Introduction

Taking place two years after the end of Rogue Trip: An Alchemist's Journey, Project Rebirth plans to build upon the original story and add to the questions that were left behind. As the second of three series in the Rogue Trip block, Project Rebirth will stay true to it's original idea of mixing fanfiction with Keiichi Anime Forever members.

At the end of Journey, Spyder, Saiyuki, and XCaliber decided to hide on a secluded island, away from the prying eyes of the government, as they trained to combat the soon to be reborn Xavier. Keiichi itself had even changed, going from a plain collaberation of forum-goers to an independant military power whose focus is on Xavier's return.

Immediately taking notice of Pyresphere Inc.'s downfall, a corporation known as Nanotech Industries has overthrown and absorbed the remains of the once strong company. Using the technology research taken in the transfer, they are currently hired by the World Council to create the perfect alchemy soldiers in an attempt to prevent another incident like the Pyresphere Family.

However, unknown to the World Council, the ranks inside Nanotech are corrupt. It's owner, hoping to gain world power himself, is using human alchemy to create Nano-Soldiers. These Nano-Soldiers obey only their creator, one known as 'Dr. Bliss', and each harness the power of a different element. Using these soldiers, Kursk Terq hopes to force himself into a seat of power on the World Council and, eventually, rule the world.

Meanwhile, Xavier's soul floats in limbo beyond the gate, waiting for Nanotech to succeed in their most recent experiment, titled 'Project Rebirth'. Using some DNA found at Pyresphere Estate, they hope to clone Xavier's original body, thus fighting Pyresphere's with Pyresphere's.

Overseeing Nanotech's actions is Katalyst, the fifth and final child of the Pyresphere's. Not knowing the true sequence of events that occured between Spyder and Xavier, she believes her brother murdered the rest of her family in cold blood and hopes to exact vengence on him, if the two should ever meet. But her actions are silently led by an unknown, outside source. And the truth can either create a new world, or plunge the current one into a darkness so deep...there might not be any way to escape it.

Current Release Dates
Rogue Trip: Child of Torment has been released.

Rogue Trip: Project Rebirth has released it's first chapter. Regular updates have yet to be scheduled.

Questions/Comments
Feel free to post any interest/comments/questions in this thread. I'll be happy to answer any I can without revealing secret storylines.

This post has been edited by Spyder Pyresphere on 11 April 2006, 01:46 PM

*Just had a happy gasm*

First chapter is up. Enjoy.

ROGUE TRIP: PROJECT REBIRTH
Chapter 1: Call to Arms

(Spyder finds himself in a dark room. The darkness extends in all directions, with no obvious dimensions or openings. He looks around, not understanding how he suddenly appeared in this place, and panics just slightly as he calls into the void.)

Spyder: “Hello?! Hello! Is anyone there?!”

(A slight booming echo comes from behind Spyder as a giant set of doors appear out of nowhere. Spyder turns to look behind him slowly, his eyes wide in fear as he recognizes the gate of alchemy.)

Spyder: “What the hell…”

(A voice calls out from the darkness, seemingly from all directions.)

Voice: “Spyder…brother…I’m coming…”

Spyder: “Beetle? Xavier! Who the hell is that?!”

Voice: “I’m…we’re…waiting for you…”

Spyder: “Waiting? For what?”

Voice: “For…you…to…”

(The gates suddenly blow open, revealing seven figures standing side by side with hundreds of eyes looking on from behind them.)

Voice: “RELEASE US!”

(Spyder opens his eyes quickly, awakening from his dream in a gasp of air. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he looks down at the transmutation circle in the middle of his palm and begins to silently weep from the memories of his family.)

===================

Sk: “We’re out of time.”

Rasen: “I know. At this point, we’ve done all we can. If we’re going to strike, it’ll have to be now.”

Guinea: “But do you think Spyder is ready to…you know…fight his own flesh and blood again?”

Sheepy: “We don’t have much of a choice at this point. Keiichi’s forces are ready to deploy on Nanotech Inc. tomorrow morning.”

Sk: “And plans will go as scheduled. Including the participation of Pyresphere.”

Guinea: “But we still have two months before the two years is up. Do you really believe that we should be acting so rashly?”

Sk: “The original schedule didn’t include the random encounter we had with that creature that escaped the Nanotech Inc. labs. You know exactly how much trouble we had taking that down. And, with that knowledge, do you really want to give them even MORE time to complete their research?”

