Hey there, folks… Nice to meet you again. This is another .hack//G.U. fanfic from me (the 2nd, to be exact), so enjoy! I'm totally sucks at writing lately… I wonder what is the matter with me… Somehow, I just keep pressing the wrong alphabet on the keyboard, even while writing this story… *sigh* It's as if Tri-Edge had Data Drained me…
???: TRRRRRIIIIIII-EEEEEDDDGGGEEEEEEE!!!!!
superecho: …Natsume, get out. Please.
Natsume: Huh? Where's the Tri--- Uh, I mean… Sorry!
superecho: …Still, thanks.
Natsume: Keep getting stronger! *log out*
superecho: Oh well, even Haseo would go all way back to regain his levels after get his ass kicked by Azure Kite. I have to cheer up a bit. =)
Anyway, thank you for your regular patronage of my stories! Any review with plus and minus will be very welcomed… Do not cast Vak Don, Orvak Don, or any fire attack spells or scrolls on me. Please just enjoy the story. =D
Disclaimer: .hack//G.U. does not belong to me, but Cyber Connect 2 and Bandai Namco Games.
HEARTFILL
--
USEFUL FOR ALL
--
"What is happiness to you?"
--
--
.hack//G.U.
Haseo and Aina
Vol. 1//Overwrite
By superecho
Summary: Haseo want to take on a quest that requires 2 people. With everyone either busy or offline, Haseo had no choice but to invite… Aina. Watch Haseo, Aina, and the others develop a strong bond together on their peaceful days in "The World".
Chapter 1: Rewritten Fairytale
-
Σ Dual City Breg Epona
It was the usual day at the famous online game "The World R:2", every player is doing their daily game life as usual… Well, except one particular player.
"ALL RIGHT!"
Everyone near the Chaos Gate is freaked out by that scream, but no one dare to protest after looking on who it was. It was a gray-haired Adept rogue, wearing white sun-related fashion, and about 170 cm tall. Yup, it's the legendary "Terror of Death".
"*cough*," aware of the other players' glares at him, the known best player of The World try to regain his cool.
Unlike his usual 'bored' face, Haseo looked very happy today. As if he was infected with AIDA, Haseo was giggling all the way from the Quest Shop until the Chaos Gate. Zelkova who was stalking him, immediately logged out. Kaede who was tailing her master, followed him soon after. Saku who was about to confront Haseo with her usual 'Give Master En back' rants, turn her back and off to 'search' for Endrance instead. What's wrong with Haseo today?
///
Quest: Prelude of Love
Client: Dr. Dicup
Reward: Word of Vigor x 10, Dusk Chim-Chim x 10
-
Suggested PC Level: None.
My Laboratory Cave was invaded by group of monsters. Please exterminate the monsters and retrieve my ultimate creation!
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Clear Conditions: Defeat all monsters in the dungeon and search for the specific item.
-
Participating Member: 2 people required.
///
With things pretty quiet and peaceful without AIDA or Cubia around, Haseo's main activity is to build up his stats. Well, of course he hangs out a lot with his friends. Although his real 'work' mostly maintain Canard to be useful for the noobs with Silabus and Gaspard, most likely he'll be dragged out of the guild by the others. Which in case, he didn't like.
With those troublesome things around, Haseo's escape is to do a search for stats boosting items. Most likely the only way to obtain them is through a quest, but it only gave one and will took so much time. There is rarely any quest with multiple rewards, yet he found one now. It'll be nice to boost up his maximum HP and SP as high as possible, in a single swipe. It's actually quite fun to look every meter in your status screen is going through the roof. …Or at least, much better than to deal with his friends. Since for such occasion, Haseo will be the one who drag his friends around.
---
"About time," Haseo said as he regained his cool state, while look up at the Chaos Gate. Haseo slowly open the Party menu, scrolling through his friends list. He needs one more person for the quest; as he is a fighter type, he will have to choose a magic-type player.
