Vol 1: Ludicrous

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System startup complete...

Opening 'The World.exe'...

469200650/469200650... loaded

Login: Twin Lightning
Password: *************

Login Accepted

The screen turns white as the desktop is shown, playing a soothing piano piece in the background. The user hovers their mouse over 'The World' icon. They double click it. The screen is replaced with a window that arranges four swords around a strange central rune, arranged almost like a compass with one sword in each direction, and in between the swords is a mist that vaguely clears onto a setting within 'The World'. The top left depicts a sunset looked upon from a view in the city of Mac Anu. The top right depicts a foresty field. The bottom right depicts the light-filled night of the elegant city Lumina Cloth. Finally, the bottom left holds a view looking down upon the wall of Morrigu Barrow, and into the mists of the abyss just before it. The top blade has glowing red runes upon it that say 'The World'. The right blade has grass-green runes displaying 'The Board'. The left blade has blue runes upon it that say 'Official Site'. Finally, the bottom sword has empty, black runes that display 'Exit'. The user selects the top blade. The screen turns black as visual output is redirected to the Face Mount Display. A bit of shuffling is heard as the user puts on their FMD, and pick up their controller.

So... what shall I do today? Should I do some more item hunting, or maybe check out more rumours at Carmina Gadelica...

Maybe today I'll begin the guild I wanted to make...

But what do I call it?

...

Secret Key

((Please check out The Board, then post a post with you logging in))

System startup complete...

Opening 'The World.exe'...

469200650/469200650... loaded

Login: Kimono
Password: *************

Login Accepted

The Screen faded to white, and when colour resumed, it was no longer the login screen, but a majestic world all around her. building's loomed overhead, and the sky was bright and clear. Behind her a massive swirling gate surrounded in a golden frame loomed, a daunting sight indeed. Kimono looked around, took her first steps into the strange new world, though familiar to the player, Kimono didn't want to lend any sign of having played previouly... as short a time as that was before being Pk'd and lost. Things will be different this time, she told herself, and she went off to explore.

"Oh really? Is that what that was for all along?" A female voice asks. It sounds as though it's come from behind Kimono.

"Yes, that function of the Chaos Gate lets you travel between servers, although I'd suggest sticking to this server for now; you are only level 5 after all." A warm, male voice responds.

Should Kimono turn around, she sees two PC's standing off to the side of this room holding the Chaos Gate. Delta Server, Eternal City Mac Anu. The one PC is a Lei Tribe Beast character, with cat ears and a tail, but is dressed in a purple-white gown, indicating that her class is likely a magic wielding class. She has silvery blue hair, and purple eyes. In front of her is a rather peculiar character that has extremely long hair, curving down from the back of their head to end in a point just above the floor. Their hair is slightly jagged and a bright yellow. They wear black armour with yellow lines upon it. The bizarre thing is that their armour possesses an elegant and feminine quality, yet also a strong, masculine appearance. Towards the waist is opens slightly, perhaps almost a slight skirt before the leggings. When they turn, Kimono can see that their face is likewise androgynous, neither completely male or female. Targeting the individuals, their names pop up on the upper right corner of Kimono's screen, respectfully, Kiku and Twin Lightning.

Twin Lightning looks at Kimono intently, "I don't recognize you. Are you new here?" The voice heard is warm and friendly, and seems to be the male that was heard earlier. Twin Lightning's eyes are different colours; one is yellow, the other is blue.

Kimono spun round and laid hr eyes on two strangers, PC's like her in this world of danger, exploration and intrigue. Kimono straightened herself as Twin Lightning addressed her. She stood there, her vibrant pink hair and brilliant blue eyes accented by the tight black leathers which garbed her lithe frame. Across her back was a simple scythe, held by an intricate leather sheathe with a magnetic silver-gilded bandoleer in which to affix the blade.

"err ummm... yes I am, quite the place Mac Anu is." She stood there with her fingers interlocked behind her back, sorta twisting on crossed feet delicately balanced on her toned legs ending in knee high boots.

"Well, why don't you join us then?" Twin Lightning asks, "I'm sure it'd be easier for you two to learn as well as learn from each other. Kiku, you know how to give Member Addresses right?" Twin Lightning asks.

"Umm, yeah, I think I remember." Kiku replies shyly, glancing at Kimono only now and then.

"Then how about you and Kimono exchange Member Addresses? This game is a lot easier if you partner up, rather than try to take it on solo." Twin Lightning says.

"Umm, OK!" Kiku says, walking over to Kimono.

She reaches out and a card appears at her hand. She offers it to Kimono.

Kiku approached and offered Kimono a card which she took without hesitation. Little of what she knew included such things as this. After giving Kiku a card of her own, the options of joining a party would appear. But she would let Twin Lightning explain such things.

"Y-yes, a party would be fine, the more the merrier right?" She turned her gaze on Twin Lightning. "And you'll protect us lovely ladies from all the nasty Pk'ers out there right?" she batted her pixelated eyelashes for encouragement as she spoke.

Twin Lightning's eyes seem to grow slightly distant, as though he is thinking about something else, "There's always that chance, but if it's any consolation, I can certainly do my best to hold them off while you two return to town. For the most part, it shouldn't be too bad, provided they're lower level than me. Anyway, do you see the party option in the menu? Kimono, select that, and then select Kiku, and send her a shortmail invite."

Kimono brings up the menu option over the field of vision, and per Twin Lightning's directions selected Kiku under the party option, sending her a shortmail invite.

Kiku nearly jumps, startled by the sudden mail, "Whoa! That's neat!"

Kiku's hp bar then shows up next to Kimono's on her screen.

"Oh! There you are!" Kimono says excited by the additional info.

"There, you two set? Alright, now onto the sometimes lengthly process of finding the right area..." Twin Lightning turns to the chaos gate, and brings up a couple of menus, "While I'm doing this, why don't you show Kimono the town Kiku?"

"Alright!" Kiku says, relieved to be able to do something.

