Post by Hayate on Jan 22, 2008 21:34:59 GMT -5
[Written by “username: "diamondwolf”, edited by me]
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; June 19, 2037 ~
*Haseo and Pi stand side-by-side on the Alchemy District bridge, gazing into the water*
Haseo: …
Pi: …
Haseo: …Well? Are you gonna tell me why you called me out here or not?
Pi: …
Haseo: Look, if you have nothing to say, I’m leaving. *turns away and starts walking away*
Pi: …I crossed paths with the second Machinator today.
Haseo: *stops walking* …And?
Pi: He was impulsive, impatient, and rude… *looks at Haseo* …He seemed a lot like you when you first discovered your Epitaph…
Haseo: …
Pi: Listen, Haseo. I know that, during our days as members of G.U., you never thought much of me. But I believe we can move past that and try to help each other out.
Haseo: … *looks back at Pi* What’d you have in mind?
Pi: You let me use the Serpent of Lore’s vast observational capabilities, and I’ll help you locate the second generation of Epitaph Users.
Haseo: …You know how to find them?
Pi: Well, needless to say, I can’t find the ones that haven’t awakened yet. But I can find the ones that are close to awakening. You see, Haseo, each of the Player Characters that the Eight Phases embody gives off a distinct data signature that differentiates them from regular players. These data signatures are called “phase markers”. Phase markers give off a very weak signal when an Epitaph User hasn’t awakened, but the signal grows stronger when an Epitaph User is close to awakening, and that signal is at its strongest when an Epitaph User fully awakens. In its current state, the Serpent of Lore can’t detect phase markers until AFTER an Epitaph User has awakened. But, during G.U., Master Yata and I developed a program that gives the Serpent of Lore phase-marker-detection capability. In fact…it’s thanks to this program that we were able to track you down.
Haseo: …
Pi: So… Do we have a deal?
Haseo: …
*one hour later, in the Serpent of Lore…*
Ovan: Well, well, Haseo… When you said you needed to take a walk, I had no idea you had a romantic rendezvous. Hehehe…
Haseo: Shut your trap, Ovan!
Endrance: At any rate, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Pi. It’s been a while.
Pi: Likewise, Endrance.
Haseo: So, you said something about a program?
Pi: *walks up to console* I’ll load it in now.
Ovan: *walks up to Haseo* Did Pi happen to mention what she wanted to use the Serpent of Lore for?
Haseo: She didn’t give me any details. All she said was that she had an interest in the .hack//Arms.
Ovan: Hmm…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; June 26, 2037 ~
*Neon logs into the game*
Neon: YES!!! SUMMER VACATION AT LAST!!!
*as Neon walks through the districts of Neon, he notices several female players eyeing him*
Neon: …Okay… Why do I have the sinking feeling I’m being watched? *steps on a piece of paper* Hmm? *picks paper up* What’s this? …Oh, crap…
*Neon slowly turns around to see a small crowd of girls gathered behind him*
Neon: …Not good… *runs away*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Haseo walks in*
Haseo: Yo.
Endrance: Welcome back, Haseo.
Pi: Oh, good, you’re here. *walks over to Haseo* There’s been a development.
Haseo: What kind of development?
Pi: The system’s detected a phase marker.
Haseo: A Factor User?
*Haseo, Endrance, Ovan, and Pi walk over to the console*
Ovan: Which one is it?
Pi: I can’t tell which phase it is, but I do know which player the data signature belongs to. Let’s see…
Pi: …It’s this player here.
Endrance: PC information?
Pi: *types on console keyboard* …There.
Haseo: Hmph. How appropriate. Two Factor Users who belong to the same guild.
Ovan: “Xion”… Where’ve I heard that name before?
Pi: I’ll run the word “Xion” through the player database. *types on console keyboard* …There.
4 Results Found
PC Name: Neon
ID Number: S-254408
Job Class: Twin Blade
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Shiro Xion[/b]
PC Name: Chibi-Usa
ID Number: O-190266
Job Class: Assault Ace
Weapons Chosen: Broadsword, Dual Pistols, Whip
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Serena Xion[/b]
PC Name: Diamond Wolf
ID Number: G-448702
Job Class: Crystal Sage
Guild: None
Real Name: Sephiroth Xion[/b]
PC Name: Usagi Waren
ID Number: M-306198
Job Class: Hyper Ace
Weapons Chosen: Blade Sword, Bayonet, Scythe, Staff
Alias: Usagi of the Azure Moon
Arena Title: Crystal Palace Empress
Guild: None
Name: Usagi Tsukino Xion[/b][/center]
Ovan: Hmm… This might be bad.
Endrance: Why?
Ovan: Well, you see, Diamond Wolf and Usagi can be a bit…eccentric…when they’re playing The World.
Haseo: Ovan, you’re the most eccentric person I know. How bad can these two be?
Ovan: *turns away and sighs* Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Miharu: *tapping foot on ground* Ohhhh… Where the heck is Neon!? He should’ve been here by now!
Coolidge: Aw, what’s the matter, “Miharu-chan”? You miss your boyfriend? Hahaha!
Miharu: *glares at Coolidge* Seriously, Coolidge, do you EVER shut up?
Izumi: That’s just the way he is, Miharu. …Although I am a bit concerned. Neon knows the time we normally meet in the @home.
*just then, the @home entrance creaks open*
Hayate: Hey, maybe that’s him now.
*Chibi-Usa is seen walking in, holding a piece of paper*
Hayate: …Or not.
Izumi: What’s that you’re holding, Usa-chan?
Usa-chan: …Hmm? Oh, this? It’s the new ‘Hotlist’. It came out just today.
Orion: Really? That’s strange… I thought a new Hotlist is generated on the seventh day of each month…
Miharu: What’s a…‘Hotlist’?
Izumi: The ‘Hotlist’ lists the seven most attractive Player Characters in The World. They’re called the “Hotlisters”. There are two Hotlists – one for male PC’s and one for female PC’s.
Hayate: Oh… That’s cool…I guess.
Coolidge: So, who are the Hotlister guys this time? I’ll betcha I’m Hotlister #1!
Usa-chan: Let’s see, number 7 is Samekh from the Samurai 7.
Miharu: Pffff!
Usa-chan: Number 6 is…Coolidge!
Coolidge: Six!? …Ah, well, at least I’m cuter than Samekh! Hahaha!
Usa-chan: Hey, look at this! Hayate is number 5!
Hayate: *gasp*
Coolidge: WHAT?!? HAYATE’S CUTER THAN ME?!?
Izumi: Isn’t that great, Hayate?
Hayate: Uh… Sure, but I don’t think it’s that big a deal.
Usa-chan: Number 4 is Kyuzo… Number 3 is Orion…
Orion: Third place, eh?
Usa-chan: What the!? Number 2 is Endrance!
Miharu: Wow. There’s ACTUALLY a player out there that’s cuter than Endrance? Heh! This oughta be good.
