Annihilation
Partnerships
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Samuel Darklight sat at the desk of the hotel room he had come to know as home over the past few days, going over his notes on the Darkloids he had gathered since the previous day's revelations. His accommodations weren't as luxurious as he would have liked, but he never thought he would be there long enough to have to get used to it. At least the thoroughly disorganized state of his suitcase contents, the unsatisfactory functionality of the bathroom, and the mini-fridge's inability to properly chill a bottle of wine were plenty motivation for him to complete his contract as quickly as possible.
Of course now that he had lost Shademan, his job was going to be significantly more difficult, in addition to being significantly more personal. Before, he was considering selling the Officials a half-assed solution just to collect his paycheck and get out, but now he wasn't going to accept anything less than the complete fall of the Darkloids, either to get Shademan back, or to at least make them pay. One way or another he had to see it through.
The unexpected appearance of Kurisu changed things as well. It had been almost a year since he met that girl and her navi on another job in another part of the world, and it seemed as if a lot had changed in that time. He knew she was a former WWW member and was trying to escape the organization's deadly policy of tying up loose ends. Her presence here under a new identity suggested she was still in hiding from someone. Darklight felt obligated to help out his former client now that they were both here, though he had trouble understanding why a former net-criminal would be an Official agent as cover. It was unexpected to say the least. He knew he had to get the full story from her soon.
Samuel was in this mess deeper than he ever should have been, but he wasn't about to dwell on that when there was work to be done. His laptop had several documents open spelling out the data on the various Darkloid types, information on the navis that had gone missing according to the case, and server activity logs with highlighted portions indicating Darkchip usage or Darkloid presence over the last week. Scattered around him were assorted papers from his briefcase or from the Official's files (those they deigned to release to him at any rate). Together, these chunks of information made up the puzzle pieces he had spent much of the day trying to put together.
One thing that came to his attention thanks to the episode with Flamechick was that all the known Darkloids in this case were former Net Guardians and Acid Hackers that had been lost in the Gamma incident when the would-be alternate Cyberworld absorbed them. He also learned that Gamma's defeat was thanks in part to it absorbing a massive amount of Darkness-infected navis and contracting all the negative effects of Dark Power corruption, a gambit orchestrated by none other than the notorious Blackbelt. Knowing that Gamma's inner properties involved breaking down and merging all the data contained within, it was reasonable to assume the Darkness of those navis mixed with the remains of the other navis Gamma absorbed, turned into something cohesive thanks to the Hybrid program they shared, becoming the Darkloids they now had to contend with.
So the enemy's background wasn't too hard to figure out, but it didn't help much as long as there was no simple "uninstall" option for the Hybrid effect. He had managed to effectively cure Flamechick, but his trick was the second step in a process that started with Dark Flameman and IceChan merging under much more chaotic circumstances. He wouldn't be able to repeat his magic with the other Darkloids without first getting them linked to a PET, and since they didn't seem willing to come peacefully, he would be better off just finding some way to delete them.
At least the investigation had come pretty far in pinning the Darkloids down. The Undernet made for a good hiding spot, but his team now had some methods to draw them out. Facing them on their own turf was still seemed risky, though thanks to the notes from Hoshiko's recent debriefings, he now knew of at least one area outside of the Undernet that the Darkloids have been active. Tomorrow, he would suggest to Moe that Drillman and Flamechick go investigate that area one more time. If Darklight could get a temporary replacement navi ready in time, he'd might just be able to join them in the field instead of just going over paperwork from the sidelines.
Mentally exhausted, Samuel leaned back in his chair, loathing the silence he had to endure in such a tedious task. He wished he had brought some music along, or at least more wine. Just as he was considering taking a break, a chime from his laptop informed him of some newly arrived e-mail. He leaned forward again to check it, and was intrigued to find it was from one of Netopia's resident Darklight Mercenaries.
The Mercs rarely worked together while on the job, and this guy in particular preferred to work alone, doing whatever it was he actually did. In this case however, Darklight had contacted his associates across the globe, offering them a small cut of his payment for simply relaying any news of Darkloid activity in their area. It was a shot in the dark and he doubted it would yield anything helpful for the case, but a couple days ago he didn't have much else to go on, and the Mercs were just low-key enough to get the job done without compromising the investigation. Now it looked like his group's resources had actually paid off.
