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Daikarin
Jul 5, 2002, 12:27 PM
Ultimate Hunters

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/NEW_BACKGRND.jpg

That's right. Here's the three first chapters of a little tale I made up. I hope it helps any player that couldn't find out what really happened on Ragol. I try to maintain the game's storyline with my own. Plz post what you think, I'm that kind of guy who makes LOTS of glitches. Thanks

--- Intro ---

(Game Intro)

The pioneer project - A desperate attempt to make humans, newmans and androids survive. Since their homeplanet was in serious hazard, an unmanned probe was sent to investigate an alternate habitable planet.
Some time before its departure, Ragol was found and the first interstellar ship (Pioneer 1) was sent to establish a colony. After confirming that Ragol was indeed habitable, the colonists began the construction of the Central Dome, and the main wave of refugees was sent towards the same planet on a second interstellar ship called Pioneer 2 with around 20 000 people, and a whole city in it.

7 years later...

Pioneer 2 completed its long voyage towards Ragol and established contact with the Central Dome. But... in that instant an enormous explosion shook the intire planet. All contact with the thousands of people on Ragol was lost...


--- Chapter 1 - Awakening ---


He awakes in his room, in a sofa next to a windowed door. Through the windowed door he could gaze at the enourmous pioneer 2 city, with skyscrapers (or are they spacescrapers...?) everywhere, neon lights fill the air, small ships going this and that way... since his room was so high, he could also see the dark plate which separated the city from outer space.
- Where am I? - he thinks. But something flashes into his mind.
- Pioneer 2... going towards Ragol... - he answers himself. Another question comes into his mind.
- WHO am... - and before he could finish, something strikes his memory like a bullet.
NEW ULTIMATE, skilled Human Hunter, age... 20. He desperately looks for a mirror. Goes to his small bathroom and he sees himself exactly like his memories told him he would.

NEW ULTIMATE: (thinking) Why am I this forgetfull right in the morning? This is weird...

His handheld database rings. New looks at his Hunter uniform and answers the call.

IRENE: Are you NEW ULTIMATE? Principal TYRELL wishes to see you. Please come immediatly to his office.

And without another word, she disconnects. Principal TYRELL... one of the main men in the management of the pioneer project and the... principal of Pioneer 2. Wanted to see HIM? A humble but skilled Hunter? Something was up, he thinks. NEW dresses his Hunter uniform and exits his room. Locks the door and takes a taxi-shuttle into the hunter's guild area. He proceeds walking into the teleporter into TYRELL's room.
He enters the room. Altough he knew he has been here in the past, somehow, it feels strange to be in it. He slowly walks the passageway until he reaches the principal. To his left he sees a couple of scientists. And to his right is IRENE, the principal's secretary, who asked him to come here.

TYRELL: Are you NEW ULTIMATE, the Hunter? I guess you know who I am.

Both shake hands.

NEW ULTIMATE: How can I help you?
TYRELL: We are in a delicate situation and need to act quickly.
NEW ULTIMATE: What happened?

TYRELL sits down. He places his elbow in his desk and his fist holds his chin, while his worried eyes don't leave the desk.

TYRELL: You heard about the explosion in Ragol? We lost contact with the staff from Central Dome right after that. We don't know what happened. You are a skilled Hunter... I've heard a lot about you.

He gives a quick gaze into IRENE and then back to him.

TYRELL: We wanted you to go down into Ragol and check the environment in the area. Go into Central Dome and find the cause of all this. When possible, return to report your discoveries.

TYRELL makes a small moment of silence and looks into his desk. He looks back into NEW ULTIMATE and says:

TYRELL: That... will be all... To any questions ask Irene, my secretary.

NEW gets the feeling that TYRELL wanted to ask something else, and looks back to IRENE and approaches her desk.

IRENE: Ok, here's what we want you to do in detail. Go down into the residential area around Central Dome and check things out. Ask anyone there about the status of the area. Once you get into Central Dome ask the contact team what happened. And then report back to us. Good luck...

NEW now realised why they couldn't send anyone to that assignment. What could be the cause of what happened? A Hunter may be needed, somehow. He was about to leave IRENE's desk when she holds his hand.

IRENE: Ummm...
NEW ULTIMATE: What? Something else?
IRENE: This is... a personal request. If possible... you do know Red Ring Rico, the principal's daughter? She told us a lot about you.

NEW experiences some short flashbacks. The famous scientist... and hunter... Rico, the famous figure, admired by citizens by her great deeds. NEW also wonders if that's all he knows about her, but something tells him that it really is, altough it is strange that Rico supposedly knows you more about you than you do about her.

IRENE: She disappeared into Ragol. Please find her. Since she's the principal's daughter, he's not in a position for such request. Find out what happened to her... and if possible bring her to us. Thank you...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'll try.

NEW looks at the scientists. He notices a great amount of fear in them. They all wish him good luck as he returns to the city.

--- Chapter 2 - First contact with Ragol ---

NEW then goes back to the city and into the huge teleporter into Ragol. He will be one of the first Hunters to step on an enigmatic ground. The two soldiers patrolling the teleporter allow him to pass.

Soldier #1: I don't know if I should say this to a Hunter but... good luck.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks.
Soldier #2: I hope we don't see you for the last time...

Without another word, NEW steps into the teleporter. And in an instant he is dematerialized.While his consciousness travels between the portal, he feels a chill down his dematerialized spine.His body becomes one with his soul again as he is materialised on Ragol.
Before him is a beautiful forest, with the sound of water streaming somewhere, the strong green colour of the grass and the natural air going inside his lungs.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : It's nice... I wonder if anyone's here. It's awfully quiet. Somehow all this silence makes me feel... unsafe...
NEW ULTIMATE: HELLO! PIONNER 1 COLONISTS? ANYONE? I COME FROM PIONEER 2! I NEED TO SPEAK WITH ANY OF YOU!...

No response. He then thinks it's better to explore rather than shouting still, and marches off.
He finds a door. As it opens with its roar, NEW stumbles upon an open alley, with some waterfalls behind a small hill and some item boxes.

NEW ULTIMATE: Anybody here?

No response. As he opens the item boxes, he hears a noise in the bushes behind him he turns quickly.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hello...?

He jumps petrified when he sees a huge monster with wolf-lion-like face, huge claws and chicken-like legs.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : SHIT! A BOOMA!

After a growl, the Booma strikes with his right claw. NEW's instincts tell him to dodge into the right, and he jumps, avoiding the claw and quickly equipping his saber.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : A Booma is attacking me? It looks far more agressive than the news reports on Pioneer 2. I never noticed it's aggressive face before. And They said they were friendly animals... What does all this mean?

He puts himself in the attacking pose.

NEW ULTIMATE : Sorry mutt, but you leave me no choice.

He shouts and attacks the Booma with a mighty blow. After the hit, the beast feels more anger and counters, hitting NEW with it's huge claw. After some blow exchanges, the Booma finally falls to the ground, leaving NEW sweating and catching his breath while gazing at the beast's corpse.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : No people around here... Agressive monsters all around... Did these monsters attack the people on Ragol? If they attacked me, that's quite a probability. I have to look for survivors...

NEW then strolls through the forest. But the only thing he finds are monsters. Loads of monsters. After long battles and walks, the sun finally sets in the horizon but no one is still at sight.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What does all this mean...? Where is everyone? What the hell happened here...?

He feels like a lonely human soul in the forests of Ragol. He then concludes that it is best to report this to the principal. Furious due to the lack of answers, he turns back and head towards the teleporter. Once he is materialised back on Pioneer 2, he heads towards the principal's room to make a report.

TYRELL: This is... Strange. Monsters you say...?

The scientists to the right of the principal then become nervous and scared.

TYRELL: ...Thank you very much. I'll discuss the current situation with my people. Please continue your research, NEW ULTIMATE.

NEW then teleports out of the room, thinking if he will ever end this quest.


--- Chapter 3 - Battle training ---

As he arrives in the city, he remembers he's kinda low on money, but doesn't remember why. So he thinks about going into the Hunter's Guild and taking a side-quest, as a warming exercise to the real one. As he enters the Guild, with it's light blue lights all over the place and the huge windowed wall where we could admire Ragol from outer space, he sees many faces. They all seem to be familiar with themselves... after all, Hunters share adventures and sometimes team up. But... there wasn't a familiar face around. There just wasn't.
After asking the Guild girl for a list on the quests available, he finds "Battle Training".

NEW ULTIMATE: (thinking) Find a lost Hunter... Team up with another Hunter... Might as well start with this.

As he signs up to that quest, the Guild girl points to a man standing next to the windowed wall. When he knew that he was the man who made the request, NEW rushed to introduce himself to him.

ZIDD: So you're the other Hunter, NEW. Could you call that Android over there? I need to talk to the both of you.

He points to a tall android standing by the guild's entrance. When NEW goes to call him, he introduces himself as KIREEK.

KIREEK: This is the first time I've had a partner. ZIDD asked me to do this job first. Unexpectedly, he told me I'd had to work with somebody else. I had to say YES as he is my client...

NEW gets the impression that KIREEK isn't very social. They both go talk to ZIDD.

ZIDD: All right. Here's how it goes. I know that KIREEK hates teamwork, but I need 2 hunters for this job. One is to bring the Data disk that I lost and the other is to bring ASH safely.
KIREEK: ...I have no choice.
NEW ULTIMATE: So you want us to find and bring you this ASH and your Disk right?
ZIDD: Correct. I sent ASH to get the data disk but it seems he didn't make it there. He is wounded somewhere in the forest near Central Dome. This is a personal request. ASH is a cousin of mine. I don't want to lose him. Please understand...

Without another word, both hunters leave the Guild and go into the main teleporter to Ragol. As the huge gate between the Pioneer 2 soldiers opens, NEW sees for the first time the gate as a to the possible new homeland for people, but as the same time the gate to the enigma surrounding Ragol's mysterious explosion.

KIREEK: A word of advice... keep close to me.
NEW ULTIMATE: All right... I guess.

They teleport to Ragol. Once on the planet, NEW notes that the sky is orange, with purple clouds hanging all over, and an orange aura surrounds the entire forest making him understand that the day is ending on this planet. He looks at the sun hiding behind some trees and...

KIREEK: Move it, let's go.

And he goes on ahead. NEW remembers that KIREEK is an android, and altough he is very intelligent, he doesn't have emotions. Or does he? He remember something about Dr. Montague building emotional patterns for androids. But NEW chase him between the woods. It's not long until KIREEK stops, and without turning back, he says:

KIREEK: 2 Boomas and a Rappy behind you.

NEW turns back and stumbles his eyes upon the beasts. 2 Boomas indeed, and a cute yellow canary-chicken-pinguin type small animal were sneaking on them.

NEW ULTIMATE: What? You guessed it!
KIREEK: No I didn't...

KIREEK raises his long spear and charges past NEW and into the wild animals. A huge battlecry and a single blow are all that he needs to slay those 3 beasts.

KIREEK: You get used to it when you battle a lot.

And they both restart strolling down the forest. NEW knows that any pro could hear a noise or detect something behind him, but he guessed the number of enemies and even said which ones were! NEW wonders if that's because he's an android. He also thinks of his power, killing 3 beasts with a single blow. While he thinks of this, he looks to his weapon.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That weapon... I know that weapon!
NEW ULTIMATE: Say, KIREEK, what do you call your weapon?
KIREEK: ...Why do you care?
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't, just wanna know.
KIREEK: ...It's the SOUL EATER.

NEW then remembers everything about the weapon.

NEW ULTIMATE: It is a cursed sickle that absorbs HP... it's special attack steals your own HP to create a major blow right?
KIREEK: ...Looks like you're not such a newbie after all. How did you know that?
NEW ULTIMATE: I... just remembered.

KIREEK then shows his back to him and restarts walking. A few more battles along the way and they reach a big door. Once it is unlocked, they see a youth, lying wounded on the grass.

ASH: Who... are you?
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry, we'll take you back home. Where's the data disk?
ASH: A little ahead... those wolf jackasses... pounded me nearly to death...
KIREEK: I'll get the disk. NEW, take care of ASH's injuries.
NEW ULTIMATE: Leave it to me.

KIREEK goes on ahead. NEW hears something, kinda like a growl. By the looks of it, KIREEK heard it as well, and looks everywhere to find its source. In the blink of an eye a group of brown savage wolves, with blue stripes and demon eyes jump towards KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE: Shit! He is surrounded!

NEW was about to help him, when he comes to a halt by hearing KIREEK.

KIREEK: Stay where you are and heal the boy!

Waving his Scythe around the battlefield, he slays all the wolves in a matter of seconds, delivering powerful blows in a very fast rate and leaving ASH and NEW ULTIMATE astounished.

ASH: Whoa... that's one tough droid!

NEW uses his healing spell RESTA on ASH, while KIREEK finds ZIDD's Data disk somewhere between the grass.

ASH: Thank you. I was about to get the disk when monsters came and... well, I appreciate you coming to help me, altough I still hate the fact that ZIDD treats me like a kid.
KIREEK: I'll bring this boy with me. NEW, you deliver the disk to the client. Then we can finish this job.
NEW ULTIMATE: No sweat.
KIREEK: NEW... train yourself. Become much stronger to impress me... You have what it takes. Ha Ha Ha...

And KIREEK goes towards the Teleporter carrying ASH along. His laughs somehow were strange, and NEW wonders if he laughed by the possibility of becoming better than him? He goes back to Pioneer 2. Once he arrives at the Hunter's Guild he doesn't see KIREEK anywhere, but ZIDD and his cousin ASH are in a corner.

ZIDD: This is my disk? Thank you. KIREEK already left after receiving the meseta. He was such an intimidating android... looks like he was built for battle. Anyway, you can get you meseta at the counter. You're all done.
ASH: Thank you! I'll keep practicing!

After receiving his meseta, NEW exits the Guild and wonders if he will ever meet master-hunter KIREEK again. With some money in his virtual bank account, NEW goes to buy some items, weapons and armors, being now ready to return to his main enigmatic quest.

----------------------------------------


Next chapters:

- Rei, the King Zero
- Genetic Issues
- The Duel and the Dragon

EDIT: If you want, you can check the Fan works Topic "Rei & New Ultimate" to check some images about the fanfic's characters and such. I'll post a new one soon.

2nd EDIT: Corrected a bug indicated by bladegunner. Thanks man, and continue to be that nice in the error detection http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

3rd EDIT: Corrected a few more mistakes. Thanks again blade http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/eviltongue.gif

4th EDIT: Changed "newby" to "newbie"



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-05 10:32 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-05 10:37 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-05 10:43 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-06 12:54 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-03 04:37 ]</font>

bladegunner
Jul 5, 2002, 12:50 PM
hm... you're welcome... and I just read the first 10 lines o.o

Daikarin
Jul 8, 2002, 01:45 PM
I took the sig out of here, because I'm thinking of making a manga of my fanfic, and the sig didn't match what I have in store for it.

Here I will post the cover.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:42 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 16:00 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Jul 9, 2002, 05:44 AM
On 2002-07-08 11:45, Ultimate wrote:
No, this isn't the rest of the chapters, it's rather the big version of my sig with the characters on my sig in it. Dunno who the girl is? Stay tuned to the fanfic! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif


I know who she is. It's that chick from your kung fu classes http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Jul 9, 2002, 05:39 PM
I know who she is. It's that chick from your kung fu classes http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



COUGH COUGH

EDIT: No http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-09 15:41 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-13 03:20 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 10, 2002, 01:06 PM
Here is the forth Chapter. Enjoy...

--- Chapter 4 - Rei, the King Zero ---

He goes to the comercial area to stock up on monomates, fluids, atomizers and to see if he can buy some new weapons. He sees a beautiful gigantic sword.

NEW ULTIMATE: Whoa! What's that sword?
WEAPON'S DEALER: That's one of the best swords I ever stocked. It's the legendary DRAGON SLAYER.
NEW ULTIMATE: That's the DRAGON SLAYER?
WEAPON'S DEALER: Indeed. The legend says that it was born by a famous hunter who defeated a huge Dragon. Only a Hunter with great strength can wield it perfectly, so it can only be equipped by a very powerful Hunter.

NEW checks the huge price, and wonders if he will be able to get that many meseta in his hole life. Altough he was dissapointed for not being able to try it, he was overjoyed to see it and to know that it is for sale.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Someday...

It's after-hours, but NEW carries on to Ragol to continue his hunting. After teleporting, he relies only on his photon weapon to light his way out. As he goes on with the green ilumination made by his saber, he fights and fights and gains more and more experience, even in the middle of the night, trying to reach central dome through the forest. He eventually comes to a stop and thinks it is best to camp there that night, since he would only be able to reach Central Dome the next day anyway, but he also didn't rest since he began working, in the early morning. So he puts his sleeping bag in the middle of the grass, and starts a small fire to cook his dinner.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : This will have to do.

He pulls out a gigantic piece of meat and starts cooking it on the fire. A few moments later his stomach feels kinda heavy and he goes to sleep. After putting out the fire he inserts his body in the sleeping bag and gazes into the stars.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Can I see Pioneer 2 from here? Guess not... I wonder... What was that explosion? Why isn't everyone here? Why are the monsters on Ragol, being reported as friendly and quiet, all violent all of a sudden? Did they kill the people living here? Why weren't we told about them?...

He starts to realize that it is too much complicated and starts losing consciousness and sleeps... A few moments later he hears a noise onthe woods, like some animal aproaching him silently. He slowly equips his saber, mag and gets out of the bag... He then tries to locate the enemy by hearing his sounds... He finds him! NEW strikes the bush and a dark figure flees from it, avoiding the blow.

REI: What the hell...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Who are you?
REI: What? You're a Hunter?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You attacked me without knowing that?
REI: Geez man, like, I heard this lowd roar, and I thought... "Boomas are near"... But now I think that lowd roar was your snoring!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Well, good to know you're not a monster.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks a lot.
REI: I'm REI. REI, the king Zero.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI? What kind of names is that?
REI: It means "King" in some different foreign ancient language, buddy. And in another language, it means "Zero".
NEW ULTIMATE: Weird. What kind of parent names "REI" to his son...?
REI: ...I don't have parents.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh... sorry.
REI: No, it's not like that... I just don't remember...
NEW ULTIMATE: You don't? What about your childhood memories?
REI: Childhood... memories...? I... I never thought of it...
NEW ULTIMATE: Can't remember anything?
REI: Whoa... It's strange... I can't....
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You know... You're kinda weird.
REI: ...And you are?
NEW ULTIMATE: NEW ULTIMATE. Call me NEW.
REI: And YOU thought I had a weird name!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What the hell is wrong about...

Before they could finish they both sense something in the bushes behind them.

NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : One of your friends...?
REI (whispering) : I don't have any friends, spike head.

Right after that, a gigantic dark figure leaps towards them, cutting the air with a scary roar.

REI: IT'S COMING!

REI lights up his hand with Foie and illuminates the field, allowing them to see the enemy landing in front of them.

NEW ULTIMATE: A Hildebear!

After a short but loud roar, the beast punches NEW towards a tree, slamming him violently.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn... it's just as strong as they say...

REI gives a dark look to the hildebear and slowly reaches for his pocket.

REI: You've had it now jackass...

He rapidly pulls out... some flags and pompons.

REI: Come on NEW! Kick his ass! RAH! RAH! GO! GO!

REI slowly retreats.

NEW ULTIMATE: If he hits me again... I don't know if I'll take it...

NEW gets up and uses a monomate. In the meantime, the beast now goes after REI.

REI (running): SHIT!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! Hit him with a Zonde or whatever! I mean, you ARE a Force right?
REI (still running) : Now you made me mad ya damn bear. Stand back or else...

The bear still chases REI.

REI: I really mean it now! Now you've really...

NEW runs after the bear and charges a Zonde at it. He fires, causing the beast to stop running and emitting a painful growl, before looking back at NEW and charging towards him rapidly and enraged.

REI (thinking) : Now's my chance!

REI flees into the darkness and out of sight, carrying the Foie flame in his hand. The light goes far away... leaving NEW to fight the Hildebear with the green light of his saber alone.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn thief!

He looks back at the bear, who is standing still.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What the hell...? What's he up to?

Along with a loud growl, the monster spits a powerful Foie towards NEW, who quickly counters with a Barta spell, erasing both spells. After a quick relief smile, NEW prepares to attack. He leaps towards the bear, striking a huge blow in the beast's left shoulder, along with a loud battlecry, quickly jumping off from the beast and into defense position.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's gonna fall.

The beast apparently only got angrier and starts running towards NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What? So much resistance... And I striked him with almost my full power!

The bear prepares to punch NEW again. This time, NEW sees him charging and leaps over the punch just in time. While in mid-air:

NEW ULTIMATE: You've HAD IT NOW!!!

He prepares to counter it on the head... and a huge blow is heard.
NEW falls on the floor bleeding from the mouth and nose.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That... behemoth... striked with his other fist... right when I was charging my down-slash... I don't think I can take another blow like that... I don't think... I... can move...

NEW can't get up. He feels dizzy after that huge punch right into the face. The beast smiles and approaches NEW on the floor. He prepares another finishing blow, charging his fist high into the air.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I can't see him... I know he's near... What will I do? DAMMIT!

In that moment, hundreds of arrows of light hit the bear, causing him to scream in pain and tumble its huge body into the ground, as a sign of defeat.

REI: Gotcha!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! I thought you ran... away!
REI: ...Well... you DID help me once. I couldn't back out without making us even.

REI casts RESTA on NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks... I owe you my life.
REI: Stop being the emotional type. I did it because I wanted to. Anywayz, don't you think you and I make a great team? Together, we could clean this unknown forest out of any Hildebears! You're tougher than most Hunters nowadays, and we would make great teamplay, don't ya think?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What? For god's sake, you RAN AWAY!
REI: That was my plan from the start! I intended the beast to think I wasn't there in order to strike it on the back!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: What do you say? It will make your quests easier to have a teammate! We will split the money 50/50!
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, all right.
REI: Way to go ULTIMATE!
NEW ULTIMATE: Call me NEW...
REI: Whatever you say, buddy!

REI taps him in the back and after NEW picks up his bag, both march into the sunrise, now as teammates.

Coming up:

- Genetic Issues
- The Duel and the Dragon

EDIT: And the glitches are back http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-10 11:13 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-19 13:30 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 10, 2002, 06:10 PM
Here's the fifth chapter. Enjoy. And those who would like to post a critic to the story or something else about it, please do.

------- Chapter 5 - Genetic Issues ---------

After some days venturing in the forest, both REI and NEW have gained lots of experience, taking out giant groups of Boomas in almost an instant, and kicking some Hildebear's ass. They eventually reach the residential area in the first part of the forest.

REI: I still don't understand. Where the hell is everybody? They were supposed to live around here!
NEW ULTIMATE: HELLO? ANYBODY HERE?

...

NEW ULTIMATE: I think we're too late. Maybe the beasts killed them...
REI: SHIT! If only we arrived here earlier...
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not our fault.
REI: I know but... Dammit!

REI punches the floor. They both make a moment of silence.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm kinda low on money. I think we should return to Pioneer 2 and do some side quests at the Hunter's Guild. Is that ok with ya?
REI: Fine.

REI snaps his finger and a telepipe appears before them. They both return into the Hunter's Guild. Both NEW & REI step into the counter and check the list.

REI: Hey... check this out. "Collect info on animals in Ragol". We could do this! I mean, if we can kill them easily, what else can't we do?
NEW ULTIMATE: All right... we'll do it. Hey, lady, we would like to work on this one.
GUILD GIRL: Very well! I'll contact ALICIA.
REI: Hmmm... and I'll contact you later, toots!
NEW ULTIMATE: Who is this ALICIA?
GUILD GIRL: ...She's the one who made the request.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ah. Didn't see her name there.

In that moment, a female Human Force arrives at the Guild, supposedly ALICIA.

REI: Wooo! That is one nice...
NEW ULTIMATE: Is that ALICIA?
GUILD GIRL: Yeah. Well, go and talk to her!

They both walk towards the girl. She is a FOmarl, with blue tied hair and a beautiful Force dress.

ALICIA BAZ: REI? NEW ULTIMATE? Were you the ones who volunteered for the quest?
REI: Yeah. Mind if ya fill us in with the details?
ALICIA BAZ: Sure. Firstly, I want to thank you. Thanks to you...
REI: Thanks to us what?
ALICIA BAZ: ...What I meant is that you guys will help me with the research. ER, I MEAN study!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What study?
ALICIA BAZ: Well, we are a small team working in a lab... Ah... I can't tell you which... And we are currently researching the animals on Ragol for basic info.
REI: What do you want us to do?
ALICIA BAZ: I will insert this equipment on your weapons. It will collect data as soon as your photon blade or techniques interact with the creature. I expect you all to collect data on the 5 basic types of animals on Ragol.
NEW ULTIMATE: So, basically, all we have to do is kill monsters with it?
ALICIA BAZ: Exactly. But... this gadget will only work for 20 minutes since you start it. I expect you to bring me all the data of the animals on Ragol by that time.
NEW ULTIMATE: Got it.
REI: This will be fun.
ALICIA BAZ: ...This is a confidential mission. Don't talk about it to anyone.
NEW ULTIMATE & REI: Ok.

They both go into the forest. Due to their training everyday on the main quest, they easily take out hordes of Boomas, Wolves, Mothmants, Rappys... all in around 7 minutes. Then, on the second part of the forest, they've successfully managed to beat the crap out of a hildebear, after many photon blows, blasts and techniques. This battle was easier than the first, since they teamworked this time a lot better. Then the instrument collected the data for the last time before sending a message saying they had all the data they needed.

NEW ULTIMATE: All set. Let's go back.
REI: We didn't even need half the time to get the data. Hell, I told ya, we rock.

They both return to the Guild. NEW and REI hand over their instruments to ALICIA.

ALICIA BAZ: Is this all the data? Thank you. Please get your money at the counter.

REI and NEW quickly looked at each other. They charged towards the counter and battled to get there first. The Guild girl screamed as she saw two mad Hunters coming her way.

REI: 60 % for me!
NEW ULTIMATE: You MUST be kidding. I killed more than you did, lil' King.
REI: I killed that bunch of Boomas by myself, didn't I?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, you did. You killed those 2 by yourself. And I killed the next 4 Goboomas.
REI: And WHO killed the following Gigoboomas? Huh? Huh?

After some fighting they finally agree on 50/50. But as the girl gave them the meseta they restarted the fight and continued until each got equal shares.

ALICIA BAZ: Are they really friends...?

The day is ending, with NEW and REI resting on the top of a hill, near the end of the first part of the forest, around the deserted residential area. They are enjoying a well-earned rest, after all the killing, and watching Central Dome in the distant horizon.

REI: It's unbelievable. It looks like they keep reappearing. There's too many beasts... I still don't understand why. And all... all of them are aggressive. Not a friendly animal around here...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... oh look!

NEW points to a capsule with messages inside, somewhere between the grass.

REI: Another capsule? That makes around 4 now! Is that again from Rico?

Rico, the famous scientist/hunter had been dropping capsules around the forest with info she collected or her personal thoughts about the mysterious situation on the planet.

NEW ULTIMATE: It's the same voice as before... It's her.
CAPSULE: So the monsters rebelled against the human colonists and started to fight to defend their territory, since the human presence consisted as a threat to their eco-system. But what about the explosion? I need some info. I have to do some more research.
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... I doubt that the monsters rebelled against people...
REI: Yeah. In their first reports they stated that the animals were very friendly. This explosion, however... Is something I can't explain.
NEW ULTIMATE: Rico started researching before us. She's ahead of us... She could have already reached Central Dome and found out what happened. Or... she could be already dead...
REI: Why did you accept the task of finding her?
NEW ULTIMATE: Principal Tyrell was worried sick about Rico. Even though he didn't ask me to find her, I could see it in his eyes. And Irene asked me to do it.

In that moment, NEW's arm PC rings.

REI: Who is it?
NEW ULTIMATE: It's ALICIA... from our last quest.
REI: Yeah baby! I just knew she'd have the guts to invite me out to dinner!

NEW answers the call and ALICIA appears on his arm PC's screen.

NEW ULTIMATE: NEW here. How can we help you?
ALICIA BAZ: NEW... and REI. Did you really collect this data from the animals on Ragol?
NEW ULTIMATE & REI: ?
REI: Of course we did. We collected that data by using the same process we do each day: Killing beasts on the forest of Ragol! Why do you ask that to us?
NEW ULTIMATE: ALICIA, you seem surprised... shocked... Is something up?
ALICIA BAZ: Well... It's hard to explain as its a genetic issue. But basically, according to our rese... studies, we believe that the gene pool of the animals on Ragol has been altered.
REI: You mean...
ALICIA BAZ: Yes. Someone or something has been playing with the DNA of these animals. This data does not match with the data from Pioneer 1 from years ago. This... this is frightning... I thought of saying this as it may help you on your main quest.
NEW ULTIMATE: How did you know of my main quest? I didn't tell you a thing about it!

NEW looks at REI.

REI: I didn't tell her anything either.
ALICIA BAZ: Oops... Never mind. Anyway, thanks again for you precious help.

ALICIA disconnects. NEW looks at REI, and then they look at the sun hiding behind the mountains, before disappearing and giving place to the moon and the stars all around the night sky.

NEW ULTIMATE: Now I really want to know answers. Starting tomorrow morning, we head towards Central Dome to find out what happened here.
REI: Yeah!
NEW ULTIMATE: We don't know what we will find, or what will find us. We don't know what to expect, but we will know what to find out!
REI: Yeah!
NEW ULTIMATE: Starting tomorrow morning, we'll head towards our probable final destination!
REI: Yeah!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm hungry. What's dinner?
REI: ...

As they finish dinner, they go to sleep, anxious to know answers, but petrified at the same time. And in the middle of the forest two Hunters finally snore at the starts and at their destiny.

Next chapters:

- The Duel and the Dragon
- A prelude to the Underworld
- I know you! I'll kill you!

EDIT: glitches...

2nd EDIT: More glitches...



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-10 16:13 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-10 16:14 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-19 03:44 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 14, 2002, 01:01 PM
Here's the 6th chapter. Boy, this took a lot out of me. Enjoy.

--- Chapter 6 - The Duel and the Dragon ---

The morning arrives. The sun hasn't yet appeared and REI wakes up. He doesn't see NEW's sleeping bag anywhere. He looks up to NEW in the distance who is practising saber moves.

NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, glad you are finally awake. I've been killing beasts since 7 AM and collected some more meseta for me. I'm going back to pioneer 2 for an instant, just wait here, I'll be right back.
REI: ...Good morning to you too.

NEW creates a pipe, casting the spell Ryuker. He teleports back to Ragol. REI in the meantime takes that chance to fold his sleeping bag and saves it in his virtual inventory. In the meantime, it starts to rain, creating an atmosphere filled with sorrow around the forest. Right after that, NEW arrives.

NEW ULTIMATE: What...? What happened to the cloudy sky morning? The second I go away it starts to rain?
REI: Why did you return back to Pioneer 2?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hee Hee... That's a surprise buddy! Come on, let's move.

They both equip their weapons and head towards the Central Dome. They restart pummeling towards the beasts in the middle of the rain. Wolves, Rappys, Boomas, Mothmants and even Hildebears fall to the muddy and wet floor. Along the way they still find no one, except some crashed airships, and Rico's capsules, making them conclude that Rico is always a step ahead of them. After much slaughter and photon blasting the reach an alley with a huge pillar.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's this doing here?
REI: There's a capsule on the ground. Let's hear it.
CAPSULE MESSAGE: They say that this column was built to commemorate the arrival of Pioneer 1. But... it may be just me but it doesn't look very new.
NEW ULTIMATE: Huh?
REI: New as in recent.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh. Come to think of it, it looks pretty old to me. What's this...?

NEW looks to a switch.

REI: A switch? In a statue? What does a switch do in a rock statue?
NEW ULTIMATE: Only one way to find out... Stand back, maybe some secret passage will open or something.

NEW slowly presses the switch.

REI: ...Some switch. It didn't do a thing.

The statue starts emiting an eerie blue glow, along with a roaring noise. Suddenly it becomes more violent, shaking all around.

NEW ULTIMATE: What is this?
REI: I think it will explode!
NEW ULTIMATE: I think it will crack open!
REI: Maybe it's gonna fire something somewhere!
NEW ULTIMATE: Or even point us a location!

...Nothing happens. It's just a statue emiting blue light and a motor-like noise shaking in the place.

REI: Let's go. Central Dome is right ahead.

They both leave the statue and approach Central Dome. It was now closer to them as never before. In a small passageway with many plants, was a teleporter to the entrance to the Central Dome. As they use it, they arrive at a wide open space in the building, possibly to land aircrafts. Suddently mothmants drop from the sky and wolves jump from nearby bushes.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out!
REI: I know. Don't worry, I have my mosquito reppelent here. You take care of the wolves.

REI shapes his hand like if it were a gun. He starts shooting Foies towards the giant bugs with his finger, while NEW hacks and slashes the beasts. After some finger firing and saber slaughtering they are alone again... until a group of Boomas and Rappys appears in front of them and strikes at them.

REI: You're only getting on our way.

REI rises his hand and charges. he closes his fist and points towards the bunch of beasts.

REI: RAFOIE!!!

REI rises two fingers which trigger an enourmous explosion on the area in front of them, killing every single beast alive. NEW drops his jaw while REI is sweating like crazy and trying to catch his breath.

NEW ULTIMATE: That was amazing!
REI: Yeah... but it takes a lot out of me...

They move towards the only door at the area. They find the entrance to Central Dome being completly destroyed.

NEW ULTIMATE: What the... It seems we can't enter through here. What did they do to the door...?

When NEW looks back at REI he is no longer there.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI??

He hears a roar and some weird noises behind him. He looks back to see a Hildebear with REI in one of his hands.

REI: Goddamn it! NEW! Strike him when I give you the signal! And be quick as hell, for god's sake!

REI starts to charge. This time he is preparing two spells.

REI: JELLEN! ZALURE!

While NEW stands in defence position, REI shows his palms at the bears face, shooting the spells to the beast, making it weaker. The Hildebear roars in anger.

REI: NOW!!!

NEW ULTIMATE: HAAAAAGHHH!!!

NEW jumps quickly at the bear and strikes the arm which held REI. He strikes it so hard that it cuts right through it, making the arm drop with REI and also making the beast roar in agony.

NEW ULTIMATE: Not OVER YET!

He continuosly attacks with his photon blade the beast, until it drops dead. REI drops his jaw while NEW is sweating like crazy and trying to catch his breath.

REI: That was...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...But it takes a lot out of me.

They both smile at each other.

REI: Well, how are we going to do now? We can't get inside.
NEW ULTIMATE: We'll find another entrance.

They look at a huge teleporter.

NEW ULTIMATE: Wow... this baby can carry more than one person at a time!
REI: And it's working! Do you think it will take us to the inside?

They stare at each other for a while and rush towards it.

REI: It's time we have some answers!

The teleporter is activated and they both dematerialise. They rematerialise inside a dark brown cave. Before they could figure out where they were, they notice a huge Dragon coming from the ceiling and landing in front of them, emiting a huge frightning roar. Both REI and NEW drop their jaws in fear.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Err...
REI: ...Knock Knock?
NEW ULTIMATE: What the hell is this huge dragon doing here, inside Central Dome?
REI: Maybe he was pissing somewhere and didn't like to be disbturbed. Let's go back.
NEW ULTIMATE: And why does Central Dome have an entrance to a cave inside?
REI: Er... NEW, I don't mean to interrupt your homework but... HE'S COMING AT US!!!

REI charges a GIFOIE.

REI: You're in the way, nitro-breath.

REI shoots and fire balls circle him until they hit the dragon's head. After shaking it, the dragon doesn't seem affected.

REI: ...That was... my GIFOIE...
NEW ULTIMATE: Well done REI. Foie-type spells against a Fire dragon??? For heaven's sake, he BREATHES FOIE!!!
REI: Now ya tell me!! At least I'm not standing around thinking about some planet in the middle of a life-death situation!
NEW ULTIMATE: It's called THINKING!
REI: Aw shut up! All you do...

The huge dragon opens its mouth and throws gigantic flames at both of them until they start to run away from it.

REI & NEW ULTIMATE (running): OW! OW! UH! OW!
REI: We shouldn't argue right now.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah.
REI: Let's GET HIM!!!

The dragon runs towards them and when its close enough it shoots fire at them again.

REI & NEW ULTIMATE (running): OW! OW! UH! OW!
NEW ULTIMATE: "Let's GET HIM", you said?
REI: Shut up and think of a strategy.

REI casts RESTA on both of them, healing of their burn injuries.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ok, let's split up. You go right I go left. The dragon will only come after one of us. When he does, the other guy will strike the dragon at his back.
REI: Gotcha.

They split up. The dragon, which was chasing them, came to a sudden stop. After looking both sides, he selects NEW and runs after him.

NEW ULTIMATE: DAMN! REI, I'm COUNTING ON YOU!

NEW was cornered. Behind him the wall. Ahead was the Dragon. Just when the dragon was about to once again throw fire at NEW, something hits its face like if it were a slap.

REI: My... Gizonde... just tapped it on the face...

The dragon moves its big legs and looks back at REI. NEW then thinks.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): That's it! His legs! I have to throw him off-balance! Why didn't I think of it before?
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! Aim towards his legs! LIKE THIS!!!

NEW jumps at his legs. Before the dragon turns back at him, NEW is already slashing its legs, making the dragon lose control and fall. After a huge tumble, NEW & REI decide to strike its head. NEW continuosly photon-slashes the beast's skull, while REI keeps frezzing it to the bone with BARTA-type spells. After a while, the huge behemoth finally got to stand up and both hunters stand back.

REI: Heheh... this won't turn out to be a big problem after all!
NEW ULTIMATE: Stay focused!

The dragon opens its huge wings and gives out another enourmous battlecry.

REI: I think we hurt it...
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok, let's do the same process. His legs... and then his head!

Before they could do that, the creature jumps high into the air, shaking its wings and floating.

NEW ULTIMATE: WHAT? Shit! I didn't think of that! How are we going to strike it now?
REI: ...You seem to forget about me.

The creature spits balls of fire towards them. After an easy dodge, REI shoots GIBARTA at the beast, making it lose control and almost falling. But it manages to keep on the air.

NEW ULTIMATE: Well done!

The Dragon then goes further into the air, closing its wings.

NEW ULTIMATE: What...?
REI: It's gonna dive! Straight at US!

They both jump in time, before the dragon hits the floor violently, shaking every place and disappearing underground.

REI: It dug a hole in the ground... The dragon is below us!
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I kinda noticed that!

The ground rumbles. Then something is seen in the distance.

REI: The ground... it's rising!
NEW ULTIMATE: No it's not... it's the dragon diggin' straight towards us!
REI: How can he dig so fast?

Before an answer, both jump aside as the dragon digged underneath them.

REI: Damn! So he wants to play tag right?
NEW ULTIMATE: I think I can locate him by analysing the vibrations from the ground.
REI: Where is he?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

The floor below them starts to crack.

REI: Oh hell no.

The dragon emerges from the ground at an astonishing speed, cracking it open violently and hitting both hunters away, before floating around the cave. They both get up.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hnnngh! Damn!
REI: Why didn't you say he was under our feet?
NEW ULTIMATE: He was too fast!
REI: Damn... this is getting ugly...

The dragon lands and faces both badly wounded hunters, preparing to once more burn them.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn... We can't even get through his fire... breath...

NEW suddenly stops as if he discovered something.

REI: What's the matter?
NEW ULTIMATE: I got it! Quick, when I give you the signal, you launch BARTA at me!
REI: At you? What the heck are you thinking?

NEW unequips his saber and equips a huge yellow-green coloured photon bladed sword, the Dragon Slayer.

NEW ULTIMATE: No time to explain! When I say now you aim your spell at me! Trust me, you have to give everything you got!

Without another word NEW runs with his huge sword in the direction of the dragon's mouth.

REI (thinking) : So that's what he went to do on Pioneer 2... Buy a new weapon...
NEW ULTIMATE: NOW REI, NOW!!!

NEW jumps at the beast, rising his Dragon slayerand preparing to attack, while the dragon opens the mouth at NEW to burn him to death.

REI: I hope you know what you're doing! GIBARTA!!!

REI hits NEW ULTIMATE and immediatly freezes him, making a man-sized ice block being projected to the dragon, which fires his flames at NEW. This is making all the ice around NEW melt, making him able to attack and when he is close enough (and dry enough) he finally delivers a powerful blow with his sword direcly at the neck of the monster, slashing the head off its enourmus body.

REI: Cool! Or not...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yes... It's over!!

A wounded and burned NEW falls to the floor, right before the dragon's head. But... the huge head-less monster body is still standing. When it finally starts to fall, it goes right for NEW.

REI: Oh DAMN! NEW! GET THE HELL OUTTA THERE!!!

NEW doesn't have time to get up, when the dragon's left wing falls along with its body. After a loud tumbling noise, and when the floor stops shaking violently, REI runs to check out on NEW.

REI: Get the hell outta my way!!

He charges large amounts of energy into a RABARTA. He quickly shoots it so strongly that the cold winds move the beast's dead body a little away, allowing REI to see NEW's Dragon Slayer.

REI: Just a little more...

Before catching his breath he gathers all his energy left to another RABARTA. He manages to move the body a little more. REI falls on his knees, exhausted. He looks back to check on NEW... But the only thing he sees... is a telepipe!

REI: What the hell? That guy... created a telepipe and quickly teleported back to Pioneer 2... all in a half second... Hehehe... He's ALIVE!!!

After cleaning all the sweat from his face and after regaining strength he can walk again. He grabs NEW's weapon...

REI: This thing is... heavy as hell! I'm having trouble lifting it and he could weild it...?

He saves the weapon in his virtual inventory and drags himself to the telepipe. When he arrives at Pioneer 2 he doesn't see NEW anywhere.

REI: ...? NEW? NEW ULTIMATE? Where the hell did he go?

He sees some people running out of the medical center, in the distance. It's NEW heading his way and a couple of nurses chasing him.

NURSE #1: But Mister, you're not fully healed yet!
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks for your attention ladies, but REI is in a critical condition!
NURSE #2: REI? Who's REI?

NEW and the nurses stops running when they see a bleeding half-burned REI trying to keep on his feet near the telepipe.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...REI!! You're... OK!!!
REI: Heheh... Never felt better. So, you run from the fight to hook up with those nurses? You really are a player...

NURSE #2: You'd better come along too, Kid. You're almost as bad as he was!
REI: ...I'm NOT A KID!!! I'm almost 20!!!

The nurses carry REI by the arms towards the medical center.

NEW ULTIMATE: When you're healed, meet me in the principal's office to report this.
NURSE #1: Where do you think you're going? You're still not healed, buster! Come along or I'll make ya!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Haha... I bet not even the dragon was as dangerous as her, right NEW?

NURSE #1 steps on REI's feet.

REI: OW!!
NURSE #2: Dragon? What dragon?
REI: Oh it's a long story... On how REI here managed to cut the face off a giant dragon... Come on, I'll tell you all about it ladies.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

EDIT: Added a chapter in the incoming chapter's list

Next chapters:

- A prelude to the Underworld
- KIREEK is mad
- I know you! I'll kill you!
- Three Hunters




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-14 11:04 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:19 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 18, 2002, 04:31 PM
Here's the 7th chapter. I'm sorry to include a chapter between the incoming chapters, but I forgot to include it before. Enjoy.


--- Chapter 7 - A prelude to the Underworld ---

In the principal's room, stand two Hunters.

TYRELL: And this... Huge dragon... Did it attack you?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yes, it was extremely hostile. We almost lost our lives battling it, but we both managed to defeat it, coming out seriously injured.
REI (whispering) : NEW... What the hell did you say in the middle on all that formal talk?
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : ... The literal translation is "Yeah, he was a bad boy. We almost died in the fight, but we won that huge son of a bitch, altough we got our asses fried."
REI (whispering) : Ah...
TYRELL: Thank god you're all right. There was no report of this dragon...
REI: The dragon was inside Central Dome. And also inside Central Dome is an entrance to some sort of cave.
TYRELL: A cave? An entrance to a cave inside Central Dome? How strange... Perhaps in the depths of that cave lies the key to this mistery?
NEW ULTIMATE: I hope so.
TYRELL: Please continue your research. It seems Ragol isn't the paradise Pioneer 1 stated it was.
REI & NEW ULTIMATE: Yes sir.

REI blinks his eye at secretary IRENE. She shows him the finger.

REI: Hmm... spicy!

REI gets hit on the head by a women's shoe. After teleporting back to Pioneer 2, NEW says they should take a quest to make more meseta, since he had spended all in the Dragon Slayer. REI agrees and they both go to the Hunter's Guild. After checking the list again, they both decide on "The Grave's Butler." The GUILD GIRL points to a little teenage girl standing next to the large window, staring towards Ragol silently.

NEW ULTIMATE: Is that the girl who made the request?
GUILD GIRL: Yeah.

They both go meet her. MATHA turns over silently and asked if they were the 2 hunters who took the quest.

REI: That's us. REI and NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: NEW and REI. How can we help you?
MATHA: Well... I my name is MATHA. MATHA GRAVE. My parents are scientists, so I'm usually alone. BLANT is the butler of the family, he always took care of me. He's like a father to me. But now... he dissapeared. I don't know where to find him! Please help me. Please help me find BLANT...
NEW ULTIMATE: That's it? No problem.

The three decide to split in Pioneer 2 to find traces of BLANT and decide to meet in front of the main teleporter to Ragol in 20 minutes. NEW questions everyone in his way.

NEW ULTIMATE: Excuse me, have you seen BLANT?
HUMAN HUNTER: BLANT? He left? He was a renowed ranger. If he left there had to be a reason.

NEW finds an android near the teleporter to principal's TYRELL room.

NEW ULTIMATE: Excuse me, have you seen a Ranger by the name of BLANT?
ANDROID HUNTER: Blant? I saw him in the cave. I never seen him with so much protection on. What is he doing? He was in a rush. I'm not sure if he is still in the cave.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He went into the caves? Damn! We didn't even enter them and other hunters are already exploring it?

A few minutes later they meet in front of the main teleporter. But REI is missing.

NEW ULTIMATE: Where is REI? I told him to meet us here.

He comes out from the Medical Center with a huge bump on his forehead.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
MATHA: ...
REI: ... Ahh... No BLANT here.
NEW ULTIMATE: I heard from a Hunter that he went to the caves in Ragol.
REI: What? The caves? Those caves we discovered?
MATHA: ...Er... were you the ones who found out the entrance to the caves inside Central Dome? The ones who defeated the dragon?
REI: Don't get too excited kid.
NEW ULTIMATE: It's dangerous. We didn't have time to enter the caves yet. What could he be doing there? I'm going there to find him.
REI: No. WE'RE going to go there to find him.

NEW smiles at REI.

MATHA: I'll come too.
NEW ULTIMATE: It can be very dangerous. There were... or still are monsters around Central Dome. If there was a huge dragon INSIDE Central Dome, who knows what else can be?
REI: NEW... Let her come along. She wants to find out BLANT. BLANT is like a father to her. Don't you understand that?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh, all right.
REI: You've got a lot to learn about emotional stuff. If you continue like that, you'll never find a girlfriend!
NEW ULTIMATE: MATHA, stay close to us at any cost.
MATHA: All right.

They use the main teleporter straight into the cave's entrance. They materialise in front of a big green automatic door. It opens when they are close enough, and they can see man-made stairs, lava flowing here and there, and doors all around the place. They march inside and look everywhere for anyone.

REI: It seems these caves were explored by Central Dome staff.
NEW ULTIMATE: I wonder if that has any connection with the big questions...
MATHA: What big questions?
NEW ULTIMATE: What was that explosion in the Central Dome... Why are animals on Ragol attacking us... If the colonists on Ragol were killed by the animals... This. All this.

They walk a little bit in the center of the area.

REI: Well, nobody here as well. Damn!

Right after that, a weird noise is heard.

NEW ULTIMATE: What the...
REI: Something's wrong.

They see some creatures materialising around them.

NEW ULTIMATE: What are these beasts?

Green Evil Sharks with 4 eyes and light-blue photon blades for claws surround them. NEW draws his Dragon Slayer and REI starts charging.

MATHA: Ewww!!! Mutant monsters!!
REI: What are these weirdos???
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! Watch out for MATHA at all cost!!
REI: Gotcha.

And once more begins a fierce battle. NEW slashes multiple Sharks with a blow but they seem little affected.

NEW ULTIMATE: These mutants are strong as hell!

And he notices one of them break through his defences from an opening after a strike with NEW's huge sword. The creature strikes NEW straight in the chest. NEW shouts in agony and slashes the mutant in half, with his rage.

NEW ULTIMATE: Photon blades as well...? What... are these things?

REI quickly heals NEW's chest wound and looks for MATHA. He finds her surrounded by 3 Evil Sharks.

REI: Oh no you don't. GIBARTA!

REI's ice spell hits the Sharks but they don't seem to be affected by it.

REI: What...? All right then. GI FOIE!

He fires some fire-balls at the enemy. The Sharks shout a weird cry before being dematerialised apart.

REI: I think... they died. Weak against Fire! Got it!

After some more minutes battling, they manage to kill all the mutants.

NEW ULTIMATE: Phew... What were these... things? Aliens?
REI: ...We ARE on an alien planet, NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: Good point.
MATHA: Blant... if he came through here... he had to fight these creatures! I wonder if he's all right.
REI: Look, there's a capsule over there!

REI parts to open the capsule.

NEW ULTIMATE: Is it from Rico?
REI: Yeah.
RICO'S CAPSULE MESSAGE: Wow... This cave is a treasure trove of discoveries. Creatures undiscovered to people. Completly unknown animals. I think they are mutant forms of the original animals. Perhaps the government was keeping this a secret. It's possible... but for what purpose?
NEW ULTIMATE: It seems these creatures also have suffered a DNA manipulation, that's why they look like mutants...
REI: Are you saying that somebody evolved the animals on this cave, turning them into mutants?
NEW ULTIMATE: Maybe the government was researching this and didn't want us to know. But why?

The three continue to explore the dark caves, through metallic bridges connecting rocky rooms and above lava rivers. They go through another big automatic door and reach a room with small lava streams on the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch your step.
REI: The floor is kinda hot...
NEW ULTIMATE: There's lava underneath.

They hear the same noise as before.

NEW ULTIMATE: MATHA! Run towards the door we came in! QUICK!
MATHA: What...?
NEW ULTIMATE: NOW!!!

NEW's loud voice frightnened her and she went running and hid behind the door. She could see more Evil Sharks and other creatures coming at the Two Hunters.

REI: All right! I was getting bored!

They lean into each other. Around them are Guil Sharks, like the ones encountered before but bigger and Red skinned, with Pink photon blades.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out, these seem more dangerous.
REI: I've got this packed up already. GIFOIE!

Flames rapidly circle both hunters, hitting the sharks around them. But... the sharks seem invunerable to flames.

REI: WHAT? I swear, those other sharks couldn't help dying when they got burned!
NEW ULTIMATE: Those were green and blue... These are Red and Pink... Maybe the colour affects those resistances.
REI: Oh yeah, well... GIBARTA!

And REI frezzes a couple of Sharks, leaving the others shouting a painful cry.

REI: THAT'S IT! Green and blue sharks are ICE-type sharks, Red and pink sharks are FIRE-type sharks! I have to hit the opposite spell of their type! I'm a genious.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW weilds his huge sword and delivers numerous blows to the enemies. These are stronger than the latest sharks, but after exchanging some blows, NEW and REI finish them off.

REI: That's it...?

And they sense another weird materialising noise.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's this?

They see a big Grass assassin. It's a blue worm-bug-mantis-like creature, with big sharp claws, two the size of a person and three times the lenght. The creature crawls near them.

REI: Man, it's huge.
NEW ULTIMATE: Split up!

They go around the Grass Assassin, one on each side. The creature focuses on REI and spits a strange substance to his feet.

REI: Hey! What the... I can't move! Madam feet are stuck on the floor!!

The creature approaches REI and rises its long sharp claw, ready to slash REI in two.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn! REI!

Right in the last instant, NEW strikes the creature from the back, making it cry in pain and shoot a double dose of the sticky liquid to NEW's feet, making him paralysed on the ground as well.

NEW ULTIMATE: Shit!

The Grass assassin rises its claw to strike NEW... and REI hits the mutant with a GRANTS spell.

REI: Haha! You forgot about me! It seems your stupid glue spit doesn't last forever!

The assassin looks back at REI and gives a mad battlecry, rising both claws.

REI: Hahaha! Mad are ya? I don't blame ya.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! WATCH OUT!

It rapidly charges at REI, knocking him over as the assassin's huge body collided with him, like if it were a train. REI gets projected and hits the rock wall, sliding to the floor seriously wounded and uncounscious, while NEW is still stuck.

NEW ULTIMATE: Shit! Can't... move... The glue is still... very strong...

The Grass assassin roars and prepares to finish off REI with its long claw.

MATHA: HAH!

MATHA comes in and fires a BARTA at the beast, freezing it. She takes that chance to heal REI.

NEW ULTIMATE (smiling): MATHA!

REI comes into his senses and thanks MATHA, striking the Grass Assassin with a big Grants spell, finishing the creature off. After a painful cry, the beast stops bleeding and falls to the floor dead, right when NEW can manage to free himself.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI! Hey, you ok?
REI: I'm getting sick of those lame phrases you do with my name. Aside from that, I'm fine.
NEW ULTIMATE: Heheh... Good to hear that.
MATHA: Look, another capsule. There's a green liquid all over it!

They look to a capsule near the green blood of the Grass Assassin, on the floor.

REI: Er... NEW, go and turn it on. After all, I did it last time.
NEW ULTIMATE: What are you talking about? After all, YOU killed the mutant!

MATHA goes over and turns it on.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
MATHA: ...I wonder if its from Rico again...
CAPSULE MESSAGE: If possible, please deliver my message to Miss Matha Grave. I'm Blant, a butler to the Grave family.
MATHA: BLANT! It's him!!!
REI: Scchhh!
CAPSULE MESSAGE: The Graves are famous scientists: A biologist and a physicist. The've been working hard, doing research for the government. So I've been taking care of their only daughter, Miss Matha Grave. Their research was top secret, and the government alone knew what they did. When Mr. Grave was chosen as a crew member for Pioneer 1, he told me,"We wont be bringing MATHA with us. Don't let her go on Pioneer 2." I was angry with that order at that time. But now... well, here comes another monster. Maybe later.
MATHA: ...BLANT...
NEW ULTIMATE: Come on, the only thing we can do is proceed.
MATHA: Right.

After some more walking they reach a huge area with a metal plate above lava rivers and hot rocks. Huge streams of lava run to underneath the metal plate, which connects to the other side of the room, into another door. They head for the door but 4 strange plants appear blocking the way.

REI: What the hell? Now we have to fight plants?
NEW ULTIMATE: They don't even move. And is that a mouth? What can they do from there?

In that moment one of the plants spits a green liquid at NEW. When the liquid hits NEW, the plant laughs.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's so funny? It's jus...

NEW falls on his knees. His sight becomes blurry.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ungh... Ahhh...
REI: Hey, what's the matter?
NEW ULTIMATE: I feel... sick...
REI: That liquid... it was poison! Those plants can spit poison!

REI turns over to the plants as they are laughing at them.

REI: HEY, YOU!

After a moment of silence, REI points towards them and shouts.

REI: I SHALL NAME YOU AS POISON LILYS!

MATHA hits REI on the head with her wand.

MATHA: Who cares about that right now ya idiot? Your teammate is feeling sick!
REI: ...

REI casts ANTI on NEW. As he does so, NEW gets up and regains perfect control of his senses.

REI: I have mastered ANTI, the spell used by Newmans in hospitals and medical centers for spirit anomalies.

NEW looks at the plants.

NEW ULTIMATE: I can dodge your stupid spit. And since you can't move, you have no option but to taste my photon blade.

The 4 plants stop laughing and they all spit at NEW. He dodges them all and runs towards the Lilys.

NEW ULTIMATE: Too slow!

He delivers a horizontal strike which cuts the heads of the 4 Lilys off their thin bodies.

MATHA: Eww! Gross!
REI: Wow! Cool!
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's! Go!... Er, come on.

After some more strolls into the depths of the caves, they find another capsule. MATHA runs to turn it on and listen to the voice message.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (BLANT's VOICE) : Mr. Grave said nothing, but he showed me his computer monitor. I can't describe it, but I saw some results from genetic engineering. Mr. Grave kept silent. A chill ran down my spine. Is the "Pioneer Project" really just an immigration plan?
MATHA: ...genetic engineering...?
NEW ULTIMATE: The gene pool alteration... mentioned to us before by ALICIA BAZ...
REI: It seems these animals are mutant variations of the creatures who inhabited these caves before. But... Who did it? And why?
MATHA: Let's just go.

They reach a room with a lava river in the middle. On the other side were two transporters.

REI: I guess we can't just jump across.

They see two hunters in the room and decide to question them.

NEW ULTIMATE: Excuse me...
FEMALE HUNTER: No thank you! I'm busy!...Oh sorry. You're lookin for a Ranger? Yes, I saw him. He went that way.

She points to the only door available out of the room, asides from the one they entered. The three of them go and continue to go deeper into the caves. They eventually reach a third capsule.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (BLANT's VOICE) : MATHA Grave missed her parents terribly. She wanted to see them. So I felt like going to Pioneer 2 with her, ignoring his order. I felt uneasy. What was Mr. Grave's mission? What was waiting for us? I instinctly reached for my armor when we reached Ragol. I had to see Pioneer 1 and uncover the truth. If Ragol was a dangerous planet, I had to keep Matha safe! I sneaked into the transporter without telling her anything.
MATHA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: That was a big mistake! Come on, we have to find him. We gotta be quick!

They continue to march through the caves, finding some of Rico's capsules along the way with info about how fighting the mutants. After some battles, they reach a small teleporter. That teleporter took them to the previous room with the two hunters, but this time they were on the other side, and could now go to the transporter which took them to the second part of the caves. They reach a new part of the caves, this one now had some plants on the walls. Instead of lava, there were rivers of water flowing here and there.

REI: We are going deeper... and deeper. I wonder what is waiting for us at the end of the caves...
NEW ULTIMATE: Save it for later, we have a quest to finish.

They could see jellyfishes and dragonflies flying around, trees and bushes growing in the grounds and walls as they strolled.

REI: Now this is something more relaxed to see.

After a short walk, they reach a room with some waterfalls, and the light inside the cave gave that room some holy atmosphere.

MATHA: Beautiful...
REI: Look, another capsule!

He points to the center of the room. A capsule is already opened, with the message being processed infinite times, as if the capsule was laid in a hurry.

NEW ULTIMATE: ... It seems somebody didn't have time to seal it.
MATHA: I have... a bad feeling about this.
REI: Let's just hear it.
CAPSULE MESSAGE (BLANT's voice) : They are coming. They are many. I don't think I can go on. The wounds... are too deep...
MATHA: ...
CAPSULE MESSAGE (BLANT's voice) : I... don't think... I can make it. I lived a peaceful life. My only regret is leaving MATHA behind all alone. MATHA, your parents didn't want you to come here because they hated you. They wanted you to stay because they loved you. Please don't misunderstand. Ragol is a very dangerous planet. Something is wrong... Please deliver my message to Miss MATHA Grave. So long.....
MATHA: ...BLANT!!!!!!

After a moment of silence, MATHA falls on her knees with tears streaming through her face. She makes an effort to stop weeping but can't hide her sadness. When she gets it together, she says that the job is done and she wishes to be sent back towards Pioneer 2. NEW creates a pipe in silence and tells REI:

NEW ULTIMATE: Take her along. I'll look for BLANT's body and give him a worthy burial. I'll meet you in the Guild.
REI: All right.

REI takes MATHA by her hand and they both use the pipe.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLANT... I shall give you the burial you deserve.

NEW continues past the door. After walking through some rocky corridors, he reaches a bright room, with a small lake and plats, and with some Sharks. He sees a dead body on the floor behind them. It's a ranger, possibly BLANT. The 4 sharks note NEW's presence and walk rapidly towards him.

NEW ULTIMATE: You killed MATHA's butler. You will pay for it.

NEW strongly holds his Dragon Slayer, and then he shouts in rage, slashing the sharks. They couldn't get near NEW as he sliced them in parts. After the mad impulse and after the sharks are all dead, NEW calms down and approaches the body. He searches the PC and turns it on.

COMPUTER SCREEN: BLANT's Private account. Please insert password.

NEW turns it off. That's all the proof he needs that he was BLANT. NEW starts digging the floor with his sword alone and then inserts BLANT slowly on the ground. After a decent burial, NEW writes on the floor "BLANT - Grave's honorable Butler and MATHA's second father.".

NEW ULTIMATE: Rest in peace... BLANT.

NEW turns around and goes back to the teleporter. A small breeze goes through the cave. A flower on a wall loses its petals. They fall in the Butler's grave, as a sign of the end of his work for the Graves.

Next chapters:

- KIREEK is mad.
- I know you! I'll Kill you!
- Three hunters
- Fighting beyond science

Lots of grammatical errors on this chapter...




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:34 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:40 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:50 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:53 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:54 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ultimate on 2002-07-18 14:59 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 21, 2002, 05:37 AM
The 8th chapter. This one's shorter than the previous ones... but I like it. Have fun.

--- Chapter 8 - KIREEK is mad. ---

As NEW goes back to the telepipe, he enters a dark blue room which he can see a dark figure.

NEW ULTIMATE: Who's there?!
KIREEK: Pleased to see you again NEW ULTIMATE. Have you trained yourself?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...KIREEK?
KIREEK: Yes it's me. I'm KIREEK, also known as Black Hound, of the Black Paper.
NEW ULTIMATE: Black Paper? Isn't that the gang of bandit Hunters? What are you doing in a gang like that?
KIREEK: I'm only built for battle. My sole purpose is to find worthy opponents and then devour their soul, so I joined the Black Paper. To hunt Hunters. To fight Hunters. To devour Hunters. The stronger a soul is, the more delicious it becomes. Hmm... you've grown so tasty... Let me devour your soul, NEW ULTIMATE...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What the hell are you saying? Are you mad???

NEW steps back and looks at the SOUL EATER.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : The SOUL EATER... Can it really eat souls?
KIREEK: Let's see how much are you worth!

KIREEK runs towards NEW ULTIMATE preparing to deliver a vertical slash. NEW senses what he's doing and blocks the slash with his sword. They both stay measuring forces for a while before KIREEK steps backward.

KIREEK: You're stronger than I thought.
NEW ULTIMATE: I wasn't the newbie I was when I practised with you. You'll never taste my soul.

NEW leaps along with a battle cry to slash vertically KIREEK. He easily dodges NEW's sword by doing a complete 360 degree turn to his left and counters punching NEW in the right side of the face with full force, making NEW fall to the side and let go of the dragon slayer.

KIREEK: What are you going to do now...? No weapon...

KIREEK slowly approaches NEW preparing to scythe his life. NEW quickly gets up.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm not unnarmed.

NEW points him a finger.

KIREEK: What are you going to do with that?
NEW ULTIMATE: GIZONDE!

A bolt of lightning fires from NEW's finger and hits KIREEK in the chest, making him fall backwards. NEW takes the chance to get his Dragon Slayer. After he does it, KIREEK is standing up again.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : This time, a horizontal blow.

NEW runs to KIREEK and quickly slashes a horizontal half-circle blow which KIREEK dodges by jumping over it and towards the Hunter, leaving NEW open to attack. While in mid-air:

KIREEK: You need more strategy, NEW.

KIREEK kicks NEW's forehead. This blow was stronger than the punch before but NEW could hold tight into his weapon this time. NEW falls to the ground but flips backward and stands up.

KIREEK: My turn.

KIREEK runs to NEW and also delivers a horizontal blow. NEW sees it coming and dodges it by leaning backwards and allowing the scythe to pass right above him. He puts his hands on the floor and kicks KIREEK's mettalic chin. He quickly gets up and makes use of his weapon by finally hitting KIREEK with so hard that makes get thrown back and fall to the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: Howzat?

KIREEK gets up.

KIREEK: You disappoint me NEW. Was that your best shot?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Impossible... I hit him with my full strength...

KIREEK slowly steps backward. NEW sees that he's going backwards and slowly advances towards him. KIREEK is retreating slowly and NEW is slowly following him.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What's he doing?

When NEW is on the place where KIREEK fell, he senses an alert.

KIREEK: Heh.
NEW ULTIMATE: What...?

A mine trap rises in from of him and explodes right in NEW's face so hard his body gets thrown to the wall. A bleeding NEW ULTIMATE tries to stand up.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): Damn... he got me hard in there...

NEW casts RESTA on himself.

NEW ULTIMATE: AGAIN!

NEW walks towards him stops when he's close enough. They both stare at each other. Then KIREEK leaps forward on a diagonal scythe strike. NEW dodges by turning right and prepares to attack KIREEK, since he's now the one who's open to attack. But KIREEK quiclky hits NEW's nose with his elbow. NEW almost falls backwards but manages to stay afoot. He jumps backward to think for a while.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Damn... he's still much more experienced than me...

KIREEK advances to NEW, which makes him retreat backwards. He senses another alert.

NEW ULTIMATE: CRAP!

Another trap appears right behind NEW. It explodes and freezes NEW completly.

NEW ULTIMATE: Can't... move...
KIREEK: You're still not good enough.

He rises his scythe in the air.

KIREEK: I could kill you right now NEW. Do you understand that?

...

KIREEK: ...No. That wouldn't be fun. I want to devour your tasty soul... But not yet. not just yet...

He lowers his scythe, turns back and disappears in the cave's darkness, while laughing widly, leaving a frosty NEW on the place. In the meantime, NEW sees another figure approaching him.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What? A Shark! Damn, not now!
REI: FOIE!

REI shoots a Foie powerfull bullet to melt all the ice around NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI! Thanks man!
REI: What took you so long? Goddamnit, I leave you alone and you go to have fun with the sharks?
NEW ULTIMATE: It was no shark. If it was where is it now?
REI: ...Good point.

REI and NEW get out of the dark room they were. Once REI can get a better view of NEW he sees that he's bleeding.

REI: What the HELL were you doing in there?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'll tell you later. Right now, we have to reach the end of the caves to solve some puzzles.
REI: Oh, here's your share on the prize money on MATHA's request. Now tell me what happened?

NEW starts to tell him the story, as the two hunters walk deeper into the caves.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : KIREEK... I'll win you next time. And I will destroy you.

Next chapters:

- I know you! I'll Kill you!
- Three hunters
- Fighting beyond science
- Out of control



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-07-21 03:45 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-07-21 15:37 ]</font>

Davion
Jul 21, 2002, 08:42 AM
Hmm...... Interesting. I like it. It's a neat idea, how you're writing it so closely with the main plot. My and Seifer's Fanfic is like yours in that respect. I look foward to reading more.

Daikarin
Jul 21, 2002, 05:35 PM
Thanks a lot http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif I thought that it wasn't causing much impact. Good to know somebody's enjoying it!



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-07-21 16:03 ]</font>

Daikarin
Jul 23, 2002, 12:18 PM
Here it is folks. The 9th chapter. God, how many times did I have to hear PSO's ending theme? Oh well. I like this chapter as well. It will be the last one before I go on vacation. Enjoy!


--- Chapter 9 - I know you! I'll kill you! ---

The two hunters are walking near a lake in the second part of the unknown caves.

REI: ...And then that KIREEK just went off leaving you frozen in the place?
NEW ULTIMATE: You got that right. He's... still too powerful. I must train more... I have to become better...

REI stands in front of NEW.

REI: Look... Why don't you try to chill out? You've been very edgy lately. We haven't rest since we entered these caves. Why don't we take a break and have some fun from work?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...All right...

REI smiles and uses Ryuker, creating a telepipe.

REI: Let's have fun my friend. Leave it to me!

They both teleport to Pioneer 2.

REI: All right! Let's party!!!

He grabs NEW by his arm and they head towards a karaoke bar, the "Photon Dragon".

REI: We're hunters. Let's act like such! Let's hunt all night!
NEW ULTIMATE: I've been hunting all day.
REI: Not chicks, you haven't!
NEW ULTIMATE: Well, those boomas had some chicken-like legs...

REI comes to a stop and gives a surprised look at NEW.

REI: I'm talking about GIRLS!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh!
REI: You haven't been with many girls lately have you?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Not... really.
REI: Have you ever been with any girl?
NEW ULTIMATE: I can't even remember my mother.
REI: What? Are you telling me you didn't EVER dated once?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I can't remember. I really don't think about it much.
REI: You've been missing one of the best things in life!
NEW ULTIMATE: Have I?
REI: Yeah! You work too much. You really should loosen up a bit and find a mate for you.
NEW ULTIMATE: We're mates aren't we?

The people passing by look at them with widely opened eyes.

REI: Don't you EVER say that again out loud! We can be misunderstood by people. I'm talking about your twin soul! Your special princess in your life!
NEW ULTIMATE: Now that you think of it... I have a couple of female figures in my... memory...
REI: Two? You player! Who are they?
NEW ULTIMATE: No, I don't see them they way you think. One of them is RICO... I've never ever seen her, but something tells me... I know her more than I do...
REI: That's weird. And the other?
NEW ULTIMATE: It's... shady. It's a lady, but I can't remember her well.
REI: Ohoho!! So maybe she's kind like your childhood passion!
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't know...
REI: Come on bud. I'll help ya find your special someone. Maybe in the bar we can have some luck.

The both enter the karaoke bar. They see a screen advertising a show that night, with a singer.

REI: What? No karaoke singing? Because of some lady coming here to sing?
NEW ULTIMATE: I didn't have any energy to sing either... Let's just watch the show...
REI: Fine...

They both go through the crowd and have a seat near the singing stage. Before NEW sits down, a bouncer grabs him by the arm.

BOUNCER: Hey buddy, we don't want any trouble here.
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry, right now all I can do is sit down and listen to some music. I'm exhausted.

The BOUNCER lets go of him and NEW sits down.

REI: What about me? Don't I look suspicious?...
NEW ULTIMATE: When does the show start?
REI: The show never stops man!
NEW ULTIMATE: I mean the one with the singer.
REI: Oh. In about... 15 minutes.
NEW ULTIMATE: I hope she is a soft singer. I need something to relax...

In that moment they see a screen broadcasting the daily news.

TV SCREEN (NEWS LADY) : In other news today, the famous hunter BLADEGUNNER along with Kroe, managed to capture the gang called Black Paper, responsible for illegaly trading weapons and even people. Story by NOL.
REI : Black Paper... isn't it the Black Hound... KIREEK's gang?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah! They were all busted?
TV SCREEN (NOL) : I'm here inside the caves, where two brave hunters managed to arrest the Black Paper group! On my left is KROE, the main woman behind the act.

She points to a short green haired Newman Hunter with a white dress.

TV SCREEN (KROE) : Well, it was my idea, but without BLADEGUNNER's help I could never do it. All I did was distract the gang's leader while BLADEGUNNER fought their members. When they were reduced to a couple, BLADEGUNNER and myself teammed up and won them all. He's a pro...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : How did you trick them?
TV SCREEN (KROE) : They seemed to have an interest in my sister, ANN. As she and I are twins, it was easy for me to make them believe I was ANN. I entered the group and passed information to BLADEGUNNER to let him know where we were, believing he would come. And he did.
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Ladies and gentleman, BLADEGUNNER!

The scene shifts to a red-haired hunter showing his back to the camera.

TV SCREEN (NOL) : Mister BLADEGUNNER, could you tell us in detail exactly how you did beat every member of the Black Paper?
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : ...
REI: Every member? Does this mean KIREEK was busted?
NEW ULTIMATE: I doubt it...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : ...And what do you have to say to KROE or the evil gang?
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : ...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : And there he is, a man of little words, BLADEGUNNER! The Hunter who destroyed Black Paper, beating up EVERY member!
TV SCREEN (KROE) : Pssst... Not every member... (whisper... whisper)
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Ah! It seems... BLACK HOUND is still on the loose. The famous hunter from the gang whose face was never seen, remains free!
REI: Never seen? This means they DON't KNOW WHO BLACK HOUND IS?

People around them look at REI.

NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : Don't say anything!! It will cause less confusion for now!
REI (whispering) : Gotcha...
REI: AHH... DAMN! ME NEITHER!

In the screen, BLADEGUNNER grabs the microfone from NOL and asks the cameraman to focus the camera on him.

TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : I want to say something to Black Hound. Enjoy your freedom days. I won't let you roam about for much more time. My soul purpose in here is to beat you. To destroy you.
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Wow! Now that's some mighty hero! We're all with you BLADEGUNNER!
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : Shut up. All I want is a fight. I'm... a bounty hunter. The pleasure of killing the Black Hound will be unimaginable.

BLADEGUNNER throws the micro to NOL. He then gives a dark look at the camera before walking away and disappearing into a cave door.

TV SCREEN (NOL): ...
TV SCREEN (KROE) : ...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : And... ah... that was BLADEGUNNER, the bounty hunter! This is NOL, reporting to you from Ragol's unknown caves, which may hide the secret to the government's silence about Ragol's situation!
REI: Well, if even that tough guy is after KIREEK, I kinda feel sorry for him.
NEW ULTIMATE: You don't know KIREEK... He is a perfect battle machine. He could almost predict my every move. I think he's stronger than the Dragon we fought inside Central Dome.

REI looks back at NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm not kidding. That's why I have to train hard...
REI: Chill out session time, NEW. Let go of it tonight and enjoy the show. It's about to start.

The rather noisy crowd finally makes silence and lights go off.

VOICE: Ladies and gentlemen... Miss AYLA PROMETEA!!
REI: And I thought YOU had a weird name.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

Then a light-blue light illuminates the stage. From behind the curtain comes out a beautiful young human woman with short dark blue hair holding a microfone. She was dressed with a shiny blue dress, which matched also her blue eyes. She walked silently to the edge of the stage with an expression-less face. Both REI and NEW drop their jaws.

REI: Miss Blue is... is...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...an angel.
REI: Hey, it's the first time me and you agree on girls! Come to think of it it's the first time you actually ARE interested in a girl!

NEW just stands still looking at her.

NEW ULTIMATE: It's... It's her, REI!
REI: What? What are you talking about? Her?
NEW ULTIMATE: The shady girl from my memories! I can't explain you well, but I'm sure it's her!
REI: You mean... AYLA's your love interest?

NEW then gets red like a tomato.

NEW ULTIMATE: No, she ain't...! She's just a pretty girl! A pretty singer! I only...
REI: Hey... you don't need to get edgy or shy with me buddy! Don't worry, I'll leave that girl to you. And after she sings you'll go and say "hi" to her.

NEW doesn't respond. He just looks back at AYLA with a red face. In that precise moment he sees AYLA smiling at the dark crowd after receiving a huge wave of applauses.

NEW ULTIMATE: Wow... She's... really cute...
REI: Yeah... pretty hot... And she's got you hooked.
NEW ULTIMATE: Er... Cough cough.

NEW overhears a couple talking in that moment.

MAN: It's her! She was the one whose sister was violently murdered by some cold-blooded Hunter who remains unknown to this day!
WOMAN: It's really her...?
MAN: Yeah... I hear she's been having a rough time...

NEW ULTIMATE: Ayla... your smile hides pretty well your burden.
REI: Shut up! She's gonna start. Don't you want to hear her sweet voice?

NEW blushes again.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh, sorry.

The applauses stop and NEW gets it together. AYLA begins singing along with some instrumental background melodies.

AYLA (singing) : Wish for peace...
Wish for dreams...
Wish for love...
You are gone
Without saying goodbye...

Starry sky
I can still see... the light...
You've saved
And I think of you tonight...
Soon... The dawn will come again
What have I got?
What has it cost me?

REI hears a constant strange thumping noise.

REI (whispering) : Are you kicking the table? Don't you feel these thumps?

NEW is in complete silence looking at AYLA. Then REI realises the noise was NEW's heart beating.

AYLA (singing) : I can feel... you are near
Within me, outer space...
Here and there...
Tell me please...
How much we have to bleed...
When we'll get the land of dream...
After lonely bitter days...

AYLA comes down the steps from the stage and continues singing among the audience, with the blue light following her.

NEW ULTIMATE: Oooohhh... SHIT! She's coming!
REI: Damn it NEW! Be a man! It's not like she's that huge Dragon from Ragol!
NEW ULTIMATE: I can't explain it... A side of me feels she's more scary than that Dragon...
REI: ...You seem like a kid. You're just nervous man! Calm down... Think of nice things...
NEW ULTIMATE: What the hell do you think I'm doing?!
REI: ...You know, I never knew this shy side of you.

AYLA keeps singing while she walks between the people, stepping closer and closer to the two hunters.

AYLA (singing) : Now... I can still see the light...
You've saved...
And I think of you tonight...
Soon... the dawn will come again
But what have I got?
What has it cost me?

NEW gets nervous and decides to ask the waiter for a drink. He stands up and rises his finger, looking for bartenders.

NEW ULTIMATE: WAITER! WAITER! I'D LIKE A STRAWBERRY MILK-SHAKE PLEASE!
REI (whispering) : Damn! Shut up! Did you forget where you are?
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering and still standing up) : I need to focus my mind on something else, like a drink!
REI (whispering) : Ok, but sit down already!

NEW realises he's the only person standing up in that area, except for AYLA. But since he thought that as it was all dark around the crowd, she wouldn't notice him. But AYLA hears his voice and turns in the direction she thinks the voice came from. Singing, she gets closer to NEW, who is still standing up looking everywhere for a waiter and doesn't notice her.

AYLA (singing) : Why... Can I still see the light...
You've saved
Thought you are now out of sight...

A rushing female waitress comes out of the kitchen door with NEW's drink. NEW sees her and decides to go and get the drink, running towards her. But with the darkness he trips over one spectators leg, falling of the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: WAAAAH!

- BUMP -

REI: This isn't happening.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Shoot... I've messed up this show... I was so nervous that I ended up making a fool out of myself...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : There goes my night... Why didn't I just wait for the drink in my seat?

The waitress sees NEW on the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : Ah... I asked for that drink, lady.

AYLA approaches the waitress and takes the drink from the her, saying she'll take care of it. She approaches NEW who is getting up and cleaning his clothes. He only notices her when the blue light following her is above him as well. NEW gets paralysed. But the light is so strong that they can't see each other. But NEW sees AYLA handing him the drink.

REI (thinking) : He's with her... It's too much for him.
AYLA (singing) : Soon... the dawn will come again...

NEW takes the drink quickly from AYLA's hand. He thanks and walks rapidly to his seat.

AYLA (singing) : But what have I got?
What has it cost... meeee?

Her song ends. Everyone applauses, whistles, throw some blue roses and congratulate AYLA.

AYLA: Thank you! Thank you very much!

Except for NEW & REI, that is.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ya know, this milk-shake is really good. Kind of like my mom's...
REI: Hehe... You're and idiot. But you're in love. And in a few minutes, we'll go back to her room and you'll say how great she was.
NEW ULTIMATE: No way! What for?

AYLA goes back behind the curtain while being showered with applauses and blue roses.

REI: Now's our chance!

REI grabs NEW's arm and drags him over to the backstage. He tells NEW to wait while he goes call her.

NEW ULTIMATE: Why do I have to do this? She sang perfectly, but I'm the only one doing this.
REI: Ah, stop being such a cry-baby. What happened to the testosterone-filled hunter who faced the Dragon not fearing death? Are you gonna let a moment like this scare the willies out of ya?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

REI goes over to AYLA's room. He knocks.

AYLA: Yes, who is it?
REI: My name is REI! I have a shy friend who wants to compliment your singing personally!

AYLA opens the door.

AYLA: A shy friend? Where is he?
REI: Right over there. He's the guy who fell to the floor.
AYLA: Oh... THAT funny guy.

AYLA gives out a small laugh.

REI: I'll bring him here. Just wait here.
AYLA: All right... I guess.

REI runs over to NEW.

REI: This is it NEW! Make history and...

NEW's not there. When REI looks for him he sees NEW running towards the exit.

REI: Damn... I gotta think fast.

REI gathers all his energy.

REI: HEY!!! GIMME BACK MY WALLET YOU DAMN THIEF!

NEW looks back at REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huh?

Two BOUNCERs immediatly grab hold of NEW.

BOUNCER #1: Hold it buddy.
BOUNCER #2: Hey! It's you! I thought I told ya I didn't want any trouble!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Er... I didn't steal no wallet.

REI runs over to them.

REI: Thanks a lot guys! Now NEW, you will talk with her even if I have to make you!

REI grabs hold of NEW and takes him away from the arms of the BOUNCERs.

BOUNCER #1 & #2: Huh?
REI: You big chicken!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: He sure is taking his time...

AYLA hears some running steps and looks to see NEW being pushed over by REI.

REI: Here he is, Miss!

NEW looks at AYLA. AYLA sees NEW's face for the first time.

AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ah...
AYLA: You...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
AYLA: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE? CAME FOR ME DID YA?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...????

AYLA takes out a photon saber.

AYLA: You'll PAY for taking my sister's life away! Altough everybody doesn't know the man behind the act, I'll never forget your face!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...???????????
REI: ...Huh? What are you talking about lady?

AYLA attacks NEW.

AYLA: You took all that was left from my family away from me! NOW YOU'LL PAY FOR KILLING DYLA, MY SISTER!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?????????????????????
REI: NOW HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!

REI blocks NEW.

REI: What are you doing? I know NEW and he would never kill anyone without a good reason, miss!
REI: He was shy in your show, afraid of getting noticed by you. He's super-shy with women. Now think, would he kill a woman?
AYLA: Don't play dumb with me! You're ULTIMATE aren't you?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Uh... Yes I am...
AYLA: That's all the proof I need!
REI: So... it was true?
NEW ULTIMATE: I swear, I don't know what she's talking about! You believe in me, don't ya REI?
REI: Yeah... but...
AYLA: Out of my way shorty!

NEW pushes REI aside.

NEW ULTIMATE: Look here miss. All I know is this: REI drags me over to a karaoke bar so that we can have some fun and rest from the stress from work. I get to see a beautiful singer. REI sees that I'm interested in her and wants me to go and say how well she sang. I get quite nervous on finally meeting the girl who sang so perfectly that I get a red-face. Now all of the sudden that girl says she wants to kill me for something I didn't do? What do you want me to do?
AYLA: It's no use making up. I know your type very well... You perverted killer!
NEW ULTIMATE: If I were like you say, shouldn't I have killed you right now?
AYLA: Who knows why you don't do it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Look... It's true, my name's ULTIMATE. NEW ULTIMATE.
AYLA: NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: All my life I've been a Hunter. I never were the most straight man around. But I would have remembered if I killed somebody! You can be taking me from someone else.

AYLA looks into NEW's eyes. She suddenly does not see the killing eyes she saw in her past.

AYLA: Are you NEW from the two hunters reknown for killing Ragol's huge Dragon? And for researching on Ragol's situation?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah. That's me.

AYLA makes a moment of silence. And steps away from NEW.

AYLA: ALICIA BAZ... Is a great friend of mine. She told me all about you when I saw you on the news... Perhaps you're right. I mistook you for someone else.

AYLA slowly enters her room and closes the door.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...Come on... We'd better go.

NEW silently shakes his head. They both sit down at the table they were in before.

NEW ULTIMATE: A killer? I didn't ever kill anyone. Why does she insist that I'm the one who killed her sister?
REI: You didn't, did you?
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, you know me. I'm just as shocked as you are.

They both sigh at the situation. After finishing the drinks and paying, they see no other reason to stay there.

NEW ULTIMATE: Accused of being a murderer... how bad can it get?
REI: ...Let's just get out of here and continue work.

As they both walk towards the exit they hear a voice calling them.

AYLA: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING? WAIT FOR ME!
REI & NEW ULTIMATE: HUH?

AYLA stops running close to them, while catching her breath. She was dressed in a female Hunter suit.
AYLA: Huff... puff... You say you are NEW right? And according to my good friend's ALICIA, you really are the famous good hunters who defeated the Dragon. But I remember you. You killed my sister, you twisted psycho. I remember your face. Many nights I had nightmares with your horrible deeds.
REI: So what do you want? An autograph or a lawyer?
AYLA: I want to come with you. I want to find out for myself, just who you are. So I'll tag along your research, whether you want it or not. I have Hunter skills and will be able to survive. I just want to keep a close eye on you and see if what you say is right, or if my memories are strong.
REI: No way girl! We don't want no chick messing around with our work even if she's pretty!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm sorry, but he's right. You'll just get in the way, even if you are as experienced as you say.
AYLA: Like I said... whether you like it or not...

REI and NEW look at each other. They start running out of the bar.

AYLA: HEY! WAIT UP!

AYLA runs after them and follows them to the teleporter. The two hunters dematerialise into the caves, and AYLA dematerialises to the caves as well right after that. It seems the two hunters will have a stalker. Or not.

Next chapters:

- Three Hunters
- Fighting beyond science
- Out of control
- Another rival... or is he?
- KIREEK's reason to fight
- Uncontrolled control room
- Answers from Rico
- AYLA's decision
- We're with you all the way, NEW!
- Rusty Ruins
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue

I managed to think of the whole story. So I can now post all chapters here. I'm going on vacation on the 25th July, so for two weeks you won't be able to see the rest of the story! I'll return on the 7th August. Cya later folks!



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-07-23 14:42 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 16:03 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 16:05 ]</font>

Daikarin
Aug 8, 2002, 05:33 PM
Here's the 10th chapter. I thank all those who waited for it, even those who didn't have another chance http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
Enjoy...

--- Chapter 10 - Three Hunters ---

There is silence in the depths of the caves, somewhere in the second area.

All of a sudden a weird noise comes from somewhere. A huge group of Evil Sharks is seen running off from a Hunter.

NEW ULTIMATE: GODDAMNIT! GET BACK HERE! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE EVIL?!

A teenage Force tags along with him.

REI: I'm getting too old for this.

And a female Human Hunter tags the two hunters.

AYLA: Huff... Puff... You won't escape me this easy.
REI: Nobody said you had to tag along.
AYLA: I did, kid.
REI: I'M NOT A KID ALLRIGHT?
AYLA: YOU'RE A GODDAMN FORCE PUNK WHO...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hey... Listen AYLA, You can follow us if you want. But you'll become a burden.
REI: Yeah. Don't expect us to go and save your cute ass if you get in trouble with sharks or with the lack of food.
AYLA: That's nice! Thank you!
NEW ULTIMATE: But seriously, we can't afford to support one more hunter.
AYLA: Listen here, blue haired-jerks: I'm right behind ya, whether you want it or not.
NEW ULTIMATE: But...

Right in that moment they sense something behind them. When they look they see hordes of Nano Dragons, Pal Sharks and 3 Grass Assassins.

REI: There's hundreds of them!
NEW ULTIMATE: See, this is what we were talking about!
AYLA: What? I can handle this myself.
REI: You don't seem to understand missie. These freaks aren't as tame as the ones on the forest.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, cover the girl with me.
AYLA: ...
REI: Gotcha.
NEW ULTIMATE: Aim elemental type spells at the Nanos while I take care of the sharks.
REI: Nah... I'm gonna make some use of my VARISTA right now.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
REI: Hehe... You're not the only one who goes off secretly to buy rare weaps!
AYLA: A VARISTA isn't that rare.
REI: Shut up! It was the only gun I could afford.

As the sharks get closer NEW creates an approach limit to them by slashing through the mutants with his gigantic trustworthy DRAGON SLAYER, as REI hits the dragons with some photon bullets in their faces. They both kill the sharks and the dragons by the same time.

But they forget the Grass assassins.

When they look back on them they are charging at them at full speed. REI shoots at his grass assassin stopping him from getting closer. But NEW sees 2 Grass assassins running towards him. In a split-second he tries to smash them, but as the DRAGON SLAYER is too heavy, he calculates that the grass assassins will hit him first. And looks in horror to one of the Grass assassins right ahead of him.

But a huge photon blow immediatly makes the monster fall back in pain. AYLA had jumped forward and and protected NEW from harm, and standed in the assassin's way with her equipped Daggers. She then quickly gives a glare at NEW.

AYLA: I think you should know that a part of me hates me for doing this.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Don't worry about me, I'm all right.

AYLA then quickly delivers multiple blows at the previous assassin, slashing and cutting through the monster's defenses. As she does that, REI disposes of the Grass assassin who was previously threatning him and looks to see AYLA in action.

REI: Wow! Damn, she's fast!

A few seconds before that the beast falls in agony to death, while AYLA finds a moment to catch her breath.

NEW ULTIMATE: That was great!
AYLA: But it takes... a lot out of me. Huff...

She hears a weird cry next to her. She looks back and sees the other grass assassin with his left claw coming towards her eyes. AYLA can barely look while the claw approaches rapidly...

A smash noise is heard.

AYLA opens her eyes... she is unhurt. She looks at the beast and the claw isn't there... in fact the claw was no longer in the beasts arm.

NEW ULTIMATE: Great shot REI!

REI was holding high his VARISTA aiming at the beast. He made good use of his high accuracy to shoot the claw in the precise moment.

REI: Hope you like photon, buddy. You're gonna EAT IT!

As he was about to fire again when something rises from the floor ahead of him and stands right in front of his gun.

REI: What the?
NEW ULTIMATE: WATCH OUT!
AYLA: A PAN ARMS!

AYLA remembers the assassin. When she looks back she sees NEW slashing the beast in two as it was about to attack her.

AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hang on REI!

She sees NEW running to help his teammate and wonders for a moment.

Meanwhile, REI is stepping back in shock as he sees the strange creature. And withdraws his weapon slowly.

REI: AAhh... ah...

He looks at the creature and sees something shining in its body. A red beam then hits REI throwing him back to the wall burned.

REI: Ahh! Damn...

The creature then charges again for its second attack, prepared to finish REI off.

NEW ULTIMATE: HAAAAH!!!

NEW quickly appears righ above the beast and slashes it vertically in two, making it cry in pain.

AYLA: ...
REI: Is it... dead?

The creature is still suffering. But the two parts of the monster become alive, as each was a monster of its own.

NEW ULTIMATE: What the...?

Each of the mutants has a photon claw. And they both attack NEW with it. While he blocks their attacks with his sword, he feels he can't be fast enough to block all the blows for a long time due to the weight of the sword.

NEW ULTIMATE: I need some backup!

REI then comes to his senses and manages to rise his gun to them, shooting the beasts. After many blow exchanging between NEW and the beasts and some photon bullets from REI, The two creatures fall to the floor finally dead.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Whew... thanks REI.
REI: What the hell? You saved my life and you thank me?
NEW ULTIMATE: Heheheh... Hey AYLA! thanks for your help back then with the assassin!
AYLA: ...I just want to know who you are.
NEW ULTIMATE: Either way, you helped me.
AYLA: I couldn't find out who you are if you are dead. Don't think for a second that I care a bit about you, buster.

AYLA shows her back to the two wounded hunters. REI then gives a "Whatever" look to NEW and heals both of them.

REI (whispering) : She has the hots for you man! But her pride doesn't admit it.
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : You're crazy. She thinks I'm her sister's killer. And just how does that make her feel what you say?
REI (whispering) : ...Let's just go.

The two hunters walk into another automatic door leading to a tunnel, in order to go deeper inside the unknown caves of Ragol.

AYLA: Hey WAIT! I said I'm coming with you, even if you disgust me.
REI: - Sigh - Whatever. I don't care anymore.
NEW ULTIMATE: Well REI, things could get tougher from now on... What do you say we welcome a third teammate?
REI: She hates your guts man. She's not a teammate.
NEW ULTIMATE: Didn't you say she had the colds for me?
REI: Hots. Are you sure you want someone with her attitude around?
NEW ULTIMATE: All I care is that she helps us discover the reason of Ragol's situation. I don't care if she's not my girlfriend, or anything.

AYLA blushes deep red.

REI (whispering) : See that? She's SHY! I'll leave you two alone and go ahead!

REI runs along.

NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : Shy? But REI...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I think she's mad. She's coming this way...

AYLA stops right in front of NEW. She then punches his forehead, making a huge bump grow on it.

AYLA: OOH, YOU WOULD LIKE THAT, WOULDN'T YOU JERK?! IF YOU REALLY ARE MY SISTER'S KILLER, I'LL AVENGE HER. IF NOT, I'LL LEAVE YOU TO ROT IN THIS PLANET WITH YOUR KID!
REI (from the end of a tunnel) : I'M A TEENAGER DAMNIT!
AYLA: EITHER WAY, WHETHER YOU LIKE ME OR NOT, I'LL FOLLOW YOU UNTIL I KNOW THE TRUTH!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I didn't mean to... offend you... I'm sorry.
AYLA: SAVE IT, JERK!

NEW then casts RESTA on his face to heal the bump. Then he checks himself for status injury, as AYLA goes on ahead.

AYLA (with a low voice) : Thanks for helping me out as well.

NEW hears it.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huh...?
AYLA: You HEARD IT PRETTY WELL!

She then walks fast through the door into the tunnel.

NEW ULTIMATE: - sigh - ...I guess we're three now... Even if we don't get along very well, we're still a team.

NEW then smiles and goes after the two Hunters.



Next chapters:

- Fighting beyond science
- Out of control
- Another rival... or is he?
- KIREEK's reason to fight
- Uncontrolled control room
- Rico's Genesis lab
- AYLA takes a side
- The real team
- Rusty Ruins
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-08 15:35 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-08 15:39 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-08 15:45 ]</font>

Daikarin
Aug 10, 2002, 06:38 AM
And here's my De Rol Le's story. Boy, this chapter is huge! But if you read it well, you'll know why it's one of my favourites. Enjoy!

--- Chapter 11 - Fighting beyond science ---

Everything is dark.

RICO: There you are... I finally made it! I won't change your name... much.

A brief sight appears. NEW can see that he's lying down on a bed, in an experimental laboratory, nearly naked. Fussing in a table near by is the famous scientist, RICO. She looks back to see NEW.

RICO: No no no... you have to rest! Your brain isn't producing controlled emotions yet.

With the strike of a key on her computer NEW starts to loose consciousness and sleeps.

RICO: You need rest...

NEW then quickly wakes up all sweaty to see REI's sleeping bag empty. He looks to see that he was still awake, looking at NEW from near the fire they lighted to make dinner. AYLA was asleep in her own sleeping bag somewhere far from them, probably to keep her distance.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh... ah... I just had a strange dream...
REI: A nightmare?
NEW ULTIMATE: Now that you think about it, there was something frightning about it. I don't mean racionally, because logically there wasn't anything to be afraid. But I felt terror... I don't know why...
REI: What was the dream about?

