No one's POV

After Zora had fought with Yuuki, Yuuki brought Zora and Asuna to a tavern and to a table and introduce them to 5 other players.

Yuuki: Hey guys, this is Mister Zora and Miss Asuna. And Mister Zora and Miss Asuna, this is my Guild the Sleeping Knights!

Zora: Nice to meet you all...

Jun: My name's Jun. nice to meet you, Zora, Asuna!

Talken: Hi...Mister Zora and Miss Asuna...I-I'm Talken... is nice to meet you...

Suddenly, one of the girl then hit Talken in the back.

Nori: You really need to get a grip on those nerves Tal... Every time you meet someone new, you turn into a blabbering mess! Anyway, my name is Nori! Glad to meet you!

Suine: My name is Siune! Is wonderful to meet you both! And thank you so much for coming today!

Tecchi: Is a pleasure to meet you both! My name is Tecchi!

Yuuki: And... I'm Yuuki, the leader of this guild!

Yuuki then grabbed Zora's hand and got in Zora's face.

Yuuki: Mister Zora, don't laugh, but see... We want to be the only Guild to beat the floor on this floor, and we want you to help us!

Zora and Asuna blink for a second before looking at them shocked.

Zora and Asuna: HUUH?!

Asuna: That's very ambitious! But a boss raid usually takes at least 64 players. That's 8 parties with 8 players in each. So no matter how skilled you are, with just 8 players, so just to be honest, it's unrealistic!

Yuuki: Yeah...is sort of is, isn't it? We tried taking on the boss on floor 25 and 26 the same way!

Zora: Just the six of you?! That's impressive!

Yuuki: Yup! And if you ask me, we put up a pretty good fight too. But both times, these huge guild swoop in and beat them before we could figure out our next move.

Zora: If you don't mind me asking, why are you doing such things?

Suine: That's a story, it goes back when we met on another game net community... we really hit it off and became friends. But unfortunately, we only have until next spring to go on quest together, since our time is limited, we wanted to make the most of it. You see, come spring we all be busy with other things. So we decided that before we disband the guild, we had to do something so amazing, so unbelievable, that we'll remember it forever.

Asuna: So that's why you wanted to do this boss raid?

Suine: Exactly, if we defeat a boss together, our names will be inscribe on the monument of swordsman... The one in the Town of Beginning, in the Black Iron Palace. I know it's sound silly, and maybe a little vain, but we really want to get our names upon that wall, no matter what. But there's one problem...

Zora: If a boss is defeated by more than a party, they only record the names of the party leaders.

Siune: Correct. That's the catch. If we wants the name of everyone in the Sleeping Knights upon that wall, we have to beat the boss, together, just us, no one else. So we talked it over and came up with a plan, a party can add up to 8 players max...therefore we decided to find someone as strong, or even stronger than our most powerful player...Yuuki. And hope whoever we found, accepted our invitation.

Zora and Asuna looked at Yuuki with a smile as Yuuki got embarrassed by the praising.

Zora: I get it, that's why you were dueling.

Siune: Well, what do you think about joining up with us? We can't pay you very much, but your welcome to what we have.

Suine went to trade Zora some different items and Yuld, but Zora just decline the trade.

Zora: That's okay, a boss raid cost a fortune, so you guys should use your money for that.

Siune: Then you'll join our party?

Zora just smile at them.

Zora: Sure! But on what condition!

Siune: What is it?

Zora then hook his arm around Asuna and smile at them.

Zora: I want my sister here to join up during the raid, so it will be complete with 8 players!

Asuna then look Zora surprised.

Asuna: Huh? What are you saying?

Zora: You're one of the best Mage in ALO I know. So I want you to come with us...

Asuna just looked at Zora surprised, and smile at him.

Asuna: All right! If that's okay with you guys?

Yuuki: Sure! The more the merrier... and...

Yuuki then lunged at Zora out of nowhere and hugged him tightly.

Yuuki: Thank you so much Mister Zora!

Zora just smile by the sudden hug and patted her head.

Zora: Please, just call me Zora!

Asuna: And just call me Asuna!

Yuuki: And you can call me Yuuki!

Asuna: That reminds me, Yuuki, the duel is all about testing players right?

Yuuki: Yup pretty much!

Zora: Than you must've gone a ton of strong players before we showed up. Do you remember ever fighting a spriggan just like me but dress in black? He would have been using a one-handed sword.

Yuuki then thought for a moment.

