.hack//SIGN Fan Fiction ❯ Heart To Get ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Kite has been hiding his feelings away from a certain Wavemaster, and wanted him to arrive in Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground to reveal his feelings. However, things might not be what Kite had expected...

Anime/Manga: .hack//SIGN Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Hentai | Type: One Shot | Uploaded On: 03.20.2005 | Pages: 7 | Words: 12.9K | Visits: 485 | Status: Work In Progress

Disclaimer: I don't .Hack, only the plot.

A/N: I've started to get more ideas by each time when I read the previous chapters all over again, becoming more determined to finish this fic. I'll be having big exams coming up in a couple of days, so it might take some time for me to update the next chapter. Thank you for the reviews, it's really makes me feel happy to have them and it gives me a lot of boost to write more. Before I can introduce you all of the next fic of Heart To Get, I would like to thank the reviewers who really gave me strength and ideas to continue on with this fic. Without all you reviewers, I really couldn't continue on this story. Even if one person who had reviewed this fic, it gave me enough courage to keep on going, that is really the kind of power all of you have and gave us.

Happy Reading!

Key: - - - - means in a different time, place. ---- means at the same time, but possibly at a different place.

Note: In this story, Tsukasa is both a boy in the Real World and The World.

Warning: Yaoi (male/male)

Heart To Get: Chapter 3

"Rue Zot!"

"Mi Ani Zot!"

The monster gave it's last roar as it slumped to the ground, dead as it turned gray and disappearing away, leaving the two Wavemasters alone. Elk cheered as he gained another level, Tsukasa congratulating him before using a Fortune Wire at the Tricky Treasure Box, opening to see its contents.

"What you found in there Tsukasa?" Elk asked, going to his side. Already on their fifth journey to head to another dungeon, both Wavemasters have quickly leveled up as they defeated monsters on a higher level than them.

"Nothing really important," Tsukasa replied, lifting a bottle and scroll, "Pretty useless to help us in our journey."

"Not they're not," Elk countered, "Phoenix Down and Wizard's Bane would help us sooner or later. If we wasted our magic on defeating many monsters and we don't have enough to heal ourselves, they can be very useful!"

Tsukasa nodded, "Good point."

Elk smiled, "Not everything is worthless, and each has its own use and purpose, Tsukasa. Think of the positive side of things."

"I know," Tsukasa replied, giving the items in Elk's hands, "You take them, I don't really need it."

"Really? Thank you Tsukasa!"

Tsukasa grunted a little, looking away as his cheeks redden a little as he started to continue walking through the hallway and going to the next floor, "You're welcome."

Elk giggled as he followed after him, putting away the items as he prepared himself for what was yet to come in the next floor. Ever since the day when they met in Carmina Gadelica, the shy Wavemaster couldn't help smiling as Tsukasa would appear whenever they go on a journey, leading the way to the dungeon.

After their long adventure, they would return to Elk's secret field, resting on the grass and looking up at the sky, making a conversation of unimportant things, or on special days, they would tell each other another hidden chapter of their past.

Each day Elk had cherished the moments, feeling shy and awkward as Tsukasa would be at his side, blushing bright pink and stammering suggestions, but slowly relaxed a few days later. He never felt this way around anyone before, not even with Mia as he and Tsukasa became closer.

Their friendship had begin in days, days turn to weeks, and their bond was unbreakable as they always meet up in The World for another challenging journey. Both of them had become inseparable as they poured their past to each other, becoming each other's pillar to help each other up.

Tsukasa became open to Elk little by little as the indescribable feelings in him grew stronger, yearning for the silver blue haired Wavemaster whenever they talked in the cherry blossom field or fighting monsters in a journey. He never felt this sort of happiness before when he's around Elk, it's not even as close as when he is with Subaru or Mimiru when going somewhere.

::It really can't be coincidence that we've met up in Carmina Gadelica...:: Tsukasa thought, as he led the both of them downstairs. They both turned left as they entered into an empty room, Elk picking up a Golden Egg. ::I felt that something was going to happen there which made me stay, we were both alone and depressed...::

"My turn to use Fairy's Orb!" Elk replied, smiling brightly as he released the fairies from their pink orb entrapment, streaks of light going into the dungeons to lighten their true way to the treasure. After finally searching, a single golden line told them to go straight ahead, the fairies disappearing.

"We should go north," Tsukasa said, nodding at Elk as he started making his way to it, breaking away from his thoughts. He had to focus on the matter at hand, otherwise Elk would become curious and he would want to know what he's thinking.

Elk followed after him, his smile still on his face as they reached to a golden portal, only to reveal several monsters.

"I'll take the Phalanx!" Elk replied as he shouted out a spell, backing away to keep himself from being attacked.

Tsukasa nodded, taking the two monsters out that are reaching for him. Yelling out a spell which gave the first monster a great deal of damage, he looked at his side to see how Elk was doing with his monster.

