Post by Hayate on Feb 13, 2008 21:38:42 GMT -5
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 2, 2037 ~
*a short time after chasing Kaeion away, Kyuzo returns to his @home*
Claire: Hmm? …Oh, hey, boss!
Jack: Something up?
Piros VIII: I bet he was turned down by another girl! Hahaha!
Jack/Claire: *glare at Piros*
Piros VIII: …What?
Kyuzo: *looks around* Where’s Samekh?
Jack: I think he’s in the back room doin’ more research.
Kyuzo: Thanks. *walks into rear chamber of @home*
Claire: Huh… Talk about weird… Usually, if anything comes out of Piros’ mouth, it’s straight to you-know-where.
Jack: Maybe he’s still bummed about Haruhi?
Piros VIII: *stands up* Fear not, my dear friends! It shalt not be long before we rescue Haruhi from the grimy clutches of evil!
Claire: *buries face in hands* Seriously, Piros, why do we even hang out with you…?
*in the rear chamber, Kyuzo finds Samekh analyzing the .hack//Arms*
Kyuzo: Samekh.
Samekh: Oh. Mr. Kyuzo. May I help you with something?
Kyuzo: Back when I was fighting Kaeion, he mentioned someone’s name. What do you know about a being called “Althena”?
Samekh: Hmm… The name does ring a bell. One moment… *searches through databanks of The World while leaving his PC stationary*
Kyuzo: …
Samekh: …Here it is. It’s mentioned in one of Jun Bansyoya’s lost Interim Reports. Do you recall CC Corp.’s “R.A. Plan” some 2 decades ago?
Kyuzo: Kinda. That was the plan involving the eight Epitaph Users to restore Aura, right?
Samekh: Correct. And do you also remember that plan causing over 80% of The World’s data to be permanently lost?
Kyuzo: Yeah, and a fire broke out at the main CC Corp. building?
Samekh: Yes. Here, let me read it for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interim Report 8: Genetics of the Unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was concerned about the R.A. Plan, so I opposed Amagi’s attempts to experiment with his program. Fearing the situation would worsen to a point of real danger, I secretly removed one Epitaph User from “The World” and hid it in my home computer. This was the Epitaph User integrated with the Morganna Factor of Tarvos the Avenger. Without all eight characters, there was no way the R.A. Program could be activated.
But Amagi didn’t even bat an eye at the expected absence of a key Epitaph User. It turned out that Amagi had secretly constructed a dummy Morganna Factor, and had prepared his own original Epitaph User as a backup. It didn’t take him long to deduce that the missing Epitaph User was my doing.
Amagi went ahead with his plan. He proceeded to gather seven of the potential Chosen Ones together. Systematically, he matched them up to each Epitaph User. Meanwhile, he used his own dummy Epitaph User to connect to the network and began testing the R.A. program.
This was the highpoint of Amagi’s life. If he succeeded in reviving the ultimate A.I., his genius would be considered on par with the great Harald Hoerwick. If he could somehow manage to control the ultimate A.I., then in the eyes of many, he would even surpass Harald’s genius.
He was playing with Genetics of the Unknown. And unfortunately, I knew it was only to further himself. He wished to combine his own mind, and fuse it with the ultimate A.I. He wanted to become a God inside the network using the eight pillars to support him.
As a result, Amagi’s experiment was anything but perfect. In an instant, the R.A. program crashed. Suddenly, over 80% of “The World’s” game data was completely wiped out. The minds of all seven potential chosen ones were caught up in the Morganna Factor’s rampage and they fell into comas. Sadly, Amagi suffered severe mental damage as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interim Report 9: Genocide of the Unfaithful
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amagi’s experimentation of the R.A. program ended in failure. I arrived shortly after the R.A. program went berserk and set about containing the situation. However, I was only able to recover a single Epitaph User from the devastation. The one I recovered was the Epitaph User integrated with the Morganna Factor of Propagation, Magus.
His experiment having failed, a deranged Amagi caused a fire to break out. The fire spread fast, consuming a third of the CC Corp. building, causing tremendous damage. The media was given news of only the fire itself, announcing to the public that several people were injured.
Genocide of the Unfaithful… What was the reason for this miserable failure? Most likely it was because Amagi did not approach “The World” with enough respect. It may also be that the one most cursed by the ghost of Harald Hoerwick was none other than Amagi himself. Whatever the reason, the R.A. Program’s failure and the huge fire that accompanied it caused over 80% of “The World’s” data to be lost. And at the same time, Project G.U.’s research data was also irreparably damaged.
G.U. was suspended and I took responsibility for the project’s failure by resigning from CC Corporation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samekh: …It goes on from there, but you get my point.
Kyuzo: So the fire at CC Corp. was caused by a person?
Samekh: That’s correct.
Kyuzo: But what does all this have to do with Althena?
Samekh: It has everything to do with Althena, Mr. Kyuzo. The dummy Morganna Factor that Jyotaro Amagi had created to replace Tarvos? That was Althena.
Kyuzo: *gasp*
Samekh: Apparently, shortly after Amagi logged into the game using the false Epitaph User of Althena, Althena had quickly gained sentience due to the piece of the Morganna Factor used to create her. Similar to the case of Harald Hoerwick, Althena assumed independence from Amagi and caused him to go mad. You know the end result.
Kyuzo: So this Althena’s been lurking in the systems behind CC Corp.’s eyes for 20 years?
Samekh: Not exactly. You see, although CC Corp.’s R.A. Plan failed to bring Aura back, she did eventually return of her own volition.
Kyuzo: …
“…I am Aura. I am the twilight goddess that brought about this world’s dawn…”
“…I have no power to decide the future of this world. The future of this world will be decided…by you players of the game, by people. The future of the world lies at the ends of human will…”
“…The bonds between our souls are what drive the world. And it will be all of you who drive our new world. Now, you must go… Little children of Morganna…”
Samekh: After Aura’s return, I speculate that she assumed control of the system from Althena. Althena resisted and Aura drove her to the far reaches of The World where she could cause no harm to the network. But driving Althena away had depleted much of Aura’s power.
Kyuzo: Let me guess… That’s when she made Haseo, Endrance, and Ovan the “Knights of the Epitaph” – so that they’d be able to combat Althena if she ever surfaced again.
Samekh: Indeed.
Kyuzo: So, why has Althena chosen now to pop up again?
Samekh: It might have to do with the emergence of the second generation of Epitaph Users and the discovery of the .hack//Arms.
Kyuzo: Well, that figures… I guess that’s yet another reason to find the .hack//Arms before anyone else does.
