Post by Hayate on Oct 6, 2007 18:09:21 GMT -5
[Written by “username: Dekar”, edited by me]
~ Previously on Infected! ~
Silabus: As guildmaster and representative of Canard, I plan to go all out!
Hayate: Same here!
~*~*~*~
Orion: …
Izumi: …
Coolidge: … *looks up at Izumi* The hell are you waiting for?!? Tag me already!!!
Izumi/Orion: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
~*~*~*~
Alkaid: Congratulations. And be sure to knock ‘em dead in the semifinals.
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: ALRIGHT!!!! Just one more match, and we’ll be in the finals!!!
~*~*~*~
Announcer: Without further delay, let the last round of the semifinals…BEGIN!!!!!
~ And now…the conclusion of “An Ominous Overture” ~
*Neon, Usa-chan, Miharu, Ayliori, and Hanabi are shown sitting in the crowd*
Usa-chan: GO, IZUMI-CHAN!!! KNOCK KYUZO INTO NEXT WEEK!!!!!
Miharu: TWO, FOUR, SIX, EIGHT!!! WHO DO WE APPRECIATE?!? HA-YA-TE!!!
Neon: …Great… I’m surrounded by cheerleaders…
Ayliori: It’s too bad Ren-chan couldn’t be here to watch…
Hanabi: Yeah… I guess she had other plans…
Ren: *from behind Ayliori* What other plans!? You think I’d miss out on this!?
Ayliori/Hanabi: Ren!
Ren: Surprise!
Ayliori: But I thought you had duties to take care of for Moon Tree.
Ren: Oh, that? I just made that up so Coolidge would leave me alone! Ha!
Hanabi: Hahahahahaha!!! I didn’t know you could be so sneaky, Ren!
*Semifinal Match #17 (Flame Stage): Team Tsukiyomi VS. Team Samekh*
Kaga: Alright! Since regular Arena rules are in effect, let’s divide and conquer! Hayate, you take Samekh since you’re the most familiar with his battle style! Tsukiyomi, you take out Piros then assist Hayate! I’ll take on Claire!
Hayate: Roger that!
Tsukiyomi: Gotcha! …Hey, wait a second! Why do I have to take on Piros!?
Announcer: Ready? …FIGHT!!!
Kaga: Go!!! *charges forward*
Hayate: Geronimo!!! *charges forward*
Tsukiyomi: *sigh* Why me…? *charges forward*
Announcer: Ooh! Looks like Team Tsukiyomi’s decided on the old divide-and-conquer tactic!
Samekh: So, you split up, eh? And it looks like you put some thought into the pairings…
Hayate: Enough talk! *draws blade swords* Your ass is mine, “Sammy”! Lateral Moon!
*Hayate slashes in an upward motion towards Samekh, who dodges the attack*
Samekh: Too slow…
Hayate: Tch! I’m way faster than that! Sword Flash!!
*Hayate slashes straight towards Samekh, who dodges again*
Samekh: Is that all…?
Hayate: Grrrr… DEVIL SWORD!!!
*Hayate slashes at Samekh several dozen times, but he dodges again*
Hayate: Hold still, damn you!!
Samekh: Hehehe…
*meanwhile, Kaga and Claire clash gauntlets with energy gauntlets and match each other blow for blow*
Kaga: Heh! What’s the matter, Claire!? Can’t keep up!?
Claire: Shut you mouth, you bug!
*Claire backs away from Kaga and leaps into the air*
Claire: Spiral Kickslam!!!
*Claire performs several flips in midair before dropping her heel down onto Kaga; Kaga dodges just in time for Claire’s heel to create a crater in the ground*
Kaga: Whoa… You gotta lay off the steroids, Claire! Hehehe!
Claire: SAY THAT AGAIN?!? *charges at Kaga*
*meanwhile…*
Tsukiyomi: *yawn* …Are we done yet?
Piros VIII: *stands up again* Justice can never fade away!!! *gets struck by Lei Zas and falls over* … *stands up again* TALLYHO!!!
Tsukiyomi: Dammit, how do you keep getting up?!? Alright, that’s it!!! Gale Blade!!!
*Tsukiyomi lowers Piros’ HP to 1…*
Tsukiyomi: Ha! How do you like them apples!? …What the?!?
*…but Piros simply casts Pha Repth on himself*
Piros VIII: Ha-ha!!!
Tsukiyomi: No freakin’ way!! How the hell do you know Pha Repth?!?
Piros VIII: Hehehe… *readies scythe* I’ll never tell… Have at thee, black-haired demon!!!
Tsukiyomi: Man… Why do I always get the short end of the stick…?
*Semifinal Match #18 (Sky Stage): Team Orion VS. Team Kyuzo*
Coolidge: BONSAI!!!
Izumi: That’s “banzai”, Coolidge!
Coolidge: BULL’S-EYE!!!
Izumi: “Banzai”!
Coolidge: HAISAI!!!
Izumi: …Oh, just attack already…
Coolidge: CHAKA KHAN!!! *fires bullets at Kyuzo’s team*
Kyuzo: Get behind me!
*Haruhi and Jack Russell get behind Kyuzo; Kyuzo strums his guitar to create a pulsating air shield to deflect the bullets*
Kyuzo: Ha! Nice try!
Jack: Now it’s my turn! *draws scythe and charges forward* Take this-- AAAHHH!!! *is instantly sent back into the battle fence* …What the hell was…!?
Orion: *holding lance* Scarlet Thrust always was my favorite Rengeki… Heh!
Jack: Son of a…
Kyuzo: I’ll take Orion alone, you guys! You handle the other two losers! *charges forward*
Coolidge: Alright! Let’s do it, Izumi!
Izumi: Right behind you!
Jack: *stands up* Grrrr… Huh? *smirk* …Hey, look! It’s Ren!
Izumi: Oh, please! Do you really think we’re that stupid!? Let’s take him out, Coolidge! …Coolidge?
Coolidge: REN-CHAN!!! Where are you!? Are you watching me!?
Izumi: *sweatdrop* Coolidge, would you focus?!? … *gasp* Coolidge, watch out!!!
Coolidge: *turns around* Say what now? *is barraged by arrows* GAH!!!!!
Haruhi: …Target has been neutralized.
Announcer: Uh-oh! Looks like Team Orion’s already down by one party member!
Neon: …How the hell did we lose against those guys…?
Usa-chan: …I have no clue…
*Izumi creates dual pistols with her catalyst and fires bullets at Haruhi and Jack, but Jack manages to find an opening in Izumi’s offense and dashes at her with his broadsword*
Jack: You’re mine!!!
Izumi: I don’t think so!!! Energy Shield!!!
*Izumi instantly substitutes her dual pistols with a Defender shield*
Izumi: Hah! Try getting through that!
