Kind of a short chapter compared to the usual length of my chapters, but...Hopefully everyone still likes it. And since I haven't done it in awhile. I do now own .hack, the concept of "The World", or anything along those lines. I do however this story, the characters, and these along that line...not that they're worth anything, but meh. Anyways, enjoy.
"Is that possible?"Jugatsu asked Code, via Code's headset.
"There's still no telling what'll happen after we do it, but it'd better than your current situation,"Code replied.
"I'll have to give it some thought, it's tempting, but..."
"Alright, no problem,"Code said, before taking off his headset and walking out.
Ryo ran in just as Code was exiting.
"Jugatsu has his own body back?"Ryo asked, skidding to a stop by Code.
"You've recovered,"Code replied, before nodding.
Ryo ran over to his computer and quickly logged on.
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"My body still feels a bit hard to control, but it's easier than when I first appeared,"Jugatsu answered.
"I can't believe you've actually returned. I mean, Momiri told me everything, but it just seemed too good to be true,"Skyld replied, sitting in the dead-end opening in Mac Anu.
"You look the same as we last saw you, only this time you're not beat-up, it's amazing,"AnakinseZ said yet again.
"Jugatsu!"someone suddenly shouted from the alley that lead into their spot.
Everyone looked over and saw Coinchii running into the alley.
"Well, Coinchii, I suppose this is technically the first time we've met,"Jugatsu said, standing up and facing Coinchii.
"I heard that Twilight extracted you from me a-"Coinchii began.
"Yeah, thanks to Twilight I now have my own body back. I still plan on defeating her though,"Jugatsu replied.
"How abo-"
"About everything that's happened? I've been informed in pretty much everything up until now. You don't have to worry,"Jugatsu answered.
There was silence as Coinchii and Jugatsu stared at eachother. Coinchii looked as if he was insulted somehow.
"Mind if he joins us on our task?"Jugatsu asked Skyld and AnakinseZ.
"Task?"Coinchii responded.
"Well if AnakinseZ is the party leader I suppose we could. October does have it uses,"Skyld answered.
"I have no problem with it. Coinchii is a fairly good swordsman,"AnakinseZ replied.
"Alright then. Coinchii, we've been given a task by Momiri. You're aware of Zero's betrayel and I assume you know how big of a danger this could be. Even if he isn't hearing information through our mouths, he still has other ways to obtain information that we don't know of. We can't leave him alone now that he's turned against the system. Since he'd be easier to track down than Twilight, we're going to search for him. Our primary target for now is Zero, unless Twilight is with him, in which case she becomes our target,"Jugatsu briefed.
"But when I got here it didn't look you were getting prepared for a mission at all. It looked as if you guys were talking,"Coinchii pointed out.
"Azara is doing the actual tracking. Since Zero is a character she can check through logs and find out all kinds of information from monsters he's killed, to where he's gone, and what time those things happened,"Skyld explained.
"Oh."
Before anything could be said further, Momiri appeared on the boat in front of the four.
"Alright, Azara thinks she found Zero, I'll warp us to the location, get your party ready,"Momiri ordered.
"'Why's CC Corp doing this, instead of Code?'. That's what you're thinking, right, Coinchii?"Jugatsu said as the party was being formed.
"How did - Do you read minds?"Coinchii asked, looking upset.
"No, I've just been in your mind for long enough. The answer is that, while CC Corp does have to take care of other aspects of "The World" it doesn't just leave all the Twilight work to Code. You're just around Code more, so it seems like he does more than CC Corp,"Jugatsu answered.
The five of them vanished in golden rings and appeared in a wasteland-styled field. Dead trees and large stones decorated the field's land. The only landmark visible was a near-by graveyard, which, according to Momiri, was where Zero would be.
"According to his travel log, Azara says Zero hangs around this map whenever he seems to have nothing to do. It's an area without a dungeon and the monsters are strong, so not many people come here unless they're doing some serious training. Azara said he recently warped into this map and she hasn't seen anything about him warping out,"Momiri said.
"Zero's strong though, can we take him?"Coinchii asked.
"Two of the most famous players in "The World", and the guy who saved "The World" from a powerful AI, are in the team, don't get nervous,"Skyld said.
They seem to be acting differently now that I'm out of Ryo. I wonder if it's because I have a body now...No...It's their confidence. With my appearance it seems everyone's become more confident. Ryo seems disappointed, though... Jugatsu thought as the four headed towards the graveyard.
"Wait, without an AI here, won't a fight be nothing more than a normal system fight?"Coinchii asked.
"Zero's in the same situation I'm in, whether an AIs here or not, his mind has been trapped in his character and because of that we have all of our senses. You should be familiar with it,"Jugatsu said, referring to when he shared his memories with Ryo.
