Duo (A Sword Art Online Fanfic) ✔

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I landed gracefully in the tree house, walking into the room. Everyone was already gathered, and I couldn't help but look around with bright and happy eyes.

Katsu was talking with Kirito in the corner, who had his arm around Asuna's waist. Silica was playing with Pina, Kuro and Gurē in the center of the room, Yui flying around their heads, laughing. Lizbeth was arguing with Klein, but using Agil as a body shield. Leafa and Recon were laughing loudly at some joke. Even Ashitaka and Arren was here.

Despite all of this, however, I couldn't find the one person I was looking for.

"Come here often?"

A huge grin grew on my face, and I whirled to wrap my arms around Rikimaru. He laughed, reaching up to flick my cat ear. I shoved his hand away, mock glaring at him.

"Hey, babe." He greeted.

"Look at you!" I exclaimed, pulling back to look at him.

He spread his arms out, showing off his new avatar. Rikimaru had decided to become a Salamander when he joined Fairy ALfheim for real. He was dressed in red, his hair a scarlet, spiky mass.

"I know! I'm pretty hot, aren't I?" He joked.

I winked at him, reaching up to kiss him. He pulled away, slinging his arm around my neck. We walked deeper into room.

Kuro and Gurē noticed our arrival and let out happy screeches before flying over. They circled our heads, before snuggling up to us underneath our jaws. Rikimaru reached up to scratch Gurē's chin.

Kirito noticed the commotion and cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention to the center in the room, where we all gathered. Katsu moved to my side, nudging me slightly.

"We made it." Asuna said, "We cleared both Sword Art Online and Fairy ALfheim Online!"

The group let out a couple of cheers, happiness flowing throughout the room. Klein fist bumped, causing us to laugh at him. Lizbeth leaned over to punch his side, and his fist dropped.

"Speech!!" Silica called to Kirito.

I laughed, and seconded her request. Soon everyone was calling for one, and Kirito was scowling.

"Ah, shut up!" He called, his cheeks a light pink.

I giggled into the silence, causing everyone to turn and look at me. An evil grin grew on Silica's face.

"Then how about a speech from our second victor?"

I narrowed my eyes at her, suddenly finding the whole situation not so humorous. The others laughed, but waited patiently for my speech.

I sighed, stepping forward, and clearing my throat.

"When we started this whole adventure, we were a mess." I announced, causing everyone to laugh. "But look at us now! Katsu, you became the leader of the second greatest guild in SAO. Agil became one of the best bartenders around! We've become the badasses of the gaming world!"

Klein let out another cheer, as the others laughed. This seemed to be enough for everyone, and they scattered again. Everyone was in high spirits.

I watched my family go about their activities, and I didn't even notice when Asuna appeared next to me.

"You did this." She told me, her new blue hair falling into my face.

"Hah! We both know this was you." I replied.

"Yeah, it was. You just looked sad."

I turned to look at her, my eyes curious. I looked sad? Suddenly the room was too stuffy, and I needed some air. I sent a forced smile in Asuna's direction and turned to leave the room. I entered out onto the balcony, suckling in a lung full of fresh air.

I leaned on the railing, watching as various players zoomed over the trees. As I was out there, it started raining, but the sun was still shining, creating a gorgeous effect. Birds were singing and colorful bugs flew around.

I started humming Rikimaru's lullaby, feeling my nerves calm. I could feel my tail whipping around, when suddenly it was grabbed, and yanked slightly.

I screeched in surprise, whirling around, only to get caught up in my own tail. Rikimaru was laughing, his hand around the tip of it.
I hissed at him, smacking his hand away.

"I hate you!" I told him, punching his chest.

He laughed, grabbing my coat and pulling me closer. I stumbled into his chest, hiding my face in his shirt.

"What's wrong?" He whispered, wrapping his arms around me.

"I don't know." I sighed, "Just nostalgic, I guess."

"Hmmn?"

"It's the end of an era." I told him, looking up and resting my chin on his chest.

"How so?"

"The danger is over. There's no more deaths or comatose players."
"That's a bad thing?"

"It's just over." I shrugged, turning back to face the railing, "Things will change now. Maybe we'll all drift apart now."

"Nah."

I turned to look at him, a curious expression on my face.

"Nah?"

He sighed, joining me by leaning on the railing. He bumped my shoulder with his slightly.

"We're a family." He said, "Isn't that what you always say? Families don't leave each other."

"My family kicked me out."

"You left."

"Because they hate you."

"A lot of people hate me." He pointed out.

"Yeah, but we could fight those people with deadly weapons." I countered.

"If you want, I can stick your brother with a sword the next time I see him."

"Just don't get blood on the carpet."

"I love you."

I looked over at him to find him already staring at me with those green eyes of his. I sighed, feeling guilty. He had just been trying to make me feel better.

"And I love you." I replied, leaning over to kiss him.

"Be happy." He ordered, "We aren't going to leave you. You're stuck with me."

"Damn." I sighed, pretending to be disappointed.

Rikimaru chuckled, leaning over to kiss my cheek before turning and heading back into the room. I faced the trees again, a smile growing on my face.

Rikimaru is right. We're a family. I love these idiots, and I'm not letting them go.

I sighed, and turned, walking back into the room. Looking around, I don't think I've ever been happier.

We are a family.

And we're all alive.

And it looks like it's going to stay that way for a long time.