Week #:17
Being week 3 of Dark Half.
In which love blossoms to an uncertain winter...
Week 16: Darker Half B
Scene 1,Week 16
Covert Ops
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Lerris' Tent; Morning.
<What Yet May Be> Lerris.... Wake up.........
<Hunter Lerris> ::snores:: (mumbling) I'll never tell you where the married treasure is.
<What Yet May Be> ??
<Hunter Lerris> (mumbling) Tell your queen, proto-ant. I'll never talk!
<What Yet May Be> Uh.... ::sticks her head outside the tent:: Wyran, how do you wake him up?
<Wyran> Have you tried 'Breakfast'?
<What Yet May Be> No. Thanks.
<Pidedis> Hey, Wyran, we need to get out of here.
<Wyran> Alright. Good luck, What Yet May Be.
<What Yet May Be> Thanks. I just might need it. ::returns to tent interior:: BREAKFAST!
<Hunter Lerris> Huh? Wha... Oh... Morning What Yet May Be. Where's breakfast?
<What Yet May Be> Thought it would be good for you to get some exercise. Don't think I haven't noticed that extra poundage.
<Hunter Lerris> More of me to love?
<What Yet May Be> Try again. Come on. Double time! To the Commons!
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Morning.
<Pidedis> Okay.... Hand me that red wire. That green one too.
Pidedis attacked wire bundle with Thor's Hammer!
<Pidedis> That should take them a bit. Have you finished uploading that virus?
<Wyran> Not yet. I just have to hack into the server.
<Pidedis> Oh, for Odin's sake! ::logs in:: There.
<Wyran> It'll just be a minute more.
<Pidedis> Let's see... Monitor smashed, check. Wires changed, cut, or fused, check. Hard drive quick formatted, check. Mouse balls stolen, check. That should about do it.
<Wyran> Pidedis?
<Pidedis> Yes?
<Wyran> Would it help if we stole some of the wires too?
<Pidedis> I suppose.
<Wyran> Or glued some keys down on the keyboards?
<Pidedis> Nice. We'll have to hurry, though. The Ops guys get to work early.
<Wyran> So do we.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Morning.
<Ops Light Ghost> Oh, my poor baby! Who did this to you? Talk to me! Talk to me!
<Broken Screen> (R)etry, (c)ancel, (a)bort?
<Ops Light Ghost> I don't think I can go on. I'll get them for this, my love.
<Broken Screen> (R)etry, (c)ancel, (a)bort?
<Ops Fire Bug> Someone really did a number on this place.
<Ops Earth Mech> You can say that again.
<Ops Fire Bug> Someone really did a number on this place.
<Ops Earth Mech> That wasn't funny.
<Ops Fire Bug> Neither's what happened here. Someone wrecked my mouse with the fire decals.
<Ops Earth Mech> (shocked) No!
<Ops Fire Bug> Yes.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> What happened here?
<Ops Earth Mech> The technological Angel of Death stopped by for tea.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> ::shudders:: Remember to clean out the coffee pot.
<Ops Fire Bug> You idiot! Never mention the Liquid Alarm Clock.
<Ops Earth Mech> The Early Morning Altar.
<Ops Light Ghost> The Reverse Dish Washer.
<Ops Fire Bug> The Late Night Punch Card.<br>
<Ops Earth Mech> The Fluid Reboot.
<Ops Light Ghost> The ---
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> I got it. I got it. Lerris'd blow a JAVA applet if he knew.
<Ops Fire Bug> That would explain what happened to the place.
Thoughtful pause.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> Quickly! To the Caffeinated Chalice!
<Ops Fire Bug> Gods of Mocha, please let it be safe!
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> ::moves the fake wall:: Thank Aiur! It's safe. And not a scent of tea.
<Ops Earth Mech> Start a thing of brew and let's see what we can salvage.
<Ops Common Human> What in Shade's vile name happened here?
<Ops Earth Mech> We'll tell you when we figure it out. Be a good Net Monster and go tell Lerris about this, won't you?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> Has anyone seen Sparky?
<Ops Fire Bug> Your pet virus?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> The same.
<Ops Fire Bug> Search me.
<Ops Thunder Dragon> Please tell me this a nightmare from last night's dinner.
<Ops Fire Bug> If you wish.
<Ops Earth Mech> I'm going to patch into the system and see if our data was damaged.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> I'll check terminals A23-49.
<Ops Earth Mech> ::sighs:: Well, if I'd wanted an easy job, I would work down in the Kitchen.
***********************************************
Scene 2, Week 16:
Invisible Warfare
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Morning.
<What Yet May Be> No seconds. We're training today. Return those dishes. Let's go, go, go!
<Hunter Lerris> Yes, sir. Ma'am. Thingy.
