Chapter 2, everyone! It's so great to see you again! Hope you're doing well and healthy as I do. In this chapter, there will be more humor rather than romance. Just you know, there are no illegal pairings in this story! (As well in my other stories) You'll be surprised in this chapter, that's for sure! (I hope…) Well, enough the chit-chat. Here goes nothing…!
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.
.hack//G.U.
Haseo and Aina
Vol. 1//Overwrite
By superecho
-
*****
Haseo's Member Address List, No. 22
o/ Aina
I love to read books.
Especially fantasy novels.
Haseo…
Let's spend good times together.
*****
---
Chapter 2: Gust of the First Land
-
Σ Dual City Breg Epona
It was the usual quiet day at the root town of Sigma server, Breg Epona. Every player is walking around the high-tech town to do some shopping or trade away items and information, like these players…
"WOW! Are you serious?" an excited player asked, flipping his tail (he had one!?).
"Quiet, Train Dog," a player try to calm his 'pretend to be a dog' friend down.
"Dead serious," a short player answered.
"It just… Wow. After marriage, there will be son/daughter!?" Train Dog shouted.
"Quiet, Train Dog!" the tall player scolded the dog.
"Sssht! Keep your voice down! This is the newest rumor available!" the short player yelled.
"Whoops, sorry… Anyway, please give us more detail!" Train Dog continued.
The short player starts, "From what I've heard, the CC Corp will add a new function to players whom had performed the marriage event. In addition that those two players are now a married couple, they can have children!"
"AMAZING!!!" Train Dog barked in excitement.
"QUIET, I SAID!!" the tall player smacked Train Dog to kiss the floor.
Train Dog; however, stand up again with a smile that is so frightening. If CC Corp had implemented the movement, Train Dog would have swinging his tongue by now. …Oh, wait. He's doing it, right now.
"I'm gonna do it! I will propose to Jahad and have a child from her!!" Train Dog exclaimed, swinging his tongue like a… well, his name.
The tall player smiles mockingly, "Lady Bomber Jahad? …You're going to propose to her, like, when she's about to PK you?"
"YES!" Train Dog answered in high-pitched voice.
"Even she has PK-ed you 157 times?" the tall player asked again.
"YES!!" Train Dog answered even determinant than before.
"…Although she always took away your items, while you can't even say 'Hi' to her? …Wait, why I asked you questions like a priest in wedding ceremony?" the tall player asked, after that slapped himself on the face.
"YES!!!" Train Dog answered again, ignoring the second statement.
"You know what? You're almost sounded like a stalker," the tall player said in disgust.
"Take it easy, lover boy," the short player said, "It's just a rumor."
However, Train Dog already runs towards the Chaos Gate, "I'M COMING, LOVE!!" …and warped out of the town to a random area, presumably to get PKed.
"…What a friend you got there, ASPEKT," the short player teased.
"Why I waste my time with that stalker while I have millions of beauties waiting for me?" ASPEKT countered.
---
Two times three azure rings warped in both white-cool male Adept Rogue and white-gothic female Shadow Warlock. The two just finished a Quest of multiple rewards and they are smiling wide. Numerous players are staring at them, but they didn't really bother.
"That was very fun, Haseo," the little girl player in gothic dress said.
"Glad you're having fun, Aina," the tall boy player in sun-related fashion replied.
Though it's just been a short time they've spend time together, the two seemed so close already. Some sort of invisible bond is formed tightly between the two, pull them closer and closer by each day. While both of them don't have any idea of what bond is it, they're keeping it intact until now. The warmth and blissful resonance they felt from this mysterious bond was far too valuable to let go. It's also the very feelings which drove them to chat so joyfully every time; …even right now.
"Haseo, you are so strong," Aina said to Haseo, both teased and praised him at the same time.
"…Cut it out," Haseo ranted, blushing slightly.
"It's true, Haseo," Aina is clenching her fists, excited, "I've been to a dungeon once with my brother before, and your strength is almost as equal to him."
Hearing his 'goal', Haseo's crimson eyes are lit up, "…Really? I do?"
Aina place two fingers on her chin, "…But, my brother was able to get me unharmed all the way back in the dungeon."
Haseo take a few steps back as if he just got a punch in the face, "…So I'm still not as good as Ovan, huh?"
