Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

November 14, 2024

Floor 1: Town of Beginnings

A week has passed since my father announced the official release of Sword Art Online. I explored most of the common hunting spots on this floor and decided to take a small break to help people out in need. Currently heading back to the Town of Beginnings with a hefty load of food from boars and wolves, I look in the distance and see my destination: A small orphanage. I was sad when I heard that there were a lot of children that were either abandoned by their parents, have lost their parents to this hellhole or were orphans in the real world. Upon hearing this news, I decided to turn my attention towards them and help them out anyway I could. Entering the building, I could hear the children in the cafeteria smiling and laughing with their friends. I couldn't help but smile at their happiness. Even though they were trapped like the rest of us, they found a reason to smile. My thoughts were halted by the owner of the orphanage, Sasha, walking up to me.

Sasha- Oh! Kazzu! Welcome back! Did you grab enough food?

"I have enough here to last you guys the next 2 months. Even though we don't need to eat in this game, it is a necessity to feel like we are back in the real world."

Sasha- I agree. It's good to not lose sight of the real world. Now may I please have the food so I can prepare lunch for the children?

I nodded and opened a trade request. I traded the food to Sasha and noticed that she was typing in a money transfer. I grabbed her hand and lowered it.

"There's no need to pay me Sasha. I got some good money from it, and I can sell the items for more if I need to."

Sasha smiled at my generosity, excused herself, walked towards the cafeteria and disappeared in the kitchen. I looked throughout the cafeteria to see the children preparing themselves for a feast. However, one child caught my eye. A little girl who looked no older than seven years was just sitting at a table alone. Her face looked troubled, if not depressed. She just stared down at the table, not even letting a blink escape her eyes. An attendant passed by for a second before I nudged her, grabbing her attention.

"Excuse me miss, but who is that sitting by herself?"

Attendant- Oh her? That's Kiyo. She usually sits by herself. We've tried to get her to sit with other kids, but she always ends up by herself. I'm not sure if she moves away from the others on purpose or if the kids just get up and leave. All I know is that it breaks our hearts to see her like this.

I looked back towards Kiyo. Her eyes looked empty; her expression looked deadened. Whatever was going on with her, it was taking a toll on her mental state. I couldn't stand to see a child like this.

"I'm going to go talk to her. Is that ok?"

Attendant- By all means! You've done so much for this orphanage. The kids even talk about you, calling you a hero. You give them hope.

Hope huh? I'm sure if these kids knew who I really was, their hopes would burn and shrivel. I didn't want that to happen but sooner or later they will know that Kayaba's son was the one they called their hero.

I gave a nod to the attendant and made my way towards Kiyo's table. My movements did not go unnoticed as multiple kids started to surround me, asking me questions and telling me about their days.

Child #1- Mister Kazzu! How many monsters have you killed today?

Child #2- Have you found a way out of here?

Child #3- I saw a sword at the store that you might like if you want me to show you.

I chuckled at their enthusiasm but gently made my way past them. I was barely able to sit down before Kiyo's eyes looked up and saw mine. 

Her surprised gasp allowed a small smile to crawl on my face. Getting a better look at her, she had shoulder width light brown hair and ocean blue eyes. She was wearing a purple shirt with a pink skirt. A tiny pink hair pin laid on the top left of her head. She looked at me with a shocked expression for a few more seconds before I chuckled at her.

"You might want to close your mouth little pup. A bug could fly in and become your little snack."

She blinked in realization and shut her mouth quickly. She then felt around the insides of her mouth with her tongue and looked at me worried.

Kiyo- Nothing flew in my mouth, right?

That earned a small laugh out of me. She joined me in laughter a second later, brushing her hair behind her ear and placing her hands on the table in a polite manner. Her posture quickly rearranged themselves to where she was sitting like a proper lady.

Kiyo- Sorry. I just don't have a lot of people sit with me. I was surprised to see you sit with me Mister Kazzu.

"You've heard about me?"

Kiyo- Of course! All the kids and adults talk about you. You are out fighting dangerous monsters trying to help us go back home! You're a hero!

"Well, thank you Kiyo. I promise you that I will get you back to your family as soon as possible, ok?"