Yuuki: You know, I do, he was pretty tough.

Asuna: Then, why didn't you ask him to help you out?

Yuuki: I don't know, he just wasn't right!

Asuna: Why not?

Yuuki: He found out my secret... I can't have that...

Asuna looked at Yuuki confused and Zora just stare at her.

Zora:...

They all then exited the tavern and discuss when they were going to meet up.

Zora: Okay, so for tomorrow, how about we meet back here at one>

Everyone: You got it!

Everyone other than Zora and Asuna then logged out and Asuna looked at Zora.

Asuna: So why do you want me to tagged along?

Zora: Is a nice change of pace. And I hope it could clear your mind a bit, you've been so distracted lately.

Asuna then looked at Zora surprised.

Asuna: You did that just for me?

Zora: Yeah, I hope I could help you out!

Asuna couldn't help but smile at him.

Asuna: Thanks Zora!

Zora: No problem... See you tomorrow...

Asuna: See you...

Zora then logged out from the game and Asuna just continued to smile, when suddenly she got disconnected from the server and she looked completely shocked and woke up in reality and saw that her mother had unplugged her AmuSphere.

Asuna: What the? Mom what are you doing?

Kyouko then pointed her finger at a clock and saw that it past her dinner time.

Kyouko: Last month when you're late for dinner. I told you that it better not happen again! And here we are, your late because of that game so you lose your privileges.

Asuna: I just lost track of time, that's my fault, and I'm sorry. But you don't have to go and pull off the plug on me like that! You could have shaken me or yelled at my ear! I would have got an alert in game and I could-

Kyouko: I tried that approached before, but it took you 5 minute to snap from it, remember?

Asuna: Well yeah, I had to say goodbye to everyone before I log-

Kyouko: Don't give me that! What you do in some stupid virtual game, does not take priority on your commitment in the real world! Ever!

Asuna just looked down saddened.

Asuna: I'm sorry... I'll be more careful next time.

Kyouko: This will be your last warning. If you break your word to me because of that thing again, I'm confiscating it!

Asuna then looked at her mother completely shocked.

Kyouko: I have no Idea what's going on in that head of yours. You lost 2 years of your life because of that infernal machine, and you could have died. How can you even stand to look at it?

Asuna: This isn't the NerveGear, Mother!

Kyouko then told Asuna to come downstair and eat, but she refused and Kyouko just walked out of the room in frustration and she got dress and head out towards the park and just looked at her phone and let down a slip of tears.

???: You look like you're about to start a music video.

Asuna then looked up surprised to see Sora standing in front of her as saw that he was smiling at her.

Asuna: Sora? What are you still doing out?

Sora: I could say the same to you, but Kotone invited me to have dinner with her along with her parents, and before I head home, I stock up some groceries for Kazuto and Sugu.

Asuna: I see...

Sora then saw Asuna is looking down and Sora grabbed a can of coffee and gave it to her and she took it to warm up her hand and Sora sat next to her.

Asuna: Thank you...

Sora: No problem...

Asuna then laid her head on his shoulder and Sora saw that she had multiple tears on her eyes and he spoke up.

Sora: Another fight with your mom?

Asuna: Yeah... I was late for dinner again, and she didn't even let me logged out! She just ripped off my Amusphere. She doesn't understand...

Sora: Your right, she doesn't! But at the same time, I don't think you understand her either...

Asuna: Huh?

Sora: From where I see it. Your mother doesn't seem to be a bad person, she just wants you to be successful in life. Maybe her way of approaching is a bit wrong, but in the end, she's looking out for your best interest.

Asuna: I see where your getting at.

Sora: That being said, I think you should also fight to get your point across...

Asuna: Huh? What do you mean?

Sora then rubbed Asuna's head that was still resting on his shoulder and he continued to smile.

Sora: Your mother seem to hate the VR World since it trapped us in SAO for 2 years, that is understandable at this point. But, if you really want your mother to understand, then show her... Like they say, "Actions speaks louder than words".

Asuna: Show her... Yeah. I understand! Thanks, Sora!

Asuna then hugged Sora tightly and Sora hugged her back and kiss her forehead.

Sora: Your welcome!

Asuna: I couldn't ask for a better younger brother than you! I love you so much!

Sora: I love you too, Big Sis!

Sora and Asuna then broke the hug and smile at one another.

Sora: It's getting late. Come one, I'll drive you home.

Asuna: Thank you, I appreciate it!

