Post by Hayate on Mar 7, 2008 12:45:19 GMT -5
~ Dual City of Breg Epona; July 12, 2037 ~
*Hayate is seen looking out towards the abyss in Breg Epona’s alleyway*
Hayate: …So much hurt… So much pain…
Kyuzo: …That bastard’s gonna get his… You’ll see…
Hayate: …Kyuzo… You can’t mean…
Kyuzo: *turns away from Hayate* …Wait for me, Haruhi…
Hayate: …So many innocent lives lost…
Coolidge: *cough, wheeze* Ren… You’re not hurt, are you?
Ren: N-No… I’m fine, thanks to you…
*Coolidge’s data begins to slowly break up and drift away*
Ren: No!!! Coolidge, don’t go!!!
Coolidge: I don’t know why, but… All of a sudden, I feel…so sleepy…
*Coolidge’s data completely breaks apart, and the data is absorbed by Kaeion*
Hayate: …So much meaningless death…
Girl PC: The moon’s falling!!!
Boy PC: It’s the end of The World!!!
Pi: …God Almighty…
*just then, Haseo appears next to Pi and takes her by the wrist*
Pi: *gasp* H-Haseo! What are you--!?
*without saying anything, Haseo warps Pi and himself out of the area just in time for the Drain Heart to strike; the entire area becomes enveloped in a blinding light*
Hayate: … *clenches fists* Where and when does it all end!?
*just then, images of Kaeion begin to enter Hayate’s mind*
Hayate: …Him… It’s all because of him… Why is one AI so hard to defeat!?
: …It’s because you’re not strong enough…
Hayate: *gasp, spins around* Who’s there!?
*Hayate looks towards the alleyway entrance, but notices that was all alone*
Hayate: *holds hand to head* …I…I must be losing my mind… Playing The World for hours on end must be getting to me… *summons steam bike* Maybe a little bike ride around Breg Epona will clear my head.
*as Hayate rides his steam bike out of the alley, a faint image of a ghost is seen standing where he was just moments ago*
Ghost: …Hehehe…
*Hayate rides through the twists and turns of the alley, letting his hair sway in the wind*
Hayate: Ahhh… Yeah, this is exactly what I needed…
*just as he’s about to exit the alley, he notices a young, purple-haired Tribal Grappler girl walking by the alley entrance carrying a bundle of items*
Hayate: (Oh, crap!) LOOK OUT!!!!
Grappler: *looks at Hayate’s approaching bike* Huh? *gasp* AAAHHH!!!
*the ensuing crash attracts the attention of bystander PC’s*
Boy PC1: Whoa… Did you see that!?
Boy PC2: Yeah! Some guy collided into a girl with his steam bike!
Girl PC: *sigh* Some guys can be SO reckless…
Hayate: Ohhhh… *sits up on the ground* What just happened…? *gasp* The girl!! Where did she--?!?
*Hayate looks over to his far left to see the Tribal Grappler he had rammed into on the ground, the items she was carrying scattered all over*
Hayate: Oh, no!!! *runs over to girl* Hey! Hey, you! You okay!? Say something!
Grappler: …Ohhhh… Huh?
Hayate: *gasp* You’re alive!
Grappler: *looks up at Hayate* …Uh, yeah, of course I am…
Hayate: Oh, man… For a minute there, I thought I really screwed up… You sure you’re alright?
Grappler: Y-Yeah, but…
Hayate: “But”? “But” what?
Grappler: *blush* …How long are you gonna hover over me like that?
Hayate: Huh? …O-Oh!!! *moves away from Grappler girl* Sorry about that!
*after Hayate helps the girl with her scattered items, he walks her to the Chaos Gate*
Grappler: You didn’t have to walk me all the way here, y’know.
Hayate: Well, I wanted to. It’s the least I could do after…well…you know.
Grappler: I see. Well, thank you. I’ll be going now. *walks over to Chaos Gate*
Hayate: Sure. …Oh, wait! I never got your name!
Violet: …It’s Violet.
Hayate: Violet, huh? *smile* I’m Hayate.
Violet: … *gates out*
Hayate: Hmm… She sure seemed to be in a hurry.
*several hours later, in the Glaive LeGable @home…*
Neon: Hmm… Give me a minute here… Oh! We found the Broad Orca at Morrigu Barrow!
Orion: Ah, yes. Good, Neon.
Usa-chan: Then there was the Magic Tsukasa at Sepia Lin Rovis.
Izumi: Hmm… Then there’s the Scythe Ryoko, which we found at…at…uh…
*just then, Hayate is seen walking into the @home*
Hayate: Sif Berg. We found the Scythe Ryoko at Sif Berg, remember?
Izumi: Oh, yeah! I remember that now!
Miharu: Hey, Hayate! How’s it goin’?
Hayate: Pretty good. Uh…what are you guys up doing?
Orion: We’re making a log of where each .hack//Arm was found so we can narrow down the locations of the remaining three.
Neon: Hey, that reminds me. That day Hayate came in with the Lance Gardenia -- he never told us where he found it.
Usa-chan: Hey, that’s right! Where did you find the lance, Hayate?
Hayate: Well…
Gardenia: *takes out Long Arm spear and gives it to Hayate*
Hayate: Huh?
Gardenia: If I give that to you, will you leave me alone?
Hayate: Hehehe… Trust me, guys, if I told you, you’d never believe me.
Miharu: Well, that takes the fun out of things…
Orion: Hmmm… Alright, that should just about do it. Discounting the Lance Gardenia AND discounting Hy Brasail as a legitimate Lost Ground, the last three .hack//Arms should be at Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground…Hidden Forbidden Hades…and Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm.
Izumi: Hulle Granz, Wald Uberlisterin, and the Forest of Pain…
Neon: *sigh* Why is nothing ever easy?
Orion: We’ll save the Forest of Pain for last, so for now, we should investigate the other two Lost Grounds. Hayate, Izumi, you two go check out the cathedral.
Hayate/Izumi: Right!
Orion: Neon, Usa-chan, the two of you go investigate the Wailing Capital.
Neon/Usa-chan: Yes, sir!
Orion: Miharu, you and I will check the forums for clues pertaining to those Lost Grounds.
Miharu: Gotcha!
*one hour later, Hayate and Izumi are seen examining the overall layout of Hulle Granz Cathedral, but find nothing*
Izumi: *sigh* Still nothing…
Hayate: Maybe there’s a secret passage somewhere, like at Megin Fi.
Izumi: If there is, it could be anywhere.
*Hayate looks at the Tri-Edge sign on the altar; he finds that, the closer he approaches it, the brighter the sign glows*
Hayate: Hmm… I wonder--
Izumi: Uh, Hayate? We have company.
Hayate: Huh?
*Izumi turns Hayate’s attention to purple-haired Tribal Grappler standing near the cathedral*
Izumi: …Player Killer…
Violet: *draws gauntlets* Hand over all your items!
Hayate: Hmm? Wait a minute… *squints eyes* …H-Hey! You’re that girl from earlier today! Violet, right?
