Crossover Fan Fiction / Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Sailor Moon Online: Hollow Fragment ❯ The Foreshadowing Venture Continues ( Chapter 21 )

In the previous chapter, the main ‘story’ of the Hollow Area has ended for my fanfiction, but it doesn’t mean that the Hollow Area is done for this story, everyone. And yes, the ‘Kingdom Hearts gang’ are also done in this fanfiction, but it doesn’t mean that we aren’t going to see them in this fanfiction story from this point, folks. There is still a lot more to tell and if you read my original Sailor Moon Online fanfiction, there is still a lot more to tell and reveal, fans!

 

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 21: The Foreshadowing Venture Continues

 

January 6, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Within Agil’s inn/shop in Arc Sofia, Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Dai, and Akari have joined up with Leafa, Lisbeth, Sinon, Silica, Klein, Agil, Asuna, Yui, the Sailor Scouts, and the Digital Knights explain about what happened through they have a good idea with Sora and Kairi returning to pick up Donald and Goofy before they left for their universe with Riku and King Mickey.

 

After explain about what happened, Asuna says, with a smile, “I’m glad that you are okay, Kirito-kun.”

 

Klein says, “Man, dude. You get yourself into the weirdest and also the hardest scraps.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “Tell us about it, Klein.”

 

Yui says, “I’m glad that you are okay, daddy. And now, with the update completely stopped, everyone is safe.”

 

Miyako says, “Thanks goodness.”

 

Mamoru says, “We also made sure that it can never be used again.”

 

Agil says, “Good. That’s one less thing that we need to worry about.”

 

Kirito says, “However, while we are able to take care of that, we’re able to reverse any of the changes that Mimete had made.”

 

Taichi asks, surprised, “Really?”

 

Mamoru says, shaking his head, “No. The only way that’s getting reversed is when the game is beaten, but there will be no more alternations from now on and any more risk of ‘warping’ this world and risking a collapse.”

 

Lisbeth says, plainly, “For the moment.”

 

Makoto asks, “So, where is Philia-san?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “She is off to relax in Arc Sofia.”

 

Dai says, “You can’t exactly blame her. After being trapped in the Hollow Area for longer than we were, you can’t be surprise that she wants to finally rest in a complete ‘safe zone’.”

 

Akari says, nodding her head, “No kidding, Dai-kun.”

 

Kirito says, “It is best that we introduce Philia to all of you that haven’t met her later.”

 

Asuna says, “I agree. She has been through a lot and something tells me that she needs time to readjust.”

 

Agil says, “Anyway, with the ‘Hollow Area business’ done for now, we can return to the main focus of clearing the floor.”

 

Usagi asks, “Did you find the next floor boss?”

 

Minako says, with a smile, “You got it, girlfriend.”

 

Kirito says, “Then let’s get started on the meeting.”

 

There are looks and gasps of surprise and Sam asks, “Kirito, aren’t you worn out?”

 

Asuna says, concerned, “That’s right, Kirito-kun. You just got back from the Hollow Area and rescuing Philia-san as well as stopping the plans of PoH’s AI duplicate.”

 

Kirito tells Asuna, with a smile, “I’m okay, Asuna. Plus, after defeating bosses like we just faced, I feel that a floor boss will be a breeze.”

 

Klein says, pointing to Kirito’s new Keyblades strapped to his back, “Especially with those babies.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a smile, “I’ll say. I can’t believe that you turned my two swords into something so…beautiful, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, “I’m glad that you liked them, Liz. I thought that you would be mad.”

 

Lisbeth says, “Mad? Are you nuts? They are just awesome!”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “They are just amazing, big brother.”

 

Kirito says, “I really don’t know if I deserve them…”

 

Dai says, “Come on, dude! Sora said that they choose their own welders and they choose someone that’s strong of heart!”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “And you are a person that’s strong of heart, Kirito.”

 

Asuna says, with a warm smile, “I believe so too, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, with a kind smile, “If you say so, Asuna.”

 

Haruka asks, “So, do your Keyblades have names?”

 

Kirito says, “The same as the two swords that they came from: Dark Repulser and Remains Heart.”

 

Haruka says, with a nod, “Not surprising.”

 

Hino asks, “Anyway, what about Mimete?”

 

Makoto says, “The coward must have found a way to run off!”

 

Mamoru says, “Actually, no.”

 

The others looked confused and Kirito says, “We found footage in the control room at the core of the Hollow Area Control Center showing the AI Organization Thirteen taking out Mimete before we fought them when they possessed by AI duplicate’s form.”

 

There are looks of surprise and Haruka says, plainly, “I’m not surprised.”

 

Hino says, with a nod, “No joke. The Witches Five took out each other with Mimete being betrayed by one of her own and it is how she got trapped in here in the first place.”

 

Makoto says, “Well, the good news is that she is gone and we can focus on finishing freeing everyone from this world.”

 

Setsuna says, “However, it doesn’t mean that we can ‘settle down’. This world is still dangerous and the effects of what Mimete did before the update was stopped are still lingering.”

 

Yamato says, “No kidding. That certain floor that turned into a duplicate of one world that Sora and Kairi were at, Radiant Garden, is stuck that way.”

 

Sam says, “And we can’t be sure that the floors above eighty-five haven’t been changed from what they were before and possibly making them more dangerous.”

 

Minako says, drolly, “Geez, way to stay positive.”

 

Takashi tells Minako, “We’re just being careful, Mina-chan. It isn’t exactly too surprising.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah. In this world, you can’t be too careful.”

 

Kirito says, “Agreed, Usagi.”

 

Mamoru says, “And there is one more thing.” When everyone looks at Mamoru, he says, “Based on the information that you gave us, we can’t be certain that Kayaba is gone. He was struck, but it doesn’t mean that the glitch did something or there was some kind of protocol that the instant the glitch started, he was ‘teleported’ away.”

 

Mizuno says, “That’s a logical theory.”

 

Kirito says, “I’ve got to admit that you have a point, Mamoru. There is too little evidence that Kayaba is gone.”

 

Leafa says, with a plain tone, “He’s still here.”

 

Everyone looks at Leafa and Lisbeth asks, “How would you know Leafa?”

Leafa responds, with a plain tone, “I really don’t know and you think that I might be crazy…But I can sense him.”

 

There are surprised looks and Sinon asks, “Sense Kayaba?”

 

Minako asks Leafa, “Are you sure that you are okay?”

 

Leafa responds, “I’m fine! It’s just…Since the day that I entered SAO, I could feel some kind of ‘presence’ around me in this world. I didn’t know what it was and at the time I was too overjoyed seeing my brother again, but now, I feel…I know that I’m sensing Kayaba. Every floor that we go up to, the ‘presence’ gets stronger and stronger and now, I know that it is him and I think that he is on the top floor because the closer that we get to the top, it is the reason that what I’m feeling is getting stronger.” Everyone looks at Leafa in which Setsuna gets a more intense stare at Leafa.