Kimono turns to Twin Lightning a moment before walking up to him and tapping him on the shoulder. Should he turn around she's holdign a Member address card before her

Twin Lightning gives a chuckle, "Oh, I completely forgot to give my own. I'll suggest not adding me to your party though; you might get lucky and find another newbie around town somewhere to fill your third, and with me in the battles it'd be far too easy."

Twin Lightning accepts the card and gives his own.

"Alright," Kimono says, turning to Kiku. "So, off we go?"

Kimono nods, and opens the door to the outside. The building they exit that houses the chaos gate appears to be dome-like in structure, and extending from in ahead is a bridge towards the city itself. Kiku leads Kimono around the city, often pausing to chat with various people. Among the few she talks to includes Stormy and Sakura.

((One note here: Mac Anu here looks the same as it did in GU))

"Wow, this place is massive!" Kimonos eyes are glued wide open as she explores the city passing by and introducing herself to various people.

Coming across Stormy Kimono bowed, and giggled. "So you're a real big fan of this Lady Maera huh?"

"Schaa! Well, she is only the best player of the whole World after all. As far as I know, she's beaten every single person that's gotten into a battle with her, and she does it solo." Stormy says. On her back is a large broadsword that has gears upon it all around the edges. She has a somewhat buff build, and currently has her arms crossed.

"You ARE going to watch the finals aren't you?" Stormy adds, quite enthusiastically.

"Really? that's incredible! The finals? oh? the Arena battle I read about on the boards of course!"

"err um, when I figure out how to get to the arena that is" she adds sheepishly.

"What?!" Stormy asks, aghast, "You two don't know where the arena or the stands are?! C'mon! I'll show you! It's incredible!" Stormy quickly grabs both both Kiku's and Kimono's hands and begins dragging both back towards the Chaos Gate.

Kiku whispers to Kimono via party chat, "She's really... enthusiastic isn't she? Should we try to shake her off?"

Kimono likewise replies via party chat, "I'm about as excited as she is now! Maybe she's rubbing off, but I really do want to level, can't get stronger just watching other people hog all the glory; I'm with you either way Kiku!"

"Oh! Kiku! There you are!" A voice calls from behind, bringing the group to a stop, "I'm sorry Stormy, but I wanted to show Kiku and her friend around town; as you probably can tell, they're new here."

Stormy pauses and considers, "Well, that is more important than knowing where the arena is, at least right now. I'll send you two an email later with specific instructions on how to get there! OK?"

Kimono smiles form ear to ear. "Ok sounds great!"

Kiku also nods quite enthusiastically, and so Stormy runs off after a wave.

Kiku breathes a bit of a sigh of relief. "Whew, thanks Saku."

Sakura rolls her eyes, "I've told you before, and I'll say it again, it's Sakura! Not Saku!"

Kimono quietly stiffles a giggle.

(a second note: small point of interest, Sakura does happen to have a slightly similar model to Sakubo)

Kiku glances over kind of playfully at Sakura, "You just seem to bring out the worst in me."

Sakura scowls, "Hey, I may have her name, but I'm not your little sister!"

"Whatever you say, Saku..." Kiku says, smiling.

"Look, do you want me to show you the town or not?" Sakura asks.

"Yes please!" Kimono interjects still giggling. "I'd love to see wht's around."

Sakura proceeds to give a far more thorough tour of Mac Anu than Kiku's, but when the group reaches the guild @homes, Sakura only glances over the place. "We don't really want to stay here." She says.

"That alley there..." Sakura points to the steps going down and around the corner, "Is where Menarka and his little gang often hang out."

"They can't hurt us in Root town's right? still, i don't want them even knowing my name let alone seeing me" Kimono says.

Kiku nods, "That's kind of what most people do."

Sakura also nods bitterly, "I don't get it personally, why do they still leave the servers with PvP enabled?"

She begins to direct the group back towards the harbour.

"What have we here?" It is a cold and heartless voice.

Menarka, with his metallic armour that he evidently gave bloodstains to purposefully and red metal gauntlets and boots walks towards the group. Upon his back is a cruel-looking scythe, with a serrated blade and a wildly curving, almost spiralling shaft. He has sharply cut black hair, and two piercing red eyes. "Two magic wimps and, is that someone trying to impersonate me? I've never tried black myself, although it's not the colour that matters."

Kimono looks at Menarka and her fists clench instinctively, knowing full well who this Pk'er was. In fact, it was this same scoundrel who caused her to recreate her image, her class, perhaps as a cruel mockery indeed, that one day she could bring him down...

"N-nice to meet you Menarka," Kimono says straightening her expression to hide her true feelings. "How goes the hunting I hear you're making quite the name for yourself."

"It gets easy, sometimes even boring." Menarka says, exaggerating with hand motions, "It isn't the number of kills apparently that lets one be a Chaotic PK, although numbers are still good to have. I can't believe Gea made the ranking though; she shouldn't have."

Kiku grits her teeth, not trusting herself to say anything.

Kimono saunters a bit closer, though her Player audibly gulps somewhere out in the real world. "Maybe so but it's Not Gea talked about on the boards, it's not Gea talked about on this little tour I'm taking is it? No." Daring to step within a few inches of Menarka she lets a dainty finger trace along his armor. "Its Menarka the Malice I hear of, and word says you're going places."

Kiku has a hard time keeping the surprise from her face, and via party chat she asks, "What are you doing Kimono?"

Sakura it seems has taken off her FMD or something, but doesn't show any reaction to Menarka at all.

Kimono replies, swiftly switching to party chat as well, "If I can get his member address I'll be able to see when and where he is online, and thus gives us an advantage of avoiding him"

Kimono continues, "Keep your friends close... and your enemies closer"

Finally, she adds, "Besides, anyone who spends hours killing off other people is likely pretty lonely IRL, lets see if the ole femme charm can't prove a potent advantage."

Menarka smirks, "Menarka the Menace. It does have a ring to it, however." Then he suddenly slaps his hand across Kimono's face, "Nice try newb, but that isn't the title I told my friends I'd pick."

Kimono reacts quickly, muttering, still in party chat, "well it was worth a shot, so much for that."

