Post by Hayate on Mar 21, 2008 16:47:30 GMT -5
~ Dual City of Breg Epona; July 13, 2037 ~
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Delusions ~ Enchanted City Naval Monte*
*in front of the dried-out water fountain at the heart of the city, a light-green-haired Twin Blade faces off with a blond Ardent Corsair Chaotic PK*
Twin Blade: So, you followed me all the way here, huh, “Kao-chan”?
Kaochin: That’s Kao-CHIN!!! Quit calling me “Kao-chan” like we’re friends or something! *readies chakrams* Now are you gonna give it back or do I have to make you!?
Twin Blade: Oh… Do you mean…
*the green-haired Twin Blade suddenly takes out a pendant with a skull engraved on the front*
Twin Blade: …this?
Kaochin: You’re gonna regret stealing that from me!!!
Twin Blade: “Steal”? Don’t you mean “win”? If I remember correctly, I PKKed you fair and square!
Kaochin: *dashes at the Twin Blade* Don’t be cocky, you smug bitch!
*as Kaochin draws close, the Twin Blade draws a unique pair of dual swords; their blades were long and coiled; the two fighters meet in a loud clashing of weapons*
Kaochin: Inferno Snare![/i]
*Kaochin flings her chakrams at the Twin Blade, their spokes covered in flames; the Twin Blade leaps over the chakrams, performs a series of acrobatic spins in midair, and lands on the ground behind Kaochin…*
Twin Blade: Whirlwind![/i]
*…before unleashing a fierce Rengeki into her back*
Kaochin: GAH!!!
*Kaochin flies forward and almost hits the ground, but at the last second uses her hand to propel herself off the ground and to her feet; her chakrams shortly return to her hands*
Kaochin: Alright! Let’s try this then! PRISON OF FIRE!!![/i]
*Kaochin conjures a large ring of flames, trapping herself and the Twin Blade inside*
Twin Blade: Heh… Well, this is a pickle…
Kaochin: I’m gonna enjoy ripping that smirk off your face…!
*without warning, Kaochin leaps into the ring of fire*
Twin Blade: *readies dual swords* …
*moments later, Kaochin reemerges from the flames – from behind the Twin Blade – and drives her chakrams into her back*
Twin Blade: G-Gah!
*Kaochin retreats into the flames once again, and reappears in front of the defenseless Twin Blade, slashing with her chakrams a second time before going back into the ring*
Twin Blade: Ugh! …Dammit…
Kaochin’s Voice: What’s the matter, girly!? Can’t hit what ya can’t see!?
Twin Blade: …Hmm… Maybe I don’t have to see you!
*the Twin Blade suddenly slams the palm of her hand on the ground…*
Twin Blade: MeRue Kruz![/i]
*…and lets loose a wide-range outbound rush of water, extinguishing the ring of fire and revealing Kaochin’s location*
Twin Blade: Found you! *dashes forward*
Kaochin: C-Crap!!!
Twin Blade: Ghost Falcon![/i]
*with Kaochin wide open, the green-haired Twin Blade unleashes a powerful flurry of slashes into her PC body, lowering her HP to zero*
Kaochin: …D-Damn you to hell…
Twin Blade: *dangles Kaochin’s skull pendant in front of her* …Seems like a lot of trouble to go through for a little trinket… Ah, whatever.*tosses pendant to ground near Kaochin* You can have it back. *walks away* Wonder if I can find a rare item around here…
Kaochin: Grrrr… (Keep smiling, you little bitch… You’ll get yours soon enough…)
*a couple hours later, in the Samurai 7 @home, Kyuzo talks with Samekh in the .hack//Arm storage chamber*
Kyuzo: …So the .hack//Arm at Hulle Granz has been discovered, eh?
Samekh: Making for a grand total of 20 – 8 for us, 9 for Glaive LeGable, and 3 owned by third party PC’s.
Kyuzo: …Which means the last one’s at…
*in the @house main chamber, the remainder of the Samurai 7 talk amongst themselves*
Jack: …Hey, I just thought of something.
Piros VIII: Huh?
Jack: Out of all the .hack//Arms we found, we never once found one at the Forest of Pain.
Claire: That’s ‘cuz we never went in far enough to get a good look around.
Jack: …Soooo…
All: …Oh, crap…
*just then, Kyuzo exits the storage chamber and enters the main chamber*
All: (…Here it comes…)
Kyuzo: …Hey, Piros… I’ve got an assignment for you.
Piros VIII: *gulp* I-It wouldn’t have anything to do with the last .hack//Arm, would it?
Kyuzo: *smirk* …Maybe…
Piros VIII: *lowers head* …I was afraid of that…
Jack: Heh! Sucks to be you, Piros!
Claire: Damn straight! Hahaha!
Kyuzo: …And take Jack and Claire with you.
Jack/Claire: Hahahaha-- Wait, WHAT?!?[/i]
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm ~ World of Sin Ran Hati*
*Piros VIII, Jack, and Claire stand on the cliff looking over the Forest of Pain*
Jack: …
Claire: …
Piros VIII: …
Jack: …Well! Doesn’t look like there are any .hack//Arms down there! *attempts to walk off*
Claire: Yeah, I agree! Can’t say we didn’t try! *attempts to walk off*
Piros VIII: *grabs Jack and Claire by the collars* Oh, no, you don’t! If I have to go through this, so do you!
Claire: Let me go, Piros!!!
Jack: Yeah!!! We ain’t goin’ in there even if you pay us!!!
Piros VIII: Not a chance! Now let’s go!
*as Piros warps into the Forest of Pain with Jack and Claire, another player is seen gating in near the Chaos Gate*
???: Hmm…? Did someone go in before me…? *gasp* Oh, no! I can’t let ‘em get to the rare items before me! *runs over to cliff-side Chaos Gate and warps into the Forest*
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 9*
Jack: Air Raid![/i]
*Jack finishes off the last enemy of the floor with an aerial Partizan Rengeki*
Jack: *puts away lance and wipes away sweat* Whew! That was easier than I thought!
Claire: Yeah! Maybe this’ll be a piece of cake!
Piros VIII: Indeed! Come on now! Onward and upward!