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to eavesdrop on Kyuzo and Samekh’s conversation*
Haseo: *smirk* Looks like Kyuzo’s figured it all out. All I can say is, it’s about time.
Ovan: Indeed… But, you know, Kyuzo would never have figured it out as fast as he did… *points to Samekh* …without outside assistance.
Endrance: What do we know about this Samekh person anyway?
Pi: I’ve attempted to do several background checks on him, but the data’s all encrypted. It’ll take some time to break it.
Ovan: … (There’s only one person I know who’d have access to all that information…) *smirk*
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 4, 2037 ~
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …Hey, boss?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …Boss?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …BOSS!!!
Kyuzo: WHAT?!?[/b] For God’s sake, I’m listening!!!
Jack: *gulp* W-Well, it’s just that things have been kinda slow for us lately, and I was wondering… Are we ever gonna go out and DO something!?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: *lowers head* …That’s what I was afraid of…
Kyuzo: …Well…
Jack: Hmm?
Kyuzo: There is this one area I need investigating. But its level is way too high for any of us to try and take on, even with the power of Skeith on my side. But…if you think you can handle it…
Jack: No sweat! Just leave it to me!
Kyuzo: Alright, glad to hear it. Oh, and one more thing.
Jack: Yeah?
Kyuzo: … *points to Piros VIII* …Take Piros with you.
Jack: No prob-- Wait, WHAT?!?
Piros VIII: What ho! Do I sense adventure afoot!?
Jack: Boss, you can’t be serious!
Kyuzo: You know what they say – there’s strength in numbers.
Jack: Then, let me take Claire instead!
Kyuzo: Uh, Jack…? *looks around* …Claire ain’t here.
Jack: …
Piros VIII: Huzzah!!! *takes Jack’s hand* Come, my friend! The call to adventure beckons us!
Kyuzo: *flashes a fake smile* Have fun, you two!
Jack: *grits teeth, glares at Kyuzo* I’m gonna get you for this… GAH!!! Dammit, Piros, you tryin’ to yank my whole arm off or something!?
Kyuzo: …
*moments later, Claire is seen walking out of the @home’s rear chamber*
Claire: Ohhhh… That Samekh’s explanations are too damn long… It feels like part of my brain just imploded… Hmm? Where’d Jack and Piros go?
Kyuzo: *smirk* Let’s just say that where they’re going is the punch line to a cruel joke… Hehehe…
Claire: *sweatdrop* …Huh?
*meanwhile, Gwen is seen walking through Mac Anu’s Central District*
Gwen: *whistling* Man… Without any Data Bugs to beat up, this game’s kinda boring…
*just then, her left shoulder bumps into the right shoulder of a Blade Brandier with bright-red hair*
Gwen: Aah! …Hey, watch where I’m walking, redhead!
Hanabi: *turns around* You talkin’ to me, ya old hag?!?
Gwen: “OLD HAG”?!? I’m not that much older than you, you little piece of-- Huh?
*Gwen looks a considerable distance past Hanabi to see a brown-haired PC walking into Mac Anu Dome*
Gwen: … (Was that…?)
Hanabi: HEY!!![/b] Look at me when I’m talking to you!!!
Gwen: Grrrr… Hey, kid, didn’t anyone teach you to respect those older than you?!?
Hanabi: Ya mean when they’re as old as you!? Hahaha!
Gwen: *eye twitch* I’m not afraid to beat up a little girl, y’know!!!
Hanabi: Fine!!! Let’s take this to another area!!! I’ll mop the floor wit’ you!!!
: Hanabi!
Hanabi: *gulp*
Gwen: Hmm? *turns to see another red-haired PC*
Alkaid: What’ve I told you about picking fights!? *turns to face Gwen* …I’m so sorry, miss. If my sister’s caused you any trouble, I apologize deeply.
Gwen: Hehehe… It’s fine. I have a few sisters myself actually.
Alkaid: My name’s Alkaid. And this is my little sister Hanabi.
Gwen: I’m Gwen.
Alkaid: Gwen… *smile* That’s a very nice name.
Gwen: Uh… *blush* T-Thank you.
Alkaid: Hanabi! Say you’re sorry!
Hanabi: …
Alkaid: Well!?
Hanabi: … *bows to Gwen* …Sorry.
Alkaid: Thank you for understanding, Gwen. It was very nice meeting you. Come along, Hanabi.
Hanabi: Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.
Gwen: *looks at the dome* …Hmm… That looked like… Nah, it couldn’t have been him. I mean… *grits teeth* …it’s enough that we even have to make eye contact in the real world…
*meanwhile, in a dungeon-type area…*
Jack: *gates in* Okay… Let’s get this over with.
Piros VIII: *gates in* Alright! Let the adventure commence!
Jack: *draws broadsword and points it at Piros’ neck* Piros, if you don’t shut the hell up, I’m gonna waste you right here and now!!!
Piros VIII: *trembling* D… Da…
Jack: Wow. Did I scare you already? You’re such a wimp, Piros! Hahaha!
Piros VIII: *raises arm* Da… Da…
Jack: …Okay, what’s with you? You’re starting to freak me out more than usual.
Piros VIII: *points behind Jack* DAAAAATAAAAA BUUUUUG!!!
Jack: … *blink* …Say what?
*Jack slowly turns around to stand face-by-face with a golem-type Data Bug*
Jack: …Oh, crap…
*back in Mac Anu…*
Gwen: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Hah! Alright! Time for action! *dashes towards the dome*
*in the dungeon-type area, Jack and Piros attempt to fend off the Data Bug’s attacks*
Jack: Bonecrusher!!!
*Jack strikes the Data Bug with a three-hit Punisher Rengeki, but the Bug immediately retaliates by cutting into the side of Jack’s arm and sends him flying into a wall*
Jack: Oof!
Piros VIII: *stands up* Comrade Jack, are you alright!?
Jack: *clenches arm* …D-Dammit, this is pointless… *stands up and draws blade sword* Piros, listen up! It’s obvious we won’t be able to beat this thing! So I’ll draw its attention away from you so you can escape! Got it!?
Piros VIII: D-Don’t be absurd! I would never abandon a comrade in the midst of battle!
Jack: JUST DO IT, DAMMIT!!!
Piros VIII: *gulp* V-Very well…
Jack: *glares at Data Bug*
Data Bug: *roar*
Jack: …Okay, here goes! Lateral--!!![/i]
: STRIKE DRAIN!!![/b][/i]
*in a pink flash of light, the Data Bug is reduced to the status of a regular monster; afterwards, the source of the Strike Drain slays the beast with a simple Rengeki; when the battle fence disappears, Jack and Piros look ahead at Gwen*
Jack: …
Gwen: …
Piros VIII: It appears…that we’ve won.
