Post by Hayate on Aug 26, 2007 18:57:16 GMT -5
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 2, 2037 ~
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Izumi: …And that’s what happened.
Coolidge: Wow… Hayate had a twin sister he didn’t know about AND there’s an eighth .hack//Arm…
Usa-chan: I’m so sorry, Hayate.
Hayate: Thanks, Usa-chan. But I’m okay now, really.
Neon: …What do you think, Orion?
Orion: Hmm… It would seem that there are still things about the .hack//Arms that we don’t know… And what of the Spin Natsume?
Izumi: Tsukiyomi has them. But for now, I think they’re in good hands.
Orion: …Hmm… Alright then. At the moment, we still don’t know exactly how many .hack//Arms there are, so for now, all we can do is look for them.
All: Yes, sir!
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: *reading Haruhi’s letter* “…And so, as much as it pains me to do so, I’m afraid I cannot stay with the Samurai 7 in fear that my incompetence will cause you further grief. I wish you the best of luck in the future and pray that you succeed in your ambitions. Sincerely, Haruhi.”
Kyuzo: …One of my best friends fakes joining my guild and steals from me, and my co-guildmaster goes AWOL. Could this day get any better!?
Claire: What should we do, boss?
Kyuzo: Hunt him down. Make sure he’s aware of the consequences for stealing from me.
Claire: …Um… I meant, what should we do about Haruhi?
Kyuzo: Oh… I’m sure Haruhi’s having some conflicting thoughts right now. If we leave her be for now, I’m sure she’ll come back on her own before long.
Jack: Wow. Could there actually a heart underneath all that rock-hard flesh? Hehehe…
Piros VIII: Fear not, my friends! I shall personally venture out and retrieve our beloved Haruhi! No man or woman gets left behind!
Kyuzo: Did I not just say to leave her be?!?
Piros VIII: TALLYHO!!!!! *runs out*
Kyuzo: *sigh* …Whatever. Jack, Claire, go find Kaga and teach him a lesson. Samekh, continue your research on the .hack//Arms.
Samekh: As you wish, Mr. Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: *sits down* …Haruhi…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 5, 2037 ~
*a red Flick Reaper with long brown hair logs in*
: Whoa! These graphics are totally awesome!
*he walks forward until he meets two PK’s*
IYOTEN: Hey, you!
: Huh? You talkin’ to me?
Tamao: Yes, you! The red Flick Reaper!
IYOTEN: Is this your first time playing The World?
: Sure is!
Tamao: Wow… Giddy little girl, aren’t you?
: Well, I-- Hey! I’m not a girl; I’m a boy!
*IYOTEN and Tamao look at each other skeptically, then look back at the Flick Reaper*
IYOTEN: Seriously!?
Tamao: …What’s your name?
Ciel: It’s Ciel.
*IYOTEN and Tamao look at each other skeptically again, then look back at Ciel*
Tamao: Seriously?!?
Ciel: Grrrr… Oh, just forget it! *walks into Mac Anu*
IYOTEN: …Oh, crap! I forgot to give my speech!
Tamao: …Let it go, IYOTEN… Let it go…
*Ciel walks through the streets of Mac Anu*
Ciel: Wow… It’s just like Dad said… Too cool!
*as Ciel walks, his right shoulder bumps into the left shoulder of an Assault Ace with whitish-yellow hair*
Ciel: Aah! …Hey, watch where you’re going, blondie!
Usa-chan: *turns around* You talkin’ to me!?
Ciel: Yeah, I’m talkin’ to you! What are you, blind AND deaf!?
Usa-chan: Hmph! I don’t have time to play with you, little girl!
Ciel: Well, you-- H-Hey!! I’m not a girl; I’m a boy!!
Usa-chan: …You are?!?
Ciel: *pulls at his own hair* Argh!!! Just forget about it!!! *runs off*
Usa-chan: …Weird kid…
*while he runs, Ciel suddenly bumps into Piros VIII and falls over*
Ciel: Ow! Hey, watch where you’re… *looks up* …going?
Piros VIII: Oh, forgive me! *extends a hand to Ciel* Art thou alright?
Ciel: *takes Piros’ hand and stands up* Yeah… I’m fine…
Piros VIII: You must forgive me if I sound outlandish, but… *kisses Ciel’s hand*
Ciel: !!!
Piros VIII: …your beauty astounds me, milady.
Ciel: …Okay, first off, that’s disgusting! And second, I’m not a--
Piros VIII: Pray, my fair lady, wouldst thou permit me the knowing of your name?
Ciel: It’s Ciel. And you can let go of my hand now!
Piros VIII: Ciel… The French word for “sky”… How appropriate, as my heart has soared high into the sky upon seeing your face…
Ciel: *eye twitch* …Okay, let’s try this again…
*Ciel jumps up over Piros and lands on the ground behind him; he then takes Piros’ arm and flips him over himself and slams his PC body onto the ground*
Ciel: That takes care of that… *walks away*
Piros VIII: *sigh* …Ciel…
*later that day…*
Ciel: Rengeki: Arc-en-Ciel!!!
