Post by Hayate on Apr 19, 2008 15:46:27 GMT -5
*Haseo attempts to log into Mac Anu…*
Haseo: …Hmm?
*…but ends up gating into a pure white pocket of space*
Haseo: What is this? Where am I?
: …Child of Morganna…
Haseo: Hmm? *turns around* Who’s there?
*Haseo turns to be greeted by a beautiful platinum-haired woman draped in white*
Haseo: *gasp* Can it be…? …Is it really you…?
: …Listen to my words… I cannot hold Althena back any longer…
Haseo: …Aura…?
Aura: …Please… You must find Fidchell… I’m afraid there’s no time left…
Haseo: No time…?
Aura: …I beg of you… Save Althena… Save [The World]… *vanishes*
Haseo: W-Wait! Aura, come back!
*in that instant, the white pocket of space collapses around Haseo and he finds himself in Mac Anu dome*
Haseo: …“Save…Althena”?
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 29, 2037 ~
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Ovan is seen monitoring the Factor Users’ training*
Ovan: …
*moments later, Haseo walks in*
Haseo: …Hey.
Ovan: Welcome back, Haseo. *turns to face him* …Something wrong?
Haseo: Huh…?
Ovan: You look like you and Shino just had a falling-out. Heh.
Haseo: …Aura…
Ovan: Hmm?
Haseo: …I met…with Aura…
Ovan: …
*meanwhile, in Mac Anu’s Central District, Miharu is seen stocking up on items…*
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Thanks! Come again!
*…and other various oddities; she holds up an amulet that she just bought from the Moon Tree mini-shop owner*
Miharu: Wow… It’s so shiny… *ties amulet around neck* Heh! A perfect fit!
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Hey! If you want, I’ll let you in on a little secret about that amulet.
Miharu: Hmm? What secret?
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: It’s said that if you walk alongside the person you have a crush on while wearing it, your love will blossom in no time flat!
Miharu: Our…love?
*thoughts of Neon begin to circle Miharu’s mind*
Miharu: … *blush* …O-Oh, that’s just ridiculous! As if a thing like that can happen in an online game! Hahahaha--!
: …Miharu?
Miharu: --Huh!? *turns to see Neon* Aah! *falls over*
Neon: …You okay?
Miharu: *quickly gets to her feet* N-Neon! W-What are you doing here!?
Neon: Oh, I was just… Hmm? *notices Miharu’s amulet* …What’s this?
Miharu: Huh!? Oh, this!? It’s n-nothing! Hehehe!
Neon: …It looks nice on you.
Miharu: W-Wha…? *blush* Oh… T-Thanks, Neon…
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Hehe! See, it’s working already!
*a few moments later, the two walk together down the main bridge leading to the dome*
Miharu: So, Usa-chan went to go watch Gwen’s Factor training?
Neon: Yup. And with Izumi watching Hayate train, Kuhn away for a couple hours, and Orion away at God-knows-where, I wasn’t exactly left with a lot of options.
Miharu: Hehehe…
Neon: …But I guess it’s not all bad. Besides…
Miharu: Hmm?
Neon: *holds Miharu’s hand* …I’m having fun just walking with you, Miharu.
Miharu: … *blush* N-Neon… *smiles* I’m having fun too.
*as the two walk into Mac Anu dome and up to the Chaos Gate, they immediately notice someone gating in*
Neon: Oh. That might be Usa-chan now.
*however, it isn’t Usa-chan that gates in, but Ayliori – in a new beautiful PC body; her hair was now long and tinted bluish-purple, and she was complete draped in purple with long black gloves and black sandals; the only thing remaining from her original PC body were her turquoise eyes*
Neon: …W-Who is…that…?
Ayliori: …Hmm? *gasp* Neo-kun! *runs over to Neon* How’s it going?
Neon: “Neo-kun”? …Wait… Ayliori!?
Miharu: Ayliori?!? THIS is Ayliori?!?
Ayliori: Yup! It’s me!
Neon: Your…PC, it’s…
Ayliori: Hmm? Oh, this? Hehehe. Well, the whole Factor User kinda threw me for a loop, so I figure if I’m gonna help save The World, I might as well look the part. You like it?
Neon: …It’s…gorgeous…
Ayliori: *blush* Awww, Neo-kun, you’re such a flatterer! Hahaha!
Miharu: Grrrr…
“Inner Miharu”: DAMN THAT LITTLE HUSSY!!! DAMN HER TO HELL!!! “LOOK THE PART”?!? THAT’S A COMPLETE LOAD!!! SHE CHANGED HER PC JUST TO GET NEON’S ATTENTION!!!
*the sound of Miharu’s grinding teeth echoes throughout the dome*
Neon: …You okay, Miharu?
Miharu: --Huh!? …O-Oh! I’m fine! Never better! Hehehe! … *lowers head* (Ohhh… I’m such a dork…)
*moments later, Gwen and Chibi-Usa are seen gating into Mac Anu*
Usa-chan: You’re getting better everyday, Gwen.
Gwen: Heh! As if there was any doubt! …Hmm?
Usa-chan: Neo-niichan?
Neon: Hmm? Oh. Hey, Usa-chan. Welcome back.
Gwen: You’re becoming more and more like Kuhn everyday, Neo-boy! Hah!
Neon: *sweatdrop* …
*several hours later, all of the Epitaph Users gather in the Serpent of Lore and discuss what had happened to Haseo earlier that day*
Pi: *crosses arms* Hmm… So Aura’s returned once more… But why would she appear before Haseo?
Kuhn: Probably because he was one of the three people she entrusted her power to.
Atoli: So she wants us to hurry and find Fidchell?
Ovan: Yes. Though, as things stand at the moment, we still can’t find him.
Endrance: Which, if you think about it, is rather strange. Of all the 8 Morganna Factors, Fidchell has one of the more powerful data signatures. We should’ve found his Factor User long ago.
Sakubo: I’m more curious about what Aura meant by “saving Althena”.
Haseo: Yeah… Why does Aura want us to “save” Althena if Althena’s our enemy?
Pi: … (Aura… I wonder what it is you’re thinking…)
*just then, a loud alarm goes off*
Atoli: Aah!
Ovan: What’s going on!?
Pi: *looking at monitor* …It’s Kaeion! He’s ambushed a group of players at Dark Morrigu Barrow!
Kuhn: Dark Morrigu Barrow… *sweatdrop* That’s definitely not good.
Haseo: Contact the Factor Users!
*a short while later, Hayate, Neon, Kyuzo, and Ayliori are seen running along the bridge leading to Mac Anu dome; while running, Neon accidentally brushes shoulders with a Dance Macabre PC draped in blue*
Neon: Oof! S-Sorry!
