Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ Shadows in the Hollows ( Chapter 13 )

Okay, everyone, I’m going to be focusing on a lot more on Hollow Area events for quite a few chapters, but it doesn’t mean that the events of progressing up Aincard and events from Hollow Fragment outside of the Hollow Area will be stopping. I’m just saying that events linked to the Hollow Area and the Hollow Area itself will be taking up more of the chapters for a while, 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, Code Lyoko, Transformers, 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 13: Shadows in the Hollows

 

December 26, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Within Arc Sofia, we find ourselves within the main shopping center where we find Leafa looking around the shops as other players continue to move along and prepare for the exploration of the next floor of Aincard to find the next floor boss. However, Leafa’s mind is on her brother, Kirito, who is with Usagi, Mamoru, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi in the Hollow Area to find Mimete and figure out a way to take her out before she can cause more trouble for the surviving players trapped in SAO.

 

Leafa thinks in her mind, “I hope that you, Usagi, and the others are okay, big brother.” Leafa continues to walk until she hits something or someone and she is knocked to the ground in which she yelps.

 

Just then a male voice responds, “Sorry about that!” Leafa then looks to see a young man wearing the armor/uniform of Knights of the Blood Oath with brown hair and light blue eyes. The young man says, amazed, “Oh, wow! You are that ‘fairy girl’ that’s part of the ‘White Valkyrie’s’ guild!”

 

Leafa thinks in her mind, with a nervous sweat drop, “Is everyone calling me that?” Leafa leaps to her feet and she says, with a plain tone, “I have a name, you know? It’s Leafa.”

 

The male player responds, “Leafa, huh? Nice name.”

 

As the male player looks all over Leafa, she says, pointing to her face, “Look up here, guy.”

 

The male player replies, with a blush, “Yes, sorry!”

 

Leafa asks, “So, you belong to the Knights of the Blood Oath?”

 

The male player responds, “Yes, I do. Lady Asuna has taken command over the guild ever since we found out that Commander Heathcliff…No, the traitor Heathcliff was none other than…”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “Yeah, it must have been a shock.”

 

The male player replies, “It was and it struck us to the core. We would have fought and died for him and we learned he was the madman that trapped us in this nightmare.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “Don’t worry, we’ll be home soon.”

 

The male player says, with a nod, “I hope so. It has been a hard two years being away from my family and friends.”

 

Leafa says, “It must have been.”

 

The male player asks Leafa, “Anyway, Leafa-san, are you really part of the ‘White Valkyrie’s’ new guild?”

 

Leafa responds, a bit nervously, “Yeah, I am.”

The male player says, “I was shocked when I heard this! The ‘White Valkyrie’ forming a guild of her own? I heard a lot from members of my guild that battled against the floor seventy-five boss. She really fought against that monster one-on-one and she beat him! But what I don’t get is why we haven’t been released? She beat him!”

 

Leafa says, nervously, “Well…”

 

The male player responds, “Yeah, I heard. I can’t believe that a simple ‘glitch’ is keeping us in here, but then again, it could be ‘him’.”

 

Leafa says, “You can’t be sure that he is still alive after she beat him.” However, deep down, Leafa knows that Kayaba/Heathcliff is still somewhere out there through she doesn’t know why.”

 

The male player replies, “You have a good point, Leafa-san. Based on what I heard from my guild mates, she struck him right there in the chest, but then again, they didn’t see his health go to zero and he just vanished. He might have performed a last minute ‘trick’.”

 

Leafa says, “That’s a good point.”

 

The male player says, “He is a monster! I mean, the ‘White Valkyrie’ is her niece and he had no regard for her life too! Man! Personally, if I was her, I would feel like crap, but even if she is, she is just incredible! She is still out there and fighting for all of us!”

 

Leafa says, “It is because that she cares about all of the players.”

 

The male player says, “You have a point. I heard plenty about her exploits. Despite it not being her fault, she was out there every single day looking over all of us like a mother hen to her chicks.” The male player says, with a sigh, “I don’t think that I have the strength to do that.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “You are helping in your way by being on the front lines and fighting to free everyone.”

 

The male player says, with a smile, “Nice for you to say, but it may be more of the MMO player in me. I’m not like her. She really cares about the players despite the crap that we give her despite most of us feeling that she is just like us.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “No kidding, pal.”

 

The male player responds, “Hey! Hey! I know! And a lot of us know it! It’s stupid and all, but because she is Kayaba’s niece and she is a victim like the rest of us…It is just that she reminds us about our whole situation because she is the ultimate victim of this wretched ‘death game’. Stupid, I know, but it is as it is!”

 

Leafa says, with a plain tone, “Yeah…It is stupid.”

 

The male player says, with a sigh, “Got me there.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “She doesn’t blame you for feeling that way. It is the reason why she stayed away.”

 

The male player says, with a weak smile, “Yeah.” The male player tells Leafa, “Anyway, I’m Aaron.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “And I’m Leafa as you already know.”

 

The male player replies, with a smile, “Nice to meet you, Leafa-san.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “It was nice to meet you, too, Aaron-san.” Aaron then takes off while Leafa walks away in which she smiles lightly through she doesn’t completely know the reason why.

 

December 26, 2024, Hollow Area

 

Right now, we are inside of the Hollow Area where we find Kirito, Philia, Usagi, Mamoru, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi are within an area known as Church for Two to Meet where they are fighting knight-like and armored skeleton monster in which they get to a door, but they are unable to open it.

 

Kirito says, “This door is locked.”

 

Philia says, going over it with her skills, “It may not be able to be opened from this side.”

 

Mamoru says, “Maybe not.”

 

Philia asks, “What do you mean?”

 

Dai tells Usagi, “Why don’t you give the Keyblade a try?”

 

Usagi responds, bringing out her Keyblade, “Okay.” Usagi then aims her Keyblade at the locked door, a beam from the Keyblade, and after it hits the door, there is a loud ‘click’ and the door opens.

 

Akari says, with a smile, “It worked!”

 

Philia says, stunned, “Incredible.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “I’m not surprised.”

 

Kirito says, “This is what you call a ‘game changer’.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Indeed, Philia.” Philia couldn’t help to be amazed at the ease of the Keyblade opening the door that not even her skills could open while the group continues on deeper into the castle-like dungeon area. They continue to fight on and explore the area, having to go back at certain points, until they are at a door in a large area of the dungeon. Philia says, “This is it.”

 

Usagi asks, “This is it?”

