Post by Hayate on Nov 10, 2007 18:54:29 GMT -5
~ Saturday, May 27, 2037 ~
*a young teenage boy is seen riding the bus through downtown Tokyo, listening to music through headphones*
: …
*as the bus screeches to a halt at one of its designated stops, the bus driver speaks into a small microphone*
Bus Driver: Tokyo, Shibumi District! Tokyo, Shibumi District!
: Oh!
*the teenager gets off the bus and takes a look around as the bus drives away*
: Hmm… *gasp*
*he notices a group of people standing several feet away from him – a slightly older man, two pink-haired twins, another teenage boy with red hair, and a teenage girl with her bright orange hair up in a ponytail*
Girl Twin: KAZUTO!!! Over here!
Kazuto (Hayate): *sweatdrop* Yup… That’s definitely them… *walks over* Hey, guys! *smirk* I guess this is the first time all the members of Glaive LeGable meet offline, huh? Hehe…
Red-Hair Boy: Actually, we’ve all met offline even before you and Miharu joined the guild…
Kazuto: …Gee, that makes me feel SO much better… *sigh* Okay, let me see if I got this right… *points to older man* Takumi… *points to twins* …Shiro and Serena… *points to red-haired boy* …Sergio… *points to orange-haired girl* …and Mikan?
Mikan (Miharu): *motions a thumbs-up* Yup! Not bad, Kazu!
Kazuto: Hehehe… Hmm? *looks around* …Where’s Izumi-- I mean, Aya?
Takumi (Orion): She said she had to take care of something today, and couldn’t join us this afternoon.
Kazuto: …Oh…
Sergio (Coolidge): Hahaha! Isn’t that cute? Li’l Kazu misses his beloved Aya already!
Kazuto: *blush* Oh, shut up, Sergio! And what’s the “li’l” for!? You and I are the same age!
Sergio: Hahahahaha!
Kazuto: *sweatdrop* (This guy’s just as annoying offline as he is online…)
*just then, another bus pulls into the station and a girl with long brown hair gets off*
: I’m here, guys!
Shiro (Neon): Huh… Speak of the devil…
Kazuto: Hmm?
*Kazuto turns around and sees the girl; his heartbeat suddenly increases in tempo*
Serena (Chibi-Usa): Hey, Aya-chan. We thought you were busy today…
Aya (Izumi): I was, but I finished early. Isn’t that great? *looks at Kazuto* …Oh! So, you’re Kazuto? *bows* It’s nice to meet you. …Well, face-to-face, I mean. Hehehehe.
Kazuto: *gulp* Uh… Y-Yeah, same here.
Sergio: Alright! Now that we’re all here, let’s get something to eat!
Mikan: I second that motion!
Shiro: Usual place?
Takumi: Yup.
Serena: Yeah! Nanoha Café, here we come!
Kazuto: *looks at Aya* Nanoha Café?
Aya: It’s a little restaurant down on Kusai Street. Before you and Mikan joined the guild, we’d go there all the time. They have the best sushi in Tokyo!
Kazuto: Sounds good to me!
*moments later, in the Nanoha Café, Sergio and Mikan are seen downing rice bowl after rice bowl, attracting looks from other people and waiters in the café; as soon as they finish, they hold up their empty bowls*
Sergio/Mikan: MORE, PLEASE!!!
Kazuto: *sweatdrop* Wow… Those two can really put it away, can’t they?
Shiro: …You don’t know the half of it…
Aya: Hehehe… They’re just enjoying themselves.
Serena: Y’know, I find it amazing that you can stick up for Sergio every time, Aya-chan. You must have the patience of a saint.
Aya: Well, it’s kinda hard for me to get angry at people… Hehehe…
*Sergio’s and Mikan’s chopsticks suddenly meet on the last piece of sushi*
Sergio: …
Mikan: …I saw it first!
Sergio: Get real! I saw it first!
Sergio/Mikan: Grrrr…
*Takumi suddenly picks up the piece of sushi and eats up*
Sergio/Mikan: AAAAHHHH!!!!
Takumi: Mmm… *gulp* …Must you two make fools of yourselves on a regular basis?
Kazuto: *sips soda* So, Takumi… About what you told us the other day?
Takumi: Hmm?
Kazuto: …Was it all really true?
Takumi: …
*…Glaive LeGable @home, three days ago…*
Orion: I have something very important to tell you all. 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…is Kyuzo.
All: WHAAAAAT?!?
Hayate: You’re joking, right?!? Kyuzo is Kurogane?!?
Coolidge: Dammit! I should’ve known! I knew Kyuzo was rotten, but I had no idea he was THAT rotten!
Miharu: …
Neon: You’re awfully calm about this, Miharu…
Miharu: …Meh. I had suspicions that Kyuzo was Kurogane anyway.
Neon: …Uh-huh…
Usa-chan: You’re serious, Orion?!?
Orion: I’m afraid so. It was indeed Kyuzo that used the power of the .hack//Arms to slaughter thousands of players three years ago.
Hayate: (So… Kyuzo has an even deeper history with the .hack//Arms than I thought…)
Izumi: …There’s more, isn’t there, Orion?
Coolidge: MORE!? Hasn’t my brain suffered enough already!?
Orion: *sigh* Kurogane wasn’t the only one hunting down the .hack//Arms back then. He had a partner. His name was Shirogane. …Shirogane was my PC.
All: WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?
Miharu: Okay, that I DEFINITELY didn’t see coming!
Neon: You mean you lusted for power just like Kyuzo!?
Orion: No. Kyuzo hunted down the .hack//Arms for power. I hunted them down to keep them out of the hands of those who would use them for evil intentions, just as I’m doing today.
*3 years ago, in the Wailing Capital Wald Uberlisterin…*
Kurogane: Sweet! The Blade Marlo! That makes 9 .hack//Arms!
Shirogane: Nice work, Kuro! We’re making excellent progress!
Kurogane: Hah! Nothin’ to it!
*several weeks later, in the Hikari to Kage** @home…*
Shirogane: …Hey, Kuro, are you--
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: WHOA-WHOA-WHOA, HOLD UP!!! You two were in the same guild?!?
Orion: Well… Yes. Why?
Coolidge: I SUPPOSE NEXT YOU’LL BE TELLING ME THAT HE’S YOUR HALF-BROTHER OR ANYTHING!!!!!
Orion: …May I continue?
~*~*~*~
Shirogane: …Hey, Kuro, are you in here?
*Shirogane walks into the rear chamber of the @home and sees Kurogane swinging the Blade Marlo around*
Shirogane: …Kurogane?
Kurogane: *gasp* *turns around and hides Blade Marlo behind his back* S-Shiro! I d-didn’t hear you come in!
Shirogane: …What are you doing with the Blade Marlo?
Kurogane: Uh… Well… *takes out Blade Marlo* I was just, uh…t-trying it out. That’s all.