*Ciel jumps high into the air and drops onto a Goblin with a rolling anchor attack, producing a rainbow-like streak above him; the Goblin’s HP falls to zero, and Ciel levels up to level 2*
Ciel: Whew! That was too easy! …Hmm?
*several yards away from him, Ciel sees a blue-haired Valiant Archer girl fending off a group of Goblins inside a battle fence*
Archer: Orion’s Belt!!!
*the Archer destroys one of the Goblins with a fierce volley of arrows, but the other two Goblins double-team her and lower her HP to near-zero*
Archer: …D-Dammit…
Ciel: Uh-oh! She’s in trouble!
*Ciel charges into the battle fence and draws his anchor scythe*
Ciel: Take this, you butt-ugly bastards! Wicked Strike!!!
*Ciel destroys both of the remaining Goblins with a single Rengeki; after the battle fence disappears, he walks over to the Valiant Archer*
Ciel: Are you alright, miss?
Haruhi: …Who…are you?
*later that day, in Mac Anu…*
Haruhi: …I used to be a member of a guild known as the Samurai 7. Our-- …I mean, their goal is to secure a special group of weapons called the .hack//Arms. But…I didn’t care about that. I was just happy to be near Master Kyuzo.
Ciel: This Kyuzo guy’s pretty special to you, isn’t he?
Haruhi: …I owe my life to Master Kyuzo. He saved me…from myself.
*several months ago, in the real world…*
Haruhi: …
Girl 1: There’s that Haruhi girl I was telling you about.
Girl 2: Does she always eat by herself?
Boy 1: Yup. She does practically everything by herself. She doesn’t talk to anyone.
Girl 3: …What a weirdo…
Haruhi: …
Boy 2: *gasp* Look! It’s the class rep!
Girl 1: *gasp* It’s Kyoya Ishida!
Girls: *sigh* …Kyoya Ishida…
Boy 1: He’s walking over to that Haruhi chick!
Girl 4: He’s actually going to talk to her?!?
Kyoya: Hey. Can I sit here?
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: I’m Kyoya Ishida. What’s your name?
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: That’s okay. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: …Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t I show you around the school?
Haruhi: …
*after school, Kyoya walks Haruhi home*
Kyoya: …And then the guy says, “That’s no orangutan; that’s my wife!” Hahahaha!!! Isn’t that hilarious!?
Haruhi: … *stops walking*
Kyoya: …Hmm? Why’d you stop walking? …Oh, is this your house?
*the mailbox in front of the house reads “Fujioka”*
Kyoya: Well, now that you’re home, I guess I’ll be going now. See you at school tomorrow. *walks away*
Haruhi: …Um…
Kyoya: Hmm? You say something?
Haruhi: …My name is Haruhi… Haruhi Fujioka…
Kyoya: Haruhi, huh? That’s a nice name. …Well, see ya ‘round. *walks away*
Haruhi: … *smiles*
Ciel: Hehehe… A classic Cinderella story. So, if you liked the guild so much, why’d you leave?
Haruhi: …Because I’ve failed to meet Master Kyuzo’s expectations. I’ve tried my best to please him time and time again, but…
Ciel: …Oh! You know what you should do?
Haruhi: Huh?
Ciel: Do something unexpected! If you go back to this Kyuzo guy with a .hack//whatever, he’ll welcome you back with open arms!
Haruhi: But…I don’t even know where to find a .hack//Arm…
Ciel: I’ll help you find one!
Haruhi: You… You will?
Ciel: Sure! …But don’t let my appearance fool you! My services don’t come cheap!
Haruhi: … *giggles*
*D Hidden Forbidden Dead Wood ~ Dead World of Indieglut Lugh*
Ciel: Wow… So this is a Lost Ground…
Haruhi: So far, each of the .hack//Arms had been found at a Lost Ground. We didn’t find one here when we first searched, so there might still be one hidden here.
Ciel: If you say so…
*Ciel and Haruhi search the Lost Ground for a .hack//Arm, but couldn’t find anything*
Haruhi: *falls to knees* It’s no use… There’s nothing here…
Ciel: Don’t worry, Haruhi. Why don’t we just search in another Lost Ground?
Haruhi: …Okay.
*D Hidden Forbidden Bulwark ~ Morrigu Barrow Wall*
Ciel: Maybe there’s something behind this wall… *draws scythe* Hyah! Hah! Yah!
*Ciel makes several slash marks in the wall, but can’t break through*
Ciel: Man… This wall must be made of solid steel!
Haruhi: Hmm…
*Haruhi walks up to the wall and touches the Tri-Edge sign on it*
Haruhi: …There’s nothing here. Let’s go.
*D Hidden Forbidden Radiation ~ Arche Koeln Falls*
Ciel: WOW!!! Those waterfalls are huge!!!
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign on the ground, kneels down, and touches it; it gives off a very faint glow*
Haruhi: *gasp* …Come on, Ciel. We’re leaving.
Ciel: W-What!? But we just got here!
Haruhi: I know. But I think I’ve found something out.
Ciel: Okay…
*D Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground ~ Hulle Granz Cathedral*
*Haruhi touches the Tri-Edge sign on the altar and it gives off a glow slightly brighter than last time*
Haruhi: (Just as I thought…)
Ciel: So…we’re done here?
