Alright, as I didn't like of Reincarnation was going, I scrapped it and started this. I'm exhausted right now, so I'll tell you more later.
Here you go!
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ôAbout time! That damn network is back up!ö Akira, formerly Hayami, yelled. From across the hall, another voice called.
ôKira, whatÆve I said about your language?ö he asked wearily. ôMy momÆs coming to dinner tomorrow, and it would kill her angelic image of you if she catches wind of the way you talk!ö
Akira sighed, slowly shaking her head as she pondered, once again, the mystery of how sheÆd ended up with such a goody two-shoes. But then her cry of ôFuck you!ö was answered by ôMaybe later, if youÆre a good girl.ö Akira shrugged, and as she had many times in the past, figured it just didnÆt matter.
Seven years. That was how long it had been since they had met. Six years since theyÆd met off line, and five and a half since they had started dating. A year and a half since, at the age of eighteen, he had worked up the nerve to propose. It had been a year, five months, thirty days, twenty-three hours, fifty-nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds since she had accepted. Nine months since the wedding (mostly due to the length of time it took to fly Sanjuro in from North Dakota). Eight months since the end of the honeymoon, and they were still figuring out how things worked, such as AkiraÆs language. Occasionally, TaroÆs eating habits were brought up, but he had mostly conquered those.
Akira sighed, and went back to what she had been doing before she was so rudely interrupted: checking her e-mail. The entire network had been in disarray for the last few days. It was just like the last Network Crisis, brought on by the wave and Morganna. Hospital systems were failing, traffic lights were behaving erratically, even their toaster had attacked them! But what Akira just wanted to do was get her e-mail. æEh,ö she thought. æIÆll worry about the rest of the world laterÆ.
She began to read off the titles of the mail in her and TaroÆs combined account. ôJunk, Junk, Penis Enlargement, Fund Kenyan Village, trash, trash, æthis is not a virusÆ, garbageàö As Akira clicked on the last file, her breath froze. Taro, perhaps sensing her sudden halt, walked in.
ôWhatÆs the problem?ö he asked. Mutely, the usually outspoken Akira pointed at the final, highlighted, e-mail. TaroÆs breath caught just like his wifeÆs had as they both stared at the title of the offending data file. ôTo Kite and BlackRose, I send a plea.ö
The next day, the two were still sitting in shock. The mail had contained the installation software for æThe World: R2Æ, and what appeared to be two character data files. It had simply been signed æAuraÆ.
It was twenty-four hours later, and the two were still in shock. The signature had brought back many memories, some bad, some good. Images of Kazu and Orca respectively falling to comas. Mia warping into the sixth phase before ElkÆs horrified eyes. The evil intelligence of a homicidal AI named Morganna dwelling behind the cold gaze of Corbenik.
But even as horrifying flashbacks surfaced, good ones rose as well. Simple times of the two of them just sitting there watching virtual clouds together. Seeing Piros chase after his æeternal feline foeÆ after Mia had been revived. Kit and Orca standing in Carmina Galadica, attempting to teach Balmung how he should stand when they struck their dramatic victory pose.
The usually passive Taro looked over at his wife, who was instinctively looking to him for direction. ôShe wouldnÆt have contacted us if it wasnÆt an emergency!ö he said, rather then asked. Mutely, Akira nodded. ôKra,ö he said, his voice dropping into the combat tone he hadnÆt used in years. ôI donÆt know about you, but IÆm going in.ö Akira looked up at her determined husband, and she felt a smile twist into existence on her face.
ôIt has been a little quiet around here.ö Akira said, her own voice taking on an excited tone. ôIt should be interesting at the very least. Besides, youÆre going, and it wouldnÆt be very fun for me to just stare at yourÆre body while you were off fighting monsters all day!ö
Their decision made, the two flung themselves into modifying their computer setup. M2Ds, previously dusty, were unearthed and cleaned. Software was installed and removed. Luckily, both of their jobs had been highly affected by the network crisis, and it would take months for them to be sorted out, freeing up valuable game time.