<What Yet May Be> You'll pay for that 'thingy', mister. I'll see you at Training in 5 minutes. Bring the staff.
<Hunter Lerris> Who put a glitch in her code? Or a Ice Slime down her underwear?
<What Yet May Be> Less complaints, more training.
<Hunter Lerris> Yes, Drill sergeant!
<What Yet May Be> That's more like it.
<Hunter Lerris> Yes, Kill sergeant!
<What Yet May Be> What did you say?
<Hunter Lerris> Nothing, Grill sergeant!
<What Yet May Be> Just get moving.
<Pidedis> Is he gone?
<What Yet May Be> Coast's clear.
<Pidedis> Thank Odin. We're starved!
<Wyran> Geeping him in lyne?
<What Yet May Be> What did you say?
<Wyran> I said "Keeping hymn on lime?"
<What Yet May Be> Are you feeling alright?
<Wyran> I am feelEn a bot like A picked up a bog.
<What Yet May Be> A what?
<Wyran> A buge. A big. A baj. A bug.
<Pidedis> We'll stop by Doc Boo after we eat. He should have an Anti-virus program to take care of it.
<Wyran> Th4nxx.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Mid-morning.
<Ops Earth Mech> But, Darling! How will we ever get away from them?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> We'll find away. Nothing can stop our love. Nothing.
<Ops Earth Mech> Nothing.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> Not even death.
<Ops Earth Mech> Ours or theirs?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> Which ever it takes.
<Ops Earth Mech> Oh, Taylor , you risk taker, you.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> You have to gamble to get the big payoffs.
<Ops Earth Mech> Am I a risk?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> The biggest.
<Ops Earth Mech> And have I paid off?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> A thousand fold, Gwenyth. A thousand fold.
<Ops Earth Mech> Oh, Taylor !
<Ops Light Ghost> You know, we should try and help them.
<Ops Common Human> But this is so amusing. Popcorn, anyone?
<Fire Bug> No thanks. We getting this on film?
<Ops Thunder Dragon> Every precious moment.
<Ops Common Mech> I can't believe you guys. I'm going in after them.
<Ops Thunder Mech> Ditto. Let's roll.
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Training Grounds; mid-morning.
Lerris countered the blow!!
<What Yet May Be> Now that you're awake, I can turn the heat up.
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Hand of Darkness...
Lerris counters the blow!!
Lerris attacks What Yet May Be with training staff...
0 damage!!
<What Yet May Be> How do you intend to fight a Netmonster of any power with that little stick of yours is beyond me.
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Icy Cold Stare...
43 damage!!
<What Yet May Be> Weren't expecting that one, were you? Bet you were watching my hands.
<Recruit Common Dog> Woo hoo! Go What Yet May Be! Go for the kill!
<Recruit Ice Bug> You rock!
<What Yet May Be> My adoring fans. What can I say?
<Hunter Lerris> Let's give them something worth watching, then.
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea, Sandy Plateau, Command Sector, Covert Ops; mid-morning.
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> I never said that!
<Ops Earth Mech> (trembling) But... but...
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> It must have been Harvey . That slime!
<Ops Earth Mech> I don't know any Slime named Harvey...
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> He's my twin brother.
<Ops Earth Mech> Twin brother?
<Ops Digital Ice Fish> Don't worry. I'll make him pay for his deception.
<Ops Comm System> We'll return to "Cycles of our Processors" after these messages.
<Ops Fire Bug> Aw... Alright, guys. We work during commercials.
<Ops Light Ghost> So we've got a working system?
<Ops Fire Bug> One.
<Ops Light Ghost> Awesome. I've got this one URL that's bothering me...
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Doc Boo's tent; Mid-morning.
<Ops Common Human> And you'll give this to Lerris?
<Pidedis> Of course. Lerris should know about this immediately.
<Wyran> It's critically important. We can't let this go unnoticed.
<Ops Common Human> Thanks guys!
<Pidedis> No problem. ::grins:: I've got a great idea, Wyran.
<Wyran> You don't think the virus we hit them with is enough?
<Pidedis> ::shakes her head:: I need to see a Fish about a game of tag.
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Training Grounds; Mid-morning.
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Giant throw...
0 damage!!
<Recruit Lightning Bird> Nice roll Lerris!
<Recruit Ice Bug> Nah. It was just luck.
<What Yet May Be> Was it? Or have you been practicing?
<Hunter Lerris> You tell me.
Hunter Lerris attacks What Yet May Be with Triple Strike...
30 damage!!
<Recruit Lightning Bird> Oh yeah!
<Recruit Common Rockman> My money's on Lerris.
<Recruit Phantom Cat>What Yet May Be'll take 'im. 3 to1.
