FanFic: Prequel to The 6 Ghosts: Mitigate (LOOKING FOR HELP

[AUTO_]

Well, I promised a lot of readers from my debut fic (The 6 Ghosts) that I would keep up my writing. I took quite a break from it and I've decided to start up a new fic once I get everything set how I want to.

Cheers fellow fan-works...ers!

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

EDIT:

I decided to make an INDEX so you don't have to dig through all the pages to find the writing material (useful for new readers).

This is only useful if you have your account set to the default 15 posts per page...otherwise I'll just screw you up even more!

Mitigate

Prologue___Page 3

Chapter 1: The Coffin and the Cure___Page 3

Chapter 2: Finite___Page 4

Chapter 3: Ill____Page 6

Chapter 4: Cold Blooded_____Page 7

Chapter 5: Wait and Fate_____Page 9

Chapter 6: Backs of Mirrors______Page 9

Chapter 7: "Neat"______Page 10

Chapter 8: Bloodbase_____Page 11

Chapter 9: Seeing Ghosts____Page 12

Chapter 10: Saving Death_____Page 14

Chapter 11: Erased_____Page 16

Chapter 12: Lost Fairytale_____Page 17

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2004-02-16 00:43 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2005-06-23 17:43 ]</font>

[HUnewearl_Meira]

I need to go back and finish reading your 6 Ghosts fic. What I read was rather good, but you know how it works-- if you're working on a full-length fanfic (we're talking publishable, book-sized), then you'll inevitably neglect your reading. Actually, I'd probably be benefitted to print it out.

In any case, a few tips to consider for introducing characters in several fics, then coming in for a grand finale fic--
Keep the grand finale in mind from early on. Foreshadowing is the best method to keep a continuity on track, and when the reader comes across a vague mention of something, then finally encounters the whole thing, it'll really give them something to remember.

One fun form of foreshadowing is to give the results of an event that happened before your characters got there, and explain the event in detail later on. Or have something occur in passing. One example of this in my own fics, would be when Meira mentioned a FOnewmn by the cafe, who got run into by another FOnewmn. This event then occured in the first chapter of Crankshaft.

So, yeah, think ahead. If you know what your villain is doing in the background, then you'll know what your protagonists are going to find when they get there.

[mr_rubbish]

Ok, you piqued my curiosity, so if i have time this weekend I'll read your stories in the name of "research".

[AUTO_]

Thanks for the tips M.

I would say this differs a lot from T6G because I basically have all of the chapters planned out--with The 6 Ghosts it was kind of a flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of deal.

Even though this isn't a direct sequel/prequel to T6G, I am throwing in many references that relate to T6G...you'll see http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[mr_rubbish]

PS I think you should be careful PMing people and asking them to read your story, even if it is sincere.
There is potential for misunderstanding (like the massive argument me and Auto_ had http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif ).

All of us have to deal with the constant danger that people just choose not to read our works. Its a fact of life, remember you don't want to alienate potential readers.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mr_rubbish on 2003-10-17 15:27 ]</font>

[AUTO_]

PS I think you should be careful PMing people and asking them to read your story, even if it is sincere.
There is potential for misunderstanding (like the massive argument me and Auto_ had ).

All of us have to deal with the constant danger that people just choose not to read our works. Its a fact of life, remember you don't want to alienate potential readers.


Exactly, kids. And remember, if you see candy wrapped in suspicous wrappers, call the police or just say, "No".

With mr_rubbishes' and my brain combined, we can bring you important lessons everyday!

Note: I want nobody to feel obligated to read my story, if I PM you and say "hey check this out if you got the time"...run away. I'm simply leading you down a dark alley with no exits. You've been warned.

This post brought to you by Rubbish & Auto_ INC.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-10-17 15:49 ]</font>

[HUnewearl_Meira]

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Heh... My brother-in-laws' roommate and their brother got them to start reading my Recollection fics. Now they're constantly quoting Crankshaft. With this latest chapter, I fear I may be in for a weekend of, "Yay! I can hurt myself!"

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-17 11:49, HUnewearl_Meira wrote:
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Heh... My brother-in-laws' roommate and their brother got them to start reading my Recollection fics. Now they're constantly quoting Crankshaft. With this latest chapter, I fear I may be in for a weekend of, "Yay! I can hurt myself!"



LOL...

Crankshaft was a very goofy character O_O

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[HUnewearl_Meira]

Crankshaft is teh wtf, quite frankly.

[AUTO_]

Oh BTW...

If any of you have characters you want added in the fic, just list some general info about them here.

If I ever come across a spot in the fic where I need to fill in a character I'll use the names/characters of whoever puts them (character bank to big of a hassle).

Thanks, MmMMmkk http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[Mystil]

I think it'd be better if it was a tie in to T6G as well. Now I've yet read any of your fics, but I own 7 fics. And I've come to find that direct sequals, kinda drown out the plot leading you with lesser ideas.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-17 18:00, Silhouette wrote:
I think it'd be better if it was a tie in to T6G as well. Now I've yet read any of your fics, but I own 7 fics. And I've come to find that direct sequals, kinda drown out the plot leading you with lesser ideas.



Yeah, I figured the same thing when I decided I should write again. If I get around to a fic after this one, it will pick up where _______ left off in T6G.

[Belqvar]

Hey, I just read The 6 Ghosts, it was awesome! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif I really liked it, i can't wait to read the first chapter of mitigate.

it'd be fun to see my main character in it, so here's some general info about him: (taken directly from da character bank http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif )

NAME: Belqvar
CLASS: Ramar
SECTION ID: Oran
AGE: 26
EYE COLOR: Light Blue
HAIR TYPE/COLOR: Greased Back into a spikey position/Grey.
SKIN COLOR: White
VOICE DESCRIPTION: Humorous and light
COSTUME COLORS: White, Light Blue
HEIGHT: 5'8''
WEIGHT: 185
WEAPON(S): Heaven Punisher and Monkey King Bar
RIGHT/LEFT HANDED: Right
ALIGNMENT: Good
COMBAT SKILLS/SPECIALIZATIONS: He likes to use his Monkey King Bar, even though he often ends up hurting hinself. He frequently checks to see if his Heaven Punisher's special is working.
NON-COMBAT SKILLS: He has a way with people, but can be very annoying to others.
LIKES: Big guns, Useing Shifta & Deband, Hair Gel, and useing Hunter weapons.
DISLIKES: Bad Hair Days, People with higher level Shifta & Deband.
FAVORITE FOODS: Sushi and really hot peppers.
HOBBIES: Shopping for Hunter weapons, admiring his hair, talking.
HABITS/QUIRKS: He combs down his hair with his pockect comb to prepare for battle.
PERSONALITY: Likes jokes, tries to look at most things positively, but gets annoyed by some Forces(mostly ones with higher level Shifta & Deband.) He is lively, and is a little greedy for meseta.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: He comes from a working family and is the first in his family to become a Hunter.


You can change anything u want if you wanna use him.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-17 20:16, Belqvar wrote:
Hey, I just read The 6 Ghosts, it was awesome! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif I really liked it, i can't wait to read the first chapter of mitigate.

it'd be fun to see my main character in it, so here's some general info about him: (taken directly from da character bank http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif )



Glad you liked T6G and I'm glad to have another viewer! I'll be sure to note your character and add him whenever the spot arrives!

[Belqvar]

Yay! That's awesome that u might put him in! Thank You Thank You Thank You! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

Do you mind if he dies?

Not saying he will die but if it works out that way do you mind if he dies?

[Hikosaka]

For future reference, PMing the profile works, if pointing to the page in the Bank is not effective.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-18 20:49, Hikosaka wrote:
For future reference, PMing the profile works, if pointing to the page in the Bank is not effective.



Sorry about that Hiko. I just mainly planned on getting char. names...I didn't want to just pick random people from the character bank.

Anyways...if you are interested in being in my upcoming fic just PM me some general info (like name, class, etc) and I'll see what I can do.

Thanks > Readers

Sorry > Hiko

[Redfire]

Hi:

I'm reading a little about your fic and is awesome, I don't really know how participate, but I'd like you can add any of my character into your History http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

There's a little information about them:

Name:Zaga
Class:Fomar
Eyes: Bright Red
Hair: Red (Large)
Aligment: Good

He like to use any type of magic against his enemys but he's always supporting his friends, he make decisions quickly always following the good for all people, but he's fierce if anything hurts him...

There is a little description about Zaga, probably I send more information today or tomorrow, and send about my 2 other characters I hope you can add them..
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

A lot of thanks

Redfire

[AUTO_]

Thanks RF I noted your character and will use him if I have a spot for him (fic will probably be bigger then T6G so there's a good chance).

I'd like to add that if you do PM me about a character to just send me some basic information (similar to red's), because I already have my main characters plotted out and I can't reconfigure my story with another.

If you do submit a character and I never do use them or find a place for them, then I'm sorry.

I will try my best.

[BOC]

yo auto! good 2 see that ur gettin ur next fic altogether!

i think its a good idea what ur doing, making a different story then gonna tie it in with t6g in a third story!! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

Good to see ya, BOC! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I will throw in a lot of T6G related material in this upcoming fic (I already have chapter 1 written--not sure if it's how I want it though), but the main characters from T6G shouldn't be spoken for.

I think I might post the prologue on Halloween http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sagasu]

wOw, lot of posts but no story ^_^ But I'm lookin forward to it when it comes around the corner! Sorry but I dont have any characters to put in the story, but I hope to be able to read and post frequently, more or less.

[AUTO_]

heh, I think I'll post the prologue on Halloween http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

If you remember how I wrote T6G, you'll remember that I usually always posted new chapters when it was like 3 AM...so I'll try to do a good job of keeping my title updated.

Good to see you Sarunakai http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-10-25 13:21 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

Get closet holloween!! ^_^

Good to see u 2 Auto!

[Nai_Calus]

w00t, new stuff from you to read. *cheers*

*flops down on couch with munchies and waits*

[AUTO_]

Quick! Set your expectations to like...6!

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

You know how I said I actually have this fic planned out? Well, I tried that whole planning thing and decided it's not all it's hyped up to be. Mitigate will probably be the same "flying by the seat of my pants" story as T6G was...but that's not a bad thing, right?...right?)

Oh, btw:

Mit*i*gate:
1. to make less harsh or hostile.
2. to make less severe or painful.

[BOC]

counting the days......

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif and there is nothing wrong with flying by the seat of your pants!

although flying with wings would be safer http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

PEACE!!!

[Sagasu]

Depends on where your wings are...

[Belqvar]

yay! i cant wait till halloween then!
*tries to find a way to speed up time...*

[AUTO_]

I just realized that Halloween isn't until Friday...

Maybe I'll post the prologue on Wednesday...

Or maybe I'll just post the prologue and chapter 1 on Friday...

Do you guys care either way?

[Sagasu]

Prolouge wednesday, then post chapter 1 on Halloween. It would be better to spread it out a little bit more than to dump it on the readers all of a sudden.

Or you could always post both the prolouge and chapter one tommorrow and then put up chapter #2 on Halloween! Hey, we can dream -_^


BTW: I'm also putting up the next chapter in my own fic, Final Assassination, on friday. So if you do post on Halloween you wont be alone! ^_^

[AUTO_]

Ok, I'll post the prologue tonight and chapter one on Friday http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I should find the time to read your new one saruna...you do great work (regardless that you're only...13?)

Ok, so prologue tonight!

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[AUTO_]

The Prequel To 'The 6 Ghosts': Mitigate
Written by AUTO_

PROLOGUE

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/prologue.jpg

Coral looked like a marble that had just been picked out of the mud; a disease that wasn't contagious, just a dot in the universe that had to be forgotten. But Renatus had a place for his home-world despite all of its flaws, as well as the flaws placed on it by men.

From Renatus' miniscule window, he saw the result of the "me first" attitude. Pollution, scientific experiments, and just a general 'who cares' concept for a home-world. During one individual's life, you can almost guarantee with certainty that the ground they walk on is no more sacred then a pair of old shoes. This was the same ideal placed on Coral, only it lasted for to many generations. When the next leader came, it wasn't about trying to clean out the dirty diaper, but to merely add more to it for one's personal jollies.

As the spherical fragment in space got smaller and smaller, Renatus wondered if anything would be different for the next planet. The thought bored him, making it seem like a child's board-game; just rolling the dice to find out what would happen.

Renatus only had his thoughts to keep him company towards the new land of Ragol, for he had no family onboard, and most of his friends had already signed up to be independent hunters (The "Hunters' Guild" promised many opportunities to make a living once Ragol was colonized-creating a wave of eager hunters).

Renatus had thought about the military, but the general idea bugged him. He couldn't picture himself in the same uniform everyday, nor did he like the idea of being apart of a collective mind.

Pioneer 2's citizen blocks (referred to as "nut boxes") were very discomforting, and Renatus was already annoyed with the pure white room. EVERYTHING was white. His bed was white (looked more like a piece of metallic slab), his floor was white, the walls were white...then again, when a bed is the only object in the room, it doesn't leave a lot unaccounted for.

Renatus decided that this white room was just too hard on his eyes, so he picked up his black jacket and left his nut-box.


*****


The residential area (for citizens) was very colorful, and it had a great short-term affect on people, similar to eating a cake for the first time; the first one couldn't be described and felt like eternal bliss, but after having the same cake day after day, it became as routine and uneventful as brushing your teeth.

People mingled and smoked outside their nut-boxes, creating a very surreal image in all the fluorescent lights (the smoking anyways).

Renatus arrived at the "Retired Blacksmith" restaurant, standing patiently as a pimple-faced teenager came around from the kitchen.

"PlEase, seat yourself, sIr," the boy said as his voice fought over ranges.

Renatus nodded and walked over to a small, green booth. The counters had holograms of blacksmith-made weapons, each with descriptions to small for a fly to read. Still, the bright images offered a nice atmosphere, and the ashtrays with a flap of Coral made the place all the more interesting. Renatus wasn't sure if the image of Coral being used as an ashtray was sarcasm towards how we treated it, or if the owner didn't care for the place at all. Renatus supposed that it could be both.

"What can I get you?" A spunky waitress piped.

Her bright, red hair was tied into braids from either side, which looked as lopsided as her mammary glands. Her teeth were large and the mellow-yellow of them didn't seem to bother him after being locked in his nut-box.

"I'll just get a burger of B-beef, and throw in a small water for good measure," he said coolly.

She nodded and reached for her pen, which she followed by fumbling onto the countertop. She stabbed the notepad with content like Renatus had just ordered a "superfrallagisticexpealadocious burger" and water with specific instructions for stirring.

"Will...that...be...all?" She said wrapping up her collegial duties.

"Yes, thank you," Renatus nodded.

She smiled her lemon-seeds once again and ambled back into the kitchen, the notepad still clutched in her greasy hand.

Renatus looked down on the counter and saw a small card lying perpendicular to the corner near him. He picked it up with curiosity and flipped it over to its proper side.

MARY OOBLEDGE
CITIZEN
Patch Number: 32340200

If you have this card, then I probably thought we could get together sometime, so mail me on the BEE system...cause' it's always on! ^_^

Renatus felt a sudden rush of embarrassment and humor that he couldn't resist with his reptilian brain. He looked over his shoulder into the kitchen to see "Mary Oobledge" cutting meat with a long knife. Renatus tried to smile out of the goodness of his heart, but realized the goodness must not be there. He stared blankly then turned his head back around.

A few hunters in the booth across from Renatus were chuckling like kids discovering a magazine with naughty images-obviously doing anything but minding their own business. A small FOmar leaned out with a card in his right hand and a wide grin on his face.

"I would mail her but I'm just a little too nervous!" He blurted from across the room.

His friends broke out in hysteria and Renatus watched as Mary blinked her eyes like a running strobe-light (not because she was flattered--the poor girl was about to collapse in the kitchen like her legs had been cut from under her).

Renatus met with Mary halfway to his table, his burger halfway off the plate as she tried to maintain composure. He took the plate and water from her and put a check with a large sum of meseta in her pocket, hinting that he was about to leave the restaurant and save her further embarrassment.

Her face looked like an abstract painting, as one half appeared to be filled with jubilance and the other stricken with sorrow.


*****


Renatus traveled in an "angry walk" back to his nut-box, deciding that he couldn't go anywhere without finding drama.

He sat on his bed while chewing on the fresh burger. B-beef had never tasted so good...which was an oxymoron by all standards. The water was warm and had no taste--it was completely drained of any and all minerals. It felt like swallowing flowing matter (that had no taste) which was a very awkward feeling. Drinking anything that doesn't have taste is hard to describe, so Renatus just drank it without thought.

He placed the opaque plate beside his bed and turned off the unitary light in his nut-box. The room without light was very different, and was very peaceful. Even though his single window was extremely small, the bright stars and galaxies seen in the dark surroundings were very soothing.

Renatus closed his eyes and hoped tomorrow wouldn't have so much drama.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2005-06-24 16:34 ]</font>

[Nai_Calus]

Heh, poor waitress. XD

Pwnage. So what happens next? </annoying six year old>

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-30 02:41, Ian-KunX wrote:
Heh, poor waitress. XD

Pwnage. So what happens next? </annoying six year old>




Renatus closed his eyes and hoped tomorrow wouldn't have so much drama.


You have a guess what happens the next day? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

I remember when that happened to me when I was waitressing...*runs off screaming*

[Sagasu]

Great prolouge! I really like all the description you put into your work Auto, something I find myself lacking in at some moments. I dont think I could stand to be in a pure white room for a while either, lke a place ofr nuts {Hey since they are nut boxes I guess that fit in perfectly ^_^}

BTW: I'm 12, you where only off by one year!

pretty good. *nods*

[AUTO_]

Thanks for the comments sarunakai http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

Some of those threads you made in Off-topic a while ago were beyond anything I could think of...and I have a *counts* 4 year start on you!

Anyways...

Tune in Friday because the next Chapter contains:

NUDITY!!!

VULGARITY!!

PLENTY OF DRUG-RELATED SCENARIOS!

STAYING UP LATE! (uncut)

VIOLENCE!11!

and...

PARTY-SITUATIONS!!

[MQuantum]

this is really good, and makes me want to scrap up enough time to read T6G.

I'm not really sure I should be reading this if I haven't read that first... Oh well...

[AUTO_]

On 2003-10-30 15:51, MQuantum wrote:
this is really good, and makes me want to scrap up enough time to read T6G.

I'm not really sure I should be reading this if I haven't read that first... Oh well...



Thanks for the comment! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

Actually, you should be fine reading this without reading T6G first...because this fic isn't directly related with T6G. I will, however, throw in quite a few references to T6G (a big one is coming up).

I guess the only benefit (sounds harsh) from reading T6G would be that you'll have a better understanding of it as this fic goes on.

I think Mitigate is a little more into the roots of the PSO story, and T6G was mainly just a mystery fic (wasn't the original intentions however)...

My 3rd fic should be a collective story around Mitigate/T6G.

[Sagasu]

Sounds like you have a plan of some sort here are you feeling well?

But if you could manage the time you should go ahead and read Final Assassination. I'm about finished there, but then the next part{FA is act 1 of the whole story} Act2, will have a lot of references to FA, I mean a lot. I've got a lot of tricks up my sleves but I'm always willing to learn. SO I'll see if I can correct some of my own mistakes by reading through this. {LIke trying to add more detail as you have done} ^_^

Anyways, that was alot about me in your thread, so keep up the good work and I look forward to reading the first chapter today!

[Belqvar]

Auto, the prolouge rocks! you're stories are so great. i cant wait till the 1st chapta!