"Let's see…," Haseo said as he read the list thoroughly…
///
[Busy] Atoli
[Busy] Kuhn
[Offline] Pi
[Busy] Silabus
[Busy] Gaspard
[Offline] Piros the 3rd
[Offline] Alkaid
[Busy] Sakubo
[Busy] Endrance
[Busy] Antares
[Busy] Matsu
[Offline] Yata
[Busy] Zelkova
[Offline] Shino
[Busy] Bordeaux
[Busy] Kaede
[Busy] Kite
[Busy] Azure Balmung
[Busy] Azure Orca
[Offline] Tabby
[Busy] Natsume
…
///
"What the… Everyone is either busy or offline!?" Haseo yelled in displeasure, then wonder, "Atoli, Matsu, Zelkova, and Kaede seemed to busy rebuilding the 'Moon Tree'. Pi, Yata, (and maybe Piros…?) are probably busy doing the work at CC Corp. Silabus and Gaspard are leading some noobs to a dungeon, I know that. Sakubo is stalking Endrance (considering its Saku right now). Endrance… I don't want to know. Alkaid… I don't know. She said that she's having some errand today, though. Shino and Tabby are probably busy doing their career studies. Antares… He must be drunk again. Bordeaux… Ganging up on noobs with Grein and Lone Negi, I guess (I'll PKK them if I ever see them). Natsume… …Tri-Edge as usual, nothing else. But Kite, Azure Balmung, and Azure Orca? Hell, what would've kept wandering AI knights busy? Is Aura… Nope. Don't think of anything."
Haseo tap his own head, confused and frustrated, "Damn… I can't take on the quest like this."
But as Haseo is about to give up, his eyes locked at the bottom name of his Party list, "Huh? Wait a minute…"
///
[Online] Aina
///
"…Aina is online! Oh well, I guess I'll just invite her," Haseo mumbled. Aina is a Shadow Warlock like Sakubo, so she'll do as well as Atoli or Shino.
/ Sending short mail. Please wait one moment. /
…
…
…
/ Haseo…? Alright, I'll be there. /
---
Three azure rings formed in front of the Chaos Gate, warping in a young, blue haired girl with short demeanor and white gothic dress. Her hair fall quite long below her skinny shoulders, slightly hide off her beautiful yet cold face.
"Hello, Haseo. How are you today?" she said.
"I'm fine, Aina. Thanks," Haseo replied as he directly looks at Aina's deep black eyes, "How about you?"
Aina walk closer to Haseo and return the eye contact, "I'm quite fine. After resting completely for a few days, I'm much better now. I can play as long as I want today."
Haseo feel relieved, but also concerned. Aina's voice… seems to be happy and sad at the same time, "But Bo is not playing today, so there's nothing much to do…"
…As expected, Ovan was all Aina had. Her one and only reason to play this game in the first place--- is so she can together with her big brother. Without him around, Aina just feel empty and sad. But she can't help it. Ovan's gone. He had made the ultimate sacrifice to save her from a coma. But it's too painful for her to lose him in return.
…Still, she's not being selfish and finally let her brother go. She is trying as best as she could to move on with her life. Thanks to that, her terrible sickness has finally found a way of curing. It still need so much time to be cured completely, but regardless her health is gradually getting better. Even her body is getting better; the hole in her heart is still opened wide. It's just like that moment, at Mac Anu…
---
- Flashback. One month ago, Mac Anu's Alchemy District
Haseo just finished some Deluxe Flyers handout, and about to report to Bikman, the so called artist of "The World". It's a pain to deliver them to every single player, especially the types that like to wander deeply in the dungeon for a long time. Haseo like the Chim's Kicker or Stray Mecha Grunty campaign better, but he can't help it since Atoli forced him to.
/
"Let's spread love, peace, and harmony to all 'The World'!" the green cleric said.
If it's just her, Haseo would have shrugged her off as always, but…
"We'll save 'The World' with powerful love!!" a GOLDEN L. Partizan yelled.