As Akira deemed them ready, Taro slid into a seat before their computer. His mouse hovered over the Icon for æThe WorldÆ, but he moved it over to the æwrite e-mailÆ button instead and began to type.
Akira walked back into the room and observed her husband working. In response to her unasked question, Taro said ôIÆm just sending out a few e-mails telling a few friends whatÆs going on.ö His voice turned mischievous as he continued witg ôIf they want to join us, the, well, thatÆs their decision.ö
Akira smirked, and slid into the seat next to his. ôI can do you one better.ö She said with a wide grin. Hastily, she pulled up a new internet window. A few keystrokes later, she had pulled up a message board frequented by the original players of æThe WorldÆ. A few more, and she had typed a new post.
Taro looked on as she typed a simple sentence, clicked the post button, waited a few seconds, then clicked delete. He grinned as she spun around towards him, a smug look on her face. ôYouÆre evil, you know that?ö he asked. Akira shrugged, as if to say æwhat can you do?Æ
With all notifications taken care of, Taro moved the mouse over the icon for æThe WorldÆ. At AkiraÆs confirming nod, he double clicked and the two secured their M2Ds. There was a flash of light, and the scenes of æThe WorldÆ faded into existence.
Taro looked over at his wife, who had transformed again into the person she was when he had first met her: BlackRose. She looked back at him, and saw his new, yet old, body: that of the former Outlaw Player, Kite.
Kite checked his meu quickly. ôIt says that weÆre in Mac Anu, but doesnÆt look a thing like I remember. LetÆs get moving. WeÆll check out the town first, then weÆll check out an area to see whatÆs different.ö He paused for a moment, secretly savoring the feeling of the virtual world once again. Then, with a dash, the two were headed out into Mac Anu proper.
The two quickly reached what seemed to be the town square. It was nothing at all like they remembered. There was a large fountain which many people were gathered around, chatting. Many seemed to be haggling with a fat, pink, bestial NPC. ôWow,ö BlackRose said as they passed by. ôThe NPCs sure are getting stranger and stranger.ö Surprisingly, the thingÆs ears twitched, and it turned towards the pair.
ôI am not an NPC!ö the beast thing said indignantly. ôIÆm Gaspard, third in command of Canard, the noob support guild!ö The beast-man waddled over, and stuck out itÆs paw.
Taken aback, BlackRose blanched and took the offered handshake. ôWait a secondàö Gaspard mused out loud. ôYou guys donÆt know about Guild Shops, and you donÆt seem to know about beastmenà you guys are noobs?!ö At the end, the characterÆs face lit up like Christmas had come early. ôAs a member of the best noob support guild in the game, it is my sworn duty to help you out!ö
Suddenly, his obvious enthusiasm dimmed and his ears drooped. ôBut I have to stay here and watch the shop. Haseo just brought back a really big crop of awesome items, and theyÆre in high demand.ö Before BlackRose could get a word out, Gaspard straightened up again, his enthusiasm returning. ôI know!ö he squealed. ôIÆll call Silabus!ö There was a pinging sound and Gaspard grinned. ôHeÆs on his way!ö With matters taken care of to GaspardÆs satisfaction, he turned back to his teeming stand.
Within moments, a new player showed up. This time, he was human. He was wearing all green, had a long ponytail going down his back and a kind look on his face. ôAre you guys the new players Gaspard found?ö he asked. When Kite nodded warily, the man broke out into a large smile. ôGood.ö He exclaimed. ôGaspard always works so hard for the guild and tries so much to find new players that he comes on a little strong. It makes him so happy when someone gets better thanks to his helpö
The hard, biting return BlackRose had on the tip of her tongue died at that moment. æHow can I be mad at someone who honestly just wants to help?Æ
She was still asking herself that question when and Kite had been invited into SilabusÆ party and were heading out into a dungeon. When she realized what was going on, she almost objected again. But as she opened her mouth, a flash mail popped up in front of her eyes saying ôWe were planning on doing this anyway. A guide could only help.ö Shrugging, she followed along mutely. After all, in æThe World, Kite was in charge. Outside of it was a different story, however.