Violet: …I’m not gonna say it a second time.
Hayate: *gasp*
Violet: Prepare your--
*just then, as she charges forward to attack, Violet stumbles over and falls flat on her face*
Hayate: … *sweatdrop*
Izumi: … *muffles laughter*
Violet: Grrrr…
*Violet suddenly hops back to her feet and dashes towards Hayate and Izumi with intent to PK…*
Izumi: *gasp*
Violet: Don’t underestimate me!
*…but before her fist could connect with Izumi’s PC body, it connects with Hayate’s blade sword*
Hayate: What the hell are you doing!?
Violet: What does it look like I’m doing!? I’m a PKer!
Hayate: Are you really…?
Violet: …O-Of course I am!
Hayate: Hmph! Then you leave me no choice!
*Hayate easily fends off Violet’s gauntlets and drives his blade sword into her PC body several times at blinding speed; when his attack was done, Violet is left on the ground, weaponless*
Violet: …Dammit… Not again… *looks up to see Hayate pointing his blade sword at her* …You might as well finish me off…
*Hayate raises his blade sword high above his head, posed to strike…*
Violet: *closes eyes* …
*…but instead of finishing Violet off, he puts his blade sword away and extends a hand to her*
Hayate: …Need a hand?
Violet: *looks up* Huh…?
*several minutes later, Hayate, Izumi, and Violet relocate to the Mac Anu dome*
Izumi: …You never wanted to be a PKer?
Violet: No. My friends are always going on about how fun it is, but…I just don’t have it in me to PK. I mean, you saw what happened back at Hulle Granz. But if my friends were to ever find out that I hate PKing, I’m afraid they’ll stop hanging out with me.
Hayate: …Violet…
Izumi: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Hey, Hayate, Orion’s calling us.
Hayate: …Go on without me, Izumi. I’ll catch up in a bit.
Izumi: Oh… O-Okay. Don’t be too long. *turns away and runs off*
Violet: *sigh* What should I do now? I don’t wanna PK anymore…but I don’t wanna lose my friends either…
Hayate: …Hey.
Violet: Hmm?
*just then, Hayate gives Violet his member address*
Violet: *gasp* This is…!
Hayate: To be honest, I really don’t think you’re cut out to be a PKer either. Talk it over with your friends. If they’re true friends, they’ll respect your decision. If they don’t, well… *smile* …you’ll always have me to talk to.
Violet: Hayate… *blush* T-Thank you.
Hayate: No problem. If you’ll excuse me, my guildmaster’s calling. I’ll see ya later, ‘kay, Violet? *turns around and runs off*
Violet: … *loving sigh*
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Neon: That sneaky, cheeky son of a…! I swear, if I ever see that bastard again, I’m gonna kick his ass up and down!
Usa-chan: Settle down, Neo-niichan…!
Hayate: *dashes into @home out of breath* Okay…! I’m here…! What’s up…?
Miharu: Oh! Hayate, you’re here!
Usa-chan: You’ll never believe what happened to us at Wald Uberlisterin!
Hayate: …Why? What happened?
*15 minutes earlier, in Wailing Capital Wald Uberlisterin…*
Neon: *examines Tri-Edge sign on wall* Hmm…
*as soon as Neon touches the sign, it gives off an amazing red glow*
Neon: W-Whoa!
*once the glow dies down, Neon notices a blade sword at his feet*
Neon: Hmm? *picks up blade sword* …T-This is it! Usa-chan, I found it!
Usa-chan: You did!? *runs over to Neon* Wow… Nice job, Neo-niichan!
: Yes… An excellent job indeed…
Neon: Huh!? Who’s there!?
*Samekh of the Samurai 7 emerges from the shadows, playing his cello while floating on air*
Neon: *gasp* Samekh…!
Samekh: I congratulate you on locating that .hack//Arm. Now…hand it over.
Usa-chan: You can forget it, buddy!
Samekh: Hehe… *readies cello* I don’t believe that I ever gave you a choice in the matter…
Usa-chan: Hmph! Well, I’m giving you a choice! *draws Enforcer whip* Leave now or I’ll smear your ass all over the Lost Ground!
Samekh: *sigh* Jack Russell was right… You really are such a child…
*Samekh plays one note on his cello, freezing Chibi-Usa in ice, then plays a second note to shatter Chibi-Usa’s frozen PC body to pieces*
Neon: U-Usa-chan!!! …Grrrr…
Samekh: …What’s the matter? Do you hate me? Hate me enough to…Data Drain me?
Neon: You son of a… *draws dual swords* You’re gonna regret that! Gale Blade!!!
*Neon swings his dual swords at Samekh with a three-stage slash attack, but Samekh easily avoids them…*
Samekh: …Heh… Without the use of your Magus factor, you’re just a helpless little PC…
*…and plays another tune on his cello, blowing Neon away with a harsh gust of wind*
Neon: Gah!!!
Samekh: *picks up .hack//Arm Neon dropped* …My, how kind of you… I’ll just be taking my prize now… *gates out*
Neon: Grrrr… GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*15 minutes later…*
Neon: *punches wall* Damn him! He took advantage of my vow to never use my Magus factor on a regular PC! DAMN HIM TO HELL!!!
Usa-chan: Neo-niichan, please! Try not to get so worked up!
Orion: *sighs, looks at Hayate* So, what about you, Hayate? Did you find anything?
Hayate: Uh… *rubs back of head* Afraid not. Sorry, Orion.
Orion: …I see. Well, no point in dwelling, I suppose.
Izumi: …Oh! We did make a new friend though.
Usa-chan: “New friend”?
Hayate: A girl. Her name’s Violet. She’s a Player Killer, but…I guess you could say we reformed her! Heh!
Miharu: Well, that’s good to hear. God knows this game could use less PKers around…
Hayate: (So, Samurai 7 has another .hack//Arm under their belt… Only two left…)
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: …Behold.
*Samekh reveals to his fellow guild members the Blade Rachel .hack//Arm he snagged from Neon*
Piros VIII: Huzzah! Another victory for the Samurai 7!
Claire: Nice work, Sammy-boy!
Samekh: Heh… *flicks hair* No trouble at all.
Kyuzo: Hehehe… Only two left, huh? Almost hard to believe I’m so close…
*a couple hours later, Violet is seen standing near the altar with her three PKer friends*
Violet: …And that’s pretty much it, you guys.
Girl PC: Oh, Violet…
Boy PC1: You should’ve told us that you didn’t like PKing. We never would’ve invited you to come PKing with us all the time.
Violet: Wait… So you guys don’t hate me?
Boy PC2: How could we hate you, “Vi”? You’re our best friend!
Violet: You guys… *sigh* Thank goodness.
Girl PC: *teasing smirk* So…that guy you mentioned – Hayate, was it? You must really like him if you let him convince you to quit PKing so easily, huh?
Violet: H-Huh!? *blush* N-No, it’s not like that!
Boy PC1: You’re blushing, Vi! You DO like him!