Shirogane: …You were trying to tap into its inner power, weren’t you?
Kurogane: …
Shirogane: I told you before, Kurogane – the .hack//Arms are too dangerous. They must be sealed away, or else--
Kurogane: “Or else the balance of The World will be forever disturbed”. Yeah, yeah, I heard it a million times before. But, Shiro, just think about it! With the power of the .hack//Arms on our side, we’d be invincible! Not even the system administrators could stand up to us!
Shirogane: I don’t want to hear another word of this, Kurogane! You’re letting the influence of the .hack//Arms warp your thoughts! …Just please listen to me, Kuro. The last thing I want to see is you getting yourself hurt.
Kurogane: …
*Kurogane turns and places the Blade Marlo back into its holding capsule*
Shirogane: Good. Now, let’s go. I heard on the forum that another Lost Ground was discovered. *leaves the @home*
Kurogane: … *looks at the Blade Marlo* …Heh. Oh, believe me, Shirogane. With the power of the .hack//Arms, I’ll never be hurt again…
*one month later, in the Hikari to Kage @home…*
Shirogane: Hey, Kuro! Check it out! I found the Spin Natsume! …Kurogane?
*Shirogane goes to the rear chamber and discovers that the Blade Marlo, Broad BlackRose, and Scythe Subaru were missing from their holding capsules*
Shirogane: *gasp* He didn’t…! *drops the Spin Natsume and dashes out of the @home*
*meanwhile, in the Azure Palace Arena…*
Kurogane: Come on!!! Who else wants to step into the ring?!? I’ll take you all on at once!!!
*hundreds of players warp into the Arena and charges at Kurogane with their weapons; Kurogane takes them out one-by-one with the .hack//Arms*
Kurogane: Come on, come on, come on, come on, COME ON!!!!!
*Shirogane gates into Lumina Cloth and finds the players in an uproar*
Shirogane: The Arena! I should’ve known!
*as Shirogane runs into the stands, where players were all screaming their heads off, he sees Kurogane standing in the center of the Azure Palace Arena taking out players one after the other; a close-up would reveal that his eyes were crimson red*
Shirogane: Oh, no… It’s happening already! I have to stop him!
*in the Arena, several system admins surround Kurogane*
Admin 1: By order of CC Corporation, we order you to drop your weapons!!!
Kurogane: Heh! Why don’t you come over here and make me!?
Admin 2: Very well! You leave us no choice! MOVE IN!!!!
*the admins all charge at Kurogane, who substitutes to the Scythe Subaru and takes out the admins with one spiral swing of the scythe*
Admin 3: GAH!!! *vanishes*
Kurogane: Come on!!! Isn’t there anyone who can give me a challenge!?
: KUROGANE!!!!!
*Kurogane turns around and sees Shirogane holding the Blade Balmung*
Kurogane: Heh… I had a feeling you’d show up… What do you think of my new Assault Ace PC body?
Shirogane: Grrrr… You traitor…
Kurogane: “Traitor”!? More like “liberator”! With the .hack//Arms, I can terminate any player’s account with just one strike! I’m freeing these PC bodies from their miserable lives as players’ puppets!
Shirogane: … *readies Blade Balmung*
Kurogane: …So, it’s a battle you want? Heh… *readies Blade Marlo* Fine by me!
*Shirogane and Kurogane clash blade swords for nearly 20 minutes; Shirogane dashes at Kurogane and thrusts his blade forward; Kurogane avoids it and strikes Shirogane’s back with the Blade Marlo*
Shirogane: Gah!!! *falls to knees*
Kurogane: You see, Shiro!? You see how much power these weapons have given me!? This power could’ve been yours too! But you just had to grow a freakin’ conscience, didn’t you!?
Shirogane: D-Damn you…to hell…
Kurogane: Alright, this is getting boring… I think it’s about time I finished this… *raises Blade Marlo*
Shirogane: … *closes eyes*
*just then, the Epitaph Knights all appear around Kurogane*
Kurogane: *gasp*
Haseo: Player Character #B112763. Username – Kurogane.
Endrance: You have violated the rules and regulations of The World and surpassed the system parameters of the game through illegal means.
Ovan: By order of CC Corporation, we hereby terminate your account as of today.
Kurogane: Ha! Terminate!? You’ll have to kill me first! *draws Broad BlackRose* TAKE THIS!!!!
*Kurogane swings the broadsword down on Haseo, but he stops the attack with a single hand*
Kurogane: Huh!?
Haseo: Maybe we didn’t make ourselves clear. Your user account in The World is terminated.
*Endrance snaps his fingers, causing several rings of light to appear around Kurogane’s PC body and restrain him*
Kurogane: Grrrr… Dammit all!
*Ovan holds his hand up to Kurogane and it emits a bright light*
Kurogane: …
Ovan: …*fake smile* Thank you for playing The World.
*Ovan fires a blast of data into Kurogane’s PC body, causing his data to disintegrate in an instant*
Shirogane: …Kurogane… Huh?
*the Epitaph Knights all walk up to Shirogane*
Haseo: All incriminating evidence regarding the .hack//Arms must be kept hidden from the eyes of regular players.
Endrance: As of today, your user account in The World will be terminated as well.
Ovan: And the “Hikari to Kage” guild will be disbanded effective immediately.
Shirogane: … *looks down* I understand.
Ovan: *charges data blast* …Thank you for playing The World. *fires data blast*
*3 years later…*
Orion: Several days later, I created a new The World user account and a new guild and decided to start my search for the .hack//Arms all over again. I even received permission from the Epitaph Knights to do so.
All: …
Orion: …Guys?
All: …YOU AND KYUZO WERE BEST FRIENDS?!?!?
Orion: … *sweatdrop*
*3 days later…*
Takumi: …Yes, Kazuto. It was all 100% true.
Sergio: Takumi and Kyuzo were once best friends… Who’d have thought?
Mikan: I know, right!? Even I still can’t believe it!
Kazuto: Do you…have any regrets?
Takumi: Heh. You don’t need to worry yourself, Kazuto. I have no qualms about what I’ve done. I have no regrets.
*just then, Kyoya Ishida and his friends shove the door open and walk into the café*
Kyoya (Kyuzo): Alright! Let’s chow down, guys! Everything’s on me!
Makoto (Claire): Sounds good to me!
Shiro: *sigh* Oh, great… They’re back…
Kazuto: “They”? Who’s “they”?
Serena: These guys barge into the café sometimes and make a lot of noise. You see that guy standing in the middle? That’s Kyoya Ishida. His family’s rich, so he thinks he can boss people around and get away with it.
Mikan: *sarcastically* …How charming…
*Kyoya’s group walks up to Takumi’s group*
Kyoya: Hey, Kisaragi! Beat it! You’re sitting in our booth!