Macabre: Oh, that’s quite alright. You be careful now. *turns and walks away*
Neon: … (That guy… What was that atmosphere he had about him…?)
Hayate: NEON!!! Hurry up or we’ll leave you behind!
Neon: Huh? Oh! I-I’m coming!
*Θ Returning Invincible Huge Being ~ Dark Morrigu Barrow Wall*
*Kaeion approaches a group of players, who stand cornered at the edge of the cliff*
PC1: *draws broadsword* Y-You’d better back off, buddy!
Kaeion: Hehehe… Or what?
PC2: Grrrr… *draws gauntlets* King Hammer![/b]
*the second PC in the group attempts to charge Kaeion with a Grappler attack*
Kaeion: Tch!
*just by using his piercing gaze, Kaeion shatters the PC’s gauntlets into tiny bits of data; as soon as the PC comes within range, Kaeion grabs him by the head*
PC2: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Pathetic…
*with sheer brute force, Kaeion sends the PC flying over the edge of the cliff and into the ravine below*
PC2: AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!![/b]
*the remaining two PCs watch as their friend falls to his “death”, then slowly turn to face the menacing Kaeion*
Kaeion: *cracks knuckles* Now then…who’s next?
PC3: *gulp* You can’t possibly take us on by yourself!
PC1: Y-Yeah!
Kaeion: Hmm… You know something? …You’re right. I guess I’d better level the playing field, shouldn’t I? *snaps fingers*
*just then, the area’s foundation begins to shake*
PC1/PC3: *blink* Hmm?
*as the two PCs turn around, they notice The One Sin emerging from the ravine*
The One Sin: *roar*
PC1/PC3: …Oh, crap…
Kaeion: I was going to give your data to Althena…but you’re not worth the hassle! ONE SIN!!! DEVOUR THEM!!!
The One Sin: *loud roar*
*however, The One Sin doesn’t devour the two PCs; it unexpectedly falls to the ground, dead*
Kaeion: W-What?!?
*on top of The One Sin’s corpse, Neon and Vyce are seen standing side-by-side*
Vyce: *twirling energy chakram in hand* This slaughter ends here, Kaeion!
Kaeion: …You!
*looking around, Kaeion realizes that he’s surrounded by 7 of the 8 Factor Users*
Kaeion: Hehehe… I see you found Innis. Isn’t this poetic? All of the Factor Users gathered in one place for the first time.
Kyuzo: *props blade sword on shoulder* Y’know, Kaeion…last time I checked… *dashes at Kaeion* …you weren’t a Factor User!!!
*Kyuzo leaps at Kaeion with a Disaster Sword; Kaeion easily dodges and knocks Kyuzo aside with his broadsword*
Kaeion: You know, if you listen real close, you can hear Fidchell’s cries of anguish! Hahaha!
Gwen: *draws Lance Usagimaru* I dunno what the heck you’re goin’ on about… *dashes at Kaeion*…but I’ve had enough of your mouthing off!!!
*once again, Kaeion easily knocks Gwen aside with his broadsword*
Kaeion: Come now! You can at least TRY to hit me!
Hayate/Neon: With pleasure!!!
Kaeion: !!!
*Kaeion spins around to see Hayate and Neon jumping him with a Devil-Sword-Ghost-Falcon combo*
Kaeion: Tch!
*Kaeion manages to barely swat Hayate’s blade away, but is struck a couple times by Neon’s dual swords*
Kaeion: Gah!
Neon: Hah! Gotcha!
Kaeion: Grrrr… Indeed you did…! *grabs Neon’s collar*
Neon: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Now I’ve got you!
*with all of his strength, Kaeion tosses Neon a considerable distance and into the wall of Dark Morrigu Barrow*
Neon: …Ow…
Kaeion: Heh! …Hmm? *gasp* W-What the hell!? I…I can’t move!!!
*a faint blue light shrouds Kaeion’s feet as Ren is heard singing nearby; near Ren, Ayliori is seen powering up a magic spell*
Kaeion: Grrrr… Vak Don!![/b]
*Kaeion conjures a rain of fiery meteors to plummet onto Ren and Ayliori; the two of them leap out of the way of the meteors, releasing Kaeion from Ren’s binding song*
Kaeion: Heh!
Vyce: Pay attention, you silver-haired menace!
*Vyce charges at Kaeion in a frontal assault with an energy broadsword; Kaeion defends with his broadsword, and the two meet in a loud clash of swords; meanwhile, the two PCs nearby watch*
PC1: Dude…are you watching this?
PC3: I’m watching it…but I’m having a little trouble believing it…
Hayate: Hey, you two!
PC1/PC3: Huh?
Hayate: You need to get out of here right now!
PC1: HAH! Are you kidding!? This is the coolest fight I’ve ever watched!
PC3: *motions a thumbs-up* Same here!
Hayate: *sigh* That figures…
Kaeion: Armor Break![/b]
*Kaeion thrusts his broadsword at Vyce with intent to skewer, but Vyce jumps up at the last second to dodge and substitutes his broadsword for a pair of gauntlets*
Vyce: Tiger Strike![/b]
Kaeion: Don’t think so!
*with Vyce in midair, Kaeion swings his broadsword up, striking Vyce and sending him flying over the edge of the cliff*
Vyce: AAAAHHHH!!!!
All: VYCE!!!
*as soon as Vyce falls out of sight, Kaeion turns to face the other Factor Users*
Kaeion: One down…six to go…
Ayliori: *gulp*
*as Kaeion begins to approach the others, he senses someone’s presence behind him; he slowly turns around to see Vyce floating in midair*
Ren: Vyce! You’re okay!
Ayliori: And…you’re…flying!?
*the major parts of Vyce’s PC body give off a faint purple glow, and large rose petals are seen circling around his wrists, waist, and ankles*
Kaeion: …Y-You’re…!
Vyce: You’re surprised. Heh. I have that effect on people.
Kaeion: Tch!
Gwen: *smirk* Is it Avatar time already? Works for me!
*one-by-one, the remaining Factor Users summon their fully evolved Avatars; Kyuzo’s PC body glows red as he wields a scythe made of data and Skeith’s triple set of eyes glow on his forehead; Ayliori’s body glows turquoise as polygons of data circle her arms and neck; Neon’s body glows green as his legs are replaced by a long tail with sprouted leaves; Hayate’s body glows white as a pair of identical stone structures float behind him; Gwen’s body glows pink as her hair sways in the wind and a giant structure shaped like her crown circles her waist; Ren’s body glows bright blue as a large structure shaped like her hairpin floats behind her and a long, thin cloth resembling her hair ribbon connects her wrists*
Kyuzo: *twirling scythe* Gettin’ scared yet, K-boy?