Violet: *covers face* S-Stop it, you guys!
All: Hahahaha!
Violet: … *smile*
Boy PC2: Hey, Vi, we’re all gonna meet up at the Nanoha Café a little later. You in?
Violet: You know it!
Girl PC: Cool! See ya there!
*with that, the boy PCs and girl PC all gate out, leaving Violet by herself; Violet turns to face the altar with a relieved smile*
Violet: …I have the best friends in the world…
*just then, images of Hayate begin to enter Violet’s mind, which cause her face to redden; to help dispel her anxiety, Violet clasps her hands together and begins to sing*
Violet: Kregi safade slehiya… Tunoleba watumi yufiniya…
*as she sings, the Tri-Edge sign on the altar gives off a faint red glow*
~ Cultural City of Dol Dona; July 16, 2037 ~
*Hayate is seen logging in; just moments after doing so, he bumps into Hanabi*
Hayate: …Oh! Hey, Hanabi.
Hanabi: Hmm? …Hey, look who it is! Mr. Holy-Palace-Emperor itself! Whatcha up to?
Hayate: Nothin’ really. Kinda bored, to tell you the truth.
Hanabi: *sigh* Yeah, I know what you mean. Even the quests are pretty dull nowadays.
Hayate: *raises eyebrow* What’s this? Is the “Persistent Firecracker” admitting defeat?
Hanabi: *playfully punches Hayate’s shoulder* Ah, shut up!
Hayate: Hahahahahaha!
: Heh. Glad to see you two getting along so well.
Hayate: Hmm? *turns around to see Dekar* Oh! Mr. Dekar!
Dekar: Please. No need for the formalities. Just call me Dekar. …Hello, Hanabi.
Hanabi: *smile* ‘Sup, bro?
Hayate: …“BRO”?!? Did you just call Dekar “bro”, Hanabi?!?
Hanabi: Uh…yeah. He’s married to my sister Alkaid, so that makes him my brother-in-law.
Hayate: … *blinks* …Players with famous family members everywhere I turn…
Hanabi: Well, I gotta get goin’ now. Meeting up with Aly-neesan at Breg Epona. Catch ya later, Hayate! *gates out*
Dekar: A truly kindhearted girl, that redhead. So, Hayate…
Hayate: Y-Yeah?
Dekar: How goes your mastery of the Gorre factor?
Hayate: Uh… Fine, I guess. I mean…nothing really special’s happened.
Dekar: Hmm… Seems the factor hasn’t truly awakened yet.
Hayate: What do you mean?
Dekar: Oh…you’ll find out soon enough. Heh. *gates out*
Hayate: *sweatdrop* That guy and his cryptic answers…
: I said, leave us alone!
Hayate: Hmm?
*Hayate turns towards the entrance into Dol Dona Square to see Kyuzo following close behind a pair of female PCs, one of them being Violet*
Hayate: *sigh* Not again…
Kyuzo: C’mon! You don’t know what you’re passing up!
Violet: Oh, I have a pretty good idea!
Girl PC: Just go away!
Kyuzo: Not until you give me a good reason to not join my guild!
Girl PC: Okay! How about that the fact you’re a womanizing freak?!?
Violet: Now quit following us!!!
Kyuzo: *jumps in front of the girls* Alright, how about this? You come to my guild for one day, meet my guildmates, and then you can make your decision! How about that?
Girl PC: We already made our decision!
Kyuzo: *sigh*
Hayate: …You’ll never get people to join your guild if you’re forceful, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: Huh? *turns to see Hayate* …Oh, it’s you.
Violet: *gasp, turns to face Girl PC* This is the guy I was telling you about!
Girl PC: You mean Hayate? …Heh. He is kinda cute.
Kyuzo: You know, blondie, you have the worst timing ever.
Hayate: Just leave them alone, Kyuzo. They’re clearly not interested in joining the Samurai 7.
Kyuzo: And since when is it any of your business!? *turns to face girls* Isn’t there anything I can do to change your mind, girls?
Violet/Girl PC: NO!!!
Kyuzo: Aw, come on… *puts hand on Violet’s shoulder* Don’t be so difficult…
Violet: D-Don’t touch me, you creep!
*just then, Kyuzo’s fingers twinge a bit when Hayate forcefully grasps his wrist*
Hayate: I said leave them alone!!!
Kyuzo: *gasp* …Well, well! When did you grow a pair, Hayate? Acting like a knight in shining armor. *grin* I wonder what Izumi would think…
Violet: Huh? …Izumi?
Kyuzo: Oh, yeah! Hayate’s crazy about the girl!
Hayate: *tightens grip on Kyuzo’s wrist* Would you just get out of here!?
Kyuzo: *pulls hand away* Hmph! Fine! Who needs ya? I’ll find a better candidate! *pockets hands and walks off*
Girl PC: Wow… *smirk* I can see you like this guy so much, Vi!
Violet: *gasp, blush*
Hayate: Huh? *turns to face Violet* What’d you say?
Violet: O-Oh! Uh…n-no, it was n-n-nothing! Really!
Hayate: … *raises eyebrow*
Violet: I, uh… I… I-I gotta go! *gates out*
Girl PC: Oops… Guess I spoke out of turn…
Hayate: …
*several hours later, in Mac Anu done, Violet is seen logging back into the game*
Violet: *sigh* …Huh?
*looking ahead, Violet notices Hayate talking with Izumi, the both of them laughing as they converse*
Violet: …Hayate… (I guess he does really like Izumi…)
*just then, Izumi gates out and Hayate walks over to the Chaos Gate*
Hayate: …Hmm? Oh! Violet.
Violet: …
Hayate: …Is something the matter?
Violet: …H-Hey, Hayate, could we…maybe…talk alone for a minute?
Hayate: Uh…sure.
*minutes later, the two relocate to Hulle Granz Cathedral; Violet approaches the altar*
Violet: I always come here when I’m feeling unsure of myself. It comforts me somehow.
Hayate: Yeah… This place has a knack for doing that…
Violet: *places hand on chest* …Tell me something, Hayate.
Hayate: Hmm?
Violet: Izumi… Do you like her?
Hayate: H-Huh!? …Well, I… *light blush* Y-Yeah, I do.
Violet: …What about me? Do you like me?
Hayate: Uh… Well, yeah, sure. I like you, Violet.
*hearing this, Violet’s heartbeat begins to pick up speed*
Violet: …Then tell me this – Which of us do you like better?
Hayate: W-What!? What’s this all of a sudden!?
Violet: …
Hayate: I… W-Well…
Violet: *smile* …It’s okay… You don’t have to answer.
Hayate: Huh?
Violet: It’s just as well… I’ve always had bad luck when it comes to love…
*just then, Violet clasps her hands together and begins to sing*
Violet: Kregi safade slehiya… Tunoleba watumi yufiniya…
Hayate: …That’s a nice song.
Violet: Thanks. My mother taught it to me.
Hayate: Could you…teach it to me?
