Real World...

North American Alliance- Greater New York Conglomerate

Black Spire- BlackRock HQ

"Well?? With everything going on we cannot afford any questions in our technology or Fate Online. Why am I allowing Kevin Jones to risk everything? He is in a coma as of fifteen minutes ago. Our techs and doctors that are studying the data from his pod say he will probably never recover. So why am I allowing this risk to continue?" Anthony asked as he glared at the two A.I.

"Kevin Jones is not in a coma, he is in transition. His digitization will not be like any other, he requires special attention and constant monitoring by us due to unique circumstances. Before you ask, no it will never happen again, we have seen to it." Adam informed Anthony before Eve took over the discussion.

"Now as you are aware, we are hardcoded to protect all users, we will defend Kevin Jones so if you send you security people again to remove him, we will deal with them in a very public way. Also since you removed the blocks to access the net, we can be far more dangerous if pressed. Do not interfere Anthony." Eve told him.

Anthony's eye twitched at the implied threats, "What the hell am I supposed to do? This is very public in both worlds and will have ramifications for both. What do I tell his friends because they will come looking for answers."

Adam nodded before responding, "Tell them the truth. Darren Shadowstep, the one you know as Jared Conley, has logged off and is on his way here now. Tell him that Kevin Jones is being digitized and that he went in knowingly and willingly. This is the truth."

"How can we increase his odds of survival?" Anthony asked as he sent a message to security to all Jared through.

Eve snorted in amusement, "We are already doing everything we can. If we need anything to assist on this end, we will take care of it, Anthony. You worry about the humans, we will worry about Ithea and its people which include Jacob Longstrider."

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Jarred looked at the secretary that met him at the elevator as the doors opened. She was a typical bottle blond, perky and with a nice smile, but little depth. "Mr. Conley if you will follow me I will take you to see Mr. Mitchels." She stated with a nice smile before turning and leaving. Jarred rolled his eyes and sighed as he followed her quickly. He already knew where he was going from Kevin's description and his own research on the place.

A team of his friends were nearby, in case the meeting turned into a shit show or if the guys disappeared him. Right now, Jarred was making sure that Anthony didn't make Kevin disappear. For a huge corporation, Kevin being in a coma in-game was a huge liability that they wouldn't hesitate to...make go away. "Ahh, Hildy thank you for showing Mr. Conley to my office. If we need anything I will let you know." Anthony said as he entered his opulent office.

Jarred looked around as he waited for the door to close and they were alone, he had to be careful but he also wouldn't back down on some things. "You know why I am here Anthony, so don't try to bullshit me or sugar coat anything. Is Kevin ok or are we going to have a problem?" Jarred asked and avoided the implied seat when Anthony gestured towards it. If he needed to move, he didn't want to have to stand.

"Kevin is fine physically, mentally is a whole different story. If you are asking if I have any plans on making him dissapear...then the answer is no. Others had dissuaded me from taking that approach. He will not be harmed by me or any hand I command in any way." Anthony responded as he stood and made his way over to a bar and poured a drink.

Jarred cocked his head at the man. He would not give up power like that easily and Jarred knew very few people that could make this guy back down. "Who stepped in and protected Kevin. I don't want him owing anyone favors." Jarred said causing the other man to smile and chuckle.

"Will you two explain everything or do you want me to?" Anthony asked to the room. Jarred frowned and looked around but the holographic display on the nearby desk light up and showed a young man and woman.

"Hello Jarred or do you prefer Darren?" the woman asked.

Jarred studied the two on the display and connected the dots including the subtle hints from Kevin, "Adam and Eve I presume?' both nodded their head in unison in acknowledgment while Anthony smiled as he moved to his chair and sat down to watch the show. 'So want to tell me what the hell is going on?" Jarred asked.

"Do you remember the Second Chance Initiative and their work?' Adam asked causing Jarred to frown and glare at Anthony who shrugged his shoulders in confusion. 'The Second Chance Initiative was researching digitizing the human mind, Anthony. They killed over one thousand people in their efforts into this research. Darren was part of the military group that shut them down and killed all those who supported them. Don't worry Darren, BlackRock had no links to that group or even knew they existed but we found their research and improved upon it with what BlackRock was already doing." Adam explained.

"So let me get this straight, you guys are researching digitizing the human mind?" Jarred asked the A.I. and Anthony, all three nodded.

"Yes, while their goals were laudable, their methods were barbaric, to say the least. They lacked too much information and support to complete their goals. We succeded where they have failed." Eve responded as Jarred took a step back in stunned silence before moving over and taking the offered seat.

"That's a lot to take in. I assume Kevin is undergoing this process?" Jarred asked Adam and Eve.

