Disclaimer: Otaku-Sage-of-Llamas does not claim to own .hack//G.U. and its characters. Rather, that right belongs to Bandai-Namco.

Warnings: spoilers for .hack//G.U. Redemption, future non-con and yaoi, and a tiny bit of AUness

Summary: Sakaki makes a bet with Haseo concerning the Sage Palace Tournament. However, due to a turn of twisted events, Haseo loses the bet and is forced to submit to Sakaki, no matter how much he hates the man.

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A Friendly Bet Gone Wrong

by Otaku-Sage-of-Llamas

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The Prologue:

The Bet

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Haseo was simply livid. Sakaki was the one pulling the strings of the newly re-organized Sage Palace Tournament. Or the PK Tournament as it is called now.

And the nerve of him to threaten Haseo into competing in the tournament. Something was not right. Sakaki had to be scheming something.

Then with the Serpent of Lore in Sakaki's possession, he could watch Haseo's every move which was a scary thought if you bothered to really think about it.

Worst of all, Endrance went his own separate way with Sakubo in tow. Haseo could not understand why Endrance was acting this way. After all, he had dedicated his life to Haseo after losing Mia.

Maybe, Sakaki had something to do with this…

When Haseo checked his e-mail, he saw that a message came from Sakaki telling to go to the Hulle Granze Cathedral. Alone. How suspicious.

But if Haseo did not show up, Sakaki had threatened to spread the AIDA cores to more PCs. That's the last thing Haseo wanted to happen. He did not wanted more people to become Lost Ones like Shino or Alkaid.

At the Hulle Granz Cathedral, Sakaki was perched on one of the several benches with his arms crossed across his chest. His crimson-like eyes were narrowed and focused upon the details of the cathedral's architecture.

At last noticing Haseo, Sakaki said, "Oh, you are finally here."

"Now let's get onto business as I do understand that the Terror of Death is a very busy person," Sakaki mockingly said to Haseo as he clenched his fists.

"What do you want, Sakaki?" Haseo finally said tapping his feet impatiently against the floor.

"Just a little friendly wager…" Haseo laughed at this but Sakaki continued on anyways, "If you somehow manage to win the PK Tournament, I will grant you one wish. Like bringing back your precious Shino." At the mention of Shino, Haseo glared at Sakaki.

"…However, if you lose, Terror of Death, you will have to do as I say and swear your allegiance to me," Sakaki lifted the edge of Haseo's face with the tips of his fingers, causing crimson to greet ruby orbs burning with anger. Haseo shifted in his touch.

'What are you planning!?" Haseo shouted but his words fell on deaf ears as Sakaki shrugged it off.

"You will see…" Sakaki turned and exited the Hulle Granz Cathedral without another word.

To be continued?