[Hikara]

Dang, I wish I could type prologues like that.... My prologue was maybe half page long! Very nice start, Auto!

P.S.- Come one and all to my own story and see if it can add up to Auto's! Fanfic: Protectorate of Light by Hikara!!

Auto, some tips and tricks concerning your writing skills would be very nice!!!

[AUTO_]

Thanks to all of j00 for your support!

-Sarunakai:
I really need to find time to read other fics (besides motivating myself to actually type my own), so I will try to get around to your fanfic.


Belqvar:

I have your character wrote down, and I'm sure I will get around to using him. Applying other characters from PSOW users is new to me, so beware if I turn your character into a complete dork (kidding, kidding..)!


Hikara: I'm flattered that you're asking for tips from me, but I don't want to try and alter your writing style. It's kind of like me (being a huge pop star with so-so songs that get a lot of sales) telling you and your band (who play techno music but can't afford to buy pickles) to play our style of music.

Just write to your style--originality never goes un-noticed (in large masses anyways).


Well, I have to hand out candy to those little monsters tonight (parents out of town), but I WILL post chapter 1 sometime tonight.

Hope you all have a happy Halloween...or atleast, a better one then I'm gonna' have http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

Chapter 1: The Coffin and the Cure

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/chapter1.jpg

Renatus sat on his bed, looking out into the void of space the way he left it the night before. He looked at his wristwatch to see how long he'd been asleep; it had been about 200 beats. His watch had a small, purple glow that made Renatus feel like he was floating in space, with his wristwatch being another galaxy or planet myriads of light-years away.

He got off the bed and turned on his light, filling his room with that paste-white that hurt his eyes. He pinpointed his black jacket in the corner of the room, sticking out like a hippo in a tree. Renatus pulled out his small portable mirror, and stood beside his bed.

"450x200," he said scratching his face.

The small mirror floated out in front of him portraying a small, photon mirror. The reflection was only in black and white...but those were the only colors he'd seen lately, anyways.

Renatus stands at a solid 6'3, and weighs a wet 180 pounds. His skin is pale like scattered flour, making him look like a walking angel (or disease). Since he was a child, he's had gray scars on the sides of his face--two on the left, and one on the right. The scars are long and wavy, and look like a child's face-paint. Doctors told him as a child that they were birthmarks, but they couldn't determine what gave them their "planned" shape and color. Renatus also has matching hair to his scars, an ash-gray that makes him look twenty years older (is the age of 25 Coral years), as it hangs down to ears-length in clumped patches (making his head look like a dirty floor-mop). Renatus looked as his beady, colorless eyes stared back at him in the mirror.

"Need to shave," he said to himself, turning his head from side to side.

Renatus' face looks extremely odd when he has stubble growing in, because his facial hair is nearly identical in color to his birthmarks. It causes him to have himself constantly "clean-cut".

He buttoned up his worn-out jacket and put the portable mirror back in his pocket.

"Breakfast," he thought to himself, turning towards the door.


*****


For some damn reason, everyone on Pioneer 2 was out and about. The residential area was bustling with activity, and Renatus felt as though he'd been left out on someone's birthday party.

He grabbed the arm of a small HUmar walking towards him, noticing the HUmar's expression as he glared into Renatus' eyes. The HUmar's Sonita buzzed as it did flight patterns around Renatus' head, like a shark circling its prey.

"Do you know what all of this is about?" He questioned.

The HUmar looked shocked, wondering if Renatus had just woken from a coma. Renatus was sure that the HUmar would pull out a crumpled birthday invitation any second now.

"We're making contact with Pioneer 1 and the colony in about 50 beats," he said briskly. "We've arrived," he hummed sarcastically with a large grin.

Renatus would have been more excited if he did pull out a birthday invitation, and in his boredom, forgot he was still clutching the HUmar's arm.

"You wanna' let go of me dude?" He pleaded.

His face scanned Renatus implying that he must have some ramped disease.

Renatus released his grip and kept walking, trying to find a small area to eat.


*****


EVERYTHING was so damn crowded. Renatus was starting to wonder how he slept through all of this.

"Corner Grub" was sitting dormant on the, well, corner of a cross-path. He knew by the number of employees there that it was instant-meals, but it was the least crowded, and Renatus was hungry.

"Got any beef soups?" He bellowed over the echo of noise.

The small man wiped his hands on his stained apron, and pointed to a sign behind him.

"Got lots of broths," he cackled.

"Alright, I'll take a, uh...," Renatus paused.

A small newman was positioning a bowl under a large cauldron, clumsily spilling the broth as he poured. The liquid was as thin as a paper-supermodel, nearly evaporating before it hit the bowl.

"Red one," Renatus smiled.

The newman waddled to the front desk and placed the bowl onto the counter; the broth dripped down the sides as he put it on the table with force.

"1 Meseta for you, sir," the man said.

Renatus glanced at the sign.

All soups (broths) are a total of 3 Meseta. NON-NEGOTIONABLE! No Refunds.

"Don't I owe you 3 Meseta?" Renatus asked nodding towards the sign.

"Oh, heh. It's only 1 Meseta for medical patients," he said modestly.

Renatus dug 3 pebble-Mesetas out of his faded sweat pants, and slid them across the counter.

"I'm not sick," he said clasping the bowl.

The petite man looked at Renatus as if he was in denial, and waved his hand blankly as Renatus turned away from his shop.

A slight humming noise could be heard from a few hundred-feet away, so Renatus looked over his head to see what it was. They were all spherical monitors no larger then a clenched fist. Renatus looked confused at first.

A tall RAcast strolled by Renatus as he stood stationary in the lobby, talking to a group of other hunters.

"...DAMN THESE ADVERTISEMENTS," the RAcast puttered.

Almost simultaneously, the small spheres showcased small holograms floating just feet above the large crowd. None of the advertisements had noise, because it would sound like a crowded mesh. Instead, large, flashing words stuck out showcasing a new banking agency, a "great cafe for friends and dining", and everything in-between, along with scrolling pictures that were colorful and frantic.

Renatus noticed (out of the corner of his eye) a small boy come flying into the large mass outside the residential area, with his right hand in the air like he was declaring a "Go-Go Ball" 2-pointer.

"WE'RE MAKING CONTACT! COME TO THE MAIN LOBBY TO WATCH IT ON THE "P2-VIEW!" He screamed frantically.

Large masses followed the boy as he hooked and weaved back through the large crowd of sheep.

Renatus calmly followed behind the mob and sipped his broth with content. He finally came to the warp to the main lobby, and tossed his empty bowl to the ground before he entered.


******


The crowd was enormous. They were cramped together side-by-side, glaring up at the blank screen and waiting anxiously like high college students at their favorite concert.

Renatus walked out a few steps to the back of the crowd, wedging in-between a dwarf-sized tekker and a HUnewearl.

A silent buzz came from behind the "P2-View" monitor--it was about to turn on.

The somber screen now became a blurry view of Ragol, and many people started to cheer as an Administrator from Pioneer 1 came into view. Then, the monitor cross-split and Principal Tyrell could be seen on the other half. He gave a gruff smile.

The central dome could be seen behind the Pioneer 1 Administrator, with many people loitering in the background.

The P1 Administrator adjusted the camera in front of him and then re-centered himself in its objective view.

"What a wonderful day to be here on Ragol," he said grinning widely.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-11-10 10:50 ]</font>

[MQuantum]

Ha, what do YOU know, Tyrell! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Yay! next chapter!

I was really looking forward to this. I almost posted complaing that you hadn't posted yet, but that would probably be counted as semi-spam...

When for Chapter 2?

[AUTO_]

Hmmm...lessee...chapter 2...

I would say chapter 2 might be posted either:

Sunday-Thursay

Yeah, sorry about not posting it sooner last night. Some of the trick-or-treaters were my highschool buddies and they stopped by for gaming and movies till about 9:30.

I made sure I posted it right after they all left...but it was pretty late when I finally got around to it.

[Belqvar]

awesome! chapter 1 is great! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif cant wait for chapter 2!

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Belqvar on 2003-11-01 11:00 ]</font>

[AUTO_]

Thanks, Belqvar. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

(I'm working on finding a spot for your character)

[Skett_Namevah]

Not hard to see what big event will take place in a bit. Good fic. I like it... alot! Its now on my favorate fic list (or would be if one existed).

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-01 17:14, Skett_Namevah wrote:
Not hard to see what big event will take place in a bit. Good fic. I like it... alot! Its now on my favorate fic list (or would be if one existed).



Thanks Skett.

I got your character info from your PM, but don't egg my house and car (well, you can egg my car, I guess) if I can't find a place to tie him into the story.

I decided to try adding some PSOW members' characters as of this fic, but I was weary on the decision because I don't like to give other peoples' characters my mind-set on them.

I will try to add him. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I'm glad you like the fic so far!

[Belqvar]

heh, even if you give my character your mind-set, i won't mind. i like the way your characters are, so feel free to make Belqvar however you want him to. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[AUTO_]

Thanks, Belq!

I'm still working on finding a spot for him--but I'll make sure to use him before the end of the fic.

[Skett_Namevah]

On 2003-11-01 22:41, AUTO_ wrote:


On 2003-11-01 17:14, Skett_Namevah wrote:
Not hard to see what big event will take place in a bit. Good fic. I like it... alot! Its now on my favorate fic list (or would be if one existed).



Thanks Skett.

I got your character info from your PM, but don't egg my house and car (well, you can egg my car, I guess) if I can't find a place to tie him into the story.

I decided to try adding some PSOW members' characters as of this fic, but I was weary on the decision because I don't like to give other peoples' characters my mind-set on them.

I will try to add him. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I'm glad you like the fic so far!



No biggy if you cant find room for my character. There are lots of fics I can add my bazare creations into. Kidding. Anyways, I got to go do something totally unrelated to you. *Walks off with three egg cartons and directions to AUTO_'s home*

[AUTO_]

*Wipes off eggs from face*

Look for chapter 2 on...

Wednesday or tomarrow night.

[Belqvar]

sweet! hope that its tommorow! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sagasu]

Sorry, I got screwed for time the last few days. Even for writing chapter 19 -_-'

Great chapter, I can practically picture the images described in your story, wich is really cool! ^_^ Lookin forward to chap 2!

BTW-no worries, read when u have got the spare time.

[AUTO_]

Thanks again, Sarunakai.

I did actually get a chance to read a chapter or two from your fic (final assasination), and I really liked what I've read so far. I'm sorry I haven't gotten fully up to speed on it...I really need to get some free time (drops all homework material for the next year).

Chapter 2 (should be) up tomarrow night.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 2: Finite

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/chapter2.jpg

Renatus looked un-enthusiastic as the Pioneer 1 Administrator gave a brief tour around the residential area and the Central Dome. Two military grunts could be seen on either side of his shoulder as he walked-every so often looking at the camera as if they were trying to stay "in act".

After a 15 odd beats of explanation, the Administrator asked his fellow P2 citizens if they had any questions. People raised their hands and bobbed up and down like sedated rabbits (most of which didn't even have a question to ask).

"ID #219831298," he said nodding into the camera.

A HUmar towards the middle of the crowd stepped to the front of the line as his ID was glowing and transmitting information to the Administrator's BEE system.

"How will you and Principal Tyrell decide to distribute land once the Residential area is full?" He spouted.

Renatus tuned out to his answer, as it was well drawn out and extremely boring. Renatus was just excited that he might get to sleep in a comfortable bed, as well as breathe in fresh air.

Renatus could picture a small hut in the Ragol wilderness, with his laundry strewn out just outside his door on tied lines from tree to tree. Inside, he was trying to fall back asleep as the sunlight tugged on his eyelids in the early morning light. The smell of humidity outside his un-caged window gave him motivation to get out of bed; like substituting cake for ice cream. A small fire cackled by the wall opposite the door, providing a smooth warmth to Renatus' naked feet.

Maybe Ragol wouldn't be so bad after all.

...

"Well thanks for all of your questions, and we'll be waiting for you all when you arrive!" The Administrator said as random people waved in the background.

Principal Tyrell nodded on his side of the P2 View, and cut feed from the camera. The P2 View became a large view of the Central Dome, with small groups of people walking to-and-fro. The Pioneer 1 Administrator was nowhere to be found.

****

...

...

Birds could be seen flying in large groups about 500 feet behind the Central Dome, like they had been spooked out of their trees. A small group of trees started to toss from side to side behind the Central Dome, and Renatus could swear he saw an object getting larger and larger as it came closer to the camera's objective view.

Some people working outside the Dome seemed to notice it as well (Renatus inferred). They stopped moving and stood, looking to the trees south of the Dome. Renatus wondered if anyone else saw the transparent shape.

He hoped they saw it now...

"It" stood.

Motion-less.

...right next to the side of the Central Dome. "It" was transparent, and it was as tall as the Central Dome. Describing its shape was like explaining calculus to an infant; it was brilliantly camouflaged.

It appeared to have wings of some sort, and the "base" of the being wasn't legs; it looked more like a pole sticking vertically out of a bean-bag.

Everyone was speechless, including Renatus.

The creature moved its arms (?) upward and gave out a horrifying shriek, and almost simultaneously, created a spherical, blue orb that shot outward in all directions from the beast. For the brief time that the camera still worked, people loitering within view were enclosed and vaporized like ants under a microscope on a hot, summer day.

Their deaths were as quick as the confusion plaguing the Pioneer 2 halls.

KOOOOOM

Renatus felt like his heart had just shot a small firearm inside his ribcage, as a low thud made his body shake from the inside out.

Everyone started to go into pandemonium; some fell to the ground in a sudden explosion of tears, some ran with utter fear in their eyes, and others just stood in complete shock. Renatus looked down to the floor to see a small puddle of urine where the tekker once stood, and the HUnewearl was nowhere to be seen.

The black and white flash from the P2 View made the main lobby seem like a dance club, with a running strobe-light that made everything look like bursts of real-time horror.

Renatus could feel his heart speed up and he started to feel light-headed. He tried to maintain his balance and sit down with his back to a wall, but he blacked-out before he had the chance.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-11-10 10:53 ]</font>

[AUTO_]

I decided to post chapter 2 early, because it's basically just an introduction chapter (short).

Hope you guys like it and happy trails.

[MQuantum]

It was great! *does Tony the Tiger impression*

Eat FROSTED FLAKES! No don't really, write the next chapter. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[BOC]

well i read this sucker, and i must say that so far its crap crap CRAP

..................
.......................
............................

im not foolin anybody am i? auto, as usual you are in top form! excellent!

if this is even half as good as 6 ghosts, it will still be a great fic!

great introduction, it set the scene very well!

as usual, im eagerly awaiting the next part!

PEACE!!!

[Nai_Calus]

Oooh! Death! Doom! Despair! Mwahaha.

I'll bet it was the REDRIA tekker, that jerk. Rarrrgh, hatred. X3

[MQuantum]

Make the Oran tekker DIE, Auto! Please?

Tekker: "That's heat, that's heat, that too, Bloody art there, Heat, heat heat, OHHHH! A charge wand! Go do 3 damage!"

Me: You are a pathetic excuse for a pyromaniac. And I am a stupid piece of metal, I have no "intelegence"!

Tekker: ooooh, I made the RAcast insult himself! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Me: ... Just be glad that varista you gave me doesn't have any percents...

[AUTO_]

Well BOC, I calculated just HOW much better this fic will be compared to the 6 Ghosts...and after a lot of number crunching and proofs...it came out as 1.343222 times better.

Now Ian is it really fair to assume it was the Redria tekker? If I was the tekker put in that situation, regardless of my ID, I would probably piss myself as well (I must be a wuss).

Annnyways....

Thanks all for your support, and I'll keep adding chapter after chapter after chapter after...

Oh btw...

Do you guys just love how ground-breaking I am for adding an INDEX? The idea just came to me and I was like:

"Yes, that'll work better then anything anyone has ever done."

[Mixfortune]

An Index is actually a pretty good idea. Wish I thought of it. Then again, after 18 chapters I'm still on page 2 of 15 posts per page, so...

Anyways, quick question. I read a little bit into Mitigate, but would you say that it can act as a stand-alone? Or should I track down T6G and read up on that beforehand? I would think it would be recommended to do so, but I was just wondering if it was a loose base or a requirement to get over possible confusion.

[Skett_Namevah]

I wish I could read T6G but yesturday when I tried to track it down I didn't see it. It doesn't mean its not there, since Im human and make mistakes I could have missed it. Does Auto_ have a copy?

[MQuantum]

I haven't read T6G, but I'm following pretty good...

And T6G is on the very last page of the fanfiction archive where the finished ones go... After all the inkslinger challenges.

And the Index is an ingenious idea, Auto

[Belqvar]

Woooo! Chapter 2 looks good! Keep it up Auto! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[AUTO_]

Anyways, quick question. I read a little bit into Mitigate, but would you say that it can act as a stand-alone? Or should I track down T6G and read up on that beforehand? I would think it would be recommended to do so, but I was just wondering if it was a loose base or a requirement to get over possible confusion.



You should be fine if you don't read T6G...all it would do is give you a better understanding ABOUT T6G.

Next chapter I'm throwing in my first reference to T6G...but the story shouldn't/won't be altered because of it.

If you want to check out T6G it should be on the last page under the fanfics section (like Q said)...if not I might be able to dig it up on my computer.

If any of you T6G vets are here (even if you're not), I was wondering if you wanted me to do the art before each chapter again. In T6G I put in little snippets of pics before the chapters (not drawn by me; some just dragged from the net, some drawn by Batou), and I was wondering if you guys would like those again...

If so, I'll re-edit the last chapters and plug in little pics. So feedback is recommended. Thankya'

Anyways...chapter 2 should be up before, or on, sunday night.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[Skett_Namevah]

I tracked down T6G today and now I fully understand why alot of people are happy about this. Anyone who hasn't read the story, go do it. It is great.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Skett_Namevah on 2003-11-07 18:33 ]</font>

[MQuantum]

*sigh* Another, albeit something I want to do, thing on my list of tasks to complete... I won't get any reading on this weekend...

And artwork would be great! it would really spice it up a little, and add some flair! (Did I say that? That is not something I would normally say... Flair and spice?)

Well, Artwork would be great!

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-07 20:11, MQuantum wrote:


Well, Artwork would be great!



Well you convinced me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

I'll edit the chapters to have pics now...time to dig up my old image-hosting site.

[Nai_Calus]

Yeah, I liked the pictures in T6G. They set a good tone for the chapter. Bring 'em back. XD

[Belqvar]

Pictures! It just keeps getting better! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-08 19:00, Belqvar wrote:
Pictures! It just keeps getting better! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif



Did I mention I'm throwing in boxes of Dots ?

Well, I'm not. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Yeah, I liked using pics in T6G...but none of them can be seen now (from the original thread...and PSOW didn't include them into the fic database...to big, I guess) because I stopped hosting all the pics.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 3: Ill

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/chapter3.jpg

The sun was beautiful that day, shining warmth and joy over the murky land. The landscape looked like a fairytale picture, so surreal and notional. The faded grass in the hills seemed to dance from side to side as the wind glided through each individual blade.

"When is daddy coming back?" The small boy asked while sipping his soup.

The shatter of a bowl filled in the dimly-lit kitchen, falling from its perched location on the cupboard.

"Daddy is coming back, child. He was seeking more treasures," she paused. "Daddy likes to share with us."

The marble floor was greeted by gelid tears, as his mother started bawling-cutting her hand as she squeezed part of the broken bowl.

"Why are you crying mommy? Daddy will return with more treasures!" He looked confused as she continued to cry.