Usa-chan: And the number one Male Hotlister is…
Hayate: …
Izumi: …
Coolidge: …
Miharu: …
Orion: …
Usa-chan: …Oh, no way!!!
All: WELL?!? WHO IS IT?!?
Usa-chan: It’s…Neon!!!
All: …WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?[/i][/size]
Orion: Now, that’s strange. Neon’s never made the Hotlist before. Why the sudden change…?
Miharu: You don’t think…he’s being mobbed by fan girls, do you!?
All: …Naaaaah.
*q Hidden Forbidden Battlefield ~ Coite-Bodher Battlefield*
*Neon is shown standing on top of a pillar; a small crowd of fan girls try to reach him from below*
Neon: Girls, please, control yourselves! I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, but this is too much!
Girl 1: Neon!!! I love you!!!
Girl 2: Just one little kiss!!!
Girl 3: Back off, bimbo!!! Neon’s mine!!!
Girl 4: Over my dead body!!!
Girl 1: That can be arranged!!!
*the fan girl crowd begins to brawl amongst themselves, giving Neon ample time to leap off the pillar and escape to Megin Fi; meanwhile, a platinum-haired PC body is seen gating into the Lost Ground*
Kaeion: Hehehe… Well, isn’t this nice? Little Neon’s prepared himself as a meal for me to devour… *looks at the crowd of girls* Oh, look! He’s even left me an appetizer!
*Kaeion turns to face the Chaos Gate and snaps his fingers, causing the Chaos Gate to turn from cerulean blue to blood red*
Kaeion: That should make sure no one interrupts my feast. Hehehe… *draws scythe*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: The phase marker’s signal is gradually growing stronger.
Haseo: Can you tell which of the Eight Phases it is?
Pi: Almost… Got it! It’s Magus!
Ovan: Hmm… That might also be bad.
Endrance: What now, Ovan?
Ovan: Do you remember the first Epitaph User of Magus, Kuhn?
Haseo: Yeah, what about him?
Ovan: Well, because he always acted the way he did around women, I theorize that his actions and mannerisms may have contaminated the Magus factor.
Pi: In what way?
Ovan: You remember how Haseo used to act 20 years ago. That affected the Skeith factor and may have influenced its decision to bind itself to Kyuzo.
Endrance: So, what does that have to do with Magus?
Ovan: Pi, locate the Magus Factor User right now.
Pi: *types on console keyboard* …Found him.
Neon (onscreen): Girls, please, control yourselves! I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, but this is too much!
Girl 1 (onscreen): Neon!!! I love you!!!
Girl 2 (onscreen): Just one little kiss!!!
Haseo: *sweatdrop* …So he’s popular with the girls. Big deal.
Ovan: It’s more than that. Because Kuhn contaminated Magus, the Magus factor – in its awakening stage – is exuding massive amounts of digital pheromones. Any female coming within range of that becomes instantly love-struck.
Haseo: …I thought this was all just a theory! Quit acting like a freakin’ know-it-all!
Endrance/Pi: Mm-hmm…
Ovan: … *sigh*
*just then, an alarm in the Serpent of Lore goes off*
Endrance: What’s happening!?
Pi: *types on console keyboard* It appears that the Coiste-Bodhar transporter was just locked down!
Haseo: What!? Who authorized that!?
Pi: *sees Kaeion on the screen*…Apparently he did.
Ovan: The K-Anomaly!
Haseo: Send word to the Factor Users and--
*just then, the group hears approaching footsteps*
Haseo: *turns around* Who’s there!? …Huh?
*the group notices a tall PC body with white hair and low-hanging wolf ears standing behind them*
: Hello there.
Haseo: Who are you!? And how’d you get in here!?
Ovan: *puts hand on Haseo’s shoulder* It’s alright, Haseo. He’s an ally.
Haseo: You know this guy, Ovan?
Ovan: Of course. *walks up to white-haired PC* Hello, Diamond Wolf. It’s nice to see you.
D. Wolf: Likewise, Ovan.
Endrance: So this is Diamond Wolf…
Ovan: *extends a hand to Diamond Wolf* I must say it’s a surprise to see you come here.
D. Wolf: *shakes Ovan’s hand* Well, I was in the district and decided to pop in.
Haseo: …Hey, Ovan. Anytime you’re ready to introduce us…
Ovan: Oh, I apologize. This is my good friend, Diamond Wolf. My daughter Aylia and his children Shiro and Serena all attend the same high school, and we end up meeting at the occasional open house.
Haseo: …Hey.
Endrance: Hello.
Pi: *bows* Very nice to meet you.
D. Wolf: Oh, no, the pleasure’s all mine. So…have there been any problems with the K-Anomaly as of late?
All: !!!
Haseo: …Ovan!!!
Ovan: Calm yourself, Haseo. I haven’t told Diamond Wolf a thing. He just…happens to be a skilled hacker.
Haseo: …Perfect…
Pi: Well, no point in hiding it, I suppose. Kaeion currently has several players trapped in the Coiste-Bodhar Battlefield, one of them being…your son.
D. Wolf: …I see. Well, be sure to notify the Factor Users and… *flashes an evil grin* …I’ll take care of the rest.
All: *gulp*
D. Wolf: …It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you. *walks out*
Haseo: … *glares at Ovan* “A bit eccentric”?!? I suppose Usagi’s got a few screws loose too, doesn’t she?!?
Ovan: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Coolidge: Admit it, Hayate! You cheated to get on the Hotlist, didn’t you!?
Hayate: Get away from me, Coolidge!
Coolidge: Not until you confess!!!
*Dawn Grunty suddenly jumps onto Coolidge’s head*
Dawn Grunty: Leave Hayate alone, you big bully!!!
Coolidge: GAH!!! Get it off me! Get it off me!
Hayate: *sigh* Jeez… *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Say what?!?
Izumi: What’s wrong? Is it Kaeion?
Hayate: ‘Fraid so! And he’s got Neon pinned at Coiste-Bodhar!
Usa-chan: WHAT?!?!?[/size] *hops to her feet* If that white-haired bastard does anything to Neo-niichan, I’ll tear ‘im a new one!!! *dashes out of the @home*
Orion: Usa-chan, wait! … *sigh* We’d better follow her.
*as Kyuzo, Gwen, Ren, and the members of Glaive LeGable run into the Mac Anu dome, they encounter Diamond Wolf*
D. Wolf: *turns around* Hmm? …Oh, good, you’re all here.
Gwen: Who’s the guy with the dog ears?
D. Wolf: *eye twitch* …They’re wolf ears…
Gwen: Tch. Whatever you say, buddy.
Usa-chan: What are you doing here, daddy?
All: “DADDY”?!?[/i][/size]
D. Wolf: I’ll be accompanying you to Coiste-Bodhar. Neon’s my son, after all.
Hayate: Oh… Ovan did mention that two “special” players would be coming with us to save Neon.
Ren: But who’s the other one?
D. Wolf: *smiles* She’ll be here any second.
*at that moment, a beautiful player with long golden hair gates in*
Blond PC: Hehehe… Sorry I’m late.