--A certain womanizer butts in really doesn't help anything…
"Come on, Haseo. You shouldn't keep the ladies waiting," said a certain blue haired 'gentleman'.
Not to mention, to have this guy brat boy appear out of nowhere from your back has always been a heart shock…
"We'll unite ''The World' together, Haseo! =D," said the small boy with… deer horns.
As if a stalker is not the worst, some "E" Maniac bumped into you…
"Let's do it! (Maybe one of them got 'Tri-Edge'… :D )" said a green haired girl.
…To make it worse, Haseo is powerless if this person came into play:
"With this campaign accomplished, you shall become a more wonderful man. Don't you agree, Haseo?" a black cleric said, with IRRESISTABLE SMILE.
/
Haseo really don't want to remember. Why he's getting dragged around all the time, every day? Sure, it seemed he's very popular lately… Especially with girls. But all that really just sucked his life force. …Still, the work for today has ended, so let's make this quick. As soon as Haseo reported to Bikman (who can only say 'oh my'), he immediately open up his menu and highlight the "Log Out" option. …And that's when he saw Aina; rested her hands on the bridge, all alone. Haseo closed his menu and try to greet her.
"Aina?" Haseo called out to her, but no response.
Aina is staring into the orange water bathe in setting sunlight, with hollow eyes. Her pale skin merged perfectly with the eternal bridge of everlasting aqua capital; strengthen the idea that her soul is not there. Haseo steps closer to her; very close beside her, but she didn't flinch a bit. Her small face is covered with deep sorrow, ruining all the gothic beauty she had.
"…Aina?" Haseo attempted to call her once more, "Aina? What are you doing here?"
Aina finally aware of the Adept Rogue's presence, and gasped, "H-Haseo!? When did you get here?"
"A minute ago," Haseo harden his expression a little, "And you seemed completely out of it."
Aina looked both sad and embarrassed, touching her own lips over and over again with her small gloved hand. Strangely, she avoids the eye contact with Haseo before answering:
"I didn't… do anything in particular… Just enjoying the scenery."
Haseo crosses his arms on his chest, "You didn't play with Bo?"
Aina, still avert her eyes from Haseo, answers, "No… Not today…"
Haseo's eyebrows raised, "…Come to think of it, Bo sent me an e-mail about you doesn't want to play with him for ENTIRE WEEK."
"I-I just don't feel like it…," Aina replied, she sounded like she's covering up something.
Haseo sighed, draw a conclusion as he continue to speak, "…You're still can't get over Ovan, aren't you?"
"…!!" Aina's eyes opened wide, her eyes finally meet Haseo's as she is shocked--- that out of all people, Haseo was the one who could see through her heart.
Haseo sighed once more, looked down, "…Let him go, Aina. You're only making it harder like this. Not just for you, but also for him."
Aina bite her lips, her thoughts are filled with anger, "What do you know!? I-I can't get over him so easily…"
Haseo scratches his hair, closing his eyes in quiet passion, "…I didn't say it was easy. Even now, I still think of him from day to day."
Aina confused, "T-Then why you said that to me…?"
Haseo's crimson eyes opened--- shows a fierce determination, like the one he showed when triumphed over Cubia, "---Because it's not about letting the past go and vanish behind you… But to keep moving forward, using it as stepping stone… While hold it dear in your heart."
"…..!!" Aina can't help but frozen in place by Haseo's words. Since when that he… had become this wise? It's like Ovan was speaking through Haseo's mouth…
Haseo turned his back towards her, while spoke without turning back, "If Ovan see you like this… What would he say?" Haseo walk away, and then log out.
"…," Aina's head lowered down, she has no more courage to see Haseo head on. She feels ashamed of herself, to let the sorrow get into her. Ovan was always the best for her; always caring and protecting her, but it doesn't mean--- that she will always be in such state. Eventually, she has to stand up by her own. Not about discarding the little things you had on childhood, but to let yourself no more attached to it and move on while keeping them in mind. That's what Growing Up is all about.
