Sorry this took so long. I had it started but then I just didn't continue it for a while even though I had a plan. You'll see why near the end XD By the way, I don't think Taiga is mean at all. Like, mean mean. Like what I wrote- I'm sowwy.
It's been another month since the group made it to the second level.
They found the dungeon a few days after running around the town for information. Though they decided to spend the weeks leveling up, not wanting to risk anyone getting killed. Himuro decided to stay with them a little longer, until they made it to the next floor.
Kuroko, who had gotten better after some rest and a healing crystal, refused to train with the group. Akashi had questioned him, almost demanding him to train with them in case he got hurt, but Kuroko refused.
Soon Akashi decided Kuroko would get better by himself if need be, so he took everyone else out to hunting grounds to train. Most of the time, Himuro joined Kuroko to keep him company as they trained.
Kuroko noticed the air was a lot colder then a month ago, and he knew that it was winter now. Maybe they would see some snow...
When alone, or with Himuro, Kuroko trained on everything. His speed, his strength, and duel wielding. Even the group doesn't know that he does duel wielding, only Himuro.
Kuroko was trying hard everyday to fight and train everyday, knowing one mistake could cost his life. He couldn't risk dying and have everyone else die because of him. He wouldn't stand for it.
Even if Akashi scolds him for over working every day or for doing unnecessary actions, Kuroko still did it. Because he wanted everyone safe.
As Kuroko trained in one of the hunting grounds with Himuro, that had lots of leopard like warriors, he noticed that white flakes were falling from the sky.
He didn't let that distract him, and he quickly got rid of the last warrior. "Himuro-san, I think it's snowing."
Himuro looked up, tilting his head. "I believe you're right."
"...Isn't it amazing how this world is like the real one?" Kuroko asked, and Himuro looked at him in confusion.
"I mean, it snows, it rains, and there are markets and oceans... You can buy houses and eat in restaurants... It just reminds me of real life." Kuroko murmured, and Himuro walked towards him, smiling.
"I see what you mean. Don't worry, we will get back to the real world, all of us. I know it." Himuro said, and Kuroko nodded.
"How about we go get something to eat, before going to another hunting ground?" Himuro suggested, and Kuroko smiled. "Okay."
Himuro began leading Kuroko away before the warriors respawned. Kuroko was glad that Himuro still hung out with him since Akashi didn't care if he trained or not. After all, Himuro was a solo player, so Akashi wouldn't really care.
"I wish the game had vanilla milkshake though." Kuroko said, making Himuro chuckle. "Taiga told me all about your fascination with them."
"Kagami-kun talks about me?" Kuroko asked, and Himuro nodded.
"Of course. He talks about you a lot." Himuro said, making Kuroko look away. He was glad Kagami cared about him, as well as talk about him. It was silent the rest of the way as Himuro lead Kuroko to a small food house, just something with low priced dishes.
Himuro took Kuroko inside, but stopped when it was empty. There was literally no one inside, nor the restaurant owner. "That's odd." Himuro said as Kuroko looked around.
"The owner has to be inside, or else the building would be locked." Kuroko said, walking quietly inside. Himuro followed and they both looked around, trying to find the store owner.
Soon they heard sobbing which confused them. Kuroko followed the sound and walked behind the counter, seeing the owner there. "Are you okay?"
The woman looked up in shock, before wiping her eyes. Himuro walked up behind Kuroko, surprised to see the owner crying. "No, someone... Someone took away my son."
"Your son?" Kuroko questioned.
"He was with the other children in the church on the first floor whenever he isn't with me. Someone told me a little ago that... That he went missing." The woman explained, before continuing to cry.
Himuro glanced at Kuroko, who was just as puzzled as him. "A young boy kidnapped? Why would someone take a child in SAO?"
"I don't know. Money, supplies, gear?" Kuroko suggested, placing a hand on his chin as he thought. "They probably want something from either this woman or the church, and it's most likely money."
"Why do you say that?" Himuro asked despite seeing the logic in Kuroko's assumptions.
"Just makes sense." Kuroko said, before kneeling down to face the woman. "What does he look like? Maybe we can find him."
"H-He is short, long brown hair... He has blue eyes... He usually wears gray clothing... But he might have gotten armor at the church. And he's seven." The woman explained, trying not to cry.
"Lets go to the church and ask for any leads." Kuroko said as he straightened up, and Himuro nodded. "Don't worry, we will find your son." Kuroko said reassuringly, and the woman stood.
