.hack// Jinx and Looper

 by

Evs

Intro

Lady Subaru had been growing weary of the burden of being the Lady of the Crimson Knights. Ever since meeting Tsukasa, she began to question whether or not to continue in her duty as head of the Crimson Knights. At this time, Silver Knight and the other knights have become restless because their lack of authority and the increase number of outlaw players. Tsukasa has also become a serious problem with the Knights and Lady Subaru, causing even more distress within the Knights’ ranks. There has even been talk that Lady Subaru may even disband the Knights.

The Jewels

Lady Subaru and Silver Knight are on a boat gliding through the waterways of Mac Anu. They had been discussing all day about what to do about the player Tsukasa.

"I believe we should detain him until Administration can locate his body outside the World," said Silver Knight.

"I don’t think that’s necessary," replies Lady Subaru with a sigh. "He’s given me his word that he will cause no more trouble if we don't pursue him."

"And you believe him?" Silver Knight snarls "You do remember he did kill me and placed me in a comma. And not to mention the other players he has attacked and harmed!"

"Silver Knight, Tsukasa was only defending himself and I believe him. If we leave him alone he will surly have no reason to bother us," said Lady Subaru.

"But my Lady!" Yells Silver Knight.

"That is all," snaps Lady Subaru. "I must log off now."

"My Lady, there are still important matters to discuss."

"I said that will be all." With that Lady Subaru logged out.

Silver Knight stood on the boat and listened to the boat floating through the water. The sound always relaxed, but not even the peaceful sounds could cool his temper today.

Who does she think she is! Thought Silver Knight. The old Lady Subaru would have never stood by while an illegal player running free in the World. But now, after meeting this Tsukasa, she has lost her way. Something must be done about her and Tsukasa, but what?

Silver Knight sat down to think and listen to the water as it past by. His thoughts wondered to the day when he first met Tsukasa and battled him. If Tsukasa’s Guardian had not appeared he would have defeated him and imprisoned him. Yet, instead he was placed into a comma for a week.

As he sat and thought a member of the Knights came aboard the boat as it docked.

"Silver Knight, sir!" said the Knight

"What is it, I’m busy?!" said Silver Knight.

"It’s an update on the hacker, we’ve determined his identity, it’s Sly."

A hacker, why didn’t I think of that before, he could obviously work his way into Lady Subaru and Tsukasa’s consoles and get rid of them.

"Good work solider," said Silver Knight. "Now if you give me the whereabouts of this Sly I’ll take care of him."

"He’s here sir, in Mac Anu down at the pub in the town center."

"Excellent," said Silver Knight, "I’ll get him myself, you stay here and patrol."

"Right away sir!" the Knight said as he ran off.

"Wait," yelled Silver Knight, the Knight stopped immediately. "What’s your name?"

"Blade sir," said Snipe. "I’ve been with the Knights for only a month."

"Good Blade, I was wondering if you had told anyone else about this hacker?"

"No sir, I came straight to you after I saw him on my patrol."

"Good, let’s keep it that way," said Silver Knight, "I want to have a bit of fun with this worthless hacker."

"Oh I see," said Blade with a laugh, "Well, put in a few shots for me."

"Oh I will," said Silver Knight with a smile, "now back to your patrol."

"Good bye sir and have fun," yelled Blade as he ran back to his patrol.

With that Silver Knight walk down to the pub, and sure enough there was Sly the Wave Master hacker, there with a few mates. Silver Knight goes to the alleyway to the left of the pub and waits.

"Alright see you guys later," said Sly as he waved goodbye. His friends, both Blade Masters, walk down the other way. Sly was feeling good today, he hacked his way into an item shop and got some fine things to level up with. As he walk down the street an arm shot out of the alleyway and grabbed him. Sly saw the blade at his throat and began to panic.

Oh Jesus, not today! Thought Sly.

"You’re Sly the hacker correct?" asked Silver Knight.

"Yes!" said Sly scared out of his mind because of the blade.

"I am Silver Knight, leader of the Crimson Knights and I’m the only one keeping you from being banned from the World for good. Now if you do what I say, you’ll come out of this alive and rich, screw up and your dead. Got it."

"Yes, I definitely get you!"

"Good, now I need you to do something. I need you to hack into a player’s console and erase their game and player history."

"Umm," shit he’s going to kill me. "I can’t exactly do that."

"What do you mean not exactly that, you fucking hack!?"

"Well, you see you can’t just dive into a person’s console and destroy it, I mean I could go into the console and get info and tell you where they are but that’s about it."

"I see," said Silver Knight taking his sword and about to thrust it into Sly.

"Wait, there may be something I can do!"

"Now what."

"Meet me at the bridge in a hour and I promise I’ll be ready to help you."

"Yeah right, you’re just gonna run off," said Silver Knight as he raised his sword again.

"I swear to God man, I’ll meet you at the bridge in one hour!"

With his sword still raised Silver Knight and thought for a moment. I do need his help, besides he’s a marked player who’s he gonna run to. "Fine you have one hour, but if you’re not there I will report you to Administration."

Silver Knight released Sly from his grip and Sly fell to his knees. "Thank you, thank you so much."

Sly continued to praise Silver Knight but as he did Silver Knight kicked him right in the face. "Such up! You’re lucky I don’t report you right now. Get up and get out of my sight!"

With that Sly stood up and ran as fast as he could.

Hackers, why do I even bother? Silver Knight stood there for a moment and went back out of the alley.

Silver Knight had been standing on the bridge in Mac Anu thinking about what Sly had said for almost a hour . He knew that Sly could not hack into a console and destroy it but what then was Sly planning to do?

