Post by Hayate on Apr 11, 2008 18:58:37 GMT -5
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 22, 2037 ~
*in a random field-type area, Hayate is seen standing with his hands at his sides; Sakubo is seen a short distance away from him*
Sakubo: Again.
Hayate: *panting* “Twin moons, shine down!”
*white Epitaph symbols begin to glow on Hayate’s PC body; as he concentrates his energy, several more symbols appear, taking the shape of an invisible Avatar*
Hayate: Almost…there
*around these symbols, the faint image of an Avatar is seen*
Hayate: Grrrr… G-GAH!!!
*as Hayate’s energy runs out, the Avatar image disappears and Hayate falls to his knees*
Hayate: *panting*
Sakubo: 7 seconds… Better than before, but it’s still not enough!
Hayate: I’m…doing…my best…
Sakubo: Your “best” isn’t “best” enough! Your “best” isn’t going to save this world from Althena!
Hayate: …
*one day earlier…*
Hayate: …Factor training?
Haseo: Yes. In preparation for the oncoming threat of Althena, you’re going to have to completely master use of your Morganna Factor. Based on what we’ve witnessed from your previous battle with Kaeion, your Factor is steadily evolving. It’s time for the next step.
Hayate: I…kinda understand. So if this involves training, I assume I’m gonna have a teacher.
Ovan: But of course.
Hayate: So who is it?
Sakubo: You’re lookin’ at him!
Hayate: …Oh.
Sakubo: *walks up to Hayate and pats his head* And don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you either! You know those high school teachers you hate? Well, you’re gonna hate me even more! Hahaha!
Hayate: … *sweatdrop*
Hayate: (…What the hell did I get myself into…?)
Sakubo: Well, what are you waiting for!? Did I say you could take a break!? On your feet! NOW!
Hayate: Grrrr…
*meanwhile, Ren and Chibi-Usa are seen gating into Breg Epona*
Usa-chan: Thanks for letting me come watch your Factor training, Ren-senpai.
Ren: *smiles* My pleasure, Usa-chan… Though…
Usa-chan: Hmm?
Ren: …Is it really necessary to call me “senpai”? Hehehe…
*moments later, Ayliori is seen walking off the elevator*
Ren: Hmm? …Oh! Ayliori!
Ayliori: Huh? Ah! Ren-chan! Usa-chan! *runs up to Ren and Ayliori* Whatcha up to?
Usa-chan: What are we up to? Um… Well…
Ren: …We went on a quest.
Usa-chan: Y-Yeah, that’s it! We took on a quest! W-Which we just came back from! Hehehe…
Ayliori: A quest? Awww… You could’ve invited me to come…
Ren: Hehehe… Sorry.
Ayliori: Ah, whatever… Oh, yeah! I almost forgot! You wanna see something cool?
Usa-chan: Something cool? Like what?
Ayliori: Follow me!
*Ayliori leads Ren and Chibi-Usa to the end of the Breg Epona alleyway; once there, Ayliori looks out into the endless abyss*
Ren: So what did you want to show us, Ayliori?
Ayliori: Just watch!
*Ayliori holds her right hand out towards the abyss and data begins to pour out from her palm*
Usa-chan: Huh?
Ren: What is…?
*as the data pours from Ayliori’s right hand, she holds out her other hand as well and manipulates the data; with her influence, the landscape of the abyss begins to alter and take different shapes; the shrubbery covering the walls turns to silver and the white light at the end of the abyss glows bright blue*
Ren/Usa-chan: *gasp*
Usa-chan: A-Ayliori!
Ren: W-What are you doing!?
Ayliori: Cool, isn’t it?
Ren: Never mind that! How are you doing that!?
Ayliori: Well… To tell you the truth, I don’t really know. I’ve been able to do this for several days now.
Usa-chan: Did you show this to anyone else!?
Ayliori: *sweatdrop* N-No. You’re the first ones I’ve shown it to.
Ren: …Sorry. I need to go somewhere right away. *gates out*
Ayliori: Huh!? R-Ren-chan!
Usa-chan: …Oh, boy…
*meanwhile, in the Serpent of Lore, Haseo and Atoli monitor the training regimens of the Factor Users*
Haseo: Hmm…
Atoli: They’re doing pretty well, aren’t they?
Haseo: I suppose…
Atoli: How are things going with Kyuzo?
Haseo: Not so smoothly as the others. He shows excellent progress, but he doesn’t listen to a word I say. He can be so difficult sometimes.
Atoli: …I can imagine. *giggle*
Haseo: What about you, Atoli?
Atoli: Hmm?
Haseo: Have you detected any possible activity from the Innis Factor yet?
Atoli: Well, kinda. For the past few days, I picked up some weird data fluctuations that seemed like they originated from Innis. But they all came from random points in The World, so they were hard to track.
Haseo: Hmm… I see.
*moments later, Ovan walks in*
Ovan: I’m back.
Atoli: Ah! Ovan! Welcome back!
Ovan: … *smirk* Am I interrupting something?
*hearing this, Haseo snaps his fingers and a tiny black flame sparks on the tip of his index finger; he then flicks this flame at Ovan’s shoulder*
Ovan: Aah! *puts out flame with hand* …Can’t you take a joke?
Haseo: Ovan, your definition of “joke” is vastly different from everyone else’s.
Atoli: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
Ovan: *sigh* Anyway… Atoli, before I forget to ask, have you detected any remote presence of Innis yet?
Atoli: No. Sorry.
Ovan: *smile* It’s fine. I know you’re trying your hardest.
Atoli: Thanks. By the way…
Ovan: Hmm?
Atoli: You think it’s more than a coincidence that Endrance’s own son was chosen by Macha?
Ovan: A coincidence?
Atoli: I’ve been thinking about it for a while: What if Innis’ Factor User turned out to be Aylia? Wouldn’t that be weird? Hahaha!
Ovan: …I would never intentionally expose Aylia to that kind of danger. If she indeed turns out to be the Mirage of Deceit, I will extract the Factor from her PC body if need be.
Atoli: …
Haseo: …Moving right on – Ovan, how goes Ren’s training?
Ovan: Hehehe. Why not take a look for yourself?
Haseo: … *plays footage of Ren’s Factor training on monitor*
Ovan (onscreen): Again!
Ren (onscreen): “Be reborn in the Earth!”
*light-blue Epitaph symbols glow on Ren’s PC body; as she concentrates his energy, several more symbols appear, taking the shape of an invisible Avatar; around these symbols, the image of an Avatar is formed*
Ovan (onscreen): Good! Keep it going!
Ren (onscreen): I’m…trying…!
*after several minutes, Ren’s energy runs out, and the Avatar image disappears*
Ren (onscreen): *panting*
Haseo: *pauses footage* 5 whole minutes…
Ovan: I can say with certainty that Ren is making the fastest progress out of all the Factor Users. Her focus and concentration are remarkable.
Atoli: …Hmm? *sees Ren running in* Speak of the devil.
Ovan: Ren. This is a surprise. Is there something you--?
Ren: Haseo!
Haseo: Hmm?
Ren: There’s something weird going on with Ayliori!
Atoli: *gasp*
Ovan: Where is she!?
Ren: She should still be at the end of the alleyway in Breg Epona! Hurry!
Haseo: … *types on console keyboard* …There.
*the monitor displays the area around the end of Breg Epona’s alleyway; the area was empty*
Haseo: …There’s no one there, Ren.