Slowly, BlackRose began to appreciate SilabusÆ lecturing. After all, without his pointers, they never would have noticed the Rengeki. Neither would they have figured out how to perform an awakening. As they reached the Beast Statue, Silabus turned to the two of them. ôDo you guys have any questions?ö BlackRose shook her head, but Kite did have one.
ôEarlier, Gaspard, I think his name was, said he was the third in command of your guild. You said you were second in command. WhoÆs the guildmaster?ö
Silabus broke out into another of those wide smiles. ôOh, we have the best guildmaster around! Haseo is really touch and mean when you donÆt know him, but when you do, heÆs one of the nicest people youÆll ever meet anywhere! He brings back all these awesome items for the shop, goes around stopping PKers, and is always around if you need a hand.
BlackRose broke in here, fueled by genuine curiosity. ôIf hjeÆs so nice and cool, why did Gaspard call you instead of him?ö
ôI guess because Gaspard didnÆt want to get in the way of his alone time with Alkaid.ö At their confused looks, Silabus elaborated. ôAlkaidÆs a girl he fought in the arena a while ago. Afterwards, the two hit it off and started teaming together a little while ago. I think they started dating in real life. But they live pretty far away from each other, so they can only see each other rarely. So they spend a lot of their time together online. If the two are interrupted, Haseo getsà testly.ö
Kite grinned in front of his computer. The situation with SilabusÆ guildmaster sounded very, very familiar to the Twin Blade. It sounded exactly like what he and BlackRose had done before they managed to transfer to the same High School. Kite couldnÆt count the number of times he and BlackRose had just been sitting in an empty area and he wound up screaming at the unfortunate soul who had sent him a regular flash mail.
Kite was jerked out of his memory by a warping sound. With a brink, he reoriented himself to the game. Three tall Obelisk-like creatures on spider legs had appeared there, clicking menacingly. He raised his blades defensively, but heard Silabus gasp and say ôW-what are those?! IÆve never seen anything like them before in my life! TheyÆre way to high a level to be on this field!ö
BlackRose had also raised her weapon, but stammered out words hat seemed familiar. ôWhat are those things?! TheyÆre so freaky! Is this for real?!ö Those words sent Kite careening doing the corridors of his mind, back to when he was fourteen, his best friend was in a coma and a knight with white wings was fending off a freaky, green-tinted monster with infinite health.
Instinctively, Kite grabbed his right arm and pointed it directly at the approaching monsters. æWhat am I doing?Æ he asked himself æIÆm in a new character! This one doesnÆt have the bracelet!ö But even as he thought that, the field seemed to turn white. A familiar blue and green crystal structure warped in around his arm. Instinctively, Kite ducked, hunkering down behind the growing bracelet.
There was a flash, and the sound of data shattering, and the monsters vanished. Kite straightened up, hearing the noise that signaled a new item. From behind him, Silabus gaped. ôWhatà was that?!ö he asked.
Kite looked down at this hands, seeing this somewhat unsettling sight of the Twilight Bracelet on his right wrist. ôI really donÆt know!ö he half gasped, half yelled.
On another field, in a different server, Haseo bent over and howled in pain. Alkaid, who heÆd been talking to, spun and crouched in a defensive position. Seeing no enemy, she looked over at the still screaming Adept Rogue. Instincts took over, ad she crouched down to hold the yelling virtual figure of her man.
Deep in the see of data in æThe WorldÆ, Aura stirred. The human, the first she had reached to, had once again activated his power. Before the Ultimate AI could think more, she sensed movement. Quickly, she faded away, leaving behind a whisper of ôHe will no longer control you, mother.ö
Here you go!