Guinea: “That clone was an incomplete blob of goo. Not even the company itself could control its actions. And it’s only been a year since that incident. Could Nanotech perfect and create another clone in such a short amount of time?”

Sk: “That’s something we’re going to find out. Our assault on Nanotech Inc.’s main laboratories will go as planned as of tomorrow. I expect everyone to be there. Rasen?”

Rasen: “Yes?”

Sk: “I’m going to have you get ahold of Spyder and Xcaliber. Let them know that we still have the other teleportation circle in the dock.”

Rasen: “Right away.”

Sk: “This is what we’ve been training for people. Be prepared for anything in there.”

======================

(Standing in the middle of the teleportation circle on the island, XC and Spyder wave at Sai. In each arm, Sai has a single infant. Twins, both carrying the Pyresphere genes and barely a month old.)

XC: “Do you think it’s right to leave your newly born children and your wife behind?”

Spyder: “Unless we do something here and now…there is no future for them. This has to be done.”

XC: “You really are a softee inside, aren’t you?”

Spyder: “…shut up.”

(In a blink, the two are gone, leaving behind the island, Sai, and the children. Their surroundings are warped, then phases into clear sight once again. Except, instead of the island, Spyder and XC find themselves in one of the many docks on board the airship.)

XC: “I’m going to go report in to Rasen.”

Spyder: “You do that. I’ve been personally called over to speak with Sukura.”

(XC and Spyder go their separate ways. Taking a few twists and turns through the cooridors of the Keiichi airship, Spyder eventually finds his way to the entrance of Sukura’s lab. Knocking lightly on the door, he opens it and walks in, immediately greeted by the large grin of Sukura herself.)

Sukura: “Long time no see.”

Spyder: “Yeah.”

(Spyder crosses the room and leans against an empty, metal table in the middle of the room. Crossing his arms, he looks around the room in curiousity.)

Spyder: “So…what did you need?”

Sukura: “Haven’t changed a bit, have you? Always straight to business. Lighten up! What have you been up to?”

(Spyder glances at the red wedding ring on his finger, then looks back up at her.)

Spyder: “Training.”

(Sukura shrugs.)

Sukura: “Never been one for small talk either, I suppose. Alright. I called you here for that.”

(Sukura points to a wall to her right. Spyder’s eyes follow her finger, and rest upon a single bastard sword hanging on the wall. Crossing the room, Spyder’s fingertips run along the blade of the weapon.)

Spyder: “This is…”

Sukura: “Takahata’s sword. Rasen brought me the remains when Taka died. I’ve restored it as best I can, and I’ve even made it a little lighter so you can wield it one handed.”

Spyder: “It’s great. But with a little touch of alchemy…”

(Spyder claps his hands together, then places them on the blade. The weapon glows for a moment, then returns to it’s original shine. Right where Spyder’s hands have touched is a single transmutation circle.)

Spyder: “It can be perfect.”

Sukura: “Oooo. And what does that circle do?”

Spyder: “Guess you’ll find out when I try it out.”

(Spyder lifts the sword from the wall one-handed and rests the flat of the blade on his shoulder. Turning around, he walks towards the exit. Bringing his other hand up, he waves at her while he leaves.)

Spyder: “See ya.”

(Once again alone in her lab, Sukura shrugs.)

Sukura: “Never changes…”

====================

XC: “Yo, Rasen!”

Rasen: “XC. I trust your trip was uneventful?”

XC: “That thing still makes my stomach churn. I’ll never get used to this alchemy thing.”

Rasen: “And yet you’re using it now?”

XC: “Not using it. Just borrowing it for my ammunition.”

Rasen: “Uh huh. So where’s Spyder?”

(Spyder enters the room, still carrying the giant sword. XC raises an eyebrow, while Rasen just ignores it.)

Spyder: “Right here.”

Rasen: “Ah. There you are. Now that we’re all together, it’s time I briefed you.”

(Spyder takes a seat, still balancing the sword on his shoulder while Rasen clears his throat.)

Rasen: “With the information supplied by Spyder on Xavier’s return, we have determined the time and place for his arrival. In order to prevent it, we are going to be sending in a few teams of strike forces.”

XC: “I thought Spyder’s information stated that we still had two months left.”