Ren: Oh, man… Is Ayliori anywhere in Breg Epona!?
Atoli: Ren, settle down. Why don’t you tell us the problem first?
Ren: *sigh* Alright. I had just gotten back from Factor training with Ovan. Usa-chan was with me. We ran into Ayliori, who said she had something she wanted to show us…
*during the next few seconds, Ren tells Haseo, Atoli, and Ovan of what she saw Ayliori do at Breg Epona*
Atoli: …Ayliori manipulated the data?
Haseo: And it seems to have started around the same time Atoli detected data fluctuations similar to that of Innis.
Ovan: You’ve done well to bring this to our attention, Ren.
Ren: Well, why wouldn’t I? Ayliori’s my friend, after all. So you think she’s…?
Haseo: The possibility’s high. Atoli?
Atoli: Right. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.
Ovan: You have nothing to worry about, Ren. We have the situation under control.
Ren: *sigh* Thanks. I’ll excuse myself then. *exits Serpent of Lore*
Haseo: *looks at Atoli* Heh. You always were a bit of a jinx, Atoli.
Atoli: *crosses arms* Hmph!
*a couple hours later, in Glaive LeGable @home…*
Hayate: Hahaha! So the farthest they got was Floor 56?
Izumi: Yup! And you should’ve heard Usa-chan whining! *imitating Chibi-Usa* “The twisting… The turning… It’s too much…”
Hayate: Hahahaha! *sigh* Oh, man, I would’ve loved to see that…
Izumi: …Hey, Hayate?
Hayate: Yeah?
Izumi: I’m… *blush* …I’m really glad you came back. Glaive LeGable just wasn’t the same without you.
Hayate: *smile* Thanks, Izumi. I needed to hear that.
Izumi: …
Hayate: …
: *ahem!*
*looking over towards the @home entrance, Hayate and Izumi notice Orion, Neon, and Miharu giving them teasing looks*
Hayate: G-Guys! *takes a step away from Izumi* H-How’s it going? Hehehe…
Orion: *grin* We can come back later if you want…
Izumi: *deep blush* C-Cut it out, Orion!
Orion/Neon/Miharu: Hahahaha!
Hayate: …Are you done?
Miharu: Not yet.
Orion/Neon/Miharu: Hahahahahaha!
Hayate: Alright already!!!
Neon: Hehehe… Ahhh… I needed that laugh after today.
Izumi: Training with Kuhn didn’t go well?
Miharu: Oh, it went well. But every 5 minutes, Kuhn would ask Neon what kind of girls he was into.
Neon: *sigh* Makes me wonder how that guy ever got to be an Epitaph User…
Orion: So, what about you, Hayate? How’s training with Bo going?
Hayate: Well… *sweatdrop* …At least I’m improving – that’s what important. Hehehe…
*moments later, Chibi-Usa enters the @home with a depressed expression*
Usa-chan: …
Izumi: Hmm? …Oh. Welcome home, Usa-chan.
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Usa-chan?
Usa-chan: Huh!? Oh! S-Sorry about that.
Miharu: You okay there, Usa-chan? You’re looking a little down.
Usa-chan: Down? *forces a smile* I’m not down. What would give you that idea? Hehehe…
All: …
*a short while later, at Moon Tree’s @home, Ayliori is seen using her “powers” to cause Moon Tree’s mascot, White Grunty, to float*
White Grunty: Hahahaha! This is fun!
Ayliori: Hehehe…
: Aylia?
Ayliori: *gasp*
*hearing someone call out her name causes Ayliori to lose her focus and drop White Grunty onto the floor*
White Grunty: Ow! That hurt!
Ayliori: Oh! Sorry about that, little guy. *turns around and sees Atoli* M-Mom! Hi!
Atoli: I’m glad to see you’re doing well.
Ayliori: Yup!
Atoli: I learned from your friend Ren that you’ve recently discovered some…abilities?
Ayliori: Ren-chan told you!? …Awww… I wanted it to be a surprise.
Atoli: …Can you show it to me?
Ayliori: Huh? Uh…s-sure, mom.
*Ayliori leads Atoli over to a small patch of dirt behind Moon Tree’s central building; Ayliori holds her right hand out and data begins to pour out from her palm*
Atoli: !!!
*using her left hand, Ayliori manipulates the data and causes flowers to sprout from below the soil*
Ayliori: There! …Huh?
*however, as soon as the flowers sprout, they instantly wilt and decay*
Ayliori: What the…? That wasn’t supposed to happen…
Atoli: T-That’s quite alright, Aylia. It’s still an interesting power.
Ayliori: Yeah, I know! …Oh, crap, I just remembered! I have to go meet Ren-chan in Dol Dona! *runs off* Later, mom!
Atoli: *waves goodbye to Ayliori* See you later! … *looks down at withered flowers* This data signature… There’s no mistaking it…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 23, 2037 ~
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* …
*while Pi is hard at work, Haseo walks in*
Haseo: Hmm? Well, this is a surprise. I’d expected you to training Gwen right now.
Pi: We finished early today.
Haseo: Finished early? It’s not like you to finish anything early, Pi.
Pi: …Have you noticed the distortions of data popping up lately?
Haseo: Well, yes, but…I just assumed it was because Althena was close to awakening.
Pi: I’m afraid it’s more than that. You see--
*just then, the graphics of the game become distorted for a split second*
Haseo: Huh?
Pi: …There it is again. And it’s only been 17 minutes since the last one.
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Natsuki: …YES!!! That makes 30 wins in a row!
Claire: Hahaha! Man, you suck at this game, Jack!
Jack: *pounds head on wall continuously* I don’t want to hear it…
Piros VIII: *holds up Natsuki’s hand* THE VICTOR!!!
Natsuki: *motions a kiss to an inexistent crowd* Thank you! You’re too kind!
Shady Grunty: I gotta admit, green-hair, you sure know your way around a Crimson VS deck!
Natsuki: Awww! *picks up Shady Grunty and starts scratching behind his ears* Thanks, Shady!
Shady: Ahhh… Yeah, right there…
Jack: *rubs forehead* Yeah, well, you may be good, but no way in hell can you beat Haruhi!
Haruhi: … *motions victory sign with her fingers*
Claire: !!!
Piros VIII: !!!
Claire/Piros: JACK!!!
Natsuki: …What? Who’s Haruhi?
Claire: Uh… Well, Haruhi is--
*just then, Kyuzo enters the @home shortly after coming back from training with Haseo*
Kyuzo: I’m back.
Claire: *gasp* H-Hey, Kyuzo! Welcome back!
Piros VIII: How goes Factor training?
Kyuzo: Hmph. Child’s play. Another session or three, and I’ll have this Factor thing down pat.
Natsuki: Well!? Someone answer my question! Who’s Haruhi!?
Kyuzo: Hmm? …You told her about Haruhi?
Claire: …Um… Jack did it!
Jack: HEY! You could’ve told me it was a secret! Don’t go pinning all the blame on me!
*just then, Kyuzo is seen walking up to Jack, Claire, and Piros…*
Jack/Claire/Piros: (Uh-oh…)
*…but he walks past them and seats himself on the treasure box leaning against the @home’s back wall*
Kyuzo: …Haruhi is – or was – a member of the Samurai 7. She was one of my closest friends in the world.
Natsuki: “Was”?
Kyuzo: …One day, we came under attack by Ka-- …a mysterious monster.
