Sword Art Online: Aincrad's Hollow Fragment

November 30, 2024

Floor 76: Arc Sophia

I woke up slowly and pulled the menu down to check the time, which was six in the morning. Looking over, I smiled as both Ashtry and Kiyo were once again asleep next to me. Not wanting to wake them up, I silently moved out of bed and grabbed my gear.

As much as I don't want to worry them, I just want to clear my head. Today is a day I don't want to be made important.

Today was my birthday. 18 years old now and fully considered an adult. I didn't really feel any different than before. It was just another day with no important meaning. Well, at least not to me. After the game launched two years ago, I never really cared about celebrating my birthday. Not because I didn't like celebrating it but because I wanted to focus on clearing the floors and not waste anytime celebrating a day that most people didn't care about.

"I'll celebrate my birthday in my own way..."

I quietly left Agil's Shop and proceeded to head outside of town, unbeknownst to me, someone was listening in on me.

Strea- Master...

Two hours pass as Ashtry and Kiyo start to stir awake. They both looked around to see me not in bed.

Ashtry- Kazzu...?

Kiyo- Papa? Where are you?

Ashtry pulled down her menu and checked my position on her map. A smile came to her face as she ruffled Kiyo's hair.

Ashtry- Don't worry little cub. He is just out in the field hunting monsters. He should be back soon.

Kiyo- I wish he would've told us. I wanted to go with him.

Ashtry- He probably woke up early and couldn't go back to sleep. Nothing to blame him for.

Kiyo- I know...

They both shared a hug and went to the bathroom to share a bath and clean themselves up. After a while, they went downstairs where Agil had his usual morning crowd along with the rest of our friends. Ashtry and Kiyo looked surprised, walking towards the group with a smile.

Kiyo- Morning everyone!

Ashtry- What brings you all...?

Lisbeth- When were you going to tell us!?

Ashtry- Tell you all what?

Silica- The importance of today!

Ashtry- Today...?

Kiyo- Oh no! Mama, I forgot! Today is Papa's birthday!

Ashtry widened her eyes as she face palmed herself in disappointment.

Ashtry- Damn it... I knew I was forgetting something...

Klein- Damn, so it's the big kids' birthday huh? How old is he now? Got to be 20 now, right?

Ashtry- No, he turned 18 today.

Klein- 18!?

Agil- Are you sure? I honestly took him for a 20-year-old before.

Lisbeth- That... would make things complicated between him and Ashtry.

Sinon- I was kind of on the same boat as Agil and Klein. He acts very mature for his age.

Klein- Hey! I'm mature!

Sachi- You're about as mature as an infant baby Klein.

Klein- Ouch...

Kirito- Back to the topic at hand...

Asuna- What are we going to do? We have to celebrate his birthday in a special way! Where is he?

Ashtry- Out in the field, hunting monsters.

Leafa- Well then let's go...

Yui- Maybe we shouldn't...

Kiyo- Yui?

Ashtry- Why shouldn't we?

Yui- During the time I spent in purgatory, I noticed that on this specific day, Kazzu makes any and all effort to distract himself away from his date of birth.

Silica- He doesn't celebrate his birthday?

Leafa- How come?

Yui- He describes it as "focusing on clearing the game" but I believe there is something more.

Kirito- Something more?

Asuna- Like what Yui?

Yui- I observed that he would always be lost in thought on this date. He seems to be thinking hard about something and as a result, he blocks himself away from everyone.

Kiyo- She has a point... I remember one day where Kazzu ordered me to find food and resources for the orphanage alone. At first, I was happy to take my 1st mission alone but looking back on it, he may have wanted to be alone.

Sinon- So something is keeping him from wanting to celebrate his birthday...

Agil- It seems like it...

Klein- But shouldn't we try to celebrate it with him? Maybe he'll like our company?

Lisbeth- You heard Yui... even if we try to celebrate with him, he will just block us out.

Silica- Kazzu wouldn't do that intentionally...

Sachi- Maybe we could celebrate it tomorrow?

Kirito- No...

Kirito stood up and looked at the group with a serious, determined smile.

Kirito- Today is Kazzu's birthday and I refuse to let him spend it alone. We are going to give him the best birthday ever!

Ashtry- Kirito...

Leafa- How do you propose we do that?

Kirito- Alright, here's what I have in mind...

November 30, 2024

Floor 76: Verdant Plains

Using my sword to slash through another giant bee creature, I looked back as the area I had just cleared out was refilled with more bees, spawning in in groups of two or three. Sighing, I readied another sword skill, prepared to engage in battle yet again until a message appeared in my menu. Taking a second to breathe, I opened my menu and looked at the message.

"It's from Yui..."