"He will bring us more bowls, mom! Much bigger bowls, I'm sure!" He reassured.

She looked up to him with a wide smile, acting as the tears continued to cascade down her cheeks.

"Finish your soup. It's time for bed," she stammered.

He hopped out of his chair and walked down the golden corridor to his room, waving to his mother as he entered.

He sank into his bed as the falling sunlight crept through his open window. He slept well, because he was loved.


*****


He awoke. It was gloomy outside, an eerie fog seeped through his window. There was a noise down the hall. He needed to find mommy. Mom could help him. He was scared.

The kitchen light was on, he could tell as it filled through the cracks in the door.

He approached the door and put his cold hand upon the hilt. It was locked. He began to panic.

"Mommy!?" He whispered into the door, hoping the night spirits wouldn't hear him.

He placed his eye to the keyhole and gazed into the kitchen. He couldn't see much. He could hear the sound of cracking, like loose floor-boards bending to pressure.

To the left of the keyhole, he could see his mom's foot as it swayed haggard.

*****


Renatus jumped up in a cold sweat as a man bent beside him.

"NO!" He bellowed as he sent the man to the ground.

The doctor collapsed onto the floor, bouncing his head very hardly on impact. Two other doctors restrained Renatus to his bed; one of them barking at Renatus, and the other asking for the fallen doctor's status.

Renatus shook as he looked into the anagogic eyes of the doctor on his right.

"Where am I?" He questioned.

"You're one of many newly-arrived patients to the IDTP Hospital," he answered.

Renatus coughed hardly, which brought pain to his chest.

"You got trampled pretty well after you blacked out. A hunter named Vantamiath brought you in," he continued.

Renatus gazed down to his stomach, noticing that his shirt had been removed and heat pads were placed on either sides of his chest. Renatus looked around him and noticed that the building was like a zoo, and he even quicker realized that he wanted to get the hell out of there.

"Please," he said flipping his body up from the white mattress. "Let me get out of here".

The doctors released their grips and asked him if he wanted to be escorted back to his living quarters, as it was "late" and hardly anyone was mingling in the main lobby.

"It's ok, thank you," he said as he pointed to his bare-skin.

A doctor tossed him a plain white shirt, and Renatus didn't want to bother asking for his old shirt and jacket. Renatus nodded his thanks and exited out of the enormous, separating doors.


*****


The warp back to the living quarters was in eyes-view, but it was a long walk with bruised ribs. The only people in the main lobby were either asleep outside buildings, or in a corpselike state along the path-walk.

The warp that was set for Ragol was blocked off with wooden barriers, and two military officers were asleep in horizontal orientations on either side of the gate.

Renatus' vision became cloudy and he felt like his throat was making ice-cubes. As he crossed the gate, he saw it open with several black splotches come running out. One of them hit Renatus and sent him crashing to the ground.

"Damn punk-kids! I should report you little bastards!" Renatus cursed as he got back to his feet.

The military guards woke startled and darted after the runaway kids, who had a large head-start.


*****


Renatus opened the door to his nut-box and folded onto his callous bed. But he couldn't sleep. The idea of sleep scared him, but staying awake brought somber and menacing thoughts into his head.

He looked back into the void of space, wishing he had just dreamt a nightmare, not lived it.

[Nai_Calus]

Very nice. Good atmosphere, and the picture sets a good tone... I like it! ^_^ You never disappoint. ^^

Now go read -my- fanficy things and comment on them. ^_-

[AUTO_]

Thanks Ian.

Huzzah wha??

I don't want this to sound rude, but I never knew you had a fanfic! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

Why didn't you tell me? I saw your art of Calus but I never knew you wrote anything! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

I'll go do that right now! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Nai_Calus]

On 2003-11-10 10:58, AUTO_ wrote:
Thanks Ian.

Huzzah wha??

I don't want this to sound rude, but I never knew you had a fanfic! :o

Why didn't you tell me? I saw your art of Calus but I never knew you wrote anything! :o

I'll go do that right now! :)



Probably because of the wonderfully descriptive title I gave the thread "FanFic: Meh. I suck at this. >_<;"

Yay, you actually got to see it. Geoshitties is being sucky again for me at least right now. >_<

[AUTO_]

I like the start of your fic, Ian!

Your fic has lots of dialogue, and mine usually have little to no dialogue...so it's good reading something in reverse to what I'm writing (did that make sense?).

Btw Ian since you're a T6G vet...

Did you catch the references to T6G in that last chapter?

There was 2 references that I can think of.

[MQuantum]

Yah, chapter three!

And I see piccies! Woot! So when the next chapter? Tommorow, right? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Belqvar]

cool, i see T6G references! The pics are great! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif kepp it up!

[AUTO_]

Thanks guys http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

Chapter 3 should be up before the weekend, and I'm sorry for posting Chp 2 today when I was going to post it sunday night.

Glad you caught the T6G references Belq http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[BOC]

excellent flash-back, complete with a pic?

why auto, your spoiling us http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif!!

excellent work as always dude!

KEEP IT UP!

PEACE!!!

do i really use that many !'s?

[Sagasu]

Keep going are the only words that have not been used before me, so thats all ill say ^_^

[Nidarrock]

Sorry for the late reply. As usual you paint a great story with vivid images in your writing. Keep this up, I would even dare to say that you should explore this as something to do in your life. I think you are that talented.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-12 20:02, Nidarrock wrote:
Sorry for the late reply. As usual you paint a great story with vivid images in your writing. Keep this up, I would even dare to say that you should explore this as something to do in your life. I think you are that talented.



Thanks Nid (thanks everyone).

It's good to see you're still around Nid (and still doing your fic!).

I'm glad you think I could pursue writing...It's one of the few things I could see myself ~enjoy~ doing.

Thanks again for everyone's comments, and have a safe drive home.

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[Nidarrock]

On 2003-11-12 20:12, AUTO_ wrote:
It's good to see you're still around Nid (and still doing your fic!).

I'm glad you think I could pursue writing...It's one of the few things I could see myself ~enjoy~ doing


You're welcome. I'm trying to finish my fic, but it's darn hard to find the time and motivation to do it. I'll still be here on PSOW for some time, though I may only be on rarely. It would fit PSO's theme I guess. Rare hunting. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[AUTO_]

Chapter 4 should be up either late tonight or late tomarrow (barring I don't have company over tomarrow-night or don't go out).

[Spartan117]

thats great!
cant wait for the next chapter

dang it i cant find my watch. Whens tommorow.

Cant wait. Cant wait. Cant wait.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Spartan117 on 2003-11-13 15:33 ]</font>

[Belqvar]

Hope tomorrow comes really soon! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Skett]

*Closes eyes and taps heels together* I wish it was tommorrow. I wish it was tommorrow. I wish it was tommorrow. *Opens eyes* Didn't work, darn.

Why is it all my favorate fics seem to take so long to update with a new chapter?

Yosh...

[AUTO_]

Sorry guys I can't put it up tonight, because I'm going out of town.

I'll be back later saturday night and I will try to summon my strength to post it.

It should be up tomarrow night...

SHOULD

[MQuantum]

Ah, how dissappointing... Well, that just makes the anticipation so much greater.

[LadyRedComet]

Oooh, this is good. Almost like T6G in overall goodness. I shall have to remember to post more often and tell you how much I like it.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-14 16:55, LadyRedComet wrote:
Oooh, this is good. Almost like T6G in overall goodness. I shall have to remember to post more often and tell you how much I like it.



Good to see you Lady!

(Also...welcome Spartan!)

I'm sorry guys but I'm so drained right now that I can't write it tonight...I've driven over 500 miles in 2 days and I have a huge headache.

Sorry and I'll keep you posted.
(dies from corny pun)

[AUTO_]

Ok...time to get to work.

Suck or shine chapter 4 is coming tonight.

[MQuantum]

Yah! I'll read, if I can wait! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

Heh...I don't post until really late at night, because that's when all the "juices" start flowin'.

Hopefully you're still awake M!

[MQuantum]

No... I'll be sleeping like sane people...

What? I do sleep...

[AUTO_]

Chapter 4: Cold Blooded

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/chp4.jpg

A piercing knock on Renatus' door made him spill a globule of milk on his sweatpants as he flinched in his seat. He put his cereal bowl down and treaded towards the door. He put his eye to the peep-hole and quickly opened the door.

"Well look at Mr. Hunter-boy," Renatus joked as his friend stood in the hall.

Apotheosis had been a friend of Renatus since they were old enough to talk, and he enrolled to be a hunter just days before the 'Pioneer 2 Project' began. Renatus hadn't seen him since the launch day.

Apotheosis stood dubiously as Renatus stared him down in his new hunter's uniform.

He was shorter then Renatus, and wasn't as built physically. He was slim, agile, and the scuff marks on the bottom of his boots hinted he was always on ventures in parlous areas. His hair was shoulder-length and black as the devil's heart at midnight. His uniform was black as well, with striped sections of a calming orange. His new, shiny ORAN Section ID complemented his uniform; appearing in front of Renatus like a department store catalogue-model. His skin had a glow in the tint of peach, stretching flawlessly as he smiled his appealing teeth and gazed him down with his eyes; the color of heaven's majestic, blue rain.

"Are you going to let me in you miserable bastard?" He chuckled as they exchanged their unique handshake.

"Yeah, welcome to my palace," Renatus said spinning in circles with his arms stretched out.

Apotheosis smiled as he took a seat where Renatus had been eating cereal.

"So how's the life of the hunter?" Renatus said as he acted out shooting invisible objects.

"Just got the uniform today, same with the section ID. I'm not a certified hunter until I finish the training course today and fill out some bullshit forms," he said pushing the bowl away from him; the cereal floated saturated on top of the milk like multiple snot wads.

Renatus nodded in acknowledgement and turned back to his window.

"...Any news from Principal Tyrell about..." He paused.

Apotheosis sighed and walked to Renatus' side.

"That's actually the main reason I came to see you," he said quietly.

Renatus turned to him in confusion and curiosity.

"Ragol is basically our only option according to Principal Tyrell, and affective immediately, he's sending squads down to investigate...we've gotten no messages or signals from anyone from the Pioneer 1 colony," he said blankly.

Renatus had an idea where Apotheosis was going with this.

"So," he continued. "I'm going down as soon as I'm officially a hunter," he said accenting 'hunter'.

"Why doesn't the military onboard investigate?" Renatus asked without turning his head.

"Lot's of reasons according to the Principal. Too much of a liability, not enough of them, and he says hunters aren't "qualified" to monitor and regulate P2 if they're down on Ragol," he said with a small grin on his face.

"Basically he fed everyone bullshit by the basket," Renatus retorted.

Apotheosis quickly turned and walked to the corner by the door, stretching his arms as Renatus watched his reflection in the small window.

"Scientists tried to use thermal satellites right after the explosion to try and track whatever the hell that was. They didn't find it, so it's either incredibly sneaky or gives off zero body temperature...they've hypothesized that it's cold blooded and is a sea creature, living in the arctic waters of Ragol's northern pole," he continued, "because the water is the most logical area that it could live in...Pioneer 1 wouldn't have missed a land-based creature of this size."

Renatus didn't like the idea of sitting alone in an abandoned restaurant while his best friend might be getting frostbite on a god-forsaken arctic deathtrap, awaiting his next mail through the BEE system to relieve him that his friend was alright.

"The scientists think that the entire Pioneer 1 colony was vaporized. By satellite photos, we haven't found an arm no more then we've found an asshole...which is hard to believe with the amount of military bats from Pioneer 1," he said nervously.

Apotheosis tried to let out a small laugh, but found it un-appropriate as he rethought the event.

"They've found signs of life out of the blast's range however, and they're already flocking to the Central Dome. They're native animals, but the information transferred from P1 isn't matching with their behavior patterns now...groups of hunters are being sent all over starting today, and the Central Dome is one of the locations," Apotheosis noticed his voice continue to echo in the small room, reminding him that he might be rambling.

"Anyways," he said heading for the door, "I'll mail you on the BEE system on how I'm doing, and I'll try to visit you whenever I can," he promised as Renatus approached him.

Renatus felt like he had a purpose in life for the first time since his childhood, and the thought of being a "piece" made him smile.

"I'm going to training with you," he said as his livid eyes swelled with purpose and devotion.


*****


Renatus purchased a SWAIZ uniform from the Hunter's Guild de-branch, after much consulting and nit-picking from Apotheosis. He felt kind of awkward shopping for a uniform, let alone comparing colors and prices with a fellow male-friend.

The uniform was a metallic white that was very generic and extremely cheap. To its credit, the neck-roll on the back was ideal for rangers (Renatus knew he wanted to go into gun-play, despite Apotheosis' advice on becoming a HUmar) as a resting point for heavy firearms, and it was in mint condition.

He filled out a form at a small government office just off of the residential area, and then paid the clerk for a Section ID.

The clerk fumbled his hand into a wet box and randomly dug out a magnetic section ID.

"YELLOWBOZE," he said with a smile on his face. "It's the color of the heroic," he assured as he slid it across the countertop.

Renatus said his thanks and waltzed out of the office as Apotheosis was waiting for him just outside.

"Never-mind him," Apotheosis said placing his arm around his shoulder. "The loopy old fart said the same thing for my ORAN."


*****


They came to the Hunters' VR Testing building and stood just outside as people flocked through the gates in steady amounts.

Apotheosis headed for the gates while looking back at Renatus.

"They supply you with everything you need in the VR. Common knowledge is the only thing you need to pass," he said ushering him to the gates.

"Before you know it, we'll be freezing our square asses off at the northern pole; selling our souls for a fire and an answer," Apotheosis said entering the gates.

[Getintothegame]

Damn... nice.

[Nai_Calus]

I like! XD
Whee, sarcastic witty banter. <3 <3 <3
...I'm too bloody tired to say anything coherent, so. @_@

[Sagasu]

As usuall, chapter late at night, or was is early in the morning?

But it was a great chapter anyways ^_^ So keep on going and continue writing/ also i like the speed at which these are being produced ^_-

[MQuantum]

Another great piece of a great tale!

See, I told you I wouldn't be up... *mutter*

I'm waiting for the next part, and selfishly hoping you don't have anymore parties. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Belqvar]

sweet, this is good! u can just pump out these
chapters so fast, and their good! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif keep it up!

[AUTO_]

Good to see you again, GITG!!
(please tell me you're coming back to PSO...)

Thanks everyone for your comments and sorry for the delay of chapters between 3 and 4...

Ok...I just have some things I need to mention to you guys because I think you should know them.

Starting next chapter, Mitigate is going to be a lot like T6G was content-wise. T6G was pretty descriptive in violent chapters and the same thing is going to follow with Mitigate.

You might also notice most chapters have some cuss words here and there...don't call the cops on me if you see the F-bomb dropping in chapters to come...I know most all of you are old enough (or mature enough...I'm talking to you Sarunakai) to handle stuff like this, especially in written context, but I thought I should warn/tell the readers who are new to my fics.

I don't want you to think that the story is a guts-fest from here on out...but it's about to get messy.

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/twak.gif

BTW Belqvar I'm adding your character in the following chapter(s)...but his name is Belqvar and not the info you gave to me a while ago...if you have any problems with that just PM me or throw a bottle at my head on my home turf (this thread).

I'll try to post chapter 5 sooner then I normally post chapters, because I owe you guys one on that delay.

Peace and buckle up.

[Belqvar]

i definlty have no promblems about u changing Belqvar. I cant wait to see him in the next chapter! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[Skett]

Great chapter. You use descriptive words like no other. Now... post next chapter!

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-18 18:33, Skett wrote:
Great chapter. You use descriptive words like no other. Now... post next chapter!



If I don't play PSO all night tonight...I might post it tonight...I'm feeling creative http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

Thanks again for everyone's support http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[LadyRedComet]

This keeps getting better and better. I loved the conversation about the section IDs. 'Twas funny.

[MQuantum]

Your day is not complete without the recommended amout of blood. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Well, not really, but reading things hardly bothers me... You can watch TV and see worse than whatever you may describe...

Oh, and have you been playing PSO this whole time? it was days ago you said you might post another chapter! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-21 14:18, MQuantum wrote:


Oh, and have you been playing PSO this whole time? it was days ago you said you might post another chapter! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



Yeah sorry...I'm retarded. I have been playing PSO a lot lately (old school friend of mine just came back to playing), and I'm getting the new MarioKart tonight.

If chapter 5 isn't up before Monday you all have permission to tar and feather me.

[MQuantum]

What did you say... THE NEW MARIO KART COMES OUT TONIGHT!? ARRRGH! I was just at walmart! My dad says "Is there anything you want to check out while we're here?"

And WHAT do I say?!

"No, I don't need anything..." STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID ME! WHY?!

Ok, I feel slightly less crushed after that rant... But not very much... I think I need a new chapter to cheer me up... *sniff*

[Skett]

If you have been playing Mario Kart: Double Dash!! than we wont tear you to bits (I live that game). Better than: the N64 one. Not as good: as the SNES classic. Wait for it: Crash Nitro Kart.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-21 18:58, Skett wrote:
If you have been playing Mario Kart: Double Dash!! than we wont tear you to bits (I live that game). Better than: the N64 one. Not as good: as the SNES classic. Wait for it: Crash Nitro Kart.



I'm still working on the Gamecube's Power-Slide...I kind of just shoot the joystick back and forth to compensate for not knowing what the hell I'm doing http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[AUTO_]

Chapter 5 coming up late tonight.

[Fra_Namevah]

Thats good to hear. I really enjoy your fic. Oh, you probibly dont remember me but before I left PSOW I read your old fic and really enjoyed it. So far, I believe this one is better.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-23 19:12, Fra_Namevah wrote:
Thats good to hear. I really enjoy your fic. Oh, you probibly dont remember me but before I left PSOW I read your old fic and really enjoyed it. So far, I believe this one is better.



Well it's good to have a -sort of- new reader!

I remember all my viewers (not joking)...what was your old SN?

I'm glad you think this is better then T6G so far http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[AUTO_]

Chapter 5: Wait and Fate

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-7/309880/evilredude.gif

Renatus had never felt so stomach-tight in his entire life. He felt like he was waiting in line for a theme park ride, except nobody was excited. They stood in a single hall, with no doors on the sides and no second-levels in the building. It was the kind of area where if you wanted to leave, you couldn't. Despite only being fifty or so people in the line, you could only fit two people shoulder to shoulder in the narrow corridor.

The hallway curved off further up, but Renatus was to far back to see what was behind the corner. Apotheosis stood content with his surroundings, he happened to like chaos.

The hallway was rather dark, with the only glow being two florescent tube-lights stretching from the front of the building to the back (he assumed); every thirty or so seconds, each strip would change colors and the music would either speed up or slow down, even though the actual song never changed.

"So how does this work?" Renatus questioned turning his head. "Do they send us to the VR in groups?"

Apotheosis looked sarcastic like he was holding Renatus' hand, the sort of look that said 'just wait and see'.

Renatus didn't expect an answer when he heard Apotheosis' voice a few moments later.

"They usually send you down in groups of four, but the number of simulators is endless," he explained.

The crowd suddenly moved a few feet forward, and Renatus quickly shuffled as far up as he could like it was an exciting event. Renatus stood on the left side of the hallway, and it sloped off to the right. He could now see half of the "loader's" body standing at the end of the rat-tube.

Renatus realized that only six people were left between them and the loader, so he got ready to pass it on to Apotheosis. He put his hand on his chest and turned his head forwards, pointing with his chin.