Sergio: *stands up* Find you own damn booth! We were here first!
Kyoya: Hehehe… *snaps fingers*
*three muscular bodyguards all appear around Kyoya, cracking their knuckles*
Kyoya: Care to repeat that, redhead?
Takumi: … *stands up* Let’s go, everyone.
Kazuto: Huh!? But, Takumi--!
Takumi: It’s alright. Let’s just find another booth.
All: …
*Takumi and his friends exit the booth and sit at the one across from it; Serena sticks her tongue out at Kyoya during this; Kyoya and company all sit down*
Kyoya: Hahaha! It’s good to be rich!
Jack (Jack Russell): Damn straight! Hey, waiter! One round of sushi – and don’t skimp on the soy sauce!
Haruhi (Haruhi): *looking at menu* …
Kyoya: Order anything you want, babe! My treat!
Piroshi (Piros VIII): Well, if you insist!
Kyoya: I wasn’t talking to you, you idiot!
Piroshi: *gulp* R-Right, sorry.
Kyoya: Look, the only reason I invited you was so you wouldn’t feel left out. If you embarrass me at all today, I’ll throttle you!
Piroshi: Hehehe… Sure thing, Kyoya.
Serena: Ugh… Those guys make me sick…
Aya: They almost remind me of Samurai 7…
Sergio: Yeah, right! Kyuzo’s a hundred times more conceited than that Kyoya guy! Hah!
Kyoya: Hmm…?
Kazuto: And the way he acts towards that guy with the glasses reminds me of Piros! Hahaha!
Piroshi: …
Shiro: And just look at blue-hair! Smoking indoors!? What a snob!
Makoto: …
Mikan: And get a load of the silent girl! She makes Haruhi look like a chatterbox!
Haruhi: …
Serena: And that brown-haired guy looks like Jack Russell, except without the stupid blue and gold outfit! Hahaha!
Jack: … *eye twitch*
Aya: Now all they need is a cello-playing egghead, and they’ll have a complete set!
All: *laughing*
Makoto: I’m gonna go over there! I swear to God, I’m gonna go over there!
Kyoya: Oh, settle down, Makoto. As they say, “don’t get mad – get even.” Two can play at this game… Ahem! *speaking loudly* So, I was playing The World the other day, right? And I was watching this battle in the Arena with Team Tsukiyomi in it, and there was this guy named Hayate. You should’ve seen this guy! His PC body was SO hacked! I mean, two swords at the same time? Hackers like him should get a life! Hahaha!
Kazuto: Huh!? Hey!
Jack: Oh, yeah! I remember that! I was watching that Team Orion! That Coolidge guy was a complete idiot! Orion should find himself more competent teammates! Hahaha!
Coolidge: Say what!?
Makoto: Oh, don’t get me started on Team Orion! In fact, I heard Orion was the leader of some stupid guild. What was it called again? “Glove LeGobble”?
Serena: *stands up* That’s “Glaive LeGable”, you losers!
*just then, everyone in the café stares at Serena after her outburst*
Kyoya: *smirk* (Hook, line, and sinker…)
Serena: Uh… Hehehe…
Shiro: *slaps forehead* Serena, just sit down…
*Serena sits down and buries her face in a menu*
Kazuto: Hmm… You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say those guys were the Samurai 7…
Mikan: You too, huh? I got that same feeling…
Takumi: …Oh, did I forget to mention? Kyoya Ishida is Kyuzo…
All: …
Takumi: …What?
All: …Would you quit dropping the ball like that all the time?!?
Takumi: Hehehe… I apologize.
Sergio: That’s it. *stands up* I’ve lost my appetite.
Shiro: Same here. *stands up* I just don’t feel comfortable eating in the same place as Samurai 7.
*Takumi and his friends all leave the café; Kyoya and his friends watch them leave*
Kyoya: Wait for it…
*as soon as the door closes behind them, they start laughing*
Jack: Oh, man! That was priceless!
Makoto: That’ll teach them to talk smack about us right in front of us!
Piroshi: Score another one for the Samurai 7!
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: Hey, waiter! Where’s that sushi!?
*Takumi and company walk down the streets after leaving the Nanoha Café*
Sergio: Well… So much for lunch…
Kazuto: I didn’t even get to have any sushi…
Mikan: Leave it to the Samurai 7 to ruin our fun…as usual…
Shiro: It’s still pretty early. What do you guys wanna do now?
Aya: Hmm… Hey, I know! Follow me, everyone!
*Aya leads the group to the Watanabe Street Arcade*
Kazuto: HOLY CRAP!!!!! Look at all the games!!!
Aya: Welcome to the biggest gaming arcade in the entire Shibumi District!
Sergio: Good call, Aya! So… *cracks knuckles* Whose ass should I kick first in DDR!?
Mikan: Is that a challenge I hear, redhead!? I’ll mop the floor with you!
Sergio: Just try it, blondie!
*Sergio and Mikan race over to the DDR playing area*
Serena: *takes Shiro’s hand* C’mon, Shiro! Let’s play a racing game!
Shiro: O-Okay, okay! Don’t pull so hard!
Kazuto: Wow… So many games… I can’t decide! …Oh, well! GERONIMO!!!!
Aya: *giggles* They’re just like little kids, aren’t they?
Takumi: And we’re the voices of reason who have to guide them. Rather tiresome…but also kind of fun. Hehehe.
*several hours later…*
Mikan: Whew! MAN, that was fun!
Sergio: …
Aya: Sergio? What’s wrong?
Shiro: Mikan beat him at Dance-Dance Revolution 26 times in a row.
Sergio: I still say she cheated!
Mikan: Did not!
Sergio: Did so!
Mikan: DID NOT!!!
Aya: ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!
Sergio/Mikan: *gulp* Y-Yes, ma’am.
Takumi: *looks at watch* Wow, it’s 5 o’clock already.
Kazuto: Wow. Time sure flies, doesn’t it?
Mikan: So, what’s next?
Serena: Hmm… I know! Follow me, guys!
Shiro: Oh, boy. Here we go again.
Kazuto: “Again”?
Shiro: You’ll see…
*Serena leads the group to a karaoke bar*
Serena: Here we are!
Mikan: Karaoke?
Takumi: Every time we go out together, Serena always takes us here.
Serena: It’s like our “thing” now!
Sergio: …I don’t remember agreeing on making karaoke our “thing”…
Serena: Oh, don’t be such a killjoy, Sergio! Now c’mon, it’ll be fun!
Mikan: *shrugs shoulders* Well, I’m game.
Kazuto: Yeah, same here.
*moments later, in a karaoke booth…*
Serena: “Eien wo eien wo saitemo karenai kono mune no tokimeki wa tsukinai
Dare yori mo dare yori mo anata wo mitsumete hateshinaku kono kimochi zutto…”
*Takumi and the others start to clap*
Aya: Perfect as always, Serena!