Kaeion: …So you’ve all mastered use of your Morganna Factors. Hehehe. A little friend of mine has something to say about that. *clenches fists*
*Kaeion’s body suddenly gives off a yellow Epitaph glow*
Ren: *gasp* That glow…!!!
Kaeion: Now then… *cracks knuckles* Where were we?
Hayate: Grrrr… Factor Users, attack!
*the Factor Users all attack and assault Kaeion from the skies while he fends them off from the ground; the two PCs nearby continue to watch*
PC1: Oh, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen…!
PC3: I know, right!? And we have front-row seats!
*meanwhile, the Epitaph Users witness the battle from the Serpent of Lore*
Kuhn: How is Kaeion giving off that glow!?
Haseo: Pi! Analyze!
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* Hmm… Strange… That glow’s data signature is similar to Fidchell’s…yet at the same time, it isn’t…
Ovan: …
Atoli: Ovan? What’s wrong?
Ovan: …It’s…nothing…
*meanwhile…*
Hayate: *soars at Kaeion with Chthonian Sword* Take this!!!
*Kaeion uses his broadsword to fend off Hayate’s blue-silver sword, then uses his free hand to grab Hayate by the collar and send him flying into Neon*
Hayate/Neon: Oof!
*moments later, all of the Avatar-summoned Factor Users are seen on the ground, depleted of energy*
Kaeion: *looks down at own hands* Marvelous… *walks up to Hayate* The power of Morganna is so marvelous, is it not?
Hayate: I…don’t understand… How are you…doing this…!?
Kaeion: You ignorant little twit… You don’t know anything, do you!? You still haven’t figured it out yet!?
Hayate: W-What are you…talking about!?
Kaeion: Hasn’t it occurred to you why the Factor User of Fidchell hasn’t been located yet? Why, after all this time, he hasn’t manifested?
Hayate: …What?
Kaeion: …Unbelievable. Fine. *smirk* I’ll let you in on my little secret…
*Kaeion kneels down and picks up Hayate by his collar; their faces were just inches apart*
Kaeion: You want to know why you haven’t found him yet!? It’s because you’re too late! The Factor User of Fidchell is gone! I’ve already taken his life!
Hayate: !!!
Vyce: S-Say what!?
Kaeion: Indeed, it’s true… Oh, what a red-letter day that was…
*several weeks ago…*
*Kaeion is seen approaching an Assault Ace PC*
PC: *wielding blade sword* S-Stay back! I’m w-warning you!
Kaeion: Oh, please, boy, your threats mean nothing to me.
PC: Grrrr… YAAAAAAH!!!!
*the PC suddenly charges forward and thrusts his blade sword through Kaeion’s chest*
Kaeion: *gasp*
PC: (Got him!!!) …H-Huh!?
Kaeion: *grasps PC’s blade* …Hehehehe… Well, isn’t this something? *looks PC in the eye* …You’re Fidchell, aren’t you, boy?
PC: F-Fid-what!?
Kaeion: Hmmm… It would seem that you haven’t awakened yet… *raises right hand and generates black bracelet*
PC: W-What are you doing!?
Kaeion: …Data…
*in a swift explosion of data, Kaeion’s Data Drain creates a gaping hole in the PC’s chest*
PC: *gasp* W-Wha… What’s…happening…to me?
Kaeion: Relinquish to me…your Morganna Factor…
*Kaeion thrusts his hand into the PC’s heart…*
PC: *deep gasp*
*…and pulls out a small golden sphere surging with electricity; the PC falls limp to the ground*
PC: I…c-can’t move… Everything’s…becoming blurry…
Kaeion: Worry not. Your data will soon become one with the almighty Althena.
PC: Al…thena…?
*unable to say anything else, the PC’s player data vanishes in the breeze*
Kaeion: *looks down at golden sphere* …Hehehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Kaeion: …And the rest, as they say, is history! Hahaha!
Hayate: You… *clenches teeth* …You’re a monster!! A cold-blooded killer!!!
Kaeion: Hmph! *drops Hayate* Such derogatory language will only hasten your demise!
*just then, Kaeion would notice a scythe positioned by his neck*
Kaeion: Hmm…?
Kyuzo: Move…and you lose your pretty head.
Kaeion: …Hehehe… “Fidchell, the power to tell the dark future…” And do you know what I see in your future, Skeith?
Kyuzo: …
Kaeion: *glares at Kyuzo menacingly* …Never-ending darkness[/b]…
*in an instant, Kaeion vanishes and reappears high in the air, aiming his bracelet down at the Factor Users*
Kaeion: Prepare yourselves!!! Behold the powers Fidchell and myself combined!!! DRAIN…[/b][/size]
*a large sphere of data swirling with black and gold colors begins to generate on Kaeion’s bracelet*
Kaeion: …ARC!!![/b][/size]
*from the data sphere, a multitude of data tendrils shoot forth, down towards the Factor Users below, causing a large explosion; Kaeion returns to the ground after the smoke clears and discovers that the Factor Users were nowhere to be seen*
Kaeion: Hmph! I should’ve expected as much…
*meanwhile, the Factor Users get their bearings straight and realize that they were teleported to the Serpent of Lore*
Gwen: *blink* …What just happened?
Pi: *sigh* That was close…
Atoli: You alright, Aylia?
Ayliori: Yeah… I’m okay…
Hayate: *rises to feet* Send us back! That bastard’s gonna pay for destroying Fidchell’s Factor User!
Kuhn: Hayate, calm yourself! At the moment, Kaeion’s utilizing both the power given to him by Althena and Fidchell! You won’t stand a chance!
Endrance: And neither will we! How are we supposed to stop Althena’s arrival with only 7 of the 8 Factor Users!?
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* Hmm… It would appear that not all of what Kaeion said is true. While it’s true that Fidchell’s vessel no longer exists, traces of Fidchell’s data itself still linger within the system. …But just bits and pieces.
Ovan: So the Prophet can yet be salvaged…?
Pi: That remains to be seen. I’m afraid we’ll need to wait until Fidchell’s data remains bind themselves to another Player Character, or, if they’ve already done so, wait until they fully manifest.
Sakubo: *sigh* So once again, we’re at a dead end… If only Yata were here…
Ovan: …
Haseo: …You’re all dismissed for now.
*as the Factor Users and a couple of Epitaph Users take their leave, Ovan walks up to Pi*
Ovan: …Pi.
Pi: Hmm? Yes, Ovan?
Ovan: I’d like for you to track a certain player for me.
Pi: …?
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Piros VIII: …
Claire: …
Jack: …
Natsuki: …Don’t you all do anything around here?
Claire: Kyuzo usually keeps us on standby in case anything comes up.
Natsuki: …Well, that’s just boring. *stands up* I wanna do something!
Jack: …We could always send your ass to the Pit of Despair…
Natsuki: Come again!?
