Hack// Shadow of Rebirth

Here the next chapter in the story. I own nothing except the treasures of the wave, Shadow Kite, and Dark Tsukasa. To all who read this story, enjoy.

(Choice)

(Between the realms of "The World")

Elk slowly opened his eyes to see where Shadow had taken him and let out a gasp of surprise to see a huge castle before his eyes. The castle was old and t was noticeable it had endure several hardships. The atmosphere was tranquil. The moon shone its light over the place while the small wind blew caressing their figures. When Elk's eyes landed on the ground he notice that the whole castle was surrounded by black and white roses that blended perfectly with each others. The moon's light enhanced their beauty.

"What is this place?" Elk asked in pure awe.

" This is New Moon Castle. A forgotten field like the Cathedral, where the moon always shine and dawn never rise" Shadow said as he started walking in the castle's direction " I preferably like the night better" he said while shrugging to himself. Elk noticing he was being left behind darted to Shadow's direction.

" So were here to....what exactly?" Elk ask, curiosity evident in his voice.

" Well I'm here to report my mission success and to ask the mistress to let you join us" Shadow said while keeping a strait face.

"Your mistress? Y-You mean y-you don't work on your o-own?" Elk was now worry, he wasn't expecting for someone so powerful to be serving some one else. Shadow simply said " Relax, she'll easily accept you, beside we need more helping hands in order for our goals to be met"

As the enter the castle Elk notice how huge it was on the inside, one could easily could get lost their way in this place. The moon's light illuminated the place perfectly, there was no need for torches. Elk eyes landed on Shadow, inspecting his soon to be ally. He was exactly like Kite but shorter, just like Kite in the beginning, making him and Elk to be almost the same hight except he was a little taller. Elk couldn't help but to be annoyed at this little detail. He always was smaller than the heroes, but the villains too?! Shadow came into a stop in front of an eerie looking door and looked at Elk seriously. " You stay here and wait. I'll go and speak to the mistress"

"Huh? What am I suppose to do while I wait?" Elk asked.

Shadow shrugged " I don't know, keep yourself occupy while I return" with that he opened the door and walked deep into the shadows.

Minutes pass and Elk was starting to get bored "Huh, whats taking him so long?"

"Whats taking who so long?" startled Elk turn around to see who had startled him. In front of him was a player that look like Tsukasa except his hair was black and his clothing were different. He was looking at him with an raise a brow.

" You're the Tsukasa lookalike!" El exclaimed pointing an accusing finger at him.

" Yeah. The name's Dark Tsukasa, got it memorize (1)!

" Oh." ' So this is the one Shadow was referring to. Damn he really does look like Tsukasa, and.......he's taller than me, great!'

" How did you get into this area? This place is completely off limits to you people" Dark asked suspiciously.

" O-Oh....W-Well....S-Shadow Kite b-brought m-me h-here" he said nervously.

"OH?!" Dark was now interested, not only did his partner brought him here but he has also revealed his name to him " And why has he brought you here?" he said now circling Elk, his voice filled with amusement.

" H-He s-said he w-wanted m-me t-to join y-you guys" Elk said still nervous .

"I see. If he has ask you to join us that means you have potential. What can you do?" Dark asked the young wavemaster.

"W-well I'm an experience fighter, I have perfect timing to heal...." he said.

"What else?" Dark said , clearly asking to go on.

" Well, I have the power to summoned and control Macha." he finished.

Dark whistle " pretty impressive, but I don't know? I still find no clear potential. Me and Shadow are a powerful team on our own. Whatcould he possibly see in you?" he said while Elk lowered his head in disappointment.

"Are you questioning my decisions, Dark?"

Dark jump at the voice behind him " Shadow! Goddesses! Stop doing that!"

Shadow chuckle and turn toward Elk " The mistress want to see you"

Dark look at Shadow " So you were serious?"

Shadow nodded " I,m always serious." he then pointed at Elk to go through the door.

Elk went inside and it was dark, Very dark. There where no floors yet he was standing in nothing. He continue to walk until he reach a huge throne. His eyes widen as he laid eyes on the figure sitting in the throne. He couldn't see her face, but a strange feeling told him exactly who it was.

"Do not be afraid child" she said in a sweet tone " Come closer"

Elk reluctantly did so " I heard from my right hand knight that you wish to join us" she continue saying

"Y-Yes" Elk said afraid. The figure chuckle at his timid form but he couldn't help it, he was always like this.

" Don't worry my sweet child, I won't bite" she said as she got up from her throne and walk before Elk. She was tall and her hair was moving like was being move by the gentle breeze, but there was not any in the room only darkness. She was wearing a goth looking kimono and the sleeves extended through its lower half " Do you know who I am?"

"Y-Yes. Y-Your...." but was cut by the figure.

"Yes child. I'm the mother of all "The World", the true ruler of this beautiful place."

