Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ Carrying on and the Hollow Lord ( Chapter 16 )

Welcome back, everyone! In the last chapter, unlike what happened in the main Sailor Moon Online fanfiction storyline, Usagi/Serena/Sailor Moon just learned the connection between her and Kayaba. How is this going to affect our Moon Princess? Well, you are going to have to read and find out, everyone!

 

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 16: Carrying on and the Hollow Lord

 

January 1, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Inside of Agil’s inn/shop within Arc Sofia, Kirito, Dai, Akari, the Sailor Scouts, minus Usagi, Asuna, Leafa, Silica, Sinon, Agil, and Klein are assembled together in which Dai and Akari reveal the information that they just learned to the others in which there are plenty of shocked looks and quite a few gasps.

 

Klein asks, shocked, “You are shitting me, Kirito?”

 

Kirito, Dai, and Akari look at Setsuna and Kirito asks, “Well, Setsuna?”

 

Setsuna sighs and she responds, solemnly, “What Dai and Akari found out…is the absolutely truth.”

 

There are more shocked looks and/or gasps and Haruka asks, “How long?”

 

Akari responds, solemnly, “Based on what Namine knew before she transferred plenty of her knowledge to me…He remembered about the day that Usagi regained the Silver Crystal.”

 

Yet again, there are more gasps and Minako shouts out, “That’s about one year before SAO started!”

 

Asuna says, shocked, “Oh my…”

 

Agil says, “Geez, no wonder she suffered a breakdown like that.”

 

Setsuna says, “She may have remembered that information is the absolute truth.”

 

Hino says, with a sneer, “How about that she did remember which slammed into her like a ton of bricks? You knew! All this time, you knew!”

 

Tomoe asks, concerned, “Setsuna-mama?”

 

Setsuna responds, “I suspected. I may be the guardian of the Gates of Time, but there is information that I am not privy too which includes the reincarnations of certain Sailor Scouts like Sailor Sun for example.”

 

Haruka asks Setsuna, with a glare, “But you had your suspicions, didn’t you?”

 

Setsuna is silent for a moment and she replies, “Yes, I did. Ever since that I heard about SAO itself and the name of the castle, I got really suspicious. However, while Kayaba had the genius that Heathcliff had, he didn’t show the warrior skills and ability that he had…at least in the real world. I had hoped that even if he was one and the same, he had forgotten his past life completely or at least, changed his ways.”

 

Raye says, sarcastically, “That did a lot of good.”

 

Setsuna responds, with a deadly glare that unusual for Senshi of Time, “Despite being a seemly ageless guardian of the Gates of Time, I am still mortal and as a mortal, I have emotions. And I would rather remain mortal and make mistakes than becoming ‘all knowing’ and lose my heart which makes me a Sailor Senshi, Sailor Mars.”

 

Raye yells out, irritated tone in her voice, “Are you implying something Pluto?”

 

Kirito says, with a serious tone, “All right! Calm down now!” Kirito says, after taking a deep breath, “Okay, I can understand what Setsuna is saying. She is only human and I believe that she was concerned what this information would do to Usagi’s mental and emotional health. I know that I’m correct about this.”

 

Setsuna says, with a nod, “Our princess is strong person, but the whole experience of SAO has left her…in an ‘unstable’ condition.” Setsuna looks at Kirito, Asuna, and Lisbeth and she says, “In which you can agree me with, I know.”

 

Kirito, Lisbeth, and Asuna give sighs and Asuna says, with a solemn tone, “It’s true. Usagi-chan is a strong person and one of the strongest people that I know, but she is also a kind, gentle, and caring person in which she gave it her all to save as many players as possible, however, she doesn’t always succeed in that and it torn into her heart.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a sigh, “No kidding, Asuna. The girl pushed herself to her limits and beyond especially she didn’t have to, but she took it on herself to do everything for the other players as much as she could.”

 

Makoto says, with a weak smile, “That’s our princess for you. She is kind and caring person. It is the reason that I’m with the other Scouts today. She went up to me without fear of the rumors about ‘Amazon girl’ and went out of the way to learn who I really am as well as become friends with me.”

 

Kirito says, “That’s Usagi for you, Makoto.” Kirito says, with a sigh, “I can understand why Setsuna did this. Usagi is walking an ‘emotional tightrope’ and she is not only fighting the monsters of SAO along with the orange and red players, but she is fighting the struggle not to lose herself and any ‘shock’ could cause a ‘problem’.”

 

Haruka says, “That’s saying it nicely.”

 

Kirito says, plainly, “While I understand the reasoning behind Setsuna keeping this secret from Usagi…” Kirito says, with a glare at her, “…It doesn’t mean that I approve of you keeping that secret from her Setsuna.”

 

Makoto says, with an angered tone, “I just can’t believe this! That SOB knew about the connection between her and our princess for a year and he still committed this horror! He knew what it could do to her!”

 

Hino says, with a sneer, “It shows how much of a fiend that he truly is.”

 

Leafa thinks in her mind, “I can’t believe that anyone would do such a thing knowing their ‘connection’. What kind of heartless soul is Kayaba?” Leafa feel a pang of anger at a level that she has rarely, if not ever, felt in her life, but she then holds her head in pain as images of Princess Serenity, the mysterious Sailor Scout fighting Heathcliff, and another castle that looks exactly like Aincard.

 

Silica notices Leafa holding her head and she asks, “Is something wrong Leafa?”

 

Everyone looks at Leafa and she responds, with a smile, “I’m okay, Silica. I’ve just had a few headaches lately.”

 

Sinon asks, “You get headaches in a virtual world?”

 

Mizuno says, “Well, you can get fatigued here, so, it is possible.”

 

Kirito says, “I hope that it is all that is, Sugu. I’m still worried about you especially upon learning on how you got to SAO.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I feel the same way, Leafa. You are Kirito-kun’s sister and if anything happened to you…”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “I’ll be just fine, Asuna. Since SAO and ALO are based on the same ‘core system’ or whatever, I’ve adapted just fine and I’ve learned to take care of myself in VRMMO.”

 

Kirito says, “You are a tough and strong person, Sugu. I have no doubt on your strength and skill, but I’m still worried about you mixing your ALO data with a NervGear. The Amusphere may be a NervGear with better security to make sure what happened to us never happens again and ALO may be based on SAO, but I can’t be sure that transferring your ALO avatar to here didn’t come with complications, Sugu. Just please be careful.”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “Right, big brother.”

 

Dai says, “Sorry to be a major drag, but what do we do about our Moon Princess? She just got a major shock to her system.”

 

Just then Usagi’s voice booms out, “That’s putting it nicely.” Everyone then whips their heads to see Usagi and Mamoru coming down the stairs with Usagi having a haggard look in her avatar’s expression.

 

Asuna says, surprised, “Usagi-chan!”

 

Makoto says, “Girl, you look bad.”

 

Usagi responds, drolly, “It equals to what I feel right now.”

 

As Usagi comes down to meet the others, Leafa tells her, “Usagi, you shouldn’t be up! You had a horrible shock!”

