A New Step

Disclaimer: For the third time in a row, I do not own SAO.

A/N: This is it. The final book in my SAO trilogy. I hope you've all enjoyed it so far, and I hope you enjoy this final story.

Chapter 1: The Big Announcement

Asuna awoke with a smile on her face as she glanced at the diamond ring on her finger. She still couldn't quite believe that just last night, Kazuto proposed to her.

Asuna snapped back into reality when Kazuto began to shift and sit up, "Morning." He said with a yawn.

Asuna grinned, "Morning, Fiancée." She told him, causing him to crack a smile as well.

A few hours later, and the couple had invited all friends and family to the Dicey Café for an announcement. Everyone was sitting in booths and tables when Asuna and Kazuto, holding hands, stood in front of the bar, "We have big news everyone!" Kazuto said, before allowing Asuna to finish.

Her smile grew, "Kirito and I... Are getting married!" She said as she held up her left hand to show off her new ring.

The whole Café erupted in cheers and applause. The first to go up to Asuna was her parents, "Congratulations, dear." Kyouko said.

"I'm happy for you baby." Shouzou added.

Then Liz came up to her, "This is so great!" She said as she took Liz's hands. She was telling a half truth. She really was happy for her best friend, but she also can't help but feel a small pang of jealousy.

Asuna smiled, "I know! This is all just so incredible!" She exclaimed. Liz laughed with her friend.

Kazuto, meanwhile, was approached by Suguha, "So, now I finally get to have a sister." She joked with a chuckle, "I'm kidding, congrats Kazuto."

Kazuto snickered, "Thanks, Suguha." He then heaved a big sigh, "I just can't believe it...this feels so much different from when I proposed to her in SAO."

Midori walked up to him, "That's because, as real as it may have seemed in there, it just can't compare to the real world."

Kazuto smiled and nodded, "Yeah, you're right. And thanks for the ring. It's the best thing that's happened to me and Asuna since Yui."

Midori smiled warmly, "Well, my sister always wanted you to have it. She knew you'd use it well."

Yui walked up to Asuna, "I thought you and Daddy were already married." She told her mother.

Asuna knelt down, "It's a little complicated, Yui. Daddy and I are married in ALfheim, but we're not in this world." She then showed Yui the ring, "This means that, in a few months, Daddy and I will be married in this world too!"

Yui smiled, "Wow! This sounds like it's gonna be fun." She said.

When Midori went over to Asuna, Keiko noticed the small amount of jealousy in Rika's eyes and walked over to her, "Still upset that he got with Asuna and not you?" She asked.

Rika shook her head, "I wanna be happy for her, really! But a small part of me still wishes that it was me wearing that ring, ya know?"

Keiko shook her head, "Honestly, no. I've always admired Kazuto more as a brother." She said with a shrug, "Ya know, maybe you'd feel better about all of this if you finally told Asuna about your little crush on Kazuto and talk about it."

Rika sighed, "Yeah...maybe you're right. I'll sleep on it, 'kay?"

A few hours later, Kazuto was driving Asuna and Yui back home to their apartment.

Asuna glanced behind her to see Yui, daydreaming as she looked out the window, "There's so much we have to plan!" She said in a hushed tone, "We need to pick a location, send invites...I need a dress..."

Kazuto placed a hand on her shoulder, "Asuna, relax! We've only been engaged for less than 24 hours. We have plenty of time to figure everything out." He told her.

Asuna smiled, "You're right, I know. I just can't help it! This is all just a dream come true for me."

(A/N: Sorry it's so short guys. It was going to be a bit longer, but I decided to make the rest of it the opening for the second chapter. I feel like I've put you guys through enough of a rollercoaster ride with Takeru and Akechi, so this last book will probably not have a big antagonist. Anyways, Review please!)