<Fire Bug> 2 to 1, actually. Place your bets! Place you bets! 2:1 against Lerris, 1:3 for What Yet May Be to win! Hurry, hurry!
<Hunter Lerris> How does he always do that?
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Shatter Kick...
45 damage!!
<What Yet May Be> Can't get distracted, Lerris!
<Recruit Ice Bug> Yee hah!
<Recruit Common Rockman> That's gotta hurt!
<Recruit Earth Dragon> This is SO awesome.
v Hunter Lerris uses Battle Cry...
Lerris' "Endurance" stat has raised by 11 points!!
Lerris' "Strength" stat has raised by 7 points!!
<Recruit Fire Mech> I wish I could do that...
<Recruit Light Mage> Maybe you could if you were a Hunter too.
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Impetus Bolt...
15 damage!!
<Recruit Phantom Human> Ha! He's looking pretty fried!
<Recruit Ice Dragon> You can do it, Lerris!
Hunter Lerris uses Shrug off the Pain...
Lerris regained 60 Life Points!!
<Recruit Ice Dragon> Nice recovery!
<What Yet May Be> It won't be enough to save you!
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , The Dunes; Mid-morning.
<Berokuko> A training exercise, you say?
<Pidedis> Strictly confidential, of course.
<Berokuko> I'm honored you chose my unit.
<Pidedis> You won't let us down?
<Berokuko> (musing) A sustained assault on Covert Ops.....
<Pidedis> And might I say the Japanese Rising Sun headband suits you nicely.
<Berokuko> Thanks. Alright people, it's time to play a little game of tag!
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Mid-morning.
<" Taylor "> I knew I'd find you here!
<"Gwenyth"> ::gasps:: Which one is really Taylor ?
<Ops Common Mech> So you finally caught on.
<" Taylor "> I've known for awhile, now. Why do you always do this, Harv?
<" Harvey "> Mother always loved you best.
<" Taylor "> I'm ahead of you on this one, Harv. Cynthia!
<Ops Thunder Mech> Yes, Harvey ?
<" Taylor "> There's someone I'd like you to meet...
<" Harvey "> You sneaky little--
<" Taylor "> Turnabout is fair play, Harvey .
<"Cynthia"> ::gasps:: Who are you?
<" Harvey "> It's me, Cynthia!
<"Cynthia"> Then who is this?
<Ops Light Ghost> No! Not that! Noooo! All that data lost!
<" Taylor "> Don't believe him! He's my evil twin, Cynthia!
<"Cynthia"> His name is Cynthia?
<" Harvey "> No! It's really me! He's the twin!
<Ops Light Ghost> Which one of you jokers glued down "Control-Alt-Delete"?
<" Taylor "> Now Cynthia!
<"Cynthia"> ::draws a knife:: Oh.. Which one do I stab? Who's really Harvey ?
<Ops Ice Ghost> Ahhh!!! Help me, guys!! ::is dragged off into the shadows::
<Ops Comm System> We'll return to "Cycles of our Processors" after these messages.
<Ops Fire Ghost> Has anyone tried the Anti-Sleep?
<Ops Thunder Dragon>Yeah. It was disgusting.
<Ops Phantom Bug> I'm loving it. It tastes just like a Bucket o' Tar.
Awkward silence.
<Ops Thunder Dragon> I thought it was a little thick.......
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Training Grounds; Late morning.
<Fire Bug> Hey! That concludes this match. Score is What Yet May Be 7, Lerris 5. Collect your winnings and place your bets for next round!
<What Yet May Be> You're not looking too shabby, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> I thought I had that last round...
<What Yet May Be> Couldn't let you tie it up. I've got loyal fans to think about, you know.
<Hunter Lerris> I seem to have attracted quite a following as well.
<What Yet May Be> Merely misguided youths. They'll soon see the light.
<Hunter Lerris> I'd love to know where that merchandise came from. I've never seen the What Yet May Be T-shirts or the Official Hunter Lerris Staffblade replica. Or the Hunter Lerris doll with 17 authentic sounds of pain. Or the What Yet May Be Replica goggles. Where do they get this stuff?
<What Yet May Be> Search me.
<Hunter Lerris> I'd love to. ::grins::
<What Yet May Be> Now you've crossed the line. Over my dead body!
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Hand of Darkness...
7 damage!!
Hunter Lerris attacks What Yet May Be with Embarrassing Blow...
24 damage!!*^
*^A note for the masses: Hunters have about 100 Life Points, while some NMs can have over 600. This should explain any discrepancies between damages. After all, it'd be a boring match if What Yet May Be could total Lerris in under 3 hits.
<Fire Bug> Place your bets! Place your bets!
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Late Morning.
<Pidedis> Beg for mercy. It won't save you.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Mercy! Mercy! I haven't done anything!
