Disclaimer: I don't own .hack//SIGN or any of its characters. But I do own Lain Auska X and the plot… Also I do not own Lady Lorilai or anything that she might say. That character belongs to the wonderful… Lady Lorilai herself!! And with all that said on with the story!!!
.hack//SIGN
Episode 02: Back
Saga: Darkness and Light
Lain looked around wildly at the area she had just arrived in. A wave of fear spread over her face as she realized where she was. She was back in the game, the game she hated so much, the game called 'The World.'
A huge dark castle stood before her, the sun was nowhere in site. It looked as if it was night, but there was no stars or moon. A set of huge set of dark wooden doors stood before her, half way opened. The rest of the castle was stone and cracked, as if it had been there for many, many years.
She took a step forward, closer to the doors. As she stood in front of them she shivered a little. Something bad was going to happen, she could feel it inside of her. Her hand reached over to the hilt of her sword as she entered the castle like structure. She was looking around a little paranoid now; she had just realized that Blade wasn't with her anymore. She was all alone. Anything could attack her now; she was free game to them.
Light was streaming through the windows that were all around her, but it was still dark in the room. She gulped as she began to walk forward at a quicker pace, why she had entered the room she did not know. Something just seemed to be telling her too.
She continued walking but stopped when she noticed that someone else was in the room with her. She gripped her sword's hilt tighter; she began to pull it out but stopped when the person spoke out at her.
"Put down the sword," the player said stepping forward so he was more visible to Lain. He had sort of short white hair and deep blue eyes. He seemed to be wearing some sort of puffy kimono that was white and blue. At his side was a sword in a sheath. But the most distinguishing thing about him was that he had a pair of white wings on his back.
"Who are you?" Lain asked but still didn't let go of the sword's hilt. She gulped and then steeped back a little.
"Balmung of the Assure Sky," Balmung answered. "And you must be Lain Mikado right? One of the two people that were sent into coma's while playing this game?"
"Yeah, that's me," Lain replied lowering her guard just a bit. "What do you want?"
"Nothing really, just some information about that bracelet you have on," Balmung said casually. "Where did you get it?"
"I didn't get it. I received it some how, I don't know why though," Lain said backing the hand with the bracelet on it, to her back.
"Received? By who?" Balmung asked facing her totally. He looked down on her, he seemed to be towering her by at least a few inches.
"I don't know," Lain replied. The bracelet around her wrist seemed to be glowing a bit; it cast as shadowed white light across the floor. "I just got it when I was sent to this world."
"Sent? You mean signed on," Balmung asked looking at her a little confused at how she was talking to him.
"No…" Lain said trailing off. "I need to go now. I don't have much time to chat."
"Do you really?" Balmung asked her. "You are getting married to Tsukasa right? The famous Wave Master?"
"How did you know that?" Lain asked looking at him a little scared for the fist time. "How can you!?"
"Are you going to stay now?" Balmung asked her, taking no care to answering her question really.
"Yes," Lain replied. "But only if you tell me, how you knew that… it's impossible…"
"Is it really?" Balmung asked her. "And we all thought the impossible was when you and Tsukasa managed to be stuck in this game, during the period that you had both slipped into a coma."
"Yeah…that was what you would call impossible," Lain said. "But you know, something else is happening too… This character, his names Blade… He's some how got out of this game and come to the real world… in his game form that is…"
"Another thing," Balmung asked. "I've know of that happening for some time now. It's not the first time, another player, Lady Lorilai has had the same happen to her… a few other players have experienced it too. Odd isn't it? You would have thought that no more problems would have orison after you left the game? The makers would have figured it just best to stop testing things on the kids?"
Lain nodded her head. "But they haven't have they? But I still don't understand. How could you have known that Tsukasa had asked me to marry his this morning?"
"I would like to keep that information to myself, such as you would like to keep information about that bracelet to yourself," Balmung answered. "But you do know, that the World has changed. It's not like how it used to be. Things are different. Subaru isn't in charge anymore. She gave the position up when she chose to quite the game. The new ruler is Auska of the desert plain. The Crimson Knights are still in continuation though. Most of the old players chose to continue playing the game, the players haven't decreased though, it seems to be staying the same."
"I would have realized for myself that everything would be different yet the same," Lain said turning her back on him. "But I don't think I should stay anymore. I need to go out and fine Blade. I mean it's the right thing to do, considering that he's gone now…"
"Honorable," Balmung said and then stopped. He crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Lain with a little pride. "At least now I know I could trust you in the heat of battle. This will help a lot in the future."
"What are you talking about? You know you're seeming to be talking in some sort of other language today," Lain said sighing but didn't turn around to face him.
"It means that latter in the future we will meet up again. And we will be doing battle together," Balmung answered smiling. "Go find your friend Blade. But I think you will find some more of your friends along the way. Considering the fact that a band of you great players set out to save the world. Everyone that took part in that will most likely be here, joining you in your new quest. Someone or something has figured out that something bad is going to happen. That thing is taking all preoccupations in trying to stop it. The best would be to call the group of members that helped destroy our last threat, and most likely only real threat, the virus."