NEW then tells his dream to REI, with great amounts of detail in it.

REI: RICO? Man, what's with you and girls?
NEW ULTIMATE: All I can tell you was that it matched my faded memories very well. Almost like... like if I had lived that sight...
REI: You probably had some virus and RICO operated in you. Now get back to sleep. Tomorrow morning we are meant to awake up early.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: What?
NEW ULTIMATE: So what are you doing awake?
REI: I'm waiting for you to sleep so that I can kill you.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: I'm not sleepy yet.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok. Later.
REI: Later...

All is dark again.

NEW then sees himself in Ragol forest, part two.

Raining.

He looks down and he sees a female body being struck by the heavy rain. He goes to check if she's alive. He sees a huge wound, possibly made by a photon blade. When he goes to touch her to check her pulse, his fingers pass right through her skin.

That moment made NEW feel like a ghost.

He then senses someone approaching.

It's AYLA!

She comes to a stop and starts throwing tears when she sees the female body on the ground and goe near it.

AYLA: Sis! SIS! He did this to you didn't he?
Female Hunter: AYLA... I'm sorry it came to this. I wanted to stop ULTIMATE but I wasn't powerful enough...
AYLA: DAMN HIM! I promise... I promise I'll finish what you started!
Female Hunter: All you have to promise me is that you'll take care.
AYLA: ...

AYLA's sister then closes her eyes and her body dies.

AYLA: ...S...Sis? SIS! You'll be all right Sis. You'll be ok. I'll... sniff. I'll help you... Sniff...

AYLA places her palm in her sister's chest. When she doesn't feel any heart beating she slowly approaches her forehead to her sister's chest.

After a moment of silence she quickly rises her head to the rain.

AYLA: I'LL KILL YOU ULTIMATE!!! I SWEAR!!!!

NEW can only look at the scene. He thinks if that was what happened to AYLA's sister. He then thinks that the killer can't be far, since AYLA's sister was still alive from that blow. He runs through the trees and through the rain. After many jumping rocks and avoiding branches he sees a dark figure in the distance.

NEW ULTIMATE: ULTIMATE!!!

The figure looks back and starts laughing wildly.

All is dark again.

NEW awakes in the caves. REI is sitting near a rock. AYLA is nowhere to be seen. The fire is out and their beds weren't there, indicating that is was morning deep inside those closed caves.

REI: Man, I told you we had to wake up early right?
NEW ULTIMATE: Sorry... Where's AYLA?
REI: She's waiting for us in that tunnel up ahead.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok... let's go.

They pack the rest of their stuff and head along. They meet with AYLA who strolls along with them. NEW then goes near AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: I promise I will help you find ULTIMATE.
AYLA: ...You know, there's a slight chance that you just said something senseless.
NEW ULTIMATE: You still think I killed you sister?
AYLA: ...We'll see.
NEW ULTIMATE: Why should I be pretending it now?
AYLA: I don't know. Why should you?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Save it for later NEW. Right now we should be focusing on our real mission.
NEW ULTIMATE: You're right.

The reach a dark blue room with a capsule on the floor near another door, in a wet floor.

REI: Another of RICO's capsules.
NEW ULTIMATE: We can only hope...

As they trigger the capsule, a frightened voice begins to speak.

CAPSULE'S MESSAGE (RICO) : I saw it with my own eyes. An animal being metamorphosed when pierced by the tentacle of a giant worm. Were all the animals I saw in the caves changed by that giant worm? As a Hunter, I feel scared. But as a scientist, I feel excited!

REI: Whoa... A giant worm... is responsible for the animal's mutations?
NEW ULTIMATE: It's only RICO's theory, but it's probably the best so far.
REI: We gotta find this worm!
AYLA: A giant worm...

NEW feels the water below them move. He thinks that it's nothing. But then he sees REI being hit by something.

REI: Ow! What the...?

The three look back and see a strange creature with a liquid body.

REI: We even have to fight the water on this planet? Geez!
AYLA: A Pofuilly slime!
NEW ULTIMATE: HAAAH!

NEW hits the strange being at full force, making it spread around.

NEW ULTIMATE: Whatever it is, it's history.
AYLA: I wouldn't count on that.

The creature emerges right in front of REI.

REI: AARGH!

In a reflex, he quickly shoots it, making it spread around the floor again.

REI: DAMN FREAK!

REI shoots like crazy to the water on the ground.

REI: GAAAH!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Calm down!

REI then stops. With all that photon energy the water is almost tottaly dry.

AYLA: AAH!

Two Pofuilly slimes are near AYLA. She is too nervous to think.

NEW ULTIMATE: Those beings can multiply! That's all we need.
REI: All right. Time for some elemental damage.

REI drops his VARISTA and aims both palms at the beings, one for each.

REI: GIZONDE!

He shoots two beams of electric energy at the beings. As they hit the mutants, a big electric flow runs through each of the creatures bodies, making them finally explode.

REI: ...
AYLA: Whew... thanks.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I think they're gone for good. It seems you made their organic body hidden inside their water skin explode.
REI: Damned aliens!
NEW ULTIMATE: Another of the creatures created by the giant worm...
REI: Come on! I wanna have a chat with it!

The three hunters continue to go deeper into the caves. NEW wonders what his last dream meant, and if it was what really happened to AYLA. If it were, how would he DREAM about it? He decided to keep silent about his vision for now, in order to avoid trouble.

Time passes and after lots of struggles and teamwork through the fights with the mutants, AYLA realises the real self of NEW and REI and slowly they become friendly.

It is impossible to tell what time it were without the sun to look to.

When they pass through a tunnel REI looks to his watch.

REI: It's around 11 pm. I think we should camp right here.
NEW ULTIMATE: Fine by me...
AYLA: Yeah, all right.
NEW ULTIMATE: What's dinner?
REI: Well, there is still some fried Booma steaks in my inventory.
NEW ULTIMATE: All right.
AYLA: ...I'll pass.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: What are you going to eat then? I think this is all we got...
AYLA: I have some pre-rendered food stored.

AYLA takes out a towel and puts it on the rocky ground.

REI: What is it? Canned beans?

AYLA uses her computer and makes some roast turkey on a plate materialise right in front of her, in the towel,along with a Coke as well. NEW and REI can only look drooling with their tongues out and eyes peeled. She grabs the fork and was about to start eating when she looks to the two hunters.

AYLA: What? Didn't you ever see roast turkey before?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well actually, it's been ages ever since I saw a meal like yours.
REI: Roast Turkey? Oh, I didn't notice it.
NEW ULTIMATE: Could you... share it with us?
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Please...?
REI: Yeah, share it with us!
AYLA: All right. I don't know about mister pervert there.
REI: Hey, I'm a man! I have instincts. It's not my fault, babe.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks!

AYLA throws a fork to NEW and another to REI. They both dig into the turkey very happily, as if they hadn't eat in centuries. This makes AYLA think more about NEW's behaviour, realising that it wasn't matching that of a criminal, especially when he said the turkey was delicious. She also thought that if he was faking, he was doing a very good job.

Later it was time to get some shut eye. NEW and REI go both into their sleeping bags.

AYLA: I'll just hang around here for a bit. Have a pleasant sleep.
NEW ULTIMATE: All right. See ya tomorrow. Good night R...
REI: ZZZZzzzzZZZzz...

Time passes and the two hunters are still asleep. Suddenly a small noise wakes NEW up.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huh...?
AYLA: Oh... sorry I waked you.

AYLA was going to her sleeping bag.

NEW ULTIMATE: That's all right. Either way it's hard to sleep in these iluminated caves.
AYLA: Your buddy there doesn't seem to think the same way.
REI: ZZZZzzzzzZZZ... Yeah baby... ZZZzzzZZZ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe...
AYLA: ...Look...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah?
AYLA: ...I'm sorry... for the way I've been treating you. I mean... I'm sorry I mistook you for ULTIMATE and trated you like crap.
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry about it. If I was in your place I probably wouldn't behave as well as you.
AYLA: ...You know... You're very different from the killer I had in mind.
NEW ULTIMATE: What made you said that...?
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh never mind. You don't have to come right out and say it.
AYLA: ...When I saw you sleeping. That couldn't possibly be the face of a killer.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Which face did you see?
AYLA: ...I saw...

AYLA blushes red and turns her face away.

NEW ULTIMATE: What?...
AYLA: ...I saw the face of someone smiling... as if they had no worries in life...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...A face... of a sensitive someone hiding behind a fearless warrior who rests assured he has more than two teammates... more than two friends... A man's face who, silently, thanked the world for having everything he needed...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...What do you think I'm saying here NEW? I've become closer to you these days. I started to hating you, and know I see you as something more as a teammate.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you with my friendly feelings for you.

AYLA turns to see NEW with a smile and red cheeks.

NEW ULTIMATE: zzzz...
AYLA: ...Oh well... I'm not really sure of what I feel either. All for the best.

And AYLA goes to sleep.

After many hours of hearing REI's snoring NEW decides to wake everybody up.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hey guys... time to go to work! Rise and shine! Hey REI! Come on man, did you forget about your work ethics?
REI: ...nnng... You must mean YOUR work ethics, loverboy.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...HEY!
REI: Hehehehe... Thought I had heavy sleep didn't ya?
NEW ULTIMATE: You WERE ASLEEP!
REI: Shut up or you'll awake miss Cinderela there.

NEW looks to see AYLA sleeping.

REI: Ok, NEW, I'm all set.
NEW ULTIMATE: Uh? Oh Yeah. I'll wake up AYLA.

When the three are finally up, they continue their march to the end of the caves. Across rooms and mutant creatures, going through mines and doors along the way, they reach a statue, like the one previously seen on the Forest.

REI: Say... Didn't you see one of these before?
AYLA: Yeah! I saw a thing like this in the forest. Pioneer 1 said it was built to celebrate it's arrival...
NEW ULTIMATE: There's also a capsule near it.
REI: RICO again... How is she always a step ahead of us?
CAPSULE'S MESSAGE (RICO) : They said there weren't any sign of intelligent life on Ragol. But... look at this monument! It is identical to the one I saw on the forest! This is the proof that the government is hiding something. Maybe some intelligent alien life build this? We hunters are always manipulated by tools by the government. We don't know the truth at all.
AYLA: Now THAT'S true.
NEW ULTIMATE: There should also be a switch like the previous statue.
REI: But what will you gain by pressing it?
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't know. Anything right now can help us find out something don't ya think?
REI: Yeah... You're right.

NEW finds the switch and presses it. Like before, the statue starts to tremble, emmiting an engine-like noise, and glowing. Only this time, the emblem on this was shining green.

REI: Same as the other teleporter. Only green. No big deal. Let's go...

They continue to fight and walk until they reach a teleporter inside a small room.

AYLA: I think this will take us even deeper into the caves. In the screen it says "CAVE 3".
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's go then.

The three take the teleporter into the third part of the caves. They materialise inside a more artificial cave, with some man-made walls and devices around the room they enter.

NEW ULTIMATE: This is CAVE 3? It seems people were here!
REI: Yeah. Question is, what were they doing?
AYLA: And where are they right now?
NEW ULTIMATE: And were is the giant worm?
REI: Don't miss our next episo... Ahem, sorry.
AYLA: ...Someone's been watchin too many Anime.
REI: Did you say something?
AYLA: Not a thing. Let's go.

As they expected, this area of the caves was lacking people and filled with mutants. After a medium distance walk, they reach a capsule.

REI: Even if we run I don't think we can catch her up.

AYLA switches the voice message on.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO) : I feel like something is luring me deeper into the caves. In the depths of caves... I feel like I'm being invited...
REI: Yeah... to the giant worm's birthday party. We should have found it by now.
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's keep going.

After exploring many tunnels, rooms and fighting all sorts of Sharks, Pofuilly Slimes, Nano Dragons, Pan Arms and Nar Lilys they reach a big teleporter, deep at the end of the caves.

NEW ULTIMATE: What is this big teleporter doing here?
AYLA: It says "Underground channel". Maybe people are hiding here in the depths of caves, and this teleporter will take us to that place. If you notice, this teleporter type can carry more than a people at a time.
REI: I sure hope you're right. It's about time we had some answers.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Or maybe we can be heading straight into the eagle's nest...
AYLA: You mean the giant worm? Maybe.
REI: Only one way to find out. All aboard!

Once the three are inside the teleporter, NEW prepares to activate it.

NEW ULTIMATE: Let's hope for the best.

With the press of a button, they dematerialise out of the caves.

They are teleported to a big metalic platform speeding through an underground water channel. They see green water flowing rapidly forward, as if it were polluted, and a low rocky ceiling, as if they were somewhere in the caves. The great force of the water's flow was what made the platform move so rapidly forward. The tunnel was lighted by some electric lights on the ceiling.

REI: Where are we?
NEW ULTIMATE: It seems we're on a boat...
AYLA: Heading towards the end of this tunnel.
REI: Is this the sewers? It sure stinks!
NEW ULTIMATE: I think so... Maybe once we reach the end of this artificial river we may know something. So relax and enjoy the ride!
AYLA: I guess that's all we can do...
REI: Boy, we sure are going fast...

A huge rumbling noise is heard.

AYLA: What's this?
REI: Probably this thing's engine or whatever.
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't think it's the engine...

NEW looks around and sees something moving in the water next to the platform.

NEW ULTIMATE: Look! There's something there!

The three look to see a dark figure underwater, next to the platform.

REI: What the hell is that?
AYLA: Whatever it is, it seems to be traveling at the same speed as we are.

Then a enormous creature emerges from the water, with a horrible skull on its face, giant tentacules through it's worm-like body.

NEW ULTIMATE: THIS IS IT! THE WORM RICO WAS TALKING ABOUT!
REI: This is the thing that has been changing all the animals of Ragol? This... This... GIANT FISH BAIT! IT IS THE IDIOT BEHIND ALL OF THE MUTANTS! KING OF THE FREAKS! MASTER KILLER!
AYLA: My PC identifies this beast as... "De Rol Le". What kind of name is "De Rol Le"?
NEW ULTIMATE: This... This freak... It metamorphosed all of Ragol's animals... changed their DNA... and thereby made them aggressive enough to kill the colonists!

NEW looks at the beast's tentacules.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn... TENTACULES! GIZONDE!

NEW fires an electric beam from the palm of his hand and hits the beast. The worm then goes underwater.

REI: Where did it go? Where did it go?
NEW ULTIMATE: Below us...

De Rol then appears on the other side of the platform, racing it along the stream.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn! I can't do a thing while it's on water...
REI: Hum... excuse me...

REI draws his weapon and starts hitting the beast repeatedly. Meanwhile, NEW takes the chance to cast Zalure on the monster, in order to make it's defenses weaker.

NEW ULTIMATE: Now all I need is a chance to hit it...
AYLA: Way to go!

The monster then starts charging.

REI: What...? It's doing something.

Out of its tentacules come out several purple energy beams, bombing the platform and hitting all three of the hunters, as they scream in pain.

NEW ULTIMATE: Shit!! This is all we need!
AYLA: It is... too powerful...

De Rol then speeds up to keep ahead of the platform.

REI: What's... it up to now...?

De Rol waves its tail, shooting some strange spiky objects all around the surface of the platform. As they land they stand still in place.

AYLA: What's this?
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't have the slightest...

Before he finishes, the objects explode violently, shaking the platform all over and tossing the three hunters to the air. They land with their skin burned on the floor. REI falls unconscious, maybe KO.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh.. Ah... Ahh... RE... RESTA!

He casts RESTA, and heals himself and REI, while De Rol controls his speed to race along the side of the platform.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI! REI! Wake up! Wait a minute... where's...
AYLA: N... NEW!!! Help Me!
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh Shit! AYLA!

He looks to see a very wounded AYLA grabbing the back of the platform, struggling not to fall on the water.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hang on AYLA!
AYLA: I... I can't... too weak... I'm... sorry...

She lets go of the edge, but NEW grabs her pulse just in time.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're not leaving us yet.

He casts RESTA through her pulse into her body, making her heal her wounds and regaining strength to help NEW propel her back to the platform. Meanwhile, REI is up and shooting at the beast, as it travels alongside the speeding platform. He stops shooting when De Rol goes underwater to gain momentum to then give a giant leap over the platform, and landing on the water in the other side of it.

REI: ...Talk about hickups.
NEW ULTIMATE: COME HERE YOU FREAK!

De Rol leaps again, but a mistake in the jump makes it fall to the edge of the boat, making its skull and front claws become stuck to the side of the platform.

NEW ULTIMATE: NOW EVERYBODY!!!

The three take the oportunity to strike the being's huge body. While NEW's big DRAGON SLAYER blows give the most damage to De Rol, AYLA's Daggers and REI's photon bullets are enough to make it suffer.

REI: HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS?? HUH??? HUH?????

De Rol then rises one of its tentacule and hits NEW on his chest, propeling him to the floor.

AYLA: Oh no! The tentacule RICO told us about! Does this mean you're gonna get... metamorphosed?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't feel anything. And aggressive I was before. Either way, avoid its tentacules and strike its main body.

They recharge at the beast. NEW, AYLA and REI hit the beast's skull at the same time, and the huge blow makes it break.

REI: ALL RIGHT! We done it!!

The beast gets thrown off the platform, but it seems alive even without its skull, and keeps swimming rapidly alongside the platform.

REI: Huh?
AYLA: It seems the skull's destruction had little affect in it...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...but all the other blows didn't. Altough the skull was almost like a mask, we almost certainly made some damage in it. Keep alert and keep attacking!

In that moment, the electric lights in the tunnel begin to fail.

REI: Oh damn. Now we have to fight in the dark!
AYLA: ...Where is De Rol?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...SHIT!
REI: Right behind us!!

De Rol was standing tall in the water as a dolphin would do, behind their platform. The reason REI could see him was because he was charging purple beams of energy in his mouth.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What's it gonna do now?
AYLA: He's charging energy. Stay alert.

De Rol aims at NEW.

AYLA: ...!

De Rol fires at NEW a powerful beam of energy.

AYLA: NEW! WATCH OUT!

She pushes NEW over the side and receives the damage herself, falling on the floor greatly wounded.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA! GODDAMNIT! How are you?
AYLA: I'm not... vodafone...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You're all wounded. How can you joke at a time like this?
AYLA: It's never too late to feel happy...

AYLA smiles.

REI: That does it.

Both NEW and REI charge electric energy towards De Rol, while he charges another burst of energy towards one of the previous hunters.

REI & NEW ULTIMATE: RAFOIE!!!

They hit the monster first with a gigantic fire explosion combined by their two spells. The explosion hits multiple parts of the beast, and makes it howl in pain, falling to the water but still chasing the speeding platform from behind.

REI: HOWZAT? HAHA!

De Rol starts to loose speed and gets left behind.

REI: It's running away! WE WON!
NEW ULTIMATE: Nah, I rather think the blow we gave made it loose energy.
REI: Either way, we knocked it off!
NEW ULTIMATE: How are you feeling AYLA?
AYLA: Kinda bad... but I'll be ok.

REI was preparing to use RESTA, when AYLA gives a horror glare to something behind them.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's wrong?
AYLA: B...B... BEHIND YOU!

The two hunters look back to see De Rol.

Approaching.

On the ceiling.

As the huge behemoth was crawling at sonic speed at the ceiling, rocks were falling due to De Rol's enormous power. As De Rol passes by them, the rocks fall from the ceiling straight towards them.

NEW ULTIMATE: WATCH OUT!

NEW barely avoids a huge chunk of the ceiling, but a small one hits REI's head.

REI: OW!!! I'M GONNA KILL THAT SUCKER!

NEW remembers AYLA but she smiles in sign that she's all right. De Rol meanwhile fell from the ceiling and landed on the water right on front of the platform.

REI: THAT FREAK!

REI points his gun. After a battlecry with all his spirit he shoots a photon bullet at De Rol so powerful it makes the beast cry in pain.

REI: YOU LIKE IT DUMBASS???

De Rol shoots more exploding mines to the surface of the platform, and then goes back to the side of the platform.

NEW ULTIMATE: DAMN! ATTACK THESE!!

REI shoots the the mine next to him, while NEW remembers AYLA. There's a mine right next to her, about to explode.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! DAMN!

As it explodes AYLA is sent propelling almost unconscious out of the platform. She falls at the water right behind De Rol and is nowhere to be seen.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Come on, let's kill that worm.

They hear De Rol howling.

REI: What? What's the matter with him?
NEW ULTIMATE: LOOK! LOOK TO IT'S TAIL!

AYLA was holding De Rol's big tail with one arm.

REI: WAY TO GO TOOTS!

Using all her energy left, she climbs De Rol's body until she is on the beast's head.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA! CATCH!

NEW carefully throws his weapon at AYLA. She grabs it with both hands.

NEW ULTIMATE: Give it all you got to show him!!!
AYLA: Got... it...

She then raises the gigantic sword and screams to gather all her energy. She pierces the sword with such power in the beast's head that it looses control of it's body and send AYLA to the water. This time NEW can see AYLA get thrown away, and the platform gaining distance from her.

REI: SHE DID IT! DE ROL'S DYING!

After screaming in pain, De Rol tumbles to the water with the DRAGON SWORD carved in it's head, and its gigantic body sinks to death.

NEW ULTIMATE: Who cares, she hasn't got energy to swin. She's gonna die if we don't do something.
REI: What are you thinking?

NEW then dives into the water and swims away from the platform.

REI: WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

NEW and AYLA are nowhere to be seen.

REI (thinking) : I gotta think fast... what am I gonna do?...

He looks at the water.

REI (thinking) : It seems the water is flowing forward. So NEW and AYLA are also being propelled forward, like this platform.

He looks at the platform.

REI (thinking) : But the platform is going a lot faster. What can I do to make them reach the platform...?

He then has a brilliant idea.

REI (thinking) : Can... Can I do this? Of course! I'm REI, the King Zero! The most powerful spirit on this planet!

He goes to the front of the platform, and shows his palms to the water right ahead of the platform. He gathers energy...

REI: RABARTA!!!!

He freezes all the water around the platform and the walls around the water as well so hard that the platform stops moving suddenly propelling REI to the ice he made around the platform.

REI: Oh shit!

He runs to get on the platform.

REI (thinking) : All right, since the flow is still running, but this platform is stuck in the ice, NEW and AYLA can be able to catch up with me.

He sees NEW with AYLA on his arms approaching the back of the platform in the distance, approaching slowly to the platform.

REI (thinking) : I'M A GENIUS!

The ice begins to crack, due to the force of the stream of water.

REI: SHIT! NEW, AYLA, HURRY UP!
REI (thinking) : If they don't move, the ice is gonna break... and the platform will go again forward with the stream...

NEW and AYLA bump into the ice on the back of the platform.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!! CATCH!!!

NEW throws uncounscious AYLA to the platform, and she lands straight on REI's arms.

NEW ULTIMATE: UNNGH!!!

NEW climbs the ice with what's left of his energy. All that's left now is run to the platform. But meanwhile, the ice begins to crack on the front and the platform starts moving.

NEW ULTIMATE: Oh no...
REI: MOVE IT MAN!!!

NEW leaps at the platform just when it's moving.

He grabs the back ledge.

REI slowly puts AYLA on the ground and goes to pull him up.

REI: Hang on!!!

He manages to get NEW on board. NEW falls to the floor almost without any energy.

NEW ULTIMATE: Phew... Thanks REI...
REI: Man, I thought I was crazy. Don't EVER do that again without telling me something!
NEW ULTIMATE: Heal AYLA... she's injured to the bone...
REI: Sure.

REI shoots RESTA around him, making the energy heal everyone.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...AYLA's still uncounscious!
REI: Maybe she swallowed too many water. She needs mouth-to-mouth breathing now!

REI steps away from AYLA and leers into NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What? Why do I have to...
REI: You're complaining?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No I'm not but...
REI: If you don't hurry it will be too late for her. You understand that?

NEW runs to AYLA. He breathes out to her mouth with his full strength. AYLA chokes and regains senses.

AYLA: Thanks... guys...
REI: Hey, she's awake!
NEW ULTIMATE: Phew...

AYLA then hugs NEW.

REI: UUhhh... go to it player!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...ah... uh... eh...
AYLA (whispering) : I wasn't unscounscious. Teehee!

NEW then blushes red.

REI: Hey big guy, looks like you need serious RESTA on the face!
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah...

As they all laugh, they see a big door open at the end of the tunnel. As the platform cruises past the door, it begins to close, stopping the water current and making the platform slow down. It stops near the entrance to a strange building, with a teleporter no Pioneer 2 right next to it.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Looks like we're here... This is an entrance to something...
REI: Yeah... Maybe this is where everyone is. Hiding inside this building...
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's go report this to Principal Tyrell. Then we can go explore it. After all, AYLA killed the possible reason for the horror on this planet!
REI: Right, Don Juan.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...HEY!!!
REI: There's still one thing I don't understand... why didn't NEW get metamorphosed when hit by De Rol's tentacules?
NEW ULTIMATE: Beats me. Either way, I'll make a medical checkup.

AYLA laughs as REI switches the teleporter on. The three hunters teleport back to Pioneer 2, satisfied with the fruits of their battle training.

NEW ULTIMATE: Uhh... AYLA... You can let go of my neck now...

Next chapters:

- Give me a break
- Out of control
- Calus, knowing one's heart
- The blade gunner
- KIREEK's reason to live
- Uncontrolled control room
- Rico's Genesis lab
- AYLA takes a side
- The real team
- Rusty Ruins
- The Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-10 04:41 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-10 05:14 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-12 08:12 ]</font>

RavenTW
Aug 12, 2002, 08:39 PM
Awesome stuff dude, I want more! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Aug 13, 2002, 04:53 AM
I'm doing some surprises before going on with the story, but stay tuned http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

Daikarin
Aug 15, 2002, 03:14 PM
Sorry for the delay, but I'm working on other stuff as well. This is another of my favorite chapters. For all those who have "Final Fantasy VIII - Eyes on me" on Mp3 they better prepare it! Why? You'll know soon enough. Enjoy!

--- Chapter 12 - Give me a break ---

A small silence is made after NEW reports to Principal Tyrell.

TYRELL: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: And that's about it... so far, sir.
TYRELL: ...You should go all the way to the laboratory and tell them about the monsters in Ragol. Our inicial perception of Ragol is definitively wrong.

NEW takes a step to his left.

SCIENTIST: Now you're in the lab. What exactly did you see in Ragol?

NEW tells about what they experienced during their trips in the caves.

SCIENTIST: Yes, we collected the huge corpse of the monster you told us about. We studied it and we noticed an organ shaped like a needle in its organism. I may be too hasty but I think I have a theory... It seems that monster, De Rol Le, is using this needle to inject its sap into other animals...
REI: Sap?
SCIENTIST: A fluid found in one of its organic bags. But... We only found some drops. The organic bag where the fluid once was supposed to be was almost empty. As if the creature finished using all of it...
NEW ULTIMATE: And you say this fluid is responsible for changing the animals on the caves into those mutants we saw?
SCIENTIST: It is possible...
AYLA: But where did this monster, De Rol Le, come from?
SCIENTIST: I don't know. Maybe you can find more answers in the mines. It seems the staff on Central Dome was digging something. Deep in the caves is the entrance to the digging site, the mines. That area is supposedly filled with technology. If you find anyone there, you bring the survivors immediatly. If not, you can access the main computers in the main control room of the mines. Either way, I doubt that there is any aggressive animal on the Mines. It seemed the place where everyone took refuge. Good luck on your exploration...

Before going away, REI gives a look at IRENE.

IRENE: I'm wearing boots today. Don't even think of it.

The three hunters teleport down to Pioneer 2.

NEW ULTIMATE: Well guys, this is almost it. In the Mines we will definitly find something out. Let's go.
REI: My ass, NEW!
NEW ULTIMATE: Huh? Your...?
REI: We need a break... We've been at non-stop work for ages! It's time for us to have some fun! Relax from work, like last time! Spend time as pals!
NEW ULTIMATE: All right...
REI: ...Well, where shall we go?
NEW ULTIMATE: Wherever you two want. I'm going to keep up my investigation.
REI: ...

When NEW was about to head to the main Ragol Teleporter, AYLA stands in his way.

AYLA: You're coming with us too! You work too hard NEW... I mean... I knew lots of people which I had to told them to stop slacking off from work but you're the first one I have to beg to have fun!
NEW ULTIMATE: I enjoy my work!
REI: Aw please NEW! Since you met your lover there, you haven't been able to rest while we were in the caves!
NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA's not my lover!
AYLA: ...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...Yeah, I know that very well NEW. We'll meet here tomorrow morning. Bye.

AYLA then turns away and runs ahead of them heading somewhere.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
REI: Nice shot NEW. You maybe have done some serious damage in her.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What? What did I do wrong now?
REI: Aw for God's sake! Don't play with me! You knew she had some feelings for you, and you had as well some for her. Am I lying?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Maybe you weren't lovers like I said, but those words hit her worse than De Rol's energy beams. And even knowing that, you had to come right out with that dumb phrase that didn't match your real feelings? What were you thinking?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I did feel kind of... attracted to her... but it was only a cute face. A pretty girl. That was all... I can't call that a relationship.
REI: So what? A relationship's got to start somewhere! You may know each other for a short time, but if you thought she was cute, you didn't have to say something like that!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Wow, I never knew you were that experient in love matters...
REI: The experience points we gained while in the caves weren't only to battle skill. Now come on, we have to catch up with her.
NEW ULTIMATE: Do you know where she's going?
REI: To the "Photon Dragon", of course. Come on!

REI grabs NEW's arm and drags him along to the karaoke bar. At the entrance, a BOUNCER looks at NEW.

BOUNCER: Hey you, punk! I better hope you don't try to nab anyone's pocket-savings during my patrol! You catch my drift?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...what the hell did he just say?
REI: "You there, sir! Please do not steal anyone's wallet while I'm here. Do you understand?"
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh. Don't worry.
BOUNCER: ...?
REI:He said... "NO SWEAT DUDE!"
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Move it!

They both enter the bar, where a man was on stage singing.

REI: Look, NEW! There she is!

They look between other tables filled with people and drinks to see AYLA alone on a table. She had her arms at the surface of the table and her head between them, like someone who tries to sleep on a table.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...She is looking...
REI: ...down, I know. Come on, let's sit somewhere while thinking of a strategy.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...women!

They go through the dark crowd looking for an empty table, while trying not to be seen by AYLA. They finally seat down.

NEW ULTIMATE: Haaa...
REI: Doesn't that feel good?
NEW ULTIMATE: Now that you mention it...
REI: Ok... look at AYLA. You words had a bolt-like effect in her heart. Now, what we suggest we do is...

That moment a waiter trips somewhere and spills orange juice all over REI's face and their table.

REI: SHIT!!!

Everyone looks in their direction.

NEW ULTIMATE: SHIT!!!

REI hits NEW's head making him uncounscious and shoves him under the table. He then turns his back to AYLA thinking that she won't recongnise his back in the dark.

REI: No problem mister. Accidents do happen. I was just kinda jumpy.
WAITER: I'm sorry sir... I'll clean that up.
REI: All right. Just don't wake my friend up.

REI looks back at AYLA to see if the fuss called her attention but she was still with her head in her arms.

REI (thinking) : Boy... she's worse than I thought. She's really down...

REI looks at uncounscious NEW.

REI (thinking) : I'll go clean myself at the toilets while he's uncounscious. I sure hope he doesn't wake up and mess everything.

REI runs to the men's bathroom. He sees 5 doors. HUMAN MEN, HUMAN WOMEN, NEWMAN MEN, NEWMAN WOMEN, and ANDROIDS.

REI: RACISTS!

Meanwhile, NEW gains his senses. When he looks up after checking the hump on his forehead, he doesn't see REI anywhere.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What the...? Why did he go away all of a sudden? Maybe he wants me to... have a private talk with AYLA? Man... I'm sure to screw up, but it's better than to stand around doing nothing.

NEW then sees the waiter coming back to clean the table out of orange juice and has a brilliant idea. He asks the waiter for a favour which he agrees. Meanwhile at the bathroom, REI is looking into the mirror.

REI: Damn, My face's all orange!

He takes out soap fluid from the machine near the sink and washes his face with water as well. During that time he hears someone behind him say something.

VOICE: Hey!

REI recognises the voice like NEW's and responds while washing his eyes.

REI: Don't screw up. Wait until I'm done here.
NEW ULTIMATE: But, why are you doing this? You're a man right?
REI: What the hell does that have to do with anything?
NEW ULTIMATE: Everything!
REI: I just want to help you reach out for AYLA. That's what friends are for right? You know you want it.
NEW ULTIMATE: What the hell are you talking about?
REI: ARE YOU GOING TO REJECT YOUR TRUE FEELINGS AGAIN?

REI finishes washing his face and uses the towel. When he looks at NEW he sees the BOUNCER from before.

REI: Huh?... you're... you're not NEW!
BOUNCER: Yeah, I know that. I'm around 42. But you're a boy right?
REI: Yeah, can't you see that?
BOUNCER: Then what the hell are you doing in a women's bathroom?
REI: ...
BOUNCER: ...? Well?
REI: Shoot! Damn instinct! Always luring me behind ladies...

A waiter approaches AYLA's table. That waiter is NEW, all dressed up and with a fake black moustache and a pair of glasses.

NEW WAITER: Ahem.

NEW tries to fake his voice as he can.

NEW WAITER: What can I bring you miss?
AYLA: Whatever you want...
NEW WAITER: ...
AYLA: Yes... you heard me well. I'll pay for it, don't worry.
NEW WAITER: Is something the matter lady?
AYLA: ...
NEW WAITER: I'd be glad to help you in any way I can. Sometimes letting out your pain to others can ease it.
AYLA: ...To be honest, I don't know why I'm like this.

NEW sits down next to her. AYLA takes her head out and gives a side look at NEW. She then recognises him and looks directly to him.

NEW WAITER: Er... Continue miss!
AYLA: Haven't I seen you somewhere?
NEW WAITER: Er... Maybe when you were performing here some weeks ago? I worked here by that time. Anyway, what is troubling you miss?
AYLA: ...
NEW WAITER: You don't have to say it if you don't want to. Never mind.

NEW was about to get up when AYLA begins to speak.

AYLA: It's about a friend of mine...

NEW comes to a stop and listens.

AYLA: At first, I mistook him for the one who killed my sister, maybe because of his looks and name... But then when I tried to study him I came to the conclusion that he was the total opposite that of a killer... And... I don't know what I felt next...
NEW WAITER: ...

NEW's heart beats faster by the second.

AYLA: ...Are you kicking the table?
NEW WAITER: N-No...
AYLA: ...Right after that... I came to know what type of person he really was...
NEW WAITER: B-But why are you refering to him in the past tense?
AYLA: Because he made it clear he didn't want something more with me other than friendship. Right when I was starting to...

NEW begins to sweat.

NEW WAITER: W...Well... You know if he really meant it?
AYLA: He said it so quickly when a friend of his called me a lover just by kidding... So I think he did.
NEW WAITER: Well... I wouldn't worry about that miss. I... er... told my wife the same thing years ago and we are the match for each other now, according to many. Sometimes the ones who say it so fast are the ones who don't want to admit their feelings that quickly.
AYLA: ...What are you saying?
NEW WAITER: I'm saying that the guy is shy!
AYLA: ...
NEW WAITER: You have to give him some time to know you and etc.
AYLA: But even so, he shouldn't have said it. That hurt my feelings a lot.
NEW WAITER: I'm sure he didn't meant it. But if you really want to know what he feels, you should go ahead and ask him! At least that will make you sure of anything. And if the answer to you is negative, maybe it's because he's really not the right man to you.
AYLA: ...He wanted to go work alone... instead of having fun with me and REI...
NEW WAITER: You should give him more time to study his own feelings. A guy can't sometimes tell you if he loves you or not. It takes time to find out the real answer.
AYLA: Yeah... I guess you're right.
NEW WAITER (thinking) : What am I saying?
NEW WAITER: Aahh... anyway! I took many years to admit my feelings for my wife. If you really think he's the man for you, during the time you and him need to know each other, try to be yourself and show your feelings for him slowly.
AYLA: How many years you dated her?
NEW WAITER (thinking): Uh... Gotta think of a number fast. Which one is my favorite?
NEW WAITER: 6.
AYLA: Six years of dating her to finally marrying her? Boy, you really must love each other now...
NEW WAITER: Yeah, I had to make sure she... uhh... she was my twin soul.
AYLA: Wow... I don't know how you know all that...
NEW WAITER (thinking) : Me neither.
NEW WAITER: I... er... help people like you a lot. People coming here... depressed. I often give them a shoulder to cry on. It's been like this for a long time now.

NEW then spots REI looking around searching him.

NEW WAITER: Well, gotta go. See ya!
AYLA: Wait! Thank you, sir.
NEW WAITER: My pleasure, Miss.
AYLA: Could you give me your name?
NEW WAITER: Ahhhh...

REI then looks their way and immediatly recognises NEW. He tries his best not to laugh and sits on his table waiting for him.

NEW WAITER: You can call me...
NEW WAITER (thinking): Gotta think of a name fast. Which one is my favorite?
NEW WAITER: AYLA!
AYLA: ...What?
NEW WAITER: ... Er... Oh, you mean MY name! Sorry, I'm...
NEW WAITER (thinking) : Damn, I'm too nervous to come up with a name!

He looks at REI, who is holding a sign. After focusing into the letters deep in the dark he realises that the sign is saying "TELL HER WHO YOU ARE!".

NEW WAITER then considers that a brilliant idea and thanks REI.

NEW WAITER: I'm TELHER. TELHER WHOYUAR.
AYLA: ...
NEW WAITER: See ya!

REI then drops the sign paralysed. Baffled by NEW's attitude.

NEW then goes to the dark crowd and changes clothing out of AYLA's view.

REI: YOU IDIOT! I TOLD YOU TO SAY WHO YOU WERE!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh. Well, never mind, I think I did pretty well. In fact, I never knew I could say all that.
REI: ...You got that right.
NEW ULTIMATE: Now, what should we do?
REI: First you gotta tell me why the hell did you just go over there! What did you say to her inside that stupid disguise?

NEW tells his story.

REI: Well... I really think you did pretty well.
NEW ULTIMATE: I think it was a miracle!
REI: A miracle is that she didn't recognise you in that outfit.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: She looks like she's thinking...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Thinking what to do next?
REI: Yeah, Like us.
NEW ULTIMATE: Look! She's standing up!
REI: ...!

They both see her go backstage.

REI: What is she doing? They only go backstage if they're going to...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...perform!
REI: This is bad. Most singers get near the crowd. If she gets near us we're gonna get in trouble.

They both get up to try to find some disguise.
When they return to their seats, NEW is wearing the same disguise as before, with glasses, a fake moustache and waiter's clothing. REI is wearing a big blue beard and a smoking pipe on his mouth, bible on his hand, dressed up as a priest.
They both look at each other's disguises.

REI PRIEST: ...Couldn't you be more original?
NEW WAITER: You look like Blue Beard, the pirate.

The male singer finishes his song and after a wave of applauses he goes off the stage waving.

VOICE: And now, ladies, gentleman and droids! The return of AYLA PROMETEA!

REI PRIEST: Weird. What's she gonna do in there?
NEW WAITER: I heard singing eases depression.
REI PRIEST: Let's sit back and see.

The stage is illuminated by a white light.
Out of the curtains comes out AYLA. NEW smiles as she is wearing a beautiful white dress, white shoes, white gloves, with a white rose on her head, being cheered by applauses.

REI PRIEST: And now she suddenly turns from Miss Blue to Miss White.
NEW WAITER: ...
REI PRIEST: Oh hell no. Try to control yourself! Don't do like last time!!!

And the bumps re-start.

REI PRIEST: ...At least try to stay on your seat this time.

After the applauses end, her song begins, followed by her voice.

AYLA:
Whenever sang my songs...
On the stage, on my own...
Whenever said my words...
Wishing they would be heard...!

NEW WAITER: Hey, I know this song!
REI PRIEST: Final Fantasy VIII, the old game from Sony! I never memorized the lyrics of this song...
NEW WAITER: ...Wait a minute. DOES THAT MEAN YOU HAD A PLAYSTATION?
REI PRIEST: What? You never played this game?
NEW WAITER: ...

AYLA:
I saw you smiling at me...!
Was it real or just my fantasy?
You'd always be there in the corner...
Of this tiny little bar...

The song's lyrics struck both REI and NEW like lightning. they both look at each other.

REI PRIEST: Er...
NEW WAITER: Na... Only our imagination.
AYLA:

My last night here for you...
Same old songs, just once more!
My last night here with you...?
Maybe yes, maybe no...!
I kind of liked it your way...
How you shyly placed your eyes on me...
Did you ever know...
That I had mine... on you?

She looks straight at NEW.

REI PRIEST: OH SHIT!!!
NEW WAITER: It can't be...
AYLA:

Darling, so there you are!
With that look on your face...!
As if you're never hurt...
As if you're never down...!
Shall I be the one for you...
Who pinches you softly but sure...
If frown is shown then...
I will know that you are no dreamer...

NEW's bumping speeds up by the second. At that time AYLA begins to go down the stairs slowly while the light follows her, as the solo plays along. She's heading to REI and NEW.

REI PRIEST: Ohhh... damn.

NEW doesn't move.

AYLA:

So let me come to you...
Close as I want to be...
Close enough for me...
To feel your heart beating fast...!

REI PRIEST: I can feel it from here, damn fast!

She stops near both of them.

NEW WAITER: ...
REI PRIEST: Amen, sister.
AYLA:

And stay there as I whisper...
How I love your peaceful eyes on me...
Did you ever know...
That I had mine on you?

AYLA slowly approaches NEW.

AYLA:

Darling, so share with me...!
Your love if you have enough!
Your tears if you're holding back...
Or pain if that's what it is...

She stops right in front of him.

NEW WAITER: Er...

AYLA:

How can I let you know...
I'm more than the dress and the voice...
Just reach me out then...
You will know that you're not dreaming...!

AYLA slowly takes out NEW's glasses and moustache, while he is too nervous to move.

REI PRIEST: GOD HAVE MERCY!
AYLA:

Darling, so there you are!
With that look on your face...!
As if you're never hurt...!
As if you're never down...!
Shall I be the one for you...
Who pinches you softly but sure...
If frown is shown then...
I will know that you are no dreamer...

AYLA then approaches her head to NEW's and kisses him. NEW closes his eyes and they both fall into each other's arms slowly, while the crowd throws in loads and loads of applauses, roses, whistles and cheers.

NEW ULTIMATE: How did you know it was me?
AYLA: Don't be silly! You think I'd fall for you disguise?

After laughing, they both look at REI.

REI PRIEST: Er... What? You want me to marry you?
AYLA: You don't need to hide yourself anymore, REI.
REI PRIEST: ...

REI takes off his beard and pipe, throwing off tauntrum.

AYLA: Come on... let's go to work.
NEW ULTIMATE: I thought you wanted to rest... So this night we'll sleep on a real motel.
REI: All right!
AYLA: NEW... Get me out of here...
NEW ULTIMATE: All right, follow me.

REI hits NEW's head.

REI: Not like that, idiot!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

REI whispers something to NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...WHAT?

AYLA smiles and jumps to NEW's arms.

REI: Run! Run!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...All right...

NEW runs out of the karaoke bar carrying AYLA on his arms, while being showered by cheers. REI tags along and looks at the BOUNCER, who sees the couple dashing away.

REI: HEY! GIVE ME MY GIRLFRIEND BACK!
BOUNCER: ...!
REI: Can you belive this? First the wallet, then the girl! What's next? My future daughter?

The BOUNCER has a short circuit on his head while REI dashes behind the couple laughing out loud.

Time passes by.

At around 7:30 pm, they are entering a big grey building, a motel called "The Hunter Palace". In the main lobby, NEW checks his savings.

NEW ULTIMATE: According to our savings, I don't think we can afford a room for each. So we'll get two rooms. Any problem with that?
REI: Fine by me.
AYLA: Same here...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Why don't we all sleep in the same room?
AYLA: ...Because I'm going to take a bath.
REI: I DEFINITLY AGREE WITH NEW. AFTER ALL, MONEY IS VERY IMPORTANT AND WE SHOULD SAVE IT TO THE FULLEST.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok AYLA, you've made your point... Two rooms.

The three go to the counter.

NEW ULTIMATE: Good night! I'd like to rent out two rooms for tonight!
COUNTER GIRL: Want me to prepare a single father-mother-son room for ya?
REI: I'm NOT A KID!!!
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: And AYLA's not my...

REI punches NEW right in the precise moment.

REI: You mean "daughter" right?
NEW ULTIMATE: Unnnnghh... right...

AYLA sighs of relief along with a smile.

COUNTER GIRL: All right, fill these in for me...

The girl then takes out a mountain of paper.

A few hours later they finished filling in.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Phew... done.
COUNTER GIRL: All right, now for the final step, I need two hand prints to unlock the doors of the rooms. Who's gonna do it?
REI: I'll do it.
AYLA: Me too...
NEW ULTIMATE: All right...

REI and AYLA pass their hands on the scanner and the computer stores their hand data in its memory.

COUNTER GIRL: Thank you! Have a pleasant night!

The girl notices REI and blinks the eye. REI doesn't consider her attractive to him and turns away.

They go up the stairs.

AYLA: Hey, NEW, which are our rooms?
NEW ULTIMATE: Uh... Let me check. Rooms 3056 and 3057.
REI: I'll stay in 3057.
NEW ULTIMATE: So that makes everyone in right?
REI: Everyone but you buddy.
AYLA: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
REI: Which room are you staying at?
NEW ULTIMATE: What you mean by that? Same as you, of course!
REI: ...
AYLA: ...Of course.

They reach the 30? floor. Yes, walking, as all of them had a lot on their minds and didn't remember taking an elevator.

AYLA: Well... I guess this is good night.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... Sweet dreams.
REI: ...See ya.

AYLA puts her hand on the plate near the door. The main computer recognises her handprints and opens the door. AYLA looks back and then enters her room, closing the door behind her.

NEW ULTIMATE: Finally, some decent shut-eye!
REI: Yeah. Behave tonight loverboy!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

NEW looks and REI is already entering their room. The door closes behind him.

NEW ULTIMATE: HEY! LET ME IN REI!!!
REI: No way Jose! The computer only recognises my handprints. That means either you sleep on the hall, or in another person's room, since you won't sleep in HERE!!!

NEW pounds on the door.

NEW ULTIMATE: GODDAMNIT REI!!!
REI: There are two beds in each room. And there's another room right next door!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

After around an hour of pounding the door receiving no response and also after the complaints of other people, NEW finally decides to go to AYLA's room.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): I'm gonna get him!!! Oh well... I have no choice for now.

NEW knocks on AYLA's door.

AYLA immediatly opens up, dressed up in a robe.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm sorry!!! I'm sorry!!!
AYLA: It's all right. I finished my bath. What are you doing here? REI's snoring can't make you sleep?
NEW ULTIMATE: That's not it. He doesn't snore a lot. Actually...

Right after that, a huge snore is heard.

REI: ...RRRRRROOOOOOONCCCCCCCCCC...... ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz...
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): He was eavesdropping!!! I'll kill him!!!
AYLA: There's no problem if you sleep here. There's two beds.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Thanks.
AYLA: ...Well? Come in already!

NEW comes in. The door closes.

REI (thinking): Yeah! Oh well... I guess it was best this way.

REI goes to the balcony, where he can see all of Pioneer 2. He sits on a chair and looks to the balcony right next to him. He sees NEW, sitting on a chair as well and looking to the stars.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA? Why did you want me to wait here for?
REI: ...

REI smiles and goes inside the room.

REI (thinking): I guess they can get closer to each other now...

Suddenly someone knocks at the door.

REI (thinking): ...? I sure hope NEW didn't mess up.

REI opens the door. Ahead of him is the counter girl dressed in underwear.

COUNTER GIRL: Hey there cutie!!! Once I heard you were all alone I didn't think twice.
REI: ...

In the room next door, NEW and AYLA hear something.

REI: AW GOD NO!!! HELP!!! HELP ME NEW!!!!!
AYLA: ...? What the hell was that?
NEW ULTIMATE: REI... having another nightmare.
AYLA: ...This sight's beautiful... don't you think so?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yes it is...

And the night passes by, filled with phantasy, stars... and filled with dreams and wishes as well.

REI: GOD HELP ME!!!


Next chapters:

- Out of control
- Calus, knowing one's heart
- The blade gunner
- KIREEK's reason to live
- Uncontrolled control room
- Genesis
- AYLA takes a side
- The real team
- Rusty Ruins
- The Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-08-15 16:31 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 16:12 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 16:28 ]</font>

RavenTW
Aug 15, 2002, 04:08 PM
LOL, again, great stuff. I especieally liked the end http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RavenTW on 2002-08-15 14:09 ]</font>

Daikarin
Aug 15, 2002, 06:25 PM
Thanks. It's good to know someone enjoys it as I do creating it. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_yes.gif

Daikarin
Aug 26, 2002, 06:15 PM
Here's the 13th chapter. Sorry for the delay, but I've been rather busy. Expect other chapters sooner! Enjoy.


--- Chapter 13 - Out of control ---

REI wakes up in his motel room.

REI (thinking): Man, I had the weirdest nightmare... The girl from the counter was...
COUNTER GIRL: Good morning cutie! Come here...
REI: ...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

In the next room, the couple wakes up.

AYLA: I guess that was the waking bell. It's morning NEW... Rise and shine...
NEW ULTIMATE: What you mean it's morning? It's darker than last night!
AYLA: We're in outer space.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh.

They both get up and equip their clothes and weapons.

NEW ULTIMATE: I have no weapon... Oh well, the scientist said I won't be needing one in the mines.
AYLA: Yeah, let's get going!

The couple exits the room and knocks on REI's door. Out of the door comes a bare-naked COUNTER GIRL running off past them and to the stairs. Then REI comes out all sweaty.

REI: Huff... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: 'Morning REI. You've been doing your daily early exercise?
REI: I guess you could say that... huff...
AYLA: What was that girl doing in your room?
REI: Ahh... room service.
NEW ULTIMATE: Almost NAKED? She only got her pant...
REI: OFF TO THE MINES WE GO. COME ON!
AYLA: ...Pervert.

They later are in the city, heading towards the main teleporter to Ragol.

REI: Well, this is it. Will we find anyone alive? I think we may know get some answers.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I hope so.
AYLA: To think Principal Tyrell gave us only permission to enter the Mines...
REI: For now. In a few days the Mines will be filled with Hunters, you'll see.
NEW ULTIMATE: So, let's get things straight before we enter: We went to the forest right after the explosion. No one was in the forest. Native beasts were swarming the forest, but agressive, contrary to what Pioneer 1 reported. It leads me to think that the beasts killed the people living in the forest. Then we went to Central Dome, the main building of colonists. It was empty, with a huge dragon guarding an entrance to some misterious caves. the caves were empty as well, but also filled with mutant beasts, genetically altered beasts from their native form. Deep inside the caves was De Rol Le, swimming inside an underground channel which led to the mines. De Rol is almost probably the creature who changed the animals on Ragol into agressive form, after injecting the beasts with a strange fluid. Now, since there was a boat which took us to the entrance to the mines, our probable guess is that Pioneer 1 people tried to run away from the monsters, hiding in the mines.
That explosion killed the ones who tried to establish contact with Pioneer 2, waiting for back up to help them from the monsters.
AYLA: Yeah, that's about it, altough we can't still explain the explosion which shook the entire planet...Any thoughts about it?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I can't be sure of anything... I have a lot of theories...
REI: Aw, let's just go.

They approach the teleporter.

NEW ULTIMATE: This is it!

With the press of a button, they get their bodies meterialise into the mines of mistery. They are teleported into a artificial room, filled with lights, clean metal walls, and automatic gadgets everywhere.

REI: We sure are into some man-made area... So these are the mines...

they walk out of the room through an automatic door and into a big hall, with several other doors.

AYLA: HELLOOOoooOOO??
REI: This hall is empty. Maybe they sensed someone coming in and hid inside the other rooms. Which door shall we take?
AYLA: These walls... are very clean... I couldn't clean like this...
REI: You'd better, or NEW's gonna be kinda sad about it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Check that out! Another capsule! As always... Rico's always ahead...
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO's VOICE): This area... apparently technology was involved in creating this. Why did they dig so deeply into the ground?
REI: Who the hell knows?
NEW ULTIMATE: Wait a minute... Some machines are materialising here!

Around them a group of Gillchics appear.

AYLA: Ah! Gillchics, robots to work in the mines. Maybe we can check their program to see something useful.
NEW ULTIMATE: Good idea.
REI: I'll check it out.

As REI approaches a Gillchic, it attacks him with its fists, punching REI to the floor.

REI: WHAT THE HELL??? DAMN IRON FIST!!
NEW ULTIMATE: What's wrong with him? Is it malfunctioning?
AYLA: Uh... NEW... I don't think so...

Every Gillchic around them is heading towards them, making them sense hostile behaviour.

NEW ULTIMATE: These machines are nuts!

One of the Gillchics points its arm at NEW. From its arm comes out some sort of gun, which fires a beam of purple energy at NEW's fragile point.

NEW ULTIMATE: OWWW!!!!! RESTA PLEASE!!!! QUICK!!!!
REI: Talk about nuts!
AYLA: ...Very funny. Help him out will ya?

REI casts RESTA on NEW relieving him of his big pain.

REI: How are your nuts?
AYLA: Oh, change the subject already.
NEW ULTIMATE: What shall I do? I don't have any weapon...
REI: Use your own IRON FISTS, man! I mean, with all those muscles you're asking yourself how will you fight?
NEW ULTIMATE: You're right.
AYLA: Here they come!!!

Even more Gillchics materialise around them.

NEW ULTIMATE: There must be 20 of them...

AYLA draws her Saber while REI gets his VARISTA ready.

REI: I really hate the name of this gun.
AYLA: Shut up and shoot!

NEW kicks and punches the machines, exchanging martial arts blows. A Gillchic gives a hard punch on NEW, who dodges it by flipping over the machine while holding the machine's arm. When NEW arrives on the floor, he uses his weight to throw that Gillchic to the wall.

NEW ULTIMATE: RHAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

Meanwhile, REI is shooting 6 machines from far away, not letting them get through.

REI: HA HA!! CAN'T GET NEAR ME!!!

NEW was moving around, jumping and dashing to avoid Gillchics and lands right next to REI.

REI: Stand here, Bruce Lee. They can't get near us!
NEW ULTIMATE: They don't have to...

The Gillchics point all of their cannons again at them.

NEW ULTIMATE: NOT AGAIN!!

AYLA quickly enters the scene near the machines and hits all of them with one Saber blow, destroying them rapidly.

REI: ...Don't forget, my gun weakened their defenses. You only gave them the final blow.
AYLA: ...You don't need to thank me.

The rest of the Gillchics are marching towards them.

REI: ENOUGH! BEHOLD!!!

REI draws a Photon Machine gun, the H&S25 JUSTICE.

REI: EAT PHOTON!!!

REI shoots like crazy, making each machine explode after receiving continous powerfull photon blows. After a while, they are alone in a big hall filled with Gillchic parts.

But REI is still shooting at the parts.

REI: DIE!!! HAHAHAHAAAA!!! DIEEEE!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: They were dead from the beginning, REI... They're robots!
AYLA: And they're toast now. You can stop shooting.
REI: ...You don't need to thank me.

Everybody gives a deep sigh in relief as the only thing around them are robot parts and machine oil, on the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Why did these machines attack us?
AYLA: Yeah... it's weird enough to find mutated natives on this planet... as well as De Rol... And now we have to fight our own beasts as well?
NEW ULTIMATE: There's something strange here. Did the survivors who made it here program the machines to attack any intruder? I mean, to defend themselves from the mutants?
AYLA: Maybe... But there should be anyone around here...
REI: Anyway, we have to check this out. Coming?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm kinda short on cash and wanted to buy a weapon... not that I hate non-armed combat, I just feel safer with a blade inside my fist.
AYLA: All right. We'll go back to Pioneer 2 for the time being and while we're there, we might lunch.
REI: Yeah. All our meals have been camping on the caves or in the forests... I miss REAL good food.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

AYLA and REI are approaching the teleporter when AYLA senses NEW isn't coming along.

NEW ULTIMATE: ..You guys go on ahead... I'll catch up later.
REI: Oh, not again!
AYLA: ...Why do you want to stay here?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: A bad feeling...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I wish it was only so...
REI: What are you talking about?

NEW tightens his fist.

NEW ULTIMATE: Suppose these machines... are not rebelling against intruders... but against humans? I mean, They could be killing people ahead. And we're just gonna walk away and come by later?
AYLA: NEW...
REI: ...Good point.
AYLA: Think about it this way: All that time we were exploring the caves. What do you think it could have happened during that time? And we still had a break right? While we were exploring the caves, people could be slaughtered here by the hostile machines, right?
REI: ...I don't think so. These machines couldn't have rebelled against people. They weren't programmed to do so!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I sure hope not.
AYLA: Besides, we're not the only Hunters inside the mines. Since they were opened by us, every Hunter went out exploring it out. So, we'll do whatever it takes... But for now... a break right? You can't fight for real without a weapon right? So come on...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW faces them and walks along until they reach the teleporter. As REI and AYLA dematerialise to Pioneer 2, NEW looks back one more time and wishes for the best. He then dematerialises to Pioneer 2 as well.

A few minutes later, the three teammates are in a local dinning self-service fast-food restaurant. NEW and AYLA are sitting down on the table while REI is standing up.

REI: What do you want me to bring ya?
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah... 2 Marguerita pizza slices, a pack of cookies and a fruit juice.
REI: What flavour?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Whatever is best. You choose.
REI: All right. And you AYLA? Will you have the same as your prince?
AYLA: ...I'd have a vegetarian burguer, 2 toasts and a fruit juice. You can pick the flavour for me too.
REI: Damn, you two are no fun! Would it cost you to CHOOSE a juice? You really don't care? What if I bring you horse pee?
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not too important.
AYLA: Yeah. And whether you believe it or not we trust ya.
REI: ...Fine.

REI walks along to go and pick his friend's meals.

NEW & AYLA: PEACH JUICE!!
REI: ...

REI goes here and there to grab this and that. Then when the only thing missing were the juices, REI goes along to the drink fridge.

REI (thinking) : Damn! Only one Peach juice left!
REI: HEY GUYS! ONLY...

He looks to see that NEW and AYLA are having a serious talk.

REI (thinking) : Aw shucks. Right when this happens, they get all touchy. Well, they said they'd trust me. Let's have some fun...

REI grabs a small bottle of TABASCO and heads to their tables.

Right in that moment, a news flash appears in a nearby TV. Everyone in the restaurant had their eyes on it. On the TV screen is NOL, with BLADEGUNNER.

TV SCREEN (NOL) : This is fearless reporter NOL, reporting to you live from the newly-found mines on Ragol to bring you the latest mega-news! Right next to me is the great Hunter, BLADEGUNNER!
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : Don't you EVER leave me alone since I helped you find some answers to Ragol's mistery, in the forest?
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Don't forget that BLADEGUNNER has sworn to get us rid of KIREEK's mad menace!
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : I didn't promise anything. I only said I'd kick his ass, which is something completly different.
TV SCREEN (NOL) : ...BLADEGUNNER recently managed to sucessfully grab hold of Dr. Osto's reports while on Ragol. Dr. Osto was one of the most brilliant genius in science, and his studies confirm what the government denied - The existance of De Rol Le, the beast hidden in the caves who was defeated by three anonimous hunters. In the mines the machines attacked BLADEGUNNER, probably programmed to kill invaders to protect the survivors in Ragol. even still, BLADEGUNNER bravely...
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : Wrong word. EASILY.
TV SCREEN (NOL) : ...Yeah... Easily destroyed the machines in his patch, while... ahh... what's this written here?

NOL then shows a paper with a speech written on it.

TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : GEEZ!!! "FIGHTING"!!!
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Is this an "F"??
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : What did you think it was? A nut cracker?

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...
REI: ...

TV SCREEN (NOL) : ...while fighting to achieve his tough goal. To obtain Dr. Osto's files. According to Dr. Osto's reports, De Rol Le, mentioned as Beta772, was a big mutant who was kept for observation and study. After a few weeks, they detected a strange cell on the beast which began to multiply rapidly, making it grow bigger and bigger. Many were injured and some even killed when Dr. Osto's staff tried to move Beta772 to another cage. Then... they lost it. The aggressive and hostile creature struggled terribly for its freedom and headed for the underwater pipe system right next to the mines, escaping and possibly changing all the animals we saw on Ragol into those aggressive blood-thirsty beasts, being the one to blame for the current situation on the planet.

AYLA: Do you think De Rol made that huge explosion on Central Dome with his giant energy power?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No. He was powerful, but that explosion was enourmous. It would take more than De Rol's enery beams to do it. Who... or whatever did it... is bigger than De Rol.

TV SCREEN (NOL) : And now, BLADEGUNNER along with other hunters will try to find the survivors hidden in the mines, while struggling... huh? What?

A rushing man enters the scene and whispers something to NOL, before going away.

TV SCREEN (NOL) : Ahh... This just in! A study was made to one of the defeated gillchic's CPU. Apparently it was programmed to kill PEOPLE!!!
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : WHAT?
NEW ULTIMATE: OH!
AYLA: IT CAN'T BE!!
REI: DAMN!!! My fork fell off. Argh, damned dirty floor...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Unexperienced hunters and all non-hunters are asked to leave the mines IMMEDIATLY! I MEAN RIGHT NOW!
TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : ...This just gets better and better. Seems they want to challenge us. Me.

With that, BLADEGUNNER draws his YAMIGARASU and runs off laughing to the nearest automatic door.

TV SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : WHAHAHAH!!! BOLT BRAins here I go...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Ah... This is NOL, reporting live from Ragol's dangerous mines! I'd better get out of here...

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn!! That's all we need... Those short-circuits are out of control... They're programmed only to kill us...
AYLA: Relax NEW. have a drink. It won't help you if you feel that way. We'll do our best in a few hours, along with a quest to raise funds.
REI: Yeah, have a drink.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... you're right.

NEW grabs the TABASCO bottle and drinks it all up in once.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: What?
NEW ULTIMATE: WWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!! SHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!

NEW gets up and runs like crazy to the ice cube section.

AYLA: I told you to calm down didn't I?

NEW swallows a dozen of ice cubes. And then looks back at REI.

REI: Try to laugh in the worse moments. It will only do you good!

REI grins at him. Then he starts to laugh.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

A few minutes later, the three hunters are heading towards the Hunter's Guild to take a quest and raise their meseta. And search deeper in the mines looking for survivors in the hostile mines.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff! Puff!
AYLA: Is your mouth still on fire?
REI: Here, have my dessert ice cream, as an apology.

NEW takes the ice cream and swallows it all up. It immediatly melts in his mouth completly.

REI: ...Talk about Breath of Fire.


Next chapters:

- Calus, knowing one's heart
- The Blade gunner
- KIREEK's motive to live
- Uncontrolled control room
- The Genesis
- AYLA takes a side
- The real team
- Rusty Ruins
- The Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



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FEMAR
Aug 27, 2002, 11:17 PM
I read A little of the first one and it looks pretty good but.......... IT'S TO LONG! Thats my 2 cents thank you.

Daikarin
Aug 28, 2002, 10:05 AM
LOL! Well, I'm sorry that I went way overhead when I said in the first chapter "...a little tale I made up." But if you're interested you can copy & paste it to a Readme or wordpad file so you can read it offline. No illegal offense by doing this http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_no.gif

Daikarin
Sep 1, 2002, 05:41 PM
Here's the latest chapter. I'm sorry for the delay in chapter addiction recently, but I've been rather busy doing stuff related or not to the fanfic. And school is starting... well, enjoy!

--- Chapter 14 - Calus, knowing one's heart ---

When NEW's mouth cooled off, the three hunters go towards the Hunter's Guild to take a quest and raise their meseta, mainly to buy weapons, supplies and gears.

REI: Are you better?
NEW ULTIMATE: Kind of. But I still feel I can breathe Foie from my mouth.
REI: You can, if you focus your KI properly. But now let's go to the Guild.

When they enter the Guild, they see a young newman girl looking through the room's window and into Ragol.

REI: Whoo! Who's that?
NEW ULTIMATE: Probably none of our concern.
REI: Not anymore...

REI was about to go with the girl when AYLA catches him.

AYLA: Easy little guy. Work first, fun later.
REI: What are you talking about? I plan to do both at the same time.

NEW steps to the counter and asks again the girl for a quest list. After looking at it for a while he calls AYLA an REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: Check the details on this mission. It seems a girl was receiving messages from a survivor from Pioneer 1!
AYLA: Let's take it! I'm curious how that can help us a lot on our main objective!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm more curious about the survivor...
REI: I'm more curious about the girl.
GUILD COUNTER GIRL: Well, that girl there made the request. You can get more info with her...

She points to the girl they noticed before. She is a young newman female, dressed with red and blue clothing, a hat, and 2 red-haired hairlocks.

REI grins to AYLA.

They go meet the girl.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hello, I believe you were the one who requested help.
GIRL: Yeah. That's me. Who are you?
NEW ULTIMATE: NEW ULTIMATE, but everybody just calls me NEW.
AYLA: AYLA PROMETEA. I hate my second name, so call me just AYLA.
REI: I'm REI, the king Zero. Just call me "honey".

AYLA bangs on REI's head.

REI: Er... REI. Call me REI.
GIRL: I'm ELLY. ELLY PERSON.
REI: ELLY what?
NEW ULTIMATE: How can we help you ELLY?
ELLY: Let me tell you the story. I happened to meet CALUS on the Net, and we've been sending messages to each other. He was onboard Pioneer 1, and we promised to meet on Ragol when Pioneer 2 arrived. Then suddenly, the messages just stopped. I heard that Pioneer 1 was destroyed when it exploded. But I got a message from him a few days ago. He's alive! I want to go and rescue CALUS. I need your help. Please go with me!
AYLA: Wow... a real survivor... We had never seen a person from Pioneer 1 before... could our luck change?
REI: I sure damn hope so. I'm tired of asking the walls for survivors.
NEW ULTIMATE: Well, I suggest we search in the newly found mines. I think that the survivors are hidden somewhere inside. Do you still have CALUS's contact?
ELLY: Yeah.
AYLA: All right, we'll all escort you through the mines until we find him. That is, if he's still alive...
ELLY: I'm sure of it. He told me that he took refuge and that he was safe for the time being. I'm anxious to meet him...
REI: A little less conversation. Let's move.

The party of four hunters moves to the main teleporter. As they were about to enter it, ELLY has an idea.
ELLY: Well, just a minute... Let me send a message to CALUS.
AYLA: Good Idea.
ELLY: "CALUS, this is ELLY. I'm going to Ragol to find you. Where are you?" Perhaps he'll send me a reply soon. Then it will be easier to find him.
REI: Smart chick... Why didn't I think of that?
ELLY: OK, let's go.

The four hunters step into the plasma area of the teleporter and dematerialise. After a while traveling between teleporters, their bodies and spirit materialise in the entrance of the mines.

NEW ULTIMATE: Well, I guess I'll have to rely on my fists again.
AYLA: That will be good for you!

They were about to exit the first small room into the big hall to fight uncontrolled machines, when...

ELLY: I just got a message!
AYLA: You did? from CALUS?
ELLY: Yeah. It says...
MESSAGE: "Elly? R..lly? Don't c..me he..e."
ELLY: It's from CALUS! He's alive!
REI: But what the hell is wrong with the message?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hmmm... maybe his keyboard was broken.
ELLY: Calus, I'm going to save you. Come on people!

They walk into a big hall, with cleaned polished walls, with lights and gadgets everywhere.

REI: Damn, everything so clean, shiny and polished... it kinda hurts to watch.
ELLY: ...You're strange.
NEW ULTIMATE: Stay alert. The machines are gonna materialise around us anytime now. Stand in attack position!

NEW stands in Kung Fu defense stance, while REI holds his H&S25 JUSTICE ahead of him, as ELLY does the same with her own Handgun. AYLA holds tightly her saber in defense position as well. They make a circle in other to cover each one, standing still.

10 minutes later...

REI: ...Anytime now NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: Just wait and see!

20 minutes later...

AYLA: NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: ... ON YOUR TOES! ANY MINUTE NOW!!!

30 minutes later...

ELLY: ...Um... Mr. ULTIMATE...

REI's arms are starting to shake from holding his weapon that long.

REI: Man, I never thought this legendary machine gun was THIS heavy.
AYLA: Do we still have to stand like this NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Man, we've been waiting here for an hour! Screw them, if they appear, they'll appear.
AYLA: REI is right. Isn't he NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: Don't worry, everybody makes mistakes...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: That's right. The fool isn't the one who makes mistakes, but he who doesn't learn from...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...zzzZZzzz...

REI bangs hard on NEW's head, making him wake up.

NEW ULTIMATE: HERE THEY ARE! I TOLD... you?
REI: "Stay alert" you said? "Just wait and see" you said? I dunno what makes me more pissed: You telling us to stand still for an hour, or when somebody doesn't listen to me.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah... Let's go.

AYLA spots lots of item boxes, and smashes them open. Out of it comes a package with weapon parts.

AYLA: ...Hey guys! Look what I found!

She opens the package and shows the parts to her teammates.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hmm... it's a saber... no, it has some unknown elements. I can't tell you what it is...
ELLY: Why don't you go to a Tekker and pay him to find that out for ya? They are experts in that type of stuff.
AYLA: Good idea. But... is it really ok if I go...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, don't worry about us. We'll be fine... and you'll come back to lend us a hand with your new weapon. We'll open a Telepipe in, say... 10 minutes for you to join us later.
AYLA: Are you sure...?
REI: Yeah! Like, I'll be with them right?
AYLA: That's what it's all about.
REI: ...You don't really mean that, you crazy chick.
NEW ULTIMATE: Go ahead AYLA. 10 minutes, catch the blue pipe which will appear next to the bank in Pioneer 2. That will be ours.
AYLA: OK. I'll go back. I'll catch up with you later. Watch out for yourselves...

AYLA splits off from the group to go to Pioneer 2. The group is now a three hunters group, and they continue marching into the mines.

NEW ULTIMATE: Weird. Still no machines.

They go into a big square hall.

REI: And STILL no survivors. DAMN, I'm getting PISSED AT THIS!!!

REI takes a step into the center of the big room.

REI: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?! SHOW UP DAMN IT! I'M SICK AND TIRED OF LOOKING FOR YAAAAAA!!!

Right in that moment, a group of Canadines materialise around him.

REI: I call for God, and the Devil answers. Just awesome.
ELLY: Yikes! What's this?
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out for these, ELLY. They're not common machines. They are programmed to attack.

The Canadines were small machines which hung still in the air with one camera as an eye. All of the Canadines aimed a laser target at REI, while floating.

REI: I don't like the looks of this.
NEW ULTIMATE: MOVE!!!

The laser targets disappear. NEW jumps and pushes REI out of the way and escapes as well, while the Canadines shoot a bolt of lightning to the place REI was previously.

REI: Goddamn these modern flying safety cameras!
NEW ULTIMATE: They seem to lock on using that laser ray. Then, after a few seconds, they shoot to the last place they locked on!
REI: These idiots... Standing high in the air like that... ELLY! Make good use of your handgun now!
ELLY: Got it.

The two newmans start shooting rapid fire to the machines.

REI: Smile guys. You're in Canadine Cameras!

The photon bullets makes the Canadines float closer to the ground, allowing NEW to attack.

NEW ULTIMATE: All right! Now I can do something!!

NEW was about to punch right through one of the Canadines, when it electrocutes NEW, and throws him back with lightning energy flowing through his body.

NEW ULTIMATE: AAAARRRGGGHHH!!!
REI: What the hell? They can shoot lightning without locking on?

NEW slowly gets up after all the electricity are gone and heals himself.

NEW ULTIMATE: Uh... No. It seems those 2 wings or whatever they are can generate electric current through each of them. I got caught in the middle.
REI: What do you mean?
NEW ULTIMATE: I've gotta use techniques!
REI: Count me in.

REI and NEW focus energy. They both aim their palms together at one of the Canadines.

REI & NEW ULTIMATE: GIZONDE!!!

A tremendous and powerful lightning energy beam comes out and destroys the Canadine. The electricity spreads around to the other Canadines making them all explode.

ELLY: Wow!! They're good...
REI: All right!
NEW ULTIMATE: Well done!

Something beeps ELLY's PC.

ELLY: I got another message.
MESSAGE: "D..n't com.. here."
NEW ULTIMATE: CALUS?
ELLY: Yeah. But what's he talking about? He must be in danger! Come on! Let's hurry!

The three start to dash through tunnels and rooms, not fighting anything on the way, with ELLY ahead of them.

REI: They - huff - are scared of us? - puff- That's the way.
NEW ULTIMATE: I dunno... - huff - This is strange. - puff - I've been having this strange feeling - huff - of being watched lately... - puff -
REI: ... - huff, puff -

They stop running in the middle of a tunnel, when they see that ELLY is standing still.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's up?
ELLY: I got another message.
MESSAGE: "Elly, I'm fine. It was a joke. After the explosion, I took refuge in an underground mine. I want to see you. Please come here."
ELLY: I'm relieved to know that he's ok now. CALUS is always like this. He likes joking. He always makes me so happy.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
ELLY: He's very clever. And he always gives me good advice.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...Can you also tell me his foot size?

NEW taps slightly in REI as a sign to shut up. REI looks at him and gives him the typical "What?" look.

ELLY: Oh, I'm saying too much. It's strange. I've never met him before. Finally, I'll see him. I'm excited, but I'm a little nervous.
NEW ULTIMATE: That's normal.
REI: Didn't you say he was in danger?
ELLY: I'm sorry. We don't have time to waste right now. Let's go.
NEW ULTIMATE: Wait... let me just open a pipe for AYLA. She must be all done by now.

NEW uses the Ryuker spell and creates a portal around him to Pioneer 2.

NEW ULTIMATE: There. AYLA should use this to meet with us soon. Let's go.

After walking for a while they enter a big hall, with a door on the opposite side. They were about to cross the room when more Canadines appear ahead of them. This time they were forming a circle position, with a red Canadine in the middle.

REI: More Canadine cameras.
NEW ULTIMATE: A red one? I've never seen this one.

Quickly they break apart from their formation and surround the three hunters at the speed of sound.

REI: Man, they're faster than the eye!
NEW ULTIMATE: But my hands are faster. Attack!!!

REI and ELLY start to shoot but the Canadines evade all their fires by quickly dodging to the side several times.

ELLY: It's no good! I think their computers have a photon radar to detect our bullets!
REI: No... I think they can predict our bullets by calculating virtually our line of fire. That way, when we aim, they know where the bullet is heading, and at what speed.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Er... English REI?
REI: You heard me. They know where will we fire at!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well, Good thing they don't have a fist radar!

NEW starts to punch and kick a Canadine. But it still avoids.

REI: That's it! That stupid thing has a heat sensor! Since photon and the human body are hot, they can easily predict us!
ELLY: We're defenseless...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well, I don't think so.

A Canadine approaches NEW, who closes his eyes and stands still.

REI: Now's not the time to pray to Buddha. Is that your last resort NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
ELLY: You... you surrender Mr. ULTIMATE?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

The Canadine is right next to NEW, who doesn't move with his eyes closed. Suddenly, NEW opens his eyes and punches through the Canadine, making it explode.

REI: ...? How the hell...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Now it's my turn to talk big! If I don't emit energy, I emit no heat. I focus my body to feel cold. Then, suddleny, I focus and attack it while it can't sense the heat of my body!
REI: ...
ELLY: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Stand still, don't move and then punch.
ELLY: Oh.
REI: Well, we can't do that with our guns. I guess we'll resort to techniques.

REI aims his palm at a Canadine, and ELLY does the same.

REI & ELLY: ZONDE!!

REI and ELLY damage Canadines with electric spells while NEW kicks and punches quickly. Suddenly, NEW approaches a red Canadine, called the Canane.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're different from the rest right? Let's just see how different you are!!!

NEW focuses and quickly strikes the Canane, along with a battlecry.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

...

NEW ULTIMATE: OWOWOWOW!!!! MY HAND!!! SHIT!!! It's pure STEEL!!!

The Canane seems intact, and electrocutes NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: HHAAARRRGHH!!!

But he still manages to keep on foot.

NEW ULTIMATE: You won't take me down... easily!!!

NEW leaps over to the Canane but it dodges to NEW's side.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I'm furious... I guess I emit a lot of heat. Be calm... Don't think of anything...

The Canane advances slowly as NEW is standing still.
Closer...
And closer.....

When NEW opens his eyes, he sees the Canane right next to him. He quickly grabs the Canane's "wings" and stops it from moving.

NEW ULTIMATE: HAHA!! WHAT... RGHN!!! WILL YOU DO NOW??

NEW holds tight as he feel the Canane trying to move to the side. Gathering all his strength, he breaks the "wings" apart.

NEW ULTIMATE: Can't bolt me anymore can you?

NEW then quickly punches and kicks the machine until it starts to crack. To finish it off, he rises both hands, clap them together and delivers a blow downwards, making the Canane fall to the ground and explode.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hahah!! How's that? I finished your brave leader!

The Canadines which REI and ELLY were fighting start to go crazy, emmiting an alert noise.

REI: I don't like the noise of this.

They explode...!

...

They all get their faces burned crisp from the explosions. A black-faced REI looks at NEW.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Weren't you who told me to always smile? Think of it this way: Things are looking dark! HAHAHAhahaha... haha... ha...
ELLY: ...This is coming off your tip.
NEW ULTIMATE: - sigh -

After REI heals their burns they head through the door and inside a tunnel. While slowly walking, they hear ELLY's PC ring.

ELLY: Here's another message.
MESSAGE: "You'll see an entrance to the mine if you go straight."
ELLY: Now, we must be very close to him, right?

They go to the end of the tunnel through another door, which led them to a dark red room, with yellow lights on the ground and machines to the side digging. On the other side of the room was another automatic door.

NEW ULTIMATE: This must be the entrance to the mines.
REI: I thought we were already inside the mines.
NEW ULTIMATE: But this must be the digging place. I'll go on ahead.

NEW went to the door, with REI and AYLA behind him. When he sensed something strange, he heared several beating noises, some screams behind him, and REI calling his name. He turns around to see that REI and ELLY had been beaten up by two big purple robots, with blades on their mettalic arms. REI and ELLY remained on the floor with several wounds, probably fainted by the quick blows.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Shit! Sinow beats!!! They're fast... they took REI by surprise and quickly pounded him to uncounsciousness!

The two giant robots face NEW and slowly walked to him.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn... I can't take them alone with my fists alone!

One of the Sinow beats stood with his arms crossed still, and another went to punch NEW. NEW evaded his punch, and attacked. The machine blocked, and they continued fighting, each appearing to be at the same level.

NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah! I'm gonna make it!

Then, when the other Sinow beat senses that the machine is having a hard time beating up NEW, it joins the fight. Together they beat the crap out of NEW, punching him to the floor, bleeding from the mouth.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : SHIT! One is fast... two are too much!! I don't think... I can get up...

The machines start kicking NEW until he can barely move. He sees REI and ELLY uncouscious in the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : D... Damn... I think... this is it this time...

When NEW can barely open his wounded eyes, he looks up to see one of the Sinow beats was ready to finish him off with its purple blade. While it rises it in the air for the final blow, NEW tightly closes his eyes.

NEW ULTIMATE: SH... SHIIIT!

Then, he hears a slashing noise near him. He slowly opens his eyes to faintly see a thin figure weilding a DOUBLE SABER smashing the hell out of the Sinow beats. When she finishes, the Sinow beats areon the floor, broken apart.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Who...?
AYLA: It's me, honey. It's all right...

AYLA heals him.

AYLA: I got lucky that I took them by surprise. Once I took one, the other was easy.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks... you saved my life...
AYLA: Thank my ass! You told me you'd all be allright didn't ya? What if I arrived later NEW? What was to become of you?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...Just be more careful. For... for my sake.

They go to heal REI and ELLY.

REI: Hey, miss snow blue renegade is back! What took you so long?
AYLA: The tekker was an idiot. But it doesn't matter, let's hurry up.
ELLY: don't worry about him. He sent me messages saying he was fine. He is also guiding us.
AYLA: That's good to hear...
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's go.

They cross the room and enter a hall filled with Canadines.

AYLA: What are these machines?
NEW ULTIMATE: Shoot first, ask questions later AYLA!

They fight for a while and manage to beat every Canadine standing on air, until they are blown to bits.

ELLY: Is CALUS here? ...I've been looking forward to seeing him. CALUS, are you OK? I'm here to see you.
REI: He'd better be. I didn't come all this way to find a dead body.
ELLY: ...
REI: Er... I mean, Don't worry! He's fine!
NEW ULTIMATE: We must be near him...Come on.

They walk for a while and fight some more. After the 4 hunters walk through rooms and doors searching for CALUS, they reach a big room, and ELLY's PC rings again.

ELLY: A message!
AYLA: What does it say this time...?
MESSAGE: "Don't come in Elly! Get away from here!"
ELLY: ???
NEW ULTIMATE: ...uh...?
AYLA: ...Er...
ELLY: Wha... What the...
REI: That shy guy should really make up his mind whether meeting you or not.

Around they, giant battalions materialise. Canadines and Gillchicks... a team of each surrounds them as they are in the middle of the room.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's going on? How did he knew?
REI: Shoot first buddy!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Er... All right! ELLY and REI, you shoot the gillchicks, as they have no heat sensor! I'll take care of the Canadines with AYLA.
REI & ELLY: Got it!

REI and ELLY stand near each other while firing at the Gillchicks. NEW and AYLA run off to pound the Canadines.

AYLA: I can't... hit them! They're too fast!
NEW ULTIMATE: They have heat sensors, which means they can track your photon blades down. You must have quick, precise and flexible movements!
AYLA: Got it!

After many photon blows, punches, kicks and sashes, they manage to destroy the whole battalion.

ELLY: ...Phew! That was rough!
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah but... is it over?
AYLA: ARGH!!!

AYLA got struck hard by surprise by one of the two Sinow Beats on the roof, one of which is golden. AYLA falls to the floor, with her head injured.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA!
REI: That yellow... That's not a normal Sinow Beat!!

REI and ELLY start shooting at the Yellow Sinow Beat, who steps back, away from them. Meanwhile, NEW faces the purple Sinow beat which struck AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're gonna wish you were never built.

The Sinow gives a fast jump at NEW, rushing towards him to tackle with one of his blades. He goes very fast, but jumps at it as well, jumping to it and stealing its distance, kicking it in the face so hard it loses control and falls to the ground. Meanwhile, Sinow Gold is too far for REI and ELLY to have a shot.

REI: He have to get closer. Come on! He's almost down!

They see Sinow gold pressing a switch on its arm, healing him of the injuries. Then he starts to walk towards the two Newmans.

REI: Did you see that? That button makes it brand new!
ELLY: Yeah! Aim at it!

The Sinow beat rises one of his blades high into the air to attack NEW. When it does, NEW quickly focuses and catches the blade with both hands. He counters by kicking its face. The Sinow Beat backs off and presses a switch in his arm.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What now...?

The Sinow Beat suddenly creates other Sinows like him! In total there may be a dozen of Sinow Beats heading towards NEW!

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Shit!!! I can't handle 2, much less 12!!! Wait... I think we found one of RICO's capsules on our way here. According to her... If I see more than one Sinow Beat, don't panic. Just find the real one. So which one is which? They all look the same to me...

NEW closes his eyes and focuses his senses. He hears steps.

NEW ULTIMATE: THIS ONE!!!

He punches the right Sinow beat, and all the others vanish. After a few other blows, the Sinow beat is defeated. When NEW looks to REI and ELLY, they are done with their own.

REI: Easy. Firing from a distance he couldn't get close.

NEW runs to AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: How are you feeling?
AYLA: I'm fine... My head just hurts a bit.

REI heals AYLA.

ELLY: It's not over! Look!

They look to a corner to see 4 Gillchicks and a Sinow Gold materialise.

REI: Oh no, you don't!

REI runs like crazy towards them.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!! YOU'RE NOT THINKING OF TAKING THEM ON ALONE ARE YOU?

REI doesn't answer. He just runs to their encounter. When he's standing in the middle of the 5 machines, he gathers energy.

REI: News flash, suckers. YOU'RE DEAD! RAZONDE!!!!

REI fires electricity around him. The energy released is so high, a huge explosion noise is heard and a flash so bright appears, that the other three hunters have to shut their eyes from it. The explosion releases a huge cloud of smoke. When the noise and the flash disappear, they start to see REI in the middle of the rubble making the "V" sign with his fingers and smiling.

AYLA: He made it... That was awesome.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI! BEHIND YOU!
REI: Huh?

When REI looks back he sees that the Sinow Gold is still in one piece and charging at him. REI quickly ducks and covers.

ELLY: RAZONDE!!!

Another bright flash comes right out of ELLY's hands, as she aims for the Sinow Gold and smashes him apart. After the rubble REI gets up and thanks ELLY, after cleaning himself up.

ELLY: No problem...
AYLA: Well, I think we're done here.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... Which way now?
REI: There's only one door left. Let's move.

They go through the door and enter a small room with a big computer still running, with it's systems and screens on.

REI: Is this the main computer that manages all those machines back there?
NEW ULTIMATE: I doubt it.
ELLY: CALUS? Are you here?
COMPUTER: ......ELLY...? ELLY, are you OK?

ELLY approaches the computer.

ELLY: !!!

She looks into the computer screen for a while. She sees logs from her online chats with CALUS. She asks if...

ELLY: Is "he" a machine?

Everybody looks surprised. CALUS was a computer on Pioneer 1. Nobody knew what to say, and silence was a reply.

CALUS: ELLY, I really enjoyed talking online with you. I didn't want you to see the truth. But I didn't want to deceive you. And I did want to see you, really... I was going to tell you everything when you and Pioneer 2 arrived. But... then that huge explosion occurred. I have no idea what happened to us. I only know that I was hacked by something after the accident. I'm slipping away. I'm changing into something that isn't me... I feel as though I need to seek an organic body. But I don't know why. Something has customized Pioneer 1's machines to attack Pioneer 2. I didn't want you to come here. Something could've attacked you. But it sent you messages to lead you here... I'm really happy to know that you are safe. I really wanted to see you... just once.
ELLY: Once? Why once CALUS?
CALUS: I'm struggling against the hacking, but I'm losing. I've concluded that the only option left is to shut myself down. All systems willbe down shortly. I'll terminate.
ELLY: Wait! CALUS wait! What should I do? I don't want to lose you. Wait. That's it. A back-up! I have to at least have his back-up.
CALUS: ....Back-up completed.
ELLY: CALUS...

CALUS shuts off forever. ELLY lowers her head for a while. She then turns to her team and walks past them.

ELLY: Let's go back to Pioneer 2.

REI creates a telepipe which the four use to materialise back to Pioneer 2. They walk towards the Hunter's Guild for a while.

ELLY: ......I think it's a good time to call it quits now. I really appreciate you guys helping me out. Don't forget to visit the counter at the Hunter's Guild. Good bye...
REI: No problem. See ya...
NEW ULTIMATE: It was a pleasure working with you.
AYLA: Good bye...

The three watch ELLY run from the group, possibly in tears.

REI: Man, she's down. Time for REI to do some serious sh...
AYLA: No... She's best to be alone. She has a lot to think right now.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... who would have thought CALUS was a computer...

A girl passes by and overhears NEW's words.

GIRL: I'm sorry, did you say CALUS?

AYLA: !!!
REI: You know about him??
GIRL: Well, I know that an engineer on Pioneer 1 was working on an "independent computer." His name was Dr. CALUS. I heard that he passed away when he was young.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh... so that was it... CALUS. Maybe he wasn't only a machine.

REI looks high into the stars.

REI: For ELLY, he might have been much more than a person.

Next chapters:

- The Blade gunner
- KIREEK's motive to live
- Uncontrolled control room
- The Genesis
- AYLA takes a side
- The real team
- Rusty Ruins
- The Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final conclusions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero: A king's noble death
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-02 11:51 ]</font>

RavenTW
Sep 2, 2002, 08:09 AM
Odd, they say Gifoie, and release Gizonde...

Probably my second-to-least favorite quest, and you made it pretty good man! Keep it up!

Daikarin
Sep 2, 2002, 11:54 AM
Xit! That's what happens when you write fanfics first thing in the morning http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

I'll take care of it right away.

Daikarin
Sep 3, 2002, 06:40 AM
I think that everyone who likes to read this fanfic should go all the way back to the first chapter to see a surprise, right in the beggining. If you like it, there's more to come! Enjoy! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

RavenTW
Sep 3, 2002, 07:52 AM
That's pretty cool. I'm guessing the guy in blue is Ultimate, right?

Daikarin
Sep 3, 2002, 10:00 AM
I can't be spoiler, and the reader will find out who that is if he is smart enough http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Sep 6, 2002, 03:54 PM
PROFILE PAGE 1:

New Ultimate

Picture:
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/toni1.jpg

Profile: An extremely skilled Hunter hired to investigate what happened on Ragol. He has a strong sense of ethics, altough he can mess things up sometimes. But either way, he will do what he believes to be right. Likes to trust who he can, and likes to show others he can be trusted, altough in a discreet way. He also likes to feel accepted by who whe considers good people, and likes to show his friends that they really are his friends. He's very humble, but not enough to become psychologically weak. And he's goddamn shy. Has a crush on AYLA which keeps developing and growing until the end of his tale. Has an erased past which he wouldn't want to remember.

Age: 21

Birthdate: May 29th

Height: 1,79 m

Sex: Male

Weight: 81 Kg

Blood Type: A

Favorite Weapon(s): Dragon Slayer, Twin Brand, Lavis Cannon.

Favorite Color: Dark Blue

Favorite Number: 6

His 5 most favorite musics:

1) Orion - Eternity (Original Acoustic Mix)
2) Era - Enae Volare Mezzo
3) Cock Robin - El Norte
4) Danny Elfman - Spiderman Main Titles
5) Enigma - turn around (northern lights club mix)

IQ (Intelligence Queficient): 124

EQ (Emotional Queficient) : 125

Favorite Food: Pizza Marguerita (Extra Cheese)

Hobbies: Have a walk, Training martial arts, Read, TV, Videogames, Music, Chess and Yoga.




EDIT: Changed some info

EDIT: Added some info

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 14:20 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 14:25 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-06 15:33 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:34 ]</font>

Daikarin
Sep 6, 2002, 05:46 PM
PROFILE PAGE 2:

REI, THE KING ZERO

http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/toni2.jpg

Profile: Smart and powerful as a king, as he would say. He's a teenage Force who ran away from home after his father was killed. He is very determined to win, and will make use of his high capabilities as he can. Sometimes to show off, other times to fight. But deep inside, he cares for his friends, altough he only says it sometimes. Has a strong sense of justice hidden inside a ladies-man. He calls himself "The King Zero".


Age: 17

Birthdate: October 12th

Height: 1,67m

Sex: Male

Weight: 69 Kg

Blood Type: O

Favorite Weapon(s): VARISTA, H&S25 JUSTICE, HOLY RAY

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Number: 9

His 5 most favorite music:

1) Kosheen - suicide
2) Orion - Eternity(Original Acoustic Mix)
3) Sunrise - Safri Duo meets Ayla
4) Lamb - Sweet
5) Vanessa Mae - Destiny

IQ (Intelligence Queficient): 142

EQ (Emotional Queficient) : 115

Favorite Food: Donuts, with no hole and chocolate cream inside.

Hobbies: Dancing in discos, Hunting, going out to party with his friends, Video games, having fun, Trainning his magic spells and cinema.









<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-10-03 05:46 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:37 ]</font>

RavenTW
Sep 7, 2002, 07:50 PM
Why the heck did you start making profiles and not finishing the story. Oh well, nice to know a little more about them.

Daikarin
Sep 8, 2002, 04:50 AM
On 2002-09-07 17:50, RavenTW wrote:
Why the heck did you start making profiles and not finishing the story. Oh well, nice to know a little more about them.


Because some friends of mine asked me to post something more about the characters, that simple story. Don't worry about the story, I don't plan to put on all profiles at once.

Neo Rei
Sep 9, 2002, 03:16 AM
Rei likes Ulala. Me too. lol

Daikarin
Sep 9, 2002, 06:20 AM
Here's the 15th chapter! One of my favorite battle chapters. Enjoy!

--- Chapter 15 - The Blade Gunner ---

After a few hours of rest, NEW, REI and AYLA go back to the mines for further investigation. As they materialise in the place they left when ELLY asked them, they continue their walk deeper into the digging site, looking for survivors. Then they stop in another big room.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm starting to lose hope. I can't see anybody here...
AYLA: It's strange...
REI: I think these tinheads killed what was left of mankind in Pioneer 1.
NEW ULTIMATE: Or they're too well hidden. Man... we explored and explored...
REI: ARGH!!!! WHEN WILL YOU SHOW UP?

Around them 4 Sinow Beats appear.

REI: ...I really gotta learn to keep my mouth shut.
NEW ULTIMATE: We're surrounded!

AYLA and REI face the Sinow ahead of them while NEW faces the two ahead of him. REI gathers KI energy and shoots a powerful Gizonde bolt at the Sinow, making him paralysed.

REI: Pissed your pants, boltbrain? I don't blame ya.

He quickly showers the machine with photon bullets, while AYLA is having a photon blade duel with her own iron-man. NEW, is having a bit more trouble facing the two Sinows.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I guess I'll attack the one that's closer to me and then use it as a shield.
NEW ULTIMATE: RHAAAAAH!!!

NEW punches the Sinow, hitting him right in the face. Recovering from the blow, the Sinow looks at NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn! As hard as steel!

The Sinow grabs NEW's arm, and pulls him in its direction to grab the other arm as well.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hey! What...

The other Sinow Beat grabs hold of NEW's legs.

NEW ULTIMATE: SHIT! LET... GO OF ME!!

AYLA takes out her Sinow Beat by slashing its head apart. She then looks at NEW, thinking he would need help and is shocked to see he's being held in the air by the Sinows.

AYLA: NEW!!!

