Post by Hayate on Aug 23, 2007 12:32:36 GMT -5
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 2, 2037 ~
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
*the members of Samurai 7 all gather around Samekh, forming a sort of conference circle*
Kyuzo: Okay, Samekh-- Can I call you Sam?
Samekh: …If you’d like.
Kyuzo: Okay, Sam, here’s how it works. We’re each gonna ask you a question about your past exploits in The World. Then we’re gonna critique you based on your answers. If they’re satisfactory, then we’ll send you out on a little “job”. If you complete it to the best of your ability, we just MAY let you join.
Samekh: …Very well.
Haruhi: Question 1 – Have you ever PKed before?
Samekh: No.
Claire: Question 2 – What’s the highest amount of monsters you’ve defeated in one day?
Samekh: 259.
Jack: Hehehe… Totally wiped your record, Claire!
Claire: Shut it, Russell!
Piros VIII: Question 3!! What do you stand for – justice or evil!?
Samekh: Neither.
Jack: Question 4 – What do you plan to accomplish by joining the Samurai 7?
Samekh: Let’s just say… I’m conducting an experiment.
Kyuzo: Final Question – …How’d you get in here without a Guest Key…?
Samekh: … *smirk* I have my ways. Not unlike the way you have yours, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: … *smirk* Not bad, Sammy. Not bad at all. It’ll take some time before we decide what job to send you on, so we’ll send you an e-mail when we’ve made our decision.
Samekh: Fair enough. *bows* If you’ll excuse me then… *leaves*
Claire: …I kinda like that guy. On top of that, he’s a Melodist. God knows this guild could use some class.
Piros VIII: GET OFF OF MY HEAD, YOU GNAT!!!
Shady Grunty: NEVER!!!!! HI-HO, SILVER!!!!!
Claire: …I rest my case.
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Hayate: …A blond-haired girl…who wants to see me?
Coolidge: Hayate, you dog!! All this time I thought you wanted Izumi, and it turns out you already have a girl!! Playa, playa!!!
*Neon jabs his elbow into Coolidge’s side*
Coolidge: Ow! What was that for?
Neon: This is serious, Coolidge! For all we know, this could be the first time Hayate’s ever heard of this girl!
Hayate: …Actually, it isn’t…
All: Huh?
Hayate: It happened a couple weeks back… I logged into Mac Anu after checking my mail, and for some reason I wound up in a weird foggy area.
Orion: The Vorpis Alph Sea…
Hayate: When I was there, I saw the girl standing on the water. She held my hands in hers…and I could actually feel them. As if she were holding my hands in the real world. She knew my real world name too.
Izumi: You mean Kazuto?
Hayate: Yeah. …And there was something else. I can’t really explain it, but…I felt like there was sort of connection between us.
Usa-chan: Are you going to see her?
Hayate: *stands up* Yeah. I wanna know who she is. I really do.
Orion: Do you want us to come with you?
Hayate: …No thanks. I’ll go by myself if you don’t mind.
Coolidge: *smirk* Oh, I get it. Get the girl when you’re all alone, huh?
All: SHUT UP, COOLIDGE!!!!
Coolidge: What!? What’d I do?!?
*minutes later, Hayate walks up to the Breg Epona Chaos Gate*
Hayate: Okay, let’s see… What were the keywords again? “Hidden… Forbidden… Miasma”! There we go!
Hayate: …Huh!? What the hell!? Tch! Let’s try again…
Hayate: What’s the hell’s going on!? I can’t warp!?
*just then, Aquitaine gates into Breg Epona*
Hayate: Huh? Oh, Aquitaine, I’m glad you’re here! I need a favor!
Aquitaine: Oh, really? *smirks* What kind of favor?
Hayate: I need you to warp to this area word for me.
Aquitaine: …Oh. Well, what’s in it for me?
Hayate: For you? Uh… Well, I dunno. I don’t have a lot really. Hehehe…
Aquitaine: *sigh* Damn this heart of gold of mine… *turns away*
Hayate: Uh…
Aquitaine: …Well? What’s the area word?
Hayate: O-Oh! It’s Hidden Forbidden Miasma.
*Aquitaine enters the area word and warps to the area with ease; she comes back to Breg Epona roughly 20 seconds later*
Aquitaine: …Now what?
Hayate: You got into the area with no problem?
Aquitaine: …Yeah, why?
Hayate: Hmm… For some reason, I can’t gate into that area… Maybe there’s a “back door” to the area somewhere…
Aquitaine: Uh… H-Hey, wait! Where are you going!? …Ugh… What a weird kid…
*two hours later, Hayate warps into Mac Anu*
Hayate: *sigh* I don’t get it… Why am I the only one blocked off from that area?
*Izumi enters the dome and walks up to him*
Izumi: Hello, Hayate. …Hmm? What’s wrong?
Hayate: For some reason, I can’t gate into the Vorpis Alph Sea. It’s locked me out somehow.
Izumi: Hmm… That’s too bad. But we’ll find a way into the area someday. In the meantime, I’ve been given an assignment by Orion. Would you like to come with me?
Hayate: Sure, Izumi, I’d love to.
Izumi: *smiles* Well, let’s go then.
*as Hayate and Izumi warp to an area, a figure can be seen watching them from the shadows*
: Hmm… The Vorpis Alph Sea, huh…?
*a few hours later, Hayate warps into Dol Dona*
Hayate: *yawn* I’ve been looking for that damn back door all day! Why is this only happening to me!?
