Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

"Run..."

Those were the only words that escaped my lips as the boss monster from floor seventy-four let out a gigantic roar, echoing throughout the room and shaking the very ground beneath it. Turning back to my party for a second, I noticed that Kirito and Asuna had turned tail and ran out of the room. Ashtry had grabbed Kiyo by the hand and ran out with her, Kiyo looking back with fear in her eyes.

Kiyo- PAPA!

I smiled at her, and I slowly started to back away. I started to take note of the boss, so I had information to give to the Assault Team and to sell it to Argo for some money. The monster's name was "The Gleam Eyes". It looked to be a demon with muscles as taut as ropes rippling up its towering form. Its skin was a deep blue, its eyes glinted with the same blue and white hue as the flames surrounding the room. Its head was that of a goat with an elongated snout and thick, twisted horns stretching backwards from the sides of its head. The last detail I noticed was its weapon. The blade was massive, but the design of the weapon looked to be a zanbato. Gathering as much as I could before the monster started to charge at me, I turned my back to it and quickly joined the others.

Kiyo- We have to go back for Papa!

Ashtry- It's ok Kiyo. He'll be back in no time.

Kiyo- But...

Right on cue, I skidded to a halt while catching my breath. Kiyo jumped up in excitement and hugged me tight. Ashtry smiled at the cute sight as I patted Kiyo's head.

Asuna- That one... is going to be tough to beat...

Kirito- You're right. I saw he only had that one big sword.

"A zanbato."

Kirito- Right. I'm pretty sure that puppy's got special attacks too...

Asuna- We're going to have to put tanks in the front row and keep switching out to wear it down.

"I could assist with that, but I can't hold it off forever."

Ashtry- Plus if me and Kiyo tried to go in for some quick and easy stabs, that thing would see us coming from a mile out.

Kiyo- One swing of that monster's sword could kill me...

"I won't let that happen."

Ashtry- Me neither.

Kiyo- Thank you two.

Kirito- It wouldn't hurt to have ten shield users besides Kazzu up there with the tanks as well.

Asuna- Shield users huh?

Kirito- What? What's wrong?

Asuna- You are. You're hiding something aren't you?

Both me and Kirito's eyes went wide. We both looked at each other before quickly calming down, Kirito looking back at Asuna.

Kirito- What are you talking about?

Asuna- I just realized something: The biggest advantage about using a one-handed sword is that you can also use a shield. But I don't think I've ever seen you use one Kirito. Me and Ashtry don't use a shield because it'll slow down our rapier skills, others don't use a shield because they think it looks dumb.

"What's dumb is the fact that players are more worried about their appearance over their own safety. That's the reason I use a shield, to be able to attack at a decent speed and defend myself or others should they need it."

Asuna- On another note, why aren't you using the sword that you had Kazzu and Liz build for you? They worked really hard to make that for you.

Shit... she's good... wonder if she'll figure out Kirito's special skill...

Asuna- Very suspicious...

Kirito looked away from her, a small bead of sweat falling down his head. Ashtry looked at me and saw my look of deep thought.

Ashtry- Kazzu? Are you ok?

"I'm fine Ash... just... thinking..."

Asuna let out a small giggle, turning everyone's heads back towards her. Her smile indicating that she had dropped the topic.

Asuna- Oh never mind. It's rude to ask a person to justify their skills.

That's not very convincing but might as well take this opportunity to move past it. The less they know about our skills the better.

Asuna- Since it's gotten so late, we might as well have lunch here.

She opened her inventory and a hefty looking picnic basket appeared in her hands. Kirito looked at the basket in shock.

Kirito- Really!? Did you make it yourself!?

"Either someone had a good meal last time or someone is afraid of the content inside that basket."

Ashtry- My bet is on a good meal.

Asuna- Shut up the both of you!

Kirito- Well did you!?

Asuna- Yep. You better take your gloves off before you eat.

"What difference will that make?"

Ashtry- He's eating with his mouth not his hands.

Kiyo- But what if Mister Kirito has mouths for hands!?