It's normal for the both of them to watch each other's back when they reached for the dungeons, healing each other or destroying the monster for each other when one of them doesn't have much Magic Points left. Tsukasa's eyes widen as Elk turned to meet his gaze, a brave smile on his face since he's gaining the upper hand on killing the beast.

The stoic Wavemaster quickly looked away and focused on defeating his own monster, a ghostly blush on his face as his heart pounded fiercely; embarrassed he was caught staring at him.

"Yarthkins Ru!"

The monster groaned as it pain wracked on its body from the summoned monster, swinging its powerful arm to smash Tsukasa. Tsukasa's eyes narrowed as he dodged it, using Ether to recover some of his lost magic points as he yelled out another spell, killing the first monster.

Tsukasa looked around for the second monster, only to see Elk running towards him with worried eyes, "Tsukasa behind you!"

Tsukasa turned around, confused, "What-?"

The monster's fist was hurtling straight for Tsukasa as Elk pushed him away to keep him from being attacked, knowing the consequences as he wouldn't allow the monster to hurt someone he cared about.

Elk yelled out in pain as a fist was connected to his stomach, knocking the breath out of him. He felt one of his ribs crack and pain flared instantly around his body, the monster's great force throwing him in the air and was smacked hard on the stone wall, his eyes wide with such pain he's feeling all over. His staff fell to the ground in a clatter as he slid down to the ground, remaining still. His form glowed red, signaling he's very low on his health and needs to recover.

"Elk!!" Tsukasa screamed, his eyes darkening as he charged towards the monster, no longer merciful to the beast for what it done to his friend.

"Ap Don!" Tsukasa shouted quickly, only to realize a green orb surrounding the monster after the spell, completely unscathed.

::K'so, the monster's magic tolerant!:: Tsukasa growled in his mind, running to reach for Elk.

But the beast seemed to know what the Wavemaster would do as it swung its arm to Tsukasa, knocking him to the floor. Tsukasa didn't wince as the hard floor scratched him; the only thing mattering to him is to destroy the monster in front of him for what it did to Elk. The monster banged its chest with its hands, a summoning symbol appearing under Tsukasa as the summoned Earth element monster send great pain to the raged Wavemaster.

Tsukasa scowled, his patience growing thin as the monster roared to heal itself, heading straight for him. Without thinking, Tsukasa hit the staff's end to the ground, a summoning symbol appearing and glowing. Bright light emitted as the summoned monster appeared, the golden ring shining through the transparent body as it wailed in a familiar sound, attacking the monster through its shield and data draining it.

Elk stirred, opening his eyes until wincing in pain, his vision blurry as he looked up, seeing a familiar monster he met before in a dungeon with Kite. His eyes went wide as he sees a blurry Tsukasa behind the monster, with such anger held in his face and eyes.

::Tsukasa...:: Elk thought, groaning as he clutched his side, which he saw blood seeping out. He reached for his staff, only whimpering as he stretched the torn muscles, setting his hand down, drained of his energy as he closed his eyes again.

The beast disappeared as it was already data drained, Tsukasa's guardian turning to face its former master. Tsukasa's eyes widened at remembering his guardian and took a step back, seeing that it's alive right in front of him.

After all these years, he thought it was killed by the monster just like it. He tried calling for it many times earlier before he met Elk, just to check in case if it was truly dead, so why should this be different when he can finally summon it?

The guardian wailed the same mournful sound, turning to where Elk was lying on the ground and back to him as to tell the reason why it was summoned.

::Elk...My anger summoned him to kill whatever is causing me to feel angry...It was trying to protect me and Elk...:: Tsukasa thought, reaching for his guardian to touch it.

The guardian wailed again as it disappeared away before Tsukasa can touch the guardian, leaving him alone in the dungeon with Elk.

::It's still watching over me, even though it's not in Morganna's control anymore...:: Tsukasa thought, turning away to run to his friend.

"Elk!" He yelled running towards to the wounded Wavemaster, kneeling down and turning him over gently. He placed his arm around Elk's waist to make him sit up, waiting to see those crimson red eyes.

Elk gritted his teeth in pain, opening his eyes as his sight was clearing, seeing the worried face of Tsukasa, "Tsukasa...?" He winced again as he clutched his wound, gasping for breath as he felt his ribs poking him sharply as his lungs expanded for more air to enter.

"Don't move, it'll just hurt worse," Tsukasa replied, placing his free hand on the wound to stop it from bleeding anymore.

"It hurts even in the real world," Elk whispered, eyes tightly shut. ::Maybe feeling everything in this game isn't as great as it seems…::

"Ola Repth," Tsukasa replied gently, seeing the blood clearing away and the cloth stitching back as if it wasn't ripped in the first place.