"Thank you. Please bring him back! I'll give you rewards if you do." The woman said, and before Kuroko could decline, Himuro dragged him off.
"Himuro-san, we can't accept those awards no matter what they'll be." Kuroko said, honestly a little irritated, knowing Akashi would scold him for even accepting more things for free. He didn't even notice that some snow was gathering around since it had been falling ever since they left the hunting grounds.
"Don't worry. We will need materials if you want to advance in this game, Kuroko." Himuro said, looking back at the boy. "You can't let Akashi control you."
"I know but he seems upset about it..." Kuroko murmured.
"It's because he's already worried about your image." Himuro said, making Kuroko sigh. 'No, he's just worried about his own image..' Though he didn't say that to Himuro.
"Alright, so we have to go to the church to get a lead..." Himuro said to get them back on track.
"I think it's strange how not only a little boy joined SAO, but his mother did as well." Kuroko commented.
"I've seen families join SAO together. They probably thought it would be a good way to bond and stuff, you know?" Himuro suggested.
"I guess you're right." Kuroko said as they made their way to the big teleportation plate that was in every main town. As long as you've already been to that floor, you can teleport to any floor you want.
Soon they have been teleported to the first town, where everyone in SAO started. Kuroko looked around, remembering the place from a month ago. That reminded him, soon they would be hitting the second dungeon they found.
"Come on Kuroko, the church is right over there." Himuro pointed at the building that really did look like a church. Kuroko just nodded as Himuro lead him over to the building. He looked around, not finding many players out. He stopped Himuro from going on, grasping his arm.
"What is it Kuroko?" Himuro asked in confusion.
"Do you think I should change real quick? I don't know if the church heard about me, but I just want to make sure." Kuroko murmured and Himuro hesitantly nodded in agreement.
"Well, even if they heard about you, I don't think that would cross through their mind since a kid just went missing." Himuro said, watching as Kuroko opened his menu to change anyway. When a player changes, there's that split second where their clothes will disappear and revel their body with nothing on but their under clothes until the other pair of clothes appear. Himuro was one of the lucky ones to see that split second.
"Himuro-san, I'm ready now." Kuroko said, looking at Himuro. He was now wearing a plain black shirt with matching pants.
"Boy, you really are trying to be the 'Kuro' in your name, aren't you?" Himuro asked in amusement before shaking his head. He slowly opened the doors to the church, looking inside. As expected, kids no lower than 6 were running around and playing with each other or reading calmly against a wall.
"Still seems lively..." Himuro said softly as they walked inside.
"They wouldn't tell the children, Himuro-san." Kuroko said as they walked inside. The kids immediately noticed them and soon began surrounding them. "Look, a warrior!"
"I want to be a warrior!" Another kid said and soon they all began saying the same thing, mostly surrounding Himuro since he had his swords and light armor still on.
"If you train, kiddos." Himuro said, patting them on the head. Though Kuroko knew why they were here. They weren't safe outside of the town's so they stay here until someone beats the game. These poor children...
"Kids, who is this?"
Kuroko lifted his head when he heard a new voice. It was another woman, probably the person who watched over the kids.
"A warrior!" One of the kids said.
"Actually, a swordsman." The woman said, patting the kid on the head with a smile. Kuroko took the time to study the woman. It was no one he knew, obviously. Guessing that she wasn't on the front lines, she wasn't really a gamer. She could either have come because of family or a relationship. "And what is a swordsman and his friend doing here?" She asked, looking at Himuro.
"Um... We'd like to talk about that in private." Himuro said before noticing the woman's hesitant look to leave the children. "It's important." He insisted.
"If you have any one else to watch over the children, you can. We are alone, no one else is coming. We just want to talk." Kuroko said calmly.
"I.. guess." She said before calling over a young man who must've volunteered to work there. Once he was left with the children, the duo was lead away by the woman.
"So, what is important?" The woman asked when they were in a different room.
"We heard from a mother that her son went missing when he was at the church, and we came here for a lead." Himuro explained and the woman sighed.
"It wasn't just one." She said which surprised them both. "It was a few. Three in fact."
"Three?" Kuroko asked. "Who were they?"
"Two were seven, one was eight." The woman said. "One had brown hair and blue eyes, another had black hair with gold eyes, and the last one was a girl with long chestnut hair."
"We heard about the brown haired one, but I didn't know others were taken..." Himuro said.