Violet: *gasp* …S-Sure, Hayate, I’d be glad to. *deep breath*
*as Violet sings, Hayate notices the Tri-Edge sign on the altar glow…*
Hayate: …It’s just like before… *approaches the altar*
*…but just as Violet’s song is finished, the glow dies down*
Violet: …What’d you think, Hayate?
Hayate: Hey, Violet? You think you could sing that song again?
Violet: Huh? Why?
Hayate: There’s…something I need to see.
Violet: Um… Okay… *clasps hands together* Kregi safade slehiya…
*with Violet’s singing, the Tri-Edge sign glows again*
Hayate: Hmm…
*Hayate gently touches the sign, causing it to glow amazingly bright*
Hayate: W-Whoa!
*as soon as the glow vanishes, the entrance to a secret chamber underneath the altar appears*
Violet: *gasp* Wow… How’d you know that was there, Hayate?
Hayate: I…didn’t.
*Hayate and Violet descend a long staircase and enter a dimly lit room; the walls, ceiling, and floor were all covered in crystal-glass hexagons*
Violet: What is this place…?
Hayate: … *gasp*
*Hayate runs up to a short pedestal at the very back of the room; on top of the pedestal was a short blade sword; Hayate picks up the sword and it shimmers in his hands*
Violet: *walks up to Hayate* …What’d you find?
Hayate: …The Blade Marlo…!! We found the Blade Marlo, Violet!!
Violet: *sweatdrop* …And that’s…good?
: Oh, it’s very good indeed.
Hayate/Violet: *turns around* Who’s there!?
*a Lei Zas beam is fired from a shadowy figure’s hand at the ceiling; the beam touches one of the crystal-glass hexagons, lighting it up, and refracts towards the ground; the beam proceeds to refract off the walls, ceiling, and floor until all of the crystal-glass hexagons are lit; once the room is fully bright, Hayate and Violet notice Kaeion standing across from them*
Kaeion: Yo!
Hayate: Grrrr… You!
Violet: …Hayate, who is this guy?
Hayate: *draws blade swords* What do you want!?
Kaeion: *smirk* …You know what I’m here for…
Hayate: You can forget it! If you want this blade, you’ll have to kill me first!
Kaeion: Now, now, kid… Don’t go giving me any ideas…
Hayate: Haruhi… Coolidge… All those players at the festival… *dashes at Kaeion* They’re all gone because of YOU!!!!!
*Hayate swings his dual swords at Kaeion, who swiftly defends with his broadsword*
Kaeion: Letting our emotions get the better of us, aren’t we? Do you honestly think you can take me on by yourself?
Hayate: Grrrr…!
*with one swing of the broadsword, Kaeion sends Hayate flying back into the pedestal*
Hayate: G-Gah!!!
Violet: *gasp* Hayate!
Kaeion: *props broadsword on shoulder* Come on now! You could at least give me a challenge!
Hayate: *slowly rises to feet* I’ll defeat you… I swear to God I’ll defeat you… And I’ll bring back everyone you killed… *glares menacingly at Kaeion* EVEN IF IT KILLS ME, I SWEAR I’M GOING TO DEFEAT YOU, KAEION!!!!![/b][/i]
*just then, a bolt of shocking energy passes throughout Hayate’s body, causing him to fall back to his knees*
Hayate: *deep gasp* Wha… W-What just happened!? What the hell was that!?
Violet: Hayate, are you okay!?
Kaeion: You know something, boy…? You have a real attitude problem… *puts broadsword away and points hand at Hayate* …But I can fix that…for good.
Violet: *gasp*
*with amazing speed, Kaeion dashes forward at Hayate with his hand pointed forward with intent to grasp Hayate’s neck…*
Hayate: …
Violet: … *deep gasp*
Hayate: …Huh? *looks up, gasp*
*…but having jumped in front of him, Violet’s neck is grasped by Kaeion instead*
Hayate: V-VIOLET!!!
Violet: *choking* I won’t…let you hurt…Hayate…
Kaeion: Tch…! You are such a meddlesome girl…
*just then, Kaeion’s black bracelet appears around his right wrist, which he aims at Violet’s chest*
Kaeion: …But that ends now…
Hayate: N-No! Don’t do it! PLEASE STOP!!! I BEG YOU!!!
*ignoring Hayate’s pleas, Kaeion fires a Data Drain blast through Violet at close-range, leaving a great gaping hole in her chest; Kaeion lets go of Violet’s neck and she falls lifeless to the ground*
Hayate: …No…
Kaeion: *dusts off shoulder* How I detest meddlers…
Hayate: *slowly rises to feet again* Give her back…
Kaeion: Hmm?
Hayate: …Give her back right now…
Kaeion: …I’m sorry? You’re gonna have to speak up.
Hayate: *points blade sword at Kaeion* GIVE VIOLET BACK RIGHT NOW, YOU BASTARD!!![/b]
Kaeion: Hmph. I’m afraid that’s impossible. You see-- G-GAH!!!
*before Kaeion could finish his sentence, the Caliburn is thrust straight through his right arm*
Hayate: I’M NOT GONNA SAY IT A SECOND TIME!!!
Kaeion: Tch! *backs away from Hayate and draws dual swords* Why don’t you try and make me!?
Hayate: Grrrr…
*just then, the faint image of an Avatar appears around Hayate’s PC body; from the entrance to the room, Dekar witnesses this with his arms crossed*
Dekar: So, little Gorre…to think that you’d be the first to discover your factor’s true potential…
Hayate: *dashes towards Kaeion* GRAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
*with his moving speed increased almost threefold, Hayate drives his blade swords into Kaeion’s body nearly a thousand times in a matter of seconds; Kaeion is thrown a short distance back when Hayate finishes his attack*
Kaeion: *panting* W-What is this!? You can’t possibly be this strong!!
*without saying anything, Hayate unleashes his Chthonian Sword and soars forward; Kaeion prepares his bracelet again…
Kaeion: DATA--[/b][/i]
*…but before he could fire a Data Drain, Hayate swings the mighty blue sword at full force, slicing Kaeion’s entire right arm off*
Kaeion: *falls to knees* GAAAAAAAH!!!!!!
Dekar: Hmm… Well, I’ll be damned…
Hayate: *points Chthonian Sword at Kaeion* Give Violet back or else the next thing I cut off will be your head!
Kaeion: *clenches right shoulder* Grrrr… (I don’t know what the hell happened to this kid, but I can’t face him in this state…) *gates out*
Hayate: NO!!! Get back here!!! … *falls to knees* DAMMIT ALL!!!!![/color]
*Hayate is seen looking out towards the abyss in Breg Epona’s alleyway*
Hayate: …So much hurt… So much pain…
Kyuzo: …That bastard’s gonna get his… You’ll see…
Hayate: …Kyuzo… You can’t mean…
Kyuzo: *turns away from Hayate* …Wait for me, Haruhi…
Hayate: …So many innocent lives lost…
Coolidge: *cough, wheeze* Ren… You’re not hurt, are you?