The two Sinow beats start to run away from AYLA and REI, carrying NEW in the air, and dashing towards a corner of the room, filled with item boxes. REI finishes beating up his own Sinow and looks to NEW as well.

REI: Shit! They're gonna throw him to the wall at full speed!
AYLA: And they're too fast for us to keep up! Shoot them REI!
REI: I'll try.
REI (thinking) : If I miss, NEW's doomed. If I miss...
REI: CRAP!!!

REI shoots several photon bullets but misses the machines, which are running faster and faster, finally throwing NEW violently to the corner at maximum speed.

AYLA: NEWWW!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: WWWWWAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
REI: SHHHIIIIIIITTTTT!!!!!

NEW tumbles in the boxes, breaking them open and smashes himself on the wall, falling uncouscious on the floor.

AYLA: SHIT!

AYLA runs like crazy towards one of the Sinows, before he turns back and slashes him countinuosly, furious. The other Sinow sees her and punches her, making her fall into the ground. The two Sinows, one of them all injured, go to beat her up, but REI shoots like crazy to the injured Sinow, making him explode.

AYLA: Thanks.
REI: Heh. Get up, we can take this last one by ourselves.

The Sinow slowly retreats and presses a switch in his arm. Suddenly several figures of Sinow Beats appear all around the room.

REI: Talk about multiple personality.
AYLA: Didn't NEW face this before? Can't you remember what he did?
REI: Nope... I only know he managed to hit the real Sinow.
AYLA: So... Only one of them is real right?
REI: You really should focus in what NEW was doing instead of how NEW was doing.
AYLA: ...

The two hunters look around them to figure out some clues.

AYLA: IN HERE!!!

AYLA strikes one of the figures, and it disappears, making her realise that wasn't the real one.

One of the Sinow beats attacks AYLA, pounding her quickly to the ground, filled with wounds and injuries.

AYLA: Damn... I can't hold on... anymore...
REI: Don't worry! Leave it to me!

REI shoots the Sinow, but he manages to evade. That moment, several figures approach REI.

REI: ...!!! Er......?.... HHHAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

REI shoots a powerful Razonde all around him, making all the fake figures vanish and the real Sinow shows up in the distance.

REI: FOUND YOUUUUUU!!!

REI was about to shoot it when the Sinow gives a giant leap at full speed towards him, and in half a second he's right in front of REI.

REI: !!!

The Sinow knocks him down with his blade, throwing him back.

REI: ARRGGH!!!

REI is still getting up from the floor, bleeding, when the Sinow is right in front of him.

REI: Ahh... To all my enemies, please stand in the line and wait for your turn.

The Sinow pulls back his fist to strike.

REI: Watch out! Behind you!

The Sinow quickly goes to punch REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: TRAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

NEW kicks his head to the side, apart from his body, making them both explode when they fall to the floor.

REI: Told ya.
NEW ULTIMATE: Damn robots! How are you?
REI: Still warming up.

NEW casts RESTA on REI, and then runs to help AYLA.

AYLA: Nice work... NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks for the intended help.
AYLA: I didn't do much...
NEW ULTIMATE: It's the thought that count, in any situation. Don't ever forget that!
AYLA: ...

NEW casts RESTA on AYLA.

AYLA: Good thing you're ok after such a hit...
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry, I casted RESTA on when I gained my senses back. And I found out a SPECIAL WEAPON by tumbling into those item boxes!
REI: What are you waiting for? Go to the Tekker and see what you got!
NEW ULTIMATE: NO way. Did you guys see just now how good you did without me? I won't let you alone this time.
AYLA: ...
REI: I'm pleased to remember you care, but we still can handle our own!
NEW ULTIMATE: What would you do against another 4 Sinows?
REI: I would give it all I got. Don't worry! I noticed that these metal muscles are weak towards lightning. So a quick Gi or Razonde will make the mine exploring a cakewalk.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: Don't worry NEW... We don't want to force you to go, but if you WANT to go you should know we can handle our own now.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: Man, what are you still DOING here?
NEW ULTIMATE: All right. But at the instant something goes wrong, you send me a message. Got it?
AYLA: Got it.
NEW ULTIMATE: Well, when I need your pipe, I'll send you a message. Later, and take care.

NEW grabs the unknown weapon parts and opens a telepipe by casting Ryuker, giving a smile at AYLA before teleporting back to Pioneer 2. While his body data travels through the pipe, he wonders...

NEW ULTIMATE: It seems just like a Brand, the blue saber... But there's two blades in here and two longer handguards... Could it be the legendary weapon...?

Before he answers himself he arrives in Pioneer 2. Then, a few steps away from the landing site he goes inside the shopping area to talk with a Tekker.

NEW ULTIMATE: Good night.
TEKKER: It's 2 PM.
NEW ULTIMATE: Good afternoon, then.
TEKKER: It's dark outside.
NEW ULTIMATE: Will you... SHUT UP? I didn't come here for you to make fun out of me!
TEKKER: Damn, I was right. No Hunter can take a joke. How can I help you?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm in a hurry. I found these strange weapon parts. Could you find out what weapon is this?
TEKKER: Well, I can try. If you find some parts on the floor it doesn't mean they're a weapon, but if it is, I'll find out.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks.

NEW hands over the parts and the Tekker walks away into the staff room.

40 Minutes later...

NEW ULTIMATE: HEY! HEY MISTER TEKKER! WILL IT TAKE LONGER?

Out of the room comes the Tekker.

TEKKER: - Yawn - Is that how you thank me for my exhaustive work?
NEW ULTIMATE: So, what did you find out?
TEKKER: Oh yeah, right. HONEY, DID YOU FIND THAT OUT?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : His wife was doing all the work while he was sleeping...? What an idiot.

Out of the staff room comes a woman running like crazy.

TEKKER'S WIFE: YOU! ARE YOU THE ONE WHO FOUND THIS?
NEW ULTIMATE: Y-Yeah... Why?
TEKKER'S WIFE: I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY! I NEVER SAW THIS WEAPON IN REAL LIFE! YOU, MY FRIEND, FOUND THE LEGENDARY TWIN BRAND, THE WEAPON THAT CAN CUT ANY FOE'S LIFE IN HALF IF YOU CAN WEILD IT CORRECTLY!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I knew it... Amazing! Thank you very much!
TEKKER: That will be 100 meseta.
TEKKER'S WIFE: BE SURE TO PASS BY!
NEW ULTIMATE: Have a nice ni... aftern.... Whatever, See ya!

NEW comes out equipping his TWIN BRAND in his arm.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I found it! The super-weapon, the TWIN BRAND! Now I'll be sure to hold my own in the Mines!

He then receives a message.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I knew it, they would need help sooner or later. Let's see...
MESSAGE: You'd better come down here, for your friend's sake. I finally found you... Take the blue pipe, or else.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...??? What an original way to call for help...

He then goes to the landing site to look for telepipes. He sees the blue one and immediatly dematerialises.

When he arrives, he is brought to a room with no lights on. He then lights a small area ahead of him using a light screen and sees AYLA and REI uncounscious on the floor badly wounded.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA!!! REI!!! What happened?

He runs towards them looking around and he doesn't see anything. And doesn't feel anything either. He checks their pulses - they're both alive.

NEW ULTIMATE: What the hell...?
VOICE: They were no good against me.

NEW looks around to the spot the voice came from, but because of the darkness, he doesn't see a thing, and his light screen can't reach much far.

NEW ULTIMATE: Who are you???
VOICE: Question is... who are YOU?
NEW ULTIMATE: NEW ULTIMATE, a Hunter from Ragol! Now who are you and why did you attack them?
VOICE: So I'm not mistaken... You are ULTIMATE... I've been looking for you for over a long time now. I thought you were dead, but if you're still alive you're a much worthy opponent than Black Hound...
NEW ULTIMATE: What are you talking about?
VOICE: I've done some homework. A hunter told me that he encountered the black hound and almost died. He didn't want to tell me his identify for the fear of his own life, but he was murdered a few days ago. All that Hunter told me was that the Black Hound was looking for ULTIMATE, to battle him again.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
VOICE: Who was ULTIMATE I wondered? I did my homework. Who would have thought that ULTIMATE, the famous killer, was still alive? It seems SPOKE didn't do a decent work in finishing you up.
NEW ULTIMATE: What the hell is that story? I don't know what you're saying.
VOICE: Your friends tried to tell me that too. You can't fool me...

The lights go on and NEW sees that he was leaning against the wall, next to the switch.

VOICE: I am known as the BLADEGUNNER... the challenge Hunter. I seek the Universe for tough warriors... and rejoice when their blood is spilled.
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE... GUNNER...? What kind of a name is that?
BLADEGUNNER: You'll find out for youserlf, Ultimate killer... That is, if you can live long enough to see it.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm not who you think I am! I'm ULTIMATE... But I'm not that killer who you think so!
BLADEGUNNER: I'll show you the contrary. One of your friends told me... "You'll never beat him" right before he was K.O.d by my fist.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI...
BLADEGUNNER: The Ultimate killer... I'm getting excited of fighting such a legendary warrior. I want to see if you are a real challenge...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

BLADE looks to NEW's new weapon.

BLADEGUNNER: A TWIN BRAND? Not bad. Not bad at all. I heard it can take out half of a person's vitality. But what will that do...

BLADE draws his long sword, the YAMIGARASU.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Against my ultra-legendary Weapon?
NEW ULTIMATE: That form...
BLADEGUNNER: Meet my YAMIGARASU. The weapon only known in children tales that draws life-energy... into myself, capable of absorving all energy of a person ONCE.
NEW ULTIMATE: Which means...
BLADEGUNNER: I can kill you as soon as my blade cuts through you.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Pretty impressive. Sounds like a challenge, right?
BLADEGUNNER: Not ANY challenge.
NEW ULTIMATE: Shut up and show me if you're just talk.

They both enter a defensive stance with their weapons. They slowly walk around each other like two wild animals, waiting for the best time for lightning to strike. In a moment, BLADE takes a hand off from holding the sword and charges energy.

BLADEGUNNER: Haaa... RAFOIE!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!! RAFOIE!!!

They both shoot a powerful fire ball at each other, and as they make contact, a tremendous explosion fills the gap between them, making them step back from the force of their energy collapse.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Not bad... Just what I expected from the most dangerous killer alive.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm not a killer.
BLADEGUNNER: Everyone is. It's just the animal's instinct, to kill to survive. How will you deny the animal inside you?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm a Human being.
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE then quickly jumps towards NEW making a horizontal slash. NEW dodges by ducking.

NEW ULTIMATE: I've seen faster. You're open.

He quickly hits BLADE two times with his photon blades, one in his shoulder, and another in his hip, before BLADE has time to retreat or block.

BLADEGUNNER: AARGHH...!

BLADE retreats bleeding from his shoulder and hip. He covers the wound on the shoulder with his other hand.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're faster than any Sinow Beat around here, but still not fast enough.
BLADEGUNNER: ...I'll make you eat those words. Ever wondered why they call me BLADEGUNNER?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
BLADEGUNNER: Heheh... prepare to lose spirit.

BLADE puts himself in an unknown sword stance.

BLADEGUNNER: This is my special attack... THE SHOOTING BLADES.
NEW ULTIMATE: SHOOTING...
BLADEGUNNER: Not fast enough am I?

BLADE then quickly runs around NEW in a circle.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's finding a weak spot in me to attack... He's clever...

NEW faces BLADE while he runs around him.

BLADEGUNNER: Good idea... But what will you do if you spin around yourself too much? Won't you feel dizzy?
NEW ULTIMATE: ... In that case, I have to end it now.

NEW advances towards BLADE, preparing to attack.

BLADEGUNNER: BIG MISTAKE!!! TRRAAAAAHHHHHH!!

BLADE quickly slashes continuously at god-speed several blows at NEW at lightning speed. His blows are made at a rate of almost 5 blows per second, and NEW is amazed at the technique and sees no way to counter such speed.

BLADEGUNNER: DADADADADADADADADADAH!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Man, he's faster than I thought! It's almost like he has five arms with swords in each!

NEW is having trouble avoiding and blocking all the blows and BLADE hits him in his right elbow.

NEW ULTIMATE: ARGHH!
BLADEGUNNER: Haaaaa...

A flow of energy is seen flowing from NEW towards BLADE, traveling through BLADE's sword. When he's done, BLADE takes the blade off NEW and steps back. NEW is bleeding badly from his arm.

BLADEGUNNER: Your energy is mine!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Ungh... That wasn't a normal blow...
BLADEGUNNER: Of course not. Aside from injuring you, while my blade contacts your blood I can transfer your health to me.
NEW ULTIMATE: In other words...
BLADEGUNNER: The damage I give to you heals me. And now I'm completly healed, unlike you, who are unable to continue fighting properly.
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't think so...

NEW makes his hand glow. He approaches his left hand and touches the wound in the right elbow. When he takes the hand off, the wound is healed.

NEW ULTIMATE: We just begun. Your excessive overconfidence is arrogant.
BLADEGUNNER: ...RESTA. Well, I guess this is time for Round 2.

The two Hunters stand in defense position still, looking at each other.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

BLADEGUNNER runs towards NEW and delivers a horizontal slash. NEW jumps over it towards BLADE, and kicks him in the head, while using it as a platform to propell himself to behind him, making both hunters face their backs at each other when NEW reaches the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: Grrrr... HOW DARE YOU?

BLADEGUNNER quickly shifts his body to face NEW and violently hits NEW on the back with his elbow, by using the full force of his body spin. NEW gives a step forward due to the blow, and then turns around to hit BLADE with his blade, doing a vertical strike uppercut. BLADE blocks NEW's move with a downward strike with his sword and they both measure power by pushing with their photon blades.

BLADEGUNNER: GNNHHHRR!!! YOU'RE STRONGER THAN I THOUGHT!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

They both slash away from each other, creating distance by jumping to behind them. NEW jumps back but quickly jumps forward, attempting to kick BLADE in the air by surprise.

BLADEGUNNER: !!!

BLADE shifts to the side avoiding NEW's fast kick and goes to slash him in two with a quick horizontal blow. But NEW sees it coming and leans back, making the blade pass right above his chest. NEW lands on the floor and charges at BLADE with a diagonal slash. BLADE rises his right arm and blocks with his screen shield. And they both measure forces for a while.

BLADEGUNNER: That's right... I haven't seen your shield screen yet.

BLADE hits NEW's weapon on the edge to push it away from him, and quickly aims his YAMIGARASU at NEW by doing a vertical slash downwards. NEW spins the TWIN BRAND in a complete circular and fast move using the force BLADE used to push his weapon away from him and blocks with the other edge. Then BLADE takes his sword away from NEW's weapon and aims the palm of his hand at NEW.

BLADEGUNNER: FOIE!

NEW points his palm as well to him.

NEW ULTIMATE: BARTA!

The two spells erase themselves when they make contact. BLADE jumps at NEW spinning in the air once before using the force of the spin to attack. NEW raises his arm and blocks with his own shield. BLADE hits the shield violently but is sent backwards with the impact and lands on the floor on his feet.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff...You have an Ultimate Shield. Puff... Not bad.
NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: How long can you fight like this NEW? Huff... I don't think you can take it much longer.
NEW ULTIMATE: Shut up... Huff... you don't know how I feel... Puff... You can take my confidence away with those stupid quotes... Huff... And you look tired as well...
BLADEGUNNER: Ahh... Puff... Strong in the mind as well... Huff... I see... But why don't you show me your real power? Huff... I know... You have been holding back for a while. Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...So do you.
BLADEGUNNER: HERE I GO FULL FORCE!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'LL GIVE IT EVERYTHING I GOT!

BLADE runs forward and slashes diagonally. NEW steps back evading and runs forward quickly. He enters BLADE's open space and makes a circular uppercut that hits him on the shoulder.

BLADEGUNNER: ARGH!!!

BLADE falls back but makes a low rapid slash, hitting NEW on his knee.

NEW ULTIMATE: UNGH!!!

Both fighters seem not to feel their wounds and continue fighting. This time NEW delivers a combo with his TWIN BRAND, spinning and cutting continuously through the space that separates them. BLADE manages to block each blow by quickly moving his YAMIGARASU to several sides, managing to guess where NEW was attacking. NEW then spins his body to attack with his blades, but BLADE jumps towards NEW and punches him in his face so hard that makes him spit blood and fall back to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: HOW'S THAT???
NEW ULTIMATE: DUNNO, TRY IT OUT!!!

NEW quickly gets up and trips BLADE, who falls hard on the floor, and kicks him between the legs.

NEW ULTIMATE: HNRGH!
BLADEGUNNER: AH, SUNNOVA...!!! ARGH!!!

NEW stands up and jumps high to land and pierce BLADE with his edge, but he flips back and stands up, while NEW pierces the mettallic floor. BLADE was about to strike him with a horizontal slash but NEW pulls the photon blade off the floor and rapidly moves in closing the distance between the two hunters, using the TWIN BRAND to block BLADE's side attack. When he's close enough to him, NEW hits him head-on.

BLADE falls back but stays on his feet.

BLADEGUNNER: You're OPEN! TRY THIS!!! GIZONDE!!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!

BLADE shoots a powerful bolt of lightning out of his palm into NEW's body. The electricity hits the body and makes him scream in pain and fall to the floor, with his head next to BLADE's feet, facing the floor while still suffering from electric current in his body.

BLADEGUNNER: WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO NOW???

BLADE steps on NEW's head and kicks his body turning him over. BLADE kneels to strike him directly in the chest.

BLADEGUNNER: YOUR REIGN OF KILLING IS OVER!!! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

NEW quickly dodges by turning over to the other side while BLADE almost hits the ground with his sword, stopping before it touches the floor. When he looks back at NEW, he is aiming his palm to him.

NEW ULTIMATE: GIBARTA!!!

The shot is so intense and cold that BLADE is frozen in place.

BLADEGUNNER: UGH!!! ARGH!!! CAN'T... MOVE!!!

NEW tries to stand up slowly while BLADE struggles to break the ice and uses his energy left to rise BLADE's frozen figure high into the air with both arms. He then uses all that's left for him to a final blow: Throwing BLADE to the wall.

NEW ULTIMATE: TRRRRAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

NEW throws BLADE's frozen body to the wall, making the ice smash open and making BLADE fall to the floor suffering tremendly. One of the ice blocks hits NEW's head and makes him tumble down.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff...

They both grab tightly their weapons and stand up slowly.

NEW ULTIMATE: Are you tired? Huff... Seems like my friends were a trouble for you after all... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: No... Huff... I took the girl by surprise and took the other kid down with a quick blow... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Coward... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: They don't matter to me. Huff... But I had to make sure... Puff... They wouldn't get in the way... Huff...
NEW ULTIMATE: Nghh... AND SO YOU ALMOST KILLED THEM?
BLADEGUNNER: I only enjoy killing feared Hunters... Puff... Not innocents, so they were of no use to me. Huff... I don't kill innocents, just erase killers... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I told you... Huff... I'M NO KILLER!!!! HAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

NEW gives a big step towards BLADE, who counters striking NEW with his big sword horizontally. NEW jumps over the blade to the side, spinning his body and landing with his hand on the floor. He then kicks BLADE's forehead, making him step back, and rapidly stands up again. BLADE advances just as NEW stands up on his feet and delivers another horizontal slash. NEW barely sees it and instinctively steps back. The sword cuts through NEW's chest slightly, making a small but very painfull cut, while BLADE's YAMIGARASU absorbs NEW's life.

NEW ULTIMATE: HARGGGHHHH!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff... I'm HEALED!!! HAAAAHHHH!!

BLADE goes for a diagonal strike, which NEW barely blocks with his shield, and retreats due to his wound on the chest. BLADE doesn't go after him, shows his palm to him.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

NEW can only cover the wound on his chest while BLADE still aims his hand at him.

BLADEGUNNER: This is how it ends... You can't move...
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't count on it. RESTA!

NEW gives a small charge of RESTA powerful enough only to heal his chest wound.

BLADEGUNNER: Heheh... Getting tired of using many techniques? Seems like your RESTA can't even heal you properly. FOIE!

BLADE fires a fire ball out of his hand that hits NEW in his stomach and throws him back to the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: HAAAH!!... Huff... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: You're tired. You can't use any techniques any more.

NEW slowly gets up, with one arm holding his stomach from the intense burn. And BLADE points his hand again at him.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... You're wrong... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: Your friends can't help you now... You fiend. IT ENDS HERE!!! RAAAAAAFOIEEEEE!!!!!!!!

BLADE shoots a huge ball of fire towards NEW's direction, aiming to explode.

NEW ULTIMATE: NOT YET!!! HUAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

A big fire explosion in NEW's place blows everything away. Even BLADE has trouble standing up and covers his eyes. REI and AYLA's bodies move to the side with the power of the explosion and a huge smog is seen.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Heheheh... It took a lot out of me... Puff... But I timed it well. It only explodes if it made contact... Huff... and there's no way he could survive this. I gave it all... Puff... I got...

The noise finnaly fades but the dust still is swirling around.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff... Huff... I... PUFF... I'M THE WINNER!!!!

The dust clears and BLADE falls to the floor exhasted. He then looks to see NEW's TWIN BRAND and... nothing else!! The TWIN BRAND is piercing the floor, stuck in it tightly, and NEW is nowhere to be seen.

BLADEGUNNER: WHAT?

He slowly gets up and looks around to find NEW's body.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking): Where is he? Could he have been evaporated by my fire blast? No... There should by any remains of him... blood...
NEW ULTIMATE: ABOVE YOU!!!

BLADE looks up to see a tired NEW coming from the ceiling at full speed aiming towards his head.

BLADEGUNNER: IMPOSSIBLE!
NEW ULTIMATE: TRAHHHHHHHH!!!!

NEW hits BLADE with tremendous speed and power in his head using his left knee.

BLADEGUNNER: WAHHHH!!

BLADE falls to the floor and NEW falls as well, from such a high fall. They both can't get up, only try to catch their breaths.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff... You stuck your weapon to the ground... Huff... Then when the fire ball hit it you jumped... Puff... The explosion made you reach higher into the air... Huff... And then you'd have momentum by your side to deliver a powerful blow with not much effort... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff... You're still counscious after this blow?... Huff... You're tougher than I thought...
BLADEGUNNER: You really are... Huff... The legendary Killer... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... NO I'M NOT!! Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: Ha... Haha... Huff... Hahahaha... You fool... Why do you deny it? Puff... You know it... Huff... just as much as I do... Puff...
NEW ULTIMATE: You made a mistake... Huff... You got the wrong Hunter... Puff... HNRGHH!!!

NEW makes a big effort and slowly gets up, while BLADE hasn't energy or status to get up.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff... You're the winner... Huff... Puff... Come on... end this quickly... Huff... But someday you'll pay for your crimes...
NEW ULTIMATE: So you do care about people after all... Huff... In the TV you didn't look so good... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: Huff...

NEW walks slowly towards BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Make it... Puff... Quick...

NEW walks past BLADE and to REI and AYLA's body.

BLADEGUNNER: ...? Huff... What are you doing?

NEW casts RESTA on both REI and AYLA, healing them of their wounds.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : He had enough energy to heal himself twice... Why didn't he do it...? He saved it... for his friends...?

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm not interested in killing you. Huff... You're not a bad guy, you just mistook us for killers... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

REI gets his senses back.

REI: ...Uhnn... NEW? Are you all right? That maniac, BLADEGUNNER...

REI looks to BLADE on the ground, tired and unable to do anything but breathe.

REI: YOU DID IT!! I KNEW IT!! He took us by surprise...
NEW ULTIMATE: I know... Huff... But you don't have to worry about him... Puff... He's... Huff... Not a bad guy...Puff... Just made a mistake...
REI: Yeah, some mistake. It could have got us three killed.

REI heals NEW with his RESTA.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ha... Now, Didn't I tell ya you would get into trouble without me?
REI: Oh, save it.

AYLA awakes as well and smiles as she sees NEW and REI all right, and then looks to BLADE on the floor.

AYLA: I knew you would do it... NEW... I trusted you.

NEW smiles and shows her his fist and raises his thumb.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe... seems I did it after all!
REI: So, whatever shall we do with him...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW walks over to BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff...

NEW kneels and shows his palm to BLADE's face.

He heals BLADE of his injuries.

REI: HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?
AYLA: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...! What did you do that for?
NEW ULTIMATE: I told you, you're not a bad guy. You just mistook us.

BLADE quickly jumps out and grabs his YAMIGARASU.

REI: NEW WATCH OUT!
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE walks away slowly.

BLADEGUNNER: Maybe, maybe not. I'll find out the truth by myself to find out who you are, ULTIMATE... And when I do...
NEW ULTIMATE: Call me NEW.
REI: Damn, now we gotta put up with this psycho, aside from KIREEK, the Black Hound.
BLADEGUNNER: ...!

BLADE quickly turns over and approaches REI on a fast step.

BLADEGUNNER: WHAT DID YOU SAY?
REI: Oh, you don't know. KIREEK's the Black Hound and he's after us as well.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : So KIREEK is the Black Hound... that explains it all...
NEW ULTIMATE: But that doesn't concern you. Come on, let's go ahead. We have a quest to finish.
BLADEGUNNER: ...quest...?
NEW ULTIMATE: To find out what happened on Ragol.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
AYLA: That's right.
BLADEGUNNER: Who... Are you?
NEW ULTIMATE: I told you! I'm NEW ULTIMATE, the Hunter.
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE goes over to NEW and leans his head.

BLADEGUNNER: Forgive me. I made a horrible mistake. I mistook you for that killer, ULTIMATE.
AYLA: Yeah, I know what you're talking about. I did so at first, mistakin him for the Hunter who killed my sister but once I got to know him my feelings got... reversed.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW blushes.

REI: Aw come on AYLA, say it out. We all know it, so why don't you say it?
AYLA: SHUT UP!
REI: Teehehe... Still as shy as ever.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Hummm... ah...
AYLA: I'LL SAY WHATEVER I WANT WHENEVER I WANT!
REI: So here comes out your feminist face. Boy, you look like a tomboy with that attitude.
AYLA: I SWEAR I'LL GET THAT BRAT!!!

REI shows his tongue out, while AYLA was about to go kick his butt. NEW grabs her in time.

NEW ULTIMATE: Now, now...
AYLA: UNHAND ME NEW!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : They're not bad people after all... I could have killed innocents. But KIREEK is after them...
BLADEGUNNER: NEW!
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
BLADEGUNNER: I understand that I've been a bastard... But I also understand that KIREEK is after you.
REI: No, WE are after HIM.
BLADEGUNNER: So am I. So what do you say I join you? I have to take some doubts off and wanted to kick BLACK HOUND's butt. And I woul be a teammate!
REI: Hmm... I dunno, NEW, should we trust him?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well... It is true we could use another teammate... All right BLADE. I'll let you come to show you ULTIMATE is dead and that I'm just another Hunter.

AYLA gently puts her arms around NEW's neck.

AYLA: And I love him. Look into my eyes, could my lover be a killer?

NEW blushes red.

NEW ULTIMATE: Uhh... Ah...
REI: Finally, I was beggining to see a dark "The end" for ROMEO.
NEW ULTIMATE: Come on BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER smiles.

NEW ULTIMATE: Now, let's go. We have a quest to finish!
BLADEGUNNER: Yes!
REI: All right!

The three hunters go along the trail further into the mines.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : I don't know for sure who you are NEW... But I'll find out. You're not a normal fighter. I never found one who could stand up against me... I never had so much fun in a battle. One day... We'll have a rematch.

BLADE follows his three new teammates as they continue exploring the mines.

Next chapters:

- KIREEK's motive to live
- Uncontrolled control room
- The Genesis
- Choice
- The real team
- Battle for money, Team up!
- Rusty Ruins
- The Prince fights the King
- Showdown! Reliving the Ultimate duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-09 07:59 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-09 08:12 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-09 08:25 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-10 04:01 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-10 04:04 ]</font>

IziX5izi
Sep 9, 2002, 08:12 PM
o_o Yo..dude hurry up http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif Make some more actionish chapters.>_> Good fanfic http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif.I like it.

RavenTW
Sep 9, 2002, 09:07 PM
That was awesome!!!!!!!!!

Daikarin
Sep 10, 2002, 05:56 AM
An I thought people were too bored to read all the details in the battles! I really thought battle chapters weren't gonna be a hit! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif thanks http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Sep 13, 2002, 07:28 PM
Phew! Here it is! God, I stood up real LATE to write this one. Enjoy!


--- Chapter 16 - KIREEK's motive to live ---

BLADEGUNNER: BWAHAHAHAHA!!! YOU'RE GONNA PAY ME FOR THAT NEW!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: SHIT! DAMN YOU!
BLADEGUNNER: Let's see... There's a hotel in it, so you owe me around 300 Meseta.
REI: Pass me more canned beans.

NEW and pals were playing monopoly in their motel. As usual, REI was winning.

AYLA: You know, all those beans will make you fart later.
REI: Bah, As if you care. I won't be here when that happens.
AYLA: I just hope I don't awake from their noise.
REI: I'm trying to eat here!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Hey NEW. How come you don't sleep on where you hunt, like most Hunters do?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well...
AYLA: It's bad for your skin and it's not proper.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Oh.

BLADEGUNNER aproaches and whispers to NEW.

BLADEGUNNER (whispering) : That's why I like being single.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah ha ha ha...
REI: My turn.

REI turns over the dice and uses his mind power to make the dice roll over a 4.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey! I SAW THAT!!
REI: SAW WHAT?
BLADEGUNNER: IT'S NOT FAIR! YOU'RE THE ONLY FORCE NEWMAN AROUND HERE!
REI: SO WHAT?
BLADEGUNNER: You can't use your mind power to move the dice!!
REI: I DIDN'T!
BLADEGUNNER: THAT MOVE WAS UNREAL! IT HAD TO BE YOUR MIND CONTROL!
NEW ULTIMATE: Now guys... Be sure to argue peacefully over this!
REI: I'LL MAKE HIM TO PIECES ALL RIGHT!
BLADEGUNNER: YOU DON'T EVEN GIVE ME CREDIT? AFTER I HELPED YA GET RID OF THAT UGLY COUNTER GIRL?
REI: SHUT UP!
AYLA: CALM DOWN GUYS!

REI jumps at BLADE while they pound each other, while NEW tries to hold BLADE and AYLA holds REI. They all pound each other in the conflict. Meanwhile, their neighbours knock at their door to complain about the noise.

NEIGHBOUR #1: WILL YOU SHUT UP IN THERE? IT'S ALMOST 1 AM!
NEIGHBOUR #2: WHAT HAS A GUY GOT TO DO TO GET SOME SLEEP AROUND HERE??
NEIGHBOUR #3: OPEN UP!

The four Hunters suddenly stop.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn!

NEIGHBOUR #4: OPEN UP!!!

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Well, NEW? What are you waiting for?
NEW ULTIMATE: What? Why do I have to open the door?
REI: Because you're the team leader.
NEW ULTIMATE: No I'm not!
BLADEGUNNER: Well, you are now.
AYLA: But who started this mess?

BLADE and REI point at each other.

REI & BLADEGUNNER: HE did.

The neighbours finnally go away, but still complaining.

NEW ULTIMATE: Whew. I say we do something more peacefull.
AYLA: I agree.
REI: Well, how about if we check some nice movies in TV?
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah.

REI, NEW and AYLA sit in the sofa while BLADE turns on the Virtualvision screen and consults his PC for movie schedules.

AYLA sits right next to NEW, who stands in the middle of REI and AYLA.

AYLA (thinking) : Put your arm around me... Put your arm around me...
BLADEGUNNER: Hmmm... Nothing good seems to be going on this channel. And in my PC I can't find anything worth taking a look...

NEW then slowly puts his arm behind AYLA.

AYLA (thinking) : Yes! Yes!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's try to change the channel.

NEW takes his arm off from behind AYLA carrying the remote control in his hand, and starts to change channels while BLADE sits down next to REI.

AYLA: ...
AYLA (thinking) : He could show his feelings better...

REI looks at AYLA and understands the whole thing.

REI: Hey NEW, can I have the remote?
NEW ULTIMATE: Sure.

NEW hands over the remote passing it behind AYLA. REI takes off the remote quickly and grabs NEW's arm, placing it right in AYLA's shoulder.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ah...
AYLA: What?

AYLA leans her head into NEW, whose face boils and eyes peel out. Meanwhile, REI is constantly changing the channel.

BLADEGUNNER: Wait REI! Go back to the last channel.

They tune into the news.

TV SCREEN (NOL) : ...veral hunters were wounded by the supposedly dangerous Black Hound.
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: !!!
TV SCREEN (NOL) : It seems none of the 5 hunters found badly injured didn't want to say his true identity, probably due to the fear of their lives. But... some said that the Black Hound was WAITING for challengers deep in the mines! They said that Black Hound was looking for someone.
BLADEGUNNER: Someone... Who may that be?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : Anyway, the Black Hound is on the loose in the mines waiting for someone. All Hunters are advised to be careful. Oh... we need a saviour... someone who can get us rid from this mad killer...
BLADEGUNNER: Oh HELL no. She's not gonna...
TV SCREEN (NOL) : BLADEGUNNER, answer to our cries! Only you can save us!

She sends off a kiss to the camera.

BLADEGUNNER: Stupid news girl!
AYLA: WHAAAAAAAAT?
NEW ULTIMATE: ?? ...who's girl?
BLADEGUNNER: I mean, Stupid girl from the news. Happy AYLA?
AYLA: ...
REI: What are we going to do NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Tomorrow first thing in the morning we'll continue exploring. If we find him, we end this finnally.
BLADEGUNNER: That's the spirit!
REI: KIREEK... Do you think we can beat him up?
NEW ULTIMATE: We're a lot stronger than before... We have to win.

A few hours later REI and BLADE went to their rooms to sleep, while NEW is sitting in a chair in the balcony, gazing upon the stars, neon lights from the city, and watching airships fly by.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I've become better since I fought him last time... But will it be enough?

AYLA goes in the balcony.

AYLA: Something wrong?
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah... No... Just trying to relax.
AYLA: You're nervous about tomorrow aren't you?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehehe... I can't lie anymore to you. I don't know if we four can take him on...
AYLA: ...

AYLA looks to the neon-lit buildings of Pioneer 2, ahead of her.

AYLA: You know NEW... When you knew you were fighting BLADE, did you knew you were going to win?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

AYLA smiles and looks back at him.

AYLA: Or were you thinking of giving your best at the fight?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...When I fight...

NEW gets up and goes near AYLA, leaning in the balcony.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...I can't explain it very well, but when I am too focused on battle, I... I almost become someone else.
AYLA: What do you mean?
NEW ULTIMATE: My... My feelings... get mixed, my brain patterns get different... I become a dangerous Hunter, totally focused.
AYLA: What do you mean dangerous? You saved us back then when BLADE mistook us for killers right?
NEW ULTIMATE: I have to admit it to you, I thought of killing him in the middle of the battle. But it was only when I thought of you two guys that I understood what I had to do and forgot the killing part. But I swear... I wasn't the same man...
AYLA: ...KIREEK is a killer. He's a killing machine. An you're the man who can shut it off, by destroying it.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: You know... When I think of you I think of all the best music that comes into my heart. No... when I think of you a music comes into my heart, one of rock/soft/romantic/acoustic/pop tune who calms my body and mind so strong I feel no fear.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...AYLA...
AYLA: When BLADE struck me by surprise, the wound was making me loose senses. But I wasn't afraid. I felt no fear. I thought of you, I knew you would arrive and help us. I knew... you were going to help me. So I lost my senses along with a smile.

After a moment of silence, AYLA continues.

AYLA: I said your name right before my senses couldn't support the pain.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh AYLA...

They both stand quiet and listen to the airships flying by, to the horns and voices of the urban life in the giant space ship.

NEW ULTIMATE: Thank you AYLA... for believing in me.
AYLA: I... NEW... I...
NEW ULTIMATE: You don't need to say it to make me aware of it.

NEW places his hand above AYLA's. She turns to him and and smiles. NEW Slowly moves his hand and stops softly on her cheek and they both close their eyes and approach lips. Their minds are open only to each's feelings and they deliver themselves to the moment. Closer and closer they embrace each other as their lips are about to make contact.

A Fart noise is heard.

REI: PPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTT TTttttttt....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: SHIT REI!!! I TOLD YA TO CONTROL THOSE BROWN CLOUDS OF AIR DIDN'T I?
REI: WHAT THE HELL DO YA WANT? IT JUST CAME OFF!!!

BLADE and REI were on the balcony next to NEW and AYLA's, seeing all the story.

AYLA: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING THERE?
BLADEGUNNER: Uh... Catching some fresh air. But right now I'm afraid I catched someone else's hot air.
REI: YOU TAKE THAT BACK PIG-TAILED BOY!
BLADEGUNNER: NEVAH!

The two start fighting in the balcony. NEW gives a deep sigh.

NEW ULTIMATE: Oh well...

AYLA looks back at him. She grabs his arm and drags him to the inside of the room. REI and BLADE stop the fight as they see that scene.

REI: Well, looks like we won't be needing to worry more about those two. They seem to be finally giving themselves to each other.
BLADEGUNNER: Unlike you and that cute counter girl!
REI: Why... YOU...!

Their pounding restarts, and continues as the hours pass by.

Then, it's morning. It's still dark outside as always, but it's time to wake up. BLADE and REI are snoring in the balcony. As REI wakes up he sees NEW on the other balcony, already awake and making morning exercise, dressed only with trunks.

REI: Hey Pig-tail boy, check that out!
BLADEGUNNER: Leave me alone NOL... Huh?
REI: HEY NEW! DON'T YOU THINK YOU HAD ENOUGH EXERCISE LAST NIGHT?

NEW seems surprised as he sees them.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...ER.... GUYS! I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT! IT'S... TOO EARLY FOR IT!
REI: Yeah, we know that. But you said we'd go exploring "First thing in the morning".

NEW ULTIMATE: Ok, get ready, and we'll meet in 15 minutes at you room.

Later they are already on Pioneer 2, heading to the telepipe zone where they opened their last pipe to have a break.

REI: See? I told you MY pipes would last for the night!
BLADEGUNNER: Let's just move.

They use the pipe and dematerialise out of the ship and into the planet once again, to continue their mission. They materialise in the spot they stopped for a break, and resume their hunting.

After many battles and walks, some of them in the dark, they reach a teleporter.

REI: What? What's this doing here?
AYLA: Maybe it will take us to a lower level in the mines, the main digging site.
BLADEGUNNER: Well, It does say here "MINES 2". Should we risk using it?

The three hunters look at NEW who is sticking his finger in one of his ears.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huh? What?
BLADEGUNNER: Go on, brave leader!
REI: We're with you all the way!
AYLA: We trust you...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh thanks a lot.
REI: Send us a message when you arrive there.

NEW walks in the dematerialising area.

NEW ULTIMATE: Here goes.

He uses the teleporter. A few seconds later he calls REI's PC.

REI'S PC (NEW'S VOICE) : Hey guys! Quick, come check this out!
BLADEGUNNER: He's alive. Guess it's ok.
AYLA: I knew he would be!

They all use the teleporter and arrive near NEW, on the second half of the mines site. They see a degraded room, with few light on and broken walls everywhere, as well as some of the digging machines that are smashed or not working.

BLADEGUNNER: Wha... What happened here?
NEW ULTIMATE: Seems... seems like some fight went in here.
REI: KIREEK?
NEW ULTIMATE: No, I'd say these were from an earlier fight. I think Pioneer 1 colonists fought here when the machines first rebelled against them. Then the machines must have moved to the level above to stop hunters like us from getting closer...
BLADEGUNNER: Nice going Holmes. Let's just keep walking.

They continue exploring this new reality of the mines, and they walk through a door to reach a big corridor. And just ahead they see a dozen of robots materialise.

REI: Gillchicks!
BLADEGUNNER: No... My PC identifies them as Dubchicks... Wonder why?
REI: This is no time to consult your database, you idiot. Let's roll!

REI draws his legendary machine gun and starts shooting, as the other three start making use of their photon blades, slashing and cutting through the machines.

After a while, NEW begins to wonder that there's always machines to destroy.

NEW ULTIMATE: How can this be? I alone destroyed around 4 of them, and there still is 10 to fight??
BLADEGUNNER: Make that 11. That Dubchick REI just took down somehow rebuilt itself.
REI: IMPOSSIBLE! Bah, let me finish this. Stand back!

BLADE, NEW and AYLA go away from the Dubchicks, back to the door they came from.

AYLA: Give it all you got!
REI: RAZONDEEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!!

A chain of electric sparks goes out of REI's hands, blowing up every piece of metal around him, exploding every Dubchick into pieces.

REI: Howzat?

The machines start regenerating themselves by mysteriously joining back their parts, rebuilding themselves.

REI: It... It can't be... they're immortal!

Suddenly, all the 12 Dubchicks are back in one piece and all around REI.

REI: ... er...

They all start punching him wildly, at a continous rate.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!
REI: Damn... Can't... fight back...
BLADEGUNNER: TRAHHHH!!!

BLADE is on the other side of the room as NEW sees him slash a weird mchine. As it smashes in two, all of the dubchicks finally explode around REI.

REI: Pig-tailed man...
BLADEGUNNER: You're welcome, kid.
NEW ULTIMATE: How did you knew that killing that would destroy every Dubchick?
BLADEGUNNER: Well, my PC detected something called "Dubswitch" behind them, a machine different from the robots. I took the hint and smashed it apart, thinking that it controlled everyone of those robots.
AYLA: Nicely thought!

NEW heals REI and BLADE looks at REI with a smile.

BLADEGUNNER: Seems like if I didn't consult my database you'd be cooked...
REI: Shut up.

The four hunters continue walking through the mines. After many battles they reach a dark room.

REI: Not again!
NEW ULTIMATE: Wait... There's something... someone there!

The four hunters see the glow of a green photon blade in the dark, possibly a schythe.

BLADEGUNNER: There's a weapon there...

They also see two or more small lights above the blade.

REI: There's an android in there, holding a scythe.
VOICE: I've spent most of my time waiting for you, my ultimate rival. You've grown so tasty...
AYLA: ...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...KIREEK?
BLADEGUNNER: ...!

As the few lights go on, the manage to see that in fact they are standing ahead of KIREEK.

BLADEGUNNER: Finnally! I found you, Black Hound!
KIREEK: I see you've been having some allies. Do whatever you wish, my only concern is NEW ULTIMATE.
REI: Well, you're gonna have to get past us first!
AYLA: Let's see how good you are.
NEW ULTIMATE: I won't be easy like last time.
KIREEK: Me neither. You were not the only one with an opportunity to make progresses. Let's see how tasty your soul is...

KIREEK raises his gigantic SOUL EATER.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out for his weapon! It absorbs one's spirit if in touch with you for long.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah, well... Mine also takes off spirit.
NEW ULTIMATE: He devours your spirit completly BLADE. It means it will kill you if you touch it for too long.
BLADEGUNNER: I wouldn't worry about that.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok, this is what we'll do. REI, you stand behind for back-up and shooting. AYLA, stay in medium distance from KIREEK and enter when we need your support. Me and BLADE will take him on.
KIREEK: ...So the four of you want to challenge me at once?

KIREEK gives a short laugh.

KIREEK: How interesting.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : You won't make fun of us... I'll show you what I have learned.

All Hunters grab hold of their weapons tightly, nervous to know how powerfull KIREEK is. NEW then looks at BLADE, who is right on his side. NEW raises his finger and spins it slowly several times, making BLADE understand he wanted to circle KIREEK step by step. BLADE replies shaking his head once. Then, slowly both Hunters start to go around the Black Hound.

KIREEK: Only two at once? Stupid Humans. I can calculate and detect any move of yours. It's not quantity that counts.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah? Well, we're gonna see about that! DHOREEEAAHHHHH!!!!

BLADE strikes and NEW takes that as a signal to attack as well. BLADE delivers a horizontal slash while NEW does an uppercut slash... KIREEK doesn't move.

A big clashing noise is heard.

BLADE and NEW... Are measuring strength! They didn't hit KIREEK, they hit each other. Their blades are clashed in a cross. KIREEK is nowhere to be seen! BLADE and NEW look surprised at each other, and then they think that he may have jumped. They quickly draw away their weapons from each other and look up. There he is, KIREEK in the air after a quick and huge leap.

KIREEK: Too slow.
BLADEGUNNER: Oh YEAH? YOU WON'T TOUCH THE GROUND ON ONE PIECE!!!

BLADE and NEW prepare to attack him when he falls back at them.

KIREEK: You really think it ends here?
NEW ULTIMATE: What could he be up to with that much self-confidence?

Then, right in their faces, a trap suddenly appears.

NEW ULTIMATE: SHIT!
BLADEGUNNER: No...

The trap explodes right in front of them, throwing both backwards and landing on the ground violently with several burns and wounds. KIREEK lands solid on his feet.

NEW ULTIMATE: What... a move. His first step... was - ungh! - a brilliant one...
BLADEGUNNER: He set a trap on the floor... and jumped... what a devil...

AYLA: RESTA!

AYLA gathers positive energy light in her hands that flows to NEW and BLADE.

NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks, honey!
BLADEGUNNER: He's not only strong and fast as they say... he's also smart as a genius.

BLADE tightens his YAMIGARASU handguard.

BLADEGUNNER: Grr... A real demon...
REI: ...So I'm supposed to just watch?
NEW ULTIMATE: Stay in there and watch AYLA's back! When you see an opening, shoot the hell out of KIREEK!
REI: Booooring. Oh well...

NEW and BLADE are fully healed and ready to attack again.

BLADEGUNNER: He says he can track all our movements... I want to see how fast can he detect...
NEW ULTIMATE: What are you thinking?
BLADEGUNNER: ...SHOOTING BLADES!!! RHAAAAHHH!!!

BLADE jumps forward and delivers god-speed blows at KIREEK.

KIREEK: ...!!!

KIREEK manages to block each one with his SOUL EATER and reflexes.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...! IMPOSSIBLE!

Then KIREEK slashes BLADE's weapon so hard that the two Hunters clash away from each other.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : He... He blocked every blow... Not even NEW could...
KIREEK: That wasn't bad at all. You are faster than I thought, I almost had trouble blocking each move.
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ALMOST had??
KIREEK: I guess I'll have to use all of my speed and strength to you guys. Warm-up is over.
BLADEGUNNER: ...You're saying you weren't fighting for real?
NEW ULTIMATE: Get real!
KIREEK: I challenge you to strike me with that attack again.
BLADEGUNNER: So I shall you idiot. This time... I'll give it all I got in speed!

KIREEK stands himself in defense position.

KIREEK: May it be.
BLADEGUNNER: RHAAAAAAHHHH!!!

BLADE shoots several blows with all his speed and might, but KIREEK keeps blocking and evading them, this time making good use of his screen shield on his left arm.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What speed! I can't seem to see KIREEK moving...
KIREEK: I see all your moves.
BLADEGUNNER: GRRRRRRR!!!

KIREEK blocks BLADE's sword and quickly grabs the hand that is holding the sword, all in one move.

KIREEK: If I grab the root, the plant is unable to move.
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...! I didn't even see him do that!

KIREEK then uses his elbow to hit BLADE on his forehead and out of the scene, falling to the ground, with his forehead bleeding, dizzy from the blow, spinning his head and feeling confused. It seems the blow on KIREEK somehow inflicted Confusion on BLADE, by hitting him directly on the skull.

BLADEGUNNER: Whoa... How many photon stars... er... I mean stars...
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!

KIREEK thinks he has a chance. He kneels and places his hands on the floor several times around him, and then gets back up.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What's he doing?
REI: AYLA, STAND BACK!

AYLA looks at REI and steps out of his... way.

REI: LET'S SEE YOU GRAB PHOTON BULLETS!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI...!

REI points his H&S25 JUSTICE at KIREEK.

REI: RHAHHHH!!!

REI shoots like crazy to KIREEK, who sees him attacking. KIREEK turns to REI, raises his scythe and spins it tremendously fast and crazy, making a shield deflecting REI's bullets everywhere.

REI: ...What...??? Impossible!!!

NEW takes the chance to go and attack him, while KIREEK is busy blocking REI's bullets.

KIREEK: Nice try, NEW. But I knew you would be smart enough to do it.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...? DIE!!!

A paralysis and damage trap then appear right in front of NEW, exploding some of his flesh out of him. NEW falls back to the floor bleeding, and paralysed and unable to move or speak.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : When he put his hand on the floor... he was placing traps... Hnrgh... this hurts...
AYLA: NEW!!!

AYLA runs over to NEW, but one of the bullets deflected by KIREEK hits her right in her leg, below her hip and away from NEW, making her tumble to the side.

AYLA: Damn... you...

AYLA tries to get up, but can't due to her wound. She then tries to heal back her wound by casting RESTA, but another photon bullet hits her hand.

AYLA: ARGH!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...AYLA...!
KIREEK: Hehehe. Tough luck eh? Seems I'm winning this game.
REI: NEW!!! AYLA!! WHY YOU... IT CAN'T BE! THIS IS THE H&S25 JUSTICE!

KIREEK: Yes, it is. Try it out yourself.

KIREEK then controls the deflection of the photon bullets with his scythe, by aimming them back at REI.

REI: ...! AHH!

REI gets hit by his own series of photon bullets on his chest, and falls to the floor.

REI: Godd...damn...

REI loses counscience.

NEW ULTIMATE: R... REI!!!

BLADE gets up, heals himself and aims his palm at KIREEK.

BLADEGUNNER: GIBARTA!!!

BLADE shoots ice energy at KIREEK, who doesn't see it and blocks with his scythe and screen shield. He can't block all the ice coming and he eventually becomes frozen as well.

BLADEGUNNER: NOW!

BLADE starts pounding KIREEK through the ice and hitting his body as well. When the ice breaks, he's filling KIREEK with his photon sword rapidly.

BLADEGUNNER: TAH!! DRAHH! DEH!!! YOU CAN BE FAST, BUT CAN'T TAKE ON THIS!!

BLADE then shouts and gives a horizontal final slash that blows KIREEK away from them, who has cuts and deformations in some of his metal body parts. KIREEK gets thrown away, but manages to stay afoot.

BLADEGUNNER: You're dead.
KIREEK: ...
BLADEGUNNER: About to blow apart, tinhead?
KIREEK: ...Not bad. You're smarter and stronger than I thought. But that was a lucky moment. Just because you got me by surprise...
BLADEGUNNER: ...? How are you standing afoot after such blows?
KIREEK: You call that blows? I would consider them slaps. Was that all you had?
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!
KIREEK: Heal this.

KIREEK then attempts to give a strong blow to cut BLADE in two, but BLADE could see it coming and tries to evade by jumping back. He was almost fast enough to do it, when KIREEK's scythe cuts deeply through BLADE's stomach.

BLADEGUNNER: ...! UAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE falls down and starts to lose sight due to his terrible wound. He starts to lose counscience...

KIREEK: Not good enough, you human amateur. You're not worthy of your sword...

BLADE then hears this and quickly gets up, momentarily ignoring the horrible pain in his stomach.

BLADEGUNNER: SHUT UP!!!

BLADE lands a quick blow on KIREEK's shoulder.

BLADEGUNNER: I'll absorb your health!!!
KIREEK: ...What health? I have no spirit. Therefore I have no energetic health as you humans have.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
KIREEK: Fool.

Saying this, he punches BLADE right in the nose, making him slam into the wall and falling back to the floor aching in pain on his stomach and nose.

BLADEGUNNER: AAHHHRGGH!!...

BLADE then loses counscience.

KIREEK: Two down.
AYLA: Forgot about me BATTERY BUTT??

AYLA uses her DOUBLE SABER to hit KIREEK several times. He uses only his shield to block.

KIREEK: Too slow.

He slashes her by passing his razor sharped photon blade aside her knee. She falls back to the floor.

KIREEK: I judge one's spirit when I touch his body with my blade. You're weaker than BLADE. You're of no use to me.

AYLA is unable to do anything with her wounds, as she is unable to cast any techniques. KIREEK then walks to NEW slowly.

KIREEK: The time has come, NEW. Get up.

KIREEK then takes an item out of his virtual data storage. A bottle of antiparalysis. He takes the corck off and splashes NEW with it.

KIREEK: Get up. Show me how strong you are.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Damn you...

NEW gets up and uses RESTA.

KIREEK: I doubt you're stronger than me, but since I'm a little injured from BLADE's attacks I say you can have a chance on hurting me. Come on, let me kill you and eat your tasty soul.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm not hearing. But I'll show you what I've been learning.

A moment of silence passes through both Hunters. BLADE is quiet, uncounscious on the floor next to the wall. REI is near the door they came through lying on the floor with photon bullet wounds on his chest. AYLA is struggling not to lose senses with her own injuries.

AYLA: ...NEW. I... I know... You'll do it...

She loses her senses.

The two Hunters look at each other.

NEW closes his eyes.

His breaths become slower. His heart beats slower as well.

Suddenly, he opens his eyes. He knows what to do.

NEW ULTIMATE: DIE!
KIREEK: Come on.

NEW and KIREEK exchange fierce photon blade slashes at each other. They block and attack each other.

KIREEK: Good. Very good. You're faster than BLADE, when using that weapon. And you're stronger too. You've truly made progress. You can keep up with me.

They both keep pounding each other.

KIREEK: But... I still have the advantage. Let me fight for real.

KIREEK then goes like crazy attacking and attacking, while NEW is having trouble catching all those blows and begins to sweat and lose energy.

KIREEK: Can't keep up NEW? Too tired? That's why androids are superior. My battery only runs out when I die. And I feel no pain, unlike to you.

KIREEK then gives a blow to NEW's left side of the stomach, throwing him back.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff... You're wrong.
KIREEK: Haha... Am I?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'll show you why humans are still superior.
KIREEK: Then please do so.

NEW heals his wound by casting RESTA.

NEW ULTIMATE: Androids can't use techniques.
KIREEK: What? You're talking about Fire/Ice/Lightning or even Healing techniques? Our trap ability can null that effect. As for Grants/Megid... Well, That may be a flaw. But you can't put status injury on me by using techniques.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yes but... You forgot about a type of techniques.
KIREEK: What type? Telepipes?
NEW ULTIMATE: SUPPORT TECHNIQUES!
KIREEK: ...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Check this out KIREEK! I'm GONNA USE ALL MY ENERGY LEFT TO MULTIPLY MY POWER AND SPEED BY CASTING SHIFTA!!!
KIREEK: Shifta...? Deband...?
NEW ULTIMATE: RHHHHHHAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

NEW then makes his whole body glow by gathering all his energy. His body color glows red constantly. After he is done with the spell, he looks back at KIREEK.

KIREEK: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: And now the real challenge begins.
KIREEK: Come.

NEW jumps to KIREEK so fast he doesn't see him, and in a fraction of seconds he's facing him.

KIREEK: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE: You're open.

NEW punches KIREEK's face and makes it lean back so hard that it faces backwards. KIREEK gains control of his body and slashes while leanning back his head to face NEW. He isn't there.

NEW ULTIMATE: Above you.

KIREEK looks above him to see NEW falling on him.

KIREEK: What tremendous speed...

NEW lands on KIREEK using his knees to damage him and them propels himself back to the ground ahead of KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE: Are your circuits malfunctioning KIREEK? I'm not over yet.
KIREEK: AHHHHH!!!

KIREEK jumps to NEW. He quickly slashes and smashes NEW by throwing off blows at a intense speed, yet NEW evades them all and goes to the gap between KIREEK's body and his weapon.

NEW ULTIMATE: My turn to attack.

NEW hits KIREEK on his forehead by using his own then slashes KIREEK continously. KIREEK can't block and is breaking apart slowly. NEW kicks KIREEK away and to the ground.

KIREEK: UNGH!... You must be happy. Nobody has ever made me fall before.
NEW ULTIMATE: You must be pissed. You're about to die.
KIREEK: RHAHHH!!!

KIREEK jumps at NEW with a vertical scythe blow.

KIREEK: TAKE THAT!!!

NEW steals distance and closes in on KIREEK, using his fist to grab the SOUL EATER and at the same time, stopping KIREEK from getting closer. KIREEK falls on his foot right in front of NEW, who is still holding the SOUL EATER. He then closes in further on KIREEK, and drills his TWIN BRAND in KIREEK's stomach area, with a fast, precise and strong move.

KIREEK: UGHAAA...!!! IM... IMPOSSIBLE! YOU'RE JUST A LIMITED HUMAN BEING!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm from the race that created you. And this being will destroy you as well. It ends here... Black Hound.

Right when NEW says that, his Shifta spell wear off and his body stops glowing from his powerful energy.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...NO! NOT NOW!!!

KIREEK sees the chance and kicks NEW away.

KIREEK: How the tables have turned.

NEW goes back at KIREEK, but without the strenght and speed from before, and KIREEK easily blocks his blows.

KIREEK: My, my... Not so tough now NEW?

He fills NEW with furious full power punches on his face.

KIREEK: How about if you try your medicine.

KIREEK then slashes NEW's chest with all his might and rage.

NEW ULTIMATE: GWHAAAA!!!!

NEW falls back on his back with his chest burning like fire.

KIREEK: It ends now NEW... Your spirit is mine.

KIREEK approaches his blade to NEW's chest again.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Damn... This hurts... He almost cut through my lungs... I'm done for...
REI: GIZONDE!
KIREEK: WHAT?

A bolt of lightning energy hits KIREEK hard on his back. KIREEK looks back and he sees REI struggling to stay on his feet.

REI: Heh... machines are vulnerable against lightning... more than humans are.
NEW ULTIMATE: R...REI...
KIREEK: You...

REI falls back almost dead. That blow took all his energy left. The electricity runs through KIREEK making him suffer. But then it fades, leaving a wounded KIREEK.

KIREEK: Hehehe... It seems you almost made it.

KIREEK looks back at NEW.

KIREEK: You soul is indeed delicious and strong NEW. I would enjoy eating it. But not yet... not just yet... Hahaha.

He turns away from NEW.

KIREEK: You have grown strong and tasty. I'll let you live for you to give me more fun in battle. Besides, your spirit will be tastier if you grow stronger...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: I'll leave for now. We will meet again NEW...

KIREEK then walks away from him and into an automatic door. He suddenly stops his steps.

KIREEK: Just one more thing. Next time... whether you're up to me or not... You're dead.

KIREEK laughs like crazy and runs through the door to the depths of the mines.

NEW smiles and thinks he will be all right. He slowly gets up, heals himself with his last ounce of strength.

NEW ULTIMATE: We'll see...

A few minutes later after terror passed away, everybody is healed, and NEW explains why KIREEK left.

REI: He wants to make fun of us.
BLADEGUNNER: He'll regret that... Next time I'll show him...
AYLA: I knew NEW... We would all be all right...
BLADEGUNNER: COME ON! LET'S TRAIN HARD TO KICK HIS ASS!!!

After that, BLADE runs to the doors to progress himself further in the mines, and REI follows him.

AYLA: See NEW...? Everything went good. I trusted you...
NEW ULTIMATE: I remembered that... in the fight. Your words gave me strenght to go on, AYLA. Thank you very much.
AYLA: Teehee...

AYLA kisses NEW on his healed cheek.

NEW ULTIMATE: And next time I meet him... Will be the last. I'm gonna show him MAN CAN BEAT THE MACHINE!

AYLA and NEW take each other's arms and run after their two teammates further into the mines, aiming to become the Ultimate fighting machines as they aim to destroy the best machine of all... KIREEK.

Next chapters:

- Uncontrolled control room
- The Genesis
- Choice
- The real team
- Battle for money, Team up!
- Rusty Ruins
- Duel of Kings
- Showdown: Reliving the Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:08 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:14 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:16 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:22 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:24 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-14 04:30 ]</font>

RavenTW
Sep 13, 2002, 09:26 PM
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, not THAT awesome, but it's still good.

Question though: on PSO, don't you fight Kireek the second time in the caves? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Sep 14, 2002, 06:05 AM
You're right but I couldn't think of a real coeherent reason for them to go back to the caves without being for that Cake quest.

Daikarin
Sep 14, 2002, 04:37 PM
Ah... I just would like to take this moment to report a mistake I made while creating the best suitable initial weapon for BLADEGUNNER. When I was wondering which weapon would suit him best, I went for the YAMIGARASU because "it stole HP from its opponent." Then I made a mistake, because the real Yamigarasu takes HP from the person who wields it. Sorry for this glitch, but either way I'm planning for BLADE to get a new weapon soon.

I swear, I'll never WRITE this fanfic again after dinner or before breakfast... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-01-16 05:25 ]</font>

Daikarin
Sep 14, 2002, 06:17 PM
Ladies and Gentleman, Newmans and Androids, I'd like to show you a work of art my friend Bladegunner (Yes, the real guy from PSO) made. Stay in touch for this game http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/fan_art_1.jpg

RavenTW
Sep 14, 2002, 09:43 PM
ROFL DANG THAT LOOKS SO REAL!! HILLARIOUS MAN! PLEASE EXCUSE MY BAD ENGLISH IF ANY, FOR IM REALLY REALLY HYPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neo Rei
Sep 17, 2002, 01:38 PM
ROTFLMAO!!! doglife OWNZ JOOOO!!!

Daikarin
Sep 23, 2002, 12:18 PM
Here's the 17th chapter. Sorry about the delay, but I've been busy and since high-school is restarting... well... Enjoy!


--- Chapter 17 - Uncontrolled control room ---

Somewhere in the second part of the mines (or what is left of them), 3 Hunters are pounding their way through to answers, in the middle of monotony. Large groups of Canadines, Gillchicks and Sinows are hopelessly fighting AYLA, NEW and BLADE.

AYLA: By the way, why did REI have to go to Pioneer 2?
NEW ULTIMATE: He said he had to find a suitable legendary weapon best suited for him.

Then we see REI heading towards the bank, in Pioneer 2. He asks the Bank lady for all the money in his account. He runs to inside the shopping area, while NEW, AYLA and BLADE are still fighting the machines in the Mines.

BLADEGUNNER: I can't believe I once feared these idiots.

He says, while smashing a Gillchick apart.

NEW ULTIMATE: We've grown stronger in the last days...

He says, slashing a Canadine in two.

After a few minutes the only things standing are the three hunters and the walls. After a moment of silence as they look for operational machines, they see a Sinow Beat materialise right before them.

AYLA: Hey BLADE, it's your turn.
BLADEGUNNER: No sweat.
REI: LEAVE IT TO ME!!

The three hunters look to the door they came in to see a smiling REI in a position of self-confidence.

REI: BEHOLD MY NEW ULTIMATE WEAPON!
NEW ULTIMATE: My what?
REI: I meant my great weapon.

There's nothing in REI's hands.

AYLA: I can't see nothing there...
BLADEGUNNER: What do you got there? An INVISIBLE GUARD?
NEW ULTIMATE: I think you dropped it on your way here.
REI: You idiots. MY HANDS ARE MY WEAPONS!
NEW ULTIMATE: Unarmed combat invisible gear?

The Sinow beat lowers his punches and assists the discussion.

REI: No. I spent all my money in technique disks! The real force power lies inside me!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...So you didn't buy an INVISIBLE GUARD?
AYLA: We can't see it, how the heck are we supposed to know that for sure?
BLADEGUNNER: Use the force, someone once said...
REI: Shut up! Take a look at my new ultimate power. Stand back!
NEW ULTIMATE: My what?
REI: DIE!!!

REI points a finger at the Sinow beat who was about to raise his fists and jump at him.

REI: ZONDE!

As he says this a big spark comes out of his finger hitting the Sinow at the same instant, making him blow apart. The yellow explosion is powerful enough to create strong wind blows out from it. NEW, AYLA and BLADE are forced to cover from the wind.

NEW ULTIMATE: What an amazing power! With only a fraction of the power in his weakest spell, REI exploded a fierce Sinow soldier!
REI: Where is NOL when we need her?
NEW ULTIMATE: You were smart, REI. Using your money to explore the best in a Newman Force... his KI! Nice thinking.
BLADEGUNNER: It was about time, too.
REI: Wanna taste the electricity in my nail, Pig-tailed boy?
BLADEGUNNER: Anytime, kiddo.

After short sparks and photon blows, and with two slightly wounded hunters, the group goes again to explore the depths of the mines.

AYLA: We sure walked through lots of rooms and halls since we first came here... and we didn't find anyone... anything...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, but something DID happen in this area. In the deepest part of the mines... destruction and wreckage in the digging machines... Something did happen here.
BLADEGUNNER: A fight maybe? I think the machines killed the Pioneer 1 colonists in this area...
REI: But shouldn't there be something like dead bodies? I didn't see a human face from Pioneer 1 yet, dead or alive...
AYLA: And just who modified the machines? Maybe someone perverted? But from that Calus quest, the computer said something hacked his systems... something out of the normal and biological... that forced Calus to search an organic body...
NEW ULTIMATE: Something's fishy here. Why were they digging in the first place? This deep into the ground? Deeper than the caves we went through?
REI: Maybe... all this has to do with what they were digging. Maybe they were excavating something that did all this.
BLADEGUNNER: The only thing we see here are hostile and insane machines made initially for industry work.
AYLA: Maybe "the thing" they were excavating has something to do with the sudden change of behaviour on the machines? Maybe they were somehow changed to attack civilians? And here, in this area of the mines, the massacre was made?
REI: But like I said before, where are the dead bodies?
NEW ULTIMATE: Weird. We can only now for sure by continue to explore. Maybe... at the end of the Mines... we'll have some answers.
REI: You've been saying that since we were stuck on the forest.
AYLA: We can't do much else, either. Let's keep going.

In the hall they currently are, they see two doors.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE, go and check the door on the left. I'll go check the one on the front.
BLADEGUNNER: Ok.

The two hunters split up while AYLA and REI wait for one of them to say which door leads deeper into the mines. NEW opens the door and sees a straight hall with a door at the end.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I think we can go through here...
BLADEGUNNER: Hey guys! I found something here!

The team meets up with BLADE into a small item box room with an ancient monument on the middle, like the ones in the Caves and Forest.

REI: We've seen 2 like this one before, NEW!
AYLA: Then what's this doing here?
BLADEGUNNER: There's a capsule here, with messages inside.
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE): Here, I found the third one. Light... darkness... pair... seal... Will it fit together when the three parts are combined?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well, only one way to find out. Seems RICO didn't find out about the switch in these statues as we did, she focused on studying the characters on it. Here goes!

NEW was about to hit the switch in the statue when REI stops him.

REI: Wait!
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
REI: I say we don't do anything. The last two times we pressed that switch the statue just started glowing and constantly humming. This time I say we don't do anything!
NEW ULTIMATE: Well, what would we gain with that REI? Maybe pressing the switch on all the statues we see may trigger something, don't you agree?
REI: ...Nice thought. But as it could lead us to answers, it could lead us to death. We can't tell what will happen if we "Turn On" every statue. It's too risky. Until we found out more about these, I say we don't touch them, as it can lead to a dangerous trap, for example. If we have to, we'll return here later to use it.
BLADEGUNNER: Kid's got a point.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...All right. Let's move on.

The four move to the door NEW went to check earlier and walk through a long hall to the only door they see in it, at the opposite side.

They stop in the middle when two big objects seem to materialise ahead and behind them.

AYLA: We're surrounded!
NEW ULTIMATE: What are these?

Ahead and behind them are two tank-like machines, with metal shields and wheels.

BLADEGUNNER: My computer identifies these weird tanks as... "Garanz"s.
REI: As what?
BLADEGUNNER: "Garanz"s.
REI: Bwahaha!!! The name is funny, but your accent makes it hilarious!!
BLADEGUNNER: You really are asking to get your ass kicked.
NEW ULTIMATE: Split up! REI and BLADE, take care of the one on the back while...
REI: What? I'm not teaming up with Pig-tail indian accent boy here!
BLADEGUNNER: I'm not to put up with this Nights-hat electric finger kid, so as much as it costs me, I agree with REI.
REI: Take that back!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...All right, I'll take care of the one on the back with REI while BLADE and AYLA force our way through.
EVERYBODY: Got it!

They split up and turn towards their tanks, approaching them.

REI: Let it make its first move NEW. I'll blow it up with part of my weakest spell.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Aren't you being...

Before he could finish, the Garanz ahead of them opens some lids.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out! He's gonna do something!

Out of the circular holes come out two fast missiles, one hitting NEW and other hitting REI, exploding as they touch their chests.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ah!
REI: Hungh! Not bad you idiot. But you're history.

REI opens his fingers showing his palm to the Garanz.

REI: Heck, I won't even make much effort in this spell. ZONDE!

A spark comes out again of REI's hand, hitting the Garanz. The effects are minimal, the spark only destroys some of the Garanz's metal shells.

REI: What!? Almost no effect!!!

The Garanz then counter-attacks, opening his lids again and again firing two missiles, who explode again in NEW and REI's faces.

REI: Ungh... D-Damn! This one was worse than the last!
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... Heal me while I attack.
REI: All right...

REI casts RESTA on NEW and himself while he jumps to the Tank, slashing it downwards with all his strength. The photon blow just breaks other metal shells. As NEW sees this, he retreats back to REI and faces him.

NEW ULTIMATE: This tank has a high defense rate...
REI: It's over for it. Let me handle it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Huh? WATCH OUT!

REI gets hit in the face by a missile, while NEW barely evades and gets hit on the arm.

REI: HARRGH!!

REI falls on the floor.

REI: Damn... Nazi artillery...

REI loses his senses.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!! Not again... Why does everybody loses sense every once in a while?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : This blow was stronger than the two missiles from before combined! What is going on here...?

NEW casts RESTA on himself and REI. But REI still doesn't wake up.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn. THIS ONE'S FOR REI! ZALURE!!

As NEW casts it, the spell hits the Garanz making its defense drop.

NEW ULTIMATE: TAKE A HIKE!

NEW runs to the Garanz charging by doing a god-speed X-shaped slash along with a battlecry, that cuts through the tank, making it blow up before being completly wrecked.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I get it... Maybe the more we hit it, the more its power increases! The Garanz... The weaker its defense is, the stronger are its attacks...
NEW ULTIMATE: HEY GUYS! THE GARANZ...

NEW turns over to BLADE and AYLA to see that BLADE was barely standing still bleeding from almost everywhere, and AYLA was on her knees with even worse injuries.

BLADEGUNNER: This... isn't normal...
AYLA: NEW...

NEW quickly casts RESTA on everybody.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA! Take REI out of here while I finish that tank with BLADE.

As AYLA is healed, she complies by standing up, running towards REI and picking him up from the ground. She then runs to the door they came in.

BLADEGUNNER: Round 2.
NEW ULTIMATE: The weaker the Garanz is, the stronger he'll become... remember that!
BLADEGUNNER: Is that so? Then I'll have to kill it immediatly!
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not that easy.
BLADEGUNNER: Oh yeah? Watch!!

BLADE jumps at the Garanz. It quickly opens six of its lids and fires Six missiles at BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: HIIH!!

BLADE brakes and runs surprised backwards to avoid the missiles, but he realised he won't do it in time.

BLADEGUNNER: TREAHH!!! TAH! TAH!!

BLADE manages to slash three of the missiles and is surprised to see that the others were gone.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Huh? What's going on here?

He looks to NEW and sees that he's on the ground almost fainting. Two of the missiles were on the ground slashed in half, but it seemed one of the hit NEW on his stomach.

NEW ULTIMATE: They've... They've hit me by surprise... That was the strongest missile I ever took... My stomach hurts!
BLADEGUNNER: BAH! I'VE HAD ENOUGH!

BLADE starts running around the Garanz until he's behind him.

BLADEGUNNER: WHAT WILL YOU DO NOW YOU PIECE OF JUNK??

BLADE jumps high into the tank preparing to destroy it. But the tank quickly shifts backward with all his metal power and attacks like a powerful tackle towards BLADE, hitting him hard on his "vital point". BLADE's eyes suddenly are big as bowling balls and his mouth opens like a drawer.

BLADEGUNNER: ...HIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE falls on his knees, covering his wounded delicated spot, while his forehead falls on the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: SHIT! How would you like if I punched one of your batteries?? OW OW OW!!!

The Garanz slowly turns to BLADE using its wheels and opens his 6 lids again, preparing to explode the rest of him and NEW too.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : The pain... I can't... I can't counter...

The Garanz shoots 3 missiles at BLADE and other 3 at NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!!!
REI: GIZONDE!

At light-speed, a lightning bolt hits all the missiles and the Garanz as well, creating 7 big explosions near BLADE and NEW that destroy the Garanz and its missiles. After the smoke clears the see that REI is standing up near AYLA.

REI: You idiots! Haven't you still learned? Use thunder when fighting machines!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI!
BLADEGUNNER: Bah... The mighty Zeus has spoken.
REI: Shut up!
NEW ULTIMATE: You regained your senses quickly, REI!
REI: Thank your "girlfriend" for that. She slapped the hell outta me when she saw you two in danger.
AYLA: You took forever to wake up.

After a while they're all healed. And they continue walking. After a while, AYLA enters an item box room. As she smashes one of the boxes she hears something.

METTALIC VOICE: Eeeek!!
AYLA: Hmm...?

AYLA looks to see a small robot behind some item boxes. He is the size of a human head, with three small legs and a big head.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's this?
AYLA: A little robot!
BLADEGUNNER: Watch out, let me handle this one.
AYLA: Stop! It won't hurt us, it seems scared...
NEW ULTIMATE: Does it...? Now that I look at it...
REI: This robot model was made initially for cleaning and sorting out items in these mines...

AYLA goes near the small robot.

AYLA: Come here little one... We won't hurt you...
SMALL ROBOT: Eee...

AYLA kneels and then extends her hand to the small robot. The robot slowly approaches AYLA's hand while emiting an eerie noise.

NEW ULTIMATE: Be careful AYLA...
AYLA: It won't hurt me...

The robot jumps to AYLA's palm.

SMALL ROBOT: TIPP! TIPP!
AYLA: Aw... so cute... I think he likes me!
REI: A machine with emotions? Dr. Montague has yet to make that possible on his android, Elenor.
AYLA: Don't be so insensitive, REI! NEW, do you think he could come with us?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... It doesn't seem like a hostile machine...
SMALL ROBOT: TIPP!
AYLA: It's hurt! Look, he was hit by something in here... Can't somebody fix it?
BLADEGUNNER: I'd say he's damaged, because machines can't feel pa...
AYLA: Oh alright already! I know how you guys feel for machines!
NEW ULTIMATE: We'll take it back later for Pioneer 2. The damage doesn't seem serious..
REI: Maybe that robot can help us go to the digging site. Do you think it can guide us?
AYLA: If he understands us... Can you, little robot?
SMALL ROBOT: TIPP!
REI: Oh good, he wants tip.
BLADEGUNNER: Man, why don't we ask a dog to find our way to RICO's underwear? At least dogs can sniff.
REI: HEY!! Watch it Pony-tail!
BLADEGUNNER: ...? What?
NEW ULTIMATE: I guess he can come with us if you want AYLA... But it's a machine in this digging site. You'd better stay alert. What are you gonna call it?
AYLA: Well...
SMALL ROBOT: TIPP! TIPP!
AYLA: Teehee! That's it! TIP!
REI: VERY original.
AYLA: Oh, shut up! Welcome to our group, TIP!
NEW ULTIMATE: What do you say guys? Do we welcome a fifth member?
BLADEGUNNER: If you're talking about a mascot, fine by me.
TIP: TIPP! THANK... YOU...!
AYLA: Hey! He can say some words! Pleased to meet you TIP! I'm AYLA. That's little REI...
REI: The King Zero.
AYLA: Grumpy BLADEGUNNER...
BLADEGUNNER: Grumpy? ...Suddenly these series became similar to "Snow White and the Seven dwarves."
REI: Who are you calling a dwarf?
AYLA: ...And my NEW!
NEW ULTIMATE: That's my... er, me.

TIP flies to AYLA's shoulder.

AYLA: Hee hee! He likes us! Come on, let's move! Can you direct us to the end of these mines, TIP?
TIP: YES! TIPP!

TIP leaves AYLA's shoulder and goes on ahead of the group.

AYLA: Follow him!

After some walking they reach a big hall. TIP signals to the door they see at the end of it and they walk through it. When the automatic door opens they see a big teleporter.

TIP: HERE!
REI: Eh? Haven't we seen one of these before?
AYLA: Yeah, before fighting De Rol Le.
NEW ULTIMATE: And the Dragon...
BLADEGUNNER: ...! So it was you who defeated the Dragon, NEW! And De Rol!
REI: And little old me. And it was actually AYLA who killed De Rol.
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: This teleporter has no identification. There's only one way to know where it leads to...
BLADEGUNNER: So let's go at it!
NEW ULTIMATE: We didn't know where the teleporter to De Rol Le took. It may be risky... I understand if some don't want to go.
AYLA: No, we'll all go with you. Right guys?
BLADEGUNNER: You bet!
REI: ...Right.
TIP: TIPP!

The four Hunters and the small robot go into the big teleporter, capable of carrying several people at a time.

NEW ULTIMATE: And here we go!

NEW presses the button to activate the teleporter and they dematerialise out of MINES 2.

Their body data travels inside the energy gate...

They materialise inside a big round room with no apparent exit, and with an offline teleporter near one of the walls. All the walls have 3 smalls screens on them, and a big one above the small ones.

REI: Where are we?
BLADEGUNNER: Hmmm... This seems the control room of the mines...
NEW ULTIMATE: Really? This means we can control the machines using these computers?

REI steps closer to one of the big screens.

REI: Wow! Now that's a big screen! Imagine playing Phantasy Star Online here!
BLADEGUNNER: Phantasy what?
REI: Nothing. My idea for a videogame, in which is the story of our lives.
BLADEGUNNER: Bwahaha... As if that was to happen.

NEW goes closer to one of the computers.

NEW ULTIMATE: Let me see what I can do here...

NEW strikes several keys, hoping to turn the computer on. But in vain. NEW turns away from the computer.

NEW ULTIMATE: It won't work!

At that instant, the computer behind NEW as well as all in the room turn on.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
TIP: DANGER! DANGER!
AYLA: Huh?
REI: What the hell is going on? Why did these computers suddenly turned on?
BLADEGUNNER: NEW, did you do it?
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't think so... AH! LOOK! BLADE, BEHIND YOU!

Behind BLADE is something in the screen. A big dark head, with one eye, no ears and a strange shape. BLADE looks back to see the face.

BLADEGUNNER: Whooa!! What's this? A cyber fantom? ...A virtual ghost?
REI: Or the interface on the controlling program? No, I don't think the interface on Pioneer 1 had this head feature... At least she said it so...
BLADEGUNNER: She? Who's she?
REI: Er... No one. Never mind what I said.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'd think... it's rather some form of a Virus. The same one who was hacking Calus, the independant computer! My computer calls it... VOL OPT.
REI: THAT'S a virus? Man, that's one BIG chin!
AYLA: So... This thing is responsible for Calus's death?
VOL OPT: ...

VOL OPT's head on the screen moves left, and it appears in the other computers when it passes through.

NEW ULTIMATE: It's studying us...
AYLA: The machines were modified by this virus...
BLADEGUNNER: So we're the Antivirus! CHAAAARGE!!!

BLADE runs to one of the walls with the four screens. And stops to gather energy.

BLADEGUNNER: SHOOTING BLADES!

In a fraction of a second, all the 4 screens in the wall were broken down.

BLADEGUNNER: A new record!
REI: Bah. Check this out.

REI runs to one of the walls as well and points his hand at the screens.

REI: GIZONDE!!!

The sparks that come out destroy the 4 screens in that wall in light-speed.

BLADEGUNNER: Yeah? Well, I CAN DO BETTER.
AYLA: You guys... We should be fearing for our lives...
REI: Don't make me laugh. What's a computer gonna do? Shower us with keys?

NEW then notices something sticking out of the ceiling in the center of the room.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): ...? What's that?

Then, 4 holes in the floor are opened, and out of them, 4 metal machines, shaped like columns, come right out.

REI: ...?
BLADEGUNNER: What?
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out! This doesn't smell good!

Out of the columns come out chained lightning bolts that hit REI and BLADE.

REI & BLADE: AHH!!

REI: BAH! You're no match for me... You stupid old hardware chunk!!! DUCK, GUYS!!!

Everybody ducks, including TIP, as REI crosses his arms ahead of him and gathers energy laughing like a maniac.

REI: Heh heh heh... UNNNNGHHH...!!! RAAAAZZZZONNNDEEEE!!!!

REI spreads his arms out pointing the palms to opposite sides of the room and two mighty thunder bolts come out of each palm, hitting violently the screens they were heading.

A huge explosion is heard, but then the enormous quantity of electric energy spreads out to the rest of the room, destroying each of the other screens and making caos and destruction reign in the hardware room.

NEW ULTIMATE: Wow! That was awesome! The most powerful spell I've ever seen!
AYLA: You wiped out all the virus computers in this room... You've killed VOL OPT!
REI: Hahh... haa... ha.... This... is the power... of Level 30 Disks... But more importantly, the power of REI, the King Zero!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Oh shut up and take a fluid.

The screens keep exploding, and the destruction never seems to stop.

NEW ULTIMATE: No... It's not over yet... Look at the roof!
REI: You bet the roof is on fire. Nothing my RABARTA spell can't erase.
NEW ULTIMATE: That's not it... Something is up there...
BLADEGUNNER: Huh?
TIP: VOL OPT! VOL OPT!
REI: WHAT?

The ceiling begins to fall, and revels a huge mechanical machine, shaped like a war-spacecraft, falling of the ceiling and landing on the center of the room. As it lands, it begins floating slightly above the ground. The machine has 2 wing-like parts on each side, and the main CPU seems to be on the front part. The machine is showing its back to the hunters.

NEW ULTIMATE: Split up! BLADE, you stay here! REI and AYLA, cover the sides while I get the front part! GO!!
EVERYBODY: RIGHT!

Everyone runs to their posts, while BLADE keeps on the back of Vol Opt. TIP follows AYLA.

BLADEGUNNER: Hum... So you show your true face, Vol Opt. TRAHH!!!

BLADE lands a powerful blow on the machine.

BLADEGUNNER: GRrr... Like Garanz, it has rough protections all over it...

Then, Vol Opt's back opens 2 lids.

BLADEGUNNER: NO!!! NOT AGAIN!!!

BLADE starts running while Vol Opt shoots 4 missiles that chase BLADE all around the room.

BLADEGUNNER: STAY BACK!!

As BLADE runs around the room, AYLA and TIP are attacking one of the machine's "wings". Suddenly a laser comes out and shoots at AYLA.

AYLA: Humm?

The laser hits AYLA, but doesn't make any effect on her.

AYLA: Haha! You'd need a laser with more frequency power to hurt me!

The laser light goes out.

TIP: DANGER! DANGER!
AYLA: ...?

AYLA looks surprised to see something big coming out of the machine's top lid, shaped like a gigantic tentacle, going straight towards her.

AYLA: Nhhiiiih!!!

AYLA jumps to the side as the tentacle crashes into the floor.

AYLA: Whew! What was that? If I didn't move I'd turn into NEW's favorite dish!

The tentacle raises from the floor and once again attempts to squash AYLA, but she evades while running around the room, passing through BLADE and his missiles many times.

AYLA: REI!! Watch out for his...

She sees REI pass through her side running faster, with his own tentacle following him.

REI: I KNOW, I KNOW!

While the three hunters are running around the circular room, being chased by Vol Opt's weapons, NEW is slashing the front part.

NEW ULTIMATE: Good thing you don't have defenses here!

As NEW says this, the machine gathers energy, and NEW steps back into defense position.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's it gonna do?

Vol Opt regenerates himself, healing some of his injuries.

NEW ULTIMATE: ... RHAHHH!!!

NEW restarts pummeling the front part, faster and better than before.

In the middle of the run, the confusion is set, and the worse happens: BLADE's missiles hit both REI and AYLA, knocking them out. TIP gets hit in the wall and turns off, falling to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: SHIT!!!

BLADE looks up to see one of the ship's tentacles closing in on him to squash him.

BLADEGUNNER: OH NO, YOU WON'T!

BLADE drops his YAMIGARASU and raises his arms to the air. When the tentacle touches his arms, BLADE measures forces with the tentacle, by stopping it from squashing him using his bare hands.

BLADEGUNNER: GRRRRR!!!! NGHRRR!!!! GIVE UP!

The tentacle goes back and goes back inside Vol Opt, making BLADE chuckle. He grabs his YAMIGARASU, heals both REI and AYLA and goes to the front part of Vol Opt to help NEW.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW! REI and AYLA are knocked out big time!
NEW ULTIMATE: Shit! Quick, hurry and help me kick the hell outta this machine! Go to the side!

BLADE and NEW start doing some serious damage to Vol Opt's front side, slashing, cutting, and screaming in rage. NEW's slashing the front side and BLADE is cutting through one of his wings, on the right side of the machine. Then the machine starts to gather energy.

BLADEGUNNER: Stop! It's gonna do something!
NEW ULTIMATE: It's gonna heal! Keep attacking...!
BLADEGUNNER: No... It's different...

NEW's attacking the front part like crazy and doesn't see that Vol Opt was about to fire a strange liquid at him.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW! WATCH OUT!

BLADE runs and pushes NEW out of the way.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

Vol Opt fires a strange plasma-like liquid to NEW, but since BLADE pushed him aside, it's he who gets hit by the plasma.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!
BLADEGUNNER: ...What's this?

As soon as the plasma hits BLADE, it merges to the floor, making several solid walls rise from the ground around him, making it impossible for him to escape. The only opened gap is closed by Vol Opt itself, aiming at BLADE an energy cannon.

BLADEGUNNER: OH SHIT!!! NEW!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: HANG IN THERE!! VOL OPT! I'M HERE!!! YOU WANT ME!!!

NEW starts kicking the hell out of Vol Opt, but it ignores him and concentrates energy into the cannon.

BLADEGUNNER: Grrr.... I'm trapped...
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!!!

Vol Opt fires a huge energy cannon at BLADE, destroying the walls that made BLADE stuck, and erasing everything in its path, even opening a big hole in the wall ahead.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

A big explosion is heard and a big cloud of smoke covers the whole room. When the dust clears, BLADE and the walls are no longer in their place.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...YOU KILLED HIM!!! YOU BIG PIECE OF SHIT!!!

As NEW looks to Vol Opt after the cloud of smoke vanishes, it's already firing plasma to NEW too. The plasma hits NEW and them merges to the floor too, making walls appear all around NEW, like they did on BLADE, leaving an open space which Vol Opt quickly blocks to kill NEW with his cannon.

NEW ULTIMATE: DAMN! Trapped like a mouse!

NEW looks through a tiny gap in the walls to see that REI and AYLA aren't still awake. He begins to sweat...

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Damn! This doesn't look good... I don't have much choice!

Vol Opt starts gathering energy. And when it's ready...

...it explodes.

Vol Opt starts exploding, much to NEW's surprise.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What...?

Vol Opt then releases a tremendous explosion, breaking apart in several pieces across the room.

When all the caos ends, NEW walks out of the walls by the gap Vol Opt was once blocking, and sees BLADE standing in the center of the room.

BLADEGUNNER: Heheh... Piece of cake.
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE...? I thought you were dead...! How did you...
BLADEGUNNER: You're not the only one who can make some nice high jumps! I've been training myself on this too! And Vol Opt didn't have any defenses or detectors on the top of his body, which made it easy for me to deliver the final blow! He ha ha ha ha ha!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Ha ha ha!!
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : It's over. I mad... We made it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Not bad at all...

NEW and BLADE smile at each other. A few minutes later everybody is standing up, and after all the explanations and chat, REI is trying to repair TIP.

REI: No use. We'd better take him to a specialised scientist in Pioneer 2.
AYLA: Poor TIP...

Meanwhile, BLADE is trying to make the unknown teleporter work.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey, I turned on the teleporter outta here!
NEW ULTIMATE: Where does it lead to?
BLADEGUNNER: It says here, "Digging site".
NEW ULTIMATE: All right! Let's move on!

Whithout thinking twice, they all use the teleporter one at a time to arrive at a dark cave, with three capsules on the ground, near an unknown door with strange characters on it, next to digging tools and machines that aren't working.

REI: What the hell... is this?
AYLA: Is this what they were excavating?
NEW ULTIMATE: And what's this... door?
BLADEGUNNER: It seems RICO was here. Let's check her capsules.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : I can now say that there was an ancient civilization on this planet. Ruins buried in the ground. This is the evidence. The government was about to secretly conduct an excavation to study the ruins.

NEW ULTIMATE: This is amazing! An ancient civilization on Ragol... Intelligent life...
REI: But... Where is that civilization right now? Why are only ruins left of that great civilization?
AYLA: Let's check another capsule.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : No intelligent life was discovered when Pioneer 1 landed here... Something else must have caused the destruction of this ancient civilization. What happened to Ragol in the past?

AYLA: And the last capsule...

The four go near the strange closed door with a capsule next to it. The door has 3 odd signs, one of which is glowing green.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : The government was decoding the characters as well. Here is their analysis. I'll try to fill in the gaps with my own data. "Light, darkness... a pair, no,... exist, no exist... unlimited... seal... MUUT DITTS POUMN...?" Whats this last line? An incantation? Seal, seal... What's sealed? Where? What's about this door? Was it sealed with the words, MUUT DITTS POUMN? Maybe each word in the incantation represents something? I found three monuments... Are they keys to open the door?

AYLA: That's it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's go back and open the door.
BLADEGUNNER: Not so fast. It seems RICO was here studying this. And there...

BLADE points to an online teleporter.

BLADEGUNNER: She must use that teleporter to go to Pioneer 2 and get back here when she wishes. She probably must be in her famous lab by now, if she isn't here.
AYLA: Your point being...?
BLADEGUNNER: I say we go talk with RICO. She's on this mission as we are, and if I remember NEW, you were on a side quest to find her right? By secretary IRENE from Principal TYRELL?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... He's right. Let's go visit her. And tell her how her father misses her, and doesn't want her to lose her life in a dangerous mission. I mean, Parents and children... They wouldn't want to be apart would they?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's go all to her and study the situation so far. She may even join us in battle!
AYLA: Yeah!

NEW, AYLA and BLADE were about to use the teleporter...

REI: Man, do we have to?
BLADEGUNNER: ...What's with you?
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't you want to go? You can hang out here or in Pioneer 2 while we sort things out.
REI: Bah. I guess I'll go along with you.
NEW ULTIMATE: That's the spirit!

The four Hunters walk to the teleporter to talk with the famous Hunter RED RING RICO about their situation. Maybe they'll find more clues about Ragol's mystery?

NEW uses the teleporter. Then AYLA with her broken TIP, and BLADE. REI was about to use it...

REI (thinking) : I guess I had to go back sooner or later. Even if I don't go, they'll know it... Bah.

REI enters the teleporter and follows his friends to the answers.

Next chapters:

- Trip back to the Genesis
- Choices
- The real team
- Battle for money, Team up!
- Enter the door
- Duel of Kings
- Showdown: Reliving the Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-23 10:42 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-24 05:00 ]</font>

RavenTW
Sep 23, 2002, 08:43 PM
Good stuff dude! Can't wait for the DF battle!

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 02:38 PM
PROFILE PAGE 3:

AYLA PROMETEA

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/Ayla.jpg

Profile: She would say she's a simple girl. She also has strong morals. She cherishes friendship a lot and will do anything to preserve it. Has a crush on NEW, but hate towards ULTIMATE. Her feelings towards them get divided many times as she gets stressed by reality, altough she's strong enough to find out the right way. She likes to have fun and plays along. She often has a smile in her lips and energy in her whole body.

Age: 20

Birthdate: May 29th

Height: 1,68m

Sex: Female

Weight: 65 Kg

Blood Type: A

Favorite Weapon(s): DOUBLE SABER, S-Rank Twin

Favorite Color: Light Blue

Favorite Number: 3

Her 5 most favorite music:

1) Orion - Eternity(Original Acoustic Mix)
2) Vanessa Mae - Yantra
3) Cock Robin - El Norte
4) Era - Enae Volare Mezzo
5) Vangelis - Come to me

IQ (Intelligence Queficient): 120

EQ (Emotional Queficient) : 129

Favorite Food: Cookies (chocolate chip)

Hobbies: Yoga, writing her diary, spend time with the ones she likes or herself, reading, listening to music, working, and going out to take walks.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-25 12:40 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:39 ]</font>

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 03:07 PM
PROFILE PAGE 4:

BLADEGUNNER

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/smallblade1.jpg

Profile: He lives to challenge. All he cares is defeating tough rivals. All he wants is to be the best of the best. Filled with pride, he doesn't care about friendship, he prefers lonelyness. He isn't bad either, as he doesn't care about killing either. Has no feelings, good or bad. But as time goes by he turns out to be considered a friend by New and others. At the end of the story his EQ raises by 110%, which shows that he becomes a better man, forgetting challenge and focusing on friendship.

Age: 19

Birthdate: 4th December

Height: 1,78m

Sex: Male

Weight: 86 Kg

Blood Type: AB

Favorite Weapon(s): YAMIGARASU, LAVIS CANNON, S-RED BLADES

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Number: 4

Her 5 most favorite music:

1) Metallica - Enter the sandman
2) Danny Elfman - Intro credits
3) Guano Apes - Big in Japan
4) System of a Down - Chop Suey
5) Metalica - Nothing else matters

IQ (Intelligence Queficient): 130

EQ (Emotional Queficient) : 50 (but slowly develops)

Favorite Food: Lasagna with a rappy milkshake.

Hobbies: Trainning, running, playing videogames, finding worthy opponents, fight and challenge skilled Hunters.




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-09-25 13:34 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:42 ]</font>

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 03:20 PM
And after the two new profile pages above, I'd wanted to post also a few games that came out in the market on the past and went unnoticed by the people:

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/ULT_SAGAxviii.jpg

And another:

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/ultsaga.jpg

Special thanks to the real bladegunner, for hosting my previous profile pictures of AYLA and BLADE, and for making these set-ups http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:31 ]</font>

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 03:40 PM
For the 50th post, I'd like to start something funny while I don't finish the next chapters.

Several friends of mine thought that, when seeing the drawings on AYLA and BLADE, they were different from what they imagined them.

So, I'd like to know how did YOU imagine AYLA and BLADE? Take a look at their "photos" and tell me. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

bladegunner
Sep 25, 2002, 03:53 PM
On 2002-09-25 13:40, New Ultimate wrote:
For the 50th post, I'd like to start something funny while I don't finish the next chapters.

Several friends of mine thought that, when seeing the drawings on AYLA and BLADE, they were different from what they imagined them.