: Don’t mind if I do!
Izumi: *gasp*
*just then, a blade sword is driven straight through Izumi’s back*
Izumi: O-Orion… I’m…sorry…
*Kyuzo takes his blade sword out of Izumi’s PC body and turns around to face Orion, who was out of breath; Kyuzo, Haruhi, and Jack Russell all surround Orion*
Kyuzo: Aww, what’s wrong, Orion? You’ve lost your touch!
Orion: …
Kyuzo: What’s the matter? Got nothing to say? Too busy thinking about the Blade Balmung?
Orion: …I’ll never…let you have it…
Kyuzo: Oh, please, Orion! I know you better than that! Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten what happened three years ago!
Orion: No way… There’s no way I can ever forget…Kurogane!!!
Kyuzo: Ahhh… How long it’s been since I’ve been called that name. But don’t forget! Your hands are stained with the same blood as mine, Orion…or should I say…Shirogane!!!
Orion: Don’t you EVER call me that again!!! RENGEKI: FURIOUS AIR RAID!!!!!
*Orion swings his lance at Kyuzo furiously, but Kyuzo simply steps aside and fires a Lei Zas beam at his back*
Orion: G-Gah…!
Kyuzo: FIRE!!!
*Orion is then struck by many Lei Zas beams before he falls to the ground*
Kyuzo: …These three long years have made you soft, Orion…
Announcer: THAT’S IT!!! TEAM ORION HAS FALLEN, WHICH MEANS THAT TEAM KYUZO ADVANCES TO THE FINALS!!!
*Semifinal Match #17 (Flame Stage): Team Tsukiyomi VS. Team Samekh*
Hayate: *swinging blades* C’mon!!! Fight back!!!
Samekh: Heh… As you wish…
*Samekh plays a musical note on his cello to generate a sonic wave that sends Hayate flying back into the battle fence*
Samekh: There… I fought back…
Hayate: Grrrr… Damn you to hell…!
*meanwhile…*
Kaga: Hmm…
*Kaga tries to locate Claire in a dense fog*
Claire: *from inside the fog* Well, Mr. Weapons Dealer… You ready to give up?
Kaga: Hmph. Why give up a fight that I’ve already won?
Claire: Tch! You sure talk big! Why don’t you… *jumps out of the fog and pounces on Kaga* …BACK IT UP?!?
*Claire thrusts her fist at Kaga, but he explodes when she comes into contact with his PC body; the explosion blows the fog away*
Claire: *cough* What the hell?!? Where’d you go?!?
Kaga: Why don’t you look up!?
Claire: *looks up and sees Kaga floating using energy-created wings* What the f**k?!?
Kaga: It’s time I finished this…
*Kaga plunges down at Claire; she tries to defend, but the force from Kaga’s fall proves to be too much and she’s slammed into the ground*
Claire: …C-Crap…
Kaga: *wipes away sweat* Whew… That was a close one…
*meanwhile…*
Piros VIII: *casts Pha Repth* Hahahahahaha!!! Thou shalt never defeat Piros VIII!!!
Tsukiyomi: *panting* Dammit…! How much longer is this gonna go on…!? Sparrow Counter!!!
*Tsukiyomi lowers Piros’ HP to 1 again*
Piros VIII: Heh! I don’t think so! Pha Repth! *tries to cast Pha Repth but nothing happens* …I said Pha Repth!! *still nothing happens* …Uh-oh…
Tsukiyomi: Hmm… *smirk* Out of SP?
Piros VIII: Uh… It would seem so… Hehehehe…
Tsukiyomi: *readies dual swords* Hehehehe… *dashes forward*
Piros VIII: NOOO!!! HAVE MERCY!!!
*meanwhile…*
*Hayate is shown out of breath while Samekh looks like he hasn’t even broken a sweat*
Samekh: Are we just about through? This is getting rather boring…
Hayate: (I don’t…believe this…! How can this guy…be this strong…!? It’s impossible… It’s like…he can’t be beaten…!)
Samekh: …Hmm? *looks at Claire and Piros’ fallen PC bodies* …Tch. It would seem that both of my teammates have fallen. In that case…
*Samekh suddenly raises his right hand high up*
Hayate: !!!
Announcer: Uh… It would seem that Samekh’s given the “signal of surrender”!!! Team Tsukiyomi advances and will face off against Team Kyuzo in the finals!!!
Hayate: …
Samekh: …Are you surprised?
Hayate: O-Of course I am! You could’ve beaten me easily! Why would you give up just like that!?
*without saying anything, Samekh gates out of the Arena*
Hayate: *falls to knees* (What the hell goes on inside that guy’s mind…?)
*…Lumina Cloth Plaza…*
Usa-chan: Nice battle, you guys!! You had me on the edge of my seat!!
Coolidge: Thanks, Usa-chan. It’s a bummer that we lost though…
Orion: At least we have at least one team of ours that made it to the final round.
Tsukiyomi: And so did Kyuzo. *sarcastically* Big surprise there…
Kaga: …It’s time.
Hayate: Right! You coming, Tsukiyomi?
Tsukiyomi: Right behind ya!
Miharu: Knock ‘em dead out there, you guys!
Hayate: You bet we will!
*as Hayate, Tsukiyomi, and Kaga walk towards the Arena counter, Izumi turn to Orion*
Izumi: …Orion.
Orion: Hmm? What it is, Izumi?
Izumi: During our match with Kyuzo, you said something to him after my HP went down to zero. You called him…Kurogane…
Orion: !!!
Izumi: Tell me the truth! Is Kyuzo the same Kurogane that killed 5,000 players 3 years ago!? And why did he call you Shirogane!?
Orion: …
*meanwhile…*
Kyuzo: Alright, Sammy! I want answers, and I want ‘em now! Why did you give the “signal of surrender”!? You could’ve easily taken out Hayate’s team in an instant!
Samekh: Well, your team made it into the finals, didn’t it? What difference does it make? And besides…I thought that the great Kurogane never did anything halfway…
*Kyuzo suddenly grabs Samekh’s collar*
Claire: B-Boss!
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo!
Kyuzo: How do you know that name?!?
Samekh: …I know you better than you know yourself, Kyuzo…
Kyuzo: Grrrr… Y’know, buddy, all these secrets you’re keeping from me are REALLY starting to bug me! First you know all about the .hack//Arms, then you prove to be stronger than any other player I’ve seen, and now you know about my old PC!!! Tell me who you are right now!!!
Jack: Hey, boss, chill out--
Kyuzo: *turns to Jack* SHUT YOUR TRAP!!!!!
Jack: *gulp*
Kyuzo: *turns back to Samekh* CC Corp. sent you to infiltrate my guild, didn’t they?!? They sent you to keep a close watch on me!!! THAT’S IT, ISN’T IT?!?!?