<Pidedis> Oh, yes you did!
<Ops Ice Ghost> What?
<Pidedis> (coldly) Lerris would have lived if it weren't for you.
<Ops Ice Ghost> ???
<Pidedis> Bye bye.
<Ops Ice Ghost> Mommy.
Pidedis attacks Ops Ice Ghost with Needle Bomb...
213 damage!!
Pidedis was victorious!
<Berokuko> I'm not sure I understand.
<Pidedis> Part of the exercise. Casualty count?
<Berokuko> 7 separate acts of sabotage. One soldier injured to friendly fire. And ma'am..
<Pidedis> Yes?
<Berokuko> (trying to stay level) We found a coffee pot.
<Wyran> ::gasps:: Not again!
<Pidedis> I know it's policy never to have one, but it's never happened before. What's he going to do, Wyran?
<Wyran> It's ugly. You don't want to know.
<Pidedis> No. Tell me.
<Wyran> Well.... ::whispers to Pidedis::
<Pidedis> ..............
<Wyran> I know. It's pretty warped, isn't it?
<Pidedis> Where did he come up with that ?
<Wyran> I'm not sure. There are several instances I can think of...
<Pidedis> Demented clown school, perhaps?
<Wyran> No. They all involve grievous head injury or fever.
<Pidedis> I've got to write this down.
<Berokuko> ::clears his throat:: Will there be anything else, ma'am?
<Pidedis> Anything else? Oh.. No. Carry on with the exercise.
<Berokuko> Ma'am! ::salutes sharply and leaves::
<Pidedis> Carry the 3....
<Wyran> Whatcha doing?
<Pidedis> Totaling my pranks. I figure I get all of Berokuko's squad's stuff because I planned it. I'll get 10,000 yet!
<Wyran> (mildly outraged) You stopped in at your tent yesterday to get your prank count?
<Pidedis> (defensively) No! This is my journal. With everything happening, things could get confusing. Besides... There are a couple of things I never want to forget.
<Wyran> What else do you have in that backpack of yours?
<Pidedis> Stuff. Take a look if you want.
<Wyran> Don't mind if I do. Hmm... Here are those chocolates.. Your poem... And a marshmallow Peep with a ribbon around it..
<Pidedis> Don't touch that Peep!
<Wyran> Look, I know you're a Peep-aholic. Calm down.
<Pidedis> It's not that, it's just...
<Wyran> It's from him, isn't it? I recognize his style. That's why you haven't devoured it, isn't it?
<Pidedis> ::nods slowly:: My salvitory glands have been going nonstop since yesterday.
<Wyran> Woah! Way too much information!
<Pidedis> Odin's twin ravens! There's something that grosses you out? I thought you had no scruples!
<Wyran> (embarrassed) I just.. never liked hearing about tongues. They're so gross. I mean, just writhing around in your mouth like a worm. A fat, bald worm. It's almost like a separate entity. I mean, just think about it. Some creature living in your mouth. And it secretes saliva. Almost like--
<Pidedis> I get it! I get it! Stop the gross out attempt. I yield. ::pauses and chuckles::
<Wyran> What's so funny?
<Pidedis> I bet you never French kissed anyone.
<Wyran> Ug.... ::turns a funny color and passes out::
<Pidedis> I'm going to have to remember that one. Getting a little peace around here can be such a pain.
********************************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Training Grounds; Lunch.
<What Yet May Be> (panting) Looks like I underestimated you.
<Hunter Lerris> ::beams:: Guess so.
What Yet May Be attacks Lerris with Giant Throw...
87 damage!!
What Yet May Be wins the battle!
<What Yet May Be> Care to amend that statement?
<Recruit Phantom Ghost> That was a cheap shot! Booo! Booo!
<Recruit Earth Dog> Yes! Time to collect my winnings.
<Fire Bug> Well, folks, it was a close match. The score is presently What Yet May Be 12, Lerris 10. Place your-- Wait... It would appear the contestants are signaling they're ready to break for lunch. Betting will resume half an hour after lunch ends. Thank you for choosing us for all your bookie needs.
<Hunter Lerris> (somewhat pained) What a wind bag.
<What Yet May Be> (obviously exhausted) Need a hand getting to the Commons Tent?
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. That would be really ni--
<What Yet May Be> WHAT DID I JUST HEAR YOU SAY, HUNTER? STAND UP STRAIGHT! WE HAVE NOT BEGUN TO TRAIN. LET'S MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!
<Hunter Lerris> ::whimpers:: Yes, ma'am....
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Lunch.
<Fire Bug> You think you guys could do this more often? It's like a dream come true. My profits... Oh, the profits.
<Hunter Lerris> ::chokes on his drink, spraying it all over::
<Fire Bug> (stammering) And, um, the recruits are gaining invaluable experience by watching you.
