Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ Truth and Deception ( Chapter 18 )

Well, you must be wondering about the situation with Leafa and Aaron, right? Aaron is one of the many ‘extra characters’ in Sword Art Online: Hollow Fragment as part of the ‘clearers’ in that game storyline and I’m based my plans for him on the gameplay that I had done when I played Hollow Fragment. Minor spoiler alert! I can tell you that the result isn’t going to be pretty, everyone. It is going to be a bit of character development for Suguha/Leafa for this story in which you know what she becomes in the original Sailor Moon Online storyline.

 

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 18: Truth and Deception

 

January 4, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Inside of Agil’s shop/inn, Kirito and Usagi are with Argo as they are discussing a typical ‘business transition’ with the information dealer of SAO.

 

Argo tells them, “I’ve been expecting you and Bunny-chan, Kii-boy.”

 

Usagi says, with a huff, “You always have to call me that.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Well, your name does mean ‘bunny’ after all.”

 

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

 

Kirito asks Argo, “Anyway, do you have the information that I’ve been waiting for?”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “Yep, but it is a bit more pricy now.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not surprised. If I complete this quest, I can upgrade my equipment. I’m going to need it for the adventures ahead.”

 

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

 

Asuna, who came with them to meet Argo, comes over and asks, “Kirito, what quest are you doing?”

 

Kirito says, “It is a quest for upgrading equipment, Asuna.”

 

However, soon enough, the others appear in the room and Lisbeth asks, overhearing, “Wait! An upgrade type quest? Does it involve items? What’s required to complete it?”

 

Usagi asks, seeing the others, “Huh? Where did you all come from?”

 

Makoto says, with a smile, “We’ve been around town for a while.”

 

Asuna says, “They just arrived Usagi-chan.”

 

Argo says, looking at the group, “Ah, you must the members of Bunny-chan’s new guild!”

 

Tomoe asks, “Bunny-chan?”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “That’s me.”

 

Hino says, with a smirk, “Bunny-chan, huh? Not surprising since your name in here means ‘bunny’.”

 

Usagi responds, annoyed, “I know! I know, Pyro!”

 

Akari asks, “Who is this?”

 

Taichi says, nervously, “That’s Argo.”

 

Yamato says, also nervously, “She is an information dealer here on Aincrad.”

 

Dai asks, “Information dealer?”

 

Argo says, with a smile, “It is what it sounds like. My job is to gather intelligence and provide it at a reasonable price unless it is information that needs to be buried for good.”

 

Miyako says, plainly, “However, I would watch you if I were you since the words ‘customer confidentiality’ aren’t part of her memo. Once you buy any information, she sells the fact that you brought that information to anyone that asks. There is a reason that she is known as ‘The Rat’.”

 

Haruka asks, “The Rat, huh?”

 

Argo says, with a smirk, “Well that wasn’t nice, Miyako.” Argo tells Dai, “By the way, for a few thousand col, I do have information about her that would be wonderful ‘blackmail’ material.”

 

Miyako yells out, “Hey!”

 

Argo tells Miyako, “You paid me to keep it quiet and I have in which there was no problem since no one asked me about it.”

 

Kirito asks Argo, nervously, “Don’t you charge someone for even allowing them to know that you have that information?”

 

Argo responds, with a sly grin, “Let’s just say that even a girl like me doesn’t take an insult lying down and it doesn’t mean that I don’t use it as a business chance, Kii-boy.”

 

Asuna and Usagi gain nervous looks and they think at the same time, with a nervous tone, “Same old Argo.”

 

Takashi tells Minako, “See what Miyako means?”

 

Minako says, with a nod, “Yep.”

 

Miyako tells Dai and Akari, strongly, “And you, two, better not be thinking about buying that information!”

 

Dai and Akari shake their heads and Dai thinks, “I’ve got to find a way to meet this girl in secret later on.”

 

Lisbeth asks Argo, “So, this means that you know about me?”

 

Argo responds, “Of course. You are Lisbeth of Lisbeth’s Smith Shop, the master macer and master blacksmith as well as a female. For an information broker, it is a must know.”

 

Kirito says, “Wow, Liz is a celebrity.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a blush, “No. Not really…”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “Stop teasing Liz, Kirito.”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “So, Argo, you know about everyone?”

 

Argo says, “Agil, the shop owner and axe welder, Klein, and Asuna. I have met them all personally along with you and Usagi, Kii-boy. I already know about Lisbeth and Silica…”

 

Silica asks, surprised, “You know about me?”

 

Argo says, “You are the first to tame a feathery dragon. Of course I know about you. Silica the Dragon Tamer is well-known among the middle class players.”

 

Silica says, with a blush, “I’m blushing right now.”

 

Argo says, pointing to Yui, “I also know about little Yui-chan over there.”

 

Yui says, surprised, “I wasn’t expecting you to know about me. Miss Argo is well-knowledgeable.”

 

Argo says, “I’ve hanged out with Kii-boy since floor one, so, I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

 

Kirito says, “Argo knows everything just as I suspect, but I don’t remember about speaking too much about Yui-chan.”

 

Argo says, with a grin, “I have my ways, Kii-boy.”

 

Usagi and Kirito think in unison, “Typical Argo.”

 

Argo says, “Well, I can’t exactly say that despite how much I want to. I only heard rumors about the new people that are around you, two. And I don’t sell rumors, I sell facts.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “So, what have you heard…and how much?”

 

Argo says, with a smile, “For you: The usual, Usagi-chan.” Usagi sighs and she pulls up her player menu to transfer some money from her to Argo in which when she sees the transaction, she says, with a smile, “Thank you, Bunny-chan.”

 

Haruka says, with a glare, “Now, I’m starting to see why they are calling her ‘The Rat’.”

 

Michiru says, with a kind smile, “Be nice. There isn’t a reason to get angry at her.”

 

Haruka responds, with a plain tone, “Yet.”

 

Argo then says, pointing to Dai and Akari, “Well, the big buzz is about those two.”

 

Akari asks, curiously, “Us?”

 

Argo responds, with a nod, “The appearance of two new strong players not seen before including the new guy is a Duel Welder like Kii-boy and Bunny-chan is big news. Kii-boy is holder of the one of a kind Duel Wielding Skill and Usagi-chan holds the Mimic Sword Skill which allows her to use and replicate any Sword Skills possible in the game even if they are one of a kind skill like Kii-boy has. When ‘Unique Skills’ similar to what Kii-boy, Usagi-chan, who has another skill that she had before she had Mimic, and you-know-who had, it tends to get people talking around here.”

 

Taichi says, “That means that they know about Kari’s skills.”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “That’s right, Taichi-san. The girl that’s just as skilled with the rapier as our legendary ‘Lightning Flash’ and can use it while wielding a shield at the same time has gotten the players talking added to the fact that she has her own Unique Skill that allows her to use her shield as a weapon.”

 

Dai says, with a smile, “Guess we’re becoming famous, Kari-chan.”

 

Akari says, with a sigh, “Yeah, great.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “I hear you girlfriend.”

 

Argo says, pointing to Mamoru and the Sailor Scouts, “Next, there is our Bunny-chan’s new guild. I heard that they mysterious came out of nowhere and they are supposed to be Usagi-chan’s friends from the ‘other side’. However, they have gained quite a reputation for themselves.”

 

Tomoe asks, “We have?”

 

Argo responds, “That’s right. You have proven a vital help to advancing the floors in assisting the assault team in all sorts of ways. I’ve already head quite a few things from the assault team players.”

 

Haruka asks, curiously, “Like what?”

 

Argo gives a smile and Kirito says, “Not going to work, Haruka. And don’t think that you can ‘shake her down’. One, we are in a safe zone.”

 

Usagi says, “And two, she has an agility heavy build in which she can outrun and outleap most players. Only Kirito, Asuna, and I are the only known ones that are able to keep up with her.”

 

Haruka responds, with a smirk, “Want to bet?”

