63 Trials of Espionage

Issac and his allies were left in the chamber, with the only option to progress forward to rescue the girls. They all removed the disguises. Before them was a door, and the trials ahead. Issac took a step towards it, glancing back to the others.

"We can't turn back now, not when we're in this deep. We find this guy, and take him out." Issac insisted, his tone serious.

Yuji nods, "I'm with you there." He says, trembling still from the earlier event. " I just have to make sure Asuna is okay.... Dammit Life."

Barret pats Yuji on the shoulder, "You have to keep your head straight ... We got this far." He reassured Yuji.

Bit crossed his arms, his tail swishing briefly. "No doubt we have some sort of boss rush ahead. We'll need as many players in the party as we can get. We've already made the pull, now we just need to get to the boss room. We can do it."

Myde turned to Issac. "I agree. We've come this far already. Let's end this war."

Cravic nodded, "And finish what my mom started."

Issac smirked to the others, "Glad everyone's on the same page. Come on." He turned from them, proceeding to the door.

Stepping through, they found a long corridor, leading to the right and left. Each route had a door at the end of each, that led into a room ahead.

"A forked pathway?" Myde pondered.

"Yeah, thought I'm not up for the idea. It may be the only logical way of going about things here. We should split up." Barret suggested.

Yuji jumps, looking to Barret nervously, "A-Are you insane! What if there's more Vienne and Aiden powered guys waiting or something? We can't do that with less numbers."

"Yuji, sometimes we don't have a choice when it comes down to this on the field." Issac looked back to the dwarf dragon. "You want to save Asuna, don't you? Sometimes you have to take risks to help the ones you care about."

"...You're right, if it means getting back Asuna and Nari, then I guess it has to be done. So how are we doing this?" Yuji inquired.

Bit opens up a virtual mainframe, showing the layout of the floor plan. There was two pathways, that lead to a room with a skull head marked at a chamber, that the two pathways would merge on. Bit pointed to the paths, and to the skull. "This skull here. It's the boss room, where the final battle should take place. So each path must be one of the trials that the boss spoke of. We can Co-op to strategize within each chamber ahead. Whatever lays there, is for each party to figure out. Whether it's a puzzle, a mid boss, or and entire boss rush. We should be able to establish a link to Zihark to assist on the last level. Make sense?"

Issac was looking over the layout, as was the others. "Sounds like we got a plan then. We just need to pick teams." Issac replied.

"Database recommends the following parties to Co-op." Bit stated, pulling up a window showing Issac, Barret and Yuji, then flipping to Myde, Cravic and Bit in a row.

Barret crosses his arms, "Very interesting, it weighs the balances even. Impressive Bit."

Bit smiles, "Thx."

Barret nods, "So, I guess then we should head off in these groups?"

Yuji shrugs, "I don't see any other alternatives. I should be able to help you two out with my reality warping."

"Sounds good to me." Issac looked to the others.

"Then let's rendezvous on the other side. Cravic. Bit. When you're ready." Myde turned from them, coughing briefly.

Cravic looked to Myde, he seemed perplexed. "You okay?"

"I'm fine." She replied.

Barret looks away from them, to the other pathway, "Okay, ready when you are Issac."

Issac stepped ahead of them, "Let's roll." Issac moved ahead, as both parties progressed to the doors.

Issac's group stepped through the right path, opening the door ahead. They found themselves in another chamber, that resembled a large library or office. They observed the room, as the doors sealed behind them. Issac glanced ahead. Sitting in a fancy chair, was a figure awaiting them. Issac's eyes sunk, as his brow began to twitch uneasily. Before them was his father, in his usual attire, smoking a cigar.

His father takes his cigar out of his mouth, putting it out in an ash tray that sat on his table. "Are you kidding me? Little shit, you really can't stop giving me trouble." The man spoke, directing his attention to Issac.

"Huh? Issac do you know this guy?" Barret inquired.

Issac was leering at the man, his breathing becoming distorted. "..."

"My name is Sahib, Sahib Lundell." He says, standing from his seat. "You can put the rest together, if that brat hasn't rotted your brains by now."

"Sahib Lundell? Wait.." Barret states, looking to Issac quickly, "Issac, is this man your father? Why is he acting this way?"

Yuji looks to Barret with lazy eyes, "Kind of obvious."

Barret grumbles, "I'm talking to Issac..."