<What Yet May Be> (smoothly) Don't worry. Until Pudgy boy over here improves, you're going to see a lot of us down in Training.
<Fire Bug> Praise be to all gods, goddesses, and entities of luck that are, have been, and will be.
<Joc> Hey, Lerris! Where's Pidedis? I wanted to talk to her, but I can't find her.
<Hunter Lerris> I haven't seen her all day. Kinda odd, now that I think about it...
<What Yet May Be> Ahem! If you're done enough with your meal to converse, then you're done enough to return your plate. You still have to run back to your tent and get a new outfit on. Just because we're training, you don't get to stink to High JAVA. Then it's back to training with you, because I'm not done thrashing you for today. GET A MOVE ON IT!
<Joc> ::chuckles:: This is what it'll be like everyday if you two get married, Lerris.
What Yet May Be attacks Joc with Shatter Kick....
121 damage!!
<Joc> Sorry to interrupt your lover's quarrel.
Joc attacks What Yet May Be with Icy Cold Stare...
47 damage!!
What Yet May Be attacks Joc with Giant Throw...
104 damage!!
Joc attacks What Yet May Be with Icy Cold Stare...
48 damage!!
What Yet May Be attacks Joc with Hand of Darkness...
Joc is weak against this attack! 189 damage!!
What Yet May Be wins the battle!
<Pidedis> You don't know how long I've wanted to do that.
<What Yet May Be> Sorry. I would have saved the last hit for you if I'd have known.
<Pidedis> It's alright. It's the thought that counts.
<What Yet May Be> Indeed... Hey! What are you doing here? If Lerris should--
<Pidedis> It's alright. He ran out of here just after you started kicking the protoplasm out of Joc.
<What Yet May Be> So you've got everything covered?
<Pidedis> Yeah. No worries. Covert Ops is trashed and we intercepted Nemesis' URL. It's all taken care of.
<What Yet May Be> ::sighs in relief:: Good. I'll still keep training him, though. Just in case.
<Pidedis> Oh ye of little faith.
<What Yet May Be> Oh I of little chance taking.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Command Sector, Covert Ops; Evening.
<Ops Common Human> So... What did I miss?
<Ops Thunder Dragon> Well... Cynthia stabbed both of them and then suicided. Harvey died, and Gwenyth and Taylor eloped to South America . Gwenyth didn't tell Taylor she was married, and now Gwenyth's husband has showed up.
<Ops Common Human> Gwenyth's husband looks an awful lot like Harvey .
<Ops Thunder Dragon> He's also been the waiter, the pilot, the cab driver, and the florist. The show is horribly short staffed.
<Hunter Lerris> Hey, could somebody get me some coffee?
<Ops Fire Bug> You idiot! Never----
<Ops Earth Mage> Bloody C+! Lerris!
<Hunter Lerris> Evenin' boys.
<Ops Light Ghost> It's.. it's not what you think.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh? ::strides over to the false wall and opens it:: Then just what is it?
<Ops Fire Bug> A mistake. A big mistake.
<Hunter Lerris> You've got that right. EVERYBODY OUT OF THE TENT!!
<Ops Light Ghost> As if my day couldn't get worse.....
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Evening.
<Hunter Lerris> Before you stand the accused. I charge the staff of Covert Ops with possession and use of an illegal substance. Under the Deneb Charter, the---
<Ops Light Ghost> Deneb?
<Hunter Lerris> Hunter friend of mine. She was something of a mentor... She helped me lay out my organizational structure, so it's named after her.
<Ops Fire Bug> Is that all she helped you with?
Hunter Lerris attacks Ops Fire Bug with Backhand Slash...
72 damage!!
<What Yet May Be> ::wipes away a tear:: They grow up so fast...
<Hunter Lerris> The accused will remain silent. ::clears throat:: Under the Deneb Charter, the possession and/or use of coffee is a capital offense, punishable by no less than 7 days probation and whatever else is deemed suitable by the highest ranking Hunter.
<Ops Light Ghost> ::heart pounds:: (chanting) Rehab and kitchen duty, rehab and kitchen duty....
<Hunter Lerris> You are hereby sentenced to 10 days probation and two nights in the stock.
<Ops Fire Bug> We have a stock?
<Ops Common Human> That's inhumane!
<Hunter Lerris> ::laughs evilly:: You have no idea. Ever tried to stay up for two days straight? I'm sure your beloved coffee can help you... When served through an IV. And to help you get rid of all that excess energy coffee seems to imbue, we have some handy hamster wheels for you. Should they not spin fast enough at any time in the next two days.... Have you ever tried to dig your way out of a sand dune?
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea , Moonlit Beach; Evening.
<What Yet May Be> That was so scary! Where on Earth did that come from?