Her expression changed again. She looked down for a slight second with an upset look before shaking her head and smiling back at me.

Kiyo- Yea... I can't wait...

There was something she wasn't telling me. It might be the reason why she always sat alone. I wanted to ask her what was wrong, but I also didn't want to pressure her into telling me. I instead had a better idea.

"Kiyo? Would you like to walk around town with me? I know a place that sells a food item which almost looks and tastes like ice cream. I'll buy you whatever you want, my treat."

She looked at me with disbelief. Her mouth opened up once again. I chuckled, leaned over and closed her mouth by lifting her chin.

Kiyo- Do you... mean it? You want me to come with you?

"Of course! It must be boring being stuck in the orphanage all the time."

Kiyo- Ok! That sounds like fun Mister Kazzu!

"No need to call me Mister. Kazzu is ok."

Kiyo- Sorry Mister... Uh Kazzu.

I let out another small chuckle as I stood up, walked over to Kiyo and offered her my hand. She hesitated for a second but gently grabbed it as I slowly pulled her up from her seat. We made our way towards the front door, but I could feel the eyes of the other kids. They weren't nice and gentle stares, they seemed angry, hateful, disapproving. I didn't think anything else of it as I informed the attendant that I would be taking Kiyo out for some ice cream.

After leaving the orphanage, we took the scenic route towards the ice cream vendor. Kiyo's smile was plastered on her face as we walked through many shopping centers, food vendors and decorations that surrounded the Town of Beginnings. We made a quick stop at a wishing fountain as Kiyo placed her hands in the water. I first assumed that she was trying to steal Col from the fountain, but the thought was immediately dismissed when I saw she was just moving her hand softly through the water. I sat next to her and placed my hand in the water as well.

Kiyo- I always liked coming to this fountain whenever we were allowed outside the orphanage for recess. The water is never too cold but never too hot. It's just right.

"Have you ever made a wish? I heard if you throw a Col into the fountain, your wish will come true."

Kiyo- Yes... I've tried a lot of times but every single wish I made hasn't come true. I'm starting to think that the fountain is broken. Or maybe my wishes aren't good enough to come true.

This poor girl. What caused her to get this depressed? Was there anything I could do?

An idea popped in my head as I withdrew a Col from my inventory. I tapped Kiyo's shoulder and offered the Col to her.

"Wanna try again? I have a good feeling about this one."

Kiyo- I... I don't know. I don't want to wish on something that will never happen. Sorry.

"Hey, don't think like that. Tell you what, you make another wish, and I'll make one with you. Maybe both of our wishes will be strong enough to come true. What do you say?"

She looked down at the fountain again and let out a sigh. She turned back towards me with a smile and accepted the small golden coin from my hand. She held the coin close to her lips and whispered softly into it. I couldn't hear her words, so I whispered in my own Col.

"I wish for Kiyo to be happy. As happy as she can be until I free her from this hell."

I flicked the coin into the fountain, hearing the plop from the water. I turned to Kiyo to see that she was still holding her coin, staring at the water. She looked at me only to be greeted with a smile. I motioned towards the fountain, requesting that she dropped her coin into the water. She let out a sigh and released her coin, another plop heard as her coin sank to the bottom next to mine. I patted her head and stood up from the fountain side. I noticed the ice cream stand a few inches away from us. I smirk snuck onto my face as an idea popped up. I snuck up behind Kiyo as she eyed her Col in the fountain. Taking the opportunity, I grabbed her from behind and planted her on top of my shoulders. Her scared gasp quickly turned into a small giggle as she held onto the top of my head. Holding on tightly to her legs, we made our way towards the ice cream stand. The computerized vendor looked at us. His smile growing wide as we stood in front of him.

Ice Cream Vendor- Why hello there you two! Here to enjoy my frozen treats?

Kiyo- Yes sir!

"It sounds delicious. What flavor's do you offer?"

Ice Cream Vendor- As much as I want to give you two a sample, I don't have any more ingredients to be able to make any more.

Kiyo- Oh no...

"That's a shame. We were really hoping to have some."

As soon as I said that a yellow question mark appeared above the vendor's head. My eyes opened slightly bigger when I saw it. Kiyo looked at it confused and lowered her head, looking at me upside down.