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 16*
Claire: Tiger Bazooka!![/i]
*Claire unleashes a rapid flurry of punches upon the last enemy of the floor, finishing them off*
Claire: Whew… Man! All this way and STILL no .hack//Arm!
Jack: …You don’t think we gotta go down all the way to the 100th floor, do you!?
Piros VIII: *puts away scythe* We shall press on even if we must traverse 1000 floors!!! Now let’s go! Step lively!
Jack: …I swear I’m gonna kick that retard’s ass…
Claire: …Right after we kick Kyuzo’s ass…
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 30*
Claire: *collapses onto ground* No…more…
Jack: *falls over and drops blade sword* Can’t…go…on…
Piros VIII: Oh, come on, you two! Only 70 floors to go!
Jack: *hops to feet* What the hell is wrong with you, Piros!? Where do you get all this energy from!?
Claire: *hops to feet* “Only 70 floors”!? I refuse to proceed even ONE[/i] more floor!!
Jack: You wanna please Kyuzo that badly!?
Claire: You wanna find the .hack//Arm that badly!?
Jack/Claire: THEN YOU CAN KEEP GOING BY YOURSELF!!!!![/i][/size]
Piros VIII: *sweatdrop* …F-Fine! If that’s the way you feel, then I shall! I’ll retrieve the .hack//Arm BY MYSELF! And I’ll gain Kyuzo’s recognition BY MYSELF! *turns around and stomps away*
Jack: … *sigh* Maybe now we can rest for a bit…
Claire: Yeah… That guy won’t be able to go FIVE floors without running back to us for help!
*meanwhile…*
Piros VIII: Hmph! The nerve of those two! And they call themselves my guildmates! Well, I’ll show them! I’ll find the .hack//Arm all on my own!
*in the final chamber of the 30th floor, Piros encounters the boss: a giant bird-like creature*
Boss: *screech*
Piros VIII: Heh! *readies scythe* Have at thee, foul squawker!!!
*several minutes later, Claire restores the last of Jack’s HP with Repth*
Jack: Ahhh… Much better. Thanks, Claire.
Claire: No prob. …Hmm… That’s weird. I would’ve expected Piros to be back by now.
Jack: Tch. Idiot probably got himself lost or something…
Claire: Hahaha! Yeah, definitely!
???: …Hey, you!
Jack/Claire: Hmm?
*Jack and Claire look over to the Floor 30 entrance to see a green-haired Twin Blade walking towards them*
Jack: Who are you, and what do you want?
Twin Blade: I saw you and your party a little earlier around the 20th floor. Didn’t your party have a third member?
Jack: Why’s it any of your business, girl?
Claire: …Hmm? *gasp* Hey! I know you! You’re Natsuki the PKK!
Natsuki: *smile* So you’ve heard of me, huh? Hehehe!
Jack: …Claire? Care to enlighten me?
Claire: Natsuki the PKK. She’s a powerful PKK and a notorious treasure hunter. They say she owns one rare item from every PKer she’s ever defeated.
Jack: Whoa…
Natsuki: Awww, come on! You’re making me blush!
*just then, a panicky scream echoes through the 30th floor of the forest*
Natsuki: W-What the hell was that!?
Jack/Claire: *sweatdrop* …Oh, no…
*Jack, Claire, and Natsuki rush over to the chamber where Piros was doing battle with the giant bird-like monster; the creature is seen chasing Piros around in circles*
Piros VIII: COMRADES!!! ASSISTANCE, IF YOU PLEASE!!!
Claire: … *groan* Honestly, Piros… Well, I guess we should go help him.
Jack: …Looks like someone beat ya to it.
Claire: Hmm?
*Natsuki is seen dashing towards the monster with her coiled dual swords drawn*
Jack: Girl’s pretty quick on the draw, huh?
Claire: …I’ll say…
Piros VIII: *flailing arms* HELP ME!!!!
Natsuki: Hey, “Mr. Panic Attack”, get down!
Piros VIII: Huh!?
*Piros notices Natsuki dashing straight towards him; afraid that he was her target, Piros stops running and ducks down to the ground*
Natsuki: Bingo!
*Natsuki leaps forward and uses Piros’ back to propel herself higher into the air*
Natsuki: SUPER CHAOTIC STRIKE!!![/i]
*once within range of the monster, Natsuki unleashes a nearly-100-hit Rengeki into its body, killing it in an instant; Natsuki lands on the ground, puts her dual swords away, and turns to face the cowering Piros*
Natsuki: Hahahaha! I just totally saved your ass! *imitating Piros* “COMRADES!!! ASSISTANCE, IF YOU PLEASE!!!” Hah! You’re such a pushover!
Piros VIII: *stands up and faces Natsuki* P-Pushover!? You wouldn’t have been able to defeat that beast with one blow if I hadn’t weakened it first!
Natsuki: *waves hand in front of face* Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, ‘goldilocks’!
Jack: *walks over to Piros and Natsuki* Nice attack there, green-hair.
Natsuki: Thanks!
Claire: *walks over* Though…what kind of name is “Super Chaotic Strike”?
Natsuki: Hmph! It’s my Rengeki; I can call it whatever I want!
Claire: …Touchy…
Jack: *sigh* Well…30 floors and still no .hack//Arm. Maybe we should head back to restock on items?
Piros VIII: I concur!
Claire: I dunno… If the .hack//Arm really is all the way on the 100th floor, there’s no way we’ll make it that far at the level we’re at right now.
Jack: Yeah, I guess you’re right… In that case, let’s go report to Kyuzo.
Piros VIII: I concur!
Jack/Claire: …Shut up, Piros…
Natsuki: Hehehehe.
Jack/Claire: Hmm? *looks at Natsuki* Did you just…laugh at Piros’ stupidity?
Natsuki: Why not? Your friend’s funny.
Jack: …
Claire: …Well, I guess someone has to think so…
Piros VIII: Hahahaha! *pats Natsuki on the shoulder* I like your spirit, girl! It’d be my honor to invite you back to our @home!
Natsuki: Oh! You’re all members of the same guild?
Jack/Claire: …Unfortunately…
*a short time later, Jack, Claire, Piros, and Natsuki enter Samurai 7’s @home*
Piros VIII: Welcome to the @home of the Samurai 7, Natsuki!
Natsuki: Wow… I’ve never been inside an @home before… It’s kinda cool.
