Fragments of a Shattered Mirror

Author's notes:

Disclaimer: I do not own any more of the .hack conglomeration than copies of the games, manga and anime. This plot happens to be mine, but allusions and references are made to events within the games/anime. And I do change things about the after-game things that happen (such as tweaks with the return of the bracelet and the heading off to Hidden Darkside Holy Ground to reclaim Mia...). So, if things aren't exactly canon, do forgive.

About reviews: I LOVE reviews. I really do! Even if they're flames. That said, I'd appreciate more than a sentance for a review. Maybe tell me what you liked or loathed about my story? That's always a start... Anyway, suggestions, comments, and critiques are wanted and welcome.

There will be romance in this fic. Hetero pairings, as I don't write slash.

Warning! "R" rating for violence, abuse, some sexual content.

Author's added as of November 29, 2005:

I have begun to edit this story, clean up some plot discrepencies and otherwise attempt to polish it up. Wanna help? Drop me an email!

Prologue

"Well, that's the last of the repairs for this field and dungeon," sighed Lios, surveying the green sward before him and actually smiling. He was pleased with the progress. Though the corrupted data was no longer spreading, much less active, there were still patches of raw data showing here and there through the scenery in some feilds. Also, other signs remained of the contamination that has so recently been defeated thanks to a fourteen year old boy. Floating lines of shifting code, the occasional data bug turning monsters into demented immortal demons. But, the progress of eradicating the viral remains was splendid.

"Hurrah!" cheered another administrator who had been assisting in the reparations. "Let's see now, this was Omega, Splendid Nobleman's Emerald, correct?"

"Indeed."

"Right then... I've checked it off. Shall we move on, sir?"

"Yes."

The two warped out of the field, disappearing in identical golden rings, a set of three each. However, unnoticed by them, a flash of raw data sparked, then faded. And then is appeared again, followed by a few others. A malicious will could be felt if one stood there, gazing at those data patches, but no one was there, not yet and not for a while.

Upon the digital breeze, words crackled in a voice that once might have been a woman's, but now was fuzzy and barely audible. "I will reap my revenge... They shall pay... The child, the Keeper of the Bracelet... all of them! I shall reap my revenge..."