Kiyo- Kazzu? What's the question mark mean?

"It means that he has a quest to hand out. Maybe if we complete it, he'll make more ice cream. He might even give us some for free."

Kiyo's eyes widen as the thought of free ice cream filled her with determination. She looked at me with a pleading stare.

Kiyo- If it's ok with you Kazzu, could we please do this quest? I really want to have some ice cream.

I looked at Kiyo, thinking about the quest. This quest wasn't in the beta, so I had no idea what it would entail. However, if all he was missing were ingredients it shouldn't involve monsters. It would most likely involve finding items outside of town. On the other hand, monsters roam around every inch outside of town. It was a risky decision whether or not to bring Kiyo. If it weren't for those pleading eyes, I would've declined her request. Releasing a sigh, I smiled back at Kiyo and accepted the vendor's quest.

"Alright Kiyo. Let's go find us some ingredients."

Kiyo- Yay! Free ice cream!

Ice Cream Vendor- Thank you fair heroes. Now the main ingredient I need is a special form of crystal deep within a cave system not far from here. If you bring me ten samples of that crystal, I should be able to gather the other materials around town.

Kiyo- A cave? Oh... I guess I can't go.

"What makes you say that little pup?"

Kiyo- Well, I hear from the adults that the cave systems are filled with monsters. I don't want to have you worry about me. I'll head back to the orphanage.

She was right about that. Cave systems are not only cramped spaces, but they can be filled with clusters of monsters. However, if I can keep Kiyo close, she shouldn't be in any immediate danger. If I equip her with some gear, she should be safer if we were ever to be split up.

"That won't be necessary Kiyo."

Kiyo- But... won't I just get in your way?

"If we get you some equipment, you should be ok to come with me. If you do come with me, I do have rules understand?"

Her expression changed from sadness to excitement yet again. She nods her head rapidly and hops off my shoulders.

Kiyo- Yes! Of course! I'll listen to every word!

"Ok. Firstly, I want you to stay right next to me at all times. Unless we get split up, you are to stick to me like glue. No going ahead of me, no dragging behind."

Kiyo- I'll be as close to you as the blade on your belt!

"Secondly, if we get attacked by monsters you are to find a safe place to hide and wait until it is over. I don't want you putting yourself in harm's way. No matter how hard I get hit, no matter how bad I might hurt, you stay safe no matter what."

Kiyo- Understood. It'll be as easy as playing hide and seek!

"Finally, if a monster gets the best of me and I'm killed you are to leave the cave immediately and head straight back to town. You do not turn back; you do not stop for nothing. I don't want you dying to avenge me.

She pauses for a moment. Her look was hesitant. I knew she wanted to break this rule, but I couldn't let her. She needs to keep herself save above all else. I gave her a stern look, waiting for her response. After a second, she looks up at me and gives me a serious nod.

Kiyo- Yes sir. I won't let you down.

With the rules covered and boundaries set, we gathered gear from the blacksmith. I bought her basic armor but gave her the choice on her weapon. She looked through them all and quickly realized that most of her options were bigger than she was. Her eyes focused on one weapon: a dagger. The blade was about half of her arm's length and the style of the blade was red with black hexagons. I could practically see the stars in her eyes. I chuckled lightly and bought the weapon for her. She equipped it without a second thought and clipped it onto her skirt.

Kiyo- All right Kazzu! I'm already to go!

"You sure do look the part. Now let's go get us some free ice cream!"

Kiyo- Free ice cream!

We walked out of town, Kiyo sticking to her word and standing right next to me. I'm glad she listens to rules. We should be ok out in the open as long as we stay away from large groups of monsters.

The walk didn't take long. About ten minutes later, we arrived at the entrance of the cave. I equipped my sword and an unlit torch. Taking some time to strike a flame, the torch started to illuminate a few inches towards the dark cave. Kiyo gently tugged at my shirt. Catching my attention, I turned to face her and got on one knee, so I was eye level with her.

"You ok little pup?"

Kiyo- I'm... a little scared. I want to follow your rules but... I don't want you to get hurt protecting me.