Haruhi: Yes. Let’s keep going.
Ciel: Alright! Let’s go then! *turns away*
Haruhi: *grabs Ciel’s wrist* Ciel, wait.
Ciel: Hmm?
Haruhi: Before we continue, can I ask you something?
Ciel: Sure, Haruhi. What is it?
Haruhi: …Why are you helping me? Why would you go out of your way to help a complete stranger?
Ciel: Hmm… Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t really know. But…my mom’s always said to “treat other people – even people you don’t know – like flowers”.
Haruhi: Like flowers?
Ciel: Yeah. Flowers, when planted alone, have difficulty blooming. But when in the company of many other flowers, they bloom beautifully. The same can be said for people. People who act alone have a harder time prospering than when they act with others.
Haruhi: …Your mother’s a pretty smart person.
Ciel: Hehehe. Yeah, I guess so.
*Ciel and Haruhi proceed to visit Coite-Bodher, Sif Berg, and Wald Uberlisterin; each time Haruhi touches the Tri-Edge sign there, the glow it gives off is brighter*
*q Hidden Forbidden Dragonbein ~ Briona Gwydion the Dragonbein Range*
Ciel: Whoa… That’s a big dragon statue…
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign at the edge of the platform; suddenly, IYOTEN jumps out and blocks her path*
Haruhi: Aah!
Ciel: Haruhi!
*just before Ciel could draw his scythe, he feels the sharp end of a broadsword touch his back*
Ciel: *gasp*
Tamao: …Don’t do anything you might regret, n00b…
Ciel: Tch!
IYOTEN: Well, well, well… Looks like we got ourselves a couple o’ caged rats!
Tamao: Hehehe… How delicious!
Ciel: (Dammit… We’re cornered!)
Tamao: Let’s see… Who should we take out first…? The cute little Archer girl…or the cute little Reaper boy?
Ciel: Grrrr…
Haruhi: …Ciel…
*all of a sudden, Tamao is struck from behind by a PhaLei Zas spell, lowering her HP to zero*
Tamao: *deep gasp* *falls over*
IYOTEN: Tamao!
Ciel: (What the hell just…?!?)
: Those who kill other players for their own amusement… Those who refuse to stand for justice and love…
*a shadowy figure jumps down from the dragon statue and makes a loud boom when it lands on the bridge*
Piros VIII: …They shall receive no mercy!!! The defender of justice, Piros VIII, has arrived!!!
Haruhi: P-Piros!?
IYOTEN: Who the hell is this clown!?
Ciel: (Oh, no… Not him again…)
*Piros dashes up to Ciel and takes his hand*
Piros VIII: Ah, my fair Ciel! Truly it must be destiny that has brought us together!
Ciel: *pulls hand away* Would you stop doing that?!?
IYOTEN: …Hello?!? I’m the one with the hostage here!!!
Piros VIII: *turns around* Oh, don’t worry… *draws scythe* …I have not forgotten about you!
IYOTEN: Don’t come any closer or else!
Haruhi: Piros!
Piros VIII: Endangering the life of an innocent girl PC… Such a despicable act shall not be forgiven!
Ciel: Move aside, you idiot!!!
*Ciel runs up and pushes Piros aside, causing him to fall over the side of the bridge*
Piros VIII: PIROS VIII SHALL RETURN!!!!!!!
Ciel: *draws scythe* Let her go, you bastard!
IYOTEN: Oh, please! Your little girlfriend’s gonna be dead by the time you reach me, you little snot!
Ciel: Grrrr…
Haruhi: …Huh?
*Haruhi glances behind her and sees that she and IYOTEN were only a few feet away from the Tri-Edge sign*
Haruhi: … *gives Ciel a serious look*
Ciel: …Huh?
Haruhi: …
Ciel: … *nods*
IYOTEN: Hmm?
Ciel: Lei Zas!
*Ciel fires a beam of light at IYOTEN and Haruhi*
IYOTEN: Big mistake, little man!
*IYOTEN is about to slit Haruhi’s throat; just then, Haruhi ducks down and the beam of light strikes IYOTEN*
IYOTEN: Agh!!!
Ciel: Lei Zas!
*Ciel fires another beam of light, sending IYOTEN flying over the edge of the platform*
Ciel: *sigh* You okay, Haruhi?
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign and kneels down; Ciel walks up to Haruhi’s side and looks down at the sign*
Ciel: What’s this thing?
*Haruhi touches the sign and it glows bright red*
Ciel: *gasp* W-What’s going on?!?
*in a bright light, Ciel and Haruhi are warped to a strange white space*
Ciel: What is this place?
Haruhi: …Look.
*in front of Ciel and Haruhi is a gigantic door*
Ciel: Whoa…
*Haruhi walks up to the door and tries to push it open*
Haruhi: Come on… *sigh* I can’t open it.
