A sea of magma engulfed the land from horizon to horizon. Jagged rocks broke the endless flow into streams, before coming back together. Like an endless tidal wave, the magma continued to thunder along. Plumes rocketed upwards only to fall back down. Still, they towered hundreds of metres into the air. They sprang into life without warning or mercy. Above all of this, a thick layer of rock. None of the magma dared to escape via the rock above it. Such rocks glistened in the dim red glow.

Suddenly, some lights came into view far away. They became brighter, closer and seemed to change shape. Their patterns altered as the distance closed. Some jumped in different directions as others changed intensities and curved in wide circles, clipping the burning liquid from time to time. Explosions of steam engulfed the occasional pair of lights, not all of them passed through, they vanished soon after. Lasers danced with the lights as well. They encouraged the flames to dance with them in a grand ball of colour.

The lights passed in an instant. A few carried flames with them into the magma below. Where they vanished into the red, even greater plumes swallowed the area around them in a great wave. Others were caught in the bursts of magma shooting higher and higher. They easily became the king of the skies for a few seconds. Nothing could stop them from rising and falling like kings. The lights could only dodge to escape their wrath.

Even with hell constantly spilling far and wide, there was a race to win. A race like no other. Between two horizontal walls of fire and rock, advanced shuttles scuttled along at incredible speeds. Each one was guided by their small remaining shuttles were vastly different from one and another but all shared the same purpose: to win. They had to win, no matter what they did to achieve it. Ramming and shooting others were a common place. This was especially true for a crescent shaped shuttle in the middle of the front pack. As if feeding of the rage, it smashed other shuttles in pieces or into the magma below. Lasers ran free in the boiling air in all directions. The competition was fast diminishing, less could fight back. Less confident ones hung back behind the onslaught. They valued their lives over winning.

Only two remained of the original pack. The crescent charged forward, one opponent remained. Once they were defeated, victory was as certain as the Sun rising. That was the question however: Could they defeat the final foe? They thought it was a definite victory. The gap closed.

Out of the blue, this false sense of security shattered along with the rocks plummeting from above. Lasers smashed into the celling, from the leader, causing them to thunder downwards. A simple maze of dodging endless lasers from all directions had just become a bullet hell shooter: The instant-death bullets were enormous boulders and there was only one life. It somehow kept swerving and dodging at the perfect time. The gap closed.

The crescent was now right on the tail of the leader. Like many others, the shuttle in front had nothing in common with second place. For a start, the shuttle was larger, nearly twice the size. Swept-back wings at the rear reached far and wide. The whole vessel was split into two major sections, each a sphere connected by a stubby cylinder. It gracefully cut through the thick black air. No matter what the crescent did, it had no affect on the leader. Lasers brushed past harmlessly. Rocks were avoided in graceful swerves, even if the magma was only a few feet away! Shocked and in awe, the crescent closed in further. The engines ran red. The gap closed.

Their movements matched without delays. Laughs came from the crescent. Surely victory was a single burst of laser away, so it thought and its pilot. Unless something completely unexpected occured, the leader would stumble and fall. However, unfortunately for the second placer, the leader was not going done without a fight. Creating a light show of lasers, and a bullet hell shooter with the tumbling rocks, was only the beginning. The final trick showed itself with only a few dozen seconds left until the finish.

Another light glowed upon the leading vessel, it grew in strength rapidly. Within seconds, the left side had become a single bright white light. Its shape began to change. More became visible. Side of missiles? A stubby tube? This was the side of the shuttle. It was turning around violently. In a flash, the fronts of the shuttles met eye to eye, the finish was in sight. Then came the laser fire. It became a wall of red. Missiles flooded in behind. More flooded into the air from small tubes surrounding the cockpit of the shuttle. The crescent could not escape from this. No amount of weaving or firing lasers back would deny the inevitable. A laser struck the shuttle. Something ignited. Blues and whites burst into life vibrantly, expanding outwards at a rapid rate.

The finish line had been crossed. One vessel completely unscathed. Another in pieces and smashing into the magma just short of the line. There was now a winner. Shame how he had other things on his mind.

Deep within a hanger that knew nothing except the colour grey, sat the same shuttle as before. It slept off the race in peace and quiet. Well, ignoring the tinkering that was underway on the belly of the beast. Two avatars stood beside the rear sphere. One had their hands full with shards of metal and a hammer. The other just watched. Bits and peaces of metal collapsed onto the floor with a thud. Chinks and crashes erupted into the silent air. Nothing else made a single sound. Even as elevators rocketed above as shuttles hung underneath. These covered the vast majority of the hanger. The hanger stretched for miles above and below. Crammed in like a beehive, shuttle bays covered every available surface. Nothing was left untouched.