"Kiyo... listen to me. I promise you that I won't let anything bad happen to either of us. But right now, I need you to be strong for me, ok? If you watch my back, I promise I won't let a single monster lay a finger on you."

That made her perk up really quickly. Her worried and scared demeanor turned into one of willpower and bravery. She gave me a quick nod and we both entered the cave. We took our sweet time checking every nook and cranny to make sure we wouldn't get jumped by hidden monsters. Strangely enough, the cave was empty. No monsters in sight, no traps laid bare, nothing at all.

"Strange... usually these places would be filled with enemies."

Kiyo- Is it possible someone cleared it out already?

"Perhaps. But monster respawns don't take long. We should take advantage of this time and hurry."

Kiyo- Got it.

Still clutching onto our weapons, we started to run deeper into the cave. A few twists and turns later and we were greeted by an underground lake, surrounded by shining light blue crystals.

Kiyo- Whoa... so pretty!

"It really is... if this place wasn't filled with monsters constantly, I would take some time and set up a small retreat here."

We lowered our defenses and walked around the small lake. The water was crystal clear, there were small fish swimming around and the reflections from the water hit the crystals, further illuminating the cave. Small fish swam around the clear liquid at such calming speeds. Small ripples in the water could be heard as droplets of water fell from the roof of the cave. Kiyo placed her hand in the water only to have fish swim around and caress her hand with their scales. Her giggles slightly echoed throughout the cave.

"Are the fish tickling you pup?"

Kiyo- A little. Even though they're in water, I can still feel how slimy they are. It's gross and weirdly cool at the same time.

"Well little pup, as much as I want you to enjoy the fish, we should grab what we need and leave before the monsters respawn."

Kiyo- Yes sir!

Kiyo stood back up and dried her hand on her skirt, joining me as I started looking at the crystals. pressing my hand on its surface, a small text box appeared in front of me.

"SKILL REQUIRED: SMITHING"

Kiyo- Oh no... do we have a smith back in town?

"We have a couple, but we don't need to head back."

Kiyo- We don't?

I rolled my sleeves up and unequipped my sword and shield. Opening my inventory, I equipped a basic pickaxe and started chipping away at the crystal.

"See little pup, if there's a skill that you are interested in, you have to raise your proficiency in that skill. However, you can't find a skill and acquire it right away. You have to find the source of the skill, have the right item for the job and use the item on the source. That's why I have this pickaxe, so I can start raising my Smithing skill."

Kiyo- Wow... you're prepared for anything aren't you Kazzu?

I chuckle at her snarky remark. Chipping the materials away from the crystal doesn't take long and yields quite the haul. If I took the time to gather all of the materials here, I could either sell them for Col or use them to upgrade my gear. I decided to come back on a later date to gather the rest and placed the materials in my inventory. As we were about to leave, the cave started to rumble and shake. Rock formations on the roof started to crack and collapse, falling into the small pond below. Suddenly, monsters started to spawn into the area. They looked like lizardmen wearing polished iron armor, wielding basic level gear. 

They inched their way closer to me and Kiyo. Taking initiative, I equipped my sword and shield again and stood in front of Kiyo.

"Remember what I said little pup. Stay close and don't split off from me, ok?"

Kiyo- R-right.

I could tell she was scared. Her legs were trembling, and she had no intention of defending herself, despite having the tools necessary to do so. I didn't blame her. If a child were to die to a monster because of the Death Protocols, I would never forgive myself. The monsters readied their weapons and charged at me. Looking at them, I took a moment to assess the situation.

5 enemies, basic equipment, three swords, one spear, one mace, minimum damage if caught off guard. Gear ranking low, allowing more damage taken by my blade. Threat level low, protect Kiyo regardless. 

The lizardman with the mace jumped up and swung its weapon down. Reacting fast, I blocked it with my shield. My blade started to glow a light blue as I unleashed the Sword Skill: "Horizontal". My blade carried itself from one side of the lizardman, named "Kobold Sentinel", and out of the other, completely cutting the monster in half and shattering it. The other four focused their attention towards me for killing their monster in arms while the Kobold with a spear chucked its weapon towards me.

"Big mistake you scaled freak!"