D. Wolf: Oh, not at all. You’re right on time actually.
Miharu: HOLY FREAKIN’ CRAP!!! IS THAT WHO I THINK IT IS?!?!?
Gwen: Depends. If you think it’s a blond woman with meatballs on her head, then yes.
Blond PC: …Watch it, girl…
Miharu: Are you guys serious?!? Even you should’ve heard of Usagi Waren, better known as “Usagi of the Azure Moon”!!!
Izumi: Oh, yeah! The Empress of the Crystal Palace!
Coolidge: Palace-goers must have their own fan club or something…
Kyuzo: Azure Moon, Crystal Palace – who cares?!? SHE’S HOT!!!
D. Wolf: …That’s my wife you’re ogling, boy…
All: Wife!? Then…that means…!?
Usa-chan: Yup! She’s my mom!
All: …
Miharu: GRAAAAAH!!! Why can’t I have any cool family members?!?
Hayate: Uh, guys? Don’t we have a mission to complete here?
*Usagi attempts to gate into Coiste-Bodhar, but Kaeion’s seal prevents her from doing so*
Usagi: Hmm… Just as Ovan said…
Usa-chan: It’s locked!? Then how are we supposed to save Neo-niichan!?
Usagi: Don’t worry, sweetie, we’ll save him. Are any of you Factor Users?
Hayate: You know about the Factor Users?
Usagi: Of course.
All: … *glares at Chibi-Usa*
Usa-chan: WHAT?!? I didn’t say anything!!!
*Kyuzo, Hayate, Gwen, and Ren step forward*
Usagi: Good. I’d like you all to make a circle around the Chaos Gate.
*the Factor Users all do what Usagi asks and assemble around the Chaos Gate*
Usagi: Now try to access Coiste-Bodhar and, when I say “now”, press the Action button on your controllers.
*Diamond Wolf and Usagi Waren hold out their hands and small crystals appear and float above the Chaos Gate*
Usagi: …Now!
D. Wolf/Usagi: GATE HACKING!!!
*white noise begins to run across everyone’s displays and, seconds later, the seal on Coiste-Bodhar’s transporter is undone*
Usagi: There!
Miharu: Wow… They’re so cool…
Coolidge: Miharu? *waves hand in front of Miharu’s face* …Yup. She’s gone.
Kyuzo: Great. Can we go now? This is boring me.
D. Wolf: …Not a very friendly kid, is he?
Usa-chan: You have no idea…
*meanwhile, in Coiste-Bodhar, Neon warps back to the transport pedestal from Megin Fi*
Neon: *looks around* … *sigh* Good. They’re gone.
*just then, from a short distance away, Neon hears a girl screaming*
Neon: Huh!? There’s still someone here!?
Girl: GET AWAY FROM ME!!!
Neon: Wait… That voice… *gasp* Oh, no!!!
*in another area in the Lost Ground, Kaeion is seen slowly approaching Ayliori, who was holding a pair of dual swords*
Ayliori: D-Don’t come any closer!
Kaeion: I come here to feast on Magus, and imagine my surprise to find you here as well! And what’s more, you have a present for me! Lady luck must be shining her light on me today!
Ayliori: I said, don’t come any closer!
Kaeion: Hmph! Oh, please! A Harvest Cleric barking orders at a god?!? Don’t make me laugh! *draws the Scythe Subaru* Now then…
Ayliori: *backs into a wall* Please…don’t…
Kaeion: Hehehe… I just love it when my prey looks so helpless…
*Ayliori closes her eyes as Kaeion raises his scythe; just then, dual swords are driven into Kaeion’s back several times*
Kaeion: GAAAAAAH!!!!![/size]
*Neon lands on the ground near Ayliori*
Ayliori: N-Neon!
Neon: *readies dual swords* You come any closer to her and I’ll tear you apart!!!
Kaeion: Grrrr… So, you’ve decided to come out of hiding after all. That saves me the trouble of having to hunt you down. *raises scythe* TAKE THIS--!!!
Ayliori: SHIVA PHA!!![/i]
*right before Kaeion could attack, he is instantly encased in ice*
Neon: *blinks* Huh? *looks back at Ayliori*
Ayliori: Hehe! Not bad for a Harvest Cleric, eh?
Neon: Hehehe… *extends hand to Ayliori* C’mon, let’s get out of here!
Ayliori: *takes Neon’s hand* Right!
*as Neon and Ayliori run towards the exit, Kaeion breaks out of the ice*
Kaeion: Hmm… So begins the hunt…
*meanwhile, the 11-PC team consisting of Diamond Wolf, Usagi Waren, Glaive LeGable, and the Factor Users gates in*
Hayate: Neon! Where are you!?
Usagi: If that Kaeion harms one hair on my little Shiro’s head… *draws bayonet* …he’s gonna have me to deal with!
Miharu: …Awesome…
Coolidge: …All in favor of leaving Miharu behind?
Miharu: Shut it, Coolidge!
*just then, Neon runs out into the open, holding Ayliori’s hand*
All: Neon!
Kyuzo: …Well, that was quick.
Neon: Guys!! You came!!
Usa-chan: Of course we came!!!
Gwen: Hittin’ on the ladies there, Neon-boy!? Hahaha!
Neon: Huh? *realizes he was still holding Ayliori’s hand* …Oh! *lets go of Ayliori’s hand* Hehehe…
Miharu: Grrrr…
*a black and white image appears above Miharu’s head in the style of “Inner Sakura” from Naruto*
“Inner Miharu”: GRRRR!!! HOW DARE THAT CLERIC HUSSY TRY TO STEAL NEON FROM ME!!! CHA!!!
Ren: …Guys, steam is coming out of Miharu’s ears…
Kyuzo: Dump water on her. That’ll fix it.
All: *laughing*
Miharu: *blush* Grrrr…
Usagi: *smile* …Hmm? *gasp* NEON, BEHIND YOU!!!
Neon: Huh!?
*Neon turns around to see Kaeion aiming his black bracelet at Ayliori*
Kaeion: DATA DRAIN!!!![/i][/size]
*several tendrils of data shoot forth from the bracelet and fly at Ayliori…*
Ayliori: *gasp*
*…but Neon pushes Ayliori out of the way and allows the data tendrils to pierce his PC body instead*
Neon: GRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!![/i][/size]
All: NEEEEEOOOOON!!!!![/i][/size]
*Ayliori watches in terror as Neon falls to the ground with a great gaping hole in his chest*
Ayliori: NOOOOOO!!!!!!
Kaeion: *puts bracelet away* Well… That was sickeningly heroic… *walks over to Neon’s body*
Ayliori: *steps in front of Kaeion* STAY AWAY FROM HIM, YOU MONSTER!!!
Kaeion: Tch! *slaps Ayliori to the ground* Wait your turn, you bitch! As soon as I’m done absorbing Magus, I’m coming for you next!
Usa-chan: *falls to knees* No… Neo-niichan… I nearly lost you once already…
Hayate: That son of a…!!!