"This means they want something from the church, not just that woman." Kuroko said simply. "Perhaps money? They could use the kids as a ransom."
"I would try to go after them but I don't know where they could be... Plus I'm not a swordsman." She said. "Some ready left to go find them but... They haven't returned for a few days, after the kids went missing."
"Well... Do you have any leads?" Himuro asked. "Anyone who did it, where they were going, if they said anything?"
"Yes. The night they were taken and I was still awake, I did notice someone wearing a black cloak carrying a child along the roofs-"
"The roofs?" Himuro asked.
"Himuro-san, let her finish." Kuroko said.
"Yes. I thought it was odd so I went down to check on the children and I found three missing. I immediately woke up the others, some of them were swordsmen, so they volunteered to follow the cloaked man. Last I heard of them was a message from yesterday. It seemed like a quick message, just saying 'Second Floor, dark forest.' I don't know what it means. I've never been to the second floor."
"We have. There's a forest in there that's all dark and creepy, as people said " Himuro said.
"It must've been a last message." Kuroko assumed. "That is either the cloaked man's hide out or where the people last saw him before they..." He trailed off, not wanting to say it.
"We can go." Himuro said to the woman. "We can go there and check it out."
"Are you sure? We don't have much for a reward..."
"We don't need a reward. I'm sure you need money for the children." Kuroko replied softly. The woman hesitantly nodded.
"Alright. Well, good luck, and thank you!" The woman said as Himuro began leading Kuroko away.
"We'll bring those kids back, we promise." Himuro said. Kuroko nodded in agreement. After that, the duo left the church quickly. They ran, not wanting to waste any time.
"What will we do? If it's a ransom, it will be hard to get the children without something they want." Kuroko said as they ran for the teleportation plate in the middle of town.
"And we can't kill them either." Himuro said.
Whenever a player commits a crime, it's cursor, which is originally green, turns orange for a certain amount of time. Though if a player kills another, it turns red so people know who is dangerous and who is not.
"Maybe we can have one of us distract them while the other gets the children. I know there isn't any houses in the forest since it was originally a hunting ground until all the monsters were killed." Kuroko explained once they stepped on the plate.
They teleported to the second floor quickly, Himuro saying the name of the town closest to the forest they needed to head to.
"Who will get the children?" Himuro asked once they set off again. Kuroko opened his menu as they ran, looking around quickly. When he saw no one looking their way, he quickly changed as they ran. He had his black cloak back on, and one sword on his back so no one knew he had a rare skill of duel swords. After all, only one or a few can get this skill.
"I will." Kuroko decided quickly. "I have more stealth and speed than you, Himuro-san. Besides, you are good with convincing, or at least stalling."
"Alright. Should we tell the others?"
"No."
Himuro was surprised on how quickly Kuroko answered but said nothing more. They continued running until they left the town, heading in the direction of the forest. "We should make it there in half an hour, if we don't take breaks." Kuroko calculated and Himuro just nodded.
It didn't take as long as Kuroko thought before they arrived at the dark forest. "Now we need to be careful." Kuroko said when they stopped. "You will go ahead. I will follow close behind but from above, in the trees, so I can make sure there isn't an ambush."
"Sounds good." Himuro said, nodding.
"Alright." Once they agreed, Kuroko jumped up onto a low tree branch, before jumping up onto a higher one. "Alright, you can go Himuro-san. I'll be right behind."
Himuro began running down below and Kuroko jumped on branches from above. He silently thanked himself for deciding to focus on upgrading his agility and time reaction, because if he didn't, this would be nearly impossible to do without falling.
Kuroko kept his eyes out, looking around. It was a dark forest, as stated. The trees were still alive, but they never had any leaves. Plus with all this fog always surrounding it, most people, even players, tended to stay away. Though with a need for experience, eventually this hunting ground was cleared of monsters.
Himuro was silent just like Kuroko, although he trusted the boy to tell him if there was a trap or if the kids were ahead. Hopefully the kidnappers would be away and things would be easy, though he doubted.
So far, Kuroko didn't see anything. No kids, no people in cloaks, nothing but trees. Perhaps they weren't hiding here? Maybe they moved on? He didn't like this silence...
Training his ears to listen more, he didn't hear anything close. Though he did hear talking in the distance. They were heading in the right direction at least. "It's up ahead, Himuro-san." Kuroko said quietly although a nod from Himuro told him that he heard.