Ren: N-No… I’m fine, thanks to you…
*Coolidge’s data begins to slowly break up and drift away*
Ren: No!!! Coolidge, don’t go!!!
Coolidge: I don’t know why, but… All of a sudden, I feel…so sleepy…
*Coolidge’s data completely breaks apart, and the data is absorbed by Kaeion*
Hayate: …So much meaningless death…
Girl PC: The moon’s falling!!!
Boy PC: It’s the end of The World!!!
Pi: …God Almighty…
*just then, Haseo appears next to Pi and takes her by the wrist*
Pi: *gasp* H-Haseo! What are you--!?
*without saying anything, Haseo warps Pi and himself out of the area just in time for the Drain Heart to strike; the entire area becomes enveloped in a blinding light*
Hayate: … *clenches fists* Where and when does it all end!?
*just then, images of Kaeion begin to enter Hayate’s mind*
Hayate: …Him… It’s all because of him… Why is one AI so hard to defeat!?
: …It’s because you’re not strong enough…Hayate: *gasp, spins around* Who’s there!?
*Hayate looks towards the alleyway entrance, but notices that was all alone*
Hayate: *holds hand to head* …I…I must be losing my mind… Playing The World for hours on end must be getting to me… *summons steam bike* Maybe a little bike ride around Breg Epona will clear my head.
*as Hayate rides his steam bike out of the alley, a faint image of a ghost is seen standing where he was just moments ago*
Ghost: …Hehehe…
*Hayate rides through the twists and turns of the alley, letting his hair sway in the wind*
Hayate: Ahhh… Yeah, this is exactly what I needed…
*just as he’s about to exit the alley, he notices a young, purple-haired Tribal Grappler girl walking by the alley entrance carrying a bundle of items*
Hayate: (Oh, crap!) LOOK OUT!!!!
Grappler: *looks at Hayate’s approaching bike* Huh? *gasp* AAAHHH!!!
*the ensuing crash attracts the attention of bystander PC’s*
Boy PC1: Whoa… Did you see that!?
Boy PC2: Yeah! Some guy collided into a girl with his steam bike!
Girl PC: *sigh* Some guys can be SO reckless…
Hayate: Ohhhh… *sits up on the ground* What just happened…? *gasp* The girl!! Where did she--?!?
*Hayate looks over to his far left to see the Tribal Grappler he had rammed into on the ground, the items she was carrying scattered all over*
Hayate: Oh, no!!! *runs over to girl* Hey! Hey, you! You okay!? Say something!
Grappler: …Ohhhh… Huh?
Hayate: *gasp* You’re alive!
Grappler: *looks up at Hayate* …Uh, yeah, of course I am…
Hayate: Oh, man… For a minute there, I thought I really screwed up… You sure you’re alright?
Grappler: Y-Yeah, but…
Hayate: “But”? “But” what?
Grappler: *blush* …How long are you gonna hover over me like that?
Hayate: Huh? …O-Oh!!! *moves away from Grappler girl* Sorry about that!
*after Hayate helps the girl with her scattered items, he walks her to the Chaos Gate*
Grappler: You didn’t have to walk me all the way here, y’know.
Hayate: Well, I wanted to. It’s the least I could do after…well…you know.
Grappler: I see. Well, thank you. I’ll be going now. *walks over to Chaos Gate*
Hayate: Sure. …Oh, wait! I never got your name!
Violet: …It’s Violet.
Hayate: Violet, huh? *smile* I’m Hayate.
Violet: … *gates out*
Hayate: Hmm… She sure seemed to be in a hurry.
*several hours later, in the Glaive LeGable @home…*
Neon: Hmm… Give me a minute here… Oh! We found the Broad Orca at Morrigu Barrow!
Orion: Ah, yes. Good, Neon.
Usa-chan: Then there was the Magic Tsukasa at Sepia Lin Rovis.
Izumi: Hmm… Then there’s the Scythe Ryoko, which we found at…at…uh…
*just then, Hayate is seen walking into the @home*
Hayate: Sif Berg. We found the Scythe Ryoko at Sif Berg, remember?
Izumi: Oh, yeah! I remember that now!
Miharu: Hey, Hayate! How’s it goin’?
Hayate: Pretty good. Uh…what are you guys up doing?
Orion: We’re making a log of where each .hack//Arm was found so we can narrow down the locations of the remaining three.
Neon: Hey, that reminds me. That day Hayate came in with the Lance Gardenia -- he never told us where he found it.
Usa-chan: Hey, that’s right! Where did you find the lance, Hayate?
Hayate: Well…
Gardenia: *takes out Long Arm spear and gives it to Hayate*
Hayate: Huh?
Gardenia: If I give that to you, will you leave me alone?
Hayate: Hehehe… Trust me, guys, if I told you, you’d never believe me.
Miharu: Well, that takes the fun out of things…
Orion: Hmmm… Alright, that should just about do it. Discounting the Lance Gardenia AND discounting Hy Brasail as a legitimate Lost Ground, the last three .hack//Arms should be at Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground…Hidden Forbidden Hades…and Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm.
Izumi: Hulle Granz, Wald Uberlisterin, and the Forest of Pain…
Neon: *sigh* Why is nothing ever easy?
Orion: We’ll save the Forest of Pain for last, so for now, we should investigate the other two Lost Grounds. Hayate, Izumi, you two go check out the cathedral.
Hayate/Izumi: Right!
Orion: Neon, Usa-chan, the two of you go investigate the Wailing Capital.
Neon/Usa-chan: Yes, sir!
Orion: Miharu, you and I will check the forums for clues pertaining to those Lost Grounds.
Miharu: Gotcha!
*one hour later, Hayate and Izumi are seen examining the overall layout of Hulle Granz Cathedral, but find nothing*
Izumi: *sigh* Still nothing…
Hayate: Maybe there’s a secret passage somewhere, like at Megin Fi.
Izumi: If there is, it could be anywhere.
*Hayate looks at the Tri-Edge sign on the altar; he finds that, the closer he approaches it, the brighter the sign glows*
Hayate: Hmm… I wonder--
Izumi: Uh, Hayate? We have company.
Hayate: Huh?
*Izumi turns Hayate’s attention to purple-haired Tribal Grappler standing near the cathedral*
Izumi: …Player Killer…
Violet: *draws gauntlets* Hand over all your items!
Hayate: Hmm? Wait a minute… *squints eyes* …H-Hey! You’re that girl from earlier today! Violet, right?
Violet: …I’m not gonna say it a second time.
Hayate: *gasp*
Violet: Prepare your--
*just then, as she charges forward to attack, Violet stumbles over and falls flat on her face*
Hayate: … *sweatdrop*
Izumi: … *muffles laughter*
Violet: Grrrr…
*Violet suddenly hops back to her feet and dashes towards Hayate and Izumi with intent to PK…*
Izumi: *gasp*
Violet: Don’t underestimate me!
*…but before her fist could connect with Izumi’s PC body, it connects with Hayate’s blade sword*
Hayate: What the hell are you doing!?
Violet: What does it look like I’m doing!? I’m a PKer!