Tsukiyomi: HEY, HAYATE!!!
Hayate: AAH!!! *falls over*
Tsukiyomi: Hahaha! Still too slow!
Hayate: *stands up* Do you have to do that every time, Tsukiyomi!?
Tsukiyomi: Well, it’s fun!
Hayate: *sigh* …Did you want something?
Tsukiyomi: I’m bored! Come on an adventure with me!
Hayate: Uh… I’m actually kinda busy right now…
Tsukiyomi: Aw, come on! It won’t take long! *takes Hayate’s hand* C’mon, let’s go!
Hayate: B-But I said that… H-Hey, wait!! Quit yanking my arm!!
*as Hayate and Tsukiyomi warp to an area, a figure can be seen watching them from the shadows*
: Hmm… I wonder…
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Haruhi: …
Claire: …
Piros VIII: …
Jack: …
Samekh: …
Kyuzo: …Okay, Sammy… You ready for your assignment?
Samekh: …Yes.
Kyuzo: Alright then. Here’s what I want you to do…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 3, 2037 ~
*Hayate logs in and immediately lets out a sigh*
Hayate: Man… I barely had any time to myself yesterday… Boy, that Tsukiyomi has a strong grip… Guess I’ll go see if any new quests are available.
*at the Quest Shop…*
Vital Vista: Hello, player! We’ve just received a new quest early this morning! Take a look! *hands bill to Hayate*
Hayate: Hmm… “Investigate strange player disappearances at S Ephemeral Evening’s Promise.” …Disappearances?
Vital Vista: Indeed. According to the person who posted this bill, players who have gone into this area for longer than 7 minutes vanish without a trace!
Hayate: …Hmm… “Required party of three”, huh? Okay, let’s see…
Yahiko: OFFLINE
Izumi: ONLINE
Coolidge: BUSY
Neon: BUSY
Chibi-Usa: BUSY
Orion: OFFLINE
Aquitaine: OFFLINE
Hanabi: BUSY
Alkaid: OFFLINE
Ren: OFFLINE
Ayliori: BUSY
Tsukiyomi: ONLINE
Hayate: …There! That should do it!
*Hayate goes to the Breg Epona Chaos Gate and waits for his friends to arrive; Izumi and Tsukiyomi gate into Breg Epona seconds later*
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: Okay, I’m here, Hayate! …Hmm? *looks at each other* …Hayate, who’s this?
Hayate: Oh. I guess I never really introduced you, did I? Tsukiyomi, this is a friend from my guild, Izumi. Izumi, this is my friend Tsukiyomi.
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: Your friend, huh? …Nice to meet you.
Hayate: Okay, now that that’s over with, let’s go to the area now, huh?
*…S Ephemeral Evening’s Promise…*
Izumi: Wow… This dungeon is so dark…
Hayate: Stay close, guys. Weird player disappearances happen here. No telling what could be hiding in the shadows.
Tsukiyomi: Pffff! I think you’ve watched too many movies, Hayate! It’s just a game! *runs a short distance ahead of Hayate and Izumi* C’mon, Hayate! Could you and your girlfriend get your asses in gear!?
Hayate: *blush* S-She’s not my girlfriend!!!
Izumi: *blush* I-I’m not his girlfriend!!!
Tsukiyomi: Oh? …Hmm…
*moments later, during a battle…*
Hayate: Alright! We’ve exceeded 20 hits! Time for a Rengeki Finish!
Tsukiyomi: I’m all over it! Sparrow Counter!
*Tsukiyomi slashes the enemy up into the air, then slashes it back down to the ground, finishing it off*
Tsukiyomi: WHOO!!! What a rush! Nice work, Hayate!
Hayate: You too! *high-fives Tsukiyomi*
Izumi: … (Those two sure fight well as a team…)
Hayate: Hey, Izumi, you coming?
Izumi: O-Oh! Sorry! I’m right behind you!
*moments later, in a booby-trapped room…*
Tsukiyomi: Steam traps, spike traps, sensor traps… Man! This game has everything!
Hayate: I’ll go ahead first and disable the traps. You guys follow when it’s safe, okay?
Izumi: (Hmm…) …I’ll go first!
Hayate: Huh? H-Hey, Izumi, wait! It’s too dangerous!
Izumi: Aah!!! *springs several traps and gets hurt*
Hayate: Izumi!!!
Tsukiyomi: Ooh… That looked like it hurt…
*seconds later, Hayate carries Izumi’s body out of the trap room and sets her down to heal her wounds with Repth*
Hayate: *casting Repth* I told you it was dangerous…
Izumi: Sorry…
Tsukiyomi: (Wow… Hayate must really care about this girl to get worked up over some HP loss…)
*later on, the party reaches the rear chamber of the dungeon*
Hayate: There’s the Beast Statue…
Izumi: And we haven’t found any of the players who vanished…
Tsukiyomi: Hmm… Huh? Hey, guys, take a look at this.
*Tsukiyomi turns the group’s attention to a Tri-Edge sign on the wall next to the transporter*
Hayate: Hey… I’ve seen this before.
Izumi: It’s the same sign that’s scarred some of the Lost Grounds.
*the group sees the sign glow brightly*
Tsukiyomi: Whoa…!
*all of a sudden, a data distortion transports the group to another area*
*S Hidden Forbidden Miasma ~ Vorpis Alph Sea*
*the party warps to a mysteriously hazy area*
Tsukiyomi: What is this place…?