*one month earlier…*
Kyuzo: What the hell are you supposed to be, a cheap Haseo knockoff?
Kaeion: Hhhhhaaaaahhhhh…
Piros VIII: It approaches!
~*~*~*~
Jack: What the hell!? This thing ain’t takin’ any damage!
*a pitch-black bracelet appears on Kaeion’s right wrist*
Kyuzo: *gasp*
Kaeion: *aims bracelet forward* Da…ta…
Claire: I don’t like the looks of this…!
Kaeion: DRAIN!!!!!
*a three-pronged stream of data shoots forth from Kaeion’s bracelet*
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo…!!! *shoves Kyuzo out of the way of Kaeion’s Data Drain*
Kyuzo: HARUHI!!!!![/size][/i]
Kyuzo: …
Natsuki: …W-What happened to her?
Kyuzo: …Haruhi’s PC was lost…and in the real world…she fell into a coma.
Natsuki: *gasp* …And the monster?
Kaeion: *absorbs Haruhi’s PC data* … *vanishes in a swirl of blue wind*
Kyuzo: …It got away.
Natsuki: …Kyuzo… I’m so--
*just then, the graphics of the game become distorted again*
Claire: There it is again! What the hell could be causing that!?
Jack: …I’ll give you three guesses.
*meanwhile, at Moon Tree’s @home…*
Ayliori: Come on… Come on…
*Ayliori is seen behind Moon Tree’s central building, kneeling down by the a small patch of dirt; using her powers, she tries to make the flowers grow*
Ayliori: Come on…! Grow already…! …G-Gah!
*a break in her concentration causes another data distortion; glancing down, Ayliori notices that her right hand was burned and bruised from excessive use of her powers*
Ayliori: …Dammit… *points palms at withered flowers* Again!
*through her determination, Ayliori finally makes the flowers grow…*
Ayliori: Hahaha! I did it!
*…however, the massive buildup of unstable data causes the flowers to grow uncontrollably into giant vines covered in thorns*
Ayliori: W-What’s going on!? This isn’t supposed to happen!
*just then, Ayliori would feel a sharp jolt of pain in her right hand*
Ayliori: O-Ow! Huh!?
*her right hand suddenly points up by itself and mass amounts of data begins to pour out of it, greatly distorting the environment; as this happens, turquoise Epitaph symbols glow all over her PC body*
Ayliori: W-What’s happening to me!? S-Someone help! SOMEONE HELP ME!!!
*meanwhile, in the Serpent of Lore, Pi is seen typing rapidly on the console keyboard*
Pi: …
*moments later, Haseo, Endrance, and Ovan rush inside*
Ovan: Pi! We got your message! What’s the emergency!?
Pi: Something really bad! Take a look at these readings!
*faint, distorted images of Moon Tree are displayed on the monitor, along with several “ERROR” messages*
Ovan: What on Earth…?
Haseo: This convergence of data… It looks almost like an…
Endrance: …An AIDA Server…!
Pi: I’m picking up several Player Character data signatures within Moon Tree. Looks like the Council of Twelve, along with several members of Moon Tree, are trapped inside.
Ovan: And Atoli?
Pi: …She’s in Mac Anu. She was either out of Moon Tree’s range at the time of corruption, or she escaped using her Avatar. …There! She’s in Mac Anu Dome!
Haseo: Contact the Factor Users and have them meet me in the dome! And hurry! We can’t afford to waste any time here!
Pi: Understood!
Endrance: …Hmm? *looks around* …Haseo! Ovan’s left!
Haseo: Huh!? *looks around* …Tch!
*in Mac Anu Dome, Atoli is seen attempting to enter Moon Tree with her Epitaph powers…*
Atoli: …
*…but to no avail*
Atoli: Ugh! Dammit! Why can’t I get in!?
: …The power of Innis is amazing, isn’t it?
Atoli: Huh? *turns around to see Ovan* …Ovan… *wipes away tears and runs into Ovan’s arms* It’s true! I wish it wasn’t but it is! Aylia’s…!
Ovan: I know, I know. *gazes into Atoli’s eyes* …Listen to me, Atoli. In the state Aylia’s in, her power is gonna keep growing out of control until it eventually spreads to the entire network. There’s still time to stop this before that happens. But should this progress past the point of no return, we’ll have no other choice…than to destroy Moon Tree…and Aylia along with it.
Atoli: *gasp* NO!!! I don’t care if I lose Moon Tree; I refuse to give up my daughter!
Ovan: … *smile* …You won’t have to.
Atoli: Hmm?
*Ovan steps to the side to reveal the 6 Factor Users standing a short distance behind him*
Atoli: …E-Everyone…
Kyuzo: So Li’l Ayli’s in a bit of a tight spot, eh? Well, let’s get movin’ then!
Ovan: Just a moment, Kyuzo. …Neon. Ren. Step forward.
Neon: Hmm? *steps forward at Ovan’s command* What’s up?
Ovan: Your Morganna Factors of Magus and Corbenik have data restoration properties. Use them to break the barrier around Moon Tree so we may enter.
Ren: Break the barrier? I don’t know if we can--
Ovan: You can. Remember your training.
Neon/Ren: …
*hesitatingly, Neon and Ren approach the Chaos Gate and attempt to access Setting Eternity’s Night Moon; while doing this, Epitaph symbols appear around their PC bodies*
Neon: … *winces*
Ren: Don’t stop, Neon! Concentrate!
Neon: I’m…trying…!
*a short time later, the barrier is broken, and Neon and Ren falls to their knees*
Neon: Whew! Man, that was hard!
Ren: Hehehe… Yeah. *gets to feet* But at least now we can save Ayliori!
: Wait up, you guys!!!
Ren: Huh?
*the group looks towards the entrance of Mac Anu Dome to see Chibi-Usa running over to them*
Vyce: Usa-chan? What’re you doing here?
Usa-chan: *panting* What’s it…look like!? I’m here…to help save Ayliori!
Ovan: I strongly advise against that. Without a Morganna Factor, there’s no telling what the environment in Moon Tree will do to you.
Usa-chan: But I want to help! I can’t just stand by and do nothing!
Ovan: I’m sorry…but the answer is no.
Usa-chan: …N-Neo-niichan, please! Let me come too!
Neon: Usa-chan… It’s just too dangerous. Just let us handle rescuing Ayliori.
Usa-chan: But Ayliori’s my friend too! I can’t just abandon her! I won’t abandon her!
Ovan: …
Hayate: Usa-chan…
Gwen: We’re wasting time! Let’s just get moving already!
Kyuzo: I’m with crown-head. The longer we wait, the better the chance we have of losing Ayliori.
Gwen: *eye twitches* …“Crown-head”?
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Promise me you won’t do anything reckless.
Usa-chan: …I promise.
*Setting Eternity’s Night Moon ~ Moon Tree*
*one by one, Ovan, Atoli, Chibi-Usa, and the Epitaph Users gate into Moon Tree’s @home; the @home’s environment was vastly different than it was before*
Vyce: My god…
Ren: Ayliori…did all this?
Atoli: I’m gonna try to find the Council members! Ovan…
Ovan: …I know. We’ll save her.
Atoli: *nods to Ovan and dashes into the main building*
Ovan: …I’m picking up Aylia’s data signature behind the building.
Hayate: Alright! Let’s go!
All: RIGHT!!!
