Post by Hayate on Feb 6, 2008 21:07:10 GMT -5
[Written by "username: dekar", edited by me]
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 2, 2037 ~
*Kaga is seen gating into an area of massive ruin*
Kaga: Σ Closed Law’s Gate… The once-majestic Aerial City of Fort Ouph… If I’m right, it should be here.
*after exploring for several minutes, Kaga happens upon a ruined shrine; on top of nearby pillars, a group of decayed weapons is seen – a pair of dual swords, a pair of blade swords, and a broadsword*
Kaga: Hmm…
*Kaga walks up to the shrine entrance and brushes away the dust with his hand, revealing a small crevice where Chim Spheres could be inserted*
Kaga: Bingo!
*Kaga inserts a little over 50 Chim Spheres, causing the door to creak open to reveal a stairway*
Kaga: Huh… Well, that’s new.
*Kaga starts to descend the stairway; as he goes down, the shrine entrance closes shut behind him*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: I’m picking up K-Anomaly activity!
Haseo: Where is it now?
Pi: …Huh? That’s unexpected.
Endrance: What is it?
Pi: It’s at Closed Law’s Gate in the Sigma Server.
Ovan: Hmm…
Haseo: In any case, send word to the Factor Users right away!
Pi: Understood! …Hmm? Wait, there’s something else there!
Haseo: “Something else”?
Pi: … *gasp* It’s…! It’s…!
Haseo: What’s the matter, Pi? *looks up at the monitor* … *sweatdrop* Oh, perfect. It’s him.
Ovan: Hehehe… This should turn into an interesting afternoon…
*meanwhile, in Mac Anu Dome, Hayate stands by the Chaos Gate with his hands crossed, tapping his foot on the ground*
Hayate: …
*moments later, all of Glaive LeGable except for Miharu enter the dome*
Hayate: It’s about time! What took you so long!?
Orion: It’s only been 3 minutes since we got the message, Hayate…
Hayate: But Kyuzo, Gwen, and Ren have already gone ahead of us!
Izumi: Settle down, Hayate. Since when has fighting Kaeion become a competition between Factor Users?
Hayate: It’s not about the other Factor Users!
All: *gasp*
Hayate: *turns to face the Chaos Gate* …I’m gonna make that guy pay for what he did to Coolidge… *warps to the area*
Usa-chan: …Hayate…
*Glaive LeGable warps to Σ Closed Law’s Gate, where they meet with Kyuzo, Gwen, and Ren*
Gwen: *turns to face Glaive LeGable* You’re late.
Hayate: Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s just get going.
Kyuzo: Hey! Don’t show up late then try to act like you’re the boss!
Hayate: C’mon already! If we don’t hurry, Kaeion’s gonna get away again!
Neon: Hayate!
Hayate: *gasp*
Neon: We wanna make Kaeion pay for what he did to Coolidge just as much as you do, alright!? So stop acting like we don’t exist!
Usa-chan: Yeah! What he said!
Hayate: …Sorry.
Izumi: *smiles* It’s okay. As long as you understand.
Hayate: …Hey, something just occurred to me. Where’s Miharu?
Orion: She emailed us saying she had to stay after school today.
Hayate: Oh. I see.
Ren: *ahem* Are we gonna go now or what?
*for several minutes, Glaive LeGable and the Factor Users explore the ruins of Fort Ouph*
Izumi: So, what exactly is this place? It feels like a Lost Ground…
Orion: It’s not a Lost Ground. It’s the ancient city of Fort Ouph.
Neon: Fort Ouph… You mean that place mentioned in the history of The World? The city that fell from the sky and destroyed Dun Loireag?
Orion: Yes. …Although…
Gwen: Although what?
Orion: Considering how small this area’s field of navigation is, I’d assumed we would cross paths with Kaeion by now.
Usa-chan: Heh! I bet he’s hiding!
Kyuzo: *sarcastically* Yeah, that’s likely…
Ren: Maybe this area’s field of navigation isn’t as small as players think… Maybe there’s a hidden zone somewhere.
Hayate: Like at Megin Fi!
Orion: That might be the case. Let’s keep our eyes open for that hidden zone.
Izumi: You mean, something like that thing?
*the group turns to see the object Izumi was pointing to: the shrine entrance*
Gwen: …Well, that was easy.
Orion: *walks up to the door* Hmm… Looks like it needs Chim Spheres to open.
*Orion inserts 23 Chim Spheres into the door; nothing happens*
Orion: Hmm… Not enough.
Neon: I’ve got some Chim Spheres.
Izumi: Me too.
Usa-chan: I can help too!
*Neon, Izumi, and Usa-chan insert into the door a total of 34 Chim Spheres; the door into the shrine creaks open and reveals the downward stairway*
Ren: …Hey. Do you guys hear something?
Hayate: Hear what?
Kyuzo: …Sounds like the clashing of blades. It’s coming from in there.
Neon: Stay on your toes, guys.
*the group cautiously enters the shrine; meanwhile, a shadowy figure is seen walking a short distance behind the group*
: Well, well… This place has certainly become popular while I was away…
*the group reaches the bottom of the stairs and finds a room with walls of marble; the sound of clashing blades is at its loudest*
Izumi: Where’s that coming from?
Usa-chan: Look!
*the group looks ahead to see Kaga doing battle against Kaeion; some of Kaga’s data had broken up, but he was still able to fight*
All: Kaga!!!
Kaeion: Hmph. It looks like your friends have come to bail you out.