Samekh: I assure you, Kyuzo, I am in no way affiliated with CC Corp.
Kyuzo: Then how the hell do you know all this?!?
Samekh: …Let’s just say that, just as you have the Samurai 7 wrapped around your little finger, I at one time had all of The World wrapped around mine…
Kyuzo: You just love being cynical, don’t you…?
Samekh: I suppose we’re alike in that aspect, aren’t we, Kyuzo? Hehehe…
*Kyuzo suddenly shoves Samekh to the ground*
Kyuzo: I don’t know who sent you, buddy, but I’m keeping my eye on you! If I find out that you’re just here to sabotage my plans, you’re dead, you hear me!? Dead!
Samekh: Heh.
*…Azure Campaign, Center Stage…*
Announcer: This is it, ladies and gentlemen! It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting! At long last, it is time…for the final match of the Azure Campaign!!!
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
Announcer: And what a Campaign it’s been!! Nearly 1,000 teams whittled down to just 2!! This promises to be a super-exciting match, doesn’t it!? Don’t go anywhere, ‘cuz the fun’s just about to begin!!
*meanwhile, in the Arena waiting room…*
Tsukiyomi: Well… This is it. The fight to end all fights. You guys ready?
Hayate: …
Tsukiyomi: Hayate? …Hayate, you’re trembling.
Hayate: I am? Heh… I’m just a bit nervous, I guess.
Tsukiyomi: …
Kaga: I know just the thing to fix that.
Hayate: Hmm?
*Kaga takes out a pure, white blade sword and presents it to Hayate*
Tsukiyomi: Ooh… The Nirvana Sword! Those are real hard to come by!
Hayate: Wow… I can have this?
Kaga: Yes.
Hayate: Sweet! Thanks a bunch, Kaga--!
*Hayate tries to take the blade sword, but Kaga pulls it away at the last second*
Hayate: --Huh?
Kaga: Of course…there is something I want in return.
Hayate: Uh… What’s that?
Kaga: … *smirk* The Vorpal Blade.
Hayate: *gasp*
Kaga: The Nirvana Sword for the Vorpal Blade. A fair trade, wouldn’t you say?
Hayate: That’s not a fair trade! I can never give up the Vorpal Blade!
Kaga: Listen. Without this blade sword, you can’t hope to match Kyuzo’s strength. You do want to win, don’t you? And besides, it’s only for this battle. As soon as the battle’s over, I’ll give the Vorpal Blade back to you. Deal?
Hayate: I…
Tsukiyomi: Hayate…
*hesitantly, Hayate draws the Vorpal Blade and trades it to Kaga for the Nirvana Sword*
Kaga: A pleasure doing business with you!
Hayate: …
*eventually…*
Announcer: …Ooh! Both teams have entered the Arena! Looks like they can’t wait any longer either! Hahahahaha!
*Team Tsukiyomi stares down Team Kyuzo*
Kyuzo: So, Kaga… You ready to pay for stealing the Spin Natsume swords from me?
Kaga: Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t realize that taking back weapons that you stole in the first place qualifies as stealing…
Tsukiyomi: Yeah! Weapons that you stole from ME!!!
Announcer: Ho-ho! The match hasn’t even started, and already the sparks are flying! This is definitely going to be the greatest match in Azure Campaign history! Finalists ready?!?
Tsukiyomi: …
Hayate: …
Kaga: …
Kyuzo: …
Haruhi: …
Jack: …
Announcer: …FIGHT!!!
*Hayate draws the Nirvana Sword; he tries to draw the Flamberge as well, but couldn’t*
Hayate: (What the…?!? I can’t dual-wield anymore?!?)
Tsukiyomi: Look alive, Hayate!
Hayate: Oh! R-Right! *dashes forward*
*Kaga immediately creates a blade sword with his catalyst and clashes swords with Kyuzo; meanwhile, Hayate clashes sword-with-broadsword with Jack Russell and Tsukiyomi dodges Haruhi’s volley of arrows*
Jack: I’m gonna tear you in half, little man!!!
Hayate: Just try it, pretty boy!!!
*Hayate swings the Nirvana Sword at Jack, who dodges the attack and unleashes a Bonecrusher Rengeki upon Hayate, lowering his HP to near zero*
Hayate: *falls to one knee* Gah!
Jack: What!? That’s it!? I expected more of a challenge outta you!!
Hayate: (What’s…going on…? It’s like…my level dropped by half…!)
Jack: Tch! Whatever, bud! If you’ve given up this early, that’s fine with-- GAH!!!
*Jack is suddenly struck from behind by a fierce Gale Blade Rengeki and falls over; Tsukiyomi, seen standing behind Jack, casts Repth on Hayate*
Tsukiyomi: C’mon, Hayate! Get your head in the game!
Hayate: Uh… Right… *stands up*
Kaga: *clashing swords with Kyuzo* Heh… Looks like you’re one man short now, Kyuzo!
Kaga: Tch! Says you!
*Kyuzo casts Suvi Lei on Kaga, paralyzing him; he then turns around and charges at Hayate*
Kyuzo: SAY GOODNIGHT, YOU BRAT!!!
Hayate: !!!
Tsukiyomi: Look out, Hayate!
*Tsukiyomi jumps in front of Hayate and takes Kyuzo’s thrusting blade attack for him, causing her HP to fall to zero*
Hayate: TSUKIYOMI!!!!!
Kyuzo: Well, that was irritatingly heroic…
Tsukiyomi: Finish him off…for me, you guys… *falls to the ground*
Hayate: …Tsukiyomi…
*just then, a few yards behind Hayate, Haruhi returns to her feet and aims her crossbow at him*
Haruhi: Taking aim… Hmm?
*Haruhi’s attention is drawn by a strange black hole that appears under her feet; several spikes suddenly emerge from the hole and impale her PC body*
Haruhi: AAAAHHHH!!!!
Kyuzo: Haruhi? *looks at Haruhi falling to the ground* HARUHI!!! …Grrrr… *looks at Kaga*
Kaga: I guess your paralysis spell didn’t last as long as you thought, did it!?
Kyuzo: You…BASTARD!!!! *charges at Kaga*
Kaga: *gathers magic energy* THIS IS FOR TSUKIYOMI!!!
*Kaga generates another black hole from under Kyuzo; Kyuzo dodges the spikes that appear and continues to sprint; Kaga uses a wind-based spell to propel himself high into the air and fires Archer arrows down at Kyuzo; Kyuzo draws his guitar and uses a sound wave to deflect the arrows, then substitutes to his cards and launches a card barrage at Kaga, who defends against the barrage with a Defender shield*
Announcer: ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! I haven’t seen this much Arena action since the days of Haseo the PKK!!!