"I know," Apotheosis interrupted. "Looks like we're going to be with these two in front of us," he said with emphasis.

The two wannabe' hunters in front of them overheard their revelation and clumsily turned around, shifting their shoulders in the tight space.

One of them was obviously a Newman, with ears that shot out in both directions longer then Renatus' forearm. He was dressed in a very hypnotizing robe, an eerie red that covered him from neck to toes. His skin was so black that Renatus couldn't make out any of his facial features besides his large, oval eyes. His eyes were a piercing-yellow that looked like large cat-eyes buried inside his charcoal-skin. Even his ears were so black that he looked like a fairytale goblin, standing only to Renatus' chest. His ID shined brightly in the middle of his neck, a lush purple that made him look elegant.

The other was a human; male, and a much bigger build then both Renatus and Apotheosis. He had long, teal hair that was streaked red and tied tightly into a ponytail between his shoulder-blades. He had fair skin and dry, green eyes that gave his face a certain-flair, one which Renatus couldn't really describe. He wore a green HUmar suit that had a BLUEFULL ID sitting in the middle of the breastplate.

The Newman male stretched out his hairy hand in-between Renatus and Apotheosis with a fresh smile on his face.

"They call me Chamberlain," he said latching onto Apotheosis' hand. "Soon to be Pioneer 2's greatest force!"

"My name's Apotheosis. I'm honored to know the 'soon to be greatest force onboard Pioneer 2'," he bantered.

Chamberlain quickly jumped from Apotheosis to Renatus; Renatus noting that he was very friendly behind his scratchy voice.

The HU waited for his friend Chamberlain to step back, then stepped forward and shot out his right hand.

"They call me Belqvar. If either of you need assistance on this VR, just let me know," he continued shaking Apotheosis' hand.

He felt awkward as Belqvar continued to shake his hand as he talked, but quickly spoke-in when the opportunity arose.

"Nice to meet you Belqvar; I am Apotheosis as you now know, and this is my RA friend, Renatus," he repeated.

They exchanged polite smiles and more handshakes, but Chamberlain was standing feet ahead of them waving his hand.

"Come on now," ushered Chamberlain, as the loader was showing his thin patience to the un-prepared group.

Renatus hadn't even noticed the group in front of them go, nor did he remember when he advanced in the line to where he was standing now.

They all gathered around to listen to the loader's instructions, noticing the look of frustration on his pale face.

"I will pick a random simulation for you to complete, and you must abide by the given rules once you have entered the simulation. We have made it a policy that the entire team must pass in order for anyone to be officially announced a hunter, because teamwork is the key. We will have someone from our offices monitoring you, and he or she will tell you when you have completed or failed your objective or objectives. Completing the exam will result in immediate graduation as a hunter, and then you're free from then on to use that title to your expense. If you fail your objective or objectives, you will be transported outside the building and will have to come back to try again. Got it?" He asked dryly looking at a fixed point on his computer monitor.

"Yeah," they responded collectively.

"Ok, good. Now one thing before I can let this begin; tell me which class you would like to be loaded as into the VR program," he said pointing to Chamberlain on the far left side.

"FOnewm!" He exclaimed.

The loader pointed his pen to Apotheosis standing beside him.

"HUmar," Apotheosis said assuringly.

He pointed his pen at Renatus, with no emotion on his face.

"RAmar," he stuttered.

"HUmar," Belqvar announced before the loader could turn to his position.

"Very well," he said pushing buttons on his monitor. "Please step into the warp and good luck to all of you," he barked.

Renatus slowly entered the warp right before he heard the loader shout:

"NEXT!"

[LadyRedComet]

OOOoooh, me likes. I can't wait to see what happens in the VR.

[Fra_Namevah]

Good chapter. As I said before, you are the master of descriptions. In the words of that last chapter: NEXT!

[AUTO_]

Thanks, guys http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

I thought about including the VR section in that chapter, but I decided against it and just made it a short introduction chapter.

I'll try to post the next chapter soon.

[MQuantum]

Yeah, good chapter! I'm waiting expectantly for the next bit, although I won't be getting on too much over Thanksgiving break...

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-25 04:42, MQuantum wrote:
I won't be getting on too much over Thanksgiving break...



Yeah...not much reading or writing going on during the holidays.

I'll try to post the next chapter before or after Thanksgiving (hopefully before) to work around teh holidays.

[Belqvar]

awesome chapter! i'll have to change my character's colors to match the new Belqvar now! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
i cant wait for the VR chapter!

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-26 12:13, Belqvar wrote:
awesome chapter! i'll have to change my character's colors to match the new Belqvar now! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
i cant wait for the VR chapter!



...and isn't your character a RAmar?
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

I'll try to post the VR chapter tonight...because Thanksgiving and the holidays are upon us http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[Sagasu]

Another one leaves the crowd in awe

*awed silence*

I have one question for you, how the hell do get people to post so much?? You have 5 chapters done and more posts on this thread than I have on mine!{19 chapters}

=[

Ah well, got me beat as far as the fan fic go, I look forwad{I really do} to the continuation of this story.

BTW: I should be back friday, so dont expect a post form me till then.

[Belqvar]

...and isn't your character a RAmar?
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif





yes, i guess he is. but it doesn't matter. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_cool.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2003-11-26 18:52, Sarunakai wrote:
Another one leaves the crowd in awe

*awed silence*

I have one question for you, how the hell do get people to post so much?? You have 5 chapters done and more posts on this thread than I have on mine!{19 chapters}

=[

Ah well, got me beat as far as the fan fic go, I look forwad{I really do} to the continuation of this story.

BTW: I should be back friday, so dont expect a post form me till then.



Glad you liked it Sarunakai!

Well, this fic has 2 pages of posts before I even started the fic (announced I would write again after taking a break after T6G...but most of the people who read that fic are gone now), so that accounts for a lot of it.

I think the easiest way to get more people involved with your fic (that's one of the main reasons people read fanfictions--is if they're somehow involved) is to add them as cameos/friends from PSO, etc.

My friends on PSO don't even know I write fanfics (Aside from Apotheosis, who isn't a member of PSOW), and I did that intentionally because I didn't want sappy postings that I would assume are fake.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with involving cameos in fics (I recently touched ground on this...Mitigate has Belqvar's character now and Apoth's), but it's just not MAINLY my main forte or style. I don't (It sounds bad to say like) like to take other people's creations and turn my own spin on them, but Belqvar gave me his permission so I decided to add him in as I see him.

So my advice if you want more people to read your fic or to post/respond to it, is to invite many people to be involved in it; or take chars from the char. bank and PM them that they'll be in your fic.

Nothing wrong with cameo-style fanfic writing...I just haven't adjusted to it yet.

[AUTO_]

Huzzah!

Hope everyone had a bitchin' Thanksgiving! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

Next chapter will be up before Monday.

*does a jig*

[AUTO_]

Chapter 6: Backs of Mirrors

http://score.sega.com/games/phantasystaronline/dc/images/booma.jpg

Renatus appeared in the VR system, but was unable to move. The ground he stood on had no mass or feeling, even though he could clearly see texture. The room he stood in was a large maze of sorts, with head-high walls that cut and weaved throughout. He could see the top of Belqvar's head on the other side of the room, sticking out noticeably with the shiny colors of his hair. Renatus concluded that the room was oval shaped, with only one door (he could see behind him off of the hologram walls in-between pictures)-which was on the side furthest from Renatus, and closest to Belqvar.

Suddenly he felt like he had been cut loose, and had control over all of his muscles. He sprinted towards Belqvar, running in diagonal streaks in between the walls. Belqvar was standing puzzled as he held his BEE system, staring into an empty category of "Quest Board". He put the small BEE system back into his hip-pocket, and turned to Renatus who was wheezing short on breath.

"It doesn't make any sense. We've been loaded into a VR system that has no mission objectives, and two of our party is missing," he said looking around the room.

Belqvar gripped the Saber in his right hand and released the photon bond. Renatus holstered his Handgun under his right arm while wiping sweat dripping from his brow.

"Search mission, you think?" He said glancing at the unlocked door.

"Even if this was a search and find mission...there would be a log for it. I've studied and memorized about damn-near every VR mission in the VR handbook," he stated.

"I guess damn-near won't cut it. Whatever the mission, I doubt we'll accomplish it by staying here," he said removing his Handgun.

Belqvar nodded and walked to the door with Renatus at his side.


*****


Apotheosis fell to the ground; shrieking with shock. Well, not really shrieking; it sounded more like...growling.

Growling?

Apotheosis looked at "his" arms, and then stood back on two feet.

"I'm a goddam' Booma!" He roared out his U-shaped mouth.

The room was nearly identical to the room Belqvar and Renatus had been put in, and observing it had distracted Apotheosis from "his" physical state.

A Gobooma appeared in front of Apotheosis, holding its claws in front of its circular head.

"Apotheosis?" The hairy Gobooma bellowed.

Apotheosis looked confused until he heard the creature's voice.

"Chamb-erlain?" He stuttered.

Chamberlain lowered his paws and walked up face-to-face with Apotheosis. The Booma smiled with his chipped and plaque covered teeth, and then flared his nostrils.

"Your breath stinks," the Booma bantered.

"Didn't know you could smell in VR," the Gobooma joked.

"Seems anything is possible in the VR," the Booma said while combing the hair on his right arm.

"I wonder what crazy animals Renatus and uh...your friend um-are," the Booma laughed slowly.

"Belqvar," the Gobooma restated.

"Yeah, yeah...Belqvar, that's it. Come on let's go find them, they probably know what we're supposed to be doing," the Booma cackled.

The two started to sprint towards the unlocked door and both fell in unison, only a few feet from where they started.

"Holy shit I feel lopsided!" The Booma exclaimed clutching his bruised legs.

"I guess you can feel pain in the VR as well," the Gobooma said nursing his scrapes.

The pair clumsily held onto one another as they got back to their feet and maintained their balance again.

"It's ok, I don't feel like running anyways," the Booma said laughing.


*****


Four identical rooms later (with lots of tiresome searching), Renatus and Belqvar had seen no signs of Apotheosis or Chamberlain.

"This is ridiculous. How the hell are we supposed to know what to do? I bet that loader screwed up," Renatus ranted.

Belqvar shared his anger, but managed to control it in silence.

"Did they think it would be funny to load us into a mother fu--," Renatus said gripping his hair.

The door on the other side of the room began to creak, and Belqvar and Renatus quickly hit the floor with their backs to one of the head-high walls.

Renatus clenched his Handgun and whispered over to Belqvar.

"Did you see what it was? I ducked down to fast."

Renatus spoke quickly and barely understandable, and sat poised waiting for Belqvar's answer.

"Looked like a Booma. You know, one of the native creatures on Ragol?" He asked.

"Yeah, I know what they are. We can take a Booma, I read in the Pioneer 2 log that Booma's are actually pretty docile...or something like that," Renatus assured.

Belqvar sat silently with his hand to his ear.

Renatus peaked over the wall briefly then ducked back down like a peeping-tom.

"It's a Booma and a Gobooma, or Gigobooma. I don't know the damn names. Anyways, there's only two of them, and there's two of us; we can take them," Renatus encouraged.

Belqvar nodded to his Handgun.

"Fire a few shots. If you can hit them, do it. Lead them over here and I'll finish off what's left," he said biting his lower lip.

Renatus stood to his feet and positioned the Handgun firmly at the Booma's chest.

"Renatus!" The Booma shrieked in fear.

Renatus was startled as he heard the Booma's roar echo in the small room, a low-toned bellow that rang in his ears.

THOOOOOFT!

The Booma dropped behind a wall with a piercing pain to his chest. The Gobooma sat beside him and put pressure on the wound.

"Renatus! You shot me you A-hole!" Apotheosis screamed.

"What are you fools doing? It's us, Chamberlain and a now-shot Apotheosis!" Chamberlain hollered.

Renatus stayed standing and pointing his Handgun towards the far end of the room.

"Yeah, how dya' like that bitches? Stand back up and let uncle Renatus finish you off!" He screamed.

*****
"oOoo, OoiO oOo' OooOiii OoIiO? OOOooIiiIiI O o iIi oO Oi oOiio iIoI!"
*****

Chamberlain and Apotheosis looked at one another in complete confusion.

"Are they drunk or something?" Apotheosis fused.

"Your friend might be, but I don't know where Belqvar is."

Belqvar turned and slid on the ground to Renatus, then tapped on his shoe.

"They're screaming in pain over there. I think you might have gotten both of them," he pointed out.

Renatus started walking slowly to the far side of the room with his Handgun tightly clenched.

"Then let's go finish them off."

Belqvar hurried to Renatus' side with his Saber drawn and ready for action.

The Gobooma heard the footsteps and slowly put its triangular head over the wall.

"They're coming right for us," Chamberlain said.

They were maybe thirty feet away and advancing quickly, so Apotheosis stealthily ran across to another wall-up five feet from the previous one he was positioned behind.

"Payback time, Renatus," the Booma roared in a foreign tongue.

Once they were in striking distance, the Booma signaled to the Gobooma to strike.

Apotheosis shot quickly from behind his wall and uppercut Renatus with an extreme force. Renatus dropped his Handgun and was knocked backwards two rows of walls, landing on the top of one at a perpendicular angle. Renatus crashed to the floor as a droplet of blood ran down his chin.

Belqvar pierced the Booma through his thigh and kicked him off to the side.

The Gobooma lunged at Belqvar and landed on top of him as they crashed to the floor. His arms were pinned to the floor and he couldn't move any part of his body except his face.

He spit on the Gobooma's face right before it slashed his chest several times and "killed" him.

Belqvar was lying on his back, seeing everything with a red tint. He couldn't move and he couldn't speak. He felt angry because HE had failed the VR test.

Chamberlain noticed that Apotheosis was "dead" as well, as he sat motionless where Belqvar had last kicked him.

Chamberlain quickly took cover, scanning the room for Renatus.

Complete silence.

.....

Chamberlain noticed that Gobooma's had exceptional hearing, as his eardrums detected slight movements of air as he walked. Chamberlain knew that Handguns were bad weapons for close range, so he decided to charge Renatus as soon as he knew where he was hiding.

.....

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFfffffffffffffffffff-POP!

Chamberlain heard a silent dragging sound that started from the left side of the room, and traveled to the right side of the room (where he was positioned) after crashing loudly against the far wall.

He bolted to where the sound came to a crashing end, and got ready to swipe with full force as he turned the corner...

On the floor lying but inches from him, was a small metallic device enscribed 'BEE SYSTEM'.

The Gobooma could hear a silent 'click!' directly behind him, and got ready to spin around.

POOOOM!!!

The photon bullet went directly through the back of the Gobooma's head, splashing a fair amount of blood near all the surrounding areas.

Chamberlain slumped to the ground as everything became a red blur, and almost instantaneously, the VR was disconnected and the four of them were side by side in a small, purple room.


*****


A young woman sat behind a desk as they all sat in photon chairs that had the colors of their individual section ID's.

"Congratulations," she said brightly. "You four have just passed the Hunter's Exam."

The four were excited, but mainly confused.

"Where were you guys?" Belqvar and Renatus questioned.

Chamberlain and Apotheosis looked puzzled, almost angry.

"We were the animals you assholes started firing on!" Apotheosis screamed pointing at Renatus.

The room became quiet, and the lady behind the desk looked offended.

"Well that explains a lot...I think," Renatus said dimly.

"So what exactly was the point to the VR mission?" Belqvar asked politely.

The young woman pulled up a small file then read it as she put on her glasses.

"VR mission 312312 Sub-BRA requires that two hunters must be victorious over two of the native animals of Ragol. If the animals are victorious, then the group will fail the VR mission. If the party reaches a draw, the VR will be reloaded until either failure or completion."

She removed her glasses and set the file back into a large cabinet. She looked dignified as the four sat without questions, almost forgiving that they had yelled in front of her.

She took out a spherical camera and four pieces of paper from one of her desk drawers. She placed one sheet to each of their laps.

"Congratulations, just a few signatures, pictures, personal information, banking information, sicknesses, phobias, and dialogue sessions and you're all set to becoming official hunters," she said pointing to the forms.

Apotheosis raised his eyes from the sheet and put a finger by his face, raising his eyebrows with sarcasm.

"Do you need urine samples?"

[AUTO_]

Ugh, damn lag/double post/56K Internet/Shit

*kicks a lawn chair*

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-12-01 00:15 ]</font>

[Mixfortune]

You got a little double post there, just in case you might not have noticed http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

EDIT- Sorry, didn't realize until after that I should have PMed you about it instead. My apologies.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mixfortune on 2003-12-01 00:16 ]</font>

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-01 00:15, Mixfortune wrote:
You got a little double post there, just in case you might not have noticed http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

EDIT- Sorry, didn't realize until after that I should have PMed you about it instead. My apologies.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Mixfortune on 2003-12-01 00:16 ]</font>


Np http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

My internet has been really bad tonight...

[MQuantum]

Ah! That was unexpected! Ha! What a way to test skills! I do have to say, it would really be bad to be the boomas, cause you would have to die to win, and even dying in VR would be a creepy feeling...

And it was about time for another chapter, too! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-01 04:38, MQuantum wrote:
Ah! That was unexpected! Ha! What a way to test skills! I do have to say, it would really be bad to be the boomas, cause you would have to die to win, and even dying in VR would be a creepy feeling...

And it was about time for another chapter, too! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



Yeah...sorry for the uber-long delay...

I myself would enjoy being a Booma http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

I mean think of all the practical jokes you could play on people...

[LadyRedComet]

LMAO! Turned into a Booma, eh? That's funny. As usual, I was quite impressed.

[Skett]

Good chapter. If I was a Booma, the fact that I cant run and seeing red, while seeing red when death would drive me insane. Sorry but I would rather kill them than be them.

[MQuantum]

Yes, you could pull practical jokes until someone figured out you were JUST AN ANNOYING LITTLE PEST and annihilated you with a saber +3...

I agree with Skett. I'd rather kill them than be them...

[AUTO_]

Glad you guys liked it. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Gotta' show the love for teh Boomas, though...

[AUTO_]

Wow sorry about the break...

Next chapter should be up tonight.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 7: "Neat"

http://www.penoka.com/images/chess_03-0024_k_h_&_p.gif

Renatus returned to Apotheosis' small residence, where they discussed their hunter-futures over a dark cup of coffee. Apotheosis had constantly been doing numerous miniscule jobs to afford his small hut, which seemed ridiculous; because the hut wasn't much bigger then a standard nut box, and with all the time Apotheosis spent working, he barely had time to enjoy his resting ground.

The small hut was one floor, with a wall that separated the bedroom from the kitchen. Apotheosis had Vlue carpet (changes colors every beat) that Renatus figured was expensive, even though it looked out of place with the rest of the hut. A few paintings were scattered on the dark-green walls, mostly of videogame characters and personal idols.

The kitchen was bigger in comparison to the "divided" bedroom area, but it had little to no furniture. They sat around the only table in the kitchen, playing a game of laser Chess as they talked.

"So you want to go to the northern pole of Ragol?" Renatus said advancing a piece on the light-board.

"That's where they think that creature is. I figure it would be the ideal place to look," he replied.

Renatus took a sip out of his coffee, noticing the steel-blue of the cup.

"When do you want us...when do you want to go?" Renatus asked.

Apotheosis advanced one of his pieces then pulled out a piece of paper from his chest-pocket.

"Probably tomorrow, but I think we need to stop and get something first," he said handing him the paper.

Renatus set down his coffee cup and read the small scribbling on the piece of paper.

"A Mag?" Renatus said softly.