Jack: *sigh* Nothing…
*moments later, Kyuzo walks in*
Kyuzo: …Yo.
Natsuki: Hey, Kyuzo! What’s the idea of keeping your guildmembers confined to the @home until you tell us to do something!?
Kyuzo: … *raises eyebrow* …I never said you had to stay here all day. You wanna do something, do it. Don’t just sit around waiting for my approval. *walks into @home’s rear chamber*
Natsuki: … *smirk* Well, in that case… *turns to face others* Let’s go accept a quest!
Piros VIII: *stands up* I’m in!
Natsuki: Hehehe! I knew I could count on your support, Piro-kun!
Jack: *sweatdrop* …“Piro-kun”…?
Claire: …Let it go, Jack…
Kyuzo: *walks back out* …Where’s Samekh?
Jack: Hmm? Uh…I think he said something about meeting a friend.
Kyuzo: …
*in Mac Anu’s Central District, the Dance Macabre PC Neon bumped into earlier that day is seen purchasing something from the Medic Guild’s mini-shop*
Macabre: Hmm… Ah! Here we go. I’ll take this, please. *hands GP to shop owner*
Medic Guild Shop Clerk: Pleasure doing business with you!
*having purchased the item he’d been searching for, the Macabre PC turns around and prepares to head for the dome…*
Macabre: …Hmm?
*…when he sees Samekh standing a few feet away from him*
Samekh: … *smile* Hello there.
Macabre: …Hello. Can I help you in some way?
Samekh: As a matter of fact, you can…
Macabre: …
~ Dual City of Breg Epona; August 5, 2037 ~
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm ~ World of Sin Ran Hati*
*Hayate, Izumi, Neon, Chibi-Usa, Orion, and Miharu reach the exit of Floor 99 of the Forest of Pain, exhausted*
Hayate: *panting* I can see…why you guys…had trouble getting to…the last Floor… This place is insane…!
Neon: *falls to knees* Man… I don’t know how much more of this I can take… I’m completely out of items…
Miharu: … *walks up to Neon and hands him a Healing Potion* …Here, Neon. Take this.
Neon: Huh? *looks at Miharu* …But…isn’t that your last Healing Potion, Miharu?
Miharu: It’s okay. I can get by on Repth spells.
Neon: …
Miharu: …C’mon, take it.
Neon: …I… *takes Healing Potion from Miharu* …Thank you, Miharu.
Miharu: *blush* My pleasure.
Orion: Hehehe… I can just imagine what Coolidge would say at a time like this…
Usa-chan: Probably something like… “Get a room, you two!!!”
Miharu/Neon: *blush* …
Izumi: Hahahaha!
Hayate: Hehehehe… Alright, guys, we’ve rested enough. Just one more floor to go.
All: Ready!
*the group enters the Forest’s final chamber, but there was no one around*
Orion: Hmm… Strange. There should be a boss of some kind in here.
Usa-chan: Hey, the less work we have to do, the better I say!
Miharu: I dunno… I agree with Orion. Something about this doesn’t sit right with me.
Hayate: …Let’s head to the back room.
Izumi: Right.
*in the back room of the chamber was a tall tree, underneath which would normally be a reward awaiting whoever reached it; standing under the tree, the group finds…*
All: *gasp*
*…Kaeion*
Kaeion: Hmm? *turns to face Glaive LeGable* …Oh. It’s you.
Hayate/Neon: Kaeion!
Kaeion: I suppose you’ve come here in search of the last .hack//Arm. Unfortunately, you’re too late…
*hearing this, the group prepares to draw their weapons; Kaeion steps to the side to reveal to the group that the .hack//Arm was gone*
Kaeion: …and apparently…so am I.
All: *sigh*
Usa-chan: …Wait… That means we came all this way for nothing!!!
Kaeion: … *smirk* Not necessarily…
Usa-chan: Hmm?
Kaeion: *glares at the party* …At least I have a…consolation prize. Hehehe…
Neon: Tch! *draws dual swords*
Hayate: Get back, guys! *draws blade swords* Let Neon and I handle this!
Kaeion: Heh! *draws Spin Natsume* This should be entertaining…!
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Kuhn: This might be bad… If seven Factor Users couldn’t take on Kaeion, how much of a chance do two of them have?
Ovan: *bites down on thumb* (Well, Yata… If you plan to act, now’s the time…)
Pi: …Hmm? What’s this? …Haseo! I’m picking up the data signature of another player who’s warping into the Forest’s 100th floor!
Haseo: Warping!? Into the 100th floor!? That’s impossible! Who is it!?
Pi: I… I can’t tell! There’s too much encryption! We’ll have to wait until it comes within visual range!
*meanwhile…*
Neon:[/color] Flash of Green!!! [/b]
*Neon spins his dual swords around, generating a glowing green wind that swirls over Kaeion*
Kaeion: Grrrr…
*meanwhile, Hayate and a Hayate clone sneak up from behind Kaeion holding blade swords*
Hayate/Clone: Take this!!!
*the two Hayates swing their blade swords, but Kaeion vanishes at the last second…*
Hayate: What the…!?
*…and reappears a short distance in the air above Hayate, pointing the palm of his hand at Hayate’s face*
Hayate: *gasp*
Kaeion: Disappear…!!!
*from Kaeion’s palm shoots a burst of golden energy, sending Hayate flying back into the tree and dropping his HP to zero*
Kaeion: *turns to face Neon* And now you!
Neon: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Or perhaps… *looks at Glaive LeGable* …them instead!!!
Neon: No!
*Kaeion immediately flies towards Orion and the others with intent to kill*
Kaeion: DIE!!!!![/b][/size]
All: Aah!
*a loud slashing sound echoes throughout the room*
Kaeion: … *deep gasp*
*Kaeion is shortly seen kneeling on the ground with a wide chest wound; behind him, a mysterious PC is seen holding fans*
: My, my… You’re a wild one, aren’t you, Kaeion…?
Kaeion: *turns to face the PC* W-Who…?
*the PC turns to face Kaeion and straightens his glasses*
Zenjiro: …You may call me Zenjiro.
TO BE CONTINUED…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Pi: Hehehe… Besides the skin color, he’s practically the spitting image of Yata…
~*~*~*~
Kyuzo: Just ‘cuz you’re a Factor User, that doesn’t give you the right to muscle in on MY territory!
Zenjiro: …I’ll be sure to keep that in mind…
~*~*~*~
Kaeion: H-How!? This…can’t be possible…!!!
~*~*~*~
Samekh: All eight Factor Users have finally come together… Quite an accomplishment, wouldn’t you say?
Ovan: …So I was right. It is you…Yata.
Samekh: …Hehehe…
40th Phase: The Fidchell Factor Frenzy, Part 2![/color]
Haseo: …Hmm?