"Really?" Lain asked not to sure of what sure of what he was saying. "So your saying that Tsukasa, Sora… and the others will be here? Sometime…?"
"Right," Balmung answered. "But who knows when you will met up with them. Tell Orca… when you meet him… Balmung of the Assure Sky will be fighting again with him soon, but this time with a new band… I'll see you around then Lain Mikado!"
Balmung started his way to the huge doors. He stepped out side of them and then logged off of the area.
Lain sighed at what had just happened and followed suit to what he had just done.
She was now standing in the town of Mac Anuu, the water city. She looked around, as if expecting someone she knew just to pop out of nowhere. A minute latter she sighed, she had gotten ahead of herself. Of course she wouldn't see any of her friends…or Tsukasa… here.
As she turned around she heard a voice, a voice that sounded so familiar…
"Hey stop following me you creep! As soon as I decided to play this game again for a change you show up and bother me!" an angry girl screamed this out as she stormed over to where Lain was standing.
"Mimiru…." Lain said amazed at what was before her. "I can't believe this…. Mimiru!"
"What the?" Mimiru said looking at the longhaired girl that was standing in front of her now. "Do I know you or something?"
"Yeah…. it's me… Lain Mikado," Lain said looking at Mimiru amazed. "I… I'm back in this game…"
"What!? Really!" Mimiru shouted out sounding amazed. "No way! This can't be! Lain! I thought you said that you would never play this game again! Tsukasa to!"
"I don't know what happened. Something did….and well I'm back in this game. I don't really know how though…" Lain answered sounding a little sad.
"You're character…. how come you didn't keep your old one?" Mimiru asked looking Lain over in a little aw, since her character was so different from her last.
"I don't know what happened. You won't believe me, but I might as well try," Lain said.
"Believe what? You can tell me," Mimiru said looking at Lain a little amazed.
"And me," said another voice steeping forward. It revealed Sora. He looked at Lain with a bright smile on his face. "Fancy meeting you here Lain. I would have thought you would have never wanted to play this stupid game again… Oh well…. Where's Tsukasa though?"
"Not with me…" Lain said but then added, "yet."
"Well what were you going to tell me!?" Mimiru said trying to push the subject of Tsukasa out of reach.
Lain explained to the two of them what had happened to her. And how she had met Blade and got separated from them. As she finished she saw Sora shake his head, in disbelief.
"This is weird," Mimiru replied. "You would have thought that the games managers would have not wanted any more problems. If this gets out…"
"No one will believe me," Lain replied. "I dought I can ever get out of this game again. It's going to be like last time. This is stupid, I've gone into another coma. I hate this! Why does this have to happen to me! I don't deserve this!"
"But then again you are some sort of legend around here," Sora said looking at Lain and then rolled his eyes. "Tsukasa too. I mean your still being talked about, how you stopped that virus Mitski and all."
"Oh shut-up," Lain muttered. "I'm tired of hearing about that stupid virus! I just want to get out of this dumb ass game and go back to the real world! I want to be with Tsukasa again! Do you know what he asked me this morning? He asked me to marry him, I can't now… it seems I'm in this game again. Everything bad has to happen to me!"
"Did he really!?" Mimiru shouted out sounding extremely happy. "I can't believe it! I'm so happy for you! I hope everything turns out will…no wait! I know it will!" She gave Lain a victory sign and then smiled. "Don't worry about what's going on right now. You'll get out of the game again, that is if you are back in a coma. Besides, you pulled it off last time, I know without a dought that you will again!"
"Yeah, I guess your right," Lain said sighing and then shifted her weight to one side and the looked at Sora. "Have you no nasty comet on what I've just said?"
"Um…no. Not really. Just the fact that I don't think he deserves you," Sora replied rolling his eyes.
"No! Not this again!" Lain shouted out shaking her head. "I don't want to hear it Sora! I'm fine with Tsukasa! I'm not breaking up with him to get together with you….eww! That would be so nasty!"
"Would it really? I don't understand," Sora replied shrugging his shoulders. "Anyway, since your back in the game… does this mean that you're going to go into dungeons again! Come on! Lets go to one now!"
"Stupid," Lain said rolling her eyes and then sighing again. "I can't go anything until I find Blade. And besides, a dungeon? No way, don't feel like it. No wait…. I'd go in one with Mimiru, but with you!? No way!"
"What!? Always with that annoying tone with me! I don't understand what I've done!" Sora cried out sounding a little hurt.
"It's not what you've done. It's more of the fact that you exist," Lain muttered only loud enough for her to hear. "Anyway, I think I should go and at least met this new head of the game… Considering that it might be of much help to get her on our side, right?"
"Right…" Mimiru said trailing off. "You're hoping that she might be able to help you find Blade right?"
"Right," Lain said. "But I just wish that we had Bear and everyone else here with us. It would be of much more help. And besides, right now, from what that guy told me… something bad is going to happen. And it would be best to have every available player that we know on our side."