 

Philia says, “The door is hidden and gimmick is unlock so we can enter.” Soon after, the wall sides away in two ways to reveal a door and the door opens to reveal a room with a large golem monster in it with four reaper-like monster surrounding it.

 

Mamoru asks, “Is that the monster?”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Yes.”

 

Dai says, “A golem like monster, huh? It doesn’t look that tough.”

 

Akari says, with a sigh, “Geez, Dai-kun…”

 

Usagi says, “From what my identification skill shows, it is a called Sanctuary that it looks like similar to a Field Boss monster.”

 

Mamoru says, “We can’t be sure that he isn’t any weaker than that golem monster that was a floor boss that we faced some time ago.”

 

Kirito says, “Based on what data I can get on him, he is at level one hundred and two.”

 

Mamoru says, “However, he isn’t the only problem.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yeah. There are four astral monsters surrounding him.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Just great.”

 

Sora asks, “Something wrong?”

 

Kirito says, with a slight smile, “Usagi-chan doesn’t do well with…ghosts. Neither does Asuna.”

 

Akari tells Usagi, “Well, I don’t blame you. With the experience that we had with ghost-like Digimon, anyone would become freaked out by ghosts.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I had to suck it in and try to face my fears…With it not working so much.”

 

Sora asks, “So, what shall we do?”

 

Mamoru says, “We are going to have to divide the duties. Some of us have to take care of the four astral monsters while the rest of us focus on the golem monster.”

 

Dai says, “Since Usagi isn’t so keen against ‘ghosts’ of any sort, maybe she should take of the golem monster.”

 

Akari says, “I’ll help with the golem monster.”

 

Sora asks Kairi, “What about you, Kairi?”

 

Kairi says, with a smile, “I’ll be fine fighting those monsters with the scythes, Sora.”

 

Kirito says, “Philia and I will assist with the golem monster.”

 

Philia nods her head in agreement and Mamoru says, “I’ll help with the astral monsters.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “And I’ll help with the four ‘spookys’.”

 

Philia asks, “Spookys?”

 

Akari says, with a grin, “He means the four astral monsters.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Oh.”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, Usagi, Philia, Akari, and I will take care of the golem monsters and the rest of us take on the astral monsters.”

 

When everyone nods their head in agreement, Usagi tells Mamoru, “Be careful.”

 

Mamoru says, “You, too.” Usagi nods her head and the group charges into the room in which Dai immediately whips out his Oathkeeper and Oblivion Keybladers to easily cut through one of the reaper-like monsters with ease while Sora and Kairi gang up on another with Mamoru taking on another one with Dai immediately moving onto the last astral monster. On the meanwhile, Usagi, Akari, Philia, and Kirito are facing against the high level Field Boss type golem monster known as Sanctuary.

 

Kirito says, “Here we go, everyone!” The group began their assault with blistering attacks with both Usagi and Kirito striking hard and fast with Duel Welding Skill with Kirito using his Elucidator and Dark Repulser while Usagi uses her Keyblade and Lunar Excelsior sword.

 

When the large golem rear its fist, Usagi yells out, “Get out of the way! Stun Quake!” The four of them leap out of the way as the golem slams his fist into the ground in an attack known as Stun Quake, an attack that could inflict a stun effect on its opponents, but Usagi’s timely warning allow them to get away without suffering the effect.

 

Akari says, with a smile, “Thanks!”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Good work, Usagi.” Kirito asks Philia, “Are you okay?”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “I’m okay.” The four of them continue on with the attack with Usagi striking first with Double Circular, the two hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo.

 

Kirito shouts out, “My turn! Dead Intersection!” Kirito then slams Sanctuary with a 5 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo that also lowers the golem monsters attack strength.

 

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

 

Sanctuary then gives a pose as it prepares its next attack and Akari says, “Everyone behind me!” Akari steps forward and uses the power of Holy Blade or Divine Blade Sword Skill to withstand a Cyclone Cannon in which her defense was so strong that Sanctuary suffered from a lapse in which Akari takes that time to hit hard with a Quadruple Pain, 4 hit Sword Skill combo that causes the opponent to get stuns the target. Sanctuary was no different in which Akari’s case in which golem stumbles and hesitates to get hit by an immobilize effect.

 

Kirito tells Philia, “Philia!”

 

Philia responds, “Okay!” Philia then shouts out, “Accel Raid!” Philia then strikes Sanctuary with a nine hit Dagger Sword Skill combo and Sanctuary roars out, but prepares to strike back.

 

Kirito yells out, “Philia, switch!”

 

Philia responds, “Right!”

 

Philia leaps out of the way of Sanctuary and Kirito shouts out, leaping in, “Shine Circular!” Kirito then hits the Field boss golem monster with a 15 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo that inflicts a darkness/blind effect on the monster.

 

Usagi says, “Nice one, Kirito!”

 

Dai then shouts out, “Can I play too?” Soon after, Sanctuary gets slammed by a Vorpal Strike, a strong one hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, by Dai, who uses his Skill Connect skill to attack with Horizontal Square, a 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo that traces in the shape of a rhombus, follows up with a Vertical Square, another 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo that traces in the shape of a square, and he finally strike home with a Rage Spike, a weak one hit One-Handed Sword Skill to disorient the opponent.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Hit it, Usagi!”

 

Usagi responds, with a nod, “Right!” Usagi then strikes Sanctuary with Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, and it was enough to cause the golem monster to shatter into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Kirito says, “That guy was quite tough.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “No kidding, Kirito.”

 

Philia says, with a kind smile, “But Kirito and his friends were able to handle themselves quite well. It shouldn’t be surprising since you are from the lead group.”

 

Usagi says, with a kind smile, “Thanks, Philia.”

 

Kirito says, “However, you proved to be quite skillful yourself Philia. You could be part of the lead group yourself.”

 

Philia says, with a slight blush, “You are just exaggerating. Flattery isn’t going to get you anywhere with me.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m just saying the truth.”

 

Usagi tells Philia, with a smirk, “Kirito doesn’t have the ability to flatter someone, Philia.”

 

Kirito glares at Usagi and he says, annoyed, “Thanks a lot.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “You seem quite close.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Usagi-chan is like a big sister to me…and just as annoying as well.”

 

Usagi sticks her tongue at Kirito and Philia says, with the blush still on her cheeks, “It has been a while since anyone praised me.” Philia then says, seeing something, “Oh, look! There is a treasure chest.”

 

Philia goes over to it and Kirito says, “Philia, be careful! It’s dangerous!”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “Wouldn’t she be able to handle any traps since she is expert in that kind of thing as a ‘treasure hunter’?”