Ashtry- I... don't even want to go there...

The three of us laughed while Kirito and Asuna were left a blushing mess. Ashtry pulled down her inventory screen causing me and Kiyo to stare at her like begging puppies. She let out a small giggle as she looked down at both of us.

Ashtry- Hungry?

"Obviously."

Kiyo- Yes ma'am.

Ashtry- Well then here you two go.

Three containers appeared in her hands. She passed one to me and Kiyo and as we opened it, we were stunned by the delicious aroma that exited the container and filled our nostrils. Ashtry had made bento boxes for the three of us. The contents inside consisted of rice, fish, broccoli and sliced apples. Our mouths started to water over the food before us.

Ashtry- Better dig in before it expires.

Not wasting any time, we dug into the paradise of food given before us. Our looks of happiness and pleasure making Ashtry smile more and more. She opened her box and sat next to me, rather closely. I looked at her as she started to eat, a nervous beat entering my heart. Faster and faster my heart drummed on, a bead of sweat falling down my head and a blush appearing on my face. Boldly, I scooted closer hoping that she wouldn't notice. She looked at me and I tried my best to look normal, but my expression gave it away. Surprisingly, she also scooted closer. Our shoulders were now touching as we continued to eat.

Could she...? No... there's no way... does she...?

Ashtry- Hey Kazzu...?

"Yes?"

Ashtry- What do you think you will do? You know... once we get out of here?

"Well... truth be told I think my life is pretty much over if we see the real world again..."

Ashtry- Why do you think that?

"Think about it: If my father happens to be the final boss of the game, which he more than likely is, we have to kill him to leave. If he dies, then his NerveGear will microwave his brain and kill him in the real world. Assuming I live to see the end of this game, I will more than likely be arrested and trialed in his place. The public will see me as a creator of the game and blame everything on me."

Ashtry- That's not fair! You never planned for this game to be a death trap! Why should you pay for your father's sins!?

Kiyo- Papa... does that mean I won't see you in the real world?

"I never said that. I said I would be arrested and trialed. I can still make a case for myself. If I do, I have a slim chance of walking out a free man. Besides, I would pay for my father's sins a thousand times over if it meant the people who lost those close to them get some form of closure."

I took another bite out of the bento box, unaware that both Ashtry and Kiyo were looking at me in surprise. A few seconds later, I felt both of their hands grab mine.

Ashtry- I swear to you, if we make it out of this alive, I will fight to make sure you are proven innocent.

Kiyo- And I'll do my best to make sure that you can be my father in the real world. I can't... lose you...

"Nobody will lose me, I promise. Thank you both for your belief in me."

They both responded with a smile. The moment was interrupted by a footstep in the distance. We all looked over and my eyes widened when I saw who it was.

"Klein?"

Klein looked up at me and noticed my company. Looking on each side of the red samurai, I noticed his guild following with exhausted looks. Klein grinned at me and my company while walking towards us.

Klein- Kazzu! Kirito as well!? How are you two? I haven't seen you in a while.

Kirito- What are you talking about? I see you almost every day.

Klein- Yea well you keep leaving us to do "important things". Is this what you meant? Clearing out dungeons with Kaz and his brat?

Kiyo- Hey!

"Watch it Klein. I'm pretty sure Kiyo can tear you into ribbons."

Klein- Yea whatever. So, what are you three doing with...

He falls silent as he notices Asuna and Ashtry. His mouth was left open wide as he slowly inched towards them.

Kirito- I could've sworn you three have met before. Asuna, this is Klein. He's the leader of the guild I'm currently in. Klein, this is Asuna of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

"And this is Ashtry, she's the Red Hunter in the Knights of the Blood Oath."

Ashtry- By the way, your mouth is open. A fly could make a home in your mouth.

Klein said nothing as he kept slowly inching towards the girls in a shocked state. Kirito waved his hand in front of him to make sure he was ok. Klein suddenly took a bow and extended his hand towards the two females.

Klein- Hi! My name's Klein! I'm twenty-three and single and...

