.hack//Gathering of the Unwilling
Chapter 28
Started Chapter: 15-March-2009
Finished Chapter: 16-March-2009
First Post: 19-March-2009
Last Edit:
Disclaimer:
All original materials belong to their respective owners. Dot Hack belongs to Bandai and CyberConnect2. No copyright infringement is intended.
This story ignores the existence of .hack//LINK, the deletion of The World R:2 and the release of The World R:X. Characters from .hack//LINK may or may not appear.
Chapter 28
- Outer Dungeon – Game –
- 06:02 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 -
Saburou's confusion at the girl's answer was so thick you could probably cut it with a Twin Blade. She glanced at her companions and saw the same confusion within their eyes. The saffron haired girl's answer was not what they were expecting, nor it helped them to understand how she was able to cast such a wide area spell. Something about the girl was completely off. The green haired Edge Punisher also felt she should be able to understand what the girl had said, but something was evading her memory at the moment. She blinked as she saw Midori, of all persons, walk in front of the girl and kneel.
- "You are an AI..." - Midori said and Saburou's eyes widened in understanding. - "Yet you are not just a simple one... are you?"
- "You betcha I am not." - Zefie smirked as she crossed her arms.
- "Now I know why you looked familiar..." - Saburou said. IYOTEN and Asta gasped as Saburou suddenly decided to bow. Sirius, Taihaku and Antares watched in silence listening to Saburou as she proclaimed the identity of the girl. - "The Goddess' daughter... Aura's daughter..."
- "The Goddess Aurora?" - Raid questioned behind Infini and Furufuru. Before the pair of girls could question him, Raid's face contorted in pain, product of a direct hit in the stomach, courtesy of the gloved hand of Zefie. Infini waved her hands in the air, with her eyes turned into swirls, while Furufuru nodded in agreement.
- "Never... ever again... twist Mommy's name like that!!" - Zefie glared at the boy, tears surrounding her eyes.
- "Huh?" - Adamas asked. - "Why is she mad? Is that not the real name of that character? The one on the game's background story?" - He jumped in fright when Zefie glared at him.
- "That is just the story CC Corp made up, believing they did not need the real goddess anymore." - Antares spoke, earning the attention of the group.
- "How come?" - Matsu questioned as he saw Sophora kneeling besides the girl, caressing her hair. It seemed the AI did not mind the action.
- "When the Goddess decided to forsaken them... CC Corp became frantic... causing the destruction of the first game..." - Antares spoke. He placed his hands over Asta and IYOTEN's heads, to their annoyance, as he spoke. - "But the fact that she was not here was what made them fail... so they tried to make people forget them... by creating a fake name."
- "I see... its as if they wanted to erase her..." - Sirius muttered. - "But if this girl, Zefie, is here... it means that is not true. The Goddess has not forsaken us."
- "The Goddess has sent her holy aid. That is something we must thank." - Taihaku proclaimed as the three ex-emperors of ICOLO bowed in front of Zefie. One by one the gathered did the same.
- "Even if you do that... it will not make me happy..." - Zefie heavily pouted, trying to ignore them. In her mind, she jumped in joy, seeing people still believing in her Mother. The sounds of battle brought her back to reality. She coughed and pointed at the other players. - "We kinda have a battle soaring here... remember?"
- "Tch... lets show this bastards what we can do partner!" - Asta roared as she ran towards the data bugs, followed by IYOTEN.
- "For the Goddess!!" - Sirius roared as he ran besides Antares and Taihaku.
- "What do you say team? Lets go!" - Matsu grinned as he ran followed by Sophora, Raid, Infini and Furufuru.
Saburou and Midori watched as Adamas walked away, unwillingly, to join battle. Zefie glanced at them and knew what they wished. - "Your priority for now should be helping them... I will tell you what is going on afterwards..." - Both Edge Punishers nodded and ran, intending to finish off the Data Bugs once and for all.
For the next half an hour the players, assisted by Zefie, finally managed to overwhelm the Data Bugs. As the last one was crushed by Infini's fire spell, the gathered Lost Ones exploded in cheers, congratulating each other, cleaning the sweat from their foreheads or simply hugging each other in happiness. Saburou grinned at her friends and gave them a thumbs up. Laughs filled their ears as things calmed down. Their happiness was abruptly broken as static resonated through their ears, replacing the laughs. A in C major sounds vibrated through the whole Outer Dungeon, making many fall to the floor, sickened as their senses failed them. A sudden shaking made them fall to their knees. Short circuits on the traps caused several explosions. Many players ran to their friends, intending to help them, so they would not fall to the data abyss below. The rumble's intensity lowered, but it did not stop.
- "What the hell is happening?" - Matsu yelled as he pulled Infini closer to him, after saving her from falling to the abyss below. He completely missed her blushing cheeks.
- "Zefie-chan... what is happening outside?" - Saburou asked the girl, who was biting her lower lip. The Emperors of ICOLO, the members of Moon Tree, the professional victim and the ex-PKers of Kestrel fixed their attention upon the informant and the small AI.
- "It has begun..." - Zefie whispered while glancing at Saburou's emerald eyes.
- Unknown Place – The Net –
- 06:04 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 –
Atoli paced around, with her hands together over her chest. Time seemed to pass in a blur yet it also felt painfully eternal. With her hat forgotten, Atoli's golden hair swayed around as she walked around in the room, muttering to herself. Everytime she would walk near Ovan she would flinch involuntarily. She knew the man had had his reasons for using them all... for using her like that for Haseo to strengthen... yet she still felt intimidated besides the man... even if he was unconscious. She sighed once again as she held her arms closer, shivering at the memory of her AIDA-fied form stabbing Haseo... almost murdering Alkaid and Shino... were her true feelings that dark? She wondered if perhaps what she had said while under the influence of Sakaki's AIDA had been her truth. She shook her head, trying to erase the thought. It would not help them in the current situation. Over two hours had passed since her arrival. Two hours without news. She guessed it was a good thing not knowing... for it meant Haseo was still fighting. She hoped that was the case.
