Post by Hayate on Aug 16, 2007 13:39:28 GMT -5
~ Warring City of Lumina Cloth; May 2, 2037 ~
*in the Arena, a lone Twin Blade girl faces off against a heavily-built Edge Punisher*
Punisher: Ready to give up, girly?
Twin Blade: …Hehehe…
Punisher: Alright! You asked for it! YAAAAAAH!!!!
*the Twin Blade dodges the Punisher’s Twin Moons Rengeki by back-flipping; as soon as she gets back to her feet, she retaliates with a Gale Blade Rengeki while the Punisher’s guard was dropped; the Punisher keels back a little, but regains his composure soon after*
Punisher: Grrrr… You’re gonna pay for that!
*the Punisher attacks again, this time with a Bonecrusher Rengeki; the Twin Blade dodges the first two swings, but is struck by the last swing and goes flying into the battle fence; the Punisher approaches the Twin Blade to deal the final blow*
Punisher: It’s over, girly! Can’t say it hasn’t been fun!
Twin Blade: Tch! …Huh?
*just then, the Twin Blade sees an opening; she grabs her dual sword and slashes at the Punisher’s legs, knocking him off-balance*
Punisher: Gah!!!
*the Punisher drops his blade and begins to stumble; before he falls over, the Twin Blade finishes him off with a powerful Ghost Falcon Rengeki*
Punisher: …D-Dammit…
*the crowd cheers loudly*
Announcer: Unbelievable! She’s done it again, ladies and gentlemen! Tsukiyomi, the Flower of Lumina Cloth, has defeated Yuugi and conquered the Holy Palace Singles Division!
Tsukiyomi: …Hmph! Nothin’ to it!
*outside the Arena, Tsukiyomi meets with a mob of players seeking autographs*
Tsukiyomi: *signing autographs* Hehehe… Thanks for your support, everybody. I promise not to let you down.
Reporter: *holding microphone* Tsukiyomi! Care to say a few words for the ALTIMIT Daily News!?
Tsukiyomi: *does a victory pose into the camera* I’m going for the Sage Palace Singles Division soon, and I promise my next victory will be even more glamorous!!!
*somewhere nearby, the members of Samurai 7 watch Tsukiyomi pose for the camera*
Jack: A regular prima-donna, isn’t she?
Piros VIII: Hmph! I’m just as popular as she is! *goes up to a nearby player* NEVER FEAR!!! PIROS VIII IS HERE!!!
Girl PC: *punches Piros VIII* Creep!
Piros VIII: …Ow…
Claire: Ugh… What an idiot…
Haruhi: Your orders, Master Kyuzo?
Kyuzo: *smirk* Recruit her. I don’t care what it takes. I want that girl in my guild.
Haruhi: Understood.
*later, in a grassy field area…*
Tsukiyomi: *stretches* Ahhh… Fame is cool and all, but lately I barely get any time to myself. *draws dual swords* Okay! Time to fight some monsters!
*while Tsukiyomi keeps herself busy fighting monsters, a mystery PC gates into the field*
: …Hehehe…
Tsukiyomi: Rengeki: Gale Blade!
*Tsukiyomi takes out her 10th monster in under 3 minutes*
Tsukiyomi: Ahhh… Man, this feels good! …Hmm?
*nearby, Tsukiyomi sees an enclosed battle fence; inside, she could hear weapons clanging*
Tsukiyomi: *gasp* Someone’s in trouble!
*Tsukiyomi pushes through the battle fence and sees a black Tribal Grappler about to PK a silver-armored Flick Reaper*
Piros VIII: *badly acting* AAAHHH!! Help me!! Someone save me!!
Claire: *sweatdrop* Piros, would you at least TRY to make it look believable?!?
Piros VIII: I’m trying my best here!!!
Claire: WELL, TRY HARDER!!!!!
Tsukiyomi: Are you alright, sir!?
Piros VIII: Oh, thank the gods!! My savior hath arrived!!
Tsukiyomi: Uh… Okay…
Claire: …God, this is embarrassing…
Tsukiyomi: *jumps in front of Piros* If you wanna PK someone, why not try me on!?
Claire: …Hehehe… It’s your funeral…
*just then, a white fog begins to generate within the battle fence; Claire hides within the fog*
Tsukiyomi: Huh!? W-Where’d she go!?
*just then, Tsukiyomi is attacked out of nowhere by flying fists and kicks*
Tsukiyomi: Agh! Gah! Unh! Dammit, come out and face me!
Claire: …Hehehe… I prefer PKing my victims this way… What’s the matter? Too blind to see?
Tsukiyomi: Grrrr…
*Tsukiyomi suddenly crouches down as if preparing to do something; just then, she jumps up a short distance from the ground and spins her body around like a tornado, blowing the fog away*
Claire: *gasp*
Tsukiyomi: Found you! Rengeki: Chaotic Strike!
*Tsukiyomi slashes Claire up into the air, jumps up, and unleashes a multitude of slashes upon her PC body before slashing her downward onto the ground*
Claire: Ugh… You’re stronger than I thought, girl…
Tsukiyomi: I didn’t become the Holy Palace Princess by being weak! Now then…
*suddenly, Claire is healed by an Ul Repth spell*
Tsukiyomi: H-Hey! Who did that!?
Piros VIII: ‘Twas I, she of fair eyes!
*turning around, Tsukiyomi sees Piros on his feet with his scythe drawn*
Tsukiyomi: What the?!? Why did you heal her?!? …Unless…!
