Chapter 10: YouTubers & Villains (Necro's Narrative)

While we walked out of the Maze of The Passing. Tiff was comfortable enough to ask me what happened, "What did you do to him back there?"

"I simply showed him the experience of death in every possible way." I answered.

"Is death supposed to be awesome to you or something? Sorry but I've never heard of a girl name Necro."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I said, "No I don't find death in any kind of delight. In all honesty I defy death, hence my name. I can save some people even from death, but I have to do it within 5 minutes."

"Why 5 minutes?"

"Because that's when they're completely gone. When people die their brain is active within 5 minutes. Haven't you notice after you terminate a Gaminator they turn to code after 5 minutes?"

"No, I... I've actually never killed anyone here."

"What? How are you even surviving then?"

"I've made a friend here that protected me, but... He's gone."

"... What was his name?"

"Edward Crowen. He was in the same Division as me, you can say he took care of me and never even let me enter a game. He said he didn't want me to stain my hands."

"... I can see why. You're married aren't you?"

"Yes, to Red. You watch my videos?"

"More or less. That was awfully kind of him indeed, but did he ever taught you how to protect yourself?"

"Yes actually, but he said to only fight if it's necessary."

Suddenly I heard her stomach growl. "Oh, it's been a while I've haven't eaten since he past away."

"I'll get you something to eat. Starving is the most slowest way to die."

She smiled as she said, "Do you make it a habit to bring death into conversation?"

"Pardon me, ever since I was born death always visits me like an old friend. Come on, I know a restaurant here that serves some pretty good food."

...

When we arrive at the restaurant I didn't expect to met Elvira, James, Doug, and Mark. When Mark saw Tiff he immediately knew her. "No way! Tiff you're here too?!"

"Mark! I don't believe it!" The two hugged each other.

"Necro I didn't know you knew Tiff was here!" he said.

"I didn't," I said, "We've just met today."

"Oh hello." she introduce herself to the others. She she got to Doug last he said, "Hi, I'm Doug Walker. Nice to meet you Tiff."

"Wait, Doug Walker? You're not that Nostalgia Critic guy are you?"

"The one and only."

"I've heard about you from my friend... He spoke highly of you."

"Oh? Who was he?"

"..."

When I saw her getting emotional I spoke for her, "His name was Edward Crowen. He past away. How about we take a look at the menu, Tiff?"

"Oh right," she said gaining her smile back, "I've almost forgotten I was hungry."

"Order anything you like. It's on me."

"Thank you so much Necro."

We sat down with them and she took a look at the menu here. Mark then told me, "I've finally was able to win the fight against James today Necro. So what now? Do I still have to train?"

"Of course," I said, "But that's good you're able to get past James, so now you can go to the next step of training. You have to get past Doug, once you do that then you can fight Dean next. You hear me, Dean?" I said to Doug but I didn't see his eyes turn green.

Doug said, "He hears you he just doesn't want to answer. He's resting right now."

"As long he understands he can rest all he wants."

"Mark? Tiff?" said a familiar voice all of a sudden. When I turn to look I've realized it was Jacksepticeye. "Jack!" said Mark as he stand up so the two can hug. This table is getting a bit too crowded for me. I'm going to have to leave just to calm my nerves.

I said to Tiff, "My apologies, Tiff, but I must leave. Don't worry I'll tell one of the programs here to put the bill on my tab."

"Oh but where you going?"

"Back to my Division. It's been a long day for me, and I'm quite tired. Please order anything you want."

I stand up and walked away. Just when I was out though Doug catches up with me. "Wait a minute, Necro!" he said.

"What is it?" I said.

"Something weird happened today. While I was fighting in one of the arenas I almost was terminated, but something pushed me out of the way. I don't know what but whatever it was it saved my life today."

"...Strange."

"I don't know is that normal in the Matrix? Or do glitches happen even without the Glitch society?"

"No it's actually rare. Funny enough that happened to me too. Well I wasn't pushed but I've felt something. If it happens again report to me immediately. Today I'll be at my quarters."

"Okay. So how come you can't just stay, Necro?"

"Are you really asking me that?" He was a little surprised to see me annoyed by that question. But I simply answered, "(Sigh), if you must know I'm not one to hang in a crowd. I get anxiety just by being around with a bunch of strangers. Anyway I'll see ya later."

After that conversation I've finally went back to my Division to rest.

... (Doug's Narrative)

I think I've touched a nerve when I asked her that. Well in this case when I asked him that question. It's weird but I guess it's understandable. He's a general who commands and leads the Hacker Society, but he's not use to being himself around friends? Well I really don't know if he consider us as friends.

He treats us like if we are his soldiers. He doesn't address us like a welcoming friend. Although that woman he brought over. He treated her with more kindness than to Elvira. Why is that?

"Doug?" said a familiar voice. When I turn around to see who's calling me I was shocked. "Phelan?" I said.

"...Why the hell are you even here? You don't play games."