Ciel: *walks up* …You can’t…but maybe we can…
Haruhi: …Ciel…
*Ciel and Haruhi push against the door; little-by-little, it creaks open; the gap between the door’s two halves emits a great blinding light; after opening the door and walking through, Ciel and Haruhi find themselves in another strange space*
*S Hidden Forbidden Abyss ~ Endless Subterra Ulder Reyline*
*the two wind up in a long tunnel; at the end of the tunnel is a bright light*
Ciel: What the hell is that…?
Haruhi: …Come on!
*Ciel and Haruhi dash down the tunnel and enter a brightly lit chamber; at the center of the chamber lay three pedestal; on the middle pedestal lay a magic wand; under the wand was an inscription*
Haruhi: “…To gain, something of equal value must be sacrificed…”
Ciel: …Meaning…?
Haruhi: If we want to take this weapon with us, we need to offer up our own weapons in return.
Ciel: …
*Haruhi places her crossbow on the left pedestal; Ciel places his anchor on the right pedestal; just then, there’s a short tremor; the left and right pedestals lower into the ground; Haruhi picks up the wand and reads its name*
Haruhi: …“Magic Mistral”…
Ciel: Is this one of them…“.hack” things?
Haruhi: …Yes.
Ciel: WHOO!!!! We did it!
Haruhi: …Yeah… We did…
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …It’s been three days, boss.
Claire: I don’t think Haruhi’s coming back.
Kyuzo: …
Shady Grunty: Well!? You just gonna sit there saying nothing all day!?
Kyuzo: …
*just then, the door creaks open…*
Kyuzo: *gasp*
*…and Piros walks in*
Piros VIII: Good morrow, my friends!
Jack: Oh… It’s you… Did you find Haruhi?
Piros VIII: Alas, I have not… But I have met with the love of my life!
Claire: …Excuse me while I barf…
Piros VIII: Make fun all you want!! Our love is true!! And Ciel and I shall shout our love out to the heavens!!
Kyuzo: … *stands up* …I’m stepping out for a bit… *leaves*
Piros VIII: …What’s with him?
Jack/Claire: …Shady?
Shady Grunty: Way ahead of ya! *pulls lever*
Piros VIII: *falls through trapdoor* NOT AGAIN!!!!!
*…Mac Anu, Mercenary District…*
*Haruhi and Ciel stand a few feet away from the @home*
Haruhi: …Ohhhh…
Ciel: Nervous?
Haruhi: …What if Master Kyuzo refuses me? I don’t think I could go on without him at my side…
Ciel: Don’t worry, Haruhi. You just have to trust that Kyuzo will look past your mistakes and think back on all the things you did together.
Haruhi: …Master Kyuzo…
Ciel: …Huh?
*Ciel and Haruhi see the @home entrance door creak open; Kyuzo steps out into Mac Anu*
Haruhi: *gasp* M-Master Kyuzo…!
Kyuzo: …Hmm?
*even with Haruhi’s new PC body, Kyuzo could immediately tell that it was her*
Kyuzo: …
Ciel: …
Haruhi: …
Kyuzo: …Heh. …Well? Are you gonna stand there all day, or are you gonna come in?
Haruhi: *gasp* …Master Kyuzo… *eyes watering* Master Kyuzo!
*Haruhi runs up to Kyuzo and embraces him*
Haruhi: *sobbing* Master Kyuzo!
Kyuzo: …Haruhi…
*Kyuzo and Haruhi walk into the @home*
Ciel: …Well, my work here is done! …HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!!! I never got my money!!! …Hmm… Oh, well… I guess it’s not that a big deal… If Haruhi’s happy, then I’m happy. *walks away whistling* *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? Hey, a short mail! Hmm…
“To: Ciel
From: Haruhi
Thank you so much for your help.
~ Haruhi”
Ciel: …Hey, there’s something attached to it! …Haruhi’s member address and… *gasp* A new scythe! AWESOME!!!
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Jack: Welcome back to the club, Haruhi!
Claire: Yeah, welcome back. …By the way, I like the new look. It suits you.
Haruhi: Thank you, everyone.
Piros VIII: *climbs out of the Pit of Despair out of breath* You…can’t…break…me!!! The love Ciel and I share will endure even the harshest of gale force winds!!!
Haruhi: …Ciel’s a boy, Piros.
Piros VIII: …WHAT?!?!? *falls back into the Pit of Despair* IT CANNOT BE!!!!!
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Usa-chan: The Job Extension quest is open again!
~*~*~*~
Haruhi: Please, Master Kyuzo… Allow me to assist you during your quest…
Kyuzo: …Alright. You’re in.
Piros VIII: What about me, Kyuzo!?
Kyuzo: …No.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: …Uh, guys… There’s a bit of a problem…
Usa-chan: What’s that?
Izumi: The Job Extension is in…the Forest of Pain!
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: NOOOO!!!! LET ME GO!!!! I DON’T WANNA GO IN THERE!!!!
Neon: Dammit, Coolidge! Quit being such a baby! It’s just a stupid forest!
Usa-chan: Yeah! A stupid forest…with 100 floors…and hard-to-beat monsters…and pendulums covered in blood…
Hayate: …I’m scared out of my mind. Can I go home now?
18th Phase: Gamble of Gallantry!
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Izumi: …And that’s what happened.