Somehow Aina felt Haseo's offended feelings and want to apologize, "No, I didn't mean it like that… Please don't be angry."
Haseo sighed; but he quickly put out his anger and flashing out a smile, while once again giving a pat on Aina's head, "Oh, well. Thanks anyway, Aina."
While Haseo feel relaxed for unknown reason when giving her a pat on the head, Aina feel relaxed too somehow. Every time Aina closed her eyes; when every moment Haseo scrubbed her long blue hair, Aina could feel… Warmth… Affection… Comfort... Why she did feel this way? If there is someone who could make Aina feels this way, Ovan is the one. But why; right now, she feels the similar feelings with… Haseo? She is still unable to comprehend; and all she can do is embracing it with all of her heart.
After a few minutes of warmth which seemed like hours, Haseo stopped his act and get back to the main topic, "…I guess we've cleared it. Let's report to the Quest Shop."
"Yes," Aina replied softly.
---
On the way to the Quest Shop, Haseo and Aina spots---
"Hey, Haseo!"
Hearing the child-like voice, Haseo's face grows pale. Haseo start to turn his body; pretend like he never heard it, and run---
"Haseo, isn't that my brother's old friend?" Aina spoke a bit loud, while take a grip to Haseo's hand.
"Um, well… I… think," Haseo spoke in a low tone, defeated miserably as the gothic girl snatched his only chance to escape.
"Hey, Haseo!" a small white-coated Flick Reaper said, "It's been a while."
Haseo sighed; before turn his body again and face his destiny, "Hello… Zelkova."
The little boy with deer horns on his head speaks, while shaking his head in childish gesture, "How have you been, Haseo? I haven't seen you around much these days."
Haseo sighed again, "Well, just the usual."
"Zelkova, it's nice to meet you again," Aina spoke softly, offering her hand.
Zelkova accepted the offer to handshake with a smile, "The pleasure's all mine, Aina."
"How's the Moon Tree, Zelkova?" Aina asked, curious of its condition.
"Moon Tree is doing great, we'll return to our regular activities soon enough. It's also thanks to you, Haseo," Zelkova chirped happily.
"Yeah, yeah…," Haseo replied lazily, didn't feel entertained at all.
While the two kids are chatting excitedly, all Haseo did was muttering over and over again. Sure, he wants to get away from Zelkova, but Aina's hand is constantly holding his.
"Lord Zelkova!"
"…Damn," Haseo muttered in low-pitched voice, as a lady in red is approaching.
"Oh, Kaede!" Zelkova chirped playfully, while hesitantly approach her.
Kaede, on the other hand, put up a sharp glare, "Lord Zelkova! Don't wander around whenever I'm not looking!"
Zelkova lowered his head, while unnecessarily smiling, "S-Sorry…"
"It's true the Moon Tree is gradually returning into shape, but many players are still looking down at us. Please don't walk around by yourself!" Kaede scolded her master fiercely, either one of angry, worried, or annoyed. Well, maybe all of them.
"I'm sorry, Kaede. But don't worry too much about me, I'll be alright," Zelkova reasoned, still as cheerful as before.
"It's true, Kaede. He only wanted to greet us," Aina added.
"How sweet of you, Ms. Aina," Kaede spoke with a smile, while bowing down to see Aina's half-western gothic face, "But…"
Aina look up curiously at Kaede's traditional Japanese face, "…But?"
BGM: Pain in the…
Kaede hardens her expression, like a samurai who want to slay her enemies, "Today, Lord Zelkova has slipped down from my watch 142 times. 80 times are because of seeing an item, 37 times for seeing cute-designed players, 16 times for seeing rare items trades, and 9 times for seeing someone who seemed to be Master Haseo."
Aina at loss for words, "…Um, that was…"
"What a record," Haseo mocked.
"Haseo," Aina reminded.
"Kaede," Haseo said, ignoring Aina.
"Yes, Master Haseo?" Kaede replied politely.
"Whenever you need a babysitter, just invite me," Haseo spoke mockingly, grinning wide.
"Thank you very much, Master Haseo," Kaede bowed deeply, feel grateful.
Aina wrinkles, and then speaks with both sweet and discipline voice, "Haseo, don't be rude. I know Zelkova is acting like a little child who makes trouble all the time, but Kaede is a fine woman. She can handle you, right Zelkova?"
