa says, “It has been hard for us too. Mom and I had to watch big brother lie there on a bed and with what little information, we didn’t know how he or his mind was surviving in that world. It is the reason that when I found out about the NervGear that my school mate and friend had stored away, I decided to try to use that to get in.” Leafa thinks in her mind, “Through it isn’t the full reason that I’m here.”

 

Minako says, “We know how you feel, Leafa-chan. Sere-Usagi is the reason that we are all together in the first place. And she isn’t just our princess, our leader, or our friend, she is all three and our sister like we were back in the Silver Millennium. We weren’t just a princess and her guardians and fellow princesses, but a family of five sisters that had to watch her slowly fade away right before our eyes because of the insanity of someone that she once loved and trusted.”

 

Usagi says, with a weak smile, “Mina-chan…”

 

Minako tells Usagi, with a smile, “Not a word out of you, girl. You never knew what he was doing and you could have never believed that he would commit such a terror until that horrible day. So, no pity party for you, girl.” Usagi smiles at Minako and the group ventures on, but Mamoru and Minako still can’t help to worry what kind of damage to her heart and spirit that SAO had on our Moon Princess. They continue on through the dungeon area where they fight more and more Fang Blade monsters, but the battle with the first one allowed the group to figure out tactics against them. However, the group finds itself down a familiar hallway.

 

Leafa says, “This place looks familiar.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “It is different from the rest of the floor and it was already spooky.”

 

Asuna asks, “Do you think that the boss’ lair is here, Kirito-kun?”

 

Kirito says, “Most likely, Asuna.”

 

Kirito looks at Usagi and she says, with a nod, “Yeah.”

 

Mamoru says, “Let’s go on ahead and find out.” The rest of their group nods their heads in agreement and they continue on to the end of the hallway until they reached a familiar set of large doors.

 

Kirito says, “There is no mistake. This is the entrance to the boss’ lair.”

 

Asuna says, “Finally, Kirito.”

 

Usagi says, “We’re going to need to set our crystal here.”

 

Minako says, with a nod, “You got it.” Minako then prepares to set this place as the exit for a Corridor Crystal and for Usagi, Kirito, and Asuna, it was another step closer, but Leafa also felt the same way, however, it was a step closer to understanding what these visions mean to her even though she doesn’t understand why.

 

December 24, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Back within Arc Sofia, Kirito, Asuna, Leafa, Usagi, Mamoru, Takashi, Minako, Sora, and Kairi are assembled in front of the teleport gate.

 

Kirito tells Sora, “Thanks for your help.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “No problem! Compared to Heartless and Nobodies, those monsters were a piece of cake!”

 

Mamoru says, “Despite having real combat experience, you shouldn’t get too confident.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “One lapse in concentration can be fatal here.” Soon after, the teleport gate glows in which everyone looks to see Dai, Akari, Mizuno, and Junpier come out of it.

 

Minako says, “Hey!”

 

Usagi asks Mizuno, “Anything new?”

 

Mizuno responds, shaking her head, “I couldn’t get much from it despite Dai and Akari allowing me to gain access.”

 

Mamoru says, “I don’t like it. Mimete must be planning something.”

 

Dai says, “Well, I don’t think that it is a good idea to leave her alone.”

 

Takashi says, “I’m going to after to agree. The longer that we wait, the more that she has to plan an assault and in this place, we can’t afford to wait.”

 

Dai asks Takashi, “Whoa! I never thought that I hear you say that unless you are pissed, bro.”

 

Takashi sighs and he says, after a moment of silence, “We’re not the same people that you knew. If you survive, this place changes you and in more ways than one.” Usagi, Kirito, and Asuna take deep breathes and mentally knowing that for a fact themselves. Takashi tells Dai and Akari, with a tired look in his eyes, “When you told us about what happened after we got trapped here, we knew that at that time, we could never understand what you were going through fully, but now, we know how you feel in more ways than one.”

 

Takashi walks away and Akari says, her eyes widening, “TK…”

 

Minako looks at Usagi and she gives a nod of her head in which Minako races off and Sora asks, “What was that about?”

