[ Deku's POV ]

[ As we hurried to take my injured cousins to the hospital.... we was waiting outside for of the doctors to give us the news. As I was getting inpatient as I couldn't stop walking back and forth. ]

".........." Deku was looking irritated as he keeps walking back and forth and Asuna spoke to him

"Hey Deku~Kun... try to stay calm, your getting too worked up." Asuna said

"........" Deku didn't listen to Asuna as he keeps doing his own thing

"Dekarusu, I know it's really bad but can't you at least look like your not going to murder someone?" Klein added as Deku still ignores them. "C'mon man! Can you stop ignoring us." Klein said as the doctor approached them

"Um? Excuse me, is one of you a family member or two for the ones who're injured?" The doctor asked as Yuuki spoke to him

"It's you! Doctor Kurahashi!" Yuuki said as the doctor spoke to her

"Hello Yuuki, it's nice to see you again." Dr. Kurahashi smiled at Yuuki and Deku spoken to him

"I am their family member. I'm Dekarusu Sumisu." Deku introduced himself

"You're the only family member here?" Dr. Kurahashi asked

"Yes sir." Deku said

"Okay.. I need you to come with me. And you guys can come in if you want to." Kirito and the others nodded as they followed them. "So, do you know what happened to them?"

"No.... as soon we just got there.. the three of them were on the ground floor, blood was everywhere and they were fully unconscious." Deku said

"Ok. Did you know what they were going to do before they were in danger?"

"Yeah, we're going to train together... but I decided to train at home.... then suddenly I had a bad feeling and we suddenly.. this had happened." Deku said

"Hm. I see. Well luckily that your still alive, if you go along with them, things would've been different by now." Deku was silent as he knew he was right. "But thank goodness that you was there for their aid."

"Yeah..." Deku said as they made it to the infirmary

"Well, we're here."

[ As we made it to the infirmary.... everyone and I were incredibly shocked.... we seen Akira, Soma and Aoi's in a bad shape~! ]

[ Akira's head, nose, collar bone were wrapped in bandages and both of his arms are in a arm braces.]

[ With Soma, his face was almost wrapped up with bandages, all the way down to his left hand, then his right shoulder through hand was covered in bandages as well. ]

[ And with Aoi... his shoulder down to his arms and his right leg was covered in bandages but it looked like it's broken~! I feel so angry and sad at the same time.. as I see my family in the hospital beds, really hard to keep my emotions in check. Then Doc Kurahashi spoke to me. ]

"Dekarusu... do you wanna hear the good news or the bad news?"

"The bad news."

"...Okay. Are you ready for it?"

"..Yeah."

"The bad news... with the boy with the arm brace.. um~?"

"The first one is named Akira, the second one is Soma and the third one is Aoi." Deku said as he told them their names

"Okay. With Akira... both of his arm are broken. The bones of his arms cracked, the fractures are equal to both. The symptoms are possible open wound either from the bone puncturing the skin or from the skin being cut during the injury. And decreased sensation or inability to move the limb, which may indicate nerve damage, also he's lucky that an open wound to his head closer to the brain wasn't too fatal."

"...." Deku nodded

"With Soma, same with his arms but not quite.. luckily, his bone just managed to stay attached but it's still on the verge of his bones cracked. But his skin on his face.... was almost destroyed.."

"Destroyed!" Deku was shock

"The wounds were too deep.. it almost drained out his blood pressure.. it was a miracle for him as he doesn't have any disabilities and to save him.. but we have to covered up his face excel his nose and mouth so he can breathe and eat." Deku looked really angry as he looked calm but knowing him, he's really mad but maintained his anger in check

"And lastly, Aoi. His upper body down to his waist is really bad, his fatal spots were luckily safe. His leg is the same condition with Akira and Soma's arms. But he's still going to be okay but with Akira and Soma's injuries are far superior than his. But the good news is that it was a miracle that they all still alive and breathing."

[ I was really shocked of the results.. I don't know if I can hold it in anymore. I wanted to see my cousins in person right now, so I asked Dr. Kurahashi to let me see them. ]

"....Can I see them now, Doc?" Deku asked

"Trust me. I really wish I could if it was up to me.. but they're still having surgery in the next coup of minutes. I'm sorry."

"Sigh"
"So, when can I~ I mean we visit them?" Deku asked

"Well.... they can have visitors on November 29." Deku was shocked as Dr. Kurahashi said the date

"W-Wait. You said.. on the 29th!?" Deku's eyes widened

"Yes. Is something wrong?"