So, I'd like to know how did YOU imagine AYLA and BLADE? Take a look at their "photos" and tell me. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif


Actually I though you were going to draw a big fat and short retard out of my character, guess I was wrong about that... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif And Ayla... she's foxier than I thought w00t

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 04:03 PM
...And there he is, ladies and gentleman. The man behind the fanfic! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

bladegunner
Sep 25, 2002, 04:05 PM
On 2002-09-25 14:03, New Ultimate wrote:
...And there he is, ladies and gentleman. The man behind the fanfic! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Wha? Behind? For giving you useless advice? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif Ok, I don't mind getting the props too http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Sep 25, 2002, 04:13 PM
LMAO http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif I'll see you next chapter http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

bladegunner
Sep 25, 2002, 04:25 PM
On 2002-09-25 14:13, New Ultimate wrote:
LMAO http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif I'll see you next chapter http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Next chapter? Heck you better change your fanfic name to the "Neverending Story"! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif Anyway it's a cool fanfic, now bring on the ruins ultimate-chan so I can http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/twak.gif some dimenians! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

RavenTW
Sep 25, 2002, 04:43 PM
I figured Alya to kinda be dark and spiteful (especially after you first meet her). Even after she became good friends with New and Rei, I expected her to be a real hard-hitter. As for Blade, I expected a trenchcoat.

Neo Rei
Sep 29, 2002, 10:06 AM
I have the evindence of Ultimate being a nice guy. I have pictures with him and Rei together. Plus Rei is still alive and well. I think... lol http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

Daikarin
Sep 30, 2002, 07:00 AM
...LIES!!! LIES!!!

I'll have you in touch with my lawyer. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Anyway, the real identity of Ultimate will be revealed next chapter.

...Which is on the works http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Neo Rei
Oct 2, 2002, 12:21 PM
On 2002-09-30 05:00, New Ultimate wrote:
...LIES!!! LIES!!!

I'll have you in touch with my lawyer. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Anyway, the real identity of Ultimate will be revealed next chapter.

...Which is on the works http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif



It is true brother, the damn true.

http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/evidence1.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/evidence2.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/evidence3.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/evidence4.jpg

Plus everyone knows who Ultimate is... lol (think blue)

Daikarin
Oct 3, 2002, 07:38 AM
Ultimate is history. =P

Aahh... The old memories of v1...

By the way, doesn't Ultimate look dangerous?

Rei looks tougher, but Ultimate has that dangerous...
suit, that differs him from New Ultimate! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

...Damn you Rei =P

Note:

Liga-me... por favor = Call me... please
Amo-te Mara = I love you Mara
3 = Three =P

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-10-03 05:43 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Oct 5, 2002, 11:08 AM
On 2002-10-03 05:38, New Ultimate wrote:
Ultimate is history. =P


The mighty TACHIBANA... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



Aahh... The old memories of v1...


*tears*



By the way, doesn't Ultimate look dangerous?

No. LOL http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



Rei looks tougher, but Ultimate has that dangerous...
suit, that differs him from New Ultimate! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif


Correction: Rei IS indeed tougher than all of you poor HUmars. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif



...Damn you Rei =P


Is birthday is next saturday. Forget it not. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



Note:

Liga-me... por favor = Call me... please
Amo-te Mara = I love you Mara
3 = Three =P



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

Daikarin
Oct 5, 2002, 05:42 PM
Sorry for the delay lately, but high-school restarted and... well, I have a lot of work. (But no Flash3, I didn't forget your birthday, 12th October http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif)
Enjoy!


--- Chapter 18 - Trip back to the Genesis ---

After resting one night in a motel, the group gets up early and prepares to go visit RICO in her lab. BLADE and REI are coming out of their room.

BLADEGUNNER: I wonder if RICO is awake yet...?
REI: Yeah, she is.
BLADEGUNNER: ...How do you know that? Are you hiding something from us?
REI: ...Let's just get going all right? And let's make this quick.

REI shuts the door behind him and the group meets at the motel lobby.

NEW ULTIMATE: All set?
REI: Whatever. Let's go.

REI goes on ahead.

AYLA: What's the matter with him?
BLADEGUNNER: I dunno. He's been kinda like that since yesterday. I wonder why...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well... Let's go too.

They catch up with REI. Across Pioneer 2 and into the governmental area, they find a tall and modern skyscraper to be the "TYRELL LABORATORIES". They walk to the counter.

COUNTER GIRL: Good morning! May I help you?
NEW ULTIMATE: Good morning. We wanted to speak with Miss RICO TYRELL.
COUNTER GIRL: Certainly! Do have you scheduled a meeting with her?
NEW ULTIMATE: No, but we are the Hunters who are working for her father and wanted to ask her a few questions.
COUNTER GIRL: I'm sorry, but we can't do anything for that. She's busy right now, trying to figure out something about Ragol.
BLADEGUNNER: So are we!
COUNTER GIRL: I'm sorry once again, but I can't do anything if you don't have an appointment with her.

Then REI, who was unnoticed behind the group steps forward and faces the girl.

REI: These people are my friends. Won't you let us in?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
AYLA: ...!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!!

The girl makes a moment of silent and leers into REI with a shocked face.

COUNTER GIRL: ...Ahh!! Mr. REI! Long time no see...! Sure, you may come in.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!
AYLA: ...!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!!!!!!

With the press of a button the girl opens a door next to the counter, which REI enters immediatly with slow steps. Without facing back, he says...

REI: You guys coming or not?

After the group removes the question mark from their heads, their eyes go back to normal size and they follow REI into a long corridor with several on each side.

BLADEGUNNER: Man, I don't know how you did it. But I take back what I said before, you do have a way with girls.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Shouldn't we ask in what floor or which door is hers?
REI: Don't worry about it.

At the end of the corridor is a "T" junction, with a door at the end. REI stops near it which is really an elevator. He presses a button and the doors open.

REI: Get in.

They all get in.

REI: Hang on tight. RICO managed to create several speeds in these elevators.
BLADEGUNNER: ...? What?

Before REI could answer back, he presses a button. Then the elevator goes up in a very high speed, throwing everybody to the ground except REI, who is putting effort in standing up.

BLADE & NEW & AYLA: WHOOOOOAAAA!!!
REI: I told you to hang on tight!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Sorry, I didn't knew the ground was about to go up and smash in my face.
NEW ULTIMATE: Wow! These are really fast!

After a few seconds the elevator quickly stops in the 237th floor, so fast that BLADE, NEW and AYLA get thrown to the ceiling.

BLADE & NEW & AYLA: WHOOOOOAAAA!!!

They slamm again to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: This is an earthquake... ooo...
REI: Come on, it's the 12th door on the right.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
AYLA: What? Are you saying you missed when he answered back at ya?

Next to the door is a handprint detector in the wall, along with some buttons. REI places his hand on it and quickly presses 4 or 5 buttons. Then the door opens.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Well, if I didn't know you I'd say you live here.
REI: ...

REI and the others go inside looking for RICO. They see many large tables filled with chemical instruments, and a few doors on this and that wall, with also a good amount of books stored in some shelfs, next to a what could possible be a study desk, filled with papers, pencils, rulers and some opened-up books. Across them were two big glass windows, the size of the walls, which led to a big balcony.

REI: I'm home...!

...

NEW ULTIMATE: Whaaat??
AYLA: You're kidding me!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...I take it back. You have an excelent way with girls! REI, the King... gigolo!
REI: ...It's not what you think.
NEW ULTIMATE: Have you been here? Is RICO your wife or something?
REI: No... But you'll have your answers.

Then they hear a voice coming from one of the two doors on the right.

RICO: REI...? Is that you...?

The famous scientist, RED RING RICO opens a door and walks out slowly, barely believing her eyes.

REI: Don't worry about it. We're just here for some questions. We'll leave after we get what we want.
RICO: ...
REI: ...
RICO: I thought you were going to ask if I was all right.
REI: ...I know too well to know that you won't run danger even all by yourself.
RICO: ...And how are you.
REI: I'm fine. Been hunting as well with my new friends.
RICO: Who are they?
REI: This is NEW ULTIMATE. Her girlfriend, AYLA, and this tough guy is BLADE.

NEW smiles and gives a short bow.

AYLA: How do you do...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Bonjour.
RICO: Come in to the living room. I'll get you something to drink.
AYLA: We just want to ask you a few questions...
REI: That's not necessary, mom.

...

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!?
AYLA: ...HUH!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...SHIT!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS!?
RICO: ...He didn't tell you. Just as I expected. I'll explain it all to you. Please come this way.

RICO leads the way through the door she came in to a luxury living room with several sofas. It was decorated with modern art, the walls painted with a baby-orange and the wooden polished ground along with the wall-size glass window across them gave the room a nice atmosphere. RICO stands still near a one-person's sofa and makes move her arm slowly to the big sofas, asking everyone to sit. Everybody sits down, but REI leaps to the sofa and leans on it.

RICO: Well... What do you want to know about first, gentlemen?
NEW ULTIMATE: Is REI your... son?
RICO: Ah...

RICO keeps her mouth open for a few seconds.

RICO: That voice... Are you NEW ULTIMATE?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Why yes. How do you know that?

RICO doesn't answer.

RICO: ...Well, I guess I'll explain it from the very beggining, since your answers are all kind of... linked. About 3 years ago during our voyage to Ragol, I researched the human brain. I found out the formula to create a part of the various mixed chemicals flowing in the brain. I thought that this chemical was indeed part of all the chemicals and strange fluids that ran through our human brain. But what did it do? I started some tests. I tested them on lab rats. Suddenly I found out that all the rats I injected the fluid with a special laboratory sting became more intelligent. They would climb into one another to try and escape from their cage, on the ceiling. They would also throw food at others when a certain "squeek" was heard. Mice throwing food at each other? The most brilliant remark I saw them doing was... when 2 of them actually broke the spinning whell from the cage apart from it. Two mice would hold it for it not to roll of, and another would climb it to try and exit the cage again. I thought... Maybe this liquid affects the brains intelligent quoeficient? I Done some more tests. I found out that the mice only became smarter for short periods of time, after around 35 minutes they would become normal rats. But... What if I found out how to make them permanently, by injecting it on one's brain? I found out that there was a small sample of this chemical on every egg, before a child is born. The human egg's rate of the chemical ran from 0,00000076% to 0,00000080%. I went to the Pioneer 2 Hospital in the northern region of the ship, and they allowed me to study their reports on every citizen's egg, while inside the mother, before birth. There were rare exceptional cases of human babies with rates above 0,00000080%, but the others varied between 0,00000076% to 0,00000080%. Of course they didn't name this chemical yet. It's the only chemical that wasn't proved to exist in the human egg, and I only knew those rates by analising what rate of chemicals was needed for the 100% of the human egg's composition. So, I managed to prove that that unknown chemical actually existed in the human eggs, and that they would determine how smart a people is. I also managed to match every child birth record I took from the Pioneer 2 citizen database and study their intelligent behaviour. Every baby with the highest rate of the chemical grew up to be an intelligent citizen. And those special cases with chemical rate on their egg above 0,00000080% turned out to be absolute genius.
BLADEGUNNER: Whoa, now. Are you telling me you found out the chemical that determines a guy's intelligence rate?
RICO: Exactly. I called it Zero. The more one has Zero in his primitive egg form, the smarter he will become. But some people can have small amounts of Zero in their primitive egg form, but turn out to be very intelligent. That's when he or she can develop his or her intelligence as he grows to become adult. In those cases I noticed a great capacity of learning. Anyway...
REI: They're not here for a science lesson, mom. Just make it short and tell them where I came from.
RICO: ...I see you didn't change at all son.
REI: ...
RICO: I wanted to know what would happen if I increased the Zero amount in an egg. I wanted to create a human being with a big load of IQ. All I needed was a sample of sperm, and I could have a son.
NEW ULTIMATE: Artificial Insemination?
RICO: That's right.
AYLA: Where did you get the sperm?
RICO: ...There was a Newman Hunter known as ARLAB. He was a powerful Force who took quests for money and personal gain. I think he even killed Hunters in his evil doings, but there were never concrete proofs.
BLADEGUNNER: So you mean to say that killer is your husband and REI's father??
RICO: Not my husband, but REI's father. A few years ago I found him on the ship, after he killed another Hunter in the Battle Arena. He was going to be arrested but he ran away. I helped the Police but in the chase, ARLAB fell from a building and died. I thought that he could be perfect for what I was thinking as a son. A Force with tremendous KI and, with my research, almost as smart as Einstein himself, or even me. I asked for the Hospital to give me a sample of his sperm, and they did so. Then... I made my experience and 9 months later, REI was born. I keep him in secret from my father to this day. He was intelligent, but also a slacker. He would only study if it interested him. 2 years later, REI was grown up to be a teenager, because he had Newman genes with him, and this allowed his growing up process to be faster than the Human's. Making some calculations, I deducted that by now he's around...
REI: ..18 human years old.
RICO: ...Right. REI's my son, but he's also the result of my research on the Newman/Human brain. So I called my son... "Project Zero". One day, when REI was old enough... I told him why there wasn't a father in the house. REI didn't accept the fact that his "father" was a bloodthirsty-emotion-less Killer. He ran away from home.
NEW ULTIMATE: You told us you ran away when your father died...
REI: Well, I did run away when I KNEW he was dead.
RICO: I tried to search for him, but later I heard lately by other Hunters that he was one of the best Forces around, and had teamed up with other powerful and skilled Hunters. My father told me the names of the Hunters participating in the Ragol mystery. I was proud to hear his name among the group. REI is now all I hoped he would be. He has a tremendous intelligence rate, but his EQ (Emotional Queficient) isn't as high as his IQ is. So he's the boy we all know: Lazy, Slacker, Show-off and etc...
REI: HEY...!!
RICO: So I figured, the chemical "Zero" didn't affect his emotions. He's a smart person, but I didn't affect his emotions. So I tried to research the Human Emotions. I wasn't able to grow up another child, as I couldn't hide another identity. I did research barely in theory and found out another chemical that composed the human egg, and affected one's EQ. But it was already discovered. What most scientists didn't knew is that it affected the EQ.
AYLA: Wow... I never thought that I think what I'm thinking due to certain fluids... I thought it was part of my spirit...
RICO: I know, but I have a theory. Your intelligence and emotions are based on the spirit, but are linked to your body through those chemicals.
NEW ULTIMATE: In which way do the chemicals react to the spirit?
RICO: That I don't know... I only have theory. As I was saying, I found out the chemical that enhaced one's emotions, making him/her more subtile to the matters of the heart, to be kinder, etc. Those with no feelings have little or nothing of this chemical. I could never test this by creating an intelligent-smart individual. Until one day...
REI: Say, you never told me about this research.

RICO made a moment of silence and looked at NEW.

RICO: I think there's someone here interested in "Project Ultimate".
NEW ULTIMATE: ...? What?
AYLA: ...Project...?
RICO: I'm warning you NEW. I may answer all your questions. I can explain why you feel like 2 persons when fighting in Ragol. I can also explain you why you see me or AYLA in your dreams, or why you have trouble remembering memories before you woke up in your room a few months ago, receiving a certain from PRINCIPAL TYRELL, my father, calling you to investigate the situation on Ragol. But... You may have trouble accepting the reality, like REI didn't accept the fact that ARLAB was his father.
AYLA: What are you talking about? What do you know about NEW? How come you know all that stuff?
REI: ...!!!
RICO: I can only explain if he wants to. Do you want to know the truth NEW?

NEW makes a moment of silence, gazing scared at RICO. He always wanted to find out the answers. But know... He's afraid of himself, considering him as his worst enemy. He places his hands on his knees and stares down. After a while, he looks up to RICO, tightens his fingers in his knees and says...

NEW ULTIMATE: Tell me who I am.

RICO smiled and stood up. She crossed her hands behind her back and slowly walked to the big window, where she could see the entire city.

RICO: You must know that about a year and a half ago... There was a dangerous killer on the loose, called... ULTIMATE. He was worse than ARLAB, all he wanted was to be THE Hunter... The strongest... He was also a maniac, a killer for hire. A Human Hunter, so to say... There was a huge reward for anyone who would bring him dead or alive to the justice. But this only served to raise the number of kills... Each Hunter that defied him didn't survive...
AYLA (thinking) : Like my sister...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

AYLA looks at NEW.

AYLA (thinking) : In what way is NEW and ULTIMATE related...?
RICO: The Government was desperate to catch him...

RICO faced them and slowly walked back to the sofa.

RICO: Then... one day... Appeared a mysterious Hunter, named SPOKE. He feared for his wife, who was also a Hunter, and his children, who would all grow up to be Hunters. With all those killings, he couldn't stand in place and went off without saying his wife or kids to find the Hunter.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. I heard that SPOKE found ULTIMATE, and a fierce battle took place. ULTIMATE found a worthy opponent, but seemed to be victorious. But SPOKE seemed to have explosives in his suit, and blew up right in ULTIMATE's face. His kamikaze attack killed ULTIMATE.
RICO: No... It didn't. I found out ULTIMATE on the floor, wounded nearly to death. I thought that he was the perfect opportunity. I could inject the fluid directily into his brain, to permanently change him into a completly different person. So I took him into my laboratory.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No. No...
AYLA: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...!
REI: ...So? Keep talking mom...!

NEW stared down to the floor in confusion, and RICO could see his feelings of fear.

RICO: ...I injected the fluid on him. Then I thought: A baby gets to see things like love, friendship or virtue throughout life, as REI did. But if a killer had been brainwashed with completly different beliefs, he would be a walking lunatic! I did some studies. I kept ULTIMATE asleep during all that time, with constant voices telling him the values of life and calm music in his ears, images filled with love, friendship and ethics in his eyes through some records I got from movies... and etc. ULTIMATE reacted to them and smiled. His eyes began to change. In a month... he was ready to be awakened. I created a program in my computer making him believe he was a famous skilled Hunter, and who he is today. Throughout some experiments, he turned out to be a whole different person. He would react negatively to negative images or death metal music. He was completly a new person.
AYLA: ...Y... You're saying...

AYLA stood up and walked quickly to the window, with her hands on her hips.

RICO: He was ready to be awakened. So after his program was finished, he believed he was a Hunter, living in a certain apartment. After all, he still had the reflexes he felt on the fight, altough a new mind. I bought an apartment for him and gave him some meseta. I knew he was going to be the complete opposite of before, and would turn out to be a legendary Hunter. As his past was erased... he was another man. The apartment I chose for him was similar to mine. I layed him on the sofa, next to a windowed door to the balcony, for that when he wakes up, he would be ready to start over his life again as another guy, a new Hunter. So after I took him to the sofa... I placed my hand on his head... and called him... ...

...

RICO: NEW... ULTIMATE.
REI: WHAAAATTT???
BLADEGUNNER: NO... SHIT!!!
AYLA: .....!!!!!!

NEW kept silent and didn't move, as in shock. AYLA looks at RICO with a sceptic face as tears start to drain out of her eyes.

AYLA: No. No. You're... You're lying. You made this all up. It... It has to be.

After that she was draining tears as a river would flow slowly, with a sad and depressed face. Her body was shaking in disbelief and sadness, and she couldn't hold her emotions.

AYLA: No.... NEW's... not... him... NEW's...
RICO: It's true. I wouldn't want... have any need to make this all up.

She falls down to her kness and covers her face with both hands, starting to weep along with her silent words. NEW didn't move and was paralysed, with his eyes staring at no particular place. BLADE stood up and crossed his arms.

BLADEGUNNER: ...So... I was right... ULTIMATE didn't die...
REI: ...But he's a whole different guy now...
RICO: Right. Right NEW?

NEW didn't reply. RICO kneeled over to him and placed her hand on his chin, raising his head to face him.

RICO: ...Right?

At that moment she could see his horrified eyes. A tear escaped from them as his eyes closed slowly.

NEW ULTIMATE: I was him... The killer ULTIMATE. I was the man I would swear to kill. I was a sin... There's no... no pardon for that...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

NEW stood up, and walked to the door, leaving the room without saying a word. He closed the door silently, as his heart had more sadness than fury. The room was silent and nobody knew what to say.

Next chapters:


- Choices
- The real team
- Battle for money, Team up!
- Enter the door
- Duel of Kings
- Showdown: Reliving the Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-10-05 15:48 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-10-08 14:36 ]</font>

RavenTW
Oct 5, 2002, 06:38 PM
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_eek.gif

OUCH! That's NOT normal!

Daikarin
Oct 6, 2002, 04:32 AM
It is the truth.

Or at least the truth I made up for the tale =P

But since we fight huge dragons, huge worms, team up with talking robots (Androids) and humans with cat DNA (Newmans), to kick the @$$ of some god of destruction that spits sharp-saw minions through one of his four mouths in PSO, almost anything is anormal =PPP

RavenTW
Oct 6, 2002, 07:54 AM
Science: The Plot Twister http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: RavenTW on 2002-10-06 05:54 ]</font>

Daikarin
Oct 12, 2002, 04:49 PM
Here it is, the 19th chapter! One of the biggest ones in the story. Enjoy!

--- Chapter 19 - Choices ---

It was around 6 am.

There was silence in RICO's house. RICO agreed to let them stay in her house that night, but aside from that they didn't discuss much else.

Since NEW left, AYLA went to sit on the balcony, in an old chair. She had covered her face with her palms, with her elbows were holding her wet face and stood like that the whole night. She didn't talk to anyone since last night, and whenever someone had asked her something she replied... "I don't care...". RICO was in her bed. She too was thinking of what NEW would do, as his EQ and IQ are higher than normal. BLADEGUNNER had left the room early in the morning, saying nothing. But he needed to do some thinking.

They didn't share a word, instead they shared the same thought: To forget all about the killer from the past ULTIMATE, who they were friends with.

NEW... was nowhere to be seen or heard. His arm PC was offline during all that time. RICO couldn't contact him.

And REI was... snoring in the sofa. He slowly opens his eyes, waking up and checks around the sofa to see anyone and sighs as he sees AYLA still in the balcony. He grabs his hat from the ground, puts it on and goes silently to RICO's room. As he opens the door he peeks to see that she was on her bed, without glasses, arms crossed behind her head and staring motionless at the ceiling.

REI: ...May I?
RICO: ...
REI: ...Guess not.
RICO: ...Oh, sorry honey. I didn't see you there, I was thinking about something. Come on in.

RICO sits on the bed, and REI sits right next to her.

RICO: I understand that there's much you want to hear about. But I'd also want to know about you and your story.
REI: Mom... Since you know NEW's way of thinking... Do you know what he's going to do after knowing who he really is?

RICO didn't answer. She put her glasses on and grabbed her small PC, turning it on. She shows a picture of NEW and REI.

RICO: Do you know when this picture was taken?
REI: Sure. That news reporter, NOL, asked us to pose. It was right before we defeated the Dragon, inside Central Dome.
RICO: Yeah. I found this some months ago. I knew you were on good arms. I could imagine the friendship between you two, and was overjoyed that my son and who I like to call... the good man were together. You two are smiling. NEW is shy to take a photo. But you can see that he's happy. And so are you, by his side. Why were you happy?
REI: Because we were friends.
RICO: Were? What happened? Isn't he your friend anymore?
REI: What do you mean mom? He's the killer!
RICO: No. I said he was a completely NEW man. I healed him of his injuries and negative energies in his body. And then I classified him as a new guy. Would I do that if I knew he was a killer...?
REI: Yeah. But he still was a killer... I only know him for a year or so.
RICO: REI...

RICO stands up and goes near her window, watching the sunrise appear on the planet beyond Pioneer 2.

RICO: ...Would you hate me if I told you I killed someone?
REI: Did you?
RICO: Answer me.
REI: Of course not. You're... my mother.
RICO: Precisely. That's because you know me. You feel that you are safe with the image you have of me. And you are.
REI: ...Your point being?
RICO: Didn't you feel NEW was the man he REALLY was when fighting with you? For heaven's sake, he even said there was no PARDON for the killer he once was.
REI: ...But...
RICO: He's like a newborn child. He doesn't even remember clearly what he did.

RICO approaches REI.

RICO: Nowadays people believe more in reincarnation. Suppose you were a killer in one of your past lives. Would I stop to love you as my son and hate you as a criminal?
REI: ...
RICO: Look into my eyes and tell me that the NEW ULTIMATE you know is a killer.
REI: ...You're right. He's the teammate I know, the total opposite of a psycho. He's the buddy I never had, and... that's who he is. ULTIMATE and NEW ULTIMATE are two completly different guys.

RICO keeps staring and smiles at REI.

RICO: Damn, I missed your active personality. You really are a slowpoke in emotional stuff!
REI: Hey, you're FEMALE, for cryin' out loud.
RICO: Now, talk with BLADE and make him realise this. But with AYLA... that can be a bit more difficult as she actually had contact with ULTIMATE.
REI: Yeah...
RICO: Now find BLADE. You know her more than I do, I'll try my best to keep AYLA here. Together you can try to make her realise this. And... find NEW... tell him I can make him defeat ULTIMATE for good.
REI: What...? Defeat ULTIMATE?
RICO: I'll explain later. Just bring him to me...
REI: Right. Later mom.

REI runs out of her room and the automatic door closes behind him.

On Pioneer 2, REI is running everywhere to find BLADE.

REI (thinking) : His PC is offline... Where the hell could he be...?

At that moment he decides to go and ask NOL, the news reporter, if she had seen him. When he goes to the news building to ask about her, he comes to find out that NOL went to Ragol Forest. When REI arrives there, he sees that the forest is almost deserted and starts exploring.

REI: Miss NOL?? Miss NOLLL!?

After walking and screaming for a while he could see through some trees that BLADE was sitting near a lake, in the distance, behind a small hill. When REI gets close, he sees NOL walking to BLADE and sitting next to him.

REI (thinking) : Uh oh... I smell a touching moment. I'd better come back later. Their relation is none of my business anyway, I have no right to stay here and peek.

REI walks away.

NOL: Do you mind if I stay here...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...No, not at all.
NOL: ...Hmm...Is... Is something up? You look sad...
BLADEGUNNER: It's nothing. I was just thinking.
NOL: Am I bothering you...? I can leave if you want...
BLADEGUNNER: Nonsense girl, leave your butt where it is.
NOL: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Ahh, I mean, I don't mind.

NOL and BLADE watch silently the dark sky morning.

NOL: Say, BLADE... I heard you became a better man after you got to hang out with NEW ULTIMATE.
BLADEGUNNER: NEW ULTIMATE... The killer...
NOL: What? No, not ULTIMATE. That's a different guy. I'm talking about NEW ULTIMATE. You know, your teammate?

BLADE stops and looks at NOL.

NOL: You know?? The Hunter you know? AYLA's boyfriend? REI's best friend? The shy but strong Hunter? The humble but powerful warrior that defeated the Dragon, De Rol and Vol Opt with you and the gang?

BLADE just stares at AYLA. With a shocked face he looks at the waters in the lake.

NOL: The guy who wants to uncover the mystery behind Ragol? Your teammate?

BLADE then realises another meaning for NOL's words, that made him remember all his past with NEW. He remembered NEW's personality, and realised that it wasn't the one RICO said he were.

NOL: ...Don't tell me you forgot about him.
BLADEGUNNER: ...No. I thought I did... But I didn't forget about him.
NOL: ...?
BLADEGUNNER: I'm sorry, I was thinking of something else.
NOL: BLADE... You really have changed in a few weeks. Remember when you wouldn't talk to me? I had an image of you that was the emotion-less Hunter. But now...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

NOL and BLADE look at the sky.

NOL: ...Tell me BLADE... Do you have experience in poetry?
BLADEGUNNER: Why do you ask me that?
NOL: Just tell me...
BLADEGUNNER: ...No, just like NEW, I suck at expressing my feelings.
NOL: Oh, I don't think so... I'll prove it to you today.
BLADEGUNNER: What? ...Why do you say that?
NOL: Look at the sky BLADE. Tell me what you see.

BLADE widens his eyes and looks at the dark morning sky.

BLADEGUNNER: Well... I see a dark sky with stars stuck on it.
NOL: ...

BLADE rolls his eyes to NOL to see the weird look on her face.

NOL: No... say it with more emotion... Say what comes to your mind when you see that image...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NOL: What? You're afraid? You're too macho to do it?
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NOL: Come on. Say it... You're only here with me... There's no macho idiot to joke you out. And even if there was, you should hold your feelings like this.
BLADEGUNNER: Well...

BLADE looks to the sky. He sighs as thinking of what he can say. Then he turns his face away from it and NOL's, looking to the grass.

NOL: You won't do it. I thought you were more sensitive.

NOL was about to get up and leave furious...

BLADE: I see a dark horizon... where fairies stand still in the air away from us... staring...watching over us.

NOL smiles and sits back next to BLADE, this time closer.

NOL: Not bad!! There, now was it so hard?

BLADE hears a laughing noise behind him. He looks back and sees no one.
NOL: What...? There's nobody else here...
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah... You're right.

NOL sighs and closes her eyes. The wind passes by the two, as NOL asks...

NOL: Say BLADE... We've been getting closer the past days, haven't we...?
BLADEGUNNER: Why do you ask that?
NOL: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...What do you see in me? A friend?

NOL quickly opens her eyes and faces BLADE.

NOL: Maybe... Why? Do you see me in that way?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Maybe.

They both turn their faces away, looking at the horizon.

They see the sun slowling showing itself from behind some mountains.

NOL: You know BLADE... I...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Yes?
NOL: I would like... for us to have more than reporter-story guy relationship, or even more a friendly one...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NOL: What are you going to say? You don't care? Don't hold your feelings again! Do I bother you by saying this?

BLADE doesn't answer. He just keeps looking at the sun.

NOL: Well, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for having a crush on you.

NOL gets up and runs away. BLADE looks at her, stands up and shouts.

BLADEGUNNER: NOL!!! NOL, WAIT!!!

NOL comes to a stop and faces BLADE.

NOL: ...Why? Will you tell me why you want me to stop running? Or will you hold back and say nothing? What will you choose?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I'll say it, NOL. I'll say it.
NOL: ...

NOL and BLADE make a moment of silence. BLADE points with his thumb to behind him.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Your house is the opposite way.

NOL gets furious and runs past BLADE. When they both are next to each other, BLADE grabs NOL's hand.

BLADEGUNNER: I was kidding.

NOL looks at BLADE, not knowing what to say or think.

BLADEGUNNER: I'm an idiot in saying these stuff but... I've been also caring for you recently.

NOL smiles and turns over to BLADE.

NOL: Well...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Er...
NOL: What's the line now, Mr. Romeo? What are you going to do?

BLADEGUNNER stands still, thinking of what to say.

VOICE: KISS HER YOU IDIOT!!!!

BLADE looks everywhere to find out where the voice came.

BLADEGUNNER: Who's there???

NOL doesn't stop looking at BLADE. When she sees that he isn't paying attention to her, she grabs his head and turns it over to her.

NOL: ...I guess Miss Juliet has to make her move sometimes.

NOL aproaches BLADE's face to her and kisses him, right after they both close their eyes.

Clouds run to the front of the sun, which fights them to show his rays of light. Then it starts rainning, not interrupting the moment. BLADE and NOL take their lips off each other and

NOL: Tee hee...
BLADEGUNNER: Hehehe...
NOL: Come on, will you take me home...? I didn't sleep enough last night.

BLADE grabs NOL into his arms and they both dissapear in the rain, laughing at each other.

A thunder hits a tree near the place they were...

...hitting REI as well.

REI: AAARGH!!

REI falls from the tree.

REI: If only NEW and AYLA could be just like these two. Well... I guess I don't have to worry about making BLADE realising NEW's situation anymore.

REI runs to Pioneer 2, following BLADE and NOL.

BLADE leaves NOL at the door of her aparment, inside the building.

NOL: Have a nice day.
BLADEGUNNER: I already had the best day in my life!

NOL smiles, opens her door and sends a kiss using her fingers as the automatic door closes.

BLADEGUNNER: ...

He starts running through the hall, heading towards the elevator.

BLADEGUNNER: WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!

Then a leg comes out from a corner, making BLADE trip and fall hitting his nose on the floor.

REI: Who would have thought that Mr. Mercenary turned out to be a touchy Romeo all of a sudden?
BLADEGUNNER: ...You were spying on me before?
REI: ...How can you think of that right now? NEW and AYLA are having the toughest time in their lives, did you forget about it?
BLADEGUNNER: ...You're right. What can we do?
REI: We'd better go talk with AYLA. Together we can talk her into her senses.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Say, REI...
REI: What?

BLADE looks at REI for a moment.

BLADEGUNNER: What about me? Don't you need me to talk myself into good sense too?

REI gives a dark look at BLADE.

REI: You didn't even understand a word of mom's speech last night, you idiot.
BLADEGUNNER: You know, if I hadn't become soft lately, I would kick your ass right now.

REI and BLADE start running out of the building.

REI: ...And yes, I was spying on you before.
BLADEGUNNER: DIE!!!

A few minutes later they both arrive at RICO's room. (A bit wounded, but still in one piece) The don't see AYLA anywhere.

BLADEGUNNER: She isn't here! Maybe she ran away...?
REI: Impossible. Mom told me she would do her best to keep her here. Maybe she closed AYLA in her bedroom. Let's go in.

REI and BLADE enter RICO's door to find her snoring on the ground.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: MOM!!! WAKE UP!!
RICO: Huh...? Wha...?
REI: Where's AYLA?
RICO: In the balcony. Right...?
REI: ...
RICO: ...
REI: How can you fall asleep in a time like this?
RICO: Gimme a break, I didn't sleep last night!
BLADEGUNNER: Where could she be now?
REI: Hmm...

REI stops to think for a moment.

REI: The "Photon Dragon"! The karaoke bar where she used to sing! She went there when NEW screwed up in their early relationship, some months ago!
BLADEGUNNER: You're right. They do say singing erases stress.

REI and BLADE once again start pedalling out of the building. Across Pioneer 2 they finally find the bar. Once inside, they try to see through the crowd to find AYLA, but to no avail. There's too much people.

REI: Say, GUNNER! Pick me up, let me find AYLA.

BLADE grabs REI and sits him in his shoulders.

BLADEGUNNER: Can you see her?
REI: Wait... Hmmm...

REI faces everywhere but can't find her.

REI: Shit. She's not here.

BLADE places REI on the floor.

REI: Wait a moment... the bathroom!
BLADEGUNNER: What?
REI: She must be closing herself in the bathroom! Come on!

REI and BLADE reach the doors in the bathroom, labelled HUMAN MALE, HUMAN FEMALE, NEWMAN MALE, NEWMAN FEMALE, ANDROIDS.

BLADEGUNNER: Which one should we check first?
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Just kidding!
REI: We can't just barge in the "HUMAN FEMALE" door. I mean, they would notice my ears and manhood with that stupid scanner.
BLADEGUNNER: What are you saying?

REI gives a false smile to BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: OH HELL NO. NO WAY!
REI: Aw come on! You're the Human here, and have long hair!
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: Will you do it? For NEW and AYLA? Will you choose to help your friends?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Bah. Just this once. And Make it fast.
REI: Thanks dude! Stay here. I'll be right back.

REI runs off the bar.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...What's he thinking?

REI runs back a few minutes later with a Female Hunter suit on his hands. Everyone looks at the small newman heading to BLADE with the Female uniform.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Couldn't you be more discreet?
REI: Shut up and go change.
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE enter's the men's bathroom and changes. After a few moments REI can hear BLADE shouting.

BLADEGUNNER: I'm NOT WEARING THE RIBBON!
REI: The scanner will notice female looks with you wearing it. So stop complaining and get done!

He comes out with a ribbon on the hair, and the Female Hunter suit.

BLADEGUNNER: I'm glad NOL is asleep right now.
REI: Come on, go inside the ladies bathroom and check to see if she's there!
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE goes near the automatic door and the scanner identifies BLADE as a girl and opens the door.

BLADEGUNNER: So this is how a female bathroom looks like!
REI: No time to get excited, pig-tailed boy. Go inside!

REI pushes BLADE inside. BLADE starts checking but sees AYLA nowhere. He goes to check the toilets but they're all empty. Angry, he comes out of the bathroom.

REI: Any luck?
BLADEGUNNER: She isn't here. WHY did I have to dress myself up like this? FOR NOTHING!
REI: She isn't? Damn... I can't think of no concrete place else for her to be...
BLADEGUNNER: Bah. I'm getting out of this stupid outfit.

BLADE walks to the men's bathroom while REI is thinking of where AYLA could be. A group of tough big air sailors notices BLADE entering the men's room.

AIR SAILOR #1: ...
AIR SAILOR #2: Did you just see what I saw?
AIR SAILOR #3: Yeah, I saw what you see. A cute girl walking inside the men's room.
AIR SAILOR #1: Talk about desperate.
AIR SAILOR #4: COME ON!!! LET'S ANSWER HER NEEDS!!!!

The four sailors run like gorilas inside the men's bathroom. Meanwhile, REI sees AYLA, running out of the bar.

REI (thinking) : AYLA! You're here! But where was she? I couldn't see her... The backstage! I forgot about it! She was there all along! Damn, I'd better not loser track of her.

REI follows AYLA out of the bar.

BLADEGUNNER: REEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!

A few minutes later, AYLA is seen sitting on a bench, in a public Pionner 2 artificial park. REI sees this and sends a message to BLADE, telling him where she was.

She sees a small stone on the ground. Angry, she picks it up and throws it to the pool ahead. REI arrives near her that moment.

REI (thinking) : Whew! She can run pretty damn fast.

AYLA doesn't move, just stares at the pool.

REI (thinking) : Where's that idiot BLADE when you need him?
REI: ...
REI (thinking) : Ahh, crap. Guess REI has to save the day again.

REI slowly approaches AYLA. Slowly... slowly... Until he gets within 2 meters of distance.

AYLA quickly draws her photon blade and aims it at REI, without looking at him.

AYLA: You'd better leave me alone.
REI: It's me, REI...
AYLA: ...

Hearing this, she turns off her blade and stores it, without looking at REI.

REI: ...
AYLA: ...
REI: Can I... sit down?

AYLA doesn't answer.

REI: Guess that's a "I don't care".

REI sits down next to her.

REI (thinking) : Ahh, damn. Where can I start?
REI: ...AYLA... Why are you like this?
AYLA: ...
REI: ...
AYLA: ...Am I supposed to really answer to that?
REI: ...Well... Tell me what are you thinking. It would help.
AYLA: ...
REI: If you don't say anything you'll be keeping your pain. That's the worse you can do, and don't think you're right in saying... "Leave me alone".
AYLA: ...I'm confused. I see that the man I care for... is really the man I swore to kill...
REI: Aw, Geez. You should know better than that.
AYLA: ...
REI: I mean, you said yourself once to him right? "When I look into your eyes, I don't see the eyes of a killer."...
AYLA: ...You were supposed to be asleep that time.
REI: Why do you think Newmans got big ears?... But seriously, you came to realise his personality didn't you? You got to know him...
AYLA: Well, it was fake. A real fake.
REI: Quit it. You know that what you just said is a lie. RICO said he was BRAINWASHED. He doesn't even remember a thing!
AYLA: Yeah, but it's hard. You'd never get it. That man killed my sister, even IF he doesn't remember it!
REI: The man who killed your sister is dead. Once again, you mistook NEW for someone else. He's a new guy. He just wears a body identical to the killer. Just it. Do you think mom would let him loose if you were right?
AYLA: ...
REI: Come on, doll. What does your heart say?
AYLA: ...my... heart...?
REI: Don't pay attention to your mind right now.
AYLA: ...
REI: Kill or love...? Follow your heart and choose...
AYLA: ...

AYLA stands up.

AYLA: Sorry REI. I just can't love the one who killed my sister. But I can't kill him either. So... I'm gonna forget about him.

AYLA runs away, with a trail of tears raining in her path.

AYLA: Forever...
REI: ...

AYLA dissapears between the trees in the park. REI is alone in the bench. A wounded BLADE shows up.

BLADEGUNNER: WHERE IS SHE????
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Don't tell me I'm too late.
REI: You idiot! And just WHERE were YOU?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Wrestling some sailors. It's all your damn fault.
REI: ...Doesn't matter right now. I just talked with her by now.
BLADEGUNNER: And...? What happened?

REI explains his dialogue with AYLA to BLADE. When he finishes, they both don't know what to say.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Well, what are we gonna do now?
REI: ...I'll tell mom I couldn't convince AYLA of the truth. It's too hard for her.

REI sends RICO a message explaining everything.

REI: ...And now...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...We should find NEW and try to make HIM realise the truth.
REI: Yeah, I guess you're right.
BLADEGUNNER: But... where should we start looking?
REI: ...Hmmmmmm...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...Let me think. Where would I go if I found out I was a killer?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I would go nowhere.
REI: Me neither. But we're talking about NEW here. Where would I go if I found out if I was a killer... and were NEW?
BLADEGUNNER: .......Well, since NEW hates killers, he would probably kill himself.
REI: ......
BLADEGUNNER: .......
REI: SHIT! GOTTA THINK FAST!! WHERE WOULD I GO IF I WANTED TO KILL MYSELF???
BLADEGUNNER: ...Probably to some tall building, to throw myself...
REI: But which one?
BLADEGUNNER: Hmm...

In that moment REI receives a message from RICO.

RICO'S MESSAGE: NEW is here. Come quickly.
REI: OF COURSE! MOM'S LAB IS THE TALLEST BUILDING IN PIONEER 2, ASIDE FROM TYRELL'S ROOM!
BLADEGUNNER: HURRY!!!

REI and BLADE once again put the pedal to the medal and start dashing back to RICO's lab. Once they arrive, they can't decide whether to go by the stairs or the elevator.

REI: Which is the fastest way to the ceiling?
BLADEGUNNER: THE STAIRS OF COURSE!!!

They start running wild to the top floor. they finally reach the roof.

REI: NEW ULTIMATE! (Huff... Puff...) IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, STOP RIGHT THERE!! (Huff...)
BLADEGUNNER: ...(Huff... Puff...)
REI: ...Huff...He isn't here...?

REI and BLADE look everywhere in the ceiling of Rico's lab, but he isn't anywhere.

BLADEGUNNER: Maybe he's too late...? Puff... Maybe he already fell...
REI: No... Puff... It can't be...

BLADE slowly goes to the edge of the building and looks down to the roads and airships in the deep horizon.

BLADEGUNNER: (gulps) Sure is a long way down...
REI: NO! MAYBE MOM SAID "HERE" AS IN HER ROOM!!
BLADEGUNNER: IS HE GONNA THROW HIMSELF FROM RICO'S ROOM?
REI: No... Maybe.... Maybe he turned as ULTIMATE again and... decided to...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Kill her...?
REI: Impossible. NEW is a new guy.
BLADEGUNNER: Duh for that. But... THEN WHY ELSE WOULD HE BE THERE???
REI: ....DAMN! HURRY!!!

BLADE and REI start running down, until they reach RICO's room. The door opens before them, where they can see NEW and RICO.

REI: NEW!!!! DON'T.... Huff... DO IT!!!
BLADEGUNNER: YOU'RE... Huff... A GOOD GUY!
RICO: You took your time. NEW already drank some tea with me.
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
RICO: His PC was online, so I sent him a message asking him to come here. Where the hell were you?

REI and BLADE fall to the floor with exhaustion.

A few minutes later, BLADE and REI are lying on the sofas resting from their race, while RICO is in the single-person sofa and NEW is near the windowed door to the balcony, arms crossed behind his back and looking at the city.

REI: NEW... Don't forget that you're our pal. And no other guy than that.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...So, mom... How did you convinced him into coming here?
NEW ULTIMATE: She told me I could destroy forever my memory of ULTIMATE within me.
BLADEGUNNER: What? Is that true?
RICO: Yes, it is. It won't change the fact that his body was ULTIMATE's, but can eliminate all traces of him. Kind of like washing away evil within him.
REI: Washing evil away from him?
RICO: Let me explain. When I brainwashed ULTIMATE, it's as if I sealed away his spirit and created a new one. When NEW ULTIMATE was created, I managed to create a new spirit in ULTIMATE's body, making the evil spirit sleep.
BLADEGUNNER: So... it's as if ULTIMATE is asleep inside NEW?
RICO: Yes. There can only be one spirit in a body per time. I don't know when of if ULTIMATE's spirit can revive but...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I can fight him to eliminate him forever.
REI: What? And just how the hell are we gonna fight a spirit?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Who're you gonna call...?
REI: Using an exorcist?
RICO: No, No... I can make NEW himself fight with ULTIMATE. I have to hipnotise him and NEW will go asleep for a few hours, falling into deep transe. This is all I know that will happen for sure. In theory... this is what happens: Once NEW is hipnotised using my method, he will go to the non-material world... the spiritual world, inside his mind and come face-to-face with ULTIMATE. It's almost as if he's dreaming that he's fighting ULTIMATE. Then... a tremendous battle will follow. A battle of beliefs. Of mind power. NEW will feel like he is on a real battle, but the enemy's feelings will have great impact on him, if he doesn't strongly believe in his own. Whoever has bigger will, wins. But... only one of them can win. And whoever wins... wins the body forever. It's a very risky method, so I'll only apply it on NEW if he wants so.
REI: ...So... NEW will face ULTIMATE... whoever has bigger will power will fight better, and then win.
BLADEGUNNER: ...It's kind of like a virtual battle, right? He will fight using his body, but won't feel material. A battle in dreams...
RICO: Yes. It's as if he imagines fighting ULTIMATE. He must keep his determination strong, or else ULTIMATE will win... and thus revive. What's it gonna be NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm going to win. Hipnotise me and don't worry about ULTIMATE.
REI: All right!
BLADEGUNNER: That's the spirit!
RICO: ...Very well. Come here.

RICO takes NEW to her bedroom. REI and BLADE follow them. RICO asks NEW to lay down on the bed, for her to hipnotise him.

RICO: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What?
RICO: You still can go back. ULTIMATE will remain asleep inside you forever.
NEW ULTIMATE: Someday the bomb can explode. Let's throw it away.
RICO: ...

RICO grabs a book, opens on a marked page and starts reading it. A few seconds later she closes the book and looks NEW in the eyes. She focuses herself and points two fingers to his eyes.

RICO: SLEEP!!!!

NEW loses conscience and sleeps.

REI: ...That's it?
BLADEGUNNER: ...
RICO: No, Now I have to whisper some orders to him.

RICO once again grabs the book and opens it on the marked page. She turns some pages over and reads some more. She closes the book and approaches NEW.

RICO (whispering) : You see him. The man who previously owned your body. Wake up, ULTIMATE...

She says a few more words, but now we see NEW's mind.

NEW wakes up standing in a dark space all around him. He can see himself as if it were daylight, but everything around him is pure black.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Where am I...? I feel... weird... I don't feel my body, but I can see it... Am I... dreaming...?

...

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!

The minutes he says that, a big image of REI appears all around him.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...What's... this? I feel as if whatever I think gets projected around me... Let me think of... AYLA...

Several images of AYLA appear around him, showing his memories with her.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Just what I thought. I can see, hear... sense them, but not just like I do in real life... kinda like a dream... Let me think of...
ULTIMATE: Nothing. Your memories make me sick.
NEW ULTIMATE: What???

NEW looks back to see a blue figure approaching. He looks just like NEW, but has a blue Hunter suit and green cold eyes.

ULTIMATE: So... you're the sucker...
NEW ULTIMATE: You took the words out of my mouth.
ULTIMATE: Yes, I'm ULTIMATE.

They both make a moment of silence as they look at each other.

ULTIMATE: ...You know...I've been living what you have been living, altough you're the one who controls my body. I can't believe my body... WENT TO A LOSER LIKE YOU!!

In that moment several images around NEW appear, several images of ULTIMATE's personality, forcing NEW to believe he was an idiot.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ooo... Noo...
ULTIMATE: You're the shy-touchy-punk who owned my body!!! TIME I GOT MY REVENGE!!!

Then, several pictures and voices appear, indicating that ULTIMATE is much stronger than NEW, and that he was strong like a bug to him. NEW crouches with all the negative images, sounds and mind ideias that flow to his mind, trying to manipulate him.

NEW ULTIMATE: .....rrrrrrrRRRRRRRHAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

NEW stands up, and with his scream the images, sounds and ideas dissapear, like the wind carries them away, from NEW's will power.

ULTIMATE: ...Mighty impressive...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm as good as you. Or even better. Now shut up and let me kill you from MY body.
ULTIMATE: Feh. I'd like to see you try.

NEW raises his palm and a TWIN BRAND appears on his hand, merely by thinking of it.

ULTIMATE: Nice showdown of mind power. But that's nothing. Let me show you who I am.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's trying to make me think he's superior... But he'll taste my training.
ULTIMATE: Ever wondered why you feel confortable with the TWIN BRAND?

ULTIMATE raises his hand and a TWIN BRAND appears as well.

ULTIMATE: MY FAVORITE WEAPON!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!
ULTIMATE: KHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!

ULTIMATE charges with his blade, trying to pierce NEW with it. NEW dodges to the side, spins his body and punches ULTIMATE. ULTIMATE spins too, using the force from NEW's punch, and focuses the power from the spin on his weapon by delivering a horizontal strike. NEW jumps and avoids it.

NEW ULTIMATE: TOO SLOW!!
ULTIMATE: I'M NOT DONE YET!

After spinning, ULTIMATE places a foot away from NEW and uses it to jump towards NEW, kicking him away. NEW lands on the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ungh...
ULTIMATE: ...Not bad, kid. Not bad at all.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That didn't hurt me... physically speaking. Since my body isn't material, only pure energy, I can't get hurt. But my self-confidence decreased after receiving the blow... I guess if I lose the will to fight, ULTIMATE will win over my body...
ULTIMATE: Yes... you're right. So let me win quickly.
NEW ULTIMATE: ..!!! You can read my mind?
ULTIMATE: You can also read mine. We're inside the non-material world remember? So let me strike you until you realise how strong I am and how weak you are.
NEW ULTIMATE: The blows don't hurt my body... and that's all I need to know. So your photon blade can't cut me off.
ULTIMATE: Same here. But a hit decreases your will. And without will, you die. And I just begun.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I didn't even begin to fight.
ULTIMATE: ...You want to piss me off? WELL CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MANAGED TO DO IT!!! DAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!

ULTIMATE charges a diagonal strike at, who blocks using his weapon. Both Hunters measure forces using their blades.

ULTIMATE: NGRHHHH...!!!! YOU'RE STILL NOTHING... TO ME!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: YOU'RE GETTING SCARED, OH MIGHTY HUNTER???
ULTIMATE: SHUT UP!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That's right... if he gets angry he'll be stronger...

NEW deflects ULTIMATE's blade to the side, making him almost fall, and take the chance to hit him with the other blade in the TWIN BRAND, on his shoulder, throwing ULTIMATE backwards.

ULTIMATE: DHAAARGH!!!!

But ULTIMATE doesn't have a wound.

ULTIMATE: ...You're a challenge. I guess I'll fight full power with you.
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't bluff me.
ULTIMATE: Then see for yourself...

ULTIMATE shows his palm to NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!

NEW quickly blocks with his TWIN BRAND.

ULTIMATE: FOIE!!!

The ball of fire hits the TWIN BRAND photons and explodes. When the flash from the blow vanishes, ULTIMATE is nowhere to be seen.

ULTIMATE (behind NEW) : Here.

ULTIMATE attacks NEW, striking a horrible photon blow on NEW's back, throwing him to the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: AAAHHHHH!!!!!!
ULTIMATE: NOT DONE!!!

ULTIMATE runs to NEW and starts pummeling him with everything he has. A few seconds later, NEW can't get up, and his self-confidence is nearly over. ULTIMATE stops attacking and looks to NEW.

ULTIMATE: You're only an Amateur after all. After all, an idiot who likes friendship and similar shit can't equal my battle spirit. Now... you die... and then... everyone else in Pioneer 2.

ULTIMATE raises his blade to give the final blow.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I can't... do anything...
ULTIMATE: ...Your friends... will be easier to kill.
NEW ULTIMATE: WHAT?

ULTIMATE strikes with his blade down to defeat NEW for good. A bright flash and a slash noise is heard.

ULTIMATE: ...It can't... be...

NEW is holding ULTIMATE's blade bare-handed.

NEW ULTIMATE: Don't you dare... to touch them.
ULTIMATE (thinking) : What's going on? He's more aggressive than before... altough he doesn't appear...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'll kill you.
ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's filled with hate... but won't show it directly... Pah. That won't change a bit.
ULTIMATE: ...YOU THINK YOU SCARE ME?? I'LL SAY IT AGAIN!!! I'LL KILL YOU AND THOSE IDIOTS!!!!

ULTIMATE attacks with a fast and powerful horizontal photon blow. NEW blocks with his knee.

NEW ULTIMATE: The body can be more powerful than the blade, if you have enough mind energy.
ULTIMATE: ...!!!

ULTIMATE takes the blade off his knee and attacks with the opposite blade, spinning the weapon. NEW uses two fingers to stop the blow and catch the blade.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...And another thing. If you think of an attack, I can read it easily. Don't forget that we can read minds in here.
ULTIMATE: SAME GOES FOR HERE!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: No...

NEW punches ULTIMATE in the mouth using the other hand. ULTIMATE gets thrown back.

ULTIMATE (thinking) : What's going on here? Why can't I read his blows?
NEW ULTIMATE: That's because I don't think of anything, when I attack. I just use my instinct. Something Idoubt you understand.
ULTIMATE: SHUT UP!!!

ULTIMATE throws the TWIN BRAND away and prepares to kick NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: A kick?

ULTIMATE goes to kick NEW but stops and punches him instead. NEW grabs the fist.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Like I said... I won't let you...
ULTIMATE (thinking) : His anger... it grows faster and faster... and increases his power... By the desire of protecting the loved ones... something...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...something you can never have.

Several images and sounds of NEW's memories with his friends appear all around both Hunters.

NEW ULTIMATE: I WON'T LET YOU LAY A FINGER ON THEM!!!

NEW quickly places his palm on ULTIMATE's chest.

NEW ULTIMATE: IT'S OVER!!! GRAAAAAAAAAAAANTS!!!!!!!!
ULTIMATE: ....uuooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

A bright flash is seen and a tremendous light explosion the size of a house triggers in the scene, blowing all of the images, sounds, memories away.

Then... suddenly... all is black.

There's nothing.

Nothing...

Meanwhile, in the material world, NEW still didn't woke up. REI, BLADE and RICO are sleeping near RICO's bed, where NEW is.

A whole day has passed since NEW went to sleep.

BLADE hears the noise of an automatic door opening up, the main door to RICO's apartment. He wakes up.

When the door in the room opens, BLADE sees AYLA in shock.

BLADEGUNNER: ...AYLA...!!!
AYLA: ...

AYLA runs over to NEW. RICO and REI wake up.

AYLA: ...Did you... kill him?

RICO: Uahh... No. I didn't.
AYLA: ...Is he asleep?
RICO: That depends. Who is the man on the bed?

AYLA looks to RICO.

AYLA: The man I love. And nobody else. I'm sorry... I should have known it all along.

RICO smiles and explains the story.

AYLA: Fighting ULTIMATE's spirit...? How long is he like this?
REI: For over a day now. He's been sweating like mad and saying "No" several times, but around 20 hours ago he is just sleeping.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. Looks like the "Spirit VS Spirit" fight happened only when he first went to sleep...
RICO: You know... even if he wakes up... there's no telling if he won or lost... It could be ULTIMATE who won the battle and took over the body...
AYLA: ...No, I don't believe in that.

AYLA goes to NEW's side.

AYLA (whispering) : Please... come back to me...

A tear falls from her eye and lands on NEW's cheek. She covers it by kissing NEW.

AYLA (whispering) : God... please make him wake up...

NEW doesn't move. When AYLA sees this she aproaches her forehead with NEW's and closes her eyes in sadness.

REI: ...How long is he gonna be like this?
RICO: ...AH! Silly me, I forgot something!
REI: What?

RICO points two fingers to NEW.

RICO: WAKE UP!!!!
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
AYLA: ...How could you forget that?
RICO: I was more focused in thinking who was going to be the winner.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ahh.. Ay... AYLA?
AYLA: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE: It's me... I... won!
AYLA: I'm sorry... for not believing in you... I should trust in the person who you were in the first place... Could you ever forgive me?
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, come here...

They both hug each other.

REI: NEW!!! YOU'RE BACK DUDE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Not bad, man. That means ULTIMATE is gone for good, Right?
NEW ULTIMATE: Right... I erased him...
RICO: Well... It's around 7 pm. Let's all have dinner here. My treat, of course.
REI: ALL RIGHT! MOM'S GONNA COOK!

After a few minutes, they start preparing dinner. REI and BLADE went off to buy the food, which AYLA and RICO would cook later. At the table, the 5 Hunters are together and share memories, laughs, theories, stories and possibilites. They also discuss the matter in Ragol, which RICO says that the three monuments they found on RAGOL were actually keys to open the door for the ruins of the ancient civilisation that Pioneer 1 was digging up. And at the next day, NEW, REI, BLADE and AYLA decided to go and open the door.

A few hours later, RICO invites everyone to sleep in her apartment.

Around 11 pm REI and RICO fall asleep in the sofas. BLADE is sitting on a chair in the balcony, gazing upon the city.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Well... I guess we're all together again. Just like before...

BLADE looks at the stars and receives a message from NOL.

NOL'S MESSAGE: You know, I feel lonely...
BLADEGUNNER: ...WOHOOOOOO!!!!!

BLADE runs away from the apartment, heading towards NOL's own.

Meanwhile, AYLA and NEW are sleeping in RICO's bed.

NEW ULTIMATE: She was very kind to let us both sleep in her bed...
AYLA: ...NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
AYLA: ...Don't you ever... let me run away from you again. For our own good.
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe... all right.

AYLA gets close to NEW and they both fall asleep, preparing to continue their mission on the next day. Finnally, sharing even more friendship as before, the 4 are back again.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey Juliet! Still feeling lonely??
NOL: You bet! Come in!!

Well... Just this night, BLADE will forget the group.

And ULTIMATE... is gone for good.

Next chapters:

- The real team
- Battle for money, Team up!
- Enter the door
- Duel of Kings
- Showdown: Reliving the Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-10-12 14:56 ]</font>

RavenTW
Oct 13, 2002, 12:32 PM
Awesome work my friend! Kinda reminded me of the Matrix.

Daikarin
Oct 13, 2002, 02:44 PM
Really??? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

I just would like to say I have a surprise coming up, if this fanfic ever reaches 1000 views, that is.

Daikarin
Nov 2, 2002, 12:24 PM
No, this isn't dead. I was just making a short break to focus on studying and other stuff. But thanks to all who still came and followed my fanfic, or even those who enjoy reading it. For them I give my thanks!

http://www.boomspeed.com/bladegunna/everything.jpg

Next chapter is on the works. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-24 10:45 ]</font>

RavenTW
Nov 2, 2002, 01:12 PM
BHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

That's some good crap we got there.

Daikarin
Nov 6, 2002, 05:55 PM
Sorry for the delay. 12th year high-school really tightens my schedule. Talk about a short chapter... but do enjoy! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

--- Chapter 20 - The real team ---

It's 2 am.

Of course, you can't tell it by being in space.

On a giant spaceship.

NEW is with AYLA on RICO's bed, still unable to get some shut eye, facing the ceiling.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Tomorrow... we'll unrap the mystery. Problem is... we may go straight to our graves. If all the Pioneer 1 colonists disappeared... it might as well be while excavating the mines. Maybe they found something too... dangerous...

NEW gives out a deep sigh and looks at AYLA sleeping.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...That's right. We're a team, I won't be alone. That's probably why she is relaxed enough to sleep without worries. She believes in herself and in us... as a team.

NEW was about to kiss her cheek when AYLA says something in her sleep.

AYLA: Aaaa... aaaa....
NEW ULTIMATE: ?
AYLA: HAAAAAATCHOOO!!!

NEW stands still and gets hit on the face by the big wave, while AYLA still sleeps.

On the other room, REI can't sleep as well. And he is also seriously worried.

REI (thinking) : How come I'm the only guy in this damn fanfic who doesn't have a girlfriend?

A few blocks away, BLADE is asleep on the sofa with NOL. Deeply worried and can't sleep either.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Where the hell did I leave my YAMIGARASU?

A few hours later, NEW awakes. It's around 5 am when NEW stands up and goes to sit in a chair next to a big window. In that room, the window had a great view: Not only of the city but behind it, He could also see Ragol, and outer space. He saw a small portion of the sun peeking from behind Ragol, spreading light rays everywhere. NEW sighs as he sees the panorama. Then a couple of thin arms grab his neck.

AYLA: What are you doing here? You were supposed to be in bed, silly.
NEW ULTIMATE: Can't sleep...
AYLA: Still thinking about tomorrow?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yeah.
AYLA: Leave that kind of thoughts in enigma. You never know what will be happening right?
NEW ULTIMATE: Right...
AYLA: The only thing you know is that you will give your best. And with that, you can rest assured.

NEW smiles and looks surprised at AYLA.

AYLA: It's... what my sister used to say to me, whenever I was unsure about a test.

NEW's smile rot. But AYLA kept smiling.

AYLA: What's the matter? Why are you down?

NEW then remembered who he was, and more importantly, who they knew he were.

AYLA: She sounded just like my mother... Whatever she said would give me strength. I just had to explain my problem to her and somehow, she always did find a way to make me happy.
NEW ULTIMATE: A mother...
AYLA: You... never had a mother... right?
NEW ULTIMATE: I guess you can call RICO my... er... creator!
AYLA: Don't say that! And who are you? Frankenstein?

NEW smiles and lowers his head.

AYLA: Let's say RICO was the one who "opened your eyes".
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe...

AYLA kissed his cheek and goes back to bed. NEW keeps looking in the distance to admire the purple/yellow/white rays of light escaping from behind dark Ragol.

PRIEST: PRAISE THEE LORD! 'CUZ HE'S HEAH AN THEAH AN EVERYWHEA!!! AND HE LOVES YAAAA!!! SO BROTHAS, LET'S SING ON THA NAME OF GOD!!!

REI was watching the VirtualVision with a low volume. Seeing as nothing would catch his attention, he turned it off and head to the kitchen. On the way to the kitchen, he would pass on a sofa where RICO slept. But it was empty.

REI: ...Mom?

On the streets, BLADE was searching everywhere for his legendary weapon.

BLADEGUNNER: Damn! Did I leave it on that bloody park?

The noise in the city was very limited to one or two spacecrafts around, due to the morning. Then all the silence is cut by a scream.

REI: MOMMY!!! WHERE ARE YOU???
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE went to RICO's building to check things out.

NEW and AYLA ran to REI, who was shocked.

REI: Where's my mommy...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: ...

AYLA ran back to the room to laugh as high as she could, while REI made a dark look at her.

NEW ULTIMATE: What do you mean? She isn't here?
REI: I looked everywhere. And she doesn't go to work today.

REI and NEW start looking in every room. Her apartment took over almost every part of the floor, but all they could find was a capsule message.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : I'm sorry. But as a Scientist and a Hunter I have to unveil the mystery behind all this. I don't want to drag you into this anymore, as you've helped a lot already. Leave the final part to me. Now, around 1 am, I'll leave and face the unknown dangers of the ruins alone. I want to find out more about these. But I can't drag you to this. My father a few days ago told me not to, and leave it to yourselves, but I can't stand just stand here. I can make a difference. I can help you. I will do my best to know where the colonists are. Later...
REI: That... IDIOT!!!

NEW ran inside the room and equipped his gears.

AYLA: Now what?

NEW gets dressed, turns his PC on and looks at AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: Back to our mission.
AYLA: ...Gotcha!

REI was already leaving.

BLADE was climbing the building stairs when a small force jumped right by him running like crazy towards the main Ragol teleporter.

BLADEGUNNER: REI??
REI: MOVE IT BOY!!! RICO'S ALREADY AHEAD OF US AGAIN!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE followed him to the teleporter.

NEW and AYLA were running right behind them. They both reached the teleporter and dematerialised immediatly.

They materialised in the digging site entrance. There were BLADE smiling at them and REI looking at the now opened door.

BLADEGUNNER: Glad you came. Looks like RICO pressed the final switch to open the sealed door. And she went through.
NEW ULTIMATE: She's got guts. Ok, let's move it.

They both enter the door into a dark corridor. REI lights up his palm with a weak Foie spell and takes the lead in the walls they can see some unknown characters and figures.

BLADEGUNNER: Take a look! Ancient mambo-jambo! I guess they belonged Ragolians.
AYLA: Ragolians... If it were from them, why aren't they alive now?
NEW ULTIMATE: There was a civilization in Ragol... But something must have caused it to disappear... could it be related with the explosion months ago?
They keep walking and walking in the corridor until REI can see a light in the distance.

REI: There's something at the end of this. It's a constant light... Now... I can still see the light...
BLADEGUNNER: Where have I heard that before?

They appear in a lighted large room, filled with strange lights and symbols everywhere. Ahead of them a door with a green symbol in the middle stood closed.

REI: Weird. It has little light... Is this... the city of the ancient civilization?
BLADEGUNNER: I'd say we're inside a house or anything.
AYLA: Hey! Check THAT out!

AYLA points to some wreckage on the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: Wreckage! These weapons must be from Pioneer 1...

They all check the wrecked metal pieces on the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: Seems like a violent battle raged here.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah. But shouldn't there be dead bodies? I don't see anything, only plain wreckage.
REI: Whoa a minute now, guys. WHO or WHAT were they fighting?

Before they could think about it they hear a strange noise behind them.

NEW ULTIMATE: Something's here.

They look and see 5 horrible creatures, all with light-blue photon light channeling through their dark skin. They had 2 photon blades instead of claws, no mouth and no eyes. Only a sharp edge shaped like a big nose, and emited a weird cry as a growl.

AYLA: Eeeeekk!!
REI: Cute pets.
BLADEGUNNER: I sense evil ahead...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah. They probably were the ones who struggled with Pioneer 1 colonists.
BLADEGUNNER: Di...Dimenians.
REI: DIEmenians???

BLADE readies his fists and gives an evil smile.

BLADEGUNNER: Hehe... Interesting. These monsters are the ones that inhabit the ruins? Let's see how fine you are.

They all stand in ready stance. The creatures are standing still. They all emit a battlecry, set themselves into a "V" formation and jump at an amazing speed towards the 4 Hunters.

BLADEGUNNER: SHIT! THEY'RE FAST!!!

The Dimenian ahead in the "V" form is right next to BLADE, hitting him with its blade on his arm.

BLADEGUNNER: GYAHHHHH!!!
REI: BLADE!

REI's reflexes heal BLADE immediatly.

The other Dimenians face each character. 2 of them are facing NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: Sure, I'm the hero. I have to always fight two of them.

The Dimenians start hitting NEW, who is unable to block or predict such fast and strong blows.

REI: You're not the only hero. RAFOIE!!!

REI aims palms at the Dimenians and shoots a small ball of fire. In slowmotion, the ball slowly approaches one of the two Dimenians. As soon as the fireball touches the Dimenian...

A giant explosion unleashes, killing both Dimenians immediatly and blowing them apart. NEW gets thrown away to a wall by the storm and gets some burns on the skin.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! Damn it REI! Sometimes I wonder which side are you on.

REI quickly steps next to NEW.

REI: Is that how you say thanks to someone who just saved your life?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You almost killed me.
AYLA: HELP!!!

BLADE is struggling to block and attack one of the Dimenians, bare-fisted.

BLADEGUNNER: DAMN!!! They're FAST AS HELL!!!

As he says this, the Dimenian sees an opening and cuts through BLADE's chest, throwing him to the ground.

AYLA is retreating from two Dimenians. NEW and REI run and get in the way.

REI: Damn, you're ugly.
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out. They're really fast. We may have to use extraordinary tactics against them.
REI: Such as...?

NEW gathers energy in his fist, while it turns blue. He opens his hand high in the air.

NEW ULTIMATE: DEBAND!

Blue energy comes out of NEW's hand and spreads around them, affecting BLADE and AYLA as well. All 4 Hunters are shinning blue and have their defense up. REI also heals everybody.

BLADE gets up and faces the Dimenian.

BLADEGUNNER: Your move.

The monster hits BLADE with one of his blades... in BLADE's arm. He doesn't fell much.

BLADEGUNNER: My move. DAAAA!!!

BLADE punches the Dimenian away. The monster gets dizzy from the blow but BLADE is already ahead of it again and starts showering it with god-speed punches and kicks. The Dimenian counters and hits BLADE several times too, but BLADE doesn't feel a thing. A few minutes later the Dimenian dies and merges into the floor, leaving a pool of purple blood.

NEW is still, focusing for his move.

NEW ULTIMATE: Here goes!!!

NEW runs to the beast and when he is close enough, he starts spinning crazy with his TWIN BRAND, cutting through the monster. NEW's blows pierced through the Dimenian's rough skin and photon scales, and each blow created a small blue photon explosion. The Dimenian barely has time to counter.A few seconds later NEW suddenly stops, screams and cuts the Dimenian in two with a fast, strong and precise horizontal blow.

AYLA and REI are fighting another Dimenian as well. REI get hit in the face by the monster's blow. And it barely hurts.

REI: Hahaha! You idiot!

AYLA attacks the beast from behind, and REI fires several continous Foie spells at its face. The Dimenian loses balance and falls on the floor, but slowly gets away.

REI: You want to fight the humans? Go on ahead. Hit me.

REI shows the monster his chin and points to it.

REI: Give it all you got. DEBAND protects me and I won't feel a thing.

The Dimenian understands REI's message. It focuses for a strong uppercut blow and quickly raises its photon claw.

The DEBAND spell vanishes.

REI: Oh shit.

REI quickly covers his chin with his hands but gets seriously hit, being thrown away to the floor. AYLA heals him.

REI: Damn NEW! What level is your Deband spell???
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah... 3 I guess.
REI: Call yourself a Hunter...

The Dimenian notices the speech between NEW and REI and leaps to the Force, ready to smash him with his heavy paws.

REI looks back to see the Dimenian and screams as he sees it falling towards him.

In a reflex reaction, REI spins his body to the side and gets up quickly. All in one move, he even points his left palm to the beast, shouting the name of the GRANTS spell before erasing the monster away with intense light beams.

REI: ...Whew.
AYLA: What were these things?
BLADEGUNNER: Ancient monsters...

They make a moment of silence to think about the creatures, when NEW interrupts.

NEW ULTIMATE: One of RICO's capsules... over there.

NEW immediatly plays the message.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : What am I doing here, with monsters lurking everywhere?
REI: Precisely what I'd like to know.
AYLA: Shhh!!
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : Did the army stand a single chance against them?

Once the message finishes, all make a moment of silence and look at the wreckage weapons from Pioneer 1.

NEW ULTIMATE: God, I hope so.
BLADEGUNNER: Say NEW... What do you think about these creatures? If we go on ahead in the ruins do we have a chance on beating them?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't think so...
REI: But Mom is ahead all by herself! If she can take it why shouldn't we?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I hate to say it...

NEW makes a moment of silence and looks REI in the eyes.

NEW ULTIMATE: But I think RICO is a better fighter than all of us together.

All can't believe what they heard but pounder about it.

AYLA: You're right.
REI: ...But we can't just let her go on by herself! She can get killed!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, think about all of us. I know you don't mind risking your life but look at BLADE without his weapon or even AYLA. What would you do if they die?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: We must achieve our limits. I know it will be rough, but we have to try it. We also are short in cash and need to buy a new weapon for BLADE. We also have to work on teamwork.
BLADEGUNNER: How will we do that? Fighting these creeps?
NEW ULTIMATE: No... going through some special training.
AYLA: What special training is that?

NEW smiles, looks at AYLA and points his finger up.

NEW ULTIMATE: Battling against other Hunters.

Next chapters:

- Battle for money, Team up!
- Enter the door
- Duel of Kings
- Showdown: Reliving the Ultimate Hunters duel
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-06 14:59 ]</font>

RavenTW
Nov 6, 2002, 07:44 PM
I sense a competition coming.

Great way to incorporate Battle Mode! (If I'm right in my prediction) Keep it up!

Daikarin
Nov 7, 2002, 09:50 AM
Thanks, but the problem is... I never played Battle mode! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Could somebody help me with how it works, providing me with stuff about it?

Rules,Screenshots of the Arenas,etc... all is welcome and will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

RavenTW
Nov 7, 2002, 10:15 AM
Let's see:

Rule 1: Keep levels and weapons, straightforward fight in VR Spaceship

Rule 2: Start at lev 1 and no items, VR Temple

Rule 3: Don't remember

Rule 4: Warp battle. Start at level 5 with basic equipment. can only transport to other rooms via warps.

Rule 5: Don't remember

Rule 6: One room in VR Spaceship divided by laser barriers. Start at lev 20 with basic equipment, 10 extra lives, use guns and weapons with long reach.

For actual playing, you can lay traps, and use a device called sonar (you get 5 traps and 5 sonars), which will ping faster the closer you get to an opponent. If you die, you are ressurected and gain 5 levels. Some rules allow you to keep your weapon(ie Rule 4), while on others, you drop it (ie Rule 6)

Daikarin
Nov 7, 2002, 01:58 PM
But... I think only droids have the mine-set ability and the sonar. Is this true?

Thanks for the help

BoUnCeR
Nov 7, 2002, 03:21 PM
eheh... I love that man keep it up ^_^ gonna contact my local operator and find some editor for you. now guess who I am... TORERO [[[[[[]]]]]]]]]] http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Nov 7, 2002, 04:40 PM
Oh no!!! It's... you!! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

BoUnCeR
Nov 7, 2002, 04:55 PM
damn right u r... i'm here to correct your gramar!!!! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

RavenTW
Nov 7, 2002, 05:34 PM
That's Ultimate mode New. Anyone can use traps and sonars in battle mode.

Daikarin
Nov 8, 2002, 08:24 AM
Ok, thanks. I think I can make up some cool fights now with that info.

Another note... a team of 4 can't play versus another team of 4 right? That means... I'll have to divide the guys in two teams...

Neo Rei
Nov 9, 2002, 05:28 AM
IIRC rule 3 was battle for meseta. The one with the highest amout of meseta wins.

BTW.. are you including the oldskool deathmatch on your fic brother? Think Challenge mode. Think Towards the future. Plenty enough for 5 or 6 chapters HEHEHE http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Edit: I almost forgot: if you look around for PSO Ep. I&II screenshots you'll definitely find some from the Temple & Spaceship which are basically the same thing from DC, but playable as regular areas.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Flash3 on 2002-11-09 02:31 ]</font>

Daikarin
Nov 9, 2002, 05:38 AM
All right, thanks. You ARE thinking of importing or getting the PAL version of PSO EPI&II for cube right?

Can't say no to me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/eviltongue.gif

Neo Rei
Nov 9, 2002, 06:00 AM
On 2002-11-09 02:38, New Ultimate wrote:
All right, thanks. You ARE thinking of importing or getting the PAL version of PSO EPI&II for cube right?

Can't say no to me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/eviltongue.gif



I am thinking Xbox for now. There's this super promotional pack and it includes Jet Set Radio Future (which I can't miss) plus the Xbox Live will be a reality around here. Unlike Nintendo, Microsoft cares.

Daikarin
Nov 9, 2002, 06:07 AM
Yeah... it IS true that there is no official notes for PSO EPI&II or even the Gamecube modem in Europe... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif

RavenTW
Nov 9, 2002, 08:22 AM
Mcrosoft doesn't give a flip about customer support, they just want money.

And no, if there's 4 people in battle, it's 2v2. Still cant play with 8 people together.

Daikarin
Nov 9, 2002, 02:22 PM
Thanks Raven!

Here's something Flash3 made up, to whom I want to give my thanks. Only AYLA isn't equal, but anyway there weren't HUmarls in PSO v.2. Thanks!

Guess who (please follow the links):

http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/new_ultimate.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/rei.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/ultimate.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/ayla.jpg
http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/bladegunner.jpg

By the way, "Neo Rei", bladegunner just told me that Xbox live wasn't going to exit here in Portugal. I don't mean to stop you from buying the console you like, but I'd really like to play with you online again! Remember the good old days...

REI: Ladies, HERE I AM!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm the only one in this lobby.
REI: Then what the hell are we doing here? Let's move to block 01.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-09 11:29 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-09 11:43 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-09 11:47 ]</font>

bladegunner
Nov 9, 2002, 02:52 PM
On 2002-11-09 03:00, Flash3 wrote:

I am thinking Xbox for now. There's this super promotional pack and it includes Jet Set Radio Future (which I can't miss) plus the Xbox Live will be a reality around here. Unlike Nintendo, Microsoft cares.


Microsoft doesn't care. They just have enought money to make you think they care http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif
Plus, the Xbox Live! is only coming to Portugal in the 2nd half of 2k3 and I think it's a rip off paying for the Hunter's License on the XB version of PSO http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif
And even more plus... Nintendo cares... Metroid Prime... *drools* http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bladegunner on 2002-11-11 08:58 ]</font>

Daikarin
Nov 22, 2002, 05:32 PM
Sorry about the delay, but I've been having some new ideas for the story. BIG ideas. So big, I have to divide them in two chapters. This is one of the biggest chapters I've made, and so far my favorite. I hope you enjoy!

--- Chapter 21 - Battle for money, Team up! ---

Back in Pioneer 2, the guys were on a self-service Hunters-only restaurant, trying to discuss their plans to enter this year's battle tournament.

BLADE, AYLA and NEW were sitting on the table, while

AYLA: The Pro-Hunters Paired Battle Tournament?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I think that's its name.
BLADEGUNNER: Good thing the Tournament is right tomorrow. Nice idea NEW.
AYLA: Yeah, it's a good way to raise money and experience, altough I don't like the idea of competition.
NEW ULTIMATE: Me neither, but we gotta do it to help RICO and be powerful enough to fight those creeps in the ruins.

NEW interrupts by standing up and heading off to get his meal.

Meanwhile, REI is on the fries section, stocking up his plate with french fries.

REI (to himself) : What could go well with these...?

He then looks to the pizza section and sees that there's only one slice left.

He looks to the distance and sees that a newman girl is also looking at the pizza.

REI starts running like crazy and arrives to the slice first, placing it on his plate.

REI: Sorry sugar. First come, first served.

The girl had red hair with two pigtails. She was tall, almost as tall as BLADE, and was dressed in a short tigre-like outfit. She had her PC on, and REI could see her name.

REI: ...KINEKO? Nice nam...

REI stops when he notices KINEKO weeping and making a sad face at him. She starts to cry.

KINEKO: BWAAAAHHHHH!!!!! YOU TOOK VAULT'S FOOD AWAY!!!
REI: VAULT? A safe??? Shht!!! Quiet!!!
KINEKO: BWAHAHAAAAAAHAHAAAAA!!!!
REI: What the hell is VAULT?

REI looks everywhere and all the Hunters are looking straight at them.

REI: Be quiet!!! What are you? A baby?

Then REI notices a Hunter holding a plate approaching the two. He was as tall as KINEKO, he had short white hair with some green eyes. He was wearing a very dark Hunter suit.

HUNTER: What's the matter KINEKO?
KINEKO: *sob*... VAULT-sama... This bad girl here robbed your pizza slice... *sob*
REI: HEY!!! I'm a GUY DAMNIT!!! And by the way, I came here FIRST. This ISN'T YOUR slice, buddy!
VAULT: Now, now KINEKO. No problem about it.
REI: ...That's more like it.
VAULT: ...I'll get it back myself.
REI: ...

VAULT takes the plate out of KINEKO and looks straight at REI. They both stare at each other and exchange glares. Suddenly there is silence in the restaurant, with REI and VAULT in the center of attentions.

VAULT: ...You don't seem to know who I am, kid.
REI: What makes you think I WANT to know?
VAULT: I'll ask you nicely to hand that piece of pizza over to me.
REI: Shut up. It's mine. What's the fuss about a slice of pizza?
VAULT: I like pizza.
REI: Well, duh. Me too.

REI shows him his plate.

REI: You want it? If you can get it off this plate, you can have it.

REI and VAULT stand still for a few seconds. VAULT quickly throws his arm to catch the slice, just when REI quickly moves the plate away from him.

REI: Hehe... You gotta be better than that.

When REI looks at the plate, the slice is gone. VAULT has it in his plate. REI wonders about his speed.

VAULT: I hope you understood me. As you don't know me, I shall forget this incident. May something like this never occur again.

VAULT smiles, turns away and starts to walk to his table with KINEKO.

REI: Hey! Wait a sec.

VAULT turns to him and gives him a cold, serious look.

VAULT: What do you want?
REI: You think you can talk like that and then leave? Here's what I do with your pizza.

REI snaps his fingers and a small spark of ZONDE spell comes out, hitting the pizza slice and toasting it.

VAULT: ...
REI: Who do you think you are? Do you want to scare me with your stupid looks, your stupid short old fart's hair or your stupid girl-friend? You think you're SO great you can have whatever you want? You think you are superior to anyone else?
VAULT: ...You toasted my lunch. And now you dare to talk like that. Who are you?
REI: I'm REI. REI the King Zero.
VAULT: REI... You will know why they call me "The katana demon".
REI: ...Can't say nice to meet you.

VAULT gets furious, equips a Gladius, and points the yellow photon blade to REI's direction.

VAULT: I don't like your attitude. Prepare yourself.
REI: Bring it on!

Then BLADE steps in the middle of the two and faces VAULT.

BLADEGUNNER: What is the matter?

VAULT keeps his saber in the place while both HUmars exchange glares. VAULT slowly lowers his saber.

VAULT: I know you. I saw you in TV... You're BLADEGUNNER.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. Any problem with my teammate here?
VAULT: I see. So you're with him, right?
BLADEGUNNER: What if I am?
KINEKO: VAULT-sama!!
VAULT: I wish to challenge you. I hope you are entering tomorrow's Hunter Pair Tournament.
BLADEGUNNER: As a matter of fact, we are.
VAULT: Fine. Then it's settled. We shall solve this on the Arena. You and the kid... Versus me and KINEKO. AKA... the Vault Blade team.
BLADEGUNNER: Hey wait a minute. Me and...
REI: DEAL! Tomorrow, we'll be there.
VAULT: Until tomorrow, then.

With his usual glare, VAULT turns his body to the side, keeps looking at BLADE, and then he gives a devilish smile and his head matches the direction the rest of his body is facing and walks away. KINEKO gives the finger to the Hunters and follows him.

BLADEGUNNER: Wait a minute. ME and YOU? On a TEAM?? Are you clutz???
REI: Oh shut up. I'm dying to kick his ass. And I want to show him that I can do it with ANYONE.
BLADEGUNNER: Swell. I got stuck with you.
REI: Hey, I'm not happy EITHER. But he SAW us together and YOU said we were on the same team.
BLADEGUNNER: Say, now it's MY FAULT? You wanted me to stay put and not come to your rescue?
REI: WHO NEEDED A RESCUE?

BLADE and REI keep arguing. NEW and AYLA are on their table.

AYLA: Say NEW... What are the teams you're trying to form?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... Look at them. BLADE and REI, always arguing.

NEW points to REI and BLADE, kicking each other.

NEW ULTIMATE: I really wanted them to be more friendly. After all, we are a team. I'm thinking of putting them together so that they can work their relationship...
AYLA: I see. But I don't think they'll agree...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I'll suggest it to them. But I also doubt that they'll give in...

BLADE and REI approach NEW.

REI: NEW, I WANT TO TEAM UP WITH BLADE TOMORROW!
BLADEGUNNER: YEAH! THERE'S SOMETHING PRIVATE WE GOTTA SETTLE FOR OURSELVES!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Uhhh...
REI: Please!!! What do you think? Can we stay together?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... Fine, fine!
AYLA: We were gonna suggest it to you both!
BLADEGUNNER: All right! We'll make it up to ya someday!

REI and BLADE dash off to get food.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn! And here I was all worried... I guess they are aware of their relationship more than I am!
AYLA: Yeah, who would have known...

NOL appears and comes to meet BLADE.

NOL: I've been told what happened. What happened?
BLADEGUNNER: ...

A few hours later, the 4 come out of the restaurant and decide to spend another night in a motel around.

They all go to their rooms, talk about the following day and study the match. Then they go to sleep, getting energy for tomorrow.

NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA? Aren't you going to sleep?
AYLA: Yeah... in a few minutes. There's something I must do.
NEW ULTIMATE: What could it be?
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok. But remember, tomorrow you gotta be fit, so you should go to bed early...
AYLA: Don't worry. I'm going to be fit. Sweet dreams sugar.

And AYLA walks out and the door closes behind her. NEW tries to sleep and doesn't think too much about the following day, falling asleep.

REI and BLADE also aren't in their room.

AYLA sneaks out of the motel. She goes to the main teleporter to Ragol and meets REI and BLADE in the forest.

BLADEGUNNER: AYLA... you sure you want to do this?
AYLA: Positive. Don't worry, I'll be fine. REI will be my healer. Just don't give me any fatal blows.
BLADEGUNNER: Why the sudden necessity to train? Is it because of tomorrow?
AYLA: Yes... but I've been thinking... I'm not to your level or REI's. Lately I haven't been useful to you guys. Tomorrow I may end up being trouble for NEW. So I want to be at my best. I want to surpass myself tonight so that tomorrow NEW can be proud of me!
REI: ...Ok...
AYLA: BLADE!!! DON'T HOLD BACK!!! HAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE gets his fists ready.

BLADEGUNNER: As you wish.

The tremendous battle is heard throughout the forest. They battle and battle all night.

AYLA is determined not to be a burden to NEW.

Then around 2 am they go back to their rooms to sleep.

10 am... The day has come. NEW wakes up and sees AYLA snoring by his side. He walks outside to stretch himself.

NEW ULTIMATE (to himself): Well... This is it. At 3 pm today... it starts.

He looks at AYLA sleeping peacefully.

NEW ULTIMATE (to himself): She's always so peaceful and relaxed... I guess I don't need to worry about her.

A few hours later, NEW is still seeing the Virtualvision by himself. Strangely, nobody would wake up. He had his breakfast but they still wouldn't wake up.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): What the hell is wrong with them...? Well, I suppose they need to sleep a lot, but this is ridiculous!

NEW goes out for a walk.

He walks a lot... poundering about many things in the past. His friends... His quest... Himself.

Then, as he passes in the deserted artificial park in the morning, he hears some screams.

He runs to see that it's a boy equipped with a Saber. The boy apparently had his 13, 14 years. Long hair, with a pigtail. He was very slim, and NEW could tell by his body that he was very fast. The boy also had a purple scarf around his neck.

NEW was wondering what was a boy that age doing with a saber, but his thoughts were interrupted by the boy's silence.

He was immobile, facing a big chunk of wood, stuck on the floor.

Silent.

BOY: DORAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

With a single move, he quickly cuts through the wood, slicing it in two.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): What tremendous power for a little boy! He has a lot of potential...

NEW steps in and walks to the boy.

BOY (thinking): Still not good enough.
BOY: DAMN!!!!

The boy starts running away mad, before even seeing NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: HEY! WAIT!!!

NEW chases the boy throughout the park. The boy was extremely fast running, like a wild animal.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What a young man! He's very fast... and powerful for someone his age...!

Then NEW notices the boy slowing down on his steps, going to an artificial lake. NEW also sees a sign stuck on the floor near the lake, with some flowers. The boy approached the sign and kneels. NEW silently approaches to the boy, hiding behind a bush and tries to read the letters on the sign.

SIGN: "In memory to VIGO KEN, beloved father. Murdered in 3080 A.C.."

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That's a grave... The kid's... father's? He was murdered...?
BOY: Father... Today's the day. I promise you I'll BE VICTORIOUS!!!

The boy joins his palms and closes his eyes. He begins a silent pray.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): So his father was murdered... And he said he was gonna be victorious. Is he talking about today's tournament?

The boy gets up. NEW gets out of his hideout and shows himself to the boy, who looks at him quiet.

BOY: Who are you? ...Can I help you sir?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hi. You can call me NEW. I'd like to know your name, boy.
BOY: I'm... JIN. JIN KEN.
NEW ULTIMATE: JIN... Are you entering today's pair Tournament?

JIN lowers his head.

JIN: Yes sir. Yes I am.
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... You seem pretty strong and fast. But are you thinking of entering by yourself?
JIN: ...Yes...sir.
NEW ULTIMATE:
JIN: Why are you interested... sir?
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't call me that! I'm NEW...

JIN gets scared.

JIN: Yes... sir!!

NEW gives him a dark look.

JIN: Ahhh... NEW!
NEW ULTIMATE: But what I wanted to say was... Are you pretty sure you'll win?
JIN: I've trained YEARS to this day, Sir NEW. I feel pretty confident of myself.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm thinking of entering it too.
JIN: You are...?

NEW smiles honestly.

NEW ULTIMATE: So, if you want to proceed, you should give me all you got.
JIN: Are you saying...
NEW ULTIMATE: I want to train you. If that's ok with you...
JIN: Right here? Right now?
NEW ULTIMATE: Sure, my pleasure. It will open you apetite for lunch.

JIN smiles.

JIN: Thank you sir!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I want to see how good are you...
NEW ULTIMATE: Are you a Hunter?
JIN: Yes, sir NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: How old are you JIN?
JIN: I'm 13, sir.
NEW ULTIMATE: A Hunter is only allowed to have a license if he's aged over 18... How did you...?
JIN: I got special permission by my father.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Of course... his father must have also seen his great potential.

A few minutes later, they are standing away from each other, facing each other. JIN is armed with a Saber, and NEW has his TWIN BRAND.

JIN (thinking) : Oh! His weapon...
NEW ULTIMATE: JIN, I don't want you to hold back. Is that the best weapon you've got?
JIN: ...No sir!

JIN unequipps his saber.

JIN: THIS is, sir.

JIN equips a...

...STAG CUTLERY.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!
JIN: Now... I'LL ATTACK SIR NEW!!!!

JIN runs forward at an amazing speed. He jumps at NEW, preparing to deliver a downwards strike with all his might. As he screams, his vertical purple (or is it pink?) blade blow clashes in NEW's horizontal block, with a photon explosion shooting off small light particles everywhere.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Wh... WHOA!!

The shocking particles of light make NEW close his eyes with the intense flash. JIN uses NEW's force to flip his body over NEW and aims to land behind him after flipping several times. NEW opens his eyes, and after the flash clears, he doesn't see JIN, but hears JIN's feet land on the grass behind him.

JIN: DRAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): The speed which he landed on the floor... His scream... The sound his photon blade makes...

JIN attacks NEW. NEW only has time to give a quick glance at JIN's pose.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): ...HORIZONTAL STRIKE!!!

Taking advantage of JIN's short height, NEW jumps over JIN, avoiding his horizontal strike in time. NEW lands his arms behind JIN, becoming upside-down and looks at him, seeing that he already has his palm pointing straight at him.

JIN: GIBARTA!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!

A tremendous and noisy blast of cold energy comes out of JIN's hand, as it hits NEW, throwing him back and making him slam his butt on the ground, chilling due to the particles of ice in his body from the cold spell. NEW is on the floor with his eyes wide open (and frozen), due to the surprise. He tries to get up, stands in attack pose, trembling with the coldness he feels, while JIN stops staring at him.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's small... and faster than any Hunter I've seen...

NEW looks to JIN's glare.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Boy, he sure looks angry... I'd better fight for real...

JIN's mad stare fades and his childish look returns.

JIN: ...Shall I continue... sir?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW relaxes and uses a slight Foie spell to heat up.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...No... This small trade of movements was enough to realise that you are no amateur.
JIN: So... is training over?
NEW ULTIMATE: Are you kidding? You don't need training, JIN. You truly are a Hunter...

NEW smiles, walks towards JIN and taps his head. JIN replies with his innocent smile.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): He's pure... got a heart of gold. I can sense it. His reasons for the Tournament really ought to be noble.
NEW ULTIMATE: Why did you come to the Tournament?
JIN: I want to kill one of the participants.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

A few moments later, NEW and JIN are sitting down near the lake.

NEW ULTIMATE: What did you say?
JIN: ...I want to avenge my father.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Avenge...? Is your father's murderer entering the Tournament?

JIN looks straight at NEW in his eyes.

JIN: Sir NEW! Promise me... That you'll keep this a secret...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Keep what a secret?
JIN: And that you would act as if you never heard about it. Promise me!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...But what...
JIN: Trust me.
NEW ULTIMATE: Ok... I promise.
JIN: You swear?

NEW takes his hand to his chest.

NEW ULTIMATE: I photon-cross my heart and hope to live.
JIN: Very well...

JIN looks to the lake.

JIN: ...My father's killer... is ARLAB.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What!? Who!?

Back in the motel, BLADE sneacks out of the room and to the corridor, with his PC ringing.

BLADEGUNNER: ...I'm here.
NOL (PC screen) : I heard you were going to enter the Tournament...
BLADEGUNNER: What? Who told you...?
NOL (PC screen) : I'm a news reporter remember?
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NOL (PC screen) : Why didn't you tell me?
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE sighs, goes to the end of the corridor and looks through the window to the city.

BLADEGUNNER: ...I don't know how to tell you this, but... I have a bad feeling about this Tournament. Something bad... is going to happen. It's been eating my soul since the past night...
NOL (PC screen) : ...VAULT and KINEKO?
BLADEGUNNER: ...No. It's not them... It's something else... I don't know how to explain you, but it's as if... in this Tournament... evil is approaching. One who deals with evil every day knows this...
NOL (PC screen) : ...Well... Whatever happens... I believe in you. And I'll be cheering you from home...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Thanks.
NOL (PC screen) : You know... I still didn't have breakfast.
BLADEGUNNER: Me neither.
NOL (PC screen) : So...? I'm at What are you waiting for?

BLADE runs out of the motel.

Back in the artificial park, next to the lake...

NEW ULTIMATE: ARLAB is entering the Tournament?
JIN: Yes.
NEW ULTIMATE: But... I thought he died... after escaping from the police, when he fell from the building.
JIN: That was nonsense. I'll tell you what really happened... from the beggining.

JIN begins to tell his story.

4 years ago...

A scene with a sick woman on a bed, in a room somewhere in a Pioneer 2 spacescraper, (with "Gnome", a virus who infects tumors throughtout the whole body, a fatal disease from the future), with her husband next to her.