 

Usagi says, with a weak smile, “I’m fine.”

 

Minako tells Usagi, “No way, girlfriend! Look at yourself!”

 

Hino says, “No joke, Meatball Head! You went through a major mental shock and you look like you got ran over by a massive truck! You should go back to bed…!!”

 

Usagi retorts, in a ‘snappy’ tone that’s unlike her before SAO, “And what? Wail like a baby?” Plenty of the others were shocked by her snap retort at Hino and she responds, with a sigh, “I’ve done enough crying. During the first three days, all I did was cry and wail more than I ever did before in my life. All I had in my virtual eyes during these past two years were tears and despite them being just virtual, they hurt and stung unlike any of the tears that I ever shed before.”

 

Asuna says, with a solemn sigh, “Usagi-chan.”

 

Usagi pulls up a seat, sits down, and she says, “I learned harsh lessons here and just sitting around, doing nothing, and crying my eyes out isn’t going to help me or help anyone. I had to get out and do something. I wasn’t going to get out of here any faster just be laying down and wait for someone to rescue me. I had to get out into this world and get myself out on my own. And if I wanted answers on why he did this horror, I had to find out by getting out and finding him to make him tell me why he did it. So, I wiped my tears and knowing that Mamoru-kun and the girls were with me in spirit, I ran out into this world to fight, survive, and find the answers that I sought while making sure no more people died because of his…self-centered horror.” Usagi says, “I can’t lie down and cry anymore because all I have been doing was crying and I’ve learned to hold back my tears through it has been hard to do.” Mamoru puts his on her shoulder and Usagi takes and nuzzles it against her cheek.

 

Akari asks Usagi, concerned, “Usagi, do you…?”

 

Usagi responds, “I do. I just remembered the truth the instant that I heard your words, Akari. It was…It was a major shock to me.”

 

Michiru says, “That’s why you should rest.”

 

Usagi replies, “I can’t! I just can’t! As long as the remaining players in here are under threat, I just can’t sit down on my butt!” Usagi says, with a determined tone, “And this is just another reason for me to find him again and tell me why he committed this horror. He knew this ‘connection’ between us, I just know it, and yet, he committed this horror despite knowing how I would feel especially if…No, WHEN, I find this out. I need to know why!” Mamoru and the Sailor Scouts were amazed to see the determined look in her eyes despite her avatar’s haggard appearance.

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Okay, Usagi, you win. However, if your performance is weakened because of this, you are coming back to Arc Sofia until you can completely recover from the shock that you just suffered.”

 

Asuna nods her head in agreement and Usagi responds, with a smile, “Thank you, Kirito.”

 

Leafa asks Usagi, very concerned tone in her voice, “Are you sure that you will okay, Usagi?”

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “I will be in time, Leafa. I just had a very bad shock.”

 

Hino thinks in her mind, in a concerned tone, “That’s putting it lightly, Meatball Head. I really hope that you are stronger than I think you are at this moment. You are a strong person, Meatball Head, but even you have your limits.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, Asuna and the others have located the boss for the eighty-third floor.”

 

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

 

Mizuno says, “Based on the information that we could gather, the boss is called ‘The Horn of the Furious’, who is an axe-welder. He is vulnerable to slash type attacks.”

 

Usagi says, “That means the Duel Welding skill will be perfect for it involves a lot of slash style attacks.”

 

Kirito says, “It means that Dai, you, and I should be there, Usagi.”

 

Leafa says, “I use plenty of those attacks too, big brother.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I know, Sugu. You are going to be valuable along with Klein with his katana skills.”

 

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

 

Asuna says, with a nod “I agree, Kirito. We are going to need as many players with slash style attacks as possible.”

 

Usagi says, “If that’s the case, Strea would be a good choice since she uses a two-handed sword and those Sword Skills are mainly slash style attacks.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “Good idea, Usagi.”

Just then a familiar female voice says, in a chipper tone, “Yoo hoo! Are you talking about me?!”

 

Haruka says, “Speaking of whom…” Everyone then looks to see Strea run into the room with her classic cheerful look.

 

Strea says, with a smile, “Hello, everyone!”

 

Asuna says, “Hello, Strea.”

 

Kirito says, “We’re talking about you, Strea.”

 

Strea responds, with a giggle, “Oh, really? You have been thinking about me, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Not just me, Strea! Everyone has!”

 

Strea says, excitedly, “Oh! I really special now! Like a star!”

 

Michiru says, with a smile, “My, you are a real excitable type, Strea.”

 

Hino thinks in her mind, nervously, “What is her deal? She is more ‘bubbly’ than Mina-chan or even Serena before SAO which I would have thought impossible before now!”

 

Kirito asks Strea, “Anyway, Strea, we were hoping that you would join us in the latest boss fight. Your attacks will be effective against it.”

 

Strea says, with a happy smile, “Sure! I would love to help!”

 

Haruka thinks in her mind, curiously, “The wind around her seems so…chaotic. I don’t sense any evil intent, but it doesn’t mean that she isn’t dangerous. The aura around her seems so chaotic and from what I learned from Argo-san, there is no information on a player named Strea.”

 

Asuna says, “Anyway, we should get ready for the boss raid meeting today.”

 

Everyone nods their heads in agreement and Mamoru asks Usagi, “Are you sure that you are going to be okay?”

 

Usagi tells Mamoru, with a warm smile, “I had a nasty shock, but I’ll be okay. Really, Mamoru-kun. This is just another reason to find him again and get his reasoning, even if it is an insane reason, on why for this madness.”

 

Mamoru says, “You may not like what you find, Meatball Head.”

 

Usagi responds, with a sigh, “I already don’t and I doubt that much will shock me anymore.” Usagi puts her head to Mamoru’s chest and he gently hugs her in which he is very concerned for her in which Mamoru isn’t the only one concerned for our Moon Princess. Later that day, the assault team members are assembled in front of the teleport gate in Arc Sofia and looking at Asuna.

 

Asuna tells them, “Thank you for coming everyone. Recently, we have managed to find the boss’ chamber of the latest floor that we are exploring. So, once again, it is time to challenge another floor boss, everyone.” Asuna points to Mizuno and she says, “Now, Mizuno of the Planetary Senshi guild will reveal the information about the boss that we have gathered.”

 

Mizuno steps up to the podium and she says, “Thank you.” Mizuno then says, “The boss’ name is ‘The Horn of Furious’ and this monster is an axe-welder in which he can increase his strength with self-strengthening skills. He is weak against slash type attacks and that means that we are going to need Sword Skills that perform slash type combos which means that One-Handed and Two-Handed Sword for example will be good since most of their combos are slash type attacks.”

 

In the audience, Kirito is with Mamoru and the rest of the Sailor Scouts and he tells Usagi, “Like I said before, it means that you, I, and Mamoru are going to be needed since Duel Welding Sword Skills are mainly slashing type attacks and Mamoru uses One-Handed Sword Skills.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Dai, too, since his Sword Emperor Skills allow him to use all type of Sword Skills using swords including Duel Welding.”