Now training his eyes to see farther, he tried to distinguish how many people were there. He couldn't see the people's names, gender, or gear, just how many there were. There were four in total, in an open area. Three looked small and one was tall. It must be the kids and kidnapper.
'Something doesn't seem right...'
"Himuro-san, one man up ahead, and then the three kids." Kuroko said, looking down to check on Himuro.
"Got it." Himuro said, refraining from pulling out his sword. If he did and they thought he was hostile, they might attack immediately. Kuroko slowed down when they got closer but Himuro kept going. Kuroko would watch from afar, just in case, while Himuro talked to the man.
Kuroko stopped on a tree branch, crouching down so he wouldn't be seen but he could see Himuro and the man. He looked at the children and saw they were indeed the kids taken. Once Himuro had the man distracted, he would go forward, take the children, and teleport to the first town with Himuro. Then, they would be safe.
"What are you doing here?" Kuroko heard the man ask. He couldn't get a good look at his face since he wore a hood over his head, but it was obvious it was a man.
"I was here to help." Himuro said, slightly raising his hands so he could show the man he didn't have anything.
"Oh really? Then show me proof. If you are here to help, then show me the symbol." The man said, holding up his wrist. Kuroko looked closer and saw that on the man's wrist was a picture of a white coffin with a laughing face appearing out from behind this. Kuroko's mind froze.
'Laughing Coffin... I thought they were just rumors!' Kuroko thought in panic. It was a month ago, but it was said that there was a group of murderers going around and killing people for money. Some said they even took children for ransoms. 'I should have known!' Kuroko thought almost angrily to himself.
He then calmed down, before focusing his eyes again. He didn't even have to look around to notice there were people all around, hidden beyond the trees. All of them were ready to attack, swords drawn. Himuro was outnumbered, as it was one to five. Not unless Kuroko joined, but if he did, then his cover would be blown...
"I didn't get one yet." Himuro lied smoothly. He must've recognized the symbol. "This is my right of passage."
"Sure." The man said, obviously not believing him.
Kuroko looked around, surprised to see some of the men moving forward. Their steps were silent, just like the rumors. They were a silent assassination group after all.
"Unless you want to die, you better get lost."
"Why did you take the children?" Himuro asked, knowing that it was pointless to continue his act.
"Isn't it obvious? A ransom." The man said. Kuroko narrowed his eyes even though he already suspected a ransom. Well, now we not the time to worry over that. The men were closing in and Kuroko didn't think that Himuro noticed. What should he do? Save Himuro or save the children? Couldn't he save both?
He had to make the decision now because just then, he saw one of the men closest to Himuro jump. Himuro didn't have his sword drawn, he wouldn't even be able to pull it out in time, even if he heard him!
Kuroko drew his sword, uncaring if he was heard, and jumped down. He tried not stabbing the man, but instead, swung his blade so the others was deflected before it could touch Himuro. "Himuro-san, it's an ambush!" Kuroko said, looking around as Himuro quickly drew his sword despite being surprised.
The men Kuroko saw earlier appeared from their hiding places. All of them were wearing hoods and had swords drawn. Kuroko saw some even had dark shields.
"Himuro-san, we need to take the children and use our teleportation crystals." Kuroko said when they were forced back to back in order to avoid the men getting closer. Now it was five against two. Surely this wouldn't be hard... "Himuro-san, don't underestimate them."
"As if I'd do that." Himuro said seriously, gripping his light sword tightly. Once one of the men stepped forward, they both shot forward and the battle began.
It seemed like a blur to anyone watching, but to Kuroko, he was completely focused. One wrong screw up and he could be killed, but he couldn't kill any of these men. If he killed them here, they would die in real life. He couldn't take a life.
Kuroko was up against three men, mostly because he had the most reaction time and speed. He was constantly moving, his sword swinging to block the others swords or shield, rather than attacking. If he stopped blocking, he would be in big trouble.
'Focus, focus... There has to be an opening...' Kuroko mentally said to himself, watching the men closely as he blocked their attacks. He took a deep breath as he focused on their movements which seemed to slow down in Kuroko's mind.
'There!'
Kuroko swung his blade quickly while glowed a bright blue as he used a sword skill. He made sure to swing right after one man tried attacking him with his sword, and that usually signalled the man with the shield to attack.
Kuroko winced as he felt the slightly painful feeling of a sword piercing his shoulder. Though he didn't stop his motion, soon stabbing the man with the shield in the side. Surprised, they stepped back, but that was all Kuroko needed.