*the party rushes across the floorboards toward the rear of the building; there, they find Ayliori floating in midair with turquoise Epitaph symbols glowing all over her and massive amounts of data pouring out of her right arm*
Ren: Ayliori!
Hayate: *gasp* (Those symbols… Could it be?)
Ayliori: Ren-chan! Help me! I c-can’t stop it!
Usa-chan: Don’t worry! We’ll save you!
Ayliori: Please hurry…! It hurts…!
Gwen: …Soooooooo…what exactly DO we do?
Ovan: Use your Factor powers.
Hayate: On Ayliori!?
Ovan: No. Just her right arm. Fire your Data Drains at Ayliori’s right arm and it should stop the flow the data.
Vyce: What do you mean, “should”? What happens if it doesn’t work?
Ovan: …We lose her.
Kyuzo: Tch! *clenches fists and summons red bracelet* We’re just gonna have to take that risk!
Neon: Kyuzo! This is your own cousin we’re risking!
Kyuzo: *points bracelet at Ayliori* Are you suggesting we do nothing!?
Neon: …I…
Hayate: … *points white bracelet at Ayliori* …I agree with Kyuzo.
Vyce: *points purple bracelet at Ayliori* Same here.
Neon: … *sigh* Perfect…
*the six Factor Users form a circle around Ayliori and ready their bracelets*
Ren: Alright! On three, we fire our Data Drains! Got it!?
All: Got it!
Ren: ONE!!!
Kyuzo: …
Neon: …
Hayate: …
Ren: TWO!!![/size]
Vyce: …
Gwen: …
Usa-chan: …
Ren: …THREE[/size]--
*just before the group could fire their respective Data Drains, the flow of data from Ayliori’s right hand increases in intensity, pushing the group back*
Neon: GAH!!!
Vyce: What the hell!?
Ayliori: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! IT HURTS!!!!!
Kyuzo: What’s happening now!?
Ovan: …The “point of no return”…
Ren: Were we too late!?
Hayate: There’s gotta be something we can do! Can’t we lessen the data flow somehow!?
Ovan: It’s impossible! You’d have to get closer to Ayliori to do that, and if you try to at this point, you’d risk destroying your PC!
Ayliori: PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!
Usa-chan: …Ayliori… Hmph!
*Chibi-Usa rises to her feet and starts to approach Ayliori, shoving her way through the powerful data flow*
Neon: U-Usa-chan!? What are you doing!? Get away from there!
*as Chibi-Usa pushes through, the data flow starts to break her PC’s data apart*
Hayate: STOP!!! You’ll destroy yourself!
Usa-chan: I said…that I was gonna help…save Ayliori…and that’s what…I plan on doing…!!!
*once she gets close enough to Ayliori, Chibi-Usa reaches up and grasps her right hand tightly; the data flow lessens a little, but Chibi-Usa’s PC data continues to break apart*
Ayliori: Usa-chan!
Usa-chan: Don’t worry, Ayliori…! I’m here for you…! *looks towards the Factor Users* Well?!? What are you waiting for?!?
Neon: …Usa-chan…
*the Factor Users return to their standing positions and reluctantly aim their bracelets at Ayliori and Chibi-Usa*
Ren: Alright! Let’s try this again! …ONE! …TWO!![/size] …THREE!!![/size]
All: DATA DRAIN!!!!!
*six Data Drains are fired at the same time and converge onto Ayliori’s right arm*
Ayliori: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
Usa-chan: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*the entire area is enveloped in a blinding light…*
Usa-chan: (…What…? Where am I…? I…I can’t move my arms or legs… Am I…dead?)
Usa-chan: (Hmm…? Did someone…call my name…?)
Usa-chan: (I can hear you… But I can’t move my mouth to answer… Who are you…?)
Usa-chan: (…Wait… I know that voice…)
Usa-chan: (…Neo-niichan…?)
*Setting Eternity’s Night Moon ~ Moon Tree*
*Neon is seen shaking Chibi-Usa’s PC body violently*
Neon: Usa-chan! Come on! Open your eyes!
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Usa-chan… *sobs* Oh, Usa-chan… *holds Usa-chan close* Please… Please don’t die…
*Ovan and the rest of the Factor Users watch as Neon tries in vain to wake his sister*
Ayliori: …Hmm?
*just then, Chibi-Usa’s left hand jerks slightly*
Ayliori: *gasp* Guys, look!
*Neon looks into Chibi-Usa’s face to see her eyes slowly opening*
Usa-chan: Ohhhh… Huh? *looks around* …Why are you all looking at me like that?
Neon: Usa-chan!!! You’re alright!!!
Usa-chan: …Of course I’m alright… Why wouldn’t I be?
Neon: *hugs Usa-chan tightly* Don’t ever scare me like that again!
Usa-chan: … *smile* …Sorry…
*several hours later, in the Serpent of Lore…*
Haseo: *looks at the monitor and sighs* Good. Moon Tree’s been completely restored. No traces of corrupt data left. And what’s more… *turns to face Factor Users* …we’ve found the Factor User of Innis. A job well done, all. We’re one step closer to eliminating Althena’s encroachment. *looks at Ayliori* I’m sure you have a lot of questions, all of which will be answered in time.
Ayliori: …
Haseo: …The rest of you are dismissed. You’ve earned the rest of the day off.
*the group exits Raven’s @home shortly after*
Kyuzo: *stretches arms* Mmmm… Man what a day. I’m totally beat. Later, losers. *logs out*
Gwen: …That guy’s really pushing his luck…
Vyce: …Tell me about it…
*one-by-one, everyone in the group logs out of the game until only Chibi-Usa and Ren were left*
Usa-chan: *turns to face Ren* Whew! This sure has been some afternoon, huh?
Ren: …I’m sorry, Usa-chan…
Usa-chan: Hmm? What are you sorry for?
Ren: I never should’ve underestimated your spirit. If it weren’t for you, we’d have never saved Ayliori.
Usa-chan: Well, like I said before, Ayliori’s my friend too. *looks up at Mac Anu’s sky* Everyone around me has these powers I don’t understand. I just…felt so helpless.
Ren: … *smile* Trust me, Usa-chan. You are in no way at all helpless. I was really impressed by what you did back there.
Usa-chan: *blush* Hehehe…
Ren: *puts hands on hips* And for being so brave today…how about I treat you to some ice cream? *wink*
Usa-chan: YEAH!!! Ice cream! Let's go! *logs out*
Ren: She may not be helpless in The World…but she sure shows it when it comes to sweets. Hehehe…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Haseo: You… Can it be?
Aura: Please… You must find Fidchell… There’s no time left…
~*~*~*~
Kaeion: You twit… You don’t know anything, do you!?
Hayate: W-What are you talking about!?
Kaeion: *smirk* I’ll let you in on a little secret… The Factor User of Fidchell is gone! I’ve already taken his life!
~*~*~*~
Endrance: How are we supposed to stop Althena’s arrival with only 7 of the 8 Factor Users!?
Pi: Not all of what Kaeion said is true. Yes, Fidchell’s vessel no longer exists, but traces of Fidchell’s data itself still linger within the system.
Ovan: So the Prophet can still be salvaged…?
~*~*~*~
Samekh: …Hello there.
Zenjiro: …Can I help you?
39th Phase: The Fidchell Factor Frenzy, Part 1![/color]
*in a random field-type area, Hayate is seen standing with his hands at his sides; Sakubo is seen a short distance away from him*
Sakubo: Again.