Rasen: “That may be true, but considering the attack of that blob creature a while back, Sk has decided it would be best to launch a pre-emptive strike against the complex.”

Spyder: “Hmph. I took that blob out in no time flat. And I’m at least a hundred times stronger than before. So what are you worried about?”

Rasen: “How much stronger you are is not the issue. The fact is that, even if you destroyed his body before he got in it, there’s always the possibility of another clone.”

Spyder: “Then nuke the whole damn complex. Problem solved.”

Rasen: “Sadly, that is not an option either. The facility and the experiments within are government funded. So, unless you feel like fighting the entire world…”

(Spyder huffs, then is silent.)

Rasen: “Didn’t think so. Considering the threat, only certain members are going to be part of the three strike teams.”

XC: “…certain members?”

Rasen: “For the most part, it’ll consist of the Administrators. You and Spyder are the only non-admins participating, since the threat is so serious.”

(Spyder stands, taking a few steps towards the exit.)

Rasen: “Spyder, where are you going? I haven’t finished…”

Spyder: “You’re done, alright. If you were truly serious about this, you’d send every member you had into this complex. But you want small groups? Fine. One man small enough for ya?”

(Spyder exits before Rasen can protest. Wondering what’s come over Spyder, Rasen just raises an eyebrow at XC.)

XC: “Don’t look at me. He’s got his own thoughts on this. But I can’t blame him…”

(XC turns and looks over his shoulder at the exit.)

XC: “If I was the only one standing between something as powerful as Xavier and my kids…I’d be nervous too.”

===================

Sukura: “Sk, we’ve got a problem.”

Sk: “That being?”

Sukura: “Reports are coming from our sensors outside. Spyder’s standing on top of the ship, and he looks ready to jump.”

Sk: “Open a channel to the top deck.”

(The speakers next to Spyder crackle to life, causing his to look over his shoulder at them.)

Sk: “Spyder, this is Sk. What are you doing out there?”

Spyder: “Stay out of this.”

Sk: “You’re thinking of going after them all by your self, aren’t you? Forget it. You need our help. They’re much more powerful than you think, and…”

Spyder: “I said ‘Stay out of this.’ What part of that didn’t you understand? This is my business and mine alone.”

Sk: “This became everyone’s problem when world destruction became involved. This isn’t just some petty rivalry anymore! This goes beyond some bull crap family fued!”

Spyder: “We’re done talking. Stay out of this, Albert. I’m not holding back…against them…or you, if you decide to interfer.”

(As if to signify the end of their discussion, Spyder swings his new sword one-handed, easily cleaving the speaker in two. Both halves give off a few sparks before plummeting to the deck floor.)

Sk: “Damn! Damn damn damn damn!”

Sukura: “What now?”

Sk: “Not enough time to stop him from jumping. Call the others. Plans are moving ahead of schedule.”

(Sukura opens some communication links, while Sk leans his elbow against his seat. He heaves a heavy sigh, looking into the distance.)

Sk: “Damned idiot is going to kill us all, one day…”

===============

(Spyder stands overlooking the edge of the airship. Several hundred feet below sits the Nanotech labs, barely visible through the clouds. Holding his giant sword against his back, he claps his hands together over the grip and touches his clothing with his free hand. The alchemy that follows transmutes some of his clothing into a holster for the sword, holding it in place.)

Spyder: “Bastards will pay for the sins they have committed. My sins.”

(Taking a few steps back from the edge, Spyder charges and leaps into the empty sky. As he plummets towards the ground, he shows no signs of fear or remorse. If anything, a shine of determination is visible in his eyes. A minute and a half of falling, and Spyder lands on the ground, doing a few flips to slow his progress with the wind currents.)

Spyder: “Let’s go.”

END OF CHAPTER 1


CHAPTER 2 PREVIEW!!!!
(Added this to cut down on cliffhangers, seeing as how people have commented on the EXTREME amount of use I get out of them.)

Now standing outside of Nanotech Inc.’s cloning labs, Spyder continues forward towards his goals: The complete destruction of Xavier’s remains. Going against all odds, and even Sk’s demands, he steps into what will surely be an uphill battle for the future of the world.

Meanwhile, Sk’s plans go ahead of schedule to keep up with Spyder’s sudden outburst. Returning to the battlefield once more, Sk and Sheepy move into the structure, only to find more obstruction than just the local guards. A new threat of nanite-enhanced warriors appears, giving the two a run for their money.