Kimono steps back looking indignant, and switches to talk mode. "Hmph, well then, you're loss boyo. Let's get out of here and leave Menarka the Miniscule to his joystick." With that Kimono snubs her nose and turns tail walking away from the brute"

"By the way." Menarka says just before the group passes out of earshot, "I'll see you soon."

"Wow, talk about backfire..." Kiku says, her voice shaking.

"Bah, they're all the same. One of these days someone will knock him down a peg" Kimono says angrilly.

Sakura laughs, "If he's serious about challenging Maera, he'll end up doing it to himself."

"I hope Lady Maera does the game a service and rids us of people like him. Or what about Haseo, the Terror of Death? Has Menarka not gained his attention?"

"Haseo? I don't think he'd still be accessing; that was several years ago after all." Sakura says a bit sadly.

"That's a shame." Kimono says almost dejectedly, "Well, enough of this moping about, we've got to get stronger if we're going to stand a chance against punks like them."

Sakura pauses and looks over at Kimono curiously, "Are you just pretending to be a newbie?" she asks.

"You can party me up if you want to, the level speaks for itself, I'm as new to this World as anyone, but just because the game changes, doesn't mean the people and challenges don't. No matter what MMO you play there are punks who get their kicks on preying on the weak, and let's just say I've been at the wrong end of a scythe before."

Sakura gives Kimono another curious look, "Hmm, OK."

The party eventually makes their way back to the dome where the Chaos Gate is, with Twin Lightning sending a shortmail along the journey saying he finally found a good area, and even another companion, for them...

Upon entering the dome, Twin Lightning can be seen scrolling through the statistics of an area, "Ah, perfect timing; I just found a good area. Delta Protected Twilight Fantasy."

Kimono is almost giddy at the opportunity to go exploring, when her eye catches the shop off to the right though she hops over there for a quick spell.

"Don't forget to save!" Kiku calls, running over to the Recorder.

"Oh right!" Kimono says crossing the room to the Recorder.

"So, are you two ready then?" Twin Lightning asks when Kimono and Kiku return to the gate. Then it strikes Kimono; this voice coming from Twin Lightning is female, not the male one she heard earlier!

Kiku tilts her head, "Umm... you are Twin Lightning right?"

Kimono approached TL and smiled. "Sure am?" Then she paused. "You realize your voice is a bit more, feminine than it was earlier?"

"Oh, he didn't tell you, did he? This character is a shared character between me and my twin brother. Fraternal twin, if you want to use the term." Twin Lightning responds.

"I didn't think you were allowed to have multiple users on a singe account, shows what I know" Kimono shrugs. "But I'm all for getting out there!"

Twin Lightning nods, "Then select the warp to Delta Protected Twilight Fantasy; I'll be right behind you."

Kimono does as instructed, a shiver passing through her as she leaves the protection of the root town.

Protected Twilight Fantasy, Delta Server. This area depicts a green grass field, separated into sections from the rivers and streams flowing through it. The sun is on the horizon, and in the sky twilight colours are left upon the few scattered clouds. Kimono and Kiku warp in on a small section, containing only a Platform and a bridge to the main land section.

"wow!" Kimono exclaims. This is so cool

Not long after Kimono and Kiku arrive, Twin Lightning too warps in with the burst of blue light that is associated with Gate travel. Across the bridge can be seen almost a small castle-type structure. You can see even from this distance that the doors are barred shut.

"Let's see, the mission of this area is to enter that building." Kiku says, "And to do that, we need to collect the three keys that are guarded by monsters."

Kimono takes off her Scythe and holds it in her hands towards her. "All I need to know is, where they are." With that she giggled.

"That's right." Twin Lightning says, "The treasure chests are marked on your map, in the top right of your screen. Two are on the large, middle section (one in the lower right, and one in the upper middle), and one on the peninsula to the west."

"I'm really excited aren't you Kiku?"

Kiku nods, "You bet!"

"So let's get this show on the road!"

"Well I guess we ca head to the lower right one first as it's closest, then hit the other on the way to the peninsula" Kimono suggests, "does that make sense?"

"Yep, makes sense to me." Kiku replies.

Kimono's step is almost a bounce as energy flows through her excited binary frame.

Crossing the bridge, the duo encounters their first sight of monsters in the area; a trio of ugly goblins blocking their path. They patrol around a circle, and don't appear to notice Kimono or Kiku yet.

"On the top of your screen, Kimono, it should be suggesting a button input, namely X, with the term 'Surprise Attack'." Twin Lightning says, "Use it to get a head start with the battle."

"OK, sounds like a plan. Here I go!" Kimono says, tapping the X button on her controller.

Instantly, her character zooms to close the distance between her and the closest goblin, and she slashes across, causing the goblin to fly into the one behind it. They collapse on the ground before standing up as a blue barrier encircles the battle. Red numbers appeared over the goblins with the attack, specifically 12 for the initial strike, and 1's from the impacts. The three goblins quickly recuperate, and close in on Kimono.

One slashes across, cutting its dull-looking knife into Kimono. A red 15 appears over top of her, and her health bar decreases.
"Keep pressing X to attack normally!" Kiku calls, "And you can press R1 to do a skill!"

With her scythe cutting wide slashes across the air, the goblins are knocked backwards, red 12's appearing over top of them. The only skill listed in Kimono's Skill Trigger is Wicked Strike.

Unsure of what it is exactly, Kimono highlights the option, nearing an enemy and initiates the 'Wicked Strike'

Kimono's character twirls the scythe around bringing it around to slash the goblin four times. It falls to the ground and fades, dead. The other two advance on Kimono.

Kimono replies with a constant mashing of the "x" button

It takes a while longer, but the second goblin dies. The third, however, turns towards Kiku. Kiku, however, is quite ready for it, and replies with her own skill, creating daggers of ice to close in upon it with the incantation, "Rue Krutz!" The goblin is impaled, and its health gauge turns red, as it keels over and fades. The blue barrier fades, and a golden 180 EXP appears over Kimono while a 52 EXP appears over Kiku.

Kimono jumps up and down in excitement. "We did it!"