Kaga: Damn you…! Quit talking down to me!!! Vulcan Rf!!![/i]
*Kaga holds up a strange staff and summons to the field a great being of flames, which rams into Kaeion in an explosion of fire…*
Kaga: (Gotcha!)
*…but, as the smoke clears, Kaeion is shown unfazed by the attack*
Kaga: What!?
Kaeion: Hehehe… I think you singed some of my eyebrow hair off.
*Kaeion casts Zan Rom on Kaga, carrying him into the air and slamming him harshly onto the ground*
Kaga: Gah!!!
Kaeion: You see? It’s pointless for you to fight me.
Kaga: Dammit all… What the hell are you!?
Kaeion: Isn’t it obvious? I’m… *glares at Kaga* …a god.
Kaga: Hmph! I don’t believe in gods!
Kaeion: I suppose you don’t believe in ‘divine punishment’ either… *draws Spin Natsume* …but judgment is about to be passed on you anyway!
*just before Kaeion could finish Kaga with the Spin Natsume, he is struck by multiple Lei Zas beams and flies into the wall*
Kaeion: *stands up* Grrrr… *looks at the row of Factor Users*
Hayate: “Twin moons, shine down!” *emits a white glow*
Kyuzo: “Gaze into the face of death!” *emits a red glow*
Gwen: “Seek thy vengeance!” *emits a pink glow*
Ren: “Be reborn in the Earth!” *emits a blue glow*
Neon: “Born from the tree of mana!” *emits a green glow*
All: DATA DRAIN!!![/size]
*the five Factor Users all fire Data Drain blasts at Kaeion, who vanishes in a veil of speed and reappears in the air above them*
Kaeion: Factor Users… By the will of Althena, I will eradicate you!
Neon: *readies dual swords* Just try it, K-boy!!!
*however, just before Kaeion could strike, he is engulfed by black flames in the shape of a dragon and flies into the wall again*
Kaeion: GAH!!!
Gwen: Where’d that come from!?
: My, my, my… I go away for a little while and the whole system goes down the drain… What on Earth has Ovan been doing?
*the group turns to search for the source of the voice*
Hayate: Who’s there!?
*a tall PC steps forth from the shadows; his hair was as white as snow and he was wearing blackened armor plating underneath red cloth*
Dekar: Now, is that any way to greet the person who just saved you?
Gwen: …Okay, seriously, what’s with all the players with white hair nowadays?
Hayate: *sweatdrop* You’re not exactly one to talk, Gwen…
Gwen: Watch it, ‘dipstick’!
Ren: Dad!
All: “DAD”?!?[/i][/size]
Ren: …What?
Orion: Wait a moment. You’re…Dekar, are you not?
Dekar: Greetings, Orion. You’re doing well, I see. A pleasure to see you as well, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: Pffff! Whatever, old man.
Izumi: You know that man, Orion?
Orion: Well, he--
*before Orion could finish his sentence, Kaeion emerges from the rubble with an angry expression*
Kaeion: Grrrr… I’ve had enough distractions for one day!!!
Dekar: Hmm… Perhaps it’d be best to finish this conversation later.
*Kaeion draws the Spin Natsume again and dashes towards Dekar at full-speed*
Kaeion: GRAH!!!
*just before Kaeion comes within range, Dekar draws a blood-red spear and thrusts it at him a multitude of times; Kaeion dodges the thrusts and attacks again, but is surprised when the spear instantly converts to a black jagged sword and is thrown a short distance back by its swing*
Kaeion: Whew…
Dekar: Don’t let down your guard!
*Dekar charges at Kaeion with the jagged sword and attacks Kaeion multiple times; all Kaeion does is dodge*
Kaeion: (D-Dammit! He’s too fast!)
Dekar: What’s the matter!? I’d expected more from Althena’s lapdog!
Kaeion: !!!
*just by hearing Dekar say Althena’s name, Kaeion swings the Spin Natsume and connects with Dekar’s blade*
Dekar: Hmm?
Kaeion: *grits teeth* Don’t you EVER say her name in my presence!!!
Dekar: My, my… Did I strike a nerve?
*Kaeion fends off Dekar and backs away*
Kaeion: This isn’t over! Mark my words – this battle is far from over! *gates out*
Dekar: Hmph…
*Dekar turns around to see the others gathered near him*
Hayate: Okay, buddy! Just who the hell are you!?
Gwen: Where’d you come from!?
Usa-chan: Are you really Ren’s dad!?
All: *looks at Chibi-Usa*
Usa-chan: …What?!? You were all thinking it too!!!
Dekar: Haven’t we already ascertained my identity? Like Orion said, I’m Dekar.
Izumi: *crosses arms* Names don’t say much about the person they belong to.
Dekar: Hmm… Too true.
Miharu: So the answer the question already! What do you know about Kaeion!? And how do you know Orion and Kyuzo!?
Dekar: Please, settle yourselves. Why don’t we take this conversation elsewhere?
Kyuzo: Tch! Forget that! I’ve got better things to do than listen to the ranting of an old geezer! *gates out*
Dekar: …I see Kyuzo hasn’t changed much…
Orion: Unfortunately so…
*meanwhile, Kaga finishes repairing his own data nearby and rises to his feet*
Kaga: Grrrr… Dammit all! I would’ve been able to finish off that bastard… *looks down at the staff in his hand* …if I could just figure out how to work this thing!
Neon: Whatcha got there, Kaga?
Kaga: *turns to face group* Hmm? Oh, this?
Orion: *gasp* A .hack//Arm! It’s the Spell Wiseman! …But how are you able to wield it? It’s a Cleric staff, and you’re a Templar.