He jumped forward, away from the two other swordsmen, and began swinging his sword quickly in a four-hit skill. His sword still glowed light blue as his sword was constantly in motion, taking the men by surprise.
Sparks flew as his sword hit the shield multiple times but he didn't care. The man wasn't collected and would easily break if he was constantly pushed. Kuroko kept up his combo attack, pushing the man back who desperately tried to block his sword.
The others seemed to collect their senses and rushed forward to help but Kuroko was prepared. He had the upper hand now. Once they got close, Kuroko unexpectedly turned and slashed at both their stomachs. A red line appeared to show that they have been hit, but their health only went down a little. After all, Kuroko wasn't trying to kill them.
It was back and forth, Kuroko swinging one sword and getting hits on all three members of the Laughing Coffin. They were slowly losing their health, thus panicking. Soon the one with the shield fled, not wanting to get killed.
Kuroko eventually jumped back now that he only had two swordsmen to deal with. He checked his health and was glad to see it wasn't halfway gone yet.
"Wait..." One of the men suddenly said to the other. "Doesn't he seem familiar?"
'I don't know these people... Are they stalling?'
"Oh yeah! He's that Beater! Look at the black cloak!" The other said in realization.
'Beater...? This again?' Kuroko wondered, narrowing his eyes slightly. 'Didn't people get over it?'
"Yeah, I knew he looked familiar. Someone said he had a big bounty..."
'Bounty! I didn't know I had a bounty!' Kuroko thought in surprise.
"Maybe we shouldn't kill him."
"I wouldn't let you anyway." Kuroko said, holding onto his sword tighter. Though in the silence that happened for a few seconds, Kuroko heard the sounds of fighting and metal against metal. Himuro! He forgot about Himuro!
He looked over, seeing Himuro go against the leader of the ransom and another comrade. He seemed to be having trouble, even though the comrade had a two handed sword and had slower reaction time.
Kuroko turned to help Himuro but was caught by surprise as his head suddenly hit the ground. Just like before, the pain was only faint, but it still did hurt. He held his head, slowly looking up as he saw two swords pointed at him. He couldn't get up now.
One kept his sword pointed at Kuroko while the other began heading over to the battle. Kuroko watched in shock as they approached Himuro who was oblivious. They were going to kill him!
"Himuro!" Kuroko yelled, forgoing the '-san' in the heat of the moment.
Himuro did turn around just in time to see the man and deflected his sword with his own. Though Himuro was outnumbered once more, and he could barely handle two. Now he had three people! Kuroko tried getting up but he felt a sword start to dig into his cloak and soon skin.
Letting go of his sword, Kuroko moved his hands to the sword that was currently being pushed into his stomach. His hands grasped it as best as he could, trying to pull it out despite the man still pushing down. Then, his black sword was kicked away, causing him to gasp and try to reach for it.
He stopped midway, holding back a shout of pain as he felt the sword go deeper. Was it just him, or was it that the deeper it got, the more it hurt?
"Hurts, doesn't it?" The man above him asked. Kuroko didn't reply, just closing his eyes in pain as his hands returned to the sword and tried to pull it out. His health was slowly draining. This wasn't good.
"Kuroko!"
Kuroko looked over to see Himuro who must've realized he was in trouble. Somehow he had broken away from the three men and ran towards him, jumping to attack the man.
Kuroko felt the sword removed from his stomach swiftly, making him gasp but even then, the man was not fast enough. Himuro had struck a hard blow into him, his light sword glowing white as one of its skills was activated.
Kuroko scooted back as fast as he could and grasped his sword to help Himuro. Though as he looked back as he stood, he froze in shock. Himuro was frozen as well, but in surprise, his eyes wide. The man had gotten lucky enough to get some fatal shot at Himuro, piercing his chest with the sword.
"M-Move!" Kuroko said to Himuro once he was out of shock but his eyes widened more as Himuro's health was almost gone. He saw the raven haired male look at him, smiling almost sadly.
'No, don't you dare do this... Don't do this... There's still time!' Kuroko thought in his mind, his jaw clenching as he watched Himuro.
"Tell Taiga that he was the best brother I ever had." Himuro said with a smile, before his health dropped. Only after his body glowed a bright blue did he burst into a million pieces, never to come back to life.
Kuroko watched in shock as the shards floated a bit before completely fading. Himuro... was dead? He couldn't be dead...