*…but ends up gating into a pure white pocket of space*
Haseo: What is this? Where am I?
: …Child of Morganna…Haseo: Hmm? *turns around* Who’s there?
*Haseo turns to be greeted by a beautiful platinum-haired woman draped in white*
Haseo: *gasp* Can it be…? …Is it really you…?
: …Listen to my words… I cannot hold Althena back any longer…Haseo: …Aura…?
Aura: …Please… You must find Fidchell… I’m afraid there’s no time left…
Haseo: No time…?
Aura: …I beg of you… Save Althena… Save [The World]… *vanishes*
Haseo: W-Wait! Aura, come back!
*in that instant, the white pocket of space collapses around Haseo and he finds himself in Mac Anu dome*
Haseo: …“Save…Althena”?
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 29, 2037 ~
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Ovan is seen monitoring the Factor Users’ training*
Ovan: …
*moments later, Haseo walks in*
Haseo: …Hey.
Ovan: Welcome back, Haseo. *turns to face him* …Something wrong?
Haseo: Huh…?
Ovan: You look like you and Shino just had a falling-out. Heh.
Haseo: …Aura…
Ovan: Hmm?
Haseo: …I met…with Aura…
Ovan: …
*meanwhile, in Mac Anu’s Central District, Miharu is seen stocking up on items…*
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Thanks! Come again!
*…and other various oddities; she holds up an amulet that she just bought from the Moon Tree mini-shop owner*
Miharu: Wow… It’s so shiny… *ties amulet around neck* Heh! A perfect fit!
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Hey! If you want, I’ll let you in on a little secret about that amulet.
Miharu: Hmm? What secret?
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: It’s said that if you walk alongside the person you have a crush on while wearing it, your love will blossom in no time flat!
Miharu: Our…love?
*thoughts of Neon begin to circle Miharu’s mind*
Miharu: … *blush* …O-Oh, that’s just ridiculous! As if a thing like that can happen in an online game! Hahahaha--!
: …Miharu?Miharu: --Huh!? *turns to see Neon* Aah! *falls over*
Neon: …You okay?
Miharu: *quickly gets to her feet* N-Neon! W-What are you doing here!?
Neon: Oh, I was just… Hmm? *notices Miharu’s amulet* …What’s this?
Miharu: Huh!? Oh, this!? It’s n-nothing! Hehehe!
Neon: …It looks nice on you.
Miharu: W-Wha…? *blush* Oh… T-Thanks, Neon…
Moon Tree Shop Clerk: Hehe! See, it’s working already!
*a few moments later, the two walk together down the main bridge leading to the dome*
Miharu: So, Usa-chan went to go watch Gwen’s Factor training?
Neon: Yup. And with Izumi watching Hayate train, Kuhn away for a couple hours, and Orion away at God-knows-where, I wasn’t exactly left with a lot of options.
Miharu: Hehehe…
Neon: …But I guess it’s not all bad. Besides…
Miharu: Hmm?
Neon: *holds Miharu’s hand* …I’m having fun just walking with you, Miharu.
Miharu: … *blush* N-Neon… *smiles* I’m having fun too.
*as the two walk into Mac Anu dome and up to the Chaos Gate, they immediately notice someone gating in*
Neon: Oh. That might be Usa-chan now.
*however, it isn’t Usa-chan that gates in, but Ayliori – in a new beautiful PC body; her hair was now long and tinted bluish-purple, and she was complete draped in purple with long black gloves and black sandals; the only thing remaining from her original PC body were her turquoise eyes*
Neon: …W-Who is…that…?
Ayliori: …Hmm? *gasp* Neo-kun! *runs over to Neon* How’s it going?
Neon: “Neo-kun”? …Wait… Ayliori!?
Miharu: Ayliori?!? THIS is Ayliori?!?
Ayliori: Yup! It’s me!
Neon: Your…PC, it’s…
Ayliori: Hmm? Oh, this? Hehehe. Well, the whole Factor User kinda threw me for a loop, so I figure if I’m gonna help save The World, I might as well look the part. You like it?
Neon: …It’s…gorgeous…
Ayliori: *blush* Awww, Neo-kun, you’re such a flatterer! Hahaha!
Miharu: Grrrr…
“Inner Miharu”: DAMN THAT LITTLE HUSSY!!! DAMN HER TO HELL!!! “LOOK THE PART”?!? THAT’S A COMPLETE LOAD!!! SHE CHANGED HER PC JUST TO GET NEON’S ATTENTION!!!
*the sound of Miharu’s grinding teeth echoes throughout the dome*
Neon: …You okay, Miharu?
Miharu: --Huh!? …O-Oh! I’m fine! Never better! Hehehe! … *lowers head* (Ohhh… I’m such a dork…)
*moments later, Gwen and Chibi-Usa are seen gating into Mac Anu*
Usa-chan: You’re getting better everyday, Gwen.
Gwen: Heh! As if there was any doubt! …Hmm?
Usa-chan: Neo-niichan?
Neon: Hmm? Oh. Hey, Usa-chan. Welcome back.
Gwen: You’re becoming more and more like Kuhn everyday, Neo-boy! Hah!
Neon: *sweatdrop* …
*several hours later, all of the Epitaph Users gather in the Serpent of Lore and discuss what had happened to Haseo earlier that day*
Pi: *crosses arms* Hmm… So Aura’s returned once more… But why would she appear before Haseo?
Kuhn: Probably because he was one of the three people she entrusted her power to.
Atoli: So she wants us to hurry and find Fidchell?
Ovan: Yes. Though, as things stand at the moment, we still can’t find him.
Endrance: Which, if you think about it, is rather strange. Of all the 8 Morganna Factors, Fidchell has one of the more powerful data signatures. We should’ve found his Factor User long ago.
Sakubo: I’m more curious about what Aura meant by “saving Althena”.
Haseo: Yeah… Why does Aura want us to “save” Althena if Althena’s our enemy?
Pi: … (Aura… I wonder what it is you’re thinking…)
*just then, a loud alarm goes off*
Atoli: Aah!
Ovan: What’s going on!?
Pi: *looking at monitor* …It’s Kaeion! He’s ambushed a group of players at Dark Morrigu Barrow!
Kuhn: Dark Morrigu Barrow… *sweatdrop* That’s definitely not good.
Haseo: Contact the Factor Users!
*a short while later, Hayate, Neon, Kyuzo, and Ayliori are seen running along the bridge leading to Mac Anu dome; while running, Neon accidentally brushes shoulders with a Dance Macabre PC draped in blue*
Neon: Oof! S-Sorry!
Macabre: Oh, that’s quite alright. You be careful now. *turns and walks away*
Neon: … (That guy… What was that atmosphere he had about him…?)