Jack: Y-Yeah…
Gwen: You… I thought I saw you earlier, but I assumed it was just my imagination… *clenches fist* So you play this game too, huh!? It’s not enough that I have to look at you at home, but now we play the same online game too!?
Jack: …Gwen…
Piros VIII: Comrade Jack, do you know this girl?
Jack: Yeah… That’s my sister Gwen…
Gwen: *stomps ground* Don’t call me your sister! It makes me sick to think I’m even related to you!
Jack: …
Gwen: I despise you… And to think I saved you just now… Tch! *gates out*
Piros VIII: …Jack…
Jack: …
Piros VIII: …Let’s…head back home, eh, comrade?
Jack: …Yeah.
*as the two walk towards the transporter, the cut in the side of Jack’s arm is seen giving off a faint glow as tiny infected polygons of data appear around it*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to monitor the encounter between Gwen and Jack*
Endrance: Such hostility…
Haseo: So what’s the story on those two?
Pi: One moment… *types on console keyboard* …It appears that they’re half-siblings. Although born to the same father, Gwen and Jack Russell were born to different mothers.
Ovan: It’s always difficult to accept outsiders into one’s family…
Haseo: You mean…like you and Taira Ishida…?
Ovan: …
*later that day, in Samurai 7’s @home…*
Kyuzo: …Your sister, huh?
Jack: Yup.
Piros VIII: Born to a different mother, eh?
Jack: Mm-hmm.
Claire: ONE OF EIGHT BROTHERS AND SISTERS!?
Jack: …Uh…yeah.
Claire: *impressed whistle* Sounds like someone got busy! Hahaha!
Kyuzo: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm?
Samekh: Another Data Bug run, Mr. Kyuzo?
Kyuzo: …Tch. I wish. She’s back.
Claire: Oh, not again…
Jack: Grrrr… *stands up* I’ll take care of this.
*Jack walks out of the @home to see Hanabi standing at the top of the stairs*
Hanabi: Is Kyuzo in there!?
Jack: Dammit, girl, this is the fifth time this week you’ve stood outside our @home lookin’ for a fight with Kyuzo! GIVE IT UP ALREADY!!!
Hanabi: Never!! Not until I beat him!! The “Persistent Firecracker” never stops until her goal is reached!! And her goal is--!!
Jack: “To be the strongest Blade Brandier in The World”! Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it a hundred times already!
Hanabi: So is he in there or not?!?
Jack: THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!
Hanabi: Then I’ll just keep standing here until he shows his face to me!
Jack: (I hate dealing with spoiled brats…) Hmm… *smirk* Okay, redhead. I’ll let you meet Kyuzo…if you can beat me in a one-on-one battle!
Hanabi: YOU?!? HAH!!! Don’t make me laugh! I’d thrash you in three seconds!
Jack: Care to back those words up?
Hanabi: …Heh.
*later on, Jack and Hanabi stand several feet away from each other in a wide open field-type area*
Jack: *draws blade sword* You ready, redhead?
Hanabi: *draws blade sword* Ready when you are!
Jack: LET’S GO!!! *dashes towards Hanabi*
Hanabi: HYAAAAA!!! *dashes towards Jack*
*as Jack and Hanabi do battle, more infected polygons of data appear around Jack’s arm wound; several minutes later…*
Hanabi: Devil Sword!!!
*Hanabi drives her blade sword into Jack’s PC body several times and slams him down onto the ground*
Jack: Oof!
Hanabi: C’mon! Is that all you’ve got!?
Jack: *stands up* Grrrr… I’ll teach you to mess with me!!!
*Jack’s eyes suddenly give off a strong green glow*
Jack: *gasp, drops blade sword and clenches arm* G-Gah!!!
Hanabi: Hey! What are you doing!?
Jack: M-My arm…!! It feels like it’s on fire…!!
Hanabi: If this is supposed to be a joke, I ain’t laughing!
Jack: GRAAAAHHHH!!!!
Hanabi: …Oh, my god… You’re really in pain, aren’t you?
*green infected polygons of data spread over Jack’s entire PC body; the left side of his face becomes covered in black and green ooze*
Jack: *looks up at Hanabi* Grrrr…
Hanabi: *gasp, drops blade sword and starts to back away*
Jack: GRAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
*Jack outstretches his deformed arm…*
Hanabi: Aah!!!
*…but she’s suddenly tackled to the ground by another PC, saving her*
Hanabi: Oof! What…just…? *looks up and gasps* A-Aly-neesan!
Alkaid: Are you okay, Hanabi?
Hanabi: Y-Yeah…
*Alkaid and Hanabi return to their feet and gaze at Jack’s slowly deforming PC body*
Jack: He…H-Help…m-me…
Alkaid: …
*images of AIDA Bordeaux begin to cloud Alkaid’s thoughts*
Alkaid: (My god… It’s the AIDA disaster all over again…) Stay behind me, Hanabi! Never leave my side, got it!?
Hanabi: Aly-neesan…
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Gwen is seen sauntering inside the Serpent of Lore*
Gwen: You call me for something?
Ovan: Oh, Gwen, you’ve arrived. We have an assignment for you.
Gwen: Is it another Data Bug?
Haseo: Yes.
Gwen: So, what’d you call me all the way here for!? You could’ve just mailed me the Area Words!
Pi: We thought that you’d want…a firsthand look at what you’re up against.
*Pi and the Epitaph Knights move away from the monitor for Gwen to see; on the monitor, Jack’s half-infected face is displayed*
Gwen: *gasp* Is that Jack?!?
Endrance: Unfortunately, yes. You have to save him, Gwen.
Gwen: …Hmph! You can forget it! He can fall into a coma for all I care! *starts walking away*
Ovan: Stop right there, Gwen!
Gwen: *stops walking* …
Ovan: …Do you really think this is any way for a sister to act? To wish death upon her own brother?
Gwen: *gasp, turns to face Epitaph Knights* You son of a…!!! You listened in on my conversation with Jack, didn’t you!?
Ovan: I’m bringing this up because I know how you feel.
Gwen: Tch! Yeah, right!
Ovan: It’s true. When my sister Aina married Taira Ishida, I had difficulty accepting him – the same way you’re having difficulty accepting your half-brothers and half-sisters.
Gwen: …Ovan…
Ovan: I wasn’t very fond of Taira, to tell you the truth. Quite frankly, I thought him rather uncouth at first. But as time went on, I grew to accept him as family. After all, he makes Aina happy.
Gwen: …
Pi: *turns to face monitor* Over 70% of Jack’s PC body is now infected!
