dear_mun | Voice-testing, I couldn't resist

[He's... honestly struggling to find the words.]

Y-Yui?

[It doesn't take his confusion long to melt into a happy smile.] So, you've got yourself a mun now too, eh?

—Ah!

[The girl visibly jolts upon hearing her name, her mouth opening wide as the seconds pass.

That's—

There's an initial attempt to stop herself from running towards the source, but that apprehension melts away when the boy garbed in black smiles at her.]

K-- [... No, I want to be honest. Even if...

She manages to keep her voice soft despite the exclamations, running towards him to jump into a hug.]

Yes, they let me come here! I'm so glad! Papa!!

[He kneels down to provide a better target and throws his arms around her as soon as she's close.] I... I never expected to see you here.

[It takes him a moment to get composed again.] And I'm glad they're letting you. But you must be careful around these muns! You never know what kinds of crazy ideas are running through their heads.

[...even if these feelings might just be fake.

«Yui-MHCP001». This was her designated name within the «Cardinal System», which itself was an AI tasked with regulating the VRMMORPG «Sword Art Online». Because it was able for the NerveGear (the equipment one wore on their heads to simulate a virtual reality with all senses) to analyze the emotions and thoughts of a specific user, a subclass of AI was created in order to address issues within the game.

It became what was called, the «Mental Health - Counseling Program».

Because it was easier for affected individuals to react to positive reinforcement through total immersion, this subclass of AI was initially programmed to act like real humans could. However, it was meant to be only an act. Originally, it was never intended for the AI to actually desire or want anything for itself.

Whether or not she achieved something beyond intention, there was one thing Yui knew for certain: There were people she wanted to be with, no matter what.

In response to Papa's concern, the seemingly-delicate girl let out a small giggle within their embrace.]

It's alright, Papa. I can tell they don't want to harm me, so I trust them.

[Upon seeing her once again, Kirito barely stopped to consider Yui's origins. They only mattered to him in so much that he'd have to find a way around them once they left the game. She felt every bit as real as the players he'd met in the game... even moreso, in some cases.]

[When she vouches for the mun, it puts him at ease. After all, he learned from their time around Yulier that Yui was a good judge of character. He'd still worry of course, because that came with the territory of having a daughter.] I'm glad to hear that. My mun doesn't seem too bad either, but... you can never be too careful.

[He's heard stories, of course.]

I'll be careful, Papa, don't worry.

[She flashes a smile, eyes closed, to reassure Kirito. It'd be bad to make him and Mama worried. Still, that granted peace of mind might not last for long with what she asks next.]

So, what kinds of "crazy ideas" have you heard of, Papa?

[Kids love stories, right?

Are you ready to tell her what sorts of depraved notions of directly/indirectly torturing characters lurks in the hearts of us all?

"Everything in life is an experience!", right Papa? :) ]

[...he should have seen that coming.]

[Slowly, he pulls back, looking at his daughter's sweet, innocent face. It's juxtaposed with the tales he's heard from others of the horrible things he's heard that can happen to muses. Things he's heard his own mun talk about.]

They...

Um...

[He manages a weak smile.] They... um... they seem to like making us face zombies a lot, for some reason. Oh, and they love putting us into other worlds, even if we don't quite fit in. But they do like embarrassing us in a number of different ways. [He really hopes that does a decent job of explaining it all. Because he's probably so nervous about the question he's started to sweat.]

[Fascinating. The hunger for more information to experience continues~]

Zombies? Like the ones in dungeons? That shouldn't be any trouble for Papa as long as you're careful.

[She's reminded of how you went through so many monsters in your thrall for combat back down in «Black Iron Palace»'s dungeon. It was a very fun scene for her to watch and cheer her father on! Her smile expands, thinking of it.]

If being a muse bothers your mun, ignore them.

[Because his beloved daughter is way more important than any mun.

He smiles gently.]

A-Ah, that's probably rude, but I can't find a reason to care.

[Yui turns towards Kirito with a befuddled look on her face. It's hard to tell if it's because of his first remark or if it's something else on her mind.