"Are you alright now?" Tsukasa asked, peering at Elk's crimson eyes as he continues to hold on the small frame. He didn't want to let go of him unless if he was perfectly all right.

Elk nodded, a smile on his face as the pain faded away, "I'm okay."

"It's my fault," Tsukasa muttered, "I should've been more careful and alert, then none of this would've happened."

"It wasn't your fault," Elk replied firmly, squeezing his shoulder slightly, "Remember, all of this is just a game, we would have to be wounded sooner or later. We get stronger when we fight hard and get wounded, or else we wouldn't see our mistake."

Elk rubbed his shoulder, "Anything happens in a dungeon, so we wouldn't have known. That's the main idea in The World, you can't blame yourself for everything."

Tsukasa softly smiled at him, seeing now that Elk has won the battle this time with his reasonable words, "You always think positive, don't you?"

"Sometimes," Elk admitted, his face glowing more pink by the minute, "All of us have to think of the positive side, or we'll just only think of the disadvantages."

Tsukasa nodded, looking away, "I used to think positive before..."

Elk looked at his friend curiously, but thought better not to ask what he just said or what he saw as Tsukasa helped him up.

"We should hurry, or we'll spend more time to find the treasure," Tsukasa replied, waiting for Elk to catch up to him.

----

"...and that's how it all happened?"

Tsukasa nodded, "It was confusing for me on who to trust or what to choose, until I finally found out the actual truth behind it all. At first, I really wanted to stay here, to get away from the real world and finally be in a place where I can do almost whatever I want, where no one can hurt me and I'll just be happy.

“But, then I realized I'll be alone here too, like trapped in a cage, and Morganna's just only using me so I couldn't wake Aura. There are some things I can't do here like in the real world, and I couldn't remember anything of how I gotten here, which makes things harder for me. All of my friends wanted me to be back in the real world, and I saw how much they care and they'll support me in what decision I make."

Elk nodded, "I'm glad they helped you after all this time, otherwise I wouldn't have met you and we wouldn't have become friends."

"Yeah, I'm glad too. They just want what's best for me," Tsukasa replied, the images of Mimiru, Subaru. B.T, and all of his other friends appearing in his mind. ::They really are great people...::

"So, Bear's your legal guardian?"

"Yeah, I decided to take his offer and get away from my father. Both of us have been really acting like family, and he's really like a great father to me," Tsukasa softly said, remembering the memories he and Bear had shared when they created a strong father and son bond with each other. Smelling the freshly made pancakes and sizzling bacon in the morning, the fantastic dinners he made when he came home from work early at some days, and battling each other on a video game when they have enough spare time.

"Where is he now?"

"He's out in the city in a business meeting, and B.T is with him. I think the both of them will be a couple again, since she's always visiting us and they've been seeing each other a lot more often," Tsukasa continued, an image of a golden haired woman coming over for dinner, the three of them going out for a movie and out for a place to eat after it late at night.

Surprise came to Tsukasa as he felt Elk's warm hand encasing his own, intertwining their fingers together as he was greeted with a smile and a blushing face from the small Wavemaster. He ignored the rush of heat coming from his cheeks as he listened to Elk's words.

His heart could never calm down to it's usual rhythm whenever Elk would take his hand, pat his shoulder, or hug him, feeling as if his heart would burst and his face couldn't get enough redder. Even by the simplest touch from him, he couldn't control his body's reactions.

"I'm glad you have a happy life now Tsukasa, you really deserve it after everything you've been through," Elk murmured, fidgeting timidly.

Tsukasa smiled back, earning a new deeper shade of pink coming from Elk's cheeks and turning away, making it more awfully cute...

::What's happening to me? What's making me feel this way?:: Tsukasa asked, as he couldn't help but smile slightly as Elk's bashfulness.

You're attracted to him, is there something wrong with that? his conscience replied, sounding as if it expected this to happen.

::Of course there is, there's a list of many wrong things with that. We are only merely friends and I'm not supposed to feel like this to anyone...:: Tsukasa thought, seeing Elk shyly looking up to meet him, biting his lower lip.

You can't be immune of what new emotions you feel. Ever heard that friendship can bloom into a relationship? What do you think those feelings you were experiencing were?

::I..I don't know...::Tsukasa trailed, frustration coming to him. ::I never felt something like this before, only until when I first met him, it felt...nice....::

His conscience snickered, leaving him more irritated. I'll leave you to guess what you're actually feeling, its fun to see how your face will look once you finally figured it out. Can't you realize it yet?

Tsukasa growled mentally, angry at himself that his conscience has already known what he's going through while he's confused and curious of the foreign feeling. He hates it when someone is toying with him, driving him to verge of anger as he commands to know what is happening.

The way you reacted when you feel his warm hand against yours, his beautiful smile warming you all over, your heart pounding when your eyes and his were locked together, it's pretty much obvious what you're feeling… the voice taunted.