"Everyone ready?"AnakinseZ asked, pulling his weapon out.
The four were now standing outside out of the graveyard, in front of a large broken down gate. The graveyard was pretty big, at least 100 graves were in it and a few mausoleums were placed amongst the graves. AnakinseZ took the first step inside.
"Look out!"Skyld shouted, pushing AnakinseZ forward before jumping backwards.
One of Zero's blades was imbedded in the ground, via chain attack. Jugatsu quickly scanned over it, trying to find Zero. The chain disappeared into a mausoleum. Jugatsu ran towards the mausoleum, everyone else following, but they were blocked by a monster which pulled itself out of the ground. It was at least 15 feet tall and it's body looked as if it was made of stone. The monster had the basic shape of a human, but the hands of the monster were two blades, one covering the second blade. The monster's head looked like a cross between a bat and bull. On the monster's back there was what appeared to be skeletal wings, but whether they were useful or not, Jugatsu couldn't tell.
"It was bait,"AnakinseZ said, stepping forward.
Skyld charged forward first. The monster's reach was farther, but Skyld jumped to the side easy enough to dodge the attack. His attack managed to somewhat damage the monster, but it would take awhile to kill it with attacks like those.
AnakinseZ and Coinchii began to run forward to attack, but Jugatsu suddenly called out,"Hold on, we can't waste time with this guy and I have an idea."
Skyld rolled out of the way of another attack and ran back to Jugatsu, AnakinseZ and Coinchii didn't have far to retreat to. Jugatsu focused on the bracelet and held his wrist out towards the monster.
"Data Absorbtion?"Coinchii asked.
"Jugatsu calls it Data Drain, though,"AnakinseZ said, watching with a grin.
Everyone was surprised by the next sight. Instead of using Data Drain, Jugatsu opened his fist and a ball of golden light was in his hand.
"So it does work,"Jugatsu said, with a chuckle.
Jugatsu raised his arm and threw the energy ball at the monster, destroying it in one hit due to the fact it was an illegal attack.
"Now we can continue towards Zero's mausoleum,"AnakinseZ said running ahead.
"That monster was probably a distraction, I doubt he'd be in there still,"Jugatsu responded, following.
Jugatsu was right. As the four reached the mausoleum, the door to it was further pushed open, meaning Zero had escaped.
"Next time a monster attacks, only one person should stay back. If all monsters are like that first one, it should be easy enough to dodge and get past, but we don't want them chasing us,"Skyld explained.
"What about me?"Coinchii asked, pointing at himself.
"Oh, yeah, you're still at a lower level than us so you probably can't do damage to the monsters, or if you can it'll be next to nothing,"AnakinseZ commented.
Coinchii's head fell, insulted.
"I'm also a lower level thanks to the fact I've been stuck in his head for ages,"Jugatsu commented, in a poorly organized attempt to make Coinchii better.
"You say it as if it's my fault,"Coinchii replied.
"Jugatsu has the bracelet, though..."Skyld commented, ignoring Coinchii's depression.
"I wonder,"Jugatsu said, walking behind Coinchii.
"What?"Coinchii asked, about to turn around.
"Stay there."
Coinchii froze. Jugatsu held his wrist towards Coinchii's weapon.
If this works on my weapons, maybe I can give Coinchii some powerful weapons. His level wouldn't matter then, Jugatsu thought as the bracelet began to shine.
"What are you doing?"Coinchii asked, seeing hints of the light in front of him.
"I'm going to try and make your weapons more powerful. I can do it to mine, but I never tried it on anyone else,"Jugatsu stated.
There was a silence as Jugatsu focused on what he had in mind. With the company of Jugatsu shouting 'Weapon Boost', Coinchii's weapon began to glow golden. His latest weapon which, had a pure white blade and blue handle, Sky Sword, was now completely black, with the exception of a strip of gold outlining the blade's edges, from the base to the triangle shaped end.
"There, I'm not sure how powerful it is, but it should still be better than your previous weapon by a good deal of strength,"Jugatsu commented, as his arm vanishing beneath his cloak.
"Now we should go after Zero. Be prepared for an attack from anywhere until we find out where he is,"AnakinseZ ordered, walking past a few tombstones.
The others followed, keeping an eye out for any signs of an attack. After a few minutes of looking Zero was still nowhere to be found. AnakinseZ had sent a message to Momiri requesting information on whether or not Zero had left the area, but according to Momiri, Azara's data showed no signs of anyone leaving the level. So they continued to look until two more monsters, the same kind as the first one, appeared.
"What are these things anyways?"Coinchii asked, grabbing his weapon.
"They're called Grave Guards. I can handle them, you three keep going,"Skyld said, his weapon drawn.