XC, Rasen, and Guinea have their own problems as well, when their entry is barred by one of the new nanite warriors. But mid-battle, XC suddenly goes missing! Was he captured by the enemy, or does he have other plans in mind?

All this and more in the next chapter of Rogue Trip: Project Rebirth!

I got pregnant and had twins.... Oh my. Why did I blush a bit when I read this? ><

Holy crap you werent kidding when you said it was going to be longer
And let me just say....I am so damn cool

*Awaits next chapter while staring at the LOTG site hoping someone will do something* <<

ROGUE TRIP: PROJECT REBIRTH
Chapter 2: Confronted

(Spyder bull rushs the front gates, hand gripping the handle of his new sword. Shifting his weight, he kicks the blade off his shoulder and swings it one-handed. It slices cleanly through the steel doors of the complex, allowing Spyder to kick the remainder of the doors in for a quick entry. Replacing the sword on his back, he runs inside, full of vengeance.)

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

Sk: “Did he just…?”

Sukura: “One-handed?!”

Rasen: “That’s our cue.”

Sk: “Right. Sukura, you handle things here. Everyone ready?”

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

(A volley of ropes spring forth from the sides of the airship, quickly followed by five occupants. XC, Guinea, Rasen, Sk, and Sheepy descend to the ground, landing just outside the area where Spyder has broken in.)

Sk: “Right. XC, Guinea, and Rasen will enter through the western entrance. Sheepy, you and I are going after Spyder. Everyone got that?”

Rasen: “Understood.”

XC: “Got it.”

Guinea: “Right.”

(XC, Rasen, and Guinea leave for the western entrance, while Sheepy raises an eyebrow to his brother.)

Sheepy: “Why are we going after Spyder?”

Sk: “There are just some things you don’t want to miss.”

(Sk enters the complex through the hole Spyder left behind, followed by Sheepy after a few moments.)

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

(Aside from the occasional guard, Spyder’s entry into the complex is unobstructed. As he navigates the twisting corridors of the labs, he begins to wonder exactly what is waiting for him should he find Xavier’s clones.)

???: “Hold it.”

(Thinking he missed another guard, Spyder slings the sword off his should and sweeps wide. However, the blade suddenly comes to a complete stop as the unnamed individual grasps the edge.)

???: “Nice sword. You’re Spyder Pyresphere, I take it?”

Spyder: “What’s it to you?”

???: “Why, my entire reason for existing, Mr. Pyresphere.”

(Spyder looks the individual up and down. Dressed in red and orange, this black-haired stranger seems to be grinning in anticipation at Spyder. Though he seems unarmed, the fact that the blade was caught with one hand makes Spyder feel a bit uneasy about this man.)

Spyder: “Lemme guess. Nano-tech made you to destroy me.”

???: “Close enough. I’m to guard the clones of this facility. You’re just making my job all the more interesting.”

Spyder: “Fair enough. This means I’m going to have to go through you, I take it?”

???: “You can try.”

Spyder: “I was hoping you would say that.”

(Pulling the giant sword from the strangers grasp, Spyder jumps back about 20 feet. Dragging his fingers along the flat of the blade, he activates the transmutation circle. The sound of a buzz saw echoes in the steel-coated walls as Spyder swings the blade in the man’s direction. Along with the sharpened winds that spill forth, a mixture of flames and heat explode from the edge. The searing heat blazes a path down the hallway, melting patches of steel as it tears towards the stranger.)

Spyder: “Out of my way!”

(Unmoving, the stranger lifts his arm and points his palm at the incoming flames. As if commanded, the fires dissipate before reaching him. The winds, however, continue through unhindered. Stepping to the side, the man dodges the blast of wind that threatened to tear him to bits. He smiles at Spyder.)

???: “My name is Blaze. I am a Nanite Enhanced Warrior of Nanotech labs. Fire is my element. You’ll have to come up with some new tricks, Inferno Alchemist.”

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

(Rasen, XC, and Guinea make their way around the side of the building, heading for the western entrance. Strangely, no one seems to guarding the outer perimeter, making Rasen just a little anxious.)

Rasen: “Something’s wrong…”

XC: “You mean the lack of guards?”

Rasen: “Yeah. We should have had SOME resistance by now.”

(A sudden burst of wind stops the three in their tracks.)

