Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

November 8, 2024

Floor 76: Arc Sophia

After getting a permanent room at Agil's Shop and Inn, I woke up and slowly moved out of bed. I looked next to me and saw both my daughter and my lover sleeping soundly. I smiled and gave them both kisses on the forehead, heading towards the bathroom and starting a bath. I locked the door behind me as I undressed, the hot steam of the water surrounding the room in a light misty fog. Stepping inside the tub, my muscles both burned and relaxed as I descended my body in the hot water, allowing my body to be overtaken by its warmth.

This is a small pocket of heaven in this digital hell...

I softly swiped my hand across the water, ripples colliding with my body. I took the time to reflect on what was happening and how to proceed.

So, despite the fact that I beat my father in a one-on-one dual, we are still trapped in this hellhole. The game should've ended as soon as my fist drove through my father's chest.

I filled my hands full of water and splashed my face, hoping to wake up a little faster due to the newly found cold air that ran across my face.

And now we can't go back to the lower floors. So many memories now locked away from us past the Skull Reapers room.

Running my hands through my hair, I could feel my tension slowly escape as water dripped down from the ends of my head.

Then the goal stays the same. We'll fight our way towards the 100th floor and kick my father's ass once more. If we did it before, we can do it again.

After spending half an hour in the bath, I decided that was enough to last me for the day. I exited the bath and started to dry off. I heard a small knock at the door.

Ashtry- You ok in there my prince? You've been there for a while now. I'm pretty sure you now have dried grapes for fingers.

Looking down, I chuckled as my fingers did resemble that of a senior citizen. I dried of quickly and threw on some clothes as I answered the door.

"Yes, I'm ok my princess. I just wanted to get an early start to the day. Sorry if I woke you up."

Ashtry- Not at all. I was just making sure you were ok.

I smiled as I gave her a small peck on the cheek, our blushing faces making themselves present. Kiyo was the last one to stir awake, her hair fluffed up by the bed and her expression looking dead tired.

Ashtry- Well hello there Madam Poofy Head.

Kiyo- Morning Mama... morning Papa...

Ashtry chuckled while giving me a hug, which I reciprocated.

Ashtry- How about you go downstairs and get some breakfast for us, and we'll wash up quickly?

"Sounds like a plan. I'll see you two in a minute."

Kiyo- Love you Papa...

"Love you too little pup."

I smiled as Ashtry gently picked Kiyo up and moved towards the bath. I left the room and went downstairs to see that the morning crowd had showed up. It wasn't too busy, only a few people were either sitting down enjoying breakfast or talking to Agil about selling prices.

"Morning Agil!"

Agil- Well good morning there Kazzu. How was your first night here at my humble shop?

"Surprisingly good. The bed is really soft, and the room itself looks like a mini apartment. I think I might be staying here forever."

Agil- Well I'm glad to hear it! Is there anything I could get you this morning?

"Just three servings of whatever breakfast is today please?"

Agil- Three Breakfast Specials coming right up.

I nodded as I found a seat in the middle of the crowd. Even though we had some bad news for them all yesterday, they seemed to have accepted their fate as there were smiles and happy chatter all around. I smiled as I waited for my food.

It seems even after a chance for freedom was right within their grasp, they seem happy with the fact that their lives have adjusted to this world. Perhaps if it wasn't a horrible death game, me and father could've realized our dreams.

I lowered my head at the thought of having to kill my own father a second time.

Would he use the avatar we saw at the beginning of the game? What about Heathcliff? What if he just faces us as Kayaba Akihiko? What is in store for us when we reach the 100th floor?

My thoughts were interrupted by Agil setting down three plates of food just as Ashtry and Kiyo found me and sat down.

Agil- Three Breakfast Specials for the hero of Aincrad and his family.

"The hero of Aincrad? Isn't that a bit much?"

Agil- Hey, not my name. It's what I've heard some people in town call you. Hell, even some of the Assault Army has taken to calling you "Aincrad's Dark Angel".

"Aincrad's Dark Angel?"

Agil- They still see you as the Dark Prince but at the same time, they understand that you aren't here to enslave them. You are here to save them. Hence the name.

Ashtry- But "Aincrad's Dark Angel" is a mouthful.