The other three ran past the monsters, dodging their attacks and ignoring their roars. One attempted to follow the three, but Skyld attacked it and took it's attention.
The first Grave Guard thrust it's blade-hand towards Skyld, but due to its lack of speed, Skyld effortlessly dodged it to the side and countered with two blows to the arm. It withdrew its arm and roared at Skyld who ignored it due to the fact the second Grave Guard had attempted an attack. Instead of attacking the second Grave Guard, Skyld ran two steps up its arm and jumped off, getting two slices into the first one once more, but this time knocking it over as well. When the first Grave Guard was down on its back, Skyld managed to finish it off with a series of blows.
After delivering the final stike to the first Grave Guard, the second one managed to catch Skyld off guard, hitting him with its forearm and knocking him back a few feet. Skyld stood up and shook his head. It was actually pretty refreshing being able to do something related to Twilight without the threat of being physically injured. Dodging the Grave Guard's next attack, Skyld managed to land a few attacks before he stepped back to prepare for the next slow attack. The next attack missed, Skyld advanced, and after a few more blows were dealt, the monster fell back, defeated and blowing away as if it was dust.
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"The graveyard is a decent size, but it shouldn't be this hard to find him,"Jugatsu stated.
"Momiri said he hasn't left the area, but he may have left the graveyard. As long as we use our radar we should be able to find each other if one of us comes across Zero, but I'd rather be sure he's no longer in here before looking around aimlessly in a field with no easily recognizable landmark,"AnakinseZ replied.
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"Right. Now I gotta catch up to the others,"Skyld said, after putting his weapon away.
"Why are you here?"someone suddenly asked.
A shadow appeared by Skyld. He turned around and followed the shadow, finding Zero standing on top of the mausoleum he was hiding in before. The moonlight that shone from behind him covered him in darkness, making him look sinister.
"We're here to stop you and learn where Twilight is,"Skyld stated, his hand on his sword in case Zero attacked.
"You think you can defeat me?"Zero asked.
It wasn't until now Skyld saw the side of Zero that was usually hidden. Around others it must have been an act, but with nothing left to gain by acting, the sullen face of Zero and his true attitude were revealed. Skyld was left without any urge to fight anymore. It was impossible to imagine what it must be like, being trapped inside "The World" for a time span longer than Skyld had even been playing, he could understand someone growing tired of it. The face which just a moment ago looked sinister, now looked sullen and back into a corner.
Skyld removed his hand from his sword, looking up at Zero, before saying,"I'd rather not fight. Before Twilight it would be a lie to say that we weren't your friends. Even you have to agree on this. As your friends...we still want to help if possible. Jugatsu was speaking to me earlier about a proposal that was offered to him by Code after everything is finished."
Skyld paused, waiting to see if Zero would make any comment. When it seemed apparent that Zero was waiting for Skyld to continue, he did so.
"The offer is similar to what Twilight has offered you. After everything finishes, Code is willing to let Jugatsu access the powers of the Twilight Swords to return to the real world. Like you, he has no body in the real world and exists completely in here. Both of you are in the same situation. The only difference is...After telling me all of this, Jugatsu told me his response. He was hesitant to accept, due to the fact he would still have the body from inside "The World". He has faith in himself, but not enough to trust that kind of power while in the real world. You, however, went to this extreme to escape. Twilight mercilessly absorbed Aqua, she obviously just cares about herself. It'd be better if you worked with us. I'm sure Code would offer you the same offer if you proved you were trustworthy."
Code still stood there, not speaking, his face still the same.
"Even...if Twilight did win, we would all die, you would escape to the real world. There's no telling what would happen to you after you made it to the real world. Twilight might expect you to continue working as her minion, she might kill you, she might destroy everything you looked forward to in the real world. I know your style. You make it obvious you only like doing things you benifit from. Return to our side and you'll still benifit. In fact, you'd benifit more...That's all I have to say. You have to make the decision now because we can't wait, and if your answer is to still remain with Twilight, then-"Skyld pulled out his sword,"-I will do my best to defeat you."
Despite what he said, Skyld still had no real desire to fight Zero. Zero closed his eyes.
"Skyld, you haven't moved in awhile, are you okay?"said a message AnakinseZ sent.
"I'm calling over the others, if you don't decide by then, I'll have have to treat you as if you're still with Twilight,"Skyld said, as he replied to AnakinseZ's message.
"You're absolute,"Zero responded suddenly.
Skyld almost didn't catch what he had said. Zero jumped down and ran at Skyld who didn't budge. A blade came out of the left bracer and the arm curved, aiming for the neck. Skyld held his position unflinching. The blade stopped centimeters from Skyld's throat.
"Yeah, I'm absolute. We're going to stop Twilight,"Skyld said, looking at Zero.