Claire: About time you figured it out, girl!
Tsukiyomi: Tch! An ambush!
*just then, the battle fence vanishes*
Claire: I’ll make this brief. Tsukiyomi, my guildmaster wishes to meet with you.
Tsukiyomi: Guildmaster?
Claire: That’s right. Kyuzo, the guildmaster of the Samurai 7.
Tsukiyomi: Kyuzo?!? Are you crazy?!? There’s no way in hell I’m meeting with him!!!
Claire: Heh… You misunderstand me, Tsukiyomi. You see, this isn’t a request… *readies gauntlets* …It’s an order!
Tsukiyomi: *gasp*
Piros VIII: *readies scythe* TALLY-HO!!!
*Claire and Piros suddenly pounce on Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: (Oh, boy…)
*all of a sudden, Claire and Piros are struck simultaneously by a twofold Lei Zas spell, blowing them a short distance away from Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: What the hell just…?
: Hey, are you alright?
*Tsukiyomi looks over to see a red Blade Brandier and a Ya Tribe Shadow Warlock*
Tsukiyomi: …Y-Yeah, I’m alright…
Hayate: Heh… *gasp* Look out!
*Hayate sees Claire get to her feet and attack Tsukiyomi from behind*
Claire: You’re mine!!!
Tsukiyomi: *gasp*
Yahiko: Vak Don!
*just before Claire could strike, she’s struck from above by raining meteors, reducing her HP to zero*
Hayate: *sigh* Nice going, Yahiko!
Yahiko: Hehehe…
*Tsukiyomi walks up to Hayate and Yahiko and puts her hands on her hips*
Yahiko: Wow… The “Flower of Lumina Cloth” herself…
Tsukiyomi: …Y’know, I could’ve handled those two on my own…
Hayate: *sarcastically* Sure…
Tsukiyomi: Hey! What’s with that look!? You don’t believe me!?
Hayate: Hahahahahaha!
Tsukiyomi: Quit laughing at me!!!
*moments later, Tsukiyomi walks through the area alongside Hayate and Yahiko*
Tsukiyomi: …So, what’s a Brandier and Warlock doing out here in the middle of nowhere? Y’know, this area isn’t known to many players…
Hayate: I was given the area words by my guildmaster.
Tsukiyomi: *backs away* Oh, don’t tell me! You’re with the Samurai 7 too!?
Hayate: What!? Hell no! I’m a member of Glaive LeGable!
Tsukiyomi: …Glaive…LeGable…? …What the heck does that mean?!?
Hayate: I have no clue…
Tsukiyomi: …And what about you?
Yahiko: Who, me? I’m with Canard.
Tsukiyomi: Canard, huh? Hey, do you know Silabus, the guildmaster?
Yahiko: Yeah, why?
Tsukiyomi: He’s a friend of mine, that’s all. By the way…
Yahiko: Yeah?
Tsukiyomi: …WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU CHOOSE YA TRIBE AND SHADOW WARLOCK?!? You’re a living contradiction, man!!!
Yahiko: What!? I like using big, strong characters, and I also like magic! It’s a free country!!
Tsukiyomi: …Whatever, man…
Hayate: Hey, Tsukiyomi. Why don’t you join my guild?
Tsukiyomi: Huh?
Hayate: A player as famous as yourself would likely be hunted down by the Samurai 7 more than once, and since my guild happens to be rivals with that guild…
Tsukiyomi: … *smirks* …Oh, I get it now.
Hayate: Huh? Get what?
Tsukiyomi: One guild tries to recruit me, so you take ‘em out just so you can recruit me instead!
Hayate: W-What!? It’s not like that at all!
Tsukiyomi: Yeah, I gotta admit, it was a pretty sneaky plan…
Hayate: I said it’s not like that!!
Tsukiyomi: …but the Flower of Lumina Cloth is smarter than that.
Hayate: LISTEN TO ME!!!!!
Tsukiyomi: *snicker*
Hayate: --Huh?
Tsukiyomi: *laughs loudly*
Hayate: *sweatdrop*
Tsukiyomi: Man, you are too easy!
Hayate: … (…This is going nowhere…)
Tsukiyomi: …Hey, I know. How about an Arena battle?
Hayate: Huh? Arena battle?
Tsukiyomi: If you somehow beat me, then I’ll join your guild.
Hayate: Hmm? …Alright, deal!
Tsukiyomi: Okay then! Meet me in front of the Lumina Cloth registration counter in 30 minutes! *gates out*
Hayate: …An Arena match against the Flower of Lumina Cloth… Heh! This is gonna be fun! Let’s get going, Yahiko! … *looks around* …Yahiko?
*looking over, Hayate sees Yahiko fighting some monsters*
Hayate: Yahiko!!! What are you doing!?
Yahiko: Well, you two were talking for so long, I got bored!!!
Hayate: …
*30 minutes later, Tsukiyomi waits by the registration counter*
Tsukiyomi: …Ah! There you are! I didn’t think you’d show!
Hayate: Why wouldn’t I? You know it’s not everyday that I receive a challenge from a legendary player. Haishou?
Tsukiyomi: Oh, am I legendary now? *laughs* I’d better give you a hell of a fight then!