<Hunter Lerris> I've never much like coffee....
<What Yet May Be> You were the regular tyrant back there! "I've never much liked coffee" indeed!
<Hunter Lerris> Alright. I have a bad history with it. I've actually never had any, but.. Let's just say a very important battle was lost because of it.
<What Yet May Be>So why haven't I heard anything of this Deneb before?
<Hunter Lerris> (slightly embarrassed) It didn't seem important.
<What Yet May Be> This isn't another one of those "unimportant" pasts that is going to come back to haunt me, is it?
<Hunter Lerris> Like Wyran?
<What Yet May Be> Bingo.
<Hunter Lerris> I don't think so. I haven't heard from her in a long time. And she was going out with some guy at the time, so I think you're safe.
<What Yet May Be> That's good. Hey Lerris, I'm proud of you. You worked hard today.
<Hunter Lerris> Really? It seemed like nothing I did was enough.
<What Yet May Be> You did fine. You improved quite a bit. I just had to motivate you.
<Hunter Lerris> Praise from What Yet May Be. That makes the whole day worth it..
<What Yet May Be> You're just the charmer today.
<Hunter Lerris> So that means you let me win in the end?
<What Yet May Be> Maybe.
<Hunter Lerris> Aww... I thought I won it fair and square.
<What Yet May Be> I wanted you to have a sense of accomplishment.
<Hunter Lerris> I want a rematch tomorrow.
<What Yet May Be> Not this very moment?
<Hunter Lerris> I have other plans for right now.
<What Yet May Be> Oh?
<Hunter Lerris> The lovely scenery doesn't give you any ideas?
<What Yet May Be> Not really.
<Hunter Lerris> Where were you when they taught everyone how to have fun?
<What Yet May Be> Sure you want to know?
<Hunter Lerris> Yeah. Even if it was making out with Shade in his Tower.
<What Yet May Be> (outraged) You think I'd make out with Shade?
<Hunter Lerris> No, but it never hurts to check.
<What Yet May Be> It doesn't? Shows how much you know! ::smacks Lerris::
<Hunter Lerris> I thought the rematch was waiting until tomorrow.
<What Yet May Be> ::shrugs:: Plans change.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Evening.
<Pidedis> I can't believe he actually did it.
<Wyran> Didn't I tell you?
<Pidedis> Yeah, but seeing it and hearing about it are two different things.
<Wyran> So.... Is it too early to be celebrating?
<Pidedis> No... I think we're covered. We've got the URL, Covert Ops is locked up in hamster wheels, and What Yet May Be's got her eye on Lerris. Let's see if we can convince the Kitchen staff to start the New Year's Eve party early. Joc should still be in Doc Boo's.
<Wyran> Alright! Then, to success and the promise of tomorrow!
<Pidedis> (dreamily) To the promise of tomorrow.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , East Wing; Evening.
<Phantom Fish> So, these are the guys. Guys, this is Joc.
<Earth Mage> You brought a Light Netmonster with you? Are you out of your bowl?
<Phantom Fish> Hey! He's a kindred spirit. Trust me.
<Fire Dragon> As many an untrustworthy person as said.
<Phantom Fish> Give it a rest. Besides, we need a 7th if we're going to do this. His timing is perfect. Could his appearance be anything other than unholy providence?
<Fire Dragon> (grumbling) Alright. Let's just get this over with.
<Phantom Fish> Alright. Everybody get in your places. Joc, go stand on the "IV".
<Joc> The "IV"?
<Earth Mage> Between the "V" and the "III".
<Joc> Oh. Got it.
<Phantom Fish> Okay then. Spread the Incense of Evil.
<Earth Mech> Spreading the Incense of Evil.
<Joc> Smells fruity.
<Fire Dragon> ::glares at Joc:: Shhhh!!!
<Phantom Fish> Plant the Seed of Doom.
<Fire Dragon> I plant the Seed of Doom.
<Phantom Fish> Bind the Knot of Summoning.
<Thunder Human> Rabbit goes through the hole... Under.. Over... Around 7 times..... Figure eight until he gets dizzy.... and through! The knot of summoning is tied.
<Phantom Fish> Now repeat after me:
Legacy of shadow's master
Gleaming beacon of our doom
Come and grace our corrupted souls
And tear our world asunder
Descend thy tower
Thy Plane of darkness
And snuff the light from our eyes.
<Earth Mage> I hope it works!!
<Joc> Who'd have thought joining a cult could be so much fun?
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Commons Tent; Evening.
<Pidedis> Please tell me that I've had too much punch.
<Wyran> Okay... You've had too much punch.
<Pidedis> You know what I mean. Do you see a blazing beacon of Darkness in the middle of East Wing?
<Wyran> I think so, why?
