.Hack//LOST (PART C)--PROMISE

[The-Missing-Spade]

(OKay, just announcing to everyone that Hollow44 is up and running again! Welcome back!^^)

"Good morning, Kyo." Indigo greeted, surprised to see him come up quickly. A breeze lifted her hair slightly upwards revealing her soft pink eyes. She then turned her attention to Keith and smiled. "You sure are energetic-considering it's early." She said, holding her hands behind her. "Anyways, about my brother...I received another message from my little brother's character again. This time he said he'd be waiting for me at Unseeing Forbidden Paradise." As soon as she finished she glanced at Kyo.

"I was kind of hoping you wouldn't mind accompaning Keith and I. I think we might actually find the hacker in there...although, it's only if you really want to come. It might be dangerous." She said and looked down.

[kai the pkk]

Kyo: hey r you forgetting who I am I get back things that have been stolen I find retireve treasures from dungeons and sometimes I'll find a lost plkayer I'm kyo the player that aceppts anyjobs of all sorts yeah I'm that known so yes I'll come besides I'll probaly just blown off my homework till the last minute

[The-Missing-Spade]

Indigo released a fake smile and looked at Kyo. "Thank you for deciding to come." She finally said, realizing maybe putting too many people at risk was a bad idea. At the same time the thought of others beside her made her feel alot more comfortable facing the situation. She took a breath and looked around wondering if the others were going to arrive. She was beginning to think they weren't even awake yet.

"I think we should go and wait for the rest under the oak tree." She said, pointing to it at the distance. "Besides, I'm sure thats the first place they'll come looking for us." She smiled again and began walking towards the tree. Several small leaves fluttered all around the players and she realized the sound of conversations all around them. It seemed like just another busy day for the online game. Even then, there was a very dark aura surrounding the atmosphere. Perhaps it was because the time was running out. There were only nine days as of now before the game stopped operating.

[AiperonOfLight]

((this italicized part is in real life))

The morning cold bit at Daoru's cheeks. He decided that he was coming to work only to tell them he was taking nine days off. He didn't know how wise it was, but he new it was the right thing. He pushed open the doors to the tall building that was the Miyazaki law firm. He paused, and went straight into his boss' office.
"Mr. Miyazaki?" he peered in the office and was met with a sage-like stare. "I hope you aren't too busy." he sat down in the chair in front of Mr. Miyazaki's desk. "I have to take some time off. For personal reasons." without another word Daoru was gone. He opened the door to his apartment. He sat at the chair next to his computer and logged on.

The same blue aura released Yoshikuni. He strolled through the street then saw mail from indigo. Hm I'd better check it, he thoguht as he logged out. It said to come to Θ server. He saw Kyo, Keith, and Indigo standing in a group.

"Hello! Nice to see you three," he said as he approached them. "So what've I missed?"

[hollow44]

"hmm nothing.. but hey we can't have any fun without you okay? hahaha" keith chuckled at Yoshikuni. "hnmmm and indigo.. since everyone is here now don't you think we should be off?... what was that place again.. oh yeah right Unseeing Forbidden Paradise right? okay we better set off as soon as possible... in order to catch the hacker right?" and then keith rans off.. but then suddenly he ran back to the group, with a embarassing face.. "and yeah where is exactly is this Unseeing Forbidden Paradise? hahaha sorry got excited..." keith then let out a small smile.

[The-Missing-Spade]

Indigo grew content upon Yoshikuni's arrival. She turned and faced Keith, who had suggested taking off. She wondered if Kuiper was ever going to show up. Unfortunately she couldn't wait any longer. As soon as she had made up her mind she saw Keith run towards the Chaos Gate; only to return with an embarrasing expression on his face soon after.

"Oh thats right. You havn't been playing this game long, right?" Indigo asked, looking at Keith happily. "Don't worry you'll learn how to adapt to it in no time." She finished and turned to look at everyone else hoping they were ready to take of. "Well, if everyone is ready then we can take off already. So...come with me Keith." She invited. "Before we leave I want to teach you how to go from one place to another in this game." Keith seemed somewhat puzzled, but curious.

When they reached the Chaos Gate she opened up the keyword menu. "Okay, one thing you need to learn about this game is that these Chaos Gates transport you to other root towns as well as fields, where the monsters lurk. Every field in this game is composed of three words. Basically you can choose three words listed in columns A,B, and C and when your done depending on the keywords, you will either be taken to a field, a dungeon, a temple, a shrine, or even a forest. There are other areas in this world, but those are the basic locations."

"But in today's case, we'll all be going to Unseeing Forbidden Paradise. So, I hope everyone is prepared." She continued, this time choosing the keywords and getting ready to leave Dol-Dona.

"We're coming for you..." She whispered and suddenly everyone was individually engulfed in a blue light. Immediately afterwards they had vanished from the root town.