 

Kirito asks Leafa, “Are you really sure, Sugu?”

Leafa responds, with a nod, “I’m really sure, big brother.”

 

Kirito says, “I believe you, Sugu.”

 

The others look at Kirito and Klein asks, “Whoa, dude? Not to insult your sister, but are you sure?”

 

Kirito says, “When Sugu is that serious, I know that she isn’t lying or it is just ‘nerves’ or anything. However, if she can ‘sense’ Kayaba, I’m concerned on how she can.” Kirito asks Leafa, “Sugu, where did you get the NervGear that you used to enter SAO?”

 

Leafa responds, “A friend in Akiba, big brother. You don’t remember since they are friends of the family and you became distant when you found out the truth of our family relationship when you were ten. They also had some friends trapped in SAO and one of them had kept a NervGear in order to deeply examine it to do what the task force that the government made tried to do and break the hold of the NervGears that keep you and the others trapped in here. I was pretty shocked that he was able to keep it from the government for two years since the recall around the time that this nightmare started.”

 

Kirito says, with a curious expression on his face, “Yes, it is.”

 

Usagi asks, “Is something wrong, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “It seems very suspicious to me.”

 

Leafa replies, “Big brother, they are good people. They may seem a bit ‘strange’…Okay, they can be quite strange, but they are from Akiba after all.”

 

Kirito tells Leafa, “I know. I’m not saying that they aren’t trustworthy or would do anything to hurt you. Added to the fact that they have or, which I hope I’m wrong, had friends trapped in SAO, ensures that in my mind. However, the NervGears were recalled very shortly after we were trapped in here, I don’t think that they would give one up so easily.”

Makoto says, “Hey, Kirito. It is just one NervGear and they had thousands of them worldwide to account for.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “True, but with what happened to us back IRL is a major event, I doubt that the government wouldn’t be so through.”

 

Usagi says, “I know that you are concerned, but right now, we can’t think about that if you want to join into the floor boss fight, Kirito.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “Usagi-chan is right, Kirito-kun. We can’t let anything like that distract us.”

 

Kirito says, “You’re right, Asuna. Our main focus should be clearing the game since we have taken care of Mimete and stopped PoH’s AI duplicate. However, we aren’t sure of the effects of what Mimete had done and it is best for all of the players that we beat the game as soon as possible.”

 

Yamato says, with a nod, “Good idea, Kirito.” However, Hino, Haruka, and Setsuna glance at Kirito in which he also sees that he feels that the situation that Leafa, as Suguha, managed to get her hands on a NervGear is still suspicious to them through it isn’t Leafa’s friends in Akiba that they are suspicious about, but for now, they banish that kind of thought from their minds since they are preparing to go against the floor boss of Floor 85 soon.

 

January 6, 2025, Floor 85, Dungeon

 

Deep within the Floor 85 dungeon, we find ourselves with the boss’ chamber where there is a triple headed leviathan known as ‘The Maelstrom of Triad’ in which the boss monster is fighting the boss raiding set up to fight him including Kirito, Usagi, Mamoru, Leafa, Strea, Dai, and others from the Sailor Scouts and Digital Knights. The boss monster is weak against slash type attacks and Sword Skills, so, it means that swordsman like Kirito, Usagi, Mamoru, Leafa, Strea, and Dai, who use slash type Sword Skills in the form of One-Handed, Two-Handed, and Duel Wielding Sword Skills for example are on the front lines of attack. Usagi strikes hard with her sword and Keyblade in which one of the heads prepares for a bite attack, but Leafa comes in hard and strikes it across the eyes.

 

Usagi says, “Thanks, Leafa!”

 

Leafa responds, with a warm smile, “No problem, Usagi!” The two of them work well and hard against the boss monster in which a small part of them can’t help to wonder how they are working so well and feel this ‘strange bond’ ever since they met when Leafa first arrived in SAO, but they don’t have time to worry about it. Kirito then strikes hard with Starburst Stream, the classic 16 hit Duel Wielding Sword Skill, with his new Keyblades and strikes a significant blow in which the boss monster turns towards him seemly in annoyance, but this leaves it vulnerable as Strea comes down hard and cuts off the right most head.

 

Kirito tells Strea, “Nice one, Strea!”

 

Strea responds, with a sly giggle, “Thank you, Kirito.” Akari blocks another of the heads of Triad with her shield in which Dai comes with Double Circular, the 2 hit Duel Wielding Sword Skill, in which the monster starts to move in particular manner.

 

Dai says, “Oh, boy. That’s not good.”

 

Akari quickly recognize it and she yells out, “Everyone, get back! Spin attack!”

 

Kirito, after hearing Akari’s words, shouts out, “You heard her! All players back!” Immediately, all of the players currently attacking the boss monster leap back as they try their best to avoid a spin attack from Maelstrom of Triad when it comes, but several players are hit by the attacks and they are hit with stun effects, leaving them unable to move, and Leafa is one of the victims as the boss monster turns on her.

 

Usagi yells out, shocked, “Leafa!” Kirito then gasps to see his sister about to be attacked, but Aaron protects Leafa from another bite attack from the monster giving time for Kirito and Usagi to leap in to help.

 

Kirito asks Leafa, “Are you okay?”

 

Leafa, whose stun effect is done, returns to her feet and she responds, “Thanks to Aaron-san.”

 

Aaron responds, with a smile, “Just returning the favor, Leafa-san.”

 

Usagi tells Aaron, “Thank you for keeping her safe.”

 

Aaron responds, “It was my pleasure, Valkyrie-san.”

 

As he leaps back into the battle, Kirito gives a ‘critical eye’ and Leafa tells him, “Big brother, he is just a friend.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, “No time for ‘overprotective big brother’, Kirito!”

 

Kirito responds, with a nod, “Right, Usagi.” They continue on to pound the monster and deflect his blow as Maelstrom of Triad’s destroyed head resurrects and his heads rear back.

 

Mamoru shouts out, with a serious tone, “Breath attack!”

 

Dai says, with a serious tone, “Duck and cover!” When the boss monster unleashes a breath attack, the players manage to get out of the way.

 

Yamato says, with a serious tone, “There is an opening!”

 

Miyako shouts out, “Well, what are we waiting for?” Without hesitation, Usagi comes in first with Eclipse, the ultimate 27 hit Duel Wielding Sword Skill combo, doing significant damage.

 

“San Ge!”

 

Klein then comes in with a 5 hit powerful Katana Sword Skill combo causing the boss monster to gain a bleeding effect.

 

Kirito says, “Excellent work, Klein!”

 

Klein responds, with a grin, “No problem, buddy! It’s time to make this dragon extinct!”