"That should have done it," commented the figure working on the shuttle, "Any harder on the shuttle, the G-forces would have ripped it apart. I'm impressed to be frank, Seiba, that it didn't and you won. What on Earth were you doing to nearly rip the ship into two?"

"Listening to some music," the other replied, "Kinda got carried away…"

"What was the song?"

"Mass Destruction. Original soundtrack version. On repeat."

"Ah… Now I understand." The slightly muffled voice suddenly became clearer as a mask was removed from their head. Long purple hair came down the sides. "Still, you gotta be more careful, and that's coming from me to you by the way. You just wanna get anyway from GGO for a bit? Surely you should be practicing for the battle royale!"

"Could say the same to you. We have plenty of time anyway." Sabretooth was right, a few hours remained until the whistle blew to begin. Many others would be preparing for the finale, grinding and testing for example. Not him. In many ways, it was better not to prepare. Preparation leads to thinking. Thinking leads to over-thinking. Over-thinking leads to confusion. Confusion leads to losing the battle. That could not happen under any circumstance. So, here he was, racing shuttles upon a planet made of magma and rock (which was behind them and the hanger watching tiredly). "But… I guess you are right. As soon as I've finished off some stuff. Tell the rest too, I have some plans of what to do for it."

Subaru smiled and nodded sharply, "Just don't forget to tell us, alright? And I'll need some payment too. It's a hella lot you're asking for. Firstly, to keep up my deal with Seijirou, helping with this 'Death Gun' business. Secondly, demanding me to log into Shuttle Racer Extreme just to fix your craft. Then thirdly, not hanging out enough. I mean honestly, we should hang out. Real world I mean. Do you even go outside?"

"I do… Occasionally."

"C'mon, give me examples." Subaru's smile dropped a little though remaining strong on one side. His eagerness showed as his deep red eyes glowed brighter than even the engines on full power. Sabretooth kept his eyes to one side, to prevent going blind for a while.

"I went for a drive yesterday…"

"Go on." Subaru tapped his right foot to no beat.

"Got a nice car for it. Saloon, spacious, pretty quick. Very enjoyable. Surprised someone would leave such a thing. It's a-"

A ringtone violently shook the air, deafing anyone around. Silence had been kicked out the door of its own home. It had to make do with the vastness of space for now. Turned out, it was a call for Sabretooth. Not from the game however, the call actually came from the very game he was avoiding for the time being. 'Gun Gale Online' rang along the bottom of a large hologram that filled his view. Above that, an ingame name. A familiar one: Sinon. Sabre gestured to Subaru to back off a little. He obliged. Then, the call was finally answered. Silence returned along with a friend that was ringing in the ears.

"Sands of Arabia calling. What is it?" A pause marched out of imaginary speakers.

"Take this seriously, alright. Where are you? It's an hour before the last can enter."

Sabretooth looked at Subaru. He nodded at mechanic. Subaru then vanished in blue pixels instantly. "Just racing, keeping my mind preoccupied. I'll log on in a second. I have a few strategies in mind anyhow if that was what you were gonna ask as well."

"Maybe…" her voice became waves of sound upon the hologramatic box, "What I really wanted to ask was that… Oh I can't bring myself to say it."

"If it was important, you would say it. C'mon, whatever it is, I'll listen. Now, speak with your heart! Or, I'll just hang up now."

Another pause. Shorter this time, followed by a deep breath. "Y-you want to h-hang out after? Like go to some shops and talk a little."

"You mean, a casual walk 'n' talk around in the city's central districts of Tokyo don't you? Th-that is a stereotypical form of an extended date is it not? Should've said it how it is, I understand-"

"No you don't!" Sinon cut in, her patience worn thin and time was running out (for her at least). She continued with a sigh, "Don't you want to have fun with others? Experience something else that isn't to do without focusing on the past? Help me and I'll help you. Get me?"

"Yeah, I do. Though I am not taking back anything I said. That's how I see it anyway. Moreover, you should know by now, I ain't easily moved from my decisions and opinions."

Yet another pause before Sabretooth shattered the silence with his words as smooth as sanded wood. "Tomorrow will be perfect. I'll be on GGO soon. Subaru will join you very shortly."

The line was cut. Sabretooth collapsed to a small ladder behind him. It creaked as his whole weight fell upon it. All he could do was sigh, looking upwards at the endless shuttle bays. Shuttles still came and went like everyday. Each shuttle docked in their own bay as others left theirs. All in a perfect harmony of thrusters fine tuning the shuttle's positions completed with an orchestra of utter silence. To him, it was peaceful. Relaxing in someways too. A place to unwind without the hassle of the outside world (or anyone else for the matter). "So much for that," he mumbled, "kind throws a spanner in the works. Can't really say "no" now can I?" The shuttle creaked in agreement.