*in the Demon Palace Arena, Hayate and Tsukiyomi stare each other down*
Announcer: Welcome to the Arena, ladies and gentlemen!!! I welcome you to a special exhibition match between Hayate of Glaive LeGable and Tsukiyomi the Flower of Lumina Cloth! No teams, no titles on the line – just a simple battle amongst rivals!
Tsukiyomi: *readies dual swords*
Hayate: *readies blade*
Announcer: Are the fighters ready? In that case… LET’S GET IT ON!!!!!
*S Hidden Forbidden Miasma ~ Vorpis Alph Sea*
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa explore a mist-ridden Lost Ground*
Usa-chan: Orion! Why are we here!? I wanna watch Hayate’s match!
Orion: It’s precisely because of Hayate’s match that we’re here.
Neon: …I don’t get it.
Orion: The majority of players will be watching that match. So it can be assumed that Kyuzo and the rest of Samurai 7 are watching it as well. This is an ideal opportunity to search for the .hack//Arms uninterrupted.
Usa-chan: *sigh* If you say so.
Neon: Man, I can barely see anything in this fog…!
Orion: Hmm…
*just then, Orion notices something glimmer in the distance*
Orion: …This way!
Neon: O-Orion, wait up!
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa all kneel down around a mysterious glowing flower*
Usa-chan: Wow… It’s so pretty…
Neon: It’s called a Vorpal Rose. It only grows in misty areas like this, and glows brightly during a full moon.
Orion: … *stands up*
Neon: Orion?
Usa-chan: What’s wrong?
Orion: …We have company.
*a small part of the fog clears, revealing Samurai 7 surrounding the three in a circle*
Kyuzo: …‘Sup?
Jack: Did ya miss us?
Orion: Tch!
Usa-chan: Dammit, why don’t you guys ever leave us alone!?
Claire: Now why on Earth would we do that when we have so much history together?
Piros VIII: Hehehe…
Neon: Not good… They have us completely surrounded…
Haruhi: *aims crossbow* There is no escape.
Kyuzo: Now then… Be a good guildmaster, Orion, and hand over Gardenia’s Lance.
Usa-chan: What!? You already have three!! We only have one!! That’s not fair!!
Jack: …My god… You are such a child…
Neon: What do we do, Orion?
Orion: It’s five-to-three. There’s no way we can take them all. We’ll have to somehow incapacitate them long enough for us to escape.
Kyuzo: *waving finger* Ah, ah, ah! I’m afraid there’ll be no “incapacitating” today.
Orion: *gasp* You could hear us!?
Kyuzo: Ah, hacking… It’s a beautiful thing…
Neon: You smug son of a…
Kyuzo: *draws blade* I’ll only say it one more time: Hand over Gardenia’s Lance.
Usa-chan: Heh! A lot good that’ll do! We don’t even have it with us!
Kyuzo: *smirk* Oh, really? Why don’t you ask your beloved guildmaster!?
Neon: Orion?
Orion: …
Usa-chan: …Orion, you didn’t!
Orion: …I’m sorry. But I needed to conduct a field test with the .hack//Arm in order to find out just how much power it held.
Neon: And you didn’t tell us?!?
Orion: …
Claire: Alright, this is getting boring. Just hand over the spear so we can be on our way.
Jack: Unless you think you can actually take us on.
Piros VIII: *laughs loudly* ‘Tis to laugh!
Haruhi: …
Kyuzo: So… What’s it gonna be?
Orion: …
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Kyuzo: *sigh* Oh, well… ATTACK!!!!!
*Samurai 7 prepares to attack; just then, a strong data distortion disorients them*
Piros VIII: Aah!!! ‘Tis an earthquake!!!
Kyuzo: Shut up, Piros! Damn!
*as the distortion subsides, the fog begins to dissipate*
Neon: What’s…going on?
Usa-chan: Look!
*Chibi-Usa turns everyone’s attention to the sea, where a young blond girl can be seen walking on top of the water*
Jack: …Well, there’s something you don’t see everyday…
*meanwhile…*
Hayate: Hyaaaaaah!!!
*Hayate swings his blade down onto Tsukiyomi, who defends with her dual swords; Hayate backs away a little and charges again, swinging his blade towards Tsukiyomi’s feet; Tsukiyomi leaps over Hayate’s attack and shoots herself down onto him blades-first; Hayate spins around and guards against Tsukiyomi’s attack, then segues into a Sword Flash Rengeki, sending Tsukiyomi flying back; she then lands on her feet and charges at Hayate with a Gale Blade Rengeki, sending him flying back as well; Hayate lands on his feet and glares at Tsukiyomi*
Hayate: (Damn… She sure is powerful…)
Tsukiyomi: I gotta say… You’re way better than I expected… I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun!
Hayate: Heh… Me neither…
Tsukiyomi: Let’s continue, shall we!?
*meanwhile…*
Girl: …
Neon: Who is that girl, Orion…?
Orion: I have no clue…but for some reason, I feel like I’ve met her before…
*Kyuzo slicks her hair back and walks up to the girl*
Kyuzo: *suavely* Why, hello there. The name’s Kyuzo. What’s your name, pretty lady?
Girl: …
Kyuzo: …
Piros VIII: Ha! She doesn’t need to say a single word to reject him! *gets hit by a Lei Zas spell*
Claire: Seriously, you never know when to shut up, do you?!?
Girl: …Uh…
Haruhi: She speaks.
Girl: …Do you know…where Kazuto is…?
Kyuzo: Kazu-who?
Neon: Who’s Kazuto?
