L&L:S.2: Misadventures of Lyne and Bass: Episode 26

[Zodiac]

Hmm, detail is the only real sin that JRR Tolkein comitted. Is it a mass of detail on his level, or is it at a more bearable level? Certainly, the storyline is becoming more complex, but Lynie's managing it well (and with increasing wrist troubles) and I look forward to seeing what she'll do in the next season. There are always new revelations to be made and I'm anxious to see them revealed.
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Church: Are you following any of this?
Caboose: I think so. That guy Tex is a robot, and you're his boyfriend. So that makes you... a gay robot.
Church: ... That's right... I'm a gay robot.

Red Vs. Blue

[Pyroman.EXE]

Doing great as usual. just... where's part 2? ^_^

[Megawoman.EXE]

Pyroman.EXE: As I said I've been busy and am waiting on the eyecatch. Part 2 will be up soon.

DeadlySerenade: I fixed that part in Part 1. I hope it reads better.

Everyone Else: Please be paticent.
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"NetAngel Style Change Activate"
Megawoman (Lyne)

Avatar made by Serenade.exe

And feel free to post here too artists if inspired
Lan and Lyne Art Thread

[Pyroman.EXE]

Okay then. Hey, you have a life, I understand.

[Megawoman.EXE]

'S Okay Pyroman we all have lives to live oustide the net. Anyway per order of Editor here is Part 2.
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Episode 20: Enter the Frozen Realm: Part 2

~Pub located in Vanhilla ~ Back Corner Booth ~

A group of navis was watching a video orb of Lyne, Bass, and NeoKnight leaving the area where they had slain the icegon.

“They passed that test beautifully,” a male navi with a booming voice commented. He had bright red hair, a braided beard, and deep blue eyes. He was stocky and very muscular. His armor had a medieval/Viking look to it. The chain mail was a combination of silver and gold, and his under shirt was hunter green. He also wore a light tan cape. He looked over at the colorful Harlequin navi beside him, “You have a fine pair traveling with you Nights my lad,” the Viking navi continued, giving Nights a hearty pat on the back.

“Yes they do make a good team,” Nights said in agreement as he watched the orb in front of their little quartet disappear.

The Viking navi then snapped his fingers, “Waitress, another round of VirusCLN!” he bellowed, getting the attention of a rather plump, woman navi, who was wearing medieval serving wench’s attire.

“You’ve had three rounds already my lord. You know the rules before noon,” she snapped at him before heading to the back of the pub with her tray of empty VirusCLN steins and plates the pub used to serve data on.

“Wench… Bloody three rule before noon,” the navi grumbled as he looked forlornly at his empty stein.

“Probably for the best Lord Beowulf,” Kroa said, drawing the Viking navi’s attention from his stein. “You should be in your right mind for this evening’s festivities.”

“That’s right. I expect a good performance out of you lad, and so do your people,” he said, wrapping his arm around Nights’s shoulders. He heard the pub’s clock chime and grinned when the twelfth ring from it finished. “Witress!” he said, snapping his fingers again.

She came out instantly, this time with three steins of VirusCLN and a data shake for Grindel, since her was still a minor navi. Once she left, Beowulf raised his stein, “Drink and be merry,” he bellowed before he quickly downed his stein in one gulp. Laughter shortly filled the table as Beowulf and Kroa talked about their old NetWar stories and compared NetBattle scars.
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~Outside Edge of Vanhilla~

A NetPortal opened, allowing the trio of passengers that had used it to exit. The Capital Hub had an old medieval look to it. Somehow, that wasn’t damaged by the slight technical edge it had. There were NetVenders selling all sorts of things. One was selling navi armor colors, another was selling default weapons, and another was selling elemental chip programs.

“Wow!” Lyne breathed out as she took in the sight of everything. She took notice of a NetVendor selling what looked like the digital world equivalent of a baby chick. She walked up to the vendor and picked up one of the digichicks and started to pet it. “This is awesome,” she squealed with excitement before she looked around the vendor’s booth some more. The vendor also was selling fully developed digichickens, a few digicows, digihogs, and digipiglets.

They look so real, Lyne noted. The only major difference she saw between these creatures and their real counterparts was their robotic looking limb joints, similar to how Gospels limbs looked. Lyne then noticed something glint out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head and took notice of something more entertaining then the little digichick in her hands: a jewelry accessories vendor.

Go over there. There is something you need there. Lyne walked, as if in a trance, over to the vendor.

“Oop, there she goes again,” NeoKnight said as he and Bass followed after her, trying to catch up. “You might want to put a leash on her or she’ll make you buy something.”

“Oh Kawaii!” Lyne squealed. Bass and NeoKnight cringed at the words and looked to see that she had a pair of dangling ruby earrings in her hand.

“What did I tell you?” NeoKnight asked.

“No, I like this better,” she said as she placed the pair of earrings down in exchange for another accessory. “Connor, can I get this please?” Lyne pleaded, showing Bass a set of arm bands that had ruby red star gems on them.

He groaned, but he let what she had just called him slide. He had already made an excuse for it, so he had no need to worry about it. “Ahem… I didn’t bring my Zenny card with me. Besides, I don’t think they accept Zenny down here.” The glow of excitement faded from Lyne’s eyes at that.

“He’s right,” NeoKnight added, “Zenny has no value down here.” Lyne looked over at him, her eyes sad and a pout on her lips. NeoKnight felt suddenly uneasy. “But… ACS’s do.”

“ACS’s? What are those?” Bass asked, curious about what his friend was referring to. NoeKnight held up a small crystal shard to demonstrate.

“This is an Atlantian Crystal Shard, or an ACS. This is the form of currency down here. They’re kinda’ like the Zenny crystals in the main network, but have more value. One of these is equal to 10,000 zenny. That’s why zenny has no value down here and most of the venders here don’t accept it. Umm… Sir how much for the armlets?” he asked as he pulled out a small satchel that contained more shards.

“23 ACS’s,” the vendor replied simply.

“Oh, and can you get these? They’re for Connor,” Lyne begged once more, showing off another pair that had sapphire blue gems. NeoKnight cocked an eyebrow at Bass.

“You say it, I’ll hurt you,” Bass rumbled in a low tone. NeoKnight rolled his eyes and looked away at the vendor, then opened his satchel to retrieve some shards.

“Here’s 50 shards. Keep the change,” he said as he grabbed Lyne’s arm and dragged her away. “See, I told you to keep a leash on her.”

“Heh, heh, I’m not the one who gave in,” Bass noted. NeoKnight hung his head at that. “Okay, which way to this data place? I’m famished,” he asked as Lyne returned to his side.

“Um… this way,” NeoKnight said as he guided them down a slightly less crowded street which lead to the main part of the Capital Hub. A short while later they came to a stop in front of what looked like a Pub. “Well, here we are. Let’s eat.”

“Um… you sure we should be going in there? We’re mph…” Lyne asked, noting the look of the pub. Bass knew what she was about to say and quickly covered her mouth.

You’re going to blow our cover if you keep pointing out facts like that. Just stick to talking about stuff navis understand. Okay? Lyne nodded in agreement.

“You’re a grown navi. It’s perfectly fine,” NeoKnight said as Bass grabbed her arm and they entered the Digital Pub. Lyne and Bass got about two paces into the room, then stopped in their tracks. They knew they were on the Net, but seeing what the navis in the pub wore really threw them. Almost everyone wore normal human clothing. NoeKinght left them behind and went to place an order.

“Connor, is it me or do those navis actually look like people?” Lyne asked as she looked at one of the tables that had a group of male navis cheering and clanging steins together. “And we definitely don’t need to be in here. This is a bar. We’re minors.”

“I know that. And yes, the navis do look like people. This place is rather odd,” Bass said as NeoKnight rejoined them.

“Okay, I’ve already ordered our data. Let’s have a seat and chat,” NeoKnight said as he led them to a table towards the back of the Pub, away from the other noisy, drunken navis.

Before they reached their table, Lyne paused to pick something up off the floor. Bass saw her fiddling with whatever it was when they sat down. It looked like it was just some excess data, so he turned to talk to NeoKnight. Before he could get a word out, Lyne grabbed his hair and pulled. “Hey! What do you think you- Oww!”

“I’m brushing, mmph, the knots, rr, out of your, rrrr, hair,” she responded, unmercifully attacking his hair with the brush she’d manipulated out of the excess data.

“Why do you, ow, have to do that, nrrr, now? That hurts!”

“That hair band Serenade gave you, mmrr, fell out. Your hair’s a mess now. Stop struggling!” She finished brushing, but started doing something else right afterwards.

“Well, you’re done brushing. What are you doing now?”

NeoKnight snickered and answered for Lyne. “She’s braiding it.”

“Nooo! Why don’t you tie yours up if you’re so concerned about mine?” Bass looked like he was about to cry out of embarrassment. Lyne quickly finished up the braid and put the golden band from Serenade on it so it would stay put. The braid went down half the length of his hair, and she had to admit it looked rather good.

“Quit your griping. It doesn’t look that bad. And I happen to use conditioner on my hair. That makes it flat and keeps it from tangling as easily.” She ran the brush through her own hair, quickly proving her point. “That braid of yours will keep your hair from flying everywhere.”