Issac was clenching his fist, shaking. "... I really don't want to get into this right now Barret." His eyes sharply focusing to his father. "I'm already pretty pissed off as it is."

Barret nods, looking back to Sahib.

Sahib walks forward, crossing his arms, "Still can't believe I have to clean up your messes again. This time though, it's going to be permanent. I'm gonna make you squirm, like your damned to Stykx mother. You should have made it easier on yourself, and offed yourself like you wanted to in the first place."

"You're a pretty messed up case." Yuji said, getting into a defensive posture.

Sahib looks to Yuji, "Shut your face, you no good reject of creation."

Issac was unnerved, yet completely enraged. He was trembling, pulling to his power glove. "My silence is not weakness, but the beginning of my revenge. Vengeance is in my heart, death in my hand, blood and revenge are hammering in my head."

Sahib shakes his head, "You even still quote that idiotic writer, whenever you're in a pinch. Can't you come up with own words?" He says, stepping to a circular pattern on the floor.

"...." Issac was shaking, only the anger showing on his face.

"(Issac...)" Barret thought to himself, he then turns his attention back to Sahib, "I don't know all the details, but you're with Espionage, so that puts you on our bad list."

Sahib laughs to himself, "You talk a lot. Someone needs to shut up." Sahib says, activating the panel under him. Beneath him, the ring on the panel lit up. The circle shifted, as parts opened under Sahib. Mechanical arms appeared from the entry ways of it, beginning to place armor plating onto the man. "How are you gonna feel after I beat the shit out of all your 'so called' friends, boy?"

Yuji looks over to Issac, "Damn dude...Don't worry, we got your back. This creep isn't getting away with that."

Issac forms his whip, "No. This fight's personal. He's mine." His gaze kept on Sahib.

Yuji moves to go forward, and Barret holds him back. "Huh? Hey man, we can't let him fight by himself!"

"Issac said it's his battle. Let's leave it to him, unless he needs us." Barret says, keeping his eye on Sahib.

"What's this? You wanna handle me all by yourself? You always did want to play the role of the hero, didn't you? Worked out great for your mom that day... I raped her good... You know what came after that." Sahib says, pulling his thumb along his throat. Mimicking the sound of a knife with his teeth.

"I'm gonna make you eat those words!" Issac rushed at Sahib, lashing his whip violently.

His whip hits Sahib back, forcefully knocking him through his desk. Issac was huffing, his rage at his boiling point. Sahib rose from the rubble, engaging his artillery on his suit. Slots opened, with launchers raising to click into place. Issac kept the heat on, slashing his whip once more, but Sahib unleashed a barrage of missiles. This forced Issac to leap out of the way, as a rocket blasted passed him, crashing into one of the towering book cases. Several books were flung to the ground, as the shelf crumbled, nearly crushing into Yuji and Barret on the sidelines.

Issac gritted his teeth, forming his crossbow function of his glove. He fired a few shots, that barely dented the suit. From the back of the suit, a turret erected, aiming to Issac as rounds of bullets fired his way. His father was manically laughing, as Issac was scrapped from the constant firing. He was forced onto the defense, dodging every parried attack and ignition of that suit. He was growing fatigued in the process, ducking behind a destroyed shelf that was on the ground. He kept his back to it, as he peered from behind it to briefly see his father's position. His friends were also trying to keep shelter with the chaotic onslaughts of attacks.

"Get out here, you little roach!" Sahib called out, charging up the power on his rocket launchers.

Yuji snaps his fingers, instantly the field changes to a mountain location with a waterfall, hovering over a massive lake. Sahib and Issac were positioned at the top of the waterfall, with Yuji and Barret behind some trees not far off.

Barret reaches over to Yuji, whacking him on the head. "What part of stay out of things, didn't you understand!? What's worse Issac can't swim."

Yuji rubs his head, "I was trying to help... You saw his situation!"

Barret grumbles, "Just keep your eyes sharp, and ACT when needed... One thing after another I swear..."

Sahib checks his surrounding, "That little shit head of a friend, had to help you after all. Just like a Zodiac to interrupt a perfectly good setting." He scoffed.

Issac shakily looked down the massive water fall, he was trembling. "Of all things..." His eyes panned to his dad, nervously.