Zelkova is sweat-dropping; stand proudly with watery eyes and red cheeks, either feel happy or embarrassed, "Hahahahaha…"
---
BGM: Flashy Horse
It was always a bright, sunny day at the Dual City. The crowd around is still putting up an observation to the small group, curious of… Some… thing? Or perhaps…
Kaede regain her cool and speaks, "Master Haseo, pardon my rudeness, but could you please come to the Moon Tree Headquarters later? Lord Zelkova needs---"
"By the way, Haseo," Zelkova cut, try to change topic, "What did you two do?"
"We just finished a Quest," Haseo explained, crossing his arms in his usual state.
"It was very fun and have good rewards," Aina added, smiling reassuringly.
"Multiple rewards? Wow! …And I suppose they're status boost items?" Zelkova chirped.
"…Yes, I need to get stronger," Haseo replied with his eyes rolled to nowhere.
"This is a time of peace, Master Haseo. Shouldn't you enjoy it a little?" Kaede butted in, completely forgot of what she want to talk about in the first place.
"I know, but… Well…," Haseo's eyes are looking at Aina's feet, like he's avoiding something.
"…Haseo?" Aina asked, as she felt some chills on her legs.
"I will protect you and Lord Zelkova at any cost, Master Haseo. You shouldn't worry about it," Kaede insisted, revealing her Bushido-like loyalty.
"…Thanks, Kaede," Haseo replied without even lifting his head.
Aina reached up to Haseo's face with her slim hands and whispers, "…Haseo? What are you afraid of? You seemed to avoiding Zelkova."
Haseo a bit shocked that the little girl was able read his mind, but what he's focusing on now is…
BGM: Nobody Knows
"Well, Haseo," Zelkova continues with his 'strongest smile' equipped, "We need to keep the peace of The World, so to increase our status through the system is a must!"
'Please don't' Haseo screamed deep inside, 'Don't remind me of---'
"What about you give me some virus cores, Haseo? I'll give you lots of status boosting items!" Zelkova offered with joyful face. Haseo, on the other hand, is blacked out.
'Damn' Haseo pouted inside, 'He said it! Damn'
"Speaking of which, you haven't gave me any virus cores lately," Zelkova added.
'Damn you, Zelkova' Haseo keep pouting, 'It's because of the last time---'
"…Haseo?" Aina touched Haseo's right cheek, worried.
"ARGH!" Haseo returned from another world as he saw Aina's face was just 5 cm from him.
"Master Haseo?" Kaede asked, for safety measures.
"I'm fine!" Haseo answered a bit too hasty, cheeks are slightly crimson.
"So Haseo, what about the virus cores?" Zelkova asked again, unfazed by the 'event'.
Haseo crossed his arms, but failed to hide his anxiety and pale face, "Well, I have no virus cores right no---"
"Um, Haseo… We have 89 virus cores right now," Aina corrected, after double-checked the Key Items Inventory. And in this case, make Haseo's face grow even paler instead of brightening it up.
'Aina! You're supposed to be on my side!' Haseo pouted again inside.
Somehow able to read his mind, Aina answered to Haseo's heart's content, "What did I do wrong, Haseo?"
*GACK!*
Haseo's player Ryou Misaki choked himself in the real life, hard to breathe. As he feels like dying, the memory of nightmare with Zelkova is coming back to him…
---
- Flashback. Unknown time ago, Unknown Random Area
Haseo is soloing in a random area with quiet full-moon night background, tested his new self at the barrage of monsters. He didn't learn any new skills from his four weapons of choice, didn't get any particular strong equipment lately, but his status was pumped by +15 for almost all the traits in Status screen! While some time ago he's battling it to death while soloing here with low stocks of items, right now his fingers on the controller are barely sweating.
"This is great!" Haseo chirped.
