Chapter 3: Player Killer

Draken woke up in Field (87), and stood weakly. The dull pain in his chest was becoming bothersome. "Damn.. I just had to save here. Whatever. The monsters are lower leveled anyway." He approached the nearby forest. The trees were only a meter or so above his head, and very green. The light was dim, but what broke through the canopy illuminated the crystal flowers, and Draken paused to study them. "Whoever designed these was a genius. They're beautiful."

He continued on, uncertain of what drew him away form gating out. I guess I need some time. A startled cry called his attention, and he fell into a quick pace toward it. A green insectoid monster had a young Twin Blade trapped between it and a clump of trees. It looked remarkably like an overgrown preying mantis. "Need help?" Draken asked with a grin.

"Yes!"

Draken drew his spear, preparing for a physical, close range attack. He started forward as the monster turned, and plunged the arrowhead into its back. It gave a piercing scream of pain and humiliation of lost prey. He stabbed twice more, pulling his weapon back each time, then giving his final strike to it head.

There wasn't so much as a hint of silence when the Mantis cried out until it had faded entirely.

"Sheesh.." Draken said as he stored away his weapon. "Pathetic. That was, like, level 50." He scratched his head. "So, Twin Blade --"

"Yes?" An arm came tightly across the Long Arm's shoulder, and a blade was at his throat. The Twin Blade's foot was almost in front of him and the other behind to prevent any suggestions of kill his balance.

"What..? Shows how grateful you are.."

"I know.. Administrator Draken."

"What?" Draken spat. "What do you want from me?"

"Sir would be better. I just want whatever you have."

"I have nothing, sir." PKer.

"Oh, really? Admins always have valuable items."

"Oh, sir, really? Dear sir, who did you find that off, sir?" Bastard.

"Another admin.. Called Anonymous Admin by the players..."

"Garou!"

"Yes, who else?"

"Burn in hell, liar!" Draken roared, grabbing the sword arm and slamming his heel into the Twin Blade's shin.

The other player almost collapsed, but his anchored arm on the Long Arm prevented his fall. He nearly dragged the administrator down, and he recovered very quickly, drawing his blade across Draken's arm. As Draken took his spear, the PKer did the same for his second sword. The instant the Twin Blade released Draken, the Long Arm spun about, raising the shaft. Both PCs threw their weapons at each other, struggling to overpower the other. The Twin Blade moved in with his second sword, and, with Draken attempting to dodge, he drew a long red line along the admin's side.

Draken angled his spear. It would be difficult to watch both sides of his weapon at the same time, but it would only be briefly. He struck out with the end at the Twin Blade's wrist, but he missed, sending instead the blade hurling through the air. He turned his gaze back, and the Twin Blade grabbed his spear.

"Think you're so smart.." the PKer whispered, then shoved forward, throwing the administrator to the ground with the cracked spear shaft above his shoulders. "No escape now.." the Twin Blade raised his sword, aimed at the Long Arm's head. Draken braced for the deathblow.

But it never came.

There was a loud, ringing clang! as a wide blade blocked the smaller one. Both players looked up in surprise.

Garou pulled the Twin Blade off Draken, staring hard at the player killer. "What's your name? I've never seen you before." Her manner seemed a bit out of place now she was back in her cloak, which gave her an air of kindness. "Your username, that is."

"...Nkiller16.." he sounded nervous now.

"An arrogant name. If 'n' stands for 'newbie,' you're way in over your head," she told him. "Now get out."

A grimace could be clearly seen spread across his face as he gated out.

By this time Draken was on his feet. "Thanks, Garou."

"No problem. There's no reason why you should get killed twice in one day." Garou paused. "I noticed your weapon's damaged."

"I know.." Draken said, examining his spear. "Too bad.. But Killer lost a blade, so one for one, I guess."

Garou gave him a smile, and asked, "You were off to meet Darai? He emailed me saying you were killed, and that he's excited to be talking to an administrator about the system, not other players."

"That's good to know. Anyway, I'll meet you later. I need a new weapon."

"Alright."

Then they both gated out to Mac Anu.