*just then, the treasure box positioned at the back of the @home against the wall creaks open, and Shady Grunty sticks his head out*
Shady: Hmm? *gasp* INTRUDER!!!
*Shady Grunty pops out of the box and pounces at Natsuki…*
Shady: GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*…but using her superb reflexes, Natsuki grabs Shady Grunty, holds him close, and starts scratching behind his ears*
Natsuki: Awww! You’re so cute!
Shady: H-Hey! Let me go! L-Let me… Ahhh… That feels good…
Jack/Claire: …That was quick…
*at that moment, Samekh steps out of the .hack//Arm storage chamber and enters the @home’s main chamber*
Samekh: Good, you’re all here. I have a-- *notices Natsuki and gasps* Natsume?
Natsuki: Huh…?
Samekh: … *ahem* …A friend of yours, I take it?
Piros VIII: Allow me to introduce you. This is Natsuki. We met her in the Forest of Pain. Natsuki, this is another of our guildmates, Samekh.
Natsuki: Uh… H-Hi.
Samekh: …Charmed.
Claire: You were saying something just now, Sammy?
Samekh: Hmm? …Oh, yes. I have a message for you from Kyuzo. He said that he had to go take care of something and will be back in about an hour. Until then, you’re free to do as you please, whether or not you found the .hack//Arm at the Forest of Pain.
Jack: Whew… Well, that’s a load off. I was sure Kyuzo would eat us out if we came back empty-handed.
Claire: Hey, since we have the next few hours off, why don’t we go take on a quest? It’d be a great way to kill time AND we’ll be able to boost our levels a bit. You wanna come along, Natsuki?
Natsuki: Sure!
Piros VIII: Then it’s settled!!! Onward to adventure!!!
*Piros heads for the @home’s entrance, but trips over his own feet and falls flat on his face*
Natsuki: *sweatdrop, looks at Jack and Claire* …Not the most graceful guy, is he?
Jack/Claire: …You don’t know the half of it…
*…Σ Ephemeral Evening’s Symphony…*
*Jack, Claire, Piros, and Natsuki are seen gating into a dungeon*
Piros VIII: *turns to face party* Alright, team! This is our mission!
Jack/Claire: *sigh* Not again…
Piros VIII: We’ve come in search of the elusive and deadly Parasite Ziger! We shall not stop until we find and destroy it! Understood!?
Natsuki: *salutes Piros* SIR, YES, SIR!!!
Piros VIII: That’s the spirit! Now…let’s go!
*Piros VIII and Natsuki dash into the dungeon, leaving Jack and Claire behind*
Jack: …Let’s flip a coin. Heads – we leave; tails – we leave.
Claire: Oh, quit your whining and get moving.
*a short time later, Piros and Natsuki talk while walking ahead of Jack and Claire*
Piros VIII: NO WAY!!!
Natsuki: Yes way! My mom partied with Haseo of the Black Flame and Endrance of the Red Roses back during the days of Revision 2!
Piros VIII: Then your mom must’ve known my dad, because he mentioned partying with Haseo as well!
Natsuki: Really? Wow, that’s awesome!
Jack: …I don’t know what’s more disturbing: the fact that this girl gets along with Piros so well, or that she’s just as annoying as he is.
Claire: *groan* These two have been talking for the past-- Hmm?
*in the distance, Claire spots a Ziger-type monster with purple fur*
Claire: Hey! There’s the Parasite Ziger! Piros, Natsuki, let’s go!
*Piros and Natsuki are seen laughing and pay no attention to Claire*
Claire: …Perfect… *draws gauntlets* Alright, Jack, let’s get this over with.
Jack: *draws lance* Right behind ya!
*a short time later, the group eventually reaches the Beast Temple room; Piros and Natsuki are still talking while Claire and Jack walk a short distance behind them*
Natsuki: Really? You like udon noodles too?
Piros VIII: Indeed! The perfect mesh between taste and texture! Mix in a little egg and soy sauce, and your taste buds will be sent on a rocket to the moon!
Natsuki: Hahaha! I oughta try that some time!
Jack: …Someone kill me now…
Claire: *pulls at own hair* Aghhh! These two chatter away for hours and we get stuck doing all the quest work! *sigh* At least we’re almost out of the dungeon…
???: HEY, YOU!!!
All: Hmm?
*the group looks ahead of them to find Kaochin standing underneath the Beast Statue with her chakrams drawn*
Jack: Now what!?
Claire: *gasp* Hey! Aren’t you Kaochin the fourth-most wanted Blacklister!?
Kaochin: Sorry. I don’t do autographs.
Natsuki: …Hey, “Kao-chan!”
Kaochin: That’s Kao-CHIN[/size]!!! I told you to stop calling me that!!! *points chakram at Natsuki* You and I have some unfinished business, girl!!!
Natsuki: What do you mean “unfinished business”? I gave your pendant back, didn’t I?
Kaochin: The pendant had nothing to do with it! I came here to reclaim my pride as a PK! *readies chakrams* Now let’s go!
Natsuki: You PKers and your pride… *sigh* Guess I have no choice. *draws dual swords*
Piros VIII: I’ve got your back, Natsuki!
Natsuki: Nothing personal, Piros, but this is between me and her.
Piros VIII: Oh… Very well. I wish you the best of luck.
Natsuki: …Thanks.
Claire: …Twenty bucks says Natsuki bites it.
Jack: …You’re on.
*as Jack, Claire, and Piros back away, Natsuki and Kaochin stare each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move*
Natsuki: …
Kaochin: …
*just then, Kaochin’s finger twitches just slightly, and in that instant, Natsuki and Kaochin vanish and meet in a relentless flurry of strikes*
Jack: DAMN!!! Look at ‘em go!
Claire: One of the top PKers in The World versus one of the top PKKers… Man, I wish I could record this!
Piros VIII: Yes! That’s the way, Natsuki! Show that PK heathen what for!
Natsuki: Rengeki: Sparrow Counter![/i]
*Natsuki attempts to drive her dual sword into Kaochin in an upward motion, but Kaochin dodges at the last second and, while Natsuki was in midair…*
Kaochin: Rampant Buzzsaw![/i]
*…tosses her chakrams, which tear deeply into Natsuki’s PC body*
Natsuki: Gah!!!