Maybe he was asleep. This was all a nightmare. This whole game was a nightmare. He just wanted to wake up.
"Well, that wasn't so hard." One of the men said.
'Don't talk like that...'
"He certainly wasn't high leveled unlike the Beater."
'Don't disrespect the man you just killed like that..'
"Yeah, we should deal with him now actually and move the kids somewhere-" The last man was cut off in surprise as a sword suddenly slashed into his side. Then it happened again. Again. Again.
"Hey!"
Kuroko didn't pay any mind to what the others had to say. Swordsmen spoke with swords, not words. He couldn't voice the anger, the sadness he felt for his lost. Though his sword could explain.
As the others began to approach to attack, Kuroko startled them with an angered battle cry before jumping into action. He constantly moved, slashing at all the men with his combos, their health draining quickly with his speed. He didn't care if he was getting hit, it didn't matter. He couldn't die, not yet.
Kuroko was now a blur of black, attacking the men with new strength and speed. 'Faster!' Kuroko thought when he felt himself slow down thanks to stamina. His body responded, once again going at a faster pace, slashing at the men with multiple combos.
One by one the men dropped out the fight, fleeing into the forest, their health at red. Kuroko let them flee, knowing he can't kill them even if they killed Himuro. They deserved it, but he couldn't do it.
Soon it was just him and the leader of the ransom left. He growled in anger, his sword pointing at the man's throat. "Leave now while you're alive. If I hear about you again, I won't hesitate to hunt you down and finish you off." Kuroko said in warning.
"Letting me go? You are soft." The man said with a sneer before crying out in surprise, stumbling back. Kuroko drew bAck his sword, which was glowing light blue again after he slashed at the man in the legs one final time.
"I said leave. You have no business with these children." Kuroko said, and when the man looked at his eyes, he could see the rage and pain in the boys eyes. Deciding it would be best, the man eventually fled.
Kuroko stayed still for a moment, making sure no one else was around. Then his sword slowly slipped out of his hand, falling onto the ground. Soon he followed after, collapsing onto his knees. His hands clenched, digging into the ground. His jaw tightened as he tried to keep calm.
Himuro was dead and it was his fault. If only he didn't get distracted. If only he wasn't stubborn and asked Akashi for help. It was all his fault that his friend was dead, that Kagami's brother was dead.
Not able to contain his anger and pain, Kuroko released all his emotions into one loud cry into the sky.
Kuroko had taken the kids home to the church. He didn't say a word, just returning the kids before leaving towards the second floor. He was sure that Akashi was worried since he has been missing all day. It was night now and the town's were covered in snow for the winter.
After teleporting to the second level, Kuroko headed straight to the Inn they were staying in. They stayed in the Inn's rather than houses. Akashi didn't want a permanent home until they were in the higher levels.
Entering the Inn, Kuroko silently went upstairs to their room. He knocked before opening the door, seeing that everyone was inside.
"Tetsuya, where..." Akashi immediately started in his stern voice but trailed off when he saw Kuroko's appearance. Dull eyes, emotionless face (more than usual), and cheeks that was almost glistening. 'Did Tetsuya cry...?' "Tetsuya, what's wrong?"
Kuroko didn't answer, just moving to a random bed and sat down, his back turned to the others. "Hey, Akashi asked you a question." Aomine said, grasping Kuroko's shoulder. The boy immediately jerked away from the touch, surprising everyone.
"Kuroko?" Midorima asked, obviously concerned for the boy even though he tried to hide it.
"Tetsuya, what happened?" Akashi asked.
"And where is Tatsuya?" Kagami asked. Kuroko froze at the name, before his hands went to his face. "It's my fault..." He whispered, all of them barley catching it.
"What was that?" Kise asked, watching their little shadow. Then they were all shocked when Kuroko stood up and faced them. He was indeed crying.
"It's my fault! If only I hadn't been distracted, he would be alive!" Kuroko said, surprising everyone. Sure, they saw Kuroko cry when it's about something he loved or cared about, like basketball. Though none of them ever saw him panic in his life. Was the game getting to him?
"Tetsuya, what are you talking about?" Akashi asked, walking closer but stopped when Kuroko looked at him. He then looked at Kagami, pain in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Kagami-kun... Himuro-san is dead. It's my fault. I'm sorry!" Kuroko said, and this time Akashi really did approach him, holding him closely to provide strength and support.
"...Tatsuya's dead?" Kagami said in surprise. He then quickly checked their party and saw that Himuro was missing. "He... can't be dead..."