Sahib rushes Issac, quickly smashing into his stomach, with his armored fist, kicking Issac off the ground. Issac falls into the dirt, landing on his back, and rolls away quickly, as Sahib flew at him again stomping on the ground, harshly. The shock wave destroys half the cliff they stood on. Issac's head was right at the edge, his eyes fearfully looking to the drop.

"Wait, you're still alive? Was sure that first punch would have ended your pathetic, insignificant life!" Sahib says, preparing to shoot more missiles.

Issac swings his whip, pulling himself at Sahib quickly. He forcefully knocks his father backwards, then gets to his feet. Issac checks behind him, as his heels were near the edge.

In the distance Sahib had gotten back to his feet. "Not fucking possible. Are you trying to convince me, that you, of all things, can fight like THAT?" Sahib growls, initiating another faze of his suit. Light energy began to glow around his armor. "Say 'hello' to your mother for me!" He states, firing off a massive laser beam.

As the laser came his way, Issac slipped backwards, barely dodging the attack. However, in the process, he lost his footing, his body now falling to the massive pool of water below.

"ISSAC!!!" Barret called out, rushing out of the bushes.

Yuji ran up behind Barret, "Oh man, oh man!"

Sahib looks back to the two, "See? What'd I tell ya? It was a good show, huh? Now you get to join him."

Issac plunged into the body of water, bubbles escaping his mouth. "(Dammit!)" He tried to get to the surface, but his body wouldn't carry him. He was sinking, as the surrounding water was growing dark around him. "(There's nothing I can do... I'm screwed...)" He thought, more bubbles forming from his mouth. His eyes grew heavy, with his vision blurring. Soon enough, he lost consciousness.

Barret slashes Sahib backward, with his sword. "It's almost not denting..." He says, going back to strike again. Sahib runs his fist right into Barret's jaw, hitting him back through some trees.

"I see he kept company of weaklings, just like himself." Sahib scoffed.

Yuji forms a couple of concrete pillars above Sahib, which falls onto his armor. The armor cracks a little, and Sahib looks to Yuji quickly. "YOU LITTLE FUCKER!"

Yuji's eyes widen, as he begins to run fast from Sahib. "Ack!"

Barret grips himself off the ground a little, and wipes blood from his chin. "At least, Yuji dented him a bit..." He looks back to where Issac fell. "Shit, Issac..."

Yuji trips over his feet, falling to the ground. "Urgh... (Dammit, I have to charge my powers.)" He thought to himself, turning around to see Sahib walking up to him.

"Guess you can finally do Life a favor, and die!" Sahib says, raising his metallic fist into the air.

As Yuji grew tense, as a strong gust of wind blew between him and Sahib. There was a faint form in the midst of it, that shot passed, before shifting it's path to the water below. There was a sudden splash, as the object hit the water.

"What in the?" Sahib says, turning his attention to the water's edge.

Yuji used this time to scramble away from Sahib, quickly. "(Hurry up powers, don't leave me hanging this way...)"

Sahib was still focused on the water below. "What's going on? There were only three of them, who is infiltrating my battle?"

Issac's body was still submerged in the water, but something was blasting his way. Above the water's surface, came an eruption of water, as the form zipped back up to nearby land at a slight distance. Issac's body was laid to the ground, as a female hand touches his face. There knelt Witchhazel, looking to him in worry. "Issac, you can't die like this..." She said, leaning to his mouth to give him air, she then placed her hands to his chest, pressing down to try and resuscitate him. "Come on Issac..."

Barret finally made his way over to the cliff's side, spotting Witchhazel with Issac, "Huh? She's trying to revive Issac..."

Sahib now noticed this as well, grunting under his armor. "Oh that's not happening." He says, aiming his missiles down to them. A red target focuses in on the couple below, as Sahib confirms the command. Instantly the missiles launch flying at Issac and Witchhazel at lightning fast speed. The missiles impact, and as the smoke clears, a magical barrier was seen glowing around them.

Sahib growls, "ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? He's not even that important! WHY WASTE ALL THAT ENERGY!? To save a piece of trash like that!"

Witchhazel didn't pay him any mind, continuing to give Issac mouth to mouth. "Issac..." She said, as she leaned away from giving him more air, to pump his chest once more. Suddenly, Issac sat up, coughing up water from his lungs. He was shaking, but noticed Witchhazel, as she hugged to him. "I made it, you're alright." She said.

Issac held his hand to her, "I am so glad to see you, right now." He said, with bated breaths, but his eyes shifted to Sahib. "I have some unfinished business that needs remedying though."