Elk simply stared at the woman before him, she truly was an imposing figure. Elk ask her " Shadow said that you guys had a goal? What is it? If I may ask"

"But of course child, after all your going to be part of my knights" she said looking at Elk in the eyes " Our goal is simple, we wish to cleanse this world of all unworthy players and dethrone Aura from her post. But this world has become to tainted to simply be cleanse, so we're gathering the eight treasures of The Wave along with the Sphere of New Beginnings to destroy this version of "The World" along with many of the players in it"

To say Elk was stunned would be an understatement, he was petrified. " But why?" was the only thing he could say.

"Because this world has been corrupted. Players taking advantage of others. Injustice from part of the so called game maintenance industry known as CCORP. Players killing others for their own amusement, data bugs running free in "The World". By letting the players take over "The World", Aura has bestow chaos. The majority of the players like to hurt others intentionally or not, just because its a virtual world and can't see the person behind the characters doesn't mean they have the rights to hurt others"

Elk couldn't help but to find some truth in her words. Many players had treated him like trash and the feeling wasn't pleasant. Just then the memory of Kite insulting him enter his mind. Elk was on the verge of tears once again.

" Ah, so you know what I'm talking about" Elk simply nodded.

"But if you destroy "The World" what then?" Elk said whipping the tears that threaten to fall. " I mean where will we go?"

"That, my child, is were the sphere of beginning enters. Using its powers I shall create a new world from the ashes of the old one. There I shall reign as the new ruler of the reborn world. And I shall choose a number of worthy players that will be spared and move them in my new world. Of course heir bodies will be in what you humans call a coma but their minds will remain in our new world, living forever."

Elk still wasn't sure, this something big. And then it hit him " But what about the other players?"

"The others had no mercy or kindness to others, so they shall receive none from me. They will all be cast into the dark abyss were they shall remain motionless for the rest of their lives"

"But thats a little harsh don't you think" he tried to reason.

"I know child, but judgment must be cast in order to create a new and peaceful world. And you, my knights, shall keep order in the new world. I would offer you to rule a part of the new world, but I know you only want to be treated the way you deserve. So, what do you say?"

Elk was thinking this carefully. Sure there were bad time when he played and he even lost his best friend Mia, but he had made new friend in his long journey and he was happy with that. But before he was going to decline he remember Kite's word and how the stung and crush his heart. ' Everyone is the same, they just want to use and then throw me away like a used tool' he thought tightening his wand. The he remember Shadow's offering '

"Let them think whatever they want. They don't care, so why should you! Beside you'll be able to show Kite your true potential and make him regret ever saying those hurtful words. We'll show him and everyone else!"

Elk looked down " But I don't want revenge. I want......a friend. Like Mia"

"Then why do you hesitate? I'm offering you power and my friendship along with others like us. All you need to do....is say yes."

" Come on Elk! What do you have to loose? I need you Elk......Help me create a better world for people like us."

' Elk knew trusting an enemy like that would be called foolish and dangerous. But something in Shadow's eyes said that his promise would become a reality.

" Alright! I'll do it!" Elk said with determination.

"Excellent. I shall bestow you with some powers. But in order to continue you must leave your body behind. People know where you live making you an easy target. From this point on your mind must be the one that continue to stay in this world. Do you still wish to go on?" She asked him.

" What does that mean?" Elk asked not knowing what she meant.

Just then Shadow and Dark entered the room " It means your body must go in a coma while your mind stays here as the PC known as Elk." Dark said.

" What?!" Elk was now gawking.

" Indeed. You see since some people actually know where you live they may want to take you in for questioning." Shadow said. He looked at Elk's face who had an incredulous look. " Relax while your here you'll be able to sleep and eat which will affect your body. So its really alright." he said easing Elk's fears.

Elk thought for a moment " Well since you put it that way." he then turned to the figure in front of him " Will it hurt?"

" Only for a short time." was her replied.

Elk sighted " Ok."

"Very well. Now I shall bless you with power and separate your mind and body." She lifted a hand pointing directly at Elk.

Elk's character began to glow. Suddenly Elk felt an immense pain. He wanted to scream but held it in, he felt like a part of him was being ripped apart. The light got brighter and brighter until finally it faded. Elk's clothing had been change, his robes were gone and were replace by a pair of blue pants with red markings, he had an open short blue shirt revealing part of his upper side of the body, the shirt came along with a hoody, his staff looked like the first staff he had except it was red with black markings. Elk's face and hat remained the same witch look good with the rest of his new clothing. He fell from where he stood panting, it took a lot of him t no scream. Suddenly he felt someones hand on his shoulder.

' Wait a minute! I-I felt that!' he looked at Shadow who had his hand on his shoulder and help him stand. Now everything looked more real to the young wavemaster.

" Not only I changed your appearance but I also gave you the ability to use Data Drain without summoning your avatar and you can teleport to any destination you like without using gates. Just think the area word you would like to go and your there. Also, I separated your mind from your body, so don't be alarm to know you can't log out. In addition, I increase your powers and abilities ten folds and you can fly" the figure said heading back to her throne.