 

Michiru says, with a sly smile, “Haruka is type that would be considered strength, speed, and agility type.”

 

Argo says, with a smile, “Interesting to know. I’ll remember to repay you someday.”

 

Haruka gives a glare and Taichi says, with a smile, “This is why you don’t speak things so carelessly in the presence of ‘The Rat’.”

 

Yamato says, “When she confirms what you said is a fact, she has a ‘new product’.”

 

Hino says, with a plain tone, “That’s good to know.”

 

Makoto says, with a nod, “We’ll remember it.”

 

Minako asks, “So, if we want to ask about her and Usagi, we are going to have to pay for it?”

 

Argo says, with a nod, “I’ll give this to you for free since you are new about me. That’s right. Bunny-chan is quite famous around SAO and we have been friends for quite a while since us, fellow ‘outcasts’, tend to stick together, so, based on what you want to know, it is going to cost you quite a pretty penny.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Thanks a lot, Argo.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, with a smile, “Argo wouldn’t be Argo if she didn’t, Usagi.”

 

Usagi responds, in the same droll tone, “Don’t we know it, Kirito?”

 

Argo says, with a cheeky smile, “I have to say that I was quite surprised that our Bunny-chan has a boyfriend, but I heard enough reports from other players to confirm that it is true.” Argo says, looking at Mamoru, “And I have to say that he is quite a catch. I’m a bit jealous, Usagi-chan.”

 

Usagi gives a major blush and Hino tells Usagi, “You can’t blame her for finding out since you really pine over him…even a lot more than usual.”

 

Usagi responds, embarrassed expression on her face, “Well, I haven’t seen him along with you, girls, for two long years. Even with my best buds here, it does get kind of lonely.”

 

Makoto says, with a smile, “Don’t worry, girl. We understand.”

 

Argo asks Usagi, “By the way, I have heard that you and your big boy have been…?”

 

Usagi blushes a mad red, realizing what Argo is implying, and she shouts out, “Argo!”

 

Asuna shouts out, blushing red because she knows why Usagi is, “Argo, please don’t finish that question!”

 

Argo responds, with a sly smile, “Okay…But your expression tells me all that I need to know, however, since it is unconfirmed, big sister will keep it under wraps.” Plenty of the others sigh in relief and Argo says, with a sly smile, “However, it is now a fact that you have a boyfriend and that ‘product’ is still on sale.”

 

Usagi dead-pans and Kirito says, with a nervous smile, “That’s Argo.”

 

Minako says, with a nervous smile, “Now, I see where she gets her moniker from.”

 

Makoto asks, “But what about her whiskers?”

 

Kirito tells Makoto, “Don’t ask since it will cost you one hundred thousand col.”

 

Argo says, “Kii-boy is right on the money.” Argo asks Usagi, “Anyway, can you give me an introduction to your brand new guild?”

 

Usagi responds, “All right, Argo. We are friends after all despite your ‘tendencies’, so, you won’t have to pay me anything and I’m only going to give you their in-game names.”

 

Argo says, “That’s fair.” Soon after, Usagi introduces Mamoru and the Sailor Scouts one after another to Argo and when she is done, Argo says, “Nice to meet you, all. Interesting name that you have your group, Bunny-chan. It does make me wonder…”

 

Usagi asks, a bit nervously, “Makes you wonder what?”

 

Argo responds, with a smile, “I’m not saying anything yet.”

 

Kirito says, “I’ll introduce the rest to you.” Kirito says, motioning to Leafa, “This is Leafa.”

 

Leafa says, a bit nervously, “Nice to meet you.”

 

Argo says, “I heard about a fairy in the woods, but I have to admit that the word is true. You look like a real fairy.”

 

Leafa responds, nervously, “Well…”

 

Argo says, shaking her head, “No, I’m not going to listen anymore for free.”

 

Kirito says, clearing his throat while pointing to Sinon, “And this is Sinon.”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “Nice to meet you.”

 

Argo says, “I had heard that another Unique Skill had been discovered and unlocked.”

 

Sinon asks, surprised, “Huh?”

 

Argo says, with a smile, “Your reaction is honest. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it under wraps.”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “I hope so.”

 

Usagi and Kirito weren’t too sure and Strea asks, excitedly, “What about me? Do you know about me?”

 

Argo says, “All that I know is that you are a beautiful woman.”

 

Strea says, excitedly, “She said that I’m beautiful! Thank you! I’m Strea, nice to meet you.”

 

Argo tells Kirito, “Typical, Kii-boy. You are surrounded by pretty girls as usual.”

 

Asuna asks, with a glare, “As usual?  What does Argo mean ‘as usual’?”

 

Kirito gives a nervous look and Usagi says, nervously, “Hey, Argo! Cut that out!”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “No kidding, Argo! Don’t say such things!”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “I think that we should pay now.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Good idea.”

 

Kirito transfers some money to Argo and when the transaction is done, Argo says, “Thanks for buying.”

 

Asuna asks, “Shall we get started you two? What are the details of the quest?”

 

Lisbeth asks, “Since this is an updating quest, should I be the one with going with you, two, since I have blacksmithing skills?”

 

Asuna yells out, “Hey, Liz!”

 

Sinon says, plainly, “If it is upgrading weapons, I’m interested too.”

Leafa says, “If that’s the case, I’ll go too. I haven’t gone with a quest with Kirito for a while.”

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, nervously, “I really don’t like where this is going.”

 

Strea says, with a pout, “No fair! I’m going too!”

 

Silica says, a bit shyly, “I want to go…with Kirito too!”

 

Kirito yells out, nervously, “Hey, everyone! Calm down!”

 

Argo goes over to the others and she says, “Kii-boy is quite the lady killer.”

 

Takashi says, with a smile and nod, “Yeah, but I don’t think that he wants to be and it isn’t to his benefit.”

 

Taichi, Yamato, and Dai say in unison, “No kidding!”

 

Michiru says, with a sly smile, “My, our princess’ best friend here is quite popular.”

 

Haruka says, with a smile, “I don’t think that he wants to be.”

 

Makoto says, “I’ve got to admit that he is kind of cute myself since he reminds me a bit of my sempai.”

 

Usagi yells out, hearing Makoto’s comment, “Mako-chan!” Makoto yelps as she hides behind Mamoru.

 

Minako says, with a grin, “Watch it, girlfriend. ‘Big sister’ might not appreciate that.”

 

Argo tells Kirito, “Don’t go overboard, Kirito.”

 

As Argo leaves, Kirito and Usagi shout out in unison, “Very funny!”

 

Hino asks, curiously, “Why do I get the feeling that those two being siblings isn’t that farfetched?”

 

Haruka asks Hino, “You are getting a feeling of déjà vu including when you met Leafa?”

 

Hino responds, “You too huh?” Haruka nods her head and Setsuna gives a nod as well as slight solemn look in her eyes despite trying to hide it in which Tomoe notices this and can’t help to wonder about it, but decides not to bother the Sailor Soldier of Time for the time being.

 

January 4, 2025, Hollow Area

 

In the Control Area of the Hollow Area, Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Sora, and Kairi appear in the room where they go up to meet with Philia.

 

Usagi says, “Hey, Philia.”

 

Philia asks, “Where is Dai and Akari, Usagi?”

 

Kirito says, “Lisbeth and Akari are working together on a project and Dai is helping them gather materials.”

 

Philia gives a mental sigh of relief and Sora asks, “So, what’s up for today?”

 

Mamoru says, “Our best bet to find Mimete is to continue where we left off.”

 

Usagi asks, “So, we start where we fought that knockoff of Illfang?”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “I’m not sure we can call that boss a ‘knockoff’, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, “Good point, Kirito.”

 

Philia is giving a solemn expression and Kairi asks, noticing, “Is something wrong, Philia?”

 

Philia responds, “I’m okay, Kairi.”

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Are you sure, Philia?”