Takumi: Serena sings that song every time we come here, and it still touches me.
Serena: *blush* Aw, you guys…
Shiro: Okay, now it’s my turn.
*moments later…*
Shiro: “I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD kaze wo kakenukete
Nanimo osorezu ni ima yuuki to egao no kakera daite
CHANGE MY MIND jounetsu tayasazu ni takanaru mirai e
Te wo nobaseba kagayakeru hazu sa IT'S WONDERLAND…”
*applause*
Sergio: Way to go, Shiro!
Kazuto: Yeah, that was awesome! Don’t you think so, Mikan? …Mikan?
Mikan: *blush* Wow… That was wonderful, Shiro…
Shiro: Uh… T-Thanks.
Sergio: Hehehe…
Mikan: …W-What’s so funny?
Sergio: *looks away* Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.
Aya: Okay! My turn! *stands up and walks over to the stage* …Hmm?
*Aya looks over at Kazuto, who simply smiles at her*
Aya: …On second thought… Hey, Kazu, would you like to do a duet with me?
Kazuto: H-Huh!? A d-duet!?
Aya: Yeah! What do you say?
Kazuto: U-Uh…
Takumi: Go on, Kazuto.
Serena: Yeah, go for it!
Kazuto: Hehehe… Okay then. *stands up and joins Aya on the stage*
Aya: Let’s do this song, okay?
Kazuto: *picks up microphone* S-Sure.
*as the music starts playing, Kazuto and Aya start singing*
*as the song ends, Takumi and the others give Kazuto and Aya a standing ovation*
Serena: That was beautiful, you two!
Mikan: I was nearly moved to tears!
Kazuto: Hehehe…
Sergio: Okay, you guys! If you were nearly brought to tears by that song, just wait until you hear me sing!
All: …Uh-oh…
*Sergio goes to the stage and starts playing a loud, fast, J-rock song*
Sergio: *singing badly* “Daitai donna zasshi o meku tatte dame tameiki de chau wa
Boku ni niau fuku nanka wa arya shinai no yo seiki matsu no ryuu kou shoku…”
Shiro: *covering ears* OH, GOOD LORD!!!
Takumi: *covering ears* WHY DOES SERGIO ALWAYS PICK THE LOUDEST SONGS?!?
Mikan: *covering ears* THE SONG’S GOOD BY ITSELF, BUT HE MAKES IT WORSE BY SINGING SO POORLY!!!
Kazuto/Aya: *covering ears* MAKE IT STOP!!!
*later on, the group exits the karaoke bar…*
Aya: I think my hearing is permanently damaged…
Serena: Sergio, if you ever do that again, I’m gonna kick your ass!
Sergio: Oh, come on! It was just one song!
All: YEAH, BUT YOU SUNG IT FIVE TIMES!!!!!
*…and notice that the sun has nearly gone down*
Serena: Uh-oh! The sun’s almost gone!
Takumi: *looks at watch* Well, that’s no surprise. It’s almost 7 o’clock.
*at the bus stop, Kazuto’s bus pulls into the station*
Kazuto: Well, there’s my ride. *turns to the others* See ya later, guys. I had a lot of fun today.
Mikan: Mm-hmm. Us too.
Aya: Oh, Kazu, wait. *takes out CD* Here.
Kazuto: *takes CD from Aya* What’s this?
Aya: I burned all the songs we sang today onto that CD for you. Track 6 is the song we sang together.
Kazuto: *blush* Uh… T-Thanks, Aya. *pockets CD* Well, later. Let’s meet up in The World later tonight.
Sergio: *motions a thumbs-up* You know it!
*as Kazuto boards the bus, his friends all wave goodbye to him; as the bus drives away, everyone looks at Aya*
Aya: …What?
Serena: C’mon, Aya, out with it! You’re in love with Kazu, aren’t you!?
Aya: *blush* W-Why are you bringing this up now?
Mikan: You didn’t think we’d notice? First you shared a parfait with him at the café, then you do a duet with him at the karaoke bar, and now you give him a mix CD? You like him! You like him a lot!
Aya: Well… *turns away* …maybe a little.
*meanwhile, on the bus, Kazuto listens to music; when the bus stops at its next designated stop, he notices two people get on – Jack and Makoto*
Jack: …Hmm? *looks over at Kazuto* …Well, well! Look who it is!
Kazuto: …Oh, no…
Jack: *sits down next to Kazuto* Fancy meeting you here! I didn’t know you took this bus!
Kazuto: …Please don’t talk to me…
Jack: That was pretty funny stuff that happened at the café today! Right, Makoto!?
Makoto: Hah! I’ll say!
Jack: I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that hard before in my life! Hahahahahaha!
Kazuto: (…Someone shoot me now…)
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Boy PC: Did you hear? Some players discovered a secret chamber underneath Megin Fi! Apparently, it looks like a gigantic volcano!
~*~*~*~
Orion: A highly active volcano… Prepare yourselves well, my friends. This may be our most dangerous mission ever.
~*~*~*~
Hanabi: Phew! This place is HOT!!! I can even feel the heat through my controller!
Tsukiyomi: Hey, what’s that?
Kaga: Looks like…a grimoire of some kind.
Orion: The .hack//Arm! We’ve found it!
~*~*~*~
Kyuzo: Not so fast, Glaive LeGable! A little friend of mine wants to play with you! *snaps fingers*
Data Bug: *roar*
~*~*~*~
Izumi: I c-can’t hold on much longer!
Hayate: Hang on, Izumi! Orion, I need some help over here!
Orion: *gazing intently at the .hack//Arm* …So beautiful…
Hayate: Orion!? Orion, can’t you hear me!?
Orion: …Almost…there…
Hayate: ORION!!!!!
25th Phase: The Edge of Existence, Part 1!
*a young teenage boy is seen riding the bus through downtown Tokyo, listening to music through headphones*
: …*as the bus screeches to a halt at one of its designated stops, the bus driver speaks into a small microphone*
Bus Driver: Tokyo, Shibumi District! Tokyo, Shibumi District!
: Oh!*the teenager gets off the bus and takes a look around as the bus drives away*
: Hmm… *gasp**he notices a group of people standing several feet away from him – a slightly older man, two pink-haired twins, another teenage boy with red hair, and a teenage girl with her bright orange hair up in a ponytail*
Girl Twin: KAZUTO!!! Over here!
Kazuto (Hayate): *sweatdrop* Yup… That’s definitely them… *walks over* Hey, guys! *smirk* I guess this is the first time all the members of Glaive LeGable meet offline, huh? Hehe…
Red-Hair Boy: Actually, we’ve all met offline even before you and Miharu joined the guild…
Kazuto: …Gee, that makes me feel SO much better… *sigh* Okay, let me see if I got this right… *points to older man* Takumi… *points to twins* …Shiro and Serena… *points to red-haired boy* …Sergio… *points to orange-haired girl* …and Mikan?