As Silver Knight was thinking about this Sly came running to the bridge.

"You finally made it," said Silver Knight, "What took you so long?"

"Sorry," said Sly gasping for breathe, "Took longer than expected."

"Ah yes, now what exactly took longer than excepted?"

"This," said Sly as he brought out a small red jewel from his robes. At the sight of Silver Knight immediately grabbed it from him.

"This, this is what took you so long, a fucking weapon power up!?" screamed Silver Knight.

"That’s not a power up, it’s something much more dangerous."

"Explain or you’re going to Administration!"

"Ok, that once was a power up, but I’ve changed it. Now if you were to place that on your weapon, not only would you power up but anyone you kill with it, their history and console are destroyed."

Silver Knight looked down at the jewel in his hand and smiled. Perfect, but now I’m gonna need more help. "Good, now tell me do you know any player killers?"

"You know, I actually do."

"Who?"

"Oh you know them, they’re well known in the World."

"When can I meet them?"

"I’ll handle that, just meet me at the Chaos Gate in Dun Loireag, in two hours."

"Find but, who are these players."

"Jinx and Looper."

"Those two, how the hell do you know them?!"

"It’s a long story I’ll tell you later." With that Sly warped out of the severe.

Jinx and Looper, my God! Silver Knight stood in disbelief for quite a while, until a player bumped into him, just some novice Long Arm. Silver Knight picked himself up and walk over to the waterway. The Long Arm ade gestures of ridicule to Silver Knight behind his back, but he ould only hear the water as it past by.

The Wolves

In the Snow Field server there is an abandoned castle that sits on cliff looking down upon the town below. If a passing player were to look at the castle he would never think twice about it and keep on walking, ignorant to the fact that the two most feared and wanted players resided there. Jinx and Looper were in that castle, for it had become their home since their manhunt began. The room Jinx and Looper were in is gigantic and dark, with only one window and few lamps. Tapestries and rugs and tables align the hall, all broken and torn, remnants of happier times. Jinx and Looper had been practicing their fighting techniques in this room when the little ring went off in Jinx’s console, signaling an email. Jinx checks it and smiles.

"Hey Looper guess who," asked Jinx.

"Unless it’s a job I don’t want to hear about it," said Looper out of breath from practice.

Jinx is tall and tan with blue hair, with a few markings on her face. She is a Wave Master and wears a red shirt and pants with a black sleeveless jacket. Jinx’s staff is unlike any other Wave Master’s for at its end is a blade, making her just as deadly with a blade as with a spell. Looper is tall with short spiky black hair. He is a Twin Blade, he wears black pants, no shirt, and a belt around his waist containing items and throwing knives. He also has two blade arms on both of his forearms, but usually uses his two long knives at his sides in battle.

"It’s from your favorite hacker in the World," replies Jinx as she read.

"For God’s sake, is he stuck in a dungeon or something," said Looper, he had very little respect for Sly.

"Well it appears he’s got us a job, won’t say for who, but says the guy’s real important and will pay a lot. Says to meet him at the usually spot in Dun Loireag," said Jinx.

"That’s it, that’s all he says?"

"Yep, you want go see him?"

"Why not, we could use the work."

Jinx and Looper, walked out of the castle, fresh snow was falling as they approached the sleepy town below, no one was ever around at this time of day. They reached the Chaos Gate and teleaported out of their server and into Dun Loireag. They were wearing long cloaks to hide their identities. It’s raining as they walk up the path to the pub on the mountaintop, where Sly and the client are waiting.

The history of Jinx and Looper is one of legend in the World, for they are probably the most dangerous players ever to inhabit it. Jinx is the smartest and strongest Wave Master, and Looper is the quickest and deadliest Twin Blade. They began in the World as every one does, weak and prey to other player killers. Yet within a month their names became common among players, because of their talent and ruthlessness. Later they began collecting bounties on outlaw players, and soon they themselves became fighters for hire among the underworld. After several years of this, the Knights tried to capture them, only to have many of their own killed in the process. The Knights then placed their largest bounty ever on them and began their longest manhunt ever. With the bounty and the hunt still on, Jinx and Looper became outlaw players, only coming into the open to do jobs. They are forever pursued by bounty hunters and players who want to make a name for themselves, who only find nothing or worse Jinx and Looper in the flesh. They have a vendetta against the Knights, and have vowed vengeance abound them, unknown to them they would get their chance today. Jinx and Looper, two names that even the strongest of players fear.

The pub was a common place for Sly and his clients to attend. The room was dark and spacious, easy to do business unmolested. The clientele of the pub was as seedy as the interior, most were outlaws or player killers, the worst of the worst from the bottom of the barrel.

Sly and Silver Knight were sitting in the back room of the pub away from everyone else. Fortunately the Silver Knight, knowing the reputation of the pub, was not wearing his helmet. Few people new the face of Silver Knight, it was covered in scars and markings, his hair was white and spiky, and his eyes were red and piercing. On the outside he was as still as a wall, but on the inside he was shaking. They had been sitting there for an hour barely saying anything.

"Here, I brought a couple more for Jinx and Looper," said Sly taking a few of his jewels from his robes, just remembering he had them. "So you know about them, right?" asked Sly.

"Of course I know who they are, who doesn’t? Hell I was the one in charge of their manhunt," said Silver Knight.

"Ok, ok, I’m just making sure you know who you’re dealing with." Sly looks around to make sure no one over heard them.

Silver Knight said nothing for a while and just stared at Sly. "And why are you one of the few they trust?"

"They don’t trust me, hell they don’t even like me. It’s just that I once worked with them and I set up jobs for them or if they need to find someone they come to me, but that’s it."