Hayate: Are you really…?
Violet: …O-Of course I am!
Hayate: Hmph! Then you leave me no choice!
*Hayate easily fends off Violet’s gauntlets and drives his blade sword into her PC body several times at blinding speed; when his attack was done, Violet is left on the ground, weaponless*
Violet: …Dammit… Not again… *looks up to see Hayate pointing his blade sword at her* …You might as well finish me off…
*Hayate raises his blade sword high above his head, posed to strike…*
Violet: *closes eyes* …
*…but instead of finishing Violet off, he puts his blade sword away and extends a hand to her*
Hayate: …Need a hand?
Violet: *looks up* Huh…?
*several minutes later, Hayate, Izumi, and Violet relocate to the Mac Anu dome*
Izumi: …You never wanted to be a PKer?
Violet: No. My friends are always going on about how fun it is, but…I just don’t have it in me to PK. I mean, you saw what happened back at Hulle Granz. But if my friends were to ever find out that I hate PKing, I’m afraid they’ll stop hanging out with me.
Hayate: …Violet…
Izumi: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Hey, Hayate, Orion’s calling us.
Hayate: …Go on without me, Izumi. I’ll catch up in a bit.
Izumi: Oh… O-Okay. Don’t be too long. *turns away and runs off*
Violet: *sigh* What should I do now? I don’t wanna PK anymore…but I don’t wanna lose my friends either…
Hayate: …Hey.
Violet: Hmm?
*just then, Hayate gives Violet his member address*
Violet: *gasp* This is…!
Hayate: To be honest, I really don’t think you’re cut out to be a PKer either. Talk it over with your friends. If they’re true friends, they’ll respect your decision. If they don’t, well… *smile* …you’ll always have me to talk to.
Violet: Hayate… *blush* T-Thank you.
Hayate: No problem. If you’ll excuse me, my guildmaster’s calling. I’ll see ya later, ‘kay, Violet? *turns around and runs off*
Violet: … *loving sigh*
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Neon: That sneaky, cheeky son of a…! I swear, if I ever see that bastard again, I’m gonna kick his ass up and down!
Usa-chan: Settle down, Neo-niichan…!
Hayate: *dashes into @home out of breath* Okay…! I’m here…! What’s up…?
Miharu: Oh! Hayate, you’re here!
Usa-chan: You’ll never believe what happened to us at Wald Uberlisterin!
Hayate: …Why? What happened?
*15 minutes earlier, in Wailing Capital Wald Uberlisterin…*
Neon: *examines Tri-Edge sign on wall* Hmm…
*as soon as Neon touches the sign, it gives off an amazing red glow*
Neon: W-Whoa!
*once the glow dies down, Neon notices a blade sword at his feet*
Neon: Hmm? *picks up blade sword* …T-This is it! Usa-chan, I found it!
Usa-chan: You did!? *runs over to Neon* Wow… Nice job, Neo-niichan!
: Yes… An excellent job indeed…Neon: Huh!? Who’s there!?
*Samekh of the Samurai 7 emerges from the shadows, playing his cello while floating on air*
Neon: *gasp* Samekh…!
Samekh: I congratulate you on locating that .hack//Arm. Now…hand it over.
Usa-chan: You can forget it, buddy!
Samekh: Hehe… *readies cello* I don’t believe that I ever gave you a choice in the matter…
Usa-chan: Hmph! Well, I’m giving you a choice! *draws Enforcer whip* Leave now or I’ll smear your ass all over the Lost Ground!
Samekh: *sigh* Jack Russell was right… You really are such a child…
*Samekh plays one note on his cello, freezing Chibi-Usa in ice, then plays a second note to shatter Chibi-Usa’s frozen PC body to pieces*
Neon: U-Usa-chan!!! …Grrrr…
Samekh: …What’s the matter? Do you hate me? Hate me enough to…Data Drain me?
Neon: You son of a… *draws dual swords* You’re gonna regret that! Gale Blade!!!
*Neon swings his dual swords at Samekh with a three-stage slash attack, but Samekh easily avoids them…*
Samekh: …Heh… Without the use of your Magus factor, you’re just a helpless little PC…
*…and plays another tune on his cello, blowing Neon away with a harsh gust of wind*
Neon: Gah!!!
Samekh: *picks up .hack//Arm Neon dropped* …My, how kind of you… I’ll just be taking my prize now… *gates out*
Neon: Grrrr… GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*15 minutes later…*
Neon: *punches wall* Damn him! He took advantage of my vow to never use my Magus factor on a regular PC! DAMN HIM TO HELL!!!
Usa-chan: Neo-niichan, please! Try not to get so worked up!
Orion: *sighs, looks at Hayate* So, what about you, Hayate? Did you find anything?
Hayate: Uh… *rubs back of head* Afraid not. Sorry, Orion.
Orion: …I see. Well, no point in dwelling, I suppose.
Izumi: …Oh! We did make a new friend though.
Usa-chan: “New friend”?
Hayate: A girl. Her name’s Violet. She’s a Player Killer, but…I guess you could say we reformed her! Heh!
Miharu: Well, that’s good to hear. God knows this game could use less PKers around…
Hayate: (So, Samurai 7 has another .hack//Arm under their belt… Only two left…)
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: …Behold.
*Samekh reveals to his fellow guild members the Blade Rachel .hack//Arm he snagged from Neon*
Piros VIII: Huzzah! Another victory for the Samurai 7!
Claire: Nice work, Sammy-boy!
Samekh: Heh… *flicks hair* No trouble at all.
Kyuzo: Hehehe… Only two left, huh? Almost hard to believe I’m so close…
*a couple hours later, Violet is seen standing near the altar with her three PKer friends*
Violet: …And that’s pretty much it, you guys.
Girl PC: Oh, Violet…
Boy PC1: You should’ve told us that you didn’t like PKing. We never would’ve invited you to come PKing with us all the time.
Violet: Wait… So you guys don’t hate me?
Boy PC2: How could we hate you, “Vi”? You’re our best friend!
Violet: You guys… *sigh* Thank goodness.
Girl PC: *teasing smirk* So…that guy you mentioned – Hayate, was it? You must really like him if you let him convince you to quit PKing so easily, huh?
Violet: H-Huh!? *blush* N-No, it’s not like that!
Boy PC1: You’re blushing, Vi! You DO like him!
Violet: *covers face* S-Stop it, you guys!
All: Hahahaha!
Violet: … *smile*
Boy PC2: Hey, Vi, we’re all gonna meet up at the Nanoha Café a little later. You in?
Violet: You know it!
Girl PC: Cool! See ya there!
*with that, the boy PCs and girl PC all gate out, leaving Violet by herself; Violet turns to face the altar with a relieved smile*
Violet: …I have the best friends in the world…
*just then, images of Hayate begin to enter Violet’s mind, which cause her face to redden; to help dispel her anxiety, Violet clasps her hands together and begins to sing*
Violet: Kregi safade slehiya… Tunoleba watumi yufiniya…
*as she sings, the Tri-Edge sign on the altar gives off a faint red glow*
~ Cultural City of Dol Dona; July 16, 2037 ~
*Hayate is seen logging in; just moments after doing so, he bumps into Hanabi*
Hayate: …Oh! Hey, Hanabi.