Darklight,
Naturally, while you and Nathan are out hogging all the actual missions, Videoman and I have been contending with the local net café's Request Board. While Video was there today he noted that the regulars were buzzing about a fight that took place there earlier involving a woman in a black outfit kicking the asses of multiple other navis with swarms of bats and a shape shifting axe. Sounded like a Darkloid, and Videoman's spectral camera verified that small, fresh traces of Dark Energy were scattered around the board where she apparently used those powers. It happened at around two this morning and she's long gone now, but hopefully this will be of some use to you, and you'll honor our arrangement.
Sincerely, Okaxal
It helped him alright. Samuel had practically forgotten about the loose end that was Darklady. The former Net Guardian went missing in the Undernet the same day IceChan encountered Dark Metalman, and IceChan's documented account of the incident suggested Darklady was there and was nearly deleted last she was seen. Drillman later ran into Darklady, but she acted as if she didn't recognize him and ran off. Now a navi fitting her description was seen wreaking havoc at a random net café? She didn't seem to be part of the group of Darkloids they were hunting, but something linked to it happened to her in the past few days, and so finding her would provide some answers.
Darklight pondered the implications of Okaxal's message and what else he could gain from it. Darklady was long gone, but did she leave a trail? Maybe with some enhancements, Videoman's special cameras could follow her trail all the way to its source. Better yet, instead of being obligated to share even more of his pay with Okaxal, Samuel could figure out on his own what Darklady was doing there in the first place.
She was attacking some other navis. Why? Who started it? Why there? Darklight needed more information. He would have to investigate the scene himself. Or maybe the message board there already has more detail. The board...Okaxal said it was near the board interface that the assault took place...
Darklight brought up the URL for the café attached to Okaxal's message and looked over the board topics, paying attention to the timestamps on each post. When he found what he was looking for, he paused in thought for a few seconds, trying to make sense of it all. Then a smirk crossed his lips as he hatched a plan.
It looked like he would get some time back in the field sooner than he thought.
* * *
In a familiar, cold and grey corner of the Outer Net, a shadowy figure surveyed the expanse of snow-capped passageways, floating within a cover of fog that his visor's imaging ability allowed his sight to penetrate. Although unassuming to look at, this navi had the makings of a deadly hunter, a fisherman with an outcast net, just waiting for dinner to swim into the trap.
There was a little-known entrance to the Undernet here, making it a notorious hotspot for viruses and muggers. Even without these malevolent threats, the low visibility and slippery walkways made it hazardous for ordinary navis to just walk around. The few non-Underdweller visitors this area saw were the confident types, skilled netbattlers that feared no viruses, muggers, or treacherous terrain. Some came in search of undiscovered wealth off the beaten path, others came through trying to reach the Undernet, some just needed to prove themselves here such as the parka-wearing novice Official from a few days before. Then there were the ones he and his brethren summoned directly to this place with empty promises of power and vice. All of these adventurers made perfect targets. The waters may have been quiet, but a catch was assured. It seemed the net had no shortage of greed and pride.
Finally, the navi caught movement out of the corner of his eye. He slowly drifted his way through the mist to approach the visitor, but dropped all notions of sneaking up once he recognized it as one of his own. He met up with the tall, armored cannon-carrying navi that stood still on the platform in anticipation. "Bllrglblrr Bowlman, what's up? Don't normally see you out on the surface gllrrhh."
"I figured this couldn't wait for the next meeting." The large Darkloid said with a serious tone, his stern face visible through his still-damaged mask. "Something has just happened to Metalman. In just a few short days, we've lost two brothers. It doesn't bode well."
"Gggk! Back the fllggk up. What exactly happened to Metalman?"
"We don't know how it happened, but Desert says he can still feel his presence, just like Flame. Ironically, it seems the surface navis may be capturing us and forcibly altering our souls."
"Bhbglllhh...we're still winning at that game. Gkgkgghh How much longer before we can call it?"
"Thanks to your business up here, we're close. Keep reeling them in, but be careful. Turns out some of the surface navis are stronger than we thought." With that, Bowlman turned and began walking back toward the Undernet.
"Phlgheh, like you really needed to warn me. I'm not like Metal and Flame. The whole reason I'm up here is because I'm the only one of us that's completely untouchable." Realizing he was already talking to himself, the trench coated midget let out a contemptuous gurgle from his mask and returned to his vigil. He considered himself the most important Darkloid, with much more appreciation due from ally and enemy alike than he received, but that was on thing that did not seem to change from his old life. He was still underestimated. At least he knew that if he kept at his task, soon the entire cyberworld would know and fear him. All he had to was play the part of the Dark Chip dealer, luring power-hungry navis into the Undernet with promises of whatever their hearts desire, there allowing Bowl and Desert to devour those hearts and feed the Darkness, ultimately leading to the day of the Darkloids. The anticipation brought an exhilarating feeling to the fallen soul.