She talks rather odd for a navi, NeoKnight noted as he looked Lyne over. I wonder if that Conditioner is a program she uses on her hair. Maybe I should look into this and find Kaori some. She might like that, he thought as the waitress came up to their table with their order. Bass almost laughed at her appearance before he got an elbow hit in the stomach.

“Here you go NK,” the waitress said as she placed the order in front of them. “How was the slaying?”

“It was fun actually, but the navis of Jopil were right. That thing was a monster,” NeoKnight said as he grabbed what looked like a turkey leg and sniffed it. “Good as usual Mrs. Rosa. Finest in all the Undernet.”

This made the waitress blush, “That’s enough you flatterer. You already get a discount for working for Lord Beowulf. I’ll put this on your tab. You and your friends enjoy the data,” she said before she left them.

“We will,” NeoKnight said as he was about to start eating on his turkey leg. That was before he took notice of Lyne and Bass’s reaction to the food. They just sat there, gawking at the feast in front of them. Every bit of the data in front of them looked like real food.

You’re right. This place is weird, Lyne thought to Bass as they continued to gawk.

“C’mon, dig in. It’s data,” he said as he took a bite of his drumstick, “I assure you,” he said with his mouth full. Lyne reached out and grabbed a plate of what looked like vegetables, picked up a fork, and stabbed a piece of broccoli.

“Well?” Bass asked after she put it in her mouth. She didn’t really answer him. She just hummed with a satisfied look on her face and grabbed a turkey leg. It was close enough to an answer, and Bass filled his plate as well. Soon after, they were full and had cleaned up everything that was ordered except for their drinks.

“Ha, ha,” Bass laughed when he had finished the last sip of his drink and slammed it down on the table. “Just like old times Nightmare,” he said as he slung his arm over Lyne. “This guy is more ebil then me.”

“Hic… How so?” Lyne asked, “You’re not ebil…”

“Oh he’s evil,” NeoKnight said as he too put down his stein. “What are you thinking about Bass?”

“That prank we pulled on that old fart Wily,” Bass said. Everyone at the table started laughing, although Lyne looked confused when she stopped, wondering why she’d been laughing. Bass then looked back at Lyne and pointed at NeoKnight, “Nightmare here and I hacked into Wily’s robotic arm system in one of his labs, um… Where was it?”

“Brightland,” NeoKnight said, “and just call me NK.”

“Sure,” Bass said, giving him a thumbs up. “Well, anyway, NK and I were in Wily’s Brightland lab and hacked his robotic arms. We then swiped a pair of his boxers from his room and brought it back to the lab.”

“What would you want with Dr. Wily’s underwear? Hic…” Lyne asked puzzled by how the story was turning out.

“Suhhhh…” Bass said as he placed a finger on her lips.

“Let him continue he’s almost to the good part,” NeoKnight scolded her, making her shut up.

“Okay. Uh… Where was I?” Bass asked NeoKnight.

“We’re in the Lab, and now have Wily’s boxers,” NeoKnight reminded him.

“Right,” he said before he looked at Lyne once more, “We took his boxers to the lab and NK here put electrodes inside them.”

“Nooo…” Lyne said as she shook her head. “You didn’t.”

Bass nodded. “Wily made a great techno dancer that day,” he said and whole table burst out into laughter again.

“That was a good prank, but Wily got us back for that,” NeoKnight said as he hung his head and looked down at that table. “That was the day Wily tried to collect me from my creator, Vincent Atlain.”

“Dr. Atlain made you? Hic…” Lyne asked in surprise. “What happened when Wily tried?”

“Before then, he got Bass tanked up on VirusCLN and made copies of his data,” NeoKnight said, getting a confused look from Lyne.

“VirusCLN? Have I heard of that? What is it?”

“It’s a data drink that’s good for your system after a virus battle or two. It purges your system of viruses and bugs,” he said before Bass butted in.

“And when all the viruses and nasty stuff is all gone you feel all warm and buzzed. By the way NK, thanks.” Bass held up his empty stein and grinned. “Like old times, huh?”

“No problem,” NeoKnight said as he eyed Lyne’s half-empty stein. “You going to finish your VirusCLN?” Bass took it and finished it off before she could answer.

“Nope,” Bass said as he grinned at NeoKnight, who hung his head.

Lyne started to pale in the face. “We had navi alcohol?” Bass nodded. “So, Dr. Wily made you drunk off your ass in order to make a copy of your data?”

“Not one,” he said, holding up his finger. “He made several of the little bastards. And I’ve deleted all of them,” he said, sticking his chin out smugly.

“Not all,” NeoKnight pointed out, “There’s still AOww….” A kick in the shin from Bass stopped him.

“Shut up,” Bass growled before he broke out into laughter.

“Okay,” NeoKnight groaned as he rubbed his sore leg. “Anyway, after that he tried to collect me from my creator. I was told before Wily came to grab Bass and run. He said something about owing Dr. Cossack a favor, so I did as I was told and we left Wily’s server after I knocked him out. Bass can be very dangerous and destructive when he’s drunk you know.”

“Am not,” Bass protested. His eyes were half shut and he had a sleepy looking smile on his face. He weaved in his seat and fell forward onto the table, completely passed out.

“Ha, ha,” NeoKnight laughed, “Or he passes out, but that usually doesn’t happen ‘til after about 15 glasses. This is kinda’ odd. He’s only had one and a half.” He looked Bass over and lifted his head to examine him. “Yep. He’s out like a light. That’s what usually happens when the VirusCLN is getting ready to leave your system.”

“Oh,” Lyne said quietly. NK looked up to see that her eyes were drooping and her head was bobbing slightly. She jerked when Bass giggled in his sleep, then she giggled too when he started to snore. She looked up when a stocky navi stopped in front of their table and started talking.

“NK my lad. When did you get back from the slaying?” Lyne blinked wearily, trying to focus on the navi who was talking, then she gave up, leaned against Bass’s shoulder, and closed her eyes.

“Uh… Lord B-beowulf,” NeoKnight stammered in shock as he realized his boss was standing over him. “Um… The slaying went well. I rescued these two, and they helped me with it. So I figure that my profit triples for this job.”

“You do, do you?” Beowulf said as he looked over the two now sleeping half navis. “That’s fine with me. The virus was rather large. My, my. These two looked hammered,” He grabbed one of the empty steins and took a good whiff. “How much VirusCLN did they have?” he asked as he put the stein down.

“Well, she had about half a stein and he had a full stein, plus the rest of hers,” NK said as he took another sip of his own. “She’s acts weird for a navi. Bass is also acting kinda’ weird around her. It usually takes about 15 VirusCLN to knock him out. Just really odd, like they’re not normal.”

“That’s because they’re not. They’re half navis,” a younger male voice huffed from behind Beowulf, drawing NeoKnights’s attention. Once he looked at the voice’s owner, he struggled to hide a laugh as he took another sip from his stein.

“NK, this is King Steven of Atlantis,” Beowulf said. NeoKnight sprayed his drink out of his mouth. He immediately dropped his stein and bowed, touching his knee to the floor.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were a King,” NeoKnight apologized as Nights looked over his sleeping brother and Lyne.

“Tisk, tisk,” Nights said as he shook his head. “I don’t blame you for knowing that they’re minors.” He patted NeoKnight on the shoulder and pulled him up to his feet. “At least my brother is going to stay out of trouble for a while.”

NeoKnight just stood there and mouthed a word until he managed to stammer it out. “B-Brother?! Bass is your brother?” Nights nodded his affermation.

“Well…” Beowulf started while clapping his hands to get everyone’s attention, “Let’s go to my fortress and relax.”

“Yes, let’s. Kroa, Grindel, please collect them,” Nights ordered his guards, who followed his order and picked Lyne and Bass up from where they slept and carried them out the door. Nights and Beowulf followed after them, leaving the Pub as well.

NeoKnight stood there for a moment, then closed his eyes, put a hand to his brow, and shook his head. “Nah. This can’t be real. Bass is a brother program, has a girlfriend, and is a half navi. … What’s a half navi in the first place? Lord Beowulf and that King have a lot explaining to do,” he said as he left the pub after them. I wonder if I should tell Treno about this, he pondered as he caught up with the group that was heading to the center of Vanhilla, where the largest building, Beowulf’s Fortess, was.
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~Several Hours Later ~

Lyne awoken with a slight headache and was in a very comfortable bed. She stirred a little as her senses and thoughts grudgingly returned to her. Huh? I’m in a bed. How did I get here? She shifted underneath the covers a little and then quite unexpectedly found the edge of the bed, which she promptly toppled off of.

“Oww!” she complained as she got up off the floor, leaving her covers behind. At first, she just gawked around at the beautifully furnished room. The bed frame, chairs, couch, and bureau were all of glossy, dark wood, and the cushioning for the chairs and couch was plushy, velvety red. There was a full-length mirror on the wall with a silvery frame. Then she noticed her reflection in the mirror and made a double-take at the clothing she was in. What she was wearing currently was a royal navy, violet dress, the same color as her normal armor. The dress went down to the floor and had long sleeves that belled out and draped from her arms. She also noted the sleeves of an under-blouse showing from under the dress’s sleeves. For a moment, she thought the blouse was satin, based on its sheen, but on closer inspection, she found that it was actually a metallic dark blue.

