Klein(SAO)x Reader

Chapter Eight

I follow after, not feeling like getting lost in this small yet confusing city. Soon, after wandering around and assuming my friends were with me, I collide into someone, sending both of us to the ground. 

"H-hey!" A man yelps and I hear a soft thud.

"S-sorry!" I squeak, quickly standing, and offering a hand in their direction.

"Skylar? Is that you?" I lift my chin, listening carefully to the voice, it ringing a bell.

"Huh? Wait, Kirito?" I guess, scratching my chin. Kirito takes my hand, and I haul him up.

"Yeah. It's great to see you again! Wait, where's Klein?" He questions and air moves swiftly around me, signaling his rotating.

"He should be right behind me. But, uh, I can't really tell that. I lost my sight." The air then settles abruptly, silence filling it.

"What? You mean you can't see me? How?" He interrogates, making me nervous.

"Oh, uh, to a murder guild. They got a good swing at my eyes, and a doctor told me that my sight would recover in about a year and if I'm lucky eight months." I explain, poking my two fingers together, giving me something to do. After I tell him all that had happened, the eerie silence replaces the wonder, along with tension.  "I won't die, Kirito," I mutter, folding my arms, "I'm not completely helpless."

"I know. I mean, I wasn't thinking that, or anything, but, have you been traveling with Klein since you lost your sense of vision?" He stammers. I lift an eyebrow, but I sigh in frustration.

"Yeah. And, when they go to clear floor one, I will be completely helpless when the time comes to beat the boss. So, since the meeting is today, promise me, you'll make sure you and Klein make it out okay? And everyone else? My point is, please don't die." I pinch the bridge of my nose, stopping the tears from welling in my eyes. 

"I promise. I'll protect everyone, and get you through, too." Determination takes the place of the cheer, and I feel glad someone pities me, at least.

"Thanks, but I wouldn't be a help to anyone at all, and probably just get in the way. I really shouldn't go because of that reason." I murmur, letting a few tears drip down my nose. 

"Oh, come on! You're really going to let us down? We need you as the skilled swords-woman you are, and you're walking away?" Kirito spits, catching me off guard. I step back a pace, flinching at the fierce words. Before anyone can say anything, I hear hurried footsteps echo off the packed stone.

"Skylar! Where were--Oh! Hey, Kirito! Long time no see!" I hear Klein pant, heaving a sigh. 

"Skylar was with me. Anyway, you are taking her to the boss briefing and fight, right?" Kirito questions and I hear clothes shuffle around as someone shifts their weight.

"I don't know. Skylar isn't taken anywhere. We both know that's impossible. So, Skylar? Your call." Klein replies.

"Um...." I scan through the ups and downs of my coming along, I make the decision, "Okay. I'm in." I hear a kind of shocked silence from Klein's side of the sidewalk, when Kirito steps towards me, patting me on the back.

"Great! I'll see you guys there, then!" He cheers, strolling away. 

"You're really going to fight the boss?" Klein steps towards me, and I hear doubt vibrate in his tone. "Are you sure?" I fold my arms again, and give him a raised brow, staring at him with a neutral face. "Urk! Yep! She's serious! Okay, let's get moving then! We don't want to be late for the meeting!" He exclaims hurriedly, taking me by the arm so as to lead me, his men following more casually.