<Pidedis> I think we dropped the thermonuclear doomsday device again.....
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea , Moonlit Beach; Evening.
<Hunter Lerris> It's a little early for fireworks.....
<What Yet May Be> What?
<Hunter Lerris> Take a look over at East Wing.
<What Yet May Be> Ew.... Think we should check it out?
<Hunter Lerris> Nah. Not much we can do about it. It'll probably be over before we get there anyway. And I don't feel like letting go of your hand.
<What Yet May Be> And what if I do?
<Hunter Lerris> Who says you'll be able to get it free?
<What Yet May Be> Me, for one.
<Hunter Lerris> Is that a challenge?
<What Yet May Be> If you feel like taking it.
<Hunter Lerris> Alright. Ready when you are. ::grips What Yet May Be's hand tightly::
<What Yet May Be> Let's see if that training of yours paid off. ::tries to get her hand free:: Not bad, Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> Thanks. ::kisses What Yet May Be:: Not bad, What Yet May Be.
<What Yet May Be> ::gapes and stops trying to free her hand::
<Hunter Lerris> Looks like I win.
<What Yet May Be> You cheat!
<Hunter Lerris> All's fair in love and war.
<What Yet May Be> Is this love?
<Hunter Lerris> (mocking) Is it war?
<What Yet May Be> ::shakes her head fondly:: Maybe it's both.
***********************************************
Search Engine Sea , Moonlit Beach; Evening.
<What Yet May Be> Nooooo!
<Hunter Lerris> What? I've been holding you for 10 minutes. Now you start having guilt?
<What Yet May Be> It's not that. Grab your staff. We have to get out of here.
<Hunter Lerris> What is it?
<What Yet May Be> Nemesis.
<Hunter Lerris> Wasn't that a Star Trek movie? And they said it was the end of the TNG crew. Grr....
<What Yet May Be> No, you idiot! The Seed of Evil!
<Hunter Lerris> What? That little herb garden project go bad or something?
<What Yet May Be> You moron! Seed of Evil... That thing from the dispatch.. The "Approach with extreme caution or run like heck" dispatch.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh. That dispatch... Never read it.
<What Yet May Be> Remind me to kill you later.
<Hunter Lerris> Why would I want to do that?
<What Yet May Be> So I don't kill you right this second.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh. Will do.
<What Yet May Be> Now let's get out of here before Nemesis arrives.
<Hunter Lerris> I hate party crashers.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Hidden Overlook; Evening.
<Hunter Lerris> I didn't know you knew about this place..
<What Yet May Be> Lerris, just shut up. ::looks around anxiously::
<Hunter Lerris> Do you come here often? I've never see---
<What Yet May Be> Shut up!! ::glares at Lerris:: Pidedis! What went wrong?
<Pidedis> (panting and dragging Wyran along) I don't know. We trashed Covert Ops and I've got the URL that Nemesis is supposed to be at right here. How did it get loose?
<What Yet May Be> I don't know. Send Wyran to check out East Wing.
<Pidedis> ::nods:: Wyran, go run down to East Wing and figure out what happened. What Yet May Be and I will try and defend Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> Defend me from what?
<Pidedis> Well, yourself to start with.
***********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , East Wing; Evening.
<Phantom Fish> What did I tell you? Unholy providence!
<Earth Mage> ::bows to Joc:: Forgive me for doubting you, Supremely Fiendish One.
<Joc> It was nothing. Really.
<Fire Dragon> I still can't believe it worked!
<Thunder Human> Yeah! It's not every day you summon the Seed of Evil.
<Common Ghost> Do you think it'll be the Plant of Evil when it grows up?
<Fire Dragon> It's a metaphor, you twit!!!
<Common Ghost> Oh. Does that mean there isn't going to be any Fruit of Evil? I always thought of Evil as a Fig Tree. You know, the Figs of Wrath and all that.
<Thunder Human> No, no! It's the Pigs of Wrath, courtesy of Swinela.
<Fire Dragon> Thank Pig.
<Wyran> You summoned that thing?
<Joc> All the way from Shade's tower.
<Wyran> ::makes a sign to ward off evil:: Mothers, don't let your children become cultists.
**********************************************
NMRC Camp, Search Engine Sea , Sandy Plateau , Hidden Overlook; Evening.
Element: Phantom
Combo: Node-Cat-Slime
Level: 85
<Hunter Lerris> No winners...
Element: Fire
Combo: Ghost-Mage-Slime
Level: 60
<What Yet May Be> Seriously, Lerris, get a new nervous habit.
<Hunter Lerris> Tell me about it. This is a pretty depressing one. A couple near misses, but that's about it. So.. What's this all about anyway? I get the feeling I'm missing something here.
<Pidedis> There's an understatement.