Haseo was doing monologue quite often, chirped unnaturally like Zelkova. Why? Well… Haseo has made a great use to the Avatar Awakening installed by Zelkova (hacked-wise, of course) to collect virus cores from monsters and strengthen the Lost Weapons. When the Lost Weapons has reached its maximum potential, what else some scraps of drained data do? Well, Zelkova the so-not-innocent hacker would love to use them, and Haseo glad he can trade it for some status boosting items at the Wise Grunty. Hence, the new 'Super Terror of Death' is born! Haseo like to see his own Adept Rogue self is getting stronger; not to mention how much hassle from his friends he could avoid, with soloing like this in perfect safety. Haseo feel really grateful to Zelkova now; except when seeing the trace Zelkova left while stalking him, of course. …Or so he thought.
"…Oh, well. I should say thanks to Zelkova later," Haseo finished his monologue. If he hadn't, maybe someone will spot him as a psycho. …Or THAT GUY as a psycho.
"Hum, hum, hum, hum…"
Well, speak of The World.
"Wait, isn't that… Zelkova…!?" Haseo gasped, but not loud enough to make a scene.
Haseo quickly hide behind the bushes, watching someone is approaching to his direction. True; it's Zelkova, chirping happily like a runaway boy from home. Even true; Kaede isn't with him, which explains the overloaded tension of freedom Haseo felt from him. But what is not-so-true is---
"Come on, boys! Follow me!!" Zelkova shouted, waving his arms to make them follow him.
…Them?
*squeal, squeal, squeal, squeal*
"What in The World!?" Haseo said half-screaming, but not loud enough to distract… them.
Good amounts of Chim-chims are following after Zelkova, walking (or half running) toward him in a very straight order. Huh? Nothing's strange about that, right? …Alright; Chim-chims which following a player instead of running away is strange, but nothing else! …Except the fact that all those Chim-chims… ARE DEER-HORNED!
BGM: Pongo Dance
"&$)#!/?" Haseo grumbled loudly, but Zelkova and his ten things weren't distracted.
All those Chim-chims are deer-horned, from short to long one. Normal, Rare, even King and God Chim-chims… The ten in total are following Zelkova like they're some sort of an elite force (with horns) …Wait, ten? Haseo just remembered that he traded 10 of his 99 virus cores before…
[Earlier]
"Here your ten virus cores," Haseo said, stuffing some hexagons to Zelkova's hands.
"Thanks, Haseo! Take this item in return!" Zelkova chirped happily.
"You're welcome, but… What you're going to do with it?" Haseo asked curiously.
"It's not important!" Zelkova refused to answer with a chirp.
"…With you taking it personally and not through the Wise Grunty, it's not important?" Haseo asked, even more curious of this 'suspect'.
"IT'S A SECRET!" Zelkova pouted.
[Now]
"So THAT was the ten virus cores for…," Haseo mumbled to himself.
Zelkova is leading the ten Chim-chims like a group of marching soldiers, while on the same time Haseo keep slamming his head to the ground. Ryou Misaki felt that the impact was real, since he's slamming his head to the desk in the same motion.
Ever since that day, Haseo stopped to hunt for Virus Cores. He hates to get through quests just for a single item, but who knows what kind of wacky experiment that kid is going to pull? For Haseo, it's better to go through the desert millions of times than giving some mad hacker the ingredients of disaster.
- End of Flashback
---
"Haseo, Haseo…"
Ryou Misaki snapped back to life, as a sweet voice rings in his ears.
"Haseo… Haseo…!"
It is Aina's voice…! It feels so close, even though she's so distant…
"Haseo…!!"
*COUGH*
"Haseo!!" Aina's voice gave Ryou Misaki a slap on the face.
Figures; Ryou can hear her voice from the speaker, not from anywhere mystical.
"Y-Yes, Aina? What did I miss?" Haseo said a bit dazed, barely recovered from the choke.
"Zelkova was asking you, about why you haven't trade virus cores with him lately," Aina finished her recap, with a slight hardness in her tone.
"Well, um…," Haseo spin his brain, "I was just addicted to quests lately!"
…Lame excuse, no?
"Oh, I see Haseo. Glad you're having fun," Zelkova accepted it quite boldly.
Whether Zelkova just playing dumb or didn't notice for real, Haseo let out a relieved sigh. But it soon to fade as the strange tension Haseo felt around him, start to divert his focus.
Haseo rolled his crimson eyes to look around, "It is just me, or…?"
"No, Haseo," Aina added with a feeling of discomfort in her tone, "I feel it too…"
"Ever since you come to us, you've been followed by mass of people, Master Haseo," Kaede explained, after scouting the passionate glares from numerous players around them.