 

Dai says, with a smile, “Easy, bro! Philia has been able to handle stuff like this!”

 

Akari says, with a kind smile, “She’ll be fine.”

 

Philia calls out, “Everyone, come here!”

 

Kirito says, “Man. She is just like a child.”

 

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

 

Kirito says, with an embarrassed blush, “I rather you don’t, Usagi.”

 

Dai says, “Ouch! It looks like she has got you pegged.”

 

Akari asks Dai, “Do I really have to go about your stunts during our days as Digidestined, Dai-kun?”

 

Dai yells out, with a blush of embarrassment, “Hey, Kari-chan!”

 

Akari gives a giggle and Philia yells out, “Kirito! Dai! Akari! What are you and everyone doing over there? Come here quick.”

 

Akari says, “We’re coming Philia.” The others join Philia as she looks at the treasure chest.

 

Sora asks, “Is it locked?”

 

Philia says, “It is covered in a trap.”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it a Mimic?”

 

Kairi asks, “Mimic?”

 

Usagi responds, “It’s a monster that acts like a treasure chest and when you try to open it, wham! It tries to make a ‘treasure’ out of you by trying to take a bite out of you.”

 

Sora says, with a grimace, “Yipe!”

 

Philia says, “It is going to be okay. The treasure chest is regular and even with the trap, it won’t be a problem for me.”

 

Kirito asks, “So, you removed it already?”

 

Philia asks, “So, you don’t believe in my skills?”

 

Kirito responds, “No, nothing like that.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, we just never saw anyone with trap disablement skills that’s so quick, that’s all.”

 

Philia says, “I know all about the different kinds of traps and the levels of traps. For that purpose, I have increased my skill a lot.”

 

Dai says, with a smile, “If there is anyone that can take care of traps, it is Philia.”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “She knows how to get by any trap.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I’ll leave it to you, Philia.”

 

Philia says, nodding her head, “Right, Kirito.” Soon after, Philia then focuses her skill to disable or get by the traps and she opens the treasure in which she says, with a smile, “It opened! Here I come treasure.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “What is it?”

 

Philia responds, “I don’t know Usagi. It could be a weapon or accessory.”

 

When Philia pulls out a strange necklace, Kirito asks, “Wow! That’s rare, isn’t it?”

 

Usagi says, “Never seen that kind of necklace before.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “We did it! It’s fun to find treasure like this.”

 

Dai tells Philia, “You are really enjoying yourself, Philia.”

 

Akari says, “It is nice to see you smile.”

 

Kirito and Usagi smile and Philia asks, curiously, “Is something up?”

 

Kirito responds, “No, Philia. I think your smile is kind of cute just like a little sister.”

 

Philia asks, with a blush, “You think that I’m cute?”

 

Kirito says, “It is just a misunderstanding…”

 

Philia says, blushing and showing annoyance, “Misunderstanding? You think that I’m not cute?”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “No, that’s not what I meant…”

 

Usagi says, shaking her head, “Way to go, Kirito.”

 

Philia says, with a giggle, “It is kind of cute to see Kirito in a panic.”

 

Kirito says, with a blush of embarrassment, “Stop it.”

Dai says, with a grin, “She got you, bro.”

 

Philia says, giving the necklace to Kirito, “I’m just kidding, Kirito. Take this.”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it okay?”

 

Philia responds, “Yeah, it’ll be fine. Take it, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, taking the necklace, “Okay. Thank you, Philia.”

 

Philia tells Kirito, “Take good care of it. I don’t give out presents often.”

 

Kirito says, “Sure, Philia.”

 

Dai asks Philia, “Does someone have a crush on someone else’s husband?”

 

Philia yells out, with a major blush, “No!”

 

Usagi says, “Anyway, we’ve got what we came for.”

 

Mamoru says, “And other than fighting that AI version of one of Sora-san’s enemies, there is nothing from Mimete.”

 

Kirito says, “However, something tells me that we will find her eventually.”

 

Akari says, “That’s a good thought.”

 

Dai says, “Well, we can’t have someone like that roaming around and causing more trouble.”

 

Kirito asks, “Philia, where should we go next?” But before Philia can say a word, Kirito gets a message as he hears a familiar chime that a message has been sent to him in which Kirito brings up his player menu.

 

Usagi asks, “What’s up, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “I just got a message.”

 

Mamoru says, “It shows that messaging actually still works here in the Hollow Area.”

 

Philia says, “It could be important.”

 

Kirito says, “Yeah. But I better not look at it here. That monster may be like a Field Boss, but we can’t be sure that the other monsters won’t be return. Sorry to leave so fast, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, shaking her head, “No problem. I had fun today.”

 

Mamoru says, “Let’s get back to the Control Area first.” The others nod their head in agreement and they leave the area to find the nearest teleportation stone to get back to the Control Center of the Hollow Area. Once back in the Hollow Area Control Center, Kirito looks up the message.

 

Usagi asks, “What is it Kirito?”

 

Kirito responds, “It’s Klein. He said that he got some kind of rare item that he wants us to see.”

 

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

 

Sora asks, “Well, aren’t we on an important mission?”

 

Kairi tells Sora, with a giggle, “Look who has become really serious.”

 

Sora rubs his head nervously and Kirito says, “Might as well as see what he wants to show us.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Good idea. Klein is a good friend.”

 

Dai tells Philia, “Sorry to bail on you, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, with a smile, “It’s no problem. Thank you for coming to see me and helping me get the treasure.”

 

Akari says, “It’s no problem, Philia.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s right. We’ll see you later.” Soon after, the group heads over to the teleport pad and teleport back to Arc Sofia in which Philia gives a solemn look on her expression.

 

December 26, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi enter Agil’s inn/shop where Yui runs up to them.

 

Yui says, “Daddy! Auntie Usagi! Welcome back!”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Hi, Yui!”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “We’re back. I hope that you have been good.”

 

Yui says, with a smile, “Yes, daddy. I’ve been helping Agil in his shop.”

 

Kairi asks, “Really?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “My Yui-chan might be a little girl, but she isn’t an ordinary little girl.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “I’ve got to agree.”

 

Kirito tells Yui, “Well, you have been doing a good job.”

 

Yui responds, with a happy smile, “Thank you, daddy!”

 

Soon after, Klein shouts outs, “Listen up, everyone! I did it!”

 

Kirito asks, “What’s this uproar about now, Klein?”

Usagi says, “Kirito said that you had gotten a rare item.”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “You know it, Usagi-chan! Take a look!” Klein then goes through his player menu and materializes a large amount of what looks like very tasty looking meat.