"I see," said Silver Knight.

A few moments later Jinx and Looper were standing before Silver Knight and Sly.

"Hey guys, take a seat," said Sly.

Jinx and Looper sit down opposite Sly and Silver Knight at the table.

"So what’s the job?" asked Jinx.

"Well, it’s a contract on a couple of players, all of them have to be killed in the tightest of time frames," said Silver Knight.

"I’m sorry, but who the fuck are you?!" yells Looper. Looper hated new people, he just did not trust them.

"I’m the guy who’s paying you, and that’s none of your business," said Silver Knight, trying to hold back his rage at the two infamous players. It enraged him to no end that the players he had been chasing for years were insulting him, and he could not do anything.

"Well I’m making it my business you pussy!" said Looper.

Sliver Knight jumps out of his seat and so does Looper ready to fight, but Jinx immediately steps in the way between Silver Knight and Looper.

"Forgive my partner here," said Jinx. "He’s been a little on edge lately since the Knights have upped our bounty."

Silver Knight and Looper sat down and glare at each other. You think you’re so tough, you’ll get yours when I’m through, thought Silver Knight.

"Well any way, if you must know I’m Blade and I need your help," said Silver Knight.

"Really, just how bad?" asked Looper with a sneer.

Silver Knight reached into his robes and pulled out a pouch full of gold pieces. Looper grabbed the money and hid it in his robes.

"That badly," said Silver Knight as he though the pouch on the table, "and that’s just the beginning, I’m prepared to give you 1000 golden pieces."

With the promises of even more money Jinx and Looper became very interested.

"So are you interested?" asked Silver Knight.

"Well, of course we have to hear the job first," said Jinx, playing it cool. "Also one more thing, you tell us every thing, cause if we find out you’re lying, you’re dead."

"Of course," said Silver Knight. "You’re going to have to kill two players immediately. They are Tsukasa and Lady Subaru of the Crimsons Knights…"

"Wait what!?" cried Jinx.

"You want us to kill those two!?" said Looper.

"Yes, and their friends, Crim, Mimiru, Bear, BT, and Sora."

At the name of Sora and Crim, both Jinx and Looper felt a little nostalgic.

"So what do you say?" questioned Silver Knight.

"Gives us a moment to talk this over," said Jinx. Jinx and Looper get out of the both and go to the deserted corner to talk.

"Holy shit do you believe this, Tsukasa and Subaru," said Looper.

"Yeah, this is crazy, I mean this is Lady Subaru we’re talking about, no one gets near her," said Jinx.

"Yeah, not to mention that nut job Tsukasa, I hear he has a monster that puts you in a coma. Plus we got to take on Crim and Sora, you remember those guys, they don’t fuck around." Looper cast an uneasy glance at Blade, or Silver Knight if you will, and Sly. "Something doesn’t feel right about that guy."

"Yeah I know what you mean, this Blade guy seems a bit shady, but what client isn’t? But hey, think of what we could do with 1000 golden pieces, we could finally get us a Grunty farm."

"But still…" he was still uneasy about the prospect of taking on so many exceptional players.

"Listen to you, you sound like you’re scared of them."

"I’m not, I’m just saying maybe we should think this though before…"

"Come on, what’s this guy gonna do, run to the Knights. Anyway we can take him if we had to. And think of it, we could finally get back at those shits the Knights by killing their bitch Subaru."

Looper thought for a moment. Fuck the Knights, this is our chance. "Yeah," said Looper with a smile, "it could be fun. Let’s take it."

"I’m glad you see it my way."

Jinx and Looper were standing before the table.

"Alright, we’ll take it," said Looper.

"Good," said Silver Knight as he reached for some of the jewels. "Take these power ups as well, they’ll come in handy."

"Thanks," said Looper and Jinx as they attached the jewels to their twin blades and staffs.

"We’ll have Sly contact you when we’re done," said Jinx.

With that Jinx and Looper walked out of the pub and back out into the rain, dressed in their robes.

"Well that went well," said Sly thankful Jinx and Looper did not kill him.

"What fools," said Silver Knight.

"So what’s next?" asked Sly.

Silver Knight thought for moment. Yes, what is next… "How would you like to collect their bounties, Sly?" asked Silver Knight as he pocketed a jewel while Sly was not looking.

"Yeah right," said Sly, "those two would kill me if I ever looked at them crossed eyed."

"I’m serious," said Silver Knight.

I am tried of being Jinx and Looper’s bitch; maybe he’s got something. "Ok, let’s hear you out."

"After, Jinx and Looper do our dirty work, they’ll come a running to you. That’s when you tell them that I’ve got to see them in person, just to make sure they get the reward. That’s when I come out and capture them with my Knights. Of course for your cooperation you’ll receive the bounty of 5000 golden pieces, and I’ll turn a blind eye to your less than honorable business."

Sly almost exploded with excitement at this proposition, "5000 golden pieces and the right to hack, how can I say no!" Finally I can stop living off their scraps; maybe I could even set up a shop in Carmina Gardelica.

Silver Knight grinned to himself as well, "Yes, how can you resists?"

"But wait," said Sly after a moment of reflection. "Wait, what if they rat us out while their captured."

"Please, do you think any one would believe those two. Think about it, two of the most wanted players ever, finally captured after their most vicious act. We’ll be heroes."

"Well, I always wanted to be famous," said Sly as he rose from the table with a laugh and began to walk out, "See you soon, hopefully."