By the way, have a hug from your beloved daughter once she snaps out of it.]

Nn-nn, I thought they were bothered, but now I think it's helping them more. Papa... I've missed you. [Her hug tightens.] So, very much. Papa.

[Of course he returns the hug, smiling down at her as his arms hold tight.]

Hahhh? I missed you too. Hopefully you didn't have to wait too long.

...

[There's a brief moment where Yui says nothing, contemplating her situation. How long did she wait for this moment? It was hard to tell, just like back then. Nothing that she could read of her data said anything meaningful.

When «Sword Art Online» officially launched, for some reason unknown to her the «Mental Health - Counseling Program», with Yui as its prototype, was unable to properly assist troubled persons within the game. Because of that, all she could do was watch others suffer without refrain. She witnessed, through her data processing of peoples' brainwaves, many of them having mental breakdowns, bouts of insanity, and worse still as the population of people trapped within the death game dwindled over time for numerous reasons. It lasted two years on record, but the many constant errors that began to occur from being unable to complete her tasks made it seem neverending... almost like an imitation flower living in a very real hell. It's no wonder she virtually regressed in expression, her data corrupted.

Even here, she's uncertain of new peculiarities cropping up: How she came here, and how long it was since she last had data-interpretive consciousness, among other things. Other things, such as what made her confused earlier. But, somehow it seems like something she doesn't have to worry about.]

... It doesn't matter now, Papa.

[A beat, as if that's the end of her sentence, but then after a small, bubbling laugh accompanying snuggling:]

I like this version of Papa, too.

[The snuggling is returned wholeheartedly as Kirito places his hand on the back of her head. He's not exactly the most accustomed to physical affection like this except for recently with Asuna, but he likes it nonetheless. The fact that it's Yui and it's been awhile since he's seen her makes it even more worthwhile, so even if his cheeks color a little at this public display of affection, he only wants to deepen the cuddling and the hug.]

H~eh? Papa 2.0 is acceptable then, Yui? I'm glad.

[He can't help but tease just a little since he's missed her so much.]

Now we'll be able to make more memories with Mama.

[That tease prompts a series of discontented sounds, along with a pout.]

I wasn't meaning to judge, Papa. No matter how many of you there are, Papa is Papa.

[The warmth she feels from his nature, along with how blissfully comfortable the hug feels, makes that pout disappear just as quickly back into happiness.]

But yes, I love "Papa 2.0" very, very much. [Two can play along at this game, and Yui counters the tease with adoration and a side of teasing of her own!

oh dear he might just be rubbing off on her already

Yui's eyes open upon hearing of Asuna. The memories they had were short-lived, but treasured for all three of them. The picture wasn't complete otherwise.]

Mama... is Mama with you? I want to see her again too. I miss us being together...

[Oops. He'll have to try and be a better role model if he's already rubbing off on her. Even Kirito will admit that it would be much better if she took after her Mama instead of him. There's too many eccentricities and habits that he has that need to be reeled in from time to time...

That doesn't matter right now, however. Why is he even thinking of it? His brain goes off on weird tangents.

When he sees her light up at the mention of Asuna, he smiles and nods.]

Mh, she's always close by, wouldn't you say?

[Then he unlatches from her gently and holds out his hand.]

We can take a walk and look for her while we talk, if you want.

[No sooner than he finishes then does Yui gingerly grip onto his hand with one of her own.]

Un, I remember feeling something like that...

[As well as with him. Though, that does make her wonder how her mun was able to extract her from Kirito's NerveGear; after what happened, not only did she become an item in her parents' shared storage, she was also downloaded into the hardware's environment data.

... there was something to be said about tangents, weren't there?

Either way, her parents still held strong in her feeling, always there within her heart. She nods, smiling.]

Let's, Papa!

[There's a little smile that spreads across his features as she takes his hand. Even if he's not exactly an experienced "papa," this all feels right and natural. That's saying a lot considering how awkward things usually are for him. It's heartening to feel at ease around his "family."]