 

Mizuno tells the large group of players, “From the information that we can gather, we can limit its attacks if we damage his legs, but we will only have a limited time until his legs regain their strength, so, we need to take advantage of his limited striking abilities quickly.”

 

The other players nod their heads in understand and Asuna says, “Thank you, Mizuno.” Asuna tells the audience of players, “Okay, everyone. We need to form multiple parties of players with damage dealing teams being made up of players with slash type attacks and the tanks will distract and hold off.” Soon enough, the group of players start to pair off with each other.

 

Kirito tells Leafa and Strea, “Leafa, I think you and Strea should come with me.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “Sure, big brother!”

 

Strea says, with a smile, “Happy to help, Kirito!” On the meanwhile, Dai and Akari joined up with Usagi, Mamoru, Haruka, and Mizuno in their own party to prepare for the raid with Asuna would be joining a group of her own Knights of the Blood guild members.

 

January 1, 2025, Floor 83, Dungeon

 

In front of the doors that lead to the boss’ chamber of Floor 83, Asuna is standing in front of the players assembled for the boss raid as they prepare to battle against the floor boss for this floor.

 

Asuna tells all of them, “Everyone, I know that you are used to this by now, but I have just one thing to say to you: Let’s win and come back alive!” Soon after, the group opens the door and enters the boss room in which once inside, The Horn of Furious, a massive humanoid blue bull monster with silver armor and a huge axe roars out.

 

Usagi shouts out, “Okay, everyone! Remember the plan! Let’s go!” Soon enough, the players make their assault in which the tank members of the assault team absorb the first assault of Horn of Furious in which the players with the slash style attack including Dai, Kirito, Usagi, and plenty of others leap into the fight.

 

Kirito says, with a serious tone, “Now, everyone! Take out the legs!”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “Right, Kirito!”

 

Strea says, nodding her head, “Right!” Soon after, the attacking/damage-dealing players hit the legs of the boss monster really hard causing the massive humanoid bull to roar out in pain and prepare for an attack.

 

Dai says, with a serious tone, “I don’t think so, you over meat steak!” Dai then strikes hard with a Rage Spike, a weak 1 hit One-Handed Sword Skill, but that was just a start of another Skill Connect combo assault including Horizontal Square, a 4 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, a Vertical Square, another 4-hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo, and a Vertical Arc, which is a 2 hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo. Since all three attacks were slashing combos, Horn of Furious suffered significant and it gives a roar of discomfort to show it.

 

When the boss monster turns to face it, Akari shouts out, “I don’t think so!” Akari, Asuna, and Mizuno are charging at it with their rapier out and ready to attack.

 

Asuna says, with a serious tone, “Mizuno! Akari! Let’s do this!” Mizuno and Akari nod their heads in unison as they attack the boss monster with each of them hitting Horn of Furious with Quadruple Pain, a 4 hit Rapier Sword Skill combo that has a nasty stun effect, but the boss monster was hit by so many stun effects in session, it suffered a paralyzing effect instead.

 

Kirito shouts out, excitedly, “Excellent work, Asuna!”

 

Usagi says, “While it is paralyzed, this is our chance!”

 

Plenty of the other players cheer, Leafa shouts out, “You got it, Usagi!”

 

As Leafa prepares to attack, Strea says, excitedly, “Wait for me!”

 

“Star Quint Prominence!”

 

“Calamity Disaster!”

 

Leafa leaps up and strikes hard with a half-a-dozen One-Handed Sword Skill strike and Strea then comes in with a half-a-dozen Two-Handed Sword Skill combo strike in which since they are slash style attacks, the boss monster suffered more significant damage, but it can’t strike back too well due to the paralyzing effect on him.

 

Klein says, with a sly grin, “Don’t forget about me! San Ge!” Klein then strikes Horn of Furious with a five strike Katana Sword Skill combo that causes the boss monster to suffer from a bleeding effect.

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Nice work, Klein.”

 

Klein responds, with a grin, “No problem!”

 

Dai says, “Gloat later, bro! We have got an overgrown steak to chop down to size!”

 

Klein says, with a nod and serious tone, “You know it, Dai!” The group then leaps back into the fight and the initial start of the fight seem to put the boss raid group in complete control of the whole fight, Horn of the Furious manages to strike back with a ‘surge of power’ that throws the players back while knocking a good amount of them to the floor in which the boss monster then moves in with an attack known as Crimson Splash, but the tank members of the boss raid group did their job as they leap into the defense, however, despite none of them receiving critical damage, plenty of them suffer damage that brings them deep into the yellow zone of their health bars.

 

Akari says, stunned, “That was too close!”

 

Usagi says, “We have to move in now! The tanks too plenty of damage!”

 

Kirito shouts out, “Anyone not low on health rotate in! Give the others time to regain their health now!” The group of players responds quickly and both Strea and Kirito block the next attack from Horn of Furious with Kirito using Cross Block, the Duel Welding defensive technique. Kirito says, “Thank you, Strea.”

 

Strea responds, happily, “I’m happy to help you, Kirito!”

 

Dai says, “Now!” Dai and Usagi then attack with Dai using Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, with Usagi following with Eclipse, the 27 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill Ultimate Combo, in which they hit the massive boss, hard, but somehow, there are a few tiny pixels of health remaining and Usagi and Dai can’t move as the monster looms on them. However, Leafa then leaps onto its shoulder and with one powerful cut, she cuts its face and after she leaps off, Horn of Furious shatters into hundreds of data polygons and the words ‘Congratulations’ appear in the room to signify the defeat of the boss monster.

 

The players celebrate and Asuna says, “We did it, Kirito-kun!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yes, we did.”

 

Usagi tells Leafa, “Thanks a lot, Leafa.”

 

Leafa responds, with a warm smile, “It’s no problem, Usagi. I couldn’t see you get hurt.” However, what Leafa doesn’t say is the reason why she couldn’t allow Usagi to get hurt. Ever since they met when she came to SAO, Leafa couldn’t help to feel a close ‘bond’ with Usagi that she can’t explain…Something that felt like what she felt before with Kirito before Kirito learned the truth of his parentage when he was ten years old.

 

Mamoru asks Usagi, “You okay?’

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “I’m okay, Mamoru-kun. I’m used to this for a long time now.”

 

Dai says, “Man! It was a tougher fight that I thought. Our plan had got him hit solid and he struck back hard.”

Kirito says, “And the bosses are going to get harder and harder, Dai.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “However, it shows that we are getting stronger too and we are working better.”

 

Kirito nods his head in agreement and he tells Strea, “Anyway, Strea, you were great today.”

 

Strea says, with a giggle, “I know, Kirito!”

 

Usagi says, “Let’s go activate the teleportation gate for the next town.”

 

Akari says, nodding her head, “Right!” Soon enough, the group ventures through the doors to the next floor to activate the teleport gate in the main town of that floor.

 

January 1, 2025, Floor 84, Dahios

 

In the main town of eighty-fourth floor, Dahios, Strea is done with the activation and she looks at Kirito and the others.

 

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

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Thank you, Strea.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I’m tired.”