*once Kaga returns to the ground, he and Kyuzo once again clash blade swords; their HP gradually decreases as the fight progresses*
Kyuzo: HYAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!
Kaga: HYAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!
*Kyuzo and Kaga deal one final blow to each other…*
Kyuzo: …
Kaga: … *cough, gasp*
*…but Kaga hits the ground first*
Announcer: Kaga has fallen! Kaga has fallen! It’s down to Kyuzo and Hayate now!
*Hayate is shown on his knees looking down at Tsukiyomi’s PC body*
Hayate: …
Kyuzo: *walks up to Hayate* …Get up. We finish this now.
Hayate: *looks up* H-Huh?
Kyuzo: *readies blade sword*
Hayate: …Hmph! *picks up Nirvana Sword and glares at Kyuzo*
*sounds of clashing metal echoes through the Arena*
Neon: C’mon, Hayate!
Coolidge: It’s all you, man!
Usa-chan: WHOOOO!!!!
Izumi: *clasps hands together* Hayate…
Hayate: HAAAAAAH!!!!!
*Hayate swings his blade sword down onto Kyuzo; Kyuzo dodges at the last second…*
Kyuzo: TIME TO END THIS!!!
*…and slashes through Hayate’s PC body, lowering his HP to zero*
Hayate: …N-No… It…can’t end this way… *falls over*
Izumi: *gasp*
Miharu: Oh, no!!!
Announcer: It’s all over!!! The Azure Campaign is finally over!!!
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
Kyuzo: *waving hands* Thank you! Thank you! You’re a great audience!
Neon: He… He lost…
Izumi: …Huh? *gasp* Guys, look!
Usa-chan: Hmm? …What the hell!?
Announcer: This year’s Azure Campaign winner is… H-Huh!?
*while Kyuzo has his back turned, Hayate slowly stands up again*
Kyuzo: Thank you! *motioning air kisses* Mwah! Mwah! Hahahaha!
Announcer: W-What is this!?
Kyuzo: Hmm?
*Hayate draws the Nirvana Sword and begins running towards Kyuzo*
Kyuzo: *slowly turns around* What the…?
*little by little, Hayate picks up speed until he’s running towards Kyuzo at top speed*
Hayate: Take…THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*as soon as Kyuzo turns all the way around, Hayate drives the Nirvana Sword straight through his PC body*
Kyuzo: *coughs up blood* But… But how…?
*Hayate removes the Nirvana Sword from Kyuzo, and Kyuzo falls to the ground*
Hayate: …I win…
Announcer: I… I’m not sure what just happened…but it would seem that I was a bit hasty! The winners of this year’s Azure Campaign is…TEAM TSUKIYOMI!!!!!
Crowd: *screaming their heads off*
Coolidge: Wha… What just happened!? Did I miss something!? Didn’t Hayate lose!?
Orion: Yes, he did. But the outcome was changed because of the weapon he’s holding – the Nirvana Sword. It instantly revives the wielder upon death at the cost of all of the wielder’s SP.
Usa-chan: …Cooooooooool…
*moments later, the members of Team Tsukiyomi stand in front of the Epitaph Knights*
Announcer: And now, to award today’s winners, the Knights of the Epitaph shall present the coveted Blade Balmung to Team Tsukiyomi!
*Haseo walks up to Hayate and hands the Blade Balmung to him*
Haseo: Congratulations. You’ve fought exceptionally well today.
Hayate: *takes Blade Balmung* Thank you.
Haseo: And, as promised, you now have the opportunity to face Endrance, Ovan, and I in an exhibition match. Do you accept?
Hayate: … *looks at Kaga and Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: *smiles*
Kaga: … *nods head*
Hayate: … *turns to Haseo* Thanks…but no thanks.
Crowd: *gasp*
Haseo: Hmm?
Hayate: You’re the Epitaph Knights. I already know we wouldn’t stand much of a chance. And even if we did win, and Tsukiyomi would be crowned the Azure Palace Empress…well, I know she wouldn’t like that. I know that she’d rather get to the Azure Palace the hard way – through hard work and determination.
Tsukiyomi: Hehehe.
Haseo: I understand. In any case, you all battled greatly today. Once again, congratulations.
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
*…Lumina Cloth Plaza…*
Hayate: *holds out Nirvana Sword* Here you go!
*Kaga trades away the Vorpal Blade for the Nirvana Sword*
Kaga: You know, I noticed something while we were fighting Kyuzo. You were only fighting at half strength. Why was that?
Hayate: Well… I just feel incomplete without this sword, you know? It’s really important to me…
Kaga: Heh. Not many players can admit that they develop a bond with their weapons. You’re a very unique person, Hayate. I almost envy you.
Hayate: Hehehe…
Kaga: Well, now that the Tournament’s over, I’ll take my leave now. *walks up to Tsukiyomi and takes her hand* Until we meet again, lovely Tsukiyomi… *kisses Tsukiyomi’s hand*
Tsukiyomi: *blush* Oh, my…
Kaga: Farewell! *gates out*
Tsukiyomi: *sigh* (Kaga…)
*Tsukiyomi turns around and sees everyone giving her weird looks*
Tsukiyomi: Uh… What?
All: Tsukiyomi and Kaga sitting in a tree!!! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!! *laughs*
Tsukiyomi: *deeper blush* S-Shut up, you guys!!!
*…Glaive LeGable @home, 2 hours later…*
Neon: What’s going on, Orion?
Miharu: Your e-mail seemed pretty serious.
Orion: It was. *sigh* …I have something very important to tell you all…
Coolidge: *jumps up* OH, MY GOD!!! You are disbanding the guild, aren’t you?!?
All: *groan*
Orion: If only that were the case, Coolidge. I’m afraid…that I’ve been keeping a dark secret from all of you.
Izumi: …It’s about Kurogane, isn’t it?
Hayate: Kurogane? The player that killed 5,000 players with the .hack//Arms 3 years ago?
Orion: Yes. You’re all aware of the story. Kurogane utilized the powers of the .hack//Arms to kill 5,000 Player Characters in just 17 minutes. Well, you see, not long after Kurogane was captured and his account was terminated, he created a new account as well as a new player. And the name of that player…
Izumi: …
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Coolidge: …
Hayate: …
Miharu: …
Orion: …is Kyuzo.
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: *loud sneeze, sniffle* Hmm… A girl must be talking about me somewhere…
Claire: Yeah, talkin’ smack about you… Hehehehe…
Kyuzo: *pulls lever*
Claire: *falls through trapdoor* AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Piros VIII: Now you know how it feels!!! Hahahaha!!!
Kyuzo: *pulls another lever*
Piros VIII: *falls through trapdoor* OH, COME ON!!!!!
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
[No episode preview.]
24th Phase: A Question of Quiescence!