---
//Desktop ALTIMIT
Ryou Misaki slowly removed his M2D, murmuring about what just happened.
"Maybe… I was too harsh," he said, feel rather guilty. But 5 minutes later, his ill feelings just washed away with the 'bing' sound from his computer.
"A new e-mail…? T-This is…!" Ryou's jaws dropped to see who it was from.
///
Sender: Aina
Subject: My Happiness
-
Hello, Haseo. Thank you very much for today.
We can't keep on reminiscing forever, right…? I just discovered it today, thanks to you.
My brother wanted it to end this way… I shouldn't be wandering around aimlessly these days; my brother would've been angry if he ever saw me like this. I've told you before that I must wish for happiness… Well, it didn't work out yet. …And just looking back at old sweet memories all the time won't help anything.
So… Thank you. You made me realize something important.
Still, Haseo--- What is happiness to you? It is to be together all the time with all your loved ones? Then… What is it for me now?
My happiness… I don't know what it is, but I will find it.
…Or maybe I already have, I'm not sure. I think the time will tell me.
-
Oh, yeah… Here's my member address. I'm often offline and maybe can't help you much, but please accept it. I'm a Shadow Warlock just like Bo, by the way.
…Haseo…
If you don't mind… I like to be with you again someday.
///
Ryou Misaki feels relieved, completely free of the guilt he thought he had. Since that day, the two are developing some sort of bond. Ryou occasionally invite her to his party as Haseo; mostly they chatted in towns, shopping, or rarely level up with Bo. He couldn't quite describe it, but to have Aina in his friend list… He felt happy. As if… a part of Ovan is around him.
- End of Flashback
---
"Haseo?" the sweet voice of the little Shadow Warlock awaken Haseo from his reminisce.
With a 'no problem' face, Haseo answers, "No. It's nothing, Aina."
Out of a blue; Haseo patted Aina's head softly, which give her a surprise, "Ha… Haseo?"
It's not like Haseo think of Aina as his little sister or anything, but he knew better than anyone what it feels like to be lonely. His dark, painful, and sorrowful PKK days--- after he lost Shino. All the negative feelings, the unstoppable urge to run away… He could never forget that. No matter how tough Aina was, she'll never able to heal her heart alone. No matter how best she did to move on--- She'll never get over it completely by herself.
Haseo slowly scrubbed Aina's hair, "…Don't worry, Aina. Today, you got me!"
Aina's mouth opened, feel confused. But somehow she feels just right to return Haseo's encouragement with a smile, "…Thank you."
---
Haseo explained to Aina about the high-rewarding quest, he even agree to share the reward items as Aina please. But Aina pushed away all that kindness, said that Haseo can have it all and she just feel enough to spend time with him. The 'purified' "Terror of Death" tried to insist a bit, but this little sister of "The Rebirth" keep her will as steady as the azure sky above them. Haseo finally given up and the two proceed to the Quest Shop.
"So you will take this quest? Please wait a moment," said the short lumped NPC, who walk slowly like a penguin to grab the classic-styled phone, "Hello, this is the Quest Shop. We have adventurers here who will accept Dr. Dicup's request."
A minute later, a similar postured NPC walked up to Haseo and Aina. He looked the same, except for the lab worker coat, and high voice.
"So, you're the adventurers who will take my request?" he asked, while unnecessarily pointing his arm in shaking motion.
"Hmm… You two seem quite promising… *chuckle*" he spoke in odd manner, which turn up a question mark in Haseo's head.
"Let's get down to business. You see, my name is Dr. Dicup. I am a researcher in field of affection and compassion, or to put it simply--- Love," he said while lifting his arms like Piros the 3rd, which make Haseo to let out a sigh.