Silver Knight sat and continued to grin to himself, for he had much to be happy about. What fools, none even have the slightest notion of what really is going to happen. Jinx and Looper, some legends, I fooled them almost as easily as Sly. He played with the jewel in his fingers while he was lost in thought. Such pawns.

To bad for Silver Knight, for he did not see the man across the room who had been following him since he approached Sly in the alley at Mac Anu. He had heard everything; the jewels, Jinx and Looper, the plot to betray them, oh the things he knew. As Silver Knight rose and left, the man in the corner sat back and watched him exit. He laughed, a chilling laugh that if you ever heard, meant you were dead.

"Heh, heh, heh," laughed the player. Silver Knight thinks he’s so smart, too bad I’m smarter. Oh, little Tsukasa and the others are in for a treat. The player stood up and walked out of the pub and immediately went to the edge of the cliff nearby. The player sent an email to the player he most liked to bother in the World, it simply said to meet him with her friends at his favorite spot in Dun Loireag. Oh what fun we will have. Especially you and me, Looper. Like old times. The rain had finally stopped, and the sun was rising, it was warm and welcoming. Just you and me.

The Prey

Mimiru was lying on her back with her feet dangling off the cliff, in Dun Loireag. She was lying next to Tsukasa watching the clouds go by. They had been waiting quite some time for the others to show up. They had past the time by staring at the clouds together, hardly saying a word to each other.

"Are you sure it was Sora who sent you the email?" asked Tsukasa as he eyed a cloud that looked much like snake.

"Ugh," said Mimiru, "unfortunately yes. He signed it himself."

"Any idea why he told you to wait here with me, Bear, Crim, Subaru and BT?"

"Nope," said Mimiru rising to sit with Tsukasa, "where are they?"

A few moments of silence pass as the two just stared out into the horizon. "Why did he say to meet us here?" asked Tsukasa.

Mimiru was a little surprised at her friend’s words. "You don’t recognize this place!?"

Tsukasa looked around; there was a grunty farm, a shop and a platform nearby. The memory rushed into him. "This is where you waited for me, right there," he said with laugh pointing at the platform.

"I knew you would remember," said Mimiru.

"Only the important stuff," said Tsukasa as Mimiru blushed.

"Hey guys," said Bear as he walked up the path behind them.

"Hey Bear," said Mimiru turning to look up at Bear.

"So what’s this all about?" asked Bear, as he knelt down besides the two.

"That fruit-loop Sora told me to get everyone," said Mimiru. "Said it had something to do with all of us."

"You think it’s about the Key of the Twilight?" asked Bear.

Mimiru thought for a moment. "Nah, that greedy bastard would keep that to himself."

Silence followed that last remark. The three of them had been searching for the Key since they had met Tsukasa, but still they had found nothing. It was their belief that the Key was connected to Tsukasa and his powers which enabled him to do anything but log out.

"Maybe he did find something about the Key," said Tsukasa, breaking the silence. "And maybe he needs me to help him."

Again silence. Maybe he’s right, they thought.

"Tsukasa," said Subaru as she teleaported on to the cliff. "I got the email, what’s this all about?"

"We’re not to sure," answered Tsukasa. "We think Sora got something big planned."

"Right you are," said Sora from behind the others, "or should I say, ‘They,’ have something big planned."

Mimiru nearly jump off the cliff at the voice of Sora. She hated it when he made big entrances. The image of Sora standing before her, in his arrogant stance and obnoxious smile, the rage boiled inside her. She rouse and rushed Sora. "What the hell is your problem, sneaking up on us?!" screamed Mimiru, her face inches from Sora’s amused one. "And why are we even here!?"

Sora drew his left blade arm inches from Mimiru’s throat. "Temper, temper," said Sora, "is that any way to treat such a caring friend? Especially one, with such tasty info." Mimiru still glared at Sora, too enraged to be afraid. It was not till Subaru placed her hand on her shoulders did Mimiru relaxed and stepped away.

"Yes, what is this information you speak of?" asked Subaru between the two.

"No, no, no," answered Sora, "not till everyone else is here. It would be rude to keep Crim and BT in the dark."

"Bullshit!" yelled Mimiru as she drew her sword and pushed Subaru out of the way. "You tell us now!" She lunged at Sora with the sword, but Sora was too fast and dodged it. Bear and Tsukasa ran to Mimiru to hold her back, but she still tried to go for Sora. "Let me go dam it! He’s just toying with us! Let go!"

"Mimiru please," whispered Tsukasa. "He may know something that’ll help us…that’ll help me." This seemed to calm Mimiru a little.

"What’s going on here!?" asked Crim as he and BT walk towards the scene.

"Ah, good," said Sora, "now we can begin."

Sora recalled the tale of Silver Knights and his plan to erase them all using Jinx and Looper as pawns with the Jewels. All of the players were speechless, Jinx and Looper, they thought, sent to kill us.

"Impressive huh," said Sora.

Crim was the first to recover. "So let me get this straight," said Crim. "Silver Knight is paying Jinx and Looper to kill us all with a jewel that will destroy our history and our consoles?"

"Yeah, but that’s the best part," said Sora. "Those two don’t know shit. Heh, heh, they think they’re just ordinary power ups."

"When…," asked Mimiru, finally finding her voice. "…are they coming for us?"

"Heh, heh," said Sora, "knowing Jinx and Looper, could be any time."

BT was annoyed with Sora. "I don’t buy it!" said BT with a pause. "If it is true, then why were you following Silver Knight?"

"Well, that’s actually a funny story," said Sora. "See, I was actually trailing Sly cause he sold me some knock off items that he said were top notch. So I see Sly alone and I’m about to make my move when that guard dog Silver Knight grabs him. And so I hear them talking and I’m interested, so I follow them, and hear everything. Quite lucky aren’t I?"

