AN: Thanx for the reviews everyone! I can't describe how happy I am to know that you all are enjoying this! Plus for clarification Corbenik was indeed captured. Last chapter wasn't exactly riveting so I'll try to put some more action in this one. Plus some fluff between Haseo and Atoli, we can't forget about them now can we? So that's all for now everyone, read on and enjoy the drama! Twist's and turns is a comin!

Chapter Nine: Realization


Haseo was once again sitting on his 'throne' as Canard's Guild Master but his mind wasn't on his other guild members. He had continued last night's train of thought and now he couldn't stop reflecting on the Avatar's and what their 'intelligence' might mean for the rest of The World. They grow not just by interacting with us…but by using Data Drain also, Haseo realized thinking about everything they'd gained so far from fighting AIDA. If Yata could gain information from those items that AIDA left behind, then why couldn't Skeith and the other Phases?

Pulling himself from his thoughts, Haseo closed his eyes and decided to ask the Terror of Death personally. Skeith…I know that Data Drain can take data and alter it, so what do you do with the information you receive? Do you use it to repair things or what? he questioned curiously and he could feel the Avatar's irritation. Do we have to do this now? I'm in the middle of fixing something…this place could use a little more light in it, Skeith responded in a distracted air.

Frowning slightly the emperor straightened up, "Fixing something?" he asked aloud and Silabus looked over at him, "You okay? You just seem like you've been really out of it for the past few days," he stated sounding concerned for his friend and Haseo shook his head, "I'm fine. I'm just talking to someone," he replied truthfully as the graphics hitched for a moment and all of the guild members looked around. With Altimit OS running the network now glitches and interruptions never happened so something like this was highly unusual.

There was a cracking sound and everyone looked up at the ceiling as it began to shatter and fall apart. Haseo heard a deep and highly amused chuckle from Skeith, Hey, it actually worked! I TOLD you this place could use some more light! the Phase put in still laughing at the other players shell-shocked expressions as they hurried out of the way.

Large slabs of stone fell from the roof at random places, allowing light to filter in; slowly vines crawled down through the holes and hung down into the room. The stone that had fallen changed to data and sank into the floor, altering and changing it so that murky pools of water appeared underneath the open holes in the ceiling. All and all it was actually very nice looking. Of course Death Grunty was having a fit over the matter but he was ignored as usual.

Haseo was quick to reassure his guild members that this was a just a 'scheduled alteration to the area' before turning his attention to his Avatar, Skeith! What did you do? he demanded and if the Epitaph could grin then he certainly would have done so now. What? I decided to put my…personal spin on this place. If your going to be spending time here then I want something interesting to look at, Skeith told his User with fake innocence. Haseo groaned slightly and put a hand over his face, Forget it…I guess that answers my earlier question now doesn't it? he said in disgust as Atoli walked over to him with a knowing look on her face.

When he turned to look at her she seemed just as amused as Skeith was. Haseo scowled at his friend, "Not a word Atoli…not a single word," he snarled angrily and this time a giggle did pass her lips. "I'm sorry Haseo…it's just…" the harvest cleric paused and cleared her throat before continuing. "I take it a certain someone was bored today?" she asked discreetly and Haseo crossed his arms. "You try to ask a guy a question and this is what happens," he commented sourly.

Atoli ignored his tone and tugged on his arm, pulling him over to a more private area of the home so they could talk. Haseo sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. About the Avatar's and how…intelligent they are. And also about what they do with all the data they collect when they use Data Drain" he admitted hesitantly.

Haseo looked over his shoulder to make sure they weren't being overheard before continuing. "Yata said they would become more intelligent by interacting with humans but…" he paused and shook his head. "But the way they act, the way they talk and respond; I can't help but think that Skeith is more than just some advanced AI that was created. He's…alive...that's the only way I can think to describe it," Haseo admitted to her; after all she was the only person, besides Kuhn or maybe Endrance, that he felt comfortable talking to like this.

Atoli nodded at his words and looked out the window. "I've been talking with Innis lately as well and I can't help but agree with you," she began her hands behind her back. "I've been asking her a lot of questions and she's been really good about helping me out," Atoli smiled at that and Haseo grunted, "Wish I could say the same about Skeith," he grumbled looking up at the ceiling the Phase had suddenly decided to 'modify'.