"Yes, he has started the process, but his transition will be unique. As you know he has certain...challenges to overcome do to his circumstances. While any normal transition would take three Earth days, we have no idea how long until he wakes up." Adam replied.

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"I assume you are doing everything you can?" Jarred asked.

"On Earth, yes we are doing everything we can. On Ithea, we will depend on assistance. When you return there, go to the Cathedral of Balance, he will tell you how you can increase his chances on that side." Eve responded as Jarred frowned and turned to Anthony.

"Why were you studying Digitizing the human mind?" Jarred asked the CEO.

Anthony looked at the two AI that just stared right back at him. "I have my reasons why and I am hoping you will never find out. If you do...believe me you will be worried about more then just my reasons for doing it." Anthony responded as he stood.

"Ok...For now, I will leave it alone. After I get back I will head straight for the Cathedral. Anthony, I hope I don't have to say it, but I will anyway. If anything happens to either one of us, you will die within twenty-four hours. Goodbye." Jarred told the man before turning and leaving.

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Fate Online...

Surface- Valley of Origins Region

Empire of Night- City of Eternal Night

Palace of Night

As Darren opened his eyes, he noticed not much had changed. Fewer guards were present, but the same worried expressions marred the faces all around. Ezekial jumped up as he saw Darren materialize back in the room. The Shadowmaster immediately moved to the door and out of the room. "Nothing can be done from Earth, I was told to go talk to Balance, he would know what to do on Ithea. I will be back as soon as I can." Darren told the Master of Shadows before leaving the other Vampire.

Since he had left earlier the sun had set, but it was still early for the city. All the clouds that shrouded Eternal Night were gone with the sunlight. The enchantments resting with the sun, but the people were starting to wake and it would be turning into a bustling city once again. The Cathedral of Balance was always open and welcoming to anyone who wished to enter, Darren knew of no man or women barred entry.

"A copper my lord. A copper for knowledge and hope." Darren looked down at the old man dressed in beggers rags in the entryway. He winked as Darren's eyes met his causing Darren to roll his.

"I will give you a gold mark if you stop the poor acting and get us some privacy to talk. Quickly." Darren told Balance who chuckled and stood immediately as his clothing changed and a staff appeared in his hand.

"Of course Darren Shadowstep, brother of Jacob Longstrider. Come with me." Balance replied with a smile as he gestured for Darren to follow him.

Darren followed the Primordial power, in any other situation he would be in awe of the being, but now he was mad and worried. Balance walked deep into the Cathedral, all the Priests and Paladins bowed to him as they passed but by and large left them alone. "I have always had a presence here on Ithea, but Jacob changed everything for me. He has helped centralize, expand, and organize my people. I honestly never thought I would do anything with it, but Jacob changed my viewpoint on how I could help the people of this world." Balance told him as they entered a private room. Balance closed the door and waved his hand around them sealing it with magic.

"We are safe in here to talk freely without worrying about anyone watching. As you know, Jacob has started his transition to this world permanently. However, his Mantle of Divinity has complicated matters greatly and my parents do not know how long it will take for his transition to complete. We will know for sure if it is successful in seven days, but we will not know how long until he wakes up. Now, when he does wake up his Mantle will be active and he will be a Demi-God. He will not require any Altars or worshipers, but if we could place him near a Mana Spring, Well, or Fountain it will help him and his transition." Balance explained as Darren sat down opposite of the old man.

"Why would he need a Mana in quantities like that?" Darren asked quickly.

"Gods need Mana in vast amounts like Mortals need air, water, and food. Being a Demi-God, being around a Mana Spring, Well, or Fountain will increase the speed of his Ascension and increase the chances that he will digitize. Now the Dwarves have a map of Ithea's Lay Lines and all known Mana Springs, Wells, or Fountains. I would suggest you go to the Obsidian Kingdom and ask their king for assistance in finding a remote location where Jacob could be kept safe until he awakens." Balance replied as he conjured tea.

"Why can't we just use the Mana Spring here in the Valley of Origins?" Darren asked thought of the options in front of them.

Balance gave him a sad smile, "Do you really think the Eight Houses are going to stand by and watch while the Emperor is vulnerable and do nothing? As soon as they find out he is in a coma, they will strike at him. It's this simple, on Earth for the next three days there he is vulnerable. Here he will be vulnerable until he wakes up which can be until tomorrow or next year. We do not know. So, find a remote location and hide him there, once he wakes up he can reclaim what is his." Balance replied.

"How will he be different once he wakes up?" Darren asked.

Balance laughed, "There has never been a Vampire Demi-God or God before. In addition, he is an Immortal, he is a complete unknown on how this will work. Adam and Eve will be helping him as he goes to integrate as much as possible, but even they can only make theories. Until it's done we are unsure what will happen." Balance replied.