Rasen: “I had to say something, didn’t I?”

(A figure enveloped in a cloak floats down from the sky, landing swiftly on his feet. Only the stranger’s smile is in view, but that alone sends a chill down Rasen’s spine.)

Guinea: “Great. A freak.”

???: “Silence.”

(A burst of wind knocks Guinea off his feet and back 30 feet. Landing roughly on his back, Guinea moans a bit in pain.)

XC: “Who are you?”

???: “I am Gale, Nanite Warrior of the Wind. I was created and enhanced by Nanotech Inc. and ordered to protect the complex with my life. Leave or be destroy-“

(A loud shot echoes, causing Gale to raise her arm. As she does so, a burst of wind stops a barrage of shotgun pellets to freeze in midair. They fall to the ground, their movement completely halted. Guinea, shotgun in hand, ejects the shell and reloads.)

Guinea: “You’re gonna pay for that.”

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

(As Sk and Sheepy attempt to catch up with Spyder, an explosion echoing from ahead causes them to speed up. Rounding a few more corners, they come up behind Spyder as he is staring down an opponent they do not recognize.)

Sk: “Spyder, what the hell were you thinking?”

Spyder: “Now isn’t exactly the time to be lecturing me.”

(Blaze tilts his head a bit, curious of the new arrivals.)

Blaze: “Let’s see…you’re Sk, owner of the Keiichi Resistance. And you’re his brother, Sheepy. Am I correct?”

Sheepy: “How did you…?”

Blaze: “Nanotech has every bit of information on your little ‘group’.”

Sk: “Who is this joker?”

Spyder: “An experimental warrior created by Nanotech. Seems they’re protecting Xavier’s clones.”

Sk: “I see. Well, we’re in a hurry, so we’ll just have to push through.”

Blaze: “Oh no. This battle is between us…pyros…”

(A wall of flames suddenly bursts from the floor, separating Spyder from the others. Behind Blaze, another such wall appears, boxing the two in.)

Blaze: “Let’s see who truly deserves to rule over the element of fire.”

(Spyder shrugs.)

Spyder: “Let’s make this quick. I’ve got an appointment to keep.”

(Smirking, Blaze charges the alchemist. He quickly closes the gap, arm pulled back to strike. As he punches forward, an explosion of flames erupts from his knuckles, encasing his target in searing flames.)

Blaze: “You’re only human, Pyresphere. Even you, the Inferno Alchemist, don’t have immunity to such temperatures like me.”

(Someone grabs Blaze by the back of his collar, throwing him head over heels backwards. As the warrior flips himself in the correct landing position, a long, curved blade sweeps where he is about to land. Blaze ignites a quick explosion below himself, stopping his descent. His mouth is wide open, watching as the blade shrinks back to the length of a normal katana.)

Spyder: “I don’t have to be immune. You’re never going to get the chance to hit me with your tiny candle flames.”

(Gripping his katana in one hand and Takahata’s sword in the other, Spyder glares at Blaze.)

Spyder: “Now either fight or move. I’m in a god damn hurry.”

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

(Unloading shot after shot at Gale, Guinea attempts to keep her on the defensive. And it seems to be working, for at least the moment. Completely distracted by Guinea’s assault, Gale seems to be unaware of Rasen circling behind her. Bringing his spear to bear as he comes in range, Rasen thrusts forward in an attempt to impale her, only to be blasted away when a sharp blast of wind repels him.)

Gale: “Fools. I’ll kill both of you before you can penetrate my shield of winds.”

Guinea: “Stop this!”

(Pulling the safety pins, Guinea tosses a couple of grenades at Gale. Her eyes wide in fear, she blasts herself into the air with a wind current, and is quickly followed by Rasen. As the explosion triggers, Rasen overtakes Gale and leaps down at her using his dragoon attacks. His spear ricochets off her wind shield, but has enough force to drive her back into the ground roughly.)

Rasen: “XC, hit her now!”

(After a few moments of inactivity, Rasen looks around and finds that XC is missing.)

Gale: “Seems as though your friend has chickened out.”

Guinea: “Shut up.”

(Another blast from his shotgun is stopped by Gale’s wind shield.)

Guinea: “XC or no XC, I’m blasting you to bits, lady.”