"You could be right," Sora said. "But I'm afraid that I'm going to have to leave you now. I don't feel like getting mixed up with this new Princess. Considering that I'm against her. I mean there always does have to be rebels that are against leaders!" He waved at Lain and then left the area.
"What a freak," Lain said looking at the spot that he used to be standing in disgust. "I can't believe that I was actually friends with him. I don't understand what this world is coming too…"
"Neither do I…" Mimiru said laughing.
Blade looked at the man at his side.
The man's name was Orca. He had short black hair a deep blue eyes. He was wearing a long tan coat that had a huge collar. The collar was flipped up so you could see the yellow inside that was outlined in tan. His turtleneck shirt was black and had a yellow zipper running down the center of it. His pants were also Black and he had black short boots on. On his hands he had short cut off black gloves, and at his side, sticking out beneath his jacket he had a katana in a black sheath.
Orca looked at Blade and the sighed. "So your telling me that you want to go and see Lady Auska to find your friend…Lain was it?"
"Right," Blade answered. "I have to. She's in a bad predicament. You know what's going on Orca. You're friends with Balmung. And besides, I have to. She's alone right now, and I bet she needs my help."
"Helping a lady in distress I see," Orca said smiling at him. "How is she? Is she cute?"
"Hey be quite! You can't say that!" Blade shouted out sounding really shocked at his friend. "She's getting married. To the famous Wave Master Tsukasa. I don't think he would really like that fact about how you're talking about her. Show a little more respect, were in public."
Orca shrugged his shoulders at Blade and then grinned. He stopped walking. They were both now standing in front of the palace that led to the chamber, which the princess resided in.
"I think I liked it better when Subaru was in charge," Blade muttered over to Orca. "At least she didn't sound, and look crazy."
"Watch you tongue," Orca said looking around a little paranoid as the doors in front of him opened. "Were going inside. So don't say anything to mock or disgrace her. It's not right. She could kick you out of the game!"
"Not like I care," Blade said shrugging his shoulders. "Subaru doesn't play anymore, so what's the point?" He then gasped a little at what he had just said and then coughed.
"I see," Orca said walking forward. He pocked at Blade and laughed a little. "It seems that little Blade has a crush on the old Princess?"
"No I don't," Blade replied looking at Orca shocked. "Say what you want. But it's not true."
"Fine with me buddy," Orca said laughing again. "I know what's going on! And you can't change what you've said!" He laughed again.
They both entered the chamber in front of them, and quieted down. Standing before them, or more likely sitting before them on the ground was the new ruler. Lady Auska.
She had long orange hair. Around her head were long orange braids, and around her head was a tiara with a pitch-black stone in the middle. She was wearing a cut off white top, and had a cross-stuck around her neck. Her long skirt was black and had a picture of a dragon wrapped around it. On her feet were black boots, and over her hands and up most of her arms, were long white gloves that were cut off. Lying at her side was a rod with a blue stone in the center of it. Wrapped around her waist was a plain brown leather belt with one single black stone in the center of it.
"Lady Auska," Orca said bowing. Blade followed suit. "Sorry to disturb you. But it seems that my friend Blade here really needs your help."
"Really?" Auska asked sounding a like she was in so much joy. "How nice! Sit down! Sit down! Don't stand if you don't want to!"
"Thank you," Blade said and sat down along with Orca. "You recall what has happened a good few years ago with Lain and Tsukasa right? Though you were not playing the game then… but you've heard right?"
"Yep. True," Auska replied smiling brightly and nodded her head. "Why? Is she here now!? I'd really like to met her!"
"Yes, she is here in the game, though she doesn't want to be," Blade replied. "You aren't going to be too happy about this….but the impossible has happened again. It seems that some how I was transported to the real world, in my game form. I met up with Lain and then we were suddenly sent back here… to this game…"
"Really! So you mean that something is wrong again! Like another virus!?" Auska asked sounding a little excided but grave at the same time. "How horrible."
"I know. That's why I want your help to try and find her," Blade said. "You would be able to met her also, that is if you will help us."
"Of course I will!" Auska cried out jumping up, she grabbed her staff as she jumped up also. She then hit the bottom of the staff on the ground and a huge wave of hair seemed to appear around her. She closed her eyes and then started to mutter something.
Blade looked at her in aw, but realized that she was seeking out were Lain was right now.
Auska opened her eyes and a huge smile spread across her face.
"She's here. Right now. Her and a companion by the name of Mimiru have just entered this palace. It seems that they have come here to find you two, and to talk to me!" Auska shouted out smiling wildly. "What a great day this is!" She then skipped over to the door that Blade and Orca had entered smiling.
Blade looked at her confused and embarrassed.
"Err…" Blade said but stopped when he remember that he shouldn't make fun of her or comet on the way she acted. "Good…right."
End of the second chapter. Sorry it took so long to post up. Took forever for me to decided what to write next!! Anyway! READ AND REVIEW PEOPLE!!! Thanks for reading so far!!! Keep on reading though please!