Kiyo- If anyone should be an angel, it should be me!

Agil- I bet you're your daddy's little angel.

"More like my little devil."

Kiyo- Hey!

We all laughed as I ruffled Kiyo's hair and gave her a kiss on the forehead. We then started to eat our food as Agil joined us.

Agil- So, the plan is to keep fighting all the way to Floor 100...

"So far, yea..."

Agil- What makes you think we can do it? The last boss took out 14 members of the Assault Army.

"Heathcliff wanted to kill all of you in that boss room. As much as it might suck to say, but I'm glad we showed up at the time we did and only allowed 14 people to die instead of the entire team."

Agil- I suppose so...

"Besides, I don't plan on leading people into a deathtrap. That's why I had you and the other assigned to be my inner circle. I want you to focus on training any new recruits to the Aincrad Assault Army and making sure they are ready for battle, even if we have to hold out a little longer to make sure those players are battle hardened."

Agil- Sounds reasonable enough.

Ashtry- So what would the Army consist of when it comes to bosses?

"We will just have to head out in the field and find information on the boss just like we always have. Then when it comes to fighting the boss itself, we need to see what its weaknesses are and plan our attack based on that."

Ashtry- Agreed.

Kiyo- But wouldn't that make the raids against the boss smaller?

"Yes, however, we would be more effective going into the battle with players who can hit the weak spots while not risking the lives of players who would only be there as damage sponges."

Kiyo- Makes sense.

Just as we were about to finish our food, Kirito and Asuna walked in with a member of the Assault Army. They spotted us and quickly moved our way.

Kirito- Kazzu, Ashtry, Kiyo, sorry to interrupt.

Asuna- We found this member of the Army looking for you. He has something to report.

"Alright then. What's going on?"

Assault Army Member #1- There have been sightings of a bright white light deep in the forest on this floor. Scouts have been trying to find where the light came from, but we haven't succeeded.

"Was there a sign of a monster?"

Assault Army Member #1- No sir, but our scouts did report seeing footprints in the dirt. The tracks look human sir.

"Thank you, you're dismissed."

The Assault Army member gave off a bow and left the inn.

"A bright light... Human tracks... no player discovered... if worse comes to worse it could be my father."

Kirito- Then we should go check it out right now!

Asuna- If it really is your dad, we need to capture him!

Ashtry- Maybe we could find out why we can't leave, even after you bested him.

Kiyo- And then make him set us free.

"Let's go!"

Equipping my gauntlets while the rest of them equipped their gear, we all set out towards the forest area.

November 8, 2024

Floor 76: Verdant Plains Forest

As Kiyo and Kirito slashed through another plant monster, the group pushed on.

Kiyo- Those plant things are creepy.

Asuna- Right? They make me want to give up gardening.

Kirito- It's not like plants are monsters in real life.

"The Venus Fly Trap begs to differ."

We all chuckled as we went deeper into the forest, noticing the footprints the Assault Army member had mentioned.

"Seems we found the tracks..."

Kirito pulled out his swords while the others kept a steady hand on their weapons. I raised my fists up in a defensive stance as we continued forward. Footprint by footprint, we kept following the trail until we reached its end. We all looked up to see, not my father, but a blonde female with small glowing green wings on her back.

A fairy?

The blonde turned around and noticed us. Instead of acting scared however, she focused in on Kirito and ran up to him holding his hands tightly.

Fairy- Is it you, big brother?

Kirito- B-big brother!? But...

Fairy- I finally found you! Big brother!

The girl then pulled Kirito in for a hug, a tight one, as Kirito and Asuna were left astounded.

Big brother... then this must be...

Flashback

February 24, 2024

Floor 47: Hill of Memories

Kirito- Well... I call her my little sister but she's really my cousin.

Kirito- Our grandfather was really strict. When I turned eight, he made us take a local class at a kendo dojo.

Kirito- My sister stood up to him and told him to stop beating me, even promising to train harder for the both of us.

Present Day

I looked at the fairy now embracing Kirito and cautiously put my gauntlets away, walking up her and smiling.

"Sorry to bother you two, but could you please let Kirito go for a second?"

Fairy- Oh! Yea, sorry!