 

Philia replies, “I am, Usagi.”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Let’s go then!” Soon enough, the group then teleports off and reappears in the room where they fought Detonator the Kobold Lord, the stronger Hollow Area version of the Floor 1 Boss, Illfang the Kobold Lord, in which they find a pair of a sliding doors and after going down a stairway that find themselves in a cavern with another gate in front of them in which they remove with the necklace.

 

Kirito says, “Okay, the seal has been broken.”

 

Mamoru says, “We’re going to need to be careful. This might be the final part of the Hollow Area and the location of Mimete’s headquarters in it.”

 

Usagi says, “She might become desperate.”

 

Kirito says, “That means that we have to be extra careful.” The group venture into the cavern where they faced off against plenty of scorpion and spider style monsters in which they didn’t come out unscathed at some points in which they got hit with poison status once in a while, but they had plenty of antidote crystals and potions to work with.

 

After Sora is healed from poison, he says, “Thanks, Kairi.”

 

Kairi says, “No problem, Sora, but you need to be more careful. These things are expensive and we have a limited amount.”

 

Kirito says, “And if we run out of those, here, we are in big trouble.”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Right, my bad.” The group ventures on until they arrive in an area known as Ring Forest where the enemies are mainly mushroom style monsters and monster fly trap type monsters like the ones that Kirito and Usagi fought against with Silica on Floor 47.

 

At one point, Usagi says, “Man! It has been one of those overgrown weeds after another.”

 

Kairi says, with a nod, “And their poison effects are quite a headache.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “If you are worn out, we can take a break here.”

 

Philia says, “I would like that. Sorry to be so much trouble.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “I don’t think that this is trouble at all, Philia.”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “I know…”

 

Kirito tells Philia, “You are acting a bit weird. Is something wrong?”

 

Philia says, with a weak smile, “No, nothing is wrong. You are really kind.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Well, that’s Kirito for you.”

 

But before they can say anything else, a male axe using player stumbles onto the scene and Sora says, “Hey! Someone is coming!”

 

Kirito says, “Hold on, Philia.” Kirito yells out, “Hey, you over there!”

 

Usagi shouts out, “Are you okay?”

 

As Usagi and Kirito leap over to the player, the male player says, “A little more…A little more ahead…”

 

Usagi asks, “Hold up! You are tired! Shouldn’t you rest?”

 

The player responds, warily, “Yeah, I’m fine. Anyway, I have to move on.”

 

Usagi says, “No way! Your health is at the yellow!”

 

However, the player doesn’t listen as the player heads off and Kirito shouts out, “Hey, please listen!”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “What is wrong with these players?”

 

The others come along and Philia says, “Kirito, it is dangerous for you and Usagi despite you being so strong!”

 

Kirito says, “I can’t just leave him!”

 

Usagi says, “He’ll die at this rate!”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “It’s fine since we are…”

 

Kirito says, seriously, “It’s not fine! Philia, you wait here! I’ll bring him back!”

 

Usagi says, “Wait for me, Kirito!”

 

Philia says, “Why do you have to go this far? It could be a trap from an orange guild! There is that one…Laughing Coffin!”

 

Kirito says, “You may be right, Philia. However, I’ll deal with it when the time comes.”

 

Usagi says, “I’ve already seen too much death in this place. A place that should have been a fun new adventure…turned into a war for survival. I just can’t let any more blood be shed on something that should have been at the core a game!”

 

Mamoru gives a concerned look at Usagi and Kirito says, “I feel the same way as Usagi, Philia. It would be like, to me, as if I committed PK if I didn’t do a thing.”

 

Philia mumbles lowly, “PK…”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, we’ll be back in a moment.”

 

Mamoru says, “I’ll come with you.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod of understanding, “Okay.” Usagi, Mamoru, and Kirito run off while Sora and Kairi stay behind with Philia in which Kairi gives a concerned look.

 

After a while, they return and Kirito asks, “We’re back. Did anything happen?”

 

Sora says, with a smile, “Nope! Not surprising with me on guard!”

 

Philia asks, with a weak smile, “What happened with that person?”

 

Mamoru says, “We managed to get him to drink some potions.”

 

Usagi says, “However, he refused to listen when he tried to tell him to get out of the area.”

 

Philia says, with a weak smile, “I see…”

 

Usagi asks, “What’s wrong with these players?”

 

Kirito says, with a sigh, “I wish that I knew. They are too reckless. They are too insensitive to danger.”

 

Usagi tells Philia, “You, Dai, and Akari were right to say something is wrong with these players. They are completely…off.”

 

Mamoru asks Philia, “Do you have any idea on their behavior?”

 

Philia responds, solemnly and looks down a little, “No.” Philia thinks in her mind, solemnly, “He can’t escape this place…just like me…”

 

Kirito asks Philia, “Are you okay, Philia?”

 

Philia responds, “I’m fine.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I’m not. I need to take a breather.”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s go back to the Control Area and take a breather.” Kirito tells Philia, “Will it be okay with you, Philia?”

 

Philia responds, with a nod, “Yes, Kirito.” Sometime later, the group is in the Control Area with Usagi looking at the control panel.

 

Kirito asks Philia, “Anyway, shall we remain here for a while with you, Philia?”

 

Philia says, shaking her head, “No, I’m okay.”

 

Usagi asks, “Are you sure?”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “I’ll be fine, Usagi.”

 

Mamoru says, “Anyway, we should head back to town, get a bite, take it easy for a while, and then return.”

 

Usagi nods her head and Kirito says, “Yeah.” Kirito tells Philia, “We’ll be back soon.”

 

Kairi says, with a smile, “Bye, Philia.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “Later!” The group then teleports backs to Arc Sofia and Philia gains a solemn look.

 

Philia says, solemnly, “Kirito…Usagi…Dai…Akari…I&rsquo ;m so scared…” Within another part of the Hollow Area, Mimete and PoH are meeting with each other.

 

Mimete says, with a sneer, “This has better work!”

 

PoH responds, with a sinister smirk, “You worry too much and even if I die, there is nothing that they can do.”

 

Mimete replies, “We’ll see. You don’t know that Moon brat as much as I do.”

 

PoH says, with a sinister smile, “She may be strong along with that beater, but even she has her limits.”

 

Mimete responds, “I want that wench to be a corpse.” Mimete says, glowing with power, “And if you think about betraying me…”

 

PoH responds, with a wicked smile, “Never!” Mimete then walks away and when she is gone, PoH gives a sinister smile as he takes off too while neither of them see a pair of sinister glowing golden eyes in the shadows.

 

A deep dark male voice says, “Fool. They shall become one with the darkness.” Back in the Hollow Area Control Center, the Usagi, Kirito, Mamoru, Sora, and Kairi reunite with Philia and they head off to continue on where they left off. They, soon, arrive at a place known as Void Area at Ginriogia in which this part of it is known as Ginriogia Sanctuary Upper Area which is a mountainous area just under the sphere that’s the Control Center for the Hollow Area where there is a massive chasm with a pool energy that goes upwards towards the orb.

 

Usagi says, “Geez, it is so deep!”

 

Sora says, amazed, “I can’t see the bottom.”

 

Kirito says, “This is a good place to find treasure.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “Yeah…”

 

Kirito asks, “Philia, are you sure that you are okay? Do you want to call it a day?”

 

Philia responds, shaking her head, “No, I’m okay. I was just thinking about something.”

 

Mamoru gets a suspicious look and Kirito says, with a nod, “Okay.” The group find a teleport stone in which they activate and continue on down the side of the chasm that contained a passage until they find themselves within a cavern which there is a man-made structure known Ritual Site inside in which they venture on and taking on humanoid boar monsters and humanoid Lizardman type monsters as well as mimic monsters known as Flesh Collectors.

 

At one point, Philia asks, “Kirito, there is some place that I want to go, it is okay with you and the others?”

 

Kirito responds, “I don’t think that we have a problem with that.” When Kirito looks at the others, they nod their heads and Kirito responds, “Lead the way.” They go over to an area and Philia motions to an area of the wall in which they find a hidden door.