 

Strea says, “Leave it to me!”

 

“Calamity Disaster!”

 

Strea then unleashes a powerful 6 hit Two-Handed Sword Skill combo that deals a good amount of damage to the boss monster in which Haruka swoops in before the monster could think of making a counterattack.

 

“Legion Destroyer!”

 

Haruka then unleashes a powerful 7 strike Curved Sword Skill combo that inflicts another bleeding effect on the boss monster in which Takashi, Agil, due to Two-Handed Axe Sword Skills mainly containing slash combos, and others struck the final blow in which the boss monster then shatters into hundreds of data polygons when the last of its health is gone. When the words ‘Congratulations’ appears above, the players cheers as they know that they have fought and survived against another floor boss and have made up to the next floor.

 

Miyako says, “All right, we did it!”

 

Asuna says, with a smile, “Excellent work, everyone!”

 

Haruka says, “And there are no fatalities.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “That’s good to know.”

 

Klein says, “Man! What a fight!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “It was a pretty tough fight this time.”

 

Leafa says, nodding her head, “No kidding, big brother.”

 

Dai says, “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s activate the teleport gate and call it a night!”

 

Akari says, with a nod, “I agree, Dai-kun.”

 

Taichi says, “That’s because some people went into this fight after fighting some tough bosses on the field.”

 

Sam says, “Well, you can’t exactly blame them. The faster we get out of the game, the better.”

 

Yamato says, “I have to agree with that.”

 

Kirito says, “However, Taichi is right to say that we shouldn’t wear ourselves out like that.”

 

Strea asks, with a teasing tone, “Do you think that you should be saying that Kirito?”

 

Kirito gives a blush and Asuna says, with a smirk, “Strea has a point, Kirito-kun.”

 

Kirito says, with a blush of embarrassment, “Hey, Asuna!” Plenty of the others have giggles at Kirito’s embarrassment and Kirito says, after clearing his throat, “Anyway, we should activate the teleport gate on the next floor.”

 

Strea says, with her chipper tone, “Okay, let’s go!” Soon after, the boss raid party ventures through the door to the next floor to activate the teleport gate at the main town of that floor.

 

January 6, 2025, Floor 86, Terafil

 

In the main town of Floor 86, Terafil, we find our group of heroes and heroines in front of the teleport gate as Strea walks out from in front of it.

 

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

 

Asuna says, “Thank you, Strea.”

 

Kirito says, “Good work, Strea.”

 

Usagi gives a yawn and she says, “Let’s go back. I’m tried.”

 

Haruka says, “Not surprising after fighting so many battles, Dumpling.”

 

Mizuno says, “This is surprising that you agreed to get into another battle after finishing up one so quickly.”

 

Usagi says, with a plain tone, “It isn’t like I want to, but the faster that we complete this game, the less change that any more lives will be lost.”

 

Taichi says, nodding his head, “I agree with her.”

 

Yamato says, also giving a nod of his head, “No kidding.”

 

Miyako says, with a nod, “No joke.”

 

Akari asks Junpier, “It has been hard on you, hasn’t it?”

 

Junpier says, with a nod of her head, “It has been.”

 

Dai says, “Trust me, Jun. It hasn’t been ‘sun and roses’ for Kari-chan and I and that’s before we got trapped in the Hollow Area.”

 

Junpier looks at Dai in surprise and Akari says, “Rainbow Gardens sounds sweet, but it isn’t an easy place to live in at all. It can be as harsh as or even harsher than this place.”

There are plenty of looks of surprise and Kirito says, “I know that since your stats are incredibly huge and I know that even a month in the Hollow Area alone couldn’t get your stats to that you are now.”

 

Leafa asks Kirito, “Really, Kirito?”

 

Kirito responds, “Yeah. Remember, they said that world is a ‘living virtual world’ and I believe that means that the monsters there don’t follow pre-programmed attack patterns mainly because there is no human programming involved in that world.”

 

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

 

Akari says, “You have to adapt and change just to survive.”

 

Strea says, with a pout, “Let’s not talk about such things that would keep us down! We managed to make it to another floor!”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Strea is right. Let’s not make ourselves depressed.”

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

Leafa says, with a smile, “That’s right! Let’s go back and relax!” The others nod their heads in agreement and they prepare to use the teleport gate to return to Arc Sofia.

 

January 6, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Back in Arc Sofia, Kirito, Asuna, Leafa, Lisbeth, Silica, Sinon, Agil, Klein, Mamoru, the Sailor Scouts, Dai, Akari, and the Digital Knights are assembled together as those that weren’t part of the Floor 85 boss fight talk it over with those that were. Strea isn’t among them since she was going shopping.

 

Just then a female voice shouts out, “Kirito!” Everyone then looks to see Philia running over to them.

 

Kirito says, “Philia!”

 

Philia comes over and she says, “Kirito, I heard from the other players that you were part of fight with a floor boss!”

 

Kirito says, “That’s right, Philia. We just defeated the floor eighty-five boss.”

 

Philia asks, stunned, “That’s amazing! How can you fight again after we defeated the bosses at the core of the Control Center of the Hollow Area?”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “That’s Kirito for you, Philia.”

 

Kirito rubs his scalp and Klein asks, with a grin, “Hey, Kirito, are we seeing the girl that you have been talking about?”

 

Asuna says, glaring at Klein, “Yes, that’s Philia-san.”

 

Silica says, amazed, “She is pretty.”

 

Philia blushes from those words and Dai tells the Digital Knights guild, “Anyway, this is our friend, Philia, from the Hollow Area.”

 

Sam says, with a smile, “Nice to meet you, I’m Sam.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “Nice to meet you, Sam. Dai has told me a lot about you.”

 

Miyako asks, “He has? What did he say about me?”

 

Dai asks, annoyed, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

Junpier says, “Well, it is nice to meet you. I’m Junpier, Dai’s sister.”

 

Philia asks, surprised, “You are Dai’s sister.”

 

Dai says, “Yeah, unfortunately. If she wants to give you ‘romantic advice’ then don’t…” Dai then yelps as Junpier bashes him on the head in which the safe zone protection keeps his HP from going down, but the sheer force of the blow knocks him to the ground.

 

Junpier says, annoyed, “Watch it squirt!”

 

Akari giggles and she tells Philia, “Typical sibling relationship.”

 

Philia says, with a nod, “I see, Akari.”

 

Agil says, “Let’s finish the introductions back at the shop.”

 

Kirito says, “Good idea, Agil. We’ve had a long day.”

 

Usagi says, “Some more than others.”

 

Hino says, “That’s because someone went into another boss fight after fighting against two powerful foes already this same day, Meatball Head.”

 

Usagi says, rubbing her head, “Well…”

 

Leafa says, “Your friends are right, Usagi. You are really pushing yourself too hard. You need to relax.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I try…”

 

Michiru says, “We’re worried that you are trying too much, hime.”