~ Previously on Infected! ~
Silabus: As guildmaster and representative of Canard, I plan to go all out!
Hayate: Same here!
~*~*~*~
Orion: …
Izumi: …
Coolidge: … *looks up at Izumi* The hell are you waiting for?!? Tag me already!!!
Izumi/Orion: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
~*~*~*~
Alkaid: Congratulations. And be sure to knock ‘em dead in the semifinals.
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: ALRIGHT!!!! Just one more match, and we’ll be in the finals!!!
~*~*~*~
Announcer: Without further delay, let the last round of the semifinals…BEGIN!!!!!
~ And now…the conclusion of “An Ominous Overture” ~
*Neon, Usa-chan, Miharu, Ayliori, and Hanabi are shown sitting in the crowd*
Usa-chan: GO, IZUMI-CHAN!!! KNOCK KYUZO INTO NEXT WEEK!!!!!
Miharu: TWO, FOUR, SIX, EIGHT!!! WHO DO WE APPRECIATE?!? HA-YA-TE!!!
Neon: …Great… I’m surrounded by cheerleaders…
Ayliori: It’s too bad Ren-chan couldn’t be here to watch…
Hanabi: Yeah… I guess she had other plans…
Ren: *from behind Ayliori* What other plans!? You think I’d miss out on this!?
Ayliori/Hanabi: Ren!
Ren: Surprise!
Ayliori: But I thought you had duties to take care of for Moon Tree.
Ren: Oh, that? I just made that up so Coolidge would leave me alone! Ha!
Hanabi: Hahahahahaha!!! I didn’t know you could be so sneaky, Ren!
*Semifinal Match #17 (Flame Stage): Team Tsukiyomi VS. Team Samekh*
Kaga: Alright! Since regular Arena rules are in effect, let’s divide and conquer! Hayate, you take Samekh since you’re the most familiar with his battle style! Tsukiyomi, you take out Piros then assist Hayate! I’ll take on Claire!
Hayate: Roger that!
Tsukiyomi: Gotcha! …Hey, wait a second! Why do I have to take on Piros!?
Announcer: Ready? …FIGHT!!!
Kaga: Go!!! *charges forward*
Hayate: Geronimo!!! *charges forward*
Tsukiyomi: *sigh* Why me…? *charges forward*
Announcer: Ooh! Looks like Team Tsukiyomi’s decided on the old divide-and-conquer tactic!
Samekh: So, you split up, eh? And it looks like you put some thought into the pairings…
Hayate: Enough talk! *draws blade swords* Your ass is mine, “Sammy”! Lateral Moon!
*Hayate slashes in an upward motion towards Samekh, who dodges the attack*
Samekh: Too slow…
Hayate: Tch! I’m way faster than that! Sword Flash!!
*Hayate slashes straight towards Samekh, who dodges again*
Samekh: Is that all…?
Hayate: Grrrr… DEVIL SWORD!!!
*Hayate slashes at Samekh several dozen times, but he dodges again*
Hayate: Hold still, damn you!!
Samekh: Hehehe…
*meanwhile, Kaga and Claire clash gauntlets with energy gauntlets and match each other blow for blow*
Kaga: Heh! What’s the matter, Claire!? Can’t keep up!?
Claire: Shut you mouth, you bug!
*Claire backs away from Kaga and leaps into the air*
Claire: Spiral Kickslam!!!
*Claire performs several flips in midair before dropping her heel down onto Kaga; Kaga dodges just in time for Claire’s heel to create a crater in the ground*
Kaga: Whoa… You gotta lay off the steroids, Claire! Hehehe!
Claire: SAY THAT AGAIN?!? *charges at Kaga*
*meanwhile…*
Tsukiyomi: *yawn* …Are we done yet?
Piros VIII: *stands up again* Justice can never fade away!!! *gets struck by Lei Zas and falls over* … *stands up again* TALLYHO!!!
Tsukiyomi: Dammit, how do you keep getting up?!? Alright, that’s it!!! Gale Blade!!!
*Tsukiyomi lowers Piros’ HP to 1…*
Tsukiyomi: Ha! How do you like them apples!? …What the?!?
*…but Piros simply casts Pha Repth on himself*
Piros VIII: Ha-ha!!!
Tsukiyomi: No freakin’ way!! How the hell do you know Pha Repth?!?
Piros VIII: Hehehe… *readies scythe* I’ll never tell… Have at thee, black-haired demon!!!
Tsukiyomi: Man… Why do I always get the short end of the stick…?
*Semifinal Match #18 (Sky Stage): Team Orion VS. Team Kyuzo*
Coolidge: BONSAI!!!
Izumi: That’s “banzai”, Coolidge!
Coolidge: BULL’S-EYE!!!
Izumi: “Banzai”!
Coolidge: HAISAI!!!
Izumi: …Oh, just attack already…
Coolidge: CHAKA KHAN!!! *fires bullets at Kyuzo’s team*
Kyuzo: Get behind me!
*Haruhi and Jack Russell get behind Kyuzo; Kyuzo strums his guitar to create a pulsating air shield to deflect the bullets*
Kyuzo: Ha! Nice try!
Jack: Now it’s my turn! *draws scythe and charges forward* Take this-- AAAHHH!!! *is instantly sent back into the battle fence* …What the hell was…!?
Orion: *holding lance* Scarlet Thrust always was my favorite Rengeki… Heh!
Jack: Son of a…
Kyuzo: I’ll take Orion alone, you guys! You handle the other two losers! *charges forward*
Coolidge: Alright! Let’s do it, Izumi!
Izumi: Right behind you!
Jack: *stands up* Grrrr… Huh? *smirk* …Hey, look! It’s Ren!
Izumi: Oh, please! Do you really think we’re that stupid!? Let’s take him out, Coolidge! …Coolidge?
Coolidge: REN-CHAN!!! Where are you!? Are you watching me!?
Izumi: *sweatdrop* Coolidge, would you focus?!? … *gasp* Coolidge, watch out!!!
Coolidge: *turns around* Say what now? *is barraged by arrows* GAH!!!!!
Haruhi: …Target has been neutralized.
Announcer: Uh-oh! Looks like Team Orion’s already down by one party member!
Neon: …How the hell did we lose against those guys…?
Usa-chan: …I have no clue…
*Izumi creates dual pistols with her catalyst and fires bullets at Haruhi and Jack, but Jack manages to find an opening in Izumi’s offense and dashes at her with his broadsword*
Jack: You’re mine!!!
Izumi: I don’t think so!!! Energy Shield!!!
*Izumi instantly substitutes her dual pistols with a Defender shield*
Izumi: Hah! Try getting through that!