Saku watched Atoli pacing around. She frowned as the blond girl kept wandering in circles, making her dizzy, yet it was better than listen to all the technical crap Yata was discussing with Kuhn and the others. She sat at the end of the bed where Endrance still rested, unable or unwanting to wake up. Her legs, not reaching the floor, swinged back and forth as she removed her hat. Gazing at the moon and sun ornamentals, Saku could not help but wonder how Bo... how Iori was doing. Was he taking care of himself? Or was he drowning himself in self pity? Saku frowned at the thought. For his own sake, Iori should be taking care of himself. If not, Saku would take upon herself to kick his sorry ass. She could not help but smirk at the thought. So absorbed she was on her thoughts, she never heard Atoli approaching, until her hand was covered by Atoli's.
- "You okay, Saku?" - Atoli questioned.
- "Uh... yeah. I was just..." - Saku scratched her head.
- "Thinking about Bo?" - The Harvest Cleric suggested.
- "Yeah. I was wondering if he was taking care of himself..." - The Shadow Warlock asked with a slight blush.
Atoli really did not know how to answer to that. She was a single child, so she did not know about the relationship between siblings. Add the fact that this pair of siblings were rather... special... she really did not have a real answer to Saku's unasked question. Smiling at the shorter girl, Atoli decided to act a little bolder than what she would normally would. She pulled Saku's hand, asking her to stand up. Without letting go of Saku's hand, Atoli made the shorter girl follow her. Saku blinked at the action, wondering what had gotten on Atoli, who suddenly sat and made her turn around, just to make her sit between her legs.
- "Wha... what? Atoli!! What are you doing!?" - Saku stuttered.
- "Shh... relax..." - Atoli smiled as she hugged the girl, around the waist, towards her chest. Placing her chin over Saku's head, she whispered. - "I really do not know how to answer your question... but I guess Bo... Iori-kun must be worried about you... he probably knows you did it for his sake... but is most probably worried sick. That is the kind of boy your brother is... a sweet and kind boy who loves his sister above all."
Saku sighed as she relaxed in Atoli's embrace, wondering for a moment if this is what it felt to have an older sister. She smirked thinking about how Bo usually called Haseo 'Onii-chan'. Maybe Atoli was her 'Onee-chan' then. - "Ne... Atoli..."
- "Yeah? What is it Saku?" - Atoli asked, eyeing Saku who had raised her sight.
- "Can I call you... Onee-chan?" - Saku's blush darkened. Caught off guard, Atoli remained speechless, making the smaller girl think she had been rejected. - "I guess no..."
- "I would love to..." - Atoli answered and Saku's smile widened. Turning around, she fiercely hugged the girl, pressing her face over her chest.
- "Thank you..." - Several tears threatened to fall from Saku's eyes. It could seem sudden... but Saku had really bonded with the girl through the last several months. With Haseo and her. She felt comfortable around her, just like with Haseo. Yet her own pride stopped herself from calling him brother. But Atoli... she did not have a problem... nor was embarrassed to call her sister. - "You know? If Haseo does not appreciate who you are... he must be a fool..."
Atoli's cheeks flared at the words. She pouted and sighed. - "What Haseo... feels... is for him to sort... my own feelings for him... are..." - (My current feelings are in a complete disorder...)
- "Onee-chan?" - Saku seemed confused. Before she could ask anything else, a screeching noise was heard on the room. - "What the hell?" - Saku covered her eyes.
At the noise Kuhn ran inside the room, followed by the other three players. His left eyebrow rose upon seeing Atoli and Saku hugging, but he decided to dismiss it. Glancing around, he tried to locate the source of the noise breaking through their ears. - "Over there!!" - Pi's yell put him on alert. Turning towards the direction she pointed, he summoned his Silent Eden Bayonet. He saw Yata, Pi and Hiiragi also preparing for battle. Upon the questioning glance of Atoli, he decided to elaborate. - "Whenever anyone of us fell here... an A in C major sound would resonate... yet this time its this screeching... thus... we are preparing in case of enemy attack.
Saku jumped away from Atoli as she understood what Kuhn implied. She immediately summoned her own Lost Weapon, the Eternal Light Grimoire, and prepared for battle. Atoli stood up and ran besides them, also summoning her own weapon. The six of them stood protectively in front of their unconscious comrades, expecting the worst.
As the graphics on the wall began to tear, Atoli wondered if Sakaki had decided to send AIDA monsters to finish them off. Shaking her head, Atoli readied herself for battle. A small hole began to appear, as the coded data began to break, and from it... a pointy blade emerged. The blade suddenly struck down, breaking more data from the wall, creating a hole big enough for any of them to pass. A pair of orbs suddenly flashed and Atoli could not help but shriek, scaring Saku who in turn ended up sending a fire spell at the hole.
The Vak Dom spell hit its mark, onto to be dispelled as the spear connected with it. - "Whoa!!! What kind of welcome is that?" - A male voice said as mis-matched eyes appeared on their sight. A brown haired man emerged from the hole.
- "That character... It can not be..." - Yata was rendered speechless.
- "Yata-sama? Who is he?" - Pi questioned.
- "Is he dangerous?" - Hiiragi asked.
- "No way..." - Kuhn gaped, recognizing the man.
- "You know him Kuhn?" - Atoli asked.
- "Yes. Although I never expected for him to be here... the only player the Descendants of Fianna recognized as an equal, before the Twilight, the warrior with the eyes of a star... Albireo." - Kuhn explained. It was obvious for he to know this information. After all, during his time as Sieg, he had held a one-sided rivalry with Balmung of the Azure Skies, therefore knowing about those players the man recognized as equals was a must. - "But I wonder... why does he have a character from that era? Heck... he even is a Long Arm!!" - He said after checking the status screen. Despite being trapped within the game, they still were able to navigate through the menus, in their minds, as if they were still playing the game.