It read: "Dear Kazzu, me and the others have something planned for you today. I know you don't like celebrating your birthday but if you would please indulge us for today, we would like to try and give you a great birthday! :)"

Figures Yui would know when my birthday is... I'm not mad about it though... Perhaps....

Letting out another sigh and smiling, I responded back to her, informing her that I would accept her proposal. A few seconds later another message popped up: "Thank you so much Kazzu! I promise you won't regret it! Ok, we have it set up in a way where you have to go to destinations. Your first destination is the residential area in the parlor by Agil's shop!"

"Ok Yui... let's celebrate..."

Walking back to town and ignoring the respawning enemies, I was ready for whatever Yui had planned for me.

November 8, 2024

Floor 76: Arc Sophia

Following Yui's instructions, I found myself waiting in the parlor next to Agil's store. I wasn't sure who to look out for until an unidentified object landed on my head and covered my eyes.

"What the hell?"

I heard small giggling behind me as I reached up for my head, the feeling of soft feathers tingling my fingers as the object started to squawk.

Pina- Skrawww...

I smiled as I gently picked Pina up and started to gently pet her. Her squawks growing louder as she melted in my arms. I chuckled and turned my head around slowly to see the Beast Tamer herself giving me a huge grin.

Silica- Happy Birthday Kazzu!

"Thanks you two, but you didn't have to do anything for me.

Silica- Nonsense! Today is a special day!

Not really...

Silica- Anyways...

She took a seat next to me and handed me a small flat box wrapped in light blue and red wrapping paper and tied in a yellow bow. I smiled and took the gift, unwrapping it and seeing what was inside. I smiled as I held a hand-woven bracelet with three small feathers attached to them.

"You made this?"

Silica- Yep! I had some help from Pina, she provided the feathers needed to weave the bracelet and top it off with the feathers attached.

I wasted no time placing the bracelet on my right wrist, finding its spot perfectly without sliding.

"It's perfect Silica... thank you so much..."

Silica giggled as she pulled me in for a hug, which I reciprocated. We remained like this for a short time before she pulled away and stood up.

Silica- It was no problem at all! Be ready for the next gift!

"You going to give me the next location?"

Silica- Yep! The next place you need to go is in the shopping district, near the weapon and armor shops. See you Kazzu!

She gave me a final wave and sprinted off. I chuckled as I looked down at the bracelet she made for me.

She must have spent a long time on it... It's actually really pretty...

I smiled as I stood up and walked over to the next location, passing by other players who were just now waking up and getting their breakfast. Entering the shopping district, I realized how quiet it was in the morning as no one wandered around at this hour. I found my way to the weapon and armor shops and looked around. A set of gloved hands covered my eyes, and another giggle came from behind me. I chuckled and gently moved their hands out of my way.

"Based on the gloves, am I right to assume there's a bubblegum haired blacksmith standing behind me?"

Lisbeth- You would be correct Mr. Smarty Pants. Now turn around so I can give you your gift!

"Hm... I think I'll stay facing this way, seeing as you don't want me to look at you otherwise you wouldn't have covered my eyes."

Lisbeth- Oh come on Kazzu! Please?

"Ok, ok. I'm just messing with you Liz."

I turned around with a smirk on my face as Liz handed me yet another flat box. This box however was wrapped in a red and pink wrapping paper topped off by a ruby red bow. I grabbed the gift and unwrapped it, looking inside and finding a necklace with a small anvil attached.

Lisbeth- I had to use some of my spare materials and borrow a nearby blacksmith's shop in order to make that for you. I wanted you to always remember that your exclusive blacksmith will always be with you even if I'm not by your side.

"Liz... That means... so much to me. Thank you..."

Liz gave me a soft smile and stepped closer to me, causing me to blush as she raised her head up slightly and pressed her nose onto mine.

Lisbeth- Boop...

I blushed harder as she pulled away and gave me a bigger smile.

Lisbeth- See you around Kazzu... Happy birthday...

She walked past me and slowly escaped from my field of vision. I rubbed my nose and smirked.

Smooth move Liz...

My smile faded as I face palmed myself. In the heat of the moment, I forgot to ask her where the next location would be. Fortunately, that was answered by another message from Yui appearing on my menu. I opened it up and read: "Those two wanted to hand you their gifts early and in private. Hope you enjoyed! The last location is back in Agil's shop. Oh, and sorry for what daddy is about to do!".

What daddy is about to do? The hell does...?

Before I could finish the thought, a blindfold wrapped itself quickly around my eyes. Two more bits of laughter followed suit as they grabbed me by the arms and guided me in a random direction.

"So, the theme of today is to blind me all day. Whatever gets your boat floating I guess."