::Tell me!:: Tsukasa yelled, tired of this game his conscience is enjoying.

I'll leave you to guess… the voice trailed off, leaving the Wavemaster all by himself to think.

::Great, just when I needed something from it, it leaves me alone.:: Tsukasa grumbled.

"..sa?..kasa?...Tsukasa? You in there?"

A soft knock from Elk's hand connected with Tsukasa's forehead, bringing him back to reality, seeing Elk's face in front of him, head tilted slightly as he giggled.

"You were starting to space out again," Elk replied, chuckling.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something, that's all," Tsukasa replied, his cheeks growing to a rosy pink. This was the fourth time Elk had caught him deep in thought, and he felt silly when he hadn't heard Elk calling his name repeatingly.

Elk quirked his head in an adorable manner, "It must be something important, you were in really deep thought."

"I guess you could say that," Tsukasa agreed, stopping to see the golden chest in front of them, the elemental statue behind it.

Tsukasa looked back at Elk, but he only smiled and nudged him to it, "You take it Tsukasa, you destroyed more monsters than me."

Tsukasa nodded, walking towards the chest as he tapped the chest open and kneeled down a little. Opening it, Tsukasa's eyes founded the exact item he was looking for, putting the others away as he stood up and walked to the Wavemaster.

Elk looked at his hands curiously, "What did you have?"

"I wanted something in here to give it to you. I know it would be a great help for you," Tsukasa murmured, opening his hands to reveal Elk a patch of silver strands of grass.

Elk's eyes widened, "Aromatic Grass?"

Tsukasa nodded, looking away as he blushed lightly, mumbling out the words, "You wanted to help your friend Mia right? I thought that maybe if I'd known a dungeon where it had Aromatic Grass, I would give it to you so your friend's memories would come back..."

Tsukasa couldn't finish his sentence as he was hugged tightly by the small Wavemaster, his body heat warming his own. His face slowly turned red as he awkwardly wrapped his arms around Elk, clutching onto the Aromatic Grass as he savored the feeling of Elk's soft body against his. The familiar feelings stirred up again as it grew as a small flame in him, spreading through his body and his heart hammering. Everything seemed to felt a little too humid for him, he couldn't breathe properly as he tried to calm himself down.

::It's only a simple hug, nothing big about it.:: Tsukasa scolded himself, trying to fight down the blood rushing to his face.

"Thank you Tsukasa, it's really nice of you. It means a lot to me that you wanted to help me with Mia, no one's really ever done that for me," Elk whispered, closing his eyes as he heard the rhythm of Tsukasa's heart, feeling shyer than ever.

"You're welcome," Tsukasa replied gently, giving up on his reactions as he rested his cheek on top of Elk's head, sighing softly as his face was still pink. Why do these feelings affect him deeply so? Is he just attracted to Elk's kindness, or could it be more than that?

::What is he doing to me?::

- - - -

"Mia!"

The feline cat player turned around, her ears twitching as she sees an red-orange figure coming towards her, "Hiya Kite, what's the rush?"

Slowly, the cat player has been remembering memories when Elk had brought her Aromatic Grass, saying it'll help her remember things that happened before. She had collected most of her memories of her other friends, but still seems confused of some things that happened or how they would meet.

Kite took a few breaths before meeting Mia's gaze, "Have you seen Elk anywhere? I need to talk to him."

"I was going to ask you the same thing, I haven't seen Elk for some time lately and I kept on emailing him, but he won't answer back," Mia replied, worry etching onto her face.

Kite's heart sank, Elk hadn't been with Mia after all, the very last and definite option he think Elk would be with.

::He still must be traumatized from what I did to him...:: Kite thought guiltily, his hand turning into a fist.

::All because of me, he can be anywhere, and I've shredded what was precious to him.:: Kite angrily thought, feeling worse by each minute.

"Is something wrong? You seem really upset about something," Mia replied, seeing the tightly clenched fist.

Kite shook his head, "It's nothing Mia, I'm just worried about him."

Mia nodded, "Same with me, he would always come here whenever I emailed him. I hope nothing terrible has happened to him...Did you ask all of your friends as well if they seen him?"

"Yeah, and they all said that they hadn't seen him in a long time either," Kite replied worriedly.

Mia sighed sadly, "Whatever it is, it must be pretty big to affect Elk greatly that he won't be here in The World, I know him well enough now. I just hope he's all right."

"Where do you think he might be?" Kite asked, "If he's upset or sad, where do you think he would be in?"

Mia looked up thoughtfully, her tail swishing back and forth as she tries to concentrate, "He might either be going on a journey to find Aromatic Grass to calm himself down or to that place I showed him one day, it's really great to relax and rest there. But there are a lot of possibilities on what field Elk would be in to find Aromatic Grass, so I can't say specifically."