: Don’t mind if I do!Izumi: *gasp*
*just then, a blade sword is driven straight through Izumi’s back*
Izumi: O-Orion… I’m…sorry…
*Kyuzo takes his blade sword out of Izumi’s PC body and turns around to face Orion, who was out of breath; Kyuzo, Haruhi, and Jack Russell all surround Orion*
Kyuzo: Aww, what’s wrong, Orion? You’ve lost your touch!
Orion: …
Kyuzo: What’s the matter? Got nothing to say? Too busy thinking about the Blade Balmung?
Orion: …I’ll never…let you have it…
Kyuzo: Oh, please, Orion! I know you better than that! Don’t tell me you’ve already forgotten what happened three years ago!
Orion: No way… There’s no way I can ever forget…Kurogane!!!
Kyuzo: Ahhh… How long it’s been since I’ve been called that name. But don’t forget! Your hands are stained with the same blood as mine, Orion…or should I say…Shirogane!!!
Orion: Don’t you EVER call me that again!!! RENGEKI: FURIOUS AIR RAID!!!!!
*Orion swings his lance at Kyuzo furiously, but Kyuzo simply steps aside and fires a Lei Zas beam at his back*
Orion: G-Gah…!
Kyuzo: FIRE!!!
*Orion is then struck by many Lei Zas beams before he falls to the ground*
Kyuzo: …These three long years have made you soft, Orion…
Announcer: THAT’S IT!!! TEAM ORION HAS FALLEN, WHICH MEANS THAT TEAM KYUZO ADVANCES TO THE FINALS!!!
*Semifinal Match #17 (Flame Stage): Team Tsukiyomi VS. Team Samekh*
Hayate: *swinging blades* C’mon!!! Fight back!!!
Samekh: Heh… As you wish…
*Samekh plays a musical note on his cello to generate a sonic wave that sends Hayate flying back into the battle fence*
Samekh: There… I fought back…
Hayate: Grrrr… Damn you to hell…!
*meanwhile…*
Kaga: Hmm…
*Kaga tries to locate Claire in a dense fog*
Claire: *from inside the fog* Well, Mr. Weapons Dealer… You ready to give up?
Kaga: Hmph. Why give up a fight that I’ve already won?
Claire: Tch! You sure talk big! Why don’t you… *jumps out of the fog and pounces on Kaga* …BACK IT UP?!?
*Claire thrusts her fist at Kaga, but he explodes when she comes into contact with his PC body; the explosion blows the fog away*
Claire: *cough* What the hell?!? Where’d you go?!?
Kaga: Why don’t you look up!?
Claire: *looks up and sees Kaga floating using energy-created wings* What the f**k?!?
Kaga: It’s time I finished this…
*Kaga plunges down at Claire; she tries to defend, but the force from Kaga’s fall proves to be too much and she’s slammed into the ground*
Claire: …C-Crap…
Kaga: *wipes away sweat* Whew… That was a close one…
*meanwhile…*
Piros VIII: *casts Pha Repth* Hahahahahaha!!! Thou shalt never defeat Piros VIII!!!
Tsukiyomi: *panting* Dammit…! How much longer is this gonna go on…!? Sparrow Counter!!!
*Tsukiyomi lowers Piros’ HP to 1 again*
Piros VIII: Heh! I don’t think so! Pha Repth! *tries to cast Pha Repth but nothing happens* …I said Pha Repth!! *still nothing happens* …Uh-oh…
Tsukiyomi: Hmm… *smirk* Out of SP?
Piros VIII: Uh… It would seem so… Hehehehe…
Tsukiyomi: *readies dual swords* Hehehehe… *dashes forward*
Piros VIII: NOOO!!! HAVE MERCY!!!
*meanwhile…*
*Hayate is shown out of breath while Samekh looks like he hasn’t even broken a sweat*
Samekh: Are we just about through? This is getting rather boring…
Hayate: (I don’t…believe this…! How can this guy…be this strong…!? It’s impossible… It’s like…he can’t be beaten…!)
Samekh: …Hmm? *looks at Claire and Piros’ fallen PC bodies* …Tch. It would seem that both of my teammates have fallen. In that case…
*Samekh suddenly raises his right hand high up*
Hayate: !!!
Announcer: Uh… It would seem that Samekh’s given the “signal of surrender”!!! Team Tsukiyomi advances and will face off against Team Kyuzo in the finals!!!
Hayate: …
Samekh: …Are you surprised?
Hayate: O-Of course I am! You could’ve beaten me easily! Why would you give up just like that!?
*without saying anything, Samekh gates out of the Arena*
Hayate: *falls to knees* (What the hell goes on inside that guy’s mind…?)
*…Lumina Cloth Plaza…*
Usa-chan: Nice battle, you guys!! You had me on the edge of my seat!!
Coolidge: Thanks, Usa-chan. It’s a bummer that we lost though…
Orion: At least we have at least one team of ours that made it to the final round.
Tsukiyomi: And so did Kyuzo. *sarcastically* Big surprise there…
Kaga: …It’s time.
Hayate: Right! You coming, Tsukiyomi?
Tsukiyomi: Right behind ya!
Miharu: Knock ‘em dead out there, you guys!
Hayate: You bet we will!
*as Hayate, Tsukiyomi, and Kaga walk towards the Arena counter, Izumi turn to Orion*
Izumi: …Orion.
Orion: Hmm? What it is, Izumi?
Izumi: During our match with Kyuzo, you said something to him after my HP went down to zero. You called him…Kurogane…
Orion: !!!
Izumi: Tell me the truth! Is Kyuzo the same Kurogane that killed 5,000 players 3 years ago!? And why did he call you Shirogane!?
Orion: …
*meanwhile…*
Kyuzo: Alright, Sammy! I want answers, and I want ‘em now! Why did you give the “signal of surrender”!? You could’ve easily taken out Hayate’s team in an instant!
Samekh: Well, your team made it into the finals, didn’t it? What difference does it make? And besides…I thought that the great Kurogane never did anything halfway…
*Kyuzo suddenly grabs Samekh’s collar*
Claire: B-Boss!
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo!
Kyuzo: How do you know that name?!?
Samekh: …I know you better than you know yourself, Kyuzo…
Kyuzo: Grrrr… Y’know, buddy, all these secrets you’re keeping from me are REALLY starting to bug me! First you know all about the .hack//Arms, then you prove to be stronger than any other player I’ve seen, and now you know about my old PC!!! Tell me who you are right now!!!
Jack: Hey, boss, chill out--
Kyuzo: *turns to Jack* SHUT YOUR TRAP!!!!!
Jack: *gulp*
Kyuzo: *turns back to Samekh* CC Corp. sent you to infiltrate my guild, didn’t they?!? They sent you to keep a close watch on me!!! THAT’S IT, ISN’T IT?!?!?