Kirito- Sorry Kazzu. We just want everything to be a surprise.

Asuna- And we got a nice one waiting for you!

"Guys seriously... as much as I appreciate this... you didn't have too..."

Kirito- We know...

Asuna- But we wanted too...

We stopped moving after a minute of walking and the blindfold was removed after I heard a door shut behind me. I tried my hardest to look around but the room I was in was pitch black, although I could hear the sounds of giggling and shushing.

"Guys, come on... Enough playing around... Show yourselves..."

The lights flickered on and my group of friends including Sinon, Leafa, Keita and Sachi jumped up as banners and party poppers revealed themselves. The banners reading: "Happy Birthday Kazzu!".

Everyone- Happy birthday Kazzu!

I was taken back a bit at just how happy everyone was until Kiyo ran up to me and hugged me tightly, Ashtry following suit and giving me a softer hug.

Kiyo- Happy birthday Papa!

Ashtry- Happy birthday my love.

"You guys..."

Klein- I hope you are ready to party!

Agil- You can thank Kirito for all of this. This was his idea.

I looked over at Kirito with a small smile as he rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed.

Kirito- I mean... I had to do something to celebrate it with you...

"Kirito... all of you... thank you but..."

My expression turned from happy to sad as I lowered my head and took a seat in a nearby chair. I looked down at the table and tried my best to avoid any eye contact with anyone.

"There's a reason why I don't celebrate today... and it has nothing to do with you guys... I'm really happy that you thought of me like this and I'm sorry to break the happy mood but..."

Ashtry- It's ok my love... whatever's got you so down, we'll understand.

Agil- Yea, we won't make fun of you.

I took a deep breath and looked at everyone with a saddened look on my face.

"I don't celebrate today because today is also the day my mother passed away..."

Everybody's eyes went wide as I stated that, a few of them even holding their hands up to their mouths in shock. I looked back down at the table as I started to explain.

"My mother died during childbirth. My father told me that she was so happy when she realized that she was carrying me in her womb and told me she had great plans for me. She was ready to see me take my first steps, experience my first words and excited to see me grow up into the man I am now..."

Everyone stayed silent as I pointed to my eyes, smiling at everyone as best I could.

"She's the one who gave me these eyes. A genetic trait that she passed down to me. It's the only thing I have of her besides her name..."

Asuna- Do you mind telling us her name?

I swallowed hard as my throat went dry as a tear fell down my cheek, wiped off instantly as Ashtry rubbed her thumb across my face.

"Wakumi Akihiko... the "beautiful spring of water" my father called her."

Leafa- What a pretty name...

Sinon- She sounds lovely...

"If only I knew... I wish she could see me now, just so I can tell her just how much I love her..."

Kirito- Hey man, I'm sure she knows. No matter where she is, I'm sure she's proud of who you are.

"Thank you Kirito..."

Klein- As sad as that story was, let's get rid of the gloomy mood and have a little fun huh?

"Klein's right. I shouldn't bring everyone's mood down. Let's have some fun today!"

Everyone smiled and cheered as we started the party. We spent the next few hours enjoying each other's company, watching me beat everyone at party games and finally getting ready to enjoy a giant cake that both Asuna and Ashtry made.

Ashtry- Alright everyone gather around so we can sing for Kazzu!

Kiyo- Oh yes! Cake!

Lisbeth- Someone say cake!?

Asuna- Hold it you two! Kazzu gets the first slice after we sing.

Kiyo- Aww...

Lisbeth- Fine...

I sat down as the giant triple layered cake was set in front of me. Each layer was colored different with a white layer on the top, pink in the middle and dark brown at the bottom.

Asuna- We didn't know what type of cake you liked...

Ashtry- So we played it safe and put in a mix of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate.

"I'm going to enjoy each and every single flavor. Thank you both."

Asuna- Ok everyone ready?

Everyone- Ready!

Ashtry- Three... two... one!

Everyone- Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Kazzu

Happy birthday to you

From good friends and true

From old friends and new

May good luck go with you

And happiness too

So happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday dear Kazzu

Happy birthday to you

As they finished the song, I stood up and blew out the small candles resting on top of the cake. Everyone started to clap and cheer as Ashtry handed me a small slice of each flavor, allowing me to eat. The cake was sweet and fluffy, tasting like a soft heaven in my mouth.

"Compliments to the chefs. This cake is delicious."

Ashtry- Thank you my prince.

Asuna- We poured our hearts into it.

After cake, we spent a few more hours just relaxing and chatting until people started to get tired and leave. A few stragglers stayed behind to help clean up as Ashtry carried a half-asleep Kiyo back up to our room, leaving me, Yui, Kirito, Sachi and Agil.