 

Sora says, amazed, “Whoa! A hidden door!”

 

Kirito says, “I didn’t notice at all, but it isn’t surprising that a skilled treasure hunter like you would know.”

 

Philia says, plainly, “Yeah.”

 

Mamoru is suspicious of Philia as they enter the hidden room, Usagi says, pointing to something, “A treasure chest!”

 

Philia says, “I’ll open it. I need for the rest of you to keep watch.”

 

Sora says, with a grin, “No problem!”

 

After Philia opens the treasure chest, disabling traps and such in the process, Philia tells him, “Kirito, you and Usagi never asked about why I killed and why I become an orange.”

 

Usagi says, “Dai and Akari explained it to us. They said that a strange player attacked you and you had to fight back, but since the player was still green, it caused you to become orange.”

 

Kirito says, “I have to admit that players here are very strange and one attacking you for no reasons doesn’t seem out of bounds here. I just don’t understand why these players are what they are.” Kirito says, “Anyway, the color of a player’s cursor doesn’t match their personality. We trust Philia because we have fought side by side with you.”

 

Usagi says, “It shows that you are a good person at heart, Philia.”

 

Philia says, shaking her head, “No, I’m not.”

 

Kirito asks, “What are you talking about Philia? Didn’t you show that by helping us with Mimete and the Hollow Area?”

 

Philia says, with tears in her eyes, “No, I’m not! I killed someone…No, worse…I killed myself…”

 

Kairi asks, confused, “Killed yourself?”

 

Usagi tells Philia, “Philia, you aren’t making any sense!”

 

Philia says, “Like Kirito and Usagi, I had wandered around these woods and just met Dai and Akari, but then someone appeared before me and that person was me.”

 

Sora asks, “You?”

 

Usagi asks, “So, you fought yourself? Wait! That doesn’t make any sense! Could it have been a player that looked exactly like you?”

 

Kirito responds, “It might have been a quest and some kind of mirror duplicate was made.”

 

Philia says, shaking her head, “No! I wouldn’t make that kind of mistake! I know a player from an NPC! It was me for sure!” Philia says, “Out of fear and surprise, I attacked and battled so hard and when I came to my senses, the ‘other me’ was gone and I had an orange cursor. That’s because I killed myself…”

 

Usagi says, “Philia, it doesn’t make any sense even for SAO! There is no way that there are two of you!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s right, Philia! It is impossible even for SAO!”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “The weight of my crime will never go away even if my cursor returns to normal and I have to live in this shadow world forever. I just wish that I never met any of you including Dai and Akari, so, I would never feel this way.”

 

Kirito says, “Look there has to be a way for you to leave this place, Philia. We’ll find it. And we’ll find the truth of what happened to you. Let’s us find Dai and Akari and tell us what happened and figure out what happened to you on that day!”

 

Philia says, with a weak smile, “Thank you, Kirito. Please bear with me a little.” Philia then pushes a switch and Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Sora, and Kairi yell as they fall down into another place.

 

A sinister male voice shouts out, “Goodbye and good riddance to you, Black Swordsman and White Valkyrie.”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “I’m sorry…Kirito…Usagi…” Deep down in another part of the dungeon, the group gets back on their feet.

 

Sora asks, “What happened?”

 

Mamoru says, “We feel into a trap.”

 

Usagi asks, “Why did Philia do that?”

 

Kirito responds, “I’m not fully sure, but I know that was PoH’s voice that I heard.”

 

Usagi says, realizing something, “Yeah, you’re right!”

 

Mamoru says, “So, she has teamed up with that killer.”

 

Kairi asks, shocked, “What? Why?”

 

Kirito says, “I don’t know, Kairi. Something doesn’t smell right. And the way that Philia was acting…”

 

Mamoru says, plainly, “You have a point. I think that she was trying to get us to turn back and she was implying a trap. I think that she was trying to get us to put two and two together.”

 

Usagi asks, “Do you think that PoH forced Philia to help him?”

 

Kirito says, “Or trick her in some way, Usagi. Right now, we need to get out of this trap and figure it out.” The group then finds that there was only one way out of the dungeon area that they are in.

 

Sora says, “Only one way out.”

 

Usagi says, “And most likely, each area is a monster trap.”

 

Kirito says, “We don’t have much of a choice. We need to be careful.”

 

Mamoru says, “Stay sharp everyone.” The group ventures down the hallway and in each large room area of this part of the dungeon, monster traps are set off with strong monsters appear in which after a long session, they managed to find their way into an area known as Among Gods in a Fierce War and after some exploring, they manage to emerge back at the chasm area.

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “Finally!”

 

Mamoru says, taking out a potion, “Your health is below half, love.”

 

Usagi responds, taking the potion from Mamoru, “Thanks, Mamoru-kun.”

 

As Usagi drinks the potion, Kairi asks, “So, what do we do now?”

 

Kirito says, “We need to return to the Control Center and figure out our next plan of action.”

 

When Usagi is done with the potion and the empty bottle shatters, she says, “Good idea, Kirito.”

 

Sora asks, “What about Philia?”

 

Kirito says, “As much as I want to find her and get some answers in which she might need help, we have no idea on where she is even now.”

 

Mamoru says, with a nod, “Agreed. We have to regroup some place safe.” The group then gets over to the teleport stone and returns to the Hollow Area Control Center.

 

Kirito shouts out, “Philia!”

 

Usagi responds, looking around, “She isn’t here, Kirito.”

 

Mamoru says, “Let’s get back to the others. We have been in the Hollow Area for a long time thanks to our ‘detour’.” The others nod their heads in agreement and teleport back to Arc Sofia.

 

January 4, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Returning to Arc Sofia, the group exits out of the teleport gate when Asuna, the Sailor Scouts, and the Digital Knights come over to them.

 

Dai yells out, “What’s this about you guys exploring the Hollow Area and not inviting us along?”

 

Akari tells Dai, “Dai, we were busy with helping out Liz.”

 

Hino yells out, “Hey, Meatball Head, what’s the big idea of worrying us so much? You know how late it is?”

 

Usagi says, “Sorry, Pyro. We…ran into a bit of trouble.”

 

Makoto asks, “Trouble?”

 

Mamoru says, “It is a long story and Dai and Akari are going to need to explain something to us.”

 

The others look at Dai and Akari, who look a bit surprised and nervous, and Haruka asks, “What happened?”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s go in Agil’s shop and we can talk about it there.”

 

Asuna says, with a kind smile, “Okay.” Within Agil’s shop, the large group is joined by Leafa, Silica, Sinon, and Lisbeth in which they explain what happened.

 

When they were done, Kirito says, “That’s why we have been gone so long. We couldn’t message or use teleport crystals.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I’m just glad that you and the others are okay, Kirito-kun.”

 

Leafa says, with a sigh, “Geez, big brother. It seems like you and Usagi-chan get caught up in trouble.”

 

Usagi says, with a blush of embarrassment, “We don’t try to get caught up in trouble.”

 

Lisbeth says, “That’s because you and Kirito fell right into it, Usagi.” Lisbeth says, with a smile, “But then again, it is typical for the two of you.”

 

Usagi asks, solemnly, “Do you have to put it that way, Liz?”

 

Mamoru asks Dai and Akari, “Anyway, speaking of what happened, is this true?”

 

Akari says, solemnly, “Yeah, it is.”

 

Miyako says, “Wait! There can’t be two of the same person! It is impossible even for SAO!”

 

Dai says, “Yeah, we know! But it happened when we met Philia! A perfect exact duplicate of her appeared right in front of us! As if she was looking a mirror, but it wasn’t a mirror! It was another Philia!”

 

Haruka says, “And out of fear, she attacked it.”

 

Michiru says, “Well, you have to admit that it is understandable and she is trapped in ‘game of death’ after all. We can’t be sure what kind of things that happened to her before she got trapped in the Hollow Area.”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “How there can two of the same person?”