Mikan (Miharu): *motions a thumbs-up* Yup! Not bad, Kazu!
Kazuto: Hehehe… Hmm? *looks around* …Where’s Izumi-- I mean, Aya?
Takumi (Orion): She said she had to take care of something today, and couldn’t join us this afternoon.
Kazuto: …Oh…
Sergio (Coolidge): Hahaha! Isn’t that cute? Li’l Kazu misses his beloved Aya already!
Kazuto: *blush* Oh, shut up, Sergio! And what’s the “li’l” for!? You and I are the same age!
Sergio: Hahahahaha!
Kazuto: *sweatdrop* (This guy’s just as annoying offline as he is online…)
*just then, another bus pulls into the station and a girl with long brown hair gets off*
: I’m here, guys!Shiro (Neon): Huh… Speak of the devil…
Kazuto: Hmm?
*Kazuto turns around and sees the girl; his heartbeat suddenly increases in tempo*
Serena (Chibi-Usa): Hey, Aya-chan. We thought you were busy today…
Aya (Izumi): I was, but I finished early. Isn’t that great? *looks at Kazuto* …Oh! So, you’re Kazuto? *bows* It’s nice to meet you. …Well, face-to-face, I mean. Hehehehe.
Kazuto: *gulp* Uh… Y-Yeah, same here.
Sergio: Alright! Now that we’re all here, let’s get something to eat!
Mikan: I second that motion!
Shiro: Usual place?
Takumi: Yup.
Serena: Yeah! Nanoha Café, here we come!
Kazuto: *looks at Aya* Nanoha Café?
Aya: It’s a little restaurant down on Kusai Street. Before you and Mikan joined the guild, we’d go there all the time. They have the best sushi in Tokyo!
Kazuto: Sounds good to me!
*moments later, in the Nanoha Café, Sergio and Mikan are seen downing rice bowl after rice bowl, attracting looks from other people and waiters in the café; as soon as they finish, they hold up their empty bowls*
Sergio/Mikan: MORE, PLEASE!!!
Kazuto: *sweatdrop* Wow… Those two can really put it away, can’t they?
Shiro: …You don’t know the half of it…
Aya: Hehehe… They’re just enjoying themselves.
Serena: Y’know, I find it amazing that you can stick up for Sergio every time, Aya-chan. You must have the patience of a saint.
Aya: Well, it’s kinda hard for me to get angry at people… Hehehe…
*Sergio’s and Mikan’s chopsticks suddenly meet on the last piece of sushi*
Sergio: …
Mikan: …I saw it first!
Sergio: Get real! I saw it first!
Sergio/Mikan: Grrrr…
*Takumi suddenly picks up the piece of sushi and eats up*
Sergio/Mikan: AAAAHHHH!!!!
Takumi: Mmm… *gulp* …Must you two make fools of yourselves on a regular basis?
Kazuto: *sips soda* So, Takumi… About what you told us the other day?
Takumi: Hmm?
Kazuto: …Was it all really true?
Takumi: …
*…Glaive LeGable @home, three days ago…*
Orion: I have something very important to tell you all. 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…is Kyuzo.
All: WHAAAAAT?!?
Hayate: You’re joking, right?!? Kyuzo is Kurogane?!?
Coolidge: Dammit! I should’ve known! I knew Kyuzo was rotten, but I had no idea he was THAT rotten!
Miharu: …
Neon: You’re awfully calm about this, Miharu…
Miharu: …Meh. I had suspicions that Kyuzo was Kurogane anyway.
Neon: …Uh-huh…
Usa-chan: You’re serious, Orion?!?
Orion: I’m afraid so. It was indeed Kyuzo that used the power of the .hack//Arms to slaughter thousands of players three years ago.
Hayate: (So… Kyuzo has an even deeper history with the .hack//Arms than I thought…)
Izumi: …There’s more, isn’t there, Orion?
Coolidge: MORE!? Hasn’t my brain suffered enough already!?
Orion: *sigh* Kurogane wasn’t the only one hunting down the .hack//Arms back then. He had a partner. His name was Shirogane. …Shirogane was my PC.
All: WHAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?
Miharu: Okay, that I DEFINITELY didn’t see coming!
Neon: You mean you lusted for power just like Kyuzo!?
Orion: No. Kyuzo hunted down the .hack//Arms for power. I hunted them down to keep them out of the hands of those who would use them for evil intentions, just as I’m doing today.
*3 years ago, in the Wailing Capital Wald Uberlisterin…*
Kurogane: Sweet! The Blade Marlo! That makes 9 .hack//Arms!
Shirogane: Nice work, Kuro! We’re making excellent progress!
Kurogane: Hah! Nothin’ to it!
*several weeks later, in the Hikari to Kage** @home…*
Shirogane: …Hey, Kuro, are you--
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: WHOA-WHOA-WHOA, HOLD UP!!! You two were in the same guild?!?
Orion: Well… Yes. Why?
Coolidge: I SUPPOSE NEXT YOU’LL BE TELLING ME THAT HE’S YOUR HALF-BROTHER OR ANYTHING!!!!!
Orion: …May I continue?
~*~*~*~
Shirogane: …Hey, Kuro, are you in here?
*Shirogane walks into the rear chamber of the @home and sees Kurogane swinging the Blade Marlo around*
Shirogane: …Kurogane?
Kurogane: *gasp* *turns around and hides Blade Marlo behind his back* S-Shiro! I d-didn’t hear you come in!
Shirogane: …What are you doing with the Blade Marlo?
Kurogane: Uh… Well… *takes out Blade Marlo* I was just, uh…t-trying it out. That’s all.
Shirogane: …You were trying to tap into its inner power, weren’t you?
Kurogane: …
Shirogane: I told you before, Kurogane – the .hack//Arms are too dangerous. They must be sealed away, or else--
Kurogane: “Or else the balance of The World will be forever disturbed”. Yeah, yeah, I heard it a million times before. But, Shiro, just think about it! With the power of the .hack//Arms on our side, we’d be invincible! Not even the system administrators could stand up to us!
Shirogane: I don’t want to hear another word of this, Kurogane! You’re letting the influence of the .hack//Arms warp your thoughts! …Just please listen to me, Kuro. The last thing I want to see is you getting yourself hurt.
Kurogane: …
*Kurogane turns and places the Blade Marlo back into its holding capsule*
Shirogane: Good. Now, let’s go. I heard on the forum that another Lost Ground was discovered. *leaves the @home*
Kurogane: … *looks at the Blade Marlo* …Heh. Oh, believe me, Shirogane. With the power of the .hack//Arms, I’ll never be hurt again…
*one month later, in the Hikari to Kage @home…*
Shirogane: Hey, Kuro! Check it out! I found the Spin Natsume! …Kurogane?