Odd. Maybe this place has the same rules as the Atlantian Palace, she pondered. She walked uneasily up to the tall mirror and put her hand up to touch what was on her head. Her helmet was gone and was replaced with a purple head band with a red star gem on it. She also wore a dark silver colored belt and a medallion around her neck that had her icon on it. She then lifted the skirt of her dress to see what she was wearing for shoes and grimaced when she discovered that they were heels. Damn. I was wondering why I was unsteady on my feet. I bet I can’t even change these. The last time I wore heels, it was a disaster, she thought as she put her skirt down.

“My, you look lovely,” a voice said from behind her. She jerked with a start and almost fell over due to lack of balance. She managed to regain her footing so she could turn around to face the stranger that had mysteriously appeared in her room. What she saw was an older, stocky, muscular male navi with red hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in a fine looking medieval suit of green, gold, and silver that had to be reserved for nobility at least.

Lyne just stared at him for a moment more before she asked, “Who are you?” She looked at the navi, more puzzled than worried as he approached her, took her hand, and lightly kissed it like a gentleman. Why can’t Connor be like that? Lyne pondered with a slight blush as the older navi stood up, still holding on to her hand.

“I’m Lord Beowulf of the Frozen Realm, and you I already know Miss Lyne Hikari,” Beowulf said as he stroked her black hair a little in a fatherly way. “Your father should be proud to have a gem like you for a daughter.”

“Um… thank you,” Lyne said as he handed her arm bands to her.

“Don’t you think your outfit would look more elegant with these on?” Beowulf asked, letting go of her hand as she took the bands back.

She slid them on and looked at her outfit in the mirror once more. The Frozen Realm Lord was right: she did look much more elegant now with them on. “Thank you. Where am I?”

“Why, you’re in my fortress of course,” Beowulf said as he offered her his hand once more. “We have some festivities about to start, and I would like for you to attend them young lass.” Lyne got another start when a loud ring pealed throughout the fortress. “And they’re about to begin. Both you and young Lord Cossack will be watching from my booth. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Food and drink will be provided.”

“Sure,” Lyne said as she accepted his hand and he guided her out of the room. Out in the hall, Bass and NeoKnight were having a conversation and Bass seemed to be agitated by it. Kroa and Grindel were there watching the conversation, obviously entertained. This wasn’t too surprising to see and she knew she was going to hear about what it was about sooner or later.

She entered to hear, “Who told you that?” spoken by Bass.

“Your brother did. I never knew you had a brother,” NeoKnight said.

“How was he supposed to know when he couldn’t remember who he actually was when he met you?” Lyne asked NeoKnight, getting both guys’ attention. She was taken aback by the outfit Bass was wearing. He was wearing a nice pair of black slacks which were tucked inside knee-high black boots with golden knee guards on them. He wore a long-sleeved, white shirt with loose sleeves that were fastened around his wrists, and he had a grey buttoned, purple vest with gold trim over the shirt. Like Lyne, he also wore a medallion with his icon. His hair was still tied back in the braid she had made for him earlier. NeoKnight was wearing his normal navi armor and cape, but it was worn back to reveal his black body suit and dark grey chest armor, boots, and gloves.

Her eyes went starry. My he looks so handsome, she thought as she let go of Beowulf’s hand and walked over to Bass, looking graceful as if her heels didn’t bother her. “Hello, Connor,” she said as she offered her hand to him.

Bass looked at her in confusion for a moment before he felt a slight elbow bump on his side. “What?” Bass growled as he looked over at NeoKnight, who pulled him in close to hear him whisper.

“She wants you to kiss her.”

“She WHAT?!” Bass bellowed in surprise before NeoKnight placed his hand over Bass’s mouth.

“Not that kind of a kiss,” he whispered once more. “She’s not asking for that. If she wanted that, she’d offer her cheek or lips. She just wants you to kiss her hand.”

“But kissing’s gross,” Bass huffed as he looked a Lyne’s offered hand.

“I suggest you do it or she’ll feel unappreciated or get really angry. And I really don’t wanna’ see her mad. She might have a worse temper than you do.”

Bass gulped and nodded before he took Lyne’s hand up to his lips and pressed them quickly against the back of her hand before he let go of it. Lyne just blushed while smiling at him, showing that she was pleased.

“Well, if you’re ready now, we’ll be off to my booth,” Beowulf said as he gently took Lyne’s hand and guided her down the hall. The rest of the group followed after them.If you’re watching young Cossack, this is how you take care of a lady. Bass frowned a little, but nodded to himself as he walked with the group towards their place of observance.

Once they got there, everyone was escorted to their seats. Bass was a little uncomfortable at being led along and he felt really uncomfortable when he saw from his seat that they were above a coliseum of some sort. “What are we doing here?” he asked as he looked over to where at Beowulf sat.

“We’re here to watch a special event dear lad,” Beowulf replied. “You two have already passed your test. Now it’s your brother’s turn.”

“A drink to start the evening off?” a servant asked as he approached the lord.

“Drinks! Oh yes. VirusCLN for me and ol’ Kroa here. The rest can have SDaiquiris, no CLN,” Beowulf ordered.

“Huh? Why can’t I have any VirusCLN? I’ve had it before,” Bass protested.

Beowulf shooed his servant away. “Because you’re a minor and your brother would get rather upset if I gave you more navi alcohol.” NeoKnight cringed down into his seat at that. “Plus,” he added as some horns sounded off, “the festivities are about to begin.” Everyone turned their attention out into the arena.

Nights entered the arena wearing only his purple slacks, a white tank top, his navi armor boots, gloves, and his icon, which had its familiar yellow gemmed star behind it, and a maroon pair of shades. The arena had a few floating platforms over a pit of molten lava.

Lyne thought something was wrong with the picture, then remembered where they were. “I thought this was the Frozen Realm.”

“It is lass,” Beowulf replied. “My fortress is over an active NetVolcano. Keeps the fortress nice and toasty.”

“I see,” Lyne said as she leaned on the balcony’s edge to look down at the pit. She then saw something moving in the lava. She blinked a little and trained her attention on the lava. A moment later she saw movement again and started chewing on her lip.

“What’s wrong?” Bass asked when he noticed the signs of worry on Lyne’s face. She pointed down and opened her mouth to speak. Bass looked where she was pointing just in time to see a large, serpentine form shoot up from the lava pit. Lyne threw herself backwards into her chair out of shock and almost toppled over from the force she’d used. “A Salamander,” Bass gasped as he watched it curl up and settle down on one of the platforms, facing Nights. The surface of the platform glowed and began to melt from the heat of the monster’s body. Bass then stood up and exclaimed, “He’s supposed to fight that thing without any armor!” The salamander apparently heard him, turning its head to look up at the booth. They could all see that it was drooling lava through its fangs as it opened its jaw to make a noise half hiss/ half deep growl.

“Don’t worry lad. It’s just a public test of his Phoenix Star,” Beowulf said, waving his hand dismissively. Bass grabbed the collar of his suit and opened his mouth to yell again, but Beowulf grabbed his hand, calmly removing it from his collar, “Just calm down. He’ll be fine. If he gets into trouble, he can use that shadow navi to help him. Now sit down and watch.” Beowulf rose up out of his chair to gently but forcefully push Bass back to his own seat. Though they were about the same height, Beowulf’s greater girth gave Bass the impression that he was being towered over and he didn’t resist the lord’s demand.

Bass sat there grumping as Lyne placed hand on his shoulder out of concern. He grasped her hand to calm her and gave it a little squeeze. Another round of horns went off, signifying the match had started. The Salamander sprang into action, charging at Nights, who dodged off to the side and countered with an Aqua Sword.

The virus roared as its tail was sliced off by the wave of water that came from the sword. “Go Bro!” Bass cheered as Nights now led the charge. His attack was cut short when the Salamander rammed its head into Night’s chest, knocking him down onto an empty platform in the middle of the lava pit.

“Gurn… So that’s how you wanna’ play is it,” Nights said he rose up off the ground slightly to look up at his opponent. He then closed his eyes and spoke clearly, “Sable, I summon you from the depths of my shadow to fight by my side.” As he opened his eyes, the navi he called rose up out of his shadow. “Activate your Rainmaker Style Change right now,” Nights commanded as he forced himself to spring over to another platform to avoid a diving attack from the virus fire snake.

“Sure. This molten cretin asked for it,” Sable commented as he activated the style change he was ordered to. The glow that surrounded Sable was gentle and wavy, like seeing moonlight filter down through water. When it cleared, the audience could see the new armor form. It was still black, but had patches of mild blue on the chest, elbow guards, knee guards, and toes. His headband was also mostly blue, as were his visor and face markings. He had silvery bands around his arms and thighs, silver rings stacked along his neck, and bluish-silver material wrapped like bandaging around his wrists and ankles. The same material was wrapped on the top and bottom of the staff he carried, and it trailed off like ribbons. The top of the staff had an ornament like an incomplete circle with a shimmery ball of sea-blue water in it. Translucent blue ribbons trailed off of his shoulders, completing the image.

“Bring on the rain. Storm Clouds,” he shouted as he thrust his staff into the sky, summoning clouds to appear over the arena, and they started a downpour of rain. As the rain fell onto the Salamander and down into the lava pit, it hissed as it evaporated into steam. The billowing clouds of steam writhed around the creature, which cringed in annoyance at the cold liquid beating down on it.

Nights then turned to face the firey beast, “Have at me you foul creature,” he taunted, sending out another wave of water at the virus. The creature launched up into the air to avoid the wave of water energy, and then sinuously twisted its massive form back towards Nights. It slammed down onto the platform, curling its body around to surround Nights with itself. Nights winced as the heat from the monster washed over him. The platform started melting inwards towards Nights and he jumped up to escape the heat.