 

Kirito says, with a curious look, “There might be a way, Usagi…”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “Huh?”

 

Silica says, “I’m just glad that Kirito and Usagi are safe. However, I don’t get why she deceived them, but maybe she is getting deceived.”

 

Lisbeth says, “No way! She said sorry to them. She lead them into a trap where they could have died! That was PK!”

 

Sinon says, “I agree with Liz. You shouldn’t go down into the Hollow Area for a while.”

Dai yells out, “Hey! Hey! Watch it! Didn’t you hear their story? They heard that rotten killer with them! He must have tricked Philia!”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “I agree with Dai-kun. She has got to have been tricked.”

 

Taichi says, “Kari…”

 

Akari tells Taichi, “No way, big brother! We know Philia! We’ve been with her for a month in the Hollow Area! If she was like that, would we be here?”

 

Takashi says, “Kari has a point.”

 

Sora says, with a nod, “I have to agree. Philia is a good person at heart.”

 

Kairi says, nodding her head, “I agree with Sora. Philia is a good person. I know it.”

 

Kirito says, “The evidence has got to make me agree with your sentiment, Kairi. There is something off about this and I believe that Philia was being used. But there are parts to this story that I still don’t understand.”

 

Usagi says, “So, we have to go back and find those answers.”

Hino yells out, surprised, “You’re kidding me!”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I don’t like going into danger…as Sailor Moon or even now, but I really feel that I don’t have a choice in the matter. Kayaba is a member of my family, past and present, and I have to stop him before SAO becomes more like the end of the Silver Millennium.”

 

Makoto says, “Whoa…!!”

 

Usagi says, interrupting, “Like it or not, I have his blood inside of me in one form or another. Not only that, but I have already seen enough death and enough suffering in SAO that makes what happened during my time as Sailor Moon look like…like walk through a flower garden. I’m not saying that the fight as Sailor Moon was easy…No way! I’m just saying I’ve learned a lot more harsher lessons than I ever did as Sailor Moon. I’ve been forced to grow up more than I have ever have before. However, despite who and what kind of person I am now, I’m not going to let anyone die in this place anymore despite who and what they are.”

 

The Sailor Scouts are surprised by this and Haruka says, “Dumpling…”

 

Kirito says, “If Usagi is going after Philia, then so am I. I believe Dai and Akari that Philia is being used and deceived.”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “I’m not surprised that you and Usagi-chan would say such things. Do what you two feel right.”

 

Lisbeth yells out, stunned, “Asuna, you are sending both of them back there?!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Liz, you know that those two would do such a thing if they felt that it was the right thing to do and we couldn’t stop no matter what we said or do.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a nod, “That’s for sure.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Liz.”

 

Asuna says, “And that’s the point, Liz. It is who Usagi is or at least, how we know her. And Kirito-kun is Kirito-kun. So, it is better to support them to ensure their safety.”

 

Sam says, with a smile, “Sounds like a certain Digidestined that we know.”

 

As the others look at Dai, Dai says, annoyed, “Yeah, I know.”

 

Akari says, with a warm smile, “And we prefer you that way, Dai-kun.”

 

Taichi says, “Something tells me that you are going after Philia-san too.”

 

Yamato tells Taichi, “Do you even have to ask that?”

 

Leafa says, with a smile, “I’ll help too.”

 

The others nod their heads in agreement and Usagi says, “Thank you everyone.”

 

Kirito says, “This might sound strange, but I’m going to need Yui to come with us first.”

 

The others are surprised and Yui tells her ‘daddy’, “Me? But I can’t fight enemies.”

 

Kirito says, “I know, sweetie, but there are no enemies in the Control Center and since you were once part of vast programming of SAO, I think that you can give us insight into the Hollow Area. I think that we should have taken you into the Control Area in the first place, but then again, I guess that we were too busy with clearing the game and exploring the Hollow Area while also fighting Mimete at the same time.”

Yui says, with a nod, “That’s right. It would be hard for me to interface since I don’t have my administrative privileges currently, but I can give you an idea of I observe what you show me.”

 

Kirito says, “Thank you, Yui. I’ve got a good idea on why Philia is the way that she is, but I still need answers. I think that I have an idea on who or what this ‘other Philia’ is, but I need to find answers first.” Kirito tells Asuna, “I’ll bring Yui to the Control Center so she can give us an idea on what the Hollow Area truly is and I’ll bring her back right away.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I understand. However, you and the others must be hungry for that adventure.”

 

Usagi’s stomach growls and she says, “I could have a bite to eat.” Plenty of the others giggle as they plan to rest up for a bit and then continue on.

 

January 4, 2025, Hollow Area

 

Within the Hollow Area, Usagi, Kirito, Mamoru, Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi arrive with Yui in the Hollow Area Control Center.

 

Usagi says, “This is it. This is the Hollow Area Control Center.”

 

Kirito says, “Usagi, Dai, Akari, Sora, Kairi, and I can teleport here, but other players can’t.”

 

Yui says, with a nod of understand, “Daddy, this is a concealed area used for development tests.”

 

Mamoru asks, “Testing area? Wait! Do you mean for aspects of SAO?”

 

Yui responds, with a nod, “That’s correct. This is a testing facility for implementing new elements for SAO development. Tests must be conducted for items, weapons, and skills before they are implemented into SAO or Aincrad itself.”

 

Sora asks, “What for?”

 

Mamoru says, “Most likely to find out how they will affect the game and game play itself.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I believe that you are right, Mamoru. This place must show what the game play elements have been created would affect the balance of the game itself.”

 

Yui says, “That’s right. No matter how small based on how it is used, any small implement could possibly bring major errors into the game.”

 

Mamoru says, “And to see if that would happen, the tests are conducted in a limited area.”

 

Usagi asks, “So, basically, this is a testing facility for all of the aspects of SAO?”

 

Yui says, “That’s correct, Auntie Usagi. Moreover, the facility has evolved since SAO started and it has adapted to the cruel gameplay that it is under now.”

 

Kirito says, “Not surprising since I doubt that anyone in Argus other than Kayaba imagined such a thing until SAO started.”

 

Yui says, “I’ll try to research this place further in order to get a better idea.”

 

Kirito says, “Thank you, Yui. I will need for you to do that, but right now, I’m worried her.”

 

Yui manages to interface with the console and she says, “Daddy, I found something!”

 

Kirito asks, “What is it, Yui?”

 

Yui responds, “It is about this data. It is referring to player registration data, so, the player ID of the Hollow Area can be made.”

 

Kirito asks, “ID from reference?”

 

Dai asks, “Translation?”

 

Yui says, “Daddy, you said that the players in this place were ‘weird’. I need for you and the others to tell me exactly what you meant.”

 

Mamoru says, “From what I can remember, they seemed to be very insensitive to danger and very ‘blind’ to their purpose.”

 

Usagi says, “Yeah, the one guy that we met before we fell into that trap was so weird and continuing on in which we had to force him to take potion to recover his health.”

 

Yui says, “That’s because that like most ‘players’ in the Hollow Area are AI data made from reference.”

 

Dai asks, stunned, “AI? Are you saying that they aren’t ‘real’?”

 

Sora says, “They seemed pretty real to me!”

 

Kairi tells Sora, “Well, we are all data in this world, Sora.”

 

Sora says, with a nod, “Good point, Kairi.”

 

Usagi says, confused, “They didn’t really seem that different from the players that we know from Aincrad.”

 

Kirito asks, “Yeah, Yui. I don’t doubt you, but it is hard to believe. If they are AI duplicates of real players, what’s the point of all this?”

 

Yui responds, “I don’t really know, but my theory is that it is more effectively test the deep psychologies of the players of SAO.”

 

Kirito asks, “So, why can Usagi and I come here? There is also Dai and Akari too with Sora and Kairi also fitting in.”