Hayate: NEON!!! Hurry up or we’ll leave you behind!
Neon: Huh? Oh! I-I’m coming!
*Θ Returning Invincible Huge Being ~ Dark Morrigu Barrow Wall*
*Kaeion approaches a group of players, who stand cornered at the edge of the cliff*
PC1: *draws broadsword* Y-You’d better back off, buddy!
Kaeion: Hehehe… Or what?
PC2: Grrrr… *draws gauntlets* King Hammer![/b]
*the second PC in the group attempts to charge Kaeion with a Grappler attack*
Kaeion: Tch!
*just by using his piercing gaze, Kaeion shatters the PC’s gauntlets into tiny bits of data; as soon as the PC comes within range, Kaeion grabs him by the head*
PC2: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Pathetic…
*with sheer brute force, Kaeion sends the PC flying over the edge of the cliff and into the ravine below*
PC2: AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!![/b]
*the remaining two PCs watch as their friend falls to his “death”, then slowly turn to face the menacing Kaeion*
Kaeion: *cracks knuckles* Now then…who’s next?
PC3: *gulp* You can’t possibly take us on by yourself!
PC1: Y-Yeah!
Kaeion: Hmm… You know something? …You’re right. I guess I’d better level the playing field, shouldn’t I? *snaps fingers*
*just then, the area’s foundation begins to shake*
PC1/PC3: *blink* Hmm?
*as the two PCs turn around, they notice The One Sin emerging from the ravine*
The One Sin: *roar*
PC1/PC3: …Oh, crap…
Kaeion: I was going to give your data to Althena…but you’re not worth the hassle! ONE SIN!!! DEVOUR THEM!!!
The One Sin: *loud roar*
*however, The One Sin doesn’t devour the two PCs; it unexpectedly falls to the ground, dead*
Kaeion: W-What?!?
*on top of The One Sin’s corpse, Neon and Vyce are seen standing side-by-side*
Vyce: *twirling energy chakram in hand* This slaughter ends here, Kaeion!
Kaeion: …You!
*looking around, Kaeion realizes that he’s surrounded by 7 of the 8 Factor Users*
Kaeion: Hehehe… I see you found Innis. Isn’t this poetic? All of the Factor Users gathered in one place for the first time.
Kyuzo: *props blade sword on shoulder* Y’know, Kaeion…last time I checked… *dashes at Kaeion* …you weren’t a Factor User!!!
*Kyuzo leaps at Kaeion with a Disaster Sword; Kaeion easily dodges and knocks Kyuzo aside with his broadsword*
Kaeion: You know, if you listen real close, you can hear Fidchell’s cries of anguish! Hahaha!
Gwen: *draws Lance Usagimaru* I dunno what the heck you’re goin’ on about… *dashes at Kaeion*…but I’ve had enough of your mouthing off!!!
*once again, Kaeion easily knocks Gwen aside with his broadsword*
Kaeion: Come now! You can at least TRY to hit me!
Hayate/Neon: With pleasure!!!
Kaeion: !!!
*Kaeion spins around to see Hayate and Neon jumping him with a Devil-Sword-Ghost-Falcon combo*
Kaeion: Tch!
*Kaeion manages to barely swat Hayate’s blade away, but is struck a couple times by Neon’s dual swords*
Kaeion: Gah!
Neon: Hah! Gotcha!
Kaeion: Grrrr… Indeed you did…! *grabs Neon’s collar*
Neon: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Now I’ve got you!
*with all of his strength, Kaeion tosses Neon a considerable distance and into the wall of Dark Morrigu Barrow*
Neon: …Ow…
Kaeion: Heh! …Hmm? *gasp* W-What the hell!? I…I can’t move!!!
*a faint blue light shrouds Kaeion’s feet as Ren is heard singing nearby; near Ren, Ayliori is seen powering up a magic spell*
Kaeion: Grrrr… Vak Don!![/b]
*Kaeion conjures a rain of fiery meteors to plummet onto Ren and Ayliori; the two of them leap out of the way of the meteors, releasing Kaeion from Ren’s binding song*
Kaeion: Heh!
Vyce: Pay attention, you silver-haired menace!
*Vyce charges at Kaeion in a frontal assault with an energy broadsword; Kaeion defends with his broadsword, and the two meet in a loud clash of swords; meanwhile, the two PCs nearby watch*
PC1: Dude…are you watching this?
PC3: I’m watching it…but I’m having a little trouble believing it…
Hayate: Hey, you two!
PC1/PC3: Huh?
Hayate: You need to get out of here right now!
PC1: HAH! Are you kidding!? This is the coolest fight I’ve ever watched!
PC3: *motions a thumbs-up* Same here!
Hayate: *sigh* That figures…
Kaeion: Armor Break![/b]
*Kaeion thrusts his broadsword at Vyce with intent to skewer, but Vyce jumps up at the last second to dodge and substitutes his broadsword for a pair of gauntlets*
Vyce: Tiger Strike![/b]
Kaeion: Don’t think so!
*with Vyce in midair, Kaeion swings his broadsword up, striking Vyce and sending him flying over the edge of the cliff*
Vyce: AAAAHHHH!!!!
All: VYCE!!!
*as soon as Vyce falls out of sight, Kaeion turns to face the other Factor Users*
Kaeion: One down…six to go…
Ayliori: *gulp*
*as Kaeion begins to approach the others, he senses someone’s presence behind him; he slowly turns around to see Vyce floating in midair*
Ren: Vyce! You’re okay!
Ayliori: And…you’re…flying!?
*the major parts of Vyce’s PC body give off a faint purple glow, and large rose petals are seen circling around his wrists, waist, and ankles*
Kaeion: …Y-You’re…!
Vyce: You’re surprised. Heh. I have that effect on people.
Kaeion: Tch!
Gwen: *smirk* Is it Avatar time already? Works for me!
*one-by-one, the remaining Factor Users summon their fully evolved Avatars; Kyuzo’s PC body glows red as he wields a scythe made of data and Skeith’s triple set of eyes glow on his forehead; Ayliori’s body glows turquoise as polygons of data circle her arms and neck; Neon’s body glows green as his legs are replaced by a long tail with sprouted leaves; Hayate’s body glows white as a pair of identical stone structures float behind him; Gwen’s body glows pink as her hair sways in the wind and a giant structure shaped like her crown circles her waist; Ren’s body glows bright blue as a large structure shaped like her hairpin floats behind her and a long, thin cloth resembling her hair ribbon connects her wrists*
Kyuzo: *twirling scythe* Gettin’ scared yet, K-boy?
Kaeion: …So you’ve all mastered use of your Morganna Factors. Hehehe. A little friend of mine has something to say about that. *clenches fists*
*Kaeion’s body suddenly gives off a yellow Epitaph glow*
Ren: *gasp* That glow…!!!