"Very well. I'll join you on the grounds that I'll be allowed out of the "The World" after all of this over. And as proof of this agreement I'll share whatever information I can on Twilight."
Skyld smiled and offered his hand out to Zero. Zero's blade retreated back to it's holder as Zero took Skyld's hand and shook on it.
The other three arrived at last, surprised at Zero's appearance.
"I've managed to convince him to rejoin us, but I'll have to speak Code before we really do anything further,"Skyld said.
It's obvious what's going on. The only way you could get Zero to join us and abandon Twilight's offer, is if we offer something better. Since Skyld wants to speak to Code, he's going to see if he can convince Code to give him the same offer I was given, I wonder if the others will pick up on this? Jugatsu thought to himself as he watched Coinchii and AnakinseZ approach Zero.
"No point in me explaining it. Besides if I'm right, the others might be hesitant to accept Zero, thinking he doesn't care which side he's on as long as he gets out. That could cause conflict,"Jugatsu said to himself in a low voice.
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"I suppose the information he brought us is good information, but unlike Jugatsu, he's proven himself to work only for the sake of self-gain. If I do offer him the ability to exit "The World", it's more like we're hiring him. I prefer true loyalty over paying for loyalty,"Code replied.
Jugatsu and Skyld were in the dead end beyond the alley in Mac Anu discussing Zero.
"So it's as I thought,"Jugatsu replied.
"Huh?"Skyld replied, confused at Jugatsu's comment.
"I trust Zero enough, and if it was me I would make the deal,"Jugatsu said to Skyld,"However, for other people who don't trust Zero as much, it only seems as if it's the offer to go to the real world that keeps Zero working with them."
"The only information Zero's kept from us, is where Twilight now stays when she's not doing something and the only reason he's holding that back is because he wants to know he's trusted enough to be given that offer,"Skyld defended.
"I understand Jugatsu's case and he has proven himself several times so I have no problem making the offer to him. Zero may be in the same situation but the way he operates isn't to my liking. If you can prove he's with us for more than just escaping "The World", then I'll go with it, but not until then," Code decided.
"Alright, Skyld, let's go then, I already know a way to prove it. Code, just continue to listen to us,"Jugatsu said towards the sky.
Skyld sent Zero a message. After recieving a reply Skyld and Jugatsu headed for the meeting point. After changing servers and arriving in Dun Lorieg they headed for the grunty stables, finding Zero leaning against the fence.
"Just follow me,"Jugatsu whispered as they approached Zero.
"You spoke with Code and wanted to discuss the results?"Zero stated as the two walked closer.
"It's kind of difficult,"Jugatsu began.
Skyld remained quiet, unsure of what Jugatsu was going to try.
"What is?"Zero asked.
"Code wants your help, but he doesn't want to give you the offer. He said I've proven myself so he has no problem with me, but...in your case,"Jugatsu said.
What kind of plan is this?! You're basically telling him what happened at the meeting! Skyld thought.
"If he can't grant me the offer I don't know if I want to work for him...I suppose I deserve it though,"Zero replied, completely out of character for his usual self.
"What do you want to do now?"Jugatsu asked.
"I suppose if I'm not being given the offer, I have no reason to work against Twilight. However, I have no intentions of working with Twilight again. If you want to fight him, you can go to the final battleground of last time,"Zero said, standing up and beginning to walk away.
"Wait, the map from last time?'
"Yeah, like everything else, it still existed, but it took a lot of work to bring it back. This part of the information I kept hidden as well. Twilight originally intended on having the map be her base. The Deletion Zone was just a temporary base until she finished work on the map. If you do a scan through the system for unlinked maps, you'll probably run across it because the only way to get to that map is through the Deletion Zone which...as far as the system's concerned, doesn't exist,"Zero explained.
"I knew it,"Jugatsu said, sending a party request to Skyld and Zero.
Zero looked surprised at first, but accepted the invitation anyways.
"How was that, Code? Trust him now?"Jugatsu asked, his party and Code the only ones able of hearing him.
"Very well acted. It seems he really does have no inention of returning to Twilight and he was still kind enough to tell us how to get to Twilight...I see no reason not to trust him anymore, he has nothing left to lose, and I already found the map by going into the deletion zone and looking for linked maps. There was one link for each server and then the map, just as he stated,"Code replied.
"So that means-"Zero replied, surprised.
"Yeah, after all of this over, if you want we can use the Twilight Swords to grant you access to the real world."
"Thank you,"Zero replied gratefully.
Reviews and everything always welcome. Check out my profile for the latest update regarding AIC and stuff around it. The next chapter is similar to this chapter in length, but chapter 39 is around 10 pages long, so hopefully that makes up for it. 'til next time.