*Natsuki plunges down at the ground and, acting quickly, uses her hands to propel herself to her feet*
Natsuki: Hehehe… Not bad, “Kao-chan”…
Kaochin: *dashes towards Natsuki* STOP CALLING ME THAT!!!
*Natsuki and Kaochin meet in another clashing of weapons, but several of Kaochin’s attacks manage to land and, little by little, Natsuki’s HP drops*
Kaochin: Rengeki: Wild Blades!!![/i]
*with Natsuki weakened, Kaochin lets loose a series of super-quick slashes into her PC body, with the final blow sending her flying into the Beast Statue*
Natsuki: Ugh… D-Dammit…
Kaochin: *readies chakrams and walks towards Natsuki* Hehehe… How the mighty have fallen…
Natsuki: Grrrr…
*Natsuki reaches for her dual swords, but Kaochin suddenly plants her high heel into Natsuki’s wrist*
Natsuki: GAH!!!
Kaochin: What’s the matter!? Does it hurt!? Huh!? DOES IT?!?
Jack: Ooh… That certainly looks painful…
Claire: Ah, you’re just pissed ‘cuz you’re losing the bet! Hah!
Piros VIII: Grrrr… *draws scythe*
Natsuki: *wincing in pain*
Kaochin: *chuckling maniacally* How’s it feel, bitch!? How’s it feel to lose!?
*just then, a scythe’s blade is positioned next to Kaochin’s neck*
Kaochin: Hmm?
Piros VIII: …I’ll give you two seconds to get away from my new friend.
Kaochin: …Heh.
*in a swift flash, Kaochin swipes her chakrams and ends Piros’ life in an instant; his PC body’s color turns to grayscale*
Piros VIII: …That could’ve…gone better… *falls over*
Kaochin: … *looks over at Jack and Claire* …Hehehe…
Jack: *sweatdrop* …Oh, crap, she’s gonna waste us… Do something, Claire! You’re the second-most wanted Blacklister! You outrank her!
Claire: *sigh* I guess if you want something done right…
Kaochin: … *deep gasp*
*behind Kaochin, Natsuki is seen holding a single dual sword with her uninjured hand; a deep gash is shown on Kaochin’s back*
Kaochin: *slowly turns head to face Natsuki* Y-You…son of a…
Natsuki: *panting* You should…know better than to…turn your back on…your opponent…
Kaochin: *grits teeth* D…Damn…you… *falls over dead*
Natsuki: *falls to knees* Whew… What a day…
Claire: …
Jack: Hah!!! You owe me twenty bucks, Claire!!!
Claire: …Tch!
*a little later on, in the Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: …Hmm? Oh. You’ve returned.
Jack: Hey, Sammy!
Claire: …Hey.
Samekh: You’re just in time. Mr. Kyuzo came back a little before your arrival.
Natsuki: So this Kyuzo guy’s your guildmaster?
Piros VIII: Indeed!
*moments later, Kyuzo steps out of the .hack//Arm storage chamber and enters the @home’s main chamber*
Kyuzo: You talking to someone in here, Samekh? *looks at group* Oh. It’s just you all. …Hmm? *looks at Natsuki* And who do we have here?
Piros VIII: This is Natsuki. We met her in the Forest of Pain.
Jack: Not to mention if she didn’t come along, your ass would be grass right now! Hehehe!
Piros VIII: Hmph!
Kyuzo: …A pleasure.
Natsuki: Hiya!
Claire: You should’ve seen this girl, Kyuzo! She totally wasted that monster in the Forest that nearly wasted Piros AND she’s a hell of a PKK! It was awesome!
Natsuki: *blush* Aw, it wasn’t that big a deal.
Kyuzo: *raises eyebrow* …Really?
Jack: Hell yeah! She even took out the Chaotic PK Kaochin!
Kyuzo: …Kaochin, huh…? Hmm…
Piros VIII: Kyuzo! I have a request!
Kyuzo: What?
Piros VIII: I request that we have Natsuki here join the Samurai 7!
Natsuki: !!!
Jack: (Uh-oh… I was afraid this might happen…)
Claire: (Piros and his female counterpart in the same guild!? Oh, God, PLEASE[/i] say no!)
Kyuzo: *crosses arms* Hmm…
All: …
Kyuzo: … *walks up to Natsuki* Natsuki.
Natsuki: Hmm?
Kyuzo: A member of my guild’s extended to you an invitation to join. What do you say? Naturally, I’m more than happy to have a new member, but it’s not up to me, now is it?
Natsuki: … *looks at Piros*
Piros VIII: …
Natsuki: …I…
Kyuzo: …
Natsuki: … *looks at Kyuzo* …Yeah! I wanna join the Samurai 7!
Kyuzo: … *grin* …Glad to hear it.
*Kyuzo takes out a Samurai 7 Guest Key and presents it to Natsuki, who accepts it; seeing this, Jack’s and Claire’s jaws drop*
Piros VIII: HUZZAH!!![/i][/size]
Natsuki: *shows Guest Key to Piros* Isn’t this awesome, Piros!?
Piros VIII: ‘Tis indeed awesome!
*as Piros and Natsuki cheer amongst themselves, Kyuzo, Jack, and Claire watch*
Kyuzo: Hmm… Those two sure get along, don’t they?
Jack/Claire: …I wonder if it’s too late to quit…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Ovan: That’s the footage from Hayate’s latest battle with Kaeion, isn’t it?
Haseo: What do you make of this, Ovan?
Ovan: Hmm… I think the time has come to begin the next part of our operation.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Where’ve you been, Hayate!? It’s been over a week! We’ve been worried sick about you!
Hayate: …
Izumi: Please say something to me!!!
~*~*~*~
Kaga: Come on… Come on… Come on! GAH!!! …Dammit…
~*~*~*~
Tsukiyomi: If you’re not gonna help me, then I’ll just get my dual swords back on my own!
~*~*~*~
Hayate: I’m tired of being powerless. I’m tired of having those close to me taken away because I’m incapable of protecting them. …Please teach me how to control this power.
Dekar: …You can come out now.
???: So this is the new Gorre, huh?
Hayate: W-Who are you?
Sakubo: …You can call me ‘Bo’.