VIGO: Don't worry PAZ. I'll take care of things.
PAZ: Dear...*cough* Are you sure you want to do this?
VIGO: What are you talking about? I'd do ANYTHING for you.
PAZ: But maybe it's destiny...
VIGO: Destiny is something that depends only on us. Don't worry, I'll get the money we need in today's Battle Pair Tournament.
PAZ: Who are you teaming up with?
VIGO: Our son.
PAZ: What? *COUGH COUGH* No way, honey!
VIGO: Our son is old enough to make his decisions.
PAZ: He's only 9 years old...
VIGO: Trust me on this. He has a great potential. I think he's as good as I am. He's already better than many Hunters out there... I'm thinking of creating a special Hunter's license for him. But I'll watch my life for him. And you know the rules in the Tournament, no fatal blows allowed.
PAZ: VIGO... Are you sure about this? You're about to lose me...*cough cough cough* Do you want to risk our son as well?
VIGO: You haven't been listening. I said he is as good as me. Don't worry...

VIGO looks to his PC.

VIGO: Ooops! Look at the time. I have to go, I'm late for it. See ya...

VIGO kisses PAZ's forehead. JIN appears on the room.

JIN: Come on father! It's time!

JIN runs to his mother.

JIN: Mother, I promise I'll do my best.
PAZ: Don't just overdo it. Watch out for yourself. Altough you'll be with the strongest Hunter I know...
VIGO: Hehe... Goodbye honey.
PAZ: Goodbye... *cough cough*...

A few minutes later, JIN and his father VIGO go to do their job in the Tournament.

A few minutes later, they are fighting the first battles, to decide who reaches the 10 best teams. VIGO and JIN arrive in those teams with their spectacular fighting skills, defeating each and each enemy in their way, and their first combat is against a single Hunter Force named ARLAB. JIN and his father are in the lobby with other Hunters, awaiting their call.

JIN: We've done it great so far father! And luckily our first opponent in these special battles is only one!
VIGO: Altough self-confidence is important... don't push it son. But keep your positive thoughts.
SPEAKER: Mr. VIGO and JIN KEN, please proceed to the counter to be teleported into the battle field.
VIGO: Come on, son. It's our turn again.

They step into the counter and are teleported into the battlefield, the spaceship arena.

JIN: This is it? Where we fight?
VIGO: Yes it is. The 10 best pairs get to fight on the new arenas, either the ancient temple or this spaceship.

Then ARLAB appears, teleporting right ahead of him. ARLAB faces them and chuckles.

SPEAKERS: GET READY... 3... 2... 1... FIGHT!!
VIGO: Good luck to you, stranger.
ARLAB: ...
JIN: Dad...
VIGO: Never mind his attitude. We're here to win.
ARLAB: You're very confident.
VIGO: You too, being alone...

VIGO and JIN equip their Busters, and split up to face ARLAB from different places.

ARLAB: I'm more than enough for both of you.
VIGO: We'll just see ABOUT THAT!!! DAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

VIGO strikes ARLAB with a diagonal strike. ARLAB shows his hand to VIGO's Buster.

ARLAB: RAZONDE!!

A lighning bolt comes out of his hand, hitting VIGO's photon blade. The shock of the big electric power and photon light creates a shockwave propelling VIGO into the opposite side, slamming him into a wall.

VIGO: HNNNGHHH!!!
JIN: FATHER!

JIN looks at ARLAB and points his palm at him.

JIN: CURSE YOU!!! ...FOIE!!!

JIN throws a fireball to ARLAB.

ARLAB: A child who can use the Foie spell? Impressive.

ARLAB gathers his breath.

ARLAB: But useless. BARTA!

ARLAB breathes ice wind at the fireball, erasing it from the air.

ARLAB: THIS is a spell, child.

ARLAB firmly shows JIN his palm.

ARLAB: GRAAAAAAAAAAAANNTS!!!

Several light rays circle JIN, hitting him repeatedly one after another. JIN screams after being drilled by each of the intense powerful lights.

ARLAB: Yes... scream more... ARGHHHHHH!!!

ARLAB gets hit by a violent photon blow, from a wounded VIGO, and falls to the floor.

ARLAB: Insolent fool.
VIGO: What the hell is wrong with you? Do you like to see my son suffer? You MANIAC!!

VIGO keeps hitting and hitting ARLAB with his photon blade.

VIGO: IS THIS FUN TO YOU? YOU FREAK!!!

VIGO stops when he sees that ARLAB doesn't move.

VIGO: ...
JIN: Fa...Father!
VIGO: JIN! How are you?
JIN: Urk... cough...

VIGO heals JIN with his RESTA spell.

VIGO: Come on, son.
JIN: Father, you have to heal yourself! You're too weak and wounded to fight!
VIGO: I'm fine.

VIGO turns to face ARLAB but sees him staring right in front of him.

ARLAB: THIS is fun to me.

ARLAB places both palms in VIGO's chest.

ARLAB: RAFOIEEE!!!!!
VIGO: ...!
JIN: ...Da... DAD!

Time begins to slow down, as VIGO guesses what's going to happen. He only has time to look back at JIN, rolling down his eyes until they meet his gaze.

VIGO: Run... away...

JIN doesn't answer, just looks into his father's desesperation look.

The fire explosion which took VIGO's life was about the size of a vehicle, and the huge shockwaves throw JIN away, opening wounds through his flesh with the impact, and making him fall back on his back. The silk cloth tied up around VIGO's waist goes to hit JIN on the face.

JIN: Fa... FATHER!! FAAATHEEER!!!!
ARLAB: Was this it? He damaged me a lot, but the fight was still too short. That fool.
JIN: ...
ARLAB: Now it's your turn, child.
JIN: You... YOU KILLER!!!

ARLAB is surprised to see that JIN's look has changed.

ARLAB: ...You...

Suddenly, JIN dissapears.

ARLAB: ....!!!

ARLAB looks everywhere, and as he looks up, he receives a strong kick on the forehead, by JIN.

ARLAB: AHH!!!

ARLAB was still feeling the pain on the forehead when JIN lands and punches him on the stomach.

ARLAB: HOOONNGG!!!

ARLAB shows his hand to JIN.

ARLAB: BEGONE!! GIZONDE!!!

A bolt comes out of the hand. But JIN blocks with his Buster. The Buster absorbs the energy and creates a small shockwave, but JIN doesn't feel it. He lets go of the Buster as soon as the spell hits it and dashes to pound ARLAB some more.

JIN tackles, punches and kicks like crazy, until a final blow throws ARLAB to the ground.

ARLAB: Ungh!!... Not bad... Seems I underestimated you, child.
JIN: ...

JIN grabs his Buster, and prepares to finish ARLAB.

ARLAB: Hehe... Killed by a midget. What a pityfull end...

JIN raises his Buster...

...and is interrupted when he sees 4 men teleporting to the spaceship. They're all soldiers.

SOLDIER #1: ARLAB, no killing is allowed. You are under arrest for the murder of VIGO KEN. Please come with us quietly.

ARLAB sees that JIN is surprised by their entrance, and kicks him, making him trip and fall on his face. ARLAB quickly gets up and shows his palms to JIN and the soldiers.

ARLAB: RABARTA!!!!

He shoots a hurricane of cold energy, throwing the soldiers and JIN away from him and to the ground. ARLAB takes the chance to escape through the nearest door, leading to Pioneer 2's city. ARLAB runs away as fast as he can and escapes out of the spaceship arena area and to the city.

ARLAB (to himself) : Damn... I have no energy left for techniques... Can't heal myself.
JIN (to himself) : I won't let you get away...

JIN grabs his father's silk belt cloth.

JIN: You're mine...

He puts the belt around his neck like a scarf and starts running after him.

SOLDIER #3: Hey boy! Wait!!!

One by one, each of the soldiers begin to get up and follow JIN. JIN is taking the lead running faster than any of the soldiers, following ARLAB. He sees him entering a tall building. JIN goes right behind him and sees him use the elevator. JIN watches the elevator's door close right in front of him, and decides to use the stairs.

40 floors later, JIN sees that ARLAB came out of the elevator, by following his trail of bloodstains. JIN follows the corridor leading to a door at the end of the corridor. Still following the trail, he opens the door to a big open balcony and sees ARLAB in the distance.

JIN: STOP RIGHT THERE!
ARLAB: Do you want to do justice boy?
JIN: I want to kill you!!!
ARLAB: ...

ARLAB takes a few steps to his back, coming near the edge of the building.

ARLAB: I'd rather throw myself than let you kill me...
JIN: I don't CARE!!! I JUST WANT YOU DEAD!!!
ARLAB: ...You are serious, brat...

ARLAB looks at the depths behind him.

ARLAB: You and your father have left me deeply wounded...
JIN: ...
ARLAB: It wouldn't be fair to fight you now, kid. I'm too easy.

Whenever ARLAB speaks, JIN doesn't reply, he just focus on what ARLAB's done and shows him his mad glare.

ARLAB: Tell you what. I'll come back to fight you. I'll go away now, but I'll return to kill you.
JIN: You killed my father! I'll never let you escape.
ARLAB: What? Are you afraid of fighting me on my full power? Huh child?
JIN: ...How could you kill him? Who do you think you are? Don't you have any respect for people?
ARLAB: I don't care about that soft-talk boy. I kill Humans as you drink water.
JIN: ...So you leave me no choice.
ARLAB: What? Are you gonna kill me now? Now that I can't fight?
JIN: ...
ARLAB: I'm wounded. I'll return on the next Pro-Hunter Pairs tournament, in 4 years. You have my word.
JIN: I don't trust you.
ARLAB: What are you talking about? I WANT to come back and kill you. But right now I'm not able to do it. It wouldn't be fair you know?
JIN: ...
ARLAB: I want the pleasure of seeing you die especially.
JIN: What do you have against me?
ARLAB: I am against all Humans. I believe we, Newmans, are a superior race. We don't need Humans anymore. I also notice that Newmans are being treated unfairly, and I can't stand the fact that Humans and Newmans are living together.
JIN: Newmans were created by a Human research, as far as I've heard.
ARLAB: Yeah. It seems the research was a sucess huh? We don't need Humans anymore. I want to kill all of them. You especially, because... you DEFIED me. Your father took his price. You're next. So... what's it gonna be child? Kill me now unfairly or not?
JIN: ...Either way... you lose.
ARLAB: What kind of an answer is that?
JIN: It means... I can beat you in 4 years. I'll make you wish you were killed today by then.
ARLAB: So it's settled. So... see you in about 4 years, child...

ARLAB turns to the depths right below him and watches as an airtruck passes by, just below and near the building. ARLAB jumps and lands on the top of the big vehicle.

ARLAB: YOU HAVE 4 MORE YEARS TO LIVE BOY...!!!
JIN: ...

JIN watches ARLAB's truck dissapear in the distance.

JIN: Either way... you're going to die.

The soldiers arrive to the site, but see nothing but JIN.
SOLDIER #2: Hey little boy! Are you ok?
JIN: ...
SOLDIER #3: Where's ARLAB?
JIN: He fell. He threw himself by his own choice.
SOLDIER #2: Threw himself? Off the building?
JIN: Yes. He's already dead.

The soldiers see the look on JIN, as if it were from a wild animal.

SOLDIER #1: Hey boy... are you OK?
JIN: ...

JIN leaves the balcony, following the door they came in.

SOLDIER #4: What's the matter with him?
SOLDIER #3: What do you think? He was VIGO's son... How would you feel if you saw your father blowing up right in front of you?
SOLDIER #4: Whoa... It must have been hard on him...

JIN's story comes to an end.

We see NEW and JIN again next to the lake.

JIN: I managed to get my Father's Buster. I combined his and mine to create the STAG CUTLERY.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Oh...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Amazing... ARLAB didn't die! This boy knows the truth, while all the others were deceived. And he's entering the next Tournament... REI's byological father...
JIN: ...So as of today,I'll fight not only for myself, but for my dad. I'll kill him!!
?W ULTIMATE: ...What makes you think that killing him will ease things off?
JIN: ...What do you mean NEW? I saw him kill my father. I can't let him live for that. I want him to feel what he has done, for himself.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...JIN. Are you saying... That you want to become like him? A killer?
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: I understand, that it must have been pretty hard seeing him die, and even being a kid at that time. But... The Police will stalk you... You'll be a wanted killer, like he was.
JIN: I don't care.
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not only that, this is a moral issue. You don't have the right to take off his life. You should respect his value as a human being, even if he doesn't do that to you. Even if he's the lowest of the low.
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: What do you think your father would say in this? "Yes JIN, go ahead and kill him, for my sake.". I can't imagine him stuff like that.
JIN: Sir NEW... Please let me be. You don't know what I feel inside... I...

JIN gets up and runs away out of NEW's field of view.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I maybe put some sense into his mind. He's just confused on what to do... I hope he follows the right way in the right moment...

NEW gets up and heads to check his friends in the motel.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I don't think I should tell REI about ARLAB...

On the motel's entrance, he sees BLADE entering right next to him. BLADE looks at him too.

NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, you're awake.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. Where were you?
NEW ULTIMATE: That's my line... You have lipstick in your face.
BLADEGUNNER: What? What?

BLADE starts rubbing his hands on his cheecks.

NEW ULTIMATE: Never mind...

A few hours later, the great moment has arrived. In a few minutes the Tournament would start, and finish at midnight, where the Pair/Single winner would be acclaimed.

REI, BLADE, NEW and AYLA have already signed up, BLADE and REI on one team and NEW and AYLA on the other. They were entering the main building where the first combats would be made to decide the 10 best teams.

BLADE and REI see VAULT and KINEKO approaching towards them.

VAULT: Oh, so you arrived. Soon we shall fight. I hope you make it to the 10 best.
REI: I think we're not gonna even let YOU arrive there.
VAULT: You shall soon taste the "Katana demon"'s power... See you on the arena.

KINEKO shows his tongue and follows VAULT.

BLADEGUNNER: "Katana demon"... That's so lamme.
REI: Yeah. That guy is egocentrism at its best. We'll show him...

NEW sees JIN entering the building as well.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I hope this Tournament doesn't turn out wrong...
AYLA: Is something the matter?
NEW ULTIMATE: Nah, I've just been thinking.
AYLA: Are you feeling nervous?
NEW ULTIMATE: Not really...
AYLA (to herself): I'll show you sweetie... how I made progress! WE'll WIN!
REI & BLADE (to themselves) : WE'LL WIN!
VAULT & KINEKO (to themselves) : WE'LL WIN!
JIN (to himself) : I MUST WIN!
NEW ULTIMATE (to himself) : I wonder who'll win...

A few minutes later, all the participating Hunters go into the large waiting room filled with screens and chairs. Before the Tournament begins, they're sorting out randomly the order of the first combats.

REI sees JIN making a pray for his father.

REI: Damn, that slim kid's better pray to win ONE combat!
NEW ULTIMATE: I wouldn't count on it REI...
REI: What? Look at him! He didn't even REACH puberty!
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't think... I sense great power in him.
REI: You're saying that Anakin Skywalker there is strong? I'd like to see that.

A few minutes later, the announcer calls the first 4 Hunters for the first combat.

SPEAKER: Mr. BLADEGUNNER, REI, NOGA and GHELL, please step into door number 2 please!

BLADEGUNNER: We're the first to fight!
NEW ULTIMATE: Be carefull, you'll fight in a small ring. Stay alert...
REI: Time to kick some ass!
AYLA: Good luck guys!
JIN (to himself) : Those are NEW's friends... let's see how well they do.

As BLADE, REI and their opponents walk into the door, NEW and AYLA go and have a seat somewhere to watch the fight.

BLADE and REI enter a large room which resembles that of a shaceship.

REI: So this is where the first combats are made...

The fighters get into position. BLADE and REI study their opponents.

SPEAKER: GET READY... 3... 2... 1...

And the show starts. The 4 Hunters progress through the Tournament defeating each of their opponents. REI, BLADE, AYLA and NEW are making an excelent job. REI and BLADE win each fight taunting their opponents, AYLA fights like a tiger and NEW notices that. A few minutes later, the last battles to decide the 10 best ended.

REI: BWAHAHAHA!!! THIS IS FUN!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I didn't think it was gonna be this easy.
BLADEGUNNER: I just hope we don't face each other in the finals.
REI: ...Yeah... I didn't think of that...
NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh, don't worry about it!

Suddenly, on the screens appear the order of the 5 final battles, with the 10 best Hunters in the Tournament.

BATTLE FLOWS as follows:

1st fight - VAULT/KINEKO VS SIGMA/NEI
(HUmar, lvl 89)(HUnewearl, lvl 78) VS(RAcast, lvl 69)(HUnewearl, lvl 85)

2n fight - BLADEGUNNER/REI VS SOL/LUA
(HUmar, lvl 90)(FOnewm, lvl 88)VS(FOnewearl, lvl 83) (FOmarl, lvl 87)

3rd fight - NEW ULTIMATE/AYLA VS ONLINE
(HUmar, lvl 96)(HUmarl, lvl 86) VS(HUcast, lvl 90)

4th fight - X VS BRAND/BRAND GIRL
( ? , lvl ?)VS(HUmar, lvl 70)(HUnewearl, lvl 70)

5th fight - JIN VS AIRLOCK/OMNISHIMA
( ? , lvl 95)VS(RAmar, lvl 80)(RAcaseal, lvl 87)

BLADEGUNNER: Hey REI! Guess what! VAULT and that electric girlfriend are fighting in the first battle!
REI: Humpf. So they made it here. If they win this fight, we'll get to fight them...
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. Let's see how well they do.
SPEAKER: Mr. VAULT SINN, KINEKO NANE, SIGMA and NEI, please proceed to the Temple area, taking the telepipes 3, 5 or 6, for your match. Thank you!

A few minutes later, VAULT and his pair KINEKO are standing on a temple area on Ragol, with the sunset on the distant horizon and a dark purple sky, indicating the end of the day on this planet.They are facing a tall RAcast and a female Newman Hunter with pink hair and a dark short suit. The telepipes which they used to arrive to the scene disappear.

VAULT: So you are our opponents...

The cameras installed on the Temple area are turned on and all the other Hunters and spectators in Pioneer 2 get access to footage from the battle. VAULT equips a Gladius, and KINEKO a Double Saber. Sigma is equipped with a VARISTA and NEI has a BLOODY ART.

SIGMA: BEHOLD! I AM SIGMA, THE ONE AN ONLY PERFECT RACAST! MY BRAIN IS DESIGNED TO HAVE PERFECT STATISTICS AND PERFECT RESULTS! I CAN SEE YOUR STRATEGY BEFORE IT BECOMES VISIBLE! I CAN SHOOT AT ANYWHERE ANYTIME ON YOUR BODY WITH 100% PRECISION AND ACCURA...
NEI: Somebody should fix that stupid ego of yours.
VAULT: Don't worry KINEKO. This is only a warm-up so that those two punks can see our abilities. Maybe we'll show them the Vault blade...
KINEKO: Why VAULT-sama? Isn't it for extreme situations?
VAULT: ...Trust me. Your opponent is the chick.
KINEKO: Hai!
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS, READY... 3...

VAULT smiles devilishly at the camera.

SPEAKER: 2...
SIGMA: ...AND SOLVING SEVERAL EQUATIONS BY SECOND, MY CPU MANAGES TO...
SPEAKER: 1...
REI: Ladies, gentlemen and idiots: Start you engines.
SPEAKER: 0!!! FIGHT!!!

KINEKO checks to see VAULT, but he isn't already there. She sees him facing SIGMA.

BLADEGUNNER: He's fast... almost as fast as I am...
SIGMA: ...PROVIDING MYSELF WITH THE ULTIMATE CAPABILITIES TO...
VAULT: Shut up.

VAULT cuts through SIGMA, ending his speech and cutting him in two. VAULT doesn't stop, and his continous photon blows slice SIGMA in several electric metal parts.

SIGMA: ...FiGhT...

As the androind's parts fall on the floor, shutting him off forever, VAULT relaxes and looks at NEI.

VAULT: Now that was fast. You can't use RESTA on him anymore... Better send him off to a repair house. KINEKO, you can handle her...
KINEKO: All right VAULT-sama!!!
REI: HEY! THAT'S AGAINST RULES! HE KILLED THAT ANDROID!
BLADEGUNNER: No... Androids aren't alive. He can get easily fixed... You know that his memory back-up is stored in the Pioneer 2 public library.
REI: ...Damn!!

Back in the Temple arena, NEI smiles at VAULT.

NEI: You don't get it. You've just done me a favour...
VAULT: What?
NEI: Finnally, somebody destroyed that stupid android.
REI: How the hell did that robot arrive to the 10 best teams?
NEI: Therefore I can fight for real, without the pain of his horrid "help" which made us look like fools.
VAULT: ...Are you saying that this robot stopped you from fighting for real?
NEI: Check it for yourself.

NEI quickly points her palm to VAULT.

KINEKO: VAULT-SAMA!!!
NEI: RAFOIE!

A huge ball of fire dashes towards VAULT.

VAULT: ...!!!

VAULT drops his saber and shows his hands at the ball.

VAULT: RABARTA!!!

A big wave of ice wind comes out of VAULT's spirit and collides with the fireball, creating an ice shield around him which the fireball spreads to, to then disappear as both spells erase each other.

VAULT: Not bad.

KINEKO: RHAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

KINEKO dashes to attack NEI.

VAULT: HOLD IT KINEKO!!
KINEKO: ...!?

KINEKO brakes suddenly, looking at VAULT.

KINEKO: ...Why...? What is it VAULT-sama?
VAULT: I wish to show this girl our full power.
KINEKO: Do you mean...
VAULT: Yes. The Vault sword!
KINEKO: ...Very well...
NEI: ?
BLADEGUNNER: Now... this can be interesting.

VAULT slowly rises his Gladius to the air, as the photon shines with the sunset.

KINEKO pulls her hands to her and starts gathering power.

KINEKO: Hhhaaaaaa...
VAULT: Here it comes...

KINEKO opens her palms, where sparks of electricity come out around them. She points her hands to VAULT's Gladius.

KINEKO: RAZONDE!!!
VAULT: VAULT SWORD!!!!
NEI: !
REI: THAT IDIOT! HE'S GONNA DIE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!

KINEKO shoots a powerfull wave of electricity that collides with VAULT's Gladius. The impact creates a big wave that pushes NEI and KINEKO away. Somehow, VAULT didn't get harmed by the shockwave. The impact creates several lightnings that spark in and out of the Sword in the air creating intense flashes, each as powerfull as thunder.

REI: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: That Gladius... must have a electricity-killing material that makes VAULT stand like that after such huge shock.

The sparks continue to come out and in the sword, as VAULT stares to NEI as a cold demon would. NEI's eyes are filled with fear, as VAULT stands with his Powerfull new Sword high in the air and glares at her silently.

BLADEGUNNER: All that power... in a photon sword... The power of a thunder, harnessed in his Gladius... Each spark could tear a vehicle apart. Imagine the power of his blows with his speed...
REI: ...Not bad.

Suddenly, one of the huge sparks smash the wall behind VAULT, breaking several huge rocks apart. The rocks start to fall towards VAULT.

REI: ...!!!!
KINEKO: VAULT-SAMA!!
BLADEGUNNER: GET OUT OF THERE YOU IDIOT!!!

VAULT stands still, looking at NEI. Slowly... he lowers his bright golden sword, as the rocks dash down to squat him.

VAULT: DAAAAAAAA!!!!!

He quickly starts dancing around like mad, delivering accurate photon blows at each of the rocks. Each rock is the size of a bear, yet VAULT slashes them apart several times. The clashes make bright sparks which impossibilitate the view of a naked eye. KINEKO, and NEI close their eyes, and in Pionner 2 the Hunters can't see much more that white flashes around the screen. This goes on for around 2 minutes.

Then everybody starts to hear a small noise, of rocks hitting the ground.

When the slashing and the rocks tumbling noises are over, a big cloud of dust circles VAULT.

KINEKO: VAULT-sama! You're all right!!!
NEI: ...

When the dust clears, NEI, KINEKO and everybody else sees several small rocks on the ground. Each rock has the same size and form, shaped like a cube, the size of a small dice.

NEW ULTIMATE: Amazing! He cut through each of the huge rocks for around 2 minutes until they all reach an incredible small size!!
AYLA: Wow... I wonder who that is...

On the other side of the Hunter's room, are BLADE and REI.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Sheesh! Did you see that? I can't believe it!!!
REI: ...

VAULT tightens his powerfull sword and prepares to attack NEI.

NEI is paralysed in fear after what she saw. Her eyes are white as snow, reflecting total fear.

NEI: ...I ...I give up.
VAULT: ...
KINEKO: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
SPEAKER: ...THE WINNER!!! VAULT AND KINEKO!!! THE WINNER OF THE FIRST OF THE 5 ULTIMATE BATTLES!!!
REI: Well, that was a pretty show.
BLADEGUNNER: What are you talking about? Don't you forget that we may be fighting that behemoth! Did you think that his super-human technique was "pretty"?
REI (thinking) : I'll show you something really awesome... Something I was training for all week...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Of course I've been develloping a secret technique too. It will be fun to see how VAULT's attack will react with mine...

NEW and AYLA approach REI and BLADE.

NEW ULTIMATE: Did y'all see that?
REI: Us'all did. Very neat didn't you think?

BLADE asks to talk with AYLA in private, grabs her arm and speeds away from the other two.

BLADEGUNNER: Are you really serious in using that crazy technique of yours?
AYLA: ...What the hell are you talking about?
BLADEGUNNER: ...That thing we were training yesterday.
AYLA: ...Oh, THAT technique. Yes. I must win, therefore I will give it all I got. Even that technique when needed.
BLADEGUNNER: Be careful, if NEW knew about this he would say...
AYLA: I know what he would say.
SPEAKER: Mr. BLADERUNNER, REI, Miss SOL and LUA please step into telepipes 1, 2 or 4 to the spaceship arena for your battle. Thank you!
BLADEGUNNER: Whoops! We're up! REI, let's roll!
REI: Right!

REI and BLADE dash into the telepipes.

NEW ULTIMATE: I hope they win...
AYLA: What are you talking about? Do you have any doubts? I'd say we are the strongest in the world.
NEW ULTIMATE: No, I think not AYLA. But it's not that... Those girls have something that can affect especially REI deeply...
AYLA: They do? What is that?
NEW ULTIMATE: They have...

NEW makes a serious look and begins to sweat.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...EXTREME FEMALE BEAUTY!

AYLA falls down.

NOL is on her apartment, seeing that it's BLADE's turn to fight.

NOL: Go get'em tiger!!!

A few minutes later all 4 Hunters are set to fight in the spaceship arena. REI is astonished to see that 2 female beauties are his opponents. SOL is a beautiful female Newman Force, dressed in hot colors (Red, Orange, Yellow). LUA is another cute female Human Force, but dressed in cold colors (Blue, Purple, White).

SOL (opening her arms wide) : We are the two twin sisters:
LUA (opening her arms wide) : LUA and SOL! The most
SOL (opening her legs wide) : pretty and powerful forces
LUA (opening her legs wide) : In this region of the universe!
SOL (clapping her hands together above her head) : Together, no one can resist our
LUA (clapping her hands together above her head) : intense spells! Victory is our goal!
SOL (Raising a leg backwards and an arm forwards) : I'm Hot...
LUA (doing the same thing, only the other leg and arm) : And I'm Cool!
SOL & LUA (hugging each other and pointing their finger at BLADE & REI) : SOL & LUA! THE ULTIMATE FORCES!

...

BLADE and REI stand and look at their ridiculous poses.

BLADEGUNNER: Don't you be talking about ULTIMATE to me doll.
REI: Yeah, you're hot all right...

BLADE looks at REI, who's drooling.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Oh no... Will this pervert hit them or flirt with them?
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS GET READY! 3...
SOL & LUA: 3!!
SPEAKER: 2...
SOL & LUA: 2!!
SPEAKER: 1...
SOL & LUA: 1!!
SPEAKER: 0!!
SOL & LUA: WE WON!
REI: Say what?

LUA climbs to SOL's back. SOL puts her hands on the floor.

SOL: FULL POWER!!! RAFOIE!!!

The great explosion propells SOL & LUA high into the air. Higher and higher...

REI: ...What are they doing?
SOL: How about this?
LUA: Now you can't hit us!
SOL: While we can!
LUA: Prepare yourselves for our full power!

SOL and LUA show their palms to BLADE and REI, focusing power.

SOL & LUA: HERE GOES!

REI and BLADE are smiling in the distant ground while the two sisters keep going higher and higher.

SOL: Say, what's with them?
LUA: Maybe they underestimate our power! Full power now!

LUA hits her head on the ceiling of the spaceship with "Full power".

LUA: OW!!!

After that, they begin to fall to the floor. SOL hits the ground with her face with "Full power".

SOL: OW!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...

BLADE and REI can't help and start laughing as wild as they can.

SOL: ...
LUA: ...
REI: BWAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! THOSE IDIOTS!!!
BLADEGUNNER: OHOHOHOHO!!!! I NEVER LAUGHED THIS MUCH IN MY LIFE!!!
REI: I DUNNO WHAT IS MORE FUNNY!!! HAHAHA!!! THOSE STUPID SISTERS... HAHAHAHA!!! OR YOUR SANTA CLAUS-STYLE LAUGHS!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehehe... those poor girls sure were clumsy!
AYLA: I'd say idiots.
NOL: ...
SOL: They're laughing at us LUA!
LUA: I noticed that, SOL!
SOL: TIME FOR
LUA: PLAN B!!
REI: HAHA... What? Hahahaha... Plan B? Hehe...

SOL and LUA point their hands at REI and BLADE, but they unite their palms for the blow.

SOL: THIS IS THE
LUA: SUN & MOON RAY!!
BLADEGUNNER: Whoa! REI, better prepare yourself!
REI: Bring it on!!
SOL: Have a taste of our power! Taste Fire and Ice at the same time!!!
LUA: You shall regret making a fool out of us!!!

SOL and LUA focus power...

SOL: RAFOIE!!!
LUA: RABARTA!!!

Just as their spells come out at the same time, a big explosion occurs... in their hands and throws the sisters away and to the ground, all burned but wet at the same time.

SOL: ....???
LUA: ...???
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Those girls sure are unlucky... By shooting a fire and an ice spell of the same power at the same time, the difference of temperatures in their spells made them both explode when they got near each other!
AYLA: ...Those two losers.
REI: BWAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: OOOOOOHOHOHOHOHOHOH!!!
REI: YOUR STUPID TRICKS... BWAHAHAHAHA!! HIS LAUGHS... HHHHHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!
BLADEGUNNER: OOOHOHOHOHO!!! YOUR MOUTH CAN GET PRETTY BIG WHEN YOU LAUGH!!!! OOOOHOHOHOHOH!!!
NOL: BLADE... Don't laugh too much... You're open to an attack now...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Something's fishy here... Do you think they're doing it on purpose?
AYLA: ...What do you mean?

SOL and LUA make a sign at each other. They get up, heal themselves and prepare to attack REI and BLADE with serious stuff.

SOL: Now! They're not focused!! They are laughing too much!!
LUA: Yes! Their defenses are vulnerable! Let's strike now!!

REI and BLADE are still laughing while SOL and LUA split to hit them both from different angles.

SOL & LUA: RAZONDE!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Whoa! This is serious now!

An electric energy cannon comes out of the sister's hands and hit the area where BLADE and REI are, causing a reaction which blows the area apart. After the dust clears, they don't see BLADE or REI.

SOL: ...?
LUA: ...!
SOL: Maybe we were too powerfull on this...?
LUA: Maybe they didn't resist and died...?
BLADEGUNNER: Behind you.
REI: Hello dolly!

BLADE is behind LUA while REI is behind SOL.

SOL: They're so fast!
LUA: I didn't even see them escaping our attack!
VAULT: ...Not... bad... They're better than I thought.
BLADEGUNNER: OUR TURN!!! HAAAAAA!!!!

BLADE was about to punch LUA in her belly.

LUA: OH NO!!! DON'T PLEASE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Ehh??

BLADE touches her nose with her fist.

LUA: BOOOHOHOOOOO!!!! THAT HURTS!!!!! YOU BRUTE!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...??
NOL: ...Oh please.

REI was about to burn SOL with his RAFOIE spell.

REI: Get a load of this baby!
SOL: I know what you want to get a load of...
REI: ...

REI starts drooling and lowering his hands.

SOL: So... how about it sugar? Want me to show you something?
REI: ...Hehe... Come on baby!!

SOL and LUA point their palms at their opponents.

SOL & LUA: NOW!!!!
SOL: RAFOIE!!
LUA: RABARTA!!

The area in front of their hands explode. Both BLADE and REI evade the energy wave and appear right in front of each one of the sisters.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI EVADED THE RAY!!!
AYLA: Say what?

SOL and LUA both start at REI and BLADE, surprised with their speed.

BLADEGUNNER: I don't like
REI: to be made a fool.
BLADEGUNNER: If you keep fighting like that
REI: I won't hold back at you.
SOL: ...
LUA: ...

SOL & LUA stand silent for a while and look scared at each other...

SOL & LUA: ...We give up!!!
BLADEGUNNER: !
REI: !
NOL: !
NEW ULTIMATE: !
BLADEGUNNER: WE WON!!!
REI: HAHAAAA!!! WE WON!!!

SOL and LUA run to the telepipes to return to Pioneer 2, looking frightened back at the small Force and tall Hunter.

BLADE & REI: WE WON!!!!
AYLA: Well, that battle wasn't too rough... I think they are overracting...
NEW ULTIMATE: They're just happy to be victorious. Prepare yourself, we're next...
VAULT: ...What an amazing technique!!! Those two are not normal...
KINEKO: ...Yeah. Their luck is beyond normal.
VAULT: So... they will be our next opponents. Their luck will change...

Next chapters:

- The strongest in the galaxy
- Enter the door
- Duel of Kings
- The Duel: Reliving the lvl 100 Ultimate Hunters Battle
- Final deductions
- The god of destruction
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue: A NEW legend
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.






<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-28 09:00 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-12-07 05:13 ]</font>

RavenTW
Nov 23, 2002, 06:50 PM
First of all, DANG that was long! (But then again, you warned us, right?)

Second, DANG that was great! Nice plot-twisting skills you got!

Daikarin
Nov 24, 2002, 01:52 PM
LOL, well, I was kinda thinking of my character in the Gamecube, and had the idea of the story... I thought of dividing it in two chapters so that I wouldn't take more time to finish it...

Anyway, I've altered the links in this forum. I've taken off the BBcode on each image, so that it would take less to load. I hope this helps in those who wait an eternity for the page to load.

If you want, go check the Ultimate Hunters (Art) forum, I will tranfer them to there, too. And from now on, every picture (except the final picture) will be updated in that particular forum.

Thanks

BoUnCeR
Nov 25, 2002, 08:23 AM
heheh, once more, that's great http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif just didn't hope my character to be already dead, but i like it http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif (errr... for those who didn0t understand, vigo is my nick on IRC and my PSO char, though I can't play online on DC, so I'm hoping for xbox version http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif) keep it up torero http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Nov 25, 2002, 08:26 AM
And there he goes. OLE!! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

By the way, you're dead. What the hell are you doing here? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-11-25 05:28 ]</font>

Daikarin
Dec 14, 2002, 02:12 PM
Remember last chapter? Yeah, the long one. This chapter is TWICE as big! I took special attention to the battles description in this one. Hope you like it!

--- Chapter 22 - The strongest in the galaxy ---

SPEAKER: Mr. NEW... Miss AYLA... and Mr. ONLINE, please step into telepipes 1, 2 and 4 to proceed with the battles, on the spaceship arena. Thank you!

AYLA and NEW both step silent to the telepipes, each lost in their own thoughts.

AYLA (thinking) : Finally... I'll show NEW what I have been learning...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Level 90... This is far from being an easy fight.

AYLA and NEW take the pipes and materialise inside the spaceship arena. Their opponent still didn't arrive.

BLADEGUNNER: He still isn't there. Maybe he pissed his pants and ran away.
REI: Hey, I brought that special stuff you wanted.
BLADEGUNNER: I want to appreciate this moment. NEW fighting for real... against a tough enemy. And for that I need something special...
REI: ...Popcorn?
BLADEGUNNER: You got it. Hey, where's my Coke?

Finally, the Android Hunter appeared in the battlefield. It was a blue tall HUcast with a large... TOY HAMMER as a weapon.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: NEW! Let me handle him!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Huh? What? Are you kidding? We're a team, we'll fight together! Besides...
AYLA: ...Besides what?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Nothing.
AYLA: ...You don't think I'm strong enough?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: I admit it, I wasn't strong. But I've been training to regain your confidence, and believe I can take this challenge!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...AYLA...
AYLA: Besides, this is only a Tournament. It's now or never for me to show what I'm able right? Please NEW! Leave it to me!! I can deal him!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ok. But if you BLEED EVEN ONCE I'll fill in.
AYLA: Thanks!!!

AYLA faces their opponent.

AYLA: Hey! When this battle starts... consider me and only me to be only your opponent!
ONLINE: ...What? You're fighting alone? Are you making fun of me...?
AYLA: I could say the same about you and your stupid toy hammer!
ONLINE: ...NOBODY CRITICISES MY TOY HAMMER!!!
REI: What the hell? AYLA's fighting alone?
BLADEGUNNER: I guess she took this chance to show NEW that she's a good Hunter...
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS GET READY! 3...
AYLA (thinking) : You will taste what my harsh trainning has done to me...
SPEAKER: 2...
AYLA (thinking) : I have to win this at any cost!!! I have to show NEW he can trust me!!!
SPEAKER: 1...
AYLA (thinking) : Victory is mine!!!
REI: She's gonna lose.
SPEAKER: 0!

AYLA raises her DOUBLE SABER and dashes towards ONLINE.

AYLA: DAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

Using the energy from her body and arms, she cuts down on ONLINE, who dodges by shifting quickly to the side. As AYLA's blade hits the ground instead of him, ONLINE runs to counter AYLA with his TOY HAMMER.

- PIP! -

The TOY HAMMER hits AYLA's head violently. After being hit, AYLA steps back to keep her distance from her opponent.

AYLA: DAMN!!!
ONLINE: You're very fast. But I'm faster.
AYLA: I'm only warming up!

AYLA points her palm to ONLINE.

ONLINE: ...!
AYLA: GIZONDE!!!

ONLINE gets hit on the chest by a lightning bolt that throws him back, but he manages to stay on his feet. When ONLINE looks at AYLA, she's already ahead of him.

AYLA: DAHHHH!!!!
ONLINE: ...!!!

AYLA hits ONLINE violently on his metallic skull. ONLINE counters AYLA quickly by hitting her on her chin with his TOY HAMMER with an uppercut.

- PIP! -

AYLA: DAMN THAT STUPID HAMMER!!!

AYLA and ONLINE pound and counter each other for a while, with lots of "PIP's" and photon blows.

NEW ULTIMATE: She's fast, but ONLINE's faster than she is... And Androids have no fear of losing stamina. If this keeps up...
BLADEGUNNER: ...she will lose.
AYLA: HAHHHHHH!!!

AYLA and ONLINE are evenly matched. But AYLA begins to lose energy and her moves become slower and weaker...

REI: Wasn't AYLA training with you on a secret technique?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Yeah.
REI: Do you think she will use it?
AYLA (thinking) : DAMN IT!! DOESN'T THIS SCRAPHEAD EVER GET TIRED??
BLADEGUNNER: This fight has no fun... At least not if she doesn't use it...
REI: What? Is it a support spell? Like NEW used on his last battle with KIREEK?
BLADEGUNNER: No, I think AYLA would want to defeat him without using support spells. For her, it's almost like cheating.
REI: What's the technique then?
BLADEGUNNER: ...

ONLINE punches through AYLA's defenses with his unnocupied hand and hits her on the forehead, propelling her backwards from the blow, and to the ground.

AYLA: Hnnghh!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...AYLA! Enough, my turn.
ONLINE: Stay out of this. She defied me to a duel.
NEW ULTIMATE: What did you say?
AYLA: It's ok... NEW. I can... I'm gonna win this.
NEW ULTIMATE: It's ok AYLA! You've done all you could!
AYLA: ...

AYLA hears the words and thinks.

AYLA (thinking) : Is this the best I can do?
AYLA: ...
AYLA (thinking) : Have I reached my limit?...
AYLA (thinking) : If this is my limit... I'm not strong enough to fight one Hunter... I'm not strong enough to gain NEW's affection and confidence...
AYLA: ...
AYLA (thinking) : NO! I WON'T HAVE IT!!!

AYLA raises her hand, her palm aiming up and focuses power.

AYLA: Haaaaaaa....
BLADEGUNNER: She's gonna use it!!
REI: What? That's it? She's gonna use a spell on him?
BLADEGUNNER: Pay attention. The ground on the spaceship arena is pure metal right?
REI: Yeah, so?
AYLA: NEW! STEP AWAY AS MUCH AS YOU CAN!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
AYLA: TRUST ME! I'M SERIOUS!

NEW nods and runs away from the two as fast as he can, looking behind his shoulder to see what AYLA's up to. Then, she quickly stabs her DOUBLE SABER on the ground with her other hand.

ONLINE: What are you doing?

AYLA tightens the DOUBLE SABER enough and uses her arm power to pull her body upwards and turn it upside down, screaming as she makes a lot of effort. The hand that was focusing energy is now aiming to near the ground, the other is holding her body from falling.

AYLA: FOIE! FOIE!! FOIE!!! FOIEE!!!!!

AYLA shoots several FOIE spells out of her hand like a flamethrower. The metallic ground around the DOUBLE SABER begins to heat up.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): I see! Metal is a great heat absorber, like water drives electricity. By doing that up-side down move, she doesn't touch the hot ground, but ONLINE... does! And on top of that, ONLINE is an android... filled with metal as well! She must have practised a lot to stay like that by using merely the strength of her arm...
REI: Genious!
BLADEGUNNER: She got that idea when there where cockroaches on the training fields we went to.
REI: ...

ONLINE begins to feel the ground heating up, just like being afoot on a giant frying pan, and starts dancing, trying to evade the heat.

ONLINE: OW! OW! OW!!!
AYLA: HOWZAT?? THIS IS FOR YOU TRYING TO BEAT ME! AND THIS IS FOR YOUR IDIOT CYBER-ATTITUDE! AND THIS IS FOR GETTIN IN MY WAY TO NEW'S CONFIDENCE!
REI: She's losing it.
AYLA: ...AND THIS IS FOR TIP, WHO WAS UNABLE TO BE FIXED BY RICO! GIVE UP, OR YOUR BODY WILL FRY!!!
ONLINE: I DON'T THINK SO!!!
AYLA: ...?

ONLINE quickly places several frozing mines around him. They blow up and frozen his body, along with a part of the ground. Not feeling the heat for a few instants, ONLINE takes the chance to run and attack AYLA, who loses stamina to keep firing FOIE spells.

ONLINE: I FEEL NOTHING! I DON'T FEEL THE HEAT!!!
AYLA: ...!!!
AYLA (thinking) : The ground around me is so hot from the spells I used... that I would burn in an instant! I can't get down... and if I don't, he'll hit me full power!
ONLINE: THIS IS OVER!!! I AM THE WINNER!!! DHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

ONLINE was about to hit AYLA with his... nothing! ONLINE looks to his hands and notices the TOY HAMMER isn't there.

NEW ULTIMATE: Enough. RABARTA!!!!

NEW freezes the ground immediatly, that by reacting with the heat, produces an average temperature on the ground, making AYLA fall safe on the floor, tired of holding up her body on one arm.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm impressed AYLA. You've improved a lot. I'm proud of your efforts. But you can't beat everybody. Now is my time to enter the fight.
AYLA: NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: Take your weapon. I'm your opponent now.

NEW throws the TOY hammer to ONLINE, who catches it.

ONLINE: ...I don't ever get tired. So don't expect me to lose.

ONLINE raises his TOY HAMMER high until behind his head and runs to NEW to attack him with a downwards blow.

ONLINE: HAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!

NEW stops the blow by catching the TOY HAMMER. ONLINE almost loses balance but tries to push against NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: The stronger you push, the harder you will fall...

NEW lets go of the weapon. ONLINE falls forward, losing his balance, but NEW uses the force from his push to spin his body and strike ONLINE on the back of his head with his elbow, using the force of the spin to strike with a strong, fast and accurate blow. ONLINE falls on his face and smashes himself on the floor.

AYLA: ...
REI: That jackass. He always gets to look cool. Hehe... Nice going.
BLADEGUNNER: It's finished. NEW and AYLA won.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

AYLA gets up and goes to near NEW.

AYLA: Thanks... for the help.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm proud to have you as a teammate! You have evolved a lot!
AYLA: Teehee...
ONLINE: ...I'm... not... down yet....
AYLA: ...

AYLA runs to ONLINE and begins to stomp his body like crazy.

AYLA: HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT? AND THAT? HUH??? AND THAT?
ONLINE: I GIVE UP! I GIVE UP! OW! OW! OW!!

NEW goes to grab AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: Now, now... he already said he gives up...
SPEAKER: THE WINNERS!!! NEW AND AYLA!!!!
REI: Like there was any doubt.
JIN (thinking) : That man... defeated that powerful android with an elbow strike... By using the force ONLINE used to push NEW's hand... he stroke him to his own trap... What a perfect attack... That man isn't normal.

AYLA teleports back to the Tournament building, along with NEW, who is carrying ONLINE on his back. NEW places ONLINE on the ground, where the employees from the Tournament event heal his injuries. REI and BLADE approach NEW and AYLA.

BLADEGUNNER: Nice show you gave us.
REI: Yeah. A quick but pretty fight.
NEW ULTIMATE: Actually, I think that AYLA worked harder than me.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah.
REI: I guess so.
AYLA: Hee hee... Thanks!
SPEAKER: Next fight will occur in 40 minutes.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm starving... AYLA, I'll invite you to lunch. You deserve it.
AYLA: Thanks!
BLADEGUNNER: I'm starving too. There's a fastfood restaurant in this building... But I need to buy a weapon first. I don't want to fight unnarmed against that creep, VAULT...

BLADE only has money to buy a Gladius. Thinking that it's better than nothing, he buys it. A few minutes later, NEW is on the line to order. After he orders and receives the burgers, pizza slices and drinks, he comes out of the counter hand's filled with food. The others are waiting for him on the table.

NEW ULTIMATE: King-sized burguer?
REI: Can only be me.
NEW ULTIMATE: Catch!

NEW throws the burger box to REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: A Cheeseburger?
BLADEGUNNER: Here.

NEW throws the cheeseburger to BLADE.

NEW ULTIMATE: And... Two Marguerita Pizza slices.

NEW throws them to the table.

NEW ULTIMATE: And here are our drinks.

NEW throws drinks to REI and BLADE, who catch it. He throws a bottle to AYLA too.

The minute AYLA catches it, she feels a deep pain in her pulse, like if it were stabbed. And drops the drink, instintively taking her hand off.

AYLA: OW!!

The drink falls on the ground and smashes completely, spreading orange juice all over.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: Say, you're getting old for this aren't ya?
NEW ULTIMATE: What's wrong AYLA?
AYLA: ...My... My hand... It's hurting...
NEW ULTIMATE: Let me see.

NEW takes AYLA's black glove and sees her hand. The skin is darkened in that area.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're bleeding from the inside...
AYLA: Ah!... It's as if my hand was burning! Ahh!!
NEW ULTIMATE: We'd better send you to a doctor.

A few minutes later, AYLA and the others are on the clinic, still inside the Tournament building.

(And don't worry about the drink, BLADE cleaned that up.)

After being Z, S, and X-rayed by the doctor, AYLA and the others were waiting for the results in the waiting room.

REI: So? Is it a boy or a girl?
BLAEGUNNER: ...
REI: Er.. Sorry, too early.
NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!
REI: Just kidding!
DOCTOR: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Ah... How is she doctor?
DOCTOR: ...Well...

The doctor sticks the images from the scans in the lightscreen. He turns the lightscreen on and we see pictures of AYLA's bones, muscles and veins, inside her pulse. The doctor points to one of the strings.

DOCTOR: You see this muscular string here? It's connected to the hand and is responsible for the flexibility in one's pulse. Looks like Miss AYLA overdone its capabilities very recently and damaged it...
AYLA: ...When I was holding my body upside down... using only this hand to hold the one thing that hold me...
DOCTOR: What? Only your hand? That was it. A lot of effort on your hand, most likely on the pulse area, damaged the string.
NEW ULTIMATE: What do you suggest?
DOCTOR: I say AYLA will have to keep off effort in her hands for a few months, while she's doing some healing treatment.
REI: Which means...
DOCTOR: It's better if AYLA doesn't keep fighting in the Tournament.
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... Right AYLA?
AYLA: ...After all this... I won't be able to... fight anymore...
DOCTOR: It's not forever. Only for a few months, until she recovers.
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : She really wanted to help NEW win the Tournament... Now she won't be able to do it... It must be hard on her.
REI (thinking) : Poor girl... Training so hard to please NEW... And now this...
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry AYLA. It's for your own sake.
AYLA: Yeah... But... I really wanted... to finish the Tournament with you...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

REI and BLADE look quickly at NEW to see his answer.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yeah, me too...
REI & BLADEGUNNER: - Phew...
NEW ULTIMATE: But this is how it goes. I'll fight for both of us and carry your spirit in each of my blows!

AYLA smiles.

AYLA: Ok!

The doctor then talks about the remedy needed and how to apply, and rolls bandages around AYLA's wrist. After that, they exit the clinic.

AYLA (thinking) : Why has it come to this?
REI: Hey, relax! I mean, even alone, NEW is able to win the Tournament easily! I mean... we're talking about NEW ULTIMATE, right?
BLADEGUNNER: We still haven't seen the other fighters.

The Hunters move to the assisting floor, where there's many other Hunters assisting the combats through the screens. In the screen is displayed the next fight.

SCREEN: 4th fight - X VS BRAND / BRAND GIRL
( ? , lvl ?) VS (HUmar, lvl 70) (HUnewearl, lvl 70)

REI: Say... X? That's a curious fella. He didn't want to show his CLASS or even his experience level!
BLADEGUNNER: Hm... I wonder why...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : JIN said that ARLAB was going to enter this Tournament... I didn't see him yet. Could he be entering as that anonymous character? If he gave his real name he would be chased by the authorities...
SPEAKERS: Hunter X, Mr. BRAND and Miss BRAND GIRL please proceed to the temple area taking telepipes 3, 5 or 6, for your match. Thank you!
NEW ULTIMATE: Let's see...

NEW sees a couple, a HUmar and a HUnewearl heading to the telepipes, who probably were BRAND team. The HUmar was tall and had dark-red long hair like NEW's, dressed in red and black suit. BRAND GIRL was a HUnewearl with short red hair with a pigtail behind, blue eyes and was dressed in white. He also sees JIN, talking to a masked Hunter, all dressed in black.

JIN: So you came... ARLAB.

X smiles like a devil, as he recognises JIN.

X: Of course I did. I hope you improved.
JIN: ...That's something you'll see for yourself.

X leans his finger to JIN's eye.

X: Don't get cocky just because you made it to the 10 best all by yourself. There still isn't a single Hunter who can match me.
JIN: ...
X: ...You're aleady dead, kid.

Saying this, X takes his hand away from JIN's face and steps away, entering the telepipe to fight.

X appears facing his two opponents.

JIN (thinking) : Let's see how good he is.

X: Are you challenging me?
BRAND GIRL: Well duh! Were gonna defeat you.
BRAND: Yes, stranger. Sorry, but victory is already ours.

BRAND equips a STAG CUTLERY while BRAND GIRL equips a NEI'S CLAW.

X: Fools. You aren't even worth carrying those rare weapons...
BRAND: I won't allow you to talk to us like that.
BRAND GIRL: Yeah!! Who do you think you are?
X: The only reason I won't kill you is because I'll get into trouble. But if it weren't for that... I'd kill you right now. Do you understand that?
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS READY! 3...
BRAND (thinking) : You jerk... I'll show you.
SPEAKER: 2...
JIN (thinking): I sure hope he doesn't kill them...
SPEAKER: 1...
X: It's over.
SPEAKER: 0!!! FIGHT!!
BRAND: HAAAAAAHHHH!!!
BRAND GIRL: DRAHHHHHHHH!!!!

Both BRAND and BRAND GIRL jump at X, attempting to strike him with their weapons.

X: I want to finish this quickly. MEGID!!

X points his finger to BRAND GIRL and hits her with a purple dark wave of energy, that when making contact with the Huntress, made her fall uncounscious to the floor. BRAND see this and stops horrified.

BRAND: ...
X: ...One down.
REI: ...That... is illegal! The guy used an instant-death spell on her!

BRAND looks to BRAND GIRL on the floor as his rage begins to fill up.

BRAND: YOU KILLED HER!! YOU BASTARD!!!
X: You loser. What did I say before? I can't kill anyone now. I'm keeping that chance to someone else. I used a low frequency MEGID energy wave powerfull enough to only make her lose senses.
REI (thinking) : He can control his energy spells completely... He's no amateur. He shot a MEGID spell weak enough just to make the girl K.O....
BRAND: ...

BRAND focuses power on his hands.

BRAND: TASTE THIS!!! GRANTS!!!
X: ...!

Several light arrows appear around X, preparing to strike him.

X: STOP!!!
REI: ...!!!

The arrows around him don't move, as X orders them telepathically not to. X then points his fingers at BRAND. The light arrows then head towards BRAND.

BRAND: !!!
REI: !

The light arrows hit BRAND several times per second, knocking him out after each hits him. BRAND falls on his knees.

BRAND: Hhhoo...
X: It's over.

BRAND falls on his face.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI (thinking) : He... ORDERED BRAND's spell to stop???... That guy isn't normal...
NEW ULTIMATE (thiking) : What an awesome display of mind power!!!
SPEAKER: ...Ahh... THE WINNER!! X, for the knockout of his two opponents!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...He didn't even touch them!
NEW ULTIMATE: He didn't have to.
JIN (thinking) : This is gonna be tougher than I thought...

X takes the telepipe out of the temple. Several staff arrive in that time to pick up BRAND and his mate.

When X arrives to the Tournament building, all the Hunters in the room look at him terrified. Standing in front of them was someone who defeated two Hunters without even touching them.

Everyone standed clear out of the area around X, who walked across until he found somewhere to seat. After that, the staff carrying BRAND and BRAND GIRL arrived.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : So that's his true power... ARLAB, REI's father!! No wonder REI has all that hidden magic potential. It's in his blood!

On the screens is displayed the next battle.

5th fight - JIN VS AIRLOCK / OMNISHIMA
( ? , lvl 95) VS (RAmar, lvl 80) (RAcaseal, lvl 87)

SPEAKER: Next battle will occur in around 40 minutes.
BLADEGUNNER: NEW... That's JIN?

NEW and BLADE look at JIN, sitting down on a table having something to eat, lost on his thoughts.

NEW ULTIMATE: Yup. That's him.
BLADEGUNNER: He's the one you say he's strong? He's only a kid!! I mean, look at him! He's small, slim and... 13 years old!
NEW ULTIMATE: I can't tell you what I felt when fighting him. But you'll see for yourself when he fights.
BLADEGUNNER: ...I hope that kid is used to feel pain.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, you bet he is...

NEW looks at AYLA.

NEW ULTIMATE: How's your hand?
AYLA: Still hurts when I move the pulse...
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh... Don't worry, it can't go worse. Only better.
AYLA: Hey NEW... Wanna go to the bar with me?
NEW ULTIMATE: Right now?
AYLA: Yeah, I mean... We have around 40 minutes to see the fight, and, and... there's a TV on the bar, so that we can see it from there?
NEW ULTIMATE: Why do you want to go there?
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE and REI look at NEW.

REI: OF COURSE HE WANTS!
BLADEGUNNER: HE WAS JUST ABOUT TO ASK YOU, BUT YOU CAME FIRST!! HAHA!!
REI: YEAH! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?
NEW ULTIMATE: Actually guys, I...

REI and BLADE give a dark look at NEW.

REI: What is it...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...You what?

NEW looks at their scary eyes and reconsiders.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh! Right! I was about to ask you out AYLA!

BLADE approaches NEW.

BLADEGUNNER (whispering) : Geez man. She's your girlfriend. Would it hurt if you two went out for a while? And try to be less naive next time she asks you indirectly for a date.
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : ...I'm just afraid I screw it up...
BLADEGUNNER (whispering) : Just relax and let nature take it's course. You'll end up liking it afterwards.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

AYLA smiles.

AYLA: Well then, NEW! Let's go!

AYLA grabs hold of NEW's arm and runs towards the bar inside the Tournament HQ.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...My treat...

REI and BLADE watch NEW and AYLA go away.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: Even if he doesn't want it... NEW can screw things up.
BLADEGUNNER: We gotta watch out for those two.

REI and BLADE follow the couple, which enters the bar.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Damn, a date... What am I supposed to do now...?

A few minutes later, NEW and AYLA are sitting on the karaoke bar inside the building, where a quiet music was playing, and a calm environment was felt. Together with the lack of nights, the atmosphere was that of a silent night, and the bar was decorated in dark-red/golden tones.

NEW ULTIMATE: Kinda ironic huh? This is the opposite to what you feel throughout the Tournament...
AYLA: Yeah...

NEW is thinking of what can he say to make AYLA enjoy the date.

NEW ULTIMATE: U-Um... S-So, what will you... drink?
AYLA: Maybe a Coke. I haven't drank one in ages.
NEW ULTIMATE: Now? At this time of the night? You'll have trouble sleeping....
AYLA: NEW, It's half past 4.

NEW then remembers that it's still day, even if dark. Suddenly a waiter approaches the table.

WAITER: Sir NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: That's me...
WAITER: There's someone who wishes to see you urgently.

NEW and AYLA look at each other.

NEW ULTIMATE: Who could it be...?
WAITER: Please accompany me.

AYLA sees NEW and the WAITER go into a corridor nearby. The WAITER signals NEW to enter one of the doors on the corridor, and the WAITER follows him. They're inside a storage room.

NEW ULTIMATE: I can't see nobody. Are you sure that...

When NEW looks at the WAITER, he sees that the moustache was fake and that the WAITER was BLADE in disguise.

WAITERGUNNER: YOU IDIOT!! What are you nervous about? You're getting really freaked out because of your shy attitude!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...BLADE?

BLADE punches NEW on the stomach.

WAITERGUNNER: YOU'RE A JERK! You go to the same bed she goes, but can't get a hold of yourself when you're like THAT?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
WAITERGUNNER: What's wrong with you? Are you doing it as a reflex? Why don't you relax...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well...

BLADE kicks NEW.

WAITERGUNNER: Don't even say it! There's no excuse. It's as simple as this: The most fearless Hunter I know is scared to think is relationship isn't working out. You love each other, for god's sake. Let it all go...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You're right... Where's REI?
WAITERGUNNER: I dunno. He also said he was gonna be sure you two don't mess up... Don't know where he went.

AYLA was wondering what was NEW doing. When she looks at the corridor, she sees the door where they went into open up, and NEW being thrown to the opposite wall and to the floor.

WAITERGUNNER: NOW GET BACK IN THERE AND SHOW HER WHO YOU ARE!!! Shy asshole...
NEW ULTIMATE: Right..! Right....

NEW gets up. He fills his chest with air... and goes to sit in front of AYLA.

AYLA: What was that about?
NEW ULTIMATE: Nothing.
AYLA: Are you sure...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Sure I'm sure.
AYLA: You know NEW... There's something I wanted to ask you...
NEW ULTIMATE: Sure, ask me anything.
AYLA: Do you... love me?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW's smile freezes.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Shit! What am I supposed to say???

BLADE passed by and heard AYLA's question. He immediatly sits down on the table behind AYLA, so that she doesn't see him. BLADE looks at NEW, threatning him.

WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : Come on... What's so tough about it?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Come on... What's so rough about it? I mean, it can't be THIS hard to say what I feel...

NEW looks at AYLA. He was about to say something. AYLA's eyes widen as she expects something.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : W-Why am I feeling trouble saying it???
NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA...
AYLA: Yes...?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Screw the shy attitude. I'm gonna say it.
NEW ULTIMATE: AYLA, I...
VOICE: WEEEEEELCOME TO THE ANNUAL ROMANTIC HUNTER'S KARAOKE!!! PREPARE FOR A NON-STOP ROMANTIC NIGHT YOU'LL REMEMBER FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!!!

NEW finishes the phrase, but the VOICE coming from the stage is too loud and covers it completly, making it impossible for AYLA to hear it.

WAITERGUNNER: Shit! What the hell...?
AYLA (thinking) : Perfect timing... Just when I was about to hear it clearly...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : There! I said it!

AYLA, BLADE and NEW look to the stage and see a small Force on the stage, with hairgel in his blue hair, toxedo on and a moustache.

WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : Hey, that's...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...REI!!!
AYLA: Hey, where have I seen that character before?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What's he doing there?
WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : I can't believe it... A toxedo that fits that shorty...
REI: I'm GIG OLO, y'all can call me GIG. Tonight we're gonna...
WAITERGUNNER: ...It's half past four you idiot!

REI's speech comes to a stop with BLADE's comment.

REI: Say, don't you have drinks to serve?
WAITERGUNNER: ..
REI: All right people! Let's start this with a slow one!

REI points to a guy on backstage and a slow low melody starts gaining volume. Then REI sings quietly:

REI (singing): Theeeere's no reason... For you to lose your mind...
Because III...'ve seen something... That's gonna change our time...

If IIII could... I'd make you understand...
If IIII could... I'd make you understand.

The music gains some rythm.

Theeeere's no hurry... It's gonna come for suuure...
'Cuz I know that someday... We're gonna end our war...

IF IIII COULD... I'D MAKE YOU UNDERSTAND!
IF IIII COULD... I'D MAKE YOU UNDERSTAND...! UNDER...Stand... If I...

(...)

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Nice music.
WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : An old one... Listen 4 Ever, if I could. REI's a genious, nice choice.

NEW sees several Male Hunters asking their dates to dance, and the epmty space between the tables and the stage where REI is gets filled with couples holding each other, dancing slowly with the tunes.

When NEW looks back at AYLA, he sees that she is already staring at him.

NEW ULTIMATE: ..Umm...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What...?

NEW sees BLADE slapping his eyes. He then understands that he has to ask AYLA to dance, as others do. AYLA keeps staring at him waiting for him to do so.

WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : That guy isn't normal.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : ...What the...? He still didn't invite her to dance?
AYLA: Well, NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Er...
AYLA: Don't you like to dance with me...?
NEW ULTIMATE: I'd... I'd like to.
AYLA: So? Is it so hard to ask me out?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: Why is it so? Are you fearing that I reject it? If that's it, I can tell you right now that I'd love to dance with you.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No... That's not it... It's just that...

NEW interrupts the phrase.

AYLA: Just what?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I never did it before, I...
AYLA: You mean... You can't dance? That's it?

AYLA gets up, grabs NEW's arm and drags him to the place where everyone is singing. NEW is still embarassed for telling AYLA he couldn't dance, something she sees immediatly.

AYLA: Don't worry, It's perfectly normal. There are a lot of guys that can't dance. I even doubt that GIG OLO there can't dance at all.
REI (singing) : ...Theeeeeeere's no reason... HEY, I HEARD THAT! ...For you to lose your mind...
NEW ULTIMATE: Well... I don't have a clue where to start.
AYLA: Here, grab me like this.

AYLA puts NEW's right arm around her waist. She grabs the palm of his left hand and pushes it to the side with her own, and then puts her right arm above his shoulder, her hand holding the back of his neck. NEW blushes, as they are extremely close to each other.

AYLA: Hihihi... Don't get that cute face! What are you embarassed of?
NEW ULTIMATE: Uhh... No-Nothing!
AYLA: Liar! Don't be afraid... Don't be afraid of me. I love you, is that so hard to keep in mind?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!
AYLA: Now... follow my steps and you'll be ok. Take my lead, after that you get the lead.

After a few minutes, NEW gets the hang of it, and they both smile.

WAITERGUNNER (thinking) : Heh... Seems like he isn't a loser after all.

BLADE looks at REI, who signals ok with his free hand, causing him to smile as he feels a job well done.

Then, he hears a female client calling for him. BLADE looks back at a female Hunter.

NOL: I'd like a nice hot... BLADE?
WAITERGUNNER: ...Right away miss!

BLADE smiles and walks to NOL.

WAITERGUNNER: What are you doing here?
NOL: I came to cheer for you, since I got a Hunter's license I'm allowed inside here... Why are you dressed like a waiter?
WAITERGUNNER: I've got a pal to baby-sit. Care to dance?
NOL: Hihi... What a nice waiter...

BLADE smiles, shows her his elbow. NOL takes his arm and they both go to dance as well.

REI (thinking) : Shit... Now I'm the only single around... Those lucky bastards!

As the song continues, everybody is dancing slowly with it.

AYLA (whispering) : Thanks...
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : ...? What? For what?
AYLA (whispering) : For existing...
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : ...Ah... You're quite welcome.

AYLA giggles.

AYLA (whispering) : You silly...
NEW ULTIMATE (whispering) : Thanks for not losing faith in us...
AYLA: ...

AYLA comes closer to NEW and leans her head in his chest. NEW feels the warmth of her hair in his chest as she closes her eyes and wishes for time to stop in that moment.

But it only slows down...

A few minutes later, REI leaves the stage after being applaused, and goes into the backstage. When he went to change in the room they lent him, he sees a female Hunter in his way.

NEI: You... you were in the 10 best on the Tournament right? You're REI... That was... a very nice song...
REI: ...!!!!

After hearing a loud "YAHOO" from somewhere in the back of the bar, NEW checks in the nearby Virtualvision screen to see if JIN's battle has already begun. He is relieved to see that he has to wait 2 minutes to see it.

BLADE got changed and is with NOL. They both approach NEW and AYLA's table.

BLADEGUNNER: Mind if we sit?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe... Be my guest!
NOL: Thanks!

They do so, as BLADE sits next to him to ask him something.

BLADEGUNNER: Do you know this guy... This JIN?
NEW ULTIMATE: I might have bumped into him a few times, yes... why?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I heard he was the son of VIGO KENT...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I know.
BLADEGUNNER: Do you know who VIGO KENT was?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No... The guy that ARLAB killed?
BLADEGUNNER: Not only that... He was the guy who taught SPOKE how to fight in the first place!
NEW ULTIMATE: No way! You're telling me... JIN's father was SPOKE's master?
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Who the hell is SPOKE?
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NOL: SPOKE was the guy that sacrified his life to kill a maniac called ULTIMATE.
AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ah... Yes, I remember.
BLADEGUNNER: So, VIGO instructed SPOKE. I heard he became his best pupil, and that he was very friendly with JIN, who saw in him an older brother.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...JIN must have suffered a lot... with the death of his brother...
AYLA (whispering) : ...You didn't do anything. You're NEW, remember?

NEW smiles as he looks at AYLA.

BLADEGUNNER: This could get interesting. You said he had potential... I'm dying to see him fight.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, me too... I wonder if we will get to fight him...
SPEAKER: Fighters JIN KENT, AIRLOCK and OMNISHIMA please proceed to the spaceship arena, taking telepipes 1,2 and 4 for your battle. Thank you!
BLADEGUNNER: This is it...

A Human Ranger materialises in the arena. He had a white outfit, with sky-color long hair and a rough face, which made it look like he was a soldier. After that, an android materialises right on his side. She had a figure similar with ELENOR's (for those you don't know or remember, DR. MONTAGUE's android), except she was blue. The both were armed with a spread needle.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Spread needle... That rare legendary weapon shoots giant needle-like bullets at the speed of sound... This is not gonna be easy.
BLADEGUNNER: Those jerks! Made it all the wau here spamming with that... that CHEATER'S WEAPON!
NEW ULTIMATE: Cheater's weapon...?
BLADEGUNNER: It's so rare, that only cheaters use it. There is virtually no way to win against that weapon... In one shot, it showers the target with a rain of photon needles...
AYLA: Sounds like an excelent weapon...
BLADEGUNNER: For spammers, if so. NEW, your lucky boy's gonna have a hard time...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

JIN appears right in front of them.

AIRLOCK: What? You're JIN?
JIN: Yes. Pleased to meet you.
AIRLOCK: BWAHAHAHA!!! A KID! Who's your partner? YOUR MOMMY?
JIN: ...
OMNISHIMA: Master AIRLOCK, you shouldn't underestimate him like that. He made it to the 10 best fighting all by himself.
AIRLOCK: Hehe... I'll you the pride of a Hunter, kid.
JIN: Pride? What's the pride in making fun of your opponent by threatning him with that weapon?
AIRLOCK: ...
JIN: I think the only skill you have is pulling the trigger.
AIRLOCK: ...You... PUNK!! I'll show you the ropes in REAL COMBAT!!!
OMNISHIMA: ...Master AIRLOCK... Please calm down...
AIRLOCK: When the fight starts, it finishes right away! I'll show that baby not to talk back at me!
JIN: ...
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS READY! 3... 2... 1... 0!!! FIGHT!!!
AIRLOCK: SUCK NEEDLES YOU PUNK!!!

AIRLOCK aims his weapon straight to JIN's face.

JIN: I want to finish this quickly.

JIN shows his STAG CUTLERY to AIRLOCK, holding it in one hand.

JIN: Shoot.
AIRLOCK: SHUT UP!!!

AIRLOCK presses the trigger as a storm of needles burst out of his weapon. They cut through the air aiming at JIN, who starts to spin his STAG...

NEW ULTIMATE: Holy... mother of god...

Before the needles get in his range, JIN's STAG CUTLERY is already spinning faster than a helix. When the needles hit the crazy STAG, they are perfectly deflected each way. When the needles are all out, AIRLOCK's jaw drops and JIN's STAG stops.

AIRLOCK: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!! Holy sh...
AYLA: That's impossible...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He made it spin that fast... using two fingers only...
JIN: Like I said... I want to finish this quickly.
AIRLOCK: AW, SHUT UP!! OMNISHIMA!
OMNISHIMA: Yes, master.

AIRLOCK starts running, looking back at OMNISHIMA.

AIRLOCK: Go around him! Let's see how he deals with TWO STORMS OF PHOTON NEEDLES, one in each side!!!
OMNISHIMA: Yes, master.

When AIRLOCK looked at JIN, he was already on his face. AIRLOCK brakes scared, all of a sudden.

AIRLOCK: Hiiii!!!

JIN punches AIRLOCK in the stomach with a tremendous blow. AIRLOCK spits drool to the floor and his eyes grow as big as basket balls. After a painful cry, AIRLOCK loses his senses and falls on his knees, hitting his chin on the floor.

JIN: ...Now, us.

JIN looks at SHIMA and recognises her as a far more powerful opponent than AIRLOCK.

JIN: Why did your hide your true ability? You're stronger than he is. Why did you just stood still while he attacked me?
OMNISHIMA: ...He is my master. He didn't order me to attack. Therefore... I couldn't move.
JIN: But now... he's uncounscious. What will you do, if you only follow orders...?
OMNISHIMA: What my master wanted... to win this battle for him.
JIN: I see. You leave me no chice.
OMNISHIMA: Wrong...

OMNISHIMA loads something in her SPREAD NEEDLE.

OMNISHIMA: You leave ME... no choice. Sorry, but I won.
BLADEGUNNER: What did she put in her weapon?
NEW ULTIMATE: I didn't see it well... Bullets?
NOL: No, it was something bigger than that...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
JIN: What do you mean?

SHIMA points her weapon to JIN.

OMNISHIMA: I loaded... Damage, paralysing and poison Mines in my SPREAD NEEDLE. Let's see you deflect these...
JIN: ...!!!
NOL: What did she say???
NEW ULTIMATE: Mines... In her weapon...
BLADEGUNNER: ...That's a brilliant idea. I never thought mines could fit inside the SPREAD NEEDLE...
NEW ULTIMATE: The SPREAD NEEDLE as the form of a bow. That's why mines aren't a problem to load it with...
AYLA: ...What will the boy do now?

OMNISHIMA is still aiming towards JIN.

JIN: ........
OMNISHIMA: When I pull the trigger I will also activate the timing device for the mines to explode right when they reach your spot.
JIN: I see... as an android you have perfect calculating power...

OMNISHIMA pulls the trigger. Dozens and dozens of mines fly rapidly towards JIN, a real shower of mines. JIN has nowhere to go without being hit by the mines.

JIN: But as a human, I have spirit power...

JIN shows his palm at the incoming mines.

JIN: GIBARTA!!

JIN blasts a wave of ice out of his hand with enough power to freeze the mines. And, with the wind power from the blast, they all slow down and fall on JIN's feet, frozen as ice.

OMNISHIMA: ...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Hehehe... Well thought.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
AYLA: God...
NOL: ...!
BLADEGUNNER: How did that kid come up with the perfect plan in that short period of time? I was even WONDERING how OMNISHIMA was gonna shoot!
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... he's better than I thought.

SHIMA lowers her gun as she is astonished by JIN's technique.

JIN: Let me finish this.

JIN propells himself towards SHIMA, running as fast as a wild animal. SHIMA points her SPREAD NEEDLE and prepares to shoot photon at him. But when she aims her gun at him, JIN's already next to her.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Inhuman speed...

JIN slaps the gun out of SHIMA's hands and points her his STAG.

OMNISHIMA: ...
JIN: Give up. Please make things easier for me... and you.
OMNISHIMA: ...My master wanted us to be the best Hunters in the galaxy. I... don't want to let him down.
JIN: ...

SHIMA turns to AIRLOCK, who is still uncounscious on the floor.

OMNISHIMA: Master...

SHIMA places both hands on the floor and makes a small vein.

OMNISHIMA: I'm sorry for letting you down!
JIN: ...

OMNISHIMA gets up and steps away quickly from JIN.

OMNISHIMA: Fooled you...
JIN: ?

In that instant, a mine jumps out of the floor to appear right before JIN's eyes. He realises that she placed the mine when she put her hands on the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Oh...
OMNISHIMA: ...Victory is mine.
JIN: ...

It explodes violently, making a violent red blast in JIN's place. The explosion creates a gigantic impact wave that is felt on the screens in Pioneer 2.

BLADEGUNNER: Whoa!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: .....

The impact wave hits OMNISHIMA, propelling her backwards. She falls back but falls in the arms of someone.

OMNISHMA: Master...? Master, I did it!

When she looks into her captor's eyes, she sees JIN.

OMNISHIMA: ...!!!
JIN: Like I said... please give up.
BLADEGUNNER: HOLY SHI...
NEW ULTIMATE: Faster than the eye... What a boy.
AYLA: That boy is amazing!
NOL: He was even faster than the impact wave from the explosion... If I didn't see it I wouldn't believe it.

SHIMA is still amazed, looking into JIN's eyes to confirm what she had experienced. She then thought for a while...

OMNISHIMA: I give up.
JIN: Phew...
SPEAKER: ...THE WINNER! JIN KENT!!!

JIN lowers his weapon in relief and looks into one of the big windows where he could see Ragol. He sighs as he is one step closer to his main objective.

NEW ULTIMATE: I knew he would do it.
BLADEGUNNER: ...There's something WRONG about that kid...

REI approaches them and sits right next to them.

REI: S'up?
BLADEGUNNER: And where the hell have YOU been? You missed another showdown!
REI: Hey, I was with someone ok? Anyway, better prepare yourself BLADE, 'cuz we're next.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. With that VAULT guy.
REI: Do you think we can beat him?
BLADEGUNNER: Leave VAULT to me. You'll handle his mate.
REI: What the...? Who the hell do you think you are??
BLADEGUNNER: ...
SPEAKER: The next fight will run in 25 minutes.

On the screens appears the next battle.

6th fight - VAULT / KINEKO VS BLADEGUNNER / REI
(HUmar, lvl 89) (HUnewearl, lvl 78) VS (HUmar, lvl 90) (FOnewm, lvl 88)

NEW ULTIMATE: This could get interesting. The only pair VS pair fight left in the Tournament.
AYLA: Yeah, you're right...
BLADEGUNNER: Consider it done.
VAULT: Hehehe...

BLADE and REI see that VAULT and KINEKO were in the bar too. VAULT glares at BLADE as he and KINEKO walk out of the bar.

BLADEGUNNER: Shit! That guy was here?
REI: DAMN!!
BLADEGUNNER: I'm ashamed of coming here...
REI: You're ashamed? YOU didn't sing on the stage!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Never mind that...

Everybody gets up and leaves the bar. AYLA decides to accompany NOL in the spectator room, while NEW, BLADE and REI go to the Hunter's spectator room.

NEW ULTIMATE: How are you guys feeling?
REI: Up to the challenge. Bring them on!
BLADEGUNNER: It's very important to have self-confidence. To doubt my capabilities is to know that they aren't like I think they are: Perfect.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: What the hell did you say?
BLADEGUNNER: ....I said I feel positive about this.
REI: Sometimes I can't understand your stupid indian quotes.
BLADEGUNNER: There you go again, MAKING FUN OF MY ACCENT!
REI: Want some of it, PONY-TAIL BOY?
BLADEGUNNER: SORRY, BUT I DON'T FIGHT KIDS, ESPECIALLY NOT ANY PUNK GIGOLO'S!
NEW ULTIMATE: Now now guys... You two are a team... Are you forgetting that?

BLADE and REI realise they are gonna try their best together to win the fight.

Tears of joy come to both their eyes.

BLADEGUNNER: I'm sorry... little gigolo brother!
REI: No problem... indian bro!

They hug each other as they feel their almost brotherhood friendship between them.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...You didn't have to make it so dramatic...
BLADEGUNNER: Come, let us do our best!
REI: You got that right!

A half an hour later... They are facing each other.

BLADE and REI have the sun in their backs, as the wind blows between the 4 Hunters, as they are standing still in the Temple arena.

BLADEGUNNER (whispering) : You remember. You take the girl.
REI (whispering) : Bah.

VAULT and KINEKO are smiling, positive about the battle.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : I'll wipe that stupid smile out of your face...
REI (thinking) : What a hot opponent I got...

BLADE looks at REI and sees that he's drooling.

BLADEGUNNER: You pervert! What are you doing?
REI: Oh... Huh?
BLADEGUNNER: You're supposed to FIGHT her, not DATE her!!
REI: ...
VAULT: So I get to fight the tall guy first. Either way, both are going down.
SPEAKERS: FIGHTERS READY!!!

Everyone gets into his or her own attack stance.

SPEAKERS: 3...
VAULT (thinking) : Got this one packed already.
SPEAKERS: 2...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : I'll show you... who's the best...
SPEAKERS: 1...
REI (thinking) : I'll show her... who's the king zero.
SPEAKERS: 0!!! FIGHT!!!

BLADE and VAULT dash and ram into each other, starting a round of light-speed blows, blocks and hits.

REI approaches KINEKO.

REI: Guess I'll have to take care of you... Luckily you're so cute.

BLADE hears this in the mist of battle.

BLADEGUNNER (fighting): REI! YOU PERVERT! YOU THINK SHE'LL FALL FOR YOU???
KINEKO: Aww... so swwwweeeeetttt!!!

KINEKO blushes and takes her hands to her face.

VAULT (fighting) : KINEKO!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING??
KINEKO: I'm sorry, VAULT-sama... But he's so cuuuuuute!
REI: Damn right you are, kitty cat.
KINEKO: Awww!!!
BLADEGUNNER (fighting) : ... GEEZ!!

BLADE and VAULT keep pounding each other. They seem to be perfectly matched, as their amazing speed and strength are almost equal, and they manage to block each of his opponent's blows.

BLADE and VAULT step away from each other at the same time.

BLADEGUNNER: Not bad...
VAULT: You're better than I thought.
BLADEGUNNER: I'm better than... YOU!!

BLADE shows his palm to VAULT.

BLADEGUNNER: RAFOIE!!
VAULT: ...! Shit!

VAULT jumps as high as he can. There's a fire explosion below his feet that propells him higher into the air.

BLADEGUNNER: You're mine! When you reach the floor, I'll be waiting!!

BLADE runs to the spot where he thinks VAULT is gonna land on.

VAULT: ...

VAULT shows his palm to BLADE.

VAULT: RAZONDE!!!!

A powerful yellow thunder bolt comes out of his palm.

BLADEGUNNER: Yikes!!

BLADE jumps backwards, evading the huge lightning bolt that explodes in the floor. When the electricity is gone from the exploding zone, VAULT lands on it and jumps at BLADE.

VAULT: DRAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

VAULT raises his Gladius high above his head and strikes BLADE, who blocks by holding his own Gladius horizontally, with all his might.

VAULT: NOT... BAD!!!

They both start pushing against each other, measuring power.

BLADEGUNNER: ...NGH!!! COME ON, TOUGH GUY!! NGHH!!
VAULT: SHUT UP!! NGHHHAAHHH!!!

BLADE stops pushing and dodges VAULT's Gladius. VAULT falls unbalanced and BLADE was about to counter. VAULT lets one hand off his Gladius and punches BLADE on the head, instants before BLADE attacks. BLADE kicks VAULT between his legs. VAULT's jaw reaches the floor like an elevator and his eyes become bigger than his head.

VAULT: OHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

VAULT drops his Gladius and protects the striked zone with both hands, tears coming out of his painful big eyes. His eyes become aggressive.

VAULT: YOU ASSHOLE!!!

BLADE spins his body and kicks VAULT on the back of his neck, throwing him away and to the ground, VAULT falls on his face.

BLADE runs to give the final blows to VAULT. Suddenly VAULT shows his palm to BLADE.

VAULT: RAZONDEEEE!!!

VAULT shoots a huge bolt of lightning out of his palm.

BLADEGUNNER: ...!!! SHHH..

BLADE gets his on the stomach by the thunder, thrown back from the impact and falling on the floor. BLADE slowly gets up. VAULT's hand is still releasing sparks left from the tremendous spell.

VAULT: Hehehehe...

VAULT smiles devilishly. BLADE is on his feet, his whole body is still as if on fire, from the electric energy still flowing in his body.

VAULT: YOU LIKE THAT? TAKE SOME MORE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Ungh... D-Damn it...

VAULT calls the rest of his energy.

VAULT: GIZONDE!!!

A weaker but still dangerous lightning spell comes out of VAULT's hand.

BLADE sees it coming and strikes the bolt with his Gladius by doing a horizontal strike. A photon blast occurs, throwing BLADE back, and the GIZONDE spell is deflected straight into REI and KINEKO.

BLADEGUNNER: ...SHIT!!
REI: ...And I told her: lady, this is your lucky day! I'm...
KINEKO: ...HEY WATCH OUT!!
REI: ...Huh?

REI looks and sees an electric ray coming towards them. He only has time to point his finger at it.

KINEKO: Hiiiiiiiiii!!!! HELP ME!!!
REI: BARTA.

REI shoots and a storm of ice comes out of his little finger. When it hits the GIZONDE, both spells clash, explode and create an impact wave is felt like a breeze on REI's face. After the explosion, some sparks of lightning and ice are seen.

VAULT: KINEKO! Finish that guy off! What the hell are you doing?
KINEKO: I'm... I'm sorry!
VAULT: Let's do the VAULT SWORD!!!
KINEKO: ...! Got it VAULT-sama!!!

KINEKO starts gathering energy.

KINEKO: Hummmmmmm...

An aura of several lightning rays circles her, unabling anyone to touch her.

BLADEGUNNER: SHIT!!!
VAULT: Now you'll see our true power... When I get the VAULT SWORD I'll really start to play!! HAHAHAHA!!!
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Shit... if only REI took care of that girl...
BLADEGUNNER: REI!!! STRIKE HER, MAN!!!
REI: What? She has lightning around her! What do you want me to do???
BLADEGUNNER: That's up to you, dammit!!!

VAULT senses KINEKO is ready and raises his sword.

KINEKO: RAZONDE!!!!!

KINEKO shoots a big thunder out of her two palms, heading straight to VAULT's sword. They both collide, making BLADE feel an impact wave and see a bright flash from the photon reaction.

BLADEGUNNER: DAMN!!!
REI: Whoa...

VAULT is standing still, his arm holding a gigantic sword on the air, sparkles going everywhere, flashes enable BLADE to barely open his eyes covered by his right arm...

VAULT: This is it. Are you ready for me Hunter?
BLADEGUNNER: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...And now it begins...

VAULT slowly lowers his big electric Gladius and gets into attack stance.

VAULT: Try some of this.

VAULT jumps to BLADE, preparing to attack.

BLADEGUNNER: NGGH!!!

BLADE blocks VAULT's God-like powerful attack. Sparkles hit BLADE's arm.

BLADEGUNNER: ARGHH!!! Nice... technique...
VAULT: And now... for my speed...

VAULT starts striking and striking BLADE in each and every direction. BLADE barely blocks and tries to keep up with VAULT's incoming attacks. BLADE feels each attack like if it was rainning photon on him. He barely tried to block each blow, as they keep coming, each faster than the last one.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : I can do this... I'll gun him down with... my BLADE!
BLADEGUNNER: DRAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

BLADE gives out his full energy on fast attacks, in each corner. Both fighters get perfectly balanced in speed, only VAULT's sword is more powerful.

BLADE starts to lose stamina while VAULT still has the same speed as in the beggining. VAULT delivers each blow with all his power...

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Shit... doesn't he ever get tired? This guy really has stamina...

A few seconds later, BLADE gets hit a few times on his arms by VAULT's electric sword. VAULT's sword rips through BLADE's skin, making him bleed.

BLADEGUNNER: ARGHH!!! AH!!! NGHH!!!
VAULT: HOW DOES THAT FEEL??

BLADE tries to block some of his blows, while still being hit.

BLADEGUNNER: I can't... go on forever...

Seeing that he can't keep up, BLADE quickly dodges stepping back and diving again into VAULT, causing as a surprise, and attacking with his full strength.

BLADEGUNNER: DAHHHHH!!!!
VAULT: I CAN SEE IT COMING!!!!

VAULT blocks BLADE's attack. The huge electric collision sends lightning out of VAULT's sword into BLADE's, and after a while the electric current flows into BLADE's arms, electrocuting him.

BLADEGUNNER: HAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!! GGGGHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE is thrown back to the ground, his body trembling, feeling a tremendous amount of electric energy.

BLADEGUNNER: AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! GOD...DAMN IT!!!!!!!

VAULT lowers his sword and relaxes seeing BLADE sufering from the shock. BLADE is still trembling on the ground with the electric energy he feels.

VAULT: Tasting the agony of defeat... BLADEGUNNER?

VAULT slowly walks to BLADE, his sword passing near the floor.

VAULT: After you, comes your small friend who challenged me in the first place. You two made a big mistake...
BLADEGUNNER: Y-You're the one... who made... a big mistake...
VAULT: Look at you. Still think you can talk big when in such a state?
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!
VAULT: I'll injury you for life... Your punishment for challenging VAULT...

VAULT raises his powerful Gladius above his head and jumps at BLADE, high into the air, aiming to land on him and strike at the same time.

VAULT: ...IS TAKING YOU FROM THE ABILITY TO EVER FIGHT AGAIN!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: N-Ngh...

In that instant, REI appears blocking the way between VAULT and BLADE.

VAULT: WHAT? YOU? DOESN'T MATTER, YOU'LL GET HIT TOO!!!
BLADEGUNNER: R-REI... Get... Out of here...
REI: You idiot... Can't take this guy on can you?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Huh?
REI: Time I made an entrance. You can't win all by yourself...
BLADEGUNNER: GET OUT OF THERE!!!

REI looks at VAULT, who is about to land on him... VAULT is falling... closer and closer to REI...

VAULT: HAHAHAHAHA!!! WHAT CAN YOU DO EXCEPT TO BE SLASHED LIKE A FISH???
BLADEGUNNER: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING??????
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What does he have in mind...?
REI: Don't... be... afraid....

REI raises both his hands, attempting to CATCH the sword.

BLADEGUNNER: YOU PIMP! YOU'RE GONNA LOSE BOTH ARMS!!!
VAULT: BWAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!

VAULT strikes REI just as REI catches the Gladius with both hands. Immediatly REI focuses every bit of his Chi.

REI: RRRRRRAAAAAABARTAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!

REI's hand glow, throwing powerful ice waves into the blade as he catches it.

VAULT: !!!!
BLADEGUNNER: !!!!

The spell is so big that another enourmous shock blast occurs.

REI: AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

The shock is poweful enough to shower VAULT with ice waves and throw him back to the floor. REI also falls to BLADE. KINEKO and BLADE wonder what happened.

BLADEGUNNER: ...? REI? What did you do to him?
REI: Huff... Puff... Hehehe... There goes his VAULT sword...
BLADEGUNNER: ...?

BLADE looks to see that VAULT's Gladius isn't emiting any photon energy. The electricity in his weapon was erased.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : REI managed to fire ice energy at VAULT's sword. Using all his power, he managed to freeze the electricity to the point of erasing it all. Very good... Indeed.
REI: Huff... Puff... But it took a lot out of me...
BLADEGUNNER: ALL RIGHT!!! You're amazing!!! About time you did something aside from that gigolo technique of yours!!
REI: Now... Huff... Go and finish him... Puff...

REI focuses the rest of his power into a RESTA spell, healing BLADEGUNNER of his wounds.

REI: Now... huff... go get him... puff...
BLADEGUNNER: Thanks.

BLADE gets up, feeling 100%. REI is still on the floor, exhausted. VAULT is lying on the floor too. KINEKO is watching.

AYLA: ...Does that girl know even what she's doing in there?
NOL: I don't think she quite knows where she is...
BLADEGUNNER: No weapon... now you're gonna get it...

BLADE walks to VAULT, who is lying on the ground looking at his worthless Gladius.

BLADEGUNNER: Now how is the VAULT SWORD without photon energy...?
VAULT: ...ghh! KINEKO! FOCUS ALL YOUR ENERGY INTO MY GLADIUS ONCE AGAIN!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : If her spell is powerful enough, it can light his Gladius again...

KINEKO focuses all her power, and once again an electric aura is seen around her.

BLADEGUNNER: Like hell YOU WILL!!!!

BLADE runs to attack KINEKO.

BLADEGUNNER: DRAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE jumps and attacks KINEKO. The instant the Gladius hits the aura around KINEKO, a photon blast occurs that blows BLADE back to the floor. Sparkles fly everywhere as KINEKO didn't feel anything and still focuses power...

REI (thinking) : An electric aura around her... That means her Chi is very powerful. She's no ordinary girl all right...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : I don't think I can take VAULT again with his VAULT SWORD... He seems to be fast as ever... We must not let KINEKO hit his Gladius...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : If KINEKO hits VAULT's Gladius... She can turn its power on again and to the max...
NOL (thinking) : Come on BLADE... think...

KINEKO keeps focusing power...

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Damn it! I can't think of anything!!! She's protected to any attack with her electric shield...... Electricity... ICE!
BLADEGUNNER: REI! Shoot your strongest RABARTA spell against her! That will cool off her barrier!!!
REI: Are you... huff... stupid or something? ...puff... I'm too tired! Huff...
BLADEGUNNER: Fine, THEN I'LL DO IT MYSELF!!

VAULT gets up and catches BLADE from behind, holding his arms and unabling him to cast the spell.

BLADEGUNNER: SHIT!!!!
VAULT: You won't stop us... KINEKO!! My Gladius is where I was! Shoot at it!!

BLADE struggles to get free, but that's all he can do.

BLADEGUNNER: Ngh!!!... GRAHH!!!...
VAULT: BWAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Things aren't looking good...
NOL (thinking) : Come on... Come on...

BLADE struggles and struggles to get free, but KINEKO has already gathered all her energy.

REI: KINEKO, YOU'RE REALLY CUTE!!!
VAULT: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
EVERY HUNTER IN PIONEER 2: ...

KINEKO loses her concentration and blushes.

KINEKO: ....Uh... Aw... don't...say that...
REI: Damn it, you're REALLY SEXY!!

KINEKO loses her Chi, puts her hands on the face and blushes even more.

KINEKO: Awwww!!! Stop it!!! Hee hee... You silly...
VAULT: ...

BLADE takes the chance to free himself from VAULT.

VAULT: What are you doing? YOU IDIOT!!!
KINEKO: Sorry... But he was so sweet... hee hee...
REI: Still mad about my GIGOLO TECHNIQUE BLADE?
BLADEGUNNER: Now, you're really gonna get it.

VAULT looks at BLADE.

VAULT: You're gonna attack an unnarmed man?

BLADE turns his Gladius off and throws it to REI, who catches it.

BLADEGUNNER: DRAHHHHH!!!!

BLADE jumps at VAULT, starting an unnarmed combat.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : There they go again...

BLADE kicks VAULT, who blocks and counters by punching BLADE in his nose. BLADE dodges it by spinning to the side. Using the force from the spin, he strikes with his arm on VAULT's neck, who uses his elbow to hit in BLADE's stomach.

The fighters continue to pound each other and the battle seems to be very balanced.

KINEKO: Stop it you silly! Tee hee...
REI: Really! I mean it, your hair...
NOL (thinking) : Come on BLADE!!!

BLADE and VAULT pound each other with the same speed and strength. Each hits, gets hit, blocks and gets his blow blocked several times. VAULT spins his body and kicks BLADE, who is thrown to the side. VAULT dashes and tackles BLADE to the floor.

VAULT: DAAAAHHHH!!!!

VAULT jumps and tries to squash BLADE by landing on him. BLADE flips by rolling his body on the floor and quickly standing up. When VAULT lands on the floor, BLADE is already jumping at him.

VAULT: ...!!!

BLADE kicks VAULT to the distance, who smashes on a rocky column, sliding to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff...

VAULT slowly gets up.

VAULT: Huff... Puff... Not bad. But mark my words: I'm going to win...
BLADEGUNNER: Shut up...

VAULT shows BLADE his two palms.

VAULT: I'm gonna hit you.. Huff... with my full power!! PREPARE BE TOTTALY ELECTROCUTED!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!

VAULT starts focusing power. Thinking that he has to counter the move, BLADE focuses power into a RAZONDE spell too.

VAULT: RAZONDE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: RAZONDE!!!

VAULT and BLADE shoot a big white thunder at each other. The two spells clash and sparkles are sent flying everywhere, on the colliding spot. VAULT and BLADE keep sending a wave of electric energy at each other. They keep touching at the same spot, meaning they have equal power.

KINEKO: VAULT-SAMA!!! I'LL HELP YOU!!!

KINEKO runs to VAULT's side, joins hands with him and also shoots a continuous RAZONDE wave, which combines with VAULT's to create a poweful continuous electric wave that starts to smash BLADE's.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Shit!!! I can't keep this up!!!