<Hunter Lerris> ::pauses as something clicks:: That's what all that training today was for, wasn't it?
<What Yet May Be> Er.....
<Hunter Lerris> You knew this was coming, didn't you?
<What Yet May Be> Sort of....
<Hunter Lerris> It was one of your dreams, wasn't it?
<What Yet May Be> You're the perceptive one tonight...
<Hunter Lerris> Alright. I'm ready. ::runs through staff exercises::
<What Yet May Be> Think this'll be it?
<Pidedis> I hope so. I don't know how much more of this I can stand.
<What Yet May Be> And if he dies, think of all that time wasted training him...
<Pidedis> Now you know how I feel.
<What Yet May Be> Sister, I've always known how you feel.
<Pidedis> What's that supposed to mean?
<What Yet May Be> Hey! I didn't mean it like that. We're just going through the same phases, you know?
<Pidedis> I doubt it.
<What Yet May Be> Look, you're not the only one in the world to ever get that feeling. That you're discovering love and that anything is possible.
<Pidedis> You couldn't possibly understand.
<What Yet May Be> Look, Pidedis, I do understand. It happens to everyone.
<Pidedis> No! This case is special.
<What Yet May Be> Of course it is. It's unique and special. Just like it was for everyone else.
<Pidedis> I don't have to listen to that kind of talk from you!
<What Yet May Be> No, but you will if you know what's good for you.
<Pidedis> I'll say it again. You can't possibly understand. You're too busy with your little plots and snares. You're controlling and you've never trusted anyone in your life.
<What Yet May Be>How can you say that?
<Pidedis> Because it's true. Isn't Lerris always saying that you never seem to be having fun? Or at least it's as rare as snow in the Digital Desert ? That's because you never really open up. You look at Lerris like he's a trophy, to be dragged off and put in a cabinet, polished twice a week and taken down when it's convenient for you.
<What Yet May Be> You're one to talk! Like you can open up? Lerris tried it with you and you kicked him in the--
<Pidedis> Well, at least I'm honest with myself!
<What Yet May Be> Are you saying I'm not?
<Pidedis> One would think someone as self-centered as you would at least be honest to herself.
<What Yet May Be> What are you talking about? I'm not the one who can't except that she screwed up . Twice.
<Pidedis> I didn't screw up!
<What Yet May Be> How do you explain Nemesis getting here?
<Pidedis> Look, I don't know, but I didn't screw up!
<What Yet May Be> You can't blame me for your own failures, Pidedis. Who's not being honest now?
<Pidedis> You conceited little--
<Hunter Lerris> AL ELLISANDE!!!
Hunter Lerris attacks Nemesis with Triple Strike...
***********************************************
The Void; Where Time is meaningless.
<Pidedis> (strained with fury and frustration) Balder's bane! We were so busy going at each other that we missed Nemesis' approach.
<What Yet May Be> (coldly detached) You've got to admit, Lerris did well. He survived longer than any of us and inflicted quite a bit of damage.
<Pidedis> For all the good it did him.
<What Yet May Be> (straining to hold on to her detachment) W-What was it we started arguing over?
<Pidedis> I... don't remember. I just remember a lot of screaming and something about this being somebody's fault and accusing you of lying to yourself.
<What Yet May Be> (somewhat defeated) It's true, to some degree.
<Pidedis> The same can be said about what you said about me.
<Wyran> What happened this time around?
<Pidedis> (embarrassed) Nemesis got him in a show down. He did pretty well. He might have survived, but What Yet May Be and I started screaming at each other, good old Nemesis got passed us. We couldn't reach him in time.
<What Yet May Be> I guess we played Hot Potato with the thermonuclear doomsday device...
<Wyran> Speaking of which, I know how Nemesis got here.
Expectant pause.
<Wyran> Joc joined a cult down in East Wing and they summoned it here.
<Pidedis> (torn between tears and rage) WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON THAT SLIME, THERE IS GOING TO BE LOKI TO PAY!!!!
<What Yet May Be> ::stares at Pidedis:: Touchy today, isn't she?
<Wyran> So... What's the plan?
<What Yet May Be> ::sits down and holds her head in her hands:: I don't know.
<Wyran> ::clears her throat:: It appears to me we only have one option.
<What Yet May Be> What's that?
<Wyran> Keep trying 'til we get it right.
*********************************************
How many more weeks will Dark Half continue?
What does Pidedis' journal say?
Is Nemesis invincible?
How acute are What Yet May Be's powers of prophecy?
What other hare-brained schemes will the NML crew come up with?
Does Deneb's mention hold bearing on later issues?
Does the universe just hate Lerris' New Year's Eve parties?
Just how evil can Pidedis' revenge be?
The answer to these exciting and intriguing questions next edition of NML !!!