37th Phase: Evening of the Epitaphs![/color]
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Delusions ~ Enchanted City Naval Monte*
*in front of the dried-out water fountain at the heart of the city, a light-green-haired Twin Blade faces off with a blond Ardent Corsair Chaotic PK*
Twin Blade: So, you followed me all the way here, huh, “Kao-chan”?
Kaochin: That’s Kao-CHIN!!! Quit calling me “Kao-chan” like we’re friends or something! *readies chakrams* Now are you gonna give it back or do I have to make you!?
Twin Blade: Oh… Do you mean…
*the green-haired Twin Blade suddenly takes out a pendant with a skull engraved on the front*
Twin Blade: …this?
Kaochin: You’re gonna regret stealing that from me!!!
Twin Blade: “Steal”? Don’t you mean “win”? If I remember correctly, I PKKed you fair and square!
Kaochin: *dashes at the Twin Blade* Don’t be cocky, you smug bitch!
*as Kaochin draws close, the Twin Blade draws a unique pair of dual swords; their blades were long and coiled; the two fighters meet in a loud clashing of weapons*
Kaochin: Inferno Snare![/i]
*Kaochin flings her chakrams at the Twin Blade, their spokes covered in flames; the Twin Blade leaps over the chakrams, performs a series of acrobatic spins in midair, and lands on the ground behind Kaochin…*
Twin Blade: Whirlwind![/i]
*…before unleashing a fierce Rengeki into her back*
Kaochin: GAH!!!
*Kaochin flies forward and almost hits the ground, but at the last second uses her hand to propel herself off the ground and to her feet; her chakrams shortly return to her hands*
Kaochin: Alright! Let’s try this then! PRISON OF FIRE!!![/i]
*Kaochin conjures a large ring of flames, trapping herself and the Twin Blade inside*
Twin Blade: Heh… Well, this is a pickle…
Kaochin: I’m gonna enjoy ripping that smirk off your face…!
*without warning, Kaochin leaps into the ring of fire*
Twin Blade: *readies dual swords* …
*moments later, Kaochin reemerges from the flames – from behind the Twin Blade – and drives her chakrams into her back*
Twin Blade: G-Gah!
*Kaochin retreats into the flames once again, and reappears in front of the defenseless Twin Blade, slashing with her chakrams a second time before going back into the ring*
Twin Blade: Ugh! …Dammit…
Kaochin’s Voice: What’s the matter, girly!? Can’t hit what ya can’t see!?
Twin Blade: …Hmm… Maybe I don’t have to see you!
*the Twin Blade suddenly slams the palm of her hand on the ground…*
Twin Blade: MeRue Kruz![/i]
*…and lets loose a wide-range outbound rush of water, extinguishing the ring of fire and revealing Kaochin’s location*
Twin Blade: Found you! *dashes forward*
Kaochin: C-Crap!!!
Twin Blade: Ghost Falcon![/i]
*with Kaochin wide open, the green-haired Twin Blade unleashes a powerful flurry of slashes into her PC body, lowering her HP to zero*
Kaochin: …D-Damn you to hell…
Twin Blade: *dangles Kaochin’s skull pendant in front of her* …Seems like a lot of trouble to go through for a little trinket… Ah, whatever.*tosses pendant to ground near Kaochin* You can have it back. *walks away* Wonder if I can find a rare item around here…
Kaochin: Grrrr… (Keep smiling, you little bitch… You’ll get yours soon enough…)
*a couple hours later, in the Samurai 7 @home, Kyuzo talks with Samekh in the .hack//Arm storage chamber*
Kyuzo: …So the .hack//Arm at Hulle Granz has been discovered, eh?
Samekh: Making for a grand total of 20 – 8 for us, 9 for Glaive LeGable, and 3 owned by third party PC’s.
Kyuzo: …Which means the last one’s at…
*in the @house main chamber, the remainder of the Samurai 7 talk amongst themselves*
Jack: …Hey, I just thought of something.
Piros VIII: Huh?
Jack: Out of all the .hack//Arms we found, we never once found one at the Forest of Pain.
Claire: That’s ‘cuz we never went in far enough to get a good look around.
Jack: …Soooo…
All: …Oh, crap…
*just then, Kyuzo exits the storage chamber and enters the main chamber*
All: (…Here it comes…)
Kyuzo: …Hey, Piros… I’ve got an assignment for you.
Piros VIII: *gulp* I-It wouldn’t have anything to do with the last .hack//Arm, would it?
Kyuzo: *smirk* …Maybe…
Piros VIII: *lowers head* …I was afraid of that…
Jack: Heh! Sucks to be you, Piros!
Claire: Damn straight! Hahaha!
Kyuzo: …And take Jack and Claire with you.
Jack/Claire: Hahahaha-- Wait, WHAT?!?[/i]
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm ~ World of Sin Ran Hati*
*Piros VIII, Jack, and Claire stand on the cliff looking over the Forest of Pain*
Jack: …
Claire: …
Piros VIII: …
Jack: …Well! Doesn’t look like there are any .hack//Arms down there! *attempts to walk off*
Claire: Yeah, I agree! Can’t say we didn’t try! *attempts to walk off*
Piros VIII: *grabs Jack and Claire by the collars* Oh, no, you don’t! If I have to go through this, so do you!
Claire: Let me go, Piros!!!
Jack: Yeah!!! We ain’t goin’ in there even if you pay us!!!
Piros VIII: Not a chance! Now let’s go!
*as Piros warps into the Forest of Pain with Jack and Claire, another player is seen gating in near the Chaos Gate*
???: Hmm…? Did someone go in before me…? *gasp* Oh, no! I can’t let ‘em get to the rare items before me! *runs over to cliff-side Chaos Gate and warps into the Forest*
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 9*
Jack: Air Raid![/i]
*Jack finishes off the last enemy of the floor with an aerial Partizan Rengeki*
Jack: *puts away lance and wipes away sweat* Whew! That was easier than I thought!
Claire: Yeah! Maybe this’ll be a piece of cake!
Piros VIII: Indeed! Come on now! Onward and upward!
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 16*
Claire: Tiger Bazooka!![/i]
*Claire unleashes a rapid flurry of punches upon the last enemy of the floor, finishing them off*
Claire: Whew… Man! All this way and STILL no .hack//Arm!