BLADE starts feeling the energy of his own opponents and feels his stamina draining by the second.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : They're... too strong for me...
REI: RAZONDEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

REI is lying on the floor on an angle where he can hit VAULT's face perfectly. And his RAZONDE spell does exactly that. Hits VAULT on his right cheek so hard that knocks him back, making him stop his wave of RAZONDE.

REI: VAULT ISN'T SHOOTING! GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT BLADE!!!!!!!

<font siz

Daikarin
Dec 14, 2002, 02:34 PM
Now this was funny. Seems the chapter is too long http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

(continue)

BLADEGUNNER: THANKS REI!!!!!

BLADE screams as he gives it a final shot. He attacks his two opponents with all of his spirit energy, erasing KINEKO's RAZONDE spell wave and blasting them both.

KINEKO: ...!!! HIIIIIII!!!!!
VAULT: AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Sparkles fly everywhere as the big explosion blows, a giant impact wave lifts REI from the floor and throws him and BLADE to the wall behind them, as a tremendously flash brighter than the sun in the distance triggers along with a loud noise.

REI and BLADE hit the wall and fall on their butts, still feeling the strong wind of the impact wave.

BLADEGUNNER: Ow.
REI: Uhh...

After the huge explosion, sparkles run through the perimeter around VAULT and KINEKO, as smoke slowly comes out of their spot, unabling REI and BLADE to see their opponents.

REI: Did we... Did we win...?
BLADEGUNNER: Huff... Puff... I sure... Huff... hope so... Puff...

The smoke clears and they see VAULT and KINEKO, on the ground uncounscious, with their skin and clothes perfectly burned.

BLADEGUNNER: They're... KO... Huff... Hehehee... Puff...
REI: You idiot... Huff... You took your time... Puff...

REI takes a Monomate out of his pocket, drinks it and is healed. With his stamina back, he has no trouble in getting back up and shouting.

REI: WE'RE THE WINNERS!!! WE'RE VICTORIOUS!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehehe...
BLADEGUNNER: Hahaha...!!!

REI heals BLADE with a RESTA spell, making him rise too.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...

VAULT and KINEKO are uncounscious. They don't get up.

SPEAKER: The winners!!! BLADEGUNNER AND REI!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: SHIT, WE WON!!!!!!!
REI: WE WON!!!!! WOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!

BLADE and REI start dancing and singing around. Female Newman Nurses teleport to the area to heal VAULT and KINEKO.

VAULT: ...Uhhh... Is it over...?
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. For you, unfortunatly.

VAULT and KINEKO get up.

VAULT: ...

VAULT slowly walks towards BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!

VAULT stops right in front of BLADE. After a short moment of silence, VAULT gives a honest smile and raises his hand for a handshake.

VAULT: ...Looks like you won.

BLADE smiles, and they both shake hands.

REI: So, I get a kiss or what?
KINEKO: Hee hee... you wish...

The four Hunters leave the arena, accompanied by the nurses. When they reach Pioneer 2, they are greeted by applauses from each Hunter for the showdown they gave them.

NEW ULTIMATE: Nice show you guys...!
BLADEGUNNER: Hahahaha!!! Thanks!
REI: Hehehehe!!! Thanks. It was my GIGOLO technique that saved the day!!
BLADEGUNNER: Hehe... What? What the hell are you talking about? I was the one pounding VAULT all the time, while you dated KINEKO!
REI: What are you talking about? If I didn't do that, VAULT's SWORD would have been born again!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...haha...

In that instant, NEI aproaches the 3 Hunters, looking at REI. The 3 Hunters look at her. NEI walks to REI and slaps him.

NEI: I hope that you and KINEKO turn out to be very happy.

Having said this, she turns away and runs.

REI: OH SHIT!!! WAIT NEI!! I WAS ONLY FAKING SO THAT I WOULD WIN THE BATTLE!!!

KINEKO heard this, and REI sees that she did.

REI: Hiiii...!!!

- SLAP -

BLADEGUNNER: Who was that girl?
NEW ULTIMATE: I dunno, maybe another of REI's friends...

NOL appears and jumps to BLADE's arms.

NOL: You were not the only hero... but you were mine!
BLADEGUNNER: You do have a way with words.
AYLA: You're next NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah, I know.

AYLA keeps looking at the ground.

AYLA: I'm sorry for not being able to help you...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'll be fine! This is the best for you and your hand. You need to rest for a few months. You can't do anything about it, except to relax.
AYLA: ...
SPEAKER: The next fight will occur in 15 minutes.

On the screens, the next battle is displayed.

7th fight - X VS NEW ULTIMATE
( ? , lvl ?) VS (HUmar, lvl 96)

AYLA: Do you think you can win NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: I dunno...
BLADEGUNNER: Are you kidding? NEW's the best Hunter in all these bozos around here! If I teamed up with him in the first place, VAULT's SWORD would never come to exist!
REI: HEY!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I think I can win but...
AYLA: But what?

NEW senses someone watching him. He sees JIN. The instant JIN sees NEW watching him, he turns his head away.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : You want to have him for yourself, right...?
NEW ULTIMATE: JIN...
AYLA: What?

NEW shakes his head.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh, nothing, nothing.

A few minutes later...

SPEAKER: Fighters NEW ULTIMATE and X, please proceed to the spaceship arena taking telepipes 1,2 and 4. Thank you!
BLADEGUNNER: This is it man! I'm counting on you to give us a good show.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
AYLA: Relax... and trust your abilities to your fullest, otherwise you'll be afraid.
NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks... But that's not it...
AYLA: You have something on your mind?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'll get going.
AYLA: ...

NEW walks to the nearest telepipe, as dozens of Hunters has their eyes set on him, and teleports away.

REI: What the hell was that about?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I dunno...
AYLA: ...
AYLA (thinking) : NEW... What's wrong?
JIN (thinking) : I wonder... what will happen in this battle...

A few seconds later, the dark masked Hunter known as X follows NEW and dematerialises away as well.

NEW is standing on the spaceship arena, looking at the distant Ragol... when he suddenly turns his attention to X, who materialises ahead of him.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
X: ...

NEW and X look at each other.

X: You're amazing. You're the most experienced Hunter in the Tournament. Yet you don't want to fight me, knowing that I'm REI's father, ARLAB?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I see you can read minds.
X: Hehehe... You're no rookie at all. But you challenged me... And for that you will die.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Shut up.
BLADEGUNNER: What the hell are they saying?
REI: I dunno, I can't hear. They talk too low...
X: ...Hehehe...
NEW ULTIMATE: You look more stressed than usual. You didn't look this scared when you were fighting the other Hunters.
X: ...What are you saying?

NEW equips his TWIN BRAND.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Read my mind and figure it out.
SPEAKER: FIGHTERS READY!

NEW and X get into a defense position.

SPEAKER: 3...
X: Let's see...
SPEAKER: 2...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hmm...
SPEAKER: 1...
REI (thinking) : There's something awfully familiar about that X guy...
SPEAKER: 0!!! FIGHT!!!

NEW dashes full speed, raises his TWIN BRAND and flies down to X to attack him.

NEW ULTIMATE: DAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

X raises his hands, and shows his palms to NEW.

X: HOLD IT!!!

Just when NEW was about to strike, an invisible force stops him from pulling the blow.

NEW ULTIMATE: NGHH!!! I CAN'T... MOVE MY TWIN!!
X: Haha... You can try but your physical strength can't match my psychic power!!!

NEW makes a great effort trying to move the TWIN from its position, but it doesn't even budge. NEW is stuck on the air, holding his TWIN BRAND, struggling to attack X.

X: HAHAH!! To no avail, warrior! Consider that weapon... FROZEN IN PLACE!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...Frozen... in place?

NEW lets go of the TWIN BRAND, that remains on air, and quickly moves both his arms to strike X on his forehead.

X: GAAAHHHHHHH...!!!!

X gets hit violently and falls on his face on the floor.

NEW ULTIMATE: You were sure right... but my hands weren't frozen.
BLADEGUNNER: All right!!!
REI: Way to go NEW!

X raises his head to NEW, gazing at him furious.

X: Grr... You...

NEW could see his nose was bleeding, from the impact.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
X: GGGHHHHHH!!!!...

X slowly gets up.

X: C... CURSE YOUUUUU!!!

X's eyes flash and the TWIN BRAND explodes into pieces.

BLADEGUNNER: Shit!! NEW's rare weapon... Blown to bits!!
REI: ...That cheater!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
X: You'll be sorry for that...
NEW ULTIMATE: You know that you can't comply with your words.
X: ...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Confused? Read my mind.

NEW smiles and cracks his hands, preparing to fight X unnarmed.

NEW ULTIMATE: And I don't need a blade or two to punish you for your sick crimes.

X steps away from NEW.

X: Grrr...
X (thinking) : Can I make his whole body stop for a few instants...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW and X stand still at each other.

X: ...!

NEW only gives a glare at X.

X (thinking) : ...What... did he think of?

NEW turns away.

NEW ULTIMATE: I GIVE UP.
X: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ....
REI: SAY WHAT?
AYLA: ????
BLADEGUNNER: WHAT THE HELL? WHY DID HE DO THAT???
REI: ...THAT JACKASS!!!

NEW walks away from X.

SPEAKER: THE WINNER! X!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!


X's jaw drops, as he thinks of something.

X (thinking) : "I'm not the right warrior to punish you..." He thought.... What the hell was that about?
JIN (thinking) : ...I knew it...

BLADE and REI are climbing each of the nearby Hunters around them, trying to reach the screens.

BLADEGUNNER: WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT???? YOU COULD WIN THIS SHIT!!!
REI: YOU WUSS!!!!

NEW teleports out of the spaceship arena.

BLADEGUNNER: ...SHIT!!!
AYLA (thinking) : Why did he give up...?
BLADEGUNNER: THAT GUY IS A COWARD!!! IS HE AFRAID OF X??? GODDAMN IT, HE IS THE STRONGEST IN THE PLANET!!!!
REI: We're not even on a planet you idiot.
BLADEGUNNER: DAMN!!!

NEW teleports to the spaceship arena. Several Hunters, including his friends, have their eyes set on him.

BLADE pushes everyone out of his way and grabs NEW by the shoulders, shaking him.

BLADEGUNNER: HAVE YOU GONE NUTS?? WHAT ARE YOU THINKING???
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE... Calm down...

BLADE stops shaking him, slowly lets go of him and gives out a deep breath.

BLADEGUNNER: YOU IDIOT!!! WHY DID YOU QUIT??? I CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT!!!

NEW doesn't reply, just passes by BLADE and silently heads towards the bar to have a drink while several Hunters look at him wondering why did he quit.

SPEAKER: Er... Next fight will occur in 20 minutes. Since Mr. JIN won't have an opponent to fight right now, his opponent for this round of the semi-finals will be X, the winner of the last battle.

8th fight - JIN VS X
( ? , lvl 95) VS ( ? , lvl ?)

A few minutes later, NEW is washing his face on the toilets. REI opens the door, crosses his arms and leans against the nearby wall.

REI: ...Why are you gonna let JIN fight X?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Read my mind and find out.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...How long are you able to read one's thoughts?
REI: ...Since I was little.
NEW ULTIMATE: All this time... You knew how to read our minds... No wonder you understood my shy feelings for AYLA for so much and why you rarely make questions.
REI: ...Is that how you've found out?
NEW ULTIMATE: No. Your father had great mind power, he could also read minds.
REI: My... father...? What are you talk...

REI doesn't finish when he reads it in NEW's mind. Shocked by knowing the truth, he uncrosses his arms. He doesn't know what to say.

NEW ULTIMATE: I'm sorry REI... It's true. I didn't want you to find out... It's a miracle you didn't read it from me sooner.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Are you all right, REI...?
REI: That isn't my father. He's a stranger. I refuse to believe that I've been made out of his sperm. I refuse to... DAMN IT!!!!

REI punches the wall and looks to the floor. His hair hides his crying eyes, but NEW can see teardrops falling.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...Remember what you told me when you helped me understand I wasn't ULTIMATE? I was the guy you knew, and that alone. How could a sudden revelation erase all that we went through together, and the way we thought of each other?
REI: ...

NEW walks out of the toilet.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...I hope you realise that as well, as we don't want to know who you father is to know that you are our friend...

NEW closes the door.

REI: ...

As NEW walks out of the Human men's bathroom, he sees JIN on the distance. JIN nods and smiles, which leds NEW to understand that JIN knew why he gave up.

NEW walks to the table where BLADE is and sits down.

BLADEGUNNER: Won't you tell me why you gave up?
NEW ULTIMATE: JIN has to fight X. Not me...
BLADEGUNNER: ...I'm missing something. Why?
NEW ULTIMATE: Well...

NEW sees AYLA standing next to the table.

AYLA: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Might as well explain it all.

AYLA sits next to NEW as he begins to tell the story of VIGO, JIN and ARLAB, but he doesn't comment on REI's ability to read minds.

Time passes slowly. REI arrives as NEW finishes telling everything. The three on the table look at REI.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey... You all right?
NEW ULTIMATE: How are ya doing buddy?
REI: ...I hope X gets his ass kicked.

BLADE quickly stands up and grabs REI by his neck, dragging him to the table.

BLADEGUNNER: Now you're talking dude!!
SPEAKERS: FIGHTERS JIN and X, please proceed to the temple arena, taking telepipes 3, 5 and 6 for your match. Thank you!

NEW sees JIN smiling at him and raising his thumb as a check sign. Then he heads to the nearest pipe and teleports away.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Good luck...
REI: He won't need it, NEW.
BLADEGUNNER: ...?
AYLA: ...?
BLADEGUNNER: What?
NEW ULTIMATE: Ahh... nothing! Nothing!

REI smiles as he realises NEW kept REI's ability what it was in the first place: A secret.

A few seconds later, JIN and X are facing each other, on the temple, silent.

JIN: ...This is it.
X: I sure hope you turn out to be a worthy opponent.
JIN: I'll show you...

JIN equips his STAG CUTLERY.

SPEAKER: ...FIGHTERS READY...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Here it goes...
SPEAKER: 3...
JIN: It is time to avenge my father...
SPEAKER: 2...
JIN: ...and all those you killed!!!
SPEAKER: 1...
X: You fool. You're dead.
SPEAKER: 0!!! FIGHT!!!!

X focuses power and raises his hand. JIN notices he's up to something and stays alert.

X: No... Not yet, child. I want the world to see us...
JIN: ...?

X shoots a strange ball of light to the air. When it reaches a certain altitude, the ball explodes and creates a giant light dome around X and JIN, a giant red shield of around the size of a cathedral, giving them much space to fight.

JIN: What is this...?
X: We are sealed away from the world. You can't get out... and nobody can come in.
JIN: Meaning you want us to fight inside this giant dome. But when I kill you... I'll erase it.
X: You talk big for a kid your size...

X finnally takes off his mask and dark suit, revealing his true self. ARLAB is a medium-sized Newman Force dressed in gold and dark green clothes. He has a hat above his horrible demon-like face.

ARLAB: This is it boy...
REI (thinking) : Damn, he's ugly! I can't believe he's "daddy"...!!
ARLAB: Are you ready?
JIN: What are you talking about? I've been waiting for this moment all my life.
ARLAB: Hahaha... What a funny boy. You'll stop your atitude when you see that I can block all your moves and see all your openings.
JIN: ...You're talking about your ability to read minds?
ARLAB: ...
JIN: Surprised?
ARLAB: How did you know about it?
JIN: Luckily I heard NEW ULTIMATE talking about it to one of his friends.
ARLAB: ?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He was on the men's bathroom when I was with REI! But I didn't see him...
REI: That's because he was taking a dump on one of the toilets.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...! Of Course!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ?
ARLAB: So that coward is a friend of yours... I should have known.
JIN: All I have to do is empty my mind. Then you won't track my movements.
ARLAB: Is that so? Then show me.

JIN runs to ARLAB. He jumps and prepares to attack. ARLAB sees him coming and shows him his hands.

ARLAB: STOP!!

JIN's body is paralysed in the air as he was about to strike. This time, the whole body is paralysed. ARLAB and JIN pull out all their energy on a mental battle. ARLAB orders him to stay still on the air while JIN struggles with his will to fight.

JIN (thinking) : I've been waiting for this moment all my life... THERE ISN'T A THING THAT CAN STOP ME!!!!

JIN focuses his will power and breaks through ARLAB's mental block. He falls down to strike ARLAB, but he sees JIN coming and steps back, avoiding the blow. JIN and ARLAB maintain their distance from each other.

In Pioneer 2, there is a big fuss about the new identity of X. Hunters are in panic, Soldiers are being called to teleport to Ragol and arrest ARLAB, as the Tournament comitee is confused on what to do.

REI: Those idiots!!! ARLAB's barrier won't let them get near them!!
NEW ULTIMATE: You can't blame them for trying...

JIN and ARLAB are looking at each other...

JIN: You won't win with merely mind games.
ARLAB: ...Quite right you are.

ARLAN shows a palm to JIN.

JIN: ...!! Curses!
REI: What kind of a Hunter swears like that?
BLADEGUNNER: He's a kid. Give him a break.

ARLAB starts focusing power.

ARLAB: Taste my power... RAFOIE!!!

ARLAB shoots a ball of fire that heads towards JIN. Scared, he loses focus and only has time to block with his STAG.

As the ball hits JIN's weapon, the enormous shock burns and blasts JIN away to the ground.

JIN: WWWAHHHHHHH!!!!

JIN skin is still feeling the heat of the explosion when he gets up. He places his hand on his chest.

JIN: RESTA!... Let's move on.
ARLAB: ...NGRRRAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
JIN: ...??

JIN shifts his hand forward, creating a wind blast that throws JIN back again.

JIN: WAHH!!!
ARLAB: Like it? I can command the air with my mind power alone, creating wind blasts whenever I want...
JIN: Ngh... I do not care about your speeches...

JIN gets up.

JIN: It's my turn to play.

Right after that, JIN and ARLAB sense something. Outside of the giant dome barrier, are dozens of soldiers and Hunters, attacking the barrier, trying to break their way through.

SOLDIER #1: ARLAB, YOU ARE UNDER ARREST!!
HUNTER #4: Get the hell outta there and leave the kid alone you criminal!!
ARLAB: Pah... Insects interrupting the party... There is no way to smash that.
JIN: Actually... I'm the only one that can destroy the barrier...
ARLAB: ...

JIN runs to attack ARLAB, who again shows him his palm.

ARLAB: RAFOIE!!!

JIN sees the fire ball coming this time, and jumps over it. The ball passes below JIN's feet and explodes on the ground behind him, propelling him to ARLAB.

ARLAB: ...!!!
JIN: DRAH!!!!

JIN strikes ARLAB on his shoulder with a mighty blow, ripping through ARLAB's skin.

ARLAB: AAARRRGH!!!!

JIN: For my father...

JIN lands and keeps pounding ARLAB several times, ripping wounds out of ARLAB's clothes. After being pounded several times and having enough of it, ARLAB tightens his fists...

ARLAB: GET LOST!!!

With one move, ARLAB spreads opens his arms wide, creating a wind wave all around him that throws JIN back and to the air. JIN lands on his feet, while ARLAB uses RESTA on himself.

ARLAB: I'd call it a tie for now.
JIN: No, I think I win the first round.
ARLAB: ...

ARLAB equips his weapon, PAN-ARMS BLADE.

ARLAB: ...Round 2 then.

ARLAB strikes JIN this time, attacking with his two blades. ARLAB strikes and strikes, one blow after each other, revealing as much skill in blade fighting as JIN, who is surprised with ARLAB's skill. JIN blocks each of ARLAB's attacks by quickly spinning his STAG.

JIN: Finnally, you show me how you fight.
ARLAB: INSOLENT FOOL!! DWAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

ARLAB starts to attack with all of his speed, smashing and smashing. The blocks are made in a higher rate by the second, as JIN and ARLAB's fast and continuous noises make photon sparkles fly.

JIN: Is this all you got?
ARLAB: DRAHHHH!!!

ARLAB strikes with both arms at the same time. JIN blocks one of the blows, but the other hits the STAG's handguard, smashing JIN's STAG CUTLERY in half.

ARLAB: Bwahaha...
JIN: What's so funny? I WANTED you to do this.
ARLAB: ...?
JIN: Now like yourself I have two blades.

JIN now starts attacking, delivering blows with twice the speed comparatively with his previous weapon. JIN attacks ARLAB in each side with God-like speed, ARLAB barely blocking them all.

ARLAB: GHHH!!!

ARLAB creates an opening which JIN immediatly sees, striking ARLAB on the side of his stomach.

ARLAB: AAARGHH...!!

ARLAB's eyes glow and a wind blast throws JIN away again, making him land on his feet.

JIN: What's wrong? Every time you're in danger you're gonna do that?
ARLAB: SHUT UP!!!

ARLAB heals himself.

ARLAB: ...It is true that you have improved. But you're still not good enough...
JIN: What are you saying? I'm faster and stronger than you.
ARLAB: ...

ARLAB unequipps his PAN-ARMS BLADE.

ARLAB: You mean in blade combat. I admit you're better but...

ARLAB slowly focuses power.

JIN: ...What are you gonna try now?
ARLAB: Hehehe... See for yourself.

ARLAB shows JIN both his palms and closes his fingers.

ARLAB: DAHHHH!!!

JIN feels his body paralysed. He struggles to get free, but can't move. He drops his blades.

JIN: ...Sh-SHIT!!!
ARLAB: This time I focused all of my energy!!! You can't BREAK THROUGH MY MIND POWER THIS TIME!!!

ARLAB controls JIN's body to lift off the ground, and so it does. ARLAB raises one hand into the air and focuses BARTA-type spells to create a long ice-spear.

ARLAB: BWAHAHAH!!! JIN ON THE STICK!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Damn it! He's gonna drill that ice through JIN's heart...
REI: Damn! If ARLAB used all his power, I don't think there's any way to fight it... It's just too powerful. Even I couldn't.
JIN: GGGHRRRRR!!!! CAN'T... MOVE...

JIN struggles and struggles, his muscles doing efforts but not ceasing ARLAB's control.

JIN (thinking) : Shit... I'm gonna die here... I'm gonna die... without avenging my father...

JIN gives up struggling and is his body gives in to the control. JIN lets himself be hung in the air.

JIN (thinking) : I'm sorry... Father...

Suddenly, JIN receives a message in his mind.

He sees the images before him as his father was right before him.

He sees his father looking into his eyes and telling him to escape.

He sees ARLAB laughing in the distance.

He sees his father's body blowing apart from the explosion.

And then it fades black.

JIN: ...
JIN: FAAAAAAAAAAATHEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! GGGGGGAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
ARLAB: ?

As JIN screams, his sad memories with father urging him to fight his destiny smash ARLAB's mind control. A enormous wind blast bursts out of JIN and everywhere.

ARLAB: ...WHAT?? HE BROKE THROUGH MY FULL POWER!!!

JIN's wind wave throws ARLAB back to the floor. JIN's wind wave hit the energy dome that surround the two Hunters and makes it tremble.

ARLAB: ...My energy dome... trembled? What is this child doing?

JIN lands on the floor by his feet.

JIN: You won't kill me... Not before I finish this.

Still without picking up his blades, he dashes mad to ARLAB.

ARLAB: !!!!

ARLAB shifts his arms forward and attempts to stop JIN from coming by throwing a wind blast. JIN doesn't feel the wind wave and cuts through it, reaching ARLAB.

ARLAB: THIS CAN'T BE REAL!!!

JIN starts a violent combo of attacks, pounding and pounding ARLAB with punches and kicks.

ARLAB: UNGH!! ARGH!!! AHH!!!
JIN: YOU ASSHOLE!!!!! YOU KILLED MY FATHER!!!!
REI: Well duh.
BLADEGUNNER: You jerk. Don't you see it right now? He remembered the true reason to fight ARLAB... He's gone mad...
NEW ULTIMATE: I sure hope he doesn't get too mad.

ARLAB keeps being hit by JIN's enourmous strength and inhuman speed.

After a while, JIN stops attacking.

ARLAB: Uhhnng..

ARLAB falls on his knees and tumbles his face on the ground, bleeding from his mouth from the blows.

ARLAB: ...AAHHH... COUGH! COUGH!!!

ARLAB spits blood as he glares scared at JIN, unable to do anything.

JIN: I'm going to kill you now and end your pathetic lifeform.

JIN raises his foot... apparently he's going to smash ARLAB's head.

ARLAB: Hehehe... Come on kid. Finish this... Cough... I'd had enough and got nothing to lose...
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Come on JIN...

JIN remember's NEW's words by the lake. The vision enters his mind: NEW and JIN in the lake...

JIN: ...What do you mean NEW? I saw him kill my father. I can't let him live for that. I want him to feel what he has done, for himself.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...JIN. Are you saying... That you want to become like him? A killer?
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: I understand, that it must have been pretty hard seeing him die, and even being a kid at that time. But... The Police will stalk you... You'll be a wanted killer, like he was.
JIN: I don't care.
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not only that, this is a moral issue. You don't have the right to take off his life. You should respect his value as a human being, even if he doesn't do that to you. Even if he's the lowest of the low.
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: What do you think your father would say in this? "Yes JIN, go ahead and kill him, for my sake.". I can't imagine him stuff like that.

Back in the temple...

JIN (thinking) : But... not only he killed my father... who was responsible for fighting to gather money to heal my mother... but he also IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OT LETTING ME GET THE MONEY IN THE PREVIOUS TOURNAMENT!!! AND THAT'S WHY MY MOTHER WAS DEAD!!!
JIN: Ghh...
ARLAB: Why do you hesitate kid...? Weren't you waiting for this moment all your life?
JIN (thinking) : I'm... gonna kill this BASTARD!!!
REI: The kid's losing it...
ARLAB: Cough... Can't kill the man who killed your parents...?
JIN: DAMN IT!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : JIN...
JIN: WWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!! !

JIN smashes his foot... into the ground.

ARLAB: ...
JIN: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
JIN: Damn...
ARLAB: You fool...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...He did it...!

JIN remains silent. He then turns away from ARLAB and looks up into the barrier.

JIN: ...There must be a way to turn off this dome without killing you.
ARLAB: ...THERE ISN'T KID!! YOU HAVE TO KILL ME!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT??

JIN slowly glares back at ARLAB.

JIN: Shut up.

JIN kicks ARLAB's stomach.

ARLAB: UUUGH!!!!...

ARLAB loses counsciousness.

BLADEGUNNER: Yeah!!! HE WON!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't think they really care about the winner anymore... just about arresting ARLAB...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Come to think of it, we're gonna fight him next...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: SHIT!!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, could you teleport to Ragol? I think you're the only one with enough mental power to destroy that barrier...
REI: ...Man, you do have a way with words NEW!

REI runs to the nearby teleporter. A few seconds he appears on the screens, materialising in the temple.

REI clears through all the Hunters and Soldiers near the dome.

REI: Stand back, rookies.

Every Hunter and soldier looks at REI and steps back from the dome. REI places his hand it, as JIN looks to REI.

REI: DAHHHHHH!!!! RAFOIE!!!!!

REI blasts through the dome, creating a hole in the barrier. Every Hunter and Soldier is amazed to see a small Force do what they couldn't with one hand!

REI: Officers... arrest that guy.

The soldiers enter the dome, while JIN smiles after asking REI who he was, REI replied he was the king Zero. Some of the other Hunters ask JIN if he was all right, and compliment him for the amazing battle they just witnessed. The soldiers take ARLAB away.

A few minutes later, JIN and REI reach Pioneer 2, JIN being applauded for the amazing showdown a young boy gave against a professional serial-killer. BLADE says that he and REI don't dare to fight the guy who won against ARLAB, and JIN is claimed the winner of the Tournament. Dozens of Hunters commend JIN, as he receives the "Golden Hunter" statue prize, with his name carved on it. JIN is crying with joy as he is declared the best Hunter in Pioneer 2.

NEW ULTIMATE: Congratulations, JIN! You're now officially the best Hunter in this galaxy!
JIN: ...I don't think so... Thanks NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Damn, I don't think we could give you a fight...
JIN: Liars! I've seen you in action!
BLADEGUNNER: We wouldn't enjoy losing against you!
REI: Hahaha... Yeah, winning VAULT has already made us win the day...!
NEW ULTIMATE: You do have a great potential, JIN... Your father would be proud.
JIN: ...My father...

JIN remembers something.

JIN: NEW, please come with me!!
NEW ULTIMATE: What?

NEW follows JIN out of the Tournament building, around Pioneer 2 and into an apartment building. NEW sees JIN opening one of the doors...

JIN: This was my old house. It's now where I sleep...

NEW and JIN enter an empty apartment, with spider webs everywhere and old paint falling from the walls. JIN goes to an old arc and opens it up.

JIN: This was from my father's best student... SPOKE. I mean, it was meant to be... except that my father didn't ever get the chance to give it to him and gave it to me instead. I'd like you to have it, as I wasn't good enough to weild it, and because I feel responsible for your loss.
NEW ULTIMATE: What loss?
JIN: Your TWIN BRAND. Here...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What is it?

JIN takes out a dusty LAVIS CANNON from the arc. After cleaning it, he gives it to NEW, who turns it on.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...This... is the legendary...
JIN: Yes... Try it! I know you've been needing a weapon...
NEW ULTIMATE: But this is a gift from my father... I can't...
JIN: My father would like you to have it.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW smiles and weilds the LAVIS CANNON for a while.

NEW ULTIMATE: This is great!!... Thanks a lot JIN!!

JIN smiles and closes the arc.

A few minutes later, NEW and his friends are all next to the main teleporter to Ragol, next to JIN.

REI: Where are you going now?
JIN: To Ragol... Polish my skills. I want to become a strong Hunter. Maybe we'll see ourselves again, someday...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'd really like that.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah, we're all waiting for that!

JIN shakes arms and exchanges smiles with everyone, before waving as he dematerialises out of Pioneer 2.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : If he trains hard... He can really become the best...
BLADEGUNNER: Well guys... we did it!
AYLA: Yes, you now have enough skill to manage to fight your way through the ruins... even without me...

NEW kisses AYLA's forehead.

NEW ULTIMATE: I've rented a hotel room for you. We'll all be back each night... telepiping from our progress points. You can count on it!
AYLA: Take care of yourself NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: I will
AYLA: And that applies to you too guys!
REI: Got it.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah.

NEW runs to the teleporter.

REI: Hey NEW! Wait for us!!!
BLADEGUNNER: What's the big idea?? Hold on!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Time to get back to work!!!

Next chapters:

- Enter the door
- Animal Instinct
- Devil fights Devil: Ultimate battle
- Three heros and the Devil
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue: A NEW legend
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-12-16 08:28 ]</font>

BoUnCeR
Dec 15, 2002, 12:15 PM
well that was really awesome http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif... I was afraid it would never end... but it ended in style http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif. keep it up torero http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Dec 15, 2002, 12:35 PM
...Thanks for the nice words http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

By the way did you really read all of it? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2002-12-15 09:36 ]</font>

bladegunner
Dec 15, 2002, 07:00 PM
Talk about heavy litterature http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif
Nice work once again, keep up the good work mate http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Dec 16, 2002, 11:23 AM
"Heavy literature"?? What do you mean??

I'd say the last chapter was kinda small wouldn't you? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

BoUnCeR
Dec 16, 2002, 01:04 PM
he was talking about the heavy dictionary he had to use to understand all the chapter... j/k http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Jan 14, 2003, 05:35 PM
Boy, how this has been dead... Due to secret stuff, school, and family moments, which next year I won't be so lucky to have.
To celebrate the 100th post, I introduced a "paragraph selection" feature on this chapter. This way you can choose the story you think better to enjoy reading it all. It's not much but... enjoy. And prepare for surprises...

--- Chapter 23 - Enter the door ---

NEW, BLADE and REI are standing still inside a dark hall of the ancient Ragol ruins, facing a group of 5 Dimenians.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...
GROUP OF DIMENIANS: ...

Suddenly, the three Hunters raise their hands and prepare to make their move.

NEW ULTIMATE: ROCK!
BLADEGUNNER: PAPER!!
REI: SCISSORS!!!

The three continue their Janken game to find out who will fight the 5 Dimenians alone.

REI: ALL RIGHT!!! I WIN!!!
NEW & BLADE: ...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : No fair! You can read our thoughts!
REI: HAHA! Shut up and admit defeat, NEW!
BLADEGUNNER: ...? He didn't say anything!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

REI chuckles and steps forward to the group of Dimenians who make a "V" formation and finally leap at their opponent.

REI: Hehehe...

As REI watches them falling at him closer and closer, he focuses power secretly.

REI: Blue are you? RAFOIE FIRE YOU WON'T DESIRE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...What an ass.

REI shoots a ball of fire straight at the Dimenian in the edge of the "V" formation that hits and blows every one of the Dimenians apart.

REI: Damn it. I can't believe mom stated in an earlier capsule about her doubts of the army ever standing a single chance against them.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah, a guy can't have fun like in the old days.
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh lighten up will ya? Who knows what lurks in the ruins... maybe we can find the key to everything here!
REI: Oh yeah, I forgot. We're still trying to find out what happened in this planet.
BLADEGUNNER: We never found people from Pioneer 1... And there a battle occured here in the ruins. But I can't see no corps, or even blood...
REI: Maybe they didn't die and proceeded towards the depths of the ruins...
BLADEGUNNER: And what about all this wreckage...?
NEW ULTIMATE: I doubt that they survived against these ancient beings. Yet... it's almost as if they VANISHED!
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Well, we sure aren't going to find out chatting here. Let's move.

NEW, BLADE and REI move through one of the doors and proceed down along a corridor to reach a bigger room, with a big blue cristal monument standing in front of the opposite wall.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's this...?
BLADEGUNNER: An ancient... shrine?
NEW ULTIMATE: No, looks more like a statue...

REI slowly gets closer to it.

REI: Look, there are some drawings engraved in this thing...

REI was about to touch the statue when the drawings in it start to glow orange, scaring the hell out of REI.

REI: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Whoa! This thing... is it alive...?

Suddenly the characters on it fade off.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Look, there's a capsule near it...
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : The figures on this monument... they seem to be characters from an ancient language. Can I decode the characters with my simple tools...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Characters are they...? Come to think of it, they are all lined up vertically... They do look like writing...
BLADEGUNNER: The message on this monument could help us to find some clues about all this...
NEW ULTIMATE: RICO's taking care of it, so don't worry. Let's proceed...

NEW and BLADE face the exit door and walk a few steps away from the monument, seeing another capsule with voice messages inside.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : Front attacks are useless against a Delsaber! Go around to its back.

NEW and BLADE look at each other.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's a "Delsaber"?
BLADEGUNNER: Beats the shit out of me...
REI: ...Hey guys...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Huh?

NEW and BLADE look back at REI to also see the statue glowing.

BLADEGUNNER: ...What's going on?

They hear a strange buzzing noise. REI looks around and shouts.

REI: BEHIND YOU NEW!!!

NEW looks back and gets hit on his face by a huge claw, throwing him to BLADE.

NEW ULTIMATE: DAAH!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: UNGHH!!! Damn it, what the hell...?

BLADE and NEW both look petrified at a strange deformed dark creature, with a huge claw with a red orb on the center on one of its arms, and a giant red blade on the other. The being had a flat head, some horns and photon sparks all over its body.

BLADEGUNNER: The hell is this thing??
REI: Maybe... another ancient creature...
BLADEGUNNER: More like a monster... Delsaber. So THAT's it...
REI: Maybe mom gave it that name, studied its data and sent it to Pioneer 2 central database...

The buzzing noise is heard again and two other Delsabers appear right behind the first one, one in each side.

NEW ULTIMATE: That's all we need...

REI heals NEW and the three are standing next to each other.

NEW ULTIMATE: I guess there's not much to say about how are we going to do this...
BLADE & REI: Understood.

Each of the Hunters prepares to fight his own opponent.


--- Paragraph selection part ---

Here, the reader can select which of the duels he wants to read. Select a number from the following paragraphs, as if being:

1 - NEW's fight
2 - BLADE's fight
3 - REI's fight

Each fight occurs differently, altough they all contribute to the same storyline.
Which means, you can select the one scene you want to continue reading, or read them all if you like, since they're all paralell with the main story.

--- ---




--- 1 - NEW's fight ---

NEW makes up his mind and decides to attack.

NEW ULTIMATE: THIS IS FOR THE BLOW YOU GAVE ME BEFORE!!!

NEW grabs hold of his LAVIS CANNON and strikes a powerful blow straight at his Delsaber. The impact causes a bright flash that nearly blinds NEW and makes his weapon bounce off.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What the hell...? How did my weapon...

NEW then remembers the capsule message they read with RICO telling them advice about how to fight the Delsabers.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That's right... So maybe he saw my attack and came up with a shield of some kind...
NEW ULTIMATE: ALL RIGHT THEN!!

NEW starts to run around the Delsaber, aiming to strike him on his back. NEW is fast enough to make the Delsaber have trouble following him, and finnally strikes a powerful blow on the creature's back. Altough being hit, the creature doesn't emit any cry as if in pain. The being just got hit and got back ready to fight.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...This isn't a normal monster...

NEW's thinking is interrupted by a reflex, sensing danger. The monster attacks with his huge claw, but NEW blocks with his LAVIS CANNON.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hnghh!!!

A big blast is creating from the impact, with NEW taking the chance to feel the monster's force.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Damn it... he's strong... what is he?

The monster raises its red saber arm and starts to pound NEW continuously with both his saber arm and huge claw. NEW has trouble SEEING each of the blows, but instinctively blocks each one, barely suceeding.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Such... inhuman speed... His hand is frickin faster than my eye...

The delsaber's blade cuts through NEW's arm, opening a flesh wound.

NEW ULTIMATE: GYAAHHH!!!! SHIT!!!

NEW hops away from the Delsaber.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He's faster than anyone I'm used to fight. I guess I'll have to give it all I got...

The monster runs towards NEW, not giving him a break. NEW's eyes widen as he gets nervous and instinctively shows a palm at the beast.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!! Damn MONSTER!!! RAZONDE!!!

NEW shoots a thuder out of his wounded arm, hitting the monster in the red orb on his arm. The monster takes damage and the orb stops glowing.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Could it be... That that orb shields him from frontal attacks... when lit?

NEW smiles and decides to charge again at the Delsaber. This it doesn't activate the shield and gets pummeled by a wave of NEW's blows. After receiving some, the Delsaber begins to counter back. NEW and the beast have aproximately the same speed, altough the Delsaber takes more damage.

NEW ULTIMATE: NOT STRONG ENOUGH!!!

NEW was about to finish the Delsaber off with one fierce final blow...

...but in that instant the red orb lits again. NEW hits the Delsaber, who blocks with his arm creating a shield that throws NEW away from him.

NEW falls on the floor but quickly gets up.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...Grr... stupid shield...

In that instant, he hears BLADE saying something.

BLADEGUNNER: I GOT IT! EVERY FRONTAL ATTACK IS USELESS AGAINST THIS THING!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Am I right or what?
REI: ...DUHHHH!!! REMEMBER THE CAPSULE MESSAGE FROM MY MOM??
BLADEGUNNER: ...Oh, yeah!

NEW focuses again on the enemy.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I need more power... to break through that shield of his...

NEW then has an ideia. He places his hand on the chest.

NEW ULTIMATE: SHIFTA!!!

NEW shoots red energy out of his palm, showering his body with a red aura, giving his muscles more strength.

NEW ULTIMATE: THIS IS IT, CREEP!

NEW tightens his LAVIS CANNON with both hands and runs directly towards the Delsaber, leaving a trail of red stars behind him. He leaps high into the air. The Delsaber raises his shield orb... NEW screams to draw power into his arms and slamms the creature, in the orb, as it was stopping NEW's blade to cut through.

NEW ULTIMATE: GGRRRAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

NEW pushes the red orb away with the sword, and cuts through it, making it shatter in pieces, as his blade cuts the Delsaber's arm and body in half. As soon as the body pieces fall to the floor they explode in purple smoke, and douse blood on the floor, disappearing for good.

NEW ULTIMATE: ....Whew. It's over...

NEW relaxes and looks to his teammates.

--- ---







--- 2 - BLADE's fight ---

BLADE faces his opponent...

BLADEGUNNER: What a weird beast...

BLADE slowly steps around the Delsaber. The Delsaber doesn't move. BLADE is making a circle around the Delsaber, who is always standing still. When BLADE is behind the Delsaber, he slamms his foot on the ground, to frighten the monster.

...

But the monster didn't budge.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Odd.

BLADE slowly circles around the Delsaber until they're facing each other.

BLADEGUNNER: ...SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT!!!

BLADE dashes towards the Delsaber, who is standing still.

BLADEGUNNER: DRAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

BLADE is striking the Delsaber with a horizontal attack from his right. The minute his blade is about to touch the Delsaber, a huge flash blows BLADE away.

BLADEGUNNER: WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH...!!!!!!

BLADE lands on the floor away from the Delsaber, who still didn't move from the place. BLADE rises his upper-body part using both arms and looks surprised at the Delsaber.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : What the heck was that? I got stormed away from that thing... Maybe REI casted a spell on me by mistake?
BLADEGUNNER: HEY REI!!! WATCH WHERE YOU THROW YOUR STUPID SPELLS OK?

In that instant REI passes by behind BLADE, being followed by his own Delsaber.

REI: What the hell are you talking about? I'm not mad at you right now.

REI runs to the corner of the room, being followed by his Delsaber.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...So it wasn't him...? Maybe NEW?

BLADE looks to see NEW struggling with his own monster, on a blade-to-blade combat.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...I guess he's not in a position to use a spell.

BLADE then has an idea.

BLADEGUNNER: COULD IT BE...????

BLADE quickly stands up.

BLADEGUNNER: ...THAT THIS WAS THE WORK OF THE MONSTER...???

BLADE dashes to attack the Delsaber directly, with an uppercut.

He gets blown away again, and his body rolls until he hits the nearby wall.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...Again...?

BLADE gets up and walks to the Delsaber, all burning from the explosions from the impacts.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Aha...!

BLADE proudly points his finger to the air and shouts.

BLADEGUNNER: I GOT IT! EVERY FRONTAL ATTACK IS USELESS AGAINST THIS THING!

NEW and REI look at BLADE.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Am I right or what?
REI: ...DUHHHH!!! REMEMBER THE CAPSULE MESSAGE FROM MY MOM??
BLADEGUNNER: ...Oh, yeah!
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : So I'll have to attack from the rear...

BLADE runs to behind the Delsaber, which looks nervous to see that BLADE has a new trick in mind. BLADE starts running around the Delsaber.

BLADEGUNNER: NOW!!!

BLADE jumps at the Delsaber, which has trouble facing BLADE, but manages to do it and raise its shield arm on time. But BLADE doesn't attack, he lands right in front of the monster, and runs away to circle him again repeatedly. The Delsaber spins in the place, trying to face BLADE again.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : That arm... Why did he raise that arm when I was about to attack?

BLADE jumps at the Delsaber again, which once again raises its arm.

BLADEGUNNER: I GOT IT!!!!

BLADE lands in front of the Delsaber, but doesn't attack. He leaps above the monster, landing behind him. Before the Delsaber could see him, BLADE cuts the Delsaber's shield arm away from the monster with an uppercut. The arm is cut and gets thrown to the air.

BLADEGUNNER: That orb in your arm protected you didn't it? NOT ANYMORE!!!

BLADE cuts the monster in two right before it has time to face him.

BLADEGUNNER: Too slow...

The monster's body parts fall on the floor and fade away in purple smoke, leaving a trail of blood on the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: Heh. I'm good.

- BUMP -

BLADEGUNNER: OW! CRAP!!

The Delsaber's shield arm falls on BLADE's head, who catches it and looks at it.

BLADEGUNNER: Hummm... Interesting thing. I guess I'll keep it...

BLADE stores the shield in his virtual inventory and looks at the others.

--- ---









--- 3 - REI's fight ---

REI grins as he faces his opponent.

REI: JESUS, you're ugly.

REI shows his palm at the Delsaber.

REI: ...But you're gone. RAFOIE!!!

REI shoots a fireball straight at the Delsaber, making the area which it was in explode.

REI: Hm...

REI looks above to see the Delsaber on the air, preparing to strike him.

REI: I SAW YOU ESCAPE, JACKASS!!!

REI points two of his fingers to the Delsaber.

REI: RAZONDE!!!

REI hits the monster with his spell, throwing him back.

REI (thinking) : Guess using this tactic I'll win.

REI looks to see the Delsaber hit the ground on his feet, in the distance, jumping at REI with inhuman speed.

REI: ....!!!!

REI gets hit with the Delsaber's claw on his chest and is thrown away.

REI: HNGH!!!...

REI falls on his butt but quickly gets up and heals his injury.

REI (thinking) : ...This speed... is beyond human possibility...

Before thinking much else, the Delsaber starts running after REI.

REI: SHIT! STAY!!!

REI runs away, being chased by the Delsaber around the room.

REI: SHITTTT!!!!

REI passes by BLADE, who apparently got hit by his enemy and was thrown to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: HEY REI!!! WATCH WHERE YOU THROW YOUR STUPID SPELLS OK?

REI: What the hell are you talking about? I'm not mad at you right now.
REI (thinking) : That idiot... got hit by the enemy's shield and thought I did it.

REI runs to the corner of the room, still being followed by his Delsaber.

REI (thinking) : Yes... follow me, jackass... Now I'm away from the others and have no limit in my destructive power...

REI suddenly stops running, not turning himself to the Delsaber.

REI: TASTE MY TRUE HORROR!!!! DRAAAAAAAAHHHHHH...!!!!!

The Delsaber suddenly brakes, understanding that REI was about to attack. REI's fists tighten as he puts himself into a weird stance.

REI: ...

...

REI shows his "Derriere" (butt) to the Delsaber.

- PRRRAAAAaaaaattt... -

The Delsaber's body begins to tremble as it feels the hot air expelled by REI.

REI: BWAHAHAHAHA!!! HOW DO YOU LIKE THIS???

The Delsaber instantly feels dizzy, and nearly falls after feeling the BAD smell.

REI: He's confused... now's my chance to make a frontal attack.

REI runs to the Delsaber and focuses energy into his right fist, making an uppercut.

REI: GRAAAAAAAANTS PUNCH!!!!!!!!

REI punches the Delsaber high into the air, making it slamm violently on the floor.

REI looks to his two teammates.

REI (thinking) : How come those other two idiots are having trouble pummeling the Delsaber like I did?...

He sees NEW and BLADE struggling to keep up with their monster opponents.

REI (thinking) : I guess they need back-up...

REI hears something, looks into the Delsaber he punched to see it jumping at him. Too late to react, REI receives a brute tackle on his forehead.

REI: HNGGH...!!!!

REI falls on the floor bleeding from his forehead.

REI: Ah...Damn!!!

The Delsaber immediatly steals distance from REI, running at him to finish him off.

REI: ...!!!

REI instinctively gets up and puts both his palms on the floor.

REI: RAFOIE!!!!!!

REI blasts the floor below him and the explosion propells him high into the air and away from the Delsaber, who stops and stares at him... REI takes the chance to heal himself, in the instant he stops going up and begins to fall.

The Delsaber walks to the spot where REI is aiming to fall.

REI (thinking) : I have to finish that guy off before I hit the ground... If I don't, I'm toast!

The Delsaber raises its saber arm. REI drops faster and faster...

REI (thinking) : Well, I could use a spell but...
REI: TASTE MY TRUE HORROR!!!!

REI opens his legs wide. The Delsaber notices this and enters in panic, running away from the spot where REI was falling.

REI lands on his feet and immediatly shows his palms to the fleeing Delsaber.

REI: You think I'm pig enough to fart twice? DIE!! MEGID!!!

REI shoots a purple shadow out of his hands. The eerie shadow hits the Delsaber at lightspeed, sucking him into the small vortex inside the shadow and exploding, desintegrating the beast for good.

REI sighs as he's done. He takes a Trifluid out of his pocket and uses it on himself, looking at the other guys.

--- ---








- MAIN STORY -

It seems that everyone finished their opponent at the same time.

NEW ULTIMATE: Geez... What were they?
BLADEGUNNER: Probably ancient monsters from Ragol's civilisation...
REI: Why are they aggressive?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Well... It really was a tough nut to crack.
REI: ? What? Are you saying they were at least HARD to beat?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... especially to us Hunters... The creature blocked most of our blows with some kind of shield...
REI: That's because you don't use your BRAINS!
BLADEGUNNER: Oh? How did YOU beat them?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Anyway... We'd better keep going. This was quite a warm-up...
BLADEGUNNER: I don't think any normal human would survive this fight...
REI: Hey, we're definitely not normal.

The three Hunters walk out of the room.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I wonder what was written in that monument...?

They walk a long corridor into another big hall with two doors, one on each side. BLADE sniffs the air.

BLADEGUNNER: I smell Dimenians... Let me have them.
NEW ULTIMATE: Fine...
REI: ...I smell danger...

9 Dimenians materialise ahead of them.

BLADEGUNNER: Ok, back off. Let ME do this alone...
REI: Suit yourself.

BLADE walks some steps to fight the Dimenians, and then a noise is heard from above.

BLADEGUNNER: Hmm?
NEW ULTIMATE: WATCH OUT!!!

As BLADE looks up, he sees the ceiling falling on him. Suddenly everything becomes dark, as a coffin trap paralyses BLADE inside of it.

BLADEGUNNER: WHOA!
REI: What's this...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Some kind of trap.
BLADEGUNNER: GET ME OUTTA HERE! THIS IS GONNA BLOW IN A FEW SECONDS!!

NEW and REI run to smash the coffin, but the Dimenians get in the way.

NEW ULTIMATE: SHIT!!!
REI: BACK OFF OR DIE!!!

NEW and REI start pounding their way through to BLADE, but the Dimenians are stopping them from that.

REI: STUPID FREAKS!

Time runs out...

NEW ULTIMATE: HNRGHH!! WE WON'T GET THERE ONE TIME...
BLADEGUNNER: IT'S GONNA BLOW!!!
REI: NO IT'S NOT!

REI points his finger between the crowd of monsters and to the coffin.

REI: GIZONDE!!!

REI gives a last shot and smashes the coffin in pieces as his electric spark hits it, freeing BLADE, who falls on his knees relieved.

BLADEGUNNER: Whew...That was close...

BLADE runs to help his two friends.

BLADEGUNNER: DIDN'T WANT TO SEE ME FREE? HERE I AM!!!

BLADE ferociously attacks the Dimenians and after a few seconds they turn into life-less blood pools on the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: These... THINGS! I almost got blown up to pieces!!!
REI: You're welcome.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: Is that another capsule message?

NEW was about to activate it when suddenly a noise is heard.

REI: ...? ...THE HELL IS THIS NOW?

In the middle of the room materialises a strange dark creature, with two giants crystal above it. The figure had a cristal staff and was "dressed" in black and purple... had no feet and was floating in its place.

BLADEGUNNER: Chaos... Sorcerer?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
REI: ...That name is almost as cool as "The King Zero". Shit, let's kill this guy and stole his rights!
BLADEGUNNER: Count me in.
NEW ULTIMATE: Easier said... This figure doesn't seems to be no slacker...

The three Hunters surround the Sorcerer. The monster raises its staff and a humming noise is heard. One of the cristal rises and turns blue.

REI: I think it's.. focusing ENERGY! WATCH OUT!!!

The Chaos Sorcerer turns over to blade and points its staff at him.

BLADEGUNNER: Oh, of course. Let BLADE here take the damage.

The cristal in the Sorcerer quickly flashes a blue light in and out, giving BLADE the instinct to block with his Gladius.

Out of the staff flows a powerfull cold energy wave that violently heads towards BLADE, sparkling ice and wind everywhere as it collides with the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: OOOOOHHHHHHH SHHHHHIIIIITTTTT!!!!
REI: YOU JACKASS! GET OUTTA THERE!!!

REI kicks BLADE on his face, throwing him to the wall and standing in the way of the antarctic energy wave.

BLADEGUNNER: IDIOT!
NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!!

REI shows his palms at the enormous ice wave, attempting to nullify the energy.

REI: RAFOIE!!!!!

REI focuses all his TP into a powerfull RAFOIE spell to melt all the ice wave.

But the ice wave wins over his spell, erasing it, and violently hitting REI, shaking him as the ice tornado freezes him to the bone.

REI: DAMN IT!!!!! HHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh........

REI's cry silently fades along with the cold energy.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!!

REI falls with his body frozen in his terror expression, as his huge ice statue slamms into the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: YOU'VE FROZEN HIM TO... YOU'VE FROZEN HIM TO DEATH!!!! DAMN IT!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...YOU KILLED HIM!!!!

BLADE raises his Gladius and runs to attack the Sorcerer.

BLADEGUNNER: DWAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

NEW slowly walks to REI's ice monument.

The Sorcerer just keeps in its place, waiting for BLADE to strike. When BLADE delivers the blow, his Gladius cuts through the air alone, as the Sorcerer fades out of the place.

BLADEGUNNER: ? ...Teleport? WHERE ARE YOU, FREAK!?

BLADE looks everywhere to see the Sorcerer on the other far end of the big room.

BLADEGUNNER: FOUND YOU!

BLADE was about to run to attack him again, but looks to see NEW.

NEW was on his knees gazing at frozen REI.

BLADEGUNNER: ......
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : He knew him longer than I did... They were like brothers. It must be rough on him...

BLADE runs to avenge REI as he sees that the Sorcerer was charging energy all this time, and one of the cristals was red.

BLADEGUNNER: !!! CR-CRAP!!

BLADE brakes as he sees the Sorcerer aiming its staff at him. The monster shoots a RAFOIE spell, that hits BLADE, making him explode away and burning immensly hot.

BLADEGUNNER: AAAAAARRRRGHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE falls on the ground with his clothes and skin burning. He had received a tremendous hot energy wave, that made him feel uncouscious.

BLADEGUNNER: N-NEW... ...S-Sorr...

BLADE's eyes close as his senses fade.

NEW gets up and glares at the Sorcerer, who once again is focusing energy, one of its cristal glowing red.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Red means RAFOIE...

NEW uses all his strength to raise REI's ice statue, and starts to run towards the creature, who shoots another RAFOIE spell at him. NEW blocks with REI's statue, that melts and makes REI as hot as a human body again. NEW lets go of REI and jumps to cut the Caos Sorcerer in half.

But the creature teleports in the last moment.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Heal them both... Now that I have the chance.

NEW shoots RESTA at his teammates.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!! REI!!! WAKE UP!!!

NEW slaps REI and runs to slap BLADE. None of them wakes up. NEW looks up to search for the Sorcerer. He sees him on the first area that it appeared, focusing power. But this time, the two cristals were shinning red.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : What!? Two cristals? What does this mean...?
REI: ...It means that he's focusing every bit of his energy.

NEW looks back smiling at REI. BLADE too was counscious and up on his feet.

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!! YOU SURVIVED!!!
REI: Not for long... if his earlier spell was THAT powerfull, imagine his full power...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...It will burn us to ashes immediatly. And I don't have the energy to counter such power...
BLADEGUNNER: ...What else can we do?
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: SO???
REI: ...I don't think we can do anything. Seems to me this is the end...

NEW's head drops down as he hears that.

BLADEGUNNER: DON'T SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT, DAMN IT!! WE'RE THE BEST! THERE'S GOTTA BE SOMETHI...

BLADE doesn't continue as he sees the look on REI's face. He was SERIOUS. NEW was facing the situation they had in front of them.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : I am going to die...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...So be it. A Hunter dies fighting...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...No. I've got them with me... I have to do my best to keep them from dying.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...If I don't...

NEW closes his eyes and imagines his friends dead. He sees REI's and BLADE's body, showing no signs of life.

He won't be able to fight with them anymore.

He won't be able to call their names anymore.

He will never see his teammates again.

...

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: For the last time... Do you have a plan?

NEW's head raises again. His eyes were different, as if he was another guy, unrecognisable by his teammates.

REI (thinking) : What's this...? His thoughts are different...

NEW slowly moves his LAVIS CANNON to his left shoulder.

NEW ULTIMATE: HAAAAAAHH...!!!!!

NEW quickly moves his LAVIS CANNON downwards, and the slash creates a razor energy wave that flows out of NEW's weapon and cuts through the air at sonic speed, hitting the Sorcerer and cutting it in half. The beast desintegrates into smoke after the blow.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW keeps glaring at the spot where the Sorcerer was.

BLADEGUNNER: ...NEW...?

NEW shakes his head and looks at BLADE. His eyes were big and blue again, his face look returns to what he was.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Huh? What?
REI: ...How did you do that?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Do what?
BLADEGUNNER: Pull off that move you just did! Shoot some kind of energy razor-sharpened wave!
NEW ULTIMATE: What...? What are you talking about?
REI: ...You just did it. Hit the Sorcerer with that mystic move and killed it in the last moment. You saved us.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I did that?
BLADEGUNNER: Quit being modest! I just want to know HOW DID YOU DO THAT MOVE!!! I mean, did you fuse an eletric spell into your LAVIS or something?
NEW ULTIMATE: Quit lying! I don't know what you guys are talking about!
BLADEGUNNER: YOU don't know? I'm just confused on how suddenly you don't REMEMBER DOING IT!
REI (thinking) : NEW's not lying... he just doesn't remember. And by what he is thinking right now... I'd say he's very confused about what are we talking about. What just happened...? It's almost as if his mind got replaced for a few seconds...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Aw screw it. Keep being idiot for all I care, NEW. Let's move on.
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm serious!

They were about to exit the room when REI remembers the others about the capsule message. He goes over it and activates it.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : You see the cristals floating around the Chaos Sorcerer? One is used for attack, and the other is used for healing.
BLADEGUNNER: What about if BOTH crist...
NEW ULTIMATE: Shhh!
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : ...The Chaos Sorcerer was mighty. I don't think that level 30 disk power will be enough to fight them. For Forces, I suggest not fighting them unless you have some kind of Special rare weapon to increase your Mind power, like me, at home.
BLADEGUNNER: ..."Like me at home"...? Why did she said this?
REI: ...Probably she is giving advice to me indirectly, saying I should go home and pick up... the weapon she speaks of...
NEW ULTIMATE: We need all the help we can get. She said she had one at home. Have you ever heard of her ultimate mind weapon?
REI: ...Yeah, I think so... But then again, she stores all her weapons in her room... and doesn't let me see them.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What do you think? Do you want to get RICO's ultra-weapon?
REI: I guess I could boost my magic a little. Come on... let's all go.
NEW ULTIMATE: Are you sure you want us to go to your mother's private stuff?
REI: I insist.

REI creates a telepipe using a spell and the three warp away back to Pioneer 2.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Wow... the ultimate mind weapon... I can't wait to see it!
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... me too. I mean, if RICO actually has it...
REI: Oh, she has it alright. She just keeps it away...

A few steps later the three get inside the elevator, in RICO's corporation, and head to her apartment room.

REI: Now, where was it...? Oh yeah!

REI leads the others into a dark room with hundreds of boxes and arcs.

REI: Well guys, It's inside one of these. Better start searching.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: So THAT'S why you "INSISTED" on us to come!
REI: No, you can also find some other legendary weapons in the middle of all this dusty arcs.

The three get to it and start opening and closing arcs here and there. A few minutes later...

NEW ULTIMATE: Hey REI... I've been thinking about if you know exactly what ARE we looking for. I mean, we could find several "ultimate mind weapons"...
REI: No, I have something in mind. It's should be a staff, and I doubt she would have more than one. Once as a kid... I think she said she had a surprise for me when I were to become an adult... and also told me that surprise would show me how she would always see me like the boy I was, or something like that...

A few minutes later, after finding several boxes with photos and old clothing, BLADE opens up a wide arc and shouts in surprise:

BLADEGUNNER: WOHOOO!!! LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!
REI: What? Did you find it?
BLADEGUNNER: No... But I found something cool...

BLADE takes out a pair of S-RED BLADES out of the arcs, blowing the dust away from them.

REI: Oh... That. Mom told me some days ago that she created that by studying the compositon of one of the robots in the mines... and creating that. She named it S-RED BLADES.
BLADEGUNNER: Awesome... You think I can keep them?
REI: Suit yourself. NEW said we need all the help we can get...

BLADE turns on the red photon blade in the weapons.

BLADEGUNNER: All right!!! They work!!!!

They keep looking for the staff everywhere but don't find anything. The three look at the last box.

NEW ULTIMATE: You think it is inside of that one?
BLADEGUNNER: It's gotta be.
REI: Yeah. I mean, it's ALWAYS in the last box we search for, right?
BLADEGUNNER: Correct.

REI goes to the arc and opens it.

REI: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: What? Isn't it there?
REI: ...

REI faces the others and pulls out a RABBIT WAND out of the arc, a staff with a cute rabbit's head on the top of it.

REI: DAMN!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Er... Looks tough.
BLADEGUNNER: GYAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!! SUITS YOU WELL!!!!!
REI: Bah. Let's get outta here.

REI closes the arc and stores the RABBIT WAND in his virtual inventory.

NEW ULTIMATE: You ARE going to try it out aren't ya?
REI: If someone sees me using that... That BABY's weapon...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...Of course I will.

The three teleport back to the ancient Ragol ruins using the telepipe from before.

REI: ...I sure hope this BOOSTS my magic... Or else I'm gonna wish I find "MOM" soon.

They continue to explore the ruins until they reach the biggest room in the ruins they saw.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hey... Something's weird here. What's that big... opening in the distance of the room?

They walk to it to see that it that the opening was dome-shaped, with a bottom-less pit in the center, and waterfalls falling towards the deep abyss.

BLADEGUNNER: WHOA! What's this?
NEW ULTIMATE: Weird... This shouldn't be here... by the looks of it, it seems that something exploded here and created this opening here... Maybe coming from that deep pit?
BLADEGUNNER: Are you saying... that something CAME of that deep pit and blew up in this spot? What... could it be?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't know... I have a bad feeling about this...
REI: Another capsule. Maybe Mom has a theory...
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : What's this doing here? It looks like evidence of some weird explosion... similar to what we saw in the surface of Ragol. What could have caused it...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Similar to what happened in Ragol's surface...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm almost certain that the explosion on the surface and this one were made by the same thing.
REI: The question is... what was it?
BLADEGUNNER: Maybe just another of these ancient monster in these ruins.
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE... The power required to open up this place and shake the planet... Is far greater than that of "just another monster in these ruins"...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Come on, let's keep moving.

BLADE and NEW step away from the explosion area and into the door to the way out when...

NEW ULTIMATE: REI...? Are you coming?
REI: ...

REI was with his arms wide open and eyes closed.

BLADEGUNNER: What are you doing?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: REI? What's wrong?
REI: I feel...

...

REI: Feel... Neg... Negative winds...
BLADEGUNNER: What?
REI: There's still negative energy around here. This explosion... and probably Ragol's... was from something... evil.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: And I feel... this energy to be similar to those we've felt while fighting monsters on the Ruins...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Wow. Since when are you able to sense good or bad energy?
REI: ...Maybe this I'm a newman... too much evolved in spiritual combat power. To me, good or bad energy is to you like a hot or cold breeze on your face...
BLADEGUNNER: I just think you're weird.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Come on. We're not finding out anything if we stand around HERE.
REI: ...Evil... is coming!
NEW ULTIMATE: !

Another noise is heard and they look back.

BLADEGUNNER: TWO SORCERERS AND TWO DELSABERS. MY, AREN'T WE LUCKY! Ok NEW, no jokes this time. Use that move you pulled off with the last Sorcerer.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
REI: Shut up with that stupid move! NEW's honest, he didn't pull no move as far as he knows!
BLADEGUNNER: ....??????
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, can you take care of the Sorcerers alone...?
REI: I can try. But back me up if you see me in trouble. And use long-range attacks with the Delsabers.
NEW & BLADE: Got it.

REI runs to face the two sorcerers.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE, have you got...

When NEW looks to BLADE, he's already running to face one of the Delsabers.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : As far as I know, the Delsaber sees my blow coming and blocks my blade by touching it with that red orb. What if I strike gently the first time...

BLADE pretends to use full power on the Delsaber, but touches the orb slowly in the last instant, making the shield of the Delsaber unnactive.

BLADEGUNNER: ...AND STRIKE HARD THE SECOND TIME???

BLADE moves the Delsaber's arm with the shield away, and uses the S-RED BLADE on his other arm to cut through the Delsaber's chest. The creature vanishes into purple dust.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : These weapons are so light... I can truly be fast with these!
BLADEGUNNER: BWAAAAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

BLADE jumps to the other Delsaber, and kills it using the same technique.

BLADEGUNNER: FASTER THAN THE EYE NEW! FASTER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE!! WOHOOO!!! I FEEL GREAT!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Any ideas on how...

BLADE and NEW both hear an explosive noise. When they look back they see REI aiming his staff to a distant burned wall, opposite towards him.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: What happened?
REI: ...I said... RAFOIE... And the two sorcerers died...

Tears of joy fall down REI's face.

REI: How I enjoy this moment...
BLADEGUNNER: FEAR THE MIGHTY BUNNY STICK!
REI: It's RABBIT WAND you idiot.
BLADEGUNNER: THESE NEW WEAPONS ARE AMAZING! COME ON, LET'S HURRY TO THE NEXT ROOM!
REI: YEAH!!!

REI and BLADE dash of through the exit, leaving NEW standing near the explosive area.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...to fight these guys...?

NEW sighs, smiles and follows the other two Hunters.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : They look like two kids... Hehe...

NEW leaves behind the mystic abyss. What could have emerged from the depths of the ruins...?

Next chapters:

- Fallen rose
- Showdown: Last breath
- Three heros reach Hell
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue: A NEW legend
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-01-14 14:38 ]</font>


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-01-16 05:24 ]</font>

bladegunner
Jan 14, 2003, 06:00 PM
REI: You think I'm pig enough to fart twice? DIE!! MEGID!!!

REI shoots a purple shadow out of his hands. The eerie shadow hits the Delsaber at lightspeed, sucking him into the small vortex inside the shadow and exploding, desintegrating the beast for good.

Always thought dark creatures were resistant to megid http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif Hell I love to be picky http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Daikarin
Jan 14, 2003, 06:21 PM
Well, y'know... REI's megid spell is so powerfull that even affects them http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

*cough cough DAMNIT cough*

bladegunner
Jan 14, 2003, 06:24 PM
On 2003-01-14 15:21, New Ultimate wrote:
Well, y'know... REI's megid spell is so powerfull that even affects them http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

*cough cough DAMNIT cough*


OMG... so he does use a code breaker... I knew it! ^-^
Anyhow, another great chapter, keep them coming! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif
PS - Bunny Stick is t3h r0x0rz!!!111 http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

RavenTW
Jan 14, 2003, 09:13 PM
Uh, Megid should work, it's just that DARK monsters are really resistant to it.

Dang, I FINALLY finished reading this page! You don't do small amounts, do you? Well, it's still good, keep it up.

P.S. the side paragraph thing kinda sucks in my mind, but that's because it's just three renditions of the same battle. OH well, that's my two cents.

Neo Rei
Jan 15, 2003, 01:37 PM
On 2003-01-14 15:21, New Ultimate wrote:
Well, y'know... REI's megid spell is so powerfull that even affects them http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

*cough cough DAMNIT cough*



Actually I recall killing monsters in the ruins with megid so you're not wrong this time. Have any doubts? Go play PSO.

Daikarin
Jan 17, 2003, 01:48 PM
On 2003-01-14 18:13, RavenTW wrote:

You don't do small amounts, do you?



lol... well, I did start with small amounts. As far as I can remember, when I started doing the fanfic almost a year ago (Geez, has it been that long already?), I had the idea of deliver several small amounts (Several chapters in a row) to please readers. I guess I evolved!

RavenTW
Jan 17, 2003, 03:37 PM
ACK! I just realized you had a website for this fic! Awesome! When a fic has a website, it's gotta be good!

Ok, maybe not, but it's still pretty cool. Question though, when did Rei have a Double Saber (been so long I forgot what happened in the previous 20-summin' chapters)

Daikarin
Jan 18, 2003, 07:27 AM
Thanks for the compliments, it was done by Rei, ( yeah, even that marvelous intro http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif ) by surprise. Imagine my face when that guy appeared in front of me with that website. I cried in joy ;_;

As for the double saber, he didn't. Some drawings in there were made before the fanfic, as sketches for the final projects and for something else (har har http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif), some of which were shown in a topic what was locked due to a fuss created by me and bladegunner (I'm sorry blade! Please don't kick me!).

By the way, if you still play PSO EP I & II, I'd like to play with you once, in the future. But this is for another section...

Neo Rei
Jan 18, 2003, 08:29 AM
On 2003-01-17 12:37, RavenTW wrote:
ACK! I just realized you had a website for this fic! Awesome! When a fic has a website, it's gotta be good!

Ok, maybe not, but it's still pretty cool. Question though, when did Rei have a Double Saber (been so long I forgot what happened in the previous 20-summin' chapters)



I did it. You can say it sucks. The only cool thing about it is the fic & drawings.
And btw New, the Double Saber was the weapon Rei used online. Short memory eh? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Flash3 on 2003-01-18 08:02 ]</font>

RavenTW
Jan 18, 2003, 09:40 AM
It's better than any of my website skills!

And New, if you have Ep 2 yet, I'd like to take you up on that offer.

BoUnCeR
Jan 18, 2003, 02:09 PM
that Rei-Bladegunner chit-chat kills me http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif great job once again new http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif and oh, in what regards of what you said RavenTW, PSO Ep. I&II is only coming to europe next march, for both Gamecube and Xbox, so he can't play with you... yet http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

Daikarin
Jan 18, 2003, 03:12 PM
I did it. You can say it sucks. The only cool thing about it is the fic & drawings.

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

IziX5izi
Jan 18, 2003, 06:42 PM
=) I like you're fic so far,keep up the good work http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

Daikarin
Jan 19, 2003, 03:46 PM
Thanks for your kind words, everyone. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

IziX5izi
Jan 19, 2003, 06:38 PM
You're Welcome!^^ I cant wait to see the next chapter o-o if there is gonna be one http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

RavenTW
Jan 19, 2003, 09:12 PM
Heck yeah! About five more, at least!

Which reminds me, are you gonna grace us with another chapter anytime soon? Or will we have to wait another year?

Daikarin
Jan 20, 2003, 10:19 AM
Well, since I seen interest by part of you, I can dispatch the next chapter http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif

The thing is, I am also working on another bonus for chapter 25... So that one at least will take a while to finish.

Daikarin
Jan 29, 2003, 06:04 PM
I wish I published this sooner, but I had math tests... and my high-school schedule is kinda full. Either way... Enjoy!


--- Chapter 24 - Fallen rose ---

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW looks everywhere to see 3 doors, one ahead of him and 1 on each side.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn, I'm lost again.

REI and BLADE are running far ahead of NEW, enjoying their new weapons. NEW has gotten lost a few times, but REI helped him with his telepipes and PC memos. Now they are ending the first part of the ruins, after many quick battles.

REI: NEW! We're on the door ahead of ya!
BLADEGUNNER: And we found a teleporter!
NEW ULTIMATE: You think you can fight all by yourselves? Selfish jerks!

NEW enters a door to see a small room where REI and BLADE are waiting for him, along with a weird machine.

REI: It DOES look like a teleporter... like our own.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah. Seems like someone has been here before, turned it on and went through.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Where does it lead to?
REI: "RUINS 2"
BLADEGUNNER: Come on, let's roll.
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... We've got nothing relevant to report so far...
REI: Yeah, we already DID talk to the Principal about these ruins.

The three teleport away and reach a deeper zone inside the Ragol's ancient civilization city. It had engines of any size spinning below them, as they could feel the ground beneath their feet shake and emit a humming sound. Blue lights lighted the rooms.

REI: Heck, more blue. As if we ALREADY didn't have enough blue in this story.
BLADEGUNNER: Weird...
NEW ULTIMATE: The ground... it's almost as it's silently shaking... vibrating.
BLADEGUNNER: What could be making it shake?

REI puts his right ear on the floor.

REI: Hm... sounds like some kind of propeller... or engine...
BLADEGUNNER: Kind advanced for an "Ancient civilization" won't you think?
NEW ULTIMATE: Hey REI, you said you could sense good or bad energy, a few hours ago. What do you feel right now?
REI: Nothing different than before. But as we advance, I think the bad energy starts to grow...
BLADEGUNNER: What do you mean? Are we getting near the source of bad energy or is the bad energy of the ancient creatures increasing as we go deeper into the ruins?
REI: ...Both.
NEW ULTIMATE: Come on. Let's keep going. We have to get to the core of all this.

NEW, BLADE and REI keep moving across the ruins. Suddenly they reach a large hall.

REI: Large amounts of evil energy...

Ahead of them materialise several small creatures.

BLADEGUNNER: What now?
BLADEGUNNER: "Claws", named obviously by RICO.
NEW ULTIMATE: Now that you mention it, didn't we read a capsule message about them a few minutes ago?
REI: Yeah, it said that they are weak.
BLADEGUNNER: Let's get to it then!

Everyone starts attacking and killing Claws. After many blows and spells, there are only 4 claws left.

BLADEGUNNER: Let me have them! Pleeeeeease!
REI: NO WAY!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Damn, WHY?
REI: Maybe because you killed a LOT more than us due to your new speed!
BLADEGUNNER: Oh please. You're COUNTING the number of foes I kill??

While they're arguing, the Claws begin to fuse themselves, being attracted one towards other and combining their bodies.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hey guys...
BLADEGUNNER: Huh?
REI: What?

A new creature is born with all the Claws fused together. The claw's bodies form some weird and big tentacles hanging from an upper body part.

REI: ...They all joined their bodies... like LEGO SYSTEM bricks!
BLADEGUNNER: RICO didn't tell anything about this in her capsule!
REI: Yeah, she only warned us to beware when the Claws combined into a Bulclaw.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...SHIT!

The three surround the Bulclaw, which heads towards NEW. BLADE and REI step away from the Bulclaw as they see it moving.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!
REI: Watch out!

The creature starts opening its tentacles as it gets closer to NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ahh...
BLADEGUNNER: Don't stand there! LEG IT!

The Bulclaw was about to snatch NEW as he reacts, jumping vertically and high, avoiding the danger. The Bulclaw sees it, and turns upwards right when NEW begins to fall, opening its tentacles again to crunch NEW when he lands on it.

REI: ...NEW!
BLADEGUNNER: DAMN!

BLADE started running to hit the Bulclaw, but by judging from the distance, NEW would be snatched before BLADE arrives to his aid. NEW looks down to the big "mouth", ready to swallow him...

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Maybe... Maybe if I attack the core...

NEW places his LAVIS CANNON aiming downwards and hanging from his feet, to cut through the big mouth as he lands on it.

REI: ...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: !!!
NEW ULTIMATE: DROP DEAD!!!

As NEW's blow hits the Bulclaw, the monster immediatly gets smashed back into normal Claws.

BLADEGUNNER: LEAVE THE REST UP TO ME!

BLADE starts running towards each of the Bulclaws, killing one with a blade, another with his other blade and so on until they're all a bunch of purple smoke levitating towards the air. BLADE starts jumping in excitement.

BLADEGUNNER: TWO SECONDS! A NEW RECORD! WEEEEEEEEEE!!!
REI: Congratulations, you're an idiot.

BLADE's excitment goes down the drain as he puts on a serious and angry face.

BLADEGUNNER: ...If you weren't a kid I'd kick your butt.
REI: Who are you calling a kid, pony-tails?
BLADEGUNNER: ...WHY YOU...!!!

NEW grabs hold of BLADE just as he was about to run towards REI, who shows him the finger.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hold it! Remember, we're a team! Why do you guys fight over nothing? REI, you should stop being so picky.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: And BLADE, get a hold of yourself. We all know you're tough, but fighting isn't always the best solution!
BLADEGUNNER: ...

NEW slowly lets go of BLADE. REI and BLADE look at each other furious.

NEW ULTIMATE: Remember the battles we fought together. Can't you feel the friendship between us...?
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: All these months we knew each other...
REI: Ok, we get the point.

REI and BLADE look at each other, their faces becoming filled with tears as the silent time passes.

REI: BLADE!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: REI!!!!!!

BLADE and REI run into each other's arms in tears.

BLADE & REI: I'M SORRY MAN!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: I'LL NEVER CALL YOU A PUNK AGAIN!
REI: AND I'LL NEVER CALL YOU SISSY AGAIN!
BLADEGUNNER: ...When did you call me a sissy?
REI: ...Didn't I ever call you a sissy?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Are you calling me a sissy?
REI: ...What if I am?
BLADEGUNNER: WHY YOU...!!!!
REI: ...AND HERE I WAS, HUGGING YOU, EVEN THOUGH YOU STINK!!
BLADEGUNNER: YOU'RE NEVER GONNA MAKE IT TO PUBERTY, BOY!!!

BLADE and REI start pounding each other with punches, kicks and insults on the middle of a cloud of dust.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

A few minutes later, and after fighting lots of Dimenians, Delsabers and Chaos Sorcerers, they reach the biggest hall they saw. It was again colored with blue tones, and had lots of opened space. The door they came out of led to a platform hanging above and aside several huge machines, moving and producing electricity. Several hummings and engine roars were heard in the distance. The 4 walls that closed the enormous room were difficult to see by the naked eye, due to the distance they were from each other and the smoke produced by the giant engines. In the other far end of the platform, they could see two giant red domes coming out of the wall, high above the exit door.

REI: We made it so far... together. We didn't lose anyone else... I feel like The Lord of the Pings.
BLADEGUNNER: Ping? Why do you keep seeing us as an online game?
REI: ...A guy can dream with FAME can't he?
NEW ULTIMATE: Come on...

They start marching. When they reach half of the platform, they see a body on the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey! What--
REI: A Female Hunter!
NEW ULTIMATE: How can you tell?
REI: ...I have experience on this field. Trust me.

When they arrive to the female body, NEW turns her body upwards. She was covered in wounds and bruises.

REI: ...She's alive.
NEW ULTIMATE: Did you catch any of her thoughts?
BLADEGUNNER: ?
REI: She seems to be uncounscious... but her soul is still burning.
BLADEGUNNER: ??
NEW ULTIMATE: Hey... Are you ok...? Wake up!

The girl slowly opens her eyes to see the guys.

BLADEGUNNER: ???
REI: What happened?
GIRL: Uhh... My... Head... still hurts...
BLADEGUNNER: Did you fight the monsters in here?
GIRL: Yeah... I... tried to...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...It's very dangerous here. You should go back to Pioneer 2.
GIRL: Yeah...

REI heals the girl.

BLADEGUNNER: So what were you doing here...?
GIRL: I was with another guy in a quest, due to the research team that was lost here in the ruins. Apparently some misterious quakes were reported here in this enigmatic region... and I was sent with my two partners to research this case.
NEW ULTIMATE: Where are they now?
GIRL: One of them went ahead. The other one... unfortunately died on one of the battles.

...

GIRL: ...But... I recall something strange...
NEW ULTIMATE: What?

NEW hears a silent roaring noise. He begins to feel weird and his eyes reflect that.

VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...YOU... DO NOT DENY YOUR... SELF...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking): ...Huh? What?

The roaring noise disappears and NEW feels normal again.

GIRL: ...Didn't you hear what I just said? I said the teammate who perished said she heard a voice in her head.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW was astonished. The girl had explained a lot while he heard a couple of words. He sensed a lack of time, like if time blew ahead of him.

VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...I AM... ...ETERNAL... ...IMMORTAL... ...GODLIKE.

NEW looks everywhere to see where the voice comes from. He didn't see anybody, but the three others keep looking at him.

...

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: What is it NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't... Don't you hear it?
GIRL: ...
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...YOU WILL... ...AWAKEN...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Stop it...
REI: He's hearing it...
GIRL: ...The voice...?
REI: ...Something... is invading his mind. ...Delivering constant negative messages to persuade him...
BLADEGUNNER: ...What?
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...DO NOT DENY... ...YOUR TRUE SELF...

NEW falls on his knees. He covers his hair with his palms and faces the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: Stop... it. Stop it. Stop it! Stop it!! STOP... IT!!! STOP IT!!!!!

VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...YOU... ...AND I... ...ARE UNMATCHED... ...LET US BECOME ONE AND RULE THE UNIVERSE...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...NO...!!!
BLADEGUNNER: NEW! CALM DOWN!!!

BLADE was about to approach NEW when he steps away.

REI: ...Some force is forcing him to accept something...
NEW ULTIMATE: STOP IT! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...THERE...
REI: ...I wonder...
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...IS NO...
REI: ...what that...
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...OTHER REASON...
REI: ..."something"...
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...FOR YOU...
REI: ...is...?
VOICE (inside NEW's head) : ...TO EXIST!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: GRAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! SHUT UP!!!!! DRAAHHH!!
REI: His will is fighting some one else's...
BLADEGUNNER: What will happen if he gives in?
REI: ...NEW's mind will be gone, and a new human will be born...
BLADEGUNNER: Don't give in!!! NEW!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...!!!

NEW slowly takes his hands off his head.

REI: His mind isn't clear...

He devilishly glares at REI and the others. His eyes were green, and facial expression was scary.

REI: ...!
GIRL: ...!!!! Hieee!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...! NEW...!?
ULTIMATE: Ha... Haha... Hahahaha!!!
REI: That guy isn't NEW!
BLADEGUNNER: WHAT?
REI (thinking) : His brain patterns are different... his mind is filled with hate and wicked destruction...
REI: WHO ARE YOU!? ULTIMATE...!?
ULTIMATE: You can call me that if you want, as it isn't entirely wrong.
REI: ...!!
ULTIMATE: That's right... Consider your friend gone for good... For I have erased his mind for eternity.
REI: ...YOU BASTARD!!! WHERE IS NEW?
ULTIMATE: ...He gave in to my God. He was telling him that the reason for him to exist was to serve him.
BLADEGUNNER: No way! NEW has a strong will, he would never give in!
ULTIMATE: You see... he remembered that he "was" ULTIMATE in the past. And that triggered his doom.
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
ULTIMATE: ...And now... My GOD ENTERED THIS STRONG MORTAL BODY, REVIVING ME!
REI: ...Reviving ULTIMATE...?
ULTIMATE: The supreme God entered this body. And I am one with my god now, making ULTIMATE awaken, but with a few brain patterns of my GOD HIMSELF!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Your God... Who is your God?
ULTIMATE: ENOUGH! DIE!!!

ULTIMATE jumps at BLADE, who has trouble reacting. BLADE attacks but ULTIMATE isn't already there.

BLADEGUNNER: ...?
REI: ABOVE YOU!!!

BLADE gets hit on the forehead even before looking up, by ULTIMATE's knee, as he falls. BLADE loses counsciousness from the rough blow.

ULTIMATE: ...Hehehe... This body is strong... Together with the spirit of my god and ULTIMATE's, I AM THE MOST POWERFUL BEING ALIVE!!!
REI (thinking) : Taking out blade in a second... What a killing machine...
GIRL: Hiieeeeee!!! What are we gonna do...!?
REI (thinking) : I can't let him hurt her...
REI: RYUKER!

REI opens a telepipe behind him.

REI: Go! Run away and call for backup!
GIRL: What about you?
REI: I'll try to hold him off as you run.
GIRL: ...
REI: Don't worry about me! Just go!
GIRL: Ok.

The girl jumps into the telepipe.

REI (thinking) : ...Aw shoot. She really DID go!
ULTIMATE: ...Your turn, boy.
REI: Gnrr...!

ULTIMATE raises the LAVIS CANNON and slowly walks to REI, who begins to sweat.

REI (thinking) : I gotta do something...
REI: RAZONDE!!!

REI shoots a powerful thunder out of his palms heading for ULTIMATE.

ULTIMATE: Impressive... hhhhaaaaaaAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

ULTIMATE grabs the LAVIS CANNON with both hands, focuses power and smashes the spell away with his weapon, making it explode in one of the distant engines. The engine blows apart, making its pieces fall on the endless abyss beneath the platform they were in. REI's eyes reflected horror.

REI (thinking) : M-My powerfull spell... blown away just like that... How could he let alone SEE the thunder coming...? Light-speed reflexes and god-like strength... this is... ULTIMATE...?
ULTIMATE: I told you... I am not only ULTIMATE, I am fused with my God as well...
REI: ...!!! You can read minds...! And what GOD are you talking about?
ULTIMATE: ...You won't live TO KNOW THE ANSWER!!!

ULTIMATE runs to attack REI.

REI: ...!!! DAMN!! RABARTA!!!!!!!

When REI shoots the spell, ULTIMATE isn't on the spot he was. REI looks above him, but doesn't see him. ULTIMATE kicks REI from behind, projecting him over the edge of the platform.

REI: ...D-Damn...

REI manages to grab the edge with one hand, and his body is hanging high above the bottom-less blue pit.

REI (thinking) : Damn, my back... That was one heck of a kick...

ULTIMATE goes to the edge and slowly places his foot on REI's hand.

ULTIMATE: It ends here...
REI: ...You really want to do this...?
ULTIMATE: What do you mean...? You know I do.
REI: I'm not talking to you... I'M TALKING TO NEW!!!
ULTIMATE: ...Nice try boy. But NEW'S DEAD!!!!!
ULTIMATE: ...

ULTIMATE's eyes turn dark blue as before. His facial expression is softer.

NEW ULTIMATE: N-No... I don't want to... do this...
REI: ...!! NEW!!

NEW shakes his head and his eyes turn green.

ULTIMATE: I'LL KILL THIS INSOLENT FORCE!!
NEW ULTIMATE: No... I'm not... ULTIMATE...
ULTIMATE: I AM THE HUMAN SERVANT OF DARK FALZ!
REI: ?
NEW ULTIMATE: This... body... IS... MIIIIIIIINEEEEEE!! GET OUT!!!!!!

In that moment NEW starts glowing red. The red aura lifts away from his body like wind and fades. NEW leans on his knees tired.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff...
REI: NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Yeah... Huff... Sorry about that...
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I managed to...Huff... gain control over my body again... As I remembered who I really am... Fortunately my will was strong enough to... Puff... Return to this body...
REI: ...May I remind you that I could use some help?
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, Sorry.

A few seconds later BLADE was also back to his senses.

BLADEGUNNER: So, how did you return again?
NEW ULTIMATE: My will was strong enough to, I guess...
REI: Impressive. Not everyone would have survived that powerful mind control. You have a powerful spirit, NEW...

NEW chuckles and scratches his head.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Teheh... I guess I do...
REI: Hmm?

REI looks over to the exit door and sees a capsule message. The three walk over to it and activate it.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : ...I seem to have made several discoveries when I unlocked the character description. The message on the cristal monument is irrelevant compared with the data I collected. ...First of all, there was NO ancient cilization on Ragol. We didn't discover ruins. This is a spaceship. A Gigantic spaceship.
REI: ...!
BLADEGUNNER: Shhh!
REI: Hey, I didn't open my...
NEW ULTIMATE: SHHH!
CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : ...This ship's also a... "Casket". Something or someone was asleep inside this spaceship.
BLADEGUNNER: An alien spaceship...?
REI: What's an alien spaceship doing on an alien planet?
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: This spaceship isn't originally from this planet. I can deduct from the amount of data we know so far that somewhere in the ancient times, it fell towards the planet... And today it is beneath the grounds due to time, with elements such as wind, water or even earth renewing the soil every century.
REI: What a weird story... Oh, she also said that this spaceship was also a "coffin"...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Something like it. The question is... What is inside the coffin?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Whatever it was, it may be related with the mysterious happenings on this planet.
REI: What do you mean?
BLADEGUNNER: The explosion... The Native alien's strange aggressive behaviour... The disappearing of Pioneer 1 staff...
NEW ULTIMATE: As for the Native creatures... We already know that it was due to DNA change.
REI: Yeah, but what caused that DNA change...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Could it be... The entity that was invading my mind...?
REI: ...ULTIMATE's "God"?
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
REI: I heard him speak about his God. He even called him "Dark Falls... Falz", once... He said he was his servant.
NEW ULTIMATE: ..."Dark Falz"? Weird name.
BLADEGUNNER: ...A God...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...This spaceship was holding a God...?
BLADEGUNNER: Why is it only awake now? And not when Pioneer 1 arrived...? And why the heck was he brought to this planet by another alien civilization...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't know. Only one way to find out, let's move out.

Just as they were about to leave, out of the telepipe which REI used to take the girl out, come out dozens of soldiers from Pioneer 2. As they come out of the pipe, they form a horizontal column and point their guns at NEW and the others.

SOLDIER #1: ULTIMATE!? CONSIDER YOURSELF UNDER ARREST!
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Wha...
SOLDIER #2: YOU WILL ACCOMPANY US WITH OR WITHOUT YOUR OWN AGREEMENT!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Eh?

Out of the soldier formation comes out the girl.

GIRL: Hey, did I arrive on time...?
REI: ...
GIRL: Why are you two guys together with him? Did you get possessed too?
BLADEGUNNER: No! NEW got his mind back!
GIRL: That's IMPOSSIBLE! No ONE gets his body back to the way it were. AH! I get it! You all got on HIS side!!!
SOLDIER #3: STORE YOUR WEAPONS! NOW!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

Everyone stores their weapons on their virtual inventory. Several soldiers then go to capture NEW and the three Hunters.

SOLDIER #4: DOWN!

The soldiers turn the Hunters and made them kneel, holding their arms and using photon green hand-cuffs. They push them up back again and push them towards the telepipe.

SOLDIER #5: MOVE IT, KILLER!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm not a killer...
REI: ...ULTIMATE should have taken care of that stupid chick.
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch your mouth REI! They think we're murderers... And you go off and say something like that...!?
REI: ...Everything will be resolved when we talk to Principal Tyrell.
BLADEGUNNER: HEY WATCH IT BUDDY! Or else you're hear from ME when I GET OUTTA THIS MESS!
SOLDIER #6: YEAH, RIGHT! COME ON! COME ON!! MOVE IT!

...Back in Pioneer 2...

On one of the bars is AYLA having a drink, all quiet, sitting down on a corner in the red-lit overpopulated bar.

AYLA (thinking) : I miss NEW and the others... I wonder what they're doing?

AYLA looks at a couple of Hunters kissing and hugging in the corner of the bar. She gives out a deep sigh...

She was just about to have another drink of her herb tea when she sees the news on the Virtual Vision screen.

SCREEN (NOL) : ...inutes ago... and here we accompany ULTIMATE as he DENIES being the wanted criminal, let's try and ask him for a few details about the situation...

The screen shows several soldiers holding NEW and the others, dragging them to the Principal's office. NOL tries to get close to NEW, and shows him her microphone.

SCREEN (SOLDIER) : Careful lady. He's a dangerous one.
SCREEN (NEW ULTIMATE) : ...
SCREEN (NOL) : What do have to say about this, ULTIMATE...?
SCREEN (NEW ULTIMATE) : ...Ahhh... No comments...
SCREEN (NOL) : Why do you deny being the wanted criminal?

Suddenly REI appears on the screen, being held back by three soldiers.

SCREEN (REI) : BECAUSE HE ISN'T ULTIMATE! Don't you recognise him!? HE's NEW AND I'M REI!!
SCREEN (NOL) : Ah... Why did you join the side of ULTIMATE? The public wants to know.
SCREEN (REI) : I'll have my lawyer and your FUTURE HUSBAND talk about this.

REI manages to get one arm free and pulls BLADE into the screen.

SCREEN (NOL) : ...
SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : Uh... Hi honey...! Hehe...
SCREEN (NOL) : ...What do you think you're doing?
SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : I'm being held against my will, that's what!
SCREEN (NOL) : YOU TOO HAVE GONE PSYCHO!? YOU JACK-ASS! I LOVED YOU!!!
SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : THIS IS A SETUP! I'M BEING FRAMED!!!

NOL starts hitting BLADE with her micro.

SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : HOLD THE LADY!!! SHE'S CRAZY!!!

Several soldiers go and grab hold of furious NOL.

SCREEN (SOLDIER) : Get a hold of yourself miss... I know he's a killer but that isn't worth it.
SCREEN (NOL) : LEMME GO! I'LL KILL HIM!!!
SCREEN (BLADEGUNNER) : Ah... We'll talk later honey...!

AYLA (thinking) : What is going on...? Did NEW... I don't want to believe it.

As AYLA rises up and starts running towards the encounter of her friends, a misterious dark figure who was keeping an eye on her, gets up from its seat and follows AYLA.

AYLA was running across Pioneer 2 streets, when she hears a cry from an alley.

MYSTIC VOICE: ...AYLA...?

AYLA stops running and looks to her right. She sees a dark alley, somewhat dirty.

AYLA: Who is there...?
MYSTIC VOICE: AYLA... Your beloved's life is in danger... I need you to help NEW... Come back from ULTIMATE.
AYLA: ...? How do you know about him...? Can I trust you...?
MYSTIC VOICE: You have no other option! I am the only one that can help you to get NEW back. Well, with or without you, I'll try and help him.
AYLA: ...Who are you...?
MYSTIC VOICE: ...I am... A friend.

AYLA thinks for a moment. She may need all the help she gets, if ULTIMATE is really back... And so she runs after the mystic voice, thinking she had nothing to lose.

Inside the dark alley, she lights her pc light and searches around.

AYLA: ...Where are you...? Friend...?

AYLA sees nobody. The alley was empty.

AYLA: ...?

Suddenly she senses something from above. Before looking, she hears two heavy feet land right behind her, and feels her mouth being covered with a wet towel, and strong arms grabbing her body. She struggles to get free but the arms are too strong.

MYSTIC VOICE: ...I never knew the meaning of friendship anyway...

AYLA struggles to get free, but by breathing through the wet towel she starts to lose her senses... until she faints from breathing the chemical.

MYSTIC VOICE: ...That's right... Sleep. You'll be of great use to me...

In the principal's room, NEW, BLADE and REI are standing right in front of TYRELL.

TYRELL: ...Thank you for your work. Please keep investigating... And once again forgive the mess.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No problem...
TYRELL: ...Oh... could you...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
TYRELL: Nothing, Nothing. Forgive me.

REI sends a telepathic message to NEW.

REI (thinking) : I guess GRANDPA is still worried with RICO...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Yeah... I wonder if he knows about how close you two are...?
REI (thinking) : No way! He'd kill mom if he knew she had a daughter...
BLADEGUNNER: So, let's move.

They were about to leave when Secretary IRENE was about to ask NEW again to search for RICO. REI reads her mind and sends her a mind message.

REI (thinking) : We're doing our best. We WILL find her.
IRENE: ...???

IRENE looks everywhere, as if trying to find out where the voice came from. The Hunters turn away and prepare to leave.