*Shirogane goes to the rear chamber and discovers that the Blade Marlo, Broad BlackRose, and Scythe Subaru were missing from their holding capsules*
Shirogane: *gasp* He didn’t…! *drops the Spin Natsume and dashes out of the @home*
*meanwhile, in the Azure Palace Arena…*
Kurogane: Come on!!! Who else wants to step into the ring?!? I’ll take you all on at once!!!
*hundreds of players warp into the Arena and charges at Kurogane with their weapons; Kurogane takes them out one-by-one with the .hack//Arms*
Kurogane: Come on, come on, come on, come on, COME ON!!!!!
*Shirogane gates into Lumina Cloth and finds the players in an uproar*
Shirogane: The Arena! I should’ve known!
*as Shirogane runs into the stands, where players were all screaming their heads off, he sees Kurogane standing in the center of the Azure Palace Arena taking out players one after the other; a close-up would reveal that his eyes were crimson red*
Shirogane: Oh, no… It’s happening already! I have to stop him!
*in the Arena, several system admins surround Kurogane*
Admin 1: By order of CC Corporation, we order you to drop your weapons!!!
Kurogane: Heh! Why don’t you come over here and make me!?
Admin 2: Very well! You leave us no choice! MOVE IN!!!!
*the admins all charge at Kurogane, who substitutes to the Scythe Subaru and takes out the admins with one spiral swing of the scythe*
Admin 3: GAH!!! *vanishes*
Kurogane: Come on!!! Isn’t there anyone who can give me a challenge!?
: KUROGANE!!!!!*Kurogane turns around and sees Shirogane holding the Blade Balmung*
Kurogane: Heh… I had a feeling you’d show up… What do you think of my new Assault Ace PC body?
Shirogane: Grrrr… You traitor…
Kurogane: “Traitor”!? More like “liberator”! With the .hack//Arms, I can terminate any player’s account with just one strike! I’m freeing these PC bodies from their miserable lives as players’ puppets!
Shirogane: … *readies Blade Balmung*
Kurogane: …So, it’s a battle you want? Heh… *readies Blade Marlo* Fine by me!
*Shirogane and Kurogane clash blade swords for nearly 20 minutes; Shirogane dashes at Kurogane and thrusts his blade forward; Kurogane avoids it and strikes Shirogane’s back with the Blade Marlo*
Shirogane: Gah!!! *falls to knees*
Kurogane: You see, Shiro!? You see how much power these weapons have given me!? This power could’ve been yours too! But you just had to grow a freakin’ conscience, didn’t you!?
Shirogane: D-Damn you…to hell…
Kurogane: Alright, this is getting boring… I think it’s about time I finished this… *raises Blade Marlo*
Shirogane: … *closes eyes*
*just then, the Epitaph Knights all appear around Kurogane*
Kurogane: *gasp*
Haseo: Player Character #B112763. Username – Kurogane.
Endrance: You have violated the rules and regulations of The World and surpassed the system parameters of the game through illegal means.
Ovan: By order of CC Corporation, we hereby terminate your account as of today.
Kurogane: Ha! Terminate!? You’ll have to kill me first! *draws Broad BlackRose* TAKE THIS!!!!
*Kurogane swings the broadsword down on Haseo, but he stops the attack with a single hand*
Kurogane: Huh!?
Haseo: Maybe we didn’t make ourselves clear. Your user account in The World is terminated.
*Endrance snaps his fingers, causing several rings of light to appear around Kurogane’s PC body and restrain him*
Kurogane: Grrrr… Dammit all!
*Ovan holds his hand up to Kurogane and it emits a bright light*
Kurogane: …
Ovan: …*fake smile* Thank you for playing The World.
*Ovan fires a blast of data into Kurogane’s PC body, causing his data to disintegrate in an instant*
Shirogane: …Kurogane… Huh?
*the Epitaph Knights all walk up to Shirogane*
Haseo: All incriminating evidence regarding the .hack//Arms must be kept hidden from the eyes of regular players.
Endrance: As of today, your user account in The World will be terminated as well.
Ovan: And the “Hikari to Kage” guild will be disbanded effective immediately.
Shirogane: … *looks down* I understand.
Ovan: *charges data blast* …Thank you for playing The World. *fires data blast*
*3 years later…*
Orion: Several days later, I created a new The World user account and a new guild and decided to start my search for the .hack//Arms all over again. I even received permission from the Epitaph Knights to do so.
All: …
Orion: …Guys?
All: …YOU AND KYUZO WERE BEST FRIENDS?!?!?
Orion: … *sweatdrop*
*3 days later…*
Takumi: …Yes, Kazuto. It was all 100% true.
Sergio: Takumi and Kyuzo were once best friends… Who’d have thought?
Mikan: I know, right!? Even I still can’t believe it!
Kazuto: Do you…have any regrets?
Takumi: Heh. You don’t need to worry yourself, Kazuto. I have no qualms about what I’ve done. I have no regrets.
*just then, Kyoya Ishida and his friends shove the door open and walk into the café*
Kyoya (Kyuzo): Alright! Let’s chow down, guys! Everything’s on me!
Makoto (Claire): Sounds good to me!
Shiro: *sigh* Oh, great… They’re back…
Kazuto: “They”? Who’s “they”?
Serena: These guys barge into the café sometimes and make a lot of noise. You see that guy standing in the middle? That’s Kyoya Ishida. His family’s rich, so he thinks he can boss people around and get away with it.
Mikan: *sarcastically* …How charming…
*Kyoya’s group walks up to Takumi’s group*
Kyoya: Hey, Kisaragi! Beat it! You’re sitting in our booth!
Sergio: *stands up* Find you own damn booth! We were here first!
Kyoya: Hehehe… *snaps fingers*
*three muscular bodyguards all appear around Kyoya, cracking their knuckles*
Kyoya: Care to repeat that, redhead?
Takumi: … *stands up* Let’s go, everyone.
Kazuto: Huh!? But, Takumi--!
Takumi: It’s alright. Let’s just find another booth.
All: …
*Takumi and his friends exit the booth and sit at the one across from it; Serena sticks her tongue out at Kyoya during this; Kyoya and company all sit down*
Kyoya: Hahaha! It’s good to be rich!
Jack (Jack Russell): Damn straight! Hey, waiter! One round of sushi – and don’t skimp on the soy sauce!
Haruhi (Haruhi): *looking at menu* …
Kyoya: Order anything you want, babe! My treat!
Piroshi (Piros VIII): Well, if you insist!
Kyoya: I wasn’t talking to you, you idiot!
Piroshi: *gulp* R-Right, sorry.
Kyoya: Look, the only reason I invited you was so you wouldn’t feel left out. If you embarrass me at all today, I’ll throttle you!
Piroshi: Hehehe… Sure thing, Kyoya.
