(Kirito's POV)

We walk back from the forest, although briefly stopping on the way here. I smiled to myself, glad I finally gave her the ring.

Scared I wasn't able to give it to her. We were still holding hands, and Sinon pretty much was leading the way. This gave me the chance to give into my thoughts, just letting her lead me.

My thoughts came upon Ken. Something just didn't add up. Ken said he was sent to finish what Kyoji didnt finish. Do away with Shino, which I'll make him pay for. Surely.

But what didn't add up was Kyoji was so possessive of Shino. When I tried to save her that day when he was in her apartment he told me to not touch HIS Shino. He was clearly possessive.

So here's where it doesn't add up. Why would he let Ken, no matter if he's flesh and blood, why would he allow and command him to do such things to Shino if he's so possessive of her. I understand to do away with me but, no, not with Shino.

"Kazuto?" She laughed. I looked over to her.

"Seriously, where's your head at?" She asked with a grin, and her lowered brow.

"Just thinking, is all," I dismissed, nervously rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well we're almost home, and it looks like Yui has been waiting for you," she pointed up ahead to see Yui sitting outside the door.

We continued to walk towards the house, towards Yui. She sat there, hugging her knees with her slender pale arms.

"Yui?" I crouch down next to her. She looked up with glossy eyes, and tear stains marked on her cheeks, and down her neck.

"Daddy," she cried, rushing at me, wrapping me in an embrace, as far as her little arms could.

"Shhh, Yui, what's wrong?" I asked, trying to call her down, I swooped her in my arms, patting her back.

"It's mama," she hiccuped as she sobbed. She's here?

"What about mama?" I asked calmly, looking at her misty gray eyes.

"Some bad people were here. She led them away to protect me, she's gone now," she pointed far off in a different part of the woods.

"I guess she logged in right after school," I mumbled. Makes me wonder if he logged I'm just in time to, for this death trap.

"Was she alone, sweety?" Sinon held her hand. She sniffed, and wiped away her tears and innocently nodded.

"Lisbeth was with her. And Silica too. Oh and Klein," she mumbled. I set Yui down and draw out my sword.

"I'll be back," I murmured.

"Let's go," Sinon declared, about to walk before I placed my arm out in front of her.

"You stay here," I replied. She gave me a frustrated look.

"I'm going with you Kazuto," she muttered. I shook my head.

"Do I really need to shoot up a fire arrow up your nose again for you to understand I'm being serious? I'm going," Sinon was basically challenging me.

"No no, the first time was enough," I replied sheepishly, really not looking forward to it, recalling the memory. Especially since the pain was all too real now more than ever.

"Then let's go," she declared. I looked at her with pleading eyes.

"I know you can fend for yourself Sinon. I'm not trying to make you the damsel," I reassured, taking a hold of one of her hands.

"But I want you to stay with Yui. I don't want her to be alone right now. She's not emotionally stable to come with us. And its to dangerous for her to go," I explained. As I spoke she began to give in and ultimately sighed, admitting defeat.

"Alright," she mumbled. I gently smiled at her and kissed her kitty ears.

"Listen Yui, I'm going to try to help the others, be good while I'm gone," I kissed her forehead. As I turned to leave, I heard Sinon.

"You better not lose," she said firmly. I chuckled. I knew she didn't mean it harshly. I've taken note that Sinon gets this way when she feels deeply concerned. Its no surprise to me at all.

"Not even an option," I reassured before I head in the direction Yui pointed at. I sighed. I can't believe I brought my friends into this mess. I just hope they're okay.

•••

Authors note: Another chapter, phew, my thumbs need to chillax for a bit. Lol

Anyway...

Until Next time!

-InGameProdigy