Hayate: *panting* “Twin moons, shine down!”
*white Epitaph symbols begin to glow on Hayate’s PC body; as he concentrates his energy, several more symbols appear, taking the shape of an invisible Avatar*
Hayate: Almost…there
*around these symbols, the faint image of an Avatar is seen*
Hayate: Grrrr… G-GAH!!!
*as Hayate’s energy runs out, the Avatar image disappears and Hayate falls to his knees*
Hayate: *panting*
Sakubo: 7 seconds… Better than before, but it’s still not enough!
Hayate: I’m…doing…my best…
Sakubo: Your “best” isn’t “best” enough! Your “best” isn’t going to save this world from Althena!
Hayate: …
*one day earlier…*
Hayate: …Factor training?
Haseo: Yes. In preparation for the oncoming threat of Althena, you’re going to have to completely master use of your Morganna Factor. Based on what we’ve witnessed from your previous battle with Kaeion, your Factor is steadily evolving. It’s time for the next step.
Hayate: I…kinda understand. So if this involves training, I assume I’m gonna have a teacher.
Ovan: But of course.
Hayate: So who is it?
Sakubo: You’re lookin’ at him!
Hayate: …Oh.
Sakubo: *walks up to Hayate and pats his head* And don’t think I’m gonna go easy on you either! You know those high school teachers you hate? Well, you’re gonna hate me even more! Hahaha!
Hayate: … *sweatdrop*
Hayate: (…What the hell did I get myself into…?)
Sakubo: Well, what are you waiting for!? Did I say you could take a break!? On your feet! NOW!
Hayate: Grrrr…
*meanwhile, Ren and Chibi-Usa are seen gating into Breg Epona*
Usa-chan: Thanks for letting me come watch your Factor training, Ren-senpai.
Ren: *smiles* My pleasure, Usa-chan… Though…
Usa-chan: Hmm?
Ren: …Is it really necessary to call me “senpai”? Hehehe…
*moments later, Ayliori is seen walking off the elevator*
Ren: Hmm? …Oh! Ayliori!
Ayliori: Huh? Ah! Ren-chan! Usa-chan! *runs up to Ren and Ayliori* Whatcha up to?
Usa-chan: What are we up to? Um… Well…
Ren: …We went on a quest.
Usa-chan: Y-Yeah, that’s it! We took on a quest! W-Which we just came back from! Hehehe…
Ayliori: A quest? Awww… You could’ve invited me to come…
Ren: Hehehe… Sorry.
Ayliori: Ah, whatever… Oh, yeah! I almost forgot! You wanna see something cool?
Usa-chan: Something cool? Like what?
Ayliori: Follow me!
*Ayliori leads Ren and Chibi-Usa to the end of the Breg Epona alleyway; once there, Ayliori looks out into the endless abyss*
Ren: So what did you want to show us, Ayliori?
Ayliori: Just watch!
*Ayliori holds her right hand out towards the abyss and data begins to pour out from her palm*
Usa-chan: Huh?
Ren: What is…?
*as the data pours from Ayliori’s right hand, she holds out her other hand as well and manipulates the data; with her influence, the landscape of the abyss begins to alter and take different shapes; the shrubbery covering the walls turns to silver and the white light at the end of the abyss glows bright blue*
Ren/Usa-chan: *gasp*
Usa-chan: A-Ayliori!
Ren: W-What are you doing!?
Ayliori: Cool, isn’t it?
Ren: Never mind that! How are you doing that!?
Ayliori: Well… To tell you the truth, I don’t really know. I’ve been able to do this for several days now.
Usa-chan: Did you show this to anyone else!?
Ayliori: *sweatdrop* N-No. You’re the first ones I’ve shown it to.
Ren: …Sorry. I need to go somewhere right away. *gates out*
Ayliori: Huh!? R-Ren-chan!
Usa-chan: …Oh, boy…
*meanwhile, in the Serpent of Lore, Haseo and Atoli monitor the training regimens of the Factor Users*
Haseo: Hmm…
Atoli: They’re doing pretty well, aren’t they?
Haseo: I suppose…
Atoli: How are things going with Kyuzo?
Haseo: Not so smoothly as the others. He shows excellent progress, but he doesn’t listen to a word I say. He can be so difficult sometimes.
Atoli: …I can imagine. *giggle*
Haseo: What about you, Atoli?
Atoli: Hmm?
Haseo: Have you detected any possible activity from the Innis Factor yet?
Atoli: Well, kinda. For the past few days, I picked up some weird data fluctuations that seemed like they originated from Innis. But they all came from random points in The World, so they were hard to track.
Haseo: Hmm… I see.
*moments later, Ovan walks in*
Ovan: I’m back.
Atoli: Ah! Ovan! Welcome back!
Ovan: … *smirk* Am I interrupting something?
*hearing this, Haseo snaps his fingers and a tiny black flame sparks on the tip of his index finger; he then flicks this flame at Ovan’s shoulder*
Ovan: Aah! *puts out flame with hand* …Can’t you take a joke?
Haseo: Ovan, your definition of “joke” is vastly different from everyone else’s.
Atoli: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
Ovan: *sigh* Anyway… Atoli, before I forget to ask, have you detected any remote presence of Innis yet?
Atoli: No. Sorry.
Ovan: *smile* It’s fine. I know you’re trying your hardest.
Atoli: Thanks. By the way…
Ovan: Hmm?
Atoli: You think it’s more than a coincidence that Endrance’s own son was chosen by Macha?
Ovan: A coincidence?
Atoli: I’ve been thinking about it for a while: What if Innis’ Factor User turned out to be Aylia? Wouldn’t that be weird? Hahaha!
Ovan: …I would never intentionally expose Aylia to that kind of danger. If she indeed turns out to be the Mirage of Deceit, I will extract the Factor from her PC body if need be.
Atoli: …
Haseo: …Moving right on – Ovan, how goes Ren’s training?
Ovan: Hehehe. Why not take a look for yourself?
Haseo: … *plays footage of Ren’s Factor training on monitor*
Ovan (onscreen): Again!
Ren (onscreen): “Be reborn in the Earth!”
*light-blue Epitaph symbols glow on Ren’s PC body; as she concentrates his energy, several more symbols appear, taking the shape of an invisible Avatar; around these symbols, the image of an Avatar is formed*
Ovan (onscreen): Good! Keep it going!
Ren (onscreen): I’m…trying…!
*after several minutes, Ren’s energy runs out, and the Avatar image disappears*
Ren (onscreen): *panting*
Haseo: *pauses footage* 5 whole minutes…
Ovan: I can say with certainty that Ren is making the fastest progress out of all the Factor Users. Her focus and concentration are remarkable.
Atoli: …Hmm? *sees Ren running in* Speak of the devil.
Ovan: Ren. This is a surprise. Is there something you--?
Ren: Haseo!
Haseo: Hmm?
Ren: There’s something weird going on with Ayliori!
Atoli: *gasp*
Ovan: Where is she!?
Ren: She should still be at the end of the alleyway in Breg Epona! Hurry!
Haseo: … *types on console keyboard* …There.
*the monitor displays the area around the end of Breg Epona’s alleyway; the area was empty*
Haseo: …There’s no one there, Ren.
Ren: Oh, man… Is Ayliori anywhere in Breg Epona!?
Atoli: Ren, settle down. Why don’t you tell us the problem first?