Izumi: Aura Spheres… This must be a Lost Ground.
*Hayate suddenly steps forward a few feet*
Izumi: Hayate? What’s wrong?
Hayate: …This is it. This is the area I came to a few weeks ago.
Izumi: You mean Vorpis Alph? Then that means…
Hayate: …We found the back door!
*the group walks forward and sees nothing but a bunch of Vorpal Roses*
Tsukiyomi: Hey… Aren’t there supposed to be a bunch of players here?
Izumi: Hmm… Maybe the quest bill was fake…
Hayate: …
*just then, a strange figure can be seen standing on the water*
Hayate: *gasp* *runs over to the water*
Tsukiyomi: Hayate? What’s wrong?
*Hayate runs over to the water, and Sakuya can be seen stepping out of the fog*
Hayate: …Are you…Sakuya…?
Sakuya: …Kazuto… You’ve finally come…
Tsukiyomi: Who is that?
Izumi: I don’t know yet…
Sakuya: …Kazu-niichan…
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: NII-CHAN?!?!? Then she’s your…your…SISTER?!?
Hayate: …Wait… That can’t be right… I don’t have a… *gasp*
Kazuto’s mom: …Kazu… Did you know that, at one time, you almost had a sister?
Kazuto: A sister?
Kazuto’s mom: Yes. In fact, she would’ve been your twin.
Kazuto: My…twin?
Kazuto’s mom: Mm-hmm. But…she was stillborn.
Kazuto: …What does that mean?
Kazuto’s mom: It means that…she died right when she was born.
Kazuto: …
Kazuto’s mom: *looks away and cries silently* …Oh, my dear Sakuya…
Kazuto: …Sakuya…
*later that night…*
Kazuto: *looking up at a starry sky* …Huh?
*Kazuto sees a shooting star pass overhead*
Kazuto: A shooting star… *puts hands together* …I wish I could see you just once… Saku-neechan…
Hayate: …No way… No freakin’ way…
Tsukiyomi: Awww!!! That’s so cute!!! Little Kazu makes a wish on a shooting star and it comes true!!! It’s something straight out of a fairy tale!!!
Hayate: K-Knock it off, Tsukiyomi!
*Sakuya suddenly takes Hayate’s hands*
Hayate: Huh?
Sakuya: Kazu-niichan… You must’ve been so lonely…
Hayate: …Sakuya…
Izumi: (A brother and sister reunited after 16 years…) *wipes away tears* …Hmm? Hey, Hayate, do you hear something? It sounds like…cello music.
Hayate: Huh?
*the fog clears a little to reveal Samekh floating on air*
Samekh: “As the radiant petals of the Vorpal Rose caress the gentle waves of the sea, the sirens of Vorpis Alph cry their lulling song of tranquility. The boy and girl join hands and dance among the waters, singing gleefully of newfound love and harmony.” It’s enough to melt even the hardest of hearts, wouldn’t you say…?
All: …
Samekh: *stops playing cello* Hello, little girl… I’ve waited a long time…for you to come…
Hayate: Wait! What do you want with Sakuya!?
Samekh: I have no use for a lowly AI…
Hayate: Huh?
Samekh: I was referring to… *gazes at Tsukiyomi* …her.
Tsukiyomi: M-Me?
Samekh: You’ve been especially rude to my guildmaster, little Tsukiyomi…
Tsukiyomi: Guildmaster? …Wait, you’re with the Samurai 7!?
Samekh: Allow me to introduce myself. I am known as Samekh, and I extend to you an invitation to join the Samurai 7.
Tsukiyomi: How many times do I have to tell you creeps!? I don’t want to join you!!!
Samekh: *sigh* I had hoped I would not have to resort to drastic measures, but… *readies cello*
Hayate: Look out, guys! He’s getting ready to do something!
*Samekh plays a single note on his cello, freezing Tsukiyomi in stone*
Hayate/Izumi: Tsukiyomi!
*Samekh walks up to Tsukiyomi and takes two dual swords from her*
Samekh: There. I have accomplished what I needed to accomplish. I bid you all farewell.
Hayate: *draws blade* Where do you think you’re going?
Samekh: Hmm?
Izumi: *forms dual swords with Wave Templar power* If you think we’re just gonna let you take those swords, you’re sadly mistaken!
Samekh: …Hehehe… How amusing…
Hayate: Amusing!? I’ll show you amusing!! Rengeki: Lateral Moon!!!
*Hayate attacks Samekh with a vertical slash, but Samekh simply plays a short tune on his cello, blowing Hayate away with a fierce energy blast*
Izumi: Hayate!
Sakuya: Brother!
Izumi: You’ll pay for that! Rengeki: False Gale Blade!!!
*Izumi strikes Samekh with a three-stage Twin Blade attack and her artificial dual swords immediately vanish*
Samekh: …Impudent girl…
*Samekh plays another tune on his cello, blowing Izumi away with a harsh gust of wind*
Izumi: Ohhh…
*Samekh begins to float over to Hayate*
Hayate: Grrrr…
Samekh: I must admit, boy, you’ve become a real thorn in my guildmaster’s side… But not anymore… *readies cello*
Hayate: *gasp*
*Samekh plays a harsh note on his cello, unleashing a thin but powerful beam of energy*
Izumi: Hayate, look out!
*Hayate closes his eyes tightly and hears the beam pierce someone’s flesh*
Izumi: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Hayate: …Huh?