Jack: …You don’t think we gotta go down all the way to the 100th floor, do you!?
Piros VIII: *puts away scythe* We shall press on even if we must traverse 1000 floors!!! Now let’s go! Step lively!
Jack: …I swear I’m gonna kick that retard’s ass…
Claire: …Right after we kick Kyuzo’s ass…
*Forest of Pain ~ Floor 30*
Claire: *collapses onto ground* No…more…
Jack: *falls over and drops blade sword* Can’t…go…on…
Piros VIII: Oh, come on, you two! Only 70 floors to go!
Jack: *hops to feet* What the hell is wrong with you, Piros!? Where do you get all this energy from!?
Claire: *hops to feet* “Only 70 floors”!? I refuse to proceed even ONE[/i] more floor!!
Jack: You wanna please Kyuzo that badly!?
Claire: You wanna find the .hack//Arm that badly!?
Jack/Claire: THEN YOU CAN KEEP GOING BY YOURSELF!!!!![/i][/size]
Piros VIII: *sweatdrop* …F-Fine! If that’s the way you feel, then I shall! I’ll retrieve the .hack//Arm BY MYSELF! And I’ll gain Kyuzo’s recognition BY MYSELF! *turns around and stomps away*
Jack: … *sigh* Maybe now we can rest for a bit…
Claire: Yeah… That guy won’t be able to go FIVE floors without running back to us for help!
*meanwhile…*
Piros VIII: Hmph! The nerve of those two! And they call themselves my guildmates! Well, I’ll show them! I’ll find the .hack//Arm all on my own!
*in the final chamber of the 30th floor, Piros encounters the boss: a giant bird-like creature*
Boss: *screech*
Piros VIII: Heh! *readies scythe* Have at thee, foul squawker!!!
*several minutes later, Claire restores the last of Jack’s HP with Repth*
Jack: Ahhh… Much better. Thanks, Claire.
Claire: No prob. …Hmm… That’s weird. I would’ve expected Piros to be back by now.
Jack: Tch. Idiot probably got himself lost or something…
Claire: Hahaha! Yeah, definitely!
???: …Hey, you!
Jack/Claire: Hmm?
*Jack and Claire look over to the Floor 30 entrance to see a green-haired Twin Blade walking towards them*
Jack: Who are you, and what do you want?
Twin Blade: I saw you and your party a little earlier around the 20th floor. Didn’t your party have a third member?
Jack: Why’s it any of your business, girl?
Claire: …Hmm? *gasp* Hey! I know you! You’re Natsuki the PKK!
Natsuki: *smile* So you’ve heard of me, huh? Hehehe!
Jack: …Claire? Care to enlighten me?
Claire: Natsuki the PKK. She’s a powerful PKK and a notorious treasure hunter. They say she owns one rare item from every PKer she’s ever defeated.
Jack: Whoa…
Natsuki: Awww, come on! You’re making me blush!
*just then, a panicky scream echoes through the 30th floor of the forest*
Natsuki: W-What the hell was that!?
Jack/Claire: *sweatdrop* …Oh, no…
*Jack, Claire, and Natsuki rush over to the chamber where Piros was doing battle with the giant bird-like monster; the creature is seen chasing Piros around in circles*
Piros VIII: COMRADES!!! ASSISTANCE, IF YOU PLEASE!!!
Claire: … *groan* Honestly, Piros… Well, I guess we should go help him.
Jack: …Looks like someone beat ya to it.
Claire: Hmm?
*Natsuki is seen dashing towards the monster with her coiled dual swords drawn*
Jack: Girl’s pretty quick on the draw, huh?
Claire: …I’ll say…
Piros VIII: *flailing arms* HELP ME!!!!
Natsuki: Hey, “Mr. Panic Attack”, get down!
Piros VIII: Huh!?
*Piros notices Natsuki dashing straight towards him; afraid that he was her target, Piros stops running and ducks down to the ground*
Natsuki: Bingo!
*Natsuki leaps forward and uses Piros’ back to propel herself higher into the air*
Natsuki: SUPER CHAOTIC STRIKE!!![/i]
*once within range of the monster, Natsuki unleashes a nearly-100-hit Rengeki into its body, killing it in an instant; Natsuki lands on the ground, puts her dual swords away, and turns to face the cowering Piros*
Natsuki: Hahahaha! I just totally saved your ass! *imitating Piros* “COMRADES!!! ASSISTANCE, IF YOU PLEASE!!!” Hah! You’re such a pushover!
Piros VIII: *stands up and faces Natsuki* P-Pushover!? You wouldn’t have been able to defeat that beast with one blow if I hadn’t weakened it first!
Natsuki: *waves hand in front of face* Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, ‘goldilocks’!
Jack: *walks over to Piros and Natsuki* Nice attack there, green-hair.
Natsuki: Thanks!
Claire: *walks over* Though…what kind of name is “Super Chaotic Strike”?
Natsuki: Hmph! It’s my Rengeki; I can call it whatever I want!
Claire: …Touchy…
Jack: *sigh* Well…30 floors and still no .hack//Arm. Maybe we should head back to restock on items?
Piros VIII: I concur!
Claire: I dunno… If the .hack//Arm really is all the way on the 100th floor, there’s no way we’ll make it that far at the level we’re at right now.
Jack: Yeah, I guess you’re right… In that case, let’s go report to Kyuzo.
Piros VIII: I concur!
Jack/Claire: …Shut up, Piros…
Natsuki: Hehehehe.
Jack/Claire: Hmm? *looks at Natsuki* Did you just…laugh at Piros’ stupidity?
Natsuki: Why not? Your friend’s funny.
Jack: …
Claire: …Well, I guess someone has to think so…
Piros VIII: Hahahaha! *pats Natsuki on the shoulder* I like your spirit, girl! It’d be my honor to invite you back to our @home!
Natsuki: Oh! You’re all members of the same guild?
Jack/Claire: …Unfortunately…
*a short time later, Jack, Claire, Piros, and Natsuki enter Samurai 7’s @home*
Piros VIII: Welcome to the @home of the Samurai 7, Natsuki!
Natsuki: Wow… I’ve never been inside an @home before… It’s kinda cool.
