Kage was shocked at what he just did. Opening himself up to someone he barely knew? Why would he do that? It seemed crazy to trust anyone. No one liked him in any way, shape, or form; why would Kirito? Being on the front lines doesn't mean anything and it sure as hell doesn't give you a free "trustworthy patch."
Either way, his information was out. Didn't matter to anyone who he was. He lived for one person, Michiko, but now she wasn't here. All because of stupid PKers trying to get items and Col from the both of them. He hated them, with good reason. She was the closest thing to a friend that he ever had in his life. I guess bad things happen to good people... He always seemed to repeat in his thoughts.
He was running. Where? To? Why? He didn't know or care. He was just trying to move far away and, though teleportation was an option, running just felt a whole lot better. It was a sort of stress reliever for him, keeping his calm character in place.
He always wondered what it would be like if Michiko was still alive. Would they fight the bosses together, or sit by a lake? Would they ascend into the highest of floors by themselves, or stay on the first and wait till the game cleared? It was always something he hoped would come to pass. There was nothing to do now, unfortunately. A whole month had to pass before the next opportunity would come. The info he had on this boss would be useless, though; the Knights of the Blood Oath would already annihilate the beast before he could get to it. What did he have to lose if he went already though? She was already gone and Kirito isn't really close.
Oh well, if I die then I die. Kage thought. Might as well go face him, it'll be easier for the KOB to deal with floor 78. And with that, he shifted his direction - towards the floor's boss room. He would run to the top, not teleport. He was never reliant upon items, but of course it might be useful to save some energy and stamina for the actual fight.
He slowed to a walk at the labyrinth's enterance. I think it'll be better to teleport to the 76th floor, get to the labyrinth's enterance, and then head towards the side and rest. Won't be long till I'm ready anyway. He took out his crystal and a bright blue light shone before disappearing, along with him.
*Back at floor 22*
"I swear," Michiko said, wiping her eyes, "you tell anyone I cried and I'LL-"
"There there now, we won't okay? Relax." Asuna said, rubbing Michiko's back.
"I'm not the one to open up like this. I don't like to open up like this. I have no clue why I trust you guys so much." She said, finally calming down.
"Listen, we'll find him again alright? Take this." Kirito took out the green crystal and handed it to her. "It tells you when friendlies are nearby. The only people who have it right now are me and him. If you get close to him, it'll glow."
"Wait, so you're telling me my efforts are wasted now cause we can just use this?" She became unsettled.
"What do you mean?" Asuna looked at her, curious as to what she ment.
Michiko went outside. Asuna and Kirito went out with her, wondering what she was going to do. Michiko took a stone from the ground and unsheathed one of her swords. Tossing it high into the air, she charged a skill. The winding sound was a lower octave than Kirito's and her blade turned orange. Striking the stone in the very center with the tip of her sword, she sent the now orange-glowing rock hurling into the air like a bullet. Reaching just above the tree line, the rock exploded into little molten bits that vaporized in the air.
She put her sword down and made her way to the top of the tree line. Kirito and Asuna looked up in astonishment at what just happened. Almost immediately, they heard the sound of a small beast followed by a long howl. She slid down the tree and stopped in front of the couple. Dodging trees on its decent, a small black dragon with purple details landed on Michiko's shoulder and wrapped its tail around the side of her neck. The other one, a large white wolf-like animal, came from behind her on the trail, quicker than a speeding cheetah. The wolf stopped just behind her and walked its way toward her front, finally sitting next to her.
"I'm a beast tamer, this is my favorite little dragon, Zagu," she poked at its nose, initiating a small, high-pitched screech, "and my courteous steed, Shika." She pet the top of its head and stroked to the base of its neck. "They've been helping me hunt for Kage for months now. With this though," she pulled out the green crystal, "I won't need them to search for me anymore. I can have them by my side again!"
The couple was in shock. A beast tamer? By the look of them, she treated them very well and equally special. The two looked as if they were guarding not only her life, but her emotions.
"So wait, let me get this straight. You've been hunting for Kage all this time?" Kirito said in astonishment.
"Yea, and he just so happens to invite you to a fricken date." She picked up her sword, "Makes more sense, though. To him, I'll still dead." She said as she sheathed the blade.
"Michiko, don't worry. We'll find him if it's the last thing we do!" Asuna threw a fist into the air, "Right, Kirito?"
"Yea," he smiled, "we'll find him soon."
"Thanks guys. To be honest, I'm beat. I think I'll retire early. These guys need a break too, can they come inside? They are 'potty trained' so don't worry about your carpets." Her sarcasm came back.
"Yea, sure! The dragon is so cute too!" Asuna started beaming. " Can I hold him?
"Have at it! Zagu, go give her some love!" Michiko started laughing.
The dragon flew off of her shoulder and onto Asuna's head, wrapping his tail around her eyes. The three of them laughed.
"I can't see!" Asuna said cracking up from the laughter. "Help me!!!"
The dragon let out a humorous shriek and dropped down to Asuna's feet. The three of them recovered from their laughter as things started to settle down again. Michiko went inside with her companions and laid down by the fireplace. Shika laid down behind her and Zagu curled up in front.
The day passed slowly without the aid of any entertainment. Sunset fell slowly upon the lake. Kirito and Asuna finally left the balcony and went into their room, falling asleep quickly; but Michiko stirred. She wanted this game to end and she wanted it now. Getting up, she brought Zagu and Shika outside and teleported the three of them to the 76th floor.
YOU ARE READING
The Path Unknown
FantasyThroughout this game, there have been losses, lessons, and much more. To Kirito, however, there were now friends that he could look after. This final stretch to floor 100 would be the hardest and most complicated yet, with new challenges and new peo...