- "Are you the real thing? Or an AI?" - Yata questioned.
- "Why do you not ask her instead?" - Albireo smirked as he pointed down. The sight of the gathered went towards a small red dressed girl, who smiled at them.
- "For the love of Aura!!" - Yata suddenly yelled, very out of character.
- "Aura?" - Kuhn gaped.
Atoli and the rest could only gape at the two of them. Switching the sight towards the girl, they saw as she simply smiled.
- "That is my Mommy. My name is Lycoris. Aura-mama sent us here to aid you." - Lycoris walked towards Atoli and Saku. Her tiny barefooted feet made no noise as she walked through the carpet in the room. - "Ne?" - She sweetly took hold of the other two girl's hands.
- "You know Saeki-san?" - Albireo suddenly said, making Pi's eyes widen. - "Haruka has been very worried about you... you know?"
- "You... you know Haruka-san?" - Pi asked.
- "I do, I do. In fact... she and I are currently in your hospital room. You are kinda... there... right now..." - He scratched his head while Pi gaped. - "I would tell her you seem fine... but she is kinda... busy right now."
- "What is going on?" - Kuhn stepped forward.
- "Ah that... they are battling the Witch right now." - Albireo smirked.
- "They?" - Hiiragi said with his feminine voice.
- "The dot hackers. They have assembled." - The Long Arm stated to the shock of the present. - "I heard they were very worried about all you lot. And how they would not be? Geez... being directly linked to a Phase? Never thought I would see the day."
- "Albireo..." - Lycoris interrupted before any more questions could be asked. - "This two need to be healed..."
- "Eh?" - Albireo stepped forward, seeing Ovan and Endrance. - "Damn..."
- "I have made a fast check up... you can easily heal him with the Debugging device in your spear." - She pointed at Ovan. - "This man on the other hand... I will need to dive deep into his mind..."
- "Can you do it?" - Albireo kneeled, worried.
- "Of course silly!" - She smiled. - "It will be fine." - She jumped at Endrance's bed and pressed her small hands over his forehead. Saku sat in front of the girl, watching her work. Atoli placed a comforting hand over her shoulder and Saku smiled, mouthing her thanks.
- "Oh well. Guess I will better get to work." - He opened the debugging interface and several rays of light connected towards Ovan. - "Anything else you want to ask? This may take some time."
- "Would we not distract you?" - Pi questioned.
- "Worry not. This is easy for me." - He smirked.
- "You are... Watarai Kazushi... are you not?" - Yata questioned, standing besides the man, analyzing his debugging tools.
- "That I am. I should not be surprised you recognized my character. After all... you are one of the major stock holders of CC Corp." - Atoli, Saku and Hiiragi's eyes widened at the revelation. - "I would expect no less from the genius who currently holds my old position, as head of the System Administration and Debugging team, at only seventeen years old!!"
- "Eh??" - Atoli yelled suddenly, scaring Saku. They did not seem to bother Lycoris though. - "You are seventeen? Just one year older than me??"
- "Thanks for revealing that little fact..." - Yata said, annoyed.
- "Hey? How was I supposed to know it was a secret?" - Albireo shrugged.
- My... my... a genius and major stock holder... why do you and I do not go over there and... 'talk'... from one Macabre Dancer to another..." - Hiiragi's hands found themselves over Yata's exposed chest. He cringed, wishing for the first time not having modeled his character after a Buddhist monk.
- "Hey!! Hands off!!" - Pi yelled, stepping between the Macabre Dancers. Hiiragi just smirked and walked towards Kuhn.
- "Told ya I could get that reaction out of her." - The two high fived, while Pi gaped at them. A sudden tick developed on her head as she trembled in rage.
- "You two are dead!!!" - She cracked her knuckles. Atoli, Saku and Albireo could not help but laugh at the sight. Yata sighed and smiled. He was grateful for the joke, even if he was the target, for it had definitely seemed to lift a weight over their shoulders. Add the fact that Albireo's presence meant their freedom was near. Hating to break the moment, Yata decided to question Albireo further.
- "So... what else can you tell us about the outside world?" - Yata asked. Pi stopped stomping on Hiiragi and Kuhn hearing the question. The attention of everybody was upon Albireo.
The man with the eyes of stars sighed. He told them about how he learnt about the situation when Haruka phoned him, soon after Saeki Reiko was found comatose. Pi cringed knowing how worried she made Haruka. He told them about the chat he had by mere chance with Piroshi and the dot hackers, who were already investigating the events. Saku was marveled and Kuhn winked at her. She now completely believed all the great things the Steam Gunner had told her about his old friends. When Kuhn questioned Albireo if he knew something about Mai, Albireo only answered he knew the girl, although he did not knew her personally, was working besides the dot hackers, as Piroshi had informed him during a phone call another day.
When Albireo's tale came to the event of Atoli's AIDA-fied form being broadcasted all around the globe, Atoli could not help but blush madly in embarrassment. When Albireo was about to explain her 'accusations', Atoli 'politely' asked him to not divulge the event. That is... she pressed her hand over his mouth, borderly violent. Albireo decided to not speak about it at the action. As he was not comatose, her hand would not have silenced him, but he decided to respect her reaction. Saku teased her about it, but Atoli spoke no more. Albireo continued his tale until he related the events which took place before he logged in.
- "I see... we must hurry then." - Yata stated.
- "As soon as we finish fixing this two..." - Albireo muttered. As in response to his words, Ovan began to stir.
- "Ugh... my head..." - Ovan began opening his eyes slowly. He was greeted by the sight of Albireo and Yata.