"Sugar crash?"

Ashtry- Big time. I'll get her tucked in. I'll see you in a bit, ok?

"Gotcha."

Ashtry left the room as we were making a bit of progress. I smiled at how well today went. I thought I would've despised today but these guys made it worth getting up this morning.

I wish you could see them mother... you would've loved them...

A small tug was felt on my shoulder. I turned around and I saw Sachi looking down at the ground nervous.

"Hey Sachi, what's up?"

Sachi- I just... wanted to... hand you my gift...

"You got me a gift? You didn't need too."

Sachi- I know but I wanted too. Besides, it's more of a return... here...

She held out a small, cubed box to me. I dropped the bag of trash in my hand as I grabbed the gift which was wrapped in light blue and white wrapping paper and topped with a snow-white bow. I opened the gift, and my eyes went wide as I saw the item inside.

"Sachi...

Kirito- Whoa! That's...

Sachi- Back when the item appeared during that Christmas event, I figured that you would try to find it. I was so scared that you would send yourself to death trying to fix a mistake that wasn't your fault. I was so relieved to see your name appear on the players list the next morning and happy to see that the item was sent to me by Kirito.

I looked at Kirito with a shocked look as he once again rubbed his head nervously.

Kirito- You were going through a lot at the time, and they were the first people that came to mind when you chucked the item at me and Klein. It was a little hard to find them as they only had two members.

Sachi- Every day since then, I've checked the player list to make sure you were alive, holding the item in my hand in case the day came where you weren't on the player list anymore. Now... I want you to have it back and use it if anyone of us end up in trouble.

I quickly grabbed Sachi's hands and looked at her seriously, despite the tears forming in my eyes.

"I almost lost you once, I won't lose you again. I won't let you or anyone of my friends and family die like... they did... that's a promise."

Sachi- I'll hold you too that promise Kazzu...

She leaned in closer to my cheek and kissed it, pulling back with a small blush as she stood up and walked out of Agil's shop. I brushed my fingers against my cheek and blushed harder.

Agil- Kiyo was right, you do turn into a tomato when you blush.

"Shut up Agil."

Kirito- Go ahead and get some rest Kazzu. We've got this.

"Are you sure? I can still help."

Yui- Ashtry informed us that she had a special gift to give you before the party even started.

Nodding at my friends, I proceeded to head upstairs and enter my room, where Ashtry was just finishing tucking Kiyo in. Afterwards, she sat at the edge of the bed while patting a spot next to her. I followed her instruction and took my place next to her, which she reciprocated by resting her head on my shoulder.

Ashtry- Did you enjoy your birthday?

"I did, but a little program told me that you had a gift to give me."

Ashtry- I do but it's a little weird...

"Ashtry, we face weird on a daily basis. I promise you that your gift won't be weird."

Ashtry nodded as she pulled a small, flat box and handing it to me. The wrapping paper consisted of purple, black and white with a red and golden bow. I grabbed her gift and opened it, taken back by what was inside.

"Ashtry..."

Ashtry- Now... there's not a way where we can have a promise ring and have shared inventory, so the next best thing was marriage. I wanted these rings to finalize the promise we made to each other a while ago. We both promised that we would find each other in the real world and fall in love all over again. I want these rings to be a reminder that no matter which world we are in, real or virtual, that our love for each other is real.

"Ash... that's... really thoughtful..."

I placed one of the matching rings on my ring finger while slowly slipping her ring on.

"I wouldn't be opposed to marriage either."

Ashtry started to blush as she looked at me shocked.

"Make no mistake, I know I only know you in this world, but I wanted to marry you just like Kirito did with Asuna. This gift is now just an easier way to do that."

Ashtry- Promise ring or wedding band, I just want you to know one thing.

"And that would be?"

She gently caressed my cheek and pulled me in for a soft kiss. It lasted a while before we pulled back for air, pressing our foreheads against each other.

Ashtry- I love you... so very much...

"And I love you... no matter where we are or where we end up..."

We both laid back as we held each other close, drifting off to sleep with our daughter sandwiched between us. The clock struck three in the morning as someone entered our room and sat down on the floor, near my side of the bed. As I turned over and faced the person with my eyes closed, they gently brushed some of my hair aside and smiled at my peaceful state. They proceeded to move their hand down to my cheek as they pressed their lips against my forehead, talking in a hushed whisper.

Strea- I'm sorry I didn't have a gift for you Master... hopefully that's ok with you... you've been through so much trying to stop your father and rescue everyone so the most I can offer you as a gift is my appreciation... and my love...

Strea then gently pressed her lips against mine, pulling back and resting her head next to mine.

Strea- Kazzu... I love you... thank you for bringing me back to life...