Both Sora and Asuna then walked at Sora's motorcycle and Sora handed Asuna a spare of helmet and she took it before getting on and Sora starte to drove Asuna to her home, and during the ride, Asuna put her hand around Sora's waist as she hugged him tightly with a smile on her face.

Asuna(mind): I've decided... I'll fight for the things I love and things I want to protect. I'll show my mom that I want to be with them forever.

(Timeskip)

The next day, Zora logged into ALO, he met up with Asuna along with the Sleeping Knights at the same tavern, to discuss their plan.

Yuuki: Sounds like a good line up. Right?

Zora: Sure is..

Asuna: So Yuuki, Zora, Jun, and Tecchi are up front. Then Talken and Nori are the mid range, and Siune you and I are the backup!

Zora: Alright, let's go take on the boss!

Everyone: Yeah!

After they were all prepared with their items and equipment, Zora, Asuna, and the Sleeping Knights all headed for the dungeon of floor 27 and they all started to make their way through, clearing out enemies and as they went further ahead, both Zora and Asuna stood at the back.

Asuna: What a team. I wonder if they really need us after all?

Zora: I can't believe you guys tearing through the dungeon so easily. You guys make a pretty good team.

Yuuki then smiled at them and ran ahead when she saw the boss room.

Yuuki: It's the boss room, come on!

As Yuuki was running, Zora and Asuna realized something.

Zora: Yuuki, wait!

Yuuki then stopped and looked at Zora confused and Asuna used some magic spell and the spell hit some nearby pillar and three players using some illusion magic appeared and Zora saw what guild their own and narrow his eyes.

Sylph player: Whoa! Wait hang on! We're not here to fight you!

Zora: Then lower your weapons!

The players quickly lower their weapons and Asuna whisper towards Siune.

Asuna: Keep your eyes on them, and if they make a move for their weapons, hit them with an Aqua Bind spell.

Siune: You got it! This is our first ever PvP in ALO, it's kinda thrilling!

Zora and Asuna looked at her with a smile before looking back at the players.

Zora: If you're not Pkers, then why were you hiding from us?!

Sylph player: We were waiting for someone! We were hiding cause, we didn't want to get hit with a mob before our friends got here.

Asuna: All right then! We're here to take on the boss. So if you're not ready to enter yet, we like to take a crack at it first!

Sylph player: No, that's cool!

Zora and the others then walked past the players and went towards the boss room, and as they were walking, the Sylph player spoke up.

Sylph: We'll just hang here...You know, till our buddy show up, and watch your backs in there... good luck!

The players then once again use an illusion spell to conceal themselves and both Zora and Asuna narrow their eyes.

Jun: Don't give those dudes a second thought. Come one let's do this!

Yuuki then looked at Zora and Asuna concern and Zora put his hand on her shoulder and smile at her.

Zora: Don't worry, let's just stick to the plan and have a look inside, okay?

Yuuki: Okay!

Jun: Instead of just scouting it out, let's bust in there and trash the boss...

Asuna: If you want to try, go for it!

Zora: Just make sure not to use your expensive potion to recover. Asuna and Siune would support us with their healing spells, so fight hard, but not to hard!

Jun: Right on, coach!

Asuna then jokingly flick Jun's forehead as the others just laugh at him.

Asuna: Listen up, if you die, don't respawn right away. Just hang out, and study the boss attack pattern. Then let's meat back at the Lombard save point and talk about what we learn, okay?

Everyone: Roger that!

(Timeskip)

After being beaten by the boss, everyone then teleported back to town.

Nori: Geez! We got our butts kick! What kind of attack was that?! That's got to be against the rules!

Tecchi: That boss sure knows how to defend itself. Do you think those defensive moves could've been random?

Yuuki then looked down saddened.

Yuuki: And we fought so hard too...

Zora and Asuna didn't say anything and Zora grabbed Yuuki's hand and walked up to everyone.

Zora: Come here guys! Gather around!

Asuna: I know you guys are tired but we need to talk!

They all looked confused and gathered around Zora and Asuna.

Zora: Remember those three guys standing by the boss room?

Siune: Sure, why?

Asuna: They were scout from the guild that specializes in boss raids. If another guild tries to hit the boss room, their job is to sit back and watch. The boss you try to raid on the previous floor and the one before that, I have a feeling they were there too.

Siune: We had no idea they were even there...