He was interrupted by me and Kirito landing a solid punch into his gut. As he landed on the ground, the rest of Fuurinkazan surrounded me and the Black Swordsman. After a few seconds of tense silence, the entire guild jumped in surprise.

Fuurinkazan- Whoa! Are you two really the Lightning Flash and Red Hunter!?

They started fanboying over the two girls and I just raised an eyebrow.

Kiyo- Miss Asuna and Miss Ashtry are really popular huh?

"Maybe to the boys... but I mean... I guess it's allowed..."

Kirito- Someone jealous?

"Shut up."

Asuna- Um... guys?

Ashtry- A little help?

Kirito- Don't worry, these guys are ok. Well... I don't know about Klein.

Klein stepped on Kirito's foot as he says his insult. Kirito looked at him confused but Klein smirked back at him.

Klein- That's payback you little weasel.

Kirito- Knock it off Klein.

Klein- Come on you two. Tell me what you two are doing with girls?

"I don't have to tell you jack shit Klein. It's my business who I party with."

Our arguments were cut short by the two females in discussion laughing at us. We turned around to see both of them holding a hand to their mouths to try to muffle their enjoyment with little effort.

Ashtry- Boys will be boys huh Asuna?

Asuna- No kidding. Guys, if you must know, Kirito is with me because we are in a party.

Ashtry- The same goes for me, Kiyo and Kazzu.

Klein- Seriously!? You two sly...

Kirito- It's not what you think it is.

A small clank was heard a few steps behind Fuurinkazan. We all fell silent as we glared at the newcomers approaching us. It looked to be a small squadron of heavily armed soldiers wearing full black metal armor.

"It's the Aincrad Liberation Force."

Klein- The guild that runs Floor 1? What the hell are they doing here?

Asuna- They were almost slaughtered on Floor 25. Instead of clearing the floors, they've been on Floor 1 trying to increase their numbers. I haven't seen them on the front lines for a while.

Ashtry- Not to be rude but it's for the best that they aren't with us on the front lines. If anything, they would just hold us back.

"As much as I want to argue with that statement, their condition speaks numbers."

Kiyo- They look exhausted Papa...

The one man in front of his squad stopped and turned to his men.

Squad Lead- At ease!

As soon as those words left his mouth, everyone in his squad collapsed to the ground breathing a sigh of relief. The squad lead then walked towards us, ready to address his business.

Squad Lead- I'm with the Aincrad Liberation Force, Lieutenant-Colonel Kobatz.

Kirito- Kirito, Fuurinkazan. This is Klein, my guild leader.

Klein- Yo.

Ashtry- Ashtry, Red Hunter of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

Asuna- Asuna, Lightning Flash of the Knights of the Blood Oath.

Kazzu- Kazzu, me and my daughter are solo players.

Kiyo- Hello!

Kobatz scoffed at our declarations and shook his head.

Kobatz- Yea, I'm sure you all are. Anyway, have you cleared the area up ahead?

"Yes. We also have a map with directions leading to the boss room."

Kobatz- Alright then. Hand over that map and we'll be on our way.

Klein- You want him to just give it to you!? Do you even know how much of a pain in the ass mapping is?

Kobatz- We share our information and resources with civilian players all the time and we don't charge a thing for it! We maintain order in the chaos of battle so that all players can leave this world as quickly as possible! Therefore, it is your duty to cooperate with us! So, hand over that map!

Asuna- Listen here!

Ashtry- Hey!

Kiyo- Stop shouting!

Klein- You bastards!

Kirito- I don't think...

"Easy all of you. When we got back to town, I was going to go public with the map anyway. It's ok."

I opened my inventory and sent the map over to Kobatz, against my peers' judgement.

Klein- Come on man, you're being way to nice to him!

"I don't care about getting money from map data anyway, even though I'm light on funds. Will this be good enough Lieutenant?"

Kobatz- Yes. Thank you for cooperating.

"A word of advice? If you're planning on hitting the boss room, I would recommend against it."

Kobatz- That's my decision to make.

Ashtry- Excuse me!?