*Miharu embraces Ren and cries*
Miharu: *crying* No… It can’t be true…
Ren: Oh, Miharu… Huh? *gasp* Miharu, everyone, look!
*while Kaeion looks down at Ayliori, Neon rises up off the ground; his PC body gives off a very faint green glow as the wound in his chest vanishes*
Hayate: No freakin’ way… Neon’s a…
All: …Factor User!
Kaeion: Hmm?
*as soon as Kaeion turns to face Neon, Neon’s hand tightly grasps Kaeion’s neck*
Kaeion: *gasp, choking*
Neon: …You’re dead…
Kaeion: Grrrr… I don’t…think so!!!
*a short burst of energy is released from Kaeion’s hand into Neon’s chest, releasing Kaeion from Neon’s chokehold*
Kaeion: *panting* I…will never die!!! *draws Scythe Subaru* PERISH!!!
*Kaeion jumps into the air and plunges down onto Neon with the Scythe Subaru, but just before it could connect, Neon grabs the blade end of the scythe with his hand*
Kaeion: What!?
Neon: *looks up at Kaeion* …Don’t make me repeat myself…
*Neon pulls the Scythe Subaru out of Kaeion’s hands, leaving him weaponless, and draws his own dual swords*
Neon: RENGEKI: GHOST FALCON!!!!![/i][/size]
*Neon unleashes a multitude of slashes into Kaeion’s PC body, sending him flying back a short distance*
Kaeion: *coughs*
Neon: …Well!?
All: Hmm?
Neon: *looks at the party* Don’t you want a piece of the action!?
Kyuzo: Heh! That’s all I gotta hear!
Hayate: *draws blade swords* ATTACK!!!
*the entire party charges in to attack Kaeion*
Kaeion: …Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me…
Hayate/Kyuzo: DEVIL SWORD!!![/i]
Orion/Gwen: SCARLET THRUST!!![/i]
Coolidge/Usa-chan: GATLING GUN!!![/i]
Izumi/Miharu: WRYNECK DIABOLICO!!![/i]
Ayliori/Ren: VULCAN PHA!!![/i]
*after being attacked ten times, Kaeion is thrown back a considerable distance*
Kaeion: *falls to one knee* Damn…it all…
*Diamond Wolf and Usagi Waren suddenly step forward*
D. Wolf: *looks at Usagi* Ready?
Usagi: Mm-hmm!
*the two suddenly draw matching weapons; Diamond Wolf draws the lightning sword Fuuraiken and Usagi draws the flaming sword Fuuenken*
Coolidge: Ooh…
D. Wolf: You’re gonna pay…
Usagi: …for hurting our darling boy!
D. Wolf: RIDE THE LIGHTNING!!![/i][/size]
Usagi: VOLCANIC VIPER!!![/i][/size]
*Kaeion is then barraged by fire and lightning attacks*
Kaeion: GAAAAAAH!!!! *falls to floor, but soon stands up again* I…cannot…be beaten…
D. Wolf: Dammit! His HP isn’t going any lower!
Neon: *steps forward* I’ll fix that…
Kaeion: *looks at Neon*
Neon: This is the end for you, Kaeion… *clenches fist* “Born from the tree of mana!” Magus!
*Neon’s green glow becomes more powerful and a green bracelet appears around his right wrist, which he aims at Kaeion*
Neon: TAKE THIS!!! TRANCE DRAIN!!!!![/i][/size]
*Neon fires from his bracelet a massive sphere of data…*
Kaeion: …
*…that explodes in a field of electricity when it collides with Kaeion*
Neon: GOTCHA!!!
*when the smoke clears, Kaeion is nowhere to be seen*
Neon: Tch! Dammit… That guy always manages to get away when he’s inches away from…death… *collapses from exhaustion*
All: Neon!
*as the party runs over to Neon, Kaeion is seen floating high in the air*
Kaeion: …And then there were five… *vanishes*
*several minutes later…*
Neon: … *wakes up* Ohhh…
Usa-chan: Look! He’s waking up!
Miharu: Thank goodness you’re okay, Neon! I thought I’d lost you!
Coolidge: “I”?
Miharu: … *blush* We! We thought we lost you! …Hehehe…
Neon: *gets to his feet and looks at Diamond Wolf and Usagi* Uh… Hi, mom. Hi, dad.
D. Wolf: To think… My own son a Factor User…
Usagi: We couldn’t be more proud of you, Neon…
Neon: *blush* Hehehe…
*later, in Mac Anu dome…*
Ayliori: *gives dual swords to Neon* Here. Take these.
Neon: Hmm? What are these?
Ayliori: They’re some dual swords I found. That Kaeion guy was bent on getting his hands on them.
*Neon is about to take the dual swords from Ayliori, but all of a sudden, Orion snatches them away*
Neon: Uh… H-Hey!
Orion: Magnificent… It’s the Spin Sora dual swords!
Coolidge: HAH!!! In your face, Kyuzo!!! That makes 8-to-6!!!
Kyuzo: You mean… *takes out Scythe Subaru* …8-to-7!
Coolidge: Hey! When did you get that!?
Kyuzo: That’s MY little secret! Hahaha! Later, losers! *walks away*
Gwen: Heh. He shut you up.
Coolidge: …I hate the Samurai 7…
Ayliori: Well, anyway… Um…
*out of the blue, Ayliori kisses Neon on the cheek*
Neon: *gasp*
All: *gasp*
Ayliori: *blush* Thanks for saving me… Bye! *logs out*
Miharu: Grrrr…
“Inner Miharu”: DAMN THAT CLERIC HUSSY!!! SHE IS TRYING TO STEAL NEON FROM ME!!! WELL, I’M NOT GONNA LET HER WIN!!! NEON WILL SOON BE MINE!!! CHA!!!
Ren: …Uh, guys, Miharu’s ears are steaming again…
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Haseo: So that makes 5 Factor Users…
Endrance: That just leaves Innis, Fidchell, and Macha…
Ovan: …We have company…
All: Hmm?
*the group turns around to see Usagi Waren flashing a fake smile*
Usagi: So… *draws Fuuenken* … “Usagi’s got a few screws loose”, does she?
All: …Oh, crap…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Ren: Who are you supposed to be?
Albert: Who, me? Oh, no one special. I’m just… *smiles* …your destiny.
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: Another guy’s moving in on my girl! I’ve gotta do something!
Usa-chan: …Since when is Ren your girl?
Coolidge: Don’t ruin my moment, Usa-chan.
~*~*~*~
Albert: I don’t think you get it, Cooly-boy. Ren wants nothing to do with you. You’re…obsolete.
~*~*~*~
Ren: What do you think you’re doing? …No! G-Get away!
30th Phase: The Dauntless Duelist![/color]
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; June 19, 2037 ~
*Haseo and Pi stand side-by-side on the Alchemy District bridge, gazing into the water*
Haseo: …
Pi: …
Haseo: …Well? Are you gonna tell me why you called me out here or not?