“No,” Lyne gasped breathlessly as the Salamander took the opportunity to strike out with open jaws, swallowing Night’s whole.

“Brother!” Bass called out as he charged for the balcony to assist Sable in his brother’s aid, but was blocked by a protective barrier. “Noo… I must avenge my brother,” Bass growled as he pounded his fists against the barrier in hopes of breaking it.

“Calm down, lad,” Kroa said as he rose up from his seat to place a reassuring hand on Bass’s shoulder.

“LET GO OF ME!” Bass roared. He turned a bared-teeth scowl on Kroa and activated a Dark Blade which he pressed against the old guard’s throat.

“Calm down Bass,” NeoKnight said as he tried to approach only to get shoved back by a flashed barrier.

“SIT DOWN! There’ll be no violence in my booth,” Beowulf demanded as he stood once more, getting a glare from Bass.

“Connor,” Lyne squeaked, drawing everyone’s attention to the arena. The salamander looked like it just eaten something that didn’t agree with its system and it was having spasms. Suddenly, its head exploded into a shower of hot pixels that streaked brightly through the air. The rest of its body pixilated at a slower pace until there was nothing left except for a rotating gem. Trailing wisps of data streamed about the gem and began merging together, coalescing into Nights’s body. Once he was completely reformed, he touched down in the middle of the arena to explosive applause. Beowulf stood up and applauded as well. Lyne, Bass, and NeoKnight all looked a little confused.

“Um… young demon,” Kroa choked, drawing Bass to look back at the old Atlantian guard. Kroa then darted his eyes down at the blade that was still pressed against his throat.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Bass apologized as he deactivated his weapon and let go.

“Thank you,” Kroa breathed out in relief before a strong hand patted him on the back heartily.

“Your young ruler is quite skilled Kroa,” Beowulf said, wrapping his arm around his shoulder. “The Ancient has taught him well.” The applause then died down as Nights left the arena. “And his people are really pleased,” he said, drawing Lyne and Bass’s attention away from the arena where Nights and Sable were leaving. “My realm has supported them for many millennia now. Looks like they’re ready to go back home.” The half navis looked around at the crowd, now realizing who they were looking at: Atlantian citizens here to see their new king.

“They do know that he has three more tests to go,” Kroa pointed out.

“I think they know that my old friend, but I think they know he’ll pass. Rest now my friends. You have a large journey ahead of you,” Beowulf said as more of his servants came in to escort them back to their rooms. “NK, I want to talk to you for a moment.” The blue haired navi stopped in his tracks obediently. Once they were alone, Beowulf said, “I want you to go with them.”

“Me?! What for? I won’t be much help to them if I’m by myself. I need Treno.”

“You were told what those two were for a reason, and I didn’t say you were going alone, did I? You and your NetOp are a team and are essential to making that fusion sword of yours work. That’s why I want you to go talk to him about this task I’ve given you. The next few days will be grueling on the both of you. Besides,” Beowulf said, drawing NeoKnight in close to him. “Young Lord Cossack is a friend of yours, so I figure that this would make the trip easier on the both of you.”

“Uh… sure,” NeoKnight said as Beowulf let go of him.

“Now get going and talk to Treno.” He gave NeoKnight a hearty pat on the back before the navi linked back to his PET.
___________________________________________
~ Hallway ~

Lyne and Bass were walking down the hall with their escorts, Kroa, and Grindel. “Connor, I’ve been meaning to ask… What were you and NK talking about?”

“It’s nothing,” Bass said, looking away from her.

“It really bothered you, Connor. Please tell me? Nights told him something didn’t he?”

“Yeah,” Bass said, hanging his head. “Who knew Nights was going to blab like that.”

“Like what?”

“He told NK about what we are.”

“Did he tell him everything?” Lyne asked, looking shocked. Bass just nodded as they were separated to go their rooms. I wonder why? Lyne thought as she entered her room to rest.
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~Next Episode Preview~

~Vanhilla Springs~

Nights: Ahhh. You were right Beowulf. The hot springs here are great. It brings back old memories.
Beowulf: You mean you don’t have hot springs elsewhere on the net?
Nights: Well, there might be. I didn’t do a whole lot of traveling around back when I first became a navi, and there are no hot springs in Atlantis Server. I’m gonna’ have to change that.
Kroa: I agree. This is the first time I’ve ever been in one of these. I think it’s the most relaxed I’ve felt in ten thousand years.
Beowulf: So, where’s your brother at anyway?
Nights: He’s been taking off at the end of the episodes lately. I don’t suppose he’s around… Uh, Grindel? What are you doing?
Grindel: *On top of a boulder near the spring.* I wanted to try something out that I read about. Something people do in the real world. Um, diving?
Kroa: Diving? Hey, not in here!
Nights: It’s too shallow!
Beowulf: We’re trying to relax here kid.
Grindel: Woohooooo! *Splassh-Whump!*
Nights: … That looked painful.
Beowulf: Was he supposed to go in head-first like that?
Nights: Usually, but that’s with practice. And in deeper water.
Beowulf: Uh, he hasn’t started moving yet.
Kroa: Not to worry. I’ll haul him out.
Beowulf: Well, we can leave him in here. I’ll just roll him over so his face is out of the water. *Props Grindel’s head on the edge of the spring so he can breath.* All better now. Eh? I NEED ANOTHER STEIN!
Kroa: You really can handle a lot of VirusCLN, can’t you?
Beowulf: I do have a lot of data mass you know. Takes more to affect me. … Where’s that serving wench anyway?
Nights: Isn’t that her over there?
Kroa: Looks like it.
Beowulf: Yoohoo! Another round of CLN over here!
Vanhillan: *Looks over at the group.* Are you calling to me?
Beowulf: Yes I am. We need some more CLN.
Vanhillan: I’m sorry mi’lord, I’m not a real serving wench. I only played one this episode.
Beowulf: … Then I can’t get any more VirusCLN?
Vanhillan: You could get some yourself.
Beowulf: But I’d have to get out of the water then, and it’s really cold out here.
Vanhillan: Sorry, but that’s how it is. Gotta’ go now. Bye!
Beowulf: *Sniffs* It’s just not fair.
Kroa: It’s alright. Just enjoy the soak and I’ll buy a round for you at the pub later.
Grindel: Ooo, c’n I get one too?
Kroa:: No.
Grindel: ‘S not fair. … Why’s my head hurt?
Nights: You dove into a shallow pool.
Grindel: Was it a good dive?
Nights: It wasn’t completely horrible, but it could have been better.
Grindel: Darn it. Should try again?
Beouwulf: Don’t try it. You’ll get some time to practice next time on Lan and Lyne S2: Episode 21: Business Before Pleasure… and Really Big Leaves!
_________________
"NetAngel Style Change Activate"
Megawoman (Lyne)

Avatar made by Serenade.exe

And feel free to post here too artists if inspired
Lan and Lyne Art Thread

[Pyroman.EXE]

WOOT! That was AWESOME! Great chapter, MW.

[Wackoguy]

Geesh,here I was thinking there were just coincidences with "Grindel" and whatnot. :p Also with the little spelling "trick" you did with Valhalla (or was it Vahalla...?)

Anyway,this was another cool chapter! Lots of stuff happened and someone else finds out about Lyne & Connor's identities".

That joke about Bass' remaining clone was ingenius too. Simply hilarious!
_________________
"When it rains,it pours. When it pours,get out of the rain." -quoth me!

Megaman Melee! HUTTAH and HUZZAH!


"I ate your siggy..."

[Megawoman.EXE]

>>! Actually Wackoguy Grindel isn't a spelling trick. I've never read the book Beowulf. I just needed a Norse name and that is what the editor sugguested. the Spelling of Grindel came from a different thing which I will not mention here cause it will take away Grindel's coolness.
_________________
"NetAngel Style Change Activate"
Megawoman (Lyne)

Avatar made by Serenade.exe

And feel free to post here too artists if inspired
Lan and Lyne Art Thread

[Wackoguy]

Oh yeah,it is Grindel. Heh,"Grendil" sounds close but looks ugly.

I know exactly which piece of literary art you're referring to. I'm glad Grindel's good and not a giant,ugly,beast that attacks and devours navis.Heh. (Oh shoot-! Tell me that wasn't too much info..)

Anyhow I was suddenly thinking Bass is gonna be The 13 Warrior! OMGZ!! but,blah...I'm ranting now,so I'll go back to Advance Wars.

*grimaces at Bass' remaining clone,which has not-so-good technology*
_________________
"When it rains,it pours. When it pours,get out of the rain." -quoth me!

Megaman Melee! HUTTAH and HUZZAH!


"I ate your siggy..."

[Megawoman.EXE]

[Featherdust]

Wow.... it took me a really long time to read up to the current chapter. This is an amazing story so far. It's seriously novel-quality. I love how much the characters have developed over the course of the story, and the plot is thick and interesting. Can't wait till the next chapter. ^ ^
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[Megawoman.EXE]

Author's Note: Warning! There are a few romantic suggestive sceenes in this one, so don't be alarmed. I couldn't fit the warning in the title of the fict. I hope you all enjoy this one, especialy Serenade.exe/Hotshot.
_____________________________________________________

Episode 21: Business Before Pleasure… and Really Big Leaves!