 

Akari asks, curiously, “Meat?”

 

Dai says, with a whistle, “And a lot of it.”

 

Agil comes over and he says, when he sees the meat and with an amazed tone, “Are you serious? This is Flying Buffalo A-Five Meat! This is an S-level ingredient!”

Usagi asks, shocked, “Are you sure Agil?”

 

Agil says, “I know an S-class ingredient when I see one Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Wow.”

 

Kirito tells Klein, “You are amazing, Klein.”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “Yeah, please praise me more!”

 

Sora asks, curiously, “I love to eat like any other guy, but is it so much to get worked up for such good food?”

 

Mamoru tells Sora, “I’m not surprised since you weren’t trapped in here like Usagi and a lot of the other players, Sora-san. But very good food is one of the few pleasures in SAO.”

 

Dai says, “You might expect that being in a virtual game world where dying here means dying in real life that there are very few things for enjoyment.”

 

Kairi says, with a nod of understand, “Yeah.”

 

Soon after, Lisbeth, Leafa, Sinon, Silica, Asuna, the Sailor Scouts, and Digital Knights arrive on the scene and Lisbeth asks, “Hey, what’s this about an S-level ingredient?”

 

Asuna says, looking at the food brought by Klein, “It looks like it, Liz.”

 

Lisbeth says, amazed, “No way! It looks so tasty!”

 

Makoto says, “Oh, yeah! Hey, Mina-chan, we should them our stuff!”

 

Minako responds, “That’s a good idea!” Minako and Makoto come forward and use their player menu to materialize a lot of fruits and vegetables as well as a lot of tasty looking portions of fish with some meat which Kirito and Usagi recognize immediately.

 

Kirito says, amazed, “That’s Ragout Rabbit meat! That’s S-level ingredient!”

 

Minako says, with a sly smirk, “I see that you recognize it, Kirito.”

 

Usagi says, “That’s because Kirito managed to catch some before…” Usagi glares at Kirito and she says, annoyed look in her expression, “And he didn’t share it with one of his best friends.”

 

Kirito becomes nervous and Agil says, “You mean TWO of his friends, Usagi.”

 

Kirito becomes really nervous and Asuna says, amazed, “Oh, wow! These fruits and vegetables are rare: A to S-rank!”

 

Makoto says, “I got them from a farming quest!”

 

Agil says, looking at the fish, “Hey! This is Rising Sun Salmon! This is also an S-level ingredient!”

 

Klein tells Usagi, “Holy crap! Usagi, your friends really know how to bring home the bacon!”

 

Miyako says, licking her lips, “No kidding! This is a massive feast amount of food.”

 

Junpier says, with a nod, “No joke! And all of them are super-rare!”

 

Yui says, “Flying Buffalo and Rising Sun Salmon are rare monsters and A-Five meat is among the rarest of the rare with a low drop with the same for the Rising Sun Salmon as well. Both of these could be the first drops in all of Aincard.”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “Hear that Minako! We’re the best!”

 

Minako says, with a sly smirk, “You know it, Klein!”

 

Hino says, rolling her eyes, “Oh, great! Here we go folks.”

 

Klein says, excitedly, “Hey, with all of this awesome food, we can make a grand exhibition!”

 

Minako says, with a nod of her head, “That’s a great idea!”

 

Klein says, with a smirk, “Since that fish is super-rare, how did you find it? But then again, you are a Sailor Scout after all, so, awesome things must happen to you all of the time.”

 

Minako says, with a smile, “Well, I am the first Sailor Scout after all: Sailor V.”

 

Haruka says, rolling her eyes, “Like Hino said: Here we go.”

 

Hino nods her head in agreement and Michiru says, with a giggle and smile, “Be nice, Haruka.”

 

Sinon asks, “This is just trivial stuff, Klein. Is the meat really good?”

 

Klein says, offended tone in his voice, “Hey, this is not just trivial stuff?”

 

Minako says, with an annoyed pout, “Yeah! I’m calling the kettle black, but this kind of stuff is the only thing that Usagi-chan and the others had to enjoy for two years!”

 

Usagi tells Minako, kindly, “Okay! Okay! Sinon didn’t mean anything like that.”

 

Kairi says, “It must have been tough if food is the only thing that you can enjoy.”

 

Asuna says, “It has been tough, Kairi. However, I think that we found ways to keep our spirits up as best as we can.”

 

Lisbeth says, licking her lips, “I heard that this stuff is exquisite.”

 

Miyako asks, a little curiously, “So, you guys are going to share right?”

 

Minako says, with a grin, “Sure! I can’t see why not. We have the makings of a grand feast here!”

 

Klein says, with a nod, “Minako is right! We can make a grand feast to celebrate our victories, but remember that Minako and I get a good taste of those since we caught them after all.”

 

Agil says, “Well, since you aren’t going to sell, you need to find someone to cook it.”

 

Silica says, with a nod, “That’s right. Since these are top level ingredients, you need to cook it just right.”

 

Agil says, with a smile, “You can borrow the shop since you are going to cook it for everyone.”

 

Kirito says, “And we have a pair of three great chefs.” Kirito asks Usagi, “You did master your cooking skill recently right?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yep! Just a while ago!”

 

Makoto says, “And Asuna and I have perfected cooking skills, so, this works out great!”

 

Klein says, with a grin, “Great, it’s decided! This is going to be perfect! All this food and three awesome chefs!”

 

Kirito tells Klein, “It sounds like you tasted Makoto’s cooking!”

 

Minako says, with a nod, “Yeah, he did along with Takashi.”

 

Takashi says, with a smile, “I have to say that it was very yummy.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I tasted Mako-chan’s cooking too and it was incredible Kirito-kun!”

 

Kirito says, with a warm smile, “Well, I know to expect the best…Since I hear Usagi-chan talking about in her sleep when I found her napping in a safe zone out in the field.”

 

Usagi gives a major blush of embarrassment and she screams out, annoyed, “Kirito!”

 

Hino says, “That’s Meatball Head for you.” Hino then gets struck by a Throwing Knife, but since this is a safe zone, she doesn’t suffer any damage, however, she does get knocked to the floor. Hino glares at Usagi, who is whistling innocently and having her hands behind her back. Hino yells out, “Hey, Meatball Head, are you trying to kill me?”

 

Usagi responds, with an innocent smile, “Who me? Besides, this is a safe zone, I couldn’t kill even if I tried.”