He continued, "I'll up hold my end of the deal. Whatever it may be. Then, proceed to the original plan. Anyway, I have a war to win. I shall be back when it is all over."

Sabretooth rested a hand upon the shuttle. It creaked again, this time a little longer and slightly muffled. It understood. So, without hesitation, he logged off. Blue pixels danced where he sat only moments ago. Even these vanished with time. This left the shuttle alone under a weakening light. It knew how to wait for its owner to hop back in for the carnage. Thus, it hunkered down and fell asleep. All lights in the general area faded gradually as the entire shuttle bay shock and moved. Slowly, the shuttle bay trundled back into the beehive. Clunks vibrated softly along the platform. Darkness grew over it as other platforms rose above the shuttle. Eventually, the whole bay was sealed behind a grey set of doors. Here, the shuttle rested. It would rest until needed again. When he would be in a certain mood, the shuttle would come out to play. They would have fun together like they always had. However, it was for the best to leave him be. Sabretooth could be trusted. Thus a deep sleep followed. Next time, they could have even more fun. More fun than they ever had.

Huge timers chipped away the seconds. Their chimes were distant and whispering among themselves. To those nearby, they could only be seen not heard. Shouts and cheers swept over the infinitely black buildings of the Glocken like great gusts of wind. Above them, lights raced into the skies above. They would eventually fade as each beam of light (each of different colours) thrust themselves into the ever present clouds. Many only noticed the lights for a short while. The hype and excitement would hit them, overcoming the awe of the show of dancing lights. Even the buildings themselves watched. Yellow lights swirled around each building in anticipation. The collective consciousness jostled and shifted to get comfortable. It wasn't long until the start. The final countdown to the Battle of Bullets had begun.

Meanwhile, within the waiting area, the finalists prepared for their time in the limelight. Though an extremely low chance, all dreamed of taking the top prize. Winner takes all. Glory to the winner! Win, win, win; that was all that ran through their minds. They had spent hours upon hours homing in on their skills. Everything had to be perfect. A single mess up, and it would be all over. That time spent training couldn't be wasted. Being in the top one hundred wasn't enough. They needed more. Such players made up well over half in the finals.

The rest were lucky to be there. By sheer chance and some form of determination, they had made it. If the luck held up, was another question to be answered in… less than five minutes. Some panicked. Others thought they didn't have a hope in hell. They were right. 'Easy Targets' cropped up when the lucky ones came into view. Partially unknown to the so-called 'pro players' others had their own strategies for taking them down. Their glory was their undoing. Learning the foes strategy, then turning it against them. That's how the battlefield constantly changes, even if the weapons remain the same.

For now, there was only a sea whispers, soon to drift into a storm of hellfire. That had to wait.

By the grand window seats that soaked up the Glocken's skyline, Sabot platoon sat and discussed tactics like everyone else. Except, while around a hologram of a map, their discussions flowed from person to person like tides around the Earth. Everyone had their parts added equally. Even if such plans were thrown out (which they were quite a lot), they could add in more without backlash. Other squads did not have the same privileges. One would give all the orders, even if they would doom the whole party. No one could disagree. If they did, an argument was only inevitable. Thus, as a decision had been reached with nodding heads, others bickered. Even the occasional fight. Perfect entertainment just before a grand show of violence and metal.

"Seems like we all agree on the plan then," Sabretooth lay back, one leg over the other and arms behind his head, "Me 'n' Sinon will keep to the depths of the city since we spawn there. You two will find a vehicle and get to our position. It'll be that skyscraper leaned against another across the road. On that part above the street. Give us the signal when clear, then we'll be off. Subaru on driving duty. Starbug on explosives. Sinon scouting duty. I'll back up whenever it is required... Oh yes, and on map duty as well. That all?"

"One tiny detail Seiba," started Starbug, staring deeply at the fractured skyscraper, "How will you get down? You will be quite high up for a good position."

"That's simple." He pulled up his inventory and scrolled through with a single hand. Dozens of items passed in a blink of an eye. He stopped at one then pressed onto it. A backpack flopped into his lap followed by another. Both were identical from their grey colour to tight pieces of string hung about the bottom. "A parachute. If too high to slide down, we jump. Cover fire will be a must."

"Love it!" came a yelp from Subaru, "You used one of these before? These would be fantastic in crossing long distances too!"