So Yui, I think we're going to get to spend a lot more time together, if that's okay with you? You'll get to come see where Mama and Papa have been.

[She notices that smile and ease, and it lightens her feelings as well, emitting a note of contentment from her throat. There's always the future to look forward to, more experiences and more time to spend with the family she's accepted into her heart from the very beginning. Even so, the present, each moment, is also a very precious step in time.]

Ah, of course that'd be okay. I would be really happy. I always want to spend more time with Papa and Mama. And, I think that's what Mun-san was wanting for me, too. I was able to sense some frustration at themselves before they sent me here. Kind of like, they didn't know if they could do it. But... that negativity is gone now, I feel.

[She squeezes her clasped hand lightly. Nothing would make her happier right now - being able to stay together, and learning of where they have been, would be amazing!]

What was Papa up to? What about Mama?

[Y-Yuichan?!!

She won't have to bear it one more second if mama has anything to say about it.]

A mama comes when she's called, doesn't she? Yui-chan...

Mama...

[That feeling from before wells up even faster now within her, making it impossible to not cry anymore.]

Mama!!

[She'll run to wrap her arms around Asuna's waist and rest the side of her head there, unless Mama has other plans while the young girl, barely looking a decade old, comes closer.]

Does that mean... nn... you're okay with me being, what I am? Mama?

Yui-chan!!

[Yep. Her plan is to gather up her beloved daughter and swing her around once with a bright smile, some tearing of her own, but keeping her in her arms and holding her against her side. So she's welcome to rest her head on mama's shoulder if she needs.]

What do you mean? Of course! You're our daughter, Kirito-kun's and mine. Anything you are, we're okay with.

As long as it's healthy and you're happy.

[She wipes at those tears gently.]

[Hearing that meant everything to her, right now.

"Program...? Do you mean an AI...?"

Yui could still recall the shock from when she explained what she really was to who she now considered her parents.

AI, an artificial intelligence. Something not human at all, but something that could act like one, with enough data. In Yui's case, she would be a «Top-Down AI», or at least she was until that fateful October day. Ever since then, her being began to evolve past scripted commands on how she was supposed to act, and began acting against the «Cardinal System»'s will, going so far as to manually erase a boss monster down in the lowest dungeon of Aincrad to stop it from killing the one holding her right now.

"We will always be together, Yui-chan."

Even so, she cared far less for the System deciding to try deleting her for her meddling compared to the feeling that she's a living lie that they all painfully endured in that safe room. And yet, the one she selfishly calls "Mama" is able to say such things even after all that time... There was a chance that, after that emotional event, she would have cooled herself and rethought the whole ordeal differently at this point. And yet, no such thing that she was scared of happened.

"You're our daughter, Kirito-kun's and mine. Anything you are, we're okay with."

That reassurance meant everything; nothing else mattered anymore.

To that, she buried the side of her head deep within that shoulder, her eyes tightly closed.]

Mama... Mama... I want to be with you, forever... with you and Papa, Mama!

[A warm hand presses to her cheek, keeping her there against her shoulder as she hums. Asuna didn't carry Yui or raise her or watch her grow but she couldn't help but consider her a part of Kirito and herself. Their daughter. She was a part of those happy, peaceful, wonderful days they shared in that cabin on Floor 22. The memories she cherished the most.]

Mn. We're together, always. I'm sure of it.

[With two papas!

Asuna kept Yui-chan's heart with her until her last moment, a crystal tear hanging around her neck. Yui-chan's heart was kept close to her own heart. Her hand strokes down her shiny, dark hair soothingly and having this warmth was so much stronger than the gentle one of that necklace -- like a reminder of a certain presence.]

And someday, we'll all live together in the real world. Kirito-kun promised and Papa keeps his promises, doesn't he? He wouldn't be a man if he didn't.

[would Mama be able to handle two Kirito-kuns in the world tho

That warmth, the light that Kirito and Asuna share, was what attracted Yui in the first place within that darkness she used to feel, where everyone's hearts affected her so deeply. Something about the couple made everyone happier, uplifted, inspired. It made her regressed self look for them, scanning and searching for any signs of what they did and who they affected, tasks they were able to do that she could not. Was it curiosity that brought her closer? A will to experience what others could? Maybe they could heal her, too?