- "Welcome to The World..." - Albireo smirked. - "I always wanted to say that." - He laughed at Ovan's surprised expression, not having the slight idea at the irony of his words.
- Van in movement, Tokyo - Real Life -
- 06:06 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 –
Tokuoka Junichirou frowned as he watched the new development inside the game. For an Avatar to manifest itself and to narrate a story so fantastic was something he was definitely not expecting. He remembered Sora well after all. The player had been one of those he had investigated during the time he sought the truth behind Junko's comatose state. He sighed as he reproached himself for being so foolish. That was the reason the name 'Misaki Ryou' seemed to ring a bell. He knew the kid. He had visited the kid at the hospital, the same way he had visited Tomonari Kasumi that fateful week he had meet Mai and begun the real stage of his investigation. Yet... he forgot. Not even once he thought of seeking the names of the comatose from that time. Not even when Salvador Aihara had mentioned the name 'Sora' during their meeting at the Ramen restaurant days ago.
The man wearing a Hawaiian shirt sighed as he glanced at his companions. Salvador was pestering one of Kuro Bith's men about the camera they had brought in order to film the next Online Jack episode, whose purpose was to pass the blame upon Amagi Jyotaro. Tokuoka himself was not happy with this plan, for that would mean CC Corp's upper management would once more avoid paying for their crimes. Yet he perfectly knew that exposing them could bring the downfall of The World... and a possible witch hunt over those innocent who only desired to live like any human would desire... despite them being not really human... the AI's... Aura and her own family. Tokuoka once again checked Kuro Bith's note the man gave him before leaving. In it came the instructions delivered by Helba, alongside the information of the existence of Zefie and Lycoris. Aura was no longer just an Ultimate AI. She was a mother. She was not only coded data. She was alive. And Tokuoka was going to protect that. Whatever it takes. Even if it meant... aiding the enemy. He knew the time would come for CC Corp's Upper management to pay. But today was not that day. Today was the day they would save the lives of the Epitaph Users, the Lost Ones... and of that family of AI.
Lowering a window, Tokuoka lighted one of his cancer sticks and took a long drag. He smirked as he saw Piroshi at the front of the Van, talking with the driver. The man was a unique case definitely. People who did not personally knew him tended to underestimate him, due to his unique behavior. In doing so they missed knowing one of the funniest and intelligent persons Tokuoka had the honor of knowing. He laughed upon remembering the man's question upon getting on the van. - "Where are the cookies?" - Upon their questioning glance he asked them something that would keep Tokuoka cracking for days. - "Huh? But... you are hackers!! You are from the Dark Side!! And the Dark Side has cookies!!!" - A unique man indeed.
- "How long till we get there Gendor?" - Tokuoka asked the man which was talking with Salvador.
The man lifted his gaze and checked some data on his PDA. - "Based on our detour to CC Corp... I estimate we will be there in another 20 minutes." - Gendor answered.
- "Thanks." - Tokuoka returned his sight to the TV in front of him. Inhaling his smoke he suddenly began to cough violently. Salvador stopped pestering Gendor and started to hit his back, trying to help Tokuoka. Piroshi, from the front of the van, offered him a bottle of water. With teared eyes, due to the smoke, Tokuoka greedily drank it, clearing his throat of the invading smoke.
- "What happened?" - Piroshi asked, but Tokuoka ignored him, seeing the screen.
- "What is that girl thinking?" - Tokuoka gritted his teeth.
Glancing at the screen in confusion, Salvador saw several new characters. In particular one controlling a monster, which was holding Haseo back. - "Who? That one?"
- "No! The one wearing purple over there." - Tokuoka pointed out. - "Its Junko! That girl logged in." - He glared at Gendor. - "Why is my daughter there and I was not informed her character was being remade?"
- "I am sorry, but I do not have an answer for your question. I was not part of the team recovering the characters." - Gendor replied and Tokuoka sighed.
- "Damn... well... I should not be surprised... Sora appeared after all." - The man sighed. Salvador nodded in understanding while Piroshi merely frowned at the screen.
- "We are arriving." - The driver stated and Piroshi glanced at the apartment building in front of them.
As the van came to a stop Tokuoka gaped at the screen when the triple data drain was sent over Haseo. Piroshi held a similar stupefied expression while Salvador stood speechless. The television set on their van suddenly began to lose the signal, while static resonated with clear A in C major sounds. Hearing the screeching of tires, Tokuoka glanced outside the van, seeing a sudden chaos starting to develop on the street, as the traffic lights began to flicker rapidly between colors. Cursing, he saw as a car was not able to stop in time, crashing badly behind another.
- "We have to help them!" - Salvador said, but Tokuoka's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
- "This may seem heartless... but we have no time." - The man said and Salvador saw Piroshi nodding.
- "For them to have to had used three Data Drains at once... it means the AIDA infection on Haseo must be very extensive. And this are the consequences... we can only hope for the best." - Piroshi said. - "Sure... people could be getting hurt right now... but their own carelessness also plays a factor... this was the only way to eradicate AIDA from him... if they had not done so... Morganna could well have obtained Skeith and... brought an end to the human race... this is not just a game anymore... this is war..." - The eccentric man said and Salvador sighed.
- "You are right amigo. I am sorry." - Salvador nodded. - "Shall we?" - The other men nodded. - "Then lets get going!" - Salvador glanced at Gendor, who began recording.
- UNKNOWN - UNKNOWN -
- UNKNOWN -
Lycoris opened her golden eyes and glanced around. Everywhere the petite AI looked was covered in a thick fog. Raising her tiny fist towards her mouth, she frowned in consideration. The land around here was confusing to the senses, but thankfully her advanced AI brain allowed her to discard the noise. It was not the typical noise mind you, it was not even audible. It possibly was one designed to keep outsiders to interfere... it was spam data created to pollute the pathway and cause a breakdown on the data transfer. Heck... Lycoris guessed its main function was a DOS, Denial of Service. Or rather... a Denial of Access.