"The 29th.... that's my birthday.." Everyone was shocked

"Oh! I'm sorry, please forgive me, but that's the only day we'll let them have visitors. I wish I could do something about that but~"

"It's ok. I appreciate you apologizing but don't be. You're doing your job, so it's really fine." Deku said as his hair covered his eyes then looked like he's completely normal, Kirito, Asuna and Yuuki noticed the way he responded

"Are you sure, Dekarusu?"

"Yeah. I appreciate you for letting me know how they're doing." Deku said

"Ok.. let's go and find some paperwork for your family."

"Yessir."

[ As Doctor Kurahashi and I left to go and start up some paperwork.... Kirito and the others were standing there.. as I turned around and seeing them looking at me.. I bet they're just as shocked as me when they heard everything.. I don't blame them.. ]

[ Kirito's POV ]

[ I feel really bad for Dekarusu... the way he was stunned.. it was like his worst nightmare had come back to him. I really wish I could do something to cheer him up but.. I don't think I can do anything to help him. ]

[ Klein's POV ]

[ How can someone do this to Akira, Soma and Aoi!? All three of them sudden beat up and was left for death. This is unforgivable! ]

[ Asuna's POV ]

[ This is really terrible! It's already bad enough for Deku~Kun had got the mark.. and now with his cousins in the hospital?! Could Joe and Volt did this?! ]

[ Yuuki's POV]

[ I noticed Deku~Kun wasn't happy about the date of visiting Akira, Soma and Big Bro Aoi.... I don't blame him. Deku~Kun's already suffering enough as it is with the mark.. and now his family in the hospital, really injured. I'm really worried about this now.. something is not right.]

[ 3rd POV ]

[ As Kirito looked a little bit sad, Klein looked sad, Asuna looked worried about Deku and his family, and Yuuki had an angry expression on her face. ]

"So guys.... what're we going to do." Asuna said

"About what?" Klein said

"With Deku~Kun.. with his cousins in the hospital, he'll feel like he's alone without his family." Yuuki said as Kirito spoke on

"But Alice and the others are there in need, so it shouldn't be a problem with him being alone." Kirito said

"True but~"

DOOR OPENED!!

[ Kirito and the others seen Deku and Dr. Kurahashi came through the door.. all of them were worried. Asuna spoke to Deku

"So, it's everything alright~?"

"Let's go guys." Deku walked away, making the others surprised

"W-Wait, Deku~Kun!" Asuna said

"I filled out the form for them, we can visit them anytime we want on the day and so on. So let's go." Deku waltzed out of the building

"C'mon man! Hold on!" Klein went after him as Asuna followed with him, Yuuki looked at Dr. Kurahashi

"Thank you Doc Kurahashi." Yuuki bowed as she went after them as well. It was Kirito's turn

"So Doc? Are Akira, Soma and Aoi are going to make it?" Kirito asked

"Well.. I've told Dekarusu there's a 50/50 chance that those three are going to make it or not. I'm surprised that he took it head-on.. I bet it's tearing him apart inside." Kurahashi felt really bad for Deku and Kirito understands what he was talking about. "Please, look after him.. he looked like he's all alone without his family." Kurahashi said as Kirito smiled

"Don't worry. That's the plan. He's our friend after all, and friends always have each other's backs." Kurahashi smiled from his words

"All right."

[ Then Deku made it to Klein's car first, then Asuna and the others made it with him.. they were fully concerned that Deku quickly waltz out of the hospital.. ]

"Deku~Kun, why'd you waltz out like that?" Asuna asked with her worried expression.

"Don't worry about it. Like I said we can visit them anytime we want as soon the 29th hits." Deku said as he got inside the car, the front seat

"But what about the others? The doctor told you something and your not telling us man!" Klein added as he, Asuna and Yuuki got in the car

"All you guys need to know that we can visit them on the 29th, that's all." Deku said

"But it's on your birthday, aren't you even at least surprised?!" Asuna said as Kirito made it to the car to the back with Asuna and Yuuki

"Duh! I was, I wouldn't ask the doc to change the date if I wasn't." Deku sounded a bit angry in his normal tone

"Hey man, just chill with the attitude." Klein said

"You're asking so many questions! Like I said we can visit them on the 29th. If we visit them and seeing them alive and well, then I'm satisfied with that. And plus they're MY cousins.. my own family, not yours or anyone, this is my problem and mine alone, got it?!" Deku said as everyone was shocked by his answer.. then Kirito spoke to him as Klein begin to drive