Kite frowned at the new information, "What place that you showed Elk?"

"Well, I discovered this area that doesn't have any monsters or dungeons of some sort. No one seems to know about it since I haven't seen anyone there. It's a strange field, but I showed Elk the place once we collected a day's worth of Aromatic Grass to rest. I think he wanted to show it to you one day, he told me..."

Sea blue eyes looked down in guilt and shame, remembering the smiling Wavemaster's face, holding with such happiness and grace. ::He wanted to show me, he trusted me enough to show me a place where no one knew it existed...::

"What are the keywords to the field?" Kite asked firmly, brushing away the feelings of guilt as he tries to remain strong, "I'll go check to see if he's there, it's really important that I need to talk to him."

Mia looked at Kite in surprise of his determination to find her dearest friend, eyes softening. She could see the desperation in his eyes, mixed with worry and concern, she would hate it to say no.

::There's no doubt about it, Kite obviously feels something for Elk, something much deeper than friendship.:: Mia mentally chuckled. ::Maybe he wants to confess it to Elk or something, I admire his courage and determination.::

"Sure," Mia replied, telling him the keywords.

Kite gave a smile of gratitude, "Thanks Mia, it means a lot to me."

"Don't worry about it, and good luck on finding him," Mia smiled.

Kite starts to walk away until looking back, "Do you want me to tell him something for you? It's the least I can do since you gave me the keywords."

"Just tell him to reply back my emails if he'll be coming over or not," Mia replied, turning away, "I'll see you later Kite."

Kite smiled, and ran for the Chaos Gate as he shouted out the words, the golden rings surrounding him and he was gone.

Mia looked back at where Kite was standing in front of the Chaos Gate and sighed. ::I sure hope you know what you're doing Kite. I wish the both of you the best of luck and that things turn out for the best.::

With that, three golden rings surrounded her and she was gone.

- - - -

"Wanna go back to the cherry blossom field?"

After finding many different kinds of treasures, Tsukasa and Elk can't contain any more items and decided to store it later in Elf's Haven after they rest. Both of them feel slightly exhausted for going through many dungeons and fighting off monsters for almost through the whole day, but received rare treasures in return.

Tsukasa insisted that Elk should have all of them, but Elk reasoned he deserves at least something since they both worked so hard to get in the treasure rooms. Tsukasa gave in and decides to have the latest HeavyBlade sword to give for Mimiru if she passed her finals.

Elk decided what to do with his own treasures; after having some Aromatic Grass, he can give them to Mia to regain more of her memories, and the very rare treasures to Mistral to add to her collection.

Tsukasa looked down, thinking of whether to go back to Elk's secret field until remembering his own.

::For some reason, I have a bad feeling if we go back there anyway.:: Tsukasa pondered.

"Well, there's a place I wanted to show you where we can rest if you would like to go there instead," Tsukasa insisted.

"Okay!" Elk smiled, fully trusting on Tsukasa where they'll go.

"It's sort of like a protected field, no one can get in except me or if you have Morganna's power," Tsukasa explained, lending out his hand, "Hold my hand."

Blushing slightly, Elk grasped his friend's hand as Tsukasa raised his staff, golden rings surrounding them as it transported them to their destination.

Opening his eyes, Elk gasped silently at the scenery around him. There were cherry blossom trees around him, very much like the field he showed Tsukasa, but the trees were leading them to somewhere.

Tsukasa looked at him and smiled, "Follow me." He started walking the path, stopping to wait for Elk.

The Wavemaster followed after him, looking around the field in wonder, "What is this place?"

"Before Aura had woken up, I came into this place whenever I wanted to be alone or have someone to talk to. This used to be Aura's field, when she was still sleeping, and she would be on that bed while I tell her about everything of what's happening," Tsukasa replied, motioning the large bed that appeared in front of them with a large, stuffed teddy bear at a corner.

"Maha would be here too, listening to me and watch over us while I talk about my feelings. But she's not here anymore ever since she woke up," Tsukasa added, his eyes shadowed by his bangs.

::This is also the place where I was tortured and almost deleted by Morganna...:: Tsukasa thought, remembering the screams and pain, knowing nothing at all as he felt like his soul was shredded into a million pieces, becoming a motionless person.

Tsukasa looked up as he felt a hand on his shoulder, meeting Elk's warm gaze, "I'm sure something else must've happened here too. Something unexpected, right?" Elk asked, seeing how distant Tsukasa looked when he was done explaining.

Tsukasa looked away, nodding slightly, "A lot of things happened around here, good and bad."

"You really didn't have to take me here if you feel uncomfortable being here Tsukasa," Elk replied gently.

"I know, but bad memories or not, I wanted to show you this place if you'd like it here. We could come here if you don't want to be on the other field, and I fully trust you to show you one of my secret places. That's how much of a great friend you are to me," Tsukasa answered, looking at Elk.