Allowing her advanced firewalls to activate, Lycoris slowly began to purge the thick fog, eradicating the malicious data from the area. In a way... she was defragmentating the area, expecting to find her goal. Few minutes passed, in which Lycoris watched as the data got arranged, allowing her a better access to the area. Soon she stopped, as her search query began to detect the sought data. A sound arrived to her ears. A giggle. Opening her eyes, Lycoris ran towards the source.
As the petite AI ran, the giggle became words. - "You know? I never want to leave this place..." - A young voice was heard. - "I want to stay here forever with you! Mia!!"
- "And I want to stay with you, Elk!" - A feline voice spoke next, making Lycoris stop.
- (Mia? Elk? Something is wrong here... according to Mommy's data... this should not be possible... unless...) - Lycoris ran. She suddenly felt grass passing through her toes. Glancing around she saw a valley, covered in a plant she recognized as Aromatic Grass, and a stream of running water in the middle. Besides the stream a pair of characters sat. A green armored feline character sat besides the stream, whereas the second character lied on the grass, with his head on the feline's lap. A forgotten blue hat laid on the grass as the feline stroked the hair of the blue-haired young boy. Lycoris frowned at the sight.
- "Mia... never leave me..." - The boy identified as Elk spoke.
Mia glanced behind herself as she heard the approaching steps over the grass. Elk remained on his position, ignoring the noise. Mia's eyes found themselves watching directly the eyes of the frowning girl, who did not stopped until she had her tiny feet inside the stream, soaking them. Elk, noticing the girl for the first time, spoke. - "Who is she Mia?" - Yet he received no answer from the feline cat.
- "You know this is not real..." - Lycoris whispered, still not glancing at Elk.
- "What are you talking about? Of course its real... Mia is here with me..." - Elk seemed frantic as he stood. He glanced at Mia's eyes, but the feline was not watching him, but rather towards the girl.
- "It is not. And you know it. You created this world... with AIDA's influence... to think lingering data still dwelled inside you..." - Lycoris glanced to him, over her shoulder.
- "Lies!" - Elk yelled, his eyes tearing. - "Tell her Mia! Tell her she is lying!"
- "Why?" - Mia answered, confusing Elk and Lycoris.
Lycoris eyes widened as the transfer of data was made as their eyes met. - "I see... you are the one using AIDA... and in an unexpected way..." - Lycoris smiled, whereas Elk watched from one to another frantically.
- "What? What is going on?" - Elk yelled. - "Why are you here? Taking her sight from me! Do not do that!!" - Elk yelled.
- "Elk. Calm down." - Mia stood besides the boy, embracing him. - "Shh... it is okay... she is a friend..."
- "She came to take you away from me!" - Elk sobbed.
- "No. She is here to help. Your mind is... fragile... so I had to take over you... using that virus... so you would not break down..." - Mia spoke. Lycoris smiled in understanding.
- "Break... down?" - Elk glanced towards Mia's eyes.
- "Elk... do you remember what happened outside? With Sakaki?" - Mia softly questioned, but Elk began to shake his head in denial.
- "I do not want to know! I do not need to know!" - Elk denied the knowledge.
- "Elk... listen to me... you did nothing wrong to me..." - The feline whispered on his ear.
- "I... I denied you... how can you be making me remember? I... wanted to be here with you... forever..." - The blue-haired boy pleaded.
- "Oh... but I am always with you... here..." - She pointed to his chest. - "On your heart..." - Elk's eyes widened. - "Even know... even when my body is within Morganna's grasp... I am using my energy to manifest here... on your mind... and protect you... Elk... Endrance... Kaoru... you needed to understand... I could never hate you. You were only confused... and misinformed." - Mia smiled at the boy. - "Do not doubt yourself. And most importantly... do not doubt your friends. Kite, BlackRose, Haseo... all of them... are waiting for you."
- "Mia..." - Elk's voice began to shift. - "I... I understand..." - The soft voice became more mature. Lycoris saw as Elk's body began to shift, growing. The WaveMaster Elk began to disappear, only for the Blade Brandier Endrance to take his place.
- "Good." - Mia smiled. - "Ugh..." - She clutched her forehead in pain.
- "Mia!!" - Endrance walked forward, followed by Lycoris. He stopped upon seeing Mia's hand, signaling him to stop.
- "Stop... Morganna's getting anxious... something is happening... I can not stay..." - Mia closed her left eye in pain. - "Little girl... daughter of Aura... can I leave him in your care?"
- "Of course, aunt." - Lycoris smiled at the bewildered face of Mia.
- "Oh yeah... Aura is kinda my sister..." - Mia laughed despite the pain. - "Then little niece... I leave him in your care..." - Mia's body began to flicker. - "Kaoru... we shall always be together... we are connected for eternity... even if we are apart... my soul will always be linked with yours... I will not allow Morganna to hurt you anymore..." - She disappeared. The small portion of AIDA she had used to manifest began to crumble, as its data separated until none was left.
- "Mia!!" - Endrance extended his arm. He clenched his fist in anger.
- "Shall we?" - Lycoris placed her tiny hand over Endrance's clenched fist. - "Everybody is waiting... do not worry... we will recover my auntie..."
- "Thank you..." - Endrance smiled and followed the girl. It was time to wake up after all.
- Unknown Place – The Net –
- 06:21 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 –
Ovan clutched his head as Albireo and Yata helped him sat. Kuhn questioned the Long Arm on what he had done. Albireo explained that he had used the debugging system on his Wotan Spear to break through the firewalls on Ovan's character and repair the data which had been damaged when he tried to use The Rebirth. He also explained Lycoris had passed him the needed data on what to fix, explaining his knowledge of Ovan's forbidden technique. Yata grunted in agreement, understanding that the healing Ovan had taught them was basically that, a primitive form of debugging, whereas the Wotan's Spear was once one of the most advanced tools CC Corp possessed.