"Very good!" Twin Lightning calls, walking over. "There's one thing I want to make sure I check out right now in this area, so I'll see you two in a bit." She says, before running towards the closed castle.

"Repth!" Kiku calls, healing Kimono to full HP.

"Hmm..." Kiku wonders aloud, "This area begins with 'Protected' doesn't it? But isn't 'Protected' associated with a much higher level area?"

Kimono turns to Kiku. "I'm the newb remember? But if the keywords represent associated things, then probably."

"Oh well, maybe it's just a fortunate glitch for us!" Kiku says, smiling.

"I agree. Well, let's get to the chest shall we?" Kimono suggests.

Nearing the chest upon its raised pedestal, the duo are confronted with three more goblins, inconveniently patrolling around the pedestal. However, soon it becomes clear that it will take more than that to stop these two adventurers. With another 180 EXP gained for Kimono and another 52 EXP gained for Kiku, it was only a matter of time before Kimono's first level up. Inside the treasure chest was a peculiar key. Well, to be more accurate, it was as though someone took a large key, and sawed it into three equal parts lengthwise.

"Two more pieces to go!" Kimono exclaims.

It quickly becomes routine, and soon the duo encounter and eliminate another three batches of goblins, taking the second piece of the key, before they are crossing the bridge to the western peninsula. Suddenly, white noise flickers across the screen for a moment, before it vanishes.

"Uh Kiku is that normal?" Kimono asks.

Kiku glances across left and right, up and down, "Not that I know of..." She says, her voice wavering slightly.

The third and last treasure chest is in sight... but there isn't any group of goblins guarding it.

"Maybe it's a hidden sign? like a radar or signal we're getting close to something, an easter egg or something?" Kimono suggests.

"Maybe..." Kiku says, slightly reassured before adding, "Yeah, that has to be it."

"Cool! well let's get this last key piece and find out!"

The final goblin group finally spawns in front of the chest as the duo approaches closer, much to their annoyance. With a relatively quick battle, it's over, and a golden ring rises from Kimono as she levels up.

"Hell yeah!" Kimono twirls her Scythe around in an arc around her body in a victory dance. "way to go Kiku, couldn't have done it without you."

"Congrats!" Kiku exclaims, pretending to knight Kimono with her staff.

"Hehe!" Kimono opens the last treasure chest, and smiles as the key pieces form together into a single item.

"Woo! We're almost there Kiku!"

Suddenly, a cold, metallic, clapping sound is heard behind them, "Heh, newbs, so easily thrilled by anything."

Menarka, with his scythe already drawn, advances forward along the bridge. Not far behind him, however, and walking up carefully and silently, is Twin Lightning.

"Gulp" Kimono says, Backpedaling to match Menarka's pace. "Kiku get behind me"

"I'll take you two out with a single blow!" Menarka yells, suddenly rushing forward with an Art skill, targeting Kimono. However, as he does so and the blue barrier envelops them, Twin Lightning then acts, pulling out a slender blade as she out speeds Menarka with her own skill, targeting him.

HANGEKI!

The word covers Kimono's screen for a split second as Menarka is halted.

"What the?!" Menarka exclaims as Twin Lightning follows through, "Lateral Moon!"

Kimono is unsure of what to do, surely she can't harm Menarka.

Twin Lightning pierces through Menarka's character with her blade, then swings upwards, knocking Menarka into the air, and finishes with a mid-air horizontal strike that sends Menarka flying. It doesn't do much in terms of damage to Menarka's HP, however, there is something bothering Menarka as he recovers. "How the hell does an Arena Battle Hangeki pop up in a field?!"

Kimono is at a loss for words. "Kiku, can you ice dagger him? or something? or what do we do?"

"Run!"

The word may have come from Kiku, or maybe Twin Lightning, or maybe both, but either way, somehow they are both pushed out of the battle and onto the bridge, as they see the blue barrier in front of them with the words 'Battle Zone' pulsing on it.

Kimono is standing outside the field. "But Twin Lightning needs help!"

"Yes, but we're the ones who have to get it!" Kiku says, grabbing Kimono's hand and running towards the castle, or more specifically, the Platform just before its entrance.

A shortmail pops up on Kimono's screen from Twin Lightning, "Get the treasure from the castle; you've earned it. Don't worry about me; I'll keep this loser busy for a while."

"Kiku, Twin Lightning just left word to continue on and get the treasure in the castle... she'll handle things" Kimono says.

"Do we go get it? I don't know anyone who could help Twin Lightning. Should I go get it and you get help? so we can both make something good come of this? or what? I don't want to leave her stranded." Kimono asks, uncertain.

"Alright! Sounds good!" Kiku says, running to the Platform before disappearing in a few rings of blue light.

"OK, gotta make this quick... " Kimono says to no-one in particular, running full speed to the castle.

The doors open, and Kimono runs through the large, but vacant hall. She could pause to consider the graphics later. She sees a treasure chest upon a stand in front of a statue. Without hesitation, she kicks it open.

'You have received a Scroll of Power!'

Kimono was so happy to have obtained the item, but she didn't have the time to enjoy the discovery, Twin Lightning needed help. With a quick glance and an appreciation of the graphic texturing around her, she took back to the platform to return to town sending Kiku and a shortmail on the way. "Got it! Now let's get Twin Lightning some help!"

Back at Mac Anu, Kimono arrives to see Kiku talking with an elegant woman dressed in almost a battle-style yukata, which is a regal blue, with a diamond emblem upon its back and almost like a badge in front. Within the diamond shape is a Mandarin numeral character. She has flowing blue hair and purple eyes that seem to give off a sense of strength. Targeting her, Kimono sees her name: Saturday.

"So, that is the situation then Kiku?" Saturday asks, her voice formal, yet at the same time gentle.

"Yes. Menarka appeared at the field we were at, and attacked us. Twin Lightning managed to intervene in time, and interrupted Menarka's attack. That's when we went to search for help." Kiku explains.

Saturday smiles, "If it's Twin Lightning, there's not much to worry about; Twin Lightning is a smart player, no matter which one of the two is at the controller, and they know they won't be able to take Menarka out by themselves. I imagine that battle is in a stalemate, with Twin Lightning evading Menarka. Sooner or later, Menarka will realize that there's no way he can PK Twin Lightning without a party."