Samekh: I assure you, Kyuzo, I am in no way affiliated with CC Corp.
Kyuzo: Then how the hell do you know all this?!?
Samekh: …Let’s just say that, just as you have the Samurai 7 wrapped around your little finger, I at one time had all of The World wrapped around mine…
Kyuzo: You just love being cynical, don’t you…?
Samekh: I suppose we’re alike in that aspect, aren’t we, Kyuzo? Hehehe…
*Kyuzo suddenly shoves Samekh to the ground*
Kyuzo: I don’t know who sent you, buddy, but I’m keeping my eye on you! If I find out that you’re just here to sabotage my plans, you’re dead, you hear me!? Dead!
Samekh: Heh.
*…Azure Campaign, Center Stage…*
Announcer: This is it, ladies and gentlemen! It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting! At long last, it is time…for the final match of the Azure Campaign!!!
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
Announcer: And what a Campaign it’s been!! Nearly 1,000 teams whittled down to just 2!! This promises to be a super-exciting match, doesn’t it!? Don’t go anywhere, ‘cuz the fun’s just about to begin!!
*meanwhile, in the Arena waiting room…*
Tsukiyomi: Well… This is it. The fight to end all fights. You guys ready?
Hayate: …
Tsukiyomi: Hayate? …Hayate, you’re trembling.
Hayate: I am? Heh… I’m just a bit nervous, I guess.
Tsukiyomi: …
Kaga: I know just the thing to fix that.
Hayate: Hmm?
*Kaga takes out a pure, white blade sword and presents it to Hayate*
Tsukiyomi: Ooh… The Nirvana Sword! Those are real hard to come by!
Hayate: Wow… I can have this?
Kaga: Yes.
Hayate: Sweet! Thanks a bunch, Kaga--!
*Hayate tries to take the blade sword, but Kaga pulls it away at the last second*
Hayate: --Huh?
Kaga: Of course…there is something I want in return.
Hayate: Uh… What’s that?
Kaga: … *smirk* The Vorpal Blade.
Hayate: *gasp*
Kaga: The Nirvana Sword for the Vorpal Blade. A fair trade, wouldn’t you say?
Hayate: That’s not a fair trade! I can never give up the Vorpal Blade!
Kaga: Listen. Without this blade sword, you can’t hope to match Kyuzo’s strength. You do want to win, don’t you? And besides, it’s only for this battle. As soon as the battle’s over, I’ll give the Vorpal Blade back to you. Deal?
Hayate: I…
Tsukiyomi: Hayate…
*hesitantly, Hayate draws the Vorpal Blade and trades it to Kaga for the Nirvana Sword*
Kaga: A pleasure doing business with you!
Hayate: …
*eventually…*
Announcer: …Ooh! Both teams have entered the Arena! Looks like they can’t wait any longer either! Hahahahaha!
*Team Tsukiyomi stares down Team Kyuzo*
Kyuzo: So, Kaga… You ready to pay for stealing the Spin Natsume swords from me?
Kaga: Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t realize that taking back weapons that you stole in the first place qualifies as stealing…
Tsukiyomi: Yeah! Weapons that you stole from ME!!!
Announcer: Ho-ho! The match hasn’t even started, and already the sparks are flying! This is definitely going to be the greatest match in Azure Campaign history! Finalists ready?!?
Tsukiyomi: …
Hayate: …
Kaga: …
Kyuzo: …
Haruhi: …
Jack: …
Announcer: …FIGHT!!!
*Hayate draws the Nirvana Sword; he tries to draw the Flamberge as well, but couldn’t*
Hayate: (What the…?!? I can’t dual-wield anymore?!?)
Tsukiyomi: Look alive, Hayate!
Hayate: Oh! R-Right! *dashes forward*
*Kaga immediately creates a blade sword with his catalyst and clashes swords with Kyuzo; meanwhile, Hayate clashes sword-with-broadsword with Jack Russell and Tsukiyomi dodges Haruhi’s volley of arrows*
Jack: I’m gonna tear you in half, little man!!!
Hayate: Just try it, pretty boy!!!
*Hayate swings the Nirvana Sword at Jack, who dodges the attack and unleashes a Bonecrusher Rengeki upon Hayate, lowering his HP to near zero*
Hayate: *falls to one knee* Gah!
Jack: What!? That’s it!? I expected more of a challenge outta you!!
Hayate: (What’s…going on…? It’s like…my level dropped by half…!)
Jack: Tch! Whatever, bud! If you’ve given up this early, that’s fine with-- GAH!!!
*Jack is suddenly struck from behind by a fierce Gale Blade Rengeki and falls over; Tsukiyomi, seen standing behind Jack, casts Repth on Hayate*
Tsukiyomi: C’mon, Hayate! Get your head in the game!
Hayate: Uh… Right… *stands up*
Kaga: *clashing swords with Kyuzo* Heh… Looks like you’re one man short now, Kyuzo!
Kaga: Tch! Says you!
*Kyuzo casts Suvi Lei on Kaga, paralyzing him; he then turns around and charges at Hayate*
Kyuzo: SAY GOODNIGHT, YOU BRAT!!!
Hayate: !!!
Tsukiyomi: Look out, Hayate!
*Tsukiyomi jumps in front of Hayate and takes Kyuzo’s thrusting blade attack for him, causing her HP to fall to zero*
Hayate: TSUKIYOMI!!!!!
Kyuzo: Well, that was irritatingly heroic…
Tsukiyomi: Finish him off…for me, you guys… *falls to the ground*
Hayate: …Tsukiyomi…
*just then, a few yards behind Hayate, Haruhi returns to her feet and aims her crossbow at him*
Haruhi: Taking aim… Hmm?
*Haruhi’s attention is drawn by a strange black hole that appears under her feet; several spikes suddenly emerge from the hole and impale her PC body*
Haruhi: AAAAHHHH!!!!
Kyuzo: Haruhi? *looks at Haruhi falling to the ground* HARUHI!!! …Grrrr… *looks at Kaga*
Kaga: I guess your paralysis spell didn’t last as long as you thought, did it!?
Kyuzo: You…BASTARD!!!! *charges at Kaga*
Kaga: *gathers magic energy* THIS IS FOR TSUKIYOMI!!!
*Kaga generates another black hole from under Kyuzo; Kyuzo dodges the spikes that appear and continues to sprint; Kaga uses a wind-based spell to propel himself high into the air and fires Archer arrows down at Kyuzo; Kyuzo draws his guitar and uses a sound wave to deflect the arrows, then substitutes to his cards and launches a card barrage at Kaga, who defends against the barrage with a Defender shield*
Announcer: ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!! I haven’t seen this much Arena action since the days of Haseo the PKK!!!
*once Kaga returns to the ground, he and Kyuzo once again clash blade swords; their HP gradually decreases as the fight progresses*
Kyuzo: HYAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!