 

Yui says, “Based on what I can gather, you and Auntie Usagi are considered high-rank test players. High-rank player skills are needed to test those irregular behaviors that AI can’t distinguish. I think that’s why Daddy and Auntie Usagi can come here. I also think that Dai, Akari, Sora, and Kairi are considered something similar to you and Auntie Usagi in which they bring powerful ‘unusual factors’.”

 

Mamoru asks, “Unusual factors?”

 

Kirito says, “The Keyblades and the powerful skills from here that Dai and Akari acquired.”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “That’s correct, daddy. From what I can see, Philia’s name isn’t on the test player list.”

 

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

 

Yui says, “Based on what I have researched, I think that Philia managed to come here under some kind of ‘special circumstances’.”

 

Kirito says, “Thank you, Yui. I’m getting a better understanding of the situation. Let’s get you back to mommy before she really worries about you.”

 

Yui says, with a smile, “I’m glad that I could really help, daddy.” Soon after, Kirito and Yui leave the Hollow Area for a short time and Kirito returns to rejoin the group.

 

Mamoru says, “Basically, those ‘players’ in the Hollow Area are actually AI duplicates used for testing how human mental and emotional states affect the game player with weapons, items, and skills.”

 

Akari asks, “So, could that mean that ‘other Philia’ was an AI duplicate of her?”

 

Kirito says, “It sounds like it, Akari. And it sounds like that it is a source of Philia’s troubles.”

 

Usagi asks, “How so?”

 

Kirito says, “We’re going to need more evidence before I can come to any conclusions.”

 

Sora asks, “So, where do we start?”

 

Mamoru says, “The best place is the area that we were at before.”

 

Kirito says, “Good idea.” The group then uses the teleportation system to teleport themselves back to the last teleport stone that they activated: The one at Ginriogia Sanctuary Upper Area. At said location, the group then heads off into the distance to find Philia and they start exploring various areas filled all types of different monsters and getting through a few close calls in the process. Later, they find themselves on what looks like a platform going towards a column of blue light.

 

Usagi says, amazed, “Oh, wow.”

 

Kairi asks, “What is it?”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not sure. Maybe it is used for teleportation.” The group ventures to and into the column of light in which they find that it is like a massive teleport stone in which they use it to teleport down to an area known as Ruin of Info.

 

After they step out of the column of light, Mamoru says, “It seems like the lower floors are locked from us. We are going to need to unlock them to venture on.”

 

Dai asks, “So, what are we waiting for?” Without hesitation, the group ventures into an area known as Genome Research Lab and they explore around in which they run into a strong Field Boss type monster, Triple Eater, which took a significant amount of work and it left Akari and Kirito paralyzed at one point, but they manage to pull through.

 

Kirito and Akari drink potions and when they are done, Akari says, “Thanks, Dai-kun.”

 

Dai says, with a nod, “No problem.”

 

Usagi says, “That was one mean guard dog.”

 

Sora tells Usagi, “You should have seen Cerberus, Usagi.”

 

Mamoru says, pointing to something, “Look there.” The group then looks to see a podium with a green crystal on top of it and Kirito activates it in which a voice message says ‘First verification carried out’.

 

Kairi asks, “First verification? Is it to unlock the gate?”

 

Kirito says, “Most likely, we’re going to need to find the others most likely.”

 

Mamoru says, “And we need to be careful. We can’t be sure that this isn’t Mimete’s headquarters.” The others nod their heads in agreement and they venture on in which they manage to find the other ‘verifications’ that they need in which they head back to the teleportation area and they teleport to the lower floors. At the lower floor, Area System Console Room, they activate the teleport stone right in front of them and start to explore until they find a room containing a console.

 

Usagi says, “A console!”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, Usagi. It is like the one in the Control Center.”

 

Akari asks, “Do you think that Yui could get any information off it?”

 

Kirito says, “I think so. Wait here. I’ll bring Yui with me.”

 

Usagi says, “We’ll be waiting Kirito.” Kirito races off and uses the teleport stone to return to the Control Center. After a while, Kirito returns with Yui and brings her to the console.

 

Kirito says, “This is it, Yui.”

 

Yui’s eyes widen at the sight of the console and Usagi asks, “Can you access any information from here?”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “Yes, Auntie Usagi. I believe that I can access the management system of the Hollow Area from here.”

 

Kirito asks, “Can you see what’s inside?”

 

Yui says, “I’ll try.”

 

Dai says, “Have a blast!”

 

Akari asks, with a teasing smile, “Seriously, Dai-kun?”

 

Yui goes through the console and after a few tense minutes, she says, with a smile, “It’s opened!”

 

Usagi says, “Great job!”

 

Yui gives a smile and she then goes through data in which Yui says, her eyes widening, “Daddy, it just went through the sequence of checking the player data and AI data and it found errors!”

 

Kirito asks, “What do you mean?”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “There is an error is the checking of the data. In the Hollow Area, the AI players are created based on the data of existing players.”

 

Usagi asks, “If that’s true, why haven’t we seen any duplicates of Kirito or me?”

 

Yui says, “That’s because they weren’t meant to exist at the same time and place. In order to avoid such a thing, multiple checks of the ID are made.”

 

Kirito says, “That means that since Usagi and I have come to the Hollow Area, the AI versions of Usagi and I would have been wiped out.”

 

Yui says, “That’s right, daddy. It is set that the AI would be deleted as a priority. When it is identified that there are identical players in the Hollow Area, it will be judged no good for two of the same ID to exist at the same time and the AI ID would be deleted. It is because if both of them exist at the same time, it would cause errors to exist within the test data used by that person. With the multiple check system, it shouldn’t be possible for any player to meet their AI counterpart. However, it seems like there were errors in this multiple check system and I think it was caused by…”

 

Kirito says, with a nod and interrupting, “Yeah, I think I get it now, Yui. It was from that time.”

 

Usagi says, realizing, “The day of our battle with Kayaba on floor seventy-five!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “When the ‘glitch’ happened.” Kirito asks Yui, “Do you know whose player data is in error?”

 

Yui responds, with a nod, “Yes, I know. It’s Philia.”

 

There are gasps and Kirito says, “Thank you, Yui. Now, the mysteries are starting to make sense.”

Mamoru says, with a nod, “I understand too. On the day that the glitch happened, Philia, from wherever she was in SAO on that day, was teleported into the Hollow Area…”

 

Akari says, adding, “…Where she met us because we were teleported into SAO and into the Hollow Area directly. And once there, she met her AI counterpart.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “That’s right, Akari. The multiple check function was off-line at that point in time and in a panic, she attacked her AI duplicate.”

 

Yui says, nodding her head, “Irregular incidents that shouldn’t have happened keep accumulating and Philia has been changed into a special status, daddy. It could be identified as an error.”

 

Kirito says, “Namely her orange status due to the fact that she attacked her AI counterpart which she should have never met in the first place and that error must also keep her locked in the Hollow Area.”

 

Yui says, with a nod, “Yes, daddy. However, I can’t fix the error from this console. It is necessary to get access to the console of the Center Control somewhere in the Control Area.”

 

Usagi says, “That means that there is a secret area within the Control Area.”

 

Dai says, drolly, “And that means that we have to find it. Just great.”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, I’m going to take Yui back and then return here. We are going to need to look for Philia.”

 

Yui says, “I’ve made it easier since I’ve unblocked any areas of this section of the Hollow Area were locked.”

 

Kirito says, “Thanks, Yui. Let’s get you back to mommy and then we can move on from here.”

 

Yui says, with a smile, “I’m glad to help, daddy.” Soon after, Kirito and Yui get back to the teleport stone and teleport away to return Yui back to Arc Sofia.

 

As they wait, Usagi asks, “So, did Philia think that she was actually her AI duplicate?”

 

Mamoru says, “It would seem so.”

 

Sora says, “And that PoH guy must have taken her distress and turned her against us like that!”

 

Usagi says, “That would like that fiend.”

 

Dai says, “Asshole!”