 

Hino yells out, very irritated tone and expression, “Let’s find out!” Hino then leaps to her feet, charges at Usagi with her arms and hands out to choke her by the neck, and Usagi yelps as she runs for her life, kind of, while Hino chases her around Agil’s shop much to the amusement, amazement, confusion, shock, and/or two to more of those emotions while Hino chases Usagi around.

 

Leafa asks, curiously and nervously, “Is this kind of thing common?”

 

Mizuno says, with a nervous smile, “Actually, yes.”

 

Minako says, with a grin, “Like you wouldn’t believe!”

Dai says, “This is surprising familiar.”

 

Akari says, with a grin, “Like when Yolei chases you down when you piss off her, Dai-kun.”

 

Dai yells out, “Hey, I’m not that bad!”

 

Miyako asks, “Do you want me to answer that?”

 

Dai shouts out, annoyed, “Hey, watch it!”

 

Akari giggles at Dai’s annoyance and Asuna says, amazed and a bit nervous in her expression, “Usagi-chan has quite a…interesting group of friends. I have to that it is pretty scary to see how similar Hino is to Liz when she is mad.”

 

Lisbeth, not completely focused on Asuna’s words, nods her head, but when she realizes what Asuna said in full, Lisbeth shouts out, with an embarrassed blush and annoyed tone, “Hey, I’m not like that!”

 

Asuna asks, with a sly smile, “Oh, really?”

 

Pina goes over to the food and happily gives off ‘kyu’, but Silica says, kindly, “Pina, you can’t eat it now. We have to cook it first.”

 

Minako tells her dragon partner, “You, too, Rina.”

 

Agil says, “The stuff in the shop should be enough. Food this rare needs the right garnish...Oh no.”

 

Lisbeth tells Agil, “What’s wrong? If there is stuff to get, I can get it.”

 

Agil says, “Sorry, can you do that? Can you also get drinks that go well with this food? You can find the shop at…”

 

However, Strea then makes her appearance and she asks, “Can I help?”

 

Usagi, able to come back after Hino stopped chasing her around the shop, asks, surprised, “Strea, when did you get here?”

 

Strea responds, with a cheerful smile, “Just now Usagi-chan! By the way, did you and Hino play tag? I would like to play!”

 

Usagi and Hino look at each other with a dumbfounded look on their faces and Tomoe says, nervously, “It…It is a long story, Strea.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “Anyway, let’s you and I get the items that Agil needs.”

 

Strea says, with a smile, “Okay!”

 

After Lisbeth and Strea headed out, Yui says, “Sinon and I will set up the tables.”

 

Sinon says, with a smile and a nod, “Yui is right. We can’t just stand around and wait for a meal.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Then Mako-chan, Usagi-chan, and I will prepare the food.” Asuna grabs Usagi by the arm and she yelps as she is dragged away to the kitchen.

 

Usagi says, “Yipe! Not to insult you or anything, but have you been working on your strength as well as your agility? No wonder you were able to make Kirito feel pain through the pain absorbers.”

 

Asuna retorts, with a sly smirk, “And that’s coming from the ‘White Valkyrie’ who can handle swords with the same high strength stats as Kirito-kun.”

 

Usagi says, “I kept wondering about how I can be so speedy and have so much agility while having high strength at the same time. I think that you know who…Gah!” However, Usagi is cut off as Asuna drags her away to the kitchen with Makoto following close to both of them.

 

Kirito asks, “What should I do?”

 

Agil says, “Since Makoto is in the kitchen and Minako has Takashi, you get to be with the last guest of honor.”

 

When Agil motions to Klein, Kirito thinks in his mind, drolly, “Oh, joy.” After going through Klein’s ‘speech’, the preparations are done and everyone enjoys the lot of food in front of them.

 

Usagi says, excitedly, “Oh, man! That was so yummy!”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “You said it girlfriend!”

 

Sora says, “Man! I didn’t think ‘data food’ would be so good!”

 

Kairi says, with a giggle, “Well, we are made of data ourselves now Sora!”

Sora says, with a nod, “Good point, Kairi. Maybe we should save some for Donald and Goofy.”

 

Kairi says, “I put two serving in my item storage, Sora.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “Great, Kairi! Let’s get it to them!”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “That was great.”

 

Klein says, “You know it, buddy.” Klein tells Kirito, in a whisper, “By the way, good thing you made sure that Agil was the first to get the Ragout Rabbit.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod and a whisper, “No kidding. And thanks for reminding me to make sure that Usagi is second.”

 

Klein and Kirito share a ‘fist bump’ and Klein asks, “By the way, bro, how is the exploration of the Hollow Area going?” Kirito then explains about what happened in the Hollow Area before returning in which when he is done, Klein says, with a whistle, “Wow. I never thought that possible.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, those guys are just AI made from data after all.”

 

Mamoru says, “Well, I’m more concerned about these ‘Heartless’ creatures popping up in here. Even if they are computer generated ones, they may act like the real-life version and only the Keyblades can stop them.”

 

Miyako says, drolly, “That’s a pleasant thought.”

 

Dai says, “Well, we’re heading back to the Hollow Area as soon as possible to kick some ass.”

 

Akari asks, “How are things here?”

 

Taichi says, “Pretty good, Kari. We’ve actually made it into the main dungeon area of the next floor already.”

 

Yamato says, with a nod, “Within a day or so, we’ll find the boss’ chamber.”

 

Usagi says, “Call us as soon as you are ready to face the boss. We wish to be there to help.”

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

 

Asuna says, “We will, Kirito-kun. Just make sure that you and Usagi-chan are careful in the Hollow Area.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “We will, Asuna-chan.”

 

Klein says, with a smirk, “Anyway, let’s forget that stuff and enjoy ourselves.” The others nod their heads in agreement because they know that they are going back to the ‘front lines’ to help everyone trapped in Aincard escape SAO and prevent other ‘evil schemes’ from coming about.

 

December 27, 2024, Hollow Area

 

Inside of the Hollow Area Control Center, Philia looks to see Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi teleport in and they wave to Philia, who returns it.

 

Akari says, “Hi, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, “Hi, Akari.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “Good to see you, again, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, “Good to see you, Kirito.”

 

Dai asks Philia, “Any ideas on where to go next?”

 

Philia says, “I’ve found a set of doors west of the Sea of Trees and the door looks similar to the pendant.”

 

Usagi says, “Okay, Philia. Lead the way.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Right.” Later on, the group is in front of a teleportation stone of what looks like a temple.

 

Kirito says, “Okay, the teleportation stone is activated, so, we can teleport here if we need to.”

 

Dai says, “That’s a good thing.”