Knowing that dodging would lead to Kiyo possibly getting hit and blocking it might pierce through my shield, rendering it useless, I placed my sword and shield back in my inventory. Preparing myself for the possible damage I would take, I caught the spear out of midair. Luckily, neither me nor Kiyo were damaged. I flipped the offensive back towards the now weaponless Kobold and threw the spear right back at it. Not having my same speed and eye coordination, the spear impaled the Kobold through the chest, shattering it instantly. I didn't have time to re-equip my gear before the three remaining Kobolds reached me and Kiyo. Impulsively, I shoved Kiyo away from me. She landed on the ground with a thud, watching as three swords pierced through my digital stomach. I noticed on the top right corner of my vision; my Health bar lowered about a third of the way down. These three monsters attacking all at once would spell my end if I got hit more. I couldn't let that happen again.

Kiyo- KAZZU!

Her shriek grabbed my attention really quickly. My eyes widened when I saw a taller version of these Kobolds, staring down at her with a small axe in its hand. It swung the axe behind its head, ready to swing down at her. Panicking, I shouted the one thing I didn't want Kiyo to do.

"Kiyo, fight back! Dodge its attack and fight back!"

She listened to the first half of my command, rolling out of the way as the axe slammed into the ground. She looked at me with disbelief as I struggled to get the three swords out of my stomach and killed the lesser Kobolds in front of me after reequipping my sword and shield and using another Horizontal Sword Skill. Standing back up, I stood ready for battle.

"Kiyo... I need you to take your dagger out and get ready to fight!"

Kiyo- But you said...

I cut her off as the larger Kobold swung at her again. I was fast enough to get in front of her and block the attack with my shield.

"Forget I said that Kiyo! If I'm right about this, this Kobold is the leader in these caves. If we take it out quick, then more won't appear. I need your help wiping the floor with this monster. Can you do that for me?"

Kiyo- I don't know if I can!

"You never know until you try!"

She went silent. Her face turned from scared to serious as she pulled her blade out, jumped off my shoulders and slashed the Kobold across the face. It reeled back in pain and backed itself right into Kiyo's second slash, this time cutting its legs. 

Shocked at her natural ability to fight, I charged towards the monster and gave it a swift kick to the face, sending it flying into the pond. I looked at Kiyo with a smirk.

"And where did you learn to fight like that?"

Kiyo- I don't know I just... did it.

"Well, whatever you do, don't stop."

The Kobold reemerged from the water and leapt back into action. It took another swing at Kiyo, again resulting with me blocking it and Kiyo quickly taking small slashes into its scaley skin. To deal a bit more damage, I pushed its weapon up and slashed at it a couple of times. This combo of ours brought the monsters health bar down to the red. Kiyo leaped in the air with her dagger pointed downward towards the monsters' head. Seeing her plan, I used my shield to bash the Kobolds head upward while Kiyo dropped down plunging her dagger deep into its skull, shattering it and ending the fight. The ground stopped shaking and the air went silent.

Kiyo- Did... Did we win?

Our answer was rewarded with an experience text box. Above Kiyo's head, a pop up appeared spelling: "Level Up".

Kiyo- I leveled up!

"Good job little pup. Guess I was wrong to keep you from fighting."

Kiyo- But I was scared the whole time. I didn't want you to get hurt. Speaking of, is your stomach ok?"

"Yes. Even though the damage marks will be there until I get healed, they didn't do dangerous damage. I'll be ok."

Kiyo- That's good... I didn't want to be alone again...

Again? What could she mean by that?

"What do you mean?"

Kiyo shot up and started laughing nervously. She waved her hands around in a forgetful motion. I noticed a tiny bead of sweat roll down her forehead.

Kiyo- Uh... never mind that. Let's get out of here and get some free ice cream!

Without a second wasted, she started making her way towards the exit. She was hiding something, I knew it. But I decided to not push her since it seemed like a tough topic to discuss. I followed behind her as we left the cave and went back to town. As we handed over the materials to the ice cream vendor, he was happy enough to give us a few samples of his ice cream instead of just one each. We also got a bit more experience and Col from it, which was always a plus.

Kiyo- Mmmmmm, this ice cream is so good! It's the perfect temperature to where it's not too hard but not melted. It's perfect!

