A Playlist for this chappie will be added soon :) as well as every chapter

Ch.25 (Katashi)

Everyday had been a challenge and it was just becoming harder to control. Hotaka knew what he was getting involved in, yet never stayed around long enough to see the show. I assumed his main goal was to exploit her, but why was he never here if that were the case? The urges were growing stronger and stronger by the hour and soon I wouldn't be able to control myself.

I kept all of the old Katashi's memories, but that still didn't change the way I thought or acted around her. Her gentleness was almost unnerving and left me unable to think straight. It wasn't that the old Katashi was back, but that I was dwelling on a past that didn't even belong to me.

I was now a part of something much bigger, I was stronger, and the thought that this girl could sway me so easily was astounding. I not only remember my experiences in Sword Art Online, but those before ...and after. After I died, I woke up in a strange facility..at first I thought It was a hospital and I had escaped, but I soon learned it was the direct opposite.

I was still stuck in a videogame, but not Sword Art Online. Strange men in masks appeared and strapped me down, as they took out strange tools I didn't recognize. The last thing I remembered was them holding a machine over me and then after injecting me I had lost consciousness.

When I had awoken, Hotaka stood over me wearing a large grin and explained how I was a part of something much larger. All at once, my desire to ever see Saya again faded away and all I wished for was what Hotaka promised. Saya asked me if I remembered her and of course I did, but she said I didn't. I remembered everything, every little detail, but I didn't love her. Hotaka had injected my body with drugs that enhanced my strength and mental power.

Although it came with consequences, I had lost the ability to care for others. I didn't even feel like a human being.. I did whatever I was asked, with no remorse what so ever. This allowed me to kill quickly and efficiently, helping me avoid any emotional connections I had had.

I remembered the love I had for her once, but was unable to feel it. I remember the warmth, but I can no longer feel it. I envy the old Katashi and I hate him for it. What had Hotaka promised me?.. Something so incredibly important, there was no way on earth I could say no. He promised me the power to protect her and that was something... that I could never turn down. In return, I sold my heart and life to him. I will never love again, I will become a known killer, I will be hated by everyone I had once loved. Now, none of that mattered...I had made my choice and I could never return to the way things once were.

I would never be the same and who I was here and now...was who I would be for the rest of my life. I no longer loved her or anyone else...though whenever she touched me I felt the warmth begin to return, but just as quickly would disappear...like a fading memory.

(Hayate)

I never knew Katashi very well, but we had our moments. We would have silent conversations just by staring at each other and had a strong respect for one another. While in Sword Art Online he would usually come to me for advice with Saya, although there was one conversation that hasn't left my thoughts since the day we had it.

"Hayate, can I speak with you for a moment?" Katashi asked, leading me away from the camp.

"Is there something bothering you?" I asked, pretending to care.

"I actually wanted to ask you for a favor..." he muttered under his breath.

"What kind of favor?" I asked now interested after this strange request.

"If...if I ever die, I want you to take care of Saya for me. I don't mean...just watching over her like you did before, but make sure she doesn't die alone. Help ...help her to find love, she is my entire world and I wouldn't be able to rest in piece if something were to happen to her or if she passed regretting her life," he finished biting his lip.

"I ...promise," I answered with hesitation.

I had never thought about what I would do if the man I gave my word to became the villain. I would keep my promise though. The Katashi I made that promise with was long gone and now that she is in danger, I will do everything in my power to take Katashi down for good. Even if that meant ending his life without mercy. That is who I am after all, a killer. I am nothing more, nor nothing less. I steal the lives of those who are too weak to save them and that is what makes me a monster.

Yet, everyone...Saya, Ryou, and Amaya, they still choose to accept me... heck, Amaya even loves me. I will never understand how she can love me. I mean, I was a terrible person, but she says that I'm better than the choices I've made. I don't know if she's right... but all I know is that all of them gave me a second chance, knowing what I have done and I would repay them.

"Amaya, we are leaving," I ordered, dragging her out the door by her hand.

"To where?" she asked.

"I am done waiting, I think I know how to lure him out of hiding," I answered.

We jumped into the car and sped off towards the last place I ever wanted to go. We would be going to the very woman who caused Saya's parent's death. Nariko didn't take to visitors kindly, but for Saya's sake...I was willing to do anything.