~Middle of the Night ~ 18 November 200X ~ Bass’s Room ~

The medallion around Bass’s neck glowed with a dark purple aura. He then sat up in his bed and stretched. “I’m sorry Host Master, but I have to use your body to talk to an old friend,” his voice spoke as he threw the covers off his body and left the room.

“My, it’s been a while since I’ve been here,” he spoke as he peeked out the door before entering the hall. “I hope I can find her before dawn. This is important.”

“Find who Lord Cossack?” a voice asked from behind. Bass’s body turned to face the voice’s owner. “Or should I say Dark?” the voice continued to query as he took notice of Bass’s glazed over eyes, and glowing icon.

“Oh, Beowulf. How’d you know?” Dark said as he rubbed the back of Bass’s head, embarrassed to be found out so easily.

“Dark, it’s all too easy to see you’re in control of the lad’s body. You should let him sleep.”

“He is. I gave him a peaceful dream to watch,” Dark replied with a smile.

“That’s not what I meant,” Beowulf huffed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“But Beowulf, I have to talk to her,” Dark pleaded. “Please tell me where she rests.”

“But you know the rules.”

“I’m just going to talk to her, I swear. My Host Master promised he wouldn’t do anything to her body. Well… at least for a very long time. He’s really kinda’ freaked out by that stuff, and you know I can’t break his promise. I’m bound to his words and thoughts. Please,” Dark begged, placing Bass’s hands together pleadingly.

“Oh fine,” Beowulf said as he rolled his eyes, “Just as long as you stop acting childish. You’re over 12,000 years old.”

“Aww, now you’re being a spoil sport,” Dark said, earning a menacing glare from Beowulf. He then held up his hands defensively, “Alright, I’ll act my age. Where does she sleep?” he asked in a serious manner.

Beowulf walked up to the door to the right of the room Dark had exited and opened it quietly. “In here. Try to make it quick. Dawn will soon be here,” he said as he opened it up a little more, just wide enough for Dark to squeeze Bass’s body though.

“I know. Thanks,” he replied as he gently glided into the room while Beowulf closed the door behind him. He exhaled nervously as he approached the sleeping female figure laying on the bed on the right hand side of the room As he approached, he took off the still-glowing medallion Bass wore around his neck. “I guess he’s right,” Dark sighed as he realized how Beowulf found him out. “Here goes,” he said as he hung it over Lyne’s exposed medallion. “Light,” he gently cooed, “Light wake up. We’ve got to talk.”

Lyne’s body batted at him as her medallion glowed with a gentle, heavenly white glow. “Go away. I’m sleeping,” came her groggy reply.

Success, he thought as he put back on Bass’s medallion. “Light, it’s really important,” he said as he gently shook Lyne’s shoulder.

“Mnnnn,” Lyne’s body moaned as it sat up and rubbed its eyes. “What is it Dark?” Lyne’s voice snapped sleepily. “I was in the middle of a really good dream.”

“Light, you having a good dream is, like, impossible. Especially now with Havock’s return.”

“That was what my dream was about. I killed Havock with one blow and the world became a happy place,” Light replied with a smile. “A really wonderful place.”

“Okay. I could be wrong. Now let’s get serious,” Dark said as he placed Bass’s hands over her arm bands. “This is what I want to know about. Did you tell her to find these?”

“Oh these,” Light said as she looked down at the arm bands. “Uh… it was only a small suggestion,” she replied. “And nobody can resist the look of a sad girl. So that NK character bought them for her. Both sets,” she added with a smile.

“Smart girl,” Dark said as he rubbed to top of her head making Light smile and giggle with glee.

“That feels really good. Kiss me,” she purred, making Dark abruptly stop. “Why’d you stop?” Light asked, misting at the corners of her host’s eyes.

“I – I can’t,” he said. He stood up and paced away from her a bit before he turned to face her sad expression. “My host master made a promise that he wouldn’t. Not to Lyne. Not yet.”

“But…” Light protested before he pressed his finger to her lips silencing her.

“I’m bound. You know the rules. I really wish I could but you know I can’t disobey.”

Light hung her host’s head and choked out, “I do.” She then lifted her head up. “At least we’re one step closer to freedom. My hunch was correct about these armbands. It took over 10 millennia for them to reform, but these were our Phoenix Stars,” she said, leaning in close to Dark, who had just retaken a seat on Lyne’s bed.

“Yes this is true. I felt this one’s presence once he put these on. I just hope he didn’t feel it too,” Dark said before he looked over at Light slyly. “You know what we must do now, before they catch on.”

Light nodded before they spoke in unison, “Download.” They both got up off Lyne’s bed and walked out to Lyne’s balcony. Dark teleported them down to the frozen garden below it.

“Okay, where is it?” Dark asked as Light held out Lyne’s hand to scan for sacred network space.

She walked forward a few spaces until she entered the center of the garden. “Right here! This spot right here,” she said as she pointed at the ground. Dark joined up with her and drew a circle around the spot before they both stood inside it.

“Ready?” he asked as he held out his host’s arms with his hands flat-palmed, facing Light, who copied his action and placed her hands against his.

“I’ve been waiting 10 millennia for this moment,” she replied with a smile on her face. “Our patience has paid off. Let’s start,” she said, getting a nod from Dark.

“Phoenix of Ruby, Phoenix of Sapphire, merge and become whole once more,” they both chanted for a few minutes before the four pronged gems on their arms started to glow and merge into their host’s arms.

“Aguah! It hurts!” Light exhaled in pain as she felt the gems absorb into her host’s body. “I don’t remember it hurting so badly.”

“I know, but you have to be strong for you host master’s sake,” Dark encouraged even though he had a painful grimace on his face. After close to an hour, though it felt like more, the gems had been fully absorbed by Bass and Lyne’s bodies.

They both fell to their knees, exhausted. “Whew! I’m glad that is the last time we do that,” Light breathed out in a shaky, exhausted tone. “Let us finish the task Dark. Kiss me,” she said as she launched her host at Dark, who shoved her into the snow.

“You know we can’t fulfill that. Our hosts have to do that of their own free will,” he said as he got up off the ground.

“Grrrr. Then I’ll make her kiss you,” Light huffed angrily as she got up and charged at Dark again.

He grabbed her around where the armbands were located and shook her. “We can’t interfere any further. Their souls are now bound to the elements. Ours are not. We’re going to have to wait,” he said as he caressed Light’s cheek, which was now tear-streaked.

“That really hurt,” she whined quietly in complaint.

“Hey, it got your attention,” he said as he let go of her and removed his armbands. “Now to destroy the evidence,” he said as walked over to a short wall at the edge of the garden and tossed the armbands into a pressure vent that led to the lava below. Light followed his example, tossing them down to where they would melt away.

Her face was still tear-streaked from the pain he had caused. “Dark, is holding allowed, or at least a hug?” she asked as she took notice of sky starting to turn colors behind them. Dark noticed this too and nodded. He teleported them back to Lyne’s balcony and held Light close to his chest. “I’ll miss you,” she choked.

“I know. I’ll miss you too my love,” he said as he gently let her go to look at her face, “Now sleep so your host may wake.” Then without a word he teleported to the balcony next door and called to her, “‘Til we’re truly free.” He then disappeared into Bass’s room.

“Yes Dark, ‘til we’re free,” she breathed out calmly as she returned to Lyne’s bed from her balcony, and laid down, returning to her age old sleep.
_____________________________________________

After all was calm again, the brilliance of light coming from the artificial sun entered Lyne’s room, starting to wake her. She laid there for a moment, wondering about a light, throbbing pain she felt. It flared up quite suddenly, making her scream loudly.

This woke up a good majority of the castle. While she was trying to figure out what was wrong, Kroa, Grindel, Beowulf, NK, and Nights entered her room to check up on her.

“You alright?” Nights asked as his two guards and NK started searching her room for any intruders.

So those two managed to pull it off, did they? Beowulf thought as he called off the search. “She’s fine,” he said as another shout rang out, this time from next door.

“Connor,” Lyne stiffly cried as she sprang out of bed and ran out of the room, followed by the other five male navis. When she burst into his room, he was sitting upright in bed, holding onto his upper forearms. That’s where I’m hurting too, she thought as she rubbed her arms where they hurt. What happened last night? Why can’t I figure it out?

Nights kneeled beside Bass’s bedside, checking up on his arms to see if they were bruised. “Don’t worry it about it young lord. Guests always complain about these two rooms. I think it’s time I listened to them and get the beds upgraded again,” Beowulf said. NeoKnight looked at him questioningly. Guests had complained about these two rooms before, but they didn’t complain about the beds. Something wasn’t right and he could feel it. Before he could voice a question, Beowulf patted Lyne on the shoulder, making her wince in pain, “Sorry lass. Maybe I should’ve had the servants find you two better rooms to sleep in last night.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine,” she said as she rubbed her shoulder now.

“Well then, if they’re fine, it’s time to go,” Nights said as he left his brother’s bedside and exited the room, followed by Grindel.

“He’s right Lord Beowulf. It’s time,” Kroa said as he stopped beside the Undernet Lord.

“Okay. I’ll get the Net Portal opened up,” Beowulf said as he exited with Kroa.

Lyne walked up to Bass as he got up off the bed while NeoKnight investigated the room for a problem. Bass then looked Lyne in the eyes. “Do you feel anything odd?” he asked her.