Ren: *sigh* Alright. I had just gotten back from Factor training with Ovan. Usa-chan was with me. We ran into Ayliori, who said she had something she wanted to show us…
*during the next few seconds, Ren tells Haseo, Atoli, and Ovan of what she saw Ayliori do at Breg Epona*
Atoli: …Ayliori manipulated the data?
Haseo: And it seems to have started around the same time Atoli detected data fluctuations similar to that of Innis.
Ovan: You’ve done well to bring this to our attention, Ren.
Ren: Well, why wouldn’t I? Ayliori’s my friend, after all. So you think she’s…?
Haseo: The possibility’s high. Atoli?
Atoli: Right. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.
Ovan: You have nothing to worry about, Ren. We have the situation under control.
Ren: *sigh* Thanks. I’ll excuse myself then. *exits Serpent of Lore*
Haseo: *looks at Atoli* Heh. You always were a bit of a jinx, Atoli.
Atoli: *crosses arms* Hmph!
*a couple hours later, in Glaive LeGable @home…*
Hayate: Hahaha! So the farthest they got was Floor 56?
Izumi: Yup! And you should’ve heard Usa-chan whining! *imitating Chibi-Usa* “The twisting… The turning… It’s too much…”
Hayate: Hahahaha! *sigh* Oh, man, I would’ve loved to see that…
Izumi: …Hey, Hayate?
Hayate: Yeah?
Izumi: I’m… *blush* …I’m really glad you came back. Glaive LeGable just wasn’t the same without you.
Hayate: *smile* Thanks, Izumi. I needed to hear that.
Izumi: …
Hayate: …
: *ahem!**looking over towards the @home entrance, Hayate and Izumi notice Orion, Neon, and Miharu giving them teasing looks*
Hayate: G-Guys! *takes a step away from Izumi* H-How’s it going? Hehehe…
Orion: *grin* We can come back later if you want…
Izumi: *deep blush* C-Cut it out, Orion!
Orion/Neon/Miharu: Hahahaha!
Hayate: …Are you done?
Miharu: Not yet.
Orion/Neon/Miharu: Hahahahahaha!
Hayate: Alright already!!!
Neon: Hehehe… Ahhh… I needed that laugh after today.
Izumi: Training with Kuhn didn’t go well?
Miharu: Oh, it went well. But every 5 minutes, Kuhn would ask Neon what kind of girls he was into.
Neon: *sigh* Makes me wonder how that guy ever got to be an Epitaph User…
Orion: So, what about you, Hayate? How’s training with Bo going?
Hayate: Well… *sweatdrop* …At least I’m improving – that’s what important. Hehehe…
*moments later, Chibi-Usa enters the @home with a depressed expression*
Usa-chan: …
Izumi: Hmm? …Oh. Welcome home, Usa-chan.
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Usa-chan?
Usa-chan: Huh!? Oh! S-Sorry about that.
Miharu: You okay there, Usa-chan? You’re looking a little down.
Usa-chan: Down? *forces a smile* I’m not down. What would give you that idea? Hehehe…
All: …
*a short while later, at Moon Tree’s @home, Ayliori is seen using her “powers” to cause Moon Tree’s mascot, White Grunty, to float*
White Grunty: Hahahaha! This is fun!
Ayliori: Hehehe…
: Aylia?Ayliori: *gasp*
*hearing someone call out her name causes Ayliori to lose her focus and drop White Grunty onto the floor*
White Grunty: Ow! That hurt!
Ayliori: Oh! Sorry about that, little guy. *turns around and sees Atoli* M-Mom! Hi!
Atoli: I’m glad to see you’re doing well.
Ayliori: Yup!
Atoli: I learned from your friend Ren that you’ve recently discovered some…abilities?
Ayliori: Ren-chan told you!? …Awww… I wanted it to be a surprise.
Atoli: …Can you show it to me?
Ayliori: Huh? Uh…s-sure, mom.
*Ayliori leads Atoli over to a small patch of dirt behind Moon Tree’s central building; Ayliori holds her right hand out and data begins to pour out from her palm*
Atoli: !!!
*using her left hand, Ayliori manipulates the data and causes flowers to sprout from below the soil*
Ayliori: There! …Huh?
*however, as soon as the flowers sprout, they instantly wilt and decay*
Ayliori: What the…? That wasn’t supposed to happen…
Atoli: T-That’s quite alright, Aylia. It’s still an interesting power.
Ayliori: Yeah, I know! …Oh, crap, I just remembered! I have to go meet Ren-chan in Dol Dona! *runs off* Later, mom!
Atoli: *waves goodbye to Ayliori* See you later! … *looks down at withered flowers* This data signature… There’s no mistaking it…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 23, 2037 ~
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* …
*while Pi is hard at work, Haseo walks in*
Haseo: Hmm? Well, this is a surprise. I’d expected you to training Gwen right now.
Pi: We finished early today.
Haseo: Finished early? It’s not like you to finish anything early, Pi.
Pi: …Have you noticed the distortions of data popping up lately?
Haseo: Well, yes, but…I just assumed it was because Althena was close to awakening.
Pi: I’m afraid it’s more than that. You see--
*just then, the graphics of the game become distorted for a split second*
Haseo: Huh?
Pi: …There it is again. And it’s only been 17 minutes since the last one.
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Natsuki: …YES!!! That makes 30 wins in a row!
Claire: Hahaha! Man, you suck at this game, Jack!
Jack: *pounds head on wall continuously* I don’t want to hear it…
Piros VIII: *holds up Natsuki’s hand* THE VICTOR!!!
Natsuki: *motions a kiss to an inexistent crowd* Thank you! You’re too kind!
Shady Grunty: I gotta admit, green-hair, you sure know your way around a Crimson VS deck!
Natsuki: Awww! *picks up Shady Grunty and starts scratching behind his ears* Thanks, Shady!
Shady: Ahhh… Yeah, right there…
Jack: *rubs forehead* Yeah, well, you may be good, but no way in hell can you beat Haruhi!
Haruhi: … *motions victory sign with her fingers*
Claire: !!!
Piros VIII: !!!
Claire/Piros: JACK!!!
Natsuki: …What? Who’s Haruhi?
Claire: Uh… Well, Haruhi is--
*just then, Kyuzo enters the @home shortly after coming back from training with Haseo*
Kyuzo: I’m back.
Claire: *gasp* H-Hey, Kyuzo! Welcome back!
Piros VIII: How goes Factor training?
Kyuzo: Hmph. Child’s play. Another session or three, and I’ll have this Factor thing down pat.
Natsuki: Well!? Someone answer my question! Who’s Haruhi!?
Kyuzo: Hmm? …You told her about Haruhi?
Claire: …Um… Jack did it!
Jack: HEY! You could’ve told me it was a secret! Don’t go pinning all the blame on me!
*just then, Kyuzo is seen walking up to Jack, Claire, and Piros…*
Jack/Claire/Piros: (Uh-oh…)
*…but he walks past them and seats himself on the treasure box leaning against the @home’s back wall*
Kyuzo: …Haruhi is – or was – a member of the Samurai 7. She was one of my closest friends in the world.
Natsuki: “Was”?
Kyuzo: …One day, we came under attack by Ka-- …a mysterious monster.
*one month earlier…*
Kyuzo: What the hell are you supposed to be, a cheap Haseo knockoff?
Kaeion: Hhhhhaaaaahhhhh…
Piros VIII: It approaches!