"Living things especially Humans and Beasts have strong connection between them, which not occasionally turn into something powerful. It's so mysterious, yet so easy to be forged--- Which is why I would like to uncover its secrets!" he continued in high-spirited voice, like a true determinant researcher. Aina listened very carefully, while Haseo was getting bored and looked impatient.
"There is a wedding ceremony at the famous aqua capital to prove its capability and success, yet I'm worried--- That without a proper test and support on the way to that holy ritual, everything will become chaotic. That's why I've created my Ultimate Creation: Zephyr's Sacrament. However, the Laboratory Cave where my ultimate creation is placed, was invaded by dangerous monsters!" he said, barely giving any long coma.
"Yeah, yeah," Haseo mumbled, rather ticked off, "So we'll just need to wipe out the monsters and get back your thing, right?"
"No!" he yelled, "My ultimate creation is a prototype and could be have side effects, so it can only be tested on my Laboratory Cave. Once you exterminate all the monsters, please find and activate it right away!"
Aina feel rather uncomfortable with the last statement, "So... We'll be your test subjects?"
"No, no," he said again, motioning his hand up and down, "Once it activated, the effect will spread to entire areas of The World. Everyone will soon gather in peace and harmony! Please do your best! I wish you luck."
---
Haseo is folding his arms as usual, itching to go, "So Aina, do you need to make preparations?"
Aina shakes her head, unintentionally waving the white lace of her maid-styled hair band, "No, Haseo. I'm good to go."
"Haseo stretches his body in pleasure, "Good. Let's go!"
The two opened the menu in front of the Chaos Gate, ready to warp. But as Aina take a look at the area's name, she's freaking out, "Wait---"
But it's too late, as Ryou already pressed the X button on his controller.
---
Σ Seducing Gothic's Young Virgin
-
Two triple azure rings warping in Haseo and Aina into the entrance of humid-grassed cave. Haseo take a few steps forward, burned up in passion, "Alright, let's do this!"
Aina, however, only stood silently.
"What's wrong, Aina?" Haseo asked, turned his head.
"…," Aina's lips seemed to be sealed.
"Aina?" Haseo started to worry.
"Haseo… Did you look at the area words before took on this quest?" she asked, with a suspicious gaze.
"Yeah…," Haseo answered, quite lazy, "So? Is something the matter?"
"Haseo… I believe I'm much younger than you…?" she asked quite bluntly, aimed at the core of the matter.
"What are you---," Haseo wondered, but quickly blushing upon discovering the fact, "…H-Hell no! I don't care about the area words, okay!? …All I want is the reward!"
Aina chuckles, "Calm down, Haseo… I was just joking… You're so funny while blushing like that," and she continued to laugh for a few minutes. Haseo hate to be tricked by a little girl, but he glad that Aina is having fun now. Although; it would've been better if he wasn't the clown.
---
Jokes aside, the two conquered the dungeon quite fast. The monsters groups are quite numerous, but they're a few levels lower than the two and weren't that hard to beat. Haseo would run up to the enemies, striking them down with a hard stroke from his Broad Sword or quick slices from his Twin Blades--- while in the same time keep them away from Aina, which allowed her to cast devastating attack spells from a distance and let Haseo finish the battle with a wide-ranged Rengeki from his 'Shadowy Death' Scythe. When Haseo's HP got low, he would brandish his Dual Guns and open fire from a long range--- While pushing the enemies away with rapid bullets and waiting for Aina's healing spells. The two quickly defeated all the monsters and reached the last room of the dungeon.
"Finally," Haseo huffed, rather tired but looked happy.
"Yes, Haseo. We're almost done," Aina panted, but her face is so joyful.
Haseo once again patted Aina's head; this time she's no longer surprised, but smiled happily. Haseo return her beautiful smile with a grin, "So, are you having fun?"
Aina laughed slightly; before smiling wide, "Yes! I have a great time with you, Haseo. Thank you very much for your kindness."