"Wow! I can do all that!" Elk said excited. He try to log out, true to her words he couldn't.

"Yes, also your avatar has change form, so you'll need practice to better control her. Now go and talk to Dark and tell him to train you. And if he start whining hit him in the head and tell him that I said to do it" Elk nodded.

" I'm right here! I can hear everything your saying!" Dark said annoyed but his words were ignored. Soon the three of them left the room.

" And so a new path opens before me" she smirk as the Wavemaster left.

" Hey guys!" Elk said to the two as they got out through the door. " So you like the new look"

"Wow you look hot!" Dark said in a tone of joke, witch earn him a smack in the head " Hey!"

"So!Dark is now supposed to train me, huh?. Probably because we're both the same class" he said to the other wavemaster.

Dark only groan, he knew this might happened " Fine but don't expect me to go easy on you. Heavens knows Shadow didn't on my training".

" I'll give it my all!" Elk said full of confidences.

"Alright one, we'll start with basic training. You know how to fly teleport, the works.. And two, after that your going to be training full time, so think you can handle it" Dark said to Elk

" Well I'm ready for it!" he said with determination.

Shadow knew that his mistress has told him everything there was to know, so that meant he join on his own free will. Shadow patted Elk and said " Welcome. .........to the Shadow Knights, kid."

Elk smiled. Shadow turned to look a the grin tat appeared on Dark's face. " What?" Shadow asked in a monotone voice.

But the grin didn't disappeared " Aww. Your can be a real buddy when you need to, huh?" he said amused. Shadow did not like were this was going. " Don't pretend. Why don't you make that silly face you made to make him laugh, huh?" he continue, his grin getting bigger.

Shadow glared " What are you.........How did you know.......You saw through the mirror didn't you?"

" Yeap! Who knew you still had a soft spot." Dark said with fake pride.

Shadow groan " Your not going to let me live this down will you?"

Dark grin " Nope!"

Elk had to suppress his giggles. ' Well this will be an interesting adventure I'll have with this two!' he thought as he watch the pair argue.

( Mac Anu)

Kite had log back the next day. He wasn't happy because Monday was coming up soon, that meant he was going to have a little chat with Tsukasa. On top it all he felt like shit because of the way he treated Elk. He knew he went to far, but he wanted those treasures so bad that he lost it. Still, he remember the hurt in Elk face when he said all those things.

"I guess I went to far. Maybe I'll apologizes to Elk" he said to himself.

"There you are!" Kite looked back to see Balmung , Orca and Ovan with huge grins on their faces, well except for Ovan who simply smirk in amusement " We know your mission wasn't successful, but guess what? The area we went gave us a glue to where to find a treasure and well...look!" Orca said as he pulled a crystal shaped leaf.

" Its called Magus Leaf" Balmung added.

Kite had a happy face for a moment before a look a regret hit him. The memories of him insulting Elk came full force. " Hey, whats the matter? Aren't you happy?" asked Orca to his friends reaction.

Before Kite could explain " YOU ASS HOLE!" Kite was punch strait in the face by an angry Haseo. Shugo and Tsukasa, who shortly appeared after the enrage player, came and restrain Haseo before he could do anymore damage. Kite got up and glare, he was barely keeping himself from launching at the rouge. He whipped the small trail of blood that form at the corner of his mouth.

" What the hell is going on here?!" ask a confuse Balmung.

" We don't know we both log in and everything was fine until Haseo passed us with a look on his face, we thought he was going to kill someone so we follow him" Shugo explained while trying to hold the enrage player.

" Yeah, imagine our surprise to find out that Kite was the source" Tsukasa said sarcastically holding Haseo. Kite simply glared at Tsukasa, who simply glared back at him.

Haseo struggle became greater. Tsukasa and Shugo were having a hard time holding him down. "YOU BASTARD THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Haseo roared at Kite earning some curious glances from others players. " Haseo calm down!" Tsukasa said " Yeah, come on ease up a bit will ya" Shugo added.

Kite was confuse temporary, he didn't know why Haseo was so mad at him. He hadn't done anything to him. Then it hit him ' I haven't done anything to him, but to Elk!' he thought eyes going wide. He knew Haseo and Elk were in the category of best friends and if something happen to one, the other would know.

" Haseo what happened to Elk?!" Kite said in a state of worry. Everyone was surprise to see this reaction coming from him, and more importantly that Elk was involved.

"BECAUSE OF YOU HE'S...he's.......he's gone. He's in a coma. I found him in that state when I came to see ......if he was alright." he said dropping back to the ground, defeated with exhaustion. " he's gone"

Everyone in the room went silent and Kite's conscious came back full force.

(1) What?! Its catchy! Bite me if you don't like it!

Here you go. Yeah, it short but I like. Elk's body is in a coma, while his mind is with The Shadow Knights. What will happened next?! READ AND FIND OUT! And no flames please.

Shadow K. : " Damn! Why don't you shout louder why don't ya! Till next time humans!"