 

Mizuno says, “With good reason to be Usagi.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “No joke, girl. You have had a long day.”

 

Usagi responds, drolly, “Tell me about it, Dai.”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s go back to Arc Sofia and rest for the today.”

 

Strea says, with a happy tone, “Okay!” There are plenty of the other members to the group that can’t help to wonder how someone can be so ‘happy’ in this kind of environment.

 

January 2, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Today, Usagi and Kirito are walking together around the area of the teleport gate in which they notice Strea going to the teleport gate.

 

Usagi asks, “What she doing this morning?”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s find out.” Kirito and Usagi then walk up and Kirito shouts out, “Strea!”

 

Strea, at the teleport gate, looks to see Kirito and Usagi come up to her and she says, with a smile, “Hi, Kirito! Hi, Usagi!”

 

Kirito asks Strea, “Strea, why are you going by yourself?”

 

Strea giggles and she replies, slyly, “Kirito, why so curious?”

 

Kirito replies, “I’m not, Strea. I know that you are good, but it is dangerous alone.”

 

Strea says, “I’m sorry, but I’m hurry! Bye!” Strea turns around and speaks out loud enough for the teleport gate to activate, but not loud enough for Usagi and Kirito to hear her in which she teleport away.

 

Kirito says, “She got away.”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “What’s up with Strea?”

 

Kirito responds, “I wish that I knew, Usagi.”

 

Asuna then comes over and she asks, “Usagi-chan! Kirito-kun! What are you doing over there?”

 

Usagi and Kirito glance at each other and Usagi responds, “Nothing much really.”

 

Asuna says, “Yui-chan is waiting for us, Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, let’s go.” Kirito, Usagi, and Asuna then head back to Agil’s inn/shop.

 

When they are inside, Asuna yells out, “Yui-chan, we’re back!”

 

Kirito says, “I’m really getting used to this place. It feels like coming home.”

 

Usagi responds, “Same here. I’ve been used to life out ‘in the field’ that I had nearly forgotten life in a house…which kind of scares me.”

 

Asuna says, looking around, “Huh? It looks like Yui isn’t in.”

 

Kirito says, checking his messages, “I’ve got no messages.”

 

Usagi asks, “Do you think that she is running errands?”

 

Asuna says, “Maybe, but let’s ask around.”

 

Usagi says, taking to one player, “Excuse me, we are looking for a little girl with long black hair and wearing a white dress. Her name is Yui.”

 

A female player responds, “Yui? Oh, yes, I’ve seen leaving the inn earlier, but I’m not sure where she left.”

 

A male player then says, “Actually, I think that I’ve seen prepare to leave town. I call to her to say that it is dangerous and she told me thank you for the warning. She was a very bright girl, so, I felt that she would know better than to leave the safe especially someone like her.”

 

Kirito says, shocked, “Outside of town? Yui doesn’t have her privileges anymore like when she regained her memory in that special dungeon in Black Iron Palace. If she wanders outside of the safe area in her current condition…”

 

Asuna says, in a panic, “We have to find Yui-chan quick, Kirito-kun!”

 

Asuna rushes off into the distance and Kirito says, “Asuna, wait!”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “Kirito, you can’t be surprised by this! This is a motherly instinct in women we’re talking about here!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I know, Usagi. However, Asuna needs to take the time to get information because rushing out blind doesn’t help Yui.” Kirito then asks the male player, “Can you tell exactly where you saw Yui?”

 

Another male player responds, “I can help you with that Black Swordsman-san. I was coming back from the maze area in order to farm monsters for items for my teammates and I to improve our weapons, get more money to buy better and more equipment, and hopefully, level up a bit in the progress. I didn’t want to waste any teleport crystals, so, I headed back on foot and save her in the grassland area. I was concerned, but since you, Lady Asuna, and the White Valkyrie were with her all of them, I thought that you or your friends were close by, so, I didn’t pay any thought. I didn’t know that she was alone.”

 

Kirito responds, “No problem. Thank you for telling us.”

 

Usagi says, with a serious tone, “Let’s go, Kirito.”

 

Kirito replies, with a nod, “Right, Usagi.”

 

January 2, 2025, Floor 76, Field

 

Out in the grass fields, Usagi and Kirito are using their Search Skills to find Yui when they detect something.

 

Usagi says, “I got a group of signals and one of them isn’t a monster!”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it Yui?”

 

Usagi says, “If it is, she is in trouble!”

 

Kirito says, with a serious tone, “We need to get to her, quickly!” Usagi and Kirito rush to see Yui about to be attacked by three Death Hornet monsters.

 

Yui says, “Please stay away!”

 

Usagi shouts out, “Yui!”

 

Yui says, seeing Usagi and Kirito, “Daddy! Auntie Usagi!”

 

Kirito says, “Stay back, Yui! We’ll take care of these things!” Usagi and Kirito attack the Death Hornets and easily took care of them.

 

When they are done, Yui says, coming over, “You did it, daddy! You and Auntie Usagi were great!”

 

Usagi asks, “Yui, what are you doing? Don’t you know that it is dangerous without your administrative privileges?”

 

Kirito tells Yui, concerned, “Usagi is right, Yui-chan. What were you thinking?”

 

Yui responds, “I’m sorry, daddy. I really wanted this.”

 

Yui holds up a strange flower and Usagi asks, “An Iris Flower?”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “That’s right, Auntie Usagi.”

 

Kirito tells Yui, “You could tell us in which Asuna, Usagi, or I could have gotten it for you, Yui-chan.”

 

Yui responds, “I know, but it would be meaningless if I didn’t get it myself.”

 

Usagi asks, “Meaningless?”

 

Yui gives a shy look and Kirito tells her, “Okay, Yui-chan, but please tell us where you are going next time or else, all of us will be worried about you.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “You have got so many friends back in Arc Sofia.”

 

Yui says, “Right, Auntie Usagi. I understand you and daddy now.”

 

Just then a familiar female voice shouts out, “Yui-chan, there you are!” Everyone looks to see Asuna running over to them and she says, when she gets over there, “Yui-chan, I’m so glad that you are all right.”

 

Yui responds, “I’m sorry to make you worry mommy.”

 

Asuna tells Kirito, with a smile, “I’m not surprised that you, two, found her before I did. You are so good in tracking stuff and people.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “It’s a talent.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, we managed to get some information from another player about where Yui went off to when you rushed out.”

 

Asuna says, with a sigh, “I just couldn’t stand there thinking that Yui-chan could be in danger.”

 

Usagi responds, “We don’t blame you, Asuna. It is just our motherly instincts.”

 

Asuna nods her head and she asks, “Why did she come here in the first place?”

 

Yui says, showing the Iris Flower, “I came for the Iris Flower, mommy.”

 

Asuna tells Yui, “Iris Flower? Yui-chan, you could have asked Kirito-kun, I, or the others to help you and we could have gotten you the flower. You don’t have your administrate privileges and you don’t have the ability to protect yourself.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “She understands Asuna.”

 

Kirito says, “And she is very sorry about that.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Then I won’t say anything more about it.”