The harvest cleric fought back another giggle at Haseo's irritation. "Innis said that the more data they drain the more they learn about the online world around them. They can then use that data to repair themselves whenever they're damaged or they incorporate it into their own bodies protect themselves from hackers and technicians like those at CC Corp," Atoli explained with a slight frown on her lips.

Atoli then hesitated for a moment and looked down at the floor, "Innis got kind of upset at the memory of what CC Corp did to her. She didn't go into detail but I could tell she was bothered by it," the blonde added her hands clasped together in concern

Haseo thought about that for a moment, "The game data here is under the tightest security measures possible, so for Skeith to change it so easily…" he paused and shook his head at that. Atoli nodded in agreement, "By using Data Drain they learn more about the network…the world they live in. I guess it's kind of like one of us reading a text book or looking up information to find out how something works or fits together," she thought aloud as Haseo turned back to her.

The blonde nodded automatically as she continued, "When they absorb data they break it down and study it automatically, learning what it's made of and how it can be changed," Atoli reflected and after a moment of silence she turned from staring out the window and realized that the Canard Guild Master was staring at her with one eyebrow raised. Instantly Atoli's face turned red with embarrassment and a smirk crawled across Haseo's face at her expression; he found it rather cute actually.

Haseo tilted his head and crossed his arms, "And you just…happened to be wondering about all of this?" he questioned curiously and she fiddled with her fingers as he continued watching her. Atoli finally glanced up at him, "Oh well…I um…Innis was the one who brought the subject up again and we both took some time to consider all of the possibilities. That one just seemed the most logical," she answered awkwardly her face still tinted pink as she looked down again.

Haseo couldn't help but give his friend a genuine smile and Atoli gave a shy smile of her own in return. Atoli really is too innocent for her own good sometimes, but that's what I like best about her, he thought and then turned red himself when he realized the turn his thoughts were taking.

Quickly he looked away and rubbed his neck uneasily as Atoli turned as well and began fidgeting slightly. Lately Haseo noticed that he was thinking about Atoli more and more and ever since AIDA appeared again they'd been spending more time together also. Usually she was busy helping out the other members of Canard or the former members of Moon Tree. But now it seemed like whenever he had any free time it was spent with Atoli, and the reverse was true as well. She'd also been in the simulator working on powering up Innis' abilities; often with Haseo's help.

But it wasn't like Haseo didn't enjoy the time they spent together, just the opposite in fact. He just felt so at ease whenever he was around her, so relaxed and well, happy. Happier then he'd ever been before. It was pretty clear to everyone how Atoli felt about him, and as for Haseo…well, in Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground he'd chosen to go to her rather then stay with Shino…and he'd done it for a reason. Atoli needed him, she needed someone to help her and support her in a way that no one else ever had.

The instant Haseo saw her that day in the cathedral looking so broken and upset, he knew that he would never be able to just turn his back on her. Atoli was too special for that and she had been hurt far too many times by people who all claimed to be her friends. What is this warm feeling I get whenever I'm around her? Could I really falling for Atoli? he thought swallowing hard as he decided to open his mouth and break the thick tension that was hovering between them.

Haseo's face was still red but he knew he had to say something eventually, "A-Atoli…I was wondering if…if maybe we could…" he began hesitantly but was interrupted by a short mail from Yata that read:

Haseo, Atoli, there is a strange signal coming from Blazing, Moonflower, Rider on the Delta server go check it out and be prepared…it could be AIDA.

Inwardly he cursed Yata's terrible timing. Why couldn't they just have had another minute to talk? There was a sneer from Skeith; Aww isn't that just so romantic? The mighty emperor is falling head-over-heels for the Mirage of Deceit. I think I might actually shed a tear, the Avatar snickered as Haseo's face turned deep crimson. He had forgotten that Skeith could easily listen in on their conversation if he wanted too.

Still blushing herself, Atoli finally cleared her throat, "I-I think we should get going and c-check it out," she commented tentatively her eyes still lowered and Haseo nodded, "Yeah…your right," he muttered looking over at his friends. "Hey Silabus! I'm heading out, take care of things will you?" he asked and the green clad PC nodded, "Sure thing! Have fun you guys!" he said cheerfully. Meanwhile Atoli felt a chill go up her spine at Yata's message, My lady…I have a bad feeling about this, Innis commented worriedly.


