Author note: I have a lot planned for this story. This chapter is the beginning of the end of the current arc I meant for the chapter to be quite a bit longer but settled on a short chapter since I decided to split the beginning of the end of the arc into two segments the next chapter will be jam-packed full of content and expect it to be a long read!

With that said apologize for the short filler but wanted you to know this work is not abandoned and very much is alive so long as I breathe and will continue to pump out content when possible. -Zeltronica

"And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name-

that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."

House Incarnate Ch:5

Samuel had a great deal to think about he had finally caught up to the duo who were in fact wondering world enemies and managed to get both to agree to stay in an inn while he returned to the real world he had spent a long night in finding them.

It was morning now as he sat in his office, he was a man in his late thirties with a full head a dark brown hair, his eyes green behind wired frame glasses, if standing he would be standing at five-foot-nine, wearing a pair of dark blue slacks, and a white button-up shirt with a red tie.

His study was small, with limited furnishing a computer and monitor sat in front of him on an oak desk that was dusty from not seeing much use since he spent most times in the virtual world, also there were a couple of bookcases full of old dusty books that saw rare use.

In his right hand, he held the handle of a mug its contents steam wafting in the air, every so often he would bring it to his lips to partake of it as his eye were fixated on the room's only window with a curtain that was partially drawn open.

Just past the window, he observed dim light that gave the window a look of being a dark yellow and green fog that was rather thick that could be seen despite the thick acid rain that was pouring down from the sky above, he let a sigh escape his lips as he felt sadness.

Especially since he could hear his two daughters somewhere in the apartment who were both laughing and having a moment of some kind he was sure they both wished they could go outside and play since he too at one time felt much the same since he was also once a child before he became the man he was today.

He took a breath before turning his attention to the computer screen observing archives for Nerima, Japan which featured old newspaper clippings which showed a world at a better time where one could go outside and breathe the air without having to dawn a face mask.

He imagined where he was staying in Osaka must have been a sight to behold back in those days, though this was the first time he considered having a look since he tended to avoid it to prevent any undue depression at the current state of the world around him.

He sipped from his mug, before setting it down on the desk proceeding to type in a search using the name that Ranma had given him the archive took awhile to load but eventually he came across something that dated back to about that time.

The search that came up was of a raven-haired boy with sapphire blue eyes, wearing red-n-blue Chinese style clothing, who was a martial artist that had gone missing and was listed as a missing person which the case had gone cold shortly thereafter.

As he scrolled down he observed that there were some notes on the case where one of the detectives in charge of the case had been told the boy had a curse that transformed him into a red-haired girl though in the notes the detective chose to not believe this information since it defied the natural laws since magic and curses only existed in the realm of myth as far as she was concerned.

He then scrolled down a little further observing an attachment that had been added some years later by someone other than the initial female detective, which listed a case of two girls who were somehow connected to the raven-haired martial-artists disappearance.

He clicked the link as it brought up an article written by a Gosunkugi Kitsune titled: Lover's mutual Suicide or murder cover-up?

On the top right of the page, he observed once again the photograph of the raven-haired martial artist, and on the opposite left of the page, he observed two photographs side by side featuring both a brown-haired girl and a red-head who were exact replica's of the girls in the game he was currently looking into if you added their in-game character details to the pictures.

He realized this couldn't be a coincidence, as he read further into the article he read about two young teenage boys who by the time the article was written were older men who claim they were with Nabiki and Ranma when they went to an arcade to test a revolutionary game system.

Though neither could remember much about it other than going there but had a complete blackout of the events that took place inside and initially couldn't even remember that much until years later.

Samuel scrolled down observing two more photographs of the decaying nude bodies of both Nabiki and Ranma that had been found face down in the mud, the police ruled it as a suicide since it had appeared both had at some point undressed folded their clothes laying them nearby and then jumped into the freezing waters after taking some unidentified medication of some type.

After that wild claims made by family and friends claimed that the red-head and the raven-haired martial artist was one and the same, and some claims from both family and friends that said neither the red-head nor the brown-haired girl was lovers at all which contradicted the police report stating they were lovers who had both committed a suicide pact together.

He scrolled down observing an article which only through more suspicion on the story as the arcade in question had burnt down not long after the original female detective opened up her personal investigation, and most the people had been involved in a series of unfortunate and tragic accidents that claimed their lives one after the other.

The only survivors were Kajime who declined interviews from anyone inquiring over the case and eventually he vanished altogether, and then there was Gosunkugi Hikaru who only said cryptically the canisters were a lie.

Though for the most part declined to comment any further, but the author noted that he seemed to want to say something but never would up until his death from old age.