 

Haruka says, with a sigh, “But we understand on why you can’t help yourself doing such things.”

 

Makoto says, with a smile, “Just try not to do too often.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “I’ll try.”

 

Kirito says, “I would say that you should listen to your friends, but that’s calling the kettle black for me.”

 

Lisbeth says, with a sly smirk and looking at Asuna, “And the same for our legendary ‘Flash’ too.” Asuna laughs nervously since she knows that Lisbeth has got her ‘dead to rights’ on that statement. Soon after, the group heads back to Agil’s inn/shop, so, the members of their group that haven’t met Philia yet can continue with their ‘meet and greet’ before heading for bed to rest for the night.

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

In the hours of the morning, Kirito and Usagi are in the area of the teleport gate where they see Strea walking up to the teleport gate.

 

Usagi asks, “Is that Strea?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yes, it is.”

 

Usagi and Kirito go over to Strea and she says, “Oh, Kirito…Usagi…”

 

Usagi asks, “Strea, where are you going?”

 

Strea responds, in a plain tone that’s unlike her, “Exploring.”

 

Usagi notices her tone that’s different from her typical voice and Kirito says, “By yourself again? Maybe Usagi and I should come along…”

 

Strea says, solemnly, “Sorry, Kirito, but I need to do this alone.” Strea then turns around and murmurs something that Usagi and Kirito can’t hear in which she teleport away in a flash of blue light.

 

Usagi says, concerned, “She sounds really different.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “I know, Usagi. I can’t understand what she is hiding.”

 

Usagi asks Kirito, “What makes you think that she is hiding something?”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Call it a feeling Usagi.” What Usagi and Kirito didn’t know is that Hino, Haruka, and Setsuna are watching the scene and after Strea teleports away, they head back into the shopping district of town. Back with Kirito and Usagi, the two of them step away from the teleport gate and they look to see a familiar pair of female players coming towards them.

 

Usagi asks, curiously, “Is that…?”

 

Kirito says, “I believe so.” Soon after, the two of them go over to the two female players to reveal that it is none other than Philia with Minako in which the two of them have plates of food with them.

 

Philia says, a bit surprised, “Oh, Kirito! Usagi!”

 

Minako asks, “What are you doing here?”

 

Kirito responds, “A daily stretch, that’s all. It looks like you are enjoying yourself.”

 

Minako says, with a smile, “I’m taking Philia around town and she is having a good time.”

 

Philia says, with a smile, “Minako-san has shown me the best places to get the best food around here. In the Hollow Area, there were no towns and certainly no shops.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “No kidding. Dai and Akari told me about the only food that you could get is the food items that you could get from monster drops and such and cook up with Akari’s help.”

 

Philia says, nodding her head, “Yes, Usagi. It is a good thing that Akari had such a great cooking skill. So, compared to that place, this place is paradise with tons of good food.”

 

Minako says, with a giggle, “She can eat close to what you eat, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, annoyed, “And what’s that supposed to mean Mina-chan?”

 

Philia then shows what she has on her plate and she says, excitedly, “By the way, look here! These are octopus balls!”

 

Kirito says, “So, octopus balls are sold here too.”

 

Usagi says, “Wow. They look yummy.”

 

Philia says, “And they are recreated with stuff that you usually find on octopus balls!”

 

Minako says, “This place has got a lot going for it…expect for trapping all of you here.”

 

Usagi says, drolly, “Gee, you make us all feel better, Mina-chan.”

 

Minako sticks her tongue out in embarrassment and Philia says, “Come on, Kirito. Why don’t you try one?”

 

Kirito says, “No, thanks…

Philia says, with a smile, “Come on, say ‘ahh’.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Hey! Hey! Don’t do this in such a place!”

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, “Wow! Philia is a bundle of energy right now! She really must be grateful to be out of the Hollow Area.”

 

Philia tells Kirito, teasingly, “I never knew you were so shy, Kirito.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, “Philia’s smile seems so suspicious. Could there be a trap in those octopus balls?” When Kirito glances at Minako, he can see a mischievous grin on her face and Kirito thinks in his mind, “And Minako’s own smile is also suspicious. Usagi-chan told me that she can be quite the prankster. Are those two up to something?” Kirito then says, “Okay, you win. I’ll have one.” Kirito then takes one of the octopus balls and eats in which Usagi notice that Philia and Minako are getting slightly tense in their expressions.

 

Usagi thinks in her mind, with a mental sly smirk, “If Mina-chan has gotten Philia to do what I think that they are doing, they are going to be in for a big surprise since that old prank won’t work on Kirito.”

 

Philia asks, with a sly smile, “So, how was it?”

 

Kirito responds, with a smile, “Delicious, Philia. It is quite yummy. I really like the solid spicy taste.”

 

Minako and Philia give looks of surprise and Usagi thinks in her mind, slyly, “I thought so, Mina-chan. If you are trying to ‘spicy spike trick’ with Kirito, it is so not going to work.”

 

Philia and Minako glance at each other and Philia asks, a bit nervously, “Exactly, Kirito. Why don’t you have another one?”

 

Kirito replies, “Is it okay? Then I’ll have it, Philia.” Philia and Minako look intently as Kirito eats another spicy octopus ball and Kirito says, with a smile, “It is indeed tasty.”

 

Philia asks Minako, “What’s going on Minako?”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “What are you talking about?”

 

Minako responds, nervously, “It’s nothing, Kirito. It is just strange since people react differently with spicy foods.”

 

When Minako and Philia pop an octopus ball, each, into their mouths, Usagi thinks in her mind, with a smirk, “Now, you are going to get it, Mina-chan.” Nothing seems to happen, but then Minako’s and Philia’s faces become very red and they gain panic on their face as they start to run around.

 

Kirito asks, “Huh? What’s wrong?”

 

Philia yells out, panic in her voice, “I need water! Water!”

 

Minako says, pure panic in her voice, “What are you waiting for? We need water right now!”

 

Usagi says, with a smirk, “Okay! Coming right up, Mina-chan!” Immediately, Usagi buys a few drinks in which Philia and Minako gulp down and splash a bit on their faces.

 

Philia says, “It was super-spicy.”

 

Minako says, with a brief of relief, “No kidding! I thought that I was going to die!”

 

Philia says, “I never have been so close to death.”

 

Kirito says, “Now, you are just exaggerating.”

 

Philia asks, “Why does Kirito look fine after eating it?”

 

Usagi responds, with a sly smile, “I should have told you that Kirito has an inhuman tolerance for spicy foods. In fact, he really can’t get enough of them. However, I keep wondering if his NervGear’s ‘taste sensors’ is on the fritz.”

 

Kirito responds, drolly, “Very funny, Usagi.”

 

Minako says, “You could have warned us, girl. My mouth is still numb.”