Kiku stands shocked, "Are you serious?"

"Yes." Saturday replies, "Twin Lightning's dealt with PK's before. I've even asked them a number of times if they would join Moon Tree, but they declined, saying they wanted to make their own guild, which is understandable."

Just then, Twin Lightning warps into town and stretches, "Well, that was fun." She says.

"Twin Lightning! You're safe!" Kimono practicaly flung herself at the stranger, wrapping her arms around 'her' and giving her a hug before backing off and smiling sheepishly. "Heh, sorry, was a bit worried I guess."

Twin Lightning smiles, "That's quite understandable. Was the mission reward good?"

Kiku, in the meantime, is almost staring at Twin Lightning as though she were a ghost.

"Oh that!" Kimono smiles as she pulls out the 'Scroll of Power'. "I don't know what this does exactly..."

"Oh wow! Is that what I think it is?" Kiku, seemingly awoken from her shocked state, runs over.

"Hmm?" Kimono asks, curious.

Saturday tilts her head, "Strange... normally you only get those from doing quests or so forth..." She then shakes her head, "Anyway, that is a potent one-use item that permanently increases one of your parameters. Power, in particular, goes to PATK."

"Oh really? Wow!" Kimono Exclaims, almost ready to use the item then and there before a thought hits her. "But, there's only one, and Kiku you and I were a team, and Twin Lightning for that matter, we would not have had a chance to get it without your timely intervention... perhaps you should have it?"

Twin Lightning shakes her head, "Think again, Kimono. Kiku is a magic user, so PATK wouldn't mean much to her, and it is the reward for completing the mission, which you did; I didn't. Don't worry, I did get something though."

Kimono quirks a brow. "Really?

Twin Lightning smiles slyly, and winks, "Yes. I killed the doppelganger monster that was residing in that area, to make sure you two didn't run into it. Not only is it good experience, but it also gave me a key item."

Twin Lightning pulls out an orb that seems to mist with darkness and pulsates a dull, red colour.

"This item is called Own King, and it is a bizarre item, because it doesn't seem to have a purpose at all. However, all things in 'The World' have purpose, or so I believe, so I'll hold onto it." Twin Lightning says before placing the orb back in her inventory.

Dopplegangers? in an intro newb level? "Sounds Scary. " Kimono looks over the Scroll of Power and shrugs. "Well, here's to success, and growth, and friendship!" Kimono activates the item, then chuckles. "I guess that last bit was a bit corny huh?"

Saturday and Kiku chuckle. "Not at all," Saturday says, smiling, "We're all allowed our moments; there's no reason to be embarrassed by them."

'Kimono's PATK boosted by 5'

Saturday tilts her head at Twin Lightning, "If I didn't know better... I'd say you two were hackers... a lot of odd things happen around you two anyway."

Twin Lightning shrugs, "We're all entitled to our own opinion."

Kimono's quirked eye goes a little wider at the comment. "soooo, an Item for me, an Item for you, what's next on the list guys? My bloods pumpin and my hearts racing, this is great? It could be the red bulls I've been chugging but still, I'm excited to get a move on"

Kiku chuckles, "Don't tell me you forgot already."

Kimono ponders the thought a moment. "Oh! The tournament!"

Twin Lightning nods, "Yes, the finals are starting in a little while. It should be enough time for you to save, maybe check your email or something, or just hang out here."

Twin Lightning winks, "I'll meet you back here; my brother and I are heading for lunch."

"well I guess I'll check my mail, and be back in a few won't miss the finals!" Kimono says

[Twin Lightning has logged out]

Kiku nods, "I'll just stay here then, see you later!"

[Kimono has logged out]

((Note already mentioned on MSN, but Serge might want to see too: look at the newest post on the The Board))

System startup complete...

Opening 'The World.exe'...

469200650/469200650... loaded

Login: Kusardo
Password: **********

Login Accepted

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

[Now Playing: Yuki Kajiura - The World]

"All right. Time to see what's happening in The World tonight."

A young teenager sits at his desk two hours before midnight, illuminated by his computer screen and the shine of the far-off moon and stars through the open window. Of course, it wouldn't matter to him once he donned the FMD; he may as well already be among the stars and other far off places to explore once he decided to enter The World. While most would consider it nothing more than illusions, he more than welcomed the almost alcoholic binge of this virtual facade. He knows he's no different a person than he is outside of The World, but The World gives him a chance to act a somewhat different shade -- a less self-conscious shade. It's this sense of freedom and liberty that keeps him coming back for more fun, for doing something and being someone that feels more worthwhile than what he knows well enough.

Immediately, as every time he logs in, he feels the dull and boring reality peel away from his mind as The World unfolds around him. It takes shape, penetrating his sensation, making him feel like he is where he wants to be. After all, this is most usually where he wants to be at this time of night. However, whenever he finds himself wandering the new locales and dungeons of The World, he couldn't help but feel that this wasn't the same World he knew a few years ago. Like a new, strange song, it makes him miss quietly the way The World used to be; for some reason, it was more fun back then. Then again, life seemed better a few years before now...

---

Kusardo, a newbie Edge Punisher, walks out of the Chaos Gate and onto the lobby of the dome-shaped structure. Looking around, he takes in the environment once again for a brief moment, and then decides to move ahead into town. "Lets see what's going on today..." he said to himself matter-of-factly, pushing open the doors of the lobby and walking out into the simulated (day? night?) of The Eternal Mac Anu.

Word on the street was the craze surrounding the Arena battle. The most he found out was that Lady Maera was a combatant; a seemingly legendary Adept Rogue who, according to the topics he checked on The Board, has been mysteriously playing the role of "Player Killer" to those who cross her turf... wherever that may be, anyways. Kusardo was not one to waste thoughts on famous peoples or celebrities; none of them ever concerned him, and he could care less if they ever would. He was there for himself, and no one else; an independent mercenary, a lone wolf, call him what you may. The only time he would care is if he found himself face to face with a Player Killer, of which he's been hearing an awful lot lately. If he were defeated in combat, he would swear to even the score regardless of who it was. That was what he lived for in The World: to become stronger through battles, and seeking them out in places familiar and not.