Coolidge: Wow… Hayate had a twin sister he didn’t know about AND there’s an eighth .hack//Arm…
Usa-chan: I’m so sorry, Hayate.
Hayate: Thanks, Usa-chan. But I’m okay now, really.
Neon: …What do you think, Orion?
Orion: Hmm… It would seem that there are still things about the .hack//Arms that we don’t know… And what of the Spin Natsume?
Izumi: Tsukiyomi has them. But for now, I think they’re in good hands.
Orion: …Hmm… Alright then. At the moment, we still don’t know exactly how many .hack//Arms there are, so for now, all we can do is look for them.
All: Yes, sir!
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: *reading Haruhi’s letter* “…And so, as much as it pains me to do so, I’m afraid I cannot stay with the Samurai 7 in fear that my incompetence will cause you further grief. I wish you the best of luck in the future and pray that you succeed in your ambitions. Sincerely, Haruhi.”
Kyuzo: …One of my best friends fakes joining my guild and steals from me, and my co-guildmaster goes AWOL. Could this day get any better!?
Claire: What should we do, boss?
Kyuzo: Hunt him down. Make sure he’s aware of the consequences for stealing from me.
Claire: …Um… I meant, what should we do about Haruhi?
Kyuzo: Oh… I’m sure Haruhi’s having some conflicting thoughts right now. If we leave her be for now, I’m sure she’ll come back on her own before long.
Jack: Wow. Could there actually a heart underneath all that rock-hard flesh? Hehehe…
Piros VIII: Fear not, my friends! I shall personally venture out and retrieve our beloved Haruhi! No man or woman gets left behind!
Kyuzo: Did I not just say to leave her be?!?
Piros VIII: TALLYHO!!!!! *runs out*
Kyuzo: *sigh* …Whatever. Jack, Claire, go find Kaga and teach him a lesson. Samekh, continue your research on the .hack//Arms.
Samekh: As you wish, Mr. Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: *sits down* …Haruhi…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; May 5, 2037 ~
*a red Flick Reaper with long brown hair logs in*
: Whoa! These graphics are totally awesome!*he walks forward until he meets two PK’s*
IYOTEN: Hey, you!
: Huh? You talkin’ to me?Tamao: Yes, you! The red Flick Reaper!
IYOTEN: Is this your first time playing The World?
: Sure is!Tamao: Wow… Giddy little girl, aren’t you?
: Well, I-- Hey! I’m not a girl; I’m a boy!*IYOTEN and Tamao look at each other skeptically, then look back at the Flick Reaper*
IYOTEN: Seriously!?
Tamao: …What’s your name?
Ciel: It’s Ciel.
*IYOTEN and Tamao look at each other skeptically again, then look back at Ciel*
Tamao: Seriously?!?
Ciel: Grrrr… Oh, just forget it! *walks into Mac Anu*
IYOTEN: …Oh, crap! I forgot to give my speech!
Tamao: …Let it go, IYOTEN… Let it go…
*Ciel walks through the streets of Mac Anu*
Ciel: Wow… It’s just like Dad said… Too cool!
*as Ciel walks, his right shoulder bumps into the left shoulder of an Assault Ace with whitish-yellow hair*
Ciel: Aah! …Hey, watch where you’re going, blondie!
Usa-chan: *turns around* You talkin’ to me!?
Ciel: Yeah, I’m talkin’ to you! What are you, blind AND deaf!?
Usa-chan: Hmph! I don’t have time to play with you, little girl!
Ciel: Well, you-- H-Hey!! I’m not a girl; I’m a boy!!
Usa-chan: …You are?!?
Ciel: *pulls at his own hair* Argh!!! Just forget about it!!! *runs off*
Usa-chan: …Weird kid…
*while he runs, Ciel suddenly bumps into Piros VIII and falls over*
Ciel: Ow! Hey, watch where you’re… *looks up* …going?
Piros VIII: Oh, forgive me! *extends a hand to Ciel* Art thou alright?
Ciel: *takes Piros’ hand and stands up* Yeah… I’m fine…
Piros VIII: You must forgive me if I sound outlandish, but… *kisses Ciel’s hand*
Ciel: !!!
Piros VIII: …your beauty astounds me, milady.
Ciel: …Okay, first off, that’s disgusting! And second, I’m not a--
Piros VIII: Pray, my fair lady, wouldst thou permit me the knowing of your name?
Ciel: It’s Ciel. And you can let go of my hand now!
Piros VIII: Ciel… The French word for “sky”… How appropriate, as my heart has soared high into the sky upon seeing your face…
Ciel: *eye twitch* …Okay, let’s try this again…
*Ciel jumps up over Piros and lands on the ground behind him; he then takes Piros’ arm and flips him over himself and slams his PC body onto the ground*
Ciel: That takes care of that… *walks away*
Piros VIII: *sigh* …Ciel…
*later that day…*
Ciel: Rengeki: Arc-en-Ciel!!!
*Ciel jumps high into the air and drops onto a Goblin with a rolling anchor attack, producing a rainbow-like streak above him; the Goblin’s HP falls to zero, and Ciel levels up to level 2*
Ciel: Whew! That was too easy! …Hmm?