Whatever it was that sparked her rebellion against the decree of the death game, it worked. Maybe too well.

Calming down from Mama's care, the girl looks up towards her.]

The real world...? [Eyes blinking, it was asked in a way that wondered how it could be possible, despite her own achievement. Her tone changes, though her voice remains soft as always, to being excited.] Ah, but if Papa said so, then we can be there as well one day, I'm certain! [Such beaming belief in him!]

[T-Two Kirito-kuns. Kya.

Two Kirito-kuns to believe in. And Yui-chan certainly got that unwavering belief in her Papa from Mama herself. The certainty that he would never let either of them down.

The obstacle here was acquiring more information, as Kirito-kun had said before.]

Together, always. [Even if Asuna takes to her maternal instincts easily with Yui (and anyone younger than her) she is still a teenager. She raises a hand and whispers behind it. Can't let those Kirito-kuns here this or he will get REEEEAAAAL embarrassed.]

Hey, Yui-chan, do you know what else Papa says?

[now now Mama, you don't get to cheat either, even if it's with another Papa! >:)]

Mm, always!

[Information... It's too bad she can't help Papa figure it out, herself, if it means having to find information in the real world.

There's only so much she can absorb on her own when she's in one place or another, even when interacting with people from the real world. Maybe when she's able to be in the real world too, she can learn a lot more! That makes her very excited to think about. ~~oh, just wait until she can directly connect to the internet, there's a fun thing she can ask Papa in a future meme~~

Of course, all those electric virtual neurons start working even faster once she realizes she's about to learn something new about Papa from Mama. She lowers her own voice in a whisper as well.]

Ah, what does Papa say?

[B-BUT... ok

Asuna figures the reason Kirito kept that thought to himself for so long is because he didn't want Yui to feel stressed for helpless for being unable to find the answer. Asuna definitely wouldn't be burdening Yui with that until they have some progress themselves. After all, in SAO they were the Progressers.

Still keeping her voice low, she grins:]

Papa says Yui-chan is the prettiest daughter in the whole world.

That's--

[She can't keep her voice entirely quiet at that, barely keeping it a whisper. In fact, is that a blush?]

Papa said... such a thing?

[Fidgets, looking down and holding onto the skirt of her dress while thinking of a response.]

I think... Papa is the most powerful and handsomest father in the whole world... and that you are the most beautiful and strongest mother in the whole world, Mama...

Edited 2014-09-28 06:43 (UTC)

[Of course he did. They are their precious daughter and parents dote over their children. Kirito wasn't biologically her father but he had enough affection (and experience with a cute young sister) to know a cute, young girl when he saw one. In this case, the prettiest.

Asuna agreed, naturally.

Yui-chan's reaction is charming. She hasn't seen the girl blush or looked so bashful. If she told Kirito-kun she had told Yui his thoughts, he would probably react very similar.

They weren't biologically related, no, but Yui-chan had definitely picked up some habits from her 'parents'. Although, it's completely natural to be flattered by such compliments. As Yui pays them back, Asuna blushes too. She had been smiling at calling Kirito the most handsome but she's not expecting to find herself included.]

Y-Yui-chan...

[They are a family of good looks and strength.

And blushing. Lots of blushing.]

Then Yui-chan is also the smartest and best daughter in the whole world!

Uwaaa...

[Though still blushing, her face breaks out in a mouthy grin. In her growing joy, she throws the force of her minute weight at Mama, who's still holding her up in her arms, wrapping her own arms around the other's neck.]

Ah, Mama and Papa are the smartest too! The best, definitely!

[Doesn't seem like either of them are whispering anymore, nope.

And it's not a lie. Together they progressed up the castle, even if they had their own methods, and together they figured out a way to help and rescue Yui. Without Mama's observations and Papa's data skills, none of them would be alive right now.]

[They needed Yui's strength too. If it weren't for her help in their search for Sinker, they wouldn't be alive.