- "How long have I been out?" - Ovan questioned.
- "About four days." - Yata answered the man. He glanced at Albireo. - "Can you get us out?"
- "We shall work on that next. We need to wait for Lycoris to end her task." - Albireo glanced at the small girl, still kneeling besides Endrance's forehead.
As if hearing his words, Lycoris' eyes opened and she released her hold on Endrance's forehead. The male Blade Brandier groaned as he opened his eyes. He tried to sat up, when he felt arms helping him. Clearing his sight, he saw Saku aiding him, alongside Atoli. - "Saku..." - He whispered.
- "Save it. I am just glad you are okay." - Saku answered hastily.
- "Can you... forgive me?" - Endrance whispered.
- "Dunno I can..." - Saku answered truthfully. Endrance's eyes lowered. - "But I guess... I can try..." - Saku said as she sat on Atoli's lap.
- "Thank you..." - Endrance smiled. Glancing at the gathered, he questioned. - "Where are we?"
Pi explained the situation as fast as she could and Endrance's eyes widened. - "Kite and Haseo are fighting that witch... I must help them..." - He tried to stand up.
- "Easy there buddy. You are still weak. Rest for now while I work on getting us out of here and..." - Albireo was interrupted as static sound filled the room, putting them on alert. A in C major sounds resonated heavily on the room. - "What the hell? Haruka! Can you tell me what is going on at your end?" - He yelled, obviously speaking with his friend offline. - "What did you say? SHIT!!"
- "What is going on?" - Kuhn questioned.
- "Skeith manifested and protected Haseo." - The eyes of everyone widened. - "But hell has broken loose there. Complete war. And worst of all... the AIDA infection on Haseo was so bad..." - Atoli flinched at the words. Albireo felt bad, but he could not dance around the facts. - "... that they needed to use a Triple Data Drain on Haseo..."
- "WHAT?" - Kuhn roared. - "Thats insane!!"
- "Indeed... but if the infection has gotten that heavy... it is the only way..." - Ovan spoke. - "That... or a Rebirth..."
- "Stuff that one!" - Hiiragi yelled at the man. Ovan blinked.
- "Haseo..." - Atoli's eyes teared, while the others turned to look at Lycoris and Albireo.
- "Can you get us out?" - Pi asked again.
- "Lycoris?" - Albireo asked the small AI.
- "I am calculating what to do..." - Lycoris answered.
Before any further talk was made, Albireo, Lycoris and Hiiragi got the shock of their lives as the seven epitaph users clutched their heads simultaneously, in pain.
- Theta Hidden Forbidden Battlefield, The Coite-Bodher Battlefield - Game -
- 06:35 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 -
Haseo roared in pain as he felt his body being torn in pieces. The three rays of light mercilessly clashed upon his body, breaking and reforming data as they passed over his body. The darkness within his body tried to fight back, but was slow and painfully losing its influence over him. His claws and fangs retracted slowly, while the spikes on his body began to break apart in coded data. The darkness on his eyes began to swirl, as if trying to regain control, but it too was slowly being drained. The black on his suit began to shift centimeter by centimeter into his usual silver.
Skeith watched from above, clashing blades with Cubia, intending to stop the creature from approaching. As soon as he sent Sakaki down, Skeith, in Sora's form, decided to strike down the vilest of the AI he knew, the irregular Cubia. Skeith was surprised to see Morganna unmoving, but soon a smirk reached his face as he felt the power holding her back. His brother's and sister's... who were trapped within Morganna's arms... were doing their own effort.
Kite felt extreme pain soaring through his arm as he kept the Data Drain flowing from his Bracelet. Never before he had to hold down the attack for so long. Usually when he had confronted the Phases, seven year ago, few seconds where enough to change the data. This time around... the AIDA within Haseo's body was giving him a hard battle. Sweat started to roll down from his temple at an alarming rate. He risked a glance at Shuugo and saw him on the same situation as him. Azure Kite seemed unaffected at first glance, since he was an AI, but Kite somehow sensed his clone was having a hard time as well.
Tsukasa, like Kite, was sweating profusely. AIDA-Haseo was struggling strongly against the grip of the Twilight Guardian, almost breaking free several times, until a new limb shot, surrounding the player. Her desire to help the young boy who, unknowingly, had given her her life back, was enough for her to keep pushing her strength to the limit. It was not easy, especially after not being in contact with the Twilight Guardian for over seven long years.
Azure BlackRose, Balmung and Orca battled the Virus Monsters that dared approached the three Kites. Aid came to them as the gathered dot hackers ran besides them, pushing the creatures away as much as they could. Mistral, Mireille and Hotaru centered their attention on healing their comrades, whereas Marlo, MoonStone, Gardenia, Ryoko, Nuke, Rachel and Ouka fought without rest, pushing further than what their own limits allowed. They had been battling none stop for several hours after all.
The group of BlackRose, Rena, Mimiru, Carl, Shino and Alkaid centered their protection on Tsukasa, whose hold on Haseo was the only thing allowing the Dot Hackers to fulfill their goal. The three Heavy Blades, with similar character design, battled bravely, to protect their friend. Mimiru could see the tiredness on her counterparts, knowing they had been battling non-stop for several hours. Such knowledge pressed her further on her desire to protect Tsukasa, and her wish to save the boy behind both Sora and Haseo. Carl, like Mimiru, held similar thoughts, as she fought besides Shino and Alkaid. She glanced at the blood staining the redhead's clothes. She suggested for her to stop, but the fire on the girl's eyes stopped her. Shino suddenly jumped backwards and casted a healing spell over them, making Carl nod in approval. Shino smiled as she, too, returned to battle.