::It's really how much I care about you Elk, I would show and tell you everything about myself. My weaknesses, my past, everything....I'll sacrifice everything just to make you happy...::

Elk's cheeks flushed at how sincere and true Tsukasa's words were, his heart beating erratically.

::He really does trust me, he'd risk remembering the memories just to show me here...::

Elk smiled shyly again, looking around the field once more, "I like it here, it's nice," Elk replied, dropping his staff and plopping to the inviting bed, sighing at the soft bed sheets and comfortable pillow. He looked up and gave another smile, sitting up and waited for Tsukasa to join him.

Tsukasa gently smiled, setting down his staff before sitting next to Elk on the bed, who quietly spoke, "Thank you for showing me this place Tsukasa...Everything that's happened today and everything that happened yesterday and the past weeks, I'll never forget it."

The older Wavemaster looked at Elk, who now layed on the bed with his hands behind his head, looking at the sky, his eyes half lidded and a small smile on his lips, "I never thought I would be truly this happy for being in The World ever since what happened to me when we met. I thought...things would never be the same for me to go back in this game after what's happened, but when I met you, it's like something changed, but for a good purpose. I believe the day we met wasn't a coincidence, I think fate wanted us to meet..."

Tsukasa heard a small giggle from the Wavemaster, who yawned and smiled sleepily, turning his head to meet Tsukasa's lavender eyes, "Sounds kind of silly, right?"

Tsukasa shook his head, looking up at the pink orange sky which signifies it's already dawn in the real world, "No, I think you're right Elk...Everything turned different when I met you, and it turned out for the better. I really didn't expect myself to be in The World as frequently as I was before, only being on once in a while since what happened to me in this game. If it wasn't for you, I would've still been depressed and things wouldn't have been better for me. So...I really should thank you Elk..." Tsukasa spoke, turning his head to meet Elk's face, his words fading away.

Elk's eyes were closed shut as his hands moved from his head to his side, his chest rising up and down in a slow rhythm motion. His lips were slightly parted as he breathed in small amounts of air, his form slightly curled like a ball. The image itself was celestial, as Tsukasa remained quiet not to ruin this moment as Elk remained in his slumber.

Tsukasa felt his cheeks redden at the sight before him, feeling the false mask he wears breaking into pieces and showing his true self. This final image that is in front of his eyes let his final guard down and let out the remains of his true self.

No one has ever managed to break the protective mask he wears to prevent from anyone showing his real self. Subaru and the others might've cracked it, but no one managed to break it...until now. Elk went through all of his cold defenses and went deep into his heart to show the real Tsukasa, only by being so kind to him and sharing his own similar past to him.

Tsukasa's eyes soften as he curled up beside the sleeping Wavemaster, his eyelids growing heavy as his vision was darkening. How someone unexpected that suddenly appeared into his life can make him feel like this, changing his whole life and waking up early in the morning to log in The World just to see that one person...

Tsukasa smiled softly at the sleeping face of Elk as he drifted off in the realm of dreams, joining with Elk as a last thought drifted in his mind.

::Thank you Elk...::

- - - -

"Elk!"

Kite slumped on the chair, exhausted as his throat was sore from calling out Elk's name.

"Elk, where are you?" Kite whispered, his voice sounding broken and tired. Searching everywhere on the field, Kite hasn't seen the smiling face of the Wavemaster he loved, not even a piece of cloth that might've belonged to him.

::I have to find him, but my body feels so tired and I need to search something to give as a token of my apology...I need someone to help me...::

"Someone who knows how to find someone and breaking in without any notice," Kite sighed.

"Someone like myself?" A feminine voice appeared everywhere.

Kite jumped out from the rocking chair, looking around, "Helba?"

A wide circle appeared out of nowhere to show the code data of The World, revealing the female hacker as the circle disappeared, an enigmatic smile on her face.

"It has been some time you needed my assistance," Helba replied, "You need to find someone?"

"I need to talk to Elk, how did you know I'm here?"

"I created this field for my own reasons, it alerts me if someone has entered in my field."

"I've been looking for Elk, but I can't seem to find him. I've asked everyone if they have seen him, but they haven't," Kite replied, "It's something really urgent."

"My, it does sound very important," Helba mused, "He was here..."

Kite looked up hopefully, maybe she might now where he is now...

"...the past day, I'm afraid, but with someone familiar. I hadn't really expected him to be back in The World ever since Aura had awoken..." Helba trailed off, surprise in her voice.

"Someone? Who?" Kite asked, curiosity, anger, and jealously evident in his voice. Elk had been in The World with someone other than Mia or anyone he'd known and haven't said anything about it.