 

Philia says, with a pout, “This is your fault.”

 

Kirito says, with a smirk, “I don’t want to hear that from you, two, tricksters.”

 

Usagi says, with a sly grin, “That’s what you get for trying to pull such a prank.”

 

Kirito thinks in his mind, “After being down for so long, I’m surprised that Philia would try such a thing. Sure, she is feeling better, but I didn’t think that she would do this. However, Usagi told me that Minako can be quite the trickster and she might be becoming a bad influence on Philia. I had better watch them and keep Philia away from Minako…and maybe, Liz, too.”

 

After Minako leaves, Philia asks, “Hey, Kirito, are you free?”

 

Kirito asks, “I am, but what are you planning this time?”

 

Philia responds, “I’m not plotting anything. I just want to hang out.”

 

Kirito says, “Well, as long as you don’t play jokes.”

 

Philia replies, “No, I won’t. I promise.” Kirito, Usagi, and Philia then take a walk around town and Philia says, pointing to something, “Oh, look there!” Kirito and Usagi then look to see that the virtual sunlight is creating a lovely mosaic scene from ‘fixtures’ in the floor.

 

Usagi says, “Wow. This is so lovely.”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “It shows that you are great treasure hunter, Philia. You found a great treasure that made Usagi smile.”

 

Philia says, with a blush, “Kirito, stop.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, we’ll get back one day and see this kind of stuff in the real world again.”

 

Philia asks, surprised, “How did you know what I was thinking?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Let’s just say that I’m getting to know you better. And I know that the three of us with our friends managed to clear the Hollow Area and we helped Sora and Kairi get back to their universe in order to protect their friends. All of us will find a way back out of Aincrad together.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah.”

 

Philia asks, “How come you are so gentle?”

 

Kirito says, “Well, Philia is an important friend.”

 

Philia asks, with a blush on her cheeks, “Friend? Can I be your friend?”

 

Kirito responds, “Sure, if you want to.”

 

Usagi says, “Friends are important, Philia. More so in a place like this.”

 

Philia tells Usagi, “Along with Kirito, you have so many friends, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a smile, “Yes, I do.” Usagi says, with a sigh, “However, I’ve only had most of them recently. For the past two years, I have been without them and very few friends like Kirito and Asuna.”

 

Philia asks, curiously, “Why?”

 

Usagi replies, with a solemn smile, “You remember that I’m HIS niece, right?”

 

Philia nods her head and she responds, “Yes, I do.”

 

Usagi says, with a sigh, “I know that it sounds silly, but it is because I’m his niece and he trapped me here too makes me kind of ‘living embodiment’ of our imprisonment and his betrayal to everyone. The majority of the players accept that I’m as much as victim as they are and even more so, but it feels ‘awkward’ being close to me for the reason that I told you. I didn’t want to cause other players any more ‘discomfort’, so, I remained mainly a solo player.”

 

Kirito tells Philia, nodding his head, “It’s true, Philia.”

 

Philia’s eyes widen and she says, “It must have been tough for you, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “It has been and I had to change a lot during the years in SAO. Personally, I knew that my friends and beloved were outside and praying for my return along with my family. It is hard to explain, but I could feel them despite my body being so far away. However, it wasn’t enough. If it wasn’t for the few friends like Kirito and Asuna, I may have been in a ‘darker place’.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, with a smile, “You are a stronger person than you give yourself credit for Usagi.”

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

 

Philia says, “You and Kirito are two of the strongest people that I know, Usagi.”

 

Usagi says, “Thank you, Philia, but I can’t be sure that I’m as strong as you think I am. The years in here have taken its toll.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “It has taken its toll on all of us, Usagi. It is safe to say that many of us have scars on their heart.”

 

Philia says, “I remember that horrible day…I wanted it so badly to be just a horrible dream.”

 

Usagi tells Philia, nodding her head in understanding, “I felt the same way, Philia. I thought this was going to be a fun new adventure for all of the players, here, and then it turned into this nightmare and a person that I really cared for was responsible for this. I…I didn’t know what to think or what to do. I just wanted this to be a nightmare or something. To go to sleep and wake up to find it was a bad dream, but it wasn’t. It was a cold hard reality despite it being a VIRTUAL reality.”

 

Kirito tells Usagi, “Well, we will find a way out of this nightmare one day, Usagi.”

 

Usagi responds, with a smile, “I know we will, Kirito.” As they look at the lovely mosaic before them, they don’t notice that Leafa is watching them and she can’t help to wonder about a feeling that she is getting when she looks at Usagi: A feeling that has started ever since she met Usagi in SAO nearly two months ago.

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 86, Field

 

At the edge of what looks like a fortress entrance, Kirito, Asuna, Usagi, Mamoru, and Leafa are looking at it.

 

Mamoru says, “It looks like the entrance to a fortress.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, a floor dungeon can be considered that way.”

 

Asuna says, “I agree, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks, “Anyway, the last phase of the marriage quest is in this dungeon?”

 

Kirito says, “Based on what we found out, yes.”

 

Asuna says, excitedly, “Let’s go Kirito-kun.” Soon after, the group enters the dungeon and they look around.

 

Kirito says, “This place is full of mold.”

 

Usagi says, with a disgusted look, “Man, he had to be so realistic.”

 

Leafa says, with her own disgusted look, “No kidding. I hate these kinds of dungeons.”

 

Asuna says, “I do too, but you get used to this kind of thing.” At the entrance area, they find a special door.

 

Mamoru asks, “Is this it?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “It is.”

 

Leafa asks, “Do we have to wait big brother?”

 

Kirito responds, “This is a quest that Asuna and I have to complete alone.”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, “Be careful.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “We will.” Kirito and Asuna enter the room and they take a good time before they emerge from the room.

 

Leafa asks, concerned, “Are you okay?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “We just fine.”

 

Usagi asks Asuna, “Did it work?”

 

Asuna says, with an excited smile, “It did, Usagi-chan! It worked! We’re married again!”

 

Usagi tells Asuna, with a smile, “I’m so happy for you, Asuna.”

 

Leafa says, with a slight nervous smile, “Yeah.”

 

Mamoru says, “It must have been quite a task since you were in there for a while.”

 

Kirito says, “It was Mamoru.”

 

Usagi says, with a warm smile, “I hope that our wedding isn’t as ‘exciting’ Mamoru-kun.”

 

Asuna tells Usagi, with a warm smile, “I can’t wait to see your wedding Usagi-chan! I bet you will make the prettiest bride!”

 

Mamoru says, with a smile, “I can’t help to agree with that Asuna.”

 

Usagi blushes and Kirito says, “Before that, we have to clear the game. I think that we should venture on.”

 

Leafa says, with a nod, “Okay, big brother.” The group then ventures through the dungeon in which they emerge into what looks like a wasteland that was created through a big war leading to a dark castle.