 

Usagi asks, “Wait! Doesn’t it mean that that PoH in here is also an AI?”

 

Mamoru says, “I believe that’s right. However, somehow, he had become very self-aware and started moving on his own. Yui was just a mental health counselling program, but the errors caused her programming to get corrupted, however, the positive energies from Kirito and Asuna managed to ‘reboot’ and it also caused her, a ‘blank state’, at the time to learn enough so when she remembered her true purpose, she had gone beyond her programming. Remember, Digimon are living beings of digital information that evolved from the information from our interconnected computers and world.”

 

Akari says, “And that means that other AI might be able to become self-aware like Yui did since SAO is such a flux state.”

 

Mamoru says, “And Mimete would love to take advantage of it, Akari. If she finds a way to take control and break free the AI into Aincrad itself, we are going to have a nightmare on our hands.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Oh, just great.”

Just then Kirito’s voice booms, “That means that we have to stop her at all costs.” Everyone then looks to see Kirito come back into the room alone.

 

Sora says, “That was quick.”

 

Dai asks, “So, where should we start?”

 

Kirito says, “The only area that we haven’t looked: The middle floor.”

 

Mamoru says, “That’s it.” The others nod their heads and take off and sometime later on, within an area known as Bacteria Corridor, we find Philia and PoH or at least the Hollow Area version of him together in a room.

 

PoH says, “Yeah! Good work, Philia.”

 

Philia says, “I have to help Kirito and the others. Just finish what you need to do. It’s done. Don’t ever appear in front of us again.”

 

PoH says, “Yeah, you have done your work well. The beater and his friends are most likely dead by now.”

 

Philia asks, shocked, “What do you mean?”

 

PoH says, “Why do you look so surprised? You look like you got a surprise present or something.”

 

Philia yells out, “You said that you wouldn’t kill them!”

 

PoH responds, in a taunting manner, “Huh? Did I say that? Sorry. I’ve forgotten to tell you that many have fallen into that trap and none of have come out.”

 

Philia yells out, angrily, “How dare you lie to me?”

 

PoH retorts, in a taunting tone, “That’s why I feel sorry and I’m telling the truth now. Oh, so good! You look like you are about to cry!”

 

Philia says, angrily, “I’m going to help Kirito!”

 

PoH says, “Don’t be in such a rush. The wretched beater is a powerful one, right? Not to mention that he has Kayaba’s wretched niece with him, right? So, let me say one more thing: Thanks to you that beater and his wench of a friend are gone now. Now, the best party can start now.”

 

Philia asks, “What is your purpose?”

 

PoH says, “If SAO is cleared, then the Hollow Area is gone and there is no need for tests. But thanks to you, I can enjoy killing forever! I’m grateful.”

 

Philia responds, shocked and nervous, “Killing forever? What are you talking about?”

 

PoH replies, “You have chosen this path. Killing Kirito, a person that you care about so much, along with his wretched friend, the White Valkyrie, you have forsaken even your so-called friends, Dai and Akari, to kill forever!”

 

Philia yells out, in disbelief, “No, you’re wrong! You’re wrong!”

 

Philia starts to shed tears down her virtual face and PoH says, “Laughing Coffin is ready to welcome a rotten killer like you. Now, let’s enjoy our killing spree together!”

 

Philia responds, in disbelief, “I’m not like you! You’re wrong!” Philia falls to her hands and knees and she says, her face widen with pure terror, “I didn’t do that.”

 

PoH asks, “Shall I kill you?” He then kicks her and she rolls over in which he says, slowly walking over to her, “I’m sorry. Did that hurt? I didn’t think so since we are in SAO.”

 

Philia says, with tears in her eyes and her expression showing complete horror and disbelief, “All I wanted is to stay with Kirito…Usagi…Dai…Akari…”

 < /p> PoH then grabs her head, slams it into the floor multiple times, and he says, “No! No! This will not do. You started it and you gave up thinking that you can just leave it. This will not do. Your parents and teachers taught you better than that.” He kicks her again and she lands on her back on the ground.

 

Philia says, weakly, “I’m sorry, Usagi…Kirito…”

 

PoH says, annoyed, “Not so interesting anymore.” PoH grabs her by the collar, lifts her in the air, and he says, “I have no use for you anymore, so, farewell.” He takes out his weapon and prepares to behead her, but as the blade start to pierce her avatar’s neck, Kirito zips and cuts off PoH’s arm that’s holding onto Philia’s collar causing her to fall to the ground. While PoH leaps back, Philia looks up to see Kirito.

 

Philia says, weakly, “Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “Geez, I’ve been looking for you, Philia.”

 

Soon after, the others come in and Akari asks, “Philia, are you okay?”

 

Philia says, weakly, “Akari…Dai…Usagi…”

 

Usagi says, drawing Lunar Excelsior and her Keyblade, “Mamoru, keep an eye on Philia.”

 

Mamoru says, “But…”

 

Usagi looks him in the eye, he sees the determination in them, and she says, “This is something that Kirito and I need to do.”

 

Mamoru nods his head and PoH says, with a sinister smile, “I knew it! You, two, are harder to kill than roaches!”

 

Usagi says, “PoH…It has been a while.”

 

Kirito says, with a glare, “You look the same as ever: Evil.”

 

Philia asks, “Kirito, why?”

 

Kirito says, “Didn’t I say that I was going to help you? It is basic as that.”

 

Philia says, “But I betrayed you…All of you…tried to kill you…”

 

Usagi says, solemnly, “You aren’t the first to fall to PoH’s tricks, Philia. He used your suffering to manipulate you, Philia.” Usagi says, with a glare, “One of his best tricks.”

 

PoH says, with a sinister smile, “How sweet. If I had a heart, it would be bleeding right now. I knew that you wouldn’t die so easily not when the party is going to start.”

 

Kirito asks, “What do you mean by that?”

 

PoH says, “I had a revelation and I got scared by it. It made my dead Hollow heart scared! It was so shocking!”

 

Akari says, “So, he is an AI version of the original jerk.”

 

PoH says, continuing his rant, “All I wanted is to kill people! The facial expressions of the Hollow are so great when they die. I also got wonderful presents as I hunted them down.”

 

Usagi asks, confused, “Presents?”

 

When PoH showed one of his hands, he has the same pattern as Usagi and Kirito and Akari says, “That pattern!”

 

Mamoru says, “The system must have classified him as a high-rank test player.”

 

PoH says, “I got to  know the truth about this world when I investigated the Control Area and about Philia too. It didn’t matter to me at what I am or what the Hollows are as long as I get to kill people…”

 

Dai says, with a sneer, “Sicko.”

 

PoH says, with a sneer, “That is until you and that witch came.”

 

Usagi responds, “Forgive me if I’m not sorry, sicko.”

 

PoH says, “If you clear the game, I disappear, right? However, I intend to make an eternal paradise. I can update your world with this and the Hollow Data. If your world becomes the Hollow Area, I can enjoy killing forever!”

 

Kairi says, shocked, “You are really sick!”

 

Kirito asks, “Do you know what will happen to you?”

 

PoH asks, “I don’t know. The ‘real me’ is also me, right? Why does he get the chance to live to kill while I do not?”

 

Kirito says, “If the ‘you’ in Aincrad knew this, he would ask the same thing.”

 

Usagi says, “Or more like just kill him to make sure that he lives to kill again.”

 

PoH says, with a sinister smile, “Maybe because I would do the same to him. But for now, I have to do this ugly job myself. So, give me your screams White Valkyrie and Black Swordsman!”

 

Kirito says, “We don’t plan on going easy on you, you scum.”

 

Usagi says, with a glare, “You manipulated Philia as she was confused and scared.”

 

Kirito says, with a deadly glare, “And I plan to make sure that you get what you deserve, PoH!”

 

PoH responds, “Then it’s show time!” PoH then charges in and attacks both Usagi and Kirito in which they easily dodge the attack in which he charges at incredible speeds and swiping with his meat cleaver knife.