"Before when the bracelet was created, there was this extraordinary boy who was stuck in The World, and he couldn't log out," Helba spoke, "His body was in a coma and he contained the powers of Morganna, he and his friends trying to wake up the sleeping Aura. Apparently, Aura wasn't born since Morganna wouldn't allow her to be awoken and used the boy as her tool. Both the boy and Aura had a connection with each other as well with The World. But he finally realized the truth as he woke Aura, and Skeith appeared. I remember the day very clearly."

::He knew Aura too?:: Kite thought, looking at his wrist which held the bracelet. A flash came before his eyes of a person with silver gray hair and dark lavender eyes, and disappeared away. ::There was someone who said there was a person was unable to log out from The it...?::

"We were all in Net Slum, and in order to keep from Skeith to put everyone into a coma, I abandoned the field, returning the boy back into his body and out from the coma. He hasn't been in The World ever since he returned back in the real world, busy with his classes and he never wanted to be back into this game since what it done to him. But what drove him back here, I wonder....?"

"What is his name?" Kite asked, curious to know who has been with the person he cares.

"The both of you will meet soon enough, it is best if you find out yourself, and as for Elk...I cannot show you where he is."

"What? Why not?" Kite asked, preventing himself to become angrier. The only thing that's between him finding Elk was Helba's powers, and he's growing impatient.

"The field is protected, but with some power that even I can't get through" Helba replied, amazed of the certain discovery, "I'm not even sure if the bracelet could get through it as well..."

"What are the keywords?"

"That's even surprising as well, there no keywords to that field and no virus cores to get there, as if it's a private field only for that boy. My guess is he's using his power to prevent from anyone to go through, his power is greater than you and your bracelet combined since he still contains the power of Morganna..."

Kite's eyes widened, then he scowled, "It doesn't matter, I need to talk to Elk. He might be doing something horrible to him!"

"On the contra, he might be perhaps helping him, otherwise, the both of them wouldn't have been here together for weeks..."

Helba looked at Kite's expression, seeing the emotions of pain and guilt on his face. Her lips went into a grim line as she bowed, feeling pity for the hacker.

"I'm sorry that I can't help you Kite, this far exceeds my own abilities to get through."

"No, it's alright Helba. But thank you for trying to help me. I'm sorry if I interrupted you in something important," Kite replied, defeat in his voice.

"You didn't interrupt at all. I wish you the best of luck to try to talk to Elk. The least I can do is email where he might be on the next day, I can promise you that much."

Kite smiled, nodding, "Thanks Helba."

Helba smiled, turning away as the golden rings went around her, "It is nothing."

- - - -

"Tsukasa...."

Eyelids fluttered opened as Tsukasa drowsily scanned around where he was, hearing his name called.

::I'm in Aura's field...How did I get here? And...who was calling me?:: Tsukasa thought, starting to move away until something was digging into his chest, warm breaths of air warming his chest. A strand of silver blue hair was tickling his chin, causing him to freeze as he recognized that strand of hair.

Tsukasa instantly looked down as he felt himself blushing deeply at what position he was just woken into. His arms were around Elk's waist in a firm hold and pulling him close to his body as they shared body heat, almost in a possessive embrace. Their legs were intertwined with each other in a locked hold, but that wasn't what shocked the Wavemaster.

Elk's head was pressed against his chest for warmth, murmuring slightly in his sleep, his hands clutching onto Tsukasa's vest as he cuddled more closely to Tsukasa, murmuring out Tsukasa's name again. Tsukasa blushed darker as he felt Elk's soft, warm body pressing against his, feeling both their heartbeats beating together as one in rhythm. The young Wavemaster didn't seem to know how this is affecting Tsukasa, less even know what he is doing right now as he continues to sleep.

Slowly and carefully, Tsukasa tried to pull away his arms from Elk's waist, the welcoming warmth disappearing away as he tries to extract his legs out from the hold of Elk's legs. Finally, Tsukasa gently tried to pry off Elk's hands from his vest, pulling away from the small body.

Instantly, Elk's face contorted into a frown, as it detects the missing warmth and went closer to Tsukasa, sighing happily as he found the familiar warmth and snuggled into his chest again.

Tsukasa sighed, either he would need to get out from bed and wait for Elk to be awoken or shake Elk to wake up since nightfall has came, fireflies dancing in the air.

Or remain in the same position and savor it while it last… his conscience suggested.

::I'll pass.:: Tsukasa seethed, deciding to wake Elk up since it's late.

He sat up, gently shaking Elk on the shoulder, "Elk, wake up..."

Elk murmured incoherently as he knocked the hand aside, continuing to sleep as he curled up more.

Tsukasa smiled at his stubbornness, but he really needs to wake up or else he might've been in trouble in the real world.

"Come on Elk, you need to wake up," Tsukasa replied a little louder, shaking him again.

Finally, Elk's eyelids flutter open as he looked around, stretching slightly and yawned, sitting up and rubbing his eyes, "Morning..."