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ôAbout time! That damn network is back up!ö Akira, formerly Hayami, yelled. From across the hall, another voice called.
ôKira, whatÆve I said about your language?ö he asked wearily. ôMy momÆs coming to dinner tomorrow, and it would kill her angelic image of you if she catches wind of the way you talk!ö
Akira sighed, slowly shaking her head as she pondered, once again, the mystery of how sheÆd ended up with such a goody two-shoes. But then her cry of ôFuck you!ö was answered by ôMaybe later, if youÆre a good girl.ö Akira shrugged, and as she had many times in the past, figured it just didnÆt matter.
Seven years. That was how long it had been since they had met. Six years since theyÆd met off line, and five and a half since they had started dating. A year and a half since, at the age of eighteen, he had worked up the nerve to propose. It had been a year, five months, thirty days, twenty-three hours, fifty-nine minutes and fifty-eight seconds since she had accepted. Nine months since the wedding (mostly due to the length of time it took to fly Sanjuro in from North Dakota). Eight months since the end of the honeymoon, and they were still figuring out how things worked, such as AkiraÆs language. Occasionally, TaroÆs eating habits were brought up, but he had mostly conquered those.
Akira sighed, and went back to what she had been doing before she was so rudely interrupted: checking her e-mail. The entire network had been in disarray for the last few days. It was just like the last Network Crisis, brought on by the wave and Morganna. Hospital systems were failing, traffic lights were behaving erratically, even their toaster had attacked them! But what Akira just wanted to do was get her e-mail. æEh,ö she thought. æIÆll worry about the rest of the world laterÆ.
She began to read off the titles of the mail in her and TaroÆs combined account. ôJunk, Junk, Penis Enlargement, Fund Kenyan Village, trash, trash, æthis is not a virusÆ, garbageàö As Akira clicked on the last file, her breath froze. Taro, perhaps sensing her sudden halt, walked in.
ôWhatÆs the problem?ö he asked. Mutely, the usually outspoken Akira pointed at the final, highlighted, e-mail. TaroÆs breath caught just like his wifeÆs had as they both stared at the title of the offending data file. ôTo Kite and BlackRose, I send a plea.ö
The next day, the two were still sitting in shock. The mail had contained the installation software for æThe World: R2Æ, and what appeared to be two character data files. It had simply been signed æAuraÆ.
It was twenty-four hours later, and the two were still in shock. The signature had brought back many memories, some bad, some good. Images of Kazu and Orca respectively falling to comas. Mia warping into the sixth phase before ElkÆs horrified eyes. The evil intelligence of a homicidal AI named Morganna dwelling behind the cold gaze of Corbenik.
But even as horrifying flashbacks surfaced, good ones rose as well. Simple times of the two of them just sitting there watching virtual clouds together. Seeing Piros chase after his æeternal feline foeÆ after Mia had been revived. Kit and Orca standing in Carmina Galadica, attempting to teach Balmung how he should stand when they struck their dramatic victory pose.
The usually passive Taro looked over at his wife, who was instinctively looking to him for direction. ôShe wouldnÆt have contacted us if it wasnÆt an emergency!ö he said, rather then asked. Mutely, Akira nodded. ôKra,ö he said, his voice dropping into the combat tone he hadnÆt used in years. ôI donÆt know about you, but IÆm going in.ö Akira looked up at her determined husband, and she felt a smile twist into existence on her face.
ôIt has been a little quiet around here.ö Akira said, her own voice taking on an excited tone. ôIt should be interesting at the very least. Besides, youÆre going, and it wouldnÆt be very fun for me to just stare at yourÆre body while you were off fighting monsters all day!ö
Their decision made, the two flung themselves into modifying their computer setup. M2Ds, previously dusty, were unearthed and cleaned. Software was installed and removed. Luckily, both of their jobs had been highly affected by the network crisis, and it would take months for them to be sorted out, freeing up valuable game time.