Aihane had made little progress on breaking Corbenik's spirit but that was no surprise. It had only been a few hours since the Avatar had been captured after all. For now he would leave The Rebirth to his lonesome, maybe some time alone in that empty and confining space would help change his mind a little. He recalled the Victorian AIDA and decided to send it on a little 'mission'. Burning, moonflower, rider should do. It's a level one field so those noobs won't know what hit them, he thought sending the fragment out into The World.

When AIDA was one whole program it was able to take over PC's and even control the players themselves. Now that AIDA was fragmented, however, it would be interesting to see if the same effect still applied. Not only could Aihane control the once unstoppable 'virus' but he could also create AIDA servers of his own and even had one of the Epitaphs in his possession now.

Besides, there was another ability of AIDA that he wanted to exploit; their power to change people hearts. It was truly incredible how far people would go to help one another sometimes. Aihane however had no such compunctions. Parent's would rather die then see anything happen to their precious children. If these AIDA fragments can still send players into comas…then I may have to exploit that ability. If I can control the people and the younger players themselves…then there is nothing that will be out of my reach.

Aihane smirked as he watched Victorian hunt around for some PC's to 'play' with. With AIDA and the Epitaphs in my control there is no one who will be able to stop me, and once I have them…then Aura will fall as well. The most advanced life form that has ever existed will one day be under my control, a creature that lives only in the online world and grows more intelligent with each passing day, he thought pleased by his dark thoughts.

Aura was unique just as the Eight Phases were unique. They had surpassed the point of being just advanced AI's and become something entirely different. Their interaction with humans had helped them develop a mind and conscious of their own. Aura was the most advanced of all and could change data with the blink of an eye; she had even been able to recreate the Azure Knights.

Her skills surpassed that of anything else in the known world and it would take all of the AIDA fragments under his control and the powers of the Avatar's to bring her under control, and even then she would never be completely his. Aura was just too powerful for him to dominate.

Aihane looked up as a beeping sound suddenly started, distracting him from his thoughts. He glanced over at his other computer and saw that two Epitaph Users had entered the area. So Haseo and Atoli have come to investigate after all. This should be very interesting indeed, he considered as the Victorian switched its attention to the two players who had just come in.


"Level 1?" Haseo questioned as they arrived at the field. The sun was setting and it wasn't a very big area. Atoli clasped her hands together, "Haseo…" she whispered suddenly and he looked over at her, seeing that something was clearly troubling her. She shook her head, "This doesn't feel right, I have a really bad feeling about all of this," Atoli whispered looking around carefully. Haseo frowned at that and used a fairy's orb, when he did he saw that the area was devoid of treasure chests and the one that was left suddenly disappeared.

Haseo cursed to himself, "Great there are other players here in the area. We have to go before…." he began but there was a screech and a loud explosion in the distance. Immediately he took out his bike and Atoli hopped on behind him, "We have to hurry that must be AIDA!" she yelled and he nodded before speeding off. They easily flew through the field and across the bridges and quickly came upon a large yellow AIDA.

Haseo narrowed his eyes and skidded to a stop. They both got off and watched as the Victorian prepared to attack a group of players again. Two were already dead and on was hovering on the edge of death. "That's just like the one that infected Sakaki," he commented taking out his dual guns and taking a few shots at the AIDA in order to draw its attention. Atoli quickly healed the injured player and brought the other's back to life, "Hurry up and get out of here! We'll take care of this monster!" she shouted to them and they immediately hurried over to the warp platform and left the area.

Dodging an attack Haseo looked over at Atoli, "Are you ready for this?" he questioned and she nodded, "We'll take down this AIDA together," she confirmed as they both summoned their Avatars. Skeith whipped out his scythe and prepared to fight. Innis too summoned her opaque blades and prepared for battle, My lady there is still a connection open! I can trace the computer where this AIDA came from! the Mirage of Deceit offered and Atoli stiffened in surprise. She looked over at Skeith who turned and nodded in understanding.

Haseo's voice drifted over to her, "Skeith said that he can trace where this AIDA came from and I'm guessing Innis can do the same," he commented swinging the scythe, sending several shockwaves toward the Victorian. Innis prepared to use Data Drain as Skeith continued distracting the AIDA. When the Avatar was ready the Terror of Death dashed out of the way just as the Mirage of Deceit fired off the attack.

