The Path Unknown

9. Rewinding Heartbreak

   Morning came with still no sight of her. Now came the worry. She didn't reply to his PM during the night. Either she was dead or just ignoring his message. It wouldn't make sense for her to ignore him unless she was in trouble. She would still attempt a quick message no matter her situation. Kage brought up another PM to her, typing quickly. Alright, now I'm worried. You haven't replied or come home. I just need to know you're still out there... Please reply when you can. I love you... Again, the message went through. She was indeed alive, just not responding. There was something definitely wrong with this situation. He would get to the console now and triangulate her position and status. That would show weather she was ok or not. Otherwise it would take forever to search the individual floors.

   Kirito came out, watching Kage pace around the room anxiously. He seemed to be this way for a while. Kirito finally called out to him.

   "Kage, what's the matter? Is Michiko in trouble?" He asked, trying to settle him down.

  "The thing is, I don't know. I wish I knew. I have one request of you, though. There is something I need to get to in the Town of Beginnings. You have been there before so I know you can lead me there." He looked up at Kirito.

   "Where's that?"

   "Where Yui died."

   Kirito stepped back, "How do you know about Yui?! More so, how did you know she died?!"

  Asuna now came out of the room, rubbing her eyes. Apparently the two were talking too loud and she wasn't finished with her sleep. She was tired and was going to tell them to quiet down, but just now she heard the name, Yui.

   "Wait, what about Yui?" She said, waking up.

   "Kage wants to go to the place where Yui died, apparently there's something there that he needs." Kirito looked back.

  "Oh," she sighed, "this is gonna be a long day... Let's show him Kirito, he hasn't steered us wrong yet has he?" She put on Yui's Heart.

   "Thanks guys, you won't be disappointed with this." He started to put on his armor.

  They all went down to the Town of Beginnings. Walking towards the cave's entrance, none of them said a word. Both Kirito and Asuna were puzzled by two facts: one, that Kage knew about Yui and two, he knew she died. This was odd that he knew both of these pieces of information, but didn't know where she died. It seems that they missed something and needed to get back there to find it.

   "Kirito, take the lead. Time is of the essence! I'll follow behind you." Kage said, un-equipping his cloak.

   "Why?" Kirito said, picking Asuna up. "I got you for now ok?"

   She nodded, "Yea, so why do we have to be there now?"

   "The room is sealed after a timer hits zero. It is only open today and I need to get there now." Kage picked up his pace.

  They started running, heading towards the cave. The three could see it in the distance now. Gaining speed, Kage took the lead. He seemed to be set on something towards the back of the room finally acquiring a sense of direction. Seeing hostile entities in the distance, he drew his sword. Charging the first skill, his sword emitted a rising tone. The blue blade slammed into the first wave of enemies, instantly shattering them. Still sprinting, he started clearing the path to the room. The white light emitting from the room was visible now. He kept gaining speed as he reached the room, Kirito and Asuna were now far behind him.

  Getting into the room and stopping at the administrative console, he started typing quickly. Only a minute after he started typing, the mobs despawned - letting Kirito slow down to a walking pace. Letting Asuna go, he walked up to Kage.