 

Usagi asks, “We’re outside now?’

 

Kirito says, “Didn’t think it so easy.”

 

Mamoru says, “It looks like there was a great battle here.”

 

Leafa says, a bit nervously, “Creepy.”

 

Kirito says, “Anyway, let’s keep going and be careful.”

 

Usagi says, plainly, “No kidding, Kirito.” The group goes through the wasteland and battling knight and armored skeleton-like monsters along the way and they enter the fortress. Inside of the next dungeon, it is an ancient fortress hallway and it gives a horror story like atmosphere.

 

Leafa says, nervously, “Really creepy.”

 

Usagi says, nervously, “No kidding.”

 

Asuna says, nervously, “I don’t like this.”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s be careful, everyone.”

 

The group goes forward until a mysterious deep voice says, “Who disturbs our sleep…?”

 

Usagi yelps and she asks, nervously, “What was that?”

 

The mysterious voice moans out, “We don’t wish to fight anymore…Who is controlling us…?”

 

Kirito asks, “Is this an event?”

 

Mamoru says, “It might be.”

 

Kirito says, “Controlling, huh? Let’s find out.”

 

Leafa says, “You would be excited about this, Kirito.”

 

Kirito asks, with a smile, “Why wouldn’t I be?”

 

Usagi and Asuna shake their heads and Usagi says, “Same old Kirito.” The group continues on and battling monsters along the way until they reach a room with a group of knight and armored skeleton type monsters with one of them glowing with an eerie glow.

 

Kirito says, looking at the glowing skeleton monster, “That must be the controlling one.”

 

Usagi says, “It is called Necromancer. I think that it is a something close to a Field Boss.”

 

Mamoru says, “Necromancer is supposedly beings that can control the dead.”

 

Leafa says, “That must be what that voice meant that something is controlling them.”

 

Usagi says, “Something tells that we won’t venture on until we take care of it.”

 

Kirito says, “I’ll take care of that guy. The rest of you make sure that the other monsters are off me.”

 

Asuna asks, “Are you sure, Kirito-kun?”

 

Kirito responds, “I’ll be all right, Asuna.”

 

Usagi tells Kirito, with a sly smile, “You have got to take Asuna on your next honeymoon since you got remarried.” Kirito yelps while Leafa and Asuna giggle at Kirito’s blush and immediately, Kirito attracts the attention of Necromancer while Usagi, Leafa, Mamoru, and Asuna fight against the other monsters which don’t prove to be much of the problem with good teamwork. When the Necromancer shatters into hundreds of data polygons, the door on the other side of the room opens.

 

Mamoru says, “We did. Good job, everyone.”

Leafa says, with a smile, “That wasn’t too hard.”

 

Usagi says, with a nod, “Yeah, but don’t let your guard down for a minute, Leafa.”

 

Asuna says, nodding her head, “Usagi’s right. We need to be careful.” The group continues on through the maze-like area until they emerge outside on a bridge heading to the main dungeon area of the floor.

 

Kirito says, “Finally.”

 

Mamoru says, “This is the main dungeon area.”

 

Usagi says, “Yeah. And the dungeon can be more dangerous than the main field itself.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod of her head, “Usagi’s right. Keep your guard up everyone.” Soon after, our group ventures into the main dungeon area of Floor 86.

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 86, Dungeon

 

Heading into the main dungeon area, Usagi, Mamoru, Kirito, Asuna, and Leafa are exploring the floors of the main dungeon and fighting multiple knight and armored skeleton type monsters along the way and they venture through the first two floors of the main dungeon, but when they get to the third floor, they hear the sounds of combat up ahead.

 

Kirito asks, “Do you hear that?”

 

Leafa says, “It sounds like someone fighting.”

 

Usagi asks, “Did someone get here before us?”

 

Asuna asks, “Should we check it out?” The others nod their heads in agreement and they go over to the source of the sounds of combat to find Strea fighting a monster.

 

Usagi says, amazed, “That’s Strea!”

 

Asuna asks, “What is Strea doing here alone?”

 

Mamoru says, “I don’t know, but it seems like she is all right. Based on what I can tell, her opponent doesn’t have much health left.”

 

Kirito says, “Yes, I see it too. We would get in the way.” However, when it looks like Strea is about to finish her enemy off, she stops, drops her sword, and holds her head in pain!

 

Usagi asks, confused, “What’s going on?”

 

Kirito says, shaking his head, “I don’t know! I’m not sure if it is abnormal condition!”

 

Just then a few more monsters appear and Leafa says, “Big brother, we can’t stand around! We need to do something now!”

Asuna says, “Leafa is right! Strea is in danger!” Immediately, the group leaps into action and quickly dispatches the enemy monsters.

 

Usagi asks, concerned, “Strea, are you okay? Strea?”

 

Strea moans out, weakly, “Everyone…Everyone is…”

 

Leafa asks, “What’s wrong with her?”

 

Kirito says, “I’m not sure, but we can’t stay here. The enemy will pop out again if we stay here.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I agree, Kirito-kun. We need to get her to a safe zone now.” Leafa and Usagi put Strea on their shoulders and Kirito carries her two-handed sword in which they head off to a safe area in the dungeon with Mamoru and Asuna on guard for protection. In a safe place, Strea groans as she regains her senses.

 

Kirito asks, “Strea, are you okay?”

 

Strea says, “Kirito…Sorry to cause you trouble.”

 

Usagi asks, “What happened back there Strea?”

 

Kirito asks, “It didn’t look like you were suffering from an effect. Are you getting enough sleep?”

 

Strea responds, with a weak smile, “No, that’s not it. Sometimes I get a huge headache and when I get it, I can’t move at all.”

 

Leafa thinks in her mind, curiously, “Are they like mine?”

 

Usagi asks, shocked, “And you go out alone with that kind of ‘condition’?”

 

Asuna says, concerned, “That’s dangerous, Strea!”

 

Strea says, with a nod, “I know, but…”

 

Mamoru asks, “But?”

 

Kirito asks, “Is it about that thing that you are looking for? The one that you said would destroy this world?”

 

Everyone else, but Usagi, give looks of surprise and Usagi asks, “Do you have to do something so dangerous even you don’t know what it is?”

 

Strea replies, “But Usagi, you and Kirito are risking your lives even through you know you might die. Why do you try so hard?”

 

Usagi and Kirito are taken a bit aback by Strea’s question, Usagi says, nervously, “It…”

 

Kirito responds, “It is because that we want…No, we need to make sure that the tragedies that this game has caused ever happen again.”

 

Strea says, with a nod, “I see.”

 

Strea gives a grunt of pain and Asuna says, “Strea, you aren’t well.”

 

Leafa says, “You should take a rest.”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “We’ll stand guard while you rest up.”