 

Mamoru says, “Okay, in order to get there, we are going to have to go through here.”

 

Kirito asks, “Ready, everyone?”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “You know it!”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Got that right!”

 

Kairi smiles at Sora and Kirito asks Philia, “Ready?”

 

Philia responds, nodding her head, “Yes, Kirito.” The group then heads inside of the temple-like stone complex as Deserted Weapon Testing Field where they had to face plenty of bees and used the Keyblade to open gateways. Soon after, they found their way into an area known as Hidden Arsenal where they faced a maze-like facility with more locked doors and monsters in the form of armored skeleton-like monsters, but they had to face a Field Boss-like monster known as Holy Golem which proved to be quite difficult, however, they managed to defeat it without too much trouble. Afterwards, they find themselves in area known as Bridge Linked to the Bastea Gate.

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “That place was a maze!”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “No joke, girlfriend! Even with the Keyblade, it was hard to find our way out of there!”

 

Kairi says, looking to her right, “Look over there.” Everyone then looks to see another teleport stone and they go over to it to activate it.

 

Kirito says, “That’s good. It means that we don’t have to go through there over and over again in order to get to this area.”

 

Usagi says, “That’s good news, Kirito.”

 

Mamoru says, “Now, let’s find this place.”

 

Philia says, “Follow me.” Soon after, the group heads out towards what looks like a gate leading to a pathway that bridges a huge bottomless gorge passing by some ‘strange players’ on the way.

 

Usagi says, “Kirito, there is more of them.”

 

Kirito says, “Yeah, I know.”

 

Mamoru tells Dai and Akari, “I can see what you meant by these players being ‘unusual’. Something is really off with them.”

 

Dai says, “No joke, bro.”

 

Usagi says, looking at them, “I think that I’ve seen a few of them back in Arc Sofia, but that doesn’t mean sense since they can’t have the ability to get between here and Arc Sofia.”

 

Mamoru says, “For now, we need to focus on what’s ahead love.” Usagi nods her head and they arrive at the gate.

 

Sora asks, “Is this it?”

 

Usagi says, “It must be. Look at that design.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Same as the pendant.”

 

Akari says, “There is a land mass on the platform connected to this gate.”

 

Dai asks, “Maybe the pendant unlocks the gate?”

 

Kirito says, “That’s a good theory to go by. Let’s try it.” When Kirito inserts the pendant into a slot, nothing happens in which he says, “Nothing happened.”

 

Mamoru says, “Maybe there is more to it.”

 

Dai says, bringing out one of his Keyblades, “Since it is gate, maybe we should try the Keyblade.”

 

Kirito says, “We can’t be sure that there isn’t a trap on this gate.”

 

Dai responds, using his Keyblade to unlock the gate, “Come on, dude. What’s the worst that can happen?” After the gate is unlocked, the whole group is engulfed in blue light and they reappear in within a room of some kind where they fall to the ground since they teleported in just above the ground.

 

They manage to get to their feet and Akari asks Philia, “Are you okay?”

 

Philia responds, “I’m okay, Akari.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s good to know.”

 

Dai says, annoyed, “Okay, I know. Me and my big mouth!” The group looks around, but then a pitch black shadow appears on the ground towards the exit of the room that they are in and a massive lizard-like monster made of shadow energy and wrapped in chains appears in front of them.

 

Usagi yells out, stunned, “What the heck is that?”

 

Sora says, “It looks like a Heartless!”

 

Kairi says, “I don’t think that it is a Heartless, Sora.”

 

Kirito says, “The system is identifying that monster as ‘The Shadow Phantasm’. Oh, crap! It has the word ‘the’ in its name. This must be a Hollow Area version of a Floor Boss!”

 

Usagi yells out, stunned, “You’re kidding me!” When Usagi uses her enemy identification skill, she finds out that Kirito isn’t kidding at all.

 

Akari asks, “How do we fight a Floor Boss type monster by ourselves?”

 

Mamoru says, getting ready to fight, “We don’t have a choice. We’re trapped in here.”

 

Kirito asks Philia, “Ready, Philia?”

 

Philia responds, “As I will ever be.”

 

Sora yells out, “Here it comes!” Immediately, the group scatters as the monster snaps at them with its jaws and then unleashes its ‘Phantom Assault’ attack in which it leaps up and attempts a body slam on the ground, but the group manages to dodge and prepares to counterattack at the same time.

 

Kirito says, “Philia, let’s attack it together!”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “Right!”

 

“Shine Circular!”

 

“Infinite!”

 

Ki rito unleashes a 15 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo that also inflicts a blind condition on the monster while Philia hits by a 5 hit Dagger Sword Skill thrusting combo causing the massive shadow monster to be hit hard.

 

Kirito says, “Nice work, Philia!”

 

Philia responds, “You, too!”

 

Dai yells out, “Our turn!”

 

Akari roars out, ““Shield Hammer!” Akari then throws her shield, which spins like a top, into the face of Shadow Phantasm, which doesn’t do much damage, but ‘Skull Reaper’ is stunned for the moment while the shield goes back to Akari’s arm and wrist.

 

Dai says, with a serious tone, “Hit it!”

 

Usagi says, seriously, “Mamoru-kun!” Soon after, Mamoru slams the boss monster with Meteor Break, a 7 hit combo that requires One-Handed Sword Skills and Martial Arts Sword Skills to perform, while Usagi uses the Eclipse, the strongest Duel Welding Sword Skill combo with it being a 27 hit combo.

 

Dai shouts out, “Nice! My turn!”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Okay, switch in!” Dai leaps into the fighting and using his Skill Connect, he slams a Vorpal Strike, the heavy 1 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, with a Sharp Nail, a 3 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, Horizontal Square, a 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, and he finishes off with Star Quint Prominence, a nasty 6 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

Akari is with Sora and Kairi and she yells out, excitedly, “Great job, Dai-kun!”

 

Sora says, “Our turn!”

 

Kairi says, with a nod, “Let’s do it together!”

 

Akari responds, with a nod, “Right!” Just then Sora’s and Kairi’s Keyblades glow along with Akari’s rapier in which the three of them immediately get knowledge of what to do.

 

“Trinity Limit Twister!”

 

Akari, Sora, and Kairi go back to back and all three of them start to spin around in a twister before that ‘twister’ launches itself at Shadow Phantasm causing it to roar as it is cut apart by the spinning blade and Keyblades in which inflicts massive damage with the others being flabbergasted.

 

Usagi asks, stunned, “How did they do that?”