But Yui-chan is the cutest. I... I can't take it!

So there is just hugging and smiling and laughing and Asuna being unable to do much but dote over her adorable daughter for a bit until she calms down.]

Hmmm, it's too bad Papa... that Kirito-kun isn't here too. And that we aren't in our cabin.

[Yui could see that warmth of emotions growing within Mama all the while, and it seems it isn't just contagious; one's happiness begets the other's, their voices rising throughout the conversation, causing her to giggle and snuggle within Asuna's arms, even planting a kiss on the cheek during their mutual affection.

Indeed, Mama and Papa were still teenagers... at their ages, in a sense they're also quite like sisters, the two of them here, though the relationship of daughter and mother couldn't be further stressed in their feeling for each other.

~~Papa, aside from Mama you really are an imouto magnet (though it'll surely be a shock when Suguha and Silica try to compare each other)~~

All that excitement looks to have tuckered the little one out; when Asuna speaks, Yui's eyes open from her relaxed state, sounding half-awake.]

uhnn... Where is Papa? Is he back home? [Where did he go, anyway? Both of them, for that matter. This place is very strange.] I want to go back...

[~~Papa is just a babe magnet he too pretty.~~

That, Asuna isn't really sure of. Having Yui-chan here with her though makes it better. More tolerable. It would be near-perfect if Kirito-kun were here too.

Her hand strokes at Yui's dark hair again soothingly and her body sways, as if rocking.]

Me too...

[She can admit it a little, at least to Yui and now that she has her in her arms. 'Home' is their cabin on the 22nd Floor and Asuna isn't the only one that sees it as such.

What would Kirito-kun say?]

But this could be another quest, couldn't it? The reward is a mystery. I'm sure Kirito-kun is already trying to figure out a way to complete it and find out what the reward is.

[~~he so pretty, even Klein agrees~~

The memories of the cabin...

Where she first woke to Papa and Mama.

Where she had her first spicy sandwich.

Where she wore her first new set of clothes. ~~they're gone now because of «Object Eraser» gomen Mama~~

Where she found her home.

Mama feels so nice right now, though. The swaying is affecting her, just like a baby.]

Ah... as expected, Papa... please complete it.. soon...

[Her eyes droop further with each word, until they close completely, fast asleep.]

I'll help him, so we'll complete it in no time.

[~~just his type~~

She's not expecting Yui to fall asleep so the sudden limpness in her body concerns Asuna. She blinks and looks down.]

Yui-chan?

[The gentle 'suuu, suuu' of breathing at least lets her know that she's sleeping and she smiles to herself.]

Like papa, like daughter. Yui-chan can fall asleep anywhere too.

[Hehe.

Except... it might be weird to have Kirito-kun fall asleep in her arms.

She imagines it and can't help but laugh awkwardly.]

[Mou, it's Papa's fault for getting her into the habit!

After a moment, she breathes out a series of words.]

Suuu... do... your best... Mama... Papa... love you... suuu...

[So very much.]

[SQUEEZES.

GENTLY.

NEARLY TEARING UP AT THE CUTE YUI-CHAN IS

But she whispers in her ear.]

I love you, Yui-chan.

[Must protect.]

Voice-testing, I couldn't resist

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Hi there! This account is taking some time to set up, sorry!

No worries at all! I've been there a few times myself.

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I'm horrible btw, nice to meet you

Horrible maybe, but I admit it, this gave me a much needed laugh.

I'm glad for that. :)

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Hoh, the snark is strong in this one. This mun doesn't mind however. B)

yes he's not the most polite

all the better for me to popcorn.gif at

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Hiiiiiiiii I didn't think it would be so hard to find good manga pages to crop for her sob

HIIII THERE sobb yeah i think fairy dance is it for yuichan :c

Maybe I should have her be a pixie instead then, haha

she's precious either way

the same can be said for her wonderful parents smile smile

OH YOU

:D

internet why life why

patpats

=w=)>

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Inc showed me the 4koma for more icons, wai

oh hey yeah that was a good idea waaaa

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