Course after his death his grandchild Gosunkugi Kitsune wrote in a note that some unknown individual's had ransacked his home as if looking for something but whatever it was they were after she wasn't sure if they found it or not but the place was in complete shambles.

Samuel after reading a little more seemed to gain a thoughtful expression, raising his left hand he cupped his chin,

'Wonder if what they were looking for was the engine that Yggdrasil is currently running on?' he inwardly considered, realizing that Ranma's story was starting to be on the money, though he still could hardly believe it since as far as he knew the technology to upload one's conscience or soul into a program was a fleeting dream that could never happen or so he had previously thought.

Yet so far everything he had read, plus Ranma's words, and remembering of Nabiki's little questions she had played off as just being a troll all made sense if in fact the two really were ghosts in a machine as it were since obviously, their bodies were both long dead according to the article.

Then there was the curse while he hardly could believe in such things as the supernatural, at the same time he could not help but see the similarities between the raven-haired martial artist known as Saotome Ranma, and the red-head in-game claiming to be the same individual.

In either case, he still had a problem of what to do about the two he couldn't simply delete them from the game since they were a part of the engine itself, and he couldn't merely confine them either since he now realized they may, in fact, have at one time been as human and alive as he himself was.

Samuel proceeded to finish off his coffee, observing his teenage daughter with emerald green eyes enter the room who had raven hair tied back in a ponytail with a red bow, her outfit consisting of red fuzzy pajama pants, with a yellow spaghetti top.

"Father what you doing?" she inquired as she attempted to get a glance at the screen of her fathers computer.

Samuel glanced between both his daughter and the screen turning it off, "I am doing some research for my work Saiya-honey." he returned.

"You are always working father even when playing Yggdrasil." the girl revealed to be Saiya dully said.

Samuel shrugged his shoulders, as he looked to his now empty mug observing not a single drop of coffee was left, "Well dear someone has to pay the bills around here." he said with a light chuckle.

"Fair enough, Say me and my sister plan to play Yggdrasil later today would you like to join us father?" Saiya offered.

Samuel shrugged once more, "I would love to Saiya-Honey but I have to meet up some people for work-related purposes within the game." he explained.

"I see well perhaps another time father," Saiya stated, giving her father a hug which he returned before she left the room.

XXXX

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Meanwhile, in the game world of Yggdrasil at an inn at a major hub trade port city in one of the many rooms which was furnished with all the essentials you could expect, without an illusion spell in place, Nabiki is currently in bed sound asleep.

At the room's only view to the outside world which was a small balcony Ranma also without her illusion spell in place leaned against it resting her arms folded over the wood railing, her black wings flapped every so often as she glanced around at the various sights going on below.

However, it would seem the players walking the streets couldn't see her which was fine for her since she didn't feel like using an illusion spell, though she figured out the room had settings so if she really wanted to make herself visible to the world.

All that she would have to do is change the room preferences though she doubted it would be recommended given where they were located which was in a central hub of human society.

She wondered if anything Samuel might find would be good news though she wasn't going to get her hopes up, nor hold her breath expecting the news he would bring would be something either of them would want to hear.

The redhead continued to gaze at the sights below gaining a faraway expression, the events up until this point playing in her head, the calm quiet of the room almost suffocating.

Eventually, she broke from her thoughts as the only other occupant other than herself spoke up as she wiped the sleep from her eyes, "How long are you going to stand at the window Ranma?"

"Just a bit longer," Ranma called continuing to gaze out the window.

Nabiki frowned at her companion's words, "Come over here and relax with me please?" she offered to which the red-head reluctantly left the window joining her on the bed laying down on her side back facing the mercenary girl who pulled her closer which she allowed.

"Did you think at all about my request?" she queried with a hopeful expression.

Ranma seemed to think a moment as she pushed back closer to the larger girl replying with, "Well I did; and well I still need some time to think I hope you can understand."

"I understand..." Nabiki trailed softly feeling slightly dejected, giving the smaller girl a brief hug before rolling over facing her back against the redhead both closing their eyes.

The sound of rain falling indicating a storm had rolled into the town with light thunder served to lull the two girls to sleep.

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Dev' Meeting

At an undisclosed location within Yggdrasil, a meeting was currently being held at a table with eight individuals sitting around it one of these being Kenji who sat at the head of the table which looked to be modeled after an antique spruce wood table.

The room was rather sparse the light source of the room was provided by a single fixture similar to the type of lighting one would expect from an office building. On the wall just behind him were two images being both Ranma and Nabiki which displayed stats, inventory, and other details.

Another image below this displayed an image of a bracelet that seemed to rapidly change looks and colors, detailed information for the item was also on a scrolling display.