*several yards away from him, Ciel sees a blue-haired Valiant Archer girl fending off a group of Goblins inside a battle fence*
Archer: Orion’s Belt!!!
*the Archer destroys one of the Goblins with a fierce volley of arrows, but the other two Goblins double-team her and lower her HP to near-zero*
Archer: …D-Dammit…
Ciel: Uh-oh! She’s in trouble!
*Ciel charges into the battle fence and draws his anchor scythe*
Ciel: Take this, you butt-ugly bastards! Wicked Strike!!!
*Ciel destroys both of the remaining Goblins with a single Rengeki; after the battle fence disappears, he walks over to the Valiant Archer*
Ciel: Are you alright, miss?
Haruhi: …Who…are you?
*later that day, in Mac Anu…*
Haruhi: …I used to be a member of a guild known as the Samurai 7. Our-- …I mean, their goal is to secure a special group of weapons called the .hack//Arms. But…I didn’t care about that. I was just happy to be near Master Kyuzo.
Ciel: This Kyuzo guy’s pretty special to you, isn’t he?
Haruhi: …I owe my life to Master Kyuzo. He saved me…from myself.
*several months ago, in the real world…*
Haruhi: …
Girl 1: There’s that Haruhi girl I was telling you about.
Girl 2: Does she always eat by herself?
Boy 1: Yup. She does practically everything by herself. She doesn’t talk to anyone.
Girl 3: …What a weirdo…
Haruhi: …
Boy 2: *gasp* Look! It’s the class rep!
Girl 1: *gasp* It’s Kyoya Ishida!
Girls: *sigh* …Kyoya Ishida…
Boy 1: He’s walking over to that Haruhi chick!
Girl 4: He’s actually going to talk to her?!?
Kyoya: Hey. Can I sit here?
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: I’m Kyoya Ishida. What’s your name?
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: That’s okay. You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to.
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: …Hey, I’ve got an idea. Why don’t I show you around the school?
Haruhi: …
*after school, Kyoya walks Haruhi home*
Kyoya: …And then the guy says, “That’s no orangutan; that’s my wife!” Hahahaha!!! Isn’t that hilarious!?
Haruhi: … *stops walking*
Kyoya: …Hmm? Why’d you stop walking? …Oh, is this your house?
*the mailbox in front of the house reads “Fujioka”*
Kyoya: Well, now that you’re home, I guess I’ll be going now. See you at school tomorrow. *walks away*
Haruhi: …Um…
Kyoya: Hmm? You say something?
Haruhi: …My name is Haruhi… Haruhi Fujioka…
Kyoya: Haruhi, huh? That’s a nice name. …Well, see ya ‘round. *walks away*
Haruhi: … *smiles*
Ciel: Hehehe… A classic Cinderella story. So, if you liked the guild so much, why’d you leave?
Haruhi: …Because I’ve failed to meet Master Kyuzo’s expectations. I’ve tried my best to please him time and time again, but…
Ciel: …Oh! You know what you should do?
Haruhi: Huh?
Ciel: Do something unexpected! If you go back to this Kyuzo guy with a .hack//whatever, he’ll welcome you back with open arms!
Haruhi: But…I don’t even know where to find a .hack//Arm…
Ciel: I’ll help you find one!
Haruhi: You… You will?
Ciel: Sure! …But don’t let my appearance fool you! My services don’t come cheap!
Haruhi: … *giggles*
*D Hidden Forbidden Dead Wood ~ Dead World of Indieglut Lugh*
Ciel: Wow… So this is a Lost Ground…
Haruhi: So far, each of the .hack//Arms had been found at a Lost Ground. We didn’t find one here when we first searched, so there might still be one hidden here.
Ciel: If you say so…
*Ciel and Haruhi search the Lost Ground for a .hack//Arm, but couldn’t find anything*
Haruhi: *falls to knees* It’s no use… There’s nothing here…
Ciel: Don’t worry, Haruhi. Why don’t we just search in another Lost Ground?
Haruhi: …Okay.
*D Hidden Forbidden Bulwark ~ Morrigu Barrow Wall*
Ciel: Maybe there’s something behind this wall… *draws scythe* Hyah! Hah! Yah!
*Ciel makes several slash marks in the wall, but can’t break through*
Ciel: Man… This wall must be made of solid steel!
Haruhi: Hmm…
*Haruhi walks up to the wall and touches the Tri-Edge sign on it*
Haruhi: …There’s nothing here. Let’s go.
*D Hidden Forbidden Radiation ~ Arche Koeln Falls*
Ciel: WOW!!! Those waterfalls are huge!!!
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign on the ground, kneels down, and touches it; it gives off a very faint glow*
Haruhi: *gasp* …Come on, Ciel. We’re leaving.
Ciel: W-What!? But we just got here!
Haruhi: I know. But I think I’ve found something out.
Ciel: Okay…
*D Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground ~ Hulle Granz Cathedral*
*Haruhi touches the Tri-Edge sign on the altar and it gives off a glow slightly brighter than last time*
Haruhi: (Just as I thought…)
Ciel: So…we’re done here?