Pi: …
Haseo: Look, if you have nothing to say, I’m leaving. *turns away and starts walking away*
Pi: …I crossed paths with the second Machinator today.
Haseo: *stops walking* …And?
Pi: He was impulsive, impatient, and rude… *looks at Haseo* …He seemed a lot like you when you first discovered your Epitaph…
Haseo: …
Pi: Listen, Haseo. I know that, during our days as members of G.U., you never thought much of me. But I believe we can move past that and try to help each other out.
Haseo: … *looks back at Pi* What’d you have in mind?
Pi: You let me use the Serpent of Lore’s vast observational capabilities, and I’ll help you locate the second generation of Epitaph Users.
Haseo: …You know how to find them?
Pi: Well, needless to say, I can’t find the ones that haven’t awakened yet. But I can find the ones that are close to awakening. You see, Haseo, each of the Player Characters that the Eight Phases embody gives off a distinct data signature that differentiates them from regular players. These data signatures are called “phase markers”. Phase markers give off a very weak signal when an Epitaph User hasn’t awakened, but the signal grows stronger when an Epitaph User is close to awakening, and that signal is at its strongest when an Epitaph User fully awakens. In its current state, the Serpent of Lore can’t detect phase markers until AFTER an Epitaph User has awakened. But, during G.U., Master Yata and I developed a program that gives the Serpent of Lore phase-marker-detection capability. In fact…it’s thanks to this program that we were able to track you down.
Haseo: …
Pi: So… Do we have a deal?
Haseo: …
*one hour later, in the Serpent of Lore…*
Ovan: Well, well, Haseo… When you said you needed to take a walk, I had no idea you had a romantic rendezvous. Hehehe…
Haseo: Shut your trap, Ovan!
Endrance: At any rate, it’s a pleasure to see you again, Pi. It’s been a while.
Pi: Likewise, Endrance.
Haseo: So, you said something about a program?
Pi: *walks up to console* I’ll load it in now.
Ovan: *walks up to Haseo* Did Pi happen to mention what she wanted to use the Serpent of Lore for?
Haseo: She didn’t give me any details. All she said was that she had an interest in the .hack//Arms.
Ovan: Hmm…
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; June 26, 2037 ~
*Neon logs into the game*
Neon: YES!!! SUMMER VACATION AT LAST!!!
*as Neon walks through the districts of Neon, he notices several female players eyeing him*
Neon: …Okay… Why do I have the sinking feeling I’m being watched? *steps on a piece of paper* Hmm? *picks paper up* What’s this? …Oh, crap…
*Neon slowly turns around to see a small crowd of girls gathered behind him*
Neon: …Not good… *runs away*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Haseo walks in*
Haseo: Yo.
Endrance: Welcome back, Haseo.
Pi: Oh, good, you’re here. *walks over to Haseo* There’s been a development.
Haseo: What kind of development?
Pi: The system’s detected a phase marker.
Haseo: A Factor User?
*Haseo, Endrance, Ovan, and Pi walk over to the console*
Ovan: Which one is it?
Pi: I can’t tell which phase it is, but I do know which player the data signature belongs to. Let’s see…
Pi: …It’s this player here.
Endrance: PC information?
Pi: *types on console keyboard* …There.
PC Name: Neon
ID Number: S-254408
Job Class: Twin Blade
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Shiro Xion
Phase: Currently Unknown
ID Number: S-254408
Job Class: Twin Blade
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Shiro Xion
Phase: Currently Unknown
Haseo: Hmph. How appropriate. Two Factor Users who belong to the same guild.
Ovan: “Xion”… Where’ve I heard that name before?
Pi: I’ll run the word “Xion” through the player database. *types on console keyboard* …There.
Search Results for “Real Name:
Xion[/color]”4 Results Found
PC Name: Neon
ID Number: S-254408
Job Class: Twin Blade
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Shiro Xion[/b]
PC Name: Chibi-Usa
ID Number: O-190266
Job Class: Assault Ace
Weapons Chosen: Broadsword, Dual Pistols, Whip
Guild: Glaive LeGable
Real Name: Serena Xion[/b]
PC Name: Diamond Wolf
ID Number: G-448702
Job Class: Crystal Sage
Guild: None
Real Name: Sephiroth Xion[/b]
PC Name: Usagi Waren
ID Number: M-306198
Job Class: Hyper Ace
Weapons Chosen: Blade Sword, Bayonet, Scythe, Staff
Alias: Usagi of the Azure Moon
Arena Title: Crystal Palace Empress
Guild: None
Name: Usagi Tsukino Xion[/b][/center]
Ovan: Hmm… This might be bad.
Endrance: Why?
Ovan: Well, you see, Diamond Wolf and Usagi can be a bit…eccentric…when they’re playing The World.
Haseo: Ovan, you’re the most eccentric person I know. How bad can these two be?
Ovan: *turns away and sighs* Don’t say I didn’t warn you…
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Miharu: *tapping foot on ground* Ohhhh… Where the heck is Neon!? He should’ve been here by now!
Coolidge: Aw, what’s the matter, “Miharu-chan”? You miss your boyfriend? Hahaha!
Miharu: *glares at Coolidge* Seriously, Coolidge, do you EVER shut up?
Izumi: That’s just the way he is, Miharu. …Although I am a bit concerned. Neon knows the time we normally meet in the @home.
*just then, the @home entrance creaks open*
Hayate: Hey, maybe that’s him now.
*Chibi-Usa is seen walking in, holding a piece of paper*
Hayate: …Or not.
Izumi: What’s that you’re holding, Usa-chan?
Usa-chan: …Hmm? Oh, this? It’s the new ‘Hotlist’. It came out just today.
Orion: Really? That’s strange… I thought a new Hotlist is generated on the seventh day of each month…
Miharu: What’s a…‘Hotlist’?
Izumi: The ‘Hotlist’ lists the seven most attractive Player Characters in The World. They’re called the “Hotlisters”. There are two Hotlists – one for male PC’s and one for female PC’s.
Hayate: Oh… That’s cool…I guess.
Coolidge: So, who are the Hotlister guys this time? I’ll betcha I’m Hotlister #1!
Usa-chan: Let’s see, number 7 is Samekh from the Samurai 7.
Miharu: Pffff!
Usa-chan: Number 6 is…Coolidge!
Coolidge: Six!? …Ah, well, at least I’m cuter than Samekh! Hahaha!
Usa-chan: Hey, look at this! Hayate is number 5!
Hayate: *gasp*
Coolidge: WHAT?!? HAYATE’S CUTER THAN ME?!?
Izumi: Isn’t that great, Hayate?
Hayate: Uh… Sure, but I don’t think it’s that big a deal.
Usa-chan: Number 4 is Kyuzo… Number 3 is Orion…
Orion: Third place, eh?
Usa-chan: What the!? Number 2 is Endrance!
Miharu: Wow. There’s ACTUALLY a player out there that’s cuter than Endrance? Heh! This oughta be good.