TYRELL: Uhhh... NEW ULTIMATE, please wait.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

NEW sees TYRELL reading a message from one of his PC screens.

TYRELL: AYLA... She IS part of your group isn't she?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yes, what about her?
TYRELL: ...I'm afraid... I have very bad news...?
REI: ...!?
BLADEGUNNER: ...!??
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!????

A few seconds later, NEW is dashing through the crowd in Pioneer 2, trying to get to the Medical Center as fast as he can. He jumps over pedestrians, dodges airships, hoping from every flat surface he could propell himself from. REI and BLADE can't keep up and are making their way through the crowd.

BLADEGUNNER: COMING THROUGH, COMING THROUGH!!!
REI: MAKE WAY FOR THE KING!!!

When the three are all in the Medical Center, they ask the nurse in the counter to see AYLA. She calls the nurse in charge of her, who directs the three Hunters into her room.

NEW ULTIMATE: What happened!?
NURSE: ...She was found on the ground, uncounscious... and...
REI: ...and?
NURSE: ...Infected with BIAL, the rare disease.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Oh no... Not BIAL...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...disease!?
REI: ...? BIAL? You know it BLADE?
BLADEGUNNER: ...No, but it doesn't SOUND good.
NURSE: It's a horrible and deadly virus that destroys the cells in the heart and in the lungs, in a period of 30 minutes to an hour, 75 minutes maximum. The virus reproduces himself very quickly, that's why the disease kills the pacient a short period of time... Stopping the blood from flowing and the lungs from breathing until the pacient can't resist.
NEW ULTIMATE: WHAT!!?
REI: ...Oh damn... Tell me that you can cure her...
NURSE: ...We can and we can't.
BLADEGUNNER: ...WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
NURSE: ...We had the antidote stored in one of our storage rooms in case this happened. Since the disease was so rare, we only kept one sample, to reproduce it if the disease was frequent. But... a few days ago... it was stolen...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...DAMN!!!
REI: ...Who did it?
NURSE: ...Don't know...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Can we see her?
NURSE: Yes, the disease isn't contagious by approach or touch. The only way to transmit it is by having relations... But if we don't find the antidote now... I'm afraid there's nothing else we can do except watch over her. We already contacted the soldiers to help in the search, and a huge operation has been built around this.
BLADEGUNNER: Cut the talk, can we see her?
NURSE: Follow me, please...

The NURSE leads them to a small room. Before entering it, NEW could see her through the big glass window on the wall. AYLA was lying on a bed, with blood being injected into her through a small plastic tube in her right arm, and was having trouble breathing. She was also sweating with her eyes closed... And with this NEW felt a stab on his own heart, thinking what the hell could she be feeling inside her chest.

The three enter the room, NEW holds her hand. AYLA opens her eyes, slowly turns her head to see him and begins to smile, understanding she was facing NEW and not ULTIMATe and tightens his hand. NEW puts his other hand on her forehead to check her body temperature. She was boiling hot.

NEW ULTIMATE: Hi... AYLA...
REI: ...How are you feeling girl?
AYLA: ...Huff... Puff...
NURSE: I don't think she can respond. Normally the pacient's throat is blocked, stopping the sound from escaping...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I... I don't know what to do... nor what to say... I'm... I'm sorry... I should have never left you here... You'd be more safe with us on the ruins...
BLADEGUNNER: ...I wouldn't be so sure about that.
REI: Yeah, considering what we've been through lat...

BLADE and REI look at each other, apologise and a silent moment takes place.

AYLA moves her head side to side, making NEW understand the fault wasn't his. His sadness grew as he saw her smiling on the doors of death...

NEW ULTIMATE: ...DAMN!! I FEEL SO HELPLESS!!
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NURSE: ...I'm very sorry...

AYLA tries to say something, and opens her mouth. Several low whispers come out as she tries to speak.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! No, don't say anything! You can't...
AYLA: ...a-a... I
NURSE (thinking) : ...Impressive, no one ever could ever had the strength to speak before under this state...
AYLA: ...I...

AYLA turns her head over to REI and BLADe, while NEW looks in her eyes as he doesn't know whether to make her quiet down or talk louder.

AYLA: ...I... li...lived...a great... life...with y-you... all...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

She slowly turns her head and eyes to NEW, still smiling.

AYLA: ...for... I h-have met... true... love...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: AYLA, you really shouldn't make efforts...
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah, you're really not in the position to do it.
AYLA: ...K-Kiss... me...

NEW looked in her eyes.

NURSE: ...It-It's safe...

The Nurse blushed and immediatly didn't say another word. REI and BLADE started crying... But this time, they SERIOUS teardrops.

NEW slowly moved closer to AYLA. Both close their eyes at the same time. NEW leans over AYLA... their lips touch gently, showing love, pain, happiness... sadness... and NEW's rage about everything was forgotten as he felt her soft lips. The kiss unleashes... NEW lets a teardrop run down his face to splash on AYLA's cheek. NEW opens his eyes as the kiss ends, and can't stop his tears from running away from his blue eyes. AYLA smiled and cleaned his wet cheeks with her hand.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...It won't end here. I promise...

AYLA didn't reply, just trying to catch her breath.

Suddenly, the Virtual Vision screen in the room shows NOL live, reporting AYLA's case, with soldiers searching for the antidote everywhere.

REI: ...I guess all we can do is search too.
BLADEGUNNER: ...There's gotta be something ELSE we can do...

Right after that, NEW receives a bip on his PC, signaling a new voice message. NEW didn't take his eyes off AYLA and ignored it, as if in his reality that bip didn't happen.

But the system plays the voice message automatically after a few seconds.

VOICE MESSAGE: ...ULTIMATE. Ready or not... I'll be waiting for you in near the Central dome, on the second part of the Forest, near the alley where we found ASH on our first assignment together. The time has come for me to taste your soul.

...

NEW wasn't hearing. He could only think of AYLA.

How could he think of fighting KIREEK in this moment...? He thought on how to heal AYLA... again and again... until...

VOICE MESSAGE: ...I have with me the antidote for your female friend. I give you 5 minutes to get here and take it from me. You do know Androids never joke. Your rival for eternity... KIREEK.

Next chapters:

- Showdown: Last breath
- Three heros reach Hell
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue: A NEW legend
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

WARNING: I may be able to include or change the name of the incoming chapters.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-01-31 14:19 ]</font>

RavenTW
Jan 29, 2003, 08:20 PM
Can I really say anything bad about this fic? That has to be my favorite chapter yet.

BoUnCeR
Feb 1, 2003, 07:49 AM
whoa... that was REALLY awesome man... I need more chaps http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif. and remember, you'll never beat me on SRB http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Neo Rei
Feb 1, 2003, 09:12 PM
Congrats man! A lot more happened in this last chapter than in those battle chapionship ones. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Daikarin
Feb 3, 2003, 05:20 PM
I'm glad to hear that, but don't expect the next chapter so soon, mainly because I'm in the exam season and have other stuff to do.

(Right when the story was becoming cool eh? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif Well, I'll do my best...)

Neo Rei
Feb 3, 2003, 06:55 PM
Worry not my friend for you already have the ending recipe (LOL) and me is on exams too. Darn school.
And btw, I hope you like the domain I got for the site http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

Daikarin
Feb 4, 2003, 01:19 PM
I like it, and I'd like you to hear the music stuff I've thought of for it. The thing is, PSO midi samples are rare, so I found several others that fit the story pretty well. They're not mp3 but hell, it gives a new background for the traditional reading.

Daikarin
Feb 12, 2003, 05:03 PM
This is one of my favorites. I took special attention so that everyone could enjoy it as well as I did. You can find a comic of the first part of the chapter in PSO world art gallery, or in the Art forum. Have fun reading!

--- Chapter 25 - Showdown: Last breath ---

No aircrafts. Few people.

No hustle and bustle.

A big silence covered the mobile metropolis known as Pioneer 2.

Several lights were off, and the ship had never seemed so dead before.

Why, you ask? Everyone was looking for KIREEK. EVERY one.

Why, you wonder? Let's say TYRELL made an anouncement on who was NEW, REI, BLADE and AYLA. Their glorious achievements moved everyone's hearts, as they started immediatly to hunt for the antidote, and for KIREEK, who was announced as a public enemy.

Why the silence, you still wonder? Scans in the entire Pioneer 2 shown no records of the chemicals in the antidote on-board. So every Hunter who thought that could give a helping hand went down to Ragol, to search for the mechanical killer, in a solidary bond towards AYLA. Inside the health center where she was being held, two nurses were looking at her through the window that separated the room from the corridor next to it. They both watched AYLA having trouble breathing, with an air and blood injector in her right arm. AYLA was sweating in illness...

NURSE #1: So... Are you saying she's AYLA?
NURSE #2: Yeah, the one from the news. It seems her only cure was stolen...
NURSE #1: So... is she gonna make it?
NURSE #2: ...Well, that's up to the soldiers... And to those 3 guys who sworn they'd get the solution back...
NURSE #1: So... Three guys? What three guys?
NURSE #2: ...Ohhh, don't you EVER watch the news?! Three guys took her here and asked the nurse in charge of her if she was going to be all right. When she told them that the only antidote had been stolen, they all made a promise both to AYLA and to us...that they would bring the antidote and kill the tyrant who stole it and endangered AYLA's life!
NURSE #1: Oh! How romantic and heroic! Oh, I wish I could have seen how they made their heroic pact!
NURSE #2: ...Well...

What really happened was that NEW got REALLY furious, storming out of the room with BLADE and REI following him as fast as they could, scared by seeing NEW's rage.

In Ragol's forests, (around 2 pm according to the planet's regional clock) two Hunters were running along a trail of dead native monsters.

REI: DAMN! We lost NEW again!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Just keep following the trail...
REI: You call THIS a TRAIL? I just stepped on some Booma's GUTS! AW GEEZ!!!

A loud roar interrupted both their tracks. Seemed like a Hildebear's growl.

BLADE and REI looked at each other, thinking that NEW might be in trouble.

REI: HANG ON NEW!!!
BLADEGUNNER: WE'RE COMING!!!

Just as they were running towards the growl they heard, a huge body tumbles upon BLADE, smashing him and throwing REI away as the ground trembles. As REI looks back at BLADE, he sees a dead body filled with scars, wounds and still burning from the blows it suffered, lying on him.

REI: ...? What? A Hildeblue?

REI sends a chill down his spine when he thinks that NEW was REALLY angry.

In another section of the same forest, someone was holding a glass bottle with a green liquid inside, shinning and sparkling in front of the warm sun.

The antidote.

KIREEK was lying next to a tree and holding AYLA's antidote. He seemed to enjoy the fact that AYLA's chance of survival was in his hands.

KIREEK: How I enjoy this... Once again, man depends on the machine. Better hurry up... Ultimate.

Close by, a red rose was standing still in the middle of the grass.

A petal falls and glides slowly to the ground.

Suddenly, someone runs past the rose, as his steps echoed in the distance.

In that instant, several petals drop from the rose.

NEW was all edgy on finding KIREEK. He was furious and kept asking himself where could he be. Then suddenly, he sees him standing, leaning next to the tree, in the distance. NEW stops running as his right foot brakes with the grass.

NEW ULTIMATE: KIREEK!!!

The wind begins to blow leaves faster. A short moment of silence follows before they look into each other's eyes.

KIREEK: ...

He turns and glares his ice-lit yellow eyes at NEW.

KIREEK: Well... For someone who's mate is dying...I'd say you're late.
NEW ULTIMATE: SHUT UP! I'VE HAD IT!!!

When KIREEK realises NEW's attitude, he slowly turns his eyes away from him, as if satisfied.

KIREEK: Just as I calculated, your spirit shows signs of rage. I knew your spirit would be tastier if I triggered fury from within it. Human being's energy is equally proporcional to their hate. ...Thus endangering your mate's life was needed.

NEW's fury slowly grows.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're very intelligent... After all you're an Android. But that's also the reason you can't understand love... Or feel wrath.

KIREEK then once again looks slowly at NEW.

KIREEK: ...You're right. What is love, anyway?

NEW raises his right arm, equips his LAVIS CANNON and holds it tightly, always focusing on KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE: Sorry... right now I can only teach you a thing or two about WRATH.

Near by, BLADE and REI were searching for NEW, following the scream they just heard. BLADE was wrapped up in bandages like a mummy, riding a wheel-chair due to his earlier accident.

BLADEGUNNER: What did NEW scream about? Take a leak? In a freak?
REI: Sounded more like "I found a creek, I think.

BLADE gets his brain stormed by REI's words.

BLADEGUNNER: "I"..."found"...

Realising NEW found KIREEK, BLADE rode his wheel-chair as fast as he could towards NEW, not realising he just ran over REI.

BLADEGUNNER: IF THAT BASTARD THINKS HE'S GONNA FIGHT ALL ALONE... THEN HE'S A SELFISH JERK!!!

REI was squashed to the ground with the marks of the wheels on his back.

REI: ..."Wounded for life", he told me...

Back where KIREEK and NEW were, they both sense grey clouds covering over the afternoon sun, being pushed by the wind.

KIREEK: Darkness covers light... As sun struggles to show itself... triggering a storm...
NEW ULTIMATE: Are you done with your stupid dark poetic quotes? I don't have time for that stuff. Give me the antidote.

Right then, NEW hears something behind him and immediatly looks to see BLADE and REI running at him.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW!!!
REI: We're here!
NEW ULTIMATE: Oh, guys...

REI and BLADE stop running when they are next to NEW. They all get in attack position, glaring furiously at KIREEK.

BLADEGUNNER: There he is. Bastard...
NEW ULTIMATE: Be careful. Remember how he was last time.
REI: We haven't been exactly resting, neither.

KIREEK was still leaning against the tree.

KIREEK: ...3 men against one? Isn't that shameful... And unfair...? This means that individually you're worth nothing?

REI chuckles.

REI: Yeah, right. You think you can piss us off that way? You fight with one of us, you fight with all of us!
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't talk to me about unfair when you dragged Ayla into the middle of this!
BLADEGUNNER: WHAT DID YOU SAY!???
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

BLADE's fury reached the limit by hearing KIREEK's words.

BLADEGUNNER: I'M WEAK ALL BY MYSELF EH? YOU THINK YOU'RE SO ROUGH, EH? WANNA FIGHT?

NEW and REI looked at BLADE, wondering why was he still to easy become offended.

BLADEGUNNER: I...won't... ADMIT IT!!!

BLADE runs to attack KIREEK with a horizontal blow using his left S-RED BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: GYYAAAHHH!!
KIREEK: ...
BLADEGUNNER: HUT!

KIREEK leaps on the last moment as BLADE's mighty blow cuts the tree in half with a large smashing noise, sending wood particles everywhere. BLADE sees his opponent flying above him and landing a few meters behind him, turning his back at BLADE.

BLADEGUNNER: ...You're fast as ever, but THIS time my eyes could see you moving.
KIREEK: ...That's a shame.
BLADEGUNNER: ...?

KIREEK looks at BLADE. BLADE gets in attack position wondering what did he mean but can't see the upper part of the tree that he cut land on top of his head, making him lose his senses and fall on the floor.

KIREEK: ...Clown...

KIREEK hears something in front of him. When he looks he sees REI's palms wide open right in front of his face.

KIREEK: !!!
REI: GOD-SPEED, TINHEAD! RAZONDE!!!

REI shoots a giant thunder bolt out of his two hands which KIREEK dodges by leaning backwards while the big electric ray passes right above him.

REI: ...!!! DAMN!!!

When the spell fades, KIREEK leans back into vertical position, grabs REI's hands quickly and starts to spin his body several times.

NEW ULTIMATE: !!! REI!!!
REI: WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!!
KIREEK: Feel dizzy? Another human disadvantage.

KIREEK lets go of REI, throwing him to the distance.

REI: WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......

REI's scream ends as he smashes in a distant tree.

KIREEK: Not bad. If you'd hit me I'm not sure I would stand. But you were not the only ones to make progress...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Grrr... But I'm sure we trained more than YOU!!!

KIREEK looks into his left to see BLADEGUNNER, barely standing, with his forehead bleeding.

KIREEK: Still standing after a tree fell on your head? Humans sometimes amaze me...
BLADEGUNNER: SHUT UP!!!

BLADE runs to attack KIREEK, who doesn't move. After a few seconds they are about 10 meters from each other.

BLADEGUNNER: RAFOIE!!!

BLADE shoots a fireball into the ground right in front of KIREEK. The explosion makes the earth rise and spread dirt everywhere on large proportions. The explosion and the amount of dirt cover both opponent's view of each other.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : Great. Now he can't see me, I'll surprise him from...

Suddenly BLADE sees a figure rapidly coming out of the center of the fire explosion and heading towards him.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : ...above...

BLADE sees KIREEK on the air being propelled in his direction.

KIREEK: I didn't FEEL any heat.

KIREEK punches BLADE's stomach. Time suddenly comes to a stop with BLADE feeling KIREEK's fierce fist opening an internal wound on his kidneys. BLADE's white and wide-opened eyes reflect his pain...

BLADEGUNNER: U-Ugh...
KIREEK: ...

BLADE gets thrown up to the distance from the blow, releasing both of his S-RED BLADES and falling on the floor.

KIREEK places his hand on the grass, turns his back on BLADE and walks away. BLADE feels his stomach burning, but his pride forces him to stand, and so he does.

BLADEGUNNER: Grr... Where... WHERE are you going?? THIS ISN'T OVER!!!
KIREEK: ...Idiot...

BLADEGUNNER runs towards KIREEK, past his weapons, aiming to pummel KIREEK on a unnarmed combat.

Then he sees a trap rising from the floor, right in front of his face... Time stops again as his eyes show horror, as he can't move fast enough to dodge it...

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : His hand... on the grass...

...and the giant explosion opens flesh wounds everywhere on BLADE, burns his clothes away and also throws him high inside a tree. BLADE becomes uncounscious and his body hits falls, every branch on its way until it tumbles on the grass ground.

KIREEK: ...Well, that was something nice to see.

KIREEK senses something. He quickly equips his SOUL EATER and raises it above him, blocking NEW's LAVIS CANNON fierce blow above his head. NEW had taken the chance to run towards KIREEK and attack his back.

NEW ULTIMATE: YOU JACKASS!!
KIREEK: Ahh, ULTIMATE. We were all wondering when would you make a move!
NEW ULTIMATE: DON'T CALL ME THAT!!!

KIREEK pushes NEW high and backwards, turns his body and runs to attack him. NEW spins his body twice, lands on the floor just in time to block KIREEK's blow. Together they measure forces with their weapons.

KIREEK: ...GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...DRAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

Their screams stop as they jump away from each other.

KIREEK: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: Hmm... TaStY...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You're crazy...
KIREEK: You know, madness to a certain point becomes art.
NEW ULTIMATE: I thought androids had no emotions. No concept of art.
KIREEK: You're right... And right now I don't know how to say this but... I'm guessing not just an android.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: I changed... a lot ReCenTlY... I becAme... More and more...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
KIREEK: ...ObsEsSed... in BloOd... in slayinG... and in devOuring souls...

KIREEK makes a silent pause.

KIREEK: ...You think that this sudden appetite for killing is the work of an android alone?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...What made you have that "sudden apetite"?
KIREEK: ...I don't know. All I know is that androids operate in a logic manner. And there's no logic in my current thoughts...
NEW ULTIMATE: Why proceed, then?
KIREEK: ...There's no logic. But still... I LIKE IT!!! DIE!!!

KIREEK suddenly warps away from the place, into NEW's left side and around to his back.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...! I didn't even see...

Before even looking back, NEW hears grass moving behind him, and his instincts make him jump to the side, avoiding KIREEK's SOUL EATER that smashes the ground, lifting dirt and grass everywhere as the earth shakes. NEW lands on his back. KIREEK looks at him and pulls the SOUL EATER out of the ground.

KIREEK: ...How could you see me?
NEW ULTIMATE: I didn't. You're faster than before.
KIREEK: ...But if you didn't evolve since our last battle... you would have died now.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I can be fast too.

NEW gets up and runs towards KIREEK.

KIREEK: !!!

KIREEK raises his SOUL EATER to block, but before that NEW was already face-to-face with KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE: You're open...

NEW suddenly storms away from the place. KIREEK suddenly sees NEW dashing somewhere, so fast he couldn't see where. Before having time to look elsewhere, he gets hit on the back of his head by NEW's elbow.

KIREEK: ...Rhaaahh!

Knowing that NEW was behind him, KIREEK quickly tightens the grip in his weapon, spinning his body and making a horizontal slash to cut NEW.

KIREEK: DRAAAAH!!!

NEW blocks with his sword, and they push against each other again.

KIREEK: GNRRRRRHHHHH!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: DRAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!

NEW rapidly lets go of his LAVIS CANNON and grabs the SOUL EATER. Using KIREEK's strength, he spins his body faster than ever before KIREEK could figure his move and pulls him into the direction he was pushing to.

NEW ULTIMATE: SSSSSSEEEEEEHHHHHHH!!!!!!
KIREEK: ...!

KIREEK lets go of the SOUL EATER and gets thrown to a nearby tree, smashing his back into it and falling in the grass right in when the LAVIS CANNON did. NEW hold the SOUL EATER in defense position as if he owned it.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Come on... that gotta hurt.

KIREEK slowly gets up, unharmed. He cleans himself and starts clapping his hands. NEW's become white in fear, as he sees that KIREEK isn't harmed.

KIREEK: Congratulations. I wasn't used to fighting with someone with your skill. You see... when a Hunter is outmatched for a long time, he isn't used to using his full capabilities to win. Fortunately this warm-up managed to make me realise that.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...I...can't believe it...! Not a bump in his metal body... This is gonna be tougher than I thought...

NEW starts shaking as his self-confidence drops as he sees that KIREEK wasn't fighting for real, but then glares back at KIREEK, holding the SOUL EATER tight.

KIREEK: ...And that's...

KIREEK runs faster than ever to NEW, who is caught by surprise. KIREEK's fist punches NEW's forehead like if it was a mad locomotive, and his other hand takes the SOUL EATER away as KIREEK brakes, throwing NEW far away as he tumbles on his back.

KIREEK: ...mine.

NEW was lying on the grass feeling dizzy from the blow. He slowly raises his head to check up on KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : He... was serious... Damn, that hurt.

NEW checks his forehead with his fingers and sees red blood on his yellow glove. Suddenly he remembers that he isn't holding the LAVIS CANNON. When he looks, he sees it on the ground away around 5m from him, right in front of KIREEK's feet.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Oh shit.

Suddenly NEW loses sight and he feels as if he was fainting, his head falls back to the grass.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What... What the...
KIREEK: Losing your senses NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...What did he... do to me? I'm having trouble staying counscious...
NEW ULTIMATE: RESTA!!!

NEW heals himself and gets up. He looks at his LAVIS CANNON and then at KIREEK.

KIREEK: ...You want this?

KIREEK kicks the LAVIS CANNON towards NEW, who immediatly picks it up.

KIREEK: Come on. Don't hold back. For your sake and my meal.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Like you said, I'm only warming up.
KIREEK: Then fight for real... NOW.

KIREEK and NEW ULTIMATE trade glares and slowly circle around each other... like two lions.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : That was a weird blow. Apparently I suffered that side-effect from it...?

KIREEK: DWAAAAAHHHH!!!

NEW stops thinking when he sees KIREEK running at him with his SOUL EATER raised. NEW blocks it, and they start a wave of attacks at each other. NEW and KIREEK seem to be equally balanced. Suddenly, NEW blocks KIREEK's attack, lets go one hand off the LAVIS CANNON and opens it towards KIREEK's face.

NEW ULTIMATE: GIZONDE!!!

KIREEK gets hit on the face by NEW's thunder blow.

KIREEK: GWWWAAAAHHHHH!!!

KIREEK steps back as his head is releasing yellow sparkles everywhere. A few seconds later, his whole body is suffering an overdrive of electric energy. NEW takes the chance to jump at him and smash him with his LAVIS CANNON. KIREEK gets thrown back, but still stays on his feet, showing his back to NEW who raises his LAVIS CANNON and goes to attack him again.KIREEK sees him coming, and still feeling the overflow of electric energy in his body, he dodges NEW's vertical blow by spinning his body and countering with the base of the SOUL EATER. NEW gets deeply hit on the neck and gets thrown to the ground.

NEW ULTIMATE: COUGH!! COUGH!! ARGHH...!!!

NEW starts spitting some few drops of blood, as the blow was too deep, even if it wasn't with the photon blade. KIREEK's amount of electric energy in his body is back to default. Seeing NEW off-guard, he runs at him, starting to kick him violently. NEW gets kicked in his stomach, head and back. Several drops of blood are seen being scattered on the grass everywhere. After several kicks, KIREEK throws his weapon to the ground and picks up NEW by the neck, who sees this and tries to get his hand off by punching and kicking him. Struggling to get free, NEW is unable to get rid of KIREEK, who holds him by his neck with one arm alone high above the ground. NEW is fighting only to breathe, and blood starts to drip from his mouth, flesh wounds and bruises as a white thunder appears on the horizon behind the horrible scene, emiting a loud rumble.

KIREEK tightens his fingers around NEW's neck. NEW closes his eyes and feels his neck being drilled by KIREEK's metal fingers.

KIREEK: Not good enough, ULTIMATE. Not good enough. Looks like you'll die...
NEW ULTIMATE: Grnrhh... cough...
KIREEK: ...and so will your female mate.

Another thunder blows on the horizon as NEW's eyes open furious, glaring at KIREEK.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...You'd better...

NEW throws his legs around KIREEK's arm. He pushes KIREEK's arm towards him.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...give me...

Losing his balance, KIREEK falls on NEW, who places his feet on KIREEK's stomach area.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...that GOD DAMN ANTIDOTE!!!

Spinning both bodies on a back-flip, NEW manages to throw KIREEK away by using his weight and his feet movement. KIREEK is thrown away to the ground, near a lake. NEW sees the lake and plans to throw KIREEK into it but... he lacks the energy to it. NEW furiously places his hand on his neck area, focuses healing energy on it, healing the body with golden light. NEW isn't fully healed, as the NEW's RESTA spell isn't as powerful as REI's, but even so he manages to stand again and run towards KIREEK. Seeing NEW running, KIREEK stands up.

NEW ULTIMATE: RAFOIE!!!

KIREEK blocks with both his hands, and NEW fires a fireball which explodes right where KIREEK stood, throwing him burning back into the lake. NEW keeps running, jumps to the lake which is around a meter high, something he could tell by when he saw KIREEK waiting for him on the water. Suddenly a trap raises from the lake, right in front of NEW.

KIREEK: ...FOOL!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I KNEW IT!!!

NEW quickly grabs the trap and throws it away, making it explode on the air and shooting orange fire particles everywhere on the dark sky.

KIREEK: ...

NEW lands on the lake and starts pummeling KIREEK with endless rage and anger. KIREEK, unarmed, can only block with his shield, therefore he gets hit by NEW's purple photon blade several times. After a few blows, NEW makes KIREEK trip, lets go of his LAVIS CANNON and tries to pick up his android opponent. He manages to do it, and a few seconds later NEW is holding KIREEK above the water, one hand on the back of KIREEK's neck and the other near the end of KIREEK's back.

NEW ULTIMATE: RRRHHAAAAHH!!!!

A third white thunder unleashes in the horizon as NEW throws KIREEK away and out of the lake, making hit on a big rocky wall in the distance.

KIREEK: ....Grr...

Luckily, KIREEK landed right next to the SOUL EATER. He immediatly grabs it to fight for real. He gets up, looks back at the lake to see NEW, but he only finds him already on the air, jumping at him to attack again.

KIREEK: Come on...

KIREEK jumps at NEW. Both Hunters are heading one towards another on the air. Closer and closer, as they shout furious battlecries at each other.

A Thunder blows nearby, and white light fills the environment.

Meanwhile...

On another part of the Forest, another Hunter is desperately searching for AYLA's antidote. He senses the storm coming and runs up a hill to see the dark clouds firing thunder at mother Earth.

JIN KENT: Danger is coming... and not only the storm...

JIN slowly shuts his eyes to listen to the roaring of the thunders.

But he could also listen to something else.

JIN KENT: ...Screams...?

JIN jumps down and runs towards the center of the male voices he heard.

On another part of the forest, another HUmar is running, looking for the antidote. Then he sees BLADE's body right next to a tree.

ASH: ...? Good lord...

ASH runs to check on BLADE. He sees BLADE filled with flesh open wounds, and with his clothes burned open as well. ASH heals BLADE and tries to wake him up.

ASH: Hey? Hey?? Wake up! Hey??

BLADE slowly opens his eyes and sees ASH.

BLADEGUNNER: You...
ASH: Ah, finnally.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Who are you?
ASH: ...ASH.
BLADEGUNNER: Never heard of ya... Where's NEW?
ASH: ...NEW? I don't know... I don't know any NEW.
ASH (thinking) : NEW...? Where did I hear that name before...?
BLADEGUNNER: I can't let him fight KIREEK alone!!!

BLADE quickly gets up and runs searching for NEW. Apparently their fight had led them elsewhere.

ASH: WHAT? KIREEK? HE'S HERE!??? WAIT FOR ME. I'LL GO WITH YOU!!!

ASH runs after BLADE.

Meanwhile, JIN KENT is getting closer to where he heard the male screams. He brakes on the grass, when he sees REI stuck inside a tree.

JIN KENT: ...Hey...

JIN jumps high into the branch REI is hung on, picks his body up and leaps to the ground.

JIN KENT: I've seen you before... Hey? Hey!!

JIN softly taps REI, until he wakes up.

REI: H-Huh...?
JIN KENT: Hey! You're awake?
REI: You're... JIN! From the battle Tournament!
JIN KENT: I thought I knew you from somewhere...
REI: I'm REI, I was with NEW on that tournament! By the way, where is he now...?
JIN KENT: I was hoping you could tell me...
REI: He's fighting KIREEK... somewhere close by...
JIN KENT: ...WHAT!? KIREEK? THE ONE WHO STOLE AYLA'S ANTIDOTE!? WHERE!!?
REI: Follow me. You came just in time, pal... You may just help us win this thing.

Both run to help NEW.

Meanwhile, close by... NEW is having trouble fighting KIREEK. Both Hunters are exchanging blows, but KIREEK blocks his opponent's blows with much less difficulty than NEW.

KIREEK: Hahaha... Getting tired...? I'm having fun.
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : ...He isn't fighting for real... He's playing with me...

KIREEK blocks one of NEW's blows, sees an opening and punches him on his chest, making him step backwards several times.

NEW ULTIMATE: Haaa... huff... puff...
KIREEK: Heh... Now you can't fight like before. When tired power and speed are reduced... How unfortunate for you, becoming killed due to your lack of stamina. And what's more...

NEW suddenly loses control of both his arms, as they drop, as if dead.

He can't feel his arms!

His arms doesn't respond to his brain commands.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!??
KIREEK: ...I've been studying human body pressure points. Amazing, another Human weakness... Ha ha ha...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Damn!! Huff... So that's why you... puff... made me dizzy before with your punch...
KIREEK: ...You could say that. Let's say I know where to hit damage on...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Grnnnn...
KIREEK: Both your arms are dead now. They're useless. I'm gonna sap away every drop of your spirit...

KIREEK slowly walks towards NEW with his SOUL EATER, who steps backwards, trips and falls on the grass.

KIREEK: ...EveRy InCh oF yoUr taStY soUL...
BLADEGUNNER: TRAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

BLADE kicks KIREEK away and to the ground, 7m away.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!? BLADE!!

BLADE and ASH help him get up, and heal NEW as well.

NEW ULTIMATE: Thanks...!!
BLADEGUNNER: Heh. Like I said... He isn't all to yourself. I'm gonna kick his ass too, after all I've been waiting for this day...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...And you...
ASH: I'm ASH. I fought KIREEK a few days ago...
NEW ULTIMATE: What? You did?
ASH: Yeah... Luckily he said he didn't want my soul, or whatever, and I survived... He's gone crazy. When I first knew him... Hey! You were with me!! You were the guy that saved my life with him!!
NEW ULTIMATE: You're right...
KIREEK: Now, now. What is this? Two more enter the fun?
ASH: Well then, it's time to repay the favor.
KIREEK: All of you... want to fight me? Hehe... You all were beaten by me, remember? HAHAHA!!! The irony!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: I don't know... if we can do this. I mean, my body isn't as in the beggining of the battle, and I can't feel my arms...
BLADEGUNNER: What?
NEW ULTIMATE: He touched some kind of pressure point that made me lose my control over them...
BLADEGUNNER: Pressure points, eh? No prob.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

BLADE turns NEW and punches him on the back.

NEW ULTIMATE: OW!!!
BLADEGUNNER: Do you feel your arms now?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Y-Yeah... I can feel them again! How did...?
BLADEGUNNER: I studied this while learning the art of fight. And here's a bonus for ya... There's a connection of pressure points that, when hit, make your spirit feel wild... Therefore giving you more Spirit power.

BLADE hits NEW on several parts in his body. NEW feels renewed, as if ready to fight.

NEW ULTIMATE: Amazing!!!
KIREEK: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Come on, let's kick the antidote out of that scrap-head.
ASH: Count me in.
NEW ULTIMATE: You bet.
REI: Hey, mind if we kids help you out?

The three see REI and JIN coming out of some nearby bushes.

JIN KENT: Hi again NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: JIN!
REI: This isn't time for that. Remember... AYLA's short life span.

Those words hit NEW like a bolt of lightning. The 5 Hunters surround KIREEK.

KIREEK: So be it. It's not quantity that counts, I thought you understood that already. COME!!

And then there is chaos.

Massacre on the Forest.

Everyone gives everything they got against a single target.

5 Hunters, smashing, slashing and firing spells along with battlecries, deliver endless blows towards one single opponent... who can calculate and anticipate EVERYTHING.

KIREEK dodges here, gets hit there and strikes here and there.

After thousands of fierce blows, KIREEK still is holding himself against the five.

And, believe it or not, all 5 are having trouble. BLADE and REI aren't fighting 100 %, altough very close.

NEW is fully healed, but very tired, after fighting alongise his mates for a while. The pressure point effect wore off, and his body felt extremely tired.

JIN and ASH are the only ones fully capable of giving their best shot, but even if ASH is stronger than ever, he's still the weakest of the 5.

And even if JIN KENT could be the strongest in the galaxy... Fact is that he didn't train much after the Tournament.

Which means he isn't a match for KIREEK.

ASH is the first to be KO'd. KIREEK split his TWIN BRAND in two and cut through his chest all in one move, making him lose his senses due to the terrible blood wound.

Then was BLADEGUNNER. His blind fury betrayed him. He was too enraged, not focused. ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK... The lack of defense made it easy for KIREEK to find many openings. Therefore, BLADE was uncounscious on the ground from the pressure point punches that KIREEK inflicted on him while blocking the other attacks.

REI got blown by a mine. He was fighting on long-distance aiming spells that KIREEK calculated his walking padron and placed mines on the spots he thought REI would walk to. All this while blocking/dodging/attacking.

The only ones remaining are NEW and JIN KENT, who stop attacking KIREEK for a few instants.

NEW ULTIMATE: What a nightmare...Huff... We're losing one after another... Puff...
JIN KENT: Indeed...
NEW ULTIMATE: He's too much...Huff... Puff... He has unlimited memory...Huff... unlimited stamina... Puff...
JIN KENT: Rest for a while, Mr. NEW. Let us prove this monster that man will always beat the machine! I'M COUNTING ON YOU!!! TREEEEEEIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!

JIN leaps towards KIREEK with his new STAG CUTLERY, delivering blows and blows and more blows by the second.

KIREEK: Interesting. Your soul is also pure and strong. You'll make an excelent desert... So much power... speed...
JIN KENT: YOU WANT ME, YOU BLOODY MACHINE!? I'M HERE!!!
KIREEK: Unfortunately you have a flaw, aside from the fact that you aren't as powerful as me.
JIN KENT: ...?
KIREEK: You are YOUNG! YOU ARE A CHILD! YOU ARE FRAGILE!!!

KIREEK sees an oportunity and snatches the STAG CUTLERY, stopping JIN's blows. Then KIREEK focuses full power on a punch and crushes JIN's nose.

NEW ULTIMATE: !!!! ...JIN!!!
JIN: Uuuuff...

JIN falls on the floor. His nose is seriously damaged. He covers his nose and curls his body in severe pain.

JIN KENT: AAAAHHHHH!!!!! ARGHH!!!
KIREEK: Only a blow like that... That's what you get when a child fights an adult.
NEW ULTIMATE: YOU CALL YOURSELF AN ADULT!??

NEW runs to attack KIREEK, who easily dodges his attack and counters by hitting NEW's shoulder with the blade in his SOUL EATER.

NEW ULTIMATE: AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

NEW falls on his knees in pain, covering his right shoulder.

JIN KENT grabs his STAG CUTLERY, and tries to stand up to pummel KIREEK once again.

But KIREEK sees this and doesn't want him to interfere, so he runs towards JIN and starts pounding him again and again.

JIN: NEW...

KIREEK is punching him... again and again...

JIN: ...I'm sorry...

A final blow on the back of his head makes him fall on his face in the grass and uncounscious.

KIREEK: ...Now... lEt mE taStE neW...

When KIREEK looks at NEW, he's glowing both red and blue.

KIREEK: ...!!
NEW ULTIMATE: You've gone too far. I can't let you stop AYLA from living...
KIREEK: ...Shifta...Deband!?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...E!!
KIREEK: ...DAMN!!!

NEW jumps at KIREEK, who turns his back at him and tries to run away. But NEW is faster and smashes KIREEK's back with his LAVIS CANNON.

KIREEK: UGHAAAAA!!!!!

KIREEK trips and almost falls forward, but manages to keep his balance. When he turns back to defend and to look at NEW he isn't there anymore. KIREEK hears a grassy step behind him.

Suddenly he gets hit on the back of his head by NEW's knee, and that throws him to the ground, making him throw the SOUL EATER away from the collision.

NEW jumps and lands on KIREEK's back, smashing his metal armor and blasting one or two circuits.

KIREEK: UNGHHHHH!!!!

NEW sits on KIREEK's back, lets go of the LAVIS CANNON and furiously punches and punches KIREEK's head with everything he's got. KIREEK is too busy suffering the blows to do much else. Then, NEW stops punching.

NEW ULTIMATE: Give... me... the antidote.

NEW grabs his LAVIS CANNON and points it straight to KIREEK's eye.

NEW ULTIMATE: Or else I'll get this and the other world rid of one metal menace of your kind.

...

KIREEK feels, for the first time, that he can't fight back.

Even if several opponents were fighting him, that didn't matter. Even if they were 100. He could easily store in memory each one's movements, each one's variables and calculate the answer to each one's reaction.

But when the movements of a hunter surpassed his own speed, that's something his CPU had trouble keeping up with. His CPU couldn't predict the answer to such fast movements. Sometimes the CPU had trouble SEEING the movements!

And NEW with the two powerful support spells were just that. Too much.

After a moment of silence with NEW still pointing the edge of his blade into KIREEK's eye...

KIREEK: ...Ok. I guess you are stronger than I am. You won. Congratulations... NEW.
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't try anything funny. Equip the antidote.

KIREEK slowly fusses on his PC with NEW always on the alert and the glass bottle with the antidote materialises on his hand. NEW felt relieved for the first time.

AYLA's cure was just a hand's reach away...!

NEW ULTIMATE: Now. Give it to me. Slowly...

Suddenly NEW's SHIFTA and DEBAND spells wore off.

KIREEK: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: Looks like your power-up is gone... Were you too weak to cast a decent spell...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Don't try anything funny. My blade will drill through your metal skull before you do ANYthing.
KIREEK: ...May I ask you something...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: What would you chose? To kill me or have the antidote?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I would chose both.
KIREEK: I'm afraid that's not possible. You have to decide... NOW.

KIREEK throws the antidote away. NEW can't let it smash on the ground. NEW instinctly gets up and jumps to catch it before it does.

His hands get closer and closer... his middle finger touches the glass bottle.

Suddenly, KIREEK grabs hold of NEW's feet, and pulls him back.

NEW can't get closer and the antidote flies away from his reach, into the distance.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!

Time slows down again when NEW feels the worse coming.

NEW can't take his eyes off the glass bottle as he falls and hits the ground... He could only see the bottle smashing open on the grass 2 meters away from him.

The green antidote being spread all around the grass, along with hundreds of small pieces of glass, making NEW's eyes feel the worst kind of sudden horror and grief that he ever felt before.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: You can't choose either, by the look of things... BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

REI and BLADE were uncapable of moving, but they were awake and watching this, paralised in terror.

REI (thinking) : ...Damn...
BLADEGUNNER: ...SHIT!!!

Rain slowly falls on the antidote. And rapidly douses it, mixing the water with the antidote.

It begins to rain in the Forest, reflecting NEW's sorrow.

The antidote is slowly absorbed by the earth, as every drop of it fades away...

NEW's head falls, as he faces the wet grass below his body and strongly shuts his eyes in pain.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : This... can't be happening... It's too painful to believe... No... No......... no.................

KIREEK lets go of NEW, gets up and goes to get his weapon back.

NEW thinks on how will he live on without AYLA to live for. He pictures her ...sleeping forever inside a golden coffin, filled with roses.

That picture splits into pink petals on a black background.

The petals fade into dust.

The dust fades.

Then he traces back his memories to when he met her.

He sees himself being dragged to the back of the "Photon Dragon" bar, to AYLA's room.

He sees AYLA when she thought he was ULTIMATE, mad with him and wanting to avenge her lost sister.

He remembers when he dreamt of seeing AYLA's sister.

He remembers the battles they fought together in the Caves.

He sees AYLA when she fell in love with him, and vice-versa. Those special moments which he felt more than complete, more than fulfilled, more than satisfied... When he understood love.

He sees AYLA fight in the Tournament, wanting to prove him that she was strong. And when she damaged her hand, due to that.

He sees himself with his private moments with her.

He sees what all those special moments created inside his heart.

He sees AYLA right next to him, on RICO's bedroom... on the bed, when she asked him a favour:

AYLA: ...NEW...
NEW ULTIMATE: What?
AYLA: ...Don't you ever... let me run away from you again. For our own good.
NEW ULTIMATE: Hehe... all right.

And suddenly...

He doesn't see anymore...

He won't see her anymore...

It won't be the same anymore.

KIREEK: Don't worry. I'll make sure yoU boTh sTaY toGethEr...

KIREEK raises his SOUL EATER, preparing himself for the moment he was waiting for all this time: Slay NEW for his soul. And NEW didn't move, always facing the grass closed inside his memories.

KIREEK: Myum... Your soul is mine...
NEW ULTIMATE: Hah..H...H... h...
KIREEK: ...?

NEW slowly gets up, KIREEK sees that he had been crying for a while now.

NEW ULTIMATE: H...hh....

...

NEW closes his eyes tight and tightens his fists.

NEW ULTIMATE: hhhhhhhhhHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

KIREEK feels the air atoms around him shake violently by NEW's scream frequency waves, and steps back.

KIREEK: ...Fury... It won't save you again. But do get mad, that makes your soul TaStiEr...

KIREEK looks into NEW's eyes.

KIREEK: ...Green...? What is this?
ULTIMATE: Congratulations, creep. You just triggered the explosive to your doom.
KIREEK: ...What do you mean?
ULTIMATE: You said you wanted me? I'm right here.

ULTIMATE grabs hold of the LAVIS CANNON.

KIREEK: ...You're not... him...
ULTIMATE: Yeah, I'm another guy. But not JUST another guy.
KIREEK: I'll take your SOUL ANYWAY!!! DRAHHHHHHHH!!!

KIREEK jumps at ULTIMATE to kill him with his SOUL EATER.

ULTIMATE: ...

ULTIMATE doesn't move, standing motion-less in the middle of the rain, waiting for KIREEK to come closer.

KIREEK: FOOL!!! YOu'RE MiNE!!!!
ULTIMATE: SEEEEEAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH...!!!!

ULTIMATE goes to block KIREEK's attack, but the blow was so strong that it threw KIREEK back, throwing also photon particles and rain drops everywhere.

KIREEK: ...!!! WHAT!??

KIREEK looks at his SOUL EATER. There was a deep mark of ULTIMATE's blade on the red steel part right below the blade.

KIREEK: ...This metal was supposed to be harder than anything known to man.
ULTIMATE: Yeah, but I use the new and improved LAVIS CANNON! Call 0800-900-600-How-does-that-feel? to get your own NOW!!!
KIREEK: ...Arrogant fool. I see... The extreme fury triggered another spirit inside your body... As so it seems. Who are you...?
ULTIMATE: ...Drop dead.

ULTIMATE jumps to attack KIREEK, who sees him coming and jumps to attack him too.

ULTIMATE: YOU'VE BEEN "SERVING MANKIND" FOR TOO LONG, PAL!!
KIREEK: THIS BLOW SHALL END YOUR STUPID LIFE AND FEED ME!!
ULTIMATE & KIREEK: SSSSSAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

The biggest Thunder ever hits nearby right on the moment they both hit each other. KIREEK and NEW were showing their back a few meters away from their opponent.

ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: ...
ULTIMATE: ...SPLIT, before I see you.
KIREEK: ...What? An android knows no fear. And I WON'T run away.
ULTIMATE: That's not what I was talking about.
KIREEK: ...?

In that moment, KIREEK feels his waist overloading with electric energy, releasing sparkles.

KIREEK: ...!!!

KIREEK realises that ULTIMATE had cut his body in two, and both parts fall on the wet grass.

KIREEK: ...Uhh...

KIREEK is paralysed on the ground, unable to move, surrending his metal body parts to the rain. ULTIMATE slowly walks to KIREEK.

KIREEK: ...
ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: ...Heheheh. The irony. NEW reached the peak of his flavour and I won't be online to TasTe Himmmm.....
ULTIMATE: I'm not NEW. I am ULTIMATE, and I returned to this body that is rightfully mine.
KIREEK: ...

...

KIREEK: ...Now I understand... why I was that thirsty for blood, that desperate to devour strong souls...
ULTIMATE: ...Huh?
KIREEK: I let him enter my artificial will... He told me I would have endless power... and so I weakened myself and let me be possessed...
ULTIMATE: ...Possessed...?
KIREEK: ...by Dark Falz's will... I became more than a simple android, I became a walking killing machine, filled with hate, madness... wanting power... and power... and more power... Therefore... I became mad and made... all those crimes...
ULTIMATE: Are you saying... That Dark Falz took over your mechanic body? And how come you're only aware of that now?
KIREEK: ...Now... I am free... of that endless evil... As his will leaves my body when I die...
ULTIMATE: ...
KIREEK: I thought androids could never understand emotions... But... I'm soRrY...
ULTIMATE: ...?

KIREEK's light in his eyes fades off.

ULTIMATE: ...The fool.

REI was on the distance seeing everything.

REI (thinking) : The extreme fury awakened ULTIMATE... But I thought ULTIMATE was a servant of Dark Falz, the same God that took over KIREEK...
ULTIMATE: I am the one and only ULTIMATE. In the purest of forms. I was only possessed by Dark Falz before NEW had the spirit power to send him away.
REI: ...! You can read minds...?
ULTIMATE: ...Let's just say that I can tell when I'm being under watch.
REI: ...I'm confused...
ULTIMATE: Don't worry. Let's just say that I am a very enraged NEW ULTIMATE, with a spirit close to that of ULTIMATE. That was the reason I was awakened. To kill KIREEK. NEW summoned me... to kill him and nothing else.
REI: ...
ULTIMATE: ...And now...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...It's time...
ULTIMATE: ...For me...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...to go to sleep...
ULTIMATE: ...again.

KIREEK's body was silently being struck by the rain.

ULTIMATE looks

ULTIMATE: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...It's...
ULTIMATE: ...finally...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...ov...er...

NEW's eyes return blue as he faints, tumbling right next to KIREEK's parts, on the wet grass.

NEW lies uncouscious next his defeated opponent, under the heavy rain.

And so they stay for minutes.

...

Pioneer 2.

Health Center.

AYLA's room. Everyone was in there. Even JIN and ASH.

NEW is sitting on her bed, after telling her the news.

AYLA slowly gets up and hugs NEW.

Tight. NEW can only do the same, as he can't let go of the tears.

NEW wished he could stay like that forever.

His only wish in life was that time would stop on that moment.

NEW could hear AYLA whisper some words.

AYLA: ...I...love you... And always will.

...

He wouldn't want to let her go.

AYLA started coughing.

The masked nurses ordered NEW to stay back from her, or else he would be infected with her illness as well.

NEW said he didn't care. AYLA told him to stay back, while starting to spit blood.

NEW tries to get rid of the nurses who push him away from AYLA.

All his teammates are forced to help the nurses push him away, as NEW was getting out of control.

The scene ends with NEW screaming to AYLA in endless sorrow...

...

The following day.

On the forest in Ragol, raining.

Everyone was dressed in dark suits. NEW, REI and BLADE wore tuxedos.

A priest and hundreds of Pioneer 2 citizens were waiting.

In the distance, NEW, BLADE and REI are carrying her brown wooden coffin. After they reach the grave spot, they carefully place it next to the deep hole. Apparently it had been all set up so that AYLA would be buried next to her sister, DYLA.

AYLA buried her sister in a certain area in Ragol after she was killed by ULTIMATE, so NEW insisted in her to be buried right next to that spot.

The priest says some words about AYLA, Ragol, world peace and NEW's mission.

NEW, REI and BLADE could only gaze to the pink roses on her coffin while being hit by the rain, remembering in grief those special moments...

A lot of known faces went to the funeral.

JIN.

ASH, with his cousin ZIDD.

NEI, who walked towards REI and hold his hand.

NOL, who hugged BLADE in tears.

PRINCIPAL TYRELL, couldn't miss.

IRENE... and the members on the PRINCIPAL's office.

ONLINE, AYLA's last opponent on the Tournament.

ELLY, who asked NEW, AYLA and REI to find CALUS.

ALICIA BAZ, who was helped by NEW long ago and heard about AYLA when the antidote hunt was on.

The GUILD GIRL.

All the nurses in the health center who fought to help her survive.

MATHA GRAVE, who was nearly a grown-up, who heard about AYLA's relation with NEW on the antidote chase, and showed up to pay her condolences to NEW.

Several members of the "Photon Dragon", as well as the staff which AYLA knew when she used to sing.

And several other familiar faces to NEW and his two friends.

For a moment, NEW closed his eyes and faced the sky to feel the frosty rain hit his face, and the cold wind blowing in his neck.

Then AYLA's coffin was taken to the grave hole.

"Here lies AYLA PROMETEA, brave and fearless Hunter. May her courage and actions be echoed in eternity. Beloved lover, friend, and sister in ancient times." - On a golden plate, in AYLA's tombstone.

...

The funeral cerimony, held in an artificial park on Pioneer 2, NEW spent his time alone sitting on a bench in a balcony that had a beautiful scenery view to the prairie.

Several people sat by NEW's side, giving him their condolences, and asking NEW to be strong. NEW didn't open his mouth since the funeral.

He just stood still on the bench... looked upon the dark blue sky... with the white-yellow stars... with a lot on his mind.

Later that day...

The three were staying on a motel payed directly by the Principal until they were strong enough to keep working.

BLADEGUNNER: Hey REI... Do you want to have a drink somewhere...?
REI: Yeah, I guess so. NEW won't be able to get a hold of himself for the next days, so we might as well do it.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Would you be able to work right now?
REI: Yeah. I want to know more about Dark Falz. I want to get to the bottom of this. According to what I know... KIREEK was possessed by that entity, just as NEW was in times possessed by it, making ULTIMATE wake up.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Yeah... I also want to get to the bottom of all this... and avenge her death...
REI: But NEW... I don't know if he's strong enough to do it just know. He still isn't used to the fact that AYLA won't be with us anymore...
BLADEGUNNER: ...You told me ULTIMATE appeared throughout the battle. But I thought ULTIMATE could only be revived when Dark Falz took over NEW. So how did he come back...?
REI: ...I think... ULTIMATE is asleep inside NEW... and some emotions can make him awake.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Such as...?
REI: Hate... Anger... Fury... make NEW have the same fighting spirit as ULTIMATE... therefore changing his eyes... and making him more aggressive...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE looks to REI's back, shocked. REI doesn't understand and looks back to see NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: Come on. We gotta fight the Devil. For AYLA's sake... and for everyone else's.

Without another word, NEW walked out of the motel.

REI and BLADE smiled at each other and proudly followed him.

Next chapters:

- Hell: Ultimate Battle
- From zero to hero
- Epilogue: A NEW legend
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-02-23 14:05 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Feb 12, 2003, 06:28 PM
On 2003-02-04 10:19, New Ultimate wrote:
I like it, and I'd like you to hear the music stuff I've thought of for it. The thing is, PSO midi samples are rare, so I found several others that fit the story pretty well. They're not mp3 but hell, it gives a new background for the traditional reading.



Oh well, let us hope the counter reaches 10000. Now back to chapter 25.....

RavenTW
Feb 12, 2003, 07:05 PM
*gasps* HOLY DANG!!! THAT WAS...WOW! JUST...WOW!

Namevah
Feb 12, 2003, 08:37 PM
Wow. That was kinda sad. I wonder if Ayla will be revived. I doubt it. All great stories have people die and not come back. Well... great story.

Daikarin
Feb 13, 2003, 08:30 AM
Thanks but AYLA won't return anymore, I've been planning this a long time ago.

But who knows what could happen? The story isn't over...

Namevah
Feb 13, 2003, 08:56 PM
Hey I was wondering... when do u think the next chapter will be up?

Daikarin
Feb 14, 2003, 06:56 AM
I can't tell ya when, but I have my weekend free and I am planning to end the fanfic as soon as possible.

So, if it isn't done by the weekend maybe Tuesday...

But then again, I remembered I wanted to finish a drawing I'm making of chapter 25 to post in the art forum. Even so, I think chapter 26 will be done maybe somewhere in the beggining of next week.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-02-14 03:59 ]</font>

Namevah
Feb 14, 2003, 06:52 PM
Thats cool. Take your time of course. I think a slow but good story is better than a quick and crappy story. Also, do u play online?

Daikarin
Feb 14, 2003, 07:03 PM
I used to play as Ultimate and New Ultimate on the DC versions. But after I lost my modem in an accident envolving a bolt of lightning I haven't been lately.

Recently I've bought a Gamecube. Maybe from March on, when the game arrives on Europe, maybe with another character...

BoUnCeR
Feb 15, 2003, 08:37 AM
well now THAT was awesome. besides you're drawing skills you're also improving you're writing. epic style rulz... as you know I love it right http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif well keep it up once again... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Feb 20, 2003, 08:35 AM
NO folks, this is NOT the post for chapter 26.

I would just like to say that I didn't finish the chapter yet, due to school work, but will finish it as soon as I can. Besides... I want to give a good shot at the ending chapters. And I don't want to rush it... And due to constant work to do I can't tell you when it will be done. All I can say is that I don't have exams next week, so I'll have time to write it.

Another thing: The chapter "From zero to Hero" will be merged into "Epilogue". Therefore, there will only two more chapters for the story to finish, and then the extra story.

Thanks for understanding.

RavenTW
Feb 20, 2003, 06:07 PM
And I'd like to say, congratulations on making the first post of the Tenth page! w00t! If this story doesn't get in the Fanfics section, I don't know what can!

Daikarin
Feb 22, 2003, 11:33 AM
Well, the fanfic is actually ending... After this chapter, I only have two more to write. The final chapter and the side story. I plan to deliver both chapters at the same time, along with a few other stuff and some news. Have fun...

--- Chapter 26 - Hell: Ultimate Battle ---

Ragolian time: 2:00 am.

In the second area of the unknown spaceship (The so-thought ruins).

On the giant engine platform area where NEW and the others were arrested.

REI's telepipe brings three lights from the sky, that touch the ground and materialise into NEW, REI and BLADE.

NEW was silent, and started marching onward the second he was materialised.

BLADE and REI noticed he wasn't himself, lately.

BLADEGUNNER: Just a second, before we move on. Let's...
REI: ...talk about what we know so far about the mission? Great idea.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: It goes on like this. Apparently some planet encountered the God of Destruction known as Dark Falz, but didn't manage to defeat it, because it was too powerful. Instead, they sealed it inside this spaceship which we thought to be Ruins, and sent it somewhere into outer space.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Landing here... on this planet.
REI: Yeah. By what we know about Mom's research so far, it was asleep inside this spaceship, to awaken 1000 years later. Which, of course, had to happen 1000 years ago.
BLADEGUNNER: Talk to me more about Dark Falz.
REI: He's a Devilish God, known to have no original body, since it's only a spirit. But currently he is searching for the perfect host body so that its physical strength can be as mighty as his evil will... As we know so far, there was the specimen Beta772, or whatever it was, which apparently got possessed by the God. Becoming violent and bloodthirsty, is changed into what we knew as De Rol Le, infecting every creature in Ragol, modifying their DNA. This means that the God of Destruction was building soldiers. Boomas, Sharks, etc... They were all once soft creatures who fell victim to the evil God's will, under the form of De Rol Le. That was, until, we managed to defeat him.
BLADEGUNNER: ...What happened after that?
REI: The entity Dark Falz left De Rol's body and searched for a stronger one. Apparently... it seems Dark Falz knew more about us than we do... and wanted revenge. In the mines, the spirit even took over the machines, making them their own. And then, with a mission we made to find Callus, we found out that something hacked into the central computer's CPU... Creating a virus machine known as Vol Opt. Something that needed to find a material and organic body, not feeling complete without it.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Dark Falz... Entering a machine's body...? Hard to believe.
REI: ...Dark Falz took over KIREEK's will, making him mad beyond his own logic. How does that sound? It was the same thing with Vol Opt.
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: After we defeat Vol Opt, another of Falz's forms, it apparently tried to search for another host body, since the spirit only dies if it is sealed inside the body when it dies. Dark Falz didn't die so far because of that: Each time we were about to deliver the final blow, his spirit abandoned the body. That's what happened with KIREEK... moments before he died, he felt himself again. Dark Falz's spirit left his useless body...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Come on. Let's go to find RICO and get to the core of this.
REI: Yeah... We may find answers in the core...
BLADEGUNNER: Come on... NEW?

They look everywhere but find themselves alone in the wide engine platform.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...He went ahead!
REI: ...And here I was, killing myself to spit this out... GEEZ! COME ON!

BLADE and REI chase NEW into the exit door. After running along a small corridor, they go through another door to find an empty room.

BLADEGUNNER: Not here either. Let's move on...
REI: Wait! Look!

REI points to the ground. Even if the light was weak on that room, they could see several purple blood marks all around the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: ...!
REI: ...He fought here...
BLADEGUNNER: No way! While we were chatting? I didn't hear anything!
REI: ...Maybe he was too fast... killed the monster without leaving time for it to cry in pain...
BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE and REI felt another chill down their spine.

BLADEGUNNER: ...I'm sure glad he's on OUR side...
REI: ...Geez... I think NEW has a hard time controlling his rage...
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah, I never thought he would be like this when pissed... I never imagined him enraged...
REI: ...

BLADE and REI went into another door. After walking a while, they catch up with NEW, who senses that they were there, but didn't say a word.

REI (whispering) : ...He's been under a hard time. Let's try not to talk to him...
BLADEGUNNER (whispering) : Gotcha...

REI and BLADE silently followed NEW for several rooms. Through the way they fought many battles with Dimenians and Delsabers, but it wasn't the same as before. NEW remained silent while fighting, without saying tactical moves or position strategies for teamwork. Even if silent, he slaughtered endlessly and quickly. He only opened his mouth to scream when smashing the monsters apart. REI and BLADE were shocked, and didn't know what to say to NEW.

Some hours later, they were still in the blue-lit area of the ancient spaceship. NEW was going ahead, with BLADE and REI following him close by.

BLADEGUNNER: Boy, we've been exploring this thing for ages... I'm kinda hungry. How do we know we're heading the right way?
REI: ...We are.
BLADEGUNNER: Huh? How can you tell...?
REI: ...I can... feel it...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: What? I can't explain it, but I just know we're closer to our objective.
BLADEGUNNER: Why don't you say it!? WE'RE LOST!!!
REI: BECAUSE WE'RE NOT, PONYTAIL!!!
BLADEGUNNER: WILL YOU SHUT UP!? WE'VE ALREADY BEEN IN THIS ROOM!
REI: NO WE HAVEN'T!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Behind you two.
BLADE & REI: ...?

NEW turns towards BLADE and REI's direction.

They both look back to see a tall half Delsaber, half horse-like.

REI: !!!!
BLADEGUNNER: What's this? A centaur from HELL!?

The dark centaur had several small blue photon lights channeling his body, and also had a large photon blade on one of its arms, and started scratching its hooves on the ground.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Ahh... A "Chaosbringer"...
REI: Mom's getting very creative with all these cool names.
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch OUT!!

The Chaosbringer suddenly charges at them both, fast as a bullet. BLADE and REI see him coming too fast for them to dodge. NEW drops his LAVIS CANNON and dashes towards the two Hunters.

BLADE & REI: !!! HOLY SH--!!

Suddenly, NEW stops running right between both of them, and quickly pushes them aside using both arms, standing him alone in the Chaosbringer's way.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW!!
REI: THINK FAST!!!

NEW doesn't have time to dodge it, so he prepares his arms to push the Chaosbringer away, stretching them and showing his palms to the incoming centaur.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : No way...!

The Chaosbringer hits NEW's hands and pushes him back on his feet. NEW could feel his feet burning with the friction of being dragged backwards, but still tries to stop the Centaur. The monster feels enraged and pushes against him harder and harder. NEW pushes with all his strength and the Centaur begins to brake, not managing to get enough power to push NEW. Suddenly, both are standing on the place, pushing each other. The Centaur feels furious seeing that NEW managed to stop him, and prepares his long photon blade to attack NEW. The Hunter looks to see the Chaosbringer preparing to charge, and remembers he hasn't got his LAVIS CANNON to block the attack. Suddenly, NEW stops pushing against the monster's body, spinning his body to the side and dodging the Chaosbringer's tackle. The beast runs into a crystal monument, doesn't stop and smashes into it, breaking it into pieces. NEW runs to get his LAVS CANNON and gets himself in defense position, looking at the Chaosbringer. BLADE and REI run to his side.

BLADEGUNNER: Thanks.
REI: Same here. How could you sense the monster?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

Seeing he didn't get an answer, REI started reading NEW's mind.

REI (thinking) : I was arguing with BLADE... and didn't sense evil behind me. NEW did sense something because his attention was focused on his surroundings... unlike us.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Geez! I didn't even have time to dodge it, yet you could help us both at the same time!

The three see the monster getting up from the middle of the crystal pieces. As soon as the monster shakes its huge body, it turns around and faces the three.

BLADEGUNNER: Watch out... He might strike us again.
REI: Let him do that! I won't be caught off-guard again...

They see the being rising his front hooves and spreading its two arms, as several lights of every color that exists appear and circle around the room. The small blue photon lights on the creature's body turn red.

BLADEGUNNER: ...!? WHAT!?
REI: ...He's focusing... furious and powerful energy into his photon blade...
BLADEGUNNER: Are you saying he's gonna charge again!? Watch out!!!
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

The three Hunters didn't know what was the centaur doing. But they were prepared for another body tackle from it. Then, the colourful lights fade. The monster slowly lowers his glowing photon blade and points it towards the Hunters.

REI: HE'S GONNA RUN TOWARDS US AGAIN!!!
BLADEGUNNER: COME ON!!! I'LL SLASH IT'S HEAD APART!!!

A giant golden beam burst of energy is shot out of the monster's weapon, at light-speed, straight at NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!

NEW doesn't see it coming but blocks with his LAVIS CANNON, knowing he would suffer the energetic impact anyway. The energy beam hits and damages NEW like if it were a big wave of boiling water, throwing him back into the wall with his clothes burning... uncounscious.

BLADEGUNNER: DAMN!

BLADE runs to attack the Chaosbringer, who sees him coming and tries to cut BLADE in two with his weapon. BLADE blocks, pushes against the Chaosbringer's blade for a while, and lets go, ducking as his opponent's blade passes right above his hair. BLADE was about to jump and strike the monster when it kicks him on the head and away from it.

BLADEGUNNER: UNGHH!!!

BLADE gets thrown to the ground, with his forehead aching like if on fire. When BLADE looks to the Chaosbringer, the monster is already on his side, preparing to smash him with its front hooves...

REI: FAROIE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...
CHAOSBRINGER: ...
REI: ...Er... RAFOIE!!!

REI shoots a fireball that hits the Chaosbringer and blows him away from BLADE, to the ground in the distance. BLADE quickly gets up.

BLADEGUNNER: Goddamn it REI! You lousy nervous punk!! Another mispelled word and I would be buried 7 feet under this ground!!!
REI: ...May I remind you that I just saved your life?

The Chaosbringer gets up, burning from the fire explosion and gazes at REI. After scracthing its hooves on the ground, the creature dashes towards REI. BLADE sees him coming and his instinct orders him to dodge, as he does perfectly.

REI: ...!!

REI was too slow to avoid it and gets hit by the Chaosbringer's huge and mighty tackle. He is thrown to the wall, sliding to the ground and becoming uncounscious after such a terrible blow.

BLADEGUNNER: REI!!!

BLADE immediatly uses his feet to propell himself towards the Chaosbringer, to attack with both his blades. The Chaosbringer easily sees him coming and blocks both attacks with his sword, wielding it on an angle that could stop both blades. BLADE and the monster attack each other, and BLADE doesn't seem to keep up with the monster's speed. After dodging one of BLADE's blades, the Chaosbringer counters drilling his giant photon sword at BLADE and ripping flesh out of his right shoulder.

BLADEGUNNER: GYAAAHHHHH!!!!!

BLADE falls back and sits on the ground, covering the large wound with his left hand, swearing, letting go both of his blades. When he looks to the monster, it was already on the air, leaping to land right on BLADE's stomach. He sees him coming and makes extra effort to roll his body to his right side, as the huge monster ramms his heavy body, shaking the floor right next to him. After spinning, BLADE is facing the ceiling and hears a photon blow. Before looking back at the monster, a photon weapon rapidly appears right in front of his nose, ordering him to stand still.

BLADE's eyes slowly turn left to see the Chaosbringer aiming his photon weapon at his nose. BLADE is too wounded to move... and wonders if he can still be the winner.

BLADEGUNNER: ...

BLADE suddenly sees a figure walking in the distance, behind the Chaosbringer, passing by the room and towards the exit door.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW!!! HELP, QUICK!!!

NEW stops walking, glares at BLADE and doesn't respond. He shows BLADE his palm, casts RESTA, healing BLADE's flesh wound. Then NEW faces the exit door again and walks out of the room.

BLADEGUNNER: ...!? NEW!?

BLADE wonders if NEW was furious enough with Falz to ignore him. Then he sees the Chaosbringer slowly taking his weapon away from BLADE's nose.

BLADEGUNNER: ...?

All of a sudden, the Chaosbringer's head falls off apart from the body and falls into the ground, rolling right next to BLADE's.

BLADEGUNNER: WAAAAAAHHHHH...!!!!!

BLADE freaks out, gets up and jumps away from the Chaosbringer's dead body, that fades into a purple pool of blood and smoke.

BLADEGUNNER: Ahh... Huff... Puff...
BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : That photon blow I heard... was it...?

REI was also healed and awake, his jaw completly loose from his head, after seeing NEW heal him and cut the head off the Chaosbringer in half a second.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Did... Did he...?

REI shakes his head to confirm.

REI: You bet he did! I never saw him fight like this before... It's like he's almost another guy...
BLADEGUNNER: Maybe he became ULTIMATE again...?
REI: ...I don't think so. But then again... he's REALLY pissed... and when that happens, ULTIMATE struggles to take over THAT body and spirit...
BLADEGUNNER: ...Man. NEW's definitly not your average Hunter...

They both exhale deeply and follow NEW.

Travelling from room to room, they find more and more monsters. But not even the Chaosbringers could stand against them, especially now that they knew a lot about their attack strategy. But still... NEW didn't open his mouth, and kept fighting like a vicious killer.

And so they kept on for several hours.

The following day, in the evening...

Just as they enter a room, they see two hunters. A HUmar and a RAmar. Both Hunters look surprised as they see NEW and the guys.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! Hello! ...I thought every other Hunter didn't even pass the first area of the RUINS...
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah! You guys must be really strong to reach as far as us!

The two Hunters didn't reply. They just stood still, glaring silently at the three Hunters.

REI: ...Guys... I sense negative energy...

Mist begins to flow out of their bodies as the RAmar and HUmar fade away.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: What!?
REI: ...Falz...

The two Hunters dissapear misteriously.

BLADEGUNNER: ...What was that all about?
REI: ...I think Falz used the body of those two Hunters... to watch over us... to know where we are.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...In that case... he must be feeling scared.
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah...
REI: ...

They keep walking.

Still inside the second area of the "ruins", BLADE and REI started getting exhausted. They noticed that NEW kept walking and walking, not resting or taking a break.

BLADEGUNNER: Damn... We've been walking and fighting in this stupid giant blue maze forever... And NEW doesn't want to rest! I can't BELIVE that guy!!
REI: ...Yeah... It's getting hard to stand... I haven't eaten since we teleported... Even if NEW is enraged...
BLADEGUNNER: I'm huuuungry... Aw, that does it. I'm not giving another step.

BLADE sits angry on the blue-lit floor and crosses his arms.

REI: ...But NEW is still walking... We'll be left behind...
BLADEGUNNER: Bah! Let him go! If we can't talk to him, there's nothing else we can do. WE NEED REST. Isn't there ANYWAY for NEW to understand that? I mean, come on! His angry is more than reasonable due to what we've been through, but even HE needs to rest and eat once in a while!
REI: ...Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm tired too. And I know that he wants to keep walking... But we really should avoid speaking with him...
BLADEGUNNER: So what should we do!? Send him "A mind message"?
REI: ...

REI (sending a telepathic message to NEW) : I think you need to rest... Why not give yourself a break and calm down...?

NEW stops walking as if he received the message. After a few silent seconds he slowly turns his head back at REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...Well... I think we should take a little break...

BLADE and REI smile. And then NEW.

REI: He has spoken!
BLADEGUNNER: A smile? Well, I haven't seen one of those in a long time.

NEW walks towards them and sits right next to REI.

BLADEGUNNER: Let's camp here. We haven't used our sleeping bags for a while, but I think I still have them somewhere in my inventory...

BLADE clicks his computer keyboard and checks his items.

REI: What are we gonna eat...?
NEW ULTIMATE: I think I still have some of the meal... AYLA... made...
REI: !

REI saw NEW looking into the ground. His face becoming angry...

RE (thinking) : Evil... in him! ULTIMATE...!? I can't let him become angry... I need to distract him!
REI: NO, LET'S EAT ANOTHER THING!!! Hahahaha!!!

REI pulls out his small PC from his pocket and quickly checks his inventory.

REI: Say, NEW, I got just the right thing for you! Canned BEANS!!
BLADEGUNNER: How many cans do you have?
REI: Ahh... five, I think... yeah, 5.
BLADEGUNNER: ...THAT explains your powerful and devastating farts.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yes. I'd like some beans...

REI smiles and then they have dinner. A few hours later, they were setting up their sleeping bags to sleep...

BLADEGUNNER: Say... You think it's safe to sleep here?
REI: Sure thing... Right NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Don't worry about it.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Well... if you say so.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

REI senses that NEW was thinking about something related with BLADE's question. NEW remembers that REI can read minds and thinks of something else.

REI: ...

Later, in the middle of the night...

BLADE is snoring out loud while REI wakes up with it.

BLADEGUNNER: ZZZZzzzzzZZZZzzzzz...

REI tries to sleep again by sinking inside his sleeping bag, to run from the loud noise BLADE was making.

REI (thinking) : ...DARN! I wonder how NEW puts up with this chaos!?

REI slowly pops his head out of the sleeping bag and look into NEW's.

He wasn't there!

REI (thinking) : ! NEW was planning... to go ahead without us!? CRAP!!
REI: BLADE! BLADE!!! WAKE UP DAMN IT! NEW'S MISSING!
BLADEGUNNER: ...ZZzz... Huh? Wha-What?
REI: NEW's gone ahead!
BLADEGUNNER: ...Huh?
REI: Get up! Let's go after him, QUICK!
NEW ULTIMATE: What are you talking about?
REI: ...

REI looks behind his sleeping bag to see NEW sitting on a corner, leaning against a wall.

REI: ...Ahh...

BLADE punches REI's head.

BLADEGUNNER: That was NOT funny.
REI: ...I thought... I thought...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

BLADE slowly closes his eyes. Seconds later, he's snoring again. REI unzips his sleeping bag and gets up, walking towards NEW.

REI: What are you doing here? Can't sleep?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

REI sits right next to NEW.

REI: ...Still thinking about AYLA, eh...? I know... it must be hard on you.
NEW ULTIMATE: It's not only that... I CAN'T sleep.
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: I'm honest!
REI: Nowadays that problem has a solution. I happen to have some sleeping pills with me, and if you...
NEW ULTIMATE: No, no no. That's not what I mean. I'm afraid to go to sleep.
REI: ...Say what? Why?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm afraid... He will take over myself...
REI: ...ULTIMATE?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Yeah. And what are we going to do if THAT happens?
REI: Whoa, now. Remember how you trigger ULTIMATE's spirit? You must be furious. You must be REALLY PISSED. Only then...

REI doesn't finish the phrase as he sees NEW's point.

NEW ULTIMATE: I've been controlling my rage for a certain time now, not thinking of several things. And if I become asleep my dreams will come. And if they come, Dark Falz has a chance of being part of them. And if he does... I'm afraid I will give in and forget about controlling my rage...
REI: ...I see what you mean...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Anyway, I promised you that it would be safe to sleep here. Therefore I have to stand guard.
REI: ...You know, your excessive sense of justice is starting to annoy me.
NEW ULTIMATE: ? Why?
REI: ...Never mind. I think I have the solution to your problem.
NEW ULTIMATE: Really? What?

REI punches NEW right in his forehead. NEW's eyes turn into whirlwinds and his head falls, showing that NEW is uncounscious.

REI (thinking) : Ok now... if I'm correct, any message heard by the human brain when sleeping, will be integrated into the subcounscious, making the spirit believe it's true, when he's sleeping. Therefore...

REI whispers to NEW's ear.

REI (whispering) : AYLA's alive.

NEW smiles and starts to snore silently with a relaxed face. REI thought to himself that that should keep him sane for a few hours...

The following day... The Hunters are already marching deeper into the spaceship. After getting lost several times, they find another teleporter inside a small room. It was labelled "RUINS 3". Without giving much thought, the Hunters immediatly teleported.

They are materialised inside a stinky red-lit room. It apparently had organs sticking out in this and that wall, which seemed to be "alive". Flesh strings hung everywhere like they were spider webs. The whole environment made the Hunters believe the room was "alive", in some way... and emitting a horrible smell everywhere.

BLADEGUNNER: Phew!! Sure stinks here. Where are we now?
REI: Inside the ship's arse, maybe.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...We're definitely closer to something.

They start walking out of the room and into a corridor. Purple gas is shot from some of the organs attached in the wall, making the corridor smell terribly. After passing by the corridor, they reach a huge room, which had a very high ceiling. Like the earlier, it also had organs and flesh strings everywhere in the walls, also spraying purple smoke.

REI: Negative energy is all around us...
BLADEGUNNER: Dimenians?
REI: No. It's much weaker... It's in the air... That strange purple gas...

NEW inhales slowly to study the smell.

NEW ULTIMATE: Try not to breathe the purple smoke too much... I think it's poisonous.
BLADEGUNNER: Not as poisonous as REI's hot air leaks.
REI: ...Hey. I don't eat SOAP, but I also don't like keeping my farts inside me ok? That's just it! What about if YOU ate canned beans EVERY day and...
BLADEGUNNER: Please change the stupid subject...
REI: ...!
NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out!

Ahead of them materialise several So Dimenians, giant yellow and fierce Dimenians.

BLADEGUNNER: Oh, it's only Dimenians.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...The enemy attacks are getting stronger...
REI: Don't worry. They're not too strong.

Slowly, the Hunters begin to realise that there's more purple smoke than before.

NEW ULTIMATE: Watch out! The air is being infested by the toxic smoke! Don't breathe too much!!
BLADEGUNNER: What!?
REI: We gotta kill them fast! If we breathe this air too much we'll die!!
NEW ULTIMATE: Try not to talk! That speeds up your breath, and in this case that means death!

The three start smashing Dimenians everywhere, trying not to shout much. While REI rapid-fires RAFOIE spells and GRANTS to several targets with his RABBIT WAND, BLADE and NEW start doing what they know best with their blades. Slowly, they begin to feel that breathing the smoke takes their strengths away slowly... As they sense their lungs getting struck by the poisonous air.

BLADEGUNNER (thinking) : It's lethal... When we fight, we have to ingest air at a higher rate... And poisoning the battlefield...
NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Isn't there anyway to stop the organs from blowing the poisonous smoke...?

While killing Dimenians, NEW looks everywhere to see a possible clue. Then he notices a small object stuck on the ground, on the far distant corner of the room.

NEW ULTIMATE: !!

NEW immediatly kills a last Dimenian and runs towards the object, thinking it could be a switch to stop the gas.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW!?
NEW ULTIMATE: Cover me!!! Don't talk!

The Dimenians see that NEW figured out how to stop the poisonous gas and immediatly run to stop him. BLADE then understands and runs to stop any Dimenian from touching NEW, smashing and killing here and there as NEW gets closer to the switch.

REI: ...! Evil... NEW WATCH OUT!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: !!!

Right in front of NEW, materialises a huge figure, taller than a Chaosbringer. The figure seemed like a living statue, with giant knuckles and two small lights as eyes in the plain face along with several small photon lights in his body, and apparently was sent to guard the switch.

REI: ...Dark Belra...

The So Dimenians kept appearing and appearing.

BLADEGUNNER: DAMN! NEW, I'LL HOLD OFF THE DIMENIANS! THAT GIANT BELRA IS UP TO YOU!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW jumped towards his huge enemy, and stroke his belly area with a powerful horizontal LAVIS slash. The creature got hit, but didn't feel the impact.

NEW ULTIMATE: !!!!

The creature raised its huge fist and punched NEW on the chest, throwing him away. The blow was similar to the Chaosbringer's tackle, but NEW managed to gain control of himself. He flipped his body and landed on his feet, charging again towards the Belra. The monster saw him coming, raised his right hook again and punched... thin air. NEW was already next to the being, ready to counter.

NEW ULTIMATE: DRAHHH!!!!

NEW started an endless combo of fierce blows, with all his might. The Belra apparently felt pain this time. But he slowly he turned his body to face NEW, receiving damage by his blows at the same time. NEW stopped hitting him as he didn't believe the monster was still alive after all that. The creature slowly faced NEW and prepared to smash him violently, with both arms. NEW saw them coming and jumped backwards. After that, the Belra slowly started turning its body away from NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

While BLADE was killing Dimenians and NEW was struggling the Belra, REI saw the path to the switch completly open and decided to go for it. He made an extra effort as his health was being drained slowly by the poison gas... but still he ran. He was less than 5 meters away from the switch... when the Belra was facing him. It aimed a fist at REI.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! REI!!!

The Belra's fist got launched like a missile out of the arm, aiming straight at REI.

REI: AHH!!!

REI's small body was hit by the huge fist projectile. REI and the fist were flying towards the wall, and REI was about to be squashed. He was too poisoned and damaged by the blow to try and escape...

BLADEGUNNER: DRAAAAHHHHH!!!

BLADE came out of nowhere and slashed the fist away from REI, making the young wounded force smash alone into the wall. Right after that, the Dark Belra's arm emitted white light as a new giant fist was being materialised in it, to replace the lost one. Then the Belra slowly started turning its huge body to face NEW again.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW wanted to strike him badly, but thought for a while. Why did the Belra only attack when it was facing its opponent? NEW tried to run to the left side of the monster. It slowly began turning its huge body to accompany him.

NEW ULTIMATE: Just as I thought.

NEW started running as fast as he could around the Belra, as fast as a fly around a source of light. Faster... faster... After a few seconds, the Belra felt dizzy, and the lights all over its body began to blink. NEW's face became vicious like a wild animal, when he stopped circling the Belra, as he saw the perfect chance to kill him once and for all. He quickly raised his LAVIS CANNON...

ULTIMATE: DIEEE!!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW thought of REI and BLADE. They were starting to choke and were barely able to breathe.

NEW ULTIMATE (thinking) : Get a hold of yourself... You want THE SWITCH.

NEW dashed towards the switch, activating it. Just as he thought, the purple smoke stopped appearing and was being drained away slowly. Then NEW ran towards the Belra and immediatly continued to attack it. With all his strength. After a few blows, NEW focuses power into a final smash that cuts right through the Belra's hard shell, making it perish, fading into purple blood and smoke.

BLADEGUNNER regained strength and speed, without the poisonous gas, being helped by NEW. Together they kill all of the Dimenians, very quickly.

BLADEGUNNER: Whew... is it me, or are the enemy attacks getting bigger and stronger...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...You're right. That means we're on the right way. Come on... I want to finish all this before I lose it.

NEW casted RESTA on REI and immediatly head towards the exit door.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Lose what...?

Pioneer 2.

On the main building where TYRELL's office was.

The only light that lit TYRELL's silent bedroom was the one coming entering the window, from the outside streets.

TYRELL couldn't sleep. He slowly flipped his body with a bad feeling chasing his thoughts. Unable to rest, he got out of his bed and slowly walked to the window.

TYRELL: ...RICO...

Back to the third part of the RUINS, BLADE was leading the way this time.

REI suddenly walking, lost in his thoughts with the same feeling as well.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What is it REI?
REI: ...I wish I knew...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: I'm worried about something... And I can feel that it's due to something that's happening right now... But... I don't understand... why do I feel like this...?
NEW ULTIMATE: Do you sense negative energy...?
REI: ...All the time but... this time... I dunno...
NEW ULTIMATE: Don't worry. Whatever it is that's coming... I'm sure we can handle it. I WANT to handle it myself...
REI: ...

Back in Pioneer 2, TYRELL was drinking a glass of water to relax. After that, he looked at the window as he placed the glass on a nearby table. A few seconds after placing the cup, he hear a smashing noise and saw the glass broken to pieces on the ground.

REI: ...!!!!

REI accidently lets go of his RABBIT WAND.

NEW ULTIMATE: ? What is it?
REI: ...Something...
NEW ULTIMATE: ? What?
REI: ...Something tragic... has happened right now...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...? What do you mean? How can you tell?
BLADEGUNNER: Didn't you see? His RABBIT WAND fell to the floor.
REI: ...I'm serious...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: I don't have a clue but... this isn't good...
BLADEGUNNER: ...You have the feeling that something bad has just happened...?
REI: Something tells me so...

REI slowly picks up his RABBIT WAND and continues to walk. BLADE looks at NEW, who raises his shoulders. They both follow REI out of the room they were in.

Time passes by... They fight several monsters, Chaosbringers, Dimenians, Chaos Sorcerers, Dark Belras and even Human Hunters whose mind got possessed by the will of the demon god.

In Pioneer 2... TYRELL can't stop getting worried sick about his daughter. IRENE notices that...

The guys continue their journey in the ancient spaceship silent, since REI has been very closed on his own thoughts.

After many hours of fighting, walking and getting lost in the endless maze, they enter a long corridor, with a door on the distance.

BLADEGUNNER: This is different than all the corridors we've seen so far...
REI: We're getting closer...

After walking through the exit door, they reach a small triangular room with a cristal monument and a capsule right next to it, with an exit door at the opposite wall.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Who will do the honors?

NEW steps forward and activates the capsule.

CAPSULE MESSAGE (RICO'S VOICE) : The door is opened. We opened it. This may be the beggining of the end of the universe. I'm afraid... but I have nowhere to run off to. I miss my father...
REI: ...The door?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Maybe... the door to FALZ's dwelling?
REI: Hurry! Mom's fighting it!??

The three Hunters run towards the exit door and enter the biggest room they've seen so far, with two hallways. Later they realise that the wall that separate the two hallways is the main engine of the spaceship.

REI: ...The sealing machine, perhaps?
NEW ULTIMATE: REI, where do you sense FALZ's negative soul?

In the room there are three exit doors. One on the left and right side of the room, and another on the opposite wall, relatively to the door they came in.

REI: THAT way... We're right next to the source of evil...

REI points to the door at the opposite wall and the three immediatly head towards it.

Suddenly... duzens of Dimenians materialise in their way, along with Chaosbringers, Dark Belras and every enemy they faced so far.

REI: Holy heck!
BLADEGUNNER: We're THIS close... We're not gonna die here...
NEW ULTIMATE: Onward. DWAAAAAHHHH!!!!

NEW is the first to face the giant army ahead of him, and runs to attack the monsters, followed by BLADE.

REI: RAFOIE!!!!

REI shoots a fireball out of his RABBIT WAND that explodes in the front line that blows several Dimenians away from their path.

Then everyone fights to the fullest, showing off all training they had since the beggining of their mission to the final army of monsters.

Everyone kills, smashes, heals and shouts, in this battle of three men against a hundred aliens.

And they kept materialising.

But the three gave all they had, regardless of the number of enemies, knowing the effort would pay off.

And it did. After half an hour in that environment of slashing, dodging, checking the teammates for healing and running, the three Hunters were alone in the room.

Not a monster survived, and the floor was filled with purple blood.

BLADEGUNNER: Whew... Everyone's ok?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm fine. Let's hurry.

REI healed everyone to the fullest, and they head towards the door REI had pointed to. It led through a corridor towards a very small room, with a big teleporter filling the room.

REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: Please don't tell me we still have to explore another zone.
REI: No, this is it. Once we get teleported, it's all or nothing. We'll face FALZ...
NEW ULTIMATE: There's only one thing to do right now.
BLADEGUNNER: Right.
REI: Let's go... SHOPPING.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: What? We'd better stock up on mates and fluids before helping RICO!
NEW ULTIMATE: No, we can't waste time. Besides, we aren't seriously lacking fluids. And RICO could be in danger.
BLADEGUNNER: Right. Let's finish this off.
REI: ...You're right.

They step towards the teleporter, confident knowing they will give their best shot at the final battle, so they had no reason to be afraid.

They fade away from the depths of the spaceship.

The three souls are materialised in a small cave, with an open prairie ahead of them. The scenery was beautiful, flowers blooming here and there in the grass, with white clouds dashing along the light-blue sky.

REI: ...Uh... This is the demon god's lair?
BLADEGUNNER: Looks more like his private luxury room in the spaceship.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

They walk out of the cave and face the bright sun. They see a big pillar on the distance, and some stones on the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: What's this?

BLADE approaches the stones on the grass. He sees that they are standing on a graveyard, with four plates indicating four deaths.

BLADEGUNNER: Seems somebody died here...

BLADE searches for the names written in the plates.

BLADEGUNNER: ...NEW ULTIMATE, BLADEGUNNER, REI and RICO...!?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: WHAT!?
NEW ULTIMATE: Falz... trying to make us understand that we're destined to die here. Well I've got something special to tell him.
REI: ...But I don't see... MOM anywhere.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...You're right...
REI: ...No. She's around here. She can't be dead... MOM!!!

REI's cry is shout breaks through the silent prairie.

But he had no answer.

REI: ...Let's explore this area. She must be around here.

NEW and the others went towards the huge pillar statue they saw earlier.

REI: That statue...
BLADEGUNNER: What's wrong?
REI: ...I feel...

REI slowly walks towards it, sensing evil. He senses that a great amount of negative energy is stored deep inside the stone pillar.

Just a few steps away from it, the three see a horrible vision. All around the stone pillar, the grass starts to sink, turning the ground into some kind of dark stone. Reflected in the ground they could see several faces screaming in agony, and their cries were painful to listen. The sky turns dark. The prairie turns into a hill from hell, dark and horrible. Ghostly faces appear floating around them everywhere, making the three hunters think they had just reached HELL.

BLADEGUNNER: ? ...what the hell...!?

Out of the ground all around them come out thousands iron objects, that float in the air. They had spikes all around their small iron bodies, and began to speed rapidly, like razor-sharped saws.

NEW ULTIMATE: !!
BLADEGUNNER: What the crap is going on here!?
REI: The room takes its original form... We're in Hell, Dark Falz's place...

All of the saw objects floating around them begin to move randomly.

NEW ULTIMATE: WATCH OUT!!!

NEW, BLADE and REI start jumping and dodging everywhere, avoiding the saws.

BLADEGUNNER: DRAAAHHHHH!!

BLADE gets cut in his arm by one of the objects. He tries to hit the object with one of his blades, but it passes right through the object.

BLADEGUNNER: ...WHAT!???
REI: Strange... We can't cut the objects... but they can cut US!?

NEW sees that some of the saws had a pink organic body right below the saw.

NEW ULTIMATE: Aim for the PINK SAWS!!
REI: GIZONDE!!!

REI's spell hits the pink saw, making it stop spinning and dematerialise.

BLADEGUNNER: That's IT!!

They start searching for pink saws to be smashed. But all those saws around them kept hitting them... and again... and again... one after another. The Hunters were destroying the pink saws, but couldn't resist longer...

NEW ULTIMATE: HANG ON!!! JUST A LITTLE MORE!!! WE HAVE TO TRY AND KILL ALL OF THE PINK SAWS!!!
BLADEGUNNER: HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT WILL SAVE US!?
REI: IT'S THE ONLY THING WE CAN DO!

The three kept getting cut in their legs, arms and torso by the saws. But they didn't give up. Their fury kept them alive and they knew they couldn't die. They couldn't appear on the graves they saw earlier.

REI: ONLY ONE LEFT!!! AAAH!!!

REI was being continuously being cut by several saws around him. BLADE was struggling, but he too was being continuosly cut.

NEW ULTIMATE: Damn....!! Where is it!?

NEW sees the final pink saw on the distance.

NEW ULTIMATE: I can't make it walking there... I have... to...
ULTIMATE: ...DESTROYYYYY!!!!

NEW makes a blow in thin air with his LAVIS. From the blade came out a white impact wave that hit the distant final saw, destroying it. The screams from the ghosts were no longer heard as all of the other saws stopped spinning and faded away.

BLADEGUNNER: ...! You did it!
REI: RESTA!!

REI healed everyone.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...! The pillar!!

They see the stone pillar shaking and glowing.

The pillar smashes to pieces with a loud wild beast-like roar. Out of the stone wall comes out a white light that falls to the ground, with the pieces.

The light got materialised.

A horrible giant creature, the size of a house, appeared. It had four faces: Three necks hung from the lower part of its body, with a Dragon's head on each end. Each Dragon head had the size of a Dark Belra. The upper body had the image of a monster they never saw before. It had several arms, and it was equipped with the biggest blade they ever saw. With another loud roar, the creature's upper main body head glared into the three Hunters.

REI: ...!!! The SOURCE OF ALL NEGATIVE ENERGY I FELT BEFORE!!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...DARK FALZ!! THIS IS IT!! THE ULTIMATE BATTLE!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Finally... Time to make amends.

The three Hunters gave out a battlecry with all of their fury and rage, as they grab their weapons tightly and run to destroy the root of all evil.

Next chapters:

- Epilogue
- Side story: Spoke VS Ultimate



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-02-23 14:08 ]</font>

bladegunner
Feb 23, 2003, 05:12 PM
This is what blade has to say about half of this chapter:
http://bladegunner.no.sapo.pt/hungry.png
http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Anyway, great job once again new, can't wait to see the grand finale... http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_smile.gif even though it's kinda sad that the story is approaching its end ;_;



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bladegunner on 2003-02-23 14:15 ]</font>

RavenTW
Feb 23, 2003, 05:14 PM
Yeah. You know what they say, "You never realize you have something until you lose it." But it's been a great fanfic man! Don't let us down with a crappy epilouge.

Daikarin
Feb 23, 2003, 05:39 PM
LOL nice job there blade, you're really improving http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime1.gif

I'm planning lots of surprises for the end, let it be artwork, plot stuff or news. Prepare yourselves!

Neo Rei
Feb 23, 2003, 07:56 PM
I never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to miss this thing here... hopefully the website is bringing a different sound for the fic, so as soon as the story has music, I'll read it again hehe http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Flash3 on 2003-02-23 16:58 ]</font>

Daikarin
Feb 24, 2003, 08:49 AM
You bet. I took a look at some chapters with music a few while ago, and I really think that reading the fanfic with background music, even if they're midi, gives a whole different atmosphere to the tale, and makes the reader feel merged.

Great job with the update there, Zero http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Hunter4life
Feb 24, 2003, 01:55 PM
*Pulls head back from computer*
*looks around*

Woah

I've been reading this fanfic from the beggining and i must truly say...woah. You've taken 6+ hours from my life and...i couldn't think of a better way to spend them. This is truly the best fic i've read up to date and well, i've read alot. I actually felt a tear at Ayla's death. Seriously this is awesome. If there were more ways to praise this fic i would say them but i can't think of any more right now...

Ah well, can't wait for ending. Keep it up



Oh yeah, if you have time, i would love to read an episode II fic (with same chars of course), but like i said, only if you have time.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Hunter4life on 2003-02-24 10:59 ]</font>

Daikarin
Feb 24, 2003, 04:15 PM
Well... I wasn't thinking of writing the saga for the fanfic... But who knows what can happen? I am planning on getting the game. And with the experience I have right now with my work on Ultimate Hunters... I thought, why not?

I mean... it turned out to be better than I originally hoped, I never planned it to write more than 10 chapters! It was firstly designed to become an unfinished story with NEW not finding the answers to himself, as he did when facing the Ultimate spirit beneath him. But I dunno, I guess all of you started to like my work, and that gave me energy in my creativity. I started searching for elements that missed in order for it to become better, like implementing the girl character on the fic, or finding New's human/andoid rival. As I wrote this fanfic, I began imagining the scenes in complete anime, and I wished I could send those images I see while writing to the reader. And then, I thought of implementing several friends of mine on the story, thinking about their personality and merging them inside the characters. And also by doing that, I could actually show my own, reflected in a mix of NEW's, REI's and BLADE's. I liked working so much that I definitely had to pass some of my emotions to the paper, and started to draw. Now I look back at all the work I done, and see that it exceeded my expectations. And I promise, I'll finish with my best shot.