 

Kirito tells Sora, “It is best that you don’t ask.”

 

Asuna says, with a solemn tone, “Painful memories.” Sora nods his head as he decides to keep his mouth and he looks at Kairi causing her to nod in understanding.

 

Just then a female voice shouts out, “Hey, Kirito!” Everyone then looks to see none other than Argo coming up to them.

 

Usagi says, “Hey, Argo!”

 

Argo says, “Hey, Bunny-chan! Nice to see you too!”

 

Usagi says, annoyed, “Geez, Argo…”

 

Asuna says, with a giggle, “Well, your name does mean ‘bunny’, Usagi-chan.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I know. I know.”

 

Kirito asks Argo, “What’s up, Argo?”

 

Argo says, “I have some important information from a group of players that were exploring the latest floor that you were at.”

 

Kirito asks, “You do?”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “Yeah, I got it from a group of players. They fought a nasty field boss outside of town and they barely managed to get out of there, thanks to Valkyrie-chan’s friends. They are okay, too, just so you know.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “Thank goodness.”

 

Argo says, “From my contacts, I learned that this field boss is the one that gives part of the information about the boss.”

 

Kirito asks, surprised, “Are you sure?”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “Yep. This field boss is called Hollow Golem and it is pretty tough. It lacks special attacks, but its strength stats must be through the roof based on the damage that those players suffered. Thanks to Bunny-chan’s friends, all of them managed to teleport away back to town.”

 

Kirito asks Argo, “Thanks, Argo. The regular?”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “Yep!” Kirito then transfers some money to Argo and when he is done, Argo says, with a smile, “Nice doing business with you, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Keep up the good work, Argo. However, be careful out there. The game is getting more chaotic and you have helped plenty of players with your information.”

 

Argo says, with a smirk, “No problem, Kirito.”

 

Kirito asks, “And about what we discussed?”

 

Argo says, with a grin, “Buried away as it should be.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod of understanding, “Thanks, Argo.”

 

Argo gave a nod and walked away in which Usagi asks Kirito, “Does that mean…?”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “You know how crafty Argo can be Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “No kidding.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, we should plan to fight that field boss and take it out since it has vital information that we need to fight the main boss of this floor.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree, Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito asks Dai and Akari, “Dai, you and Akari are powerful players. I think that we are going to need your help.”

 

Dai says, “No problem.”

 

Usagi tells Mizuno, “Could you get the girls ready just in case we need them?”

 

Mizuno says, with a nod, “Of course.”

 

As Dai and Akari break off their parties with Junpier and Mizuno, Junpier tells Dai, “You better be careful, squirt.”

 

Dai tells Junpier, “Hey! I’m not a squirt anymore, Jun!”

 

Junpier tells Dai, with a grin, “You are always going to be my squirt to me, Davis.” Dai groans as Junpier rubs his head and Akari can’t help to smile and giggle. When she is done, Junpier says, with a warm smile, “It is nice to see you, again. It…It has been too long.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “It has.”

 

Junpier tells Dai, “However, you aren’t off the hook, squirt! When we get back, you are going back and you are going on your hands and knees to apologize to mom and dad for making them worry so much. They must be in a panic after I got trapped in here and you ran off like that!”

 

Dai says, nervously, “R-Right!” Junpier and Mizuno then take off while Dai and Akari join the rest of the group, which is now minus Takashi and Minako.

 

Akari tells Dai, “Trust me, Dai-kun. I get the same from Tai all the time these days.”

 

Leafa says, “Well, they are your big brother and big sister after all! Siblings care for each other.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “Yeah, we know, Leafa.”

 

Dai asks, “So, how should we get started?”

 

Mamoru says, “I think that it is for the best that we find the field boss and observe him first.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Then we can plan our attack based on what information that Argo gave us. However, let’s be careful, everyone. I have a bad feeling that it won’t be so easy.” The rest of the group nod their heads and they prepare to head off to find the field boss.