~*~*~*~
Jack: What the hell!? This thing ain’t takin’ any damage!
*a pitch-black bracelet appears on Kaeion’s right wrist*
Kyuzo: *gasp*
Kaeion: *aims bracelet forward* Da…ta…
Claire: I don’t like the looks of this…!
Kaeion: DRAIN!!!!!
*a three-pronged stream of data shoots forth from Kaeion’s bracelet*
Haruhi: Master Kyuzo…!!! *shoves Kyuzo out of the way of Kaeion’s Data Drain*
Kyuzo: HARUHI!!!!![/size][/i]
Kyuzo: …
Natsuki: …W-What happened to her?
Kyuzo: …Haruhi’s PC was lost…and in the real world…she fell into a coma.
Natsuki: *gasp* …And the monster?
Kaeion: *absorbs Haruhi’s PC data* … *vanishes in a swirl of blue wind*
Kyuzo: …It got away.
Natsuki: …Kyuzo… I’m so--
*just then, the graphics of the game become distorted again*
Claire: There it is again! What the hell could be causing that!?
Jack: …I’ll give you three guesses.
*meanwhile, at Moon Tree’s @home…*
Ayliori: Come on… Come on…
*Ayliori is seen behind Moon Tree’s central building, kneeling down by the a small patch of dirt; using her powers, she tries to make the flowers grow*
Ayliori: Come on…! Grow already…! …G-Gah!
*a break in her concentration causes another data distortion; glancing down, Ayliori notices that her right hand was burned and bruised from excessive use of her powers*
Ayliori: …Dammit… *points palms at withered flowers* Again!
*through her determination, Ayliori finally makes the flowers grow…*
Ayliori: Hahaha! I did it!
*…however, the massive buildup of unstable data causes the flowers to grow uncontrollably into giant vines covered in thorns*
Ayliori: W-What’s going on!? This isn’t supposed to happen!
*just then, Ayliori would feel a sharp jolt of pain in her right hand*
Ayliori: O-Ow! Huh!?
*her right hand suddenly points up by itself and mass amounts of data begins to pour out of it, greatly distorting the environment; as this happens, turquoise Epitaph symbols glow all over her PC body*
Ayliori: W-What’s happening to me!? S-Someone help! SOMEONE HELP ME!!!
*meanwhile, in the Serpent of Lore, Pi is seen typing rapidly on the console keyboard*
Pi: …
*moments later, Haseo, Endrance, and Ovan rush inside*
Ovan: Pi! We got your message! What’s the emergency!?
Pi: Something really bad! Take a look at these readings!
*faint, distorted images of Moon Tree are displayed on the monitor, along with several “ERROR” messages*
Ovan: What on Earth…?
Haseo: This convergence of data… It looks almost like an…
Endrance: …An AIDA Server…!
Pi: I’m picking up several Player Character data signatures within Moon Tree. Looks like the Council of Twelve, along with several members of Moon Tree, are trapped inside.
Ovan: And Atoli?
Pi: …She’s in Mac Anu. She was either out of Moon Tree’s range at the time of corruption, or she escaped using her Avatar. …There! She’s in Mac Anu Dome!
Haseo: Contact the Factor Users and have them meet me in the dome! And hurry! We can’t afford to waste any time here!
Pi: Understood!
Endrance: …Hmm? *looks around* …Haseo! Ovan’s left!
Haseo: Huh!? *looks around* …Tch!
*in Mac Anu Dome, Atoli is seen attempting to enter Moon Tree with her Epitaph powers…*
Atoli: …
*…but to no avail*
Atoli: Ugh! Dammit! Why can’t I get in!?
: …The power of Innis is amazing, isn’t it?Atoli: Huh? *turns around to see Ovan* …Ovan… *wipes away tears and runs into Ovan’s arms* It’s true! I wish it wasn’t but it is! Aylia’s…!
Ovan: I know, I know. *gazes into Atoli’s eyes* …Listen to me, Atoli. In the state Aylia’s in, her power is gonna keep growing out of control until it eventually spreads to the entire network. There’s still time to stop this before that happens. But should this progress past the point of no return, we’ll have no other choice…than to destroy Moon Tree…and Aylia along with it.
Atoli: *gasp* NO!!! I don’t care if I lose Moon Tree; I refuse to give up my daughter!
Ovan: … *smile* …You won’t have to.
Atoli: Hmm?
*Ovan steps to the side to reveal the 6 Factor Users standing a short distance behind him*
Atoli: …E-Everyone…
Kyuzo: So Li’l Ayli’s in a bit of a tight spot, eh? Well, let’s get movin’ then!
Ovan: Just a moment, Kyuzo. …Neon. Ren. Step forward.
Neon: Hmm? *steps forward at Ovan’s command* What’s up?
Ovan: Your Morganna Factors of Magus and Corbenik have data restoration properties. Use them to break the barrier around Moon Tree so we may enter.
Ren: Break the barrier? I don’t know if we can--
Ovan: You can. Remember your training.
Neon/Ren: …
*hesitatingly, Neon and Ren approach the Chaos Gate and attempt to access Setting Eternity’s Night Moon; while doing this, Epitaph symbols appear around their PC bodies*
Neon: … *winces*
Ren: Don’t stop, Neon! Concentrate!
Neon: I’m…trying…!
*a short time later, the barrier is broken, and Neon and Ren falls to their knees*
Neon: Whew! Man, that was hard!
Ren: Hehehe… Yeah. *gets to feet* But at least now we can save Ayliori!
: Wait up, you guys!!!Ren: Huh?
*the group looks towards the entrance of Mac Anu Dome to see Chibi-Usa running over to them*
Vyce: Usa-chan? What’re you doing here?
Usa-chan: *panting* What’s it…look like!? I’m here…to help save Ayliori!
Ovan: I strongly advise against that. Without a Morganna Factor, there’s no telling what the environment in Moon Tree will do to you.
Usa-chan: But I want to help! I can’t just stand by and do nothing!
Ovan: I’m sorry…but the answer is no.
Usa-chan: …N-Neo-niichan, please! Let me come too!
Neon: Usa-chan… It’s just too dangerous. Just let us handle rescuing Ayliori.
Usa-chan: But Ayliori’s my friend too! I can’t just abandon her! I won’t abandon her!
Ovan: …
Hayate: Usa-chan…
Gwen: We’re wasting time! Let’s just get moving already!
Kyuzo: I’m with crown-head. The longer we wait, the better the chance we have of losing Ayliori.
Gwen: *eye twitches* …“Crown-head”?
Neon: …
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Promise me you won’t do anything reckless.
Usa-chan: …I promise.
*Setting Eternity’s Night Moon ~ Moon Tree*
*one by one, Ovan, Atoli, Chibi-Usa, and the Epitaph Users gate into Moon Tree’s @home; the @home’s environment was vastly different than it was before*
Vyce: My god…
Ren: Ayliori…did all this?
Atoli: I’m gonna try to find the Council members! Ovan…
Ovan: …I know. We’ll save her.
Atoli: *nods to Ovan and dashes into the main building*
Ovan: …I’m picking up Aylia’s data signature behind the building.
Hayate: Alright! Let’s go!
All: RIGHT!!!
*the party rushes across the floorboards toward the rear of the building; there, they find Ayliori floating in midair with turquoise Epitaph symbols glowing all over her and massive amounts of data pouring out of her right arm*
Ren: Ayliori!