Subaru was in a state of shock. "Why…why would Silver Knight do this?"

"Isn’t it obvious," said Sora in a know it all voice. "He wants the Knights for himself. He thinks you’ve grown soft with the Tsukasa situation."

"What about me," asked Tsukasa, "what happens if they kill me with those Jewels?"

Everyone looked at Tsukasa, who had not said anything since Sora began his tail. What would happen to him, the one whose reality was the World.

"Well," said Sora, "we’ll just have to wait and see, heh, heh."

Mimiru was too worried about Tsukasa to act on Sora’s cruel joke. Tsukasa walked back to the cliff and sat down and looked out on the sky, Mimiru joined him. "Oh Tsukasa," she whispered to him.

"I’m scared," he whispered to her, she reached for his hand and held it, it was all she could do.

"Why would you share this information with us," asked Bear, "this is very unlike you."

"Well you see…" said Sora

"Wait," interrupted Crim, "you don't know about Sora and Jinx and Looper."

"No what do you mean?" asked Bear. He looked over at Sora who looked as if he was going to die.

"Looper is the only player to ever kill Sora, ha, ha," said Crim.

"Shut up Crim!" screamed Sora.

"Oh," said BT, "is that how we got our little scare."

"Man fuck all of you!" yelled Sora as he walked over to the fence on the grunty farm.

"Man, I’ve never seen him act this way," said Bear.

"For good reason," said BT, "they sure must have done a number on him."

"You guys don’t even know the half of it," said Crim.

"Oh really," said BT, "then maybe you could enlighten us."

"Ok, ok," said Crim, "it all started…"

…a few years ago when Crim was still part of the Knights. Jinx and Looper were in their height of power, and the Knights hated them for it. True the Knights did have dealings with them in the past, over wanted players and such but now, they had gone too far. They’ve been killing in the open, boasting about the Knights as weaklings, and had even been hiring out their skills to outlaw players who could afford them. The Knights had even heard that they had been working with notorious hackers. The leaders of the Knights had been arguing for days on what to do with Jinx and Looper; Subaru wanted to negotiate with them, Crim and Silver Knight wanted them captured. The three Lords were in the throne room of the Crimson Knights’ base in Mac Anu.

"But we can’t ban players for good," said Subaru, "only Administration can."

"Yes my Lady, but…" said Silver Knight.

"And Administration can only ban players who cause great disturbances in the World like hackers, not player killers." Said Subaru.

Silver Knight was quite.

"So you say we do nothing?" asked Crim.

"No," said Subaru, "I just think there are better ways at handling this situation then trying to ban them."

"We could put a bounty on them," said Silver Knight.

"That won’t work," said Crim. "They’re too powerful, who could capture them?"

"Also, they would come after us directly if we placed a price on their head," said Subaru. "And open conflict with them is the last thing we need."

The three were quite, all lost in thought in what to do about Jinx and Looper. During this a young Knight enter the room.

"My Lords," said the Knight, "we have recently captured a player killer, he wishes to plead his case."

"Very well, send him in," said Subaru.

When a player is captured he is aloud to see the leaders of the Knights and plead his case. After the player pleads his case, the leaders then decide the appropriate punishment. If he is a player killer or a thief, he is usually fined and banned for several days. The Crimson Knights were able to ban players who broke rules for up to a month if amble evidence was shown to Administration. The only time sever punishment is used is when the player is a hacker, Administration is contacted and the player is usually banned for good.

The young Knight and three others escorted the bound player into the room. The player was kicking and screaming. He was a fairly notorious player, common players did not know him but the underground feared him. It was Sora, minus the scar of course.

"Unhand me," screamed Sora, "or I’ll kill you all!"

"He’s in a right mood," said Crim.

The Knights dropped Sora and forced him on his knees. The young Knight came before his Lords and read from his scroll.

"Sora the Twin Blade, you are accused of player killing, thievery and conspiracy against the Crimson Knights. How do you plead?"

"Not guilty, and when I get out of here I’m gonna fuck you up, you cunt!"

The three Lords look at each other, knowing Sora was indeed guilty. After a moment of thought Subaru made her decision.

"Sora, I sentence you to pay 200 golden pieces for damages rendered to the players you have killed and you are hereby banned for one month. Pleases take him away," said Subaru.

The Knights picked up Sora who was still fighting and dragged him away to the door. Sora screamed out, "You just wait till I’m back! I’m gonna bring Jinx and Looper and we’re gonna tear this place apart!"

A bolt of lighting went through the three Lords at the names of Jinx and Looper.

"Wait," ordered Silver Knight, "you know Jinx and Looper?"

"Yeah," said Sora with a smile, "and you’ll be getting to know them too once they hear about this."

"Ha, that’s a good one," said a Knight.

"What the hell are you laughing at," snarled Sora.

"I’m laughing at a lowly player killer who thinks he rolls with the big boys."

"Shut up," ordered Silver Knight to the young Knight, "he may be useful." Silver Knight then directed his attention to Sora, "Sora, is it? How would you like to help us?"

"Depends," said Sora, "what do you have in mind?"

"We, the Knights I mean, are having trouble with Jinx and Looper, we’re wondering if you could help us."

"Oh, really," said Sora. ‘The great Knights need my help, heh, heh. All right, but it’s gonna coast you."

"How much," asked Silver Knight.

"1000 golden pieces and my charges dropped."

Silver Knight looked to Subaru and Crim, they nodded in agreement. "Very well," said Subaru, "your charges will be dropped and you will received 1000 golden pieces. If you can deliver Jinx and Looper."