Kaga: Yes… I thought was rather strange too…
Hayate: …Hey, Gwen? Can I see the Lance Usagimaru for a minute?
Gwen: Huh? *takes out Lance Usagimaru* Sure, but what for?
*Hayate takes the Lance Usagimaru and equips it; the Lance instantly converts to a blade sword*
Usa-chan: Whoa…
Ren: I don’t get it. What just happened?
Orion: It’s appears that the .hack//Arms are reconfigurable. They can be wielded even when the class of the weapon doesn’t match the class of the user. Even I wasn’t aware of that.
Miharu: Wow… That’s kinda awesome.
Kaga: It doesn’t matter anyway. Even with the Spell Wiseman, I still couldn’t beat Kaeion.
Dekar: That’s simply because you don’t know how to tap into the .hack//Arms’ inner power.
Kaga: Tch! *gates out*
Dekar: *sigh* Guess I’m not as popular as I thought I was… Anyway, let’s be on our way, shall we?
*by just snapping his fingers, Dekar warps everyone to Mac Anu’s Mercenary District*
Usa-chan: COOL!!! Do it again!
Izumi: Usa-chan!
Usa-chan: …Sorry…
Hayate: Alright, now would you answer my question? Who exactly are you!?
Dekar: Well, if you really must know… As I’ve said, my name is Dekar, I’m Ren’s father, and I’m the chief CEO of CC Corp.
All: …WAIT, WHAT?!?[/i][/size]
Hayate: This guy’s the CEO of CC Corp.!? Ren, your dad runs The World!?
Neon: Why didn’t you tell us!?
Ren: … *shrugs shoulders* You didn’t ask.
Izumi: Excuse me, Mr. Dekar, but that doesn’t explain how you know Orion and Kyuzo.
Dekar: Well, that’s quite simple, young lady. It’s because, three years ago, I was the one who first told Orion and Kyuzo about the existence of the .hack//Arms.
All: YOU DID?!?[/i][/size]
Orion: Hehehe. Surprising, isn’t it? I still remember it vividly…
*three years ago, in the Hikari to Kage @home…*
Shirogane: ….hack//…Arms?
Dekar: Yes. A group of weapons whose power rivals that of the very Gods of The World themselves.
Kurogane: Pffff! I’ll believe that when I see it!
Dekar: You don’t believe, eh? Well then…
*in a matter of seconds, Dekar draws the Blade Balmung and ends Kurogane’s life in an instant*
Kurogane: *gasp, falls over dead*
Dekar: *brandishes Blade Balmung* …Now do you believe?
Shirogane: …But why us? Why did you choose us to find these “.hack//Arms”?
*three years later…*
Orion: “…Because The World is treading fast along the road to ruin, and the only ones that can save it are the players of today. After all, the new generation of players can’t rely on the old forever.”
Dekar: Haha. You remember.
Gwen: Ahem! Not to interrupt your little trip down memory lane, but I’ve got a question of my own. You and Kaeion mentioned this person named “Althena”…
Orion: Ah, yes. I’d nearly forgotten. Who is this Althena person, Dekar?
Dekar: Sorry. I’m afraid I can’t tell you that.
Neon: What do you mean, you can’t!? We’re busting our asses trying to help Haseo and the Epitaph Knights, and you can’t give us the answers we want!?
Dekar: Well, to be more accurate… It’s not that I can’t tell you. It’s that I don’t want to.
Hayate: Excuse me?!?
Dekar: What kind of adult would I be if I just spoon-fed you all the answers and not let you figure them out on your own?
Usa-chan: So, you’re letting people suffer and get turned into Lost Ones because you want us to LEARN?!?
Dekar: Yes.
Ren: Dad! What are you saying!?
Dekar: Forgive me, Ren. But that’s just the way this world is supposed to work.
Hayate: Grrrr… *steps forward* THAT’S A LOAD OF BULL!!!
Izumi: H-Hayate?
Hayate: The world doesn’t work in any one specific way! We make it work the way we want it to work!
Dekar: *sigh* It’s only natural for you not to understand. You’re still a child. You still don’t know anything about the real world yet.
Hayate: I’ve heard enough of you!!! Let’s go!!! You and me, right now!!!
Dekar: …Are you challenging me to a duel?
Hayate: You’re damn right I am!
Miharu: Hayate, are you nuts!? This guy’s the CEO of CC Corp.! He’s probably the most powerful PC in The World right now!
Dekar: …Very well.
All: *gasp*
Dekar: What are the terms of this duel?
Hayate: If I win, you have to tell me everything I want to know!
Dekar: And if I win?
Hayate: That’s not going to happen.
Dekar: Well, that doesn’t make much of a duel, now does it? Hmm… How about this? If I win, I can choose not to answer any more of your questions AND you have to acknowledge just how weak you are compared to me…publicly.
Hayate: Deal!
All: *gasp*
Gwen: Yup… Hayate’s gonna have his ass totally handed to him…
Ren: …Dad…
Dekar: Alright. Now that that’s settled…
*Dekar snaps his fingers again and the group is warped to Hulle Granz*
Usa-chan: MAN, that is cool!
Orion: Why this place?
Ren: This is Dad’s favorite area in The World.
Izumi: Is that so…?
Hayate: Alright! *draws Vorpal Blade and Caliburn blade swords* Let’s get it on! *dashes at Dekar*
Dekar: Haha! Well, aren’t we quick on the draw?
Hayate: *leaps into the air and drops down onto Dekar* HYAH!!!
Dekar: Rho Aias![/i]
*Hayate’s attack is halted by a great energy shield*
Dekar: Not that easy!
