The Path Unknown

12. Sweet, Sweet Revenge

  Morning came once again upon Aincrad. The shadows slowly darkened  as the sun rose to its place in the sky. The family was fast asleep,  though, without a thought to plague their mind. It was peaceful, not  only on the lake, but also in the house. The sparkling water reflected  the light waves in every different direction, creating a very elegant  light show among the evergreen trees. It was a place of few worries and  it really showed that.

  Kirito was awakened by a knock at the  door. Slowly getting out of the bed, trying not to wake his family, he  made his way to the door. It may have been afternoon, but he still  wondered who woke him up. It was odd that anybody would contact him  unless it was an emergency. He made it halfway across his living room  floor when the person at the door knocked again. This had to be urgent,  or at least important. Maybe it was that they thought they weren't home  or awake, but they were and Kirito was making his way there. He finally  opened the door to see Kage and Michiko standing there, behind them were  Shika and Zagu.

  "Hey Kirito! It hasn't been long since we last talked, why all the messages?" Kage asked with a smile.

    The two looked as if they had just done something worth sharing. It  didn't seem as if they wanted to share it at this time, though. Michiko  was holding onto his arm as she stood and smiled. Something was  different. She had a ring on her left hand, symbolizing an in-game  marriage. That had to be it. They were standing there with smiles abound  and a good feeling that followed them.

  "Hey, uh, Aincrad to Kirito. Are you here man?" Kage tapped on Kirito's forehead. "I know you can't be lagging."

  "Sorry," he shook his head, "I just woke up so..."

  "Yea, and you were just looking at my ring weren't you?" Michiko left go of Kage and put a hand on her hip.

  "Kinda. I mean, yes. I- ugh... I just didn't think you'd do that, Michiko." He put his head down.

  "Hey, it's alright, Kirito. I never thought I'd actually say yes." She said, laughing.

  "What?! I'm kind of offended now!" He nudged her, "Hmm, and that is why I love you, babe?"

  "Why don't you guys come in? I'll go grab Asuna and have you guys tell her." He opened the door.

    They went inside and sat on the couch by the fireplace. Kirito went  inside the bedroom to wake Asuna for their arrival. Shika and Zagu came  in after and made their way to Michiko, who was now leaning on Kage. The  two seemed to have no worries in mind. Shika nudged Michiko and Kage's  legs as to say "good afternoon, now feed me". Michiko could already tell  that from her companions, but they would have to wait just a bit  longer. If she were to leave now, it would be rude to wake Asuna up. She  pet Shika and, with a glare, communicated her response. It was  unfathomable how she did that, but it was apparently possible. Kirito  came out of the bedroom with Asuna and Yui trailing behind.

"Yui! How are you feeling?" Kage became excited.

"Great! Thank you! I just went to a carnival with mommy and daddy. It was so fun!" Yui smiled.

"Wait, who is she Kage? I thought you only did your sword and the boost?"

  "Michiko, this is Yui. She was our daughter for a while till  something happened. Kage brought her back for us, though. Yui, this is  Michiko, Kage's..." Kirito paused.

  "Kage's what, daddy?"

  "Oh my gosh, Michiko! Is that a ring?!" Asuna looked at her finger.

  "Yea... It's official I guess..." Sighed Michiko.

  "Did you just say 'I guess'? Really now? Wow." Kage laughed.