Girl: …I’ve tried…to reach him…for so long…
Usa-chan: Maybe he’s her boyfriend or something?
Orion: I’m sorry, miss, but we don’t know who or where Kazuto is…
Girl: …But you do…
Neon: Huh?
*the girl waves her arm, causing an image to appear in the water – an image of Hayate*
Orion/Neon/Usa-chan: HAYATE?!?!?
Neon: Hayate has a girlfriend?!?
Usa-chan: Huh… Imagine that…
Orion: Don’t jump to conclusions, guys… Excuse me, miss, but what relation do you have with Hayate?
Girl: …
Jack: …Not a big talker, is she?
Girl: …Please… If you see him…tell him…Sakuya’s waiting…
Kyuzo: Ah, so your name’s Sakuya…? What a lovely name…
Sakuya: *turns to Kyuzo* …I’m sorry…but could you please leave…?
Kyuzo: Aw, don’t be that way. How’s about a night on the town in Mac Anu?
*Sakuya raises her arm and points the palm of her hand at Kyuzo’s face*
Sakuya: …Forgive me…
*just then, a great rush of energy ejects Kyuzo from the area instantly*
Jack: HOLY CRAP!!!
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo!
Claire: W-Where’d he go!?
Orion: Probably back to Breg Epona. I suggest you all leave before the same happens to you as well.
Piros VIII: …Last one to the @home is grunty droppings! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Jack: T-This place was getting boring anyway! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Claire: I swear! That guild has nothing but weirdoes associated with it! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Haruhi: … *bows courteously and leaves*
Orion: …Uh, Sakuya, was it?
Sakuya: …
Orion: When we find Hayate, we’ll be sure to tell him to come here, okay?
Sakuya: …Thank you…deeply…
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa gate out, leaving Sakuya by herself*
Sakuya: *looks at Hayate’s image in the water* …Kazuto… *smiles*
*meanwhile, in the Arena, Hayate and Tsukiyomi stare each other down, short of breath*
Hayate: …Huh? *looks up* (There it is again… Someone called out my name…)
Tsukiyomi: *gasp* (There!)
*with Hayate staring into space, Tsukiyomi attacks him with Ghost Falcon, sending him flying into the Arena wall*
Hayate: Ohhh…
*he tries to pick up his blade, but Tsukiyomi steps on it before he could*
Tsukiyomi: …Looks like I win.
Hayate: …Hehehe… I guess you do.
*Tsukiyomi helps Hayate to his feet as the crowd cheers loudly*
Announcer: Tsukiyomi’s done it again, folks! Ha! As if there was any doubt!
Tsukiyomi: Well, you remember our deal! I won, so I don’t have to join your guild!
Hayate: …
Tsukiyomi: …W-Why are you looking at me like that?
Hayate: Hehe… It’s nothing. I had fun, Tsukiyomi. Let’s have another match soon.
Tsukiyomi: …Sure, Hayate. I’d like that.
*Hayate and Tsukiyomi share a friendly handshake as the crowd continues to cheer; outside the Arena…*
Hayate: *sigh* Oh, well. …Hmm?
Usa-chan: Hayate!
Neon: How’d it go in there?
Hayate: I lost.
Usa-chan: Aww… That’s too bad.
Hayate: Actually… I’m okay with it.
Neon: Heh… That’s a first.
Orion: …Hayate.
Hayate: Oh, hey, Orion. What’s up?
Orion: We need to talk.
Hayate: Uh… Okay, what about?
Orion: …Sakuya.
Hayate: …
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Claire: *collapses onto the couch* Oh, man! I’m beat!
Jack: Tell me about it…
Piros VIII: ‘Twas a truly upsetting defeat!
Jack: Oh, shut the hell up, Piros!!!
Haruhi: …Hmm? Where’s Master Kyuzo?
Claire: Hmm… Now that you mention it, shouldn’t he have been the first to come back?
Piros VIII: Hark! Our lord and guildmaster hath gone missing! A search-and-rescue, I say!
*suddenly, the guild’s mascot, Shady Grunty (who resembles Kyuzo), whacks Piros on the head*
Shady Grunty: Seriously, Piros!! Do you ever stop talking!? *hiss*
Jack: Oh, hey, Shady. Where’ve you been hiding this whole time?
Shady Grunty: I was locked in that treasure chest for days! I nearly died from lack of oxygen! And you!!! *whacks Piros again* If you lock me in there again, I’m gonna make the Pit of Despair your permanent home!!!
Piros VIII: Quit hitting me, you little insect!
*suddenly, a blond-haired Flowing Melodist with a cello carrying case walks in*
Melodist: Hello, all.
Claire: Who the heck are you?
Samekh: Oh, I’m sorry. *bows* Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Samekh. Tell me - this is the @home of the Samurai 7, is it not?
Jack: Yeah, what of it?
Samekh: *smirk* If it’s alright with you, I wish to join.
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: How’d you get in here without a Guest Key…?
Samekh: … *smirk*
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Hayate, Orion’s given me an assignment. Would you like to accompany me?
Hayate: Sure, Izumi.
~*~*~*~
Tsukiyomi: Hey, Hayate! Wanna go to an area with me?
Hayate: U-Uh… Sure, okay.
~*~*~*~
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: …Who’s she?
Hayate: (…Oh, boy…)
~*~*~*~
Izumi: …Do you hear music?
~*~*~*~
Samekh: …I’ve waited a long time…for you to come…
15th Phase: The Void to Victory!