Hayate: Grrrr… *leaps away from Dekar and lands on ground* I’m not done yet! *dashes at Dekar again*
Dekar: Kansho & Bakuya![/i]
*Dekar materializes black and white matching dual swords to combat Hayate’s blade swords; the two meet in a loud clashing of blades*
Neon: Lord Partizan… Blade Brandier… Now a Twin Blade… I guess it’s only natural for the CEO of CC Corp. to be an Assault Ace.
Orion: …Not quite…
Neon: Hmm?
Orion: Just watch.
*as Hayate and Dekar clash blades, Dekar is given a wide enough opening for his dual swords to instantly convert into the black jagged sword he used against Kaeion; upon swinging the jagged sword, Dekar sends Hayate flying back onto the ground*
Hayate: GAH!!! …Dammit…
Gwen: H-Hey! His weapons changed in an instant! There wasn’t a delay time or anything!
Orion: Exactly. You see, like the Epitaph Knights, Dekar has a one-of-a-kind PC body. It allows him to use any type of bladed weapon in The World. Oddly enough, he never uses projectile weapons or guns.
Izumi: B-But that’s not fair! How’s Hayate supposed to win then!?
Orion: I know it’s not fair. But do you think Kaeion would care whether or not a fight was fair?
Usa-chan: I…guess that’s true. But still…
*Hayate returns to his feet and dashes at Dekar again, this time at blinding speed; he vanishes in a blur of speed and reappears in the air behind Dekar*
Hayate: I’ve gotcha now!!!
Dekar: Think again! *spins around* Mjollnir![/i]
*Dekar fires a stream of electric energy at Hayate, but he wasn’t there*
Dekar: Hmm? Where did he…?
Hayate: Over here!!!
Dekar: Huh!?
*Dekar turns around again, but is struck in the arm by the Caliburn and stumbles back a few steps*
Dekar: Gah!!!
Miharu: Holy crap! Hayate actually landed a hit!
Hayate: Hah! Is that all you’ve got!?
Dekar: … *glares at Hayate and points hand forward* Gandiva![/i]
*dozens of fiery arrows appears in the air around Dekar, which he fires at Hayate*
Hayate: Uh-oh!
*Hayate constantly keeps moving to avoid the arrows; as the last arrow passes by, Hayate prepares to counterattack; however, Dekar appears just a few inches away from Hayate…*
Hayate: *gasp*
Dekar: GAE BOLG!!![/i][/size]
*…and pierces his shoulder with a blood-red lance*
Hayate: GAAHHH!!!
Izumi: Hayate!
*having landed back onto the ground, Hayate struggles to return to his feet*
Hayate: Damn…you…
Dekar: Have you given up yet?
Hayate: Not…a chance…! *readies blade sword* (Saku-neechan, lend me your strength…!) …Chthonian Sword!!![/i]
*Hayate slams the Vorpal Sword and the Caliburn together and unleashes his mighty blue sword*
Dekar: Hmm… This is an interesting turn of events…
Hayate: *raises sword and flaps wing* It all ends here! *takes off into the air* TAKE THIS!!! *soars at Dekar*
Usa-chan: Hahaha! Dekar’s done for now!
Orion: …
Dekar: *looks up at Hayate* You’re right… It does indeed end here… Spear of Wotan![/i]
*Dekar draws a beautifully designed javelin and leaps into the air*
Hayate/Dekar: YAAAAAAAH!!!!!
*the two soar past each other in a brief flash of light, not knowing who dealt who the final blow*
Dekar: …
Hayate: … *falls to one knee* Urgh!!!
Dekar: … *smirks* Looks like I win.
Usa-chan: Aw, man… I was so sure Hayate would win.
Gwen: *crosses arms* Really? Hmph. I wasn’t.
*Hayate returns to his feet and puts his blade swords away*
Hayate: Dammit… Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!!!
Izumi: Oh, Hayate…
Dekar: *walks up to Hayate* You’re stronger than I anticipated. Good show.
Hayate: …
Dekar: …Oh. Are you worried about our wager? Hahaha. Did you actually take that seriously?
Hayate: H-Huh?
Dekar: I already know I’m stronger than you. Having everyone in The World know it makes no difference to me.
Hayate: Y-You… Then what the hell did you make that bet for?!?
Dekar: Because mind games are fun.
Hayate: *sweatdrop*
All: *sweatdrop*
Hayate: …Well, if you’re SO confident that you’re more powerful than me, why don’t you help fix the mess The World is in!?
Dekar: *turns away* …Because it’s not my place anymore.
Hayate: Huh? What are you talking about?
Dekar: You’ll find out in the near future. Until then…I believe you have more pressing matters.
Hayate: What pressing matters? *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? … *gasp* Kaeion! He’s at Wald Uberlisterin! Let’s get moving, guys!
All: Right!
*everyone gates out of the area except for Dekar*
Dekar: …To everything, a beginning and an end… Though I fear that the end may come sooner than I had hoped…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: I need you to investigate an area for me, Jack.
Jack: Yes, sir!
Kyuzo: And take Piros with you.
Jack: WHAT!?
Piros VIII: Huzzah!!!
~*~*~*~
Gwen: You… So you play this game too!?
~*~*~*~
Alkaid: Stay behind me, Hanabi!
Hanabi: Aly-neesan…
~*~*~*~
Ovan: I have an assignment for you, Gwen.
Gwen: But… Can’t you get Hayate or Kyuzo to do this instead?
Ovan: This is something only you can do.