She released Kirito as he took a step back and caught his breath. The fairy then looked at me in amazement.

Fairy- Wait! You're... You're Kazzu Akihiko! Oh my god, I'm one of your biggest fans!

The fairy suddenly grabbed me in a tight hug. I did nothing as I nervously looked at Ashtry, who had a cocky smile on her face while Kiyo started giggling. After she let me go, I decided it would be better to address the elephant in the room.

"So, you claim to be Kirito's sister, yet here you are looking like a fairy. Is this how you look in real life?"

Kirito- No... this is something else.

Fairy- Oh come on, big brother. It's me, Suguha Kirigaya!

Kirito eyes widened as she pronounced her full name. Surely enough, this was his sister.

Fairy- Do you believe me now?

Kirito- Sugu...

Fairy- Well... technically right now I'm Leafa. That's my avatars name.

"Leafa..."

Kirito- Well... Leafa... even though I'm happy to see you again, what are you doing here!?

Leafa- Well that's... a bit of a long story...

"We have time."

Leafa- So... six months after Sword Art Online was launched, a company called "RECT Progress Inc." released a new FullDive virtual reality console called the "AmuSphere". Along with the AmuSphere came another VRMMORPG called "ALfheim Online" or ALO for short. ALfheim was the game I was currently playing when I suddenly started glitching out and teleported here. The next thing I know, I'm in Sword Art Online and the rest is history."

"So, you only just now showed up?"

Leafa- Yep! You know what that means? It means, as of today, I'm a Sword Art Online player as well! I get to play this game with both my big brother and my idol!

"Idol?"

Leafa- Yea! You helped built this game and its world. I was so sad when I couldn't get a copy.

"You were lucky to not get a copy..."

Leafa- Hm? What do you...? Oh... You're talking about the deaths aren't you...?

"Yes. You do know what happens to a player when their health reaches zero right?"

Kirito- Game over...

Asuna- Both in game...

Ashtry- And in real life...

Kiyo- No coming back...

"Understand Leafa, that the method of which you got here are very strange. If what you say is true, then no matter what FullDive console is used, players could still end up trapped in here. If that's the case, the death toll could more than likely exceed the original ten thousand players of Sword Art Online."

Leafa- I see... but... you and my brother are going to clear this game, right? With you two on the front line, nothing can stop you! I mean, you've survived this long! And now, that I'm here. I'm going to help you as much as I possibly can!

Leafa sent over a friend request to all of us. Kirito and Asuna pressed accept almost immediately while Ashtry and Kiyo held off for a bit.

Ashtry- It would be nice to have another member of Kirito's family with us.

Kiyo- I remember Kirito saying something about kendo classes, meaning she must be great with a sword.

They both looked at each other and nodded, hitting accept at the same time. Leafa turned her gaze towards me, still looking down at the friend request. I looked back up at her and smiled.

"If my family and friends trust you, then who am I to say no to Kirito's sister? Welcome aboard Leafa."

I hit accept as her name entered my friends list. As Leafa was cheering with joy, I opened the friends list and pressed her name.

Leafa, Level 69

HP: 21228/21228

Attack: 99

Defense: 268

Strength: 79

Vitality: 116

Agility: 125

Dexterity: 121

One Handed Sword: 0/1000

So even though she's from a different game, her skills are also erased. Her level seems a little low for these floors, but we can have someone help here out when we get back to town.

Just as we were about to head back into town, the same Assault Army member found us again.

Assault Army Member #1- I'm sorry to once again bother you sir but there's another issue back in town.

"What is it?"

Assault Army Member #1- It's better to see for yourself sir. The only thing I can say is that the sky is cracking back in town.

I looked at my group and we all nodded in agreement as we rushed back into town with Leafa joining us, a new member of the group.

November 8, 2024

Floor 76: Arc Sophia

We all rushed back into town as a crowd was forming. Looking up at the sky, there was indeed a yellow glitching crack lingering.

Again with that damn glitch... what is going on!?

Before anyone could say anything, the crack grew bigger and configured itself into a giant circle. From that circle, something or rather someone started to slowly descend from it. They looked like they were laying on their back.

Asuna- Is that... a person?

Leafa- I could grab her if my wings worked in this game! What do we do?