(Smiling, Gale grabs her cloak and throws it to the side, watching as it is torn into bits by her wind shield. Wearing a white and green leotard, she bears the Nanotech symbol on her shoulder.)

Gale: “Try it.”

(Rasen twirls his spear with one hand, then brings it to bear on Gale.)

Rasen: “As you wish, wind witch.”

END OF CHAPTER 2


CHAPTER 3 PREVIEW!!!

Just as it seems the Keiichi team are getting the upper hand, two more Nanotech Warriors appear. Having to deal with a two on one gang up, the odds seem against Spyder until Sk and Sheepy suddenly break through the fire wall. Can these three take on the pyromaniac Blaze and the stone hard Pillar?

Rasen and Guinea have their own set of problems when a double team plan backfires upon the arrival of the Nanite Warrior of Water, Raine. Trapped in a pillar of water and assaulted by blades of wind, can these two ever hope to win this battle?

And what of XC’s disappearance? Has he truly deserted the others, or does he have a plan to help everyone?

All this and more in the next chapter of Rogue Trip: Project Rebirth!

Just finished Rogue Trip... had NO Idea I was in the story till today! I was surprised when I died. I was waitin for my hand to rip to rip out of my grave at the end. XD Nice story, man. I enjoyed the part where I totally pwned, that being every scene I was in. XDXDXD I especially liked the fight between you and me.

Alright, up to date on project rebirth now. o-O Cool to see my relic in there.

OMG
I dissappeared

Muahahaha

You didn't disappear. You "chickened out". Pfft.

LIES!
I does not "chickened out" as you say... I have plans....

Judging by your character from Spyder's previous fic', you probably do have plans.

It sux.
just kiddin'.
.
I like the army part.
But wanna be a bad guy.

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA

ROGUE TRIP: PROJECT REBIRTH
Chapter 3: The Nano-Five

Blaze: “Wielding both blades, Spyder? Quite a feat, even for you.”

Spyder: “Shut it. The only thing I want right now is straight through you. Move it.”

Blaze: “’fraid I can’t do that, Mr. Pyresphere.”

(Flames surround Blaze’s right arm, eventually snaking it’s way into his palm. They extend from his hand, taking the shape and size of a sword.)

Blaze: “After everything that I’ve had done to my body, I can’t just have you walk past me.”

Spyder: “You chose this path, did you?”

Blaze: “You could never understand the pain and suffering I went through for this power, alchemist! Everything was just handed to you on a silver platter by your family!”

(Blaze brings the blade up to bear, a look of hatred reflecting in his eyes.)

Blaze: “But now…they’re all dead. And the only connections you have to your family are gone, save for the copies of your brother’s remains. There is nothing left for you in this world, Pyresphere. So why…why…”

(Charging recklessly, Blaze pulls back the sword, ready to swing.)

Blaze: “WHY DO YOU TAUNT ME WITH YOUR EXISTANCE?!”

(As the fire sword swings down, Spyder brings the very tip of his katana to touch the edge. The blade extends, quickly pushing Blaze back a good thirty feet. As fast as it grew, the blade retracts itself once again, prompting Spyder to close the gap between them. Bringing the butt of Taka’s sword up, Spyder slams the blunt end into Blaze’s stomach, knocking him off his feet. Landing on his back, Blaze suddenly finds himself pinned to the ground, a katana blade wedged up against his throat.)

Spyder: “Taunt you? You talk about pain. You talk about suffering. But you don’t even know half of it. You chose your path. I did not. I’ve watched and fought, observing as everything is torn from my life. I’ve seen friends and family die in a heartbeat. My hands are stained with the blood of my own flesh and blood. And my brother died as the puppet of what could be considered as myself.”

(Spyder pushes the blade harder against Blaze’s throat, choking an expression of pain and fear from the warrior.)

Spyder: “I don’t know a damn thing about you, but you act as though you know everything about me.”

(Pulling the blade away from Blaze, Spyder grabs him by the throat and lifts him up off the ground, bringing him to eye level.)

Spyder: “You don’t know a God damned thing, you Nano-tech piece of crap.”

(The flames surrounding the pair die down a bit, prompting Sk and Sheepy to jump into the area. Glancing over his shoulder, Spyder tosses Blaze into the air.)

Spyder: “All yours, Sk.”

Sk: “With pleasure.”

(Quick-drawing his blade, Sk flicks the sword into its gun mode. Taking aim, he pulls the trigger, firing a single burst from the barrel.)