“No, just a lot of pain in both my arms,” she replied as she continued to rub her arms, clenching her jaw against the pain.

Something’s up alright, NeoKnight thought to himself as he looked around the room, There’s nothing wrong in his room or hers, and Bass figured something was wrong. But why ask her? he pondered as he came back to them.

Cause she can sense things nimrod, Bass projected to NK. “Thought so,” he said in a disappointed tone. The pain must be too distracting for her to concentrate. *Sigh* Whatever. At least the pain is going away.

“I’m sorry Connor. I’ve been trying since I woke up,” Lyne burst out in apology, getting both male navis’ attention.

“You two are very odd,” NK said as he started to leave the room. “And you should be nicer to her you know. Women don’t like to be treated cruelly.” NK then left the room.

Bass grumbled angrily for a second before he followed after NK. “You coming?” Lyne nodded and followed after his lead. They walked down the hall for a moment before he spoke, “He’s right. It’s okay that you couldn’t find a problem, and I really didn’t mean to sound so disappointed. I’m just having a bad morning,” he said as he stretched while they exited the palace. Their armor reactivated as they entered the garden.

When they finally came to a stop beside Nights, Beowulf opened a Net Portal in front of them on the ground. This was the first NP that they had encountered that located on the ground. This made the two half navis and Nights worry. Beowulf noticed this. “ ‘Tis nothing to worry about. It’s perfectly safe, and the only one I have working for where you need to go to next young lords and lady,” he said in a reassuring tone.

Nights nodded. “Thank you for your generosity Lord Beowulf,” he said as he outstretched his hand and shook the Undernet Lord’s hand.

“Don’t mention it lad. I’m lending you the services of one of my finest mercs,” he said as he motioned towards NK. “This is NeoKnight. NK for short. His abilities should prove useful to you.”

“Cool!” Bass exclaimed as he wrapped his arm around NK’s neck. He then brought him in close enough to whisper. “You brought some VirusCln, right?”

NK took some chips out from underneath his cloak, “You should know me. I never leave home without my secret stash.”

“Alright. This trip is about to get awesome!” he whispered in a gleeful tone.

Nights then clapped his hands. This didn’t seam to get his younger brother’s attention. “Bass!” he snapped, spooking his younger sibling, “It’s time to go. And absolutely no VirusCln,” he said, waving his finger at Bass.

“Yay, more for me,” NK said in a taunting tone.

“Awww… C’mon bro. Just one,” Bass pleaded.

“You already had one and a half,” Nights argued back.

“Okay, I’m getting out of this argument,” NK said as he walked over to the portal with Grindel and Kroa. All three of them entered as Bass and Nights argued. Lyne stood there beside the portal, waiting for the two brothers.

“That doesn’t count,” Bass argued back in protest. Nights turned away from Bass and entered the portal. “Don’t think this argument is over with!” he shouted after Nights had disappeared.

Lyne went over to him and grabbed his hand gently. “C’mon Connor. Let’s go,” she said as she jumped into the portal.

“Lyne!” he shouted as they plunged into the portal. The data stream they had entered twisted and turned randomly, taking them somewhere else in the Undernet. It took what seamed like forever to exit it, but once they did, they felt relief… Until thy started to fall.

Huh? Bass thought as he activated his flight engine out of instinct. “Whew, that was close,” he breathed out in relief. He heard shouting below him, looked down, and saw Lyne was still falling. “Oh crap! I forgot she can’t fly without her NetAngel armor, and she doesn’t have enough energy to activate it,” he said as he dove down after her.

As she fell, Lyne started to panic. She hadn’t fallen like this since her flying lessons while she was grounded. She felt her speed increasing, and her panic rose with it. As she fell, she remembered a calming mantra so she could focus. I know, she thought as she activated her program directory, searching through it for a hopeful solution to her problem.

She took a quick moment to look at her surroundings, and noticed the ground below her was blue for some reason. She suddenly found a program she recognized as one of Bass’s. When did I get this? she pondered as she activated it. Her backpack piece of armor turned into a pair of large, inset, honey combed, pink crystals, bordered in dark metallic blue. She then came to a stop, just inches above the ground.

“Hey! Connor, I found my copy of your…” she said as she got splashed with a huge wave of water. Bass had impacted with the blue surface it in an attempt to catch her, missing when she activated her program. “Flight Engine,” she finished as she looked down at what she had thought was the ground, and saw Bass sinking. “Okay, that’s why the ground was blue. It’s water,” she said as she slapped her forehead.

She then deactivated the new program and dove into the water after him. Shortly after her plunge she returned to the surface with Bass coughing and sputtering. “That was the wrong time for you to find that freakin’ program!” Bass growled, and glared at Lyne, before splashing her with the digital water.

“I’m sorry,” she squeaked in apology as he continued to splash in between a few defensive splashes of her own. “Stop it Connor,” she roared back when she had enough and splashed him back harder, starting a childish water fight.

NK just stood there on the shore as he watched the two half navis fight. He shook his head before he called out, “Hey you two, over here!” He then waved at them, getting their attention. They stopped splashing to look over at him standing on the distant green shore.

Lyne breathed out, “Wow… This place is beautiful.” They were surrounded by a lush, green, tropical jungle.

“We’re really far out,” Bass said, making a note of how far they were away from shore.

“Well then, I’ll beat you there,” Lyne said as she started to swimming towards shore.

“Phea,” he huffed as he reactivated his own flight engine and rose up out of the water. As he did so, he felt a presence. Huh? Who was that? he thought as he looked around. He noticed a rocky overhang above the lake that looked like a diving board. It had a navi standing on top of it, but he couldn’t make out his features.

We meet again, Bass the figure thought to him as it turned its headdress down to look at Bass with glowing eyes.

Those eyes… I’ve seen them before. Who are you? he projected back to the strange navi.

You’ll soon find out, the navi, said raising his head to look down on Bass, “‘Til we meet again,” the navi finished as disappeared from sight.

“Connor, who was that?” Lyne asked as she swam back out to him. “He felt familiar. I’m not sure how, but he did.”

“Yeah, he did, but from where?” Bass pondered as he looked down at her. “Why do you even bother swimming? You can fly now, and looks like I’ll beat you to shore,” he said as he zipped off.

“Hey Connor!” Lyne called out after him. “You’re not being fair,” she whined in complaint as she reactivated her flight engine and followed clumsily after him, not used to how this method of flying worked. When he got to shore he looked back to see how she was doing.

She seemed to have difficulty using the program and eventually gave up on using it, dropped back into the water, and swam the rest of the way. “Was it really that hard to figure out?” he asked as she came up on shore and to catch her breath.

“Yes,” she managed to wheeze, kneeling on the ground with her hands on her thighs. The swim had taken even more energy out of her.

Bass turned his head away from her when he heard Nights say, “Which way now Grindel?” While looking at the others, Bass offered Lyne some data, which she took eagerly and consumed it immediately.

“I’m looking. Old maps are hard to read,” he said as the trio joined up with them. “Ow!” Grindel exclaimed after getting a whack on the head from Kroa’s staff.

“Look who decided to finally join us. Ha, ha, ha, did the widdle demon get wet?” Sable asked from Nights’s shadow.

Bass glared down at him, “Oh yeah? Take this,” he said as he repeatedly stomped on Nights’s shadow.

“Oww, ow, ow, ow ,ow!” Sable exclaimed each time Bass brought down his foot.

Nights then glared at him, “Bass, stop fighting with my shadow warrior or I’ll sick him on you,” he said as he looked the map over himself while Grindel held it open. The younger guard rubbed the painful-looking lump on his head, biting back tears of pain. Bass was frozen in mid stomp. He calmed down and relaxed, but remained where he was, happy enough to just stand on Sable.

Grindel regained his senses when Nights tapped him on the shoulder to get him to look back at the map. “Alright… We go,” he ran his finger over a green section of the map, “This way,” he finished, pointing off to their right, which was full of thick vegetation.

“Oh boy,” Kroa commented, “Grindel, you sure you read that right?”

“Well, it is your handwriting, and it says to go that way, but that’s pretty thick,” Grindel replied as he looked the vegetation over.

“This won’t be a problem,” Nights said, tugging on the energy lace hanging down from the back of his helmet. “All of us have a bladed weapon of some sort. We’ll just hack our way through. Let’s do a final check on out supplies before we do so.” The group then checked to see that the enares were sent through after they were, and all the supplies were still carried by them. “Okay, Meg, Kroa, and Grindel will be guiding the Enares while the rest of us will be cutting a path for them in he brush. Got that?”

NK and Bass both hung their heads. Bass disliked manual labor, and NK didn’t feel right about using his beautiful, crimson blade to cut down weeds. This made Sable laugh uproariously, which got Bass to growl and start stomping again before NK dragged him off to start cutting away some of the foliage.

“And Sable we’re going to need your help,” Nights said, stopping Sable’s laughter abruptly. “Come forth out of my shadow!” he commanded, giving Sable no choice but to obey his command and become solid once more. “Conceder this punishment for not only making fun of my brother and his friend, but me as well.”

“But… bua, I,” Sable started to stutter in surprise that he was being punished for a silly little joke.

“Work!” Nights shouted as he pointed in the direction they needed to go while Bass and NK were busy hacking away at the wall of foliage. Sable hung his head in defeat and activated his double bladed scythe.

