Ch. 11 (Saya)

I sat on the bench outside the office waiting for whoever called me through the school's speakers. I noticed the figure of a man approach me and felt a strange chill go up my spine. I immediately relaxed, seeing it was only Satoru.

"Hello Saya," he said in a eerie tone.

"Hi..." I said watching him.

He smiled strangely and for some reason it seemed familiar.

"Saya," he laughed, grabbing my arm suddenly.

"Le-let go!" I yelped.

"I enjoy watching my prey struggle," he said smirking evilly. He suddenly grabbed me and held me close to him from behind. He placed his hand over my mouth, while holding a cloth in the other. He placed it in his pocket and held me tighter.

"Now, that would be the easier route, now would it...but I think it would be much more fun if we did this don't you?!" he said in a crazed voice.

I understood what he meant after he injected me with some sort of liquid.

I suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed onto the floor... unable to move.

"I can't move," I panted.

He picked me up and flung me over his shoulder. He placed the piece of cloth from before into my mouth and carried me out of the school. When people began to take notice, he pulled out a strange looking gun. He pointed it straight at one of the students, wearing a crazy grin.

"Bye-bye," he said pulling the trigger.

"Nooo!" I screamed, but it came out muffled with the cloth stuck in my mouth.

The students backed off in fear and some ran away while screaming. Those who stayed were left to the mercy of Satoru. I knew that they would be shot as well if they didn't move..so I screamed as loudly as I could...but to no prevail. I tried my best to grab his attention, then finally he looked towards me.

"Hmm?... Kill them?... Shh I understand," he said shooting them one after the other, laughing insanely. We left the hallway and the ground was lined with people. I was completely helpless and at that moment I felt sheer terror. This all of it...was my fault.

"Oh don't worry we are going somewhere nice and safe," he said lugging me out of the school and threw me into the back seat of a limo.

I was terrified out of my mind and couldn't think straight. He sat down next to my lifeless body and took the gag out as the car driving away from the school.

"Pl-please why are you doing this?!" I screamed.

He gave me a deranged smile and sat me up straight in the chair.

"We are nearly there, you will find out soon enough," he smirked, holding his hand up to my cheek.

(Amaya)

Hayate led me down a narrow street in the center of the city. There were thousands of people lining the streets, but somehow we managed to get through quickly.

"The guild is separated into multiple locations alone. After entering, I can't guarantee your complete safety," he said seriously.

He knew I detested being protected, so he was referring to that they may attack me out of the blue.

"A new face here is already a large shock, but bringing a woman is forbidden," he said.

"I understand," I answered with a confident expression.

"Amaya, before we enter...you may end up altering your life forever," he warned.

"I understand that, but we need to find Saya. She is probably off somewhere crying. I can't stand the thought of her being out of my reach. I am afraid for her," I admitted.

He suddenly grabbed me and hugged me tightly.

"What happens next..I never want it to change how things are now. I love you...so don't go doing anything stupid and get yourself killed," he said.

"Why you-" I growled, elbowing him in the gut.

He just smiled at me and knocked on the door. A young man opened it hesitantly and looked at me with a surprised expression.

"Master...I am sure you understand the risks of even bringing a woman to our front door, but can you honestly think she will be allowed entry?" he asked.

Instead of answering, Hayate pushed him away and dragged me along by my hand. Many men stared at me with rude expressions, but some looked concerned rather than angry. They all muttered under their breath, staring at me.

"If any of you lay a hand on her, you will not live to see the sun rise again!" he shouted loudly.

I expected the men to laugh at his remark, but instead took it seriously and shut up immediately. Hayate must be pretty well-known here. He showed me into a small room and sat me down on an old couch.

"You never explained what we were doing here," I said.

"Just here to collect information," he answered dully.

"You aren't going to teach me how to fight?" I asked surprised.

"Nope," he answered.

"Why though?" I asked again.

"Because Amaya..." he said.

"Because why?!" I demanded.

"In Sword Art Online...watching so many people being brutally murdered by the 'Laughing Coffin' was a grave reminder of who I am. Amaya, I have killed people. These are blood-stained hands ...I was lucky enough that you stayed with me, despite my history. Although, turning you into a killer...it's something I just can't do," he finished, glaring at me with an icy expression.

I stood up and placed my head against his and closed my eyes.

"I know this already, so why are you repeating the obvious. I hate begging, but please...please teach me. I never enjoyed the thought of what your jobs entailed, but what I do know is that you aren't evil. You are kind, loving, honest, serious, and at times can be a little terrifying.I don't say it nearly enough, but Hayate I love you like crazy... thats why I stayed with you. I want to learn not only to save Saya, but to also protect those I love. Please Hayate," I whispered, a few tears escaping my eyes.

I promised myself I wouldn't show weakness, but it was far too late for that. I buried my face in his shirt and when he tried to look down at me..i just buried it deeper. I won't show weakness...i-I can't...

I was suddenly swept up into his arms and he held me close. His hand on the back of my head.

"Katashi loved Saya and once told her it was alright to cry at times. Same goes for you..stop being such an idiot keeping it all stored inside you. I promise to never tease you, so just...just show weakness this once Amaya. I am begging you," he pleaded, his voice cracking.

"I'm so scared!" I sobbed, letting go of the thought that I looked vulnerable.

Was Hayate also crying? No...I was the only weak one here, even so I cried and cried and cried. After a few minutes of silence... the only noises were of deep breaths I took...trying to calm down.

"I will..teach you," he said.

I let out a sigh of relief, but remained in his arms.

"Warm.." I muttered.


Next Chapter: Where is Saya and what is Satoru doing to her?... Amaya and Hayate's training begins...and we learn a bittersweet secret about Amaya's past.