*just then, the treasure box positioned at the back of the @home against the wall creaks open, and Shady Grunty sticks his head out*
Shady: Hmm? *gasp* INTRUDER!!!
*Shady Grunty pops out of the box and pounces at Natsuki…*
Shady: GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*…but using her superb reflexes, Natsuki grabs Shady Grunty, holds him close, and starts scratching behind his ears*
Natsuki: Awww! You’re so cute!
Shady: H-Hey! Let me go! L-Let me… Ahhh… That feels good…
Jack/Claire: …That was quick…
*at that moment, Samekh steps out of the .hack//Arm storage chamber and enters the @home’s main chamber*
Samekh: Good, you’re all here. I have a-- *notices Natsuki and gasps* Natsume?
Natsuki: Huh…?
Samekh: … *ahem* …A friend of yours, I take it?
Piros VIII: Allow me to introduce you. This is Natsuki. We met her in the Forest of Pain. Natsuki, this is another of our guildmates, Samekh.
Natsuki: Uh… H-Hi.
Samekh: …Charmed.
Claire: You were saying something just now, Sammy?
Samekh: Hmm? …Oh, yes. I have a message for you from Kyuzo. He said that he had to go take care of something and will be back in about an hour. Until then, you’re free to do as you please, whether or not you found the .hack//Arm at the Forest of Pain.
Jack: Whew… Well, that’s a load off. I was sure Kyuzo would eat us out if we came back empty-handed.
Claire: Hey, since we have the next few hours off, why don’t we go take on a quest? It’d be a great way to kill time AND we’ll be able to boost our levels a bit. You wanna come along, Natsuki?
Natsuki: Sure!
Piros VIII: Then it’s settled!!! Onward to adventure!!!
*Piros heads for the @home’s entrance, but trips over his own feet and falls flat on his face*
Natsuki: *sweatdrop, looks at Jack and Claire* …Not the most graceful guy, is he?
Jack/Claire: …You don’t know the half of it…
*…Σ Ephemeral Evening’s Symphony…*
*Jack, Claire, Piros, and Natsuki are seen gating into a dungeon*
Piros VIII: *turns to face party* Alright, team! This is our mission!
Jack/Claire: *sigh* Not again…
Piros VIII: We’ve come in search of the elusive and deadly Parasite Ziger! We shall not stop until we find and destroy it! Understood!?
Natsuki: *salutes Piros* SIR, YES, SIR!!!
Piros VIII: That’s the spirit! Now…let’s go!
*Piros VIII and Natsuki dash into the dungeon, leaving Jack and Claire behind*
Jack: …Let’s flip a coin. Heads – we leave; tails – we leave.
Claire: Oh, quit your whining and get moving.
*a short time later, Piros and Natsuki talk while walking ahead of Jack and Claire*
Piros VIII: NO WAY!!!
Natsuki: Yes way! My mom partied with Haseo of the Black Flame and Endrance of the Red Roses back during the days of Revision 2!
Piros VIII: Then your mom must’ve known my dad, because he mentioned partying with Haseo as well!
Natsuki: Really? Wow, that’s awesome!
Jack: …I don’t know what’s more disturbing: the fact that this girl gets along with Piros so well, or that she’s just as annoying as he is.
Claire: *groan* These two have been talking for the past-- Hmm?
*in the distance, Claire spots a Ziger-type monster with purple fur*
Claire: Hey! There’s the Parasite Ziger! Piros, Natsuki, let’s go!
*Piros and Natsuki are seen laughing and pay no attention to Claire*
Claire: …Perfect… *draws gauntlets* Alright, Jack, let’s get this over with.
Jack: *draws lance* Right behind ya!
*a short time later, the group eventually reaches the Beast Temple room; Piros and Natsuki are still talking while Claire and Jack walk a short distance behind them*
Natsuki: Really? You like udon noodles too?
Piros VIII: Indeed! The perfect mesh between taste and texture! Mix in a little egg and soy sauce, and your taste buds will be sent on a rocket to the moon!
Natsuki: Hahaha! I oughta try that some time!
Jack: …Someone kill me now…
Claire: *pulls at own hair* Aghhh! These two chatter away for hours and we get stuck doing all the quest work! *sigh* At least we’re almost out of the dungeon…
???: HEY, YOU!!!
All: Hmm?
*the group looks ahead of them to find Kaochin standing underneath the Beast Statue with her chakrams drawn*
Jack: Now what!?
Claire: *gasp* Hey! Aren’t you Kaochin the fourth-most wanted Blacklister!?
Kaochin: Sorry. I don’t do autographs.
Natsuki: …Hey, “Kao-chan!”
Kaochin: That’s Kao-CHIN[/size]!!! I told you to stop calling me that!!! *points chakram at Natsuki* You and I have some unfinished business, girl!!!
Natsuki: What do you mean “unfinished business”? I gave your pendant back, didn’t I?
Kaochin: The pendant had nothing to do with it! I came here to reclaim my pride as a PK! *readies chakrams* Now let’s go!
Natsuki: You PKers and your pride… *sigh* Guess I have no choice. *draws dual swords*
Piros VIII: I’ve got your back, Natsuki!
Natsuki: Nothing personal, Piros, but this is between me and her.
Piros VIII: Oh… Very well. I wish you the best of luck.
Natsuki: …Thanks.
Claire: …Twenty bucks says Natsuki bites it.
Jack: …You’re on.
*as Jack, Claire, and Piros back away, Natsuki and Kaochin stare each other down, waiting for the other to make the first move*
Natsuki: …
Kaochin: …
*just then, Kaochin’s finger twitches just slightly, and in that instant, Natsuki and Kaochin vanish and meet in a relentless flurry of strikes*
Jack: DAMN!!! Look at ‘em go!
Claire: One of the top PKers in The World versus one of the top PKKers… Man, I wish I could record this!
Piros VIII: Yes! That’s the way, Natsuki! Show that PK heathen what for!
Natsuki: Rengeki: Sparrow Counter![/i]
*Natsuki attempts to drive her dual sword into Kaochin in an upward motion, but Kaochin dodges at the last second and, while Natsuki was in midair…*
Kaochin: Rampant Buzzsaw![/i]
*…tosses her chakrams, which tear deeply into Natsuki’s PC body*
Natsuki: Gah!!!