It wasn't long before his eye caught another presence in the area. This one was moving along at a slow, browsing pace, probably searching for something. Just what he needed. He moved in and circled the navi from just enough of a distance to be hidden by the mist, assuming his prey had no advanced sensory systems, and from the lack of reaction, this seemed to be the case.
It was a custom female type, the first one he'd seen through those parts since the eskimo girl. This one looked even more out of place. Her unarmored bodysuit colors were bright blue and orange and she had a soft face with a slight smile. She strolled along, looking out at either side like she was admiring the scenery despite the thick mist ensuring that she couldn't see more than a few panels away. The dealer figured she might have just been an innocent surface navi that had taken a wrong turn somewhere. Still, it was worth a shot. He knew well enough not to judge a document by its filename.
"You look lost, blglbll." He finally spoke up, moving in closer.
The girl turned to him and smiled. "Oh, hello. I'm fine, actually. This is the first time I've been to this area, but I just felt like browsing someplace new. I actually like it here, it's nice and cool and the mist is pretty, don't you think?"
It wasn't the reaction he was expecting, but he would work with it. "Hhhllbgh, yes, not too many parts of the net are like this, but not every navi can appreciate it."
"Do you browse here often? Any good sites you could recommend?" she asked trustingly.
"Hgh hghl, it just so happens I have my own site not far from here. It's a great place to acquire rare goods. I have a sample here, if you're interested."
"Well I wasn't planning on doing any shopping, but ohh, I guess it couldn't hurt to look." She giggled. "So what sort of 'rare goods' do you mean?"
The dealer began to think this was possibly the most innocent navi he had ever tried to corrupt. "Not sure it's for you, really. Ggbhlh, it may be a little...advanced. Still, one try couldn't hurt." He reached into his trench coat and pulled out a Dark Chip, letting its purple glow penetrate the fog. "Hhhgl, Ever seen one of these before?"
The girl squinted at it. "Hmm, that's one of those Battle Chip things, right? Sorry, that's not really my thing."
"Actually, it's a special kind of chip. One that...hold on, did you say Battle Chips aren't your thing?"
"Yeah."
"...none of them?"
"I'm just not into the whole battling scene."
What a strange navi, he thought. To be wandering such a dangerous part of the net without even an interest in combat? How did she make it this far? What game was she playing? The question left the dealer dumbfounded for a moment, only a slight gurgling breath emanating from his mask.
The girl looked embarrassed. "I mean, not that there's anything wrong with it. Lots of my friends are netbattlers. Actually, maybe one of them would like your chips! So, how did you say yours was special?"
"Oh, glgl, of course. It's a very powerful kind. High demand, low supply. My prices are fair though, and the first one is always free. Gghlbll go on, take this one. Show it to your friend. Come back with them for more." He held out the Dark Chip, knowing that she would be inevitably overcome with the temptation to use it for herself as long as she held onto it, but substituting some friends of hers would be an acceptable alternative. Even if she was just playing innocent for some reason, he had nothing to lose by tossing Dark Chips around. To him, they were cheap, but an effective way of drawing in victims.
The girl politely declined. "Umm, that's alright. I'd probably just lose that thing anyway. I'll be sure to tell my netbattler friends about this area next time I see them, okay?"
Perhaps she wasn't as naïve as she made herself out to be. "Well it had better be soon. Someone else may get to them all first. You sure you don't want to take this one along, just in case?"
"I think you would be better off saving it for someone that comes along that could use it. Sorry."
"Quite alright, bbllggll. If power doesn't interest you, maybe you would like to come see what else I have in stock. There might be something that catches your eye."
"Well I mainly came looking for water, and there's plenty of it all around us already." She raised her arms up and the mist seemed to condense and swirl around them. "Heh, check it out, this is why I like environments like this." Out of nowhere, small bubbles began to form around her arms and legs, quickly clumping together and combining into three large bubbles, one under each hand and one she was standing on. Together, they lifted her off the walkway and eventually over the dealer's head. She laughed as the bubbles began to drift around, taking her for a ride. "See? I can float too!"