All stopped suddenly as the three Data Drains suddenly stopped in an explosion of light, blinding them all. Thankfully for the gathered, the light seemed to scare the Virus monsters, who hastily retreated to a safe distance.
- "Haseo!!" - Everybody centered their attention on the center of the Plaza, where Haseo had stood before being Data Drained. Alkaid's voice had made them seek the player, hoping for the best.
BlackRose ran towards Kite, who had fallen backwards, panting from the extreme power. Rena, likewise, had ran towards Shuugo. Azure Kite staid on his feet, but nevertheless, Azure BlackRose soon stood by his side, supporting him. Everyone else awaited for the dust to settle. On the sky, Skeith smirked as he gave his mother the finger.
As the dust settled down, everyone saw as Haseo stood at the center, panting while kneeling. His character had returned to his Xth form. Skeith, still in Sora's form, suddenly appeared at his side. - "Took ya long enough. Ping Pong."
- "Geez... I can not believe I used to be so annoying..." - Haseo bitterly laughed.
- "That you were. Bamyoing!!" - Sora laughed as he began to disappear. - "You shall have time to get on terms with that... but now its time to kick ass... doncha think?"
- "Absolutely..." - Haseo glared at Morganna, who trembled in rage in the sky.
- "Haseo!!" - Alkaid shouted as tears fell from her eyes. She started to run towards him, but his yell stopped her.
- "Stay back!" - Haseo ordered. Panting heavily, he stood up and glanced upwards once more. - "You are so fucking dead witch..." - He placed his hands on his head, clutching his hair strongly.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Haseo chanted.
On the sidelines, Kite mentioned that Haseo had done so, while battling the AIDA-fied Atoli. He was preparing to summon Skeith. Those around him, save BlackRose, questioned what help it would be, since Skeith had already been fighting, but had not had overpowered Cubia. Sure... they had stopped them from acquiring Skeith... but they still had the upper hand on them. Kite did not know why, but he trusted Haseo's actions, as he told them. BlackRose nodded in agreement. Tsukasa, in Mimiru's arms, agreed. Carl placed a comforting hand on Alkaid's shoulder, while Shino smiled at Haseo. The others watched as history was about to be written once more.
- Various Locations - Real Life / Game -
- 06:40 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 -
At the Serpent of Lore, Albireo frantically watched as the seven Epitaph Users clutched their heads in pain. Not knowing what to do, he glanced at Lycoris for help, but the small AI just told them to wait and watch. Hiiragi frowned at the words, but decided to comply.
At Kusaka Chigusa's Hospital room, her mother watched in panic as the heart rate of the girl went erratic. Her father, who had been watching the events on TV, trying to distract himself, yelled for medical assistance. The Kusaka parents felt regretful, for pushing their daughter so much, believing they were losing her.
At Tomonari Kasumi's Hospital room, Mai became scared as soon as the pulse on both boys became erratic. Yuki had to hold her back as Junko's mother, Kyoko, called for help, and began examining the two patients. Michiru gaped at them, feeling out of place.
At Hino Takumi's Hospital room, the doctors ran inside immediately upon the alarm. They began examining the teen, not understanding what caused the reaction.
At the Hayami House, Hayami Kouta yelled for his Mother, as he saw Iori collapse on the floor, clutching his head in pain.
At Ichinose Kaoru's Hospital room, the elder Ichinose ran towards their son's side, as soon as his heart rate became erratic, and he began to moan in pain. The forgotten TV was suddenly shut off, as doctors ran inside.
At Saeki Reiko's Hospital room, Haruka practically teared off her M2D, from her head, as soon as she heard Reiko's painful moan. Doctors ran inside, giving disapproving looks towards Kazushi, who kept his M2D on. Haruka told him what was happening and her eyes widened as Kazushi told her it was the same on his side.
At Indou Masato's Hospital room, the user of Ovan began to moan in pain. Shino heard him do so, and was torn between staying online or rush to the side of the man. Making her decision, she teared off the M2D and ran to call for help. As the doctors entered the room, she glanced at the TV and what came next shocked her to the core.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Haseo chanted inside The World. His real self said the same words, scaring Yuki.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Chigusa whispered on her bed whereas Atoli said the same words on the Serpent of Lore. Her parents' eyes widened.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Kasumi said on his bed, while Kyoko examined him. Mai's eyes widened. Not only at hearing his voice... but because he had said those words at the same time as Misaki Ryou. Kuhn spoke the same.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Takumi whispered, to the utter confusion of the doctors. Yata did likewise.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Iori whispered as Kouta held his friend by the shoulders. Saku mirrored her twin's words inside the game.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Kaoru whispered as the doctors ran inside. Kaoru's mother began to cry, not understanding what was happening suddenly. Endrance mimicked his real self.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Reiko chanted to the surprise of Haruka. She had turned Albireo's screen into dual mode, allowing her to see what was happening on Kazushi's side. Pi did the same on screen, confusing the crap out of the doctors.
- "Come on... Come on..." - Masato whispered as Shino ran to his side, ignoring the protests of the doctors. Ovan mimicked his real self.
Albireo, Hiiragi and Lycoris watched in fascination as the seven players chanted the same words, in perfect synchrony.
- "INNIS!!!" - Chigusa suddenly sat on her bed, screaming as she held her hands over her head, clutching her hair. Her eyes still tightly closed.
- "MAGUS!!!" - Kasumi sat, scaring Kyoko away. Mai ran to his side.
- "FIDCHELL!!!" - Takumi roared mightily as he, too, sat.
- "GORRE!!!" - Both Iori / Bo and Sakura / Saku screamed in perfect unison. Kouta gaped at the screen while the Hayami parents ran at the commotion.
- "MACHA!!!" - Kaoru's soft voice strained as he yelled, sitting up, with closed eyes.
- "TARVOS!!!" - Reiko screamed, making the doctors jump, startled. Haruka wondered what the hell was happening.