Usa-chan: And the number one Male Hotlister is…
Hayate: …
Izumi: …
Coolidge: …
Miharu: …
Orion: …
Usa-chan: …Oh, no way!!!
All: WELL?!? WHO IS IT?!?
Usa-chan: It’s…Neon!!!
All: …WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?[/i][/size]
Orion: Now, that’s strange. Neon’s never made the Hotlist before. Why the sudden change…?
Miharu: You don’t think…he’s being mobbed by fan girls, do you!?
All: …Naaaaah.
*q Hidden Forbidden Battlefield ~ Coite-Bodher Battlefield*
*Neon is shown standing on top of a pillar; a small crowd of fan girls try to reach him from below*
Neon: Girls, please, control yourselves! I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, but this is too much!
Girl 1: Neon!!! I love you!!!
Girl 2: Just one little kiss!!!
Girl 3: Back off, bimbo!!! Neon’s mine!!!
Girl 4: Over my dead body!!!
Girl 1: That can be arranged!!!
*the fan girl crowd begins to brawl amongst themselves, giving Neon ample time to leap off the pillar and escape to Megin Fi; meanwhile, a platinum-haired PC body is seen gating into the Lost Ground*
Kaeion: Hehehe… Well, isn’t this nice? Little Neon’s prepared himself as a meal for me to devour… *looks at the crowd of girls* Oh, look! He’s even left me an appetizer!
*Kaeion turns to face the Chaos Gate and snaps his fingers, causing the Chaos Gate to turn from cerulean blue to blood red*
Kaeion: That should make sure no one interrupts my feast. Hehehe… *draws scythe*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: The phase marker’s signal is gradually growing stronger.
Haseo: Can you tell which of the Eight Phases it is?
Pi: Almost… Got it! It’s Magus!
Ovan: Hmm… That might also be bad.
Endrance: What now, Ovan?
Ovan: Do you remember the first Epitaph User of Magus, Kuhn?
Haseo: Yeah, what about him?
Ovan: Well, because he always acted the way he did around women, I theorize that his actions and mannerisms may have contaminated the Magus factor.
Pi: In what way?
Ovan: You remember how Haseo used to act 20 years ago. That affected the Skeith factor and may have influenced its decision to bind itself to Kyuzo.
Endrance: So, what does that have to do with Magus?
Ovan: Pi, locate the Magus Factor User right now.
Pi: *types on console keyboard* …Found him.
Neon (onscreen): Girls, please, control yourselves! I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, but this is too much!
Girl 1 (onscreen): Neon!!! I love you!!!
Girl 2 (onscreen): Just one little kiss!!!
Haseo: *sweatdrop* …So he’s popular with the girls. Big deal.
Ovan: It’s more than that. Because Kuhn contaminated Magus, the Magus factor – in its awakening stage – is exuding massive amounts of digital pheromones. Any female coming within range of that becomes instantly love-struck.
Haseo: …I thought this was all just a theory! Quit acting like a freakin’ know-it-all!
Endrance/Pi: Mm-hmm…
Ovan: … *sigh*
*just then, an alarm in the Serpent of Lore goes off*
Endrance: What’s happening!?
Pi: *types on console keyboard* It appears that the Coiste-Bodhar transporter was just locked down!
Haseo: What!? Who authorized that!?
Pi: *sees Kaeion on the screen*…Apparently he did.
Ovan: The K-Anomaly!
Haseo: Send word to the Factor Users and--
*just then, the group hears approaching footsteps*
Haseo: *turns around* Who’s there!? …Huh?
*the group notices a tall PC body with white hair and low-hanging wolf ears standing behind them*
: Hello there.Haseo: Who are you!? And how’d you get in here!?
Ovan: *puts hand on Haseo’s shoulder* It’s alright, Haseo. He’s an ally.
Haseo: You know this guy, Ovan?
Ovan: Of course. *walks up to white-haired PC* Hello, Diamond Wolf. It’s nice to see you.
D. Wolf: Likewise, Ovan.
Endrance: So this is Diamond Wolf…
Ovan: *extends a hand to Diamond Wolf* I must say it’s a surprise to see you come here.
D. Wolf: *shakes Ovan’s hand* Well, I was in the district and decided to pop in.
Haseo: …Hey, Ovan. Anytime you’re ready to introduce us…
Ovan: Oh, I apologize. This is my good friend, Diamond Wolf. My daughter Aylia and his children Shiro and Serena all attend the same high school, and we end up meeting at the occasional open house.
Haseo: …Hey.
Endrance: Hello.
Pi: *bows* Very nice to meet you.
D. Wolf: Oh, no, the pleasure’s all mine. So…have there been any problems with the K-Anomaly as of late?
All: !!!
Haseo: …Ovan!!!
Ovan: Calm yourself, Haseo. I haven’t told Diamond Wolf a thing. He just…happens to be a skilled hacker.
Haseo: …Perfect…
Pi: Well, no point in hiding it, I suppose. Kaeion currently has several players trapped in the Coiste-Bodhar Battlefield, one of them being…your son.
D. Wolf: …I see. Well, be sure to notify the Factor Users and… *flashes an evil grin* …I’ll take care of the rest.
All: *gulp*
D. Wolf: …It’s been a pleasure meeting all of you. *walks out*
Haseo: … *glares at Ovan* “A bit eccentric”?!? I suppose Usagi’s got a few screws loose too, doesn’t she?!?
Ovan: *sweatdrop* Hehehe…
*…Glaive LeGable @home…*
Coolidge: Admit it, Hayate! You cheated to get on the Hotlist, didn’t you!?
Hayate: Get away from me, Coolidge!
Coolidge: Not until you confess!!!
*Dawn Grunty suddenly jumps onto Coolidge’s head*
Dawn Grunty: Leave Hayate alone, you big bully!!!
Coolidge: GAH!!! Get it off me! Get it off me!
Hayate: *sigh* Jeez… *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Say what?!?
Izumi: What’s wrong? Is it Kaeion?
Hayate: ‘Fraid so! And he’s got Neon pinned at Coiste-Bodhar!
Usa-chan: WHAT?!?!?[/size] *hops to her feet* If that white-haired bastard does anything to Neo-niichan, I’ll tear ‘im a new one!!! *dashes out of the @home*
Orion: Usa-chan, wait! … *sigh* We’d better follow her.
*as Kyuzo, Gwen, Ren, and the members of Glaive LeGable run into the Mac Anu dome, they encounter Diamond Wolf*
D. Wolf: *turns around* Hmm? …Oh, good, you’re all here.
Gwen: Who’s the guy with the dog ears?
D. Wolf: *eye twitch* …They’re wolf ears…
Gwen: Tch. Whatever you say, buddy.
Usa-chan: What are you doing here, daddy?
All: “DADDY”?!?[/i][/size]
D. Wolf: I’ll be accompanying you to Coiste-Bodhar. Neon’s my son, after all.
Hayate: Oh… Ovan did mention that two “special” players would be coming with us to save Neon.