Serena: Ugh… Those guys make me sick…
Aya: They almost remind me of Samurai 7…
Sergio: Yeah, right! Kyuzo’s a hundred times more conceited than that Kyoya guy! Hah!
Kyoya: Hmm…?
Kazuto: And the way he acts towards that guy with the glasses reminds me of Piros! Hahaha!
Piroshi: …
Shiro: And just look at blue-hair! Smoking indoors!? What a snob!
Makoto: …
Mikan: And get a load of the silent girl! She makes Haruhi look like a chatterbox!
Haruhi: …
Serena: And that brown-haired guy looks like Jack Russell, except without the stupid blue and gold outfit! Hahaha!
Jack: … *eye twitch*
Aya: Now all they need is a cello-playing egghead, and they’ll have a complete set!
All: *laughing*
Makoto: I’m gonna go over there! I swear to God, I’m gonna go over there!
Kyoya: Oh, settle down, Makoto. As they say, “don’t get mad – get even.” Two can play at this game… Ahem! *speaking loudly* So, I was playing The World the other day, right? And I was watching this battle in the Arena with Team Tsukiyomi in it, and there was this guy named Hayate. You should’ve seen this guy! His PC body was SO hacked! I mean, two swords at the same time? Hackers like him should get a life! Hahaha!
Kazuto: Huh!? Hey!
Jack: Oh, yeah! I remember that! I was watching that Team Orion! That Coolidge guy was a complete idiot! Orion should find himself more competent teammates! Hahaha!
Coolidge: Say what!?
Makoto: Oh, don’t get me started on Team Orion! In fact, I heard Orion was the leader of some stupid guild. What was it called again? “Glove LeGobble”?
Serena: *stands up* That’s “Glaive LeGable”, you losers!
*just then, everyone in the café stares at Serena after her outburst*
Kyoya: *smirk* (Hook, line, and sinker…)
Serena: Uh… Hehehe…
Shiro: *slaps forehead* Serena, just sit down…
*Serena sits down and buries her face in a menu*
Kazuto: Hmm… You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say those guys were the Samurai 7…
Mikan: You too, huh? I got that same feeling…
Takumi: …Oh, did I forget to mention? Kyoya Ishida is Kyuzo…
All: …
Takumi: …What?
All: …Would you quit dropping the ball like that all the time?!?
Takumi: Hehehe… I apologize.
Sergio: That’s it. *stands up* I’ve lost my appetite.
Shiro: Same here. *stands up* I just don’t feel comfortable eating in the same place as Samurai 7.
*Takumi and his friends all leave the café; Kyoya and his friends watch them leave*
Kyoya: Wait for it…
*as soon as the door closes behind them, they start laughing*
Jack: Oh, man! That was priceless!
Makoto: That’ll teach them to talk smack about us right in front of us!
Piroshi: Score another one for the Samurai 7!
Haruhi: …
Kyoya: Hey, waiter! Where’s that sushi!?
*Takumi and company walk down the streets after leaving the Nanoha Café*
Sergio: Well… So much for lunch…
Kazuto: I didn’t even get to have any sushi…
Mikan: Leave it to the Samurai 7 to ruin our fun…as usual…
Shiro: It’s still pretty early. What do you guys wanna do now?
Aya: Hmm… Hey, I know! Follow me, everyone!
*Aya leads the group to the Watanabe Street Arcade*
Kazuto: HOLY CRAP!!!!! Look at all the games!!!
Aya: Welcome to the biggest gaming arcade in the entire Shibumi District!
Sergio: Good call, Aya! So… *cracks knuckles* Whose ass should I kick first in DDR!?
Mikan: Is that a challenge I hear, redhead!? I’ll mop the floor with you!
Sergio: Just try it, blondie!
*Sergio and Mikan race over to the DDR playing area*
Serena: *takes Shiro’s hand* C’mon, Shiro! Let’s play a racing game!
Shiro: O-Okay, okay! Don’t pull so hard!
Kazuto: Wow… So many games… I can’t decide! …Oh, well! GERONIMO!!!!
Aya: *giggles* They’re just like little kids, aren’t they?
Takumi: And we’re the voices of reason who have to guide them. Rather tiresome…but also kind of fun. Hehehe.
*several hours later…*
Mikan: Whew! MAN, that was fun!
Sergio: …
Aya: Sergio? What’s wrong?
Shiro: Mikan beat him at Dance-Dance Revolution 26 times in a row.
Sergio: I still say she cheated!
Mikan: Did not!
Sergio: Did so!
Mikan: DID NOT!!!
Aya: ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!
Sergio/Mikan: *gulp* Y-Yes, ma’am.
Takumi: *looks at watch* Wow, it’s 5 o’clock already.
Kazuto: Wow. Time sure flies, doesn’t it?
Mikan: So, what’s next?
Serena: Hmm… I know! Follow me, guys!
Shiro: Oh, boy. Here we go again.
Kazuto: “Again”?
Shiro: You’ll see…
*Serena leads the group to a karaoke bar*
Serena: Here we are!
Mikan: Karaoke?
Takumi: Every time we go out together, Serena always takes us here.
Serena: It’s like our “thing” now!
Sergio: …I don’t remember agreeing on making karaoke our “thing”…
Serena: Oh, don’t be such a killjoy, Sergio! Now c’mon, it’ll be fun!
Mikan: *shrugs shoulders* Well, I’m game.
Kazuto: Yeah, same here.
*moments later, in a karaoke booth…*
Serena: “Eien wo eien wo saitemo karenai kono mune no tokimeki wa tsukinai
Dare yori mo dare yori mo anata wo mitsumete hateshinaku kono kimochi zutto…”
(“Flower of Eternity” by Yoko Ishida; youtube.com/watch?v=5s8gokkilo4)
*Takumi and the others start to clap*
Aya: Perfect as always, Serena!
Takumi: Serena sings that song every time we come here, and it still touches me.
Serena: *blush* Aw, you guys…
Shiro: Okay, now it’s my turn.
*moments later…*
Shiro: “I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD kaze wo kakenukete
Nanimo osorezu ni ima yuuki to egao no kakera daite
CHANGE MY MIND jounetsu tayasazu ni takanaru mirai e
Te wo nobaseba kagayakeru hazu sa IT'S WONDERLAND…”
(“Change the World” by V6; youtube.com/watch?v=-zm4XlzsPaU)
*applause*
Sergio: Way to go, Shiro!
Kazuto: Yeah, that was awesome! Don’t you think so, Mikan? …Mikan?
Mikan: *blush* Wow… That was wonderful, Shiro…
Shiro: Uh… T-Thanks.
Sergio: Hehehe…
Mikan: …W-What’s so funny?
Sergio: *looks away* Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.
Aya: Okay! My turn! *stands up and walks over to the stage* …Hmm?
*Aya looks over at Kazuto, who simply smiles at her*
Aya: …On second thought… Hey, Kazu, would you like to do a duet with me?