"Well you'd be pretty surprised at my skills. You're from the Ventus Tempesta Division?" I pointed out his uniform.

"Yeah, who else is here with you?"

"Oh uh, James, and I've heard that Joe is here too. Right now I'm with James, Mark, and Elvira. Believe it or not Mark's friends are here too, Tiff and Jack."

"Who's Mark, Elvira, Tiff, and Jack?"

"They're inside let me introduce you to them. They're really great people."

...

We've gotten to know each other a little bit more. Jack and Tiff make a living playing games on YouTube. Tiff is married and Jack does have a girlfriend. I was actually surprised Mark hasn't been in a relationship for three years.

We've even talked about our past before YouTube. Of course I brought up what caused me to go into YouTube and creating ChannelAwesome. I talked about my embarrassing moment when I quit my job. Ever since then people had made tributes about it. But who knew I would be one of the people to be here.

Jack here is a little bit different from Mark. Jack is from Ireland and the way how he starts his videos is very energetic. What's neat though is that he get's in touch with his fans through the comments. He reads them answer questions and the fans appreciate it very much. It kind of made me think if I should do it? I don't know I've never thought of it for the past 5 to 6 years and I'm still going strong.

After the great meal and conversation we've had together we've decided to head back to our quarters. But before I left the restaurant Tiff stopped me to say something, "Doug were you and Edward ever close?"

"No, why?"

"Well he said if he past away. I have to give you this."

She handed me a green flash drive with a black question mark on it. "What's this for?" I asked her.

"He didn't say. Only that it was important it get's to you. Think you can tell me what it is after you take a look at it?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll see you around Tiff."

I took off to the PGA Division with the mysterious flash drive in my hand.

... (Mark's Narrative)

Elvira wanted to have a talk with me before I head back to the PGA Division. First she bought some ice cream for us and we hanged out at the tall clock tower. It was my first time up here so I was quite amazed at the sight of Game Over Prison. Elvira sat on the edge which was pretty risky if you ask me. Well I sat next to her and she said, "So how did you and Coraline met?"

"At age 10 in Elementary school. She didn't talk much and there were other kids picking on her. I was the only one who even wanted to get to know her. Surprisingly enough she knew how to handle bullies."

"Well she was never one to let anyone push her around."

"So how did you two met?"

"We were fighting partners in Tae Kwon Do. We were always kicking each other's asses. Well at least she was. She was the best fighter out of everyone in class. I remember the first day I've beaten her in a fight. I've gave her a black eye." She laughed.

"Coraline didn't got mad at you for that?"

"No surprisingly. She was happy that I've finally beaten her. You see I've made a promise to her that I'll get stronger until I become her equal. I wanted no one to protect me and neither did she. We both wanted to fight side by side with someone. We were great partners and I didn't thought once about replacing her. But when she moved I was alone until the Hacker Society found me. That's when I've found a new fighting partner, Charlie."

"Wait, Charlie?"

"That's right. I'm talking about the Charlie who looked after you in Blue Rose Prison. He was my best friend you know? He made the greatest teas you could ever taste."

"...Yeah he did. I'm sorry, Elvira."

"Huh?"

"It was my fault he died. If I was only fast enough to get to him in time he would've-,"

"Shut up."

"What?"

"It wasn't your fault dumb ass. Don't you ever blame yourself for it. It was because of Albert he died, and don't worry I'll give him the death he deserves."

"What? Elvira, Albert is a strong guy. I tried fighting him and I was surprised enough that I've even cut him."

"I've fought him too and I was able to wound him pretty well the last time."

"Well if you're going to fight him you can't do it alone. Charlie was my friend too."

"... Alright, until you get past your training we'll see.

"So have you made a promise?"

"A promise?" I said, "For what?"

"Well it's pretty much giving yourself a reason to live or fight for something. I promise to get so strong that I'll be treated as an equal to Necro, Charlie, and especially Coraline. I want to let everyone know that they don't have to worry about me."

"Oh, I get it... Well if I'm going to make a promise. I want to live through this so I can see Coraline again."

She smiled as she said, "Sounds good to me. Tell you what, how about we share that promise? We both have the same friend to see again so how about we go see her together after this?"

I smiled as I said, "I would like that Elvira." A promise between us both to share. We will see you again Coraline. That's a promise.

... (Doug's Narrative)

When I've returned to my room I used the flash drive given to me by Tiff into the computer at the desk. Once I've opened it there was a video inside. I clicked it so it can play and all of a sudden my room changed! It turned all black with a bunch of these green question marks all over the walls. I stood up to get away from the computer because it was shifting into a man wearing a green suit and bowler hat with question marks. When the question shaped cane appeared in his hand that's when I've realized who took form.

He spin his cane as he said cheerfully, "Hey diddle diddle time for a riddle."

"Riddler?!" I said, "You're a part of this bullshit?!"