"Dekarusu... we know that. Akira, Soma and Aoi are your family, you care deeply about them. We get it, we cared about them too, ever since SAO. They're our friends too, and we just wanted to help you. We don't wanted to see a friend being all alone. Right?" Kirito said

"That's right, we've got each other's backs and we all survived together and we've able to escape the game alive." Asuna added

"Plus, I appreciate your cousins always helping me and my other friends with our fighting tactics and even give me more tips on our Katana Sword Skills and helping me with my timing. So I truly respect your cousins." Klein added

"And Aoi is really responsible guy to always make sure everyone is happy with him cooking for us in dinners sometime and with Akira and Soma's goofy personality really make us smile and laugh." Yuuki said

"......" Deku knew exactly what they're talking about.. as he sat there quietly

"And now, the least we can do is know what's going on so we can help you. We're friends after all, right Dekarusu." Kirito said

"Of course we are." Deku said

"Then tell the others exactly what the doctor said to you." Kirito said as the others were waiting for his answer

"Sigh"
"Doctor Kurahashi said.... it's a 50/50 chance of Akira, Soma and Aoi are going to make it." Everyone minus Deku and Kirito was shocked to hear that. Then Yuuki said something

"Me and Aiko will pray for them Deku~Kun." Yuuki said

"....Thanks Yuuki." Deku said

[ Deku and the others made it back to Deku's house.... as they went inside the house.. Deku instantly went to his room.... that had made Alice worried about him... ]

"What's wrong with Deku?" Alice asked as Asuna spoke

"Akira, Soma and Aoi are in the hospital, they're in a critical condition right now." Asuna said

"Then.. why'd he instantly head towards his room without saying anything?" Alice said as Yuuki said something

"Because... Deku asked Doctor Kurahashi about the date to visit his family.. and the doc said it's on the 29th of this month." Yuuki said

"On the 29th? What's the issue on the 29th?" Alice asked

"The 29th of this month... is his birthday." Yuuki said as Alice was shocked to hear that. Then Eugeo, Ronye and Tiese were shocked as well

"Oh.. that's why he.."

"I think we should give him some space to be himself." Klein said

"Yeah.. it's already bad enough for him.. since the mark is eating him." Asuna said as Ronye spoken

"Um... does Deku~Senpai wanted something to eat? We make some fresh baked pies for him." Ronye said

"Will that cheer him up at least?" Tiese added

"Well.. we'll just have to see.." Alice said

"Yeah, you two can give it to him, he should accept the pies." Yuuki said

"Are you sure, Yuuki?" Tiese said as Yuuki nodded. "Well, here goes nothing." Tiese and Ronye headed upstairs to Deku's room, then Yuuki followed them... then Alice followed them as well

"So.. I guess we could leave it to them. I mean, I wish I could do something but.. unfortunately I got nothing." Klein admits

"Yeah.. me too. I can't say anything that could help him, as he saw his own family in the hospital beds.. I don't even know what to say to him, going through so much pain." Asuna added

"Either way.. we just let them handle this for now. And we need to tell Liz and the others about Akira, Soma and Aoi are in the hospital and the visiting date." Kirito began to leave as Asuna said something

"You're not going to at least say or do something?" Asuna said

"What can I do or say? Even if I do something, it won't do any good anyway. As much as I wanted to.. there's nothing we can do." Kirito said as they understand what he meant

[ With Yuuki and the others were outside of Deku's door... ]

[ Deku's POV ]

[ I can't take this anymore! I'm just getting tired of it! It's one problem then another! As that witch Quinella gave me this mark, then Joe and Volt are back and now my cousins are in the hospital! I'm starting to lose it~! ]

KNOCK KNOCK!

"Um? Deku~Senpai.. can we come in?" Ronye asked

"....Yeah."

[ Ronye peacefully twisted the doorknob and sees me laying down on my bed, with my face against my knees and my arms over my knees.. and I was looking at them with my mourning eyes.. ]

"Hey Ronye.. and Tiese." Deku said on his depressed tone but sounded like he was normal

"We heard about your family.. and we're very sorry for them in the hospital." Ronye said as she bowed to him

"We know they mean the world to you and you always treat them so dearly. But we're here for you anytime, like you always there for us, it's only right to return the favor. Not only as our Senpai but as our friend." Tiese bowed as well

"......" Deku smiled a bit.