Kaeion: Now then… *cracks knuckles* Where were we?
Hayate: Grrrr… Factor Users, attack!
*the Factor Users all attack and assault Kaeion from the skies while he fends them off from the ground; the two PCs nearby continue to watch*
PC1: Oh, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen…!
PC3: I know, right!? And we have front-row seats!
*meanwhile, the Epitaph Users witness the battle from the Serpent of Lore*
Kuhn: How is Kaeion giving off that glow!?
Haseo: Pi! Analyze!
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* Hmm… Strange… That glow’s data signature is similar to Fidchell’s…yet at the same time, it isn’t…
Ovan: …
Atoli: Ovan? What’s wrong?
Ovan: …It’s…nothing…
*meanwhile…*
Hayate: *soars at Kaeion with Chthonian Sword* Take this!!!
*Kaeion uses his broadsword to fend off Hayate’s blue-silver sword, then uses his free hand to grab Hayate by the collar and send him flying into Neon*
Hayate/Neon: Oof!
*moments later, all of the Avatar-summoned Factor Users are seen on the ground, depleted of energy*
Kaeion: *looks down at own hands* Marvelous… *walks up to Hayate* The power of Morganna is so marvelous, is it not?
Hayate: I…don’t understand… How are you…doing this…!?
Kaeion: You ignorant little twit… You don’t know anything, do you!? You still haven’t figured it out yet!?
Hayate: W-What are you…talking about!?
Kaeion: Hasn’t it occurred to you why the Factor User of Fidchell hasn’t been located yet? Why, after all this time, he hasn’t manifested?
Hayate: …What?
Kaeion: …Unbelievable. Fine. *smirk* I’ll let you in on my little secret…
*Kaeion kneels down and picks up Hayate by his collar; their faces were just inches apart*
Kaeion: You want to know why you haven’t found him yet!? It’s because you’re too late! The Factor User of Fidchell is gone! I’ve already taken his life!
Hayate: !!!
Vyce: S-Say what!?
Kaeion: Indeed, it’s true… Oh, what a red-letter day that was…
*several weeks ago…*
*Kaeion is seen approaching an Assault Ace PC*
PC: *wielding blade sword* S-Stay back! I’m w-warning you!
Kaeion: Oh, please, boy, your threats mean nothing to me.
PC: Grrrr… YAAAAAAH!!!!
*the PC suddenly charges forward and thrusts his blade sword through Kaeion’s chest*
Kaeion: *gasp*
PC: (Got him!!!) …H-Huh!?
Kaeion: *grasps PC’s blade* …Hehehehe… Well, isn’t this something? *looks PC in the eye* …You’re Fidchell, aren’t you, boy?
PC: F-Fid-what!?
Kaeion: Hmmm… It would seem that you haven’t awakened yet… *raises right hand and generates black bracelet*
PC: W-What are you doing!?
Kaeion: …Data…
*in a swift explosion of data, Kaeion’s Data Drain creates a gaping hole in the PC’s chest*
PC: *gasp* W-Wha… What’s…happening…to me?
Kaeion: Relinquish to me…your Morganna Factor…
*Kaeion thrusts his hand into the PC’s heart…*
PC: *deep gasp*
*…and pulls out a small golden sphere surging with electricity; the PC falls limp to the ground*
PC: I…c-can’t move… Everything’s…becoming blurry…
Kaeion: Worry not. Your data will soon become one with the almighty Althena.
PC: Al…thena…?
*unable to say anything else, the PC’s player data vanishes in the breeze*
Kaeion: *looks down at golden sphere* …Hehehehe… HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Kaeion: …And the rest, as they say, is history! Hahaha!
Hayate: You… *clenches teeth* …You’re a monster!! A cold-blooded killer!!!
Kaeion: Hmph! *drops Hayate* Such derogatory language will only hasten your demise!
*just then, Kaeion would notice a scythe positioned by his neck*
Kaeion: Hmm…?
Kyuzo: Move…and you lose your pretty head.
Kaeion: …Hehehe… “Fidchell, the power to tell the dark future…” And do you know what I see in your future, Skeith?
Kyuzo: …
Kaeion: *glares at Kyuzo menacingly* …Never-ending darkness[/b]…
*in an instant, Kaeion vanishes and reappears high in the air, aiming his bracelet down at the Factor Users*
Kaeion: Prepare yourselves!!! Behold the powers Fidchell and myself combined!!! DRAIN…[/b][/size]
*a large sphere of data swirling with black and gold colors begins to generate on Kaeion’s bracelet*
Kaeion: …ARC!!![/b][/size]
*from the data sphere, a multitude of data tendrils shoot forth, down towards the Factor Users below, causing a large explosion; Kaeion returns to the ground after the smoke clears and discovers that the Factor Users were nowhere to be seen*
Kaeion: Hmph! I should’ve expected as much…
*meanwhile, the Factor Users get their bearings straight and realize that they were teleported to the Serpent of Lore*
Gwen: *blink* …What just happened?
Pi: *sigh* That was close…
Atoli: You alright, Aylia?
Ayliori: Yeah… I’m okay…
Hayate: *rises to feet* Send us back! That bastard’s gonna pay for destroying Fidchell’s Factor User!
Kuhn: Hayate, calm yourself! At the moment, Kaeion’s utilizing both the power given to him by Althena and Fidchell! You won’t stand a chance!
Endrance: And neither will we! How are we supposed to stop Althena’s arrival with only 7 of the 8 Factor Users!?
Pi: *typing on console keyboard* Hmm… It would appear that not all of what Kaeion said is true. While it’s true that Fidchell’s vessel no longer exists, traces of Fidchell’s data itself still linger within the system. …But just bits and pieces.
Ovan: So the Prophet can yet be salvaged…?
Pi: That remains to be seen. I’m afraid we’ll need to wait until Fidchell’s data remains bind themselves to another Player Character, or, if they’ve already done so, wait until they fully manifest.
Sakubo: *sigh* So once again, we’re at a dead end… If only Yata were here…
Ovan: …
Haseo: …You’re all dismissed for now.
*as the Factor Users and a couple of Epitaph Users take their leave, Ovan walks up to Pi*
Ovan: …Pi.
Pi: Hmm? Yes, Ovan?
Ovan: I’d like for you to track a certain player for me.
Pi: …?
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Piros VIII: …
Claire: …
Jack: …
Natsuki: …Don’t you all do anything around here?
Claire: Kyuzo usually keeps us on standby in case anything comes up.
Natsuki: …Well, that’s just boring. *stands up* I wanna do something!
Jack: …We could always send your ass to the Pit of Despair…
Natsuki: Come again!?
Jack: *sigh* Nothing…
*moments later, Kyuzo walks in*
Kyuzo: …Yo.