Gwen: …
32nd Phase: Sounds of Sorrow![/color]
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 2, 2037 ~
*Kaga is seen gating into an area of massive ruin*
Kaga: Σ Closed Law’s Gate… The once-majestic Aerial City of Fort Ouph… If I’m right, it should be here.
*after exploring for several minutes, Kaga happens upon a ruined shrine; on top of nearby pillars, a group of decayed weapons is seen – a pair of dual swords, a pair of blade swords, and a broadsword*
Kaga: Hmm…
*Kaga walks up to the shrine entrance and brushes away the dust with his hand, revealing a small crevice where Chim Spheres could be inserted*
Kaga: Bingo!
*Kaga inserts a little over 50 Chim Spheres, causing the door to creak open to reveal a stairway*
Kaga: Huh… Well, that’s new.
*Kaga starts to descend the stairway; as he goes down, the shrine entrance closes shut behind him*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
Pi: I’m picking up K-Anomaly activity!
Haseo: Where is it now?
Pi: …Huh? That’s unexpected.
Endrance: What is it?
Pi: It’s at Closed Law’s Gate in the Sigma Server.
Ovan: Hmm…
Haseo: In any case, send word to the Factor Users right away!
Pi: Understood! …Hmm? Wait, there’s something else there!
Haseo: “Something else”?
Pi: … *gasp* It’s…! It’s…!
Haseo: What’s the matter, Pi? *looks up at the monitor* … *sweatdrop* Oh, perfect. It’s him.
Ovan: Hehehe… This should turn into an interesting afternoon…
*meanwhile, in Mac Anu Dome, Hayate stands by the Chaos Gate with his hands crossed, tapping his foot on the ground*
Hayate: …
*moments later, all of Glaive LeGable except for Miharu enter the dome*
Hayate: It’s about time! What took you so long!?
Orion: It’s only been 3 minutes since we got the message, Hayate…
Hayate: But Kyuzo, Gwen, and Ren have already gone ahead of us!
Izumi: Settle down, Hayate. Since when has fighting Kaeion become a competition between Factor Users?
Hayate: It’s not about the other Factor Users!
All: *gasp*
Hayate: *turns to face the Chaos Gate* …I’m gonna make that guy pay for what he did to Coolidge… *warps to the area*
Usa-chan: …Hayate…
*Glaive LeGable warps to Σ Closed Law’s Gate, where they meet with Kyuzo, Gwen, and Ren*
Gwen: *turns to face Glaive LeGable* You’re late.
Hayate: Yeah, yeah, whatever. Let’s just get going.
Kyuzo: Hey! Don’t show up late then try to act like you’re the boss!
Hayate: C’mon already! If we don’t hurry, Kaeion’s gonna get away again!
Neon: Hayate!
Hayate: *gasp*
Neon: We wanna make Kaeion pay for what he did to Coolidge just as much as you do, alright!? So stop acting like we don’t exist!
Usa-chan: Yeah! What he said!
Hayate: …Sorry.
Izumi: *smiles* It’s okay. As long as you understand.
Hayate: …Hey, something just occurred to me. Where’s Miharu?
Orion: She emailed us saying she had to stay after school today.
Hayate: Oh. I see.
Ren: *ahem* Are we gonna go now or what?
*for several minutes, Glaive LeGable and the Factor Users explore the ruins of Fort Ouph*
Izumi: So, what exactly is this place? It feels like a Lost Ground…
Orion: It’s not a Lost Ground. It’s the ancient city of Fort Ouph.
Neon: Fort Ouph… You mean that place mentioned in the history of The World? The city that fell from the sky and destroyed Dun Loireag?
Orion: Yes. …Although…
Gwen: Although what?
Orion: Considering how small this area’s field of navigation is, I’d assumed we would cross paths with Kaeion by now.
Usa-chan: Heh! I bet he’s hiding!
Kyuzo: *sarcastically* Yeah, that’s likely…
Ren: Maybe this area’s field of navigation isn’t as small as players think… Maybe there’s a hidden zone somewhere.
Hayate: Like at Megin Fi!
Orion: That might be the case. Let’s keep our eyes open for that hidden zone.
Izumi: You mean, something like that thing?
*the group turns to see the object Izumi was pointing to: the shrine entrance*
Gwen: …Well, that was easy.
Orion: *walks up to the door* Hmm… Looks like it needs Chim Spheres to open.
*Orion inserts 23 Chim Spheres into the door; nothing happens*
Orion: Hmm… Not enough.
Neon: I’ve got some Chim Spheres.
Izumi: Me too.
Usa-chan: I can help too!
*Neon, Izumi, and Usa-chan insert into the door a total of 34 Chim Spheres; the door into the shrine creaks open and reveals the downward stairway*
Ren: …Hey. Do you guys hear something?
Hayate: Hear what?
Kyuzo: …Sounds like the clashing of blades. It’s coming from in there.
Neon: Stay on your toes, guys.
*the group cautiously enters the shrine; meanwhile, a shadowy figure is seen walking a short distance behind the group*
: Well, well… This place has certainly become popular while I was away…*the group reaches the bottom of the stairs and finds a room with walls of marble; the sound of clashing blades is at its loudest*
Izumi: Where’s that coming from?
Usa-chan: Look!
*the group looks ahead to see Kaga doing battle against Kaeion; some of Kaga’s data had broken up, but he was still able to fight*
All: Kaga!!!
Kaeion: Hmph. It looks like your friends have come to bail you out.
Kaga: Damn you…! Quit talking down to me!!! Vulcan Rf!!![/i]
*Kaga holds up a strange staff and summons to the field a great being of flames, which rams into Kaeion in an explosion of fire…*
Kaga: (Gotcha!)