Hayate: *gasp* (Those symbols… Could it be?)
Ayliori: Ren-chan! Help me! I c-can’t stop it!
Usa-chan: Don’t worry! We’ll save you!
Ayliori: Please hurry…! It hurts…!
Gwen: …Soooooooo…what exactly DO we do?
Ovan: Use your Factor powers.
Hayate: On Ayliori!?
Ovan: No. Just her right arm. Fire your Data Drains at Ayliori’s right arm and it should stop the flow the data.
Vyce: What do you mean, “should”? What happens if it doesn’t work?
Ovan: …We lose her.
Kyuzo: Tch! *clenches fists and summons red bracelet* We’re just gonna have to take that risk!
Neon: Kyuzo! This is your own cousin we’re risking!
Kyuzo: *points bracelet at Ayliori* Are you suggesting we do nothing!?
Neon: …I…
Hayate: … *points white bracelet at Ayliori* …I agree with Kyuzo.
Vyce: *points purple bracelet at Ayliori* Same here.
Neon: … *sigh* Perfect…
*the six Factor Users form a circle around Ayliori and ready their bracelets*
Ren: Alright! On three, we fire our Data Drains! Got it!?
All: Got it!
Ren: ONE!!!
Kyuzo: …
Neon: …
Hayate: …
Ren: TWO!!![/size]
Vyce: …
Gwen: …
Usa-chan: …
Ren: …THREE[/size]--
*just before the group could fire their respective Data Drains, the flow of data from Ayliori’s right hand increases in intensity, pushing the group back*
Neon: GAH!!!
Vyce: What the hell!?
Ayliori: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!! IT HURTS!!!!!
Kyuzo: What’s happening now!?
Ovan: …The “point of no return”…
Ren: Were we too late!?
Hayate: There’s gotta be something we can do! Can’t we lessen the data flow somehow!?
Ovan: It’s impossible! You’d have to get closer to Ayliori to do that, and if you try to at this point, you’d risk destroying your PC!
Ayliori: PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!
Usa-chan: …Ayliori… Hmph!
*Chibi-Usa rises to her feet and starts to approach Ayliori, shoving her way through the powerful data flow*
Neon: U-Usa-chan!? What are you doing!? Get away from there!
*as Chibi-Usa pushes through, the data flow starts to break her PC’s data apart*
Hayate: STOP!!! You’ll destroy yourself!
Usa-chan: I said…that I was gonna help…save Ayliori…and that’s what…I plan on doing…!!!
*once she gets close enough to Ayliori, Chibi-Usa reaches up and grasps her right hand tightly; the data flow lessens a little, but Chibi-Usa’s PC data continues to break apart*
Ayliori: Usa-chan!
Usa-chan: Don’t worry, Ayliori…! I’m here for you…! *looks towards the Factor Users* Well?!? What are you waiting for?!?
Neon: …Usa-chan…
*the Factor Users return to their standing positions and reluctantly aim their bracelets at Ayliori and Chibi-Usa*
Ren: Alright! Let’s try this again! …ONE! …TWO!![/size] …THREE!!![/size]
All: DATA DRAIN!!!!!
*six Data Drains are fired at the same time and converge onto Ayliori’s right arm*
Ayliori: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
Usa-chan: AAAAAHHHHH!!!!!
*the entire area is enveloped in a blinding light…*
~*~*~*~
Usa-chan: (…What…? Where am I…? I…I can’t move my arms or legs… Am I…dead?)
…Usa-chan…
Usa-chan: (Hmm…? Did someone…call my name…?)
…Usa-chan!
[/i]Usa-chan: (I can hear you… But I can’t move my mouth to answer… Who are you…?)
…Usa-chan! Wake up!
[/i]Usa-chan: (…Wait… I know that voice…)
Wake up, Usa-chan!
[/i]Usa-chan: (…Neo-niichan…?)
*Setting Eternity’s Night Moon ~ Moon Tree*
*Neon is seen shaking Chibi-Usa’s PC body violently*
Neon: Usa-chan! Come on! Open your eyes!
Usa-chan: …
Neon: …Usa-chan… *sobs* Oh, Usa-chan… *holds Usa-chan close* Please… Please don’t die…
*Ovan and the rest of the Factor Users watch as Neon tries in vain to wake his sister*
Ayliori: …Hmm?
*just then, Chibi-Usa’s left hand jerks slightly*
Ayliori: *gasp* Guys, look!
*Neon looks into Chibi-Usa’s face to see her eyes slowly opening*
Usa-chan: Ohhhh… Huh? *looks around* …Why are you all looking at me like that?
Neon: Usa-chan!!! You’re alright!!!
Usa-chan: …Of course I’m alright… Why wouldn’t I be?
Neon: *hugs Usa-chan tightly* Don’t ever scare me like that again!
Usa-chan: … *smile* …Sorry…
*several hours later, in the Serpent of Lore…*
Haseo: *looks at the monitor and sighs* Good. Moon Tree’s been completely restored. No traces of corrupt data left. And what’s more… *turns to face Factor Users* …we’ve found the Factor User of Innis. A job well done, all. We’re one step closer to eliminating Althena’s encroachment. *looks at Ayliori* I’m sure you have a lot of questions, all of which will be answered in time.
Ayliori: …
Haseo: …The rest of you are dismissed. You’ve earned the rest of the day off.
*the group exits Raven’s @home shortly after*
Kyuzo: *stretches arms* Mmmm… Man what a day. I’m totally beat. Later, losers. *logs out*
Gwen: …That guy’s really pushing his luck…
Vyce: …Tell me about it…
*one-by-one, everyone in the group logs out of the game until only Chibi-Usa and Ren were left*
Usa-chan: *turns to face Ren* Whew! This sure has been some afternoon, huh?
Ren: …I’m sorry, Usa-chan…
Usa-chan: Hmm? What are you sorry for?
Ren: I never should’ve underestimated your spirit. If it weren’t for you, we’d have never saved Ayliori.
Usa-chan: Well, like I said before, Ayliori’s my friend too. *looks up at Mac Anu’s sky* Everyone around me has these powers I don’t understand. I just…felt so helpless.
Ren: … *smile* Trust me, Usa-chan. You are in no way at all helpless. I was really impressed by what you did back there.
Usa-chan: *blush* Hehehe…
Ren: *puts hands on hips* And for being so brave today…how about I treat you to some ice cream? *wink*
Usa-chan: YEAH!!! Ice cream! Let's go! *logs out*
Ren: She may not be helpless in The World…but she sure shows it when it comes to sweets. Hehehe…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Haseo: You… Can it be?
Aura: Please… You must find Fidchell… There’s no time left…
~*~*~*~
Kaeion: You twit… You don’t know anything, do you!?
Hayate: W-What are you talking about!?
Kaeion: *smirk* I’ll let you in on a little secret… The Factor User of Fidchell is gone! I’ve already taken his life!
~*~*~*~
Endrance: How are we supposed to stop Althena’s arrival with only 7 of the 8 Factor Users!?
Pi: Not all of what Kaeion said is true. Yes, Fidchell’s vessel no longer exists, but traces of Fidchell’s data itself still linger within the system.
Ovan: So the Prophet can still be salvaged…?
~*~*~*~
Samekh: …Hello there.
Zenjiro: …Can I help you?
39th Phase: The Fidchell Factor Frenzy, Part 1![/color]