"So we cannot remove them from the game, nor put them back in Pandora's box so what are our options people?" Kenji inquired of the group sitting around the table.

One of the unnamed individual's being a woman seemed to gain a contemplative look as she thought carefully on her words, "Samuel said these two are sentient perhaps we can talk to them giving them guideline rules to follow when it comes to their involvement with the player base?" she offered.

"That could work, but risky." Another unnamed individual called.

Then another one spoke, "Look the rumor mill is circulating like wildfire, and there is a video circulating of that brown-haired girl who calls herself Nabiki wiping a raid party by herself. There are talks among the players who are wanting to hunt her down for the loot she can possibly give them especially that weapon she carries."

"Sir while I am not completely convinced about Samuel's claims I know he is your friend, but he could be following a paper trail left behind by some person who created an elaborate hoax, and also is the person who put these two World enemies into the game via the recent cyber-attack." Another said as he paused.

He then continued, "Look I do believe you made the right call by having Samuel track them down, and once he gives them those bracelets to wear we will be in a better position since we will be able to locate them anywhere at that point."

"What do you mean by that elaborate?" Kenji queried his expression one of deep interest.

The unnamed individual replied, "Simple really with the ability to track them in real-time then the players can to fight these two new world enemies naturally within the world rather than let the players think we goofed up or something we give them that fight."

"He is right sir let the players fight them as if we really did add them to the game. This will cease the rumors that the hacker added them to the game. Second, if you can't close Pandora's box you may as well let it play out to its conclusion, we host an event like the one we did a few years back." another said being a woman.

Kenji considered his college's words, bringing his right hand up cupping his chin a thoughtful expression crossing his features, speaking on her words, "You mean like the event where we created a couple of throw away world enemies that were a one time instance with loot that can no longer be dropped?" he inquired.

"Exactly sir, These two NPCs do not appear to have re-spawn parameters unless I am missing something so if they die that is that they will no longer be a problem." the unnamed woman explained.

The first individual pondered adding, "True and it won't be impossible to kill them off by those stats they are not much different than any world enemy we have created with the exception being the fact they are real-time thinking and maybe quite possibly just as crafty as any player so we need a large turn out event with highly skilled, and well-geared adventurer's to take them down."

"How soon can we make this happen?" Kenji inquired of his coworkers.

The first individual spoke up, "Soon as you give the order sir, and once Samuel has got these two NPCs to wear those bracelets."

"Sir one thing I should point out is that if you do this Samuel will be quite upset." another person stated, to which Kenji let a sigh escape his lips.

He then went on to say, "Samuel works for us and doesn't get a say in policy. I want these two gone so make the necessary preparations and make it happen that is all ladies and gentlemen."

At this point, everyone in the room started to vanish one by one, until Kenji was the only one left in the room to which he gazed at the translucent screen giving a long look before he himself vanished and the room went pitch black.

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"Oh, these are pretty Samual!" Nabiki cooed as she observed the bracelets enthralled by the shiny and how it looked upon her wrist.

Ranma glanced to her own wrist observing the item though she wasn't at all moved, all the same, she did feel the need to say something, "Thanks I guess for these but I must say if the admins wanted us to have them I can only assume they are trackers."

"Paranoid much?" Nabiki questioned sparing a glance at her companion.

Ranma didn't answer instead she looked to Samuel who nodded his head confirming her suspicions going on to elaborate, "Yes they just would like to monitor your location. Though to be honest I didn't exactly like the idea I actually wanted to move you to a location you wouldn't have to interact with players much and could be to your own devices in the time being but the Developers said it would be fine for you to roam though I think they are up to something so watch your back."

"I won't hold it against you Samual you at least confirmed my story I just wish the answers you returned with were on a better note but sounds like there may be no way for me and Nab's to leave this Hell that is now our reality." she glumly stated the last.

Samual shrugged saying, "I'll keep digging if something comes up I'll come to find you even if the Developers turn out to be up to something you got an ally in me."

"Arigato Samuel-san please stay safe for now me and Nab's will probably hang here in this city for a bit longer then we will move on from here," Ranma stated holding her hand out to which Samuel reached out taking the proffered hand shaking it.

A few hours went by as Nabiki spared her companion a glance Ranma was leaning forward her elbows resting on a stone wall that she was in front of a thoughtful expression to her features.

"What's bugging you Ranma-baby?" she inquired to which the red-head broke from her thoughts tapping her bracelet she had been given with her left index finger replying, "The fact I don't like wearing a tracking device its the type of thing that could be used to lead hunters directly to us."

Nabiki let a tired sigh escape her lips returning, "If you don't like it we can take them off and toss them into the river below."