>>>...

>>>...

>>>...Unseeing Forbidden Paradise

As soon as the group arrived together, the first thing they noticed was a wide nightsky above them with several stars. Behind them they saw the largest moon they had ever seen. It was large, blurry, and pink. Furthermore, several small fireflies flew across the grassy field. It almost seemed like the perfect place to rest, Indigo thought as she continued examining her surroundings. "This place..." She said. "It's soo...beautiful."

It didn't take too long for her to spot the large Temple in the distance. It shined brightly with the moon's light and almost seemed as though the Temple were actually made of gold.

"Well, we're here." She said. "I think the best idea would be to search for anyone outside first...before going inside the Temple." She released her Duel Blades; causing several beams of light to bounce from it's silver material. The Moon's reflection made them shine brightly against the night as well. She began to scout the area in search of any players that could be the potential hacker.

>>>...

>>>...

After several minutes of searching it seemed like this field, just like the previous one, was pretty much empty. Not even monsters seemed to be lurking around. However the background music seemed to be working pretty good. And it's melody made their experience feel almost angelic. But Indigo thought otherwise. She sighed and turned around to look for the others. She sent them a quick message saying it was time to look inside the Temple.

When they gathered at the entrence of the ancient temple Indigo took a deep breath and calmed herself. She was determined to find the one responcible for the foolish games. She swore on her brother's life she was gonna have vengence.

"Okay, is everyone ready to go in?" She asked.

[AiperonOfLight]

"Ready as ready can be!" Yoshikuni smiled and followed after Indigo. "That's strange, I don't see any monster portals. How very interesting. Indigo it seems as though this may be a Lost Ground, if we don't see any monsters that'll be the explanation. You do know what a Lost Ground is, correct?" Indigo seemed intrigued. "A Lost Ground is a mysterious area that can appear and disappear at any moment. A lost ground has no monsters and is completely elusive of the system administrators grasp. C.C. Corp. can't even touch it or get rid of it. It is an extremely elaborate area that looks very little like normal areas" he said as theyapproached the golden temple.
"So,I have to pose the question, is there a connection between an elusive PC and an elusive area?" he started to sound somewhat worried. "I don't mean to be rude but I don't think a hacker would take all that time to send you a message. What would be the reason to it? None that I can see. Unless he or she wanted to trap and PK you for laughs. But I do think that it may actually be Sauna. But how? I don't know." he shook his head and looked at the stars.

((BGM: .hack//roots OST 2 Children's Requiem))

[AiperonOfLight]

(( Hey yall go here, I'm starting an RP on dA:
http://chaosgate-welcome.deviantart.com/ ))

[hollow44]

"uhhh.. what what what ground with what what area? uhh sorry if i'm bit slow.. but the main point is to look for the hacker right?" even though keith sound confident he shivered a little when he think about the hacker... so then keith draws his greatsword out.. "heheh i'm just catious okay? not scared.. hahaha" and then keith lead the way in the temple..

the temple itsself seems to be very fancy at one time.... but the weather and time had wear it out to only rags of the opulance it once was before. it was lit dimly with several torches on the wall.. "uhh fancy lighting huh?" and then keith step up to a giant idol of a strange beast that resembles the face of a dog and a body of a dragon with lion's fur. "uhhh i don't think i'll be worshipping that thing" keith shivered as he take a look at the aggressive face of the idol it seems that it is ready for a battle with its heavely armored body.....

"help me.... help me... help me" a weak voice echoes through the empty temple.. "hey! u guys hear that!" then everyone seem to agree to hear the mysterious voice too... "i think it's coming behind the idol" then keith ran behind the giant idol....

[The-Missing-Spade]

Indigo paused to ponder the question posed by Yoshikuni as he glanced at the stars. She couldn't understand why a hacker would ask her to come to a "Lost Ground". At the same time it was only an suggestion. In the past Sauna had told Indigo about Lost Grounds and their importance in the game. He once said they were a good place to go to and be alone, or to just spend time with your friends. Yoshikuni was right about them not having monsters, but as she looked around the field once more she felt as though this area couldn't actually be an official Lost Ground. Never the less she closed her eyes and focused on one thing instead; finding Sauna's game character.

Confused after Yoshikuni's elaborate explaination, Keith marched into the Temple urging for action. Having released his sword and having assured all of us he wasn't scared his character faded into the darkness of the Temple and vanished through the doors. Indigo felt slightly worried but she followed Keith in and soon everyone had done the same.

Once inside they realized they were in a slightly small room; the first of many Indigo assumed. She noticed the burning torches on the wall and then a large statue of what seemed to be a diety of some sort. Keith approached it and examined it, intrigued by it's appearance. It was rare for such statues to be seen inside the Temples but when a group of players come across one it is rumored that they have good luck on their dungeon adventure. Such superstitions originate in the game's forums, and are surprisingly believed by many.