Haruhi: Yes. Let’s keep going.
Ciel: Alright! Let’s go then! *turns away*
Haruhi: *grabs Ciel’s wrist* Ciel, wait.
Ciel: Hmm?
Haruhi: Before we continue, can I ask you something?
Ciel: Sure, Haruhi. What is it?
Haruhi: …Why are you helping me? Why would you go out of your way to help a complete stranger?
Ciel: Hmm… Well, to tell you the truth, I don’t really know. But…my mom’s always said to “treat other people – even people you don’t know – like flowers”.
Haruhi: Like flowers?
Ciel: Yeah. Flowers, when planted alone, have difficulty blooming. But when in the company of many other flowers, they bloom beautifully. The same can be said for people. People who act alone have a harder time prospering than when they act with others.
Haruhi: …Your mother’s a pretty smart person.
Ciel: Hehehe. Yeah, I guess so.
*Ciel and Haruhi proceed to visit Coite-Bodher, Sif Berg, and Wald Uberlisterin; each time Haruhi touches the Tri-Edge sign there, the glow it gives off is brighter*
*q Hidden Forbidden Dragonbein ~ Briona Gwydion the Dragonbein Range*
Ciel: Whoa… That’s a big dragon statue…
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign at the edge of the platform; suddenly, IYOTEN jumps out and blocks her path*
Haruhi: Aah!
Ciel: Haruhi!
*just before Ciel could draw his scythe, he feels the sharp end of a broadsword touch his back*
Ciel: *gasp*
Tamao: …Don’t do anything you might regret, n00b…
Ciel: Tch!
IYOTEN: Well, well, well… Looks like we got ourselves a couple o’ caged rats!
Tamao: Hehehe… How delicious!
Ciel: (Dammit… We’re cornered!)
Tamao: Let’s see… Who should we take out first…? The cute little Archer girl…or the cute little Reaper boy?
Ciel: Grrrr…
Haruhi: …Ciel…
*all of a sudden, Tamao is struck from behind by a PhaLei Zas spell, lowering her HP to zero*
Tamao: *deep gasp* *falls over*
IYOTEN: Tamao!
Ciel: (What the hell just…?!?)
: Those who kill other players for their own amusement… Those who refuse to stand for justice and love… *a shadowy figure jumps down from the dragon statue and makes a loud boom when it lands on the bridge*
Piros VIII: …They shall receive no mercy!!! The defender of justice, Piros VIII, has arrived!!!
Haruhi: P-Piros!?
IYOTEN: Who the hell is this clown!?
Ciel: (Oh, no… Not him again…)
*Piros dashes up to Ciel and takes his hand*
Piros VIII: Ah, my fair Ciel! Truly it must be destiny that has brought us together!
Ciel: *pulls hand away* Would you stop doing that?!?
IYOTEN: …Hello?!? I’m the one with the hostage here!!!
Piros VIII: *turns around* Oh, don’t worry… *draws scythe* …I have not forgotten about you!
IYOTEN: Don’t come any closer or else!
Haruhi: Piros!
Piros VIII: Endangering the life of an innocent girl PC… Such a despicable act shall not be forgiven!
Ciel: Move aside, you idiot!!!
*Ciel runs up and pushes Piros aside, causing him to fall over the side of the bridge*
Piros VIII: PIROS VIII SHALL RETURN!!!!!!!
Ciel: *draws scythe* Let her go, you bastard!
IYOTEN: Oh, please! Your little girlfriend’s gonna be dead by the time you reach me, you little snot!
Ciel: Grrrr…
Haruhi: …Huh?
*Haruhi glances behind her and sees that she and IYOTEN were only a few feet away from the Tri-Edge sign*
Haruhi: … *gives Ciel a serious look*
Ciel: …Huh?
Haruhi: …
Ciel: … *nods*
IYOTEN: Hmm?
Ciel: Lei Zas!
*Ciel fires a beam of light at IYOTEN and Haruhi*
IYOTEN: Big mistake, little man!
*IYOTEN is about to slit Haruhi’s throat; just then, Haruhi ducks down and the beam of light strikes IYOTEN*
IYOTEN: Agh!!!
Ciel: Lei Zas!
*Ciel fires another beam of light, sending IYOTEN flying over the edge of the platform*
Ciel: *sigh* You okay, Haruhi?
*Haruhi walks up to the Tri-Edge sign and kneels down; Ciel walks up to Haruhi’s side and looks down at the sign*
Ciel: What’s this thing?
*Haruhi touches the sign and it glows bright red*
Ciel: *gasp* W-What’s going on?!?
*in a bright light, Ciel and Haruhi are warped to a strange white space*
Ciel: What is this place?
Haruhi: …Look.
*in front of Ciel and Haruhi is a gigantic door*
Ciel: Whoa…
*Haruhi walks up to the door and tries to push it open*
Haruhi: Come on… *sigh* I can’t open it.