"…And why is that?" Haseo wondered.
"Maybe it's because of me; my character design is unlike the others…," Aina said with her head lowered, slightly feel embarrassed.
Zelkova smiles, "Ovan specifically designed it for you, so it's no wonder!"
"Really…?" Aina slightly lift her head, face enlighten up a little.
Haseo smiles at Aina, "You should be proud of yourself, Aina."
Aina's cheeks are pink, but she stares at Haseo anyway, "…Thank you, Haseo."
Aina's blush infected Haseo as well, "Y-You're welcome."
The crowd is still encircling them, but Haseo and Aina were lost temporarily in their little world. Zelkova, on the other hand, is folding his arms and think deeply.
"What is it, Master Zelkova?" Kaede asked her master.
"Well, Kaede… I want to ask something to Haseo," Zelkova answered with a serious look.
"…About the virus cores?" Haseo asked first with a dead-fish's eyes.
"No, no," Zelkova corrected.
"What is it about?" Haseo asked again, while feel some chill on his back.
"Haseo, I've been wondering…," Zelkova started.
"Yes?" both Haseo and Aina asked in unison.
"…What is THAT behind you?" Zelkova finished his question, pointing to something behind Haseo.
Both Haseo and Aina turned their backs; only to discover… a little girl!?
"…," the little girl a bit shorter than Aina's height stood silently.
So that's why the players around were staring at them--- This little girl was following behind Haseo and Aina without either one of them noticed! The little girl has a long golden hair, beautiful purple eyes and soft pale skin. She is almost as pretty as Aina, so its turn the people around speechless and keep following. But maybe it's not just that…
Aina slowly approach the girl with a warm smile, "What is it, little friend?"
The little girl however, didn't reply, but sniffing at Aina instead. After a few seconds of question marks in people's faces (including Haseo), the little girl jumped and hugged Aina.
Aina felt shocked to the max, but try to stay calm, "…What's wrong? Do you need help?"
The little girl simply tighten her hug and say, "…Mommy!"
---
"…," Haseo was speechless.
"…," Zelkova didn't say a word.
"…," Kaede can't smile at the moment.
*HUGE SCREAMS OF PEOPLE*
"…Calm down, people," Kaede try to stop the crowd, but it was no avail.
Aina felt shocked even worse, but bravely asks, "M-Me, your m-mommy? It can't be…"
Haseo was ticked off, "What are you babbling about!? Don't pull a joke on us!"
"Haseo, don't be so harsh…," Aina complemented.
The little girl however, was staring and sniffing at Haseo, just like she did with Aina.
Haseo can't help but to put a quizzical face, "…What are you---!?"
In the speed of wind, the little girl hugged Haseo and say, "…Daddy!"
"…," now it's Aina who was speechless.
"…," Zelkova still didn't say a word.
"…," Kaede still can't smile at the moment.
*EVEN MORE HUGE SCREAMS OF PEOPLE*
"Holy---!"
"So the rumor was true!?"
"CC Corp indeed has added the child system!!"
"Unbelievable!!"
"But that was Haseo, right…?"
"No way…! The Terror of Death…!?"
"He married a little girl like that!?"
"To what I heard, he's still single!"
"Could it be a daughter out-of-marriage!?"
"S-Stupid! This is an online game, remember!?"
"But, if it is true…!"
"NO!!!! MASTER HASEO!!!!"
"LOVE!!!! EVEN WITHOUT A MARRIAGE, I---!!"
"SHUT UP, TRAIN DOG!! YOU'VE JUST BEEN PKED, REMEMBER!?"
"LOVE!!! I'M COMING---!"
"YOU DIDN'T HEAR A WORD I SAID!? *SMACK*"
"L-LOVE---! *COUGH*, *THUD*"
"Damn, this bad…!" Haseo grind his teeth; both complained and try to remove the little girl's grasp at the same time.
"Haseo, what should we do?" Aina asked; she is afraid and confused, as the people around is throwing suspicious glares at her and Haseo.
"Master Haseo! Ms. Aina! Please evacuate immediately!" Kaede said, while blocking the huge mass of players with her slim body like a brave samurai.
"Leave this to us!" Zelkova finally spoke, raised a thumb.