- "CORBENIK!!!" - Masato yelled mightily, Shino held his arm in fear... and... in love... she had taken her decision.
Albireo, once more, watched in fascination as one by one, the Epitaph Users called the name of their own Avatar. He was completely unprepared for what came next.
- "COME ON!, COME ON! COME ON! WE ARE RIGHT HERE!!! SKEITH!!!!!!" Eight voices yelled in unison in both online and real world. Perfect unison. Perfect synchrony. Linked together by their own souls and nothing more.
As the words died on their throats, Chigusa fell backwards on her bed, scaring her crying parents. Kasumi fell on Mai's embrace, who began to sob. Takumi rolled back, not responding to the doctors. Iori slumped on the floor, panting and glancing at the screen, wondering what had transpired. The Hayami family ran to his side. Kaoru's body fell limp as the doctors worked on him, breathing in relief as they found his pulse. Reiko fell forward, stopped by a doctor, as Haruka questioned her state. Masato did not fall, as Shino lovingly embraced him to her chest.
At the fake Serpent of Lore, Albireo gasped as the seven players suddenly disappeared. His worries were stopped as Lycoris told him they were fine. He nodded and told Hiiragi to follow them.
- Theta Hidden Forbidden Battlefield, The Coite-Bodher Battlefield - Game -
- 06:42 PM, Saturday September 30, 2017 -
- "COME ON!, COME ON! COME ON! WE ARE RIGHT HERE!!! SKEITH!!!!!!" - Haseo roared as a strong wind began to circle around him. Kite and the others held their arms in front of their eyes, protecting them from the dust. Alkaid barely noticed as Shino's PC went limp.
Before she knew what was happening, before she could act, before she could stop it, Morganna felt her arms explode in pain. Literally, for several explosions generated on her arms, over the slots were she was keeping her sons and daughters. With an enraged scream, she saw them flee from her. Flying towards Haseo.
- "SKEITH!!!!" - Haseo roared once more as the seven orbs of light impacted with him, creating a new cloud dust.
As the dust settled down, the gathered could not help but gape at the sight. Kite, like those that had witnessed Haseo's fight with the AIDA-fied Atoli, expected Skeith's form to appear. Yet what stood in front of them was not the towering form of the strongest Phase, but rather there stood Haseo... and yet... it was not the same Haseo.
Haseo's Xth form had been replaced by Silver Armor. The upper half of the armor resembled his 3rd form in a way, without the spikes and on silvery colors. The red tattoo on his stomach was even the same. On his elbows, small blades stood protectively. Around his shoulders, golden armor stood protectively. On his gloves, claws had appeared once more, this time in golden colors. A golden belt crossed over a pair of silver belts on his waist. His silver armored legs held a second protective armor, in the form of an armored half-cape starting on his lower back. His boots also held golden colors around its base. The tattoos on his face staid the same as those he had on his Xth Form. On his left hand he held a wicked silver scythe, identical to Skeith's red one.
As he opened his eyes, four small silver wings stretched from his back, majestically. Glaring at Morganna, Haseo spoke. - "Holy Form..."
NEAR-ENTER DOT COM
Thousands tuned on Near-enter's stream service, as they heard the chime on their computers signaling a new streamed video had been posted online.
This is Salvador Aihara's ONLINE JACK!!
We investigate the hottest controversies on today's news. Welcome to a whole new episode of ONLINE JACK!!!
Salvador appeared on screen, with his microphone in front of his face, and his trustworthy headphones on his head.
I welcome you friends! Tonight's subject is none other than... The World. And one Amagi Jyotaro.
As you all may be aware, the television service has been hacked today, showing images of the uber popular online game, The World R:2. Following a clue said live, we have come here, seeking the truth. The truth behind AIDA... the virus responsible for today's hack. The virus created by this very same, Amagi Jyotaro.
The man himself was very disturbed. Few know he was the sole cause for the first game's destruction. With today's linkage of AIDA to him, many believe the man was jealous of the success his counterparts had acquired... and so he developed a disturbing plan... to destroy the game... and create a virus to dominate the company. He fell crazy of course, and is paying dearly in an asylum. Yet his virus became active. A possible timed run? That... is what we came to investigate.
Salvador entered the room, followed by the cameraman. He saw as Tokuoka typed on the computer, while Piroshi rummaged through a cupboard in the kitchen.
Today with me... we have experts in computer systems. Junichirou Tokuoka and Matsuyama Piroshi. Tell us, Matsuyama-san, what have you found?
- Oh! Goody! Look!! Cookies!! I knew evil doers always had cookies!! BUAGH!!! This sucks!! What? It expired years ago? My poor tongue...
Uh yeah... right...
Salvador walked towards Tokuoka.
Anything found Tokuoka-san?
- I am searching. The pulse than ran through the net some minutes ago seemed to have messed up this thing. But I do wonder... if this guy has been secluded in a mental asylum for years... how come the Internet connection on this place is still running? Something is not adding up...
Whoa! That is really strange...
- Hey! I think I found something... there are several protected files here. Hey Piroshi! Need help cracking this!!
- Onid... Led mee pluj ma labtob.
Uhh... you okay?
- Dose... cookiss wed nafty... don ti em...
Uhh... right...
- Idiot!. Of course they are! They expired years ago!. Geez.
- Sowwy...
Anyways... seems we are unto something. Stay tuned for...
- We got it!!!
Really? You really found it?
- Yes!! AIDA's source code is here!! Hurry Piroshi! We have to crack it and create a vaccine!!
- Onid!!!
There you have it folks!!! Our lead has paid fruits!! We have acquired AIDA's source code!! Our Computer Masters have begun the process of cracking!! Stay tuned for a new episode in a few hours, as our local genius work on solving this mess.
Stay tuned for another episode of.... ONLINE JACK!!!!!!!!