*Hayate opens his eyes and sees Sakuya standing in front of him with a large hole through her chest*
Hayate: S-Sakuya!!!
Sakuya: K…Ka-Kazu…niichan…
*Sakuya falls back and onto Hayate*
Samekh: *sigh* Chivalry in Artificial Intelligence sickens me… *walks away*
Izumi: W-Wait!!!
Samekh: …Away with you… *casts Zan Rom on Izumi, incapacitating her*
Izumi: G-Gah!
*as Samekh leaves, Izumi uses her remaining energy to crawl over to where Hayate and Sakuya were*
Hayate: Sakuya! Sakuya! …No… Please don’t go… I’ve only just found you…
Sakuya: *deep gasp* …Don’t cry, Kazu…As long as I got to see you…to speak with you… I can leave this world…with no regrets…
Hayate: Sakuya…
Izumi: Oh, Hayate…
Sakuya: …Kazu… Could you…do me a favor…?
Hayate: W-What is it?
Sakuya: Could you…call me “Saku-neechan”…just once?
*tears begin to well up in Hayate’s eyes*
Hayate: I’ll call you “Saku-neechan” all you want… Just don’t die…please…
Sakuya: …Don’t worry, Kazu… I’ll always be…with you… Give me…your hand…
*Hayate places his hand in Sakuya’s hand; Sakuya’s data slowly begins to vanish*
Sakuya: …Kazu… Could you…do me…one more favor…?
Hayate: What?
Sakuya: …Do you remember…the lullaby…Mother would sing to you…before you went to sleep…?
Izumi: Lullaby?
Sakuya: Could you…sing it to me…?
Hayate: … *deep breath*
Sakuya: *smiles* …Thank you…Kazu-niichan…
*just before Sakuya disappears completely, she emanates a blinding light*
Izumi: Huh!? What’s going on!?
*the light dies down, and Sakuya is gone; in her place, a blade as cold as ice appears in Hayate’s left hand to match the fiery-red blade in his right hand*
Izumi: Wow… Hayate, you’re wielding two blade swords at the same time!
Hayate: …It was Sakuya’s first and only gift to her twin brother… The Vorpal Blade…
*Hayate and Izumi walk over to where Tsukiyomi stood frozen in stone*
Izumi: …Let’s go back to town…
Hayate: *wipes away tears* …Okay…
*…Breg Epona Quest Shop…*
Vital Vista: Thank you for your patronage! Here’s your prize for the quest!
Hayate: …Thanks.
Vital Vista: Come again!
*Hayate turns away from the Quest Shop and walks up to Izumi and Tsukiyomi*
Izumi: How are you feeling, Hayate?
Hayate: …I’m not really sure how I should feel. I mean, I’ve only known my twin sister for a few minutes, and then she’s taken away from me. Should I feel sad for losing someone that I’ve only known for a short time?
Tsukiyomi: It’s okay to feel sad about that, Hayate. You may have only known Sakuya for a few minutes, but she was still family to you. And besides, she wasn’t taken away from you. Her spirit lives on inside the Vorpal Blade.
Hayate: …Yeah. Thanks, Tsukiyomi.
Tsukiyomi: Hey, be glad you even have weapons! That jerk Samekh stole mine!
Izumi: Yes, that was rather strange. Why would Samurai 7 set a trap for us just to get a couple of ordinary dual swords?
Hayate: …Unless they weren’t ordinary. Tsukiyomi, where did you get those dual swords that Samekh took?
Tsukiyomi: I found them in Coiste-Bodher.
Izumi: *gasp* *enters a private chat with Hayate* Are you thinking what I’m thinking!?
Hayate: Yeah. Samurai 7 must’ve discovered an eighth .hack//Arm.
Izumi: But I thought there were only seven!
Hayate: So did I. But maybe we know too little about the .hack//Arms.
Tsukiyomi: Grrrr… Samekh, that bastard!!! I want to get my dual swords back!!!
Hayate: You will, Tsukiyomi. But we need to infiltrate Samurai 7 somehow.
: Perhaps I can assist you with that.
*Hayate, Izumi, and Tsukiyomi turn around to see Kaga*
Izumi: Who are you?
Kaga: *smirk* …An ally.
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: What’s the deal!? I thought I told you to bring back Tsukiyomi!
Samekh: Settle yourself, Kyuzo. I’ve brought something even better than a new member.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Why are you helping us?
Kaga: Let’s just say…I wanna get back at Kyuzo for something.
Tsukiyomi: Payback, huh? I like this guy’s style!
~*~*~*~
Piros VIII: I don’t trust that Samekh guy. He’s too…shifty.
Claire: And you’re too stupid. And yet you’re still a member of this guild.
~*~*~*~
Kaga: This is it… The storage chamber… Hmm? *gasp* What the hell is this?!?
16th Phase: Injudicious Infiltration!
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
*the members of Samurai 7 all gather around Samekh, forming a sort of conference circle*
Kyuzo: Okay, Samekh-- Can I call you Sam?
Samekh: …If you’d like.
Kyuzo: Okay, Sam, here’s how it works. We’re each gonna ask you a question about your past exploits in The World. Then we’re gonna critique you based on your answers. If they’re satisfactory, then we’ll send you out on a little “job”. If you complete it to the best of your ability, we just MAY let you join.
Samekh: …Very well.
Haruhi: Question 1 – Have you ever PKed before?
Samekh: No.
Claire: Question 2 – What’s the highest amount of monsters you’ve defeated in one day?