Ovan: …Will you save Jack Russell, Gwen?
Gwen: I… I don’t know… Couldn’t you get Hayate or Kyuzo to do it instead?
Ovan: No, Gwen. This is something that only you can do.
Gwen: …
*meanwhile…*
Jack: GRAAAAHHHH!!!! *pounces onto Alkaid*
Alkaid: Thunder Snare!!!
*Alkaid tosses her chakrams at Jack, dealing to him lightning damage and momentarily stunning him*
Jack: Grrrr…
Alkaid: *panting* Dammit…! No matter what I do, he keeps getting back up…!
Jack: RAAAAAAH!!!!!! *jumps at Alkaid again*
Alkaid: *gasp*
Hanabi: Aly-neesan!!!
: SCARLET THRUST!!!!!
*from the side, Jack is struck by a multiple flying needles of energy, sent flying a short distance away from Alkaid; Alkaid and Hanabi look towards the transporter to see a white-haired PC holding a lance*
Alkaid/Hanabi: Gwen!!!
Gwen: Are you two okay!?
Alkaid: We’re just fine, thank you!
Gwen: *glares at Jack*
Jack: Grrrr…
Gwen: Well, Jack, if it’s any consolation, that’s a better look for you.
Jack: *draws lance and dashes towards Gwen*
Gwen: Hmph! *readies lance*
*Gwen and Jack’s lances make loud clashing sounds as they fight in close range; Gwen momentarily backs away from Jack and leaps into the air, firing Scarlet Thrusts at him from above; Jack dashes around the field dodging the energy needles, then casts Vak Don on Gwen, causing fiery comets to rain down upon her; Gwen twirls her lance above her, deflecting the comets; she lands on the ground and charges towards Jack; Jack charges at her as well*
Gwen/Jack: PIERCING HEAVEN!!!
*the two meet in a mirroring Rengeki clash, canceling each other’s attacks out; Gwen is given an ample opening to cast Zan Rom, lifting Jack into the air with a whirlwind; as Jack falls from the sky, Gwen fires several Lei Zas spells at him, striking his back a few times before he crashes onto the ground*
Jack: Ohhhh…
Gwen: *stands above Jack and readies lance* This ends now!
*suddenly, Jack grabs his nearby lance and, while Gwen’s guard is down, thrusts the lance straight through her chest*
Gwen: *deep gasp, coughs up blood*
*Gwen backs away from Jack and drops her lance; meanwhile, Jack jumps to his feet and assaults Gwen’s PC body using only his fists; a final body blow sends Gwen flying into the transporter*
Gwen: Oof!
*Jack approaches Gwen and picks her up by the head, his nails driving into her scalp; blood begins to drip from Gwen’s head and stains the grass below*
Gwen: G-Gah…!
Jack: Hhhhhaaaaahhhhh…
*just then, right before Jack could deal the final blow, a chained chakram binds around his neck, incapacitating him*
Jack: Grrrraaaahhhh!!!
Hanabi: Nice throw, Aly-neesan!
Alkaid: Okay, he’s all yours, Gwen!
Gwen: *sigh* Thanks, Alkaid! *glares at Jack*
Jack: *clenching neck in suffocation* Grrraaahhh!! Grrrrraaaaahhhhh!!!
Gwen: … *clenches fist* “Seek thy vengeance!” Tarvos![/b]
*a pink aura appears around Gwen’s PC body and a pink bracelet appears around her right wrist, which she aims at Jack*
Gwen: Like I said before, this ends now! STRIKE DRAIN!!!
*Gwen fires into Jack’s PC body a large pink sphere of data*
Jack: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!![/i][/size]
*moments later, the Data Bug separates itself from Jack and disintegrates in the atmosphere; Jack falls to the ground lifeless*
Alkaid: Alright!
Hanabi: Haha! She did it!
Gwen: *panting* I think I’m getting too old for this…
*Gwen pulls Jack’s lance out of her chest, drops it onto the ground, and walks over to Jack’s PC body; Alkaid and Hanabi walk over as well*
Hanabi: Is he…?
Gwen: Don’t worry. He’s fine now.
Alkaid: *sigh* That’s good to hear.
*seconds later, Jack begins to regain consciousness*
Jack: Ohhhh… I feel like I just had a fight with a steamroller… *looks up* …Gwen? What are you doing here?
Gwen: Saving your sorry ass, that’s what.
*after helping Jack to his feet, Gwen crosses her arms and glares angrily at him*
Jack: …
Gwen: …I… Uh…
Jack: …Well? Aren’t you gonna give me your whole “I hate your guts” speech? I can take it this time. Hahaha.
Gwen: Would you shut up and let me talk!?
Jack: *gulp*
Gwen: … *sigh* Listen… It’s gonna take me a while to get used to the fact that I have three moms, but…for now, I’d like for us to start over. Besides… *blush* …you’re my brother.
Jack: …Gwen… *smile* Sure. That’s what I’ve wanted all along.
Gwen: … *smile*
Hanabi: Hehehe.
Gwen: …By the way, if you tell anyone I blushed, I’m gonna break your arm in six places.
Jack: Heh. My lips are sealed.
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to monitor the touching moment*
Endrance: And so, doors that were once securely locked are instantly opened…
Haseo: *looks at Ovan* It’s funny. Throughout the entire time Aina was dating Taira, you never once gave off the impression that it bothered you.
Ovan: Oh, I may have been calm about Taira on the outside, but on the inside… *flashes a fake smile* …I wanted to strangle the very life out of him.
Haseo: *sweatdrop* …Please stop doing that, Ovan.
Ovan: *sigh* It’s hard when people take you seriously all the time…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Usa-chan: The Tanabata Festival’s here! It’s finally here!
~*~*~*~
Yahiko: What’s…“Ta-na-ba-ta”?
Hayate: You’ve never heard of Tanabata?
~*~*~*~
Neon: Wow… Look at this turnout. There must be over 200 PC’s here.
~*~*~*~
Vyce: Target in sight. Commencing pursuit.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Kaeion is here?!?
Haseo: Yes. And with over 200 players all gathered in one place, the data he plans to absorb will be off the scale.
Hayate: We can’t let him do that!
~*~*~*~
Vyce: I’ve found you at last!
Kyuzo: Oh, what now!? Another Lei tribe loser!?
Kaeion: … *smirk* It’s a pleasure to finally meet you…Macha.
33rd Phase: Tanabata Turmoil, Part 1![/color]
*a short time after chasing Kaeion away, Kyuzo returns to his @home*
Claire: Hmm? …Oh, hey, boss!