Witchhazel's broom was left floating above them, as she took Issac's hand. They magically warped from down below, to the top of the water fall. Issac now forming his saber, his eyes fiercely focusing to his father, once more. "Yuji, change the terrain. Now."

Sahib looks back to Issac, anger crossing his face, "You little bitch...You're the reason he's back here now...You really want part in this game? I'LL BURY YOU WITH HIM!"

As Sahib was about to attack, the skies became red, and the rushing water now lava. The ground begins to crack up into pieces.

"This is more like it." Issac grins, his tone darkening.

Barret jumps to his feet quickly, and gets on top a rock. "Volcanoes!? REALLY YUJI!?"

Yuji laughs nervously, "Issac approves, that's all that matters."

"Shit! I can't deal with this kind of nature....For fucks sake." Sahib says, trying to lift his armored arm upward. His movements were starting to malfunction.

"I'll never pause again, never stand still, Till either death hath closed these eyes of mine, or fortune given me measure of revenge. " Issac dove at Sahib. "This ends HERE!!" Issac shouted, jump kicking his father backwards. The suit's legs stumbled, as balance was lost. Sahib tumbled back, but caught the edge of the rocks with one arm, before he fell too far. The heat was boiling around, as a hot breeze blew. Issac stood at the edge, eyeing his father that hung there.

"Urgh, I'll be waiting for you in Stykx, it's only a matter of time before you kill yourself anyway..." Sahib mocked, adding in a laugh.

Issac narrowed his eyes, stepping closer to the edge, Placing his foot on top of his father's hand. "I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed." Issac said, coldly, stabbing his power glove's saber into his father's arm.

"Ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!! YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!" Sahib screamed, as his arm was slashed from his body. Gravity then took effect, pulling him down to his demise. The lava swallowed him whole, only shrieks of pain were heard, his cries fading into the abyss.

Barret and Yuji make their way over to Issac's side, Witchhazel was behind Issac with her arms around his chest. His breathing was settling down, as the tension faded. Yuji lifts his hand, causing the location to restore to it's original state.

"Issac, are you okay?" Barret asked, still taking in everything that had happened.

Issac glanced his way, slyly. "Oh, you know, just a near life experience. Nothing major." He jested, eerily with sarcasm.

"Well okay..." Barret replied, sounding unsure. "Are you sure you're going to be alright?"

"O, vengeance! Why, what an ass am I! This is most brave, That I, the son of a dear father murdered, Prompted to my revenge by the Blue world and Stykx." Issac smiled, seeming to be far more relaxed now.

Yuji looks to Issac, "Hey, maybe we should take you to sit down for a bit."

"I do feel it would be best for you rest for a spell, my treasure." Witchhazel looked to Issac, touching his hair.

"Naw, I'm fine. Don't worry. I'm just relieved, and not sure how to express it properly." Issac laughed.

Barret rubs the back of his head, "Hmm, alright Issac, if you say so. Maybe we should move forward then."

Issac nodded, seeming in high spirits as the group progressed through the next door.

On the other side of the hallway however, Myde, Cravic and Bit, were stepping into the opposite doorway on the left. It led to a bridge, without any walls or ceiling. There was a long path that held a door at the end. Myde stepped ahead, with the boys behind her as she observed.

"Seems we've come to a wide open space, with no where to go but ahead. Simple enough, however I have to wonder about traps..." Myde was observing the area, but coughed briefly.

Cravic placed a hand to her shoulder. "Don't over work yourself, okay?"

"I'll be alright. Let's continue." Myde smiled to him, as they began ahead.

Bit was looking to the surface far below them. "That's quite a drop. Instant KO for sure." He muttered, trailing the others.

A loud laugh is heard, as winds pick up around the group. Flying down slowly before them, was a red armored unit, resembling a chimera. She had tanned skin, with wings, goat legs, and massive claws for hands. "Ohhh my stars, what might I have here? Seems like ya'll have wandered right onto my little ol' bridge." The unit says, scanning the trio, with her scarlet red eyes.

"Uh, this isn't a random encounter. She was camping. Crit." Bit was gawking.

"... More crap to deal with." Cravic groaned.

Myde pulled to her Sword-staffs. "We need to be careful here." She told the others, her eyes leering to the unit. "Just what are you?"