Samekh: 259.
Jack: Hehehe… Totally wiped your record, Claire!
Claire: Shut it, Russell!
Piros VIII: Question 3!! What do you stand for – justice or evil!?
Samekh: Neither.
Jack: Question 4 – What do you plan to accomplish by joining the Samurai 7?
Samekh: Let’s just say… I’m conducting an experiment.
Kyuzo: Final Question – …How’d you get in here without a Guest Key…?
Samekh: … *smirk* I have my ways. Not unlike the way you have yours, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: … *smirk* Not bad, Sammy. Not bad at all. It’ll take some time before we decide what job to send you on, so we’ll send you an e-mail when we’ve made our decision.
Samekh: Fair enough. *bows* If you’ll excuse me then… *leaves*
Claire: …I kinda like that guy. On top of that, he’s a Melodist. God knows this guild could use some class.
Piros VIII: GET OFF OF MY HEAD, YOU GNAT!!!
Shady Grunty: NEVER!!!!! HI-HO, SILVER!!!!!
Claire: …I rest my case.
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Hayate: …A blond-haired girl…who wants to see me?
Coolidge: Hayate, you dog!! All this time I thought you wanted Izumi, and it turns out you already have a girl!! Playa, playa!!!
*Neon jabs his elbow into Coolidge’s side*
Coolidge: Ow! What was that for?
Neon: This is serious, Coolidge! For all we know, this could be the first time Hayate’s ever heard of this girl!
Hayate: …Actually, it isn’t…
All: Huh?
Hayate: It happened a couple weeks back… I logged into Mac Anu after checking my mail, and for some reason I wound up in a weird foggy area.
Orion: The Vorpis Alph Sea…
Hayate: When I was there, I saw the girl standing on the water. She held my hands in hers…and I could actually feel them. As if she were holding my hands in the real world. She knew my real world name too.
Izumi: You mean Kazuto?
Hayate: Yeah. …And there was something else. I can’t really explain it, but…I felt like there was sort of connection between us.
Usa-chan: Are you going to see her?
Hayate: *stands up* Yeah. I wanna know who she is. I really do.
Orion: Do you want us to come with you?
Hayate: …No thanks. I’ll go by myself if you don’t mind.
Coolidge: *smirk* Oh, I get it. Get the girl when you’re all alone, huh?
All: SHUT UP, COOLIDGE!!!!
Coolidge: What!? What’d I do?!?
*minutes later, Hayate walks up to the Breg Epona Chaos Gate*
Hayate: Okay, let’s see… What were the keywords again? “Hidden… Forbidden… Miasma”! There we go!
ERROR! CANNOT GENERATE AREA FROM THIS AREA WORD!
Hayate: …Huh!? What the hell!? Tch! Let’s try again…
ERROR! CANNOT GENERATE AREA FROM THIS AREA WORD!
Hayate: What’s the hell’s going on!? I can’t warp!?
*just then, Aquitaine gates into Breg Epona*
Hayate: Huh? Oh, Aquitaine, I’m glad you’re here! I need a favor!
Aquitaine: Oh, really? *smirks* What kind of favor?
Hayate: I need you to warp to this area word for me.
Aquitaine: …Oh. Well, what’s in it for me?
Hayate: For you? Uh… Well, I dunno. I don’t have a lot really. Hehehe…
Aquitaine: *sigh* Damn this heart of gold of mine… *turns away*
Hayate: Uh…
Aquitaine: …Well? What’s the area word?
Hayate: O-Oh! It’s Hidden Forbidden Miasma.
*Aquitaine enters the area word and warps to the area with ease; she comes back to Breg Epona roughly 20 seconds later*
Aquitaine: …Now what?
Hayate: You got into the area with no problem?
Aquitaine: …Yeah, why?
Hayate: Hmm… For some reason, I can’t gate into that area… Maybe there’s a “back door” to the area somewhere…
Aquitaine: Uh… H-Hey, wait! Where are you going!? …Ugh… What a weird kid…
*two hours later, Hayate warps into Mac Anu*
Hayate: *sigh* I don’t get it… Why am I the only one blocked off from that area?
*Izumi enters the dome and walks up to him*
Izumi: Hello, Hayate. …Hmm? What’s wrong?
Hayate: For some reason, I can’t gate into the Vorpis Alph Sea. It’s locked me out somehow.
Izumi: Hmm… That’s too bad. But we’ll find a way into the area someday. In the meantime, I’ve been given an assignment by Orion. Would you like to come with me?
Hayate: Sure, Izumi, I’d love to.
Izumi: *smiles* Well, let’s go then.
*as Hayate and Izumi warp to an area, a figure can be seen watching them from the shadows*
: Hmm… The Vorpis Alph Sea, huh…?*a few hours later, Hayate warps into Dol Dona*
Hayate: *yawn* I’ve been looking for that damn back door all day! Why is this only happening to me!?
Tsukiyomi: HEY, HAYATE!!!
Hayate: AAH!!! *falls over*
Tsukiyomi: Hahaha! Still too slow!
Hayate: *stands up* Do you have to do that every time, Tsukiyomi!?
Tsukiyomi: Well, it’s fun!
Hayate: *sigh* …Did you want something?
Tsukiyomi: I’m bored! Come on an adventure with me!
Hayate: Uh… I’m actually kinda busy right now…
Tsukiyomi: Aw, come on! It won’t take long! *takes Hayate’s hand* C’mon, let’s go!