Ashtry- Kazzu...

I said nothing as the unidentified person started to quickly fall to the ground as the glitch disappeared.

Shit!

I bolted forward towards the crowd, who were standing there in shock as the body kept falling.

"Make room! Make room!"

The crowd noticed me running towards them and quickly moved out of the way, allowing me to jump under them and catch them bridal style before they could hit the ground. Looking down at them, I noticed that the person was, yet again, another female. This female, however, was wearing grass green armor with red and gold decals. Her hair was brown and almost barely touched her shoulders. She slowly stirred awake as I gently set her down on the ground, kneeling beside her. She looked at me with confused eyes.

"Hey... are you ok?"

Female- Y-yes... I... I don't know...

"It's ok, the last thing that happened to you was you falling from the sky. Do you remember how you got here?"

She shook her head as she slowly sat up, meeting me at eye level.

Female- I can't remember anything before I got here. Nothing at all... Even though you say I fell out of the sky, I can't tell if you're telling the truth or not...

"Then how about your name? Do you at least remember your name?"

Female- I do in the real world but... I don't know how to check here...

"Let me help you, follow my movements."

I swiped my right hand down to where my menu popped up. She followed my movements as her appeared in front of her, I pointed towards the stats button and she pressed it, looking through it quickly to try and find her name.

Female- "Sinon"... That's what it says here...

"Does that seem like something you would put down?"

Sinon- Maybe... I can't...

"It's ok. We'll get you to a bed where you can rest. We can chat afterwards, ok?"

She said nothing as she slowly nodded her head. Asuna and Kirito helped her up and escorted her back to Agil's.

First a fairy and now an amnesiac...

My ear twitched and I shot my gaze backward, looking around frantically only to see Ashtry, Leafa and Kiyo.

Ashtry- Kazzu?

Kiyo- You ok Papa?

"Sorry I just keep having this feeling..."

Leafa- What feeling? Are we being watched?

"Maybe..."

Ashtry- What do we...?

"Ashtry, take Kiyo, Sinon and Leafa back to Agil's. I'm going to take a walk."

Getting the hint, Ashtry nodded her head and gestured Kiyo and Leafa to follow her.

Alright, you want to play these games stalker? Let's play.

Starting from the town square, I walked over to the shopping district, checking my surroundings and focusing in on anything that could be a threat. I felt a weird feeling crawl up my back.

Yep, I'm being watched... now where are they?

Walking back towards the town square, I noticed the weird feeling go away as I once again checked my surroundings.

It stopped...? Was I just imagining it? I'm in town so I can't be attacked without the system kicking in, but with how unstable it is currently I would rather not test my luck.

I spotted an alleyway nearby and took a deep breath.

Into the spider's web I go.

I walked down the alleyway, the weird feeling coming back even harder than before. I stopped right at an intersection of multiple alleys and closed my eyes.

There you are!

I turned around fast and reached my hand around a corner, grabbing onto someone's arm as the let out a little gasp.

"I don't know what you think you're doing, but if you want something from me, come out and say it."

A moment of silence filled the air and was broken by a small feminine giggle.

?- Oh, well... you noticed me huh? I would expect nothing from my master...

Master?

I loosened my grip and took a step back as the mystery woman walked around the corner, presenting herself. She had lavender hair which goes down to the base of her neck with two long strands on either side of her head which go down to the top of her breasts. She had two freckles on her left breast inside her cleavage. Her eyes were red violet. She was wearing a lilac-color, strapless dress with a black piece of fabric going across the breasts and down to her stomach, below an intricate coat with plum stockings with whorls etched on.

Mystery Woman- Hello Master!

"We haven't met before. Why are you calling me Master?"

Mystery Woman- You're so silly! You don't recognize me? I'm Strea, Master!

My eyes widened. I took a step back and looked at her shocked.

"S-Strea!? How is...? How are...?"

Strea- It's been such a long time Master... I thought I was never going to see you again...

I walked up to her and extended a hand out towards her cheek. She smiled and rested her head in my palm. She was here... she was real...

"Strea..."

Strea- I was so scared after me and Yui were absorbed... I honestly thought I was going to die... but now I'm here... and I can see you... the real you... Master...