"Terrific, now could you untie my hands…please?" said Sora with a triumphant smirk.

The young Knight untied Sora.

"So what did you have in mind?" asked Sora.

"Well, since you know how to contact them, I was thinking…" Silver Knight went into his plan in detail.

2 days later. Jinx and Looper were sitting in their apartment in Carmina Gardelica, a small one where they went whenever they needed to hide or relax. They had just gotten back from another job; a Heavy Blade named Baz hired them to rob an item shop for their Golden Grunties. Jinx and Looper were going over their share of the loot when there was a knock on the door. Looper got up to answer it.

"Who is it?" said Looper as he was at the door.

"It’s me Sora," came the voice from outside, "let me in."

Looper opened the door. "What’s up…" before Sora could finish Looper grabbed him through him on the ground face down. Sitting atop Sora’s back with his blade to his throat, Looper started to talk.

"So Sora, what the hell are you doing here?!" questioned Looper.

"Relax Looper, what a friend needs a reason to see his best buddies," said Soar nervously, even he feared Jinx and Looper.

"Get this straight Sora," said Jinx, "you’re not our friend, and unless you have something to contribute, Looper here with have to do something horrid."

"Jesus Christ Jinx!" screamed Sora in terror, "All right, all right, I do have something, something big, but I need your help!"

"This better not be like the Mac Anu job," said Looper, "you almost got us killed that time."

"No this one’s different, we’re looking at an easy 600, maybe even 800, golden pieces."

Looper glanced over at Jinx, she nodded in agreement. Looper flipped Sora on to his back, but still kept the blade to his throat.

"Start talking," said Looper.

"Okay, okay," said Sora, "There’s this guy, I think he’s a Long Arm, and he’s been bragging about knocking over this huge dungeon treasure. I think it would be smart if we took him."

"Where is he," asked Jinx.

"He’s like three blocks away from the market."

"Does he look hard?" asked Looper.

"Nothing you two can handle. So, does this mean we’re on?"

"What do you think Looper?" asked Jinx.

"I’m down, 600 golden pieces 3 ways, not too bad," said Looper, as he pulled Sora up.

"Heh, I’m glade with get this all sorted out," said Sora as he dusted himself off. "So shall we," as he gestured to the door.

"Let’s," said Jinx.

Jinx and Looper made their way out of the apartment and into the market. There were shops of all kind in the markets of Carmina Gardelica: health, power ups, items, everything. The market was crowded today with buyers, sellers, and all variety of players. Whenever any one needed anything, they all came to Carmina Gardelica. Jinx and Looper, with Sora leading the way, emerged from their building and the streets fell silent. Out in the streets, Jinx and Looper were kings. These were the days before their exile, when they walk proudly and fearlessly in the open. When they walked down the streets the crowds parted and stared at the ground, too afraid to even look at the great Jinx and Looper.

"He’s just a bit further down the road," said Sora pointing down the street.

"Yo, Sora," said Jinx, "where the hell did you go after the Mac Anu job anyway, you like disappeared on us when the Knights came?"

"Oh well…" said Sora, trying to talk his way out of this conversation. For the Mac Anu job was where the Knights captured Sora after he and Jinx and Looper attacked a few players. "…I had to, see a friend about a bounty."

"Really, cause we heard you got captured by the Knights." Said Looper as Sora quickened his pace,

‘Only a block a way, just one more block,’ Sora thought.

"Who told you that bull shit, ha, ha," said Sora nervously. "You know those fags could never take me."

"Really, that seems weird, cause as Jinx and me were getting out of Mac Anu we saw the funniest thing. Know what it was?" said Looper. "It was you getting your shit kicked in by the Knights. Now, why would the Knights let you go, unless you offered them something big, something big like us." Said Looper as he slowly drew his blades.

Sora went running down the streets full speed, terrified to even to look over his shoulder. As he ran he frantically typed an email to the Knights.

‘Crim,

‘They know, they’re chasing me right now. Get ready cause I’m gonna be leading them to you.

Sora,’

Crim cursed the message. The original planned called for Crim to pose as the wealthy Long Arm and Sora would lead Jinx and Looper straight to him. Once there Silver Knight and 20 other Knights would come out and bound Jinx and Looper. The plan was ruined now.

"Idiot!" screamed Crim. "Everyone listen up, the plane has gone to shit! They know, so everyone get up and follow me!"

Silver Knight and the others appeared form their hiding places and followed Crim as he went running up the street.

It did not take long for them to meet Sora. "Jesus, thank God! They’re up there!"

Just then, a throwing knife came flying through the air and connected to the head of a Knight, he was killed instantly. The rest of the Knights look to see where the knife came from; it was Looper coolly walking down the road with Jinx.

"So you fuckers want to bring us in," Looper called out, "then come and get us!"

"Come on men," cried Silver Knight trying to rally his men. "It’s just two of them!" With that he charged wildly with his Knights, but Jinx was ready for them.

"Akia!" cried Jinx, casting the fire spell, killing five Knights instantly. Looper dove straight into the masses of Knights, thrashing and blocking the strikes of the Knights. Jinx continued casting spells and using her own blade on her staff to deal with the Knights. It did not take long till Jinx and Looper were left only facing Sora, Silver Knight and Crim.

"I’ll take Sora," said Looper, "can you take the other two?"

"Don’t worry, I’m on it," replied Jinx and with that the two split up in opposite direction, like hawks descending on their prey.

Looper threw one of his knives at Sora; he blocked it with eases. "It’s gonna take more then one of your toys to kill me Loopy!"