Ren: But who’s the other one?
D. Wolf: *smiles* She’ll be here any second.
*at that moment, a beautiful player with long golden hair gates in*
Blond PC: Hehehe… Sorry I’m late.
D. Wolf: Oh, not at all. You’re right on time actually.
Miharu: HOLY FREAKIN’ CRAP!!! IS THAT WHO I THINK IT IS?!?!?
Gwen: Depends. If you think it’s a blond woman with meatballs on her head, then yes.
Blond PC: …Watch it, girl…
Miharu: Are you guys serious?!? Even you should’ve heard of Usagi Waren, better known as “Usagi of the Azure Moon”!!!
Izumi: Oh, yeah! The Empress of the Crystal Palace!
Coolidge: Palace-goers must have their own fan club or something…
Kyuzo: Azure Moon, Crystal Palace – who cares?!? SHE’S HOT!!!
D. Wolf: …That’s my wife you’re ogling, boy…
All: Wife!? Then…that means…!?
Usa-chan: Yup! She’s my mom!
All: …
Miharu: GRAAAAAH!!! Why can’t I have any cool family members?!?
Hayate: Uh, guys? Don’t we have a mission to complete here?
*Usagi attempts to gate into Coiste-Bodhar, but Kaeion’s seal prevents her from doing so*
Usagi: Hmm… Just as Ovan said…
Usa-chan: It’s locked!? Then how are we supposed to save Neo-niichan!?
Usagi: Don’t worry, sweetie, we’ll save him. Are any of you Factor Users?
Hayate: You know about the Factor Users?
Usagi: Of course.
All: … *glares at Chibi-Usa*
Usa-chan: WHAT?!? I didn’t say anything!!!
*Kyuzo, Hayate, Gwen, and Ren step forward*
Usagi: Good. I’d like you all to make a circle around the Chaos Gate.
*the Factor Users all do what Usagi asks and assemble around the Chaos Gate*
Usagi: Now try to access Coiste-Bodhar and, when I say “now”, press the Action button on your controllers.
*Diamond Wolf and Usagi Waren hold out their hands and small crystals appear and float above the Chaos Gate*
Usagi: …Now!
D. Wolf/Usagi: GATE HACKING!!!
*white noise begins to run across everyone’s displays and, seconds later, the seal on Coiste-Bodhar’s transporter is undone*
Usagi: There!
Miharu: Wow… They’re so cool…
Coolidge: Miharu? *waves hand in front of Miharu’s face* …Yup. She’s gone.
Kyuzo: Great. Can we go now? This is boring me.
D. Wolf: …Not a very friendly kid, is he?
Usa-chan: You have no idea…
*meanwhile, in Coiste-Bodhar, Neon warps back to the transport pedestal from Megin Fi*
Neon: *looks around* … *sigh* Good. They’re gone.
*just then, from a short distance away, Neon hears a girl screaming*
Neon: Huh!? There’s still someone here!?
Girl: GET AWAY FROM ME!!!
Neon: Wait… That voice… *gasp* Oh, no!!!
*in another area in the Lost Ground, Kaeion is seen slowly approaching Ayliori, who was holding a pair of dual swords*
Ayliori: D-Don’t come any closer!
Kaeion: I come here to feast on Magus, and imagine my surprise to find you here as well! And what’s more, you have a present for me! Lady luck must be shining her light on me today!
Ayliori: I said, don’t come any closer!
Kaeion: Hmph! Oh, please! A Harvest Cleric barking orders at a god?!? Don’t make me laugh! *draws the Scythe Subaru* Now then…
Ayliori: *backs into a wall* Please…don’t…
Kaeion: Hehehe… I just love it when my prey looks so helpless…
*Ayliori closes her eyes as Kaeion raises his scythe; just then, dual swords are driven into Kaeion’s back several times*
Kaeion: GAAAAAAH!!!!![/size]
*Neon lands on the ground near Ayliori*
Ayliori: N-Neon!
Neon: *readies dual swords* You come any closer to her and I’ll tear you apart!!!
Kaeion: Grrrr… So, you’ve decided to come out of hiding after all. That saves me the trouble of having to hunt you down. *raises scythe* TAKE THIS--!!!
Ayliori: SHIVA PHA!!![/i]
*right before Kaeion could attack, he is instantly encased in ice*
Neon: *blinks* Huh? *looks back at Ayliori*
Ayliori: Hehe! Not bad for a Harvest Cleric, eh?
Neon: Hehehe… *extends hand to Ayliori* C’mon, let’s get out of here!
Ayliori: *takes Neon’s hand* Right!
*as Neon and Ayliori run towards the exit, Kaeion breaks out of the ice*
Kaeion: Hmm… So begins the hunt…
*meanwhile, the 11-PC team consisting of Diamond Wolf, Usagi Waren, Glaive LeGable, and the Factor Users gates in*
Hayate: Neon! Where are you!?
Usagi: If that Kaeion harms one hair on my little Shiro’s head… *draws bayonet* …he’s gonna have me to deal with!
Miharu: …Awesome…
Coolidge: …All in favor of leaving Miharu behind?
Miharu: Shut it, Coolidge!
*just then, Neon runs out into the open, holding Ayliori’s hand*
All: Neon!
Kyuzo: …Well, that was quick.
Neon: Guys!! You came!!
Usa-chan: Of course we came!!!
Gwen: Hittin’ on the ladies there, Neon-boy!? Hahaha!
Neon: Huh? *realizes he was still holding Ayliori’s hand* …Oh! *lets go of Ayliori’s hand* Hehehe…
Miharu: Grrrr…
*a black and white image appears above Miharu’s head in the style of “Inner Sakura” from Naruto*
“Inner Miharu”: GRRRR!!! HOW DARE THAT CLERIC HUSSY TRY TO STEAL NEON FROM ME!!! CHA!!!
Ren: …Guys, steam is coming out of Miharu’s ears…
Kyuzo: Dump water on her. That’ll fix it.
All: *laughing*
Miharu: *blush* Grrrr…
Usagi: *smile* …Hmm? *gasp* NEON, BEHIND YOU!!!
Neon: Huh!?
*Neon turns around to see Kaeion aiming his black bracelet at Ayliori*
Kaeion: DATA DRAIN!!!![/i][/size]
*several tendrils of data shoot forth from the bracelet and fly at Ayliori…*
Ayliori: *gasp*
*…but Neon pushes Ayliori out of the way and allows the data tendrils to pierce his PC body instead*
Neon: GRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!![/i][/size]
All: NEEEEEOOOOON!!!!![/i][/size]
*Ayliori watches in terror as Neon falls to the ground with a great gaping hole in his chest*
Ayliori: NOOOOOO!!!!!!
Kaeion: *puts bracelet away* Well… That was sickeningly heroic… *walks over to Neon’s body*
Ayliori: *steps in front of Kaeion* STAY AWAY FROM HIM, YOU MONSTER!!!