Haseo's cheeks are slightly painted in pink now, "W-Well, that's good to hear." Come to think of it, Aina hasn't been smiling so naturally like that lately--- Ever since she parted with Ovan…
"Come, Haseo. Let's activate the Zephyr's Sacrament," Aina said as she is pointing to small steam machine, shaped in heart and surrounded with wind energy balls.
"Alright, let's finish this quest." Haseo replied, ready to press the switch. The switch pressed, a soothing BGM is played all of a sudden--- With loud machine noises mixed up with screams. …And then, everything went white.
---
In a room where everything is white, Haseo and Aina are standing and staring at each other in the eye. Slowly, they move closer to each other, give a passionate gaze back and forth, and then… hugged deeply.
---
"…Urrghh…," Haseo was laid down on the stone floor, confused of what just happened. Was it a dream? Weird. Haseo slowly get back to his feet.
"Uh…," Aina groaned, slowly waking up from her cat-sleeping position nearby Haseo.
"Are you alright, Aina?" Haseo asked.
"I'm fine Haseo, but… What was that dream? You had the same dream, Haseo? We are hugging each ot---," she spoke, completely unaware--- Until she's blushing 5 seconds later. Even that's just a dream, she's hardly ever been hugged by anyone in real life or online--- Well, except by Ovan.
"I-It's not important!" Haseo replied in panic-filled tone, blushing as well.
Aina quickly shove away her blush, and change the topic, "Uh… I don't know what happened, but I think we've finished the quest."
Haseo has recovered his cool as well; start speaking in his usual tone, "Y-Yeah. But what was that dream… is all about?"
"Maybe… That was the side effects Dr. Dicup mentioned? Perhaps, it's only to embarrass the players…," Aina replied calmly, tried as hard as she could not to blushing. No matter what the circumstances, a boy and a girl hugged deeply like that was rather embarrassing. Even it's just an imagination.
"Damn that NPC. I'll hit him real hard!" Haseo yelled a bit, in anger.
Aina chuckles, "Don't, Haseo. He'll get scared and won't give you the reward… Heehee."
Aina smiles widely once again, wipe away all of Haseo's fury. Her smile was always reassuring to anyone; Bo could prove that.
With a relieved sigh, Haseo patted Aina's head once more, "Oh well, Aina. Let's go back to town." Haseo still don't know why he did that so much today, but regardless he felt quite relaxed while doing it.
Aina smiles even wider; folding her hands happily, "Alright, Haseo!" She looked so much more alive today, far from her sick days.
---
Haseo and Aina slowly walked back to a platform and teleported back to town--- without noticing that a small figure was following right behind them.
---
To be continued…
*****
-
Log 1: A rare gift
Description: A day after acquiring Aina's member address, Haseo sent a "Hello" Greeting Card to her.
///
Sender: Haseo
Subject: -Greeting Card- Hello
-
-YOU ARE THE GREATEST-
///
An hour later, Haseo received a reply.
///
Sender: Aina
Subject: RE: Greeting Card
-
…I rarely receive something like this, even in real life.
Thank you, Haseo.
///
*****
Ahh!! Chapter 1 of Volume 1 done!! Aina is sweet and cute, so I think she deserved more important part in the story… :D And Haseo should've taken care of her in place of Ovan, just like he did to Bo and not to just let her by herself… Well, at least inside "The World".
Actually I wanted it to be a light humor story with only a few chapters, but I ended up making it long, serious, and dramatic--- Thus, even make it into several volumes (with multiple chapters each volume) like the game… -_-
But it turned up good and I like it! :D (Hope you like it too!) Maybe I'm finally recovered from my poor writing spirit these days? LoL I'm grateful to God and all of you for that! I'll keep doing my best!
Oh, the Log part was my own creation on what Aina would say if she ever gets a greeting card from Haseo. I will try to make all of Aina's responses to all of the greeting cards in the game, so please enjoy!
Thank you for your patronage of this story! ^_^ Hope you enjoyed it, and please review!