Kirito- You aren't serious right?

"Hey dumbass, we took a look inside that room. If your troops are half dead already, they won't stand a chance. Just look at them."

Kobatz- Nonsense! My men are tougher than that! They won't quit until I say so! On your feet men! All of you move!

His men slowly and groggily raised off the ground and made their way forward. As they passed us, I took note of their conditions.

They won't last long...

Klein- Oh man... Are those guys going to be ok?

Asuna- I'm sure they know what they are doing. They won't rush the boss without checking it first, right?

Ashtry- Kazzu? What do you think?

"I think they're leader is an idiot. I'm going after them."

I started following the trail that the Force took. Kirito, Kiyo and the rest of Fuurinkazan following behind me. As Ashtry and Asuna started to follow, Klein stopped them both.

Klein- Hey so listen you two... I got a favor to ask you both. Asuna, he may be hard to talk to and he looks to be a loner addicted to combat but Kirito is a good guy. Take care of him, will you?

Ashtry- Oh she'll take care of him alright.

Asuna- Shut up!

Klein- Please? Promise me?

Asuna- I promise that he is in good hands Klein.

Klein- And Ashtry?

Ashtry- Hm?

Klein- I may not know much about Kazzu or Kiyo but... those two have been through hell in this game. Kazzu barely looks like he's alive anymore but with you... he seems... happy. Please promise that you'll be there for him.

Ashtry started to blush as Asuna nudged her on the shoulder, getting payback for embarrassing her.

Ashtry- In this world or the real one, I won't leave him to fight a battle alone.

Klein- Thank you, both of you.

A scream echoed throughout the dungeon. I stopped and looked back at the entire group, all of them seeming to read my expression. We sprinted towards the boss room, a few members of Fuurinkazan staying behind to hold off respawning monsters. We ran into the boss room, the door fully open, only to see most of the Liberation Force squad knocked out or close to death.

Asuna- Idiots!

Kirito- Don't just stand there! Use your teleport crystals!

Liberation Army Grunt #1- We can't! Our crystals aren't working!

My eyes went wide as the memory of the Moonlit Black Cats appeared. The trapped room, the multiple monsters, the inability to escape using teleport crystals. It all came flowing back to me as my hands started to tremble and shake.

Asuna- I've never heard of a trapped room like this being in a boss room before!

Kiyo- Me and Papa have seen it before... it's... Papa what do we...?

Kobatz- The Aincrad Liberation Army doesn't know the word "retreat". Come on! Keep fighting!

Ashtry- They can't keep fighting stupid! Most of them are down!

Kirito- That guy's insane! We could distract the boss, but going in there is too...

I interrupted Kirito as I screamed at the top of my lungs, drawing my blade and rushing into the boss room.

Ashtry- KAZZU!

Kiyo- PAPA!

Their cries fell on deaf ears as I raised my shield high and bashed the monster in the legs, causing it to stumble and take a few steps back. It charged up an attack in its mouth.

"Anyone with shields, protect those without and raise your shields high now!"

Despite me not being their leader, they listened to what I said and raised their shields high. I followed suit as the monster's breath attack collided with our shields, the burning heat being felt behind the entire group. The monster pulled its weapon back, ready to swipe.

"Everybody move!"

Once again, the soldiers responded by moving out of the way. Luckily for them, the attack missed the underprepared soldiers. Unfortunately, the attack landed hard against my shield and sent me flying back towards the rest of my party. Landing hard on my back, Kiyo and Ashtry ran to my side and help me up. Kirito, Asuna and Klein joined up soon after.

Kirito- Hey! Are you ok!?

"I'm fine... just a little numb..."

Another scream came from the soldiers. There was only one conscious soldier, weaponless and on the ground begging for his life. The monster showed no mercy as it readied its weapon once again. This drove Asuna and Kirito over the edge as they charged in to fight the monster. Klein, reluctantly, followed in behind them leaving me, Ashtry and Kiyo behind.

Ashtry- Why did you do that? Why run into the arms of death even though you know the risks?

"Because..."

