Chapter 11: Tell It to the Judge
Despite Akechi's warning, months had passed with no sign of him since his first visit. And now, summer vacation was drawing near.
Kazuto, was currently at the Yuuki residence with Yui, who was being entertained by Mei while he spoke with Shouzou, Kyouko and Kouichirou, "So, what do you say?" He asks.
Kouichirou smiles, "I don't see any reason to say no."
Shouzou hummed, "Well...I can't think of any better choice."
Kyouko remained silent, making Kazuto nervous. After a not-so brief moment, she finally said, "I agree. You have our support."
Kazuto smiled and bowed to the three, "Thank you all so much!"
A few hours later, and the two returned to the apartment. Kazuto, Asuna, and Yui were sitting down on the couch. Yui had just finished regaling Asuna of all the games she and Mei played.
Asuna smiled, "I'm glad you had such a good time! Wish I could've gone, but with the dinner I've prepared, I needed to stay here, or it wouldn't get done in time." She then looked over to Kazuto, "What about you, Kirito? What did you do?" She asked.
Kazuto shrugged, "Not much. Mostly just talked with Kouichirou about random topics." He lied. He didn't want anything ruining this surprise, which is why the only people who know about it, are the Yuuki's-minus Asuna- and Midori, who have all been sworn to secrecy.
Asuna rolled her eyes, "At least one of you two knows how to have fun." She said with a laugh.
Kazuto chuckled back, but said nothing, "Whew...Lying to Asuna has never been easy...hopefully I can keep this up for just a few more weeks."
The rest of the evening went by pretty well. Yesterday was Yui's last day of school for the year, so today, Asuna decided to celebrate Yui's first day of summer vacation with all of Yui's favorite foods.
After eating, and putting Yui to bed, someone knocked on the door. Kazuto went to open the door while Asuna grabbed the broom and hid herself beside the door, ready to attack whoever is at the door. This is a safety measure they've practiced since Akechi struck Kazuto. They decided it would be best if they be ready to defend themselves, since they won't always have Agil and his gun to protect them.
Kazuto opened the door to see a woman wearing a suit. She bowed, "Hello, are you Mr. Kazuto Kirigaya?" She asked.
Kazuto eyed the girl curiously, "Who wants to know?" He asked.
The woman remained calm and handed him a sheet of paper, "This is a court summons. You and one Asuna Yuuki are being sued for the kidnapping of one Yui Narumi."
Kazuto gasped, "What!? We never kidnapped her!" He said.
Asuna ran into view, gripping her broom tightly, "Yeah! You can't sue us for something we didn't do!"
The woman remained calm still, "I'm afraid you will have to tell it to the judge." She then walked away. Leaving a very concerned Kazuto and Asuna."
The next morning, the two got Yui up and dressed and called all friends and family to the Yuuki household. Once everyone gathered in the living room, Kazuto and Asuna stood up, "We've got some bad news." Kazuto started, "Akechi is suing us."
Everyone in the room gasped. "What for?" Keiko asked.
Asuna sighed, "For 'kidnapping' Yui." She answered.
Rika growled, "That Akechi! I'd love to get just five minutes alone with that son of a-."
"Anyways..." Midori said, cutting Rika off, "How do we go about this?"
Kazuto shook his head, "We're not sure on all the details," he then looked over to Asuna, who had a sad look in her eyes, "but we want her to stay with you for a while, Aunt Midori."
Suguha was surprised, "Why?" She inquired.
Asuna, with shaky breath, looked to her feet, "It's...just a precaution...to keep Yui safe...in case we...lose the trial..." She said with tears welling up in her eyes as she imagined Yui being taken away from them forever. Kazuto embraced her comfortingly, resting her head on his shoulder.
Everyone gave Asuna a moment to collect herself again before Mei spoke, "I'll email you guys a list of every dirty deed my father's ever done that I know of. Hopefully, it'll give you an edge."
Shouzou nodded, "And you'll have our best lawyer by your side in that courtroom."
Suguha stood tall, "And I'll protect Yui with my life until you guys come to pick her up after defeating this guy."
Agil stood up, "Klein, Keiko, Nagata, Rika and I will set up patrol routes for each of us to take until this is over. If he tries any dirty tricks, we'll stop him."
Mei walked over beside Asuna, "And I'll help you guys in the courtroom as well. With any luck, I can piss my dad off enough to get him to show them what he is."
Kouichirou stood up and nodded, "I'll help Agil with his patrol routes. No one messes with my niece and gets away with it."
Kazuto smiled warmly, happier beyond comprehension to have such loyal and supportive friends and family to help him in this troubling time. "Guys..."
It wasn't long before the meeting was over and Yui was about to go with Midori and Suguha. Yui was clinging to her father's leg in protest, "I don't wanna leave Mommy and Daddy!" She whined.
Midori knelt down, trying to reason with the child, "Sweetheart, it's to keep you safe. And it won't be long, just a few days, that's all. You'll see them again before you know it."
Yui shook her head vigorously, "No!"
Asuna knelt down and gently pried the child off Kazuto's leg and held her tight, "Yui." She said softly, "I promise, this isn't goodbye. Regardless of what happens, I'm not giving you up. For now, though, please. Go with your grandma Midori." She then looked the child in the eyes and offered a loving smile, "Daddy and I will call you every night." Yui was still hesitant, but no longer wanted to fight, so she walked over and held Midori's hand. Asuna kissed Yui's cheek, "I love you, Yui. So much." She said.
Kazuto walked up and kissed the young girl's forehead, "I love you too, Yui. We'll pick you up as soon as possible. I promise." Yui gave her parents one final hug before walking away with Midori and Suguha.
Hours later, and Kazuto and Asuna were about to head to bed. Asuna walked towards Yui's room only to remember that she wasn't there.
Kazuto wrapped an arm around her, "I miss her too." He told her.
Asuna shook her head, "It's just...this place feels so...empty." She said. She looked up to Kazuto's eyes, "Tell me that we have nothing to worry about. That by this time next week, we'll have Yui back with us again. Please, Kirito." She begged.
He wanted to tell her exactly that, except that he'd been having all the same doubts and concerns. But when he saw the sad and desperate for hope look in Asuna's eyes, he felt a new desire to succeed.
He cradled her left cheek in his right hand, "There's nothing to worry about. By this time next week, Yui's going to be back with us. That's a promise." Asuna smiled and kissed him softly and swiftly before heading off to bed. Mentally and emotionally preparing herself for tomorrow morning, when they would take this fight to the courtroom.
(A/N: Not as long as others, but that's because this is just the calm before the storm. The second biggest event of book 2 is about to get underway... On a different note... take it away kid.
Yui: Review please! Mr. Ninja Writer said that if he gets enough reviews, I can move back in with Mommy and Daddy sooner!)