 

Strea says, with a nod, “Okay.” Strea then falls asleep for a while and when she wakes up, she says, with her classic cheery voice, “That was nice! I had a good nap!”

 

Leafa says, nervously, “That’s good…”

 

Kirito asks, “Are you okay, Strea?”

 

Strea says, with her cheery smile, “I’m just fine now! I’ll get going!”

 

Leafa asks, “Huh?”

 

Strea says, “There is a limited time quest and it will still only be there for a while.”

 

Asuna asks, surprised, “By yourself?”

 

Kirito says, “Maybe we should come along to help.”

 

Strea says, with a kind smile, “It will be fine, Kirito. You remember how strong am I? I had a good rest thanks to everyone! I’ll be okay! Bye now!”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Okay, be careful…”

 

After Strea walks away and is out of sight, Usagi says, “I’m glad that she is okay, but I’m getting worried about her.”

 

Kirito says, “I know, Usagi. Hopefully, she will return to town to take a rest.”

 

Asuna says, with a nod, “I hope so too, Kirito-kun.”

 

Mamoru says, “For now, we need to venture on.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head, “Right.” They continue on, mapping the dungeon, and fighting monsters along the way until they find themselves in front of a familiar corridor and Usagi says, drolly, “This is oddly familiar.”

 

Leafa asks, “Do you think that we are close now?”

 

Kirito says, “Let’s move closer to find out.” The five of them venture forward until they reach a familiar set of doors.

 

Mamoru says, “This has to be it.”

 

Usagi says, nodding her head, “I recognize the entrance to a boss’ chamber any day.”

 

Kirito says, “We should set the crystal and then head back to Arc Sofia to inform the assault team.”

 

Mamoru says, “Hopefully, we will have gathered the needed information to take down the boss.”

 

Leafa says, “I’ve got it, big brother.” Soon after, Leafa sets this area as the exit point for the Corridor Crystal and afterwards, they use a teleport crystal to return to Arc Sofia.

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 76, Arc Sofia

 

Inside of Agil’s inn/shop, Usagi and Kirito find Klein with a solemn look on his face.

 

Usagi asks, “What’s up, Klein?”

 

Klein says, “Bum deal, Usagi. I brought information about an NPC on eighty-six floor who gave a quest for an attack skill.”

 

Kirito asks, curiously, “What kind of skill? A sword skill? Or maybe some kind of upper skill?”

 

Klein responds, “Let me finish, bro. I headed for that man, but after his long talk, no quest activated. It was a waste of money.”

 

Usagi asks, “Maybe you had the wrong kind of skill? Did he say anything?”

 

Klein says, “His heroic deeds when younger and such junk. He was so long winded that I couldn’t remember. Blinding a wyvern’s eyes or shooting down a fan across a river with one shot. Since it has to do with long range attacks, it could be that it has to do with throwing skills. However, from what I heard, there are plenty of players with throwing skills and none of them activated the quest.”

 

Kirito says, in deep thought, “Maybe…”

 

Klein asks, seeing Kirito’s expression, “You think so something, Kirito?”

 

Kirito says, “Maybe, Klein. Usagi, let’s go find Sinon.”

 

Usagi is confused and she then says, realizing, “Oh, I see! Let’s go, Kirito!”

 

Klein asks, confused, “What? See what?” However, Kirito and Usagi race off to find Sinon and when they arrive at Sinon’s room, Kirito knocks on the door.

 

Kirito yells out, “Sinon, are you there?”

 

When the door opens to reveal Sinon, she asks, “What’s wrong? Aren’t we going to the usual place to train?”

 

Usagi tells Sinon, “We’ll explain later. We need for you to come to the town on the eighty-six floor.”

 

Sinon asks, curiously, “Why?”

 

Kirito says, “We’ll explain on the way.” Sinon shrugs as she goes with Usagi and Kirito to head for the main town of Floor 86.

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 86, Terafil

 

In the main town of Floor 86, Terafil, Kirito, Usagi, and Sinon are looking at front an elderly NPC man.

 

Usagi asks, “Is that him?”

 

Kirito says, “I think so.”

 

Sinon asks, “So, you want me to talk to this man?”

 

Kirito says, “If you don’t mind, Sinon.” Sinon does so and after going through a long winded story, Sinon receives a key from the elderly NPC and an exclamation mark appears above him to say that a quest has been activated.

 

Sinon asks, a bit nervously, “Did we do it?”

 

Kirito says, with a nod, “Yes, you did, Sinon. Having the ‘Shooting Skill’ was the requirement for the quest.”

 

Usagi says, “I guess that quests that were related to the ‘Shooting Skill’ were also locked away too.”

 

Kirito says, “Most likely, they were returned to the game when Sinon gained the skill.”

 

Sinon asks, “So, this is a quest to improve the Shooting Skill?”

 

Kirito says, “From what we heard, it should be. It could be a new skill or an upward skill for your Shooting Skill. Whatever the case, it will improve it.”

 

Sinon says, excitedly, “That’s great! It was worth my time to listen to that boring and long winded story.”

 

Usagi says, “Yeah, it is. I know how you feel. I’ve been through plenty of these quests where the start of them is more of a headache than the quest.”

 

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

 

Usagi says, “Anyway, we got the information about the quest since you are in a party with us, Sinon. We should head to the location as soon as we can.”

 

Sinon says, with a nod, “Understood.”

 

January 7, 2025, Floor 86, Dungeon

 

Back into the main dungeon of Floor 86, Sinon, Usagi, and Kirito are exploring the dungeon that Usagi and Kirito just explored with Asuna, Mamoru, and Leafa.

 

Usagi says, “It is a good thing that we got this dungeon mostly mapped out already.”

 

Kirito says, “I agree, Usagi.”

 

Just then Sinon says, noticing a glow, “The key! The key that we got from the old man is glowing.” When the look to a nearby door, the key is resonating with the door.

 

Kirito says, “That must be the ‘Sealed Gate’.”

 

Usagi says, plainly, “Obvious on why it got its name.”

 

Sinon asks, “Shall we open it?”

 

Kirito says, nodding his head, “We won’t know what’s on the other side. Remember to be alert.”

 

Sinon responds, “Right. I’m opening it.” Sinon then uses the key to open the door and they go into a large room where there is a good sized platform and a much taller shrine.

Usagi says, curiously, “No monsters…”

 

Sinon asks, pointing up to the top of the shrine, “That thing on top. Could that be the ‘Amulet of Trials’?”

 

When Kirito and Usagi look at the top of the shrine, Kirito says, “It could be. However, it is too high and out of our reach.”

 

Usagi says, pointing to the platform, “What about that platform? If this involves Sinon’s skill, I think that she needs to stand on the platform and use her arrow to knock the amulet down.”

 

Kirito says, “Good point, Usagi. The angle is bad down here.”