The dealer examined the bubbles with his visor. They did not bear the signature of an aqua-elemental weapon, more so a stage-manipulation technique. No offensive properties. "Hhhghhlhl, it looks like you can control ambient water."
"Yep, combining water and air. That's my ability. I understand if you think it's silly that all I can do is make bubbles. Everyone always teases me about it, but it's lots of fun for me."
"...No, I understand. That's not a silly power at all."
"How fast can you fly? Want to see how fast I can make these things go?" She leaned back and her makeshift floating platform began to move away into the mist. She beckoned with head motions to follow her.
"Blk...I think I'll let you...have fun on your own. I really should get back to work."
"Aw. Well you'll be hanging out in the area, right? I'll see you around!" She called out as the bubbles accelerated away into the grey sky.
He figured that was a fluke. There were bound to be a few navis he couldn't snare so easily. Something in the back of his mind told him he could have tried harder though, but for some reason he didn't.
He got some new inspiration when he spotted another presence in the area. This one moved quickly in darting movements, and bore an inhuman frame. A virus, and a large one. If it caught up with the girl, she would learn painfully why that area wasn't such a great place to hang out, and how a powerful Dark Chip could come in handy in a pinch. All it needed was a little help sniffing her out, then he would wait on the sidelines just long enough for her to feel the desperation of being caught in an unwinnable fight with no way out (once he set up a transmission block, of course). Dark Chip to the rescue, corruption achieved, one more soul to add to the fire. He loved it when his problems worked themselves out.
"Hagh haghl hlahhh, over heeere virus. Follow me for a nice yummy morsel. I mean damsel. Ohh, you know what I mean. Blglgl." He raised his barrier and floated in just close enough to catch the creature's attention, then started flying towards the girl once it started chasing him.
To his surprise though, the 'virus' called out. "Hey! Wait up! It's me!"
"Whargbl?"
Stunned for only a split second, it was enough for the creature to pounce with a sudden burst of speed, bringing the dealer down to the platform under them. The barrier remained intact, but the attacker stood on all fours balancing on top of the solid energy sphere, weighing the Darkloid down and preventing him from moving. "Hey Bubs! Long time no see! What's with the trench coat and fedora? Is that supposed to be a disguise? Can't hide from my senses, man. So what have you been up to? I thought you were dead or something."
"What the flgbhgh are you doing here, Beastman? Get off me!"
"You're not gonna float away again, are you?"
"No. I want to hear this. JUST GET OFF ME!"
Beastman hopped off the bubble, allowing Bubbleman to float upwards and adjust his coat. Now that he could see the creature clearly, he noted that Beastman was about the same as ever, hunched form, part lion, part humanoid, orange and brown armor, large forepaws with long, sword-like claws, and a sabre-toothed maw raised up at him, sniffing the air to demonstrate his uncanny tracking ability. It seemed like such a long time ago, and yet apparently so little had changed for everyone else.
On the other side, Beastman was noticing how much his old Acid Hacker teammate had transformed. Aside from the new clothes, he could spot some glowing red eyes and a facemask under his low-drawn hat. "Aaanyway, it's been a crazy time. The AH are done, and we've been on our own for months. We didn't even think anything of you was left until I caught your scent the other day. I wasn't sure if I was imagining it or not, but I tracked you down to this system and here you are! What happened to you?"
"Hbbgll, why do you care now?"
"What? Dude, we were worried about you. Haven't seen you since Gamma ate you."
"Maybe at some point I would have found that sentiment touching..." Bubbleman said, then after a moment of pensive gurgling continued, "Actually no, I don't there was ever a point in any of my lives that I wouldn't just think you were an idiot, seeking out someone who obviously didn't want to be found, at least not in any way that ends out well for the seeker."
Beastman was getting rightfully agitated. This wasn't the wild reunion he was gunning for. "Geez, what is your problem? Did you turn into an even bigger jerk than usual or something?"
"In a way, yes. I'm going to kill you now." Bubbleman stated with deadpan sincerity as he pulled out his harpoon gun.
"Wait, what!? You're not serious." Beast barely got that sentence out before he was dodging Aqua Shots, or what looked like Aqua Shots, because they had the unexpected added effect of melting the panels they hit like acid. "Okay! You're serious! Why you doing this!?"
Dark Bubbleman continued to fire rapid corrosive darts at the agile navi. "Ghhlghh, because you and everyone else deserves to die! Soon enough, your fate will be shared by the rest of this accursed world!"