"Espionage assault unit, Yokaimera. Any other questions, sweetheart? Because I have a lot coming for you." The unit stated, flirtatiously.

"Huh? She's not a guy." Bit tilted his head.

Myde's ears went back, glaring to Yokaimera. "... Are you insinuating, that I'm flat chested?" She growled.

"Settle down." Cravic grabbed to Myde's shoulders.

Yokaimera winks to Myde, "No, I know she's a girl. That's why I'm flirting. Don't let them boys get you all riled up now, sug." She says, floating closer to Myde.

Cravic got Myde behind him, forming one of his power gloves into a saber. "Don't even try." His eyes sharpened.

Yokaimera snarls, "Sorry, but you're on my bridge, you play by MY rules!"

"The Mid boss is preparing to attack, do not die!" Bit stated, jokingly.

Yokaimera flies into the air quickly. Wind hits over the trio, as they hold up their hands, defending themselves from the rapid winds. The unit begins to spin herself in the air, and flies down at them like a drill. Cravic grabs Myde quickly, jumping out of the way of the attack. Bit had floated slightly, preparing some digital cubes around him. As they dodged the incoming attack, the unit crashed through the section of the bridge, that they were standing in originally. Yokaimera comes out of the twirl, looking in Cravic and Myde's direction furiously."YA'LL DONE MADE ME BREAK MY BRIDGE!"

Myde held to her sword-staffs, as she lunged slightly to toss one abruptly in Yokaimera's path, like a javelin. The sword-staff impacts with Yokaimera's wing. It latches around, and Myde pulls the staff, swinging Yokaimera into the side of the building. Yokaimera's left wing had been destroyed, with bits of her armor now cracked in places.

"W..Why? I WAS SWEET ON YA! Now I'm gonna have to kill ya'll!" Yokaimera cried, glowing around with a purple energy.

She shoots out from the building's side, flying right at Myde, quickly. Myde was taken off guard, and before she could move, Yokaimera slashes Myde roughly, knocking her off the side of the bridge. As Myde fell, her hand was suddenly caught by Cravic. He was still on the bridge, keeping grasp on the dangling ferline.

"I got you." He stated, trying to pull her up.

Bit intercepted Yokaimera, pulling to his saber. "Time for you to get perma-banned."

Yokaimera licks her lips, "NOT AFTER I RIP YOU A NEW ONE!"

"Oh QQ." Bit provoked.

Yokaimera swings at Bit, hitting him hard. However, as Bit fell backwards, he materializes into many digital cubes. He reforms behind Yokaimera, slashing her forward. Cravic gets Myde up onto the bridge, turning to spot Yokaimera getting back to her feet. Not loosing anytime, he forms his sword, rushing her way. Yokaimera catches eye of Cravic, quickly flying his direction, her speed started to break the sound barrier. As they clashed, Cravic was flung backwards, and catches himself beside Myde.

At this time, Myde had jumped over Cravic, catching her footing before running at Yokaimera. Her feet treading ice, that was beginning to freeze over the entire path she ran along. Yokaimera watched in utter terror, as Myde made her way closer. Without hesitation, Myde swung one of her sword-staffs, jabbing right through Yokaimera's upper cavity, completely freezing over the unit's entire body. Myde then kicks the crystallized form off the blade of her weapon, knocking the chunk of ice over the bridge. It crashes to the surface, shattering like glass.

Myde was breathing heavy, beginning to sweat. She stumbled, but Cravic quickly helped catch her balance. "Hey, take it easy... You okay?" He asked her, in concern.

"Might have used too much dama there." Myde chuckled, seeming fatigued.

"... I told you not to over do it, ice queen." Cravic sighed, getting Myde onto his back, as he led Bit along with him to the door ahead.

Soon enough both parties arrived to a joined hallway, leading to a single door ahead. It was far larger than the others that they passed through.

"The boss room. Make sure to save your game guys. That goes for new party members too." Bit spoke up.

Yuji shrugs, "You wanna ask us to play a rerun too? Gotta think more reality here man... Even I know there's no second chances."

"He's right, we need to be really careful from here on out." Barret states, crossing his arms.

"There's no way to know what's behind that door." Myde nodded in agreement, as Cravic set her down. Helping her catch her balance.

Issac looked to the door, with Witchhazel leaning off his shoulder. "Come what may. It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in our selves. One final stand remains. Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." Issac stated, confidently, as he reaches for the door. The others follow after him without hesitation.