Zora: They didn't get in our way, or try to stop us, so they are definitely spies, all they want is intel. And when a small guild like the Sleeping Knights comes along to take on the boss, we're helping them figuring out it's attack pattern and weaknesses.

Talken: B-But wait a sec, the door shut behind us when we were inside, and they definitely didn't follow us, so if they can't see us fighting the boss, how are they gonna gather any intel on it?

Zora: That's what I thought at first, It wasn't until the battle's final stage that I noticed a tiny gray lizard scampering around near Jun's feat, that's when I realized I let my guard down to soon. That was a Dark Spell called "Peeping". A curse which attaches a familiar to another player and steel their sights...

Yuuki: So what your saying is, after we got hammered by the boss on floor 25 and 26, that other guild swoop in and beaten them, that wasn't a coincidence?

Asuna: There's no question about it. You six gave it everything you had and exposed all of the boss's moves. That's how they were able to launch their raids.

Siune: They use us again, now they know everything about this boss too, they're probably in there taking it down!

Yuuki looked down saddened and gritted her teeth and Zora patted her head.

Zora: Easy guys! Don't count out us just yet!

Yuuki: But what can we do about it now?!

Zora: Simple, it's 2:30 pm in the real world, at this time on day and on such short notice, it will be hard to find enough players for a raid party. At the very least, it should take an hour. So we're taking our shot before that!

Asuna: That's why, we're going to end this meeting in another 5 minutes and go back to that boss room in the next thirty! Okay?

Everyone looked at Zora and Asuna surprised and Yuuki started smiling happily.

Yuuki: All right!

(Timekip)

After finishing their meeting, everyone made it back to the boss room and they saw a large group of players already waiting there.

Yuuki: Crap! We're to late!

Asuna: Don't worry, they won't advance with only 20 players. We should have enough time for one more try before the rest show up!

Yuuki: You think?

Asuna then walked up to them and they looked at Asuna.

Asuna: Excuse me. We like to try the boss before you do. Could you guys let us past?

Player: Sorry. Right now, this is a dead end.

Zora then walked up to them as well.

Zora: Why is that?

Players: It means, in a couple minutes, the rest of the guild is gonna roll up here. We're just holding the room till they do. If you want, you can wait over there.

Zora: And how long do you expect us to wait?

Player: Well... An hour or so, should I say?

Asuna: We don't have time to wait around that long! If you were about to go in there now, it would be a different story. But if you can't, then let us go first!

Player: Don't look at me. My hands are tied, all right? Since it's an order from the higher ups. If you have a complaint, go to Guild Headquarters and talk it over with them.

Zora: In your dreams! Why would we have to wait around for you guys if we could just take it on first!

Yuuki then walked up towards Asuna and Zora.

Yuuki: Hey big guy. Just trying to figure things out here. So no matter how nice we ask, your not gonna let us get by you, is that what your saying?

Player: Yeah, that's it, that's pretty much what I'm saying!

Yuuki: Okay, if that's what your saying.

Yuuki then smile at them.

Yuuki: You want to fight?

Player: Huh?

Everyone then looked at Yuuki surprised and Zora couldn't help but smile at her.

Asuna: But Yuuki...are you sure?

Yuuki: Asuna...sometimes you got to fight to get your point across. You know, like how dead serious you are about something. Just saying...

Yuuki then looked behind towards Asuna and smile and Asuna looked at her surprised and looked at Zora who was smiling at her.

Zora: Like I say, "Actions speaks louder than words"! These folks knows exactly what Yuuki's talking about, they look like the serious type. We could chopped the way all day, and they defend this room to the last player! Am I right, Big guy?

All of the players then back down a bit.

Player: Uh...We got orders to...

Zora then walked next to Yuuki and the two of them unsheathed their swords, with Zora now dual wielding.

Yuuki: Come on... Draw your sword!

The players then drew out their swords and went to attacked Yuuki, but she just used the Sword Skill "Vertical Square" and sent the Player back and the other players all drew their weapons.

Player: You little punk! I'm gonna make you pay for that!

Asuna looked at them surprised and remember what Zora's word went they met at the park yesterday.

Asuna(mind): Yeah... both of them are right.

Asuna then unequipped her wand and equipped her rapier and walked up next to them and Asuna smile at them and they smile back at her.

Nori: Hey you guys!

Everyone then looked back and saw a huge Players from their guild came from behind.

Asuna(mind): If only I hadn't been so indecisive...

Yuuki: Sorry, Zora, Asuna, my big mouth caught you into this mess...but it was totally worth it. Do you know why, cause just now, I saw the best smile I've ever seen on you, Asuna.