Natsuki: Hey, Kyuzo! What’s the idea of keeping your guildmembers confined to the @home until you tell us to do something!?
Kyuzo: … *raises eyebrow* …I never said you had to stay here all day. You wanna do something, do it. Don’t just sit around waiting for my approval. *walks into @home’s rear chamber*
Natsuki: … *smirk* Well, in that case… *turns to face others* Let’s go accept a quest!
Piros VIII: *stands up* I’m in!
Natsuki: Hehehe! I knew I could count on your support, Piro-kun!
Jack: *sweatdrop* …“Piro-kun”…?
Claire: …Let it go, Jack…
Kyuzo: *walks back out* …Where’s Samekh?
Jack: Hmm? Uh…I think he said something about meeting a friend.
Kyuzo: …
*in Mac Anu’s Central District, the Dance Macabre PC Neon bumped into earlier that day is seen purchasing something from the Medic Guild’s mini-shop*
Macabre: Hmm… Ah! Here we go. I’ll take this, please. *hands GP to shop owner*
Medic Guild Shop Clerk: Pleasure doing business with you!
*having purchased the item he’d been searching for, the Macabre PC turns around and prepares to head for the dome…*
Macabre: …Hmm?
*…when he sees Samekh standing a few feet away from him*
Samekh: … *smile* Hello there.
Macabre: …Hello. Can I help you in some way?
Samekh: As a matter of fact, you can…
Macabre: …
~ Dual City of Breg Epona; August 5, 2037 ~
*Σ Hidden Forbidden Sin Realm ~ World of Sin Ran Hati*
*Hayate, Izumi, Neon, Chibi-Usa, Orion, and Miharu reach the exit of Floor 99 of the Forest of Pain, exhausted*
Hayate: *panting* I can see…why you guys…had trouble getting to…the last Floor… This place is insane…!
Neon: *falls to knees* Man… I don’t know how much more of this I can take… I’m completely out of items…
Miharu: … *walks up to Neon and hands him a Healing Potion* …Here, Neon. Take this.
Neon: Huh? *looks at Miharu* …But…isn’t that your last Healing Potion, Miharu?
Miharu: It’s okay. I can get by on Repth spells.
Neon: …
Miharu: …C’mon, take it.
Neon: …I… *takes Healing Potion from Miharu* …Thank you, Miharu.
Miharu: *blush* My pleasure.
Orion: Hehehe… I can just imagine what Coolidge would say at a time like this…
Usa-chan: Probably something like… “Get a room, you two!!!”
Miharu/Neon: *blush* …
Izumi: Hahahaha!
Hayate: Hehehehe… Alright, guys, we’ve rested enough. Just one more floor to go.
All: Ready!
*the group enters the Forest’s final chamber, but there was no one around*
Orion: Hmm… Strange. There should be a boss of some kind in here.
Usa-chan: Hey, the less work we have to do, the better I say!
Miharu: I dunno… I agree with Orion. Something about this doesn’t sit right with me.
Hayate: …Let’s head to the back room.
Izumi: Right.
*in the back room of the chamber was a tall tree, underneath which would normally be a reward awaiting whoever reached it; standing under the tree, the group finds…*
All: *gasp*
*…Kaeion*
Kaeion: Hmm? *turns to face Glaive LeGable* …Oh. It’s you.
Hayate/Neon: Kaeion!
Kaeion: I suppose you’ve come here in search of the last .hack//Arm. Unfortunately, you’re too late…
*hearing this, the group prepares to draw their weapons; Kaeion steps to the side to reveal to the group that the .hack//Arm was gone*
Kaeion: …and apparently…so am I.
All: *sigh*
Usa-chan: …Wait… That means we came all this way for nothing!!!
Kaeion: … *smirk* Not necessarily…
Usa-chan: Hmm?
Kaeion: *glares at the party* …At least I have a…consolation prize. Hehehe…
Neon: Tch! *draws dual swords*
Hayate: Get back, guys! *draws blade swords* Let Neon and I handle this!
Kaeion: Heh! *draws Spin Natsume* This should be entertaining…!
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Kuhn: This might be bad… If seven Factor Users couldn’t take on Kaeion, how much of a chance do two of them have?
Ovan: *bites down on thumb* (Well, Yata… If you plan to act, now’s the time…)
Pi: …Hmm? What’s this? …Haseo! I’m picking up the data signature of another player who’s warping into the Forest’s 100th floor!
Haseo: Warping!? Into the 100th floor!? That’s impossible! Who is it!?
Pi: I… I can’t tell! There’s too much encryption! We’ll have to wait until it comes within visual range!
*meanwhile…*
Neon:[/color] Flash of Green!!! [/b]
*Neon spins his dual swords around, generating a glowing green wind that swirls over Kaeion*
Kaeion: Grrrr…
*meanwhile, Hayate and a Hayate clone sneak up from behind Kaeion holding blade swords*
Hayate/Clone: Take this!!!
*the two Hayates swing their blade swords, but Kaeion vanishes at the last second…*
Hayate: What the…!?
*…and reappears a short distance in the air above Hayate, pointing the palm of his hand at Hayate’s face*
Hayate: *gasp*
Kaeion: Disappear…!!!
*from Kaeion’s palm shoots a burst of golden energy, sending Hayate flying back into the tree and dropping his HP to zero*
Kaeion: *turns to face Neon* And now you!
Neon: *gasp*
Kaeion: …Or perhaps… *looks at Glaive LeGable* …them instead!!!
Neon: No!
*Kaeion immediately flies towards Orion and the others with intent to kill*
Kaeion: DIE!!!!![/b][/size]
All: Aah!
*a loud slashing sound echoes throughout the room*
Kaeion: … *deep gasp*
*Kaeion is shortly seen kneeling on the ground with a wide chest wound; behind him, a mysterious PC is seen holding fans*
: My, my… You’re a wild one, aren’t you, Kaeion…?Kaeion: *turns to face the PC* W-Who…?
*the PC turns to face Kaeion and straightens his glasses*
Zenjiro: …You may call me Zenjiro.
TO BE CONTINUED…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Pi: Hehehe… Besides the skin color, he’s practically the spitting image of Yata…
~*~*~*~
Kyuzo: Just ‘cuz you’re a Factor User, that doesn’t give you the right to muscle in on MY territory!
Zenjiro: …I’ll be sure to keep that in mind…
~*~*~*~
Kaeion: H-How!? This…can’t be possible…!!!
~*~*~*~
Samekh: All eight Factor Users have finally come together… Quite an accomplishment, wouldn’t you say?
Ovan: …So I was right. It is you…Yata.
Samekh: …Hehehe…
40th Phase: The Fidchell Factor Frenzy, Part 2![/color]