“This sucks, baka shadow pact crap,” he pouted as he charged at the foliage, spinning his scythe around him in a figure eight pattern.

Bass and NK took notice of the charging purple glow, “Crap!” NK and Bass both exclaimed as they jumped out of the way of Sable who was easily cutting a path in the foliage.

“Maybe I should use my Hells Rolling. It basically does the same thing,” Bass suggested getting a hot glare form his brother. “Maybe some little ones to clean up after Sable…”

“Fine, just get back to work,” Nights said, giving in to his brother’s request. Bass happily activated smaller versions of his Hells Rolling attack and had them follow after Sable. He had to concentrate to get them to lay horizontal, flat on the ground, mowing down what Sable didn’t already clear out.

“Be careful in here Bass. You don’t know what’s lurking around in the rest of the jungle,” NK warned in a cautious tone.

“I know that,” Bass said holding out his Dark Blade, ready to attack anything that would even dare try him.

The rest of the group followed after them. Kroa and Grindel each guided two of the enares, and Lyne guided one with Gospel walking by her side. As they walked along, Bass and NK did rounds around the group, sort of like a patrol they had made into a game. Quite unexpectedly, Lyne got hit in the head by something from the canopy, which made her fall to the ground.

This made Bass rush to her side to aid her. He helped her up off the ground to make sure she was alright. “Owww! What was that?” she asked as she looked around while holding the side of her head. Bass looked around the area.

“Don't know. C’mon. We don’t have all day to dwell on that thought.”

She then noticed an oval rock on the ground. “Oh, cool!”

“Lyne, leave it there,” Bass commanded.

But you need that! a sweet voice tempted inside her head. You want it!

“But I want it. Please. It’s just a rock,” she pleaded as she folded her hands in her plead and made her cutest face.

“Fine. Grab it and let’s go,” he said as he turned away from her.

“OK,” she said as she picked it up. It was large enough to fill her hands. She then stored it in her program storage. “Hey, come think of it, what happened to those arm bands NK bought as anyway?”

Bass merely shrugged his shoulders and carried on. “How am I supposed to know? I didn’t want them in the first place. But I did look a little and couldn’t find them.”

She then looked up at him, “I’m sorry if I forced them upon you. I just a little anxious, but they did look good on you. Anyway, I can’t find mine either. So I guess it’s no big deal.”

“Less junk for us to carry. C’mon, before we get lost,” he said as he grabbed her hand and followed after the group, which was a good distance ahead of them. When they rejoined the group, Nights was giving Sable commands as to how he wanted the path cut. Shortly after that, they ended up in a clearing which had an Aztec Pyramid in the center of it.

“So, I’m guessing this is a sacred spot of this Undernet realm,” Bass said.

“Well, there are several,” Grindel piped up, “but this is the one we want.” He double checked the map and Kroa looked over his shoulder for his own peace of mind.

“The map says she’s inside, Lord Nights. Would you like to meet the Queen of this Realm before the test?” Kroa said.

“Probably a good idea since I haven’t met her before,” he said as he led the group up towards the large pyramid.

“This feels all too familiar,” Bass growled as they got closer to it. He was keeping an eye out for an ambush. He was surprised that there was none that he could see, but instead there was a female navi standing in front of the base of the pyramid.

She wore armor that was very much like Serenade’s except for its different colors and front-split, white skirt instead of baggy pants. She had on gold jewelry that had sun charms on them, and a golden helm with a gold sun on the top. Her hair was sky blue and hung out at her temples and from the back of her helmet. Her eyes and skin tone were both brown with the eyes being just a little darker. The body suit on her torso was black and golden gauntlets covered her hands and part of her forearms. Scarves that matched her hair color could just barely be seen, occasionally fluttering behind her. Her icon was a silver background with a golden sun on it. Their group came to a sudden halt when she started walking up to them, not sure if she was a threat.

She stopped in front of Nights and looked him over appraisingly. She backed away from him and spoke mockingly, “So the Atlantians want a clown as their ruler.” She kept her eyes on Nights, waiting to see if she would arouse any fight from him. Instead, Bass was the one to respond by charging at her, only to be stopped by the other four male navis of the party. “Heh, heh, I see you did pass my sister’s test,” she said, looking Nights straight in the eyes. “But it will take more than faith in yourself and your phoenix star to pass my test.” She then extended her hand out to Nights. “I’m Temple, and my realm is known as the Forgotten Forest.”

She then waved her hand around her, getting her guests to look at the area around them. They were surrounded by a tranquil rainforest setting with a waterfall in the background. There were also some buildings that surrounded the area, but they looked abandoned. As they looked around, her attention was caught by Lyne and Bass’s navi signatures.

Temple walked over to the half navis and stopped in front of them, humming slightly to herself as she examined them. “They’re master elements aren’t they?” she asked as she brought up her left hand, which now had two silver, elongated claws on them. Then in one quick motion, she made tiny scratches on both their faces. They were both too shocked by this to react and just watched curiously while she looked at the data she had drawn on her claws. “Oooo, and they’re an angel and demon as well,” she said as she turned to face Nights. “They can’t be witness to this test due to this fact and you know this.”

Nights lowered his eyes. “Yes I do, and I accept this,” he said as he raised his arm and pointed at the older of his two guards. “Kroa will be my witness.”

“Good. It’s about time the old coot did something,” Temple huffed in amusement.

“Ha, ha Temple,” Kroa laughed humorlessly, before examining his hand, “I’m actually a busy man.”

“Right,” she said narrowing her eyes at him. “C’mon you two. The sooner we get started, the better. The lighting inside really sucks and can’t be upgraded.” She lead the way inside her pyramid, followed by Kroa.

Nights gulped nervously and followed after her and Kroa. He paused for a moment when he heard Bass following after him. “Connor, stay here. And the same goes for everyone else, including you Sable. I have to go myself for this test. Consider yourself free for the moment.” Nights then left his party behind.

“Brother, what’s going to happen to you that we can’t see?” Bass called in slight worry. He had finally gotten a chance to do something with his brother and ever since they started this quest he almost lost him once already.

“A test of Data, brother,” Nights called out in a calm tone as she vanished from sight.

Lyne started to feel concerned as she placed her hands on Bass’s shoulders. “Do you think he’ll be alright?” she asked as she rubbed his shoulders.

“Phuea, Master Nights will be alright,” Grindel spoke up as he waved his hand at them, “At least that is what he told me if his data is able to link back to King Raymos’s data,” he said as he placed a finger on his chin in recollection. He then started to set up camp. “All we can do is wait.”

“Yeah,” NK agreed as he started to help Grindel set up camp so the group could wait comfortably for Nights to finish his test.

“Whatever,” Bass huffed as he watched them finish setting. Grindel then lit a small campfire and sat down in front of it, warming his hands. Bass shook off Lyne and made his way over to stand in front of Grindel, getting his attention. “So… Grindel, can you tell me what this so called test of data is?” he asked, glaring at the young navi, allowing a red glow to show in his eyes.

“Um… *gulp* Ahhh, you see that pyramid over there?” Grindel asked as he pointed at Temple’s Pyramid. “It’s a… a giant genetic data scanner. It will scan all of Master Nights’s data right down to the genetic make up. Whatever that stuff is.”

Bass closed his eyes and then snapped them back open, looking at Grindel once more, “How?”

The young navi shrugged his shoulders. “That I can’t say.”

This angered Bass enough that he grabbed the navi by the collar of his armor and lifted him off the ground. “Can’t or won’t?” he demanded as Grindel just hung there, terrified.

“Conner, let him down. He might not know anything,” Lyne pleaded as she watched him hold Grindel like that. She had seen him use this technique before. If he didn’t get what he wanted to know right away, he’d resort to beating on the poor navi and she didn’t want that to happen to their new friend.

Bass then looked at her. “He knows something and I will find out what. Now answer me.” Bass then turned to face Grindel once more. “You can’t or won’t?”

“N-n-neither,” the scared navi stuttered out, getting Bass’s eyes to glow with greater intensity. “S-seriously I don’t know how it scans it. All I know is it does, and takes hours to do so. Kroa is the one who told me about this place, and he would know more then I would. P-please d-don’t hurt me,” he begged as Bass still held him there.

Bass lowered him to the ground and spun him towards the pyramid. “There’s a problem with that you see,” he said pointing at the structure. “Kroa went in there with my brother.” He then let go of Grindel. “You’re a baka,” he huffed and turned away from him.

“Connor, that wasn’t nice,” Lyne complained as she helped Grindel off the ground.

“I could tell you,” a voice projected from the shadows surrounding them as the artificial sun started to set.

“Sable!!!” Bass growled as he looked over at the shadow navi.

“Wasn’t me, I swear,” he said, waving his hands in front of him defensively. NK nodded in agreement.

“Then who?” Bass asked as he got up and activated his buster, ready for an attack.

“Me,” the voice replied as a trim navi came out of the shadows. He had a dark complexion and wore what looked like an Egyptian Pharaoh’s garb, head-dress and all. He examined his hand casually way. “I told you we’d meet again, Bass.”

That was the navi from before. His signature is the same, Bass thought as he looked the navi over. He was very young looking, but also familiar in his appearance, “But who?” he pondered aloud as he stared straight at the navi and aimed his buster at him.