Asuna and Zora couldn't help but smile at her.

Asuna: In that case, I'll start pulling my weight.

Zora: Don't worry, we're going to be alright!

Yuuki and Asuna looked at Zora confused and smirked and looked back at the massive group of players, 2 players dress in black and blue past through all of them and landed on the path in front of them.

???: Sorry guys.

The figure dress in black then plant his sword at the ground and the figure dress in blue drew out her dagger and it was Kirito and Philia.

Kirito: This place is a dead end...

Asuna: Kirito! Philia!

Zora: Took you guys long enough!

Philia: Zip it, Zora! You gave us a message out of nowhere and told us to rush here in an instant!

Zora: You have a point there!

Player: You sure you want to do this? It's a bad idea. I doubt that the two of you can take on a player this big.

Kirito: Yeah maybe.

Philia: Well, there is only one way to find out for sure!

Player: It's both of your funeral. Okay people, you heard them. Mages, let them have it!

The Mage then started chanting and Asuna looked at them worried and saw that both Kirito and Philia was smiling at her and nodded their head.

The Mages then fire their spell and Philia stepped back and Kirito took out his sword from the ground and charged up the Sword Skill "Nova Ascension" and deflect all the on coming attack and everyone other than Zora looked completely shocked.

Yuuki: No... Way...

Talken: He cut through spells...

Tecchi: But that's impossible!

Player: How'd you do that?

Kirito: Easy, compare to a bullet from a high-power rifle. Knocking down high-speed spell is nothing.

Player: Oh crap! G-Get into battle formation!

They all get into formation and the Mages started chanting again and Philia spoke up to the rest.

Philia: We'll hold them off for 6 minutes! While we're doing that, you guys head for the Boss Room!

Kirito: And it's time...

Kirito then went into his menu and equipped his Excalibur Sword and all the players looked at them scared.

Kirito: It's time I get serious as well...

Player: Hold your ground! There's only 2 of them!

???: Not even!

Everyone looked back and saw Klien from behind slashing and killing multiple players and Asuna looked at them surprised.

Asuna: Klien's here too?

Asuna then looked at Yui and Rio as the two of them gave a thumbs up and she smile at them.

Asuna(mind): Thank you, Yui, Rio! Thank you, Klien! Thank you, Philia, Kirito! I love you guys!

Kirito, Philia, and Klien went to take on the players reinforcement and both Asuna and Zora then looked back at Yuuki.

Zora: My friends will take care of those players! We'll get through the one that is blocking us!

Yuuki: Got it!

Zora along with Yuuki and Asuna and the rest of the Sleeping Knights started to take on other players.

But they saw that the players constantly being healed by the mages in the back.

Yuuki: Hey! No fair!

Zora: Asuna! You know what to do!

Asuna nodded her head and stepped back and got into stance for a rushed and Zora spoke up.

Zora: Everyone get clear!

Yuuki: Huh? Zora!

Yuuki then looked back and saw Asuna were rushing forwards using the Sword Skill "Linear" and speed blitzed past everyone and landed in front of the enemies mages.

Mages: Th-The Berserk Healer!

Asuna the used a Sword Skill and killed the Mages and everyone managed to beat the rest of the guild and they all walked towards the boss room.

Zora: Alright guys! The hard part is next! Come on, let's get that boss!

Everyone: Right!

Everyone then made their way inside the boss room and they all saw Kirito and the others were holding off the massive guild and Yuuki looked at Zora and Asuna with a sad look.

Yuuki: Zora...Asuna... those three just now... Did they come to help us get inside?

Asuna and Zora just smile at them.

Asuna: Yes. Let's repay their kindness by telling them our boss raids was successful!

Yuuki: But... We've been getting so much help from the both of you and your friends, Zora...Asuna...

Zora then walked up towards Yuuki and patted her head.

Zora: You already did. Me meeting you all has already been the greatest gift I could have ask for. I wouldn't want anything else in return. This is our last chance! And Yuuki, when this battle is over, I want you to tell me all about yourself, I want to know all the world you've been to. And all of the adventures you had.

Yuuki looked at Zora surprised and smile at him and Siune went to close the door and as the door was closing, Kirito called out to Zora.

Kirito: Zora!

Zora then looked back and saw Kirito giving him a peace sign and Zora smile at him and nodded his head.

Zora: You got it! Thanks a lot, Bro!