Looper did not bother to exchange words; he went straight for Sora’s throat. Sora countered with a block with his left hand and then thrusted his right blade towards Looper’s stomach. Looper quickly spun to the right and kicked Sora back knees, causing Sora to collapse to the ground. Looper then thrusted his blades downward to Sora’s head but Soar, at the last moment, put his knives up to block them. With Looper’s and Sora’s blades locked together, Sora slowly rose to his feet.

"I will kill you Loopy!" screamed Sora as he glared into Looper’s eyes.

Looper stared right back, unafaird. Without any notice, Looper broke their lock. Sora was stunned and off balanced for a few moments, that was all Looper needed. He quickly dashed forward and with all his strength swung upward into Sora’s face. Looper’s strike was so fast that it created a defect in Sora’s character design, his scar.

Jinx was eyeing up her two opponents; Silver Knight and Crim, the best fighters of the Knights. Wanting to waste no more time, she quickly dealt with Silver Knight first.

"Nashuga!" she cried as she cast a powerful spell that sent Silver Knight flying through the air and crashing into a nearby wall, causing him to black out. Then came Crim’s turn, she did not bother casting a spell for him, instead she brought forth her own blade.

"So," said Crim as he realized what Jinx had planned, "an old-fashioned brawl?"

"You talk too much," said Jinx as she thrust her blade forward into Crim but he dodged it easily. He countered by raising his spear over his head and swinging it downward, but with her staff in both hands, Jinx blocked it.

"You’re pretty good for a player killer…" said Crim, but before he could finish Jinx delivered a hard kick to his stomach. The kick was so sudden that it caused Crim to drop his Long Arm and fall to the ground.

Jinx was standing over Crim. "And you’re just what I expected from a dog of the Knights." With all her strength she drove her blade into Crim’s chest, killing the great Knight. Looper came over, and stood with Jinx.

"The Crimson Knights," said Looper as he eyed the gray corpses of the fallen. "What a bunch of pussies."

Over on the other side of the street, Silver Knight slowly awoke to the scene. Jinx and Looper were upon him before he could get it together.

"Quite a party, eh?" said Jinx to Silver Knight.

Silver Knight looked up to Jinx and Looper, "You can’t win, you’re just outcast now, outlaws…"

Before he could finish, Looper crouched down next to him, "Whatever, and tell you bitch Subaru she’s next." With that Looper slit Silver Knight’s throat.

"Come on," said Jinx as Looper rose, "more Knights will be coming."

"What should we do now?" asked Looper as they walked down the street.

"We better find some where else to lie low, cause they probably know where our room is," said Jinx.

"Yeah, you’re right," said Looper. "I knew we shouldn’t have listened to Sora, we’re screwed now."

"Don’t say that," said Jinx, "this’ll be fun. We’re outlaws now, plus we’ll be legends once this comes out."

"Looper the Outlaw, I like the sound of it. Ha, ha, the look on Sora’s face when we told we knew about him working for the Knights, priceless."

"It was kinda cruel the way we lead him on, the poor loser."

"Eh, I never liked him. He was really weird."

In the real world Looper looked at his clock on his desk. "Yo, we better log off it’s kinda late."

"Okay," said Jinx, "I’ll meet you in the forest tomorrow, later."

"See ya," said Looper.

Both of them logged out.

After the failure to capture Jinx and Looper the Knights placed a bounty of 2,000 golden pieces on their head, and begin their man hunt…

"… and of course we never find them. After that the Knights never really recovered. It was also about that time that I left the Knights for good," said Crim.

"Dam," said Mimiru, Tsukasa and she had come over after Sora left, "I heard about that but I never believed they killed 20 Knights and you Crim."

"Don’t remind me, it was so embarrassing," said Crim, "my first death to a couple of punks."

After noticing the story was over, Sora returned.

"But this is what I don’t get," said BT, "how come Silver Knight is using them? He hates them, and God only knows what would happen if they found out who they were really working for."

"Glees," said Sora, "how dense can you be?"

"What do you mean?" asked BT.

"That’s exactly why he’s using them. Jinx and Looper are the two strongest players ever to play the World, if any one can deal with us it’s them. And two, no one would ever believe that Silver Knight would ever want his precious Subaru dead, especially using those two. And when they’re done, he’ll come in and get rid of them with his Jewel and be a hero."

"It’s like killing two birds with one stone," said Bear grimly.

"More like nine birds with one Jewel," added Crim.

"So what do we do?" said Mimiru. "We just can’t let Jinx and Looper erase us and have Silver Knight get away with it!"

"I think we should go to the Knights," said Subaru. "This way we can force Silver Knight to confess and stop Jinx and Looper without conflict."

"Jesus Christ, have you people been having LSD for breakfast or something?!" said Sora. "This is Silver Knight we’re talking about, the Knight’s Knight, no one would believe us!"

"Maybe we could talk to Jinx and Looper," said Tsukasa, finally speaking.

"Ha, there’s a laugh, talk to them. As if they would listen."

"What about Sly," said BT. "They might listen to him."

"Not gonna happen," said Sora. "Sly’s a loser, a liar, a thief and a hacker, no one would believe him either. Anyway he’s planning to betray Jinx and Looper to Silver Knight for the bounty, why would he fuck that up?"

"Not necessarily," said Bear.

"What do mean?" asked Mimiru.

"Well, he knows who Silver Knight really is, and how to contact Jinx and Looper. He might prove useful."

"Nope," said Sora. "Knowing Sly, he’s either gonna log off or lie low till this is over. He’s completely useless."

"Maybe we could do that," added Subaru. "Maybe we could log out for a while and wait till this blows over."