*…but, as the smoke clears, Kaeion is shown unfazed by the attack*
Kaga: What!?
Kaeion: Hehehe… I think you singed some of my eyebrow hair off.
*Kaeion casts Zan Rom on Kaga, carrying him into the air and slamming him harshly onto the ground*
Kaga: Gah!!!
Kaeion: You see? It’s pointless for you to fight me.
Kaga: Dammit all… What the hell are you!?
Kaeion: Isn’t it obvious? I’m… *glares at Kaga* …a god.
Kaga: Hmph! I don’t believe in gods!
Kaeion: I suppose you don’t believe in ‘divine punishment’ either… *draws Spin Natsume* …but judgment is about to be passed on you anyway!
*just before Kaeion could finish Kaga with the Spin Natsume, he is struck by multiple Lei Zas beams and flies into the wall*
Kaeion: *stands up* Grrrr… *looks at the row of Factor Users*
Hayate: “Twin moons, shine down!” *emits a white glow*
Kyuzo: “Gaze into the face of death!” *emits a red glow*
Gwen: “Seek thy vengeance!” *emits a pink glow*
Ren: “Be reborn in the Earth!” *emits a blue glow*
Neon: “Born from the tree of mana!” *emits a green glow*
All: DATA DRAIN!!![/size]
*the five Factor Users all fire Data Drain blasts at Kaeion, who vanishes in a veil of speed and reappears in the air above them*
Kaeion: Factor Users… By the will of Althena, I will eradicate you!
Neon: *readies dual swords* Just try it, K-boy!!!
*however, just before Kaeion could strike, he is engulfed by black flames in the shape of a dragon and flies into the wall again*
Kaeion: GAH!!!
Gwen: Where’d that come from!?
: My, my, my… I go away for a little while and the whole system goes down the drain… What on Earth has Ovan been doing?*the group turns to search for the source of the voice*
Hayate: Who’s there!?
*a tall PC steps forth from the shadows; his hair was as white as snow and he was wearing blackened armor plating underneath red cloth*
Dekar: Now, is that any way to greet the person who just saved you?
Gwen: …Okay, seriously, what’s with all the players with white hair nowadays?
Hayate: *sweatdrop* You’re not exactly one to talk, Gwen…
Gwen: Watch it, ‘dipstick’!
Ren: Dad!
All: “DAD”?!?[/i][/size]
Ren: …What?
Orion: Wait a moment. You’re…Dekar, are you not?
Dekar: Greetings, Orion. You’re doing well, I see. A pleasure to see you as well, Kyuzo.
Kyuzo: Pffff! Whatever, old man.
Izumi: You know that man, Orion?
Orion: Well, he--
*before Orion could finish his sentence, Kaeion emerges from the rubble with an angry expression*
Kaeion: Grrrr… I’ve had enough distractions for one day!!!
Dekar: Hmm… Perhaps it’d be best to finish this conversation later.
*Kaeion draws the Spin Natsume again and dashes towards Dekar at full-speed*
Kaeion: GRAH!!!
*just before Kaeion comes within range, Dekar draws a blood-red spear and thrusts it at him a multitude of times; Kaeion dodges the thrusts and attacks again, but is surprised when the spear instantly converts to a black jagged sword and is thrown a short distance back by its swing*
Kaeion: Whew…
Dekar: Don’t let down your guard!
*Dekar charges at Kaeion with the jagged sword and attacks Kaeion multiple times; all Kaeion does is dodge*
Kaeion: (D-Dammit! He’s too fast!)
Dekar: What’s the matter!? I’d expected more from Althena’s lapdog!
Kaeion: !!!
*just by hearing Dekar say Althena’s name, Kaeion swings the Spin Natsume and connects with Dekar’s blade*
Dekar: Hmm?
Kaeion: *grits teeth* Don’t you EVER say her name in my presence!!!
Dekar: My, my… Did I strike a nerve?
*Kaeion fends off Dekar and backs away*
Kaeion: This isn’t over! Mark my words – this battle is far from over! *gates out*
Dekar: Hmph…
*Dekar turns around to see the others gathered near him*
Hayate: Okay, buddy! Just who the hell are you!?
Gwen: Where’d you come from!?
Usa-chan: Are you really Ren’s dad!?
All: *looks at Chibi-Usa*
Usa-chan: …What?!? You were all thinking it too!!!
Dekar: Haven’t we already ascertained my identity? Like Orion said, I’m Dekar.
Izumi: *crosses arms* Names don’t say much about the person they belong to.
Dekar: Hmm… Too true.
Miharu: So the answer the question already! What do you know about Kaeion!? And how do you know Orion and Kyuzo!?
Dekar: Please, settle yourselves. Why don’t we take this conversation elsewhere?
Kyuzo: Tch! Forget that! I’ve got better things to do than listen to the ranting of an old geezer! *gates out*
Dekar: …I see Kyuzo hasn’t changed much…
Orion: Unfortunately so…
*meanwhile, Kaga finishes repairing his own data nearby and rises to his feet*
Kaga: Grrrr… Dammit all! I would’ve been able to finish off that bastard… *looks down at the staff in his hand* …if I could just figure out how to work this thing!
Neon: Whatcha got there, Kaga?
Kaga: *turns to face group* Hmm? Oh, this?
Orion: *gasp* A .hack//Arm! It’s the Spell Wiseman! …But how are you able to wield it? It’s a Cleric staff, and you’re a Templar.
Kaga: Yes… I thought was rather strange too…
Hayate: …Hey, Gwen? Can I see the Lance Usagimaru for a minute?