Of course, it wouldn't be right to rule out he doesn't enjoy the view once in a while.

"The Arena, huh? ... hmm, why not? Might as well see what the big deal is, for now."

It wasn't time yet for the battle to begin, but it wouldn't take long, and the novice Edge Punisher found nothing better to occupy his time than to go there and wait for the show to begin.

It doesn't take long before Twin Lightning and Kimono log back in. Time is of the essence, so everyone begins warping to the Psi server, the Warring City of Lumina Cloth for the finale. Lumina Cloth is packed with players, and it is astounding that with even this many players somehow there is no lag whatsoever with The World's massive bandwidth. The night sky is brilliant, with the moon and stars, and even the 'artificial' spotlights giving the town an exotic look.

Warping through the warp given to the left of the desk of the arena attendant non-player character, everyone eventually finds a seat or a place to stand, with Kiku, Kimono, Twin Lightning, and Kusardo having the same vantage point.

In the Arena Lobby...

"So, do you think we can do it?" The female harvest cleric, dressed in a regal velvet and gold gown asks, watching the others nervously. Upon her dress is a similar diamond crest as was seen on Saturday's character design.

"Of course. We've seen how Maera fights, and as long as we alternate using Skills, we'll at least hit her hard a couple of times." The leader, a twin blade dressed almost like a shinobi replies, examining the screen displaying the simplified statistics of Maera, as though it would give more information regarding how to defeat her. He also has a similar diamond crest, these are upon his shoulder pads.

"I've argued with this time and time again, but doing that, she'll undoubtedly Hangeki us enough times to use an Awakening." The somewhat scantily clad edge punisher replies, fidgeting with the hilt of her immense blade. Her diamond crest is worn in her hair, almost like a kerchief.

"Do you have an alternative course of action then, Flower?" The twin blade asks.

"There's really only one way to do it. We have to attack her consistently without the use of skills, and try to get in Rengekis as well as hope our weapon's abilities will kick in. As soon as we use a skill, she'll react to Hangeki us; I doubt she'd even risk trying a Rengeki unless she knows all of our skill trigger gauges aren't full." Flower responds, "And we have to beat her to the Awakening first. As soon as she uses her Awakening, it's over; remember, she's killed even Lord Partizans with that move, and they have crazy hit points."

"Flower does have a point, Vakan." The harvest cleric adds.

"Very well then, Flower, Yari," Vakan says, "Let's do our best, and remember, keep talking in party chat, especially if you see an opening. Maera will fall yet."

The trio then turn to the warp point, and all three vanish in rings of blue light.

In the Arena...

"It's time for the festivities to begin!!!" The announcer shouts, seemingly as charismatic and crazy as he always is.

First, Vakan, Flower and Yari appear upon their entrance platform, waving to the crowd as it cheers them on. The moon is high in the starlit sky, enlightening the whole arena and the stands off to the side of it.

On the left side of the screen, their line-up appears:

Team Cherry Blossom

Vakan
Twin Blade
Level 150

Flower
Edge Punisher
Level 150

Yari
Harvest Cleric
Level 150

"Fight your way to the top! These challengers have fought fierce battles, analyzing and swiftly defeating their opponents! Will this team, consisting of the leaders of Moon Tree's divisions 2, 3 and 4, be the one to finally take Maera down?!"

"No way!" You can hear Stormy yell even over the crowd.

Maera then takes her entrance, appearing on her platform, alone. Her outfit is rather plain, consisting of a silken and violet long-sleeved garment, with almost a flowery appearance, and a similarly coloured knee-length skirt. Underneath the skirt is a light gray pant, ending just above her ankles. She isn't wearing any shoes or socks. She has light purple hair, a somewhat tan skin tone, and her eyes are a gentle blue. However, undoubtedly, her most noticeable feature are her wings, which extend forth from her back as shafts of multicoloured light. She hovers just above the ground, her wings beating gently.

As she appears, on the right side of the screen her own team information appears:

Team Epitaph

Maera
Adept Rogue
Level 150

"Oh, so she is an Adept Rogue after all." Kiku says, perhaps a bit sadly as she was slightly trying to base her character on her.

"Just where did this warrior come from? Known to all for her elegant performances and plain immense winning streak, the Lady Maera has taken down every opponent in her path!" The announcer shouts.

"Our commentator for today is none other than Moon Tree's Guildmaster Zelkova!"

Zelkova appears much as he did in .Hack//GU, as a young individual with short, light blue hair, golden horns, and an elegant white outfit with a Japanese style and an oversized purple fan.

"Hello everyone! I hope you're all as excited as I am in seeing this match! : )" Zelkova calls.

The arena fighters warp to the actual arena itself, a large disc floating in the air, surrounded by a clear force field. Large screens hovering in the air in front of the crowd provides close-ups of the arena, and likewise, large screens by the arena provide the combatants a view of the crowd, although these fighters clearly aren't paying attention to that. Vakan immediately pulls out his dual swords, a pair of elegant blades. Flower reaches over her shoulder and pulls out an immense yet simple blade, easily bigger than her. Yari pulls out a somewhat standard wand, and looks around nervously. Vakan is eyeing Maera, already searching for ways to strike.

"Zelkova, what do you think of today's contestants?" The commentator asks.

"Well, Team Cherry Blossom is outstanding as a team. They all work well together, and generally help to aid each other in combat. Their strategy will always differ depending on who they are fighting, and changes in strategy is quite quick if needed; they must be talking really fast and quite often on party chat! I think they're more than a fair opponent for Maera." Zelkova begins.

Maera reaches over her shoulder elegantly, and smoothly pulls out a wand similar in style to Yari's. Her movements are fluid and graceful... almost unnaturally so, compared to even Yari's on the battlefield.

"However, Maera, as we all know, is extremely strong as a player. Sticking to her harvest cleric component of the adept rogue class is almost just daring her opponents to underestimate her; her grace and style easily allows her to evade most if not all attacks, and when she counterattacks... well, I think she makes an excellent Emperor." Zelkova finishes.