Ciel: *walks up* …You can’t…but maybe we can…
Haruhi: …Ciel…
*Ciel and Haruhi push against the door; little-by-little, it creaks open; the gap between the door’s two halves emits a great blinding light; after opening the door and walking through, Ciel and Haruhi find themselves in another strange space*
*S Hidden Forbidden Abyss ~ Endless Subterra Ulder Reyline*
*the two wind up in a long tunnel; at the end of the tunnel is a bright light*
Ciel: What the hell is that…?
Haruhi: …Come on!
*Ciel and Haruhi dash down the tunnel and enter a brightly lit chamber; at the center of the chamber lay three pedestal; on the middle pedestal lay a magic wand; under the wand was an inscription*
Haruhi: “…To gain, something of equal value must be sacrificed…”
Ciel: …Meaning…?
Haruhi: If we want to take this weapon with us, we need to offer up our own weapons in return.
Ciel: …
*Haruhi places her crossbow on the left pedestal; Ciel places his anchor on the right pedestal; just then, there’s a short tremor; the left and right pedestals lower into the ground; Haruhi picks up the wand and reads its name*
Haruhi: …“Magic Mistral”…
Ciel: Is this one of them…“.hack” things?
Haruhi: …Yes.
Ciel: WHOO!!!! We did it!
Haruhi: …Yeah… We did…
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …It’s been three days, boss.
Claire: I don’t think Haruhi’s coming back.
Kyuzo: …
Shady Grunty: Well!? You just gonna sit there saying nothing all day!?
Kyuzo: …
*just then, the door creaks open…*
Kyuzo: *gasp*
*…and Piros walks in*
Piros VIII: Good morrow, my friends!
Jack: Oh… It’s you… Did you find Haruhi?
Piros VIII: Alas, I have not… But I have met with the love of my life!
Claire: …Excuse me while I barf…
Piros VIII: Make fun all you want!! Our love is true!! And Ciel and I shall shout our love out to the heavens!!
Kyuzo: … *stands up* …I’m stepping out for a bit… *leaves*
Piros VIII: …What’s with him?
Jack/Claire: …Shady?
Shady Grunty: Way ahead of ya! *pulls lever*
Piros VIII: *falls through trapdoor* NOT AGAIN!!!!!
*…Mac Anu, Mercenary District…*
*Haruhi and Ciel stand a few feet away from the @home*
Haruhi: …Ohhhh…
Ciel: Nervous?
Haruhi: …What if Master Kyuzo refuses me? I don’t think I could go on without him at my side…
Ciel: Don’t worry, Haruhi. You just have to trust that Kyuzo will look past your mistakes and think back on all the things you did together.
Haruhi: …Master Kyuzo…
Ciel: …Huh?
*Ciel and Haruhi see the @home entrance door creak open; Kyuzo steps out into Mac Anu*
Haruhi: *gasp* M-Master Kyuzo…!
Kyuzo: …Hmm?
*even with Haruhi’s new PC body, Kyuzo could immediately tell that it was her*
Kyuzo: …
Ciel: …
Haruhi: …
Kyuzo: …Heh. …Well? Are you gonna stand there all day, or are you gonna come in?
Haruhi: *gasp* …Master Kyuzo… *eyes watering* Master Kyuzo!
*Haruhi runs up to Kyuzo and embraces him*
Haruhi: *sobbing* Master Kyuzo!
Kyuzo: …Haruhi…
*Kyuzo and Haruhi walk into the @home*
Ciel: …Well, my work here is done! …HEY, WAIT A MINUTE!!! I never got my money!!! …Hmm… Oh, well… I guess it’s not that a big deal… If Haruhi’s happy, then I’m happy. *walks away whistling* *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? Hey, a short mail! Hmm…
“To: Ciel
From: Haruhi
Thank you so much for your help.
~ Haruhi”
Ciel: …Hey, there’s something attached to it! …Haruhi’s member address and… *gasp* A new scythe! AWESOME!!!
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Jack: Welcome back to the club, Haruhi!
Claire: Yeah, welcome back. …By the way, I like the new look. It suits you.
Haruhi: Thank you, everyone.
Piros VIII: *climbs out of the Pit of Despair out of breath* You…can’t…break…me!!! The love Ciel and I share will endure even the harshest of gale force winds!!!
Haruhi: …Ciel’s a boy, Piros.
Piros VIII: …WHAT?!?!? *falls back into the Pit of Despair* IT CANNOT BE!!!!!
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Usa-chan: The Job Extension quest is open again!
~*~*~*~
Haruhi: Please, Master Kyuzo… Allow me to assist you during your quest…
Kyuzo: …Alright. You’re in.
Piros VIII: What about me, Kyuzo!?
Kyuzo: …No.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: …Uh, guys… There’s a bit of a problem…
Usa-chan: What’s that?
Izumi: The Job Extension is in…the Forest of Pain!
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: NOOOO!!!! LET ME GO!!!! I DON’T WANNA GO IN THERE!!!!
Neon: Dammit, Coolidge! Quit being such a baby! It’s just a stupid forest!
Usa-chan: Yeah! A stupid forest…with 100 floors…and hard-to-beat monsters…and pendulums covered in blood…
Hayate: …I’m scared out of my mind. Can I go home now?
18th Phase: Gamble of Gallantry!