"…We've got no choice. Aina! Let's get out of here!" Haseo said.
Haseo quickly grabs Aina's hand and run towards the Chaos Gate, with the little girl still stuck on his hips. Somehow, they manage to escape the crowd and warp to other server.
---
Δ Eternal City Mac Anu
As soon as they warped in, the two immediately warped to the Mercenary District and entered the empty Raven guild. With Yata and Pi offline, no one will be there for the time being.
"Phew… We'll be safe here," Haseo panted, catching his breath.
"Yes, Haseo. It was exhausting," Aina panted too.
The little girl, however, still stuck on Haseo's hips.
"Get off me!" Haseo yelled, finally able to get the little girl a loose on her grip.
Haseo quickly steps back and shrug the little girl away. The little girl looked afraid, and then hugged Aina back.
"Mommy… Daddy is scary…," the little girl said with an innocent face.
Aina feel her heart is about to burst, but try to play along, "Ha--- Daddy was… tired."
Aina sit down; try to chat for a bit and do some patting with the little girl, all to soothe both herself and the little girl from the events earlier. Soon, the little girl fell asleep on Aina's lap. Now the trouble has calmed down, it's time for some good logic.
Haseo covered his face with his right hand, "Aina… What's going on here…?"
"The Zephyr's Sacrament… Maybe it will create a child to whoever touches it?" Aina said her hypothesis.
"That is crazy! I've never heard of such thing before," Haseo yelled angrily.
"Maybe this is a hidden quest, Haseo. From what I asked her, this little girl seemed to mistaken us as her parents, and it's up to us to deliver her back," Aina explained calmly.
Haseo laughed a bit, "You're so calm, Aina."
Aina smiles beautifully, "I'm just trying to help."
Haseo take a seat beside Aina, smiling back at her, "If that's the case, let's finish this hidden quest."
"Sure!" Aina smiled cheerfully, as if the trouble earlier has never happened.
Haseo take another look at the little girl, "Aina, what's this girl's name?"
"I have asked, but she said we haven't given her one yet," Aina answered.
Haseo wrinkles, "…Man."
Aina think for a bit, then speaks, "…Let's give her one, Haseo."
Ryou Misaki nearly fell off his chair, "…What!?"
Aina's eyes are filled with determination, "Until we find her real parents, we have to keep her happy. The only way is to pretend as her real parents. Besides, if she doesn't have a name, it'll be hard for us to find clues of her real parents--- especially if we have to ask her for it."
Haseo sighs, too tired to make an argument, "…Alright, you can name her."
Aina think deeply, "She was born because of the Zephyr's Sacrament… Zephyr…"
A few seconds later, Aina finally come up with something, "A wind of disaster… A girl of wind that blows trouble to all of us…"
With a reassuring smile, Aina proudly present the little girl's name to Haseo:
"I name her… Zefie."
-
To be continued…
*****
---
Log 2: Health and Body
Description: When Haseo, Bo and Aina were shopping together for the first time, Haseo unintentionally saw Aina bought some Asian Mangoes at the Kiosk. Haseo wondered if Aina like Mangoes or any other food in particular, so he sent a "Food" Greeting Card to her on the next day.
--
///
Sender: Haseo
Subject: -Greeting Card- Food
-
-What's your favorite food?-
///
--
Two days later, Haseo received a reply.
--
///
Sender: Aina
Subject: Re: Food
-
Sorry for the late reply. I like hot soup, mostly corn and beans.
They're tasted warm inside your mouth and body, while delicious in general.
Since soups are consists of mostly vegetables, they're healthy and I love them.
///
--
Haseo compose a reply as quick as possible.
--
///
Sender: Haseo
Subject: Me too
-
So you prefer vegetables than fruits, huh?
I like soups too, mostly only Miso soup and ramen soup though. LoL
///
--
Aina composed a reply an hour later--- (to be continued to Log 3)
--
*****
Ahh!! Chapter 2 of Volume 1 FINALLY done!! Aina is sweet and cute, right? I hope she was as sweet and cute in this chapter. Were you guys surprised of the little girl's appearance? I hope so! :3 Both Haseo and Aina are going to have it rough from now on XD
Thank you for your patronage in this story! ^_^ Hope you enjoyed it, and please review!