Jack: Something up?
Piros VIII: I bet he was turned down by another girl! Hahaha!
Jack/Claire: *glare at Piros*
Piros VIII: …What?
Kyuzo: *looks around* Where’s Samekh?
Jack: I think he’s in the back room doin’ more research.
Kyuzo: Thanks. *walks into rear chamber of @home*
Claire: Huh… Talk about weird… Usually, if anything comes out of Piros’ mouth, it’s straight to you-know-where.
Jack: Maybe he’s still bummed about Haruhi?
Piros VIII: *stands up* Fear not, my dear friends! It shalt not be long before we rescue Haruhi from the grimy clutches of evil!
Claire: *buries face in hands* Seriously, Piros, why do we even hang out with you…?
*in the rear chamber, Kyuzo finds Samekh analyzing the .hack//Arms*
Kyuzo: Samekh.
Samekh: Oh. Mr. Kyuzo. May I help you with something?
Kyuzo: Back when I was fighting Kaeion, he mentioned someone’s name. What do you know about a being called “Althena”?
Samekh: Hmm… The name does ring a bell. One moment… *searches through databanks of The World while leaving his PC stationary*
Kyuzo: …
Samekh: …Here it is. It’s mentioned in one of Jun Bansyoya’s lost Interim Reports. Do you recall CC Corp.’s “R.A. Plan” some 2 decades ago?
Kyuzo: Kinda. That was the plan involving the eight Epitaph Users to restore Aura, right?
Samekh: Correct. And do you also remember that plan causing over 80% of The World’s data to be permanently lost?
Kyuzo: Yeah, and a fire broke out at the main CC Corp. building?
Samekh: Yes. Here, let me read it for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interim Report 8: Genetics of the Unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was concerned about the R.A. Plan, so I opposed Amagi’s attempts to experiment with his program. Fearing the situation would worsen to a point of real danger, I secretly removed one Epitaph User from “The World” and hid it in my home computer. This was the Epitaph User integrated with the Morganna Factor of Tarvos the Avenger. Without all eight characters, there was no way the R.A. Program could be activated.
But Amagi didn’t even bat an eye at the expected absence of a key Epitaph User. It turned out that Amagi had secretly constructed a dummy Morganna Factor, and had prepared his own original Epitaph User as a backup. It didn’t take him long to deduce that the missing Epitaph User was my doing.
Amagi went ahead with his plan. He proceeded to gather seven of the potential Chosen Ones together. Systematically, he matched them up to each Epitaph User. Meanwhile, he used his own dummy Epitaph User to connect to the network and began testing the R.A. program.
This was the highpoint of Amagi’s life. If he succeeded in reviving the ultimate A.I., his genius would be considered on par with the great Harald Hoerwick. If he could somehow manage to control the ultimate A.I., then in the eyes of many, he would even surpass Harald’s genius.
He was playing with Genetics of the Unknown. And unfortunately, I knew it was only to further himself. He wished to combine his own mind, and fuse it with the ultimate A.I. He wanted to become a God inside the network using the eight pillars to support him.
As a result, Amagi’s experiment was anything but perfect. In an instant, the R.A. program crashed. Suddenly, over 80% of “The World’s” game data was completely wiped out. The minds of all seven potential chosen ones were caught up in the Morganna Factor’s rampage and they fell into comas. Sadly, Amagi suffered severe mental damage as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interim Report 9: Genocide of the Unfaithful
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amagi’s experimentation of the R.A. program ended in failure. I arrived shortly after the R.A. program went berserk and set about containing the situation. However, I was only able to recover a single Epitaph User from the devastation. The one I recovered was the Epitaph User integrated with the Morganna Factor of Propagation, Magus.
His experiment having failed, a deranged Amagi caused a fire to break out. The fire spread fast, consuming a third of the CC Corp. building, causing tremendous damage. The media was given news of only the fire itself, announcing to the public that several people were injured.
Genocide of the Unfaithful… What was the reason for this miserable failure? Most likely it was because Amagi did not approach “The World” with enough respect. It may also be that the one most cursed by the ghost of Harald Hoerwick was none other than Amagi himself. Whatever the reason, the R.A. Program’s failure and the huge fire that accompanied it caused over 80% of “The World’s” data to be lost. And at the same time, Project G.U.’s research data was also irreparably damaged.
G.U. was suspended and I took responsibility for the project’s failure by resigning from CC Corporation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Samekh: …It goes on from there, but you get my point.
Kyuzo: So the fire at CC Corp. was caused by a person?
Samekh: That’s correct.
Kyuzo: But what does all this have to do with Althena?
Samekh: It has everything to do with Althena, Mr. Kyuzo. The dummy Morganna Factor that Jyotaro Amagi had created to replace Tarvos? That was Althena.
Kyuzo: *gasp*
Samekh: Apparently, shortly after Amagi logged into the game using the false Epitaph User of Althena, Althena had quickly gained sentience due to the piece of the Morganna Factor used to create her. Similar to the case of Harald Hoerwick, Althena assumed independence from Amagi and caused him to go mad. You know the end result.
Kyuzo: So this Althena’s been lurking in the systems behind CC Corp.’s eyes for 20 years?
Samekh: Not exactly. You see, although CC Corp.’s R.A. Plan failed to bring Aura back, she did eventually return of her own volition.
Kyuzo: …
“…I am Aura. I am the twilight goddess that brought about this world’s dawn…”
“…I have no power to decide the future of this world. The future of this world will be decided…by you players of the game, by people. The future of the world lies at the ends of human will…”
“…The bonds between our souls are what drive the world. And it will be all of you who drive our new world. Now, you must go… Little children of Morganna…”
Samekh: After Aura’s return, I speculate that she assumed control of the system from Althena. Althena resisted and Aura drove her to the far reaches of The World where she could cause no harm to the network. But driving Althena away had depleted much of Aura’s power.
Kyuzo: Let me guess… That’s when she made Haseo, Endrance, and Ovan the “Knights of the Epitaph” – so that they’d be able to combat Althena if she ever surfaced again.
Samekh: Indeed.
Kyuzo: So, why has Althena chosen now to pop up again?
Samekh: It might have to do with the emergence of the second generation of Epitaph Users and the discovery of the .hack//Arms.
Kyuzo: Well, that figures… I guess that’s yet another reason to find the .hack//Arms before anyone else does.
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to eavesdrop on Kyuzo and Samekh’s conversation*
Haseo: *smirk* Looks like Kyuzo’s figured it all out. All I can say is, it’s about time.
Ovan: Indeed… But, you know, Kyuzo would never have figured it out as fast as he did… *points to Samekh* …without outside assistance.