"On the contrary, Critic. I'm actually here to destroy this house of cards. You see villains like me don't like competition, so what do we do? That's not a riddle by the way it's an actually question and a question I can provide an answer to but you can pretty much guess the answer. You're a smart man to guess that answer aren't you?"

Wow did he just insulted me? I can't tell. I said, "Well it's obvious that you get rid of the competition."

"Exactly, Critic, and you're going to help me."

Suddenly we heard a door open and closed as someone walked in but we couldn't see. "Yo Riddler I'm back!" said a female's voice, "Oh you're trying out the Oculus Rift?"

"Yes, Riddle, and talking to the Nostalgia Critic you so told me about."

"Oh shit, really?! How is he?"

"He looks fine, but you were right about one thing. His code does look very strange."

"Wait wait wait." I said, "Are you a Hacker or something?"

"Do I look like a soldier to you? I'm with no society. I always work alone when it comes to bringing down the lower intelligence."

"Ha! Until I came along." said Riddle.

"Well you're the exception, Riddle. You're my assistant."

"By the way how is the Oculus Rift feel?"

"Honestly it feels like pins and needles at least for the second time. The first time it hurt like hell trying to adapt to the Matrix."

"Let me tweak the setting then real quick."

"Sorry, Critic, anyway let's get back to business. You see after being in Game Over Prison without being detected by Vanitas. I've come to discover how to separate him from Ryan and Cronus."

"Who now?"

"Vanitas... What Necro didn't tell you about the very first Virus that took over his brother?"

"I guess not."

"(Sigh) then again I shouldn't be surprised. Despite how intelligent he is he can be dense."

"Wait you know Necro personally?"

"Don't be silly of course not! I simply just been keeping an eye on all of you. It wasn't hard getting into the system here but I couldn't stay long or else Vanitas would've noticed. As I was saying before, Critic. I'm counting on you to separate Vanitas from the bodies of Ryan and Cronus, with this weapon."

a black and green scythe appeared in his hand. "Don't worry this weapon only separates codes, it's not designed to kill."

"How can I trust you that it won't?"

"Let me demonstrate."

All of a sudden he was quick to attack me. When the blade went through my body Dean's code was separated from me and he had a body of his own.

"What the fucking hell?" said Dean. He looks surprisingly a little different from me. His hair is pitch black, his eyes are black and green, and so is his uniform. "I have my own body?!"

"Ah and here comes the difficult part." said Riddler, "You see you two are one and the same. From what I've discovered there are at least three different codes inside the people who have the Chiron Code. In other words three different personalities. Your Glitch Code is barely waking up, so you need to work on that, and that's why-,"

Suddenly another code came out of my body and it took form into another me. He dropped to the floor though when he was complete. I helped him up as I took a look at him. His uniform is gray and silver, his hair is silver, and when he opened his eyes they were mint gray. "Where am I?" he said.

"And that's why the process to separate your code took a little longer." said Riddler, "What's your name, Glitch?"

"...Dylan." he said.

"Dylan meet your counterparts, Doug, and Dean. Now this separation only last 30 minutes because you're all one and the same person who can only have one body to share in Reality. In the Matrix you can change the rules but it's difficult to just separate yourself on your own. That's why I created this device. It's crucial you separate Vanitas from Ryan and Cronus because Vanitas doesn't have the Chiron Code. Without the Chiron Code, he can't perform his ritual. Understand now Critic?"

"Wait," I said, "But he's keeping Cronus alive because of the damage caused from the last ritual."

"(Sigh), The separation isn't permanent, Critic. If Ryan loves his son enough I'm sure he would merge with Cronus again. Just keep Vanitas away from them though."

He toss the scythe to me as I caught it in my hands.

"So how does it feel now, Riddler?" said Riddle's voice.

"Much better, Riddle. Please write down the setting next time we use this. Now Critic the weapon must stay secret from everyone. You can't let Vanitas know of it's existence. Which mean you can't tell anyone about this. Also do me a favor and just don't tell anyone who gave it to you. If the Hackers knew I was involved it'll just add more trouble. I mean it's bad enough I have Batman constantly on my back."

"Right, um thanks. I'll won't tell anyone, but really Riddler tell me the truth. Are you doing this because you don't want competition? Or is it something else?"

"Well imagine if you were me. You notice all these gamers going into a worldwide coma, and you can't help but be curious why. Until you've find out it was caused by a man who wants to obtain the power of God, and dominate the world. Wouldn't you want to stop him? I've heard the story of Jobe, and he failed twice to obtain Egypt because it can't be obtained."

"But you're a villain."

"A villain who knows that there are some things that just can't be controlled."

"Hey Riddler time is almost up."

"Alright I better log out then. The scythe is designed to be under your control. It can be summoned like any other weapon. Good luck to you, Critic."

When he disappeared the room turned back to normal. Both Dean and I looked at our new personality, Dylan. Right now he looks really freaked. "Can someone tell me what is going on?" he said.

"You might want to sit down." I said.