 

Usagi says, “Anyway, we should head back.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “Yes, I want to take a bath.”

 

Yui asks, “Mommy, can I hold yours’ and daddy’s hands as we go back?”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I think that it is okay.”

 

Kirito says, “There might be monsters on our way back.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “We have your Search Skill to help us and Usagi-chan is right here, Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Sorry to put you on the spot, Usagi.”

 

Usagi responds, shaking his head, “No, I’m glad to help.” Asuna takes Yui’s right hand and Kirito takes her left hand and with Usagi guarding them, they head back to Arc Sofia in which Usagi can’t help to enjoy this family moment between Asuna, Kirito, and their adopted daughter in which she can’t help to think of her family, Ikuko, Kenji, and Sammy Tsukino, and she can’t help to think of even Rini, her future daughter, in which she doesn’t argue why she is thinking of her future daughter as they head back to Arc Sofia.

 

January 2, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

At the teleport gate in Arc Sofia, Kirito, Mamoru, Usagi, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi are preparing to leave for another ‘round’ within the Hollow Area to find Mimete and stop her.

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Well, here we go again.”

 

Dai asks, “Are you sure you up for this Moon girl?”

 

Usagi responds, “No, but I have to. I can’t just sit around and do nothing while Mimete threatens not only the safety of the surviving players, but the rest of the world. I mean, my family…All of our families is under threat!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Good point, Usagi.”

 

Sora says, with a nod, “She is just like Maleficent and Xehanort. We can’t let her get away with what’s happening.”

 

Kairi says, nodding her head, “She has already caused enough trouble in all of our worlds.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, you are going to have to be careful. Laughing Coffin seems to be down there and they are no joke.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “Usagi is right. They are ruthless murderers and won’t hesitate to kill you.”

 

Sora says, nodding his head in understanding, “Gotcha, but I thought that I seen the worst in Maleficent and Organization XIII especially Xehanort and his evil schemes.”

 

Mamoru says, “I can’t be sure since I never met your worst enemy, Sora, but something tells me that Xehanort with his evil scheming is no better than Laughing Coffin. He doesn’t kill people directly, but he destroys their lives the same.”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “Agreed, Mamoru. And I shatter if he gets the power of the multiverse, the heart of all worlds, at his command.”

 

Sora says, shuttering, “I don’t want to think about it, Kirito.”

 

Kairi says, with a nod, “No kidding.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, let’s get going.” Soon after, the group vanishes in flashes of blue light as they head to the Hollow Area Control Center.

 

January 2, 2025, Hollow Area

 

Within the Hollow Area, Kirito, Usagi, Mamoru, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi are together with Philia as they plan their next move.

 

Dai asks, “Does anyone remember that seal that we saw at the Floating Ruin?

 

Sora says, with a nod, “I do. But I only saw it for a second. We were focusing on that big fat tower that we thought that Mimete would be hold up in.”

 

Kirito says, “I remember it. It must be the gate to the next section of the Hollow Area.”

 

Philia asks, “Are you sure Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I think so. That’s where we need to go next.”

 

Mamoru says, “The more we map this area, the fewer places that Mimete will have to hide. However, Mimete will become more desperate than ever before.”

 

Kirito says, “So, we need to be on our guard.”

 

Usagi says, “No kidding, Kirito.”

 

Mamoru asks, “Is everyone ready to go?”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “You bet!”

 

Kairi says, with a smile, “Same as always Sora.” The group then teleports to the nearest teleport stone from their destination: Keeper’s Battle Observation Deck. Once there, they are in front of another sealed gate in which the necklace causes the gate to unlock.

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “The gate is unlocked.”

 

Dai asks, “What are we waiting for then?” Soon after, the group ventures into the next section of the Hollow Area, known as Giant’s Stairway to Shore, which seems to be a series of floating land masses.

 

Sora says, looking down, “Geez, it is a long way down!”

 

Usagi says, “Well, don’t fall or you are a goner, Sora.”

 

Kairi says, “Please Sora, be careful.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “No problem, Kairi!”

 

Akari asks, smirking at Dai, “Where have I heard that before?”

 

Dai says, annoyed, “Hey, Kari-chan!”

 

Akari says, with a giggle, “Just kidding, Dai-kun.”

 

Mamoru says, “There doesn’t seem to be a clear path down to the end.”

 

Usagi says, “I know, Mamoru-kun. Just watch that step.” The group continues into the area in which they battle mainly griffin type monsters along with some dragon type monsters and managed to handle them without too much trouble.

 

When they reach two large blue podiums, Kirito asks, “Is the next area around here?”

 

Usagi says, looking down, “I can’t even see the bottom.”

 

Mamoru says, “Let’s be careful.” With those words, the group slowly walks down the sloped land until they find themselves on a massive beach known as Graysreev Beach.

 

Philia says, “Oh, wow! What a beautiful beach!”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “You said it, Philia!”

 

Akari says, with a smile, “This is so beautiful!”

 

Philia says, pointing to a cavern entrance, “Look! There is a suspicious cavern entrance!”

 

Kirito tells Philia, with a smirk, “Looking for pirate treasure? You are such a treasure hunter, Philia.”

 

Philia says, annoyed, “Stop saying that! And besides, you are filled with new monsters when we enter a new area.”

 

Usagi says, with a smirk, “So true, Philia.”

 

Kirito says, annoyed, “Hey!”

 

Dai says, with a grin, “If the shoes fits, dude.”

 

Kirito says, with a huff, “Anyway, we should get going.” Our group continues onto the beach where they encounter plenty of marine style monsters and they reach the entrance to the cavern in which they can’t get inside due the sheer amount of water.

 

Akari says, “The water is too deep.”

 

Philia says, “We’re going to need to go only when the water drops down enough, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Agreed, Philia. Let’s look around.”

 

Dai says, pointing to another area, “That looks like an entrance into another area. Let’s try to find something over there.” With those words, our group ventures off into the cavern, activating another teleportation stone on the way, where they enter an area known as the Pirate’s Stronghold.

 

As they look around, Usagi says, “It looks like a dungeon area.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “It could be Usagi.”

 

Mamoru says, “We’ll have to treat it like one.” Our group ventures into the area where they move through the maze-like and man-made like structure where they fight goblin style monsters, including Goblin Shooter for example, and various humanoid aquatic monsters as well. After raiding plenty of treasure chests along the way, they find themselves within a cavern where they find a group of rocks in their path.

 

Kirito says, “It’s no good. We can’t pass.”

 

Sora says, taking out his Keyblade, “Let me try!” Sora slams his Keyblade into the rocks, but nothing happen causing Sora to be confused.

 

Usagi says, “This isn’t a ‘lock’ for a door to be opened, Sora. This is an obstacle and most likely, we need a special type of weapon to get by it.”

 

Mamoru asks, “What kind of weapon do we need?”

 

Kirito says, “For this type of obstacle, I believe that we need to use a mace type weapon.”

 

Usagi says, “And most likely, it is a special type of mace. It is most likely found by a monster drop or a treasure chest.”