"We should be careful...for anything." Indigo said as she explored the small room. "Does anyone have a fairy's orb?" She asked, realizing she was out of them.

Suddenly, everyone heard the soft pleading of an unknown person coming from the other side of the diety. Keith was quick to check out who it was, but not before Indigo released her Duel Blades again and approached the diety with great caution. She waited for Keith to tell the rest of the them just what that noise was, and from whom it was coming from.
"Could it be...?" Indigo whispered. The thought of having found the hacker brought her some level of comfort, but angered her as well. She waited until Keith could verify who it was before making any further assumptions.

[kai the pkk]

Kyo: { looks around the room after he hears the pleading voice like the rest and he goes over to statue and stares at it for a few minutes then he stands there waiting for something to happen} well seems as though someone wants our help { he follows ketih walking as casual with out a care in the world}

[hollow44]

as keith turned around the corner he spotted a boy with large blue coat with black pants and light brown curly hair covered over his face, he was shivering with fear.. "ummm... hello? are u okay? ummm i'm keith and... i'm here to help okay? don't worry okay?" and then keith placed a warm hand on the boy's shoulder.. however the shivering boy replies echoes weakly.. "help.. me.. h-h-help... m-m-me..." keith realize that their is something strange about this boy.. so he got up and decides to call out the others for help.. "umm i don't think i can help u alone so i think i'm gonna call the others okay?..." then suddenly the boy grabed keith with a surprisingly strong hands... "don't leave me!" then the boy lifted his hair out of his face... "Sauna?!" keith shouted out with suprise. "Indigo! I found Sauna!"

[The-Missing-Spade]

As soon as Indigo heard the words "Sauna" she ran behind the diety where Keith stood besides a small boy. At first glance she thought the boy was actually sauna's character but when she noticed the color of his eyes and lowered down her Duel Blades. She could feel her heart beat bumbing loudly against her chest. She took a deep breath and approached the little boy. He seemed awfully scared.

"This boy...isn't Sauna." Indigo said as she passed Keith. "He does look like him though."

Indigo kneeled down in front of the boy and looked at his eyes. "Why are you here?" She asked him, uncertain about the fear in his eyes. The boy looked away trying to avoid her gaze and simply turned around. "I'm hiding..." He said softly. "A monster was chasing me, and it was scary...and powerful too. I couldn't fight it." Indigo stood up and placed her Duel Blades away. "Well theres no monster here so your safe." She replied. "You can leave safely now."

"But...theres another boy here." The boy continued. He turned around and looked at Indigo. "When the monster appeared he ran deeper into the Temple. I think the monster was after him." He paused. "And he also looked similar to my character. Maybe he might be the boy your looking for...?" Indigo's pupils shrinked then. "Another boy? With a similar design?" She asked, trying to figure out if maybe Sauna's character was infact somewhere in this Temple.

"Yes. He seemed...different though."
"What do you mean different?" Indigo asked.

Suddenly, there was a small tremor around the Temple.

"Oh no! I think it's coming!" The boy cried. "I-I-Im sorry, but Im l-leaving." The boy stood up quickly and ran out of the temple, not saying anything else. "Becareful!" He shouted and dissapeared through the entrence. Indigo turned around and walked towards the rest. Soon afterwards the shaking stopped.

"You guys, I think whoever hacked into my brother's account...might actually still be here." She said. "I know it seems dangerous to continue but, I'm not going to loose my chance. I'm going to go deeper!" With that said she turned around and faced the entrence to the next room. "Whoever wants to come, do so to his own responsibility."

[hollow44]

"uhh sorry indigo about the false alarm.." keith looks embarrassed from his stupid mistake.. but when he look up Indigo's face he knew this is not the time to be embarrassed about little things.. when keith saw indigo ran toward the other room he quickly followed her... "hey wait up idigo! i'm going to find out too" and then keith disappear into the other room

[The-Missing-Spade]

As soon as Indigo entered the second Temple room she noticed Keith following right behind her. She turned around and felt happy that he decided to come. She gave him a smile then turned around again; She started towards the next exit. There was a second tremor as she approached the doors and she fell to the floor. Keith was quick enough to help her up then. She regained her balanced and bowed. "T-thank you, Keith." She said.

She looked behind him and noticed Kyo nor Yoshikuni were present. She began to wonder wether they had decided to stay behind. Although it still puzzled her that Yoshikuni wouldn't come. He seemed interested in helping Indigo find Sauna. And it seemed as though this time she actually had a lead. Convinced they would make up their minds soon she released her Duel Blades and approached the third room with great caution. She could still feel that uncertainty building up in her head and wished for it to go away. Her fingers were beginning to sweat as she struggled to keep Indigo running.