Hayate: B-But I said that… H-Hey, wait!! Quit yanking my arm!!
*as Hayate and Tsukiyomi warp to an area, a figure can be seen watching them from the shadows*
: Hmm… I wonder…*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Haruhi: …
Claire: …
Piros VIII: …
Jack: …
Samekh: …
Kyuzo: …Okay, Sammy… You ready for your assignment?
Samekh: …Yes.
Kyuzo: Alright then. Here’s what I want you to do…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 3, 2037 ~
*Hayate logs in and immediately lets out a sigh*
Hayate: Man… I barely had any time to myself yesterday… Boy, that Tsukiyomi has a strong grip… Guess I’ll go see if any new quests are available.
*at the Quest Shop…*
Vital Vista: Hello, player! We’ve just received a new quest early this morning! Take a look! *hands bill to Hayate*
Hayate: Hmm… “Investigate strange player disappearances at S Ephemeral Evening’s Promise.” …Disappearances?
Vital Vista: Indeed. According to the person who posted this bill, players who have gone into this area for longer than 7 minutes vanish without a trace!
Hayate: …Hmm… “Required party of three”, huh? Okay, let’s see…
Yahiko: OFFLINE
Izumi: ONLINE
Coolidge: BUSY
Neon: BUSY
Chibi-Usa: BUSY
Orion: OFFLINE
Aquitaine: OFFLINE
Hanabi: BUSY
Alkaid: OFFLINE
Ren: OFFLINE
Ayliori: BUSY
Tsukiyomi: ONLINE
Hayate: …There! That should do it!
*Hayate goes to the Breg Epona Chaos Gate and waits for his friends to arrive; Izumi and Tsukiyomi gate into Breg Epona seconds later*
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: Okay, I’m here, Hayate! …Hmm? *looks at each other* …Hayate, who’s this?
Hayate: Oh. I guess I never really introduced you, did I? Tsukiyomi, this is a friend from my guild, Izumi. Izumi, this is my friend Tsukiyomi.
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: Your friend, huh? …Nice to meet you.
Hayate: Okay, now that that’s over with, let’s go to the area now, huh?
*…S Ephemeral Evening’s Promise…*
Izumi: Wow… This dungeon is so dark…
Hayate: Stay close, guys. Weird player disappearances happen here. No telling what could be hiding in the shadows.
Tsukiyomi: Pffff! I think you’ve watched too many movies, Hayate! It’s just a game! *runs a short distance ahead of Hayate and Izumi* C’mon, Hayate! Could you and your girlfriend get your asses in gear!?
Hayate: *blush* S-She’s not my girlfriend!!!
Izumi: *blush* I-I’m not his girlfriend!!!
Tsukiyomi: Oh? …Hmm…
*moments later, during a battle…*
Hayate: Alright! We’ve exceeded 20 hits! Time for a Rengeki Finish!
Tsukiyomi: I’m all over it! Sparrow Counter!
*Tsukiyomi slashes the enemy up into the air, then slashes it back down to the ground, finishing it off*
Tsukiyomi: WHOO!!! What a rush! Nice work, Hayate!
Hayate: You too! *high-fives Tsukiyomi*
Izumi: … (Those two sure fight well as a team…)
Hayate: Hey, Izumi, you coming?
Izumi: O-Oh! Sorry! I’m right behind you!
*moments later, in a booby-trapped room…*
Tsukiyomi: Steam traps, spike traps, sensor traps… Man! This game has everything!
Hayate: I’ll go ahead first and disable the traps. You guys follow when it’s safe, okay?
Izumi: (Hmm…) …I’ll go first!
Hayate: Huh? H-Hey, Izumi, wait! It’s too dangerous!
Izumi: Aah!!! *springs several traps and gets hurt*
Hayate: Izumi!!!
Tsukiyomi: Ooh… That looked like it hurt…
*seconds later, Hayate carries Izumi’s body out of the trap room and sets her down to heal her wounds with Repth*
Hayate: *casting Repth* I told you it was dangerous…
Izumi: Sorry…
Tsukiyomi: (Wow… Hayate must really care about this girl to get worked up over some HP loss…)
*later on, the party reaches the rear chamber of the dungeon*
Hayate: There’s the Beast Statue…
Izumi: And we haven’t found any of the players who vanished…
Tsukiyomi: Hmm… Huh? Hey, guys, take a look at this.
*Tsukiyomi turns the group’s attention to a Tri-Edge sign on the wall next to the transporter*
Hayate: Hey… I’ve seen this before.
Izumi: It’s the same sign that’s scarred some of the Lost Grounds.
*the group sees the sign glow brightly*
Tsukiyomi: Whoa…!
*all of a sudden, a data distortion transports the group to another area*
*S Hidden Forbidden Miasma ~ Vorpis Alph Sea*
*the party warps to a mysteriously hazy area*
Tsukiyomi: What is this place…?
Izumi: Aura Spheres… This must be a Lost Ground.
*Hayate suddenly steps forward a few feet*
Izumi: Hayate? What’s wrong?
Hayate: …This is it. This is the area I came to a few weeks ago.
Izumi: You mean Vorpis Alph? Then that means…
Hayate: …We found the back door!
*the group walks forward and sees nothing but a bunch of Vorpal Roses*
Tsukiyomi: Hey… Aren’t there supposed to be a bunch of players here?