*in the Arena, a lone Twin Blade girl faces off against a heavily-built Edge Punisher*
Punisher: Ready to give up, girly?
Twin Blade: …Hehehe…
Punisher: Alright! You asked for it! YAAAAAAH!!!!
*the Twin Blade dodges the Punisher’s Twin Moons Rengeki by back-flipping; as soon as she gets back to her feet, she retaliates with a Gale Blade Rengeki while the Punisher’s guard was dropped; the Punisher keels back a little, but regains his composure soon after*
Punisher: Grrrr… You’re gonna pay for that!
*the Punisher attacks again, this time with a Bonecrusher Rengeki; the Twin Blade dodges the first two swings, but is struck by the last swing and goes flying into the battle fence; the Punisher approaches the Twin Blade to deal the final blow*
Punisher: It’s over, girly! Can’t say it hasn’t been fun!
Twin Blade: Tch! …Huh?
*just then, the Twin Blade sees an opening; she grabs her dual sword and slashes at the Punisher’s legs, knocking him off-balance*
Punisher: Gah!!!
*the Punisher drops his blade and begins to stumble; before he falls over, the Twin Blade finishes him off with a powerful Ghost Falcon Rengeki*
Punisher: …D-Dammit…
*the crowd cheers loudly*
Announcer: Unbelievable! She’s done it again, ladies and gentlemen! Tsukiyomi, the Flower of Lumina Cloth, has defeated Yuugi and conquered the Holy Palace Singles Division!
Tsukiyomi: …Hmph! Nothin’ to it!
*outside the Arena, Tsukiyomi meets with a mob of players seeking autographs*
Tsukiyomi: *signing autographs* Hehehe… Thanks for your support, everybody. I promise not to let you down.
Reporter: *holding microphone* Tsukiyomi! Care to say a few words for the ALTIMIT Daily News!?
Tsukiyomi: *does a victory pose into the camera* I’m going for the Sage Palace Singles Division soon, and I promise my next victory will be even more glamorous!!!
*somewhere nearby, the members of Samurai 7 watch Tsukiyomi pose for the camera*
Jack: A regular prima-donna, isn’t she?
Piros VIII: Hmph! I’m just as popular as she is! *goes up to a nearby player* NEVER FEAR!!! PIROS VIII IS HERE!!!
Girl PC: *punches Piros VIII* Creep!
Piros VIII: …Ow…
Claire: Ugh… What an idiot…
Haruhi: Your orders, Master Kyuzo?
Kyuzo: *smirk* Recruit her. I don’t care what it takes. I want that girl in my guild.
Haruhi: Understood.
*later, in a grassy field area…*
Tsukiyomi: *stretches* Ahhh… Fame is cool and all, but lately I barely get any time to myself. *draws dual swords* Okay! Time to fight some monsters!
*while Tsukiyomi keeps herself busy fighting monsters, a mystery PC gates into the field*
: …Hehehe…Tsukiyomi: Rengeki: Gale Blade!
*Tsukiyomi takes out her 10th monster in under 3 minutes*
Tsukiyomi: Ahhh… Man, this feels good! …Hmm?
*nearby, Tsukiyomi sees an enclosed battle fence; inside, she could hear weapons clanging*
Tsukiyomi: *gasp* Someone’s in trouble!
*Tsukiyomi pushes through the battle fence and sees a black Tribal Grappler about to PK a silver-armored Flick Reaper*
Piros VIII: *badly acting* AAAHHH!! Help me!! Someone save me!!
Claire: *sweatdrop* Piros, would you at least TRY to make it look believable?!?
Piros VIII: I’m trying my best here!!!
Claire: WELL, TRY HARDER!!!!!
Tsukiyomi: Are you alright, sir!?
Piros VIII: Oh, thank the gods!! My savior hath arrived!!
Tsukiyomi: Uh… Okay…
Claire: …God, this is embarrassing…
Tsukiyomi: *jumps in front of Piros* If you wanna PK someone, why not try me on!?
Claire: …Hehehe… It’s your funeral…
*just then, a white fog begins to generate within the battle fence; Claire hides within the fog*
Tsukiyomi: Huh!? W-Where’d she go!?
*just then, Tsukiyomi is attacked out of nowhere by flying fists and kicks*
Tsukiyomi: Agh! Gah! Unh! Dammit, come out and face me!
Claire: …Hehehe… I prefer PKing my victims this way… What’s the matter? Too blind to see?
Tsukiyomi: Grrrr…
*Tsukiyomi suddenly crouches down as if preparing to do something; just then, she jumps up a short distance from the ground and spins her body around like a tornado, blowing the fog away*
Claire: *gasp*
Tsukiyomi: Found you! Rengeki: Chaotic Strike!
*Tsukiyomi slashes Claire up into the air, jumps up, and unleashes a multitude of slashes upon her PC body before slashing her downward onto the ground*
Claire: Ugh… You’re stronger than I thought, girl…
Tsukiyomi: I didn’t become the Holy Palace Princess by being weak! Now then…
*suddenly, Claire is healed by an Ul Repth spell*
Tsukiyomi: H-Hey! Who did that!?
Piros VIII: ‘Twas I, she of fair eyes!
*turning around, Tsukiyomi sees Piros on his feet with his scythe drawn*
Tsukiyomi: What the?!? Why did you heal her?!? …Unless…!
Claire: About time you figured it out, girl!