When she reached the third room she quickly noticed another familair long hall stretched out in front of her. The passage was more lit than the last considering the several torches hanging on the walls. She could see the next exit in the distance and then, just when she was about to continue a third tremor struck.

"damn it! What is it with these quakes?" She shouted. Keith could tell the situation was frustrating her but he didn't know what to do to help. When she stood up again she noticed an odd sound coming from a few feet away. Suddenly a whole opened up in front of them and from within it there was darkness. Indigo took a step back and prepared herself in battle position.

"In..di..go..." A voiced whispered. It seemed to be coming from inside the dark whole.
"Are you...the-..re?" It asked. Indigo couldn't make sense of what was happening; except for the fact that the voice sounded an awful lot like sauna's. She gulped and starred deep into the whole.
"S-sauna?" She asked. "Is that you?"

There was a fourth tremor that brought both Keith and Indigo falling into the ground. When she lifted her head from the ground she saw the black whole dissapearing.
"..C-ome...fo..r me." The voice said, fading away as the whole closed completely shut.

Indigo lifted herself up and stood, confused and scared at the same time. She turned to look at Keith slowly.
"Did you hear...that voice?" She asked him. "Tell me you heard that voice."
She continued standing in disbelief, waiting for Kyo and Yoshikuni to appear.

[hollow44]

"indigo... y-y-yeah i heard the voice.." keith stuttered out in a weak vioce... "indigo! get hold of urself... i know things don't make sense but we need to find out what's going on here! but first we need to find out what is causing the tremor!" then suddenly the ground shook with a violent force... "uhhh not this again!" shouted keith.. then from a distance keith heard giant footsteps coming towards them...'please we don't need a monster attack now' keith thought to himself...

[kai the pkk]

Kyo: { walks over to them and then hears the foot steps} keh looks like you 2 dont want to fight right now dont worry I'll do the ask kicking { he draws his weapon} allright come and get it! {he turns his head} can you 2 atleast move I dont want you to get hurt

[The-Missing-Spade]

Indigo felt a sudden rush of anger as she got into battle position. "I'm not gonna let some bastard play with my emotions any longer." She whispered to herself as the sounds of steps got louder and louder; the ground literally shaking with each step. She saw Kyo getting ready to fight aswell not caring much if Keith was a little to frightened to act. He was determined to finish it with or without anyone's help.

"Rrrroooooouuurrrgh!" A loud and long roaring sound thundered about.
"It's coming!" Indigo shouted afterwards.

Suddenly with great impact, the doors at the end of the long passage burst opened and a large goblin-like monster appeared. It's skin seemed pale with black stripes on his legs, arms, and neck. He wore a silver helmet with horns on it's head, along with silver plate armor on his chest and on his knees. In his hands he had a large silver sword whose blade seemed slightly rusted. It began to approach Kyo, Indigo, and keith releasing roars as he neared.

"Okay guys, it's large but it's not very strong. I think we can take it on." Indigo was the first to dash towards the goblin and jump towards it's face where it slashed at it's helmet twice; making loud noice as the blade made contact with the armor. The goblin let out a small cry of pain and lifted it's arm. It struck Indigo with its sword and she was sent flying all the way towards the other end of the hall.
"Huuaaaaah!" She cried as she hit the wall.

[kai the pkk]

Kyo: { after indigo slams into the wall he looks down as his hair covers his eyes and he starts walking slowly twoards the goblin}


Goblin; {swing its sword at kyo}

Kyo: { barely moving he dodges the sword and he then blocks the sword with his blade and it looks like hes like a walking corpse and he pushes his blade foward knocking the goblin over and he jumps ontop of the goblin he stabs his blade into the goblins chest and the blade emits the red aura and he starts running across the monsters chest slicing his blade through the goblins body and he finishes off with a slice cutting off its right arm and he lands on the opposite side of them and his blade howls and he he dashes back at the goblin attempting to finish it off} HHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!

[AiperonOfLight]

((Is this monster supposed to bear a resemblance to Azure Orca? o.o))
((FIGHT MUSIC TIEM 8D BGM: GOD DIVA *is actually listening to it right now* ))
"Indigo!" Yoshikuni cast Ul Repth on Indigo before she tried more. "Let me help at least"
He drew his long sword and started aming at the strange monster. "Take that! What? No damage? This guy sure is tougher than he looks" Yoshikuni even tried skills and magic. "Nothing is working!" Glancing around he made a descision. "Indigo, take those two and go look for Sauna! It's the only way!" He returned to fighting the monster but Indigo was still right there. He could tell she was angry.
"Indigo, you aren't solving anything by trying to fight a monster I can't even kill." He could tell she understood. The monster took a blow at Yoshikuni. "I don't want you fighting this. I don't want you to succomb to the same fate as Sauna. Go, now!"
He continued parrying the monster and attempting to attack. He knew loss was the only possibility, but fought it all the same.