"Evening," Tsukasa corrected.

"What?" Elk became fully awake as he noticed the darkened sky, the fireflies being their third source of light, "What time is it?"

"A little after eight, we slept for a half hour," Tsukasa replied.

"I guess we were more tired than we thought," Elk murmured, putting on his hat which was knocked away.

Tsukasa nodded, "We must've used a lot of energy to fight them off."

Elk nodded, picking off his staff from the ground, sighing sadly, "I got to log off, I don't think my parents would be happy if they found me staying here late in the night."

"Aren't they home?"

Elk shook his head, "No, they work late tonight, so I'm by myself in home now. But I have to go or else I'll be in trouble."

Tsukasa nodded, a little saddened he'll have to leave so suddenly when they just woke up from a deep sleep.

Returning back into root town Carmina Gadelica, both Wavemasters saw the festive lights on, the streets crowded with other players as the familiar chatter welcomed them in.

"Nights like these are always crowded," Tsukasa replied, the festive city lighting everywhere by its vibrant colors and lights.

Elk nodded as he smiled up at Tsukasa, blushing slightly.

"I really had a fun time today, do you think we can meet up again tomorrow?"

Tsukasa nodded, "I'm sure, Bear wouldn't mind, he's pretty glad I'm coming to The World more often and Mimiru might be coming back in the game once the finals are done. I'll introduce her to you one day, she might be a little chatty, but she just wants to get to know you better."

"Ok, you have a good night and take care!"

Tsukasa nodded, "The same goes for you Elk."

Elk beamed, "I will! Just email me where we'll meet and I'll be there as soon as possible!"

"I will."

Elk smiled and went back to the Chaos Gate, turning back as he waved Tsukasa good bye, "So long!"

Tsukasa smiled softly and waved back as the golden rings took his friend back into the real world, deciding to log off as well so he would be ready for tomorrow morning.

-----

A boy no older than sixteen took off his headset as he turned off his computer, brushing his chocolate brown bangs away from his dark blue eyes, a rare smile on his face as he changed into a regular t-shirt and boxers, plopping onto his bed as he rested his head on the pillow. He never felt this warm feeling around him, even as the chilly breeze coming from his window, he didn't feel the slightest bit of cold.

The sapphire eyed boy's smile didn't leave his lips as he closed his eyes and sighed softly, murmuring his last few words before going into sleep, awaiting for what tomorrow would bring.

"Oyasumi Elk..."

TBC....

A/N:.....Erm, that was really unexpected. -rubs eyes, blinking them more than once- it's now already 11:16 p.m and I was determined to finish this chapter so I can update it and let all of you read it. My eyes are hurting, but I don't care! I hope it isn't all too rushed with Tsukasa and Elk being too close, I kinda felt all fuzzy inside when I had to write about Tsukasa or Elk blushing and stuff. I decided to have Helba come into this chapter for a while, since I almost lost ideas of what to write next for what Kite would do. -bows in apology- Gomen nasai! I really am trying to get out of my writer's block and think of greater ideas to add to this chapter!

Although I would receive a punch from my older sis since she has work tomorrow, it is worth it since I don't want to disappoint you readers! I wasn't sure if I wanted to write out from The World and write what Tsukasa would be doing in the real world, but I thought it might make a nice ending to this. Well, you have chapter 3 here! I'll see if I can finish the 4th one since I have Honors classes starting on the 31st and it'll really take a lot of my spare time to write the next chapter. Read and review, flames are accepted, but they'll be crushed by Shinigami the moment he lays eyes on them :). If any of you have ideas for the story, don't hesitate to send them to me, it'll help me a lot.

Next chapter: Kite finally meets Tsukasa, falling in love for the second time, and....more Aromatic Grass? o.O;;

Tsukasa: -crosses arms and raises an eyebrow-....

ac4cherryz: heh heh, you'll figure out soon enough....-mutters- when two people are gonna be after you...

Tsukasa: O.O;;

Elk: o.o Who? -quirks head-

ac4cherryz: -.- if the both of you would remain this way, you'll let out the surprise...

Elk: Surprise!? We'll have a surprise party?

Tsukasa: -sighs- I don't know if I should still trust you...

ac4cherryz: -frowns- You should, or else I'll write on the next chapter you'll be tortured by Morganna again!

Elk: No! -clutches onto Tsukasa- You won't hurt him!

Tsukasa: -blushes slightly as he sighs irritably, looking away and mumbling- I was just kidding...

ac4cherryz: good! - Then maybe I should make a poll of what pairings everyone would want for this story to end like...

Tsukasa: sighs in defeat I give up, nothing gets past you...

ac4cherryz: 'course! -grins and snuggles her Sasuke plushie-

Elk: -.-;; Well, we hope to see you all at the next chapter! -