 

Sinon says, “I’ll be back soon, but if you dare to look up while I’m on that platform, I will shoot you.”

 

Kirito says, nervously, “Yes, ma’am.”

 

Kirito looks away and Usagi says, with a smile, “Let’s not forget the river incident, Kirito.”

 

Kirito says, drolly, “I would rather want to forget, Usagi.”

 

Usagi asks Sinon, “Will you be all right, Sinon?”

 

Sinon responds, “Don’t worry. Even at this range, I will be able to hit it.” Soon after, Sinon uses her skill to hit the amulet and it falls down to the ground.

 

Usagi yells out, seeing it, “She did it!”

 

Kirito says, “That’s great!” But then the floor vanishes from under Usagi and Kirito and they yelp as they fall down into another room below that room before the ‘floor’ reappears and trapping Usagi and Kirito below the room that Sinon is still trapped in.

 

Usagi says, with a groan, “I should have known. That was too easy.”

 

Kirito says, “Don’t be so hard on yourself. I never expect that kind of trap either. I was just as careless if not more so.”

 

Usagi says, concerned, “Kirito, Sinon isn’t here! She is still back in the room!”

 

Just then there is a loud ‘thump’, Sinon’s yelps is heard, and Kirito shouts out, “Sinon! Sinon, can you hear me?”

 

Sinon’s voice booms out, “Kirito! Usagi! There is a monster on the shrine! A dragon monster!”

 

Usagi yells out, “Get out of there!”

 

Sinon responds, “The teleport crystals aren’t working and I’m locked in!”

 

Kirito says, “Shit! An anti-crystal area! We have to get back up there!” Kirito yells out, “Sinon, hang on! We’re going to be right back!” Back in the room, Sinon leaps back and starts a barrage of arrows as the dragon monster looms down on her in which there is a faint sigil appearing on Sinon’s forehead as she battles for survival refusing to let this beat her. Back with Usagi and Kirito, they run down the hallways in which they activate a monster trap and they fight their way through one after another before returning to the regular dungeon and getting back to the door.

 

Usagi says, “There it is!”

 

Kirito says, with a serious tone, “Let’s go, Usagi!” However, when the door opens, they have a big surprise as they find a new Sailor Scout fighting against the dragon monster.

 

This new Sailor Scout has Sinon’s hairstyle, but she has pale blue hair with her bangs on either side of her face held by black clips, a golden sigil in the shape of the symbol of Orion on her forehead, light pink colored lips, a black cloth choker with a golden jewel in the shape of a bow and arrow in the center of the choker around her neck, jewels in the form of a bow and a sniper rifle adorned her ears as earrings, her sailor collar is a dark forest green, her bodysuit is silvery-white with dark silver heart jewel with a golden bow and arrow attached to the silver heart jewel along with four silvery-white wings attached to the sides of the heart jewel, she has shoulder pads similar to Eternal Sailor Moon’s shoulder pads expect they are pale blue, she has black fingerless gloves that goes up to her elbows with pale green bands at the ends, her skirt is a mixture of pale blue, deep dark forest green, and silvery-white, and she is wearing a black version of Sailor Uranus’ high-heeled boots with a pair of two huge and fluffy silvery-white feather wings coming out of her back. In her two hands, there is a beautiful golden and black European style long bow.

 

Usagi asks, “A new Sailor Scout?”

 

The new Sailor Scout says in Sinon’s voice, “Kirito! Usagi!”

 

Kirito asks, shocked, “Sinon?”

 

Usagi says, “There is no time, Kirito!”

 

Kirito says, drawing two Keyblades, “You’re right, Usagi!” Usagi and Kirito leap into action and Kirito tells the new Sailor Scout, obviously Sinon, “Sinon…Just heal quickly!”

 

The new Sailor Scout responds, “Right!” Kirito and Usagi then draw the boss monster, Scarlet Disaster, away from Sinon and hit with two Starburst Stream attacks at once and the massive hits take down the dragon nearly instantly.

 

Usagi says, with a sigh of relief, “We did it.”

 

The new Sailor Scout says, “Kirito…Usagi…”

 

Kirito asks the new Sailor Scout, “Sinon, is that you?”

 

The new Sailor Scout responds, with a nod, “Yes…but my new name is now…Eternal Sailor Orion, the Huntress Sailor Soldier.”

 

Usagi asks, surprised, “Huntress Sailor Soldier?”

 

Kirito says, “It doesn’t matter. I’m just glad that you are okay.”

 

The new Sailor Scout, Sinon’s Sailor Scout form of Eternal Sailor Orion, responds, with a blush, “Kirito will always protect me, huh?”

 

Kirito says, with a smile, “Yeah, I will.”

 

Sailor Orion says, “I believed in you fully. I knew that you and Usagi would assist me and it gave me the strength to fight on until you could help me. I think that it was my refuse to give up that awakened my powers.”

 

Usagi says, “Well, I am surprised that you are a Sailor Scout, but I always felt like that you could be one. You are a strong person.”

 

Sailor Orion responds, “I have taken an important step forward to learn to survive on my own, but I’m glad to know that Kirito, Usagi, and others will always have my back.”

Kirito says, with a smile, “Always, Sinon.” Soon after, Sailor Orion picks up the ‘Amulet of Trials’ and they leave the room to head back to town and complete the quest.

 

However, Usagi is thinking in her mind, “First, there are Kari and now, Sinon. How many of the other girls that I know other than the girls that are Sailor Scouts? And if and when are they going to awaken like Kari and Sinon? But then again, Kari and Sinon awakened their powers in stressful situations and I fear if any other of the girls that I know are Sailor Scouts with their powers ‘slumbering’, I don’t want to know what it will take to awaken their powers.”

 

January 7, 2025, SAO, Unknown location

 

Within an unknown location, there is a figure looking at holographic screens in which one of them shows Sailor Sun and the other shows Sailor Orion.

 

The figure says, in a familiar male voice, “First, there was Sailor Sun. And now, Sailor Orion has joined in. I have to say that Sailor Orion was completely unexpected, but it is actually more of a blessing than a curse. I believe that THEY will not expect her and Sailor Sun to be awoken so soon, however, they won’t be a problem for my plans.” Just then a new holographic screen, showing Leafa walking around the area of Arc Sofia and looking towards the sky, and the figure says, “You can sense me, my dear. Your very essence can feel my presence and our long awaited battle is coming. The battle to decide the question…The final battle of Sword Art Online.”

 

And that’s the chapter in full, everyone! As I have said before, there are going to be a lot of surprises despite the end of the Kingdom Hearts portion of the story…mainly anyway. By the looks of it, there is something happening with Leafa and someone has taken great interest in her. If you want answers to the questions that I know that you are asking about this, you are going to have to read and see! Later and best wishes, Crossover Fans!