"I'm glad you like it Kiyo, but we should get you back home. Sasha must be worried about you."

Kiyo- Oh... right... ok.

I spotted the sadness that crept onto her face. This was probably the best and scariest day of her life and now it has to come to an end. We made our way back to the orphanage, where Sasha greeted Kiyo with a hug and took her back to the cafeteria. I was about to take my leave before I saw three other kids, two girls and a boy, walk up to Kiyo and smack the ice cream out of her hands, causing it to shatter on the ground.

Kiyo- "Hey! What was that for?"

Girl #1- That's what you get for spending time with Mister Kazzu.

Kiyo- W-What?

Girl #2- How is it that a piece of orphan trash like you gets to hang out with him but we are all stuck here?

Boy- Yea! Maybe I wanted to go and get ice cream with Mister Kazzu.

Kiyo- He... doesn't like to be called that...

The two little girls then shoved her down to the ground hard. She landed next to a table and rubbed the back of her head, which she had hit against a table leg. I wanted to jump in and help her, but something told me not to. A small voice in my head holding me back. Kiyo just sat there, not moving. Then the bullies spoke again.

Girl #1- You think just because your parents left you in the real world that you deserve to have everything handed to you out of pity.

She was abandoned in the real world? She's an orphan in real life?

Girl #2- Your parents decided to leave you while our parents are outside the town, fighting to clear this game and get us home.

Boy- Her parents are probably dead in the real world. Who would want to be the parents of such garbage?

They started to laugh at her. Kiyo had let the dam break, and the flood works made their way down her cheek. She jumped up quickly and ran away from the bullies and down a hallway. Suddenly it all started to make sense. The reason why she was alone, the reason why she sat by herself, the reason why she was sad to return to the orphanage: She was alone. She wanted to be with someone who cared about her since her parents left her back in the real world. She wanted... a family.

"Kiyo... I'm so sorry..."

My heart felt heavy, my legs frozen in place. I had a big decision to make. Do I leave the orphanage, make Kiyo stay here and remain safe at the cost of her mental state deteriorating or do I bring her with me, be there for her when she needs me and risk the possibility of her being killed? The decision spun around me for what felt like hours. There were pros and cons to both sides of the story but in the end, I knew which decision was the right one. I left the orphanage and requested a room at the inn, prepared to face the consequences of my choice.

The next morning, Kiyo woke up with her eyes puffy and red, dried snot covering her face. She quickly cleaned herself up to make herself look presentable, but not enough to show interest or care about herself. She left the room with a glum look on her face until she reached the entrance of the orphanage, where she saw the other children and staff looking at her. Some with smiles, some with death glares. She looked at the very confused until Sasha approached her from behind.

Sasha- Kiyo sweetheart, I have some good news.

Kiyo- Good news?

Sasha- Someone has filled out an adoption paper for you. You're going to have a family.

Her eyes widened and her mouth hung open in disbelief. She checked her surroundings to see if she could find who her potential family could be only to have her eyes covered by Sasha.

Sasha- They are almost here, keep your eyes closed, ok?

Kiyo- Ok Miss Sasha.

A few minutes passed and the door swung open. The nice chill morning breeze hitting everyone inside. Sasha turned Kiyo to face her adoptive parents and slowly opened her eyes. The only thing she saw was me. I was standing in front of her with a huge smile on my face. Her confusion was met with tears of joy when she saw the signed adoption papers in my hand. She ran towards me and jumped into my arms as I knelt down and embraced her in a warm hug. Her sobs muffled into my armor and her grip grew tighter. After a few minutes she pulled her head back and wiped her eyes, her smile reflecting my own. I stood up and placed my hand on her head, petting her like a small fluffy animal.

Kiyo- Thank you Kazzu... you granted my wish... my wish to be... part of a family again.

"I'm glad to have given you your wish. But now you're going to have to stop calling me Kazzu."

Kiyo- "Why? I thought that's what I was supposed to call you."

"Not anymore, you get to call me your dad."

Her smile grew even wider as she jumped back into a hug. Her small sniffles could be heard near my right ear as she leaned in and whispered:

Kiyo- Thank you, Papa.