As Akira deemed them ready, Taro slid into a seat before their computer. His mouse hovered over the Icon for æThe WorldÆ, but he moved it over to the æwrite e-mailÆ button instead and began to type.
Akira walked back into the room and observed her husband working. In response to her unasked question, Taro said ôIÆm just sending out a few e-mails telling a few friends whatÆs going on.ö His voice turned mischievous as he continued witg ôIf they want to join us, the, well, thatÆs their decision.ö
Akira smirked, and slid into the seat next to his. ôI can do you one better.ö She said with a wide grin. Hastily, she pulled up a new internet window. A few keystrokes later, she had pulled up a message board frequented by the original players of æThe WorldÆ. A few more, and she had typed a new post.
Taro looked on as she typed a simple sentence, clicked the post button, waited a few seconds, then clicked delete. He grinned as she spun around towards him, a smug look on her face. ôYouÆre evil, you know that?ö he asked. Akira shrugged, as if to say æwhat can you do?Æ
With all notifications taken care of, Taro moved the mouse over the icon for æThe WorldÆ. At AkiraÆs confirming nod, he double clicked and the two secured their M2Ds. There was a flash of light, and the scenes of æThe WorldÆ faded into existence.
Taro looked over at his wife, who had transformed again into the person she was when he had first met her: BlackRose. She looked back at him, and saw his new, yet old, body: that of the former Outlaw Player, Kite.
Kite checked his meu quickly. ôIt says that weÆre in Mac Anu, but doesnÆt look a thing like I remember. LetÆs get moving. WeÆll check out the town first, then weÆll check out an area to see whatÆs different.ö He paused for a moment, secretly savoring the feeling of the virtual world once again. Then, with a dash, the two were headed out into Mac Anu proper.
The two quickly reached what seemed to be the town square. It was nothing at all like they remembered. There was a large fountain which many people were gathered around, chatting. Many seemed to be haggling with a fat, pink, bestial NPC. ôWow,ö BlackRose said as they passed by. ôThe NPCs sure are getting stranger and stranger.ö Surprisingly, the thingÆs ears twitched, and it turned towards the pair.
ôI am not an NPC!ö the beast thing said indignantly. ôIÆm Gaspard, third in command of Canard, the noob support guild!ö The beast-man waddled over, and stuck out itÆs paw.
Taken aback, BlackRose blanched and took the offered handshake. ôWait a secondàö Gaspard mused out loud. ôYou guys donÆt know about Guild Shops, and you donÆt seem to know about beastmenà you guys are noobs?!ö At the end, the characterÆs face lit up like Christmas had come early. ôAs a member of the best noob support guild in the game, it is my sworn duty to help you out!ö
Suddenly, his obvious enthusiasm dimmed and his ears drooped. ôBut I have to stay here and watch the shop. Haseo just brought back a really big crop of awesome items, and theyÆre in high demand.ö Before BlackRose could get a word out, Gaspard straightened up again, his enthusiasm returning. ôI know!ö he squealed. ôIÆll call Silabus!ö There was a pinging sound and Gaspard grinned. ôHeÆs on his way!ö With matters taken care of to GaspardÆs satisfaction, he turned back to his teeming stand.
Within moments, a new player showed up. This time, he was human. He was wearing all green, had a long ponytail going down his back and a kind look on his face. ôAre you guys the new players Gaspard found?ö he asked. When Kite nodded warily, the man broke out into a large smile. ôGood.ö He exclaimed. ôGaspard always works so hard for the guild and tries so much to find new players that he comes on a little strong. It makes him so happy when someone gets better thanks to his helpö
The hard, biting return BlackRose had on the tip of her tongue died at that moment. æHow can I be mad at someone who honestly just wants to help?Æ
She was still asking herself that question when and Kite had been invited into SilabusÆ party and were heading out into a dungeon. When she realized what was going on, she almost objected again. But as she opened her mouth, a flash mail popped up in front of her eyes saying ôWe were planning on doing this anyway. A guide could only help.ö Shrugging, she followed along mutely. After all, in æThe World, Kite was in charge. Outside of it was a different story, however.