=========================

Guinea: “Why won’t you just die, you evil witch!”

(Guinea fires off a few more shots from his shotgun, the pellets ricocheting off of Gale’s wind shield. He lets out a huff of frustration, then narrowly dodges a barrage of sharp winds sent forth from Gale.)

Gale: “I could dance like this forever, but I’m afraid we must end this soon.”

Rasen: “I couldn’t agree more!”

(Rasen falls from the sky, spear pointed down at Gale. The sharp tip drags across the swirling winds as they make contact, then is thrown aside by its speed. Rasen flips a couple of times, landing on his feet and skidding to a halt right next to Guinea.)

Gale: “Damn, you’re persistant.”

Rasen: “I’ve got some influences.”

(Guinea checks his remaining ammo, finding only a handful of shells and a couple of grenades. Cursing under his breath, he leans in towards Rasen.)

Guinea: “Any bright ideas?”

Rasen: “Only one. Something XC told me about.”

Guinea: “Yeah?”

Rasen: “At my signal, use your last two grenades on her.”

Guinea: “Alright.”

(Rasen charges Gale, spear in hand. At the last second, he leaps high into the air, as though prepared to impale her from above.)

Gale: “This again?”

Rasen: “Now!”

(Guinea pulls the pins on his last two grenades, tossing them at Gale’s feet. Once again, she pushes off the ground, up in Rasen’s direction.)

Gale: “You’re a fool if you think you’ll penetrate my shield with that same move.”

Guinea: “Who said it was the same?”

(Reeling back, Rasen throws his spear downward, the weapon catching the wind and swirling it around it as it plummets towards the ground. Just as it collides and digs itself into the ground, the grenades go off, sending shrapnel in all directions. The exploding gunpowder ignites the air, creating a column of fire.)

Gale: “What the?!”

Rasen: “Her shield is weakened, Guinea! Take her down!”

Guinea: “With pleasure.”

(Pumping the shotgun once to eject the empty cartrage, Guinea extends his arm and fires off a full shell at Gale. Her wind shield destroyed by the surrounding heat, she awaits the inevitable death. However, at the last second, an orb of water surrounds her and pulls her to the ground, causing Guinea’s shot to miss.)

Rasen: “Who…?”

(Water spreads along the ground, putting out the flames and smothering the column of flames. The air returning to the immediate area, Gale smirks at her new comrade.)

Gale: “Gentlemen, allow me to introduce Raine, Nanite Warrior of Water.”

Guinea: “More garbage.”

Rasen: “This…could get complicated.”

(Rasen lands behind Raine and Gale, while Guinea raises his shotgun at the pair. Firing off a shot, the pellets ricochet off of Rasen’s spear, throwing the weapon to its owner.)

Guinea: “Game’s not over yet, Rasen. It’s two on two now. Shame I gotta beat up a woman.”

Raine: “You’ll get over it, shell shock.”

======================

(Sk’s shot echoes through the corridor, the bullet exiting the weapon at an alarming rate. Just as death seems near for Blaze, a pillar of stone erupts from the ground, blocking the shot. Digging into the stone, the bullet is stopped in eight inches of pure ground.)

Sk: “The hell?”

Spyder: “Another one?”

(Spyder turns to see a larger man standing in the corridor, his hands placed flat on the ground. He smirks up at Spyder, his eyes locked with the alchemist’s. Blaze, falling in a heap a few feet from Spyder, quickly gets to his feet and scrambles to the man’s side.)

Blaze: “Pillar, it’s just as he told us. Spyder’s nothing more than a monster.”

Pillar: “So this is Spyder, ‘eh? Pretty sad looking creature. Nothing like I pictured Beetle’s murderer.”

(Spyder raises an eyebrow.)

Spyder: “What did you say?”

Pillar: “I said, you don’t look the type to be able to kill someone as powerful as Beetle was.”

(Raising Taka’s sword, Spyder glares at the newcomer.)

Spyder: “How do you know that name?”

Pillar: “My little secret.”

(Spyder fades out of view, appearing directly behind Pillar with Taka’s sword pulled back for a strike.)

Spyder: “Allow me to beat that out of your soon to be concave skull.”

(Blaze moves between the two, creating a burst of fire that pushes himself and Pillar away from Spyder’s attack. The movement places them directly between Spyder and Sk and Sheepy.)