Hanabi: Hmm? …Hey, look who it is! Mr. Holy-Palace-Emperor itself! Whatcha up to?
Hayate: Nothin’ really. Kinda bored, to tell you the truth.
Hanabi: *sigh* Yeah, I know what you mean. Even the quests are pretty dull nowadays.
Hayate: *raises eyebrow* What’s this? Is the “Persistent Firecracker” admitting defeat?
Hanabi: *playfully punches Hayate’s shoulder* Ah, shut up!
Hayate: Hahahahahaha!
: Heh. Glad to see you two getting along so well.Hayate: Hmm? *turns around to see Dekar* Oh! Mr. Dekar!
Dekar: Please. No need for the formalities. Just call me Dekar. …Hello, Hanabi.
Hanabi: *smile* ‘Sup, bro?
Hayate: …“BRO”?!? Did you just call Dekar “bro”, Hanabi?!?
Hanabi: Uh…yeah. He’s married to my sister Alkaid, so that makes him my brother-in-law.
Hayate: … *blinks* …Players with famous family members everywhere I turn…
Hanabi: Well, I gotta get goin’ now. Meeting up with Aly-neesan at Breg Epona. Catch ya later, Hayate! *gates out*
Dekar: A truly kindhearted girl, that redhead. So, Hayate…
Hayate: Y-Yeah?
Dekar: How goes your mastery of the Gorre factor?
Hayate: Uh… Fine, I guess. I mean…nothing really special’s happened.
Dekar: Hmm… Seems the factor hasn’t truly awakened yet.
Hayate: What do you mean?
Dekar: Oh…you’ll find out soon enough. Heh. *gates out*
Hayate: *sweatdrop* That guy and his cryptic answers…
: I said, leave us alone!Hayate: Hmm?
*Hayate turns towards the entrance into Dol Dona Square to see Kyuzo following close behind a pair of female PCs, one of them being Violet*
Hayate: *sigh* Not again…
Kyuzo: C’mon! You don’t know what you’re passing up!
Violet: Oh, I have a pretty good idea!
Girl PC: Just go away!
Kyuzo: Not until you give me a good reason to not join my guild!
Girl PC: Okay! How about that the fact you’re a womanizing freak?!?
Violet: Now quit following us!!!
Kyuzo: *jumps in front of the girls* Alright, how about this? You come to my guild for one day, meet my guildmates, and then you can make your decision! How about that?
Girl PC: We already made our decision!
Kyuzo: *sigh*
Hayate: …You’ll never get people to join your guild if you’re forceful, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: Huh? *turns to see Hayate* …Oh, it’s you.
Violet: *gasp, turns to face Girl PC* This is the guy I was telling you about!
Girl PC: You mean Hayate? …Heh. He is kinda cute.
Kyuzo: You know, blondie, you have the worst timing ever.
Hayate: Just leave them alone, Kyuzo. They’re clearly not interested in joining the Samurai 7.
Kyuzo: And since when is it any of your business!? *turns to face girls* Isn’t there anything I can do to change your mind, girls?
Violet/Girl PC: NO!!!
Kyuzo: Aw, come on… *puts hand on Violet’s shoulder* Don’t be so difficult…
Violet: D-Don’t touch me, you creep!
*just then, Kyuzo’s fingers twinge a bit when Hayate forcefully grasps his wrist*
Hayate: I said leave them alone!!!
Kyuzo: *gasp* …Well, well! When did you grow a pair, Hayate? Acting like a knight in shining armor. *grin* I wonder what Izumi would think…
Violet: Huh? …Izumi?
Kyuzo: Oh, yeah! Hayate’s crazy about the girl!
Hayate: *tightens grip on Kyuzo’s wrist* Would you just get out of here!?
Kyuzo: *pulls hand away* Hmph! Fine! Who needs ya? I’ll find a better candidate! *pockets hands and walks off*
Girl PC: Wow… *smirk* I can see you like this guy so much, Vi!
Violet: *gasp, blush*
Hayate: Huh? *turns to face Violet* What’d you say?
Violet: O-Oh! Uh…n-no, it was n-n-nothing! Really!
Hayate: … *raises eyebrow*
Violet: I, uh… I… I-I gotta go! *gates out*
Girl PC: Oops… Guess I spoke out of turn…
Hayate: …
*several hours later, in Mac Anu done, Violet is seen logging back into the game*
Violet: *sigh* …Huh?
*looking ahead, Violet notices Hayate talking with Izumi, the both of them laughing as they converse*
Violet: …Hayate… (I guess he does really like Izumi…)
*just then, Izumi gates out and Hayate walks over to the Chaos Gate*
Hayate: …Hmm? Oh! Violet.
Violet: …
Hayate: …Is something the matter?
Violet: …H-Hey, Hayate, could we…maybe…talk alone for a minute?
Hayate: Uh…sure.
*minutes later, the two relocate to Hulle Granz Cathedral; Violet approaches the altar*
Violet: I always come here when I’m feeling unsure of myself. It comforts me somehow.
Hayate: Yeah… This place has a knack for doing that…
Violet: *places hand on chest* …Tell me something, Hayate.
Hayate: Hmm?
Violet: Izumi… Do you like her?
Hayate: H-Huh!? …Well, I… *light blush* Y-Yeah, I do.
Violet: …What about me? Do you like me?
Hayate: Uh… Well, yeah, sure. I like you, Violet.
*hearing this, Violet’s heartbeat begins to pick up speed*
Violet: …Then tell me this – Which of us do you like better?
Hayate: W-What!? What’s this all of a sudden!?
Violet: …
Hayate: I… W-Well…
Violet: *smile* …It’s okay… You don’t have to answer.
Hayate: Huh?
Violet: It’s just as well… I’ve always had bad luck when it comes to love…
*just then, Violet clasps her hands together and begins to sing*
Violet: Kregi safade slehiya… Tunoleba watumi yufiniya…
Hayate: …That’s a nice song.
Violet: Thanks. My mother taught it to me.
Hayate: Could you…teach it to me?