Endrance: What do we know about this Samekh person anyway?
Pi: I’ve attempted to do several background checks on him, but the data’s all encrypted. It’ll take some time to break it.
Ovan: … (There’s only one person I know who’d have access to all that information…) *smirk*
~ Eternal City of Mac Anu; July 4, 2037 ~
*…Samurai 7 @home…*
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …Hey, boss?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …Boss?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: …BOSS!!!
Kyuzo: WHAT?!?[/b] For God’s sake, I’m listening!!!
Jack: *gulp* W-Well, it’s just that things have been kinda slow for us lately, and I was wondering… Are we ever gonna go out and DO something!?
Kyuzo: …
Jack: *lowers head* …That’s what I was afraid of…
Kyuzo: …Well…
Jack: Hmm?
Kyuzo: There is this one area I need investigating. But its level is way too high for any of us to try and take on, even with the power of Skeith on my side. But…if you think you can handle it…
Jack: No sweat! Just leave it to me!
Kyuzo: Alright, glad to hear it. Oh, and one more thing.
Jack: Yeah?
Kyuzo: … *points to Piros VIII* …Take Piros with you.
Jack: No prob-- Wait, WHAT?!?
Piros VIII: What ho! Do I sense adventure afoot!?
Jack: Boss, you can’t be serious!
Kyuzo: You know what they say – there’s strength in numbers.
Jack: Then, let me take Claire instead!
Kyuzo: Uh, Jack…? *looks around* …Claire ain’t here.
Jack: …
Piros VIII: Huzzah!!! *takes Jack’s hand* Come, my friend! The call to adventure beckons us!
Kyuzo: *flashes a fake smile* Have fun, you two!
Jack: *grits teeth, glares at Kyuzo* I’m gonna get you for this… GAH!!! Dammit, Piros, you tryin’ to yank my whole arm off or something!?
Kyuzo: …
*moments later, Claire is seen walking out of the @home’s rear chamber*
Claire: Ohhhh… That Samekh’s explanations are too damn long… It feels like part of my brain just imploded… Hmm? Where’d Jack and Piros go?
Kyuzo: *smirk* Let’s just say that where they’re going is the punch line to a cruel joke… Hehehe…
Claire: *sweatdrop* …Huh?
*meanwhile, Gwen is seen walking through Mac Anu’s Central District*
Gwen: *whistling* Man… Without any Data Bugs to beat up, this game’s kinda boring…
*just then, her left shoulder bumps into the right shoulder of a Blade Brandier with bright-red hair*
Gwen: Aah! …Hey, watch where I’m walking, redhead!
Hanabi: *turns around* You talkin’ to me, ya old hag?!?
Gwen: “OLD HAG”?!? I’m not that much older than you, you little piece of-- Huh?
*Gwen looks a considerable distance past Hanabi to see a brown-haired PC walking into Mac Anu Dome*
Gwen: … (Was that…?)
Hanabi: HEY!!![/b] Look at me when I’m talking to you!!!
Gwen: Grrrr… Hey, kid, didn’t anyone teach you to respect those older than you?!?
Hanabi: Ya mean when they’re as old as you!? Hahaha!
Gwen: *eye twitch* I’m not afraid to beat up a little girl, y’know!!!
Hanabi: Fine!!! Let’s take this to another area!!! I’ll mop the floor wit’ you!!!
: Hanabi!Hanabi: *gulp*
Gwen: Hmm? *turns to see another red-haired PC*
Alkaid: What’ve I told you about picking fights!? *turns to face Gwen* …I’m so sorry, miss. If my sister’s caused you any trouble, I apologize deeply.
Gwen: Hehehe… It’s fine. I have a few sisters myself actually.
Alkaid: My name’s Alkaid. And this is my little sister Hanabi.
Gwen: I’m Gwen.
Alkaid: Gwen… *smile* That’s a very nice name.
Gwen: Uh… *blush* T-Thank you.
Alkaid: Hanabi! Say you’re sorry!
Hanabi: …
Alkaid: Well!?
Hanabi: … *bows to Gwen* …Sorry.
Alkaid: Thank you for understanding, Gwen. It was very nice meeting you. Come along, Hanabi.
Hanabi: Yeah, yeah, I’m comin’.
Gwen: *looks at the dome* …Hmm… That looked like… Nah, it couldn’t have been him. I mean… *grits teeth* …it’s enough that we even have to make eye contact in the real world…
*meanwhile, in a dungeon-type area…*
Jack: *gates in* Okay… Let’s get this over with.
Piros VIII: *gates in* Alright! Let the adventure commence!
Jack: *draws broadsword and points it at Piros’ neck* Piros, if you don’t shut the hell up, I’m gonna waste you right here and now!!!
Piros VIII: *trembling* D… Da…
Jack: Wow. Did I scare you already? You’re such a wimp, Piros! Hahaha!
Piros VIII: *raises arm* Da… Da…
Jack: …Okay, what’s with you? You’re starting to freak me out more than usual.
Piros VIII: *points behind Jack* DAAAAATAAAAA BUUUUUG!!!
Jack: … *blink* …Say what?
*Jack slowly turns around to stand face-by-face with a golem-type Data Bug*
Jack: …Oh, crap…
*back in Mac Anu…*
Gwen: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm? …Hah! Alright! Time for action! *dashes towards the dome*
*in the dungeon-type area, Jack and Piros attempt to fend off the Data Bug’s attacks*
Jack: Bonecrusher!!!
*Jack strikes the Data Bug with a three-hit Punisher Rengeki, but the Bug immediately retaliates by cutting into the side of Jack’s arm and sends him flying into a wall*
Jack: Oof!
Piros VIII: *stands up* Comrade Jack, are you alright!?
Jack: *clenches arm* …D-Dammit, this is pointless… *stands up and draws blade sword* Piros, listen up! It’s obvious we won’t be able to beat this thing! So I’ll draw its attention away from you so you can escape! Got it!?
Piros VIII: D-Don’t be absurd! I would never abandon a comrade in the midst of battle!
Jack: JUST DO IT, DAMMIT!!!
Piros VIII: *gulp* V-Very well…
Jack: *glares at Data Bug*
Data Bug: *roar*
Jack: …Okay, here goes! Lateral--!!![/i]
: STRIKE DRAIN!!![/b][/i]*in a pink flash of light, the Data Bug is reduced to the status of a regular monster; afterwards, the source of the Strike Drain slays the beast with a simple Rengeki; when the battle fence disappears, Jack and Piros look ahead at Gwen*
Jack: …
Gwen: …
Piros VIII: It appears…that we’ve won.
