Chapter 4: The Story of Yui

"WHAAAAAT?!" Asuna screamed.

Kazuto ran into the kitchen, "What is it, what happened?" He asked.

Asuna, still in total shock, pointed at Mei, "She says that she's Yui's sister!"

Kazuto gaped, "What?" He then looked to Kouichirou, "Did you know about this?"

Said man raised his arms, "Hey, this is news to me too."

Mei nodded, "It's true! I didn't believe it when Kouichirou described her, but when I saw her in person…well, I still can't believe she's alive."

The whole family had joined at the dinner table to eat, as well as listen to Mei's explanation, "You said you couldn't believe Yui's alive. What did you mean?" Asuna asked.

Mei looked down at her plate of lasagna, "Yui was always fascinated by virtual reality. My parents would let her use the VR on their smartphones because they never saw any harm in it. Then one day, we were approached by Akihiko Kaiyaba."

The mentioning of his name, raised everyone's interests. "He told us he was planning on making an intense VR experience and he wanted a young child, who is comfortable with being in VR for long periods of time. Of course, Yui wanted to be a part of it. At first, we all were a little concerned, but I thought Yui would love it. My mother was reluctant, but she did want Yui to be happy. My Dad however…he wanted Yui to have nothing to do with it. But when Kaiyaba offered him the contract, we out-voted him and he signed. We haven't seen her since."

There was a pause before Kouichirou spoke, "Wait, shouldn't she have been evacuated from SAO when Kazuto and Asuna beat the game?"

Mei shook her head, "We were told that she died on October 28th last year."

Kazuto and Asuna shared knowing glances, "That was when Kaiyaba tried to lock her consciousness inside the SAO mainframe." Asuna told her, "If it wasn't for Kirito, then she would've been lost forever." A tear fell from her eye. Seeing this, Yui got down from her seat and went to hug Asuna.

Mei saw the scene with adoration, "So yeah. That's the story. Yui really was my little sister." She said.

Kouichirou caught the fact that she said 'was.' "What do you mean, 'was?'" He inquired.

Mei smiled, "I admit, I originally wanted to take her back to my parents."

Hearing this caused Asuna to hold Yui a little bit tighter, "But seeing how happy she is with her new family, I honestly can't bring myself to take her away from it. I'll make sure to tell my Mom and Dad that she's alive, well, and in good hands."

The remainder of the meal went by normally. When it came time for Kouichirou and Mei to leave, Kouichirou snatched the keys from her, "I'm driving this time." He said gaining a laugh from Asuna.

Mei nodded, "Works for me. I gotta call my parents anyways." They said their goodbyes and Kouichirou and Mei left.

Once she was gone, Kazuto and Asuna sat You down on the couch, "Yui, does anything that Mei said sound familiar to you?" Kazuto asked.

Yui hummed, "I think so…She did look familiar, but I don't remember any other Mommy or Daddy."

Asuna smiled, "Alright, well let's go get ready for bed. It's almost bed time."

Forty minutes later and Yui was asleep in her bed while Kazuto and Asuna were cuddling on the couch, watching whatever was on TV, "Say, Kirito." She said, "Do you think that maybe Mei was lying? You know, about Yui? I mean…how would she have known when Yui…uh…ya know." She said, not wanting to use the word die.

Kazuto thought hard about it, "Well, if you remember, family was alerted immediately when their relative or loved one died. So, if her story is true, that's how she would've known about it. And how else could she have known the exact date of when it happened? She must be telling the truth." He said.

"Then how come Yui doesn't recognize Mei as her sister?" Asuna countered.

"It's probably got something to do with being stuck in that tube for so long. Plus, Kaiyaba probably did something to mess with her memories so they didn't get in the way of the job she was sent in to do."

Asuna sat up, "Then why did he trap her and keep her from doing that job?" She asked furiously.

Kazuto put his hands on her shoulder, "Asuna, calm down! You're overreacting."

Asuna slapped his hands away, "Damn right I'm overreacting! What happens if Mei and her parents want to take Yui from us? What are we going to do if that happens?" She asked in a raised voice.

Kazuto stood up, "First off, relax. You're gonna wake her up." He said with a sigh, "And second, I don't know what we're gonna do, but we're not even sure that it is going to happen. Mei was pretty supportive of our being Yui's parents. They might surprise us."

Asuna sniffled, trying to keep the tears from falling from her eyes, "I don't wanna lose her, Kirito…She's been such a big part of our lives…If she leaves…I don't…I…"

Kazuto wrapped his arms around her and held her as she sobbed into his shoulder. Kazuto rubbed her back affectionately, "We're not going to lose Yui. If they try to take her, then I will fight for her. I promise you that."

Asuna smiled, "Can you promise me that, if it comes to that, you won't end up in the hospital again?"

He hummed in thought, "I can't promise you that." He said, "Because I won't give up my little girl, no matter what they do to me."

(A/N: Hope this makes up for that cliffhanger. I loved the reviews you guys sent me. I've been having trouble coming up with stuff for chapters. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. Please review!)