Kaga: HYAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!
*Kyuzo and Kaga deal one final blow to each other…*
Kyuzo: …
Kaga: … *cough, gasp*
*…but Kaga hits the ground first*
Announcer: Kaga has fallen! Kaga has fallen! It’s down to Kyuzo and Hayate now!
*Hayate is shown on his knees looking down at Tsukiyomi’s PC body*
Hayate: …
Kyuzo: *walks up to Hayate* …Get up. We finish this now.
Hayate: *looks up* H-Huh?
Kyuzo: *readies blade sword*
Hayate: …Hmph! *picks up Nirvana Sword and glares at Kyuzo*
*sounds of clashing metal echoes through the Arena*
Neon: C’mon, Hayate!
Coolidge: It’s all you, man!
Usa-chan: WHOOOO!!!!
Izumi: *clasps hands together* Hayate…
Hayate: HAAAAAAH!!!!!
*Hayate swings his blade sword down onto Kyuzo; Kyuzo dodges at the last second…*
Kyuzo: TIME TO END THIS!!!
*…and slashes through Hayate’s PC body, lowering his HP to zero*
Hayate: …N-No… It…can’t end this way… *falls over*
Izumi: *gasp*
Miharu: Oh, no!!!
Announcer: It’s all over!!! The Azure Campaign is finally over!!!
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
Kyuzo: *waving hands* Thank you! Thank you! You’re a great audience!
Neon: He… He lost…
Izumi: …Huh? *gasp* Guys, look!
Usa-chan: Hmm? …What the hell!?
Announcer: This year’s Azure Campaign winner is… H-Huh!?
*while Kyuzo has his back turned, Hayate slowly stands up again*
Kyuzo: Thank you! *motioning air kisses* Mwah! Mwah! Hahahaha!
Announcer: W-What is this!?
Kyuzo: Hmm?
*Hayate draws the Nirvana Sword and begins running towards Kyuzo*
Kyuzo: *slowly turns around* What the…?
*little by little, Hayate picks up speed until he’s running towards Kyuzo at top speed*
Hayate: Take…THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*as soon as Kyuzo turns all the way around, Hayate drives the Nirvana Sword straight through his PC body*
Kyuzo: *coughs up blood* But… But how…?
*Hayate removes the Nirvana Sword from Kyuzo, and Kyuzo falls to the ground*
Hayate: …I win…
Announcer: I… I’m not sure what just happened…but it would seem that I was a bit hasty! The winners of this year’s Azure Campaign is…TEAM TSUKIYOMI!!!!!
Crowd: *screaming their heads off*
Coolidge: Wha… What just happened!? Did I miss something!? Didn’t Hayate lose!?
Orion: Yes, he did. But the outcome was changed because of the weapon he’s holding – the Nirvana Sword. It instantly revives the wielder upon death at the cost of all of the wielder’s SP.
Usa-chan: …Cooooooooool…
*moments later, the members of Team Tsukiyomi stand in front of the Epitaph Knights*
Announcer: And now, to award today’s winners, the Knights of the Epitaph shall present the coveted Blade Balmung to Team Tsukiyomi!
*Haseo walks up to Hayate and hands the Blade Balmung to him*
Haseo: Congratulations. You’ve fought exceptionally well today.
Hayate: *takes Blade Balmung* Thank you.
Haseo: And, as promised, you now have the opportunity to face Endrance, Ovan, and I in an exhibition match. Do you accept?
Hayate: … *looks at Kaga and Tsukiyomi*
Tsukiyomi: *smiles*
Kaga: … *nods head*
Hayate: … *turns to Haseo* Thanks…but no thanks.
Crowd: *gasp*
Haseo: Hmm?
Hayate: You’re the Epitaph Knights. I already know we wouldn’t stand much of a chance. And even if we did win, and Tsukiyomi would be crowned the Azure Palace Empress…well, I know she wouldn’t like that. I know that she’d rather get to the Azure Palace the hard way – through hard work and determination.
Tsukiyomi: Hehehe.
Haseo: I understand. In any case, you all battled greatly today. Once again, congratulations.
Crowd: *cheers loudly*
*…Lumina Cloth Plaza…*
Hayate: *holds out Nirvana Sword* Here you go!
*Kaga trades away the Vorpal Blade for the Nirvana Sword*
Kaga: You know, I noticed something while we were fighting Kyuzo. You were only fighting at half strength. Why was that?
Hayate: Well… I just feel incomplete without this sword, you know? It’s really important to me…
Kaga: Heh. Not many players can admit that they develop a bond with their weapons. You’re a very unique person, Hayate. I almost envy you.
Hayate: Hehehe…
Kaga: Well, now that the Tournament’s over, I’ll take my leave now. *walks up to Tsukiyomi and takes her hand* Until we meet again, lovely Tsukiyomi… *kisses Tsukiyomi’s hand*
Tsukiyomi: *blush* Oh, my…
Kaga: Farewell! *gates out*
Tsukiyomi: *sigh* (Kaga…)
*Tsukiyomi turns around and sees everyone giving her weird looks*
Tsukiyomi: Uh… What?
All: Tsukiyomi and Kaga sitting in a tree!!! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!! *laughs*
Tsukiyomi: *deeper blush* S-Shut up, you guys!!!
*…Glaive LeGable @home, 2 hours later…*
Neon: What’s going on, Orion?
Miharu: Your e-mail seemed pretty serious.
Orion: It was. *sigh* …I have something very important to tell you all…
Coolidge: *jumps up* OH, MY GOD!!! You are disbanding the guild, aren’t you?!?
All: *groan*
Orion: If only that were the case, Coolidge. I’m afraid…that I’ve been keeping a dark secret from all of you.
Izumi: …It’s about Kurogane, isn’t it?
Hayate: Kurogane? The player that killed 5,000 players with the .hack//Arms 3 years ago?
Orion: Yes. You’re all aware of the story. Kurogane utilized the powers of the .hack//Arms to kill 5,000 Player Characters in just 17 minutes. Well, you see, not long after Kurogane was captured and his account was terminated, he created a new account as well as a new player. And the name of that player…
Izumi: …
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Coolidge: …
Hayate: …
Miharu: …
Orion: …is Kyuzo.
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: *loud sneeze, sniffle* Hmm… A girl must be talking about me somewhere…
Claire: Yeah, talkin’ smack about you… Hehehehe…
Kyuzo: *pulls lever*
Claire: *falls through trapdoor* AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
Piros VIII: Now you know how it feels!!! Hahahaha!!!
Kyuzo: *pulls another lever*
Piros VIII: *falls through trapdoor* OH, COME ON!!!!!
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
[No episode preview.]
24th Phase: A Question of Quiescence!