"I didn't even avenge him... I let the men who killed him go..." Kuroko said softly, closing his eyes. "I just can't kill anyone. I'm sorry..."
"Tetsuya, it's alright.." Akashi murmured, rubbing the boys back. He must've been really shaken up by seeing death right before his eyes. He wondered if the game was getting to Kuroko...
"No, it's not alright."
Everyone looked at Kagami who stood up. He looked almost angry. "Tatsuya is dead! Once someone dies they won't come back! You can't say it's alright!"
"Kagamicchi, I don't think you should yell at Kurokocchi now..." Kise tried to say but Kagami was too angry.
"No, as he said, it's his fault! If he wasn't so weak, Tatsuya wouldn't have died." Kagami said before looking at Kuroko who looked shocked. "Tatsuya died saving you, didn't he?"
Kuroko was silent but then nodded. He held onto Akashi, his grasp tight. "It really is your fault..." Kagami muttered, turning away.
"Hey, Bakagami, you shouldn't say that to Tetsu now of all times." Aomine commented.
"Shut it Ahomine!" Kagami yelled. "Until your best friend, no, brother dies, then don't tell me what to do!"
"Everyone needs to calm-"
"I'm leaving the party." Kuroko suddenly said, cutting Akashi off.
"Tetsuya.." Akashi murmured before shaking his head. "You can't..."
"You said that if I ever requested to go, you couldn't deny it. I'm leaving." Kuroko said, wiping his face slowly.
"But... why?" Kise asked, frowning.
Kuroko didn't say anything, looking away. If he stayed with the group, he would get them killed. They were strong, but this game is unfair. He was weak, as Kagami said. If he hung around, eventually he would end up getting everyone killed.
"At least let us say goodbye." Akashi said, sighing softly. Kuroko was right, he did promise that if Kuroko asked to leave, he had to let him go.
Akashi slowly hugged Kuroko close, wishing he didn't have to leave. Soon Kise joined the hug, much to Akashi's displeasure, but he didn't say anything. Murasakibara, being taller than everyone, merely ruffled the shadow's hair. Midorima just simply placed his hand on Kuroko's shoulder, being the tsundere he is.
When they all moved away, Aomine looked at Kuroko before sighing softly. He raised his fist and Kuroko got the hint, bumping fists with Aomine softly. "Just don't get killed, alright?" Aomine said, glancing at Kuroko with a smile.
All that was left was Kagami but he made no movement towards Kuroko. He just turned away and sat on the bed, his back facing the group.
"Well, goodbye Tetsuya." Akashi said, tilting his head softly. "And Daiki is right. Don't die on us now." He said with a smile.
"Of course not." Kuroko said, seeming cheered up a little since everyone cared so much. He decided to go now before he regretted it. He moved away from everyone, heading to the door. Though he stopped, remembering something.
"Kagami-kun."
Kagami looked up, glancing at Kuroko. The shadow looked at Kagami, smiling sadly just like Himuro did before he died. "Himuro-san said that you were the best brother he ever had."
Before Kagami could reply, Kuroko opened the door and left the room swiftly. Looks like he was a solo player now.
'Kuroko Tetsuya, Solo Shadow Beater...' Kuroko thought sadly, leaving the Inn. 'For some reason, that doesn't sound so bad.' He looked up at the night sky of SAO, seeing that it was snowing again. He closed his eyes, trying to think of what to do next.
'I have to get stronger and defeat the next boss with a group.' Kuroko thought. "Sooner the better." He said this time before walking off. From now on, he wasn't going to be the weak Kuroko Tetsuya.
He was going to get stronger and do his best to get as far as he can in the game. He was now the Solo Shadow Beater, and he was going to do everything he could. Maybe, just maybe... He could beat the game and save everyone, just like Himuro thought. He could save everyone alive and avenge the death.
"Just watch everyone," Kuroko murmured as he began walking off. "I'll get stronger and do everything I can. I live up to my name as a Beater and beat this game."
Himuro died! At least he saved Teysuya~ And I'm sorry if you don't like how Tetsuya acts (or Taiga) but I'm sure if you're faced with death before your very eyes, it's hard to keep an emotionless facade.
By the way, I was thinking about it, and if you send me any OC's or something, I can make a guild that Tetsuya could temporarily join! Or maybe just meet someone who helps him for a chapter or two~ ^o^ If you do, I'll try my best to fit their personalities and reactions~