Gwen: Huh? *takes out Lance Usagimaru* Sure, but what for?
*Hayate takes the Lance Usagimaru and equips it; the Lance instantly converts to a blade sword*
Usa-chan: Whoa…
Ren: I don’t get it. What just happened?
Orion: It’s appears that the .hack//Arms are reconfigurable. They can be wielded even when the class of the weapon doesn’t match the class of the user. Even I wasn’t aware of that.
Miharu: Wow… That’s kinda awesome.
Kaga: It doesn’t matter anyway. Even with the Spell Wiseman, I still couldn’t beat Kaeion.
Dekar: That’s simply because you don’t know how to tap into the .hack//Arms’ inner power.
Kaga: Tch! *gates out*
Dekar: *sigh* Guess I’m not as popular as I thought I was… Anyway, let’s be on our way, shall we?
*by just snapping his fingers, Dekar warps everyone to Mac Anu’s Mercenary District*
Usa-chan: COOL!!! Do it again!
Izumi: Usa-chan!
Usa-chan: …Sorry…
Hayate: Alright, now would you answer my question? Who exactly are you!?
Dekar: Well, if you really must know… As I’ve said, my name is Dekar, I’m Ren’s father, and I’m the chief CEO of CC Corp.
All: …WAIT, WHAT?!?[/i][/size]
Hayate: This guy’s the CEO of CC Corp.!? Ren, your dad runs The World!?
Neon: Why didn’t you tell us!?
Ren: … *shrugs shoulders* You didn’t ask.
Izumi: Excuse me, Mr. Dekar, but that doesn’t explain how you know Orion and Kyuzo.
Dekar: Well, that’s quite simple, young lady. It’s because, three years ago, I was the one who first told Orion and Kyuzo about the existence of the .hack//Arms.
All: YOU DID?!?[/i][/size]
Orion: Hehehe. Surprising, isn’t it? I still remember it vividly…
*three years ago, in the Hikari to Kage @home…*
Shirogane: ….hack//…Arms?
Dekar: Yes. A group of weapons whose power rivals that of the very Gods of The World themselves.
Kurogane: Pffff! I’ll believe that when I see it!
Dekar: You don’t believe, eh? Well then…
*in a matter of seconds, Dekar draws the Blade Balmung and ends Kurogane’s life in an instant*
Kurogane: *gasp, falls over dead*
Dekar: *brandishes Blade Balmung* …Now do you believe?
Shirogane: …But why us? Why did you choose us to find these “.hack//Arms”?
*three years later…*
Orion: “…Because The World is treading fast along the road to ruin, and the only ones that can save it are the players of today. After all, the new generation of players can’t rely on the old forever.”
Dekar: Haha. You remember.
Gwen: Ahem! Not to interrupt your little trip down memory lane, but I’ve got a question of my own. You and Kaeion mentioned this person named “Althena”…
Orion: Ah, yes. I’d nearly forgotten. Who is this Althena person, Dekar?
Dekar: Sorry. I’m afraid I can’t tell you that.
Neon: What do you mean, you can’t!? We’re busting our asses trying to help Haseo and the Epitaph Knights, and you can’t give us the answers we want!?
Dekar: Well, to be more accurate… It’s not that I can’t tell you. It’s that I don’t want to.
Hayate: Excuse me?!?
Dekar: What kind of adult would I be if I just spoon-fed you all the answers and not let you figure them out on your own?
Usa-chan: So, you’re letting people suffer and get turned into Lost Ones because you want us to LEARN?!?
Dekar: Yes.
Ren: Dad! What are you saying!?
Dekar: Forgive me, Ren. But that’s just the way this world is supposed to work.
Hayate: Grrrr… *steps forward* THAT’S A LOAD OF BULL!!!
Izumi: H-Hayate?
Hayate: The world doesn’t work in any one specific way! We make it work the way we want it to work!
Dekar: *sigh* It’s only natural for you not to understand. You’re still a child. You still don’t know anything about the real world yet.
Hayate: I’ve heard enough of you!!! Let’s go!!! You and me, right now!!!
Dekar: …Are you challenging me to a duel?
Hayate: You’re damn right I am!
Miharu: Hayate, are you nuts!? This guy’s the CEO of CC Corp.! He’s probably the most powerful PC in The World right now!
Dekar: …Very well.
All: *gasp*
Dekar: What are the terms of this duel?
Hayate: If I win, you have to tell me everything I want to know!
Dekar: And if I win?
Hayate: That’s not going to happen.
Dekar: Well, that doesn’t make much of a duel, now does it? Hmm… How about this? If I win, I can choose not to answer any more of your questions AND you have to acknowledge just how weak you are compared to me…publicly.
Hayate: Deal!
All: *gasp*
Gwen: Yup… Hayate’s gonna have his ass totally handed to him…
Ren: …Dad…
Dekar: Alright. Now that that’s settled…
*Dekar snaps his fingers again and the group is warped to Hulle Granz*
Usa-chan: MAN, that is cool!
Orion: Why this place?
Ren: This is Dad’s favorite area in The World.
Izumi: Is that so…?
Hayate: Alright! *draws Vorpal Blade and Caliburn blade swords* Let’s get it on! *dashes at Dekar*
Dekar: Haha! Well, aren’t we quick on the draw?
Hayate: *leaps into the air and drops down onto Dekar* HYAH!!!
Dekar: Rho Aias![/i]
*Hayate’s attack is halted by a great energy shield*
Dekar: Not that easy!