Kaeion: Tch! *slaps Ayliori to the ground* Wait your turn, you bitch! As soon as I’m done absorbing Magus, I’m coming for you next!
Usa-chan: *falls to knees* No… Neo-niichan… I nearly lost you once already…
Hayate: That son of a…!!!
*Miharu embraces Ren and cries*
Miharu: *crying* No… It can’t be true…
Ren: Oh, Miharu… Huh? *gasp* Miharu, everyone, look!
*while Kaeion looks down at Ayliori, Neon rises up off the ground; his PC body gives off a very faint green glow as the wound in his chest vanishes*
Hayate: No freakin’ way… Neon’s a…
All: …Factor User!
Kaeion: Hmm?
*as soon as Kaeion turns to face Neon, Neon’s hand tightly grasps Kaeion’s neck*
Kaeion: *gasp, choking*
Neon: …You’re dead…
Kaeion: Grrrr… I don’t…think so!!!
*a short burst of energy is released from Kaeion’s hand into Neon’s chest, releasing Kaeion from Neon’s chokehold*
Kaeion: *panting* I…will never die!!! *draws Scythe Subaru* PERISH!!!
*Kaeion jumps into the air and plunges down onto Neon with the Scythe Subaru, but just before it could connect, Neon grabs the blade end of the scythe with his hand*
Kaeion: What!?
Neon: *looks up at Kaeion* …Don’t make me repeat myself…
*Neon pulls the Scythe Subaru out of Kaeion’s hands, leaving him weaponless, and draws his own dual swords*
Neon: RENGEKI: GHOST FALCON!!!!![/i][/size]
*Neon unleashes a multitude of slashes into Kaeion’s PC body, sending him flying back a short distance*
Kaeion: *coughs*
Neon: …Well!?
All: Hmm?
Neon: *looks at the party* Don’t you want a piece of the action!?
Kyuzo: Heh! That’s all I gotta hear!
Hayate: *draws blade swords* ATTACK!!!
*the entire party charges in to attack Kaeion*
Kaeion: …Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me…
Hayate/Kyuzo: DEVIL SWORD!!![/i]
Orion/Gwen: SCARLET THRUST!!![/i]
Coolidge/Usa-chan: GATLING GUN!!![/i]
Izumi/Miharu: WRYNECK DIABOLICO!!![/i]
Ayliori/Ren: VULCAN PHA!!![/i]
*after being attacked ten times, Kaeion is thrown back a considerable distance*
Kaeion: *falls to one knee* Damn…it all…
*Diamond Wolf and Usagi Waren suddenly step forward*
D. Wolf: *looks at Usagi* Ready?
Usagi: Mm-hmm!
*the two suddenly draw matching weapons; Diamond Wolf draws the lightning sword Fuuraiken and Usagi draws the flaming sword Fuuenken*
Coolidge: Ooh…
D. Wolf: You’re gonna pay…
Usagi: …for hurting our darling boy!
D. Wolf: RIDE THE LIGHTNING!!![/i][/size]
Usagi: VOLCANIC VIPER!!![/i][/size]
*Kaeion is then barraged by fire and lightning attacks*
Kaeion: GAAAAAAH!!!! *falls to floor, but soon stands up again* I…cannot…be beaten…
D. Wolf: Dammit! His HP isn’t going any lower!
Neon: *steps forward* I’ll fix that…
Kaeion: *looks at Neon*
Neon: This is the end for you, Kaeion… *clenches fist* “Born from the tree of mana!” Magus!
*Neon’s green glow becomes more powerful and a green bracelet appears around his right wrist, which he aims at Kaeion*
Neon: TAKE THIS!!! TRANCE DRAIN!!!!![/i][/size]
*Neon fires from his bracelet a massive sphere of data…*
Kaeion: …
*…that explodes in a field of electricity when it collides with Kaeion*
Neon: GOTCHA!!!
*when the smoke clears, Kaeion is nowhere to be seen*
Neon: Tch! Dammit… That guy always manages to get away when he’s inches away from…death… *collapses from exhaustion*
All: Neon!
*as the party runs over to Neon, Kaeion is seen floating high in the air*
Kaeion: …And then there were five… *vanishes*
*several minutes later…*
Neon: … *wakes up* Ohhh…
Usa-chan: Look! He’s waking up!
Miharu: Thank goodness you’re okay, Neon! I thought I’d lost you!
Coolidge: “I”?
Miharu: … *blush* We! We thought we lost you! …Hehehe…
Neon: *gets to his feet and looks at Diamond Wolf and Usagi* Uh… Hi, mom. Hi, dad.
D. Wolf: To think… My own son a Factor User…
Usagi: We couldn’t be more proud of you, Neon…
Neon: *blush* Hehehe…
*later, in Mac Anu dome…*
Ayliori: *gives dual swords to Neon* Here. Take these.
Neon: Hmm? What are these?
Ayliori: They’re some dual swords I found. That Kaeion guy was bent on getting his hands on them.
*Neon is about to take the dual swords from Ayliori, but all of a sudden, Orion snatches them away*
Neon: Uh… H-Hey!
Orion: Magnificent… It’s the Spin Sora dual swords!
Coolidge: HAH!!! In your face, Kyuzo!!! That makes 8-to-6!!!
Kyuzo: You mean… *takes out Scythe Subaru* …8-to-7!
Coolidge: Hey! When did you get that!?
Kyuzo: That’s MY little secret! Hahaha! Later, losers! *walks away*
Gwen: Heh. He shut you up.
Coolidge: …I hate the Samurai 7…
Ayliori: Well, anyway… Um…
*out of the blue, Ayliori kisses Neon on the cheek*
Neon: *gasp*
All: *gasp*
Ayliori: *blush* Thanks for saving me… Bye! *logs out*
Miharu: Grrrr…
“Inner Miharu”: DAMN THAT CLERIC HUSSY!!! SHE IS TRYING TO STEAL NEON FROM ME!!! WELL, I’M NOT GONNA LET HER WIN!!! NEON WILL SOON BE MINE!!! CHA!!!
Ren: …Uh, guys, Miharu’s ears are steaming again…
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Haseo: So that makes 5 Factor Users…
Endrance: That just leaves Innis, Fidchell, and Macha…
Ovan: …We have company…
All: Hmm?
*the group turns around to see Usagi Waren flashing a fake smile*
Usagi: So… *draws Fuuenken* … “Usagi’s got a few screws loose”, does she?
All: …Oh, crap…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Ren: Who are you supposed to be?
Albert: Who, me? Oh, no one special. I’m just… *smiles* …your destiny.
~*~*~*~
Coolidge: Another guy’s moving in on my girl! I’ve gotta do something!
Usa-chan: …Since when is Ren your girl?
Coolidge: Don’t ruin my moment, Usa-chan.
~*~*~*~
Albert: I don’t think you get it, Cooly-boy. Ren wants nothing to do with you. You’re…obsolete.
~*~*~*~
Ren: What do you think you’re doing? …No! G-Get away!
30th Phase: The Dauntless Duelist![/color]