A shield appeared around Victorian as Data Drain hit. But moments later cracks started to spider out and pieces began to fall away as static danced across the screen. There was a loud screech as Data Drain began altering all of the data surrounding the AIDA and even the creature itself began to separate. Moments later the monster was gone and all of its information had been converted into a tear in the game data that would transport them to wherever the AIDA had come from.

Skeith dashed forward, "Let's hurry before it closes! We have to find out who's controlling these AIDA!" Haseo shouted and Atoli followed closed behind him. Both Avatars entered the tear and the screen turned a blinding white as the area dissipated. When the light cleared up they were plunged into a dismal area with no color. It wasn't gray, white, or even pale; it was just a place with no color of any kind.

Innis brought up her blades for protection, "What is this place?" Atoli asked looking behind them but the rip in the data was still there and looking through it she could see the outer space field that they had just come from. Skeith clenched his claws around the scythe in his right hand, "Wait a minute…isn't that Corbenik?" Haseo asked spotting the figure in front of them.

Both of them moved over to take a closer look and Atoli gasped, "It IS…but what is he doing here? And what happened to his body?" she asked concerned as she looked over the Avatar's broken body. Corbenik's left arm was entirely torn off and his right leg was completely shredded. There were thick chains that wrapped first around The Rebirth's remaining arm and legs and then around the rest of his body as well.

Innis reached out to her fellow Avatar but then pulled her hand back, He had to experience the full force of the network's rebirth…and this is the result, she answered sadly. Turning to Haseo she saw that Skeith was examining Corbenik as well, "Innis says that this is a result of him taking the brunt of the network's rebirth," Atoli informed him and the white Avatar nodded slowly as the blue Phase looked up at them.

There was slight hiss as Corbenik prepared to speak, "SSSSSkeiiith? Innnnnisss? Whyyyy a-are you h-h-h-here? Why diiiiid your UUUsersss come?" he slurred and stammered as he voiced the question; it was clear then that his injuries were not just external. Haseo and Atoli exchanged a look before he turned back to Corbenik, "We were fighting an AIDA when Skeith and Innis said that they could track down where it had come from," Haseo responded hesitantly. After all talking to his own Avatar was one thing but talking to Corbenik when he was alone like this was…strange.

There was moment of silence as The Rebirth hung there chained and…well, enslaved for a lack of a better word. Innis floated closer, "Who did this to you? Who captured you?" Atoli questioned softly and Corbenik's voice hitched, "The o-one w-who controooolllsss AIDA. T-tracked meee down…ssssent themmmm to w-weaken me," he responded thickly even as his body sagged from the strain of his injuries.

Skeith's red eyes narrowed at those words, but neither Haseo nor Atoli chose to interrupt. Corbenik hung his head, "Wassss trying to f-f-find him…trying to looocate Ovan. Not ssstrong enough on myyyy own. Not goooddd at fighttttiinng. Letttt Ovan dowwwwn, failed himmm," he admitted his entire aura miserable and dejected.

Looking back up he suddenly switched subjects, "Aihane is hissss n-name; the h-h-hacker who controlsssss AIDA. He wants us…a-all of ouuur powerrrr…then he'll c-captuuurre Aura," the Eighth Phase revealed and both Avatars stiffened and Skeith snarled angrily. Atoli could feel Innis' growing rage as well, So THAT'S what he wants! This hacker Aihane want's to enslave us and use our power to capture Aura! With AIDA, the other Epitaphs, and Aura in his command there isn't a person alive who could stop him! she said in shock.

Suddenly there was a deep groan and Corbenik's head came up, "G-Gooo!" he tried to shout but his voice was still weak. "He c-commess! Comes to c-capture youuuu the wayyy he hassss me!" the Phase's tone was filled with urgency. Skeith and Innis both backed up and looked around as if sensing an imminent attack.

Corbenik leaned forward straining with all his might to tell them what was going on, "It growwsss within yooou…he puuut it in y-you, a device that s-slowly f-fusessss with y-your data untiilll it b-becomes undetectable. D-d-do nnnott underestimate Aihaaaane's intelligence. This d-device issss insatiable; it won't ssstop untillll it has combined with yourrr bodies completely. Then he willll activaaate it; then it willll control your everrry action," Corbenik heaved out and Innis touched her chest in shock.