Ashtry- That's not a good answer! Why throw yourself into a suicide mission knowing that you could die and leave all of your friends behind forever!?

"Because I can't let any more people die when I can save them Ashtry!"

She fell silent. Not another word was said as I made my way towards the monster, ready to engage for battle again. Asuna leapt in the air and got a few good piercing strikes in before the monster turned to face her, swinging its blade. Asuna was able to block his sword but was too slow to counter a fist heading her way. Luckily, I made it just in time to block it with my shield. The force tossing me back once again while Asuna safely moved out of the way. Before the monster could hit me while I was on the ground, Kirito came in and reflected the attack.

Kirito- Klein, grab the soldiers and get them out of here!

Klein- On it!

Kirito started to fight the monster one on one. Each time Kirito landed a hit, the monster landed three of his own. Each hit draining his health more and more to the point where others were getting worried.

Asuna- Kirito!

Klein- Get out of there!

Kirito blocked another attack. Before the monster could swing again, I ran up and slashed at it. The monster reacted by kicking me towards Kirito and swiping the both of us back with its sword. We both skidded to a halt on the ground, both struggling to get up.

"Damn... this isn't good... at this rate..."

Kirito- Can you beat him?

"What?"

Kirito- Are you one hundred percent sure that you can beat him?

"Who are you...?"

Kirito- Your father! Can you beat him!?

The question surprised me, but I understood what he meant. Looking down at my hands, I clenched them tightly. I looked back at Kirito and responded in nothing but a nod. Kirito responded with a nod of his own.

Kirito- Then I'll use mine. Think you and the others can give me a little bit of time?

"I'll try my best."

Asuna, Klein, Ashtry and Kiyo joined me as I stepped in front of Kirito and raised my weapons.

Ashtry- I won't leave you to fight a battle alone Kazzu. I'm with you.

Kiyo- Me too Papa!

"How much time do you need Kirito?"

Kirito- Ten seconds.

"Easy enough. Everyone ready?"

Klein- Hell yea!

Asuna- Whenever you are!

Kiyo- Yes sir!

Ashtry grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. I looked down at her and she smiled at me, whispering her response.

Ashtry- I'm with you... my prince.

I smiled back and charged the monster once more, the other four quickly following behind me. We started to distract the monster with rapid switches and rapid stabs to it's lower midsection. Kiyo and Ashtry were able to get a few good swings in while Klein and Asuna kept it's attention away from me and Kirito. I looked back at my brother in arms as he frantically switched his equipment. A few second later and he looked up at me.

Kirito- Ready!

"Let's kick this monster's ass!"

Kirito- Everybody move!

Everyone took the message and moved out of the way. Me and Kirito rushed towards the monster, ready to finish the fight once and for all. The monster swung its weapon at us, easily blocked by my shield. This gave Kirito all the room needed to activate his new skill: Dual Wielding. Kirito pulled out the sword that me and Liz spent our time making and started attacking with it while holding his other sword, Elucidator.

Kirito- Starburst Stream!

Kirito started wailing on the boss monster before him, hitting it repeatedly with both of his one-handed swords. The attack dealing massive damage and landing multiple hits. Anytime the monster tried to attack Kirito, I was there to block the hits with my shield so Kirito could finish the monster. I looked over and saw my health was in the red. Not wanting to leave Kirito to take the attacks head on, I mustered my strength for one more block as the monster grabbed one of Kirito's swords ready to finish him off. Right before the monster could touch a hair on Kirito's head, I was there to block one last time before Kirito plunged his second blade into the monster's stomach shattering it and winning the fight. We had done it. The Floor 74 boss was dead. Floor 74 was cleared. I smiled slightly before falling backwards from pain and fatigue, my sword and shield clashing on the ground next to me and my eyes closing for a few seconds.

Ashtry- Kazzu! Wake up Kazzu!

I opened my eyes slightly to the sound of Ashtry's voice. In place of her voice, I saw the face of Sachi. Once my eyes adjusted, Sachi was replaced by Ashtry and Kiyo. Both of them had tears in their eyes but smiled when my eyes fully opened. I slowly pushed myself off of the ground, holding the throb inside of my head.