Apotheosis nodded and brushed his hair out of his eyes.

"All hunters need one. They say the best thing you can do is to buy a standard Mag for dirt-cheap, then feed it as you wish. Buying the pre-fed ones is really expensive, I'm told," Apotheosis said.

"What do they do?" Renatus asked with curiosity.

Apotheosis brushed aside some coffee that dribbled onto his lower lip then re-took the paper from Renatus.

"The standard Mag isn't really good for anything. But as they evolve they can do lots of neat things. Mags are kind of a living computer; they function, they eat, but they're not really alive. You can use them to take orthographic pictures of an area-use them sort of like a mapping device. They can scout areas...just assist you in general," Apotheosis explained.

Renatus continued to move his pieces in on Apotheosis' King.

"What do you mean evolve? How do they evolve if they're not even alive?"

Apotheosis finished off his coffee and walked off towards the sink while it was still his turn.

"Think of Mags like videogames that have expansion packs. The game itself never really changes, but by adding new things, you kind of update the game. They do something with the photon in the items you feed them...the photon levels are like instructions on when and how to evolve. It's kind of complicated, I guess," he said walking back to his seat.

"Well, at any rate, I'm sure I'll figure it out," Renatus said anxiously awaiting his next move.

"I figure we can get those tonight and then crash back here before we head out tomorrow. It'd probably be best if you just stayed here tonight, that way we won't have to meet through a sea of people tomorrow. The VR lady said it should be packed-over 14,000 hunters registered during today, alone," Apotheosis said amazed.

Apotheosis moved one of his pawns and scratched the back of his right ear.

"Sounds like a plan to me. We might as well get those Mag-things right now," Renatus said getting up from his seat.

"What's the rush? I didn't think you were excited about getting down to Ragol?" Apotheosis tittered.

"Well, its checkmate," said Renatus.


*****


The neon sign in front of Renatus pulsed "Hunter's Lost and Found" as it flickered on and off.

"This is where you get Mags?" Renatus murmured.

Apotheosis greeted the single worker inside, and quickly shuffled off to the "M" section towards the middle of the building. Renatus looked down with surprise to see over twenty multi-colored Mags hovering inside a photon fence.

Renatus saw a small sign that said '300 Meseta per Mag. 150 Meseta per defective Mag'.

"What's a defective Mag?" Renatus asked.

A small, blue Mag hovered to the far corner of the fence, making a whimpering noise and flying low to the ground.

"Good one. You made it sad," Apotheosis said while getting the worker's attention.

Renatus knelt over in guilt and confusion and looked at the Mag. It had large cracks down its back, with wires exposed out of them. The Mag kept its "back" to them and continued to hum silently. Renatus felt like he had insulted his favorite movie; it didn't mean anything to him, but he somehow felt jilted by it.

"I-I'm sorry," he stuttered to the 'defective' Mag.

"Can I help you two?" The woman said as Renatus stood back to his feet.

"Yes. We each need a Mag, miss. Do we select them ourselves?" Apotheosis said.

As soon as Apotheosis finished his sentence, the Mags huddled together and crammed themselves as close as they could to the fence without getting zapped. A yellow Mag towards the front got bumped and hit the fence, and a dim, orange spark shot forward as the Mag recoiled towards the back. The Mags started to buzz tones together like songs, creating a clutter of muzzled hums.

"Which Mags would you gentlemen like?" She said with a smile.

Apotheosis approached the group and looked at a shiny black Mag towards the bottom of the pile.

"The black one on the bottom," Apotheosis said.

The woman said something into a microphone planted on her shirt collar, and the Mag flew through the laser fence unscathed. The Mag circled Apotheosis' shoulders and bobbed up and down-forcing a smile out of him.

"And how about you?" She said touching Renatus' shoulder.

Renatus searched the group for a white Mag that would match his new uniform, and found an off-color white towards the back.

"That egg-white towards the back, please," Renatus said pointing, nearly touching the laser fence.

She said something into the microphone again, and the white Mag sprang to life towards the back of the fence.

The white Mag bulldozed in-between other Mags blocking its path to get to Renatus. The white Mag didn't do anything fancy as it hovered alongside his right shoulder.

"Will this be all?" She asked.

The remaining Mags began to spin in violent circles while making fierce buzzes.

"Yes, this will be all," Apotheosis assured.

They walked to the check-out counter, hearing the sad hums of the Mags they left behind them.

"That'll be 600 Mesetas total," she said.

"Do you take checks?" Renatus asked reaching for his book.

"Yes, but I'd ask that you stay here until after I wire it to our bank and confirm we're getting something," she said lowering her smile.

Apotheosis took out three chains in groups of 100 Mesetas and calmly put them on the countertop. The woman seemed pleased with his convenience of using "solid" Meseta. Renatus quickly wrote the check and placed it beside Apotheosis' Meseta pile.

"One moment...please," she said inserting the check into her computer.

A small receipt came back from the computer.

"It checks out, thanks for purchasing lost Mags. And good luck with being official hunters," she said blankly.

"Thank you," Apotheosis said sappily.

Renatus didn't say anything as he followed Apotheosis out of the "Hunter's Lost and Found".


*****


They arrived back at Apotheosis' hut when it was "late" and decided to call it a night.

"You can sleep on my floor," Apotheosis said walking into his bedroom.

"Ok. Uh, thanks," Renatus said following behind.

Renatus' Mag started to bob up and down as they entered Apotheosis' room.

"What is it?" Renatus asked-not sure if he was asking his Mag or Apotheosis.

Apotheosis looked at it as it started to tap the side of Renatus' uniform.

"I think it's hungry. It needs the photon to keep its memory functioning," he said walking back into the kitchen.

Apotheosis took out a Monomate from one of his cupboards and tossed it to Renatus.

"I'm not sure how exactly you feed it, but give it a try," said Apotheosis.

Renatus coyly held the Monomate next to the Mag's "eye" and waited as it hovered motionless.

The Mag's eye began to open and it slowly advanced to the Monomate in front of it. A small clasp came from out of the eye-hole and pulled the Monomate inside. A silent crushing noise could be heard inside the Mag after the eye closed again, and an aura of left-over photon exited the back the Mag. The Mag seemed happy and glided from side to side.

"Neat," said Apotheosis.

[LadyRedComet]

Aw, the poor mags! Especially the 'defective' ones. It made me very happy to see two of them get out of the Lost and Found. I wanna see how they fare with Mags.

[Belqvar]

cool, mags! it should be intresting reading about them http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif keep it up Auto!

[AUTO_]

Thanks for the comments http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

There will be more of your character to come, Belqvar...

[Skett]

Good chapter. I as well feel bad about those mags. Dang, why did you have to give so much character into the things (hey, I just listed a pro for your fic). So, when can we expect the next chapter?

[Nai_Calus]

Maaaaaaaaags. n.n *grabs meseta and goes and rescues -all- of them* n.n *hugs and feeds and raises*

...Er, yeah. I luuuuuuuuuuuurve it. XD

I don't suppose there will be any Rati in your fic...? <.< >.>

[MQuantum]

Awwwwww... Poor mags... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

I feel so sorry for them... (I bet they're ALL gray...)

A great chapter, and I'm glad there's going to be mags in this fic. So many writers skip over them.

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-09 05:13, MQuantum wrote:
A great chapter, and I'm glad there's going to be mags in this fic. So many writers skip over them.



...like I did in my first fic http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

To Ian:

A Rati might be in my fic; sending me hot cocoa mix and white-chedder popcorn through mail will increase these odds by rougly 79.32%.

To Skett:

The next chapter (the one where it gets violent I swear http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif) should be up before the weekend if I'm not swamped with homework...teachers like to be pricks right before Xmas break. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Nai_Calus]

On 2003-12-09 23:29, AUTO_ wrote:

To Ian:

A Rati might be in my fic; sending me hot cocoa mix and white-chedder popcorn through mail will increase these odds by rougly 79.32%.



I have hot apple cider mix and kettle corn, will that work? And if there aren't any Rati, Fluffy will be sad.

[AUTO_]

*cringes at the thought of apple cider*

Kettle Corn would work...but I prefer the "Smartfoods" White Cheddar popcorn.

Tell Fluffy I'm sorry http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

[AUTO_]

This is the first Monday I've been motivated to do something in quite a while...

Chapter 8 should be up tonight.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 8: Bloodbase

http://www.ultimatetaxi.com/gfx/blizzard.jpg

A cold mucus string climbed its way into Renatus' mouth as his throat contracted from the cold vapor filling his lungs.

Apotheosis and Renatus were shipped to Bloodbase at the northern Ragol pole, a small igloo-type building that had little heating and got very lonesome during the cold nights. Bloodbase had twenty-four residents when Apotheosis and Renatus first arrived, but had diminished to a mere sixteen people.
The rooms were separated with one person per room, but windows on either side (to fellow hunters' rooms) gave some comfort while fighting to maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Inside the building it was very dark and gothic, with old furniture and stained tile floors. The ceiling lights flickered on and off and gave a sense of abandonment to everyone there. There was one TV in the entire base, which was usually off because it was located in the kitchen-which was usually the coldest area and was avoided at all times besides for cheap lunches.
Renatus' Mag had evolved to its full potential, going through tough times of living off of cheap, damaged items. Apotheosis Rati was also to its full evolution, and was often asked if it was for sale due to its beautiful, yet melancholy, black wings. Renatus' Pushan was taking what little photon energy was in the room and was converting it into heat, gliding gently across Renatus' feet at a safe distance; frostbitten toes had plagued more then three people at the base. Renatus decided that it wouldn't be worth it if his toes might fall off as he slept, so his Pushan was always busy at night.

Renatus shook involuntarily as he looked for his gun that he remembered putting on the floor.

"Pushan," he said briskly.

His Mag hovered around the room until it found his Laser sitting on the ground, and then calmly brought it to him as he tried to blow warm air into his cusped hands.

Renatus left his cell and walked over to a small table in the middle of the "living quarters"; he noticed Apoth smoking in the corner of the room.


The smoke coming from the bright orange flame flowed towards Renatus, causing his eyes to itch and water. The silhouette of Apoth was heroic as the darkness encompassed him, the tails of his Rati could be seen closely behind.

"Got a letter from Gen. Deacon," Apotheosis said as he approached the hard table.

"What does that old bastard want now? Better not be another fucking scavenger hunt, we were damn lucky to make it back from that last charade he sent us on," said Renatus.

Apotheosis smiled as a halo of smoke came behind his waxing teeth, biting down on his Eitsur as he exhaled.

"They've picked up more thermal energy about twenty miles from here," he grimaced.

Renatus rolled his eyes then rubbed the sides of his arms.

"Twenty miles without a functioning vehicle? Gen. Deacon can kiss my ass, we're not going cave-crawling again," Renatus flared.

"Oh, but we are. They say that the opening to this cave is the biggest they've found, and they're betting it's 'its' lair for food and what not," Apoth continued.

"Yeah, and "what not". It's nothing more then a damned goose chase and they're going to kill every last one of us doing it," he barked.

Renatus walked over to the only coffee pot in the base and turned it on, a soothing sound as it puttered to life.

"Nobody has actually died yet, and we can't hold it past them for trying. They, on the other hand, can hold it on us. The Guild is independent, but we know what we signed up for. They won't kill us with the frigid weather-they'll kill us with frailty and a pen and paper," Apotheosis said.

Apoth flicked his Eitsur to the far side of the room and gripped Renatus' right shoulder.

"Wake up Xero and Omni, we're going to get there before anyone else reads the mail," he said blowing his last puff of smoke.

"Keep your pants on. I'm going to have my hot, black water first."


*****



The tissue in Renatus' nose gripped his face as the piercing, dry air hit him as they exited Bloodbase.
They had made friends with Xero and Omni during the first week they arrived, often exchanging items and weapons they bought or found during hellish trips into the white abyss.

It was only light out at the northern Ragol pole for only an hour of the day, and the rest was a suicidal inducing black that seemed to rain down sorrow every time they stepped foot outside the Bloodbase.

Omni and Xero were both classified as HUmars, and both stood just an inch shorter then Apoth. Xero was very dapper looking and was very flamboyant in conversions, despite the gothic atmosphere and the overall downer mood.
Omni was very young for a hunter, and Apoth had made it a goal to take care of him since they arrived. Omni was very shy and never jumped into conversations unless he was directly involved. His eyes were the only comforting blue at the northern pole, and his docile nature seemed unfitting for a hunter at the current times.
Renatus turned around to see the Bloodbase disappear into the mist then covered his face and turned to Apoth; who was gaily holding onto a satellite map.

"The trip there should actually be pretty safe. The boomas and wolves seem to be migrating more south for warmth and food supply," he said holding onto his Last Survivor.

"...Just be on your feet, incase," Apotheosis said calmly.

Xero threw his arm around Omni and pointed forward with his Gladius.

"Going to be on our feet for a long time, anyways!" He snickered.



*****



They camped four or so miles from the cave, which was now in view at the bottom of the valley. Apotheosis was right (or Gen. Deacon); the cave entrance was huge, almost as if someone had built it.

They had encountered a booma before they set up camp, and its raw meat started to turn as they swallowed it forcefully.

"I'm not going to feel guilty when I crap out the remains of this foul bastard," Renatus said gnawing on a leg bone.

The four looked like they had turned to cannibalism, as freezing blood ran down their chins in a very discomforting manner. Renatus was appalled by the "ice eating" when they first arrived to Bloodbase, but he realized that it was necessary and wasn't near as grotesque as it was portrayed when he really thought about it.
He bit into the raw flesh once again; a twitch of blood sprayed the right side of his face.

Apoth stood on the side of the cliff with a portion of meat in his hand, nodding to the cave below them.

"Makes you wonder if the thing really is in there," he said.

Apotheosis looked as if he was proud as he posed on the side of the cliff, taking time to glance around at the surrounding areas like a camera was watching him.

Omni was licking a large pile of snow that he had compacted in his gloves, the dry blood becoming fluid again as it seeped through the snow.

Apotheosis threw his arm bone over the side then turned back to complete the semi-circle.

"Get some rest, we'll arrive tomorrow morning."



*****



The cave appeared even larger as they stood but feet outside its incredibly large, oval shaped tunnel. The inside appeared to be pitch-black, with no signs of gaps or cracks for light to seek through from the outside.

"Light um' up," Xero said to Renatus drawing his Gladius.

Renatus pulled out his Laser and the photon wavered into the deep tunnel.

Omni used a DB's Saber that didn't project light but two feet in front of him, but Apoth's Last Survivor won the award for 'most useless in caverns'. Bones were scattered along the cave, and recently dead boomas were lying here and there-probably from the cold or starvation, Renatus figured.

Renatus gripped his Laser tightly in front of him as they walked side by side; all of them shifting to any sudden noises.

Ahead of them, four separate tunnels led in different directions.

"Now what?" Xero said holding his Gladius closer to the tunnels to identify his blatantly obvious subject.

"Split up into groups of two?" Omni suggested.

"You see this in corny movies. My tunnel will lead to gold; your tunnel will lead to silver, Apoth's will lead to angry boomas, and Xero will follow me to the gold because he won't go in one alone," said Renatus.

"I will too go into a tunnel alone you jackass," Xero spouted.

"Splitting up is obvious, but let's not do one per tunnel," Apotheosis concluded.

"Good idea, so who has to take Xero?" Renatus joked.

"I'll go with Apotheosis," Xero stated.

Renatus approached the first tunnel and noticed how large it was in width.

"This cave must stretch for miles and miles," he screamed; testing the echo range.

Apotheosis and Xero advanced to the second cave opening, with both of their weapons drawn.

"It has to end somewhere," Xero said enthusiastically.

Omni went in behind Renatus with his weapon loosely gripped.

"I hope they have hot-chocolate."




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-12-16 00:42 ]</font>

[Nai_Calus]

On 2003-12-16 00:28, AUTO_ wrote:

Apotheosis Rati was also to its full evolution, and was often asked if it was for sale due to its beautiful, yet melancholy, black wings.



<3 <3 <3
XD
w00t! Rati!

Good shit as always, you had me alternately 'Ew!'ing and cracking up(Not a good thing at 6:30am when your mother yells at you... XD)

w00tness. As always, you put me to shaaame. XD

[AUTO_]

Thanks for the comments Ian.

I should have known that a Rati would be coming...I forgot Apoth's actual Mag is a Rati http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

I hope I can write another chapter before the weekend...

My eyes are already bleeding at the thought of some of my nephews coming over...



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-12-16 14:47 ]</font>

[LadyRedComet]

Hot chocolate, eh? Hehe.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

[AUTO_]

Huzzah!

Feedback! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

I'll tell you what happens next:

They go into the tunnels and they find Dark Falz' sisters and they all have a circle-gathering and discuss issues on Ragol and talk about political life in the universe.

...

But you better read the next chapter anyways; lots of loose stuff here and there, you know? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Next chapter should be up hopefully before Sunday (going to LOTR friday after school so probably not Friday night..)

[Sagasu]

Lolz, very descriptive moment when they devoured the booma cold *shivers*

You've problably heard this 2 often by now but... Poor mags =[

N E wayz; Looking forward to the next chapter on sunday! I wont b here 2 read it though unless it come's late at night{as usual} Im gonna b snow boarding all day tommorow.

Cya

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-20 15:57, Sarunakai wrote:
Lolz, very descriptive moment when they devoured the booma cold *shivers*

You've problably heard this 2 often by now but... Poor mags =[

N E wayz; Looking forward to the next chapter on sunday! I wont b here 2 read it though unless it come's late at night{as usual} Im gonna b snow boarding all day tommorow.

Cya



I'm hoping to have the next chapter done before New Year's Day...but it's going to be hard with all of my relatives over.

Plus...one of my nephews took quite a spill yesterday and had to go into intensive care because he took quite a shot to the head (when all of the little peoplez were wrestling). So the family is pretty distraught about that right now...

Anyways, happy holidays everyone! I hope I can have the next chapter up before NYD.

Pray for Toran.

[Sagasu]

Doesn't sound like the happiest holiday 4 u, and there's really no rush for the next chapter. just ignore us grvelling fans *sniff*

Hope the atmosphere brightens up by cristmas/new years!

Cya

[Skett]

On 2003-12-18 15:17, AUTO_ wrote:
They go into the tunnels and they find Dark Falz' sisters and they all have a circle-gathering and discuss issues on Ragol and talk about political life in the universe.




Yes, this is going to be great. Reminds me off when I was a little boy... I have no idea.

Anyways, good chapter. Sorry to hear about your nephew. And Merry Christmas.


This post is rated H for Hot Chocolete, mmm (So what if I cant spell chocolete)



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Skett on 2003-12-23 06:55 ]</font>

[AUTO_]

Thanks for your concerns about the nephew...he's actually getting better http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I had the idea for where the next chapter is going in the shower today (don't all good ideas come from the shower?)--so it might be up earlier then NYD.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-12-23 15:03 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

On 2003-12-23 15:02, AUTO_ wrote:
Thanks for your concerns about the nephew...he's actually getting better http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I had the idea for where the next chapter is going in the shower today (don't all good ideas come from the shower?)--so it might be up earlier then NYD.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2003-12-23 15:03 ]</font>


Good 2 hear, and yes many good ideas come from the shower, like brushing hair and drying off and putting on clothes, usually proceeded by a few glances in the mirror for good measure, ect... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

Another good place is music, I find that many melodies can play with the thoughts in your head which you can shape and mold into something, like writing or drawing.

Ramble...