Kazuto: H-Huh!? A d-duet!?
Aya: Yeah! What do you say?
Kazuto: U-Uh…
Takumi: Go on, Kazuto.
Serena: Yeah, go for it!
Kazuto: Hehehe… Okay then. *stands up and joins Aya on the stage*
Aya: Let’s do this song, okay?
Kazuto: *picks up microphone* S-Sure.
*as the music starts playing, Kazuto and Aya start singing*
Kimi no tame ni boku no tame ni nani ga dekiru?
Mienai nani ka ni michibikare bokura wa mata meguriaeta ne yakusoku datta toki o koete
Kimochi ga sukitooru yo (sou da ne) kawaranai egao ni ima
Eien ni monogatari wa kimi o shujinkou ni erabu yo
Takusan no deai to sayonara ga michishirube sa (michishirube sa) bokura no
Tokenai pazuru ni mayoikomu yume toki demo kimi ga ita kara kimi ga iru kara tsuyoku nareta
Itsuka mata hanaretemo (heiki da yo) kokoro ga yobiau nara
Mienai kara wakarunda bokura o tsunaideru kiseki ga
Ame wo koe kaze no oka o koete kagayaku no sa (kagayaku no sa)
Eien ni monogatari wa kimi o shujinkou ni erabu yo
Takusan no deai to sayonara ga michishirube sa (michishirube sa) bokura no
Mienai nani ka ni michibikare bokura wa mata meguriaeta ne yakusoku datta toki o koete
Kimochi ga sukitooru yo (sou da ne) kawaranai egao ni ima
Eien ni monogatari wa kimi o shujinkou ni erabu yo
Takusan no deai to sayonara ga michishirube sa (michishirube sa) bokura no
Tokenai pazuru ni mayoikomu yume toki demo kimi ga ita kara kimi ga iru kara tsuyoku nareta
Itsuka mata hanaretemo (heiki da yo) kokoro ga yobiau nara
Mienai kara wakarunda bokura o tsunaideru kiseki ga
Ame wo koe kaze no oka o koete kagayaku no sa (kagayaku no sa)
Eien ni monogatari wa kimi o shujinkou ni erabu yo
Takusan no deai to sayonara ga michishirube sa (michishirube sa) bokura no
(“An Endless Tale” by Kouji Wada and Ai Maeda; youtube.com/watch?v=M3YUAQyO2jY)
*as the song ends, Takumi and the others give Kazuto and Aya a standing ovation*
Serena: That was beautiful, you two!
Mikan: I was nearly moved to tears!
Kazuto: Hehehe…
Sergio: Okay, you guys! If you were nearly brought to tears by that song, just wait until you hear me sing!
All: …Uh-oh…
*Sergio goes to the stage and starts playing a loud, fast, J-rock song*
Sergio: *singing badly* “Daitai donna zasshi o meku tatte dame tameiki de chau wa
Boku ni niau fuku nanka wa arya shinai no yo seiki matsu no ryuu kou shoku…”
(“Girigiri Chop” by B’z; youtube.com/watch?v=zcD0fcjjqfA)
Shiro: *covering ears* OH, GOOD LORD!!!
Takumi: *covering ears* WHY DOES SERGIO ALWAYS PICK THE LOUDEST SONGS?!?
Mikan: *covering ears* THE SONG’S GOOD BY ITSELF, BUT HE MAKES IT WORSE BY SINGING SO POORLY!!!
Kazuto/Aya: *covering ears* MAKE IT STOP!!!
*later on, the group exits the karaoke bar…*
Aya: I think my hearing is permanently damaged…
Serena: Sergio, if you ever do that again, I’m gonna kick your ass!
Sergio: Oh, come on! It was just one song!
All: YEAH, BUT YOU SUNG IT FIVE TIMES!!!!!
*…and notice that the sun has nearly gone down*
Serena: Uh-oh! The sun’s almost gone!
Takumi: *looks at watch* Well, that’s no surprise. It’s almost 7 o’clock.
*at the bus stop, Kazuto’s bus pulls into the station*
Kazuto: Well, there’s my ride. *turns to the others* See ya later, guys. I had a lot of fun today.
Mikan: Mm-hmm. Us too.
Aya: Oh, Kazu, wait. *takes out CD* Here.
Kazuto: *takes CD from Aya* What’s this?
Aya: I burned all the songs we sang today onto that CD for you. Track 6 is the song we sang together.
Kazuto: *blush* Uh… T-Thanks, Aya. *pockets CD* Well, later. Let’s meet up in The World later tonight.
Sergio: *motions a thumbs-up* You know it!
*as Kazuto boards the bus, his friends all wave goodbye to him; as the bus drives away, everyone looks at Aya*
Aya: …What?
Serena: C’mon, Aya, out with it! You’re in love with Kazu, aren’t you!?
Aya: *blush* W-Why are you bringing this up now?
Mikan: You didn’t think we’d notice? First you shared a parfait with him at the café, then you do a duet with him at the karaoke bar, and now you give him a mix CD? You like him! You like him a lot!
Aya: Well… *turns away* …maybe a little.
*meanwhile, on the bus, Kazuto listens to music; when the bus stops at its next designated stop, he notices two people get on – Jack and Makoto*
Jack: …Hmm? *looks over at Kazuto* …Well, well! Look who it is!
Kazuto: …Oh, no…
Jack: *sits down next to Kazuto* Fancy meeting you here! I didn’t know you took this bus!
Kazuto: …Please don’t talk to me…
Jack: That was pretty funny stuff that happened at the café today! Right, Makoto!?
Makoto: Hah! I’ll say!
Jack: I don’t think I’ve ever laughed that hard before in my life! Hahahahahaha!
Kazuto: (…Someone shoot me now…)
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Boy PC: Did you hear? Some players discovered a secret chamber underneath Megin Fi! Apparently, it looks like a gigantic volcano!
~*~*~*~
Orion: A highly active volcano… Prepare yourselves well, my friends. This may be our most dangerous mission ever.
~*~*~*~
Hanabi: Phew! This place is HOT!!! I can even feel the heat through my controller!
Tsukiyomi: Hey, what’s that?
Kaga: Looks like…a grimoire of some kind.
Orion: The .hack//Arm! We’ve found it!
~*~*~*~
Kyuzo: Not so fast, Glaive LeGable! A little friend of mine wants to play with you! *snaps fingers*
Data Bug: *roar*
~*~*~*~
Izumi: I c-can’t hold on much longer!
Hayate: Hang on, Izumi! Orion, I need some help over here!
Orion: *gazing intently at the .hack//Arm* …So beautiful…
Hayate: Orion!? Orion, can’t you hear me!?
Orion: …Almost…there…
Hayate: ORION!!!!!
25th Phase: The Edge of Existence, Part 1!