"Is there anything in particular you would like to see in this match?" The commentator asks.

"Well, I think one thing we all would like to see is what exactly Maera's other component of her class is; everyone who's seen her has seen her using the harvest cleric class, and that potential for something else may be what will defeat Team Cherry Blossom, who have prepared to fight her as a harvest cleric." Zelkova replies.

"Quite possibly, but now, onto the Title Match!"

[Outbreak of Battle]

"Let's take you down!" Vakan roars as he rushes forward to close the distance.

He reaches Maera, and slashes across horizontally with his blades, only to find that she ducked underneath and slid back along the ground.

"She's fast." Vakan mutters over party chat, "Flower, try to cut her off."

"Right." Flower responds, holding out her blade and charging an attack, then walking around the arena.

Vakan continues to chase after Maera, but no matter how he slices, she continues to evade and back away, even when he slices horizontally, one blade low, then follows with a high blade; Maera's response was to twirl in the air, her wings folded around her body, horizontally between the blades.

Vakan grits his teeth, "Now, Flower!"

"Right!" Flower responds, bringing down her sword at Maera as Vakan attacks with two vertical strikes.

"You're slow." Maera murmurs, twisting to the side and leaping clear of the shockwaves from Flower's sword, landing into a roll, and then leaping forward again to land on her feet.

"I hate to say this," Flower mutters, gritting her teeth, "But it looks like you were right about how we have to use skills."

"She's far too fast for normal attacks to work anyway." Vakan says, "Yari, use a support skill!"

"Right!" Yari says, bringing up her staff, "LaRig Saem!"

To Vakan's surprise, Maera doesn't react to Hangeki Yari.

"Alright, Yari, continue with supports until I strike, Flower, use an art!" Vakan says, moving away from his other companions.

Yari raises her wand again, "La Corv!" magically enhancing everyone's attacks.

Flower rushes forward, glowing yellow with her skill, before bringing her sword out to impale Maera. Maera, however, dives to the side, then twists away even as Flower's character is forced to continue her skill, "Armour Break!"

"No reaction, you can't be serious." Vakan mutters, "How the hell are we supposed to get her?"

"Vakan, use an art; I have rapid charge remember?" Flower calls.

"Right." Vakan begins to hover into the air, but before he can get far, Maera's spell ring shoots out and captures him, even as Flower rushes at Maera to hit her with her own skill. Flower and Vakan suddenly freeze as a word appears on the screen.

HANGEKI

"RaLei Zas!" Maera shouts, angling her staff at Vakan.

Volleys upon volleys of light beams appear around Maera and impale Vakan several times. His health gauge flashes red; it was a powerful blow.

"Damn! Her MATK is strong!" Vakan shouts.

"Flower and I can't use skills to Hangeki her," Yari calls, "The magic ring goes faster than we had anticipated."

"Not good, Yari, we need you to attack as well if we're to catch her." Vakan yells.

"Pha Repth!" Yari calls, restoring Vakan's health, before running after Maera herself.

"Wait, on second thought, Yari, continue going through your list of supports; our morale gauge will rise faster that way." Vakan calls, "Flower, you and I go after Maera so she can't Hangeki Yari."

"Right." Flower replies, rushing after the evasive rogue.

With Maera continuing to be put on the defensive, Team Cherry Blossom charges a full Awakening.

"She's not far behind us; her morale increases every time she dodges us." Vakan says, "It's now, or never."

BEAST AWAKENING

The words fly across the screen and the arena glows red, and even Yari runs forward to attack Maera. They whittle at her HP, but before they can finish her, the Awakening ends.

"Not good!" Vakan shouts, "She's about to do it!"

"Got her!" Yari says, surprised as she manages to hit Maera in the back with her staff, causing purple rings to surround her for a Rengeki.

"Now Vakan!" Flower screeches.

RENGEKI

Vakan hovers into the air, "Ghost Falcon!"

He slashes and dices, bringing Maera into the air, slashing several times before slamming her into the ground. To the party's dismay however, Maera's hp doesn't change; only 0's appeared to display damage given to her.

"Twin Scales attachment!" Vakan says in exasperation, "We can't win!"

Maera closes her eyes and stands still, her wings flaring, "It's over."

ELDEST AWAKENING

The arena grows still, with Maera standing in the center of it, with Team Cherry Blossom arranged around her evenly.

Maera's wings flare, turning a bright yellow which extends into lightning that envelops her. She raises her staff, then brings it down in front of her, pointing towards Vakan, and an electric orb forms there. Likewise, she points towards Flower and Yari, and similar orbs form. Finally, she raises her wand up, and the electricity and orbs fuse at that point, and shoot high into the sky.

"Lanceor Pha!" Maera calls.

The sky immediately darkens, and the air even feels foreboding, even though people's FMD's. Lightning then suddenly strikes the arena, covering it with an immense array of bolts. After each strike, lightning strikes again and again, until it just stops without warning. Then, high in the air, the clouds part, revealing the Spirit of Lightning, Lanceor. The immense, and only vaguely humanoid shape brings its fists together. Lightning crackles around its form as it draws all lightning to it. Then, with a massive explosion, it rocks the arena with an immense wave of lightning.

When the smoke clears, Maera is standing in the center of the arena, glancing over her felled opponents. Lanceor and the storm clouds have vanished.

"Please understand, I could not let you kill me." Maera murmurs.

"It's over!" The announcer exclaims, "A truly formiddable match, for only the best compete in the arena! So, Master Zelkova, what did you think of the match?"

"A splendid display by both Team Cherry Blossom and Maera!" Zelkova says enthusiastically, "Team Cherry Blossom's coordination and teamwork were outstanding, and Maera's elegant grace just proved to be too much for them to handle."

"It's too bad we never got to see Maera's other extension, but perhaps next time!" Zelkova finishes.