 

Dai says, “That means that we have to start looking.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “Ready to find a ‘treasure’ of sorts, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, with a smirk, “Who do you think I am, Kirito?” The group leaves the area and ventures back outside to the main beach area and start to look around.

 

Akari asks, “Where do we start?”

 

Usagi says, pointing to another area, “I don’t think that we have explored that area yet.”

 

Kirito says, “It is a good place to start as any.” The group ventures in the direction that Usagi pointed out and soon enough, they find themselves in an area known as Seawater Gate Shaking Deep where they fight many aquatic monsters.

 

At one point, Akari says, “There are a lot of aquatic monsters around here.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “I agree.”

 

Usagi asks Mamoru, “What are you thinking love?”

 

Mamoru says, “Remember, there is a lot of water blocking the path, but since this is a game, it could be possible that a switch or a monster could be the key to lowering the water level.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “You have a point. There are quests and events that involve that kind of thing.”

 

Dai says, “Let’s look deeper to see what we can find.” The group ventures deeper and go into a section known as Den of the Aquatic Dragon where they fight a good sized mass of mantra ray style monsters known as Blue Gale Fish and Fear Float which weren’t too much trouble. But in the cave in front of them with water reaching up to their knees, there is a dark blue hydra monster.

 

Sora says, “A hydra!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yes, it must be the boss of the area.”

 

Philia asks, “What now Kirito? Do we fight?”

 

Kirito says, “We aren’t going to get any further in this area without defeating that monster.”

 

Usagi asks, “What’s the plan?”

 

Kirito says, “Since we have a larger than party sized group, it will be the same as always. Two of us will distract him and the rest of us will fan out and attack it from the flanks.”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Sounds like a plan.”

 

Dai asks, “Who is going to distract the three headed freak?”

Kirito asks Philia, “Will you help me Philia?”

 

Philia responds, “Of course, Kirito.” Soon enough, the group prepares for battle with Kirito and Philia getting the hydra monster’s, Alphard’s, attention while the others split up and surround the monster preparing to attack. Kirito and Philia move in and attack in which they dodge Spike Fail, a spinning tail attack, from Alphard.

 

Seeing an opening, Sora yells out, “Now, Kairi!” Both Sora and Kairi strike at one of the flanks and hit Alphard hard causing significant damage without using a single Sword Skill. Alphard turns to face Sora and Kairi, but that proved to be a mistake as Dai and Akari strike with Akari hitting it in the back of the neck with multiple Linear, the fasting hitting one hit Rapier Sword Skill combo, using her new Keyblade. Dai, using both of his Keyblades, attacks hard with Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, right in Alphard’s back.

 

Dai shouts out, with a strong tone, “Your turn, Moon girl!” Mamoru and Usagi respond with Mamoru hitting hard with Vorpal Strike, the heavy one hit One-Handed Sword Skill combo.

 

“Shine Circular!”

 

Usagi then hits Alphard with 15 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo that inflicts blindness on the enemy monster and Kirito and Philia see their chance.

 

Kirito says, “Philia now!”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “Right, Kirito!” Kirito starts off the final assault with Meteor Break, a skill that requires both One-Handed Sword Skills and Martial Arts Skills to use, in which he hits hard with a 7 hit combo with this assault.

 

“Eternal Cyclone!”

 

Philia then comes in with a final 4 hit thrust Dagger Sword Skill combo that causes Alphard to roar before the hydra monster shatters into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Akari says, excitedly, “We did it!”

 

Just then there is a loud rumbling and shaking and Dai asks, surprised, “What the heck?!” Soon after, the water level in the room lowers before vanishing completely.

 

Usagi says, shocked, “The water is gone!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “The water level is lowered.”

 

Mamoru says, “We should see if we can get access to the cavern from earlier.” The others nod their heads and they return to Graysreev Beach where they head to the entrance of the cave blocked by deep water where they find the water level is low enough for them to enter the cavern.

 

Philia says, with a smile, “We can get in now, Kirito!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yeah.” The group venture through the cavern where they find what looks like the entrance into a temple complex in front of them.

 

Dai says, with a smirk, “Dude, this is so Indiana Jones.”

 

Philia asks, “Huh?”

 

Kirito says, “He is an American movie character. A professor and archeologist from the pre-world war period that goes on action packed adventures to find rare items of the past filled with booby traps, supernatural and superhuman forms, and enemy forces. He is sort of a treasure hunter.”

 

Philia says, with a nod of understanding, “I see.”

 

Usagi says, “Dai has got a point.”

 

Kirito says, “And you’ll have to expect plenty of traps and the like, Usagi.”

 

Usagi retorts, drolly, “Don’t remind me, Kirito.”

 

Sora asks, with a grin, “Well, what are we waiting for?”

 

Kairi says, with a smile, “Same old Sora! You are always such an adventure!”

 

Sora responds, with a grin, “That’s me, Kairi!” The group enters the structure which is said to be the lowest level of the lighthouse of this area and they fight many different monsters going up the levels of the lighthouse one after another until they reach a room full of armored monsters with astral monsters.

 

Usagi says, drolly, “This is gone from a crab feast into a haunted house.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “A good analogy, Usagi.”

 

Usagi responds, “I wish that it wasn’t, Kirito.” The group battles through the monsters until they see a locked door where there is an astral monster known as Acheron Gate guarding it.

 

Dai says, “I don’t think that we are going to get by without crushing that monster.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I was afraid that you were going to say that.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Don’t worry, we’ll get him, Usagi.” Mamoru puts his hand on her shoulder and she smiles as the group attacks the astral monster, Acheron Gate, and they manage to defeat him in no time allowing them to open the door in which they go into the next room where they find a more powerful looking astral style monster, a Field Boss level monster known as Tower Keeper.

 

Kairi says, “He is pretty scary.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “No kidding, Kairi.”

 

Mamoru says, “Looks to be a field boss.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I think so too, Mamoru.” Soon after, the group charges in attack the powerful monster, Tower Keeper, in which the monster starts off with a scythe attack in which Mamoru and Sora manage to block.

 

Sora says, “We got him! Kick his butt!” Kairi then charges in and slashes him in his hooded face while Usagi, Kirito, and Dai hit him with a session of three Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo, causing him to shatter into piece in no time.

 

Philia says, excitedly, “You did it, Kirito!”

 

Kirito responds, “No, we all did it, Philia.” Soon after, a mace type weapon appears in their hands and Akari uses her Appraisal Skill on it.

Akari says, “It is called Mattock of Smashed Rock and it has a special effect of smashing through rock type barriers.”

 

Usagi says, excitedly, “Awesome! We can get through those rocks with this!”

 

Kirito gives Usagi the mace and he tells her, “It is best that you keep it. Your Mimic Skill allows you to use other Sword Skills including mace type skills.

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Right.” Usagi then stores the Mattock of Smashed Rock mace in her inventory and they head back to the cavern where they were blocked in which equips herself with the mace. Usagi says, with a sigh, “Here goes something. Strike Heart!” Usagi then uses the 3 hit Mace Sword Skill with the special mace and the rock formation shatters from that one strike.