Izumi: Hmm… Maybe the quest bill was fake…
Hayate: …
*just then, a strange figure can be seen standing on the water*
Hayate: *gasp* *runs over to the water*
Tsukiyomi: Hayate? What’s wrong?
*Hayate runs over to the water, and Sakuya can be seen stepping out of the fog*
Hayate: …Are you…Sakuya…?
Sakuya: …Kazuto… You’ve finally come…
Tsukiyomi: Who is that?
Izumi: I don’t know yet…
Sakuya: …Kazu-niichan…
Izumi/Tsukiyomi: NII-CHAN?!?!? Then she’s your…your…SISTER?!?
Hayate: …Wait… That can’t be right… I don’t have a… *gasp*
Kazuto’s mom: …Kazu… Did you know that, at one time, you almost had a sister?
Kazuto: A sister?
Kazuto’s mom: Yes. In fact, she would’ve been your twin.
Kazuto: My…twin?
Kazuto’s mom: Mm-hmm. But…she was stillborn.
Kazuto: …What does that mean?
Kazuto’s mom: It means that…she died right when she was born.
Kazuto: …
Kazuto’s mom: *looks away and cries silently* …Oh, my dear Sakuya…
Kazuto: …Sakuya…
*later that night…*
Kazuto: *looking up at a starry sky* …Huh?
*Kazuto sees a shooting star pass overhead*
Kazuto: A shooting star… *puts hands together* …I wish I could see you just once… Saku-neechan…
Hayate: …No way… No freakin’ way…
Tsukiyomi: Awww!!! That’s so cute!!! Little Kazu makes a wish on a shooting star and it comes true!!! It’s something straight out of a fairy tale!!!
Hayate: K-Knock it off, Tsukiyomi!
*Sakuya suddenly takes Hayate’s hands*
Hayate: Huh?
Sakuya: Kazu-niichan… You must’ve been so lonely…
Hayate: …Sakuya…
Izumi: (A brother and sister reunited after 16 years…) *wipes away tears* …Hmm? Hey, Hayate, do you hear something? It sounds like…cello music.
Hayate: Huh?
*the fog clears a little to reveal Samekh floating on air*
Samekh: “As the radiant petals of the Vorpal Rose caress the gentle waves of the sea, the sirens of Vorpis Alph cry their lulling song of tranquility. The boy and girl join hands and dance among the waters, singing gleefully of newfound love and harmony.” It’s enough to melt even the hardest of hearts, wouldn’t you say…?
All: …
Samekh: *stops playing cello* Hello, little girl… I’ve waited a long time…for you to come…
Hayate: Wait! What do you want with Sakuya!?
Samekh: I have no use for a lowly AI…
Hayate: Huh?
Samekh: I was referring to… *gazes at Tsukiyomi* …her.
Tsukiyomi: M-Me?
Samekh: You’ve been especially rude to my guildmaster, little Tsukiyomi…
Tsukiyomi: Guildmaster? …Wait, you’re with the Samurai 7!?
Samekh: Allow me to introduce myself. I am known as Samekh, and I extend to you an invitation to join the Samurai 7.
Tsukiyomi: How many times do I have to tell you creeps!? I don’t want to join you!!!
Samekh: *sigh* I had hoped I would not have to resort to drastic measures, but… *readies cello*
Hayate: Look out, guys! He’s getting ready to do something!
*Samekh plays a single note on his cello, freezing Tsukiyomi in stone*
Hayate/Izumi: Tsukiyomi!
*Samekh walks up to Tsukiyomi and takes two dual swords from her*
Samekh: There. I have accomplished what I needed to accomplish. I bid you all farewell.
Hayate: *draws blade* Where do you think you’re going?
Samekh: Hmm?
Izumi: *forms dual swords with Wave Templar power* If you think we’re just gonna let you take those swords, you’re sadly mistaken!
Samekh: …Hehehe… How amusing…
Hayate: Amusing!? I’ll show you amusing!! Rengeki: Lateral Moon!!!
*Hayate attacks Samekh with a vertical slash, but Samekh simply plays a short tune on his cello, blowing Hayate away with a fierce energy blast*
Izumi: Hayate!
Sakuya: Brother!
Izumi: You’ll pay for that! Rengeki: False Gale Blade!!!
*Izumi strikes Samekh with a three-stage Twin Blade attack and her artificial dual swords immediately vanish*
Samekh: …Impudent girl…
*Samekh plays another tune on his cello, blowing Izumi away with a harsh gust of wind*
Izumi: Ohhh…
*Samekh begins to float over to Hayate*
Hayate: Grrrr…
Samekh: I must admit, boy, you’ve become a real thorn in my guildmaster’s side… But not anymore… *readies cello*
Hayate: *gasp*
*Samekh plays a harsh note on his cello, unleashing a thin but powerful beam of energy*
Izumi: Hayate, look out!
*Hayate closes his eyes tightly and hears the beam pierce someone’s flesh*
Izumi: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Hayate: …Huh?
*Hayate opens his eyes and sees Sakuya standing in front of him with a large hole through her chest*
Hayate: S-Sakuya!!!
Sakuya: K…Ka-Kazu…niichan…
*Sakuya falls back and onto Hayate*
Samekh: *sigh* Chivalry in Artificial Intelligence sickens me… *walks away*
Izumi: W-Wait!!!
Samekh: …Away with you… *casts Zan Rom on Izumi, incapacitating her*
Izumi: G-Gah!