Slowly, BlackRose began to appreciate SilabusÆ lecturing. After all, without his pointers, they never would have noticed the Rengeki. Neither would they have figured out how to perform an awakening. As they reached the Beast Statue, Silabus turned to the two of them. ôDo you guys have any questions?ö BlackRose shook her head, but Kite did have one.
ôEarlier, Gaspard, I think his name was, said he was the third in command of your guild. You said you were second in command. WhoÆs the guildmaster?ö
Silabus broke out into another of those wide smiles. ôOh, we have the best guildmaster around! Haseo is really touch and mean when you donÆt know him, but when you do, heÆs one of the nicest people youÆll ever meet anywhere! He brings back all these awesome items for the shop, goes around stopping PKers, and is always around if you need a hand.
BlackRose broke in here, fueled by genuine curiosity. ôIf hjeÆs so nice and cool, why did Gaspard call you instead of him?ö
ôI guess because Gaspard didnÆt want to get in the way of his alone time with Alkaid.ö At their confused looks, Silabus elaborated. ôAlkaidÆs a girl he fought in the arena a while ago. Afterwards, the two hit it off and started teaming together a little while ago. I think they started dating in real life. But they live pretty far away from each other, so they can only see each other rarely. So they spend a lot of their time together online. If the two are interrupted, Haseo getsà testly.ö
Kite grinned in front of his computer. The situation with SilabusÆ guildmaster sounded very, very familiar to the Twin Blade. It sounded exactly like what he and BlackRose had done before they managed to transfer to the same High School. Kite couldnÆt count the number of times he and BlackRose had just been sitting in an empty area and he wound up screaming at the unfortunate soul who had sent him a regular flash mail.
Kite was jerked out of his memory by a warping sound. With a brink, he reoriented himself to the game. Three tall Obelisk-like creatures on spider legs had appeared there, clicking menacingly. He raised his blades defensively, but heard Silabus gasp and say ôW-what are those?! IÆve never seen anything like them before in my life! TheyÆre way to high a level to be on this field!ö
BlackRose had also raised her weapon, but stammered out words hat seemed familiar. ôWhat are those things?! TheyÆre so freaky! Is this for real?!ö Those words sent Kite careening doing the corridors of his mind, back to when he was fourteen, his best friend was in a coma and a knight with white wings was fending off a freaky, green-tinted monster with infinite health.
Instinctively, Kite grabbed his right arm and pointed it directly at the approaching monsters. æWhat am I doing?Æ he asked himself æIÆm in a new character! This one doesnÆt have the bracelet!ö But even as he thought that, the field seemed to turn white. A familiar blue and green crystal structure warped in around his arm. Instinctively, Kite ducked, hunkering down behind the growing bracelet.
There was a flash, and the sound of data shattering, and the monsters vanished. Kite straightened up, hearing the noise that signaled a new item. From behind him, Silabus gaped. ôWhatà was that?!ö he asked.
Kite looked down at this hands, seeing this somewhat unsettling sight of the Twilight Bracelet on his right wrist. ôI really donÆt know!ö he half gasped, half yelled.
On another field, in a different server, Haseo bent over and howled in pain. Alkaid, who heÆd been talking to, spun and crouched in a defensive position. Seeing no enemy, she looked over at the still screaming Adept Rogue. Instincts took over, ad she crouched down to hold the yelling virtual figure of her man.
Deep in the see of data in æThe WorldÆ, Aura stirred. The human, the first she had reached to, had once again activated his power. Before the Ultimate AI could think more, she sensed movement. Quickly, she faded away, leaving behind a whisper of ôHe will no longer control you, mother.ö