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-26 08:32, Sarunakai wrote:
Another good place is music, I find that many melodies can play with the thoughts in your head which you can shape and mold into something, like writing or drawing.

Ramble...



Yes...Radiohead and Mars Volta are especially effective during my writing sessions.

Ramblex2...

Anyways, I have a week of break left, so I'll get around to the next chapter before then.

I promise.

*loosely crosses fingers*

[Sagasu]

Buahahahaha I beat you to the chase, got my chapter up first.http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

no rush intended

Spam x_X

[AUTO_]

I got the PSO soundtrack in the mail today--so I think I'll right chapter 9 tonight http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[Nai_Calus]

On 2003-12-30 14:22, AUTO_ wrote:
I got the PSO soundtrack in the mail today--so I think I'll right chapter 9 tonight http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif



Whoohoo, I can't wait for you to right chapter 9! I was so worried when it got knocked ove- Ok, I can't type this with a straight face. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

^_-;

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-30 16:57, Ian-KunX wrote:

Whoohoo, I can't wait for you to right chapter 9! I was so worried when it got knocked ove- Ok, I can't type this with a straight face. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

^_-;



O_o???

Tell me, tell me!

*sits cross-legged*

[Nai_Calus]

You said you were going to right Chapter 9 instead of write it, lol, so I made a bad joke. I do that sometimes. ^^;

[Skett]

...Ok, when can we expect the next chapter? It has been awhile.

And where did you get a PSO soundtrack?

[AUTO_]

On 2003-12-30 22:23, Skett wrote:
...Ok, when can we expect the next chapter? It has been awhile.

And where did you get a PSO soundtrack?



To Ian: By gob I did say "right".

To Skett:

Chapter 9 is coming up right NOW as soon as I edit it and post it.

I got a PSO soundtrack from Ebay.

*starts to edit chapter 9 to put up*

Tell me if there are any drastic typo's...this chapter is pretty long.

Write, Ian?

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

Chapter 9: Seeing Ghosts

http://www.westyellowstonenet.com/images/caverns.jpg

The walkway seemed to get narrower and narrower as Renatus and Omni proceeded, almost to the point where they couldn't turn around. Omni hadn't spoken since they separated from Apoth and Xero.

"You ok?" Renatus said stopping.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just kind of claustrophobic, you know?" He said quietly.

"If it keeps getting thinner we better turn back; I can barely move my shoulders as it is," Renatus said pressing on.

"You really think that whatever caused that explosion could fit through this space?" Omni murmured.

Renatus had somehow, not thought of this. Perhaps he was just wrapped up in the sheer adventure of walking through a damp, eerie cave.

...

What the hell was Renatus thinking about?

"You're right...this is pointless," Renatus stated.

Renatus uncomfortably turned himself around so he was looking at Omni.

Renatus briefly looked at Omni's pale face, but his attention was quickly averted.

...?

Someone was standing just feet behind Omni.



*****



Xero and Apoth had reached a puzzler. There no longer was a path to continue; instead, they stood in front of a murky body of water that seemed to be deep enough to swim in.

"There has to be land on the other side. It's up to you if you want to risk how long we have to swim," Apoth said walking in waist-deep.

Xero had no problems with swimming. In fact, he was rather delighted swimming onboard Pioneer 2 to flirt with the lifeguards who had (no-doubt) long, stressful days.

But Xero didn't have that same excitement when he looked into the green water.

"How about you take my Gladius and scout ahead?" He said quickly.

Apoth started to laugh, then became confused as Xero didn't.

"You're serious?" Apotheosis questioned.

Xero peered into the water once again and something just didn't seem right.

"I'm sure. Take my Gladius and I'll stay here," Xero said handing him his only weapon.

"You'll be sitting in the dark," Apoth said.

Xero tapped his Apsaras.

"My Mag will produce enough light to see around me. I don't plan on moving anywhere, anyways. You go ahead, I'll wait for you," Xero said.

Apotheosis looked at him one last time to make sure he was ok with staying by himself, then swam away with one arm out of the water (holding the Gladius).

Xero sat on the ground and tucked his feet into his body, watching daftly as the Gladius' light got smaller and smaller. It must be quite a ways, Xero thought.

He began to draw with his finger in the ground, with the dim light of his Apsaras encompassing him. The cave was absolutely silent, the buzzing of Xero's Apsaras being the only audible noise.

CHK!

CHK!

CHK!

.....

Xero clumsily turned around on his rear and looked behind him.

He saw nothing.

.....

CHK!

CHK!

CHK!

Xero stood to his feet, drawing his Gladius...which was no longer there.

"He-ello?" Xero said in a whisper.

From the end of Xero's line of vision, he saw a very faint purple glow. He looked frightened, then quickly became comforted; it was Omni's DBs Saber.

The light wasn't getting any closer.

"Omni? Where's Renatus?" Xero said, his voice carrying to the back of the cave.

....

No voice came from the light, but it began to move towards Xero.

CHK!

CHK!

CHK!



*****



Apotheosis let out a breath of air as his sides crashed into the rock shoreline. He climbed out of the water and stretched his legs, setting the Gladius beside him.

He got ready to swim back to Xero, when something had snagged his attention out of the corner of his eye.

It was just a wall of rock, a large sedimentary column, but something appeared to be engraved in it. Apoth picked up his Gladius and stepped towards the wall.

It looked like a map of some kind.

Nothing was written on it, just drawings in the form of various shapes. It looked like a navigational map for the cave, as Apoth noticed the four-way tunnel.

Apoth turned and lifted the Gladius in front of him.

The floor was dirt (was surprised it wasn't wet), and there seemed to be a small tunnel towards the back of the wall. Side to side, the chunk of land was no bigger then twenty feet, and Apotheosis was surprised he didn't miss it.

With the Gladius in front of him, Apoth curiously stepped towards the tunnel.

KRRCHK!

Apotheosis instinctively looked down, to see that he had broken a torch into two.

Apotheosis smelt smoke, then began to feel heat singing into his right foot. He collapsed onto one knee and touched the top of the torch.

It was still warm.

Instinctively, Apotheosis drew the Last Survivor sheathed around his back, and strained himself as he held it up with one hand.

Perhaps another group had gone into cave before Apoth had woken up. But how would they know about it? Nobody had seen the letter...

Apoth broke into a cold sweat, then sheathed his Last Survivor. He held the Gladius upward as he scurried to the shoreline; he had to tell Xero this.

Apoth began to paddle furiously with his one free hand, kicking his feet wildly as the water shot behind him.

...

Perched on top of the sediment behind him, the figure watched with delight as the yellow light faded.



*****



"Try not to talk!" Renatus said as a cold tear dripped down his cheek.

Renatus clasped his hands around the wound on Omni's stomach; he could feel the blood pounding against his palms to be released.

Renatus didn't care that his arm was sheering with pain; his head was vibrating with the intense adrenaline being pumped throughout body.

Omni put his own hand over his wound, then courageously stumbled to his feet.

Renatus looked as the blood slowly dripped down to the ground, then told Omni to start walking.

"We have to get you back to base," he said, his voice rushed.

Renatus prodded him to keep going, sometimes kicking the bottoms of his feet to keep moving.

"What about Xero and Apoth? It could be after them as well," Omni coughed, a small spray of blood exiting in front of him.

Renatus thought about this. Apoth was a close friend, and he valued the lives of all people he felt tied with. That's why he thought leaving was urgent; he knew Omni was in trouble. He couldn't decide, so he just kept walking.

"Apoth is as good as a fighter as anyone, and I doubt he would separate from Xero. Whoever that fuck was, I took a piece of him," Renatus said, looking down at the blood stains on his leg.

"I thought you killed it," Omni said shuffling his feet.

"I doubt it has much left in it, I must have blown a hole the size of a balloon in his stomach," he said.

Omni had reached the end of their tunnel, and turned around to await Renatus' decision.

Renatus looked down the tunnel where Apoth and Xero had gone, and turned his body to advance down it.

...Then he looked at the Omni; shaking as he held his wound and struggling to keep his eyes open.

"I have to get you back to base," Renatus said turning to exit.



*****



Apotheosis could see Xero's Mag ahead, hovering very low to the ground.

"XERO!!" Apotheosis shouted. "XERO!!"

Apotheosis swam closer, the Mag still motionless.

Apoth turned off the Gladius, relying on the Mag's light for a vantage point. Apoth reached the shoreline, and flung his hand over the ledge.

GLuUP

Apoth's hand had submerged into something very sticky. He put his other hand on the side to lift his body out of the water.

His hand was on Xero.

...

What was left of him.

"Oh...my God," Apoth said scrambling out of the water.

A chill went down his spine, and his head bobbed up and down with his jaw hung open, but no sound came out. Xero's Apsaras was sitting beside the remains of Xero, buzzing in low tones.

...

It was time to leave.

Apoth reached down to lift up the Apsaras, and forcefully take it with him.

PUUUP!

The Apsaras hit Apoth on the lower jaw, then fluttered back down by the remains of its master.

Apoth began to reach down again, but resisted as the Mag continued to cry. Apoth wiped his hand onto his pant-legs, leaving behind small chunks from Xero's insides.

He bolted back down the path he came from, until he heard a menacing laugh from behind him.

He stopped to make sure he wasn't hearing things.

It was hideous. It was the kind of laugh that made all the beautiful things in life fade from memory. The kind of laugh that would make an infant toss in his sleep as he hid under his covers.

But it did not phase Apotheosis. It fueled him.

The ground beneath him crushed as he pivoted and turned completely around. The laugh continued to echo in his ears, piercing his sanity.

Apoth drew his Last Survivor once again, and darted back down the pathway to where Xero had been slain.

He stopped in his tracks once Xero's body was in view again, sending a group of pebbles down the incline.

A man was standing beside Xero, with a piece of Xero's Apsaras in each of his hands. He tossed the Apsaras into the water and it slowly sank below the surface.

The man continued to laugh.

Apoth began to advance, with anger being the only thought in his brain. He didn't want to interrogate him, restrain him, help him.

He wanted to, kill him.

The man removed a torch he had planted in the ground, the flame dancing eerily as he put it next to his olive-skinned face. The man wasn't wearing a shirt, and Apoth could see the water dripping down his body.

Where did he come from?

It didn't matter now. He was going to die.

Apoth clutched the Gladius in his right hand and bolted down to where the man was standing. He swung at his head but was surprisingly denied the kill when the man pierced his Gladius to the side with a long, purple blade.

He was a combination of a circus actor and an incredible fighter-he spun the torch in one hand creating a sickening aura of light in changing directions, and with the other he advanced with the purple blade. Apoth was having trouble keeping up.

THOOP!

Apotheosis crashed into a back wall as he was hit with the man's right foot. Apoth decided it was time to become more mobile, and he tossed the Last Survivor to his side. He stood up with the Gladius and charged the man who was spinning the torch and juggling his items from hand to hand.

Zkzk! GzzZz! Chckk! Wazzz! Zii Zii! Ezziziichit!

The two fought intensely with multiple counters and counter attacks. Apoth thought he would die of exhaustion before he died from the man's blade.

Apoth missed low and knew he couldn't counter what would happen next, so he planted his feet and tightened his muscles.

THOOP!

The man kicked him square in the chest, but Apoth didn't move an inch. Instead, the man was sent crashing to the ground and he had dropped his still-lit torch.

Apoth cart-wheeled over him and grabbed the torch as he came back down. The man was quickly to his feet, but Apoth was already prepared. He struck towards the hand with the purple blade, crashing the Gladius against his weapon.

The recoil was so immense that both of them dropped their weapons, but Apoth still had the torch.

The man knelt over to grab his dropped weapon in front of him...

KRRRK!

Apoth could feel bones breaking as he slammed his right knee into the man's forehead; sending him to the ground as a fountain of blood spewed from his nose and mouth.

Apoth flipped the torch around and slammed it up against the man's face as he lied on his back in pain.

"AAaaaaaaaaaAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

The scream was so loud that small pebbles began to fall from the ceiling.

The man kicked Apoth away from him and stood to his feet in complete pain. Smoke was fizzing off of his disintegrating skin.

The man jumped into the water and was gone from sight, a small puff of smoke flowing from where he had jumped in.

Apoth stood beside the shoreline for over a minute until he picked up his weapons and left. The man had retreated.



*****



Apoth reached the end of his tunnel and noticed a small piece of clothing lying on the ground in front of the four-way tunnel. He picked up the piece of cloth and read the small, black print.

'Xero/Apoth
No time to explain, I have to get Omni to base
See you there
-Renatus'



*****

[Belqvar]

Nice! A very exicting chapter to start off the new year! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-01 06:52, Belqvar wrote:
Nice! A very exicting chapter to start off the new year! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif



Good to hear from ya, Belq! Hope you had a good holiday season d00d. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Yeah, Mitigate is starting to have a lot more action/violence in it that T6G was mainly known for,

::hides::

but I think it makes it more interesting to read; and plus, you get to see characters at their true character (such as Apoth in this chapter).

Anyways, thanks for the feedback!

[badbitz]

i have kinda a nobbish qestion...
every time you make a new chapter, you change the title to alert other people.
how do you do tht?
by the way nice work

[Skett]

A good chapter. I didn't notice any real spelling flaws too. I am glad to see a long chapter. Alot of writers seem to be slacking and creating really short chapters. Good job.

[Nai_Calus]

On 2004-01-01 17:58, Skett wrote:
A good chapter. I didn't notice any real spelling flaws too. I am glad to see a long chapter. Alot of writers seem to be slacking and creating really short chapters. Good job.



*looks guilty*
...Of course, nobody -reads- my fic, so I don't have to worry about slacking off or short chapters. >_>;

Good shit as always, Auto. Mmm, blood and gore and violence. Poor Apsaras... Oh wait, I hate Apsaras. XD

<.< >.> *hug Rati*

[Skett]

On 2004-01-01 19:52, Ian-KunX wrote:

*looks guilty*
...Of course, nobody -reads- my fic, so I don't have to worry about slacking off or short chapters. >_>;


You have a story? Who knew?

Kidding. I actually like your story, Ian-KunX. Besides, who could hate a story with Fluffy in it. Quick Auto, add Fluffy as a cameo.

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-01 14:16, badbitz wrote:
i have kinda a nobbish qestion...
every time you make a new chapter, you change the title to alert other people.
how do you do tht?
by the way nice work



On the very first post you make (the post that starts the thread), you edit that post and this will allow you to change the title. Thanks for the feedback as well http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

To Ian: Apsaras is my favorite mag. You cut me deep. Real deep. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

To Skett: Yea this chapter was "long" compared to my other chapters, but it was about the normal size of a chapter when I did T6G. The shortening of chapters on this fic is a mix between trying to (oh god this sounds Oprah-ish) open up to new viewers and just my lack of time for a full, novel-sized fic.

If the ideas I want are...working, I will make the chapter length however long it needs to be. I was actually thinking about cutting that chapter short--but I figured it was time for a desent sized chapter again.



Thanks to all for teh feedback, may we have more bloody adventures to come.


:literally:

[MQuantum]

Very nice, um, two chapters... *looks sheepish*

I guess I've been away for too long....

Very nice fight scene, poor apsaras/Zero, and I hope that Omni lives...

The green fish man from the green gooey lagoon!

[BOC]

*kneeling with head bowed*

my lord auto, i stayed from the path of light, i....i....fell by the wayside, stopped reading your unbelieveably good fic.

for this i ask forgiveness.

but! that said, ive just caught up on this masterpiece, and more than glad that i finally did.

honestly that last scene with the scary chk chk chk sent chills down my spine.

to sum up, quailTy (with a capital T).

keep up the good work!

happy new year btw!

PEACE!!!



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: BOC on 2004-01-04 13:41 ]</font>

[Sagasu]

Late, as usual, but I was cut off from the computer for a week or so.

Really good chapter, but (not meant to be critizising or anything) the main reason it is so long is that it consists of a lot of dialouge and break ups that really tend to create the illusion of a long chapter. dont mind me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

Looking forward for more http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-04 13:40, BOC wrote:
*kneeling with head bowed*

my lord auto, i stayed from the path of light, i....i....fell by the wayside, stopped reading your unbelieveably good fic.

for this i ask forgiveness.

but! that said, ive just caught up on this masterpiece, and more than glad that i finally did.

honestly that last scene with the scary chk chk chk sent chills down my spine.

to sum up, quailTy (with a capital T).

keep up the good work!

happy new year btw!

PEACE!!!


First and foremost, I forgive you. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Good to see you again BOC! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

To M: If you avidly pay attention to T6G (yes, I know--all 2 of you), you could figure out which ghost it was that followed Apoth.

To S: Yeah the chapter isn't really "long" in terms of words--it just looks big due to the dialogue (like j00 said). I usually try to write my chapters with a very minimal amount of dialogue.


I actually used a very big tie-in with that chapter--which wasn't even planned. In T6G (if you remember), Nensicis had an extremely pale face...and with that chapter it is explained that he gets it due to the torch (it burns! it burns!).

So yeah, if you did your homework you could tell that one of the ghosts in the cave is/was Nensicis.

-He sits perched on top of the rock; in T6G Nensicis hops from place to place and usually travels by rooftop.

-Demented. He watched Apoth for mere fun, as well as following him. In T6G he eats pieces of his raw, decaying flesh, etc.

-Had the purple blade--which all of the "ghosts" have. He was also very skilled with weapons.

I hope I made it clear enough in that chapter that the people trying to kill them was the Ghosts (the chapter name "seeing ghosts", Nensicis using the purple blade).

Anyways...I talk to much. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif
Now that Xmas break is over DAAAMMMMIIIITTT!!!!, I will try to focus less on homework and more of Mitigate http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

Look for the next chapter before the end of next week.

Peace out mmmkaay.

[Sagasu]

I have to go back tommorow http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_no.gif

That explains a lot to me, I haven't yet gotten around to readin T6G, but since I have finally aquired some free time I will be readin it today.

[MQuantum]

Same here, but with this new information, it's a very likely possiblity that I will once again make plans to read it...

And make more plans... And PM myself... Twice... (does anyone else do that?)

Well, looking forward to the next chapter, though I'm sad to hear school is wrecking the lives of many here....

[AUTO_]

Yeah and I have semester tests soon...

[Sagasu]

Well since school is going to give me hell, I'm gonna double it and give it back. (a nice returning gift for my AG teachers, damn them)

Dont remind me of tests please, anything but the tests http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

Spam Heap + Ramble x3

Go me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[BOC]

did my first test myself today.

it was the dark falz on ult of tests. DAM hard!

but there is some good that comes from it, if i fail, is that auot can use the slogan:

My fic is so good The MyTea B.O.C. read it when he should have been revising and failed horriblily. And he regrets nothing. apart from maybe cheating http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

who really needs to stay in uni anyways?? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

good luck everyone who is doing tests, just remember to keep your cool, and bring a pen with ink in it.

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

Anyone care to give me the Reader's Digest version of The Hunchback of Notre Dam? I've read about 20 pages.

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[Sagasu]

Sounds like we're all getting herded up by school and having our time sent to the slaughter, but I think we might want to end this here, it doesn't have much to do with mitigate http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[White_Knight]

cool a twist so when can we expect to see the next chapter

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-08 16:23, White_Knight wrote:
cool a twist so when can we expect to see the next chapter



I'm hoping to get a new chapter before semester tests (thursday and friday)--but it's doubtfull I will put up another chapter this weekend (busy with things not worth listing).

I would expect a new chapter anywhere from Monday-next Saturday...

It all depends on how much time I want to take out from "studying". http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

BTW: Good to see a new reader.