 

Kairi says, excitedly, “It worked!”

 

Kirito says, “That takes care of that problem. Let’s continue on.” The group nods their heads in agreement and they venture deeper into caverns in which they manage to get their hands on one treasure chest that gives them a strange rusty key.

 

Dai says, “A rusty key? That doesn’t seem to be a treasure to me.”

 

Akari says, “Maybe it is a part of a quest or something.”

 

Kirito says, “You may have a point, Akari. But this key is pretty rusty.”

 

Philia asks, “Kirito, may I try to use it?”

 

Usagi asks Philia, “Do you think that you can use it, Philia?”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “I think so.”

 

Kirito responds, with a smile, “Well, we are talking about an elite treasure hunter here.”

 

Philia playfully sticks her tongue out at Kirito and Mamoru says, “Even if we get it to work, we aren’t sure what it opens.”

 

Kairi says, “Let’s backtrack and see if we can find anything.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Good idea, Kairi. I’m sure that there are a few locked doors that this key might open.” The group then backtracks out of the caverns into an area known as the Pirate’s Stronghold where they do find a locked door.

 

Dai says, “I think that we have found our door.”

 

Philia tells Kirito, “Kirito, can you hand me that rusted key?”

 

Kirito responds, giving off the rusty key, “Sure, Philia.” Philia then uses the key and her skills to open the door without any trouble.

 

Akari says, excitedly, “You did it!”

 

Kirito says, “As expected of an excellent treasure hunter.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “Piece of cake, Kirito.”

 

Sora says, “We could have gotten through with the Keyblade.”

 

Mamoru says, “True, but we are getting through the Hollow Area more and more and Mimete will become desperate. The Keyblade can open any door, but not deactivate any booby traps on the door when it is opened any other way than the game intended.”

 

Kairi says, “The Keyblade is the strongest weapon in the worlds, but even it has its weaknesses, Sora.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, let’s venture carefully, everyone. We don’t know what’s next.” The others nod their heads in agreement as they go deep into the dungeon where they find that it is like a maze where they find plenty of treasure chests and plenty of monsters to fight. Soon after, the group ventures into a large throne room and a barrier appears behind them.

 

Kairi says, “We’re trapped!” Everyone then looks ahead and what look like an armored version of Illfang the Kobold Lord leaps down from a throne in front of them in which four black and golden armored versions of the Kobold Sentinels with huge hammers appear around him.

 

Usagi yells out, shocked, “What the?! That’s Illfang the Kobold Lord, the boss of the first floor!”

 

Kirito says, seriously, “No, Usagi! A more powerful Hollow Area version of him, Usagi!” Kirito and Usagi use their identification abilities to find that this armored version of Illfang is known as Detonator the Kobold Lord.

 

Akari asks, “What do we do?”

 

Kirito says, seriously, “Usagi, Philia, and I will focus on the boss! The rest of you take care of the sentinels and join us as quickly as you can!”

 

Mamoru looks at Usagi and she says, “I’ll be all right, Mamoru-kun!”

 

Dai says, seriously, “Here they come!” Detonator and its sentinels, Rage Kobold Sentinels, move in where Usagi, Philia, and Kirito charge in at the boss while everyone else strikes at the sentinels in which Usagi, Philia, and Kirito quickly get its attention.

 

“Shine Circular!”

 

“Nightmare Raid!”

 

Kirito strikes fist with a 15 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo in which Usagi takes the offensive with a 16 hit Duel Welding Sword Skill combo that’s less effective than Starburst Stream in which seems to have minimum effect on Detonator.

 

“Accel Raid!”

 

Philia then tries her hand with a 9 hit Dagger Sword Skill combo, but it proves to have minimum effect in which Kirito and Usagi barely manage to get her out of the way of the boss monster’s attack in time.

 

Philia says, “Our attacks are having barely any effect!”

 

Usagi says, “It is due to that heavy armor!”

 

Kirito says, “Watch out!” Detonator then unleashes a charge attack in which Usagi, Philia, and Kirito barely manage to leap/roll away from and they try hitting it from the back, but the same result is done.

 

Usagi says, “It’s no good! It’s like a big meat tank!” The three of them barely get out of the way of another charge attack from Detonator.

 

Dai yells out, “Guys!”

 

Kirito says, “We’re all right! Focus on your enemies!”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “I wish that I share your enthusiasm Kirito. We are hammering away at this way…”

 

Kirito yells out, seriously, “Usagi, that’s it! Mace Sword Skills! In the game, there are plenty of armored enemies are usually vulnerable to Mace Sword Skills!”

 

Usagi responds, with a nod, “Right! But I think that I had better use a real mace for this one!”

 

Kirito says, “Philia, you and I need to keep that monster distracted! Please help me in this.”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “Right.” Kirito and Philia immediately charge into the fight keeping Detonator’s focus on them while Usagi switches from her sword and Keyblade to a mace.

 

Usagi yells out, “Hey, you overgrown jackal! Brutal Strike!” Usagi then comes in with a powerful 3 hit Mace Sword Skill combo and this has a significant effect on Detonator causing him more damage.

 

Philia says, excitedly, “It worked!”

 

Kirito says, “We still have a long way to go, Philia!” Detonator roars out as it prepares for another attack.

 

Sora’s voice then booms out, “Can we play too?” Detonator turns only to get slashed in the face by Sora and Kairi in which Akari charges in for the attack with a mace.

 

“Diastrophism!”

 

Akari then comes in with a powerful 5 hit Mace Sword Skill combo assault and adding more significant damage to Detonator.

 

As the others assemble with Usagi, Philia, and Kirito, Philia says, “You made it!”

 

Dai says, with a sly grin, “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

 

Kirito says, “Good job. Now, we have to defeat him. Usagi and Akari can damage him with their mace skills, but the rest of us need to focus to keep this guy off them as they attack. Also, if this guy is anything like Illfang, when his health gets low enough, he will change from that attack to that sword on his back and use a new set of skills and different attack patterns. We need to be careful.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “Understood.”

 

Sora says, “Leave it to us!” Soon enough, the group launches their assault with Usagi and Akari being the main damage dealer since they are using Mace Sword Skills, in which Detonator is vulnerable to, while everyone else focuses on keeping Detonator’s attention away from Usagi and Akari or protecting them from major damage. As Kirito said, when Detonator’s HP reaches down a certain point, it roars as it throws away its axe and takes out a spiked sword from its back.

 

Usagi says, “Here it comes!” Soon after, Detonator starts to use Katana Sword Skill style attacks in which Kirito manages to quickly get a feel on and predict to dodge or counter with their Sword Skills which allows the group to get by without major damage to their health or suffering too much status afflictions. Soon after, a three pronged attack from Sora, Kirito, and Dai manages to stun Detonator for a moment to allow Usagi and Akari a major opening.

 

“Variable Blow!”

 

Both Usagi and Akari then slam Detonator with a major 8 hit Mace Sword Skill combos which take a huge hit of his HP and before long, Detonator roars out before shattering into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Philia says, excitedly, “We did it, Kirito!”