Violet: *gasp* …S-Sure, Hayate, I’d be glad to. *deep breath*
Kregi safade slehiya tunoleba watumi yufiniya
Shanti fase omilaya shanti fase somikana
Shejumani SYLVARANT krasa fleinu sheina ifil
Krezumani putisala krasa sheinu fleina
Shejumani SYLVARANT prasa fleinu sheina ikimasi
A sheinu fleina ALMATE…
Flejumani TETHE’ALLA prasa fleinu leina ifil
Arumani yurifala prasa leinu fleina
Flejumani TETHE’ALLA krasa fleinu leina wakimasi
A leinu fleina ALMATERIA
[/i]Shanti fase omilaya shanti fase somikana
Shejumani SYLVARANT krasa fleinu sheina ifil
Krezumani putisala krasa sheinu fleina
Shejumani SYLVARANT prasa fleinu sheina ikimasi
A sheinu fleina ALMATE…
Flejumani TETHE’ALLA prasa fleinu leina ifil
Arumani yurifala prasa leinu fleina
Flejumani TETHE’ALLA krasa fleinu leina wakimasi
A leinu fleina ALMATERIA
(“Almateria” by Eri Kawai; youtube.com/watch?v=8JPfrkTNBF8)
Hayate: …Hmm?*as Violet sings, Hayate notices the Tri-Edge sign on the altar glow…*
Hayate: …It’s just like before… *approaches the altar*
*…but just as Violet’s song is finished, the glow dies down*
Violet: …What’d you think, Hayate?
Hayate: Hey, Violet? You think you could sing that song again?
Violet: Huh? Why?
Hayate: There’s…something I need to see.
Violet: Um… Okay… *clasps hands together* Kregi safade slehiya…
*with Violet’s singing, the Tri-Edge sign glows again*
Hayate: Hmm…
*Hayate gently touches the sign, causing it to glow amazingly bright*
Hayate: W-Whoa!
*as soon as the glow vanishes, the entrance to a secret chamber underneath the altar appears*
Violet: *gasp* Wow… How’d you know that was there, Hayate?
Hayate: I…didn’t.
*Hayate and Violet descend a long staircase and enter a dimly lit room; the walls, ceiling, and floor were all covered in crystal-glass hexagons*
Violet: What is this place…?
Hayate: … *gasp*
*Hayate runs up to a short pedestal at the very back of the room; on top of the pedestal was a short blade sword; Hayate picks up the sword and it shimmers in his hands*
Violet: *walks up to Hayate* …What’d you find?
Hayate: …The Blade Marlo…!! We found the Blade Marlo, Violet!!
Violet: *sweatdrop* …And that’s…good?
: Oh, it’s very good indeed.Hayate/Violet: *turns around* Who’s there!?
*a Lei Zas beam is fired from a shadowy figure’s hand at the ceiling; the beam touches one of the crystal-glass hexagons, lighting it up, and refracts towards the ground; the beam proceeds to refract off the walls, ceiling, and floor until all of the crystal-glass hexagons are lit; once the room is fully bright, Hayate and Violet notice Kaeion standing across from them*
Kaeion: Yo!
Hayate: Grrrr… You!
Violet: …Hayate, who is this guy?
Hayate: *draws blade swords* What do you want!?
Kaeion: *smirk* …You know what I’m here for…
Hayate: You can forget it! If you want this blade, you’ll have to kill me first!
Kaeion: Now, now, kid… Don’t go giving me any ideas…
Hayate: Haruhi… Coolidge… All those players at the festival… *dashes at Kaeion* They’re all gone because of YOU!!!!!
*Hayate swings his dual swords at Kaeion, who swiftly defends with his broadsword*
Kaeion: Letting our emotions get the better of us, aren’t we? Do you honestly think you can take me on by yourself?
Hayate: Grrrr…!
*with one swing of the broadsword, Kaeion sends Hayate flying back into the pedestal*
Hayate: G-Gah!!!
Violet: *gasp* Hayate!
Kaeion: *props broadsword on shoulder* Come on now! You could at least give me a challenge!
Hayate: *slowly rises to feet* I’ll defeat you… I swear to God I’ll defeat you… And I’ll bring back everyone you killed… *glares menacingly at Kaeion* EVEN IF IT KILLS ME, I SWEAR I’M GOING TO DEFEAT YOU, KAEION!!!!![/b][/i]
*just then, a bolt of shocking energy passes throughout Hayate’s body, causing him to fall back to his knees*
Hayate: *deep gasp* Wha… W-What just happened!? What the hell was that!?
Violet: Hayate, are you okay!?
Kaeion: You know something, boy…? You have a real attitude problem… *puts broadsword away and points hand at Hayate* …But I can fix that…for good.
Violet: *gasp*
*with amazing speed, Kaeion dashes forward at Hayate with his hand pointed forward with intent to grasp Hayate’s neck…*
Hayate: …
Violet: … *deep gasp*
Hayate: …Huh? *looks up, gasp*
*…but having jumped in front of him, Violet’s neck is grasped by Kaeion instead*
Hayate: V-VIOLET!!!
Violet: *choking* I won’t…let you hurt…Hayate…
Kaeion: Tch…! You are such a meddlesome girl…
*just then, Kaeion’s black bracelet appears around his right wrist, which he aims at Violet’s chest*
Kaeion: …But that ends now…
Hayate: N-No! Don’t do it! PLEASE STOP!!! I BEG YOU!!!
*ignoring Hayate’s pleas, Kaeion fires a Data Drain blast through Violet at close-range, leaving a great gaping hole in her chest; Kaeion lets go of Violet’s neck and she falls lifeless to the ground*
Hayate: …No…
Kaeion: *dusts off shoulder* How I detest meddlers…
Hayate: *slowly rises to feet again* Give her back…
Kaeion: Hmm?
Hayate: …Give her back right now…
Kaeion: …I’m sorry? You’re gonna have to speak up.
Hayate: *points blade sword at Kaeion* GIVE VIOLET BACK RIGHT NOW, YOU BASTARD!!![/b]
Kaeion: Hmph. I’m afraid that’s impossible. You see-- G-GAH!!!
*before Kaeion could finish his sentence, the Caliburn is thrust straight through his right arm*
Hayate: I’M NOT GONNA SAY IT A SECOND TIME!!!
Kaeion: Tch! *backs away from Hayate and draws dual swords* Why don’t you try and make me!?
Hayate: Grrrr…
*just then, the faint image of an Avatar appears around Hayate’s PC body; from the entrance to the room, Dekar witnesses this with his arms crossed*
Dekar: So, little Gorre…to think that you’d be the first to discover your factor’s true potential…
Hayate: *dashes towards Kaeion* GRAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
*with his moving speed increased almost threefold, Hayate drives his blade swords into Kaeion’s body nearly a thousand times in a matter of seconds; Kaeion is thrown a short distance back when Hayate finishes his attack*
Kaeion: *panting* W-What is this!? You can’t possibly be this strong!!
*without saying anything, Hayate unleashes his Chthonian Sword and soars forward; Kaeion prepares his bracelet again…
Kaeion: DATA--[/b][/i]
*…but before he could fire a Data Drain, Hayate swings the mighty blue sword at full force, slicing Kaeion’s entire right arm off*
Kaeion: *falls to knees* GAAAAAAAH!!!!!!
Dekar: Hmm… Well, I’ll be damned…
Hayate: *points Chthonian Sword at Kaeion* Give Violet back or else the next thing I cut off will be your head!
Kaeion: *clenches right shoulder* Grrrr… (I don’t know what the hell happened to this kid, but I can’t face him in this state…) *gates out*
Hayate: NO!!! Get back here!!! … *falls to knees* DAMMIT ALL!!!!![/color]