Welcome, White_Knight http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[White_Knight]

not really new reader just new poster

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-10 12:17, White_Knight wrote:
not really new reader just new poster



Ahhhhh...

You were the one I helped find T6G, right?

My apalogies!

Good to hear from you anyways! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[White_Knight]

yeah that was me

[AUTO_]

OK, semester tests have been held back to next Monday/Tuesday.

Anywhere from tonight and Sunday night is fair game for the new chapter.

[Belqvar]

cool, i'll be waiting! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

Good to see you Belq!

(Don't worry your character will make another appearance)

[Esoteric]

Nice fic you have here.

I'm new to posting here but I've been reading your fic since you started.

Nice job. I'm considering writing my own fic sooner or later and you helped contribute to the inspiration. Keep up the good work! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-13 22:57, Esoteric wrote:
Nice fic you have here.

I'm new to posting here but I've been reading your fic since you started.

Nice job. I'm considering writing my own fic sooner or later and you helped contribute to the inspiration. Keep up the good work! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif



http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif

Good to see another poster--it's good knowing those views aren't from robots or a glitch in the forum!

I'm glad I gave you some inspiration--I look forward to your fic if you decide to put one up.

Peace http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[BOC]

can't wait 4 the next part dude.

good luck in ur tests by the way.

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-14 16:42, BOC wrote:
can't wait 4 the next part dude.

good luck in ur tests by the way.

PEACE!!!



I can't wait till I have enough time to write it -_-;;

Yea I should be alright on my tests...

God bless Sparknotes!

www.sparknotes.com

[AUTO_]

Chapter 10: Saving Death

http://www.hqhair.com/images/int_cms_products/black_rose_pony.jpg

The steam exiting Omni's mouth sent a tingle across Renatus cheek as he feverishly tried to bandage Omni's wound; all the while staying focused as his nerves shot to his brain while blood pumped through a slit vein in his arm.

Many hunters in their rooms heard the commotion in the kitchen (an uncommon occurrence) and rushed in to find Omni bleeding on a stained table-top.

A hunter approaching thought that Renatus and Omni had been fighting, and started to draw his weapon-unsure who to point the blade at.
Renatus briefly looked over his shoulder to see the dim glow of the hunter's Buster.

A steel wheeling-cart crashed to ground as the hunter was pushed into it.

"Don't wave that around right now you fool!" Renatus hissed.

A HUmar approached the side of Omni and ducked his head down to get Renatus' attention.
Renatus recognized this hunter. It was the HUmar he went through VR with-Belqvar.

"What can I do to help?" Belqvar asked.

Renatus noticed the blood seeping through the bandages, looking jilted as he replied his question in delay.

"Get the base-doctor," Renatus said.

Belqvar started to jog towards the kitchen doors, where a group of hunters were looking on in shock.
A loud squeak filled the area as Belqvar sharply turned around and went back to Renatus' side.

"The base doctor was shipped out-his lungs were failing in the night last night...a replacement is supposed to be-,"

"Are any of the vehicles working yet?" Renatus interrupted.

Belqvar looked confused.

"I doubt it...but you won't find an active telepipe for another forty miles. In this terrain, that could take you about an hour with no inside-heating," Belqvar explained.

The radiator in the kitchen began to pressurize and clank together as it shook to generate heat.
Renatus looked at him momentarily with a face of stressed sarcasm.

"Find out. Quick!" Renatus said.

The drips of blood began to flow onto the table, and Omni began to look very pale.
Renatus hasted himself and tied another layer of cloth around Omni's wound, and then lifted him onto his back. The weight on his injured shoulder forced a groan out of him as he shuffled to the exit.

"Move," Renatus flamed as the hunters blocked the doorway like grazing livestock.

Renatus approached the exiting door just as Belqvar came crashing in from outside.

"We have one Spider that works...it's the black one out back."

Renatus said a quick 'thanks' as he brushed shoulders with Belqvar exiting the door. The Spider was big enough to lay Omni in the back, and Renatus tried to do so gently in a rushed manner.

The Spider started on the first turn of the key, which surprised Renatus under the circumstances.




*****




Apotheosis stumbled into Bloodbase and noticed the globules of blood scattering the dirty floor. He latched onto the first hunter he saw, asking where 'they' had gone.
Events were scarce around Bloodbase, so he figured the hunter would know what he was referring to.

"That RAmar took him in the only functioning vehicle we had-he's trying to get him to the teleport in I8. Not sure why, though...that thing probably won't last the first twenty miles," the hunter explained.

Apotheosis looked angry at the hunter's pessimistic attitude.

"Why would you say that?" Apotheosis said in distaste.

The hunter raised his right hand, revealing a ring of black oil.

"I was the mechanic."




*****




The Spider shook violently as it bounced in-between snow drifts, causing Renatus to frequently look behind him to make sure Omni wasn't getting jostled around.

"Hold on, kid. I'm going to get you out of here," he said clutching the steering wheel.

Omni pivoted his head around, revealing a soft smile and then a saddened frown.

"I promise," Renatus said under his breath.

"We're about 10 miles out, kid. You're going to be fine," he assured.



GOooooooooFE!



The steering wheel whipped to the right, causing more pain to Renatus' arm.

"Shit!" He exclaimed as the "dead" Spider slid from side to side.


The Spider eventually came to a stop; lucky that it didn't roll.


"You all right?" Renatus said trying to re-start the dead vehicle.

The Spider's engine made a silent buzzing noise, then eventually not making any noise.
Renatus didn't realize how hard the wind was blowing until the Spider had been stopped.

He was thinking of cussing out the vehicle and the general weather, but realized he needed to use his time wisely. Renatus prepared to carry Omni the rest of the way, until he opened his door and the ice specs hit his face in the frigid wind.
Renatus quickly got back into the Spider, looking back at Omni and his pale complexion-the goose-bumps rising on his arms.

Renatus grinded his teeth as he exited the Spider for the second time, throwing a small scarf around his eyes.

He approached the back door...

...

And began to push the Spider forward.

A cold spurt of blood came out his arm as he applied pressure to the back, causing the Spider to move no more then a foot forward.

"Come on you freakin' piece of shit!" He cursed slamming his good shoulder against the back.

A pain so fierce went into Renatus head as he pounded against the Spider that he nearly fainted, but his will wouldn't allow it.
Renatus began to fire his Laser behind him with his "bad" arm and continued to push with his other. This increased the Spider's acceleration dramatically.

Renatus could see the telepipe; a glowing red funnel that he figured was about five miles away.

Renatus' legs had gone numb. The pain in his arm caused him to salivate uncontrollably, dropping his inner body temperature as his mouth hung open in the fierce polar wind. His loss of blood was making him feel nauseated, and his eyelashes were beginning to freeze together and block his already poor-vision. He thought his ears had fallen off, because the sides of his head had immense pain and he was having trouble hearing things.

He could still scream.

"Keep it coming storm; you unmerciful bitch!" He shrieked as he pushed the Spider forward.
The telepipe gate wasn't far away, but Renatus began to feel a small rumbling in his stomach.



His Laser blasting had gotten some unwanted attention.



A large group of wolves encompassed Renatus and the Spider, their backs just sticking out of the snow. They began to quicken their pace towards the Spider, and there must have been over fifty of them.

Renatus smiled as his saliva froze to his bottom teeth, almost finding the event humorous. His breathing pathway had become incredibly narrow, and he knew he wouldn't last much longer in his current state.
He continued to fire the Laser directly behind the Spider, almost ignoring the wolves' presence. The telepipe was in the middle of a photon "square-fence", and it was nearly three-hundred yards away.

The wolves were almost within spitting distance as the Spider came within fifty-yards of the telepipe. Renatus stopped firing for acceleration and instead aimed directly at a wolf's head just a yard behind him.
Some wolves ran off at the sight of a fellow wolf getting killed, others just hesitated then continued following.

The wolves began to charge, and Renatus knew he would soon be over-run. He quickly opened the back door and sat on his knees beside Omni, shutting the door just as a wolf lunged forward.


GUNK!


The wolf bounced off the back door, bending the frame and cracking the back window.

Renatus placed his warm hand (from firing the Laser) on Omni's face, seeing his eyes open and being a shoe polish away from kicking the bucket.

"Kid, listen to me. I'm going to have to make a break for the photon fence and disable it with my Section ID. When I come back, you're going to have to run for the telepipe...I'll be a distraction to the wolves. I'll be right back, ok kid?" Renatus said crawling over the seats.

Just as he prepared to open the passenger door, a wolf's head popped through the back window, growling as it tried to push itself through the rest of the glass.
Renatus shot the wolf's revealed head, creating a splatter of chunks in the back seat.

He exited the Spider and began to fire shots in the air like a madman, causing the wolves to come chasing after him. Renatus had forgotten how tight his joints were, as well as how numb. He began to look comical as he came to the photon fence, placing his Section ID to the scanner as the wolves closed in.

'Approved'

The Photon fence disabled, and almost instantaneously, a group of three or four wolves leapt on his back, submerging him into the snow.
Little areas of skin were exposed on Renatus' uniform, but he began to get extremely short on breath, seeing black circles as he forced his eyes open.

"Get...OFF OF ME!" Renatus roared pushing himself up.

Renatus turned back to the Spider shooting directly below him (to make a trail) in a full sprint; sometimes carrying two, four-foot, wolves on his back.

Renatus dove through the driver's window, the wolves clumsily trying to recreate his results.

He tapped Omni on the shoulder.

...

He didn't wake up.

"Omni?!" Renatus shouted.

...

Nothing.





Renatus checked his pulse; he was barely still breathing.

Renatus noticed that the wolves that had previously run away had reformed and were outside of the Spider with the others. The wolves began to get impatient and rammed the Spider from all sides-making Renatus feel like he was inside a crushing pop-can.

Renatus looked out the foggy windshield and stared at the glowing, red telepipe.
He glanced down at Omni, stricken with the look of death.
Renatus realized that his eardrums had ruptured; he couldn't hear anything but a "hollow" echo inside his head.

A group of wolves had broken through the passenger door, and Renatus realized it was time to act.

Squatting in the backseat, he lifted Omni over his shoulder-with his Laser hoisted against his fore-arm.
He kicked the back door with all the strength he had left, knocking over several wolves only to enter a sea of many more.
He trudged through the wolves that stood at waist-height and sank their teeth into his uniform as he walked.

Some of them leapt off their back legs and attempted to bite him in the face or take down Omni-this made Renatus angry.

He lifted Omni over his head with all of his might, being careful not to drop him. The telepipe was ten feet away, and Renatus felt his uniform break open at the right leg. Wolves started to nibble on his leg, causing him to walk faulty.

He approached the telepipe and fired maniacally, causing the wolves to step off a few feet.
Renatus threw Omni directly on the telepipe, and then ran to the activation switch (as Omni was unconscious to activate it by pressing his Section ID).
Half of the wolves ran towards Omni's lifeless body, and the others swarmed around Renatus as he reached for the activation panel.

"Good luck kid," he said pushing the button.

Omni instantly disappeared, to be found somewhere on the Pioneer 2 main lobby.



PIIIT!



A wolf connected with Renatus' chest plate, and sent him crashing on his back. His Laser had fallen out of his hand.

As the snow fell to Renatus' face, he smiled painfully with satisfaction.

...

He was surrounded and killed.




*****




A RAmar in green with a long, flowing scarf ran to the sight of a lifeless hunter, sprawled out as flat as a piece of paper by the telepipe section.

The RAmar removed his helmet to get a better look, and the smell of his hair instantly awoke Omni.
A group of citizens and hunters came to help Omni, but stayed a safe distance away.

The RAmar asked the HUmar for his name. He struggled to keep his eyes open.

"My name is...," he struggled to remember.

The RAmar looked down at the name inscribed on his Section ID.

"What happened...Omni? How did you get this injury?"

Omni looked confused then began to realize he was in immense pain.



A group of medics came thundering to the scene, pushing the RAmar away and carefully lifting Omni onto a stretcher.

The medics shuffled away with the injured HUmar like busy ants, weaving through the crowd of oncoming hunters like road-raged civilians.
Omni lifted his finger slowly into the air and pointed at the medic in front of him.

"...I don't remember," he said slowly.

The medic looked confused as he perspired, talking as he was short on breath.

"Remember what?" The medic asked.

Omni appeared frightened and began to involuntarily twitch.

...

"Anything," he replied.

[BOC]

he can't be dead? can he?

that brave son of a bitch!

excellent chapter auto! i got a chill running down my spine.

keep it coming!

PEACE!!!

[MQuantum]

NOOO!

You can be serious! This was a joke chapter, right?! You could not have had this planned the ENTIRE time!

And why doesn't Omni remember anything? Pah, he's just not trying hard enough!

Oh, I was going to print off T6G and read it, but I was 40 some odd pages. I think I'll take it to school on a floppy and use up all their ink instead http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif !...

[AUTO_]

No it certainly wasn't a joke chapter--and the death of Renatus was intentional from the start. AND, I tried to make the story sound like it was coming from Renatus' perspective.

This was planned.

I have to explain some more tie-ins with that chapter--because there was some more T6G related material...I hope some of you caught it.

Here it is:

-The "ghosts" in T6G weren't publicly known until they killed the ORAN squad on Ragol--their motive appeared to be destroying a message found (that was from Rico).

-Do any of you remember Omni from T6G??? Incase you've forgot, he had a pretty small part. Omni is/was Kellen's (<--one of the main characters in T6G) Battle partner.
Omni obviously doesn't remember the ghosts prior to the events (the ORAN squad) because he loses his memory.

-So far in Mitigate; the only ones who you KNOW have discovered the ghosts are:

Renatus (dead)
Xero (dead)
Omni (Alive--loss of memory)
Apotheosis (alive)

What happens to Apotheosis? Does he die? Does he not get the message out about the ghosts? Does he JOIN the ghosts? You'll have to find out. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif




-Did anyone notice that the RAmar who comes to Omni's aid is JOU??? Jou was another main character in T6G, and I gave a couple hints that it was him (one very distinct hint):

* Jou wore a green uniform in T6G

* Jou had a trademark scarf in T6G that went to his ankles--it is mentioned in Mitigate

Here was the main clue:

* He removes his helmet to get a better look at Omni, and the BAD SMELL FROM HIS HAIR wakes Omni up. In T6G Jou was known for his terrible hair-smell because he rarely ever removed his helmet.



I threw in another spoiler, but it really hasn't developed yet.

(here's a hint--it has to do with the Spider Renatus was driving)





Next chapter things are really going to fall into place...see you then! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[Esoteric]

Wow, I must admit, that was my favorite chapter thus far.

The way you described the fight to get to the telepipe was very well done, seriously.

Also, Renatus was the very last person I would expect to die, nice twist.

That was by far the most thrilling chapter for me, good work! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

[Nai_Calus]

Goddamn, Auto_. Just... Goddamn. O_o

*claps and goes back to being disturbed* XD

[AUTO_]

Thanks all for your comments http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

I'm glad you really liked the telepipe section Esoteric (btw very nice SN name http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif)...I really tried to show Renatus at his core.

(Especially the part where you think Renatus will carry Omni through the snow--but instead he pushes the entire Spider)

I just might have to agree with you in saying that was my favorite chapter...because the story is really starting to fall together with T6G.

Peace! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_beer.gif

[MQuantum]

Ah... But still, Renatus was pretty cool!
*sniff*

I kind of hoped that Apothesis was going to become the main character.... Becuase there's no one left. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

And that word, J-O-I-N... Oddly enough, that thought flash through my head as I read that chapter... Hmmmm, reader's intuition? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[AUTO_]

On 2004-01-17 09:40, MQuantum wrote:
Ah... But still, Renatus was pretty cool!
*sniff*
Agreed...atleast he had an honorable death (?).


I kind of hoped that Apothesis was going to become the main character.... Becuase there's no one left. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

You might be surprised.

http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif

[BOC]

On 2004-01-17 10:40, AUTO_ wrote:

Agreed...atleast he had an honorable death (?).


was a most honorable death. no better way for some1 2 go than saving the life of someone else! most noble!

*wipes tear from eye* rest easy soldier!

still it was the mother of all twists! knocked me right off guard! dont ya just love it when something really unexpected like that happens?


I kind of hoped that Apothesis was going to become the main character.... Becuase there's no one left. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

i hope that u didn't just let a plot detail slip!

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

Don't worry...

You'll know soon enough http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Skett]

Best chapter yet, Auto. I cant wait to see what happens next. This could be the best story of the year so far.

[AUTO_]

Thanks Skett http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

I actually think I might wrap up this fic in the next 3 or 4(?) chapters.

[AUTO_]

Alright my homies semester tests are finally over.

*breathe out*

AHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I should have a new chapter up before ... Saturday?

[BOC]

can't wait 4 saturday!

congrats on finishing ur exams, fingers crossed u do well.

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

It SHOULD be up by Saturday...

...But you know me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[BOC]

yep, we do.

which would explain why its sunday and zippo! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

ah well, good things come to those who wait.

i start back at uni this week, so i'll be able to read up on wedensday nite.

until then....

PEACE!!!

[Sagasu]

Sorry for being out 4 a while, you see I was attacked by rabid flesh eating flying fish, and then a super smackyouintheface baboon decided that the internet is a source of evil and then proceeded to smash it to bits with a muffler.

Thats my excuse, whats yours? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

Great chapter(s) But since I'm grounded, this will problably the last you see of me for a while. (untill Skett gets me out of my imprisonment)

[Skett]

So we were told a Saturday update and we got squate. When can we expect the next chapter then? Come on, the suspence is killing me.

*coughImworkingonit,Sarunakaicough*

[AUTO_]

asidhASUDFGHSUFH!

OK, I have no homework tonight...so I have absolutely NO EXCUSES not to put chapter 11 up tonight.

I'm going to be daring and actually make a promise to my readers.

Chapter 11 will be up tonight (with how I write though; basically tuesday morning like 1AM)...I PROMISE.

[Sagasu]

Muahahaha, my mom is asleep, so shhhh. I'll be up for a while, so lets us see if you can keep a promise.

*coughnotlikelycough*

[MQuantum]

Hehe, what time is it there?

It's Tuesday afternoon here! I was expecting a chapter!

Well, there's aways tomorrow! Tomorrow, Tomorrow, there's always, Tomorrow!

I don't think I'm spelling that right...

[AUTO_]

Nah man Sarunakai jinxed it when he doubted my promise http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

j/k...

Yeah last night when I hit the SUBMIT button I got an IE error and then DNS errors that wouldn't let me do anything.

As soon as I re-edit the chapter it'll be right up.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 11: Erased

http://www.geofront.se/img/footprint.jpg

Apotheosis ran his fingers through his hair as he sat cross-legged in his room. His Rati went undetected as it hovered slightly over his shoulders.

Apotheosis was worrying.

He paced back and forth until he decided to exit into the main lobby. A few discouraged hunters mingled on the rustic furniture, some feeding their Mags with the same food they were eating.
They were a bored, tired, and lifeless crew; except for Belqvar who immediately came to Apotheosis' side.

"What should we do?" Belqvar asked, getting face to face.

Apotheosis looked at the group of hunters, then focused on Belqvar.

"Should and can are two entirely different things right now," he sighed.

"Do you want me to send word to Pioneer 2? See if they made it?" Belqvar said.

Belqvar was already on his way to the BEE terminal before Apotheosis could reply. Belqvar quickly typed in the message then ran back to Apotheosis.

"Do you know either of their ID numbers...? For a pic," he interrogated.