"About that… I've read the instructions, doesn't seem too hard to use. Forces are easy to handle. Just need to pull… Now where is it? Ah, this! Found it!"

Starbug sighed. Her eyes diverted to the handle Sabretooth now held. He'd got it right at least. Her confidence cracked. "At least Sinon knows how to use it, right?"

Even Sinon looked away with a slight tint of red in the cheeks. "I've completed the optional training for it..." She mumbled as a whisper. However, Starbug heard it as clear as day. Within seconds, her body had leapt towards Sabertooth. They stared eye to eye. Barely an inch separated them. On one side, seeping anger over a lack of preparation for an extremely important part of the plan. While, on the other side, attempted to hold off the battering waves with fracturing calmness. Static grew between them.

"Am I interrupting something?" Just like that, Starbug had leapt back to where she once knelt like nothing happened. Sabretooth turned to face the voice.

The avatar was tall and thin, very unlike the ones that parade through the Glocken main streets upon a carpet of useless (to them) equipment. Green camo with grey patterns, very typical clothing. Useful in both an urban and grassland environment. Long silver hair, with the added bonus of being straight and styled unlike Sabretooth's. He blended in well with the crowds waiting, a little bit too well.

"And who may you be?" Sabretooth stood directly in front of him. His eyes met the stranger's hairline. "We are currently in a strategy talk and I'd rather there not be a fight in the war room so speak quickly."

"I-I am here just to see Shino."

Sabretooth took a step back, shaking his head slightly. "Shino…" he muttered to himself, "seems familiar..."

"How many times must I say this: don't use my real name in a game!" Sinon grabbed the stranger by the arm tightening her grip until he could not escape. "This is Spiegel," she continued with a rough upper lip, "we have been friends for a while. He actually introduced me to Gun Gale Online."

"For that, he deserves some respect, you brought a fantastic sniper and great ally to the online world." Sabretooth pointed out, while speaking in a very monotone voice. Barely any emotion could wrestle out. However, one piece stood out like a sore thumb. 'Friends for a while'? That should mean that they are, at least, quite good friends, right? They play the same game, reasonably often to boot. So… The question arises: why hasn't he seen this friend of Shino, no, Sinon before? Best to ask later… "So Spiegel, what brings you here? You got into the finals or something?"

"Oh u-umm not really. I just came to cheer Sinon on. Though I did hear that your finals match, Sabretooth, was a sight to see. I'll be sure to watch the highlights after the finals. Perhaps we can watched it tomorrow together, Sh… Sinon?"

"We could, although I would like some time to myself for a few days. After all that has been happening, I need time off to relax." Sinon slumped back onto the long leather bench where she sat a few minutes ago. It was tiring business after all maintaining a certain outward persona. Mentally tiring that is; to hide the past from plain sight and continue like nothing ever happened. Of course, it would return from time to time to haunt them. Best not to dwell on such things.

"I-I understand…" Spiegel breathed in deeply, "I hope nothing bad happens to you, Sabre. Like being sniped in the back. But don't worry, I will only be watching."

Just like that, he walked off into the endless crowd. It has shuffled like the tides since Sabretooth last noticed. Much more had arrived in preparation. Others snuck in, like Spiegel, didn't have a place in the finals yet stayed to watch in the best seats around. Within the waiting rooms, where those who entered for the BoB could enter, it would be quiet after the battle had begun. Sometimes the small things can be easily forgot. Many did with the entrance to the waiting area. So, only the few who could remember (generally those extremely dedicated to the game) could sit somewhat peacefully out of the way of the hordes outside. Even with barely a minute to go, the flood of viewers kept on coming. You didn't even have to be in Gun Gale Online to enjoy the show. Streams and live action were broadcast live for those on the move or wanting to listen to it in the background. Some even gathered friends to watch from beginning to end. They simply could not lose a single moment of the action!

Thus, as the timers thundered past the thirty second mark and a quick good luck from Zero X via a message, all finalists vanished into blue pixels. Time for tactic talks was now over. It was now time to fight. Cheers roared across the Glocken. A winner would emerge within the next few hours. Who would it be? Who would take the title of champion? Only time, lead and tactics could answer.

Writer's Notes:

Panzer_Bros:

Progress has been limited at best, but progress is progress. For what is to come, it is going to get a kick of pace (hopefully) as the action for the grand royale begins! I hope for grand things as I continue writing away at this. A few things are still undecided. Some ideas are still floating around, they should be narrowed down soon… Anyway, hope you enjoyed the start of the true climax of this fanfiction!

P.S. feedback of all kinds are extremely welcomed. I am still very new to writing stories of this length and hope to use what I've learnt here for future projects.