*as Samekh leaves, Izumi uses her remaining energy to crawl over to where Hayate and Sakuya were*
Hayate: Sakuya! Sakuya! …No… Please don’t go… I’ve only just found you…
Sakuya: *deep gasp* …Don’t cry, Kazu…As long as I got to see you…to speak with you… I can leave this world…with no regrets…
Hayate: Sakuya…
Izumi: Oh, Hayate…
Sakuya: …Kazu… Could you…do me a favor…?
Hayate: W-What is it?
Sakuya: Could you…call me “Saku-neechan”…just once?
*tears begin to well up in Hayate’s eyes*
Hayate: I’ll call you “Saku-neechan” all you want… Just don’t die…please…
Sakuya: …Don’t worry, Kazu… I’ll always be…with you… Give me…your hand…
*Hayate places his hand in Sakuya’s hand; Sakuya’s data slowly begins to vanish*
Sakuya: …Kazu… Could you…do me…one more favor…?
Hayate: What?
Sakuya: …Do you remember…the lullaby…Mother would sing to you…before you went to sleep…?
Izumi: Lullaby?
Sakuya: Could you…sing it to me…?
Hayate: … *deep breath*
Hodoukyou no mukou kara chiisaku te wo furu
Furidashita haruasai toori ame
Naze hiki kaesa nakatta no? Furidashita ame no sei?
“Genki de” to tsubuyaita kokoro tozashite
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
Kodomo no koro mita you na namae monai hana
Furi sosogu yuuyami to toori ame
Nani wo akiramete shimatta no? Furidashita ame no sei?
Furi mukezu kake dashita mido tou modorera ano hi
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
Furidashita haruasai toori ame
Naze hiki kaesa nakatta no? Furidashita ame no sei?
“Genki de” to tsubuyaita kokoro tozashite
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
Kodomo no koro mita you na namae monai hana
Furi sosogu yuuyami to toori ame
Nani wo akiramete shimatta no? Furidashita ame no sei?
Furi mukezu kake dashita mido tou modorera ano hi
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
Toori ame ga agattara yasashii uta wo todokeyou
Itsuka mita yume no tsuzuki kimi ga mireru you ni
(“Toori Ame” by wiz-us; youtube.com/watch?v=5StpU6eQulA)
*after Hayate finishes singing, he looks down at Sakuya, who’s almost completely vanished*Sakuya: *smiles* …Thank you…Kazu-niichan…
*just before Sakuya disappears completely, she emanates a blinding light*
Izumi: Huh!? What’s going on!?
*the light dies down, and Sakuya is gone; in her place, a blade as cold as ice appears in Hayate’s left hand to match the fiery-red blade in his right hand*
Izumi: Wow… Hayate, you’re wielding two blade swords at the same time!
Hayate: …It was Sakuya’s first and only gift to her twin brother… The Vorpal Blade…
*Hayate and Izumi walk over to where Tsukiyomi stood frozen in stone*
Izumi: …Let’s go back to town…
Hayate: *wipes away tears* …Okay…
*…Breg Epona Quest Shop…*
Vital Vista: Thank you for your patronage! Here’s your prize for the quest!
Hayate: …Thanks.
Vital Vista: Come again!
*Hayate turns away from the Quest Shop and walks up to Izumi and Tsukiyomi*
Izumi: How are you feeling, Hayate?
Hayate: …I’m not really sure how I should feel. I mean, I’ve only known my twin sister for a few minutes, and then she’s taken away from me. Should I feel sad for losing someone that I’ve only known for a short time?
Tsukiyomi: It’s okay to feel sad about that, Hayate. You may have only known Sakuya for a few minutes, but she was still family to you. And besides, she wasn’t taken away from you. Her spirit lives on inside the Vorpal Blade.
Hayate: …Yeah. Thanks, Tsukiyomi.
Tsukiyomi: Hey, be glad you even have weapons! That jerk Samekh stole mine!
Izumi: Yes, that was rather strange. Why would Samurai 7 set a trap for us just to get a couple of ordinary dual swords?
Hayate: …Unless they weren’t ordinary. Tsukiyomi, where did you get those dual swords that Samekh took?
Tsukiyomi: I found them in Coiste-Bodher.
Izumi: *gasp* *enters a private chat with Hayate* Are you thinking what I’m thinking!?
Hayate: Yeah. Samurai 7 must’ve discovered an eighth .hack//Arm.
Izumi: But I thought there were only seven!
Hayate: So did I. But maybe we know too little about the .hack//Arms.
Tsukiyomi: Grrrr… Samekh, that bastard!!! I want to get my dual swords back!!!
Hayate: You will, Tsukiyomi. But we need to infiltrate Samurai 7 somehow.
: Perhaps I can assist you with that.*Hayate, Izumi, and Tsukiyomi turn around to see Kaga*
Izumi: Who are you?
Kaga: *smirk* …An ally.
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: What’s the deal!? I thought I told you to bring back Tsukiyomi!
Samekh: Settle yourself, Kyuzo. I’ve brought something even better than a new member.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Why are you helping us?
Kaga: Let’s just say…I wanna get back at Kyuzo for something.
Tsukiyomi: Payback, huh? I like this guy’s style!
~*~*~*~
Piros VIII: I don’t trust that Samekh guy. He’s too…shifty.
Claire: And you’re too stupid. And yet you’re still a member of this guild.
~*~*~*~
Kaga: This is it… The storage chamber… Hmm? *gasp* What the hell is this?!?
16th Phase: Injudicious Infiltration!