Tsukiyomi: Tch! An ambush!
*just then, the battle fence vanishes*
Claire: I’ll make this brief. Tsukiyomi, my guildmaster wishes to meet with you.
Tsukiyomi: Guildmaster?
Claire: That’s right. Kyuzo, the guildmaster of the Samurai 7.
Tsukiyomi: Kyuzo?!? Are you crazy?!? There’s no way in hell I’m meeting with him!!!
Claire: Heh… You misunderstand me, Tsukiyomi. You see, this isn’t a request… *readies gauntlets* …It’s an order!
Tsukiyomi: *gasp*
Piros VIII: *readies scythe* TALLY-HO!!!
*Claire and Piros suddenly pounce on Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: (Oh, boy…)
*all of a sudden, Claire and Piros are struck simultaneously by a twofold Lei Zas spell, blowing them a short distance away from Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: What the hell just…?
: Hey, are you alright?*Tsukiyomi looks over to see a red Blade Brandier and a Ya Tribe Shadow Warlock*
Tsukiyomi: …Y-Yeah, I’m alright…
Hayate: Heh… *gasp* Look out!
*Hayate sees Claire get to her feet and attack Tsukiyomi from behind*
Claire: You’re mine!!!
Tsukiyomi: *gasp*
Yahiko: Vak Don!
*just before Claire could strike, she’s struck from above by raining meteors, reducing her HP to zero*
Hayate: *sigh* Nice going, Yahiko!
Yahiko: Hehehe…
*Tsukiyomi walks up to Hayate and Yahiko and puts her hands on her hips*
Yahiko: Wow… The “Flower of Lumina Cloth” herself…
Tsukiyomi: …Y’know, I could’ve handled those two on my own…
Hayate: *sarcastically* Sure…
Tsukiyomi: Hey! What’s with that look!? You don’t believe me!?
Hayate: Hahahahahaha!
Tsukiyomi: Quit laughing at me!!!
*moments later, Tsukiyomi walks through the area alongside Hayate and Yahiko*
Tsukiyomi: …So, what’s a Brandier and Warlock doing out here in the middle of nowhere? Y’know, this area isn’t known to many players…
Hayate: I was given the area words by my guildmaster.
Tsukiyomi: *backs away* Oh, don’t tell me! You’re with the Samurai 7 too!?
Hayate: What!? Hell no! I’m a member of Glaive LeGable!
Tsukiyomi: …Glaive…LeGable…? …What the heck does that mean?!?
Hayate: I have no clue…
Tsukiyomi: …And what about you?
Yahiko: Who, me? I’m with Canard.
Tsukiyomi: Canard, huh? Hey, do you know Silabus, the guildmaster?
Yahiko: Yeah, why?
Tsukiyomi: He’s a friend of mine, that’s all. By the way…
Yahiko: Yeah?
Tsukiyomi: …WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU CHOOSE YA TRIBE AND SHADOW WARLOCK?!? You’re a living contradiction, man!!!
Yahiko: What!? I like using big, strong characters, and I also like magic! It’s a free country!!
Tsukiyomi: …Whatever, man…
Hayate: Hey, Tsukiyomi. Why don’t you join my guild?
Tsukiyomi: Huh?
Hayate: A player as famous as yourself would likely be hunted down by the Samurai 7 more than once, and since my guild happens to be rivals with that guild…
Tsukiyomi: … *smirks* …Oh, I get it now.
Hayate: Huh? Get what?
Tsukiyomi: One guild tries to recruit me, so you take ‘em out just so you can recruit me instead!
Hayate: W-What!? It’s not like that at all!
Tsukiyomi: Yeah, I gotta admit, it was a pretty sneaky plan…
Hayate: I said it’s not like that!!
Tsukiyomi: …but the Flower of Lumina Cloth is smarter than that.
Hayate: LISTEN TO ME!!!!!
Tsukiyomi: *snicker*
Hayate: --Huh?
Tsukiyomi: *laughs loudly*
Hayate: *sweatdrop*
Tsukiyomi: Man, you are too easy!
Hayate: … (…This is going nowhere…)
Tsukiyomi: …Hey, I know. How about an Arena battle?
Hayate: Huh? Arena battle?
Tsukiyomi: If you somehow beat me, then I’ll join your guild.
Hayate: Hmm? …Alright, deal!
Tsukiyomi: Okay then! Meet me in front of the Lumina Cloth registration counter in 30 minutes! *gates out*
Hayate: …An Arena match against the Flower of Lumina Cloth… Heh! This is gonna be fun! Let’s get going, Yahiko! … *looks around* …Yahiko?
*looking over, Hayate sees Yahiko fighting some monsters*
Hayate: Yahiko!!! What are you doing!?
Yahiko: Well, you two were talking for so long, I got bored!!!
Hayate: …
*30 minutes later, Tsukiyomi waits by the registration counter*
Tsukiyomi: …Ah! There you are! I didn’t think you’d show!
Hayate: Why wouldn’t I? You know it’s not everyday that I receive a challenge from a legendary player. Haishou?
Tsukiyomi: Oh, am I legendary now? *laughs* I’d better give you a hell of a fight then!
*in the Demon Palace Arena, Hayate and Tsukiyomi stare each other down*
Announcer: Welcome to the Arena, ladies and gentlemen!!! I welcome you to a special exhibition match between Hayate of Glaive LeGable and Tsukiyomi the Flower of Lumina Cloth! No teams, no titles on the line – just a simple battle amongst rivals!