"So.. we don't know if we're able to help you or not, but we still wanted to give it a try. So please, we make some delicious creamy pies. They're really good." Ronye handed Deku 2 fresh-baked pies

"And here some refreshments.. we've made it ourselves.. we tried out a few samples and it turn out really good and refreshing." Tiese handed him a cup of a nice refreshments

"..Thank you, Ronye and Tiese, I truly appreciate you two." Deku said as he broke a pie into two pieces and shared it with them

"Oh Deku~Senpai, it's for you to have." Tiese said

"Yeah, but I just wanna share it with you two, please take it." Deku said as they take the pieces of the pie

"Thanks Senpai." Ronye and Tiese said in unison

"You're welcome." Ronye and Tiese left his room, as Yuuki walked in. "Hey Yuuki.."

[ Deku's POV ]

"Heya Deku~Kun...." Yuuki sat next to Deku

"........" Deku splits the pie as he gives it to Yuuki, but she was good, don't feel like eating.

"So, how're you holding up?" Yuuki asked as Alice was standby to listen to their conversation

"....Not good.. I know that much." Deku said as he finished with the pie.

"It was terrible of seeing them in a bad shape." Yuuki said

"Yeah... I really hope they'll make it.. I don't know if I can do anything without them, they're the only family I have left." Deku said

"We're here, we got each other's back." Yuuki smiled

"Yeah.. I bet." Deku said as he rest his head on his knees.. then Yuuki had an idea

"Oh! I know how we can cheer you up!" Yuuki said as Deku was confused

"?" Deku raised his eyebrow as he saw Yuuki got up and make sure that she got enough room for something

"Get ready Deku~Kun, you bout to get shell shock!" Yuuki said

[ I saw Yuuki taking a deep and was taking ground.... then as she smiled at me, she clenched her fists and.. ]

"Niku, Yay! Yay!"

(A/N: Imagine this is Yuuki.)

[ As I NEVER thought Yuuki would do a silly dance like this.. I was sitting there looking serious for a second.. then seeing Yuuki smiling and poured everything into this dance.. I'm slowly starting to feel better... ]

"Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay! Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay!" Deku was holding back his laughing.. as he heard Alice made a big laugh but quickly covered her mouth

[ Alice's POV]

[ I couldn't hold back my laugh as Yuuki was doing a weird dance that I never seen or heard before. It actually made me feel so silly and so happy.. I seen Deku looked serious at first but it looks like he's actually enjoying it as much as I am... ]

"Pfft!" Deku's laugh almost escaped

"Hehe...." Alice giggles as Yuuki spoken to her

"Hey Alice, join the fun." Yuuki said

"I-I couldn't." Alice politely refused

"Do it for Deku~Kun." Yuuki said

"You don't have to." Deku said

"..If it's for Deku.. then I suppose I have no choice." Alice join the dance.. then suddenly their in sync

~"Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay! Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay! Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay!" Yuuki said
~"Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay! Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay! Niku, Niku, Yay, Yay!" Alice said

"Pfft! Hahaha!" Deku was laughing

[ It looks like me and Yuuki made Deku happy again.. it was worth it to see him smiling again.]

"Oh my god! I'm shell shock!" Deku couldn't stop laughing

No ones POV

[ It looks like Deku's cheered up as Yuuki's happy dance did the trick and Alice joined the dance, made it twice as better... but still not fully satisfied now then with Deku Black returning to Quinella's presence.. ]

"My lady, I've returned." Deku Black said

"Welcome back, Deku Black, how did it go?" Quinella said

"I had faced and reduced Deku's cousins' life to 80% as you ordered me too." Deku Black said

"Perfect, it wasn't easy to do, right?" Quinella asked

"It wasn't. I admit, with all three of them together... they were really strong and entertaining.... but I have to show them no mercy. I wish I could keep fighting them a little bit more but it has to be done. Now I know why the "real" me loves to fight them in training." Deku Black admits

"Of course.. they're known as the "Twin Blades" and "Counterattack Swordsman" after all." Quinella said as Deku Black nodded. "Now.. that's set and done.. my plan for retrieving the "real" Deku in my grasp is almost complete. We just gotta drive him to the corner, just a little more." Quinella smirk

"My lady, may I go and see the real me in person." Deku Black asked

"Hm? It'll be interesting to see how he'll react to see you in person.. even though you two are exactly alike. I'll see about it." Quinella said

"Yes, my lady."

[ Joe and Volt were eavesdropping on their conversation.... the two of them were really angry as Quinella giving Black more credit then themselves.. as much as they served Quinella the same as him.. ]

"(I can't wait to kill this fake bastard! I promise my life I can't wait to kill him! And the real one will be the same!)" Joe thought to himself

"(I'll send him to his grave! I'll kick his ass with all of my strength!" Volt thought to himself

-To be continued-