Sk: “Slippery little bastards, aren’t they?”

Sheepy: “Time they stopped moving.”

(Sk aims his gunblade at the pair, while Sheepy draws his weapon, a mace.)

Pillar: “Seems like this is going to get fun.”

Blaze: “Spyder’s mine, Pillar. You got that?”

Pillar: “That leaves two for me. Good.”

(Spyder smirks.)

Spyder: “Who said there’s even going to be a chance for you two to fight?”

(Clapping his hands together, Spyder raises his right hand up to his face, the back facing towards Blaze. On his finger is a single ring, the color of crimson red. It gives off a sudden light, slowly sinking through Spyder’s skin and into his body, to the horror of Blaze. His eyes fade into a bright red color, losing the blue sheen they once had.)

Blaze: “The hell…is…that…”

(Appearing between Pillar and Blaze, Spyder has both his weapons drawn. Before either party can act, Spyder holds Pillar’s newly severed head to Blaze’s face, a grin of satisfaction crossing his mouth.)

Spyder: “You want to see what true power is, Blaze? The sacrifices you’ve given are nothing compared to the torment that I’ve been through. But that’s fine…you won’t be around long enough to worry about it.”

(Spyder claps his hands together, prompting no reaction from the paralyzed Blaze.)

Spyder: “Lament to whatever damned God you believe in, for you will be at His gates soon.”

(Slamming both palms into Blaze’s torso, Spyder transmutes the horrified warrior. In a brief instant, the Nano-Warrior is covered in a bright red light. As it clears, Sk and Sheepy are taken aback by the sight that sits before them. His body turned inside out, Blaze can only release a series of gargled screams as his body is wracked in unending pain. He sits, alive for a few minutes, until enough of his body fluids spill over the floor to cause his eventual death.)

Sk: “Geezus….”

(Spyder brings his hand up again, the ring burrowing out from his skin like a ghost, sitting back at it’s rightful place on his finger. Turning around, Spyder begins to travel down the corridor again, without resistance.)

Spyder: “Hurry up. And watch your step.”

=====================

(A door slides open, allowing a man to walk inside a completely darkened room. As the door shuts behind him, the lights fade on, revealing the man to be XC. Glancing around cautiously, he steps forward into the room and searches each of a set of large, glass holding tubes. Upon his inspection of the last one, he sits back and reads the label on the bottom of the tube.)

XC: “Nano-Tech Warrior Experiment Number 5. Nano-Neo. Status: Dangerous. Do not open holding tube.”

(The tube suddenly gives off some smoke and hisses, slowly lifting upwards to release the being trapped inside.)

XC: “Oh crap.”

(Drawing both his guns, XC aims his weapons at the unmoving target, ready for anything.)

XC: “Yo. You livin’, dead, or just stupid?”

(The being, apparently human and male, quickly opens his eyes in response to XC’s question.)

Nano-Neo: “Neither.”

(He grins, sending shivers down XC’s spine.)

Nano-Neo: “I’m even better. I’m free.”

(Running over to the west wall, the being breaks through the steel with ease, taking off towards some unknown goal. Both confused and jarred, XC peeks through the gap left behind.)

XC: “That can’t be good…”

END OF CHAPTER 3


CHAPTER 4 PREVIEW!

Struggling against Raine and Gale, things look bad for Rasen and Guinea when Nano-Neo suddenly shows up. Is this newcomer friend or foe? Actions will speak louder than words.

Also, what makes a Pyresphere such a powerful warrior? Whatever it is, it’s bound to cause a hell of a fight. Running the corridors of Nano-Tech industries, Spyder is only moments from arriving at his destination when he finds himself face to face with his other sister. Will the two catch up on old times, or will a sibling rivalry slow down Spyder’s progress?

I like it.

Write more!

Uh, I didnt do it?....

Nice Spyder

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!!! Needs more of ME beating the hell out of YOU. >:o

It's a shame you're too dead to do that, Taka'.

Besides, if that were the case, it wouldn't be long before you were smitten by me.

>________< BRING IT ON!!! Your the one too afraid to fight me! >.< Go cower in fear of me, boy!

Quiet before I bust a cap in both of your faces

Tch. Unless you want to undergo the same fate as Taka, I suggest you keep your caps to yourself. Yes, I just spoke derisively against you. Do summin' about it.