Tsukiyomi: *readies dual swords*
Hayate: *readies blade*
Announcer: Are the fighters ready? In that case… LET’S GET IT ON!!!!!
*S Hidden Forbidden Miasma ~ Vorpis Alph Sea*
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa explore a mist-ridden Lost Ground*
Usa-chan: Orion! Why are we here!? I wanna watch Hayate’s match!
Orion: It’s precisely because of Hayate’s match that we’re here.
Neon: …I don’t get it.
Orion: The majority of players will be watching that match. So it can be assumed that Kyuzo and the rest of Samurai 7 are watching it as well. This is an ideal opportunity to search for the .hack//Arms uninterrupted.
Usa-chan: *sigh* If you say so.
Neon: Man, I can barely see anything in this fog…!
Orion: Hmm…
*just then, Orion notices something glimmer in the distance*
Orion: …This way!
Neon: O-Orion, wait up!
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa all kneel down around a mysterious glowing flower*
Usa-chan: Wow… It’s so pretty…
Neon: It’s called a Vorpal Rose. It only grows in misty areas like this, and glows brightly during a full moon.
Orion: … *stands up*
Neon: Orion?
Usa-chan: What’s wrong?
Orion: …We have company.
*a small part of the fog clears, revealing Samurai 7 surrounding the three in a circle*
Kyuzo: …‘Sup?
Jack: Did ya miss us?
Orion: Tch!
Usa-chan: Dammit, why don’t you guys ever leave us alone!?
Claire: Now why on Earth would we do that when we have so much history together?
Piros VIII: Hehehe…
Neon: Not good… They have us completely surrounded…
Haruhi: *aims crossbow* There is no escape.
Kyuzo: Now then… Be a good guildmaster, Orion, and hand over Gardenia’s Lance.
Usa-chan: What!? You already have three!! We only have one!! That’s not fair!!
Jack: …My god… You are such a child…
Neon: What do we do, Orion?
Orion: It’s five-to-three. There’s no way we can take them all. We’ll have to somehow incapacitate them long enough for us to escape.
Kyuzo: *waving finger* Ah, ah, ah! I’m afraid there’ll be no “incapacitating” today.
Orion: *gasp* You could hear us!?
Kyuzo: Ah, hacking… It’s a beautiful thing…
Neon: You smug son of a…
Kyuzo: *draws blade* I’ll only say it one more time: Hand over Gardenia’s Lance.
Usa-chan: Heh! A lot good that’ll do! We don’t even have it with us!
Kyuzo: *smirk* Oh, really? Why don’t you ask your beloved guildmaster!?
Neon: Orion?
Orion: …
Usa-chan: …Orion, you didn’t!
Orion: …I’m sorry. But I needed to conduct a field test with the .hack//Arm in order to find out just how much power it held.
Neon: And you didn’t tell us?!?
Orion: …
Claire: Alright, this is getting boring. Just hand over the spear so we can be on our way.
Jack: Unless you think you can actually take us on.
Piros VIII: *laughs loudly* ‘Tis to laugh!
Haruhi: …
Kyuzo: So… What’s it gonna be?
Orion: …
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Kyuzo: *sigh* Oh, well… ATTACK!!!!!
*Samurai 7 prepares to attack; just then, a strong data distortion disorients them*
Piros VIII: Aah!!! ‘Tis an earthquake!!!
Kyuzo: Shut up, Piros! Damn!
*as the distortion subsides, the fog begins to dissipate*
Neon: What’s…going on?
Usa-chan: Look!
*Chibi-Usa turns everyone’s attention to the sea, where a young blond girl can be seen walking on top of the water*
Jack: …Well, there’s something you don’t see everyday…
*meanwhile…*
Hayate: Hyaaaaaah!!!
*Hayate swings his blade down onto Tsukiyomi, who defends with her dual swords; Hayate backs away a little and charges again, swinging his blade towards Tsukiyomi’s feet; Tsukiyomi leaps over Hayate’s attack and shoots herself down onto him blades-first; Hayate spins around and guards against Tsukiyomi’s attack, then segues into a Sword Flash Rengeki, sending Tsukiyomi flying back; she then lands on her feet and charges at Hayate with a Gale Blade Rengeki, sending him flying back as well; Hayate lands on his feet and glares at Tsukiyomi*
Hayate: (Damn… She sure is powerful…)
Tsukiyomi: I gotta say… You’re way better than I expected… I can’t remember the last time I’ve had this much fun!
Hayate: Heh… Me neither…
Tsukiyomi: Let’s continue, shall we!?
*meanwhile…*
Girl: …
Neon: Who is that girl, Orion…?
Orion: I have no clue…but for some reason, I feel like I’ve met her before…
*Kyuzo slicks her hair back and walks up to the girl*
Kyuzo: *suavely* Why, hello there. The name’s Kyuzo. What’s your name, pretty lady?
Girl: …
Kyuzo: …
Piros VIII: Ha! She doesn’t need to say a single word to reject him! *gets hit by a Lei Zas spell*
Claire: Seriously, you never know when to shut up, do you?!?
Girl: …Uh…
Haruhi: She speaks.
Girl: …Do you know…where Kazuto is…?
Kyuzo: Kazu-who?
Neon: Who’s Kazuto?
Girl: …I’ve tried…to reach him…for so long…
Usa-chan: Maybe he’s her boyfriend or something?