I said nothing as I pulled my hand back, still looking at her amazed.

Both Strea and Yui were trapped inside the Cardinal System, but now are confirmed to be alive... Could it be possible to reach the Cardinal System itself?

Strea- Master, are you ok?

"Yea, I'm fine... I was just thinking..."

Strea- What about?

"Well, for starters, why were you following me? If you knew who I was, why not just come out and talk to me?"

Strea- Oh, that? I was just curious, so I thought I'd observe you for a while. After yesterday and today, I can 100% confirm that you are indeed my master: Kazuhito Akihiko!

I chuckled as she used my full name, I was surprised that she knew it, let alone was standing in front of me.

"Well, I would hope you'd know me, you have a stealth skill that is more than a match for my searching skill."

Strea- Well it's true. I've got a few tricks hidden in my sleeve. But... I must apologize...

"Apologize? For what?"

Suddenly, Strea shot forward towards me and pulled me in a deadly bear hug. If she held on any tighter, I'm sure my spine would break.

"Strea! Too tight!"

Strea- I'm sorry Master! I have been wanting to do this for so long and now I can!

"And that's fine just please loosen up a bit please! It's getting hard to breathe!"

Completely ignoring my plea, Strea buried her head into my chest and giggled.

Strea- Are you free right now? We could go grab a drink at the cafe if you'd like!

"If it sets me free, then yes!"

My wish was granted as she let go of me, allowing me to take a deep breath and regain air flow into my lungs. Strea then grabbed my hand and ran towards Agil's shop.

Damn... this is going to be difficult to explain to everyone.

Finding seats back in Agil's shop, we sat there in silence as Strea was swinging her feet like a child waiting for someone to take our order.

Ok... the crowd is picking up and no one is around... maybe this can go by fast so I can explain to everyone what is going on without looking like I'm cheating on Ashtry...

Agil- Uh... hey... Kazzu...

Damn it...

"Hey Agil."

Strea- Hello sir!

Agil- Who's your friend here?

"Oh! This is Strea, Strea meet Agil. He owns this shop."

Strea- Oh that's cool! I bet you make mad profits out of this place.

Agil- Well I try my best. What can I get started for you two?

Strea- Can I have some milky tea please?

"I'll take a café au lait please?"

Agil- Sure thing, I'll get it to you as soon as possible.

Agil nodded at me and I smiled.

Thank God he didn't assume anything. The sooner I get this over with, the sooner I can explain.

A few seconds later, Agil came back with our drinks. Setting them down on the table, he gave us both a small bow and left. I took a sip of my coffee, needing the energy to handle this situation.

Strea- So Master, how's the cafe au lait?

"It's good. But can you please stop calling me Master? I'm not your master."

Strea- But of course you are! You're Kazuhito Akihiko and you created me, therefore you are my master."

Christ help me.

Strea- I'll let you have some of my tea if I try your coffee, Master. So, can I?

"Sure... be my guest..."

Strea took one tiny sip from my cup and immediately started to explode with joy.

Strea- Oh, it's sweeter than I thought it would be! I though coffee was always bitter. I've got a bit of a sweet tooth, you know.

"No Strea, I don't. We met two minutes ago. Plus, if you like it that much you can have it, my treat."

Strea- Really!? No need to tell me twice!

I thought we could catch up and I would be able to ask how she came here or how both her and Yui were able to interact with players without the Cardinal System interfering, but she's not focused on that.

"Strea, can we stop beating around the bush for a second?"

Strea- Of course Master. What's up?

"I want to know when you first arrived in this world. Last I remember, Yui told me that both you and her weren't allowed to interact with the players at all, but now you are both here without a single error occurring. When did you show up here?"

Strea- Well Yui is an easy explanation. You and Kirito pulled her data out before it could get deleted and placed it in an object. When that object was corrupted, Yui was able to escape without consequence as long as someone converted the item into an object. As for me... I don't know how I got here. I only showed up after you and the Assault Army left the 75th floor.

"Do you remember anything beforehand?"

Strea- Unfortunately no... all I know is who I am, what I am and where I was. The events that happened during my imprisonment is all a blur...

As we were talking, unbeknownst to me, there were multiple pairs of eyes looking our way.

Lisbeth- And who is that?