Jack: Y-Yeah…
Gwen: You… I thought I saw you earlier, but I assumed it was just my imagination… *clenches fist* So you play this game too, huh!? It’s not enough that I have to look at you at home, but now we play the same online game too!?
Jack: …Gwen…
Piros VIII: Comrade Jack, do you know this girl?
Jack: Yeah… That’s my sister Gwen…
Gwen: *stomps ground* Don’t call me your sister! It makes me sick to think I’m even related to you!
Jack: …
Gwen: I despise you… And to think I saved you just now… Tch! *gates out*
Piros VIII: …Jack…
Jack: …
Piros VIII: …Let’s…head back home, eh, comrade?
Jack: …Yeah.
*as the two walk towards the transporter, the cut in the side of Jack’s arm is seen giving off a faint glow as tiny infected polygons of data appear around it*
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to monitor the encounter between Gwen and Jack*
Endrance: Such hostility…
Haseo: So what’s the story on those two?
Pi: One moment… *types on console keyboard* …It appears that they’re half-siblings. Although born to the same father, Gwen and Jack Russell were born to different mothers.
Ovan: It’s always difficult to accept outsiders into one’s family…
Haseo: You mean…like you and Taira Ishida…?
Ovan: …
*later that day, in Samurai 7’s @home…*
Kyuzo: …Your sister, huh?
Jack: Yup.
Piros VIII: Born to a different mother, eh?
Jack: Mm-hmm.
Claire: ONE OF EIGHT BROTHERS AND SISTERS!?
Jack: …Uh…yeah.
Claire: *impressed whistle* Sounds like someone got busy! Hahaha!
Kyuzo: … *BEEP, BEEP!* Hmm?
Samekh: Another Data Bug run, Mr. Kyuzo?
Kyuzo: …Tch. I wish. She’s back.
Claire: Oh, not again…
Jack: Grrrr… *stands up* I’ll take care of this.
*Jack walks out of the @home to see Hanabi standing at the top of the stairs*
Hanabi: Is Kyuzo in there!?
Jack: Dammit, girl, this is the fifth time this week you’ve stood outside our @home lookin’ for a fight with Kyuzo! GIVE IT UP ALREADY!!!
Hanabi: Never!! Not until I beat him!! The “Persistent Firecracker” never stops until her goal is reached!! And her goal is--!!
Jack: “To be the strongest Blade Brandier in The World”! Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it a hundred times already!
Hanabi: So is he in there or not?!?
Jack: THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!
Hanabi: Then I’ll just keep standing here until he shows his face to me!
Jack: (I hate dealing with spoiled brats…) Hmm… *smirk* Okay, redhead. I’ll let you meet Kyuzo…if you can beat me in a one-on-one battle!
Hanabi: YOU?!? HAH!!! Don’t make me laugh! I’d thrash you in three seconds!
Jack: Care to back those words up?
Hanabi: …Heh.
*later on, Jack and Hanabi stand several feet away from each other in a wide open field-type area*
Jack: *draws blade sword* You ready, redhead?
Hanabi: *draws blade sword* Ready when you are!
Jack: LET’S GO!!! *dashes towards Hanabi*
Hanabi: HYAAAAA!!! *dashes towards Jack*
*as Jack and Hanabi do battle, more infected polygons of data appear around Jack’s arm wound; several minutes later…*
Hanabi: Devil Sword!!!
*Hanabi drives her blade sword into Jack’s PC body several times and slams him down onto the ground*
Jack: Oof!
Hanabi: C’mon! Is that all you’ve got!?
Jack: *stands up* Grrrr… I’ll teach you to mess with me!!!
*Jack’s eyes suddenly give off a strong green glow*
Jack: *gasp, drops blade sword and clenches arm* G-Gah!!!
Hanabi: Hey! What are you doing!?
Jack: M-My arm…!! It feels like it’s on fire…!!
Hanabi: If this is supposed to be a joke, I ain’t laughing!
Jack: GRAAAAHHHH!!!!
Hanabi: …Oh, my god… You’re really in pain, aren’t you?
*green infected polygons of data spread over Jack’s entire PC body; the left side of his face becomes covered in black and green ooze*
Jack: *looks up at Hanabi* Grrrr…
Hanabi: *gasp, drops blade sword and starts to back away*
Jack: GRAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
*Jack outstretches his deformed arm…*
Hanabi: Aah!!!
*…but she’s suddenly tackled to the ground by another PC, saving her*
Hanabi: Oof! What…just…? *looks up and gasps* A-Aly-neesan!
Alkaid: Are you okay, Hanabi?
Hanabi: Y-Yeah…
*Alkaid and Hanabi return to their feet and gaze at Jack’s slowly deforming PC body*
Jack: He…H-Help…m-me…
Alkaid: …
*images of AIDA Bordeaux begin to cloud Alkaid’s thoughts*
Alkaid: (My god… It’s the AIDA disaster all over again…) Stay behind me, Hanabi! Never leave my side, got it!?
Hanabi: Aly-neesan…
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Gwen is seen sauntering inside the Serpent of Lore*
Gwen: You call me for something?
Ovan: Oh, Gwen, you’ve arrived. We have an assignment for you.
Gwen: Is it another Data Bug?
Haseo: Yes.
Gwen: So, what’d you call me all the way here for!? You could’ve just mailed me the Area Words!
Pi: We thought that you’d want…a firsthand look at what you’re up against.
*Pi and the Epitaph Knights move away from the monitor for Gwen to see; on the monitor, Jack’s half-infected face is displayed*
Gwen: *gasp* Is that Jack?!?
Endrance: Unfortunately, yes. You have to save him, Gwen.
Gwen: …Hmph! You can forget it! He can fall into a coma for all I care! *starts walking away*
Ovan: Stop right there, Gwen!
Gwen: *stops walking* …
Ovan: …Do you really think this is any way for a sister to act? To wish death upon her own brother?
Gwen: *gasp, turns to face Epitaph Knights* You son of a…!!! You listened in on my conversation with Jack, didn’t you!?
Ovan: I’m bringing this up because I know how you feel.
Gwen: Tch! Yeah, right!
Ovan: It’s true. When my sister Aina married Taira Ishida, I had difficulty accepting him – the same way you’re having difficulty accepting your half-brothers and half-sisters.
Gwen: …Ovan…
Ovan: I wasn’t very fond of Taira, to tell you the truth. Quite frankly, I thought him rather uncouth at first. But as time went on, I grew to accept him as family. After all, he makes Aina happy.
Gwen: …
Pi: *turns to face monitor* Over 70% of Jack’s PC body is now infected!