 

December 24, 2024, Floor 81, Field

 

When we returned to the barren fields of Floor 81, Kirito’s words proved right as we find them fighting against the Hollow Golem Field Boss, which is a massive stone monster made of square blocks, but the blocks of stone look see-through like in a prism with black lifeless eyes, where we find Kairi and Leafa, both of them are on the group with their health in the red zone as Kirito, Asuna, and Sora go over to them with Akari using her shield and her Divine Blade Sword Skill, the same one that Heathcliff had, to hold back the boss with aid from Mamoru, Usagi, and Dai at the same time.

 

Kirito says, “Leafa!”

 

Asuna asks, “Are you and Kairi-san okay?”

 

Leafa says, shaking her head, “I’m okay…”

 

Sora asks Kairi, “Are you all right, Kairi?”

 

Kairi says, with a weak smile, “I’m okay, Sora.”

 

Kirito takes out a pair of healing crystals and he says, throwing one to Sora, “Put this over Kairi and say ‘heal’ to activate!”

 

Sora says, catching the crystal, “Right!” As Kirito and Sora use the crystals to restore Leafa’s and Kairi’s health back to full health, the Hollow Golem attacks with a free arm and hand, but Akari manages to roll out of the way while Dai and Usagi leap onto its arms.

 

Dai says, “Let’s go, Moon girl!”

 

Usagi responds, with a nod, “Right!” The two of them race up the golem’s arms to its face and as one of her swords glow, Usagi shouts out, “Variable Blow!” Usagi then pounds the head of the Hollow Golem with an 8-hit Mace Sword Skill combo with her Keyblade, thanks to her Mimic Skill and her high level of proficiency in that skill, causing a significant amount of damage.

 

Dai yells out, as one of his Keyblades glow, “Nice one! My turn! Legion Destroyer!” Dai then slams the Field Boss with a 7 hit Scimitar AKA One-Handed Curved Sword with one of his Keyblades, inflicting also a bleeding effect on the monster, but then Dai’s other Keyblade glows in which he performs a Horizontal Square, the 4 hit One Handed Sword Skill combo, and then then slams the monster with a Vertical Square, another 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Okay, switch!” Usagi and Dai manage to fall back based on the way they attacked the head of the golem in which Asuna switches and hits with Quadruple Pain, a 4 hit Rapier Sword Skill combo, but the monster didn’t suffer a stun effect and it turned its attention to Asuna in which Kirito shouts out, concerned, “Asuna!” However, Sora uses his Keyblade like a boomerang that hits the monster in its eyes and causing it to stumble.

 

Sora says, with a sly grin, “Got it!”

 

Kirito says, “Thanks!” Kirito then switches in with Asuna and he uses Eclipse, the ultimate 27 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, in which with that, the massive field boss monster shatters into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “We did it, big brother!”

 

Kirito says, with a sigh of relief, “Yeah, we did.”

 

Usagi asks Mamoru, “Are you okay?”

 

Mamoru says, with a smile, “Just fine.”

 

Dai says, “What a tough fight.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “No kidding, Dai-kun.”

 

Asuna asks, “Kirito-kun?”

 

Kirito looks at something and he says, “Yeah, we got it.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “That’s good.”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, but this field boss was tough. I can’t help to fear what the floor boss could be.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Ruin a girl’s good mood, why don’t you? However, you have a point. Hopefully, once we get all the information that we can, we can figure out a way to defeat the boss without losing anyone.”

 

Mamoru says, “For now, we should go back to Arc Sofia and rest.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “Same here.” The group heads off back to town to get to the teleport gate to return to Arc Sofia to pool their information against the floor boss and figure out a plan to organization the right type of raiding party to defeat it, hopefully with no fatalities like with the previous five floor boss, but they know that with what’s been happening lately, it may get harder and harder to succeed in such a plan.

 

And that’s the chapter, everyone! As I said before, this story is taking on a life of its own, but it is going to have a very good connection to the main Sailor Moon Online fanfiction series, so, remember, there are going to be spoilers, folks! So, prepare for plenty of surprises to come, everyone! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!