Static dance everywhere as dozens…no…HUNDREDS of AIDA began appearing around them. Haseo swore, "There's no way we can fight all of them! We have to go now!" he told Atoli but both she and Innis hesitated not able to take their eyes off of Corbenik. The Rebirth wobbled his head slowly, "No timme leftttt. Can't sssave meeee; saaave yourselvvves. Stop Aihannne b-before he d-destroys our home…before he escapes The World annnnd hurts the otheeerrrss like us. F-find Ovan…bring h-him back…only tooogettther with him will you stop this hacker. He isss s-still out t-there wandering innn the dark," Corbenik pleaded and Innis nodded.

Skeith grabbed the Mirage of Deceit and pulled her harshly, "Move now you over grown illusion!" came the deep and harsh voice of the Terror of Death. Innis snapped her arm out of his grip, "I heard your User the first time!" the Avatar retaliated as they dashed for the tear in the data that they had come through. Several AIDA moved into their way but Skeith and Innis fired off attacks and quickly moved past, or around, them.

As they drew closer they could see the rip closing slowly as the AIDA tried to keep them from leaving. Skeith whipped his scythe around in furious arcs sending shockwaves in all directions causing the AIDA to scatter briefly in order to avoid the attacks. "Come on, come on, COME ON!" Haseo shouted as he dashed through it and back into The World. The outer space area that they had originally come from reappeared around him.

"HASEO!" Atoli suddenly screamed and he turned around quickly and saw that several AIDA were holding Innis back. They were trying to pull the duo back through the hole…and they were starting to win. If they succeeded then the Second Phase would be captured for sure and there was no telling what would happen to Atoli. Black dots were swarming up Innis body as well as the AIDA tried to bring the Avatar back to their side.

The tear began closing at a faster rate as Skeith grabbed Innis' arms and began pulling as hard as he could. But the other Avatar was nearly twice as long as Skeith was, and it wasn't exactly easy trying to pull Innis back from the grip of the AIDA on the other side.

Skeith gave a grunt and pulled harder as the numerous AIDA kept a firm hold on the Mirage of Deceit. Come on! You can't let go of them! Haseo cried urgently and his Avatar growled, What do you think I'm doing! There must be hundreds of those AIDA parasites holding onto her! This ain't exactly a piece of cake you know! Skeith grunted dropping one of Innis hands and summoning a chakram.

The Mirage of Deceit ducked quickly as the First Phase slung it around and held it in place so it could tear into the edges of the rapidly closing hole. That attack was just enough to break Innis free. With a yelp from Atoli, the Phase crashed into Skeith even as the rip sealed shut and the outer space field disappeared and was replaced by the normal field they had first entered into through Mac Anu.

Both were dazed from the experience of the past few minutes so it was a moment before Atoli realized she was lying on top of Haseo. "Uh…can you get off me now?" the emperor asked his face burning red and clearly uncomfortable seeing as her face was merely inches away from his. "Oh! I'm so sorry!" she commented leaning back immediately. Atoli got off him and stumbled a bit as Haseo stood up and rubbed his neck.

Noticing then she still seemed to be in shock, he reached out and put and arm around her shoulders to help steady her, "Hey, are you alright?" he asked concerned as she closed her eyes for a moment and leaned against him for support. Atoli winced visibly, "It was just…so LOUD," she whispered rubbing her ears. "I couldn't hear or focus on anything else. I thought for sure my ear drums were going to burst...and I don't want to think of how many AIDA must have been there to make a sound that intense," she added opening her eyes and turning to him.

Haseo, however, continued to keep a close eye on her, "You going to be okay? You seem pretty out of it," he commented still worried about what had just happened to her. Atoli nodded slowly but didn't say anything else as the full impact of what they had just seen and heard hit them; and for a long time neither one of them knew what to say.


AN: So how was that? A little more exciting then the last chapter wasn't it? And the Epitaph Users along with their Avatar's now know who's after them and what he's after. But Aihane isn't going to let a minor setback like this stop him…oh no! This story has barely gotten started, there's so much in store I can hardly sit still! Next installment shall be up ASAP!