Ashtry- That's a really good question Lizzie...

Silica- You don't know her either Ashtry?

Ashtry- No, I was just with him a second ago and she was nowhere to be seen. I think Kazzu barely knows her.

Lisbeth- She's not an NPC, is she? Could she be someone who's just made it up from the lower floors?

Silica- But her and Kazzu sure seem to be awfully friendly...

Agil walked up to me and Strea, a worried look on his face.

Agil- Kazzu, I'm sorry to have to do this, but the place is starting to get packed, and we are running low on seats. Could you and your new friend possibly share one?

"You've got to be absolutely mental! If anyone sees us like that, I would be in so much trouble!"

Agil- You've already dug a hole Kazzu!

Strea- Master...? If I may?

Strea stood up and walked over to me, turning her back to me and slowly sitting on my lap.

Strea- Is this ok, Master?

I'm fucked...

Leafa- Whoa! Is she really sitting on Kazzu's lap?

Lisbeth- Wh-What the hell does she think she's doing!?

Ashtry- Interesting...

Kiyo- Mama...? Why is that girl with Papa?

Ashtry- I'm not sure little pup. But your dad has much to explain.

Lisbeth- Oh boy... she's mad.

Ashtry- I'm not mad...

Silica- I'm going over there to have a word with her. There is a line, and it has been crossed!

Klein- I don't see what the big deal is. I mean, if anyone wanted to sit on my lap, you're more than welcome too!

Ashtry- Klein, are you stupid? 

Sachi- If you want something to sit on your lap, get a cat.

Klein- Gah! I was just kidding! Why'd you have to take it so seriously?

Lisbeth- Now, me and Silica are going over there to get Kazzu to tell us what he thinks he's doing.

As I was trying to figure out how to speed things along, Lisbeth approached me with a pissed off look.

If she's here, then others must be right behind her. Like I said, I'm fucked...

Lisbeth- Um, Kazzu? Do you mind?

"Do I mind what?"

The others followed suit, and a bead of sweat rolled down my head. Strea turned her head to those addressing us and gave them a smile.

Strea- Hello, everyone!

Sachi- Kazzu, who is this?

"Her name is Strea. She was the one who was following me around town for the past day and a half."

Ashtry looked at me with her hand on her weapon. I motioned her to remain civil, calming her down enough to listen to the conversation.

Silica- Excuse me!? Just who are you to Kazzu!?

Oh god please no.

Strea- Me and Kazzu? Well, we're close friends. Really close friends.

Why was that answer worse than the one I thought she would say?

Silica- Close friends, you say? And that means you can sit on his lap?

"Agil said that the place was getting too crowded and that he was running low on seats. Before someone asked for a spot we just decided to double up. I wasn't aware she was going to sit on my lap."

Ashtry- I think I understand the situation now.

"You... do?"

Ashtry- Yep. It's just a misunderstanding between everyone. I understand.

Lisbeth- Why do I get the feeling...?

Ashtry- Kazzu, after you're done, could you see me in my room?

"I don't see why not."

I'm so fucked...

Strea- Oh, hey! Can I come too? Ashtry is your lover, isn't she? I want to ask her all about you and your adventures! Oh, that would be so much fun!

Silica- What in the world...?

Sachi- This is getting complicated.

Strea- You know what? Never mind. I've had enough fun for today. I got to meet most of your friends and now we are the best of friends! See you all later!

Strea hopped off my lap and ran towards the exit with a smile on her face. A few more beads of sweat fell down my head as I stood up and looked at my friends.

"Well... uh... that happened..."

Asuna- She's a real social whirlwind huh?

Leafa- What just happened...?

"Listen, I plan on taking responsibility for Strea but just understand that there is nothing like that going on between us."

Kiyo- I believe you Papa!

Kiyo ran up and hugged my leg, which won the favor of the crowd as they all started chucking. I looked at Ashtry and nodded at her, confirming that everything would be explained.

Strea referred me by my avatar name... she didn't call me Master in front of the others... why? Was it out of respect or... is there another reason?

Outside of the shop, Strea was walking around town with her eyes closed and a huge smile on her face.

Strea- I can finally be with you Master. I'm so happy that I can finally be with you!