Ovan: …Will you save Jack Russell, Gwen?
Gwen: I… I don’t know… Couldn’t you get Hayate or Kyuzo to do it instead?
Ovan: No, Gwen. This is something that only you can do.
Gwen: …
*meanwhile…*
Jack: GRAAAAHHHH!!!! *pounces onto Alkaid*
Alkaid: Thunder Snare!!!
*Alkaid tosses her chakrams at Jack, dealing to him lightning damage and momentarily stunning him*
Jack: Grrrr…
Alkaid: *panting* Dammit…! No matter what I do, he keeps getting back up…!
Jack: RAAAAAAH!!!!!! *jumps at Alkaid again*
Alkaid: *gasp*
Hanabi: Aly-neesan!!!
: SCARLET THRUST!!!!!*from the side, Jack is struck by a multiple flying needles of energy, sent flying a short distance away from Alkaid; Alkaid and Hanabi look towards the transporter to see a white-haired PC holding a lance*
Alkaid/Hanabi: Gwen!!!
Gwen: Are you two okay!?
Alkaid: We’re just fine, thank you!
Gwen: *glares at Jack*
Jack: Grrrr…
Gwen: Well, Jack, if it’s any consolation, that’s a better look for you.
Jack: *draws lance and dashes towards Gwen*
Gwen: Hmph! *readies lance*
*Gwen and Jack’s lances make loud clashing sounds as they fight in close range; Gwen momentarily backs away from Jack and leaps into the air, firing Scarlet Thrusts at him from above; Jack dashes around the field dodging the energy needles, then casts Vak Don on Gwen, causing fiery comets to rain down upon her; Gwen twirls her lance above her, deflecting the comets; she lands on the ground and charges towards Jack; Jack charges at her as well*
Gwen/Jack: PIERCING HEAVEN!!!
*the two meet in a mirroring Rengeki clash, canceling each other’s attacks out; Gwen is given an ample opening to cast Zan Rom, lifting Jack into the air with a whirlwind; as Jack falls from the sky, Gwen fires several Lei Zas spells at him, striking his back a few times before he crashes onto the ground*
Jack: Ohhhh…
Gwen: *stands above Jack and readies lance* This ends now!
*suddenly, Jack grabs his nearby lance and, while Gwen’s guard is down, thrusts the lance straight through her chest*
Gwen: *deep gasp, coughs up blood*
*Gwen backs away from Jack and drops her lance; meanwhile, Jack jumps to his feet and assaults Gwen’s PC body using only his fists; a final body blow sends Gwen flying into the transporter*
Gwen: Oof!
*Jack approaches Gwen and picks her up by the head, his nails driving into her scalp; blood begins to drip from Gwen’s head and stains the grass below*
Gwen: G-Gah…!
Jack: Hhhhhaaaaahhhhh…
*just then, right before Jack could deal the final blow, a chained chakram binds around his neck, incapacitating him*
Jack: Grrrraaaahhhh!!!
Hanabi: Nice throw, Aly-neesan!
Alkaid: Okay, he’s all yours, Gwen!
Gwen: *sigh* Thanks, Alkaid! *glares at Jack*
Jack: *clenching neck in suffocation* Grrraaahhh!! Grrrrraaaaahhhhh!!!
Gwen: … *clenches fist* “Seek thy vengeance!” Tarvos![/b]
*a pink aura appears around Gwen’s PC body and a pink bracelet appears around her right wrist, which she aims at Jack*
Gwen: Like I said before, this ends now! STRIKE DRAIN!!!
*Gwen fires into Jack’s PC body a large pink sphere of data*
Jack: AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!![/i][/size]
*moments later, the Data Bug separates itself from Jack and disintegrates in the atmosphere; Jack falls to the ground lifeless*
Alkaid: Alright!
Hanabi: Haha! She did it!
Gwen: *panting* I think I’m getting too old for this…
*Gwen pulls Jack’s lance out of her chest, drops it onto the ground, and walks over to Jack’s PC body; Alkaid and Hanabi walk over as well*
Hanabi: Is he…?
Gwen: Don’t worry. He’s fine now.
Alkaid: *sigh* That’s good to hear.
*seconds later, Jack begins to regain consciousness*
Jack: Ohhhh… I feel like I just had a fight with a steamroller… *looks up* …Gwen? What are you doing here?
Gwen: Saving your sorry ass, that’s what.
*after helping Jack to his feet, Gwen crosses her arms and glares angrily at him*
Jack: …
Gwen: …I… Uh…
Jack: …Well? Aren’t you gonna give me your whole “I hate your guts” speech? I can take it this time. Hahaha.
Gwen: Would you shut up and let me talk!?
Jack: *gulp*
Gwen: … *sigh* Listen… It’s gonna take me a while to get used to the fact that I have three moms, but…for now, I’d like for us to start over. Besides… *blush* …you’re my brother.
Jack: …Gwen… *smile* Sure. That’s what I’ve wanted all along.
Gwen: … *smile*
Hanabi: Hehehe.
Gwen: …By the way, if you tell anyone I blushed, I’m gonna break your arm in six places.
Jack: Heh. My lips are sealed.
*…Raven @home, Serpent of Lore…*
*Pi is seen using the Serpent of Lore to monitor the touching moment*
Endrance: And so, doors that were once securely locked are instantly opened…
Haseo: *looks at Ovan* It’s funny. Throughout the entire time Aina was dating Taira, you never once gave off the impression that it bothered you.
Ovan: Oh, I may have been calm about Taira on the outside, but on the inside… *flashes a fake smile* …I wanted to strangle the very life out of him.
Haseo: *sweatdrop* …Please stop doing that, Ovan.
Ovan: *sigh* It’s hard when people take you seriously all the time…
~ Next Time on Infected! ~
Usa-chan: The Tanabata Festival’s here! It’s finally here!
~*~*~*~
Yahiko: What’s…“Ta-na-ba-ta”?
Hayate: You’ve never heard of Tanabata?
~*~*~*~
Neon: Wow… Look at this turnout. There must be over 200 PC’s here.
~*~*~*~
Vyce: Target in sight. Commencing pursuit.
~*~*~*~
Izumi: Kaeion is here?!?
Haseo: Yes. And with over 200 players all gathered in one place, the data he plans to absorb will be off the scale.
Hayate: We can’t let him do that!
~*~*~*~
Vyce: I’ve found you at last!
Kyuzo: Oh, what now!? Another Lei tribe loser!?
Kaeion: … *smirk* It’s a pleasure to finally meet you…Macha.
33rd Phase: Tanabata Turmoil, Part 1![/color]