“Of course you wouldn’t recognize me. My appearance has been altered since you last saw me Bass,” the navi continued as he walked up to be seen better. His head dress glinted in the light as he approached calmly. “But I do have this to say, to give you a clue Bass. You were once my guardian.”

Lyne finally realized who he was and hid behind Bass, who was staring at the Egyptian navi wide-eyed. “P-Pharaohman?!” Bass asked getting a nod from the navi. He then shook his head. “But you were - ”

“Deleted… I know,” Pharaohman said, raising his hand in a motion to stop him from speaking. “But then again, there is the little miracle of ghost data. I also thank you for ridding me of that accursed Alpha Virus. He was becoming a real pain.” Pharaohman the folded his arms against his chest ad glared at Bass. “But what took you so long?”

“It wasn’t his fault,” Lyne piped up as she stood in front of Bass. “Alpha cursed him too.”

“I already knew that Aurora,” he replied, waving his finger at Lyne. “Don’t think I haven’t been watching you two.”

Lyne’s mouth opened in silent confusion for a moment, then an angry glare appeared on her face. “That’s not my name!” she shouted, making Pharaohman jump in shock.

“By Anusbis’s hounds, you’ve become really sensitive. But then again it might come with being a maturing Mind Jumper.”

“I’m not a mind jumper anymore either,” Lyne burst out once more.

He waved his had dismissively at her. “Of course you are. Don’t be silly.”

“Your memory must be really old, ‘cause what she speaks is the truth, and her name is Megawoman,” Bass huffed, “We’re both half navis.”

Pharaohman’s eyes went wide in shock as he now activated his scanner on them both. “Huh? Both of you. But your human body died,” Pharaohman said as he looked over at Bass.

“Okay, old navi since you were speaking about miracles, don’t you think I’ve experienced some too? If I tried to explain, your antique programming might overload, old baka,” he huffed as he turned away from the Egyptian navi.

“Connor that wasn’t nice. Pharaohman’s not that old,” Lyne scolded Bass while Pharaohman hung his head.

“Acutally, Aurora-”

“MEG!” Bass and Lyne growled.

“Fine, then Meg. Bass is right. I am antique. My data is older then yours in some ways, but that gives him no excuse to be a rude little brat,” he replied, glaring back at Bass. “What happened to respecting your elders?”

“When did I ever do that? You said you could tell me what’s going on in there,” Bass said as he pointed at the pyramid.

“Exactly what the young guard Grindel told you, except in order to do this, it has to be taken from his frame and examined by the pyramid,” he said. “Every last bit of it. To the point of deletion.”

“No,” came a stifled gasp from Lyne.

“Don’t worry he’s going to be perfectly fine,” Pharaohman said in a tone of reassurance. “The procedure is safe and it’s been used many times.”

“And when was the last time this was done?” Bass asked, noting Pharaohman’s tone.

“Um… Let’s see. I believe over 1,000 years ago,” he replied with a smile.

“What?! C’mon Meg we’re going to make sure it is safe,” Bass growled, dragging Lyne away from the group, towards the pyramid.

“But Connor, Temple said we could-” Lyne said as Bass made contact with a invisible force field barrier, knocking them both back, “-n’t.”

“Oh, by the way, that barrier won’t fall until the test is over. I see you still haven’t learned patience Bass,” Pharaohman said as he took a seat in front of the fire that Grindel had made. “Ahh, that feels much better. My NetOp should’ve programmed me with a body suit. That would’ve helped,” he muttered as he sat there and warmed up.

“Grrrrrr… Why you,” Bass growled as he got ready to charge at him.

“Connor, calm down,” Lyne pleaded.

“Fine. Why are you here anyway Pharaohman? To antagonize us?” Bass asked angrily.

“I’m here to keep you all company, and…” he said as he snapped his fingers.

Lyne yawned, swayed, and suddenly collapsed to the ground behind Bass.

NK and Sable came to check up on her. Grindel just looked over as he continued his job of keeping the fire going. “Dang, that’s a weird way to go to sleep mode,” Sable commented as he scanned her with his visor.

“What did that snap do to her?” Bass growled as he grabbed Pharaohman by his shoulder dress.

“Dark and Light can’t hide forever,” the Egyptian navi managed to choke out as Bass held him up.

“What?”

“You didn’t, did you?” Grindel asked in concern.

“They need to know the truth,” he said as he looked Bass squarely in the eyes, “about the elements who inhabit their bodies.”

“Why are you making it sound like we’re possessed?” Bass demanded. He then felt a sudden force latch onto his back, making him exhale unexpectedly and drop Pharaohman.

“Dark!” Lyne’s voice exclaimed excitedly with her arms now latched around his waist.

“That’s just too cute,” NK commented before he and Sable started laughing.

“Bass, meet Light,” Pharaohman said as he returned to his seat beside the fire.
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Next Episode Preview

~The Group’s Camp Site~

Author: Okay everyone, that was great. Who wants lunch?
Lan: *Appears out of nowhere at the mention of food.* Right here ma’am!
Bass: I could go for some food too. Thank goodness we’re on break. I couldn’t remember the next line.
Nights: What next line?
Bass: The line I say after Lyne j- Wait, what are you doing here? What’s Lan doing here?
Lyne: Well, duh. It’s an episode preview.
Bass: Episode preview already? What kind of place is that to end an episode?
NeoKnight: I’m pretty sure that’s what you’d call a cliffhanger.
Bass: Cliffhanger? Shouldn’t somebody be in danger or something? Like, about to be hit by some huge attack or something? Oh, episode’s over Lyne.
Author: Well, not all cliffhangers end with someone in danger, although that’s the traditional thing. A cliffhanger can also involve just something that’s a surprise. Like in a soap opera when someone who “died” two years ago suddenly shows up out of nowhere as the CEO of the “evil corporation” that’s taking over the town and is just about to close down the family business.
Grindel: You mean Light’s an evil CEO?
Bass: … That was a joke, right? Uh, Lyne, the episode’s over.
Lyne: I know.
Lan: So, what’re we going to eat?
Pharaohman: He’s not even supposed to be here, is he?
Author: He wasn’t in the episode if that’s what you mean.
Nights: But something to eat does sound good. Maybe a Japanese Steak House?
Editor: With this many people? Couldn’t afford it, no way. We’ll go to a ramen house.
Bass: Aww, that’s cheap.
Editor: Hey, we don’t get paid for this stuff. If we did, there’d be no problem, but we have to make sure we save enough money to cover our anime and video game habit.
Bass: That’s more important than feeding your stars?
Editor: Yes, of course.
Bass: Well, I feel special now… Lyne, you can get off me now.
Lyne: Thanks, but I think I’m okay right here.
Bass: Don’t you think you should consult me about that?
Lyne: No, you’re fine with it too.
Bass: I am not! Get off. *Tries to shake Lyne off.* Ahh, someone get her off me!
Pharaohman: Heh, heh, that’s adorable. This is normal, isn’t it?
NeoKnight: More or less. Cute, but sort of sad too?
Bass: Author, tell her to get off!
Author: I don’t think that would work. You’ll just have to put up with it.
Bass: What? Noooo! Get off, get off, get off!
Lyne: Wheeeee! You’re like a thrill ride.
NeoKnight: That sounded kind of wrong?
Pharaohman: Do you think she’ll let go?
NeoKnight: Maybe, but we won’t find out until the next episode of Lan and Lyne S2, Episode 22: Truth.
Bass: Someone, get her off me please!
NeoKnight: You’re on your own. Ramen time!
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"NetAngel Style Change Activate"
Megawoman (Lyne)

Avatar made by Serenade.exe

And feel free to post here too artists if inspired
Lan and Lyne Art Thread

[Featherdust]

Whoa, Pharoahman's changed. o__o; He's still the same old grump though. xD Poor Grindel. Bass is so mean. :P

*does the kirby dance* Another great chapter! :D
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[Pyroman.EXE]

Interesting, the elements sorta have a personality of their own...

Can't wait to see how this turns out. And... poor Sable. XD

[Kai]

[Kai]

[Midnight]

Wow.

At first, I will admit that the beginning of this chapter was a tad hard to swallow. I've been finding that although the chapters are dripping with detail, it sometimes can lead to sensory overload, and really cloud the reader's mind as to who every minor character is and what is going on. However, as the chapter progressed, it seemed that it got a LOT more lucid, and flowed a lot better.

I look forward to seeing how you will deal with the ethereal inhabitants of the protagonists. Nice work.
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Today, these three players are after Big Bucks! But they'll have to avoid the Whammy, as they play the most exciting game of their lives! From Television City in Hollywood! It's time to 'Press Your Luck!'--Rod Roddy

The Kingdom of Loathing: An Adventurer is You! // I ♣ Seals

Avatar by Spork. I very much appreciate it! <3

[Serenade.exe/HotShot]

WHEW! I'll leave a better review once I actaully do a detailed read! THANK YOU!!!!
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Sig by Hikari Angel

[Lan1220]

Nice chapter~ Bass stomping Nights's shadow to hit Sable. FUNNY! XDDDDD Great job.
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Sig credit goes to Hikari Angel

[Serenade.exe/HotShot]

WHEE! Yet another excellent chapter...

Bits of everything a good story needs, can't wait to read more!
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Sig by Hikari Angel

[soberflight]

Glad to see the chapter preview...I missed them! Very intriguing chapter! Nice work...how's your carpal-tunnel prognosis?