 

When they stop, the Shadow Phantasm has barely any health left, but Kirito says, “It’s still alive! Let’s do this, Philia!”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “Understood, Kirito.” The two of them leap into the fight and Philia roars out, “Accel Raid!” Philia then strikes with a 9 hit Dagger Sword Skill thrusting combo while Kirito slams hard with Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, in which the Shadow Phantasm roars out before collapsing to the ground and shattering into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Akari says, excitedly, “We did it!”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Yes, we did!”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “It was tough, but we managed to do it.” Just then the necklace starts to glow and Kirito says, “It’s glowing.”

 

Usagi asks, “Why is that?”

 

Kirito says, “Maybe it was how that gate was supposed to be unlocked.”

 

Kairi asks, “And that trap was designed to stop anyone unlocking it any other way?”

 

Mamoru says, “Maybe.”

 

Dai asks, “But how would it know that it was being unlocked the ‘wrong way’?”

 

Just then a male voice says, with an evil sly tone, “How do you think buddy boy?!” Everyone whips to the source of the voice to see someone that looks like Xigbar walking up to them.

 

Sora says, with a serious tone, “Xigbar!”

 

Xigbar responds, “Hey, Mister Keyblade Master, it has been a while, huh?”

 

Sora responds, “Not exactly long enough.”

 

Kirito asks, “Another enemy?”

 

Sora says, with a nod, “Xigbar. And he is one of the nastier members of Organization Thirteen.”

 

Xigbar says, with a wicked smile, “Hey, that’s not nice! You would like me while you get to know me. But then again, maybe not.”

 

Mamoru asks, “What did you mean by what you said when you answered Dai’s question?”

 

Xigbar says, “Duh, pretty boy! Mimete put up that trap! She knew that she couldn’t stop your Keyblade and her control in this world is limited, but she managed to put a trap on those gates, so, unless you use that necklace to unlock a gate, you can’t unlock without triggering a trap which sends you to a boss area like this one!”

 

Akari says, “So that’s why!”

 

Xigbar prepares his weapons and he says, “That’s right, but you won’t have to worry about that since you are going to die here!”

 

As Xigbar lowers his weapons, Sora yells out, “Scatter!” As Xigbar fires his weapons, the group scatters with Philia going with Kirito, Dai with Akari, Mamoru with Usagi, and Sora with Kairi in which all of them leap, run, dodge, and/or a mixture of the three to avoid Xigbar’s shots.

 

Xigbar yells out, “Dance, my darlings! Dance!” Xigbar laughs evilly as he continues to fire on the ground and forcing them to dodge.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Anyway to stop him!”

 

Sora yells out in reply, “He focuses on long ranging shooting, but you can hit him back by reflecting them!”

 

Xigbar shouts out, “As if losers!” He continues to fire at them at a fast pace forcing all of them onto the defensive.

 

Usagi tells Mamoru, “Mamoru, I’m going to transform!” Mamoru nods his head and the two of them stop in which Usagi activates her player menu causing Xigbar to focus on them with firing a few shots, but Mamoru manages to use his sword to block the attack and actually reflect it back onto Xigbar causing him to yelp in pain as his own attack backfires on him. Usagi hits the new Henshin button on her player menu and after conforming it, she transforms into Eternal Sailor Moon in which she takes the place of Mamoru, who does the same and turns into Tuxedo Mask.

 

Xigbar shouts out, annoyed, “You think that a little costume change will scare me?”

 

Sailor Moon responds, “It is going to in a second!” Soon after, Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask take off at incredible new speed and Xigbar can’t follow them.

 

Xigbar asks, confused, “What?” Xigbar can’t fire at them and Sailor Moon is right in front of her in which she swings her Keyblade at Xigbar blocks him with his weapons in which he says, with a smirk, “Nice try, poppet.”

 

Sailor Moon responds, “Who said that I was trying to hit you?” Xigbar gives a confused, but he then yells out in pain as he is impaled from behind by Tuxedo Mask, who had just used Vorpal Strike, the heavy 1 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

Xigbar yells out, angrily, “Argh! You…jerk! You are so dead, you masked freak!”

 

Sailor Moon says, seriously, “Not on your life, you freak!” Xigbar then roars out in pain as Sailor Moon strikes him with Eclipse, the 27 hit Ultimate Duel Welding Sword Skill combo with the final strike cutting off Xigbar’s head, and he smirks before he turns into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Dai says, “That was easy.”

 

Sora says, “A bit too easy. It was harder for me to defeat Xigbar and I don’t think that this one was any weaker. However, he always seemed to fight at long range.”

 

Kirito says, “It might mean that he isn’t good at close range and this guy didn’t have the stamina for close range fighting and taking close range damage.”

 

Tuxedo Mask says, “We have another one down and we learned one thing. Mimete has a bit of control of SAO…At least in the Hollow Area. We can’t use the Keyblade to unlock the gates that seal off each major section of the Hollow Area.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “We are going to need the necklace that Philia had gained.”

 

Tuxedo Mask says, “Yes. And it shows that Mimete is hiding somewhere in the Hollow Area and doesn’t want us finding her.”

 

Sailor Moon says, “And it makes it important that we do. But right now, I think that we have had enough excitement for one day.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “No kidding.”

 

As Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask transform back to Usagi and Mamoru, Kirito tells Philia, “Thank you for your help, Philia. And for giving us the means to continue on our quest. You have been a great help.”

 

Philia responds, with a slight blush, “Same here, Kirito.”

 

Dai says, “Let’s get out of here.” The others nod their heads in agreement and they head out in which they have go through a maze-like area that’s like the inside of a castle in which they emerge out of the temple near where the first teleport stone that they activated in the Hollow Area is.

 

Philia says, “That was a tough boss.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “No joke, Philia.”

 

Kirito says, “Yeah, but all of us managed to defeat it despite being only one party’s worth of players.”

 

Philia says, “I already knew that you, Dai, Akari, and Usagi are strong, you and Usagi are stronger than I expected.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, it wasn’t just us, Philia. You helped too.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Usagi is right, Philia. You helped us plenty too.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “Yes, I know. I did unexpectedly well with Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with an annoyed look, “That’s mean…”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “Sorry. Let’s get back to the Control Area.”

 

However, Usagi’s and Kirito’s Search Skills go off and Usagi says, “Hold on.”

 

Mamoru asks, “What’s wrong?”

 

Usagi responds, “My Search Skill went off.”

 

Kirito says, “Mine too, Usagi.”

 

Philia asks, “What’s wrong?” Kirito makes a motion to quiet down and Philia asks, more in a whisper, “What?”