The stands quickly empty, and soon the only ones that remain are Kimono, Kiku, Twin Lightning, and Kusardo. On the arena, Vakan, Flower and Yari vanish as their players exit 'The World'. Maera, however, remains. She glances around the now mostly empty arena stands. Her wings beat a bit faster, and she hovers higher into the air. Then, with her wings folding around her, she vanishes in a burst of multicoloured light.

Kusardo just stood there.

"In... credible," he voiced to himself. It was like nothing he had ever seen... or experienced before. When the virtual arena was about to be flooded by Maera's attack, he could feel his own hairs standing on end as the air seemed to charge with static; something he would never experience while playing. An immense sensation of foreboding followed shortly after as he anticipated the fruition of Maera's offensive.

For the last few minutes of the match, he had completely forgotten he was in a game.

After he saw the violet-clad rogue disappear--after having caught a glimpse of her chilly blue eyes as she looked around--he simply stood there at the edge of the rails with a look of awestruck amazement; however, behind those eyes began to smolder a latent flame. She was so strong and so skilled that their attacks proved ineffective. She was fast, but if any hit on her registered as '0', it didn't matter. It only took her one devastating attack to wipe out her opponents. And all this... as a harvest cleric at the same level as Team Cherry Blossom.
Kusardo remembered The Board posts he had seen earlier that night. The Enigmatic... yeah, she is an enigma if I've ever seen one...
He tightened his grip on his Horizon's Edge until his pixelated knuckles turned white.

I ... want to be stronger, like her. No... I'll surpass her. She may be an adept rogue, but I'll show her that this Edge Punisher can do anything. After seeing this battle, all I want to do is train and become stronger; there's nothing else to The World than that.
Kusardo sighed roughly, returning his Horizon's Edge to his back. He left the railings and began to make his way back to the lobby. Passing by Kiku, Kimono, and Twin Lightning -- he hadn't taken notice of them -- his eyes were set firmly with a determined look, burning with his now barely awakened goal. The night's not over for me, yet. I'll start with a Recorder in Mac Anu and then find some dungeon in the Delta Server to explore.


(Those mako eyes :p)

The arena was crowded, incredibly so, As people gathered to watch the Finals. In fact there was such a turn out Kimono had to wonder if they were truly all players, or some npc’s conjured to fill the seats to add to the awe of the affair. As the battle began, Kimono sat glued to the edge of her seat as watching these level 150’s went toe to toe. When Lady Maera stepped out to take on a trio of Moon Tree’s division leaders, Kimono’s butt slid even closer to the rim of her chair so engrossed in the fight to come. Then come it did. The trio attacked and Maera dodged, they blew skills, and she simply let them go, when they jumped into a Beast Awakening, Kimono gasped. “What’s that?!” She said to no-one in particular. She was amazed to find Maera still standing when the Awakening was over, and before the end came she knew by the expressions of Moon –tree that they had foreseen their demise even before Lady Maera entered her Eldest Awakening, decimating Moon Tree in a single sweep. “Amazing” Kimono found herself saying even as Zelcova discussed his afterthoughts of the match. Kimono was stunned and amazed at the power wielded by this woman, and deep inside she was envious as well. No wonder everyone feared or respected her! “That was awesome!” she said as she turned to Kiku. “We’ve got to get stronger and train really hard if we’re going to be like Lady Maera! C’mon let’s get back to it! Let’s see if we can find another person willing to party, and let’s rock those keywords awhile and gain in strength! If that’s what a top notch adept rogue looks like, then I know what it’ll take to get there. C’mon c’mon Kiku!” Kimono was practically pulling Kiku out from her chair, back to the lobby. She was still talking about going out to practice and level and gain strength when her averted eyes caused her to run right into the back of a slow moving, deep in thought Edge Punisher.

*Thud*

“Hey! Oh uh, sorry,” Kimono said scratching the back of her bright pink hair. “Guess I was a little overeager to get out there and start training and didn’t see you, I’m sorry.” Her eyes fell over the spiky haired sword wielder before her before her brain started turning those hidden wheels of a plan in action. “Hey hey hey!!, you look like you could use some training yourself! I’m Kimono, and this is Kiku, and this my good man is your lucky day! It’s not every day you get to walk around with two hotties like us eh? C’mon, wanna go train for awhile?”

(If he agrees and exchanges introduction,s they can exchange member addresses and move to the Chaos Gate to try and find an appropriately leveled place (I’m thinking around level 3 for the world, Decent Challenge, great Exp for Kimono and New guy, and decent for Kiku.)

(Heh, he's gonna take some convincing)

Kusardo didn't look particularly thrilled. He stood there looking over the pink-haired scythe-wielder with an dull, yet serious mien: Excited, care-free, and clumsy came to mind, but he figured they were both the same level, so it would be arrogant to assume he's too good to waste his time with these two girls. On top of that, she was an Adept Rogue, so it was safe to say that she had similar potential to Maera. Logically, he may learn something by fighting with her, but being the stubborn and independent character that he is, Kusardo was not yet willing to agree to a party.

"Kimono," he said aloud, reading her character specifics from the left of his screen, "... nice name... but I like to work alone."

"Kimono," he said aloud, reading her character specifics from the left of his screen, "... nice name... but I like to work alone."

Kimono almost pouted at the remark, here was this newb, as fresh as she was already giving her attitude.. had he even fought a battle yet?

"Look, I know the thrill and pride of trying to solo any sort of game, but here in "The World", it pays to have friends around to compliment your own abilities. You're an edge punisher right? Your strength lies in the power of your attacks, but you're not the quickest I'd reckon, and certainly not suited for any magic users I'd wager should you encounter one while alone. Kiku here's quite the healer, and in workin as a team, not only can we kill more enemies faster gaining experience, but we can also cover each other's backs, and clear the maps sooner, which means more money, more items, and more experience in a shorter amount of time. I realize that by soloing you might get a larger sum of experience, but think of the time it'll take to do it solo, the danger of being ganged up upon, and the money you'll spend on healing items along the way. I wouldn't have levelled as it were if it wasn't for teamwork, and I'm sure Kiku feels the same way. Not that you can see our levels, but how about it? We can exchange member addresses and give it a go, and if we cramp your style, you're free to go your own way."