Apotheosis walked over to the BEE system and tried to remember Renatus' number-he knew Omni's by heart.
The picture of Omni showed up beside the awaiting message, and his young face brought more discouragement to Apoth.

"You can't think of Renatus' number can you?" Belqvar asked.

Apotheosis removed his hands from the terminal and closed his eyes in thought.

"I can't visualize it, no," Apotheosis frowned.

Belqvar spun into the terminal then quickly hesitated and looked at Apotheosis over his shoulder.

"Should I send this anyways or can you think of it?" He said.

A drip of sweat ran down Belqvar's brow; very uncommon inside Bloodbase.

"No...go head. Send Omni's pic...it might come to me later," Apotheosis said.

Apotheosis ambled back to his room and slapped a wall as he entered.

"FUCK!" He roared.




*****




Sith looked down at Bloodbase with his black cape flowing vigorously in the harsh polar wind. At the peak of the snow, however, he would be hard to spot with the piercing black sky as his background.

He exposed a long, dark finger and placed it perpendicular with his neck, running it from one end to the other.

"Tonight," he said lowering his eyebrows.





*****




Omni woke up startled to see a doctor sitting beside his bed. The man was in his fifty's, with a large bald spot and random white hairs protruding from his pale skin.

"Hello," the doctor said.

Omni looked stunned and then closed his eyes, he felt very tired.

"I'm Doctor Renwich," he said with a warming smile that went unseen to Omni's eyes.

Omni could hear papers being flipped and jostled, but laid in silence until he was asked to speak.

"A message was sent from a polar base...Bloodbase it says here. It seems some of your friends were wondering about your condition or whereabouts," Renwich said.

Omni looked puzzled but showed interest and wanted the Doctor to continue.

"It seems that they were looking for another hunter you were traveling with...do you know where he is Hunter Omni?" The doctor questioned.

Omni thought about this, only to see a dark and winding cavern. It was light from the nearest perspective, but only got gloomier as the cavern went on.
He opened his eyes out of reflex and gripped the rail on his bed.

Renwich seemed patient and didn't mind his absent response.

"Do you remember who you had been traveling with Hunter Omni?" He inquired again.

Omni closed his eyes again; this time he saw himself studying for his Hunter's Exam, going over maps and strategies. He saw his ID getting handed to him, and a cartoonish smile striking his face.
Then he saw white. He saw nothing but endless white with nearly no definition, except for lines with miniscule, black shadows.

"N-no. I don't. Who-where was I traveling?" Omni asked sitting up straight.

The Doctor flipped to another paper.

"Apparently you and another hunter came from the polar region's Bloodbase. I would assume that this hunter was helping your injury; or both of you were injured. From what I hear, areas like Bloodbase have zero outside support...but walking that far seems suicidal," he explained.

Omni didn't know what to say, so he sat panting for breath.

"Our aerial photos saw no signs of a vehicle to the warp you were found through, and if there was, snow covered the tracks before we searched for photos...our photos saw no sign of the hunter accompanying you either, Hunter Omni," he said.

Omni closed his eyes.

"You see Hunter Omni, what's interesting is...this fellow hunter was nowhere to be found from our photos...and they cover an incredibly long distance. I'm not sure exactly how to explain this, but with the given information sent from Bloodbase, there should be a sign of this other hunter, whether he's dead or alive," Renwich added.

Omni trembled as an image flashed through his mind.

"Wolves!" He gasped.

Omni shook the bed momentarily, knocking off a glass jar from the nearby counter, getting the attention of a nurse seen gaping through the open doorway.

"W-wolves..? What wolves?" Renwich asked.

Omni couldn't think. He caught his breath then slowly turned to the doctor. He looked apologetic and lied back down in his bed.


....


"Well don't worry about your fellow hunter being dead, then...he would be strewn over a mile radius if he was attacked by arctic-wolves," he said writing on a sheet in front of him.

Omni looked happy, even though he couldn't remember his fellow hunter.

"And that...I'm sure of," Renwich said exiting the room.




*****





"We got a response from a Dubchic in the medical information hub, Apotheosis. It's pretty garbled together and leaves a few gaps," Belqvar said.

Belqvar stood in Apotheosis' doorway with a small, portable monitor in his hand. He threw the monitor with enough arc for Apotheosis to react and catch it.

Belqvar nodded and smiled then left his room, the sliding door shutting as he turned away.
Apotheosis placed the monitor on a chair in front of him, drinking down watered-coffee and scratching his unshaven face.



'Hunter Omni (Sect.ID#33423910320): Found
Location: Trans-P2 Medical Office
Status: Loss of Memory, Healing Flesh Wound, Broken Muscle Tissue
Doctor: Renwich (Patch#3324)
-----End info-----
Hunter "Renatus" (Sect.ID#?????): Missing
Location: Unknown/Presumed on Polar Region
Status: Dead/Alive----Unknown
Doctor: xxxxxx

5 Meseta(s) have been withdrawn from Sect.ID#393742xxxxx'




...?

"Loss of memory?" Apotheosis said to himself.




Apotheosis looked down at:
'Location: Unknown/Presumed on Polar Region', then glanced at his Last Survivor standing upright in the corner of his room.

He jumped up from where he sat and grabbed his weapon, then grabbed his small photon heater beside his bed. The energy indicator marked "Half" and frost dabbled around the entire device.

"Come, Rati!" Apotheosis said exiting his room.

The Rati hummed loudly as it tried to shake off the cold air, trailing behind its master as he approached the exiting door.





It was past "night hours", and Apotheosis figured his exit would go unnoticed; nobody was in the main lobby, and only a single light fizzed suspended from the ceiling.

Apotheosis approached the door, and continued stride as it separated open.

...

Then he stopped.

He looked.

He looked again.

?.....


...


A man was on the hill directly in front of the door, nothing more then the silhouette of a gothic nightmare. Apotheosis was frightened. He couldn't understand why.

The man didn't move; only the silent recoil of his cape could be heard flapping in the wind.

Apotheosis tightened his grip on the hilt of his Last Survivor, his mind erased from his previous goal and quest.

The figure began to slowly advance, the black abyss looking as if he floated, his feet never leaving the ground as he walked.





He was frightening.




*****

[Skett]

Good chapter. How is that for support?

[MQuantum]

Ah! Evil Errors o' DOOM!

It's terrible you had to go do all that over again.

Hmmm, I keep thinking I see what you're going to do... But always you're a half step ahead of me! Why can I not forsee the future?! Oh well, I guess it would be a terrible story if I knew what was going to happen before it does...

I have a feeling it will be very bad for Bloodbase here in about three seconds... VERY bad!

Speaking of bad, I think I'll disregard school policy and print off T6G at school. If I did it on this printer it would take all night...

[Sagasu]

So every thing is my fault now, I see how it is http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

Methinks all out hell is coming up, ummm... Sleepy...

Anyways gret chapter, damn you and your suspense. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[BOC]

eeeeepppp. looks like things are about 2 get bloody at bloodbase.

worth the wait auto!

PEACE!!!

[AUTO_]

Thanks for all the feedback. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

At this rate, I'm thinking Mitigate should be wrapped up in either...

1 or 2 chapters http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

For those of you who remember, the one who's about to unleash his "Fuqemup" power is Sith from T6G...

If any of you haven't read it I won't say anything else; except that he is probably the most significant of the 'ghosts'.

[AUTO_]

Next chapter should be up before Friday or Saturday.

[Nai_Calus]

On 2004-02-03 15:25, AUTO_ wrote:
Next chapter should be up before Friday or Saturday.



We've heard this before. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif XD

Good shit as always, keep it up.

Hmm. Maybe if I work at it, I can get chapter eight of Shadows of the Heart up before you get chapter eleven of Mitigate up, lol. Speaking of which... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif Read my fic! Comment! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_lol.gif

[Sharkyland]

*swoon* Wooo....

[MQuantum]

Ok, good news!

If it's up before Friday, it could be in typing now... *looks hopeful, then checks time*

I had better be very hopeful...

[AUTO_]

On 2004-02-03 18:01, Sharkyland wrote:
*swoon* Wooo....



Sharky! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

Wasabi!!

Anyways, I gtg out of town Saturday night (long drive to), so if I don't get it by then you might not hear from me until say...Monday.

Yeah Ian I will get around to the rest of your fic (I've read up to chapter 5 if I remember correctly).

Yeah hopefully I put it up thursday night...school is going to be very hectic Friday.

Lataz http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

[AUTO_]

Sorry for the wait and generally just not keeping you updated...

It might be a while until the next chapter is up (sorry), because I currently can't use my old computer.

Long story short...

I'll try to get a new chapter up (probably the last chapter so tell all your friends and all the people who owe you money) as soon as I can.

[Sagasu]

No pressure man, dont rush yourself if your feeling so. Hope things sort out over there.

[AUTO_]

Chapter 12: Lost Fairytale

http://www.hut.fi/~hsaariko/clouds-nail.jpg

The saliva accumulating in Apotheosis' mouth cooled and caused his lower jaw to quiver. His Rati tucked behind his shoulders as snowflakes blowing off the hills collected on the Mag's metal.
The shadow of the man completely engulfed Apotheosis as he continued to advance.

"Excuse me...what business do you have at Bloodbase?" Apotheosis said shrilly.

The man reached behind his back with his right arm, removing a purple blade from its sheath. He paused briefly, leaving the weapon dangling at waist-level.

GGggggggGgg...

Slowly he took his left hand behind his back, arming himself with an identical, purple blade. He held up his arms, making his weapons criss-cross in the shape of an 'X'.

Apotheosis' left eyebrow slowly shifted down, a look of confusion and fright beaming in his watered eyes.

The man flexed his arms, breathing heavily as the water vapor dripped off his weapons. The illumination of the weapons showcased his entire black figure; everything from his skin color to his flowing jacket.
He was bald, and had multiple scars on his face; which, appeared to be black lines painted on his face. Even his eyes were black, with a thin, white ring on the outsides. He had no Mag and no markings on his clothing.

Simply put; he was a walking shadow.



Apotheosis felt intimidated, but a sudden rush of adrenaline caused him to feverishly raise his Last Survivor.

"I ask again...what business do you have at Bloodbase?" Apotheosis said with a rasp of anger.

The stranger stuck his weapons into the snow, then cracked his neck from side to side.

"Nothing I tell you will be of service to you in death," the man said stationary at arms-length.

His voice was cold, and had a rather deep tone. The words seemed to echo in Apoth's brain, and he lost his train of thought.

The man knelt on one knee, with his hands around his weapons. He lowered his head to the ground, then instantly shot to his legs and was attacking.

Apotheosis didn't know how it exactly happened, but his Last Survivor was behind him about three feet and to his left. The two stood and stared with completely opposite looks; one of fear and one of unrestricted pleasure.

Apotheosis slowly back peddled to his weapon, almost wondering if he should just try to make it to the door.



A dim light came to life inside of Bloodbase, catching the man's attention. He smiled a ghastly smile, and then turned to Apotheosis; who was still making slow progress to his weapon.

He quickened pace towards Apoth, who fell backwards in surprise.

The man dropped his weapons, then grabbed Apoth before he could reach his weapon.

Apotheosis was hoping that whoever turned on the light inside Bloodbase...was about to blast through the door and come to his rescue.
He noticed his Rati was gone.

"Don't go anywhere," the man said grinning.



AAhhHHhHhHHHhhh!!


Apotheosis' right leg had been broken just below his kneecap, nearly causing him to faint. When he opened his eyes after grimacing from the pain, he noticed the man was no longer above him.




*****




Sith entered Bloodbase with each weapon drawn, and he went after the first person he saw.

A man was in the main lobby, desperately trying to shut up Apoth's bitching Rati. He was so focused on silencing his Rati that he was completely oblivious to Sith as he approached his side.


WanANNAnanAnaNAnAnanAn!


The hunter dropped to the ground with multiple gashes; the slap of his head on the hard-floor sounded like hitting a bag of fruit against a brick wall.
Apotheosis' Rati was quickly out of sight, but it made sure to make lots of noise as it sped off into the shadows.

All of Bloodbase was awake.

Sith stood in the middle of the circular room, as hunters simultaneously exited into the main lobby. Sith had one weapon in front of his body, and one behind.

His teeth speckled as he slowly raised his right hand, signaling to the hunter directly in front of him. All of his fingers were erect momentarily, but then he taunted with his index finger; curling it up twice very slowly.

The hunter in front of him looked eager, and was the first to advance on the murdering intruder.




*****




Braife and the other ghosts stood around the Spider mobile, which had no passengers and little fuel.

"This will be perfect," Braife said climbing into the driver's seat.

"P..pperrfect ye-yes perfffeperfect," Nensicis hissed as he entered through the window.

Inji stood confused as the remaining entered the vehicle.

"Perfect for what?" Inji asked.

"Got a job," he said briskly.

Inji stood in the snow outside the Spider, still confused.

"Get in," Braife barked.

The woman in the vehicle smiled as a cool globule of Rappy blood dribbled down her lower lip.

Inji entered the Spider and immediately it went into motion.

...

"Someone found a message," Braife said turning his head behind the driver's seat.




*****




A sudden streak of blood lined the Bloodbase's wall at a diagonal angle; shortly after, another hunter fell to the ground.

Sith was haunting. He would strike in one direction, but he would BE in a different location before you could analyze his previous move.
Gunfire was dodged or deflected, and swordplay was brief for any attempting hunter. Each time a hunter collapsed to the ground in pain, the spirits of the remaining hunters dropped.

At this pace, Bloodbase would be uninhabited within minutes.


Apotheosis stood in the doorway, using the walls as a crutch as he hobbled closer to the action. Apoth felt the life had been sucked out of him as he saw the scattered bodies throughout the main lobby.


One.

Two.

Three.


More hunters began to drop to the ground, and Bloodbase was reduced to less then ten hunters.

Belqvar being one of them.

Belqvar swung his Gae Bolg at a distance very vigorously...yet he was still fighting defensively.


wAnaNAnANanAnNANAANan!

Another dropped.

Apotheosis moved as quickly as he could, using his Last Survivor as a crutch. Apotheosis advanced another two steps...

...and two more hunters fell to Sith's blades.



Including Belqvar and Apoth, only five hunters remained.


WnanaNAanANNAnanANaAN?*sling*!

...

...four.



Apotheosis was now standing on the outskirts of the main lobby, and began to hobble to his fellow hunters' aid.
As soon as he got within striking distance, he was back on his back. He was kicked directly in chest, creating a halo of water droplets that were soaked into his uniform.

His hit to the ground caused a cold rush of blood to exit both of his nostrils; and immediately after, another hunter lied beside him.

...only he had it worse.

His torso was connected by mere strands of tissue, with the look of fear engraved into his eyes just before his death.

Apoth got to his feet in pain to help out Belqvar and the other remaining hunter.

Sith backed into a corner and threw down both of his weapons. Belqvar figured he was tired after all of his movement.

But he wasn't.

He approached the remaining three with his weapons on the floor behind him, nothing more then his physical body as a weapon.


Vllllllllllliiing!

SHHHZoOooo!

VoOoooFFff!


...all of the attempts from the remaining three went dodged, and a lethal scissor kick sent the unknown hunter to the ground. Apotheosis tried to help him up, because the hunter was twitching in pain. Apotheosis got ready to ask him if he was alright, only to be kicked five feet across the room.
Apoth pivoted an arm to rise back to his feet, but fell back in pain.

Belqvar was doing his best to keep Sith at bay, striking his Gae Bolg in 180 degree sweeps and slowly walking backwards. Sith slid on his hip and avoided the waist-high slashes; leg-sweeping Belqvar and removing his feet from under him.

Apoth watched in what appeared to a slow-motion movie, as Belqvar hung suspended in mid-air.

Sith pulled out a secondary knife very quickly, and smashed the handle into the ground just below Belqvar.




"NO!!!!" Apotheosis shrieked.

Sith grinned just before Belqvar's body hit the ground; which killed him instantly.

The knife had impaled Belqvar right through his heart, positioned perfectly by Sith.

...

Apotheosis figured this was one of those hero moments.

Those moments where a person rises to extraordinary feats due to events like this...

But for all that was in him...



He couldn't. Physically he couldn't get up straight. He tried without cease, flopping up and down like a suffering fish.

Sith slowly walked over to his weapons, then turned to Apotheosis as he stammered from kneeling, to flat-faced on the floor in a repeating pattern.

Sith put one of his weapons inches from Apoth's neck and was ready to strike; Apoth could tell by the cold, lifeless stare in his eyes.

"W-why..W-who...who are you?" Apotheosis asked.

Apotheosis realized he was about to die, and he became scared. But this fear wasn't like any he had felt before...this fear was real to him.

Sith raised his weapon to strike, only to mutter the last words Apotheosis would ever hear.
A tear almost rolled down Apotheosis' face, but he resisted and spit on Sith's feet instead.

...

"Nothing I tell you will be of service to you in death."





*****




Sith searched the rooms of Bloodbase and gathered anything of interest to him. The smell coming from the main lobby didn't faze him in the slightest, and neither did the overall graphic and hellish imagery.

The only thing that seemed to grab his attention was his leader's voice over his BEE system.

"Sith...meet us at the ORAN coordinates immediately," Braif's voice muzzled over the small speaker.

"On my way."




Sith gathered the last of his supplies before approaching the single exiting door. He felt proud as he stepped over and around the dead hunters, admiring his work.


The sliding door opened and a grim shadow appeared directly in front of him.


Sith looked directly down the barrel of a Laser, trying to concentrate on the silhouette behind the weapon.

...



"I have a proposition," the man said.

[AUTO_]

I'd also just like to thank anyone who posted on this thread, anyone who read the fic, and everyone who gave words of encouragement.

With any luck the final chapter in this "series" will be along soon.

Once again, thanks for all the support and encouragement...otherwise I never would have done/finished this fanfic.

You guys rule and peace out http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Sharkyland]

Wah, it's over? ;_; Very nice fanfiction.

[AUTO_]

Yup, it's over. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

Thanks for the feedback and hopefully I'll get around to finishing the series off. >_>;



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: AUTO_ on 2004-02-16 13:39 ]</font>

[MQuantum]

Ahh, you did it again! Just ended it and left me wondering what's gonna happen next! Even though I know, now...

I'm really going to enjoy the last bit, though I will be sad its the end. *sniff* I always am...

Poor Bloodbase...

[AUTO_]

On 2004-02-16 18:51, MQuantum wrote:
Ahh, you did it again! Just ended it and left me wondering what's gonna happen next! Even though I know, now...



I told you the Spider was going to be used as a referance http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[Nai_Calus]

Yay, violence! Death! Gore! Maiming! w00t!

Er. XD

That rocked.

One burning question, though.

Did the Rati survive? What happened to it? It better not have died. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif Rati death = Bad. *nods sagely*

[AUTO_]

On 2004-02-17 16:48, Ian-KunX wrote:
Yay, violence! Death! Gore! Maiming! w00t!

Er. XD

That rocked.

One burning question, though.

Did the Rati survive? What happened to it? It better not have died. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_rant.gif Rati death = Bad. *nods sagely*



*knows what will happen if he says the Rati dies*

..ErR--of course it didn't die!

I-it actually went on to become a famous...Mag-Pimp!

A rich one too http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

[BOC]

well auto once again you have banged out another fic of unbelievable QuailTy (with a capital T http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif)

excellent work man, pretty bleak, but that what makes it so interesting!

totally can't wait for the next part!!

until then....

PEACE!!!

[White_Knight]

wow that was cool a bit sorry its over but you will get to the sequil to six goasts right (don't knwo how but eh.)