"Nah I want to see what happens let us see their true colors shall we?" Ranma questioned since while she felt she could trust Samual she wasn't so sure about the Developers of the game.

A few days went by as the duo decided to stay put in the human hub city much to the dismay of the developers who had hoped they would leave to go on some adventure even sending non-player characters to offer them quests that were immediately declined each and every time.

Sitting at a table set up in front of a small cafe the duo sat on opposite sides of each other upon the surface of the table was a platter with various snack items, and two perspective cups of tea steam wafting from them.

Keeping an eye on an N.P.C. that seemed to be heading their way Ranma then aloud started counting, "Three... Two... One."

"No thanks and get lost." Nabiki called to the N.P.C. Before it had a chance to speak. The N.P.C. Started to open its mouth closing it looking dejected as it slowly shuffled away from the duo heading back to where it came.

Picking up her cup sipping on her tea Nabiki pondered briefly swallowing then speaking, "Say want to go ahead and take the stupid quest?"

"Rather just wait here Nab's each of those peeps keep offering the same quest we are a couple of world enemies why the heck do we need a quest?" Ranma questioned.

Nabiki let a sigh escape her lips saying in an offer, "Good point but the system may view us as any player and be offering us quests could be a normal part of the game."

"Or a trap to lure us out of town besides Nab's not sure if you noticed this piece," Ranma stated producing a flyer she had found the day before offering it to her companion.

Nabiki took the proffered item in hand opening it up reading the contents her blank mask slipping briefly though she managed to keep her emotions in check, "Oh wow a world enemy hunting event with our likeness on it."

"Yep and don't tell me you haven't seen the adventurers scoping us out from over there." Ranma simply said subtly gesturing with her right-hand index finger towards a suspicious group of players she suspected was doing reconnaissance on them.

Nabiki didn't turn her head but observed the group replying, "I see so what is the plan you already have one I assume?"

"Not really a plan of sorts I just-well look around Nab's this city is a jewel in a half I am thinking if the Developers are planning to try and kill us off we will commit scorched earth it will take them a while to rebuild it the way I figure it," Ranma explained proceeding to sip her tea.

Nabiki considered her counterpart's words proceeding to reason, "Ranma-baby listen developers could just shut the server down and then proceed to back up the city and just replace it with an earlier copy of it so your plan of spiting them will be for not."

"Not at all Nab's the forest we destroyed is still the way we left it and rumor is the Dev's can't fix it." Ranma dully countered.

Nabiki rolled it around in her head saying, "Or just haven't got around to it yet but I guess scorched earth could be fun at the very least since we are monsters after all." she then picked up her perspective teacup finishing off its content sitting it down tapping its edge as an NPC waitress walked over refilling it.

"That is the spirit Nab's," Ranma said tapping the table with her right index finger before snatching up a morsel of food off the platter.

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Now standing on a bridge observing the river below Ranma and Nabiki leaned against the railing the latter observing to both the left and right high-level adventurers were now standing at either side all looking at them talking among themselves.

"They are all humans with exception of some demi-humans," Nabiki stated in observation as she scanned the crowd though her red-haired companion didn't bother to look around instead was focusing on the serine calming water that had the glow of the sun upon its wavy reflection.

The crowd of humans and demi-humans slowly surrounded the duo so there would be no escape the air thrummed with magic as a barrier spell was put in place on the likely hood the duo may attempt a break for it though neither had plans of doing such.

After a time Ranma finally looked up scanning what she observed in front of her and to the sides of river banks noting the glow of enhanced armors and weapons,

"Looks like a huge turnout but won't be enough." she dully said as she let her illusion spell drop revealing her true form Nabiki doing the same much to the surprise of the crowd who expected to have to attack them to force the duo's hand.

Nabiki observing someone waving at her noting just whom it was she gained a ghost of a smile to her lips recognizing the man who waved at her being Duke Yorkshire she looked over him going on to think, 'Oh he looks a bit stronger now.'

Also among the crowd were bitter roses, and upon a distant structure was Samuel and his friend observing the goings-on, "Why did you do this they are sentient beings I even showed you proof!" he exclaimed.

"This has to be done to protect the integrity of the game Samual we are a business and we must protect our image." Kenji reminded his friend, though he hated to upset his friend he felt this was the only right path to take.

Samuel shook his head feeling rather disappointed in his friend, "Kenji I cannot accept this is the only option available to us if this continues you will be no better than the people who murdered them, to begin with, you will only be murdering them a second time and I won't be a party to it."

"Too bad Samuel you are already a party to it." Kenji simply replies as he retrieves a flare gun preparing to fire the signal to start the event.

-To be continued...