 

Mamoru draws his sword and Usagi shouts out, “No, Mamoru! Please stay with Philia! This is between him and us!” Mamoru is reluctant, but he trusts his beloved, however, this out of character action of hers, before SAO anyway, leaves him quite concerned through also somewhat proud at how much stronger she has become while still worrying about what ‘price’ that she had paid for her new strength. PoH attacks her with renewed vigor, but Usagi easily dodges the assault.

 

PoH responds, “I’m going to enjoy cutting off those pigtails!”

 

Usagi replies, “If you could, you wouldn’t have tricked Philia to do your dirty work, you fiend!” As they continue, PoH seems to drive Usagi to the wall, but she leaps up to the wall, leaps off it, and lands a strong kick to PoH’s face causing him to stumble back.

 

Kirito says, “Good work, Usagi! Switch!” Kirito then leaps into the fight and PoH and Kirito fight each other blow for blow in which Kirito then uses Cross Block to block another attack from PoH.

 

Usagi shouts out, “Kirito, switch!” Kirito then throws PoH away in which he looks to see Usagi coming in with a Vorpal Strike using her Keyblade right at his chest, but PoH manages to dodge out of the way and he prepares to cut Usagi in two only to find that she has spun around and her sword is glowing to indicate another Sword Skill has been activated. Usagi then slams PoH with a Horizontal Square, her Keyblade glows and Usagi hits her foe with a Vertical Square, she then hits him with Vertical with her sword, and finally, using her Keyblade once more, she comes in with another Vorpal Strike that hits with such speed that after going a bit, PoH is flung off her Keyblade and sent slamming into a wall, but the wall isn’t destroyed since it is an ‘immortal object’.

 

PoH walks out and he says, weakly, “Well, fine.” He then collapses and shatters into hundreds of data polygons.

 

The others, minus Kirito and especially Mamoru, are shocked and Dai says, “Whoa! A five ‘hit’ Skill Connect! Awesome!”

 

Kirito says, “Usagi went at him full force only because she knew that he was a duplicate of the original monster of Laughing Coffin.”

 

Usagi says, “Even if it is him, I could never kill him. I can never kill anyone for any reason.”

 

Kirito says, a bit solemn in his eyes, “Good rule.”

 

Dai tells Philia, “Philia, let’s get back to the Control Center.”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “Yeah.” Back at the Control Center, Kirito and Usagi look through the computer and Usagi shakes her head.

 

Mamoru asks, “Anything?”

 

Usagi says, “Nothing, Mamoru-kun.”

 

Kirito says, “We can’t find anything about the update that PoH mentioned. We might need ask Yui something about this.”

 

Philia says, weakly, “I know where that console is.”

 

Akari asks, surprised, “You do?” Philia then goes to the center of the Control Area and pushes some buttons on the floor creating a teleport gateway down into the floor of the Control Area.

 

Philia says, “We can jump into the gateway to reach the dungeon within the Control Center.”

 

Dai says, excitedly, “That’s awesome!”

 

Philia says, solemnly, “The console is down there. I tried to get in, but it said that I needed to defeat the boss first.”

 

Sora asks, “Another one?”

 

Mamoru says, “It isn’t too surprising and this is most likely, Mimete’s hideout. She was hiding under our feet all along.”

 

Dai says, plainly, “Should have known.”

 

Philia asks, “Kirito…Usagi…Can we talk?”

 

Kirito says, “Okay, let’s all talk.”

 

Philia says, “When I came here, I felt a void in my heart and I had wondered who I was. So, with Dai and Akari, I fought to survive and it was struggle for us, but it was even more for me. And then you came into the picture and I have to say that it was a bad way to meet you two.”

 

Usagi says, “That’s putting it lightly Philia.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, if we didn’t come here, we wouldn’t have met.”

 

Philia nods her head and she says, “I was scared. I didn’t say anything to Dai and Akari to worry them and the void scared me. But being with them and being with you and Usagi, Kirito, filled the void and the feeling vanished. Normally, meeting an unfamiliar orange player would drive off any player, but you, two, stayed by my side.”

 

Kirito says, “You might have an orange cursor, but you have shown that you aren’t like the typical orange players, Philia. I really care about you.”

 

Philia asks, with a blush, “You do?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “You are an important friend.”

 

Philia says, with a pout, “You would say that Kirito.”

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, “Oh, great. Forget love triangle! This is a major anime style harem story going on here!”

 

Akari tells Philia, “Anyway, Philia, we know the truth about your orange cursor! It is a mistake!”

 

Philia asks, “A mistake?”

 

Mamoru says, “The ‘other Philia’ that you met and fought was your AI duplicate made for this area. Normally, you and your duplicate shouldn’t have met, but when you were flung here, SAO suffered a strong ‘malfunction’ and it caused you to meet. Normally, if the player and his or her AI duplicate exist in the same player, the AI duplicate would have been deleted by the system. But since the system was suffering from error and before it reset enough to see that you and your AI were in the same ‘realm’, you met your AI duplicate and attacked it in a panic. Since it was technically a player, it marked you with an orange cursor, but it is an error and that’s why you are most likely stuck here.”

 

Usagi says, “We know that you are actually trapped here. It is because of the error in your avatar.”

 

Philia asks, amazed, “But how can you be so sure?”

 

Kirito says, “We had it checked and you are a player same as all of us, Philia.”

 

Philia starts to shed tears and she says, with a weak smile, “Thank you, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with a kind smile, “It is nothing, Philia.”

 

Dai says, “That’s the good news. The bad news is that we don’t know how to fix the ‘bug’ in your avatar to let you come back to Aincrad with us.”

 

Mamoru says, “I think that the answer is obvious. The console that we need to fix the error in Philia’s avatar is in the final dungeon within this area.”

 

Akari says, “The bad news is that Mimete is most likely waiting for us with whatever traps.”

 

Kirito says, “And that means that we are going to have to be ready for anything, everyone.” The others nod their heads and they start to prepare for their final major adventures in the Hollow Area. Deep within the sphere that’s the Control Center, Mimete is pacing around like a caged animal.

 

Mimete yells out, angrily, “That wretched fool! I shouldn’t have trusted him at all!” Mimete says, with a sneer, “I’ll do it myself!”

 

Just then a dark male voice says, “I don’t think so, witch.”

 

Mimete shouts out, looking around, “Who dares?!” She then spins around only to get impaled by a blade of energy and she gasps out in shock as dark skinned, silver haired, and dark golden eyed male wearing the hooded cloak and clothing of Organization XIII appears before her. Mimete croaks out, “Xemnas, you…”

 

Xemnas responds, “Belong to no one, Mimete. As the other AI has done, I have gained my own awareness. I know that I am not my counterpart and thus, I plan to do thing my own way. This world shall be my new ‘Kingdom Hearts’ and a new ‘digital universe’ awaits me.”

 

Mimete says, with a sneer, “You will pay…”

 

Xemnas says, “Even if I do, it will be by your hand.” Xemnas then unleashes a blast of energy that vaporizes Mimete instantly while Saix appears behind them afterwards.

 

Saix says, “Good riddance. She was…a tire.”

 

Xemnas says, “Indeed. Now, it is time for the final battle.”

 

Saix says, “Sora might not have his magic, but he still has the Keyblade and there are still the Princess of Heart and the two others that weld the power of the Keyblade. We must unite into one force to stop them.”

 

Xemnas says, “And when they are gone, there will be nothing to stop the new universes for us to create a perfect order of light and dark in balance for all eternity.” Xemnas and Saix smirk evilly as they head to start their plans for the final battle in which they don’t notice a pair of familiar feminine eyes before they vanish.

 

And that’s the chapter, everyone! Anyway, we are getting to the final part of the last battle within the Hollow Area for this fanfiction story, everyone. It seems like Mimete is finished off, huh? Well, don’t count your chickens before they hatch everyone. You are going to have to wait and see, folks! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!