*Natsuki plunges down at the ground and, acting quickly, uses her hands to propel herself to her feet*
Natsuki: Hehehe… Not bad, “Kao-chan”…
Kaochin: *dashes towards Natsuki* STOP CALLING ME THAT!!!
*Natsuki and Kaochin meet in another clashing of weapons, but several of Kaochin’s attacks manage to land and, little by little, Natsuki’s HP drops*
Kaochin: Rengeki: Wild Blades!!![/i]
*with Natsuki weakened, Kaochin lets loose a series of super-quick slashes into her PC body, with the final blow sending her flying into the Beast Statue*
Natsuki: Ugh… D-Dammit…
Kaochin: *readies chakrams and walks towards Natsuki* Hehehe… How the mighty have fallen…
Natsuki: Grrrr…
*Natsuki reaches for her dual swords, but Kaochin suddenly plants her high heel into Natsuki’s wrist*
Natsuki: GAH!!!
Kaochin: What’s the matter!? Does it hurt!? Huh!? DOES IT?!?
Jack: Ooh… That certainly looks painful…
Claire: Ah, you’re just pissed ‘cuz you’re losing the bet! Hah!
Piros VIII: Grrrr… *draws scythe*
Natsuki: *wincing in pain*
Kaochin: *chuckling maniacally* How’s it feel, bitch!? How’s it feel to lose!?
*just then, a scythe’s blade is positioned next to Kaochin’s neck*
Kaochin: Hmm?
Piros VIII: …I’ll give you two seconds to get away from my new friend.
Kaochin: …Heh.
*in a swift flash, Kaochin swipes her chakrams and ends Piros’ life in an instant; his PC body’s color turns to grayscale*
Piros VIII: …That could’ve…gone better… *falls over*
Kaochin: … *looks over at Jack and Claire* …Hehehe…
Jack: *sweatdrop* …Oh, crap, she’s gonna waste us… Do something, Claire! You’re the second-most wanted Blacklister! You outrank her!
Claire: *sigh* I guess if you want something done right…
Kaochin: … *deep gasp*
*behind Kaochin, Natsuki is seen holding a single dual sword with her uninjured hand; a deep gash is shown on Kaochin’s back*
Kaochin: *slowly turns head to face Natsuki* Y-You…son of a…
Natsuki: *panting* You should…know better than to…turn your back on…your opponent…
Kaochin: *grits teeth* D…Damn…you… *falls over dead*
Natsuki: *falls to knees* Whew… What a day…
Claire: …
Jack: Hah!!! You owe me twenty bucks, Claire!!!
Claire: …Tch!
*a little later on, in the Samurai 7 @home…*
Samekh: …Hmm? Oh. You’ve returned.
Jack: Hey, Sammy!
Claire: …Hey.
Samekh: You’re just in time. Mr. Kyuzo came back a little before your arrival.
Natsuki: So this Kyuzo guy’s your guildmaster?
Piros VIII: Indeed!
*moments later, Kyuzo steps out of the .hack//Arm storage chamber and enters the @home’s main chamber*
Kyuzo: You talking to someone in here, Samekh? *looks at group* Oh. It’s just you all. …Hmm? *looks at Natsuki* And who do we have here?
Piros VIII: This is Natsuki. We met her in the Forest of Pain.
Jack: Not to mention if she didn’t come along, your ass would be grass right now! Hehehe!
Piros VIII: Hmph!
Kyuzo: …A pleasure.
Natsuki: Hiya!
Claire: You should’ve seen this girl, Kyuzo! She totally wasted that monster in the Forest that nearly wasted Piros AND she’s a hell of a PKK! It was awesome!
Natsuki: *blush* Aw, it wasn’t that big a deal.
Kyuzo: *raises eyebrow* …Really?
Jack: Hell yeah! She even took out the Chaotic PK Kaochin!
Kyuzo: …Kaochin, huh…? Hmm…
Piros VIII: Kyuzo! I have a request!
Kyuzo: What?
Piros VIII: I request that we have Natsuki here join the Samurai 7!
Natsuki: !!!
Jack: (Uh-oh… I was afraid this might happen…)
Claire: (Piros and his female counterpart in the same guild!? Oh, God, PLEASE[/i] say no!)
Kyuzo: *crosses arms* Hmm…
All: …
Kyuzo: … *walks up to Natsuki* Natsuki.
Natsuki: Hmm?
Kyuzo: A member of my guild’s extended to you an invitation to join. What do you say? Naturally, I’m more than happy to have a new member, but it’s not up to me, now is it?
Natsuki: … *looks at Piros*
Piros VIII: …
Natsuki: …I…
Kyuzo: …
Natsuki: … *looks at Kyuzo* …Yeah! I wanna join the Samurai 7!
Kyuzo: … *grin* …Glad to hear it.
*Kyuzo takes out a Samurai 7 Guest Key and presents it to Natsuki, who accepts it; seeing this, Jack’s and Claire’s jaws drop*
Piros VIII: HUZZAH!!![/i][/size]
Natsuki: *shows Guest Key to Piros* Isn’t this awesome, Piros!?
Piros VIII: ‘Tis indeed awesome!
*as Piros and Natsuki cheer amongst themselves, Kyuzo, Jack, and Claire watch*
Kyuzo: Hmm… Those two sure get along, don’t they?
Jack/Claire: …I wonder if it’s too late to quit…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Ovan: That’s the footage from Hayate’s latest battle with Kaeion, isn’t it?
Haseo: What do you make of this, Ovan?
Ovan: Hmm… I think the time has come to begin the next part of our operation.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Where’ve you been, Hayate!? It’s been over a week! We’ve been worried sick about you!
Hayate: …
Izumi: Please say something to me!!!
~*~*~*~
Kaga: Come on… Come on… Come on! GAH!!! …Dammit…
~*~*~*~
Tsukiyomi: If you’re not gonna help me, then I’ll just get my dual swords back on my own!
~*~*~*~
Hayate: I’m tired of being powerless. I’m tired of having those close to me taken away because I’m incapable of protecting them. …Please teach me how to control this power.
Dekar: …You can come out now.
???: So this is the new Gorre, huh?
Hayate: W-Who are you?
Sakubo: …You can call me ‘Bo’.
37th Phase: Evening of the Epitaphs![/color]
