01x22 - The Grand Quest

[bunniefuu]

Mommy...

Mommy is

here.

You're sure?

I'm certain.

This player ID belongs to Mommy.

The coordinates are right above us!

Kirito-kun!

Wait!

Kirito-kun!

Kirito-kun, what's wrong?

The person at the top of the World Tree

is that important to you?

Be careful, Kirito-kun!

You're about to hit the barrier!

Kirito-kun!

No!

Stop it, Kirito-kun.

It's impossible!

You can't get any higher from here!

I must go!

I have to go...

Mommy,

it's me.

Mommy!

Grand Quest

Mommy...

Mommy.

Yui-chan?

Is that you?

Mommy! Mommy!

I'm right here.

I'm up here...

I'm right here, Yui-chan!

Kirito-kun!

Anything...

Is there anything I could drop down there?

What is this?

I tried to use Warning Mode to contact her, but...

What's that?

A card?

Leafa, do you know what this is?

No, I've never seen an item like that.

No window, huh?

This...

This is a System Admin access code.

Then can we use it to access the GM controls?

No...

You need the appropriate console

to access it from within the game.

Even I can't bring up the system menu.

I see.

However,

something like this wouldn't just fall from the sky for no reason.

This is probably...

Yes!

Mommy heard us and dropped it.

Asuna...

Leafa, tell me something.

Where is the gate that leads inside the World Tree?

Well, it's in the dome at the tree's base...

B-But you can't get in!

It's protected by guardians,

and even the biggest raids couldn't break through!

I have to go anyway...

Thank you so much

for everything.

I'll go the rest of the way alone.

Kirito-kun...

Then let's go.

Yeah.

Wh-What?

Is this an event?

Yui, do you know the way to this dome?

Yes, just go up those stairs and...

B-But are you sure, Daddy?

The information we've learned so far

indicates that breaking in through the gate will be extremely difficult.

Our only choice is to try.

Even if we fail, it won't cost our lives.

That's true, but...

And if I have to waste another second just standing around,

I'm going to go insane.

And you want

to see Mommy soon, right?

Yes.

You who know not the heights of heaven...

Do you desire passage to the castle of the king?

Will you attempt the Grand Quest "Guardians of the World Tree"?

I'm coming, Asuna.

I'm almost there.

Then show that you are worthy of letting your wings take flight.

Let's go, Yui.

Keep your head down.

Good luck, Daddy.

Go!

Out of the way!

I can do this!

Down you go.

Down, damn it!

Asuna! Asuna...

Asuna...

Asuna... Asuna...

Asuna! Asu—

Just...

Just a little more...

Just a little more...

I...

I...

Resurrection Timer

d*ed?

Somewhere in my heart,

I believed this world was just a game.

Is this my punishment for that?

My strength is nothing

but skills and status effects.

Resurrection Timer

But I thought I could overcome

the rules and limits of the game,

and do anything.

A game where you can die is too easy.

Asuna...

No...

Stay back!

Kirito-kun!

Kirito-kun...

Spirit's Tear Glacial Chunk World Tree Dewdrop Stardust Sand Ancient Fruit

Kirito-kun...

Thank you, Leafa.

I d-didn't...

But don't do things like that.

I'm fine.

I don't want to cause you any more trouble.

Trouble?!

I...

Kirito-kun?

W-Wait!

You can't do it alone!

You may be right...

I am right, so...

But I have to go.

Stop...

Just stop this.

Go back to being your normal self.

I...

I...

To me, you're...

Leafa...

I'm sorry.

If I don't make it up there, nothing will end.

And nothing will begin.

I have to see her again...

I have to see Asuna again.

What...

What did you just say?

Right, Asuna.

Yuuki Asuna

That's the name of the person I'm looking for.

But then...

Then...

That's...

Is that you, Brother?

Sugu?

Suguha?

This is awful.

This isn't fair...

It isn't...

S-Sugu?

Are you sure you want to log out?

Sugu!

Sugu, are you there?

Don't!

Don't open the door.

Leave me alone...

What's wrong, Sugu?

I mean, I was surprised, too.

If you're mad that I'm using the NerveGear again, I apologize.

But I didn't have a choice.

No...

That isn't it.

That isn't...

Sugu?

I... I...

I...

I betrayed my own heart!

I betrayed my love for you...

I was about to forget it, to give it up.

To fall in love with Kirito-kun...

No, I already had!

But...

But...

L-Love?

But we're...

I know.

I already know!

You and I aren't really siblings!

I've known for

the last two years.

Wasn't the reason you quit kendo

and started avoiding me

because you knew the whole time?

Weren't you avoiding me because I'm not your real sister?!

So...

So why are you being nice to me now?!

I was so happy you came back from SAO.

I was so happy you were being nice to me,

like when we were little.

I thought you were finally giving me a chance.

But...

If I'd known

this would happen, I wish you'd kept being a jerk.

If you had,

I wouldn't have realized I like you...

Or been sad to learn about Asuna-san...

Or tried to fall in love with Kirito-kun instead!

I'm sorry.

Leave me alone...

Sugu...