"I think that’s the worst thing we could do," said Bear.

"How so?" asked Subaru.

"Well, first, if you’re not around to govern the Knights, Silver Knight may suspect something, and since he would be acting leader, he could make us outlaws. If he did that the whole World would be against us, he wouldn’t even need Jinx and Looper. And secondly, Tsukasa can’t log out and he can’t go back to his secret place, he’d be defenseless."

A chill went through Tsukasa as he remembered the place with the sleeping girl. He still had wounds from the last time he went there and she was angry.

"So what do we do then?" asked Crim.

"First, Tsukasa is going to have to be guarded around the clock and…"

"One guard, one million guards," interrupted Sora, "it doesn’t matter to them, they won’t stop till we’re all dead." Sora began to laughed to himself, "You know it’s funny. Jinx and Looper employed to a man they hate, using an illegal item that could get them banned for good, about to commit a crime that will seal both our fates, and they’re ignorant to it all, how ironic." Sora laughed to himself more, like a man hearing his favorite joke for the first time. The others were not laughing.

"Shut up Sora!" screamed in tremendous rage Mimiru. "At least he’s trying to help! Since you’ve got here, all you’ve done is joke and bitch about how tough Jinx and Looper are, and how we’re all screwed! So unless you got something useful to add shut the fuck up!"

Sora stopped laughing. "Well, I guess you won’t be needing my help then," Sora turned and began to walk away.

"Wait," called Subaru, "they’re after you too. You can’t possibly take them alone."

"Whatever happens, happens," said Sora as he continued to walk away coolly.

"That lunkhead’s gonna get himself killed," said Crim angrily.

"Don’t worry about it," said BT.

"What do you mean?" said Subaru. "We need him, he’s probably the only one strong enough to fight them."

"Trust me," said BT, "I’ve known Sora longer then any of you, he’ll come back."

"You sound confident," said Crim.

"It’s simple, he needs us more then we need him."

"With or without Sora," said Bear as everyone turned to him, "we have to be prepared for the worst."

"So what’s the rest of your plan?" asked BT.

"Well, besides the need for Tsukasa to be guarded, Subaru will also have to back to the Knights and act as if everything is normal."

"Wait you can’t be serious," said Mimiru. "You want her to go back to the Knights, with Silver Knight, the same man who started this."

"Exactly," said Bear. "You see, Silver Knight doesn’t want to soil his own hands, even if he does have a Jewel. So he won’t try anything rash. Also this way, Subaru can keep an eye on him and be protected by the Knights from Jinx and Looper."

"I guess if you put it that way, your right," said Subaru. "But one question, who’s up first for guard duty?"

The group looked among themselves. No one was particularly excited about the notion of protecting Tsukasa alone against the two notorious players. All expect Mimiru.

"I’ll do it!" said Mimiru, almost jumping with joy.

"Are you sure?" said Bear, "Sora said they could be here any minute."

"Don’t worry, I’ll email you if something comes up."

"All right," said Bear addressing the group again. "I’m going to see to what I can dig up on Jinx and Looper, and the Jewel. Everyone should log off now, except Subaru and Mimiru, until tonight."

With that everyone went their separate ways. Crim had work so he logged off and so did BT. Subaru went back to Mac Anu and the Knights. And Bear went off on his own way in search of information they needed, leaving Tsukasa and Mimiru alone to decided what to do next.

"So where to?" asked Mimiru, happy to be alone with Tsukasa again.

"How about our usual spot?" asked Tsukasa, a little more comfortable now everyone had left.

"Okay, let’s go."

As Mimiru and Tsukasa walked pleasantly in each other’s company to their favorite place in the World, another duo were waiting on an old associate in the Snow Field.

"What time is it?" asked Looper.

"It’s 5," answered Jinx.

"Where the fuck is he, he was suppose to be here half a hour ago."

"Don’t worry, he’ll come."

A few more minutes pasted until Snake, a Long Arm, came.

"Hey guys, what’s happening?" said Snake.

"I’ll tell you what’s happening. Your late, I hate late people," said Looper, in a vicious tone.

Snake worked at the company that invented the World. His job was to monitor the World and make sure everything was normal. Needless to say, he had access to more of the sensitive info.

"Wow, buddy," said Snake. "I got it, but more importantly, do you have what I want?"

"Here," said Jinx throwing a bag at Snake.

"Fabulous," said Snake as in look in the bag. "You two do some really fine work."

"That shit ain't easy to come by," said Looper. "Now tell us what we want to hear."

"Well, about 2 hours ago, all of your little friends warped to Dun Loireag, with the exception of Tsukasa, who by the way, isn’t even registered in the World. Now, all of them, except Mimiru and Subaru, seemed to have logged off. Subaru, has warped back to Mac Anu to check up on the Knights, and she’s still there. Oh, and F. Y. I, Mimiru hasn’t warped out of Dun Loireag."

"Wait, Tsukasa isn’t registered?" asked Jinx.

"Yeah, no character with that name has ever registered. And if he isn’t registered, he doesn’t exists," said Snake all knowingly.

"But that can’t be," said Looper. "He’s in the World, I mean come on, you’ve heard of him."

"Whatever," said Snake annoyed at this conversation. "As far as I’m concerned he ain’t real. So bye-bye, I’ve got places to see and people to meet."

Snake walked off into the field, with the bag of rare items over shoulder.

"Fag," said Looper.

"Forget him," said Jinx. "Let’s go get Mimiru first."

They walked off to the Chaos Gate, about to enter a world where reality and fiction coincided together in the form of a character named Tsukasa. A world, where the truth would be heard and their lives altered forever, and not all for the better.