Orion: I’m sorry, miss, but we don’t know who or where Kazuto is…
Girl: …But you do…
Neon: Huh?
*the girl waves her arm, causing an image to appear in the water – an image of Hayate*
Orion/Neon/Usa-chan: HAYATE?!?!?
Neon: Hayate has a girlfriend?!?
Usa-chan: Huh… Imagine that…
Orion: Don’t jump to conclusions, guys… Excuse me, miss, but what relation do you have with Hayate?
Girl: …
Jack: …Not a big talker, is she?
Girl: …Please… If you see him…tell him…Sakuya’s waiting…
Kyuzo: Ah, so your name’s Sakuya…? What a lovely name…
Sakuya: *turns to Kyuzo* …I’m sorry…but could you please leave…?
Kyuzo: Aw, don’t be that way. How’s about a night on the town in Mac Anu?
*Sakuya raises her arm and points the palm of her hand at Kyuzo’s face*
Sakuya: …Forgive me…
*just then, a great rush of energy ejects Kyuzo from the area instantly*
Jack: HOLY CRAP!!!
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo!
Claire: W-Where’d he go!?
Orion: Probably back to Breg Epona. I suggest you all leave before the same happens to you as well.
Piros VIII: …Last one to the @home is grunty droppings! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Jack: T-This place was getting boring anyway! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Claire: I swear! That guild has nothing but weirdoes associated with it! *runs towards the Chaos Gate*
Haruhi: … *bows courteously and leaves*
Orion: …Uh, Sakuya, was it?
Sakuya: …
Orion: When we find Hayate, we’ll be sure to tell him to come here, okay?
Sakuya: …Thank you…deeply…
*Orion, Neon, and Chibi-Usa gate out, leaving Sakuya by herself*
Sakuya: *looks at Hayate’s image in the water* …Kazuto… *smiles*
*meanwhile, in the Arena, Hayate and Tsukiyomi stare each other down, short of breath*
Hayate: …Huh? *looks up* (There it is again… Someone called out my name…)
Tsukiyomi: *gasp* (There!)
*with Hayate staring into space, Tsukiyomi attacks him with Ghost Falcon, sending him flying into the Arena wall*
Hayate: Ohhh…
*he tries to pick up his blade, but Tsukiyomi steps on it before he could*
Tsukiyomi: …Looks like I win.
Hayate: …Hehehe… I guess you do.
*Tsukiyomi helps Hayate to his feet as the crowd cheers loudly*
Announcer: Tsukiyomi’s done it again, folks! Ha! As if there was any doubt!
Tsukiyomi: Well, you remember our deal! I won, so I don’t have to join your guild!
Hayate: …
Tsukiyomi: …W-Why are you looking at me like that?
Hayate: Hehe… It’s nothing. I had fun, Tsukiyomi. Let’s have another match soon.
Tsukiyomi: …Sure, Hayate. I’d like that.
*Hayate and Tsukiyomi share a friendly handshake as the crowd continues to cheer; outside the Arena…*
Hayate: *sigh* Oh, well. …Hmm?
Usa-chan: Hayate!
Neon: How’d it go in there?
Hayate: I lost.
Usa-chan: Aww… That’s too bad.
Hayate: Actually… I’m okay with it.
Neon: Heh… That’s a first.
Orion: …Hayate.
Hayate: Oh, hey, Orion. What’s up?
Orion: We need to talk.
Hayate: Uh… Okay, what about?
Orion: …Sakuya.
Hayate: …
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Claire: *collapses onto the couch* Oh, man! I’m beat!
Jack: Tell me about it…
Piros VIII: ‘Twas a truly upsetting defeat!
Jack: Oh, shut the hell up, Piros!!!
Haruhi: …Hmm? Where’s Master Kyuzo?
Claire: Hmm… Now that you mention it, shouldn’t he have been the first to come back?
Piros VIII: Hark! Our lord and guildmaster hath gone missing! A search-and-rescue, I say!
*suddenly, the guild’s mascot, Shady Grunty (who resembles Kyuzo), whacks Piros on the head*
Shady Grunty: Seriously, Piros!! Do you ever stop talking!? *hiss*
Jack: Oh, hey, Shady. Where’ve you been hiding this whole time?
Shady Grunty: I was locked in that treasure chest for days! I nearly died from lack of oxygen! And you!!! *whacks Piros again* If you lock me in there again, I’m gonna make the Pit of Despair your permanent home!!!
Piros VIII: Quit hitting me, you little insect!
*suddenly, a blond-haired Flowing Melodist with a cello carrying case walks in*
Melodist: Hello, all.
Claire: Who the heck are you?
Samekh: Oh, I’m sorry. *bows* Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Samekh. Tell me - this is the @home of the Samurai 7, is it not?
Jack: Yeah, what of it?
Samekh: *smirk* If it’s alright with you, I wish to join.
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: How’d you get in here without a Guest Key…?
Samekh: … *smirk*
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Hayate, Orion’s given me an assignment. Would you like to accompany me?
Hayate: Sure, Izumi.
~*~*~*~
Tsukiyomi: Hey, Hayate! Wanna go to an area with me?
Hayate: U-Uh… Sure, okay.
~*~*~*~
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: …Who’s she?
Hayate: (…Oh, boy…)
~*~*~*~
Izumi: …Do you hear music?
~*~*~*~
Samekh: …I’ve waited a long time…for you to come…
15th Phase: The Void to Victory!