Hayate: Grrrr… *leaps away from Dekar and lands on ground* I’m not done yet! *dashes at Dekar again*
Dekar: Kansho & Bakuya![/i]
*Dekar materializes black and white matching dual swords to combat Hayate’s blade swords; the two meet in a loud clashing of blades*
Neon: Lord Partizan… Blade Brandier… Now a Twin Blade… I guess it’s only natural for the CEO of CC Corp. to be an Assault Ace.
Orion: …Not quite…
Neon: Hmm?
Orion: Just watch.
*as Hayate and Dekar clash blades, Dekar is given a wide enough opening for his dual swords to instantly convert into the black jagged sword he used against Kaeion; upon swinging the jagged sword, Dekar sends Hayate flying back onto the ground*
Hayate: GAH!!! …Dammit…
Gwen: H-Hey! His weapons changed in an instant! There wasn’t a delay time or anything!
Orion: Exactly. You see, like the Epitaph Knights, Dekar has a one-of-a-kind PC body. It allows him to use any type of bladed weapon in The World. Oddly enough, he never uses projectile weapons or guns.
Izumi: B-But that’s not fair! How’s Hayate supposed to win then!?
Orion: I know it’s not fair. But do you think Kaeion would care whether or not a fight was fair?
Usa-chan: I…guess that’s true. But still…
*Hayate returns to his feet and dashes at Dekar again, this time at blinding speed; he vanishes in a blur of speed and reappears in the air behind Dekar*
Hayate: I’ve gotcha now!!!
Dekar: Think again! *spins around* Mjollnir![/i]
*Dekar fires a stream of electric energy at Hayate, but he wasn’t there*
Dekar: Hmm? Where did he…?
Hayate: Over here!!!
Dekar: Huh!?
*Dekar turns around again, but is struck in the arm by the Caliburn and stumbles back a few steps*
Dekar: Gah!!!
Miharu: Holy crap! Hayate actually landed a hit!
Hayate: Hah! Is that all you’ve got!?
Dekar: … *glares at Hayate and points hand forward* Gandiva![/i]
*dozens of fiery arrows appears in the air around Dekar, which he fires at Hayate*
Hayate: Uh-oh!
*Hayate constantly keeps moving to avoid the arrows; as the last arrow passes by, Hayate prepares to counterattack; however, Dekar appears just a few inches away from Hayate…*
Hayate: *gasp*
Dekar: GAE BOLG!!![/i][/size]
*…and pierces his shoulder with a blood-red lance*
Hayate: GAAHHH!!!
Izumi: Hayate!
*having landed back onto the ground, Hayate struggles to return to his feet*
Hayate: Damn…you…
Dekar: Have you given up yet?
Hayate: Not…a chance…! *readies blade sword* (Saku-neechan, lend me your strength…!) …Chthonian Sword!!![/i]
*Hayate slams the Vorpal Sword and the Caliburn together and unleashes his mighty blue sword*
Dekar: Hmm… This is an interesting turn of events…
Hayate: *raises sword and flaps wing* It all ends here! *takes off into the air* TAKE THIS!!! *soars at Dekar*
Usa-chan: Hahaha! Dekar’s done for now!
Orion: …
Dekar: *looks up at Hayate* You’re right… It does indeed end here… Spear of Wotan![/i]
*Dekar draws a beautifully designed javelin and leaps into the air*
Hayate/Dekar: YAAAAAAAH!!!!!
*the two soar past each other in a brief flash of light, not knowing who dealt who the final blow*
Dekar: …
Hayate: … *falls to one knee* Urgh!!!
Dekar: … *smirks* Looks like I win.
Usa-chan: Aw, man… I was so sure Hayate would win.
Gwen: *crosses arms* Really? Hmph. I wasn’t.
*Hayate returns to his feet and puts his blade swords away*
Hayate: Dammit… Dammit, dammit, DAMMIT!!!
Izumi: Oh, Hayate…
Dekar: *walks up to Hayate* You’re stronger than I anticipated. Good show.
Hayate: …
Dekar: …Oh. Are you worried about our wager? Hahaha. Did you actually take that seriously?
Hayate: H-Huh?
Dekar: I already know I’m stronger than you. Having everyone in The World know it makes no difference to me.
Hayate: Y-You… Then what the hell did you make that bet for?!?
Dekar: Because mind games are fun.
Hayate: *sweatdrop*
All: *sweatdrop*
Hayate: …Well, if you’re SO confident that you’re more powerful than me, why don’t you help fix the mess The World is in!?
Dekar: *turns away* …Because it’s not my place anymore.
Hayate: Huh? What are you talking about?
Dekar: You’ll find out in the near future. Until then…I believe you have more pressing matters.
Hayate: What pressing matters? *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? … *gasp* Kaeion! He’s at Wald Uberlisterin! Let’s get moving, guys!
All: Right!
*everyone gates out of the area except for Dekar*
Dekar: …To everything, a beginning and an end… Though I fear that the end may come sooner than I had hoped…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Kyuzo: I need you to investigate an area for me, Jack.
Jack: Yes, sir!
Kyuzo: And take Piros with you.
Jack: WHAT!?
Piros VIII: Huzzah!!!
~*~*~*~
Gwen: You… So you play this game too!?
~*~*~*~
Alkaid: Stay behind me, Hanabi!
Hanabi: Aly-neesan…
~*~*~*~
Ovan: I have an assignment for you, Gwen.
Gwen: But… Can’t you get Hayate or Kyuzo to do this instead?
Ovan: This is something only you can do.
Gwen: …
32nd Phase: Sounds of Sorrow![/color]