 

Just then clapping is heard and a male voice says, with a sinister sly tone, “Yes, you did!” Everyone then looks to see someone that looks like Demyx coming towards them.

 

Sora says, “Demyx!”

 

Demyx replies, “Well, not the ‘real deal’ as you remember, dude.”

 

Usagi asks, “Who is that?”

 

Sora says, “His name is Demyx. He…His ‘original’ was a part of Organization Thirteen and while we dismissed him as a threat, he was real nasty enemy.”

 

Demyx says, as he glows with dark power, “You know it, bro! And it is time for the real battle to begin!” Demyx brings out his guitar and starts to play it causing water sprouts to burst out of the ground.

 

Sora yells out, “Watch out! He can manipulate water!” Demyx then rides a wave of water towards our group and they barely manage to dodge out of the way.

 

Demyx shouts out, playing his guitar, “Dance water! Dance!” Just then multiple water sprouts burst out of the ground and the group has to dodge them.

 

Philia asks, concerned, “What do we do now, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not sure, Philia! This is an complete free thinking AI and doesn’t follow pre-programmed patterns! He may make patterns, but unlike monsters, he can change and adapt!”

 

Sora says, with a serious tone, “I wish that I had a good thunder spell right about now!”

 

Demyx says, with a sly tone, “Well, you don’t dude and that means that you are all mine!” Soon enough, Demyx goes on a rampage with multiple water charge attacks and multiple water spouts in which the group barely dodges out of the way.

 

Dai says, with a serious tone with a light glow around him, “I’ve had enough of this!”

Demyx says, tauntingly, “Ooh, I’m so scared!” However, Demyx enthusiasm fades away as Dai moves at incredible speeds that aren’t found in SAO and Demyx shouts out, “Hey! No fair!” Demyx tries to strike Dai, but he can’t hit him at all and Dai charges in which Demyx smirks, but Kirito uses his Throwing Knife Skill to hit Demyx in the arm causing him to yelp out, however, it only proved a distraction that Dai needed to get close and cut Demyx in half causing him to have a look of shock before shattering into hundreds of data polygons.

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “And good riddance.”

 

Kirito asks Dai, “How did you do that Dai?”

 

Dai responds, nervously, “I…don’t know.”

 

Mamoru responds, “Most likely, he tapped into his powers from his ‘past life’ at least for a moment. Remember, our powers are linked to our star seeds, which are our ‘essence’ or spirits, in which Dai and Akari may not be connected to their bodies like we are at the moment, but their ‘spirits’ are here in the game.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Good point, Mamoru-kun.”

 

Kirito asks, “So, your powers are linked to your spirits and not your bodies?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “It is complicated, Kirito. Anyway, we manage to defeat him and the area boss of this section.”

 

Mamoru says, “We should head back to take it easy before continuing onto the next area.”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “Good idea.”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s go, Philia.”

 

Philia responds, “Right!” Later on, the group returns to the Hollow Area Control Center where everyone, minus Philia, uses the teleport gate to return to Arc Sofia and Philia sighs as they go.

 

Just then a sinister male voice says, “Hey. The prince and princess along with their friends are gone again.”

 

Philia whips around to see PoH in front of her and she asks, irritated and nervous at the same time, “You again?”

 

PoH responds, “I told you not to act like that with me. It’s not like I’m going to eat you up.”

 

Philia asks, “What do you want with me?”

 

PoH retorts, “How long are you going to stay with that beater and his friends?”

 

Philia responds, irritated, “It has nothing to do with you!”

 

PoH replies, “From what I see, he is about to find out the truth about you unless your so-called friends, Dai and Akari, didn’t already tell him, Philia, the orange Hollow.”

 

Philia yells out, “So, what’s this all about? All this nonsense about the Hollow.”

 

PoH tells her in reply, “That’s because your world is different from your prince’s world and your friend’s world. There is nothing twisted about these worlds. They mean just that. You belong to the world of shadow. You are a residence of the Hollow Area and we aren’t human.” Philia wanted to retort, but the leader of Laughing Coffin responds, with an evil smile, “Or why can’t you return to the other side with them?”

 

Philia says, in protest, “I’m different from you! I’m still human!”

 

PoH retorts, “You just don’t want to accept it. You don’t want to accept that you aren’t human and no different from the rest of us…”

 

Philia yells out, “So, what do you want me to say? Kirito, Dai, Akari, and the others fought with me…”

 

PoH responds, interrupting, “For you? You really think so? You are such a piece of work.”

 

Philia replies, in protest, “What do you mean?”

 

PoH replies, “The beater and his friends are only interested in the new items and skills in the Hollow Area. You are just a convenient guild, don’t you understand?”

 

Philia yells out, “No, you are wrong! Kirito isn’t like that! And Dai and Akari care about me!”

 

PoH retorts, “Or do they fear you after what they saw you do? And do you think that a person would risk their life for a person that they just met?” PoH replies, “Do you really think that people would be friends with a person that they murder themselves?”

 

Philia asks, nervously, “How…How do you know?”

 

PoH responds, with an evil smile, “Does it really matter how I know? I know. Anyway, didn’t I tell you that you would die if you stayed with them? What do you think will happen when the game is cleared?”

 

Philia replies, “What does have to do with anything?”

 

PoH yells out, “Everything! Everything! What do you think will happen to us when he and the others complete the game?” Philia’s eyes start to widen and PoH responds, with an evil smile, “That’s right. Game over. We will disappear and die since we are only data.”

 

Philia says, “Kirito would…!!”

 

PoH responds, “What did I just say? Reason and process don’t matter! It is the result that matters! If he completes the game, we will die. I don’t want to die. I want to stop him and I want you to help me.”

 

Philia asks, “Are you saying that you want me to help you betray Kirito?”

 

PoH retorts, with an evil smile, “No, my dear. You only have to call him out. You don’t have to do anything since you won’t know anything. We just want to prevent him from clearing the game. It isn’t like that I’m going to kill him.”

 

Philia responds, “No way…”

 

PoH replies, “You know how strong he is. Don’t worry, he’ll survive. He’ll just become one of us without dying, that’s all.”

 

Philia asks, confused, “Be the same like us…?”

 

PoH tells Philia, “Do you want to die being in a separate world from him or live on in the same world? I’ll be waiting for your reply the next time that we meet.”

 

After PoH teleports away, Philia says, weakly, “Kirito…Usagi…Dai…Akari…I… I don’t know what to do…” As Philia wraps her arms around herself, she felt afraid and confused as the leader of Laughing Coffin’s words ring in her ears no matter how much she tries to get rid of them.

 

And that’s the end of the chapter, everyone! It seems like things are accelerating in the story of the Hollow Area and the AI Organization XIII are falling like a stack of dominos so far. It looks like while our group in the Hollow Area is venturing on, the others back in the ‘regular’ floors of Aincard are taking care of the floor exploration by themselves, but I did show you that ‘ventures’ in the floors of Aincard don’t stop despite the Hollow Area taking plot of the story for the time being, folks. Anyway, read and review to tell me what you think and later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!