 

Dai says, looking a certain direction, “I can see them. There are a group of players over there.”

 

As everyone else looks at them, Philia asks, surprised, “Hey, Kirito, could they…?”

 

Kirito responds, with a nod, “Yes, they are fighting.”

 

Kairi asks, surprised, “Each other?”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, but it is a group of players against one player.”

 

Philia thinks in her mind, “No way! Again?”

 

Kirito says, “Philia, stay here. Usagi, come with me.”

 

Usagi nods her head and she tells Mamoru, “Be right back.”

 

Usagi and Kirito run off and Philia shouts out, “Wait! Kirito! Usagi! It’s too dangerous!” Soon after, Kirito and Usagi run over to see a group of players covered in brown hooded cloaks attacking another player.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Hey! What are you doing?!” The hooded cloak players don’t respond as they strike a final blow and the player being attacked shatters into data polygons to signify the player’s ‘demise’.

 

One of the cloaked players shout out, “We’re done with the target! Let’s get out of here!”

 

The cloaked players run off and escape from Kirito and Usagi in which Kirito yells out, “Wait! Shit! We didn’t make it in time!”

 

Usagi says, horrified, “This is horrible.” Soon after, the rest of the group, led by Philia, who had started off after Kirito and Usagi, arrive on the scene.

 

Akari asks, “What happened?”

 

Kirito says, shaking his head solemnly, “We didn’t make it in time. The player being attacked was killed.”

 

Philia tells Kirito, “It wasn’t your fault, Kirito. You couldn’t make it in time.”

 

Kirito asks, “Did the rest of you see the condition of that player that just died?”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “Yeah. He was suffering from a bleeding effect and paralyzing effect at the same time. Nasty combo.”

 

Sora asks, “Bleeding effect?”

 

Mamoru says, “It is a condition where your health slowly depletes like you are bleeding off your blood in real life.”

 

Kairi says, “This person couldn’t move and he was losing his health points.”

 

Kirito says, with a sneer across his features, “Yeah, making the player weak and easy to kill.”

 

Philia asks, “What’s with that scary look, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “Philia, let’s get out of here for now.”

 

Mamoru asks Usagi, “Are you going to be okay?”

 

Usagi responds, with a nod, “Yeah, I will. Anyway, let’s take Kirito’s idea and get out of here for the time being.”

 

The group head back to the teleport stone to return to the Hollow Area Control Center, but Kirito and Usagi think in their minds, “It has to be THEM!” Back in the Hollow Area Control Center, the group is discussing the events that have happened recently.

 

Sora asks, “What was that all about? Why would they do that to a fellow player?”

 

Mamoru says, “Not all of the players in this game are noble like you, Sora.”

 

Kairi asks, “But don’t they know that killing someone here is going to be killing them for real?”

 

Kirito responds, “They do know Kairi…They just don’t care.”

 

Sora says, disgusted and shocked, “They are nuts!”

 

Usagi says, “If they are who we think they are, then you are right.”

 

Mamoru asks, curiously, “What do you mean?”

 

Just then a familiar chime is heard in Usagi’s head and she says, “Hold on, Mamoru-kun. I’ve got a message.” Usagi opens her message screen and reads the message on the screen.

 

Kirito asks, “What’s up, Usagi?”

 

Usagi responds, “They have just found the next floor boss, Kirito.”

 

There are gasps of surprise and Akari asks, “Really?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Never had any doubt.”

 

Usagi nods her head and Mamoru says, “We had better head back to help.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “We’ll be back, Philia, but please remain here as much as possible.”

 

Dai says, “With a gang of those kinds of players on the loose, it is too dangerous to go alone.”

 

Kirito says, “We’ll be back as soon as we can.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Right, Kirito.” Soon after, the group, minus Philia, uses the teleport gate to teleport back to Arc Sofia while Philia gives a solemn look on her expression.

 

December 27, 2024, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Returning to Arc Sofia, Kirito and Usagi are discussing something with the others.

 

Sora asks, “Why?”

 

Usagi responds, “We need to figure out more about those ‘player killing’ players, Sora.”

 

Kirito says, “Please trust us on this.”

 

Sora and Kairi look at each other and Kairi says, “Okay. You know more about this world than we do.”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “No problem.”

 

Usagi says, with a kind smile, “Thank you.”

 

Sora and Kairi head off and Kirito tells Mamoru, “I need to discuss something with Usagi alone, Mamoru.”

 

Mamoru asks, surprised, “Huh?”

 

Usagi says, “Trust me, Mamoru.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “All right.”

 

Usagi says, with a warm smile, “Thank you, love.” Usagi kisses him on the lips and Kirito and Usagi went off by themselves where they can talk privately.

 

When they are able to have a private talk, Kirito tells Usagi, “It has got to be them, Usagi.”

 

Usagi responds, shocked, “But how? We had defeated that group months ago!”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Remember, Usagi, HE managed to escape and not get killed or captured by us. And Kuradeel joined them after we had thought that we had gotten rid of them for good.”

 

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

 

Kirito asks, “But what I don’t understand is how they got into the Hollow Area?”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Maybe the same way that we did?”

 

Kirito says, “It is a possible, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, concerned, “What do we do Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “We need to get more information, so, for now, let’s keep this information to ourselves. I don’t like doing it to Asuna and the others, but if it gets out that Laughing Coffin may have returned, it might cause a lot of panic especially for the lower floors since we are unable to go down this floor anymore.”

 

Usagi says, “I also got a horrible thought. What if Mimete and them, if they are Laughing Coffin, got together? Oh, man! I don’t want to even think about that.”

 

Kirito says, “Then we had better take care of it before that thought has a chance to come true, Usagi.” Usagi nods her head as she and Kirito head back to rejoin the others to help them prepare and fight the boss of the uppermost floor of Aincard reached by the players.

 

December 27, 2024, Hollow Area

 

On the meanwhile, within the Hollow Area, Mimete is looking at the screen and seeing the events of what happened with the group of players that killed the other player in the Hollow Area.

 

Mimete says, with an evil smile, “Interesting.”

 

And that’s the chapter, everyone! Well, it looks like that another group has decided to make their appearance in the Hollow Area and if you had played Hollow Fragment, you may have an idea on what’s coming next, folks! Anyway, you might be thinking that it was too easy to defeat the data version of Xigbar, right? Well, you have to admit that he doesn’t seem to be the close range fighter type in any of the Kingdom Heart games and if he is hit at close range, he won’t stand much of a chance especially if he is distracted. Keep reading and reviewing to tell me what you think and later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!