"Damn... my head hurts..."

Kirito- That was too close man...

"How long was I out?"

Kiyo- Only a few seconds Papa.

Asuna- You reckless idiot.

I looked over at Ashtry who was on the verge of crying. I reached my hand out to her in an attempt to calm her down. Instead of taking my hand, she lunged at me and pulled me into a hug allowing the tears to fall down her face.

Ashtry- I'm so glad you're ok... my prince...

I smiled and gently brushed her hair, feeling the shaky breaths of the Red Hunter on my shoulder. Kiyo quickly joined the hug in a very angry manner.

Kiyo- Don't do that again Papa! You nearly gave me a heart attack!

"I'm sorry Kiyo. I just didn't want Kirito to get hurt."

Kirito- Thanks to you I came out of that fight mostly unscathed. Thank you for that.

Asuna- You owe him big time for that!

Kirito- I know, I know. I plan on it.

Klein- In other news, the Force also walked away with no casualties. They are pretty roughed up but otherwise alive.

"That's good. We haven't lost a player since Floor 67. I want to keep that streak going."

Klein- A streak that was almost ruined by Kobatz, that damn fool. Besides, we have bigger things to discuss.

"Such as?"

Klein- Kirito, what the hell was that just now!?

Kirito- I don't think...

"Kirito, the cat's out of the bag for you. You might as well tell them."

Klein- Yea, come on! I've never seen anything like that!

Kirito- It's an extra skill I picked up called "Dual Wielding".

Klein- Dude, are there prerequisites?

Kirito- If I figured that out, I would've shared it already.

Klein- Well that skill isn't on the info brokers skill list. I guess it's exclusive to you.

"Not necessarily."

Klein- Huh?

"The skill was meant to present itself to the player with the fastest reaction time."

Ashtry- So why don't you have the skill?

"Fairly simple don't you think? Kirito here is the fastest reacting player in the game."

Kiyo- Whoa! Really!?

Asuna- He even beats you, Kazzu?

"Realize I'm not looking for the fastest reaction time, I'm looking to protect myself instead of predicting my enemies moves. Although I still try my hardest to read my opponents. This skill is Kirito's by right."

Klein- That's amazing! Way to keep it on the down low Kirito! How could you keep this skill away from your best buddies?

Kirito- Well about six months ago, I was just scrolling through my skill menu, and it was just there. I talked to Kazzu about it, and he explained what it was. That's why he went to a blacksmith to build a weapon for me.

"The more firepower we have like that, the easier it will be to pound my father into the dirt."

Klein- Well, we're going to go on ahead and activate the warp gate. You coming Kazzu?

"Not at the moment. If you haven't noticed, I almost died. I'd like to rest for a moment."

Klein- Alright. Come on Kirito! Let's get going.

Kirito- Coming!

Klein- Oh and Kazzu?

"Hm?"

Klein- It was pretty brave of you to charge in and protect those guys like that, even if it meant your life.

"If I can save even one innocent person from death, I would lay down my life in an instant."

Klein- That's what I like about you... see you around...

Klein and Kirito took off with the rest of their guild and the Force, leaving me, Kiyo and Ashtry in the center of the room.

"As much as I enjoy being hugged, I'm really sore right now. Can we please move on and find a place for me to rest?"

Ashtry- Just... a few more seconds please?

Kiyo- We... were really scared...

My eyes widen. These two cared about me so much that they were afraid of losing me forever. Kiyo was my daughter, so I understand why she was scared but... Ashtry, genuinely cared about me. I knew she liked me as a friend but this... hinted at something more.

Does she truly like me? And if she does... am I good enough for her? What if I lose her just like I lost Sachi...?

I let my mind drift away as I embraced both girls in a hug, not wanting to let them go.

These two... I fight so I can see these two safe and sound. Even if they don't want me in the end, I promise to do whatever it takes to keep my daughter and the woman I'm falling in love with safe.