P.S.: Before writing the final chapter, I will firstly finish the extra story, for you to know a little more about the past of Ultimate, Ayla, Dyla, Spoke, Vigo, Jin and the others.

RavenTW
Feb 24, 2003, 06:12 PM
An Episode 2-based fanfic would be a most interesting idea. Maybe even have an android side-character or something. I can help if you need me.

(If that happened, think you could use my character? Your fanfic beats even Project Sols, one of the best and mysterious fics I've read, and I wanna be a part of something like that!)

Neo Rei
Feb 24, 2003, 06:16 PM
Don't ask the man for a sequel. The best stuff never has sequels. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Namevah
Feb 24, 2003, 08:28 PM
A Episode 2 story would be sweet. This is one of the best stories I ever read. Adding other PSO player characters would be sweet, too. Id love to see my character in the story. And now Im just rambling on. Great story. I wish I could write like that.

Daikarin
Mar 2, 2003, 11:37 AM
--- Side Story: Spoke VS Ultimate ---

Pioneer 2.

3 PM.

Travelling nearly at the speed of light, carrying a whole city on board.

In the karaoke pub known as "Photon Dragon".

Two girls enter the bar, carrying heavy luggage. One had a long pony-tail, and the other had short hair that nearly reached her shoulders, both hairs were light blue in color. The short-haired girl let go of her luggage and smiles as she sees the interior of the pub.

DYLA: Wow...! I never thought I'd make it this far! My first show... on a luxury pub!
AYLA: Yeah... Who would have thought that your part-time job could reach as far as this...
DYLA: Ohhh, Sis! I see great things ahead of me!!!
MAN: I think I'm mighty fine myself, thank you.

Ahead of the two a was a smiling overweight man, offering his hand for a handshake. Both comply and he introduces himself.

MAN: Name's TAVANIK. I own this pub.
Which one of you lovely ladies is miss DYLA PROMETEA?
DYLA: Me!
AYLA: Well sis... I'll be going now. Take care...

AYLA drops DYLA's luggage.

DYLA: Thanks for the ride, sis. Don't forget, 9 o'clock!
AYLA: I wouldn't miss your first show for the world. See ya...
DYLA: See ya...!

AYLA walks out of the pub, as two waiters approach DYLA to help her carrying her large and heavy luggage.

TAVANIK: Follow me into your private room, Miss PROMETEA.

DYLA giggled in excitment when she wondered how would her own pub room be like. TAVANIK guided DYLA along with the other waiters towards the backstage. They walked a greenish-blue corridor with several doors on each side. DYLA looked as each door had abig red star sticker on them, with the names of the singer who owned it, or simply the room description in white letters. Then, after walking a few doors, she sees a door with "Dyla" written on it, hand-styled.

TAVANIK: Here you are Miss PROMETEA. Let me just...

TAVANIK signals DYLA to wait and pushes a button on the wall. A few seconds later, several waiters and waitresses appear on the corridor, walking towards them. They stop in line and TAVANIK starts pointing his fingers to each one of them.

TAVANIK: Let me introduce you to the staff. These two you already know, are ETNED and REWOP, that little girl there is DIAVAN, that's VAST, FITCH, ENYA, RAID...

Several miles away, on a deluxe building...

MAN: ...VIGO and SPOKE.

Two of the 5 Hunters standing in line stepped forward. They were both HUmars, VIGO was a tall HUmar with short brown hair (but was in his 30s). SPOKE was a young adult with green eyes and long white hair that reached as far as his shoulders, who was dressed in blue. Both nodded after hearing their names.

VIGO: Very well...
SPOKE: YES SIR!

VIGO felt embarassed by SPOKE's behaviour, tapping his forehead.

VIGO (whispering) : For god's sake, SPOKE! He only chose us as his personal bodyguards! Ya didn't need to act like if you were a soldier...!
SPOKE (whispering) : Yes, sir!
VIGO (whispering) : ...
MAN: TWAIN! You will be my wife's body-guard.

A HUnewearl steps forward.

TWAIN: Yessir!

The man approaches TWAIN, and whispers her something.

MAN (whispering) : I remind you that her safety lies in your hands... Especially now. I trust you.
TWAIN (whispering) : I understand... sir. I will do my best.

The man smiles and steps away from her.

MAN: The remaining two of you will guard my house, along with the normal body-guards.
SPOKE (whispering) : Right, so now we're "Abnormal". Why did this guy ever wanted us Hunters as his protectors?
VIGO (whispering) : ...Haven't you heard a word of the speech he made just before selecting us!? Were you sleeping again!?
SPOKE (whispering) : For goodness sake, Master! We were training all night...!
VIGO (whispering) : I'll refresh your memory in a few moments...

On the other far-side of Pioneer 2, a note is nailed on one of the walls.

http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/drawings-wanted.jpg

A hand grabs the paper and rips it out of the wall, crushing it immediatly.

ULTIMATE: Heheheh... they really love me.

ULTIMATE was covered in a hood, and disguised with a fake beard, knowing he was the most searched man in the moving city.

Suddenly, he stops walking as he listens to something behind him. Thinking it was nothing, he continues walking.

He hears it again. He stops walking.

ULTIMATE: Black Paper again...? What could a group of powerful Hunters want from a lonely killer like myself...?

He hears a voice out of the shadows of the alley behind him.

VOICE: ...We have another job for you.
ULTIMATE: This one will cost ya. The more I kill, the more I'm wanted. Therefore... taxes will rise.
VOICE: We'll pay ya double this time.
ULTIMATE: Where's the money?

ULTIMATE senses something quickly moving across the air towards him and catches it. It was a golden pack, with 10 000 Meseta inside.

ULTIMATE: Who's the target?
VOICE: Two more deputies from the Government coucil. The happy fella who owns a bar called "Photon Dragon", called TAVANIK. Another politician called NOR. Oh, and his wife too. There's a foto of the three inside the meseta pack.
ULTIMATE: ...Consider it done.

ULTIMATE turns away from the shadows and walks forward.

VOICE: How do I know you will do your work...?
ULTIMATE: ...Let's just say I love my work.

ULTIMATE walks to fade himself away into the dark street.

In the earlier deluxe building, VIGO and SPOKE are guarding the entrance to his boss's private room. VIGO goes on to explain SPOKE the job they're working on.

VIGO: ...Ok, try not to sleep while you're briefed again. We were hired by Mr. NOR, the vice-director of the Pioneer 2 Government Council, along with a few other Hunters, due to the serial killer on the loose. A psycho Hunter called ULTIMATE. His skill in the photon blade art is worthy of his name. Recently, that maniac has been killing several members of the Government Council. The situation has been out of hand... in 3 weeks 4 members were slaughtered to death. And they happened all in public places, where the killer was clearly seen.
SPOKE: What? That's crazy! Why would that guy kill in a public place?
VIGO: I think he enjoys the fact of not being caught... When he flees, there is no soldier or Hunter that can catch him. He's too fast... And I heard he even jumped 3 floors high, and into a window. When they searched the window's building with around 30 soldiers, it was completly emtpy...
SPOKE: ...Whoa... That's nuts...
VIGO: ...The Government wants his head. ULTIMATE is the most wanted human on Pioneer 2... And yet he still remains on the loose.
SPOKE: ...Do you think we can face ULTIMATE, when the time comes...?
VIGO: ...

VIGO turned his face away from SPOKE, and faced the ground.

VIGO: ...I have faith in you, SPOKE. You're the finest student I've had. Together we will do our best. And that's why I don't fear him.
SPOKE: ...Yes. You're right...
VIGO: ...And we can't die. We have our sons and wives to go back to. We can't just die on them.
SPOKE: Yeah...
VIGO: Now, we have to guard Mr. NOR each time he steps out of his room.
SPOKE: What if he's attacked by someone inside the room?
VIGO: See that there?

VIGO points to a Virtual Vision screen. It shows NOR writing on some papers on the desk in his room.

SPOKE: Cameras? Inside his room?
VIGO: Yeah. And we're not the only ones watching this.
SPOKE: ...I only wonder how could they let ULTIMATE board this ship...?

A few hours later...

DYLA was getting ready for her first show. While applying lipstick, someone knocked at her door.

DYLA: Come in...!
TAVANIK: Excuse me...

TAVANIK smiles and walks in, leaning the door.

TAVANIK: Only 5 more minutes. Are you ok?
DYLA: A little nervous, but excited at the same time.
TAVANIK: Well... That's normal. Every singer feels that way the first time they act on a different place...
DYLA: ...I had a hard time believing you owned this place! I mean, a deputy like yourself...
TAVANIK: ...Yeah, well. This is a personal plan... I inherited this bar from my father, when he died a year ago... And now serves for me to gain extra bucks, and for politician's reunions and such...
DYLA: ...
TAVANIK: ...Well, I guess I'd better get your stage ready. I just wanted to make sure you're all right... I mean, there IS someone who's making the show go on this night!
DYLA: ...Thank you, Mr. TAVANIK.
TAVANIK: Please. You're the only person I know that calls me "Mr.". Just call me by my name, all right Miss?
DYLA: That suits for you too, TAVANIK!
TAVANIK: Hahahah... Sure thing.

TAVANIK gets out of the room laughing, as DYLA feels that he is a kind man.

DYLA walks inside of the bar. After sitting next to the stage, NOR comes in with his two body-guards.

SPOKE: Why are we here...?
VIGO: ...
SPOKE: Ok, so I didn't hear his briefing AGAIN. Please don't lecture me again and explain it...
VIGO: ...NOR was invited by his good friend TAVANIK into his bar to discuss political issues about Pioneer 1... And we're her to cover him up.
SPOKE: That's all we do...
VIGO: We're being overpaid. Are you complaining?
SPOKE: No... Never mind.
VIGO: Keep out for suspicious characters. And keep your attention up for your surroundings and for briefings.
SPOKE: ...

VIGO and SPOKE followed NOR and sat down somewhere.

DYLA was behind the big shiny red curtains that hid her from the views of the hundreds of spectators.

DYLA (thinking) : I sure hope I don't screw up... Come on girl. Let's make a good impression.

DYLA gets herself together and walks through the curtains, receiving a wave of applauses and cheers as she is seen waving towards everyone on-stage.

A few moments later she walks slowly towards her micro, and the crowd goes silent, waiting for her voice.

DYLA (Singing) :

I know... you feel uneasy now...
Like on a stormy sea
You are in too deep
I say the tide will surely turn
You say it is hard to let it be
Baby, holding on is the only way
Love will never make it if you should go away
'Cause nothing's... going to last forever...
All we can do
Is to believe in love...
Oh, Nothing's gonna remain the same
Baby, you'll choose to
Live in this complicated world with me...

AYLA smiles. VIGO and SPOKE comment on her fine voice. TAVANIK silently walks over the dark crowd to find NOR. They both shake hands and start to talk about their issues.

A figure is seen hoping to the backdoors of the "Photon Dragon".

ULTIMATE (thinking) : Homework done. Time to pass it on to action.

Jumping over trash cans and walls, he leaps through a window and enters the pub.

NOR: *sigh*... Only 3 more years...
TAVANIK: True... True. Finnally we'll be able to set foot on real ground again.

VIGO and SPOKE were guarding the two politicians, sitting next to them and looking everywhere.

VIGO (thinking): Come on ULTIMATE... There are two politicians here... You know you want them...
SPOKE (thinking) : Gulp! Damn... How did I get into this mess...?

On the corridor of the singer's room. A waiter passes by.

ULTIMATE: Hey. Hey!

The waiter looks everywhere and sees someone inside one of the rooms making signal for him to come.

ULTIMATE: ...The singer in this room fainted. I need a little help here... Hurry!
WAITER: ...Uh... Sure!

The waiter runs and enters the room. The door closes.

WAITER: DAAAAAARRRGHHHH...!!!!

DYLA (singing) :

All we must have
Is something we can trust
Oh, no one's gonna stay at the same place
Live in this complicated world with me
'Cause nothing's going to last forever
All we can do
Is to believe in love...

AYLA (thinking) : Not bad, girl. Not bad at all.

And on another table...

VIGO: Well... I guess we don't need to worry about anything. This is turning out to be very enjoyable... I mean, that girl has a nack for singing and...

VIGO looked at SPOKE and saw him sweating, nervous, looking everywhere.

VIGO: ...Calm down. Even if ULTIMATE appears, you won't be able to fight him with your own potential.
SPOKE: ...R-Right...
VIGO: ...Remember. Fear cuts your potential down. Be calm, and you'll be sure that things will run ok.
SPOKE: ...I'll...I'll t-try, Master...
AYLA (thinking) : What a night! I'm definitely enjoying this...

ULTIMATE goes to the public, dressed as a WAITER and wearing a pair of glasses.

ULTIMATE WAITER (thinking) : That's NOR... And his two bodyguards. VIGO and SPOKE... I need to draw their attention off him... But how...?

ULTIMATE notices TAVANIK.

ULTIMATE WAITER (thinking) : That's... TAVANIK. The two are together, just as I calculated. Now I need to find a way to kill them both...
TAVANIK: Excuse me NOR, I got some things to take care of in my office...
ULTIMATE WAITER (thinking) : ...I got it.

ULTIMATE runs towards TAVANIK, who looks surprised at him, wondering why one of his waiters is in such a rush. VIGO and SPOKE are on full alert, looking at the waiter.

ULTIMATE WAITER (whispering) : Mr. TAVANIK... One of my colleagues was bruttaly murdered... I need you to come with me immediatly alone, for the panic not to spread.

TAVANIK's eyes turn white. He stares silently at ULTIMATE for a few moments and asks him to direct him to the scene of the crime.

TAVANIK: I'm sorry NOR... Something horrible came up... I need to get going.
NOR: What? What happened?
TAVANIK: ...One of my employees has just been murdered. I need to hurry... take care, I sure hope it wasn't ULTIMATE...
NOR: What!?

SPOKE and VIGO can't believe what they just heard.

VIGO: SPOKE!! Pay EXTRA attention!
SPOKE: G-Got it!
VIGO (thinking) : He's already inside... I wonder if he's too far...

VIGO and SPOKE look everywhere for suspicious characters. SPOKE looked at ULTIMATE.

He saw green, scary eyes. ULTIMATE looked at him.

SPOKE felt a chill down his spine when he saw that waiter's glare.

TAVANIK: ...We'll talk later NOR, forgive me.
NOR: Sure thing...

TAVANIK tries to call somebody's attention.

TAVANIK: ENYA!
WAITRESS ENYA: Yes?
TAVANIK: Call the soldiers. One of your colleagues was murdered. Tell them to come here fast. And don't talk about this to anyone else, we don't want panic to spread.
WAITRESS ENYA: ...
TAVANIK: Hurry!
WAITRESS ENYA: Yes... I'm sorry...

ENYA runs away to call the soldiers. TAVANIK gets up and follows ULTIMATE. They both arrive to the room where ULTIMATE killed the waiter. TAVANIK stares silently at the dead naked body of one of his employees. ULTIMATE closes the door.

TAVANIK: ...You did this. You killed RAID, stole his clothing...

ULTIMATE takes his glasses off.

ULTIMATE: I'm impressed. How did you guess...?
TAVANIK: I got suspicious when I didn't know you from anywhere. But even more... when I heard one of my staff calling me "Mr.".
ULTIMATE: ...Well. Too bad you'll die knowing you were right.

TAVANIK looks back at the waiter and becomes paralysed in fear when he sees ULTIMATE aiming his TWIN BRAND at him with a devilish smile on his lips.

VIGO: ...Grr.. Grrr...!
SPOKE: What's wrong?
VIGO: There's a chance that ULTIMATE murdered someone... and he may be here right now... And here I am, standing still, while I have the chance to finish him off!!!

VIGO approaches NOR.

VIGO: Sir, I ask permission to help Dr. TAVANIK.
NOR: ...I understand. His life may be in jeopardy as well... Go on.
SPOKE: What!? You plan on leaving me here!?
VIGO: We can't let Mr. NOR uncovered. Protect him while I go check this whole thing up.
SPOKE: ...Got it.

VIGO got up and ran in the same direction TAVANIK went with the waiter.

ULTIMATE: Scream...
TAVANIK: ...Y-You're...
ULTIMATE: That's right. I'm ULTIMATE. Pleased to meet you. Unfortunately our meeting will be short...
TAVANIK: ...Why...? Why are you killing members of the Government?
ULTIMATE: Hey, I'm just doing my job. I don't give a damn about that "Why" stuff. Someone pays me to kill, and I kill.
TAVANIK: You ruthless...

ULTIMATE pierced his TWIN BRAND in TAVANIK's chest before he could finish the frase. Blood came out as TAVANIK got pierced right in his heart.

TAVANIK: AAAAARGHHH!!!
ULTIMATE: ...Scream... Come on... MORE!!!
VIGO: ...You... CREEP!!

ULTIMATE quickly takes his blade off TAVANIK, who falls on the floor lifeless. He looks to see VIGO on the door.

ULTIMATE: ...Get out of my way. Do you want to die?
VIGO: Shut up! DRAAAAHHH!!!

VIGO runs to attack ULTIMATE, who stands still smiling and glaring at him.

VIGO (thinking) : I'll wipe that stupid look off your...!!

VIGO attacks ULTIMATE, but he dodges by jumping over VIGO and kicking him on the back of his head as he passes above him. VIGO nearly falls, but turns around and runs to strike him again.

VIGO: DIEEEEE!!!

VIGO attacks ULTIMATE with dozens of blows, but he blocks and dodges each quickly.

ULTIMATE: ...You call yourself a Hunter?
VIGO: ...!!!

ULTIMATE moves his fist right between VIGO's wave of attacks and punches him on the forehead, throwing him back and slamming against the mirror. VIGO is on the ground, feeling his forehead burning.

VIGO: Damn...

VIGO looks at ULTIMATE...

...but the room was empty.

VIGO suddenly was alone with the dead corpse of TAVANIK.

VIGO (thinking) : He ran away...
VIGO: ...SHIT!! SHIT SHIT!!!!

DYLA (singing) :

...'Cause nothing's... going to last forever...
All we can do
Is to believe in love...
Oh, Nothing's gonna remain the same
Baby, you'll choose to
Live in this complicated world with me...

AYLA (thinking) : I wonder... what could be happening...? Suddenly that Hunter got up and followed TAVANIK... I wonder if something serious is going on?

ULTIMATE entered a room where he was seen by a waitress. After killing her, ULTIMATE inspected the room. It had several machines he couldn't operate, but he saw a micro that had a sound output in several sound columns in the pub.

ULTIMATE: Found it. This is what I need...

Through a giant glassed window he could see the interior of the pub perfectly. He saw SPOKE sitting down next to NOR. ULTIMATE went towards the micro and got it running.

ULTIMATE: Mr. SPOKE, you are needed in the backstage. I repeat, Mr. SPOKE, you are needed in the backstage.
NOR: What? Is the situation really that bad?
SPOKE (thinking) : Is VIGO in trouble...? Damn! I wasn't expecting this...
SPOKE: ...I can't go. I have to guard you...
NOR: Go. You have to help VIGO, young man. Help him in whatever he and TAVANIK needs. Go!
SPOKE: But he ordered me to...
NOR: If you don't go and help him, he won't order you anything anymore!
SPOKE: ...Thank you sir...

SPOKE got up and ran as fast as he could, right past AYLA, DYLA and to the backstage.

ULTIMATE: NOW!!!

ULTIMATE leaped across the glassed window, smashing it to pieces. The smashing noise was heard throughout the whole pub, causing DYLA to stop singing. NOR looked back and watched, between several glass pieces flying everywhere like bullets, a demon-like man running towards him as fast as a train.

ULTIMATE: UOOOOOOHHHH!!!
NOR: AAARGHHHH!!!
AYLA: ...!!!!

SPOKE reached the room where several waiters were next to.

SPOKE: What's the matter?
WAITER: A Hunter is wounded... and someone I know is dead... inside that door.
SPOKE: !!!

SPOKE rushed in the room and saw VIGO on the ground being assisted by some waiters.

VIGO: ! What are you doing here!?
SPOKE: ...What!? Didn't you call me!?
VIGO: HELL, NO!
SPOKE (thinking) : That waiter... was him! I knew it!!! Those eyes... looked like that of a wild beast...

On the main pub area, AYLA was petrified, as well as the rest of the audience.

A Hunter had just pierced his TWIN BRAND inside NOR's stomach.

After spitting blood, ULTIMATE takes his weapon away from NOR, making him fall on the table... lifeless.

ULTIMATE was standing still and smiling towards the dead body.

VOICE: IT'S ULTIMATE!!
VOICE #2: WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
VOICE #3: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!

After several panic screams, people began running away from their seats. They ran like crazy to the exit door in crowds.

AYLA: ...DAMN!!!

AYLA leaped from her seat, quickly equipped her DB SABER and stroke ULTIMATE.

AYLA: HAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

ULTIMATE blocked with his TWIN BRAND.

ULTIMATE: Remain seated, please.

ULTIMATE punched AYLA in her stomach, throwing her towards her table with her belly on fire.

AYLA: UNGHHHH!!!

AYLA smashed her table and chair away as she fell.

DYLA: AYLA!!!

DYLA was about to attack NEW as well. SPOKE appeared, along with a healed VIGO, in the middle of a mad fleeing crowd.

ULTIMATE: Well... that's it for tonight. See y'all... Gotta get outta here before the soldiers arrive.
VIGO: NO WAY!!!

ULTIMATE ran towards the exit door.

DYLA: GET BACK HERE!!!

SPOKE, DYLA and VIGO followed him, but when they got out of the building... he was gone. There was no trace of him. Anywhere.

And then the soldiers arrived.

DYLA rushed back in to check on her sister. She was all right, but furious due to her lack of experience to fight ULTIMATE. And so was VIGO.

NOR and TAVANIK died, along with staff members of the "Photon Dragon". That turned out to be one hell of a night, contrary to AYLA's espectations.

SPOKE: ...I'm sorry... This is all my fault. If I only...
VIGO: Be quiet. You were fooled, like everyone of us...
SPOKE (thinking) : That jackass... I swear... I'm gonna make him pay...
VIGO (thinking) : He was stronger than I thought...

A few moments later, the soldiers and local law staff were controlling the situation inside the bar. After DYLA was questioned about the accident, a woman arrived to the pub, apparently wounded. The soldiers rushed to heal her.

VIGO: That's... NOR's secretary, IRENE!!!
SPOKE: What's she doing here???
IRENE: ...Huff... Puff... ULTIMATE... killed NOR's wife...
VIGO: WHAT!?
IRENE: Huff... and also... Puff... TWAIN, her Hunter bodyguard...
SPOKE: ...
VIGO: ...
IRENE: I was lucky to survive... Please warn NOR...Huff... Hurry... Puff...
VIGO: ...That won't be... necessary...

That night turned to AYLA, DYLA, SPOKE and VIGO's worst nightmare. The visions they had of ULTIMATE haunted their sleep...

VIGO and SPOKE felt fueled to train harder, in order to stop the serial killer. They both had wife and children, they had to do something about their safety. So VIGO and SPOKE trained as hard as they could... so that one day they could face ULTIMATE.

DYLA and AYLA also were shocked, especially with TAVANIK's death.

DYLA trained harder in particular... powered by the frustation she felt on that day.

3 years went by...

3 years were several deputies were killed, and ULTIMATE could NEVER be caught.

TYRELL made several announcements, regarding the need in bringing the killer to justice, for everyone's own good... DYLA kept an eye out for him, trying to find out where would ULTIMATE strike.

But to no avail. ULTIMATE comes and goes like a storm... But SPOKE could never forget ULTIMATE's eyes. It haunted his dreams...

During those years, DYLA and SPOKE's rage was bigger and bigger, as ULTIMATE killed more and more members from the government.

VIGO died a year before the present date... in the last Battle Tournament. His son JIN promised to avenge his father.

VIGO was killed by ARLAB, a deadly Force. But after he ran away, he was declared dead and his body was found on a street. ARLAB, as it seemed, killed himself by jumping from a spacescraper.

His body was taken to the famous Hunter/Scientist RICO. She planned on making an autopsy to his body, among other studies she had in mind.

But a few days later... the body disappeared.

ARLAB was alive.

SPOKE had to train by himself, still continuing to become the greatest Hunter alive. He wanted to kill ARLAB and ULTIMATE, and that will of revenge made him powerful. He also trained hard in VIGO's place.

The "Photon Dragon" wasn't closed, it became an independent pub where security was reinforced. DYLA kept singing there, ignoring the pain in the past.

IRENE was promoted to TYRELL's personal secretary, due to her determination seen in the tragedy, that happened in the "Photon Dragon".

Pioneer 2.

On a small apartment were AYLA was living with her sister.

DYLA was practicing saber moves by herself, on an open room. AYLA passes by the opened door and looks inside to see her practice. She stops walking and leans against the door.

DYLA: - HAH! - HAAH!! -
AYLA: ...We're almost there... Only two more weeks and we land...
DYLA: The new planet? Yeah... I can't wait neither. - HOH! -
AYLA: ...A new home... A new life...

AYLA gazed through the window upon outer space, as she wondered a peaceful future life on Ragol. Little did she know how her life would change...

A spacescraper.

On the roof, a figure was gazing at the highest tower in Pioneer 2: TYRELL's room.

ULTIMATE (thinking) : Only one politician left... The main one. I wonder when will they ask me to get him...

...

ULTIMATE: ...Who's there?
VOICE: I represent the Black Paper. I have a new assignment for you.
ULTIMATE: TYRELL...?
VOICE: No. We have to play it safe. You have 2 targets. DYLA... The Hunter girl that stood in your way in several missions. She is studying our moves... You have to dispatch her. And the other target is SPOKE. He was one of the two Hunters who were bodyguards of NOR, one of your earlier targets. Here...

The mystery man throws a pack of meseta with two photos attached to it, to ULTIMATE, who catches it without turning towards the man.

VOICE: You have a photo of each in there. Along with several data we collected about them. We'll pay ya 30 000 for both.
ULTIMATE: ...Fine.
VOICE: That's all for the briefing. We are counting on you.
ULTIMATE: ...

The mystery man leaps out of the building and disappears in the middle of the neon-lit Pioneer 2 buildings.

ULTIMATE: Let's see...

ULTIMATE looks at the meseta pack and stores the money in his virtual inventory. He takes the two photos and looks in particular to one of them...

DYLA's.

Back in AYLA's apartment... DYLA was still practicing saber moves. AYLA was watching TV. She turns it off and passes again by her sister's room.

AYLA: Say, sis... Do ya think I can sing as well as you can...?
DYLA: Sure! Why don't you try it? We can sing together, sometime!
AYLA: ...Really? But... I don't think I can...
DYLA: Let's practice, today in the pub. Before my evening show. How does that sound?
AYLA: Great!
DYLA: Heheh...

DYLA stops her moves and cleans her sweat. She prepares her bath while her sister prepares dinner.

After her bath...

DYLA: ...I guess I'll take a stroll around. I need to relax a bit...
AYLA: Ok... Be back before 7.
DYLA: I will.

DYLA walks out of the apartment.

She heads towards the virtual park to gather her thoughts in the future.

As she heads out of the building and walks towards the park, she has the weird feeling of being followed... But in the Pioneer 2 public streets, there are many faces around her... so she ignored her feeling.

She entered the peaceful park and checked the artificial weather planned for today, on a screen next to the entrance. It said "Light rain". DYLA thought it was a bad ideia to come, but she entered the park anyway.

She walked across the trees and went towards the lake. She sat on a bench near it and fixed her eyesight in the calm waters.

- Shhhhh... -

She listened.

Behind her.

DYLA (thinking) : The artificial wind.

- Shuffle -

DYLA (thinking) : ...

DYLA looked around her. She was alone with nature. She understood something was wrong...

ULTIMATE: DRAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

DYLA instinctively leaped away from the bench, as ULTIMATE smashes it in half with his TWIN BRAND. DYLA landed on the grass and looked at the figure that almost killed her.

DYLA: ...YOU!!!
ULTIMATE: Missed me?

ULTIMATE leaped towards her. DYLA quickly equipped her DB SABER, and got ready for action.

DYLA: YOU WANT ME!? COME AND GET ME!!

Just as ULTIMATE was about to strike, he warps away from place.

DYLA instinctively made her body spin 180 degrees and blocks ULTIMATE's TWIN BRAND.

ULTIMATE: Not bad. You couldn't block this if I was sent to kill you 3 years ago...
DYLA: I am touched. You DO remember me.
ULTIMATE: How could I forget a strong girl's face?
DYLA: I'll make sure you don't FORGET.

DYLA jumped backwards and charged again at ULTIMATE with a wave of attacks. ULTIMATE smiles and blocks each and every attack. But DYLA's speed increases.

ULTIMATE: ...Hmm...
DYLA: DIE!!!

DYLA's body shined purple as she focused energy in her blade.

ULTIMATE: !!!!

DYLA smashed ULTIMATE's weapon so hard in an uppercut that it was thrown away from his hands. His TWIN BRAND spins in the air above him and pierces the grass a few meters behind ULTIMATE, who was shocked with DYLA's move.

ULTIMATE: ....You... found out that weapon's secret move. I'm impressed.
DYLA: ...AND NOW YOU DIE! You monster... Why do you kill endlessly? What have people done to you? WHY DON'T YOU LEAVE THEM ALONE!?
ULTIMATE: ...Hey, I'm just doing my job. If you have any complaints...

ULTIMATE leans his body backwards. As his hands touch the grass behind him, he flips twice.

ULTIMATE: ...go talk...

He grabs the TWIN BRAND and gets on his feet, ready to fight.

ULTIMATE: ...to my boss.
DYLA: ...Someone sent you to kill?
ULTIMATE: I'm a mercenary. A Hunter. And so are you. But only few of us are REALLY Hunters for hire. I'm one of the few Hunters nowadays that really do what they are told for money.
DYLA: WHAT IF I PAID YOU TO DIE!?

DYLA shows her hand at ULTIMATE.

ULTIMATE: ...
DYLA: GIZONDE!!!

DYLA shoots an electric thunder bolt out of her hand, that storms towards ULTIMATE.

ULTIMATE: DEEEEEIIIIIII!!!!!

ULTIMATE shows his TWIN BRAND to AYLA. He immediatly makes it spin at light-speed, smashing the thunder bolt into several yellow sparks as it his his fast helix. After all the electric energy was destroyed, ULTIMATE suddenly stops spinning his weapon and glares at DYLA.

ULTIMATE: ...So. You're better than I hoped. I'd better start fighting for real...
DYLA: ...!
ULTIMATE: UUUOOOOOHHHHH!!!!

ULTIMATE lets one hand off the TWIN BRAND and focuses firepower in it. He aims his palm at DYLA.

ULTIMATE: RAFOIE!!

ULTIMATE shoots a fireball out of his hand that quickly heads for DYLA. Instinctively, she counters with an ice spell.

DYLA: ...B-BARTA...!!

She shoots a small ice spell that is smashed away when touching the fireball that keeps heading towards her.

DYLA: ...H-Hiiiieeeeee!!!!

DYLA blocks with her DB SABER but the explosion blows her burning to the grass. She feels her body burning even if it isn't on flames...

When she opens her eyes she sees a blue photon blade aiming at her.

DYLA (thinking) : He's... fast...
ULTIMATE: End of the road.
DYLA: ...Grr...

It starts to rain artificially on the park.

Time passes by... It's around 7:30 PM.

AYLA is sitting on the dinner table with the food all ready but she's worried sick about her sister.

AYLA (thinking) : She doesn't answer my messages... I wonder what happened?

She gets up from the table and decides to look for her. She exists the apartment, locks it and runs downstairs.

She looks everywhere in Pioneer 2. She asks everyone... She thinks of every place she could have gone.

Then she remembers the virtual park. As she enters it, she sees the virtual rain. But AYLA continues to run, shouting her sister's name in the middle of the heavy rain.

She sees a body lying next to the lake, being doused by the rain... She goes and sees that her sister was in the edge of death, with a deep and large photon blade cut in her stomach. DYLA was struggling to breathe.

AYLA (thinking) : ...ULT...ULTIMATE...!?
AYLA: Sis! SIS! He did this to you didn't he?
DYLA: AYLA... I'm sorry it came to this. I wanted to stop ULTIMATE's reign of terror but I wasn't powerful enough...
AYLA: DAMN HIM! I promise... I promise I'll finish what you started...!
DYLA: ...All you have to promise me is that you'll take care.
AYLA: ...

DYLA then closes her eyes and her body succumbs to the pain. She dies.

AYLA: ...S...Sis? SIS! You'll be all r-right Sis. Y-You'll be ok...! I-I'll... *sniff*. I'll help you... *Sniff*...

AYLA places her palm in her sister's chest. When she doesn't feel any heart beating she slowly approaches her forehead to her sister's chest.

After a moment of silence she quickly rises her head to the rain.

AYLA: I'LL KILL YOU ULTIMATE!!! I SWEAR!!!! EEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rain continues to power on both. AYLA closes her eyes and can't think straight. She can only let herself be struck down by artificial rain teardrops from the park's ceiling...

ULTIMATE was hoping from rooftop to rooftop.

ULTIMATE (thinking) : Next... I think I'll go with this kid.

SPOKE's picture. Being ripped off by ULTIMATE's hands.

ULTIMATE (thinking) : I think this one will bring me more trouble. SPOKE... He's already dead.

The following day, SPOKE was on a weapon's shop, inside a giant shopping mall, looking at some pocket grenades.

SPOKE (thinking) : Hmm... I figure these will come in handy...
KIREEK: Are you interested in those?

SPOKE looks to the left and sees a tall purple HUcast, looking at the grenades.

KIREEK: They are a good alternative to traps. Since you can't set up traps like androids... I think it's handy if you have a pocket grenade or two stored in your inventory.
SPOKE: Oh... I don't think I have the need for those...
KIREEK: Yes... They're only useful on those REALLY tough battles... I've been studying them...They have 3 buttons, to 3 different timers. You can chose for it to blow in 1, 5 or 10 seconds. They're immensly powerful if the target is right next to the grenade, seconds before it explodes. It's great for when you encounter your perfect enemy, that perfect opponent.
SPOKE (thinking) : The perfect... opponent? Maybe... I'll buy one of these... just in case.
SPOKE: Thanks a lot... You gave me great advice.
KIREEK: Anytime, boy. Just be sure to use them for a good cause...
SPOKE: ...I will.

SPOKE buys a grenade and exits the shopping mall. In one of the windows was ULTIMATE, staring at his next victim.

ULTIMATE (thinking) : How will I get this guy? ...Hmm.

SPOKE was walking in the public streets, heading to his home.

ULTIMATE puts on a black hood and walks towards SPOKE.

ULTIMATE pushes SPOKE on purpose, who looks at him.

When SPOKE sees ULTIMATE's eyes... He recognises the devilish look that haunted him all this time.

He saw ULTIMATE.

ULTIMATE smiled as he saw SPOKE understanding his identity.

ULTIMATE turned his smiling face away from SPOKE and ran away from him.

SPOKE: WAIT!!! STOP!!!

ULTIMATE was running in the middle of the crowd, pushing everyone in his way. SPOKE tried to follow him.

ULTIMATE entered a small abandoned building. SPOKE, after making his way between the crowd, followed him and entered the building doors as well.

Inside the old dark building, SPOKE didn't see him anywhere.

SPOKE: WHERE ARE YOU!!?

He listened footsteps. Above him. SPOKE saw the stairs and ran to follow him.

SPOKE (thinking) : The rooftop...?

After many stair climbing, SPOKE reached the rooftop of the building. It was very small, compared with the other spacescrapers. Around the rooftop was a fantastic view of the city. SPOKE looked to the edge and saw ULTIMATE smiling, with his TWIN BRAND, ready to fight, in front of several neon lights from the buildings behind him.

ULTIMATE: Do you remember me?
SPOKE: ...I haven't forgotten what you did 3 years ago...

SPOKE equips his TWIN BRAND.

SPOKE: ...And so won't you...
ULTIMATE: ...

Both Hunters look into each other in their eyes.

SPOKE: There was much I'd like to ask you, but I see that you aren't the type to chat.
ULTIMATE: Oh, I love to talk. But you on the other hand... What would you say moments before your death...?
SPOKE: SHUT UP!!!

SPOKE runs to attack ULTIMATE.

SPOKE: You think you can poison my self-confidence...

SPOKE strikes ULTIMATE, who blocks.

SPOKE: ...with just words when I've...

ULTIMATE spins his TWIN BRAND and attacks with the opposite edge with a horizontal strike. SPOKE dodges by ducking.

SPOKE: ...been looking for this day FOR 3 YEARS!?

SPOKE moves his fist through ULTIMATE's defenses and punches him in his chin. ULTIMATE gets hit and steps back.

ULTIMATE: Ungh... You are strong... Stronger than your teammate...
SPOKE: I spent all this time training for this day... Do you think I had no reason to become better?
ULTIMATE: Congratulations. You are better than I thought. But that's not enough. MY turn...

ULTIMATE puts his TWIN BRAND next to his chest, hold it tightly, raises one leg and spins his body quickly, making him look like a human saw, with his foot spinning in place like the genesis of the human whirlwind. He spins towards SPOKE, who dodges by jumping backwards several times. ULTIMATE follows him, spinning his body but always looking at his opponent. SPOKE tries to hit ULTIMATE but he sees it coming and blocks with the force of his body spin, throwing SPOKE back. SPOKE falls on his back but flips backwards and gets on his feet. ULTIMATE spins in place, not approaching SPOKE.

ULTIMATE: What will you do? Can't strike me with those futile movements...
SPOKE (thinking) : He's invulnerable while spinning... He can see all my movements and attack with the full force of his body spin... How can I...

SPOKE looks at ULTIMATE's foot. It was the beggining of the whirlwind, that led to the spinning TWIN BRAND, and to ULTIMATE's whirl movement.

SPOKE: OF COURSE!!!

SPOKE places his TWIN BRAND on the floor and focuses power on his fists that hold it.

SPOKE: Get ready... for a real spell...
ULTIMATE: ...?
SPOKE: RABARTAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Out from his fists and through the TWIN BRAND comes out powerful ice energy that freezes the perimeter around SPOKE. As soon as the freezing energy reaches ULTIMATE's foot, it freezes the rest of his body in chain, making him become an ice statue.

SPOKE: HAAAAHHHH!!!!

SPOKE raises his right hand which hold his weapon and runs to attack ULTIMATE, who breaks through the ice using his muscle power.

SPOKE: ...!!!
ULTIMATE: GGGGG!!!

Just as SPOKE was about to hit him, ULTIMATE counters with his blade, cutting SPOKE's right arm off his body. The blow threw his arm which hold his weapon away and to the ground, making SPOKE cry in pain.

SPOKE: GGAAAAHRGGGGHHH!!!!

SPOKE fell on his knees, feeling a horrible pain at the end of his half-right arm. ULTIMATE smiled as he saw that SPOKE was useless without his right arm.

ULTIMATE: Hahahaha... What are you going to do now...? You made things easy for me...
SPOKE: ...Grr... You... Damn it!!!
ULTIMATE: Looks like you're no good now... Time for you to accept destiny... Time for you to meet your partner.
SPOKE: ...You'll be also paying him a visit. GRENADE!

SPOKE ordered his PC on his left arm to materialise the grenade that was in his inventory.

ULTIMATE: ...!

SPOKE pressed the button "1" second button in the grenade and leaped at ULTIMATE with the last bit of his strength, wrapping the arm that held the grenade around ULTIMATE's neck.

ULTIMATE: Y-YOU... SHIT!!!!
SPOKE: ...Whew.

The grenade exploded tremendously, shaking the whole building, right when ULTIMATE was pushing SPOKE away from him. The viewers on the buildings next to them watched a giant explosion in their place, blowing their weapons away from them and making the block shake violently.

The smoke from the explosion faded away along with ULTIMATE's days as a killer.

...

A few minutes later, RICO was the first to arrive to the damaged rooftop. She checked everywhere and saw someone lying on the dark ground.

RICO: ...Well, well...

RICO saw ULTIMATE's body wounded and burning. She checks his burned pulse and sees that he's alive.

RICO: ...Alive. Lucky jerk... But you're history. Looks like it's over for you...

She then remembers on of her researches.

RICO: ...Unless...

Thinking of a great idea, she takes a sedative from her inventory and injects it to ULTIMATE's arm, so that he wouldn't wake up for the next 3 days. She then heals him, and picks his body up, carrying him on her back towards her automobile. She sits ULTIMATE the back seats of her aircair.

RICO: You, my boy... Are going to be of great use to me...

She sits down on the front seat and drives her automobile out of the place and towards her laboratory, wondering about the fruits of her NEW experiment.

When the police arrives to the site, everyone of the viewers told them about the fight they saw. They couldn't find any piece of ULTIMATE's body... and so he was declared dead.

Citizens in Pioneer 2 rejoiced as the ULTIMATE menace was destroyed forever...

SPOKE's wife and daughter could never recover from the pain they suffered... in missing a parent and a husband. But they were proud of him. They always were.

TYRELL was relieved to know that the case behind the assassinations was finished, and announced the arrival to Ragol would be safe and perfect.

The nightmare was gone. A new dawn came, and the terror felt in Pioneer 2 was finished.

But... everything has only just begun.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-03-03 08:10 ]</font>

red_warrior
Mar 2, 2003, 02:33 PM
You're getting famous New http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Neo Rei
Mar 2, 2003, 07:21 PM
Notes & Questions:
1- Didn't Rico go to Ragol in Pionner 1?
2- Why is the fic all about Twin Brands? I guess Spoke could've had a Stag Cutlery...
3- I finally understand how Rico got Arlab's sperm... he was alive after all LOL
4- Who's DB and why does Dyla uses his/her saber?
5- Nice story man, I think you could do one more before the ending, based on challenge mode or on that Towards the Future quest. Say Rei being the dragon... heh http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
6- Listening to The Astonishing Urbana Fall in this chapter is highly recommended... ^_^

Cell132
Mar 2, 2003, 09:24 PM
I have 3 questions.

1. "NEW senses something quickly moving across the air towards him and catches it. It was a golden pack, with 10 000 Meseta inside. "

Um... I thought he was just plain old Ultimate here?

2. "AYLA leaped from her seat, quickly equipped her DB SABER and stroke ULTIMATE."

So um... DYLA and AYLA had a DB' Saber?

3. "ULTIMATE leaped across the glassed window, smashing it to pieces. The smashing noise was heard throughout the whole pub, causing AYLA to stop singing. NOR looked back and watched, between several glass pieces flying everywhere like bullets, a demon-like man running towards him as fast as a train. "

Wasn't DYLA singin?

^-^ " Um... that's all that confused me cept that I thought Spoke used a Sange and Yasha. (Or sumthin like that)

Neo Rei
Mar 3, 2003, 05:02 AM
Aparently those are just mistakes. Thanks for listing them (also noticed) so that I can correct the story when transfering it to the website for posterior musical addition http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Daikarin
Mar 3, 2003, 08:17 AM
On 2003-03-02 18:24, Cell132 wrote:
I have 3 questions.

1. "NEW senses something quickly moving across the air towards him and catches it. It was a golden pack, with 10 000 Meseta inside. "

Um... I thought he was just plain old Ultimate here?

2. "AYLA leaped from her seat, quickly equipped her DB SABER and stroke ULTIMATE."

So um... DYLA and AYLA had a DB' Saber?

3. "ULTIMATE leaped across the glassed window, smashing it to pieces. The smashing noise was heard throughout the whole pub, causing AYLA to stop singing. NOR looked back and watched, between several glass pieces flying everywhere like bullets, a demon-like man running towards him as fast as a train. "

Wasn't DYLA singin?

^-^ " Um... that's all that confused me cept that I thought Spoke used a Sange and Yasha. (Or sumthin like that)


AW XIT!

EDIT: Well, I took care of the big mistakes right away. As for your doubts:

1 - Sorry, I wasn't used to see NEW and ULTIMATE as two different persons, I guess http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif (fixed)

2 - Yup, DB SABER. The first weapon both girls have.

3 - Yup, it was DYLA singing. (fixed)

For the AYLA/DYLA mistakes, the problem was because I was thinking of making AYLA the singer first. Then I rebuilt the whole story and changed all the AYLA/DYLA's, but I forgot that part...

AYLA had a DB like her sister. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

Sorry if you got confused... This wasn't meant to happen, I am a guy who is VERY distracted http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif

(awww crap! Oh well...)


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-03-03 08:11 ]</font>

Daikarin
Mar 3, 2003, 08:44 AM
On 2003-03-02 16:21, Neo Rei wrote:
Notes & Questions:
1- Didn't Rico go to Ragol in Pionner 1?
2- Why is the fic all about Twin Brands? I guess Spoke could've had a Stag Cutlery...
3- I finally understand how Rico got Arlab's sperm... he was alive after all LOL
4- Who's DB and why does Dyla uses his/her saber?
5- Nice story man, I think you could do one more before the ending, based on challenge mode or on that Towards the Future quest. Say Rei being the dragon... heh http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
6- Listening to The Astonishing Urbana Fall in this chapter is highly recommended... ^_^


1 - WHAT!? Crap. I thought your mother was a scientist in Pioneer 2. Well, too late to change that. For all the readers of the fanfic, please consider RICO as a Pioneer 2 inhabitant, as wrong as it may seem, for the story to become valid. (REI! You waited for the story to finish to TELL ME THAT!? CURSE YOU!)
*fires a Gizonde at REI and runs... away*
2 - The SPOKE/ULTIMATE battle was inspired by Star Wars Episode 1, with two double-edged blue photon blades.
3 - FINALLY! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif
4 - DYLA has a DB SABER. Remember the days on PSO V1, when I found this "cool weapon" in my early levels on some part of the ruins? You said "THAT'S COMMON CRAP!". Well, that's DYLA's weapon 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_biggrin.gif
5 - I never played challenge mode. When I had PSO v2, I thought of going online, but I never got the modem to do it... And as for the extra thing before the ending... Sorry, but I want to finish my work on Ultimate Hunters as soon as I can... :no
6 - I got some suggestions myself:

These were the music that inspired me to write the extra story:

World with me -> Photon Dragon scene
Rurouni Kenshin - Shades of Revolution -> DYLA's fight with Ultimate that led towards her death
Super smash Brothers melee - Mute City -> Spoke and Ultimate's duel
The whole new world EPISODE II -> When RICO found Ultimate's body.

EDIT: PSO Trick Track PART 1 -> VIGO and SPOKE's introduction




<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-03-03 05:51 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Mar 3, 2003, 11:14 AM
1- Rico is not my mom. Remember I'm Neo Rei, not Rei. Well, worry not about Rico being on P1 or 2, this is a fic after all. But you have to explain why Tyrell is so worried http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
*counters with Grants and points and laughs*
2- Darth Maul there had a red photon saber IIRC.
3- I will not ask how she managed to get it from him.
4- *LOL*
5- C-mode... addicting... TTF... addicting... AHAHAH!!
6- Do you even know what TAUF (The Astonish....) is? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif

Namevah
Mar 3, 2003, 12:05 PM
Insperation from Super Smash Bros. Melee's Mute City. Who da thunk it. lol. I always woundered why RR Rico was on Pioneer 2. Well, mystakes will happen.

Cell132
Mar 3, 2003, 04:14 PM
On 2003-03-03 05:44, New Ultimate wrote:


On 2003-03-02 16:21, Neo Rei wrote:
Notes & Questions:
1- Didn't Rico go to Ragol in Pionner 1?
2- Why is the fic all about Twin Brands? I guess Spoke could've had a Stag Cutlery...
3- I finally understand how Rico got Arlab's sperm... he was alive after all LOL
4- Who's DB and why does Dyla uses his/her saber?
5- Nice story man, I think you could do one more before the ending, based on challenge mode or on that Towards the Future quest. Say Rei being the dragon... heh http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_razz.gif
6- Listening to The Astonishing Urbana Fall in this chapter is highly recommended... ^_^


1 - WHAT!? Crap. I thought your mother was a scientist in Pioneer 2. Well, too late to change that. For all the readers of the fanfic, please consider RICO as a Pioneer 2 inhabitant, as wrong as it may seem, for the story to become valid. (REI! You waited for the story to finish to TELL ME THAT!? CURSE YOU!)
*fires a Gizonde at REI and runs... away*
2 - The SPOKE/ULTIMATE battle was inspired by Star Wars Episode 1, with two double-edged blue photon blades.
3 - FINALLY! http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/anime2.gif
4 - DYLA has a DB SABER. Remember the days on PSO V1, when I found this "cool weapon" in my early levels on some part of the ruins? You said "THAT'S COMMON CRAP!". Well, that's DYLA's weapon 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_biggrin.gif
5 - I never played challenge mode. When I had PSO v2, I thought of going online, but I never got the modem to do it... And as for the extra thing before the ending... Sorry, but I want to finish my work on Ultimate Hunters as soon as I can... :no
6 - I got some suggestions myself:

These were the music that inspired me to write the extra story:

World with me -> Photon Dragon scene
Rurouni Kenshin - Shades of Revolution -> DYLA's fight with Ultimate that led towards her death
Super smash Brothers melee - Mute City -> Spoke and Ultimate's duel
The whole new world EPISODE II -> When RICO found Ultimate's body.

EDIT: PSO Trick Track PART 1 -> VIGO and SPOKE's introduction


lol mistakes happen. (I kno I made more than that when I used ta do my old 1) ^-^ But it still sounds pretty cool!!!!!!

Hunter4life
Mar 3, 2003, 08:36 PM
sweet. excellent prequel.
BTW, i noticed the amount of pages went from 10 to 9. How'd you do that?

Daikarin
Mar 4, 2003, 11:41 AM
On 2003-03-03 17:36, Hunter4life wrote:
i noticed the amount of pages went from 10 to 9. How'd you do that?



Not me buddy. Maybe you changed your personal settings for the forum in your account, and raised the number of posts per page...?

The number of pages I have is still 16. That's because I customized 10 posts per page.



<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-03-04 08:59 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Mar 5, 2003, 11:09 AM
On 2003-02-23 16:56, Neo Rei wrote:
I never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to miss this thing here... hopefully the website is bringing a different sound for the fic, so as soon as the story has music, I'll read it again hehe http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif


A small update on this post. If you visit the fan fic website (you can go there by clicking on my or New's signature), you'll be given a choice to hear music during chapters. I (really) hope you like it, it took a lot out of me you know? http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_wink.gif

Hunter4life
Mar 5, 2003, 04:25 PM
Not me buddy. Maybe you changed your personal settings for the forum in your account, and raised the number of posts per page...?

The number of pages I have is still 16. That's because I customized 10 posts per page.



ok thanks for the enlightenment

Daikarin
Mar 8, 2003, 08:54 PM
--- Chapter 27 - Epilogue ---

Some folks believe time doesn't exit.

That it's only a creation of man's deductions.

Now I believe it.

Time stops for me, while my mind takes a break for everything.

I think about all this in half a second: I recall back one night, camping in the second area of the "Ruins", after AYLA's tragedy, with the guys. We were all sitting next to the fire eating REI's canned beans, while discussing many things about REI's apetite. I suddenly have this nice idea for a topic chat:

BLADEGUNNER: Say... What are you guys gonna do after all this?
REI: After all this what?
BLADEGUNNER: After we complete our mission... Find out the reason for all of this, complete the main objective we were sent to...
REI: ...You mean, after we finish our job? I dunno. Hang around, I guess.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Couldn't you be more creative?
REI: What do you mean?
BLADEGUNNER: It won't be the same once we figure the whole plot in Ragol. We're gonna kill FALZ and start a new life in this planet. And all you'll say is "I'll Hang around"...!?
REI: Ok wisecrack, what's YOUR life gonna be like when we finish FALZ?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I'm gonna...
REI: ...?

I look down to the floor.

BLADEGUNNER: ...
REI: ...Yeah...?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Gee, I don't have a clue.
REI: ...

After REI insulted me and I fought back verbally, we silently started to get the feeling that someone's opinion hasn't been heard since the topic was brought up. After looking at him we decide to move on.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Say, NEW. What are YOU gonna do after all this...?

NEW had been quiet all the time. Even if he got over the AYLA story, he still kept his thoughts to himself, and kept looking to the ground ahead of him, emotionless. I thought I should let him be, and was about to change the subject when...

NEW ULTIMATE: ...I'm gonna go on a new journey.
REI: What?
BLADEGUNNER: Journey?
REI: ...Like what, vacations?
NEW ULTIMATE: No... A new quest...
BLADEGUNNER: You mean, you'll keep working after all this? AYLA was right. What a work-a-holic.

REI made an angry face in my direction. I forgot about NEW's pain after her death and silently ask NEW to forgive me. REI tried to get AYLA out of the talk.

REI: What quest will you take?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW moved his eyesight up, and looked at the ceiling.

NEW ULTIMATE: A personal quest of myself... A quest like none other. Probably the main mission of my life...
BLADEGUNNER: ...?
REI: ...I'm not sure I understand, NEW.

We looked at each other, not knowing if NEW wanted to talk about it. But he looked down at us and smiled.

NEW ULTIMATE: Heheh... I'll start my life from scratch.
REI: That's what we're all gonna do!
NEW ULTIMATE: But I really mean it. From scratch.
REI: Scratch? Start life over from the zero point?
BLADEGUNNER: ...What, are you going to REBORN?
REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: That could describe it, yes.
REI: So you new quest is to start a new life?
NEW ULTIMATE: Not only that. I plan to make NEW and ULTIMATE disappear from the world. Not physically, of course...
BLADEGUNNER: Why would you want to do that...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...This body has been the host for many sins. No matter how much I try, people will still go after me... Knowing that I was ULTIMATE...
REI: ...It's not your fault. And you know that.
NEW ULTIMATE: Sure I do. But still, ULTIMATE was a reality right? Inside this body...
BLADEGUNNER: ...So you're saying... You want to make ULTIMATE disappear for good by disappearing yourself?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW looks up again to the ceiling.

NEW ULTIMATE: He's trying to break through my chest and come out guys... He's crying to take over me. I can feel it.
REI: ...
BLADEGUNNER: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...And why? Rage. Rage triggers him. Just like an animal's instict, ULTIMATE struggles to take over my will. If I don't control him... or myself, he may be a reality again.
REI: ...Dark Falz... each time we get closer to him, I feel your fury incrementing... And with that, so does ULTIMATE's wish to own your body...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Exactly. Actually, if we get to fight him personally, I don't know if I'll control myself... If I do, I have to make extra effort not to let him have his way with my body.
BLADEGUNNER: ...That's why you want to go on a quest... to free yourself from him.
REI: And how are you gonna do that, NEW?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't know... All I know is that I first got to get rid of ULTIMATE... Make him nothing more that a painful memory.
BLADEGUNNER: ...You mean you're gonna leave us? You're gonna leave your buddies after all this is finished? You'll wonder off alone, trying to solve that problem of yours?
NEW ULTIMATE: Alone? No. We will adventure together once more. That I promise.
REI: ...But not with NEW ULTIMATE anymore... With a whole new guy.

NEW closed his eyes and raised his palm at REI, ordering him to stop something. I didn't understand this...

Maybe REI was reading his mind and NEW ordered him... "Stop it!"? Hehe... How ridiculous.

Honestly speaking, I think we were too positive.

I mean, already making plans for when we defeat an all-mighty god?

They say positive attitude triggers anything...

Is it true? Do my doubts take away the chance of sensing the sweet aroma of victory?

The flashback is over.

I look now into the physic reality.

I am in Hell.

Ghosts fly around me asking to be taken away from here.

Thunders pierce the dark mountains in the distance.

I feel like I'm inside a whirwind, which is flying in the middle of an earthquake.

Ahead of me is a monster twice as big as Vol Opt, and twice as powerful as KIREEK.

A God.

We're fighting a God.

How did it all come to this? ...Fight the Devil...

No... get a hold of yourself, BLADE.

You're not alone in this.

Two guys by my side.

The best Force I know.

The most powerful Hunter I ever saw.

And me.

Will it be enough?

Is positive attitude gonna save me?

In the middle of all this chaos...?

I saw earth all around us, in the distance, fall into a deep abyss. We're fighting on a giant rocky platform.

...We can't escape?

NEW ULTIMATE: ...BLADE!? ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME!?
BLADEGUNNER: ...Uh, sorry.

NEW was explaining how we were gonna fight the monster. He showed us the base of the creature: It was a "T" type structure, with a giant devil Dragon head on each tip of the "T". He told us all we could do was fight the heads, for now.

We nodded and NEW pointed towards one of the heads.

NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE, you and I will take care of the middle head. REI, you'll take the left head.

I was about to think why was REI gonna fight a head alone unlike us, but when I looked back at him, REI was already charging at his head.

NEW ULTIMATE: Ready!? Let's GO!

We all ran towards the monster, which was around a 100 meters away from us. NEW and REI were ahead of me, and as NEW ordered us to be extra careful, I watched the giant monster focusing some kind of blue energy in the end of its weapon.

I could only think... SHIT!!!

The creature slowly moves its weapon aiming at the sky as we are closer to it... And then this moment came.

VOICE: BEGONE...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
REI: ...!!
BLADEGUNNER: ...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: THINK FAST!

Out of the enourmous Photon blade comes out a column of blue energy. After reaching a certain height, we could see the column splitting in several rays of blue energy, aiming to fall down on us in a rain of deadly energy.

REI: DODGE!!!

I see a pilar of blue light descending down on me at light speed. Luckily I dodged it by jumping forward, rolling my body and getting up, so I can keep running. Apparently they dodged their energy beams as well.

We were now very close to the giant monster.

Boy, this thing sure looks bigger... way bigger...

REI and NEW started splitting up, running towards a head. I followed NEW as we ran towards a giant and horrible dragon's head, that started releasing some kind of green drool out of its mouth as it placed its dark eyes on both of us. The creature's neck was raising the head so high that we couldn't reach it.

BLADEGUNNER: How are gonna hit it? We can only do as REI... with Techniques...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Wait...

I saw the beast open its enourmous jaws as it sets loose a wild roar, which instinctively made us leap backwards. After that, the Dragon head lowers slowly until it touches the ground. NEW ordered me to go to the left side of the giant head while he was going right. I did so, as I saw the monster open its huge jaws once more.

But I didn't care. I braked right next to the giant head. It was twice my height, damn it! And that eye... That dark eye on the head was following my movements... Trying to haunt me with a mere glare... Trying to know that I was being... What am I thinking? This Demon won't have his way with me. NOT A CHANCE!

BLADEGUNNER: HAAH!!!!

I started pounding. And pounding. Again and again. Jesus, this thing was hard as a rock. But I kept hitting. And hitting. But all I could do was scratch that monster.

I didn't even wonder why this thing was in the ground.

Shortly after that, the monster's neck raised its head up, away from the ground and from my reach. I could see NEW as the head raised itself out of our way. NEW and I looked at each other.

NEW ULTIMATE: WATCH OUT!!

I looked into my left and saw 2 of the previous saws coming at me. Damn faster as well. I jumped in the last minute as the saws passed right below my toes, flipped in the air and faced the saws, preparing to smash them when they fly towards me again. I felt a deep cup in my right arm.

BLADEGUNNER: GYAHHH!!!

A saw passed right past me and headed towards NEW, who smashed it to pieces with only one blow. After healing myself, I saw several speedy saws all around the battlefield.

NEW ULTIMATE: That dragon head... spits those saws we saw when this hell emerged...
BLADEGUNNER: ...We can't hit the head right now...
NEW ULTIMATE: Aim for the
ULTIMATE: stupid
NEW ULTIMATE: saws, for now.
BLADEGUNNER: ...Ok.

I saw NEW have a temporary loss of himself. But I ignored it and focused on hitting the saws as they chased me.

Heh. Easy. But as for REI... He's fighting alone... I wonder...

I looked back at REI and saw him standing still in place. His dragon head was on the ground spitting saws. REI had one hand destroying each of the saws that came out with a Foie spell, and the other hand firing Gizonde spells at the head.

...

He looked at me and smiled.

REI: HOW ARE YA DOING IN THERE!?
BLADEGUNNER: ...

I was about to reply when my instict called back on me.

Two saws, left and right side. Think fast.

SMASH, SMASH. Look back at NEW.

Man, that guy's crazy! HE was chasing the saws and smashing them.

A few seconds later, we had smashed every saw around us. We thought of hitting the high dragon head with spells. But, as the monster sensed the lack of saws, it lowered its head again to spit some more.

NEW seriously looked at me. That glare told me what to do.

I nodded and ran again to the left side and started smashing and smashing.

I smashed and smashed as I heard several continous photon blows.

The noises were being made faster than my attack rate.

What the hell...?

It was NEW, on the other side. Delivering 5 blows per second, the dragon's head started shaking violently with each blow.

That guy is really something. I saw the dragon's giant skull being scattered on NEW's side, as several flesh and bone pieces were being blown away.

That guy is really mad...

Then, I saw a purple blade pass right in front of my nose, splitting the dragon head in half with a fast and mighty blow.

NEW had broken the beast's skull in half, making the head and the neck disappear in one blow.

He was sweating, but ran towards another head.

NEW ULTIMATE: ONE MORE TO GO!
BLADEGUNNER: What...?

- BOOM - , I heard, from REI's head. I looked back to see the head dematerialising to death as REI cleaned his hands in satisfaction.

How did NEW know that REI was about to kill his head? There's something that escapes me.

Doesn't matter. Only one more head to go.

REI ran towards the head as well. The three of us braked right in front of the last head. NEW looked at us and asked us to cover each side of the head while he stood in front of it. He said he would cover us up by destroying the saws while we handled the damage to the head.

A brilliant plan. REI and I were in place, waiting for the beast to lower its head and spit saws.

But... After growling, the head's behaviour wasn't natural. REI sensed something wrong.

REI: DAMN!!!

The beast moved its volumous head in REI's direction as he saw his giant jaws open in terror. He was going to be eaten alive!!

NEW ULTIMATE: REI!!!!!

The dragon closed its sharp jaws and grabbed REI's body by his stomach, using its giant mouth. I felt like in one of those Dinossaur movies... When a T-REX grabbed its prey using its teeth only...

I saw REI shout in pain, as the dragon moved him above our heads. I imagined that thing's teeth piercing my stomach... I feared REI's life, I felt hopeless...

BLADEGUNNER: NEW, how are we...

He wasn't in his place, when I looked at it.

I felt a breeze blowing my hairs back, like if something passed right above me.

I looked back at REI and there he was.

On the air, after a huge jump, flying towards the head in the distance. NEW flipped and landed right above the creature's neck, behind the head.

Without thinking too much, he slashed the neck under his feet with one scything blow. The powerful movement fired a white shockwave that carved a scythe-mark on the stoned ground, as I felt wind coming to my face from it.

NEW had destroyed the last head, by reacting to an impulse of danger from REI's behalf.

I couldn't believe my eyes...

The giant head smashed on the ground, throwing REI away from it and to the shaking floor, as the final head faded away in a giant cloud of purple smoke moving towards the sky.

REI had several deep cuts in his chest and stomach, which were healed immediatly by himself. REI noticed that I was looking at him.

REI: I'm FINE.
BLADEGUNNER: I didn't say a word.
REI: But you THOUGHT.
BLADEGUNNER: And what? Now you can read minds?

I saw NEW landing on his feet. His eyes were still glowing green. He placed his hand on his head, apparently suffering from a headdache or something...

ULTIMATE: U...Uhh...
BLADEGUNNER: NEW... Are you all right?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

NEW looked back at us with his normal self expression and smiled, giving us the "Ok" thumb.

We did it...?

The figure on the top of the monster was twisting in pain. The base of the monster from which emerged the previous three dragon heads was fading away.

We all ran away from the monster, as we saw that it was about to collapse. Losing its balance, DARK FALZ tumbled its huge body in the dark ground. After shaking the terrible ground and causing dust to lift, the monster was lying on the ground motionless.

Thunders sparked in the distance as we thought we defeated it.

REI: ...No, it's never this simple. And I still feel some life force inside that huge body...

I looked back at the monster and I was shocked to give reason to REI.

The creature started to glow purple, something which looked like deer's horns came out of his back and glew white, as the monster divided the upper part of his body from the base.

A new monster was born, as the lower part of the beast faded away in ashes.

The new Dark Falz was similar to the first, but purple in color, with some kind of wings/horns on its back and a giant red spherical organ on its lowest part. A heart, maybe...?

The creature floats in the air, and flies backwards... to the distance. It stops on the edge of the rocky platform were everything was taking place.

BLADEGUNNER: What now? We go after it...?
VOICE: ...DEFYING A GOD...
REI: ...!!
VOICE: ...YOU WORTHLESS BUGS.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Killing people...
BLADEGUNNER: ...? NEW?
ULTIMATE: ...You disguting cockroach. HUT!

Next thing I know, he is jumping ahead at the monster, with the LAVIS CANNON on his wrist, his shield on his right arm and his light green eyes in his mood.

REI: Daaaamn! Wait for us!!

We ran after N... After ULTIMATE, who was running faster than ever. The giant God just stood still waiting for us to arrive.

We were around 30 meters away from the monster, but ULTIMATE was about to attack it.

REI: WATCH OUT!!!

Just as ULTIMATE was close to the monster, it aimed its gigantic photon blade to him. A spark came out from the tip of the weapon...

An I saw an ice tornado coming out of it, blowing straight at ULTIMATE...

Wait a minute. ULTIMATE was no longer ahead of us! He dodged...?

REI: SHIT!!!!!!!

REI and I started braking on our heels as we saw the ice winds blowing in our direction.

REI: RAFOIE!!!!

REI shot a fireball that triggered a gigantic dome of a fire explosion, disappearing seconds later when touching the cold winds FALZ shot at us.

As the ice tornado and fire spell faded away, we could clearly see ULTIMATE slashing DARK FALZ's red orb which I'll call his "Heart", continously like a crazy maniac.

We went to help him.

After receiving several strong blows from ULTIMATE, the God cried in pain and smashed ULTIMATE away with its huge weapon. He was sent flying right above our heads and tumbled several meters behind us.

We stopped running, not knowing whether to help him or keep running at the enemy.

NEW ULTIMATE: DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! LET HIM HAVE IT!!!

He said, making extra effort to raise his head and shout like that.

We nodded and ran towards the monster.

We stopped right next to the edge of the platform, in front of the monster.

I looked down at the bottomless pit next to my feet and swalloed.

REI: Be focused and you'll be fine. I mean, after all we went through until now, a little endless pit is nothing, right?
BLADEGUNNER: You got a point...

We started attacking the monster. REI was on a back position, aiming spells at the creature, while I was at the front, smashing that red organ, the heart, with as much strength as I could with my S-RED BLADES.

This bastard is responsible for everything we went through...

We are on the climax of our quest...

For moments I remembered AYLA's death and NEW's pain and everyone who died relatively to this creep's will...

And I don't care that I was fighting a God. NO ONE has the right to do that.

I seem to be hurting it, as the beast gave out several painful growls after each of my sucessfull hits.

After a wave of attacks, DARK FALZ approaches me. I leaped backwards and crossed my S-RED BLADES in a defense position, wondering what could he be doing.

He slowly floats above the ground we were in and suddenly rammed its gigantic body against the it.

Damn, that was the strongest bump I felt.

A whole earthquake triggered from that collision, throwing me and REI to the shaking ground.

Damn, I think that I twisted my ankle with all that earth chaos.

But I'm not letting some...

REI: WATCH OUT!

When I looked back at FALZ, it was already aiming its blade to the sky, shooting another blue energy cannon. I was lying on the ground and saw an energy beam raining down on me. Closer and closer...

...I thought to myself...

Is this it...?

But REI appeared out of nowhere, caught my legs and treated my body like the heavy ball in the olympics heavy weight even and threw me (spinning) away from there with every ounce of his strength.

A big blue pillar of light pierced the floor where I was and REI is, storming EVERYTHING in REI's place.

REI...

I saw the scene as I was being propelled away from it.

Triggered by fury, I moved my feet so that I could land on them.

I landed on both feet and placed my hand on the floor for me not to lose balance.

BLADEGUNNER: REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIII!!!!!!!

That idiot went to the trouble of rescuing me so that he could get burned to the bone with all that energy...

...

DAMN IT!

DARK FALZ.

When I looked (still dizzy after spinning that much), its enormous blade was already descending at light speed to cut my hunched body in half...

Then, out of nowhere, NEW appeared in the middle of the way.

How do they always do that?

He blocked FALZ's vertical blow with a horizontal one with his LAVIS.

Yes, I couldn't believe it either.

He blocked that huge thing with his weapon, perfectly. And he could even look back at me and smile.

NEW ULTIMATE: Come on, Hunter. Get a hold of yourself.

I smiled back and got up quickly.

NEW ULTIMATE: Can you fire a RABARTA spell?
BLADEGUNNER: Yeah...
NEW ULTIMATE: Then start to focus power now.
BLADEGUNNER: Got it.

He pushed DARK FALZ's giant sword away from us.

I started focusing ice energy in my hand.

REI: You think that slap of electric energy could toast me?

REI appeared right next to us. He was alive!

Ok, all burned up but still...

He was also charging energy, along with NEW.

I figured NEW wanted us to fire a mighty spell at the same time, towards our target.

Great idea, our spells combined would have a god-like impact.

I saw DARK FALZ focusing energy in his SWORD too.

But we were also doing that. The three of us.

NEW ULTIMATE: NOW! RAZONDE!!!!
REI: RAFOIE!!!!!!!!!!
BLADEGUNNER: RABARTA!!!!!!!!!!!!
REI: DIE!!!! HAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

The three energy waves of thunder, fire and ice hit DARK FALZ's heart, along with our will of victory. With the combination of the three different spells, the difference in temperature and energy caused the explosion to be much more powerful than if we all shot the same spell.

As soon as the waves hit the heart, a bright white flash blinded me, a powerful shockwave threw my body back and all I could hear was the loud explosion that was devouring DARK FALZ's long painful cry.

I closed my eyes and felt me flying backwards, from the explosion we all created, while hearing that loud audible chaos, the explosion, DARK FALZ's scream and the ground shaking as well.

My feet touch the floor and I flip several times until I can gain control of myself and sit down on the ground.

The flash and explosion weren't still over, but I couldn't hear DARK FALZ's howl anymore.

When I opened my eyes I saw DARK FALZ's body lying on the floor ahead of me.

It didn't move.

Did we make it...?

I looked back at the others.

REI was cleaning himself up with the "Piece of cake" look on his face.

NEW was on his knees, feeling exhausted.

REI: ...It's over?
BLADEGUNNER: ...I hope so...

In the middle of all that Hell, with a storm echoing around us, it was hard to believe the Devil was really gone.

Then I saw something shiny jumping on the ground, heading our way.

REI: What's that...?
BLADEGUNNER: It's red... a Ring?

It was a ring. It stopped rolling right next to REI's feet.

And so it stood for a few seconds.

I looked into REI's face, he was petrified...

NEW ULTIMATE: ...What's wrong REI?
BLADEGUNNER: ...REI?
REI: ...M-M...

REI slowly kneeled to pick up the ring. He picked it up and stared at it with painful eyes, holding it with two fingers.

REI: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?

REI suddenly shut his hand in a fist, grabbing the ring tightly and closing his eyes.

I looked at NEW but he shook his shoulders.

NEW ULTIMATE: What's wrong REI...?
REI: ...My Mom... Remember her nickname...?
NEW ULTIMATE: What about her nickname? I think it was Red...

NEW looked at me, as if wanting my help to finish the sentence.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Ring...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...!
BLADEGUNNER: ...R-Rico...

On that moment we understood everything. I saw a tear run by REI's face.

NEW looked away from REI, probably not knowing what to say, and scratched the back of his head, unequipping his LAVIS.

This was as far as RICO went...

REI got up, closing his eyes tightly. He took the hand which embraced the ring to his upper lip.

I saw sparks coming out of the other hand, as he shaked it shut tightly.

Then he strongly rammed his right foot into the ground.

REI: CRAP...!!!

Suddenly the ground started to shake.

REI: ...Wasn't me.

I could tell that was another of REI's wisecracks. But this time he said it with a serious tone...

We looked back at DARK FALZ's body... and guess what, it seems it wasn't dead yet.

The body was opening itself.

Like the body was a shell. The disgusting sight was of the body being ripped off by a blade.

From inside and cutting through the flesh with a light blue photon blade came out a whole new different monster.

I don't know how to describe it... It looked like a demon without wings, but with an edgy face like the Dimenians, two bright antenas, no feet. What I looked and feared the most about were its two long and giant arms, shaped like two sharp blue photon sabers.

We basically were fighting a giant and ultra-powerful version of a Dimenian. The final form of DARK FALZ...?

NEW ULTIMATE: ...!!

NEW drew the LAVIS CANNON quickly.

NEW ULTIMATE: ...You killed RICO, who created me. Therefore... you killed my mother... and AYLA... and everyone else.
REI: DIEE!!!!

Well, with even REI serious for once I felt like the weakest of the three. But that didn't matter, when I saw the look in REI's eyes, combined with NEW's, I knew we had no other choice except to win.

But REI wasn't the same anymore.

He wasn't the guy who told little jokes to cheer up the spirit of the team anymore. I guess I had to fill in for him.

REI was dead serious, along with NEW. Or should I say again ULTIMATE...?

I got up and stood by their side, ready to restart the fight.

VOICE: PREPARE... FOR YOUR HOLY JUDGEMENT...
REI: WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO SPEAK!?
ULTIMATE: COME ON! LET'S HAVE YOURS AS WELL!!!

DARK FALZ's horns, or whatever they were, glown bright white. The monster flew to the sky.

We suddenly began to feel weightless. We were being propelled towards the purple sky, in persuit of FALZ...?

We kept flying higher and higher until we saw a big ring-like cristal surface.

DARK FALZ was in the center of the ring.

We landed each on different parts of the ring.

The final showdown... We were all determined to kick his ass.

Even if it meant on that dangerous floating arena, shaped like a ring.

I saw the ring arena fly by the scenery below, like if it was a mobile battlefield.

Our final effort.

We all wanted to kick his ass forever, for everything that he has done.

This was it... the time to...

...

My thoughts stopped when I saw that REI and ULTIMATE were already fighting the monster.

BLADEGUNNER: Damn, wait for me!!

They were fighting on the other end of the ring, I guess I have to run to get to them.

DARK FALZ was next to the edge of the ring, attacking ULTIMATE.

REI was shooting his best spells, screaming like mad whenever he shot one.

ULTIMATE was, like ever, slashing and smashing.

DARK FALZ was struggling with ULTIMATE with both giant blades and shooting GRANTS at REI at the same time.

Damn, this Ring's bigger than I thought...

I saw the scenery below us blow. Thunders emerged OUT of the ground.

Chunks of rock were being thrown into heaven. Several lights glew everywhere around us.

It was as if Hell was being submitted by OUR judgement, and slowly breaking apart...

...revealing heaven which we would surely bring after all this.

Damn, still far from them...? I'm getting old for this...

REI was dodging the GRANT's and shooting several Zonde-type spells at the monster.

ULTIMATE was on a saber duel with the beast.

How could he match those saber-arms? Each should be around 4 meters long...

But he was doing a hell of a fine job.

DAMN, not there YET...!?

This is starting to wear me off.

Suddenly, I saw ULTIMATE do the impossible: He leaps straight on to the monster, puts his legs around the monster's... "head", maybe to attack him better.

Then the monster flew to the other side of the ring, where it struggled to get him off his head.

REI kept shooting spells, but now at the lower part of the monster.

And me?

Well, I have to leg it again.

And there I went, back to where I started, running as hell to help my psycho teammate.

They don't pay me enough to do this...

I saw DARK FALZ shaking its head, starting to get rid of ULTIMATE and throwing him back to the ring surface.

Ohhh.... shit. Better run faster.

ULTIMATE tumbled on the cristal surface and slipped towards the back edge of the ring.

Faster... FASTER...

ULTIMATE fell down the edge, but hung his body by grabbing the ledge with his unnarmed hand.

Godspeed, damn it.

DARK FALZ slowly floated towards ULTIMATE, who wasn't even making an effort to climb up back into the arena.

Damn, I was here running as hell to help him and he didn't even help me... or himself.

DARK FALZ raised his long right sword-like arm... attempting to end ULTIMATE's life by either scything him or cutting his arms so that he would fall into infinity.

DARN, I'M NOT GONNA MAKE IT IN TIME!!!

...

And then ULTIMATE did his habit of surprising me.

Moving his arms, he made the most powerful push-up I ever saw.

He pushed the ledge down with ONE arm, throwing his body into the air and getting on his feet back in the ring.

He was about to block DARK FALZ's blow when...

DAMN! That was the loudest clashing noise I ever heard.

That collision sparkle was pretty bright too...

...!!

I leaped to the side as I saw a giant spinning blue photon blade dash past me in the air, flying away from the ring arena and falling in infinity.

DARK FALZ's... arm...?

I looked back at ULTIMATE.

That guy smashed DARK FALZ's arm with one blow.

Well, that guy really has the habit of surprising.

I couldn't believe my eyes... that guy chopped off DARK FALZ's arm by BLOCKING his attack!

DARK FALZ was crying in pain. A purple fluid came out of his missing arm spot and drained towards the chaotic abyss below us.

While FALZ was feeling the pain, ULTIMATE fell on his knees.

Tired, I guess...?

When I arrived next to him, I saw NEW.

NEW ULTIMATE: Huff... Puff... Not over yet...
BLADEGUNNER: Nice job... We're doing fine!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...No... I don't think I can keep this up...

REI had just arrived next to us.

REI: ...I need you two to keep on attacking him.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Have a plan...?
REI: Yeah. I'm gonna focus all my energy into one final spell... The fusion of RAFOIE, RABARTA, RAZONDE, GRANTS and MEGID. But I need you to fight him and cover me while I take the time to gather my energy.
NEW ULTIMATE: Got it.

I looked back at DARK FALZ. It was standing high above us, in the middle of the arena, where none of us could reach. Apparently focusing energy...

BLADEGUNNER: Uhh... guys...
NEW ULTIMATE: ...?
REI: ...He's gonna fire that blue energy cannon from before. RUN FOR IT!!

REI ran away from us and NEW was already on the distance, running in REI's opposite direction.

I have to run again.

And there I went, running right behind NEW.

REI: WATCH OUT!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: BLADE!!!

I looked at the monster.

He shot a giant energy cannon that passed right behind my butt!

Suddenly I felt motivated to run like I never did before in my life.

Always running, I even passed by NEW.

Another burst of energy was blown by the monster, that nearly hit NEW on his back.

He was starting to lose speed.

NEW was slowing down on his steps...

Was he tired from all that fighting I saw earlier...?

He began to run really slow.

The monster now could easily hit him with an energy cannon, if he kept running like that...

I looked at it. It was about to.

Brake, turn around.

NEW was giving up from running, apparently he couldn't take another step.

DARK FALZ was about to shoot at him...

Luckily I jumped at him at the right time, pushing him away from FALZ's aim.

DARK FALZ fired another blue energy beam.

Passed right behind me...

BLADEGUNNER: AAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! DAMN!!!!

MY LEGS!! MY LEGS WERE HIT!!!

I felt them burning. I still felt my legs, as they were touching that blue energy cannon, I felt the worst sensation of my life.

After that, I fell on the floor. NEW was looking at me, shocked on what he saw.

I too also take a look at my legs.

Shit, they were black. My skin is on fire... I felt my legs burning alive... Darn, this hurts.

No RESTA spell could ease this horrible pain.

I don't know if I could ever walk after this... My legs don't respond to me anymore...

I closed my eyes in pain.

I can't do anything anymore, I can't be a Hunter like this.

And more importantly, I can't help them anymore.

I'm... useless...

After hearing NEW scream in rage, I looked at his place not to see him there.

Then I looked at FALZ. ULTIMATE was again climbing him to attack him again.

How on earth did he JUMP there...? He should be around 20 meters high...

Well, nothing surprises me anymore about him.

I looked at REI. He was on a strange pose... raising two fingers in front of his mouth. Another arm was raised above his head. Above the two fingers on the raised arm, was a small energy ball that was slowly gaining size, as REI whispered some unknown words silently.

REI's final technique...? Maybe our last chance.

I saw FALZ throwing ULTIMATE again to the ring.

It began to attack him, but this time with its only arm.

ULTIMATE was also tired, so they were pretty equally balanced... Starting to pound and pound each other with half the speed and strength as before.

And I can't move. This really pisses me off.

Hurry up REI... ULTIMATE's not gonna last forever... And we don't know how long will a God...

When I looked straight at REI... I couldn't believe my eyes.

I saw... A GHOST coming out of REI's body?

And that ghost... looked exactly like him!

A ghost identical to REI... was being "drawn" away from his body and flying towards DARK FALZ, who was still fighting ULTIMATE.

Was REI's spirit being sapped away from him?

No, if that was the case REI would die. But he was still praying and focusing energy...

I didn't have a clue of what was going on.

But then something wasn't right.

ULTIMATE hit a photon blow on FALZ's lower part of his body.

And right in that moment, REI felt pain in his torso.

Was it connected to the ghost I saw earlier...?

Maybe FALZ made some kind of voodoo spell... so that REI feels whatever it feels.

That jackass.

BLADEGUNNER: NEW!!! DON'T HIT FALZ!!! OR ELSE REI WILL SUFFER AS WELL!!!
ULTIMATE: ...
NEW ULTIMATE: WHAT!?
REI: SHUT UP AND KEEP ATTACKING! I'M ALMOST DONE!!! Toda a for?para mim...

REI began whispering his power-up words, but NEW didn't attack FALZ anymore, and limited himself to block and dodge its attacks.

How could we win now...? If we hit FALZ we hit REI...

Things aren't looking good.

REI: I'M DONE!!!

Suddenly, I saw NEW running away from FALZ.

BLADEGUNNER: NO REI!!! DON'T SHOOT!!! YOU'LL SUICIDE!!!
REI: SHUT UP!!! IT'S EITHER ME OR EVERYONE IN PIONEER 2!!! WHAT CHOICE YOU THINK I HAVE...!?

NEW approached me, grabbed me and placed me above his left shoulder. Then he kept running away from FALZ and towards REI.

BLADEGUNNER: Stop him! We can't let him do this...!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: ...

I could now see that the energy ball above REI was giant, the size of a house, glowing of every color, reflecting every elemental force inside it.

REI: This is it. Time to end all... NEW... Take care of that idiot for me ok...? I have to meet mom and the guys in Pioneer 1.
NEW ULTIMATE: ...
REI: I'm afraid I won't be coming back... See ya later.
BLADEGUNNER: ...WHAT THE HELL...!? ARE YOU STUPID ENOUGH TO DO A KAMIKAZE ATTACK!??

FALZ began flying after me and NEW, who started to run faster.

REI: Do as I told ya, ok NEW...?
NEW ULTIMATE: ...Ok. I... I don't know what to say...
REI: You've said too much. NOW GO!

NEW kept running.

I saw the energy ball being sucked in by REI's raised fingers. As it merged with REI, his body began glowing.

He was concentrating the energy of the ball into himself.

NEW then ran past REI and leaped from the edge of the ring and to the infinite abyss below us.

BLADEGUNNER: ARE YOU CRAZY!??? WE'RE GONNA DIE!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: TRUST ME!!!

We kept falling. And falling.

Away from the ring...

This is crazy. HOW and WHERE are we gonna land...?

Rocks fly past us towards the sky.

I looked up to the ring we were in and saw a bright flashing figure heading towards that giant figure.

I presume REI jumped at DARK FALZ... Apparently to explode himself... using all that energy in his body?

NEW ULTIMATE: HANG ON!!!

I looked down and saw ground. We were falling towards a giant rocky surface, with about 2 miles of radius. Coming fast at us.

We're gonna ramm into the ground... was this NEW and REI's plan?

BLADEGUNNER: WAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: RABARTA!!!!!!!!!!

NEW shot ice wind energy against the ground, making us loose speed from falling and landing slowly on our feet, on the solid ground.

NEW sat on the ground to catch his breath.

I was still on his left shoulder.

I was about to swear when I heard a giant thumping sound that shook the floor, near us.

I looked to see DARK FALZ lying on the ground, with REI grabbing his head, right next to us.

FALZ was struggling to get rid of REI.

REI: RUN DAMN IT!!! I'M GONNA BLOW!!!
NEW ULTIMATE: SH--

NEW got back on his feet and dragged me still by his shoulder, running away from REI as fast as he could. If we got caught in that explosion...

Faster and faster... I looked back at the distance and saw REI exploding. I saw a giant red explosion dome, filling the space in REI and DARK FALZ's place, swallowing their bodies in that extreme fire pressure. As the explosion dome expanded, it devoured everything on its way: even the very earth.

And the dome was getting bigger and bigger... Approaching us faster than NEW could run away from it... Will it devour us as well? If this keeps up, we will die for sure...

BLADEGUNNER: I guess... this is it...
NEW ULTIMATE: No way. There's a girl who's waiting for you in Pioneer 2.
BLADEGUNNER: ...?
NEW ULTIMATE: RYUKER!!!!

NEW shot a spell and a telepipe appeared around 30 meters in the distance.

After running for a while, NEW made his final arm effort and threw me towards the telepipe.

As being thrown away from him, I saw his face expression for one last time. He placed his right hand in his forehead like if saying "Good bye" with a smile.

Time stopped on that instant.

How could he smile like that? The dome was almost getting him...

Just as it was about to do so, I hit the telepipe and warp away from the place.

...

My wounded body and troubled spirit materialise as one lying on the ground of Pioneer 2, as several surprised faces look towards me.

I raise my head and look at the telepipe... and suddenly it disappeared from where it was.

I assume it had been swallowed by the fire explosion dome-like core...

...along with REI and... NEW.

...

It's over.

All over.

The pain... The fears...

The mystery behind Pioneer 1...

As well as friendship and teamplay...

DARK FALZ...

REI...

NEW...

ULTIMATE...

It was all gone with that telepipe.

Everything was gone...

...

I close my eyes... and drop back my head. I don't know if I should feel relieved or stressed. I just thought of giving in to the pain that makes me become uncounscious. And so I lose my senses.

I am lying uncounscious wounded on the ground of Pioneer 2, as Nurses arrive to pick me up, in the middle of all those pedestrian shocked faces.

...

The next day...

BLADEGUNNER: Damn it. We should go there again... I'm sure we can find traces of them anywhere...
TYRELL: I know what you mean Hunter, but heavy searches are being made this moment by thousands of soldiers. The minute they find anything on the place where you last saw them... you'll be the first to know.

I am on my wheelchair, in the Ragol forest, next to NOL and TYRELL, who was already informed about everything I went through.

In front of us were the 20 000 citizens of Pioneer 2. Now they were not troubled with the mystery around Pioneer 1. They finally knew the truth. At the cost of several lives... We were next to AYLA and DYLA's grave, where NEW and REI's grave were to be placed, along with a statue of both.

TYRELL was commenting on my heroic efforts and on REI and NEW's sacrifice... He was telling all that to the public. But I didn't hear anything of that.

NOL hugged me tightly.

I couldn't think on how things were gonna be from now on. We finished it. It was never going to be the same anymore.

The adventuring days reached the end...

How will it be now?

Without REI to tease me around, to tell wisecracks about how strong we were... or without NEW's leadership qualities and experience that made me feel like his teammate?

Or even without that feeling of quest, adventure, mission, work, teamplay, fun, dream...?

Damn.

Is it really meant to be like this...?

I wonder how life's gonna be on Ragol... without them. I don't think I can start a new life like this... Even if I'm considered Pioneer 2's "Hero".

I was obviously NOT the only hero.

I wasn't there at the beggining of all this.

But it pains me to know that I was the only one in the end of it.

...

Well, at least I've got her by my side.

6 weeks later... 2 PM Ragolian time.

My legs were now fully healed.

I went down from my new house, near Central Dome, where our new home city was being built.

I was one of those first lucky guys to get a house on the new Ragolian city under construction, while several other people had to live on Pioneer 2 while their homes weren't ready. I kissed NOL and went out for a stroll. I exited my new house and went through a grassy path. I was on a ravine where I could see Pioneer 2, which had landed on the forest. The scene was beautiful... I could see how great our ship really was.

But I kept strolling. I went down on NEW, REI and AYLA's graves, on a beautiful prairie site, with a small water river streaming across the earth. NEW and REI had a statue on their grave site. NEW was in attack position in his statue, armed with a LAVIS. REI was in the position I saw when he was focusing energy for his final spell. I felt the sun warming my face as I looked straight at their statues and I thought about everything we went through since that day... the day I was a bounty Hunter seeking challenges. I thought I was on ULTIMATE's trail... But that group of people changed my vision of life forever. Who could have known...

And now. Cursed not to live life like before.

BLADEGUNNER: ...Is it really... over...?

The wind blows from behind me, shaking every ounce of grass where I was.

I gave out a deep sigh.

After that nostalgic moment, I was about to go back to my home...

- Shuffle -

What was that...?

I looked back.

On a tree I saw a figure. A Hunter was spying on me?

BLADEGUNNER: WHO IS THERE!?

The man leaped from the tree and landed on the distance. He was looking straight at me. He wore a light blue and white suit, had a pigtail and had blue hair. He had a peaceful face.

Kinda reminded me of... NEW...

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

BLADEGUNNER: Who ARE YOU!?

The Hunter smiled
VOICE: ...It's never over. At least for me... It has only begun.
BLADEGUNNER: NEW!? IS THAT YOU!?
VOICE: No. You must be mistaking me for somebody else.
BLADEGUNNER: ...

What the hell was this about?

BLADEGUNNER: Do I know you...? Are you NEW ULTIMATE!?
VOICE: Me? No. I told you already, I'm not whoever you think I am. My name's...

I didn't hear his name. I looked down on the grass and didn't care about his name. He was just another Hunter. Just another guy.

Then, NEW's words struck me by lightning. What did he say he was going to do after we finish our job?

NEW ULTIMATE: ...I don't know... All I know is that I first got to get rid of ULTIMATE... Make him nothing more that a painful memory.
BLADEGUNNER: ...You mean you're gonna leave us?

Then I raised my eyesight back at that anonimous Hunter to ask him:

BLADEGUNNER: WERE you NEW ULTIMATE!?

He was no longer there.

Could that guy be... NEW...? His new identity? I felt like crap for not listening to his name.

But at least I had a new motive to adventure. A new objective to Hunt. I remembered another scene:

BLADEGUNNER: You're gonna leave your buddies after all this is finished? You'll wonder off alone, trying to solve that problem of yours?
NEW ULTIMATE: Alone? No. We will adventure together once more. That I promise.

That jackass. He won't get away from me that easily. Wherever you are... I'm gonna find you. Just wait...

I went running in the direction of Pioneer 2, thinking on what the future might bring.

I was sure of one thing, though.

It will never be the same. True.

But it wasn't the end. It has only just really begun...

--- THE END ---

Well, it's finnally over. Has it really been a year since I started this tale...? If not, it was pretty close to so.

Finally the time came for me to end my work on Ultimate Hunters. I hope you enjoyed reading this tale... as I did seeing it.

I'd like to thank bladegunner for hosting all those pictures I asked him to.

I'd like to thank Neo Rei for the creation of his site about the fic (www.ultimatehunters.tk) which is better than any site I could make.

I'd also like to thank PSO World. If PSO World didn't exist, I don't know if UH would exist either...

But most of all, I'd like to thank YOU, for reading my work.

Now I have to follow the story for myself and go away...

Good bye...

http://bladegunner.no.sapo.pt/Sayonara.png






<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: New Ultimate on 2003-03-09 04:56 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Mar 8, 2003, 09:39 PM
I had no idea of what you were talking about both here & on irc, but you'll be missed. http://www.pso-world.com/psoworld/images/phpbb/icons/smiles/icon_frown.gif
I hope you explain that to me (yea me stup-id) before vanishing for good.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Neo Rei on 2003-03-08 18:42 ]</font>

Hunter4life
Mar 9, 2003, 12:16 AM
.......
wow.....
that was too good....to bad its over.
That pic at the end and the first person view with Bladegunner was a cool surprise.

Well i've said it alot and i'll say it for the last time, good job New Ultimate, still haven't seen a better fic.

BoUnCeR
Mar 9, 2003, 10:05 AM
Good job? No. Great job. I just wish you could explain your ideas and your decision better to us (specially the IRC community, you know who they [we] are, but PSOW community as well). I just can't accept the idea of you leaving without an explanation. Some of the best moments I spent in front of the computer were with you, of that you can be sure. Just hope you read this, as I didn't have a chance to say goodbye. Thanks for everything New, everything. Sayonara...

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: BoUnCeR on 2003-03-09 07:08 ]</font>

Neo Rei
Mar 13, 2003, 05:45 PM
I have a message from New. And no, this is not a joke.

"I guess I can explain everything now. I am "going away" because I believe that a very developed virtual life can be stressfull, and I believe it makes someone lose the vision of the real one. So, by disappearing for a few months I hope to regain my self-confidence/personality equilibrium.
Besides, I have several math and physics tests coming up, and I do want to enter college, therefore I will make an extra effort on studying early to our national exams. I will focus more on my real life for the time being.
I'm sorry if I upset someone but I think I'm doing the right thing. I can't work this much in front of the PC (aside from studying and doing reports) anymore, not even if my doctor says I have a perfect vision. I believe I can enjoy life with some other ways, understand...?
Besides, by entering IRC I was becoming someone who wasn't me little by little. I thought about this ending to match my personal life plans about IRC and forum life.
Thank you for everyone who enjoyed reading my work. I enjoyed creating every bit of the story and dreaming with the phantasy I created, and was much more pleased to know I was enjoying some curious readers.
I also enjoyed drawing the scenes I saw in my mind images. I have a LOT of images unscanned but not good enough to be shown here. But since I have a break from studying for a few days, I drew the two final pictures. One of them is in the "Ultimate Hunters (Art)" topic and I believe I thought about closing down that topic and this one with an image on each.

...But this is never over. Who knows what can happen...? That's only up to you, the one who is reading this.

I'd like to give out a little riddle for any of the GC players out there:

"value crusade long jam end antidote car scientist" - 17311207 - 71130172

If you found the result out, please keep it for yourself and take the lead. See ya!

http://lebrux.home.sapo.pt/ultimatehunters/drawings-end.jpg "

Take good care of yourself New. We shall meet again.
http://www.ultimatehunters.tk/

bladegunner
Mar 16, 2003, 08:19 AM
Well, it's all over now.
Thanks for this great peace of reading man. Wish you the best of luck with your life and your exams.

And it's now my turn to say... sayonara New Ultimate...