Week #:7
Being the week 2 of the Leandr cycle.
In which lost things are sought, questions asked, and puppets reign abroad...
Week 5
The Stars Are Ice
Being Part 2 of the Leandr Cycle
In which lost things are sought, questions asked, and puppets reign abroad.
The Stars are Ice
Wandering in a frozen wasteland, a silent figure, dark-clad, sticks out in an ocean of endless winter. Chill winds enfold him in snow. Despite the cold weather gear he wears, he still looks cold.
<Hunter Lerris> Hurph Har Dellfy Kaiders. ::removes muffler:: Sorry 'bout that. Hey RDLP readers! I'm transmitting from the very Frozen North. Still no sign of my NM army. It's till creepy how they all were gone one morning. The lines at were pretty short that day. I found LA-773496 on my search, but he's pretty much useless. ::knocks on something and the entire world shakes:: 'Cept for transmitting while I'm abroad.
The land slowly crawls by and you assume this means Lerris is moving again.
<Hunter Lerris> It's been several months now and I haven't seen any signs of them. If this is Shade's work, it was a masterful stroke. I've made on progress and I'm REALLY sick of walking. Darkness, it's cold here. You can't---
The image is replaced with static. After several seconds, Lerris fuzzes back into being.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh... You're back on. Not even that good at transmitting. Anyway, you can't imagine what a pain it is to have to run from every Node, hostile, and minion of Shade. I probably should have just recruited a new batch of NM's, but... ::shakes his head:: I know how to utilize them. That's it. That's the only reason I need them.
Lerris continues walking until dark. He then sits down in the snow and pulls a bag labeled "NMRC survival kit" from inside his coat. He quickly sets up a tent, piles snow around it, and sets his sleeping bag up inside it. A plug is extended towards the camera and what you assume is a space heater lights up as Lerris fishes through the bag. Come on Cinnamon Apple. Come on Cinnamon Apple. ::extracts a foil wrapped package and turns it over to read the label:: No!!! ::pouts:: Herring granola bar. I hate field rations. At least dessert is good. If I'm not mistaken, I get a Gooey Caramel after suffering through my granola bar. Maybe I'll get lucky tomorrow and pull out a stew or some lasagna. ::rips open the meal packet:: Noooooooo!!! Slime Netmonster residue! Some evil little Slime stole my Caramel! It's not fair! I haven't had a decent meal in weeks! If I didn't always carry my pouch with me, I would have starved in the void. ::eyes mist over:: I wandered for the better part of a week in that bleak, boring void. Then I woke up here. Someone had thoughtfully left some gear for me. Several days later I found the broken down Security Node I've been using to transmit this message. Well, that's enough self pity. Why don't we get down to business? This issue's Netmonster Lottery is:
The static returns, giving you ample time to think about how it's sometimes known as 'digital snow'. And as soon as you lose interest in that, (which doesn't take long) you are reduced to doodling on your NM Lottery official ticket. Just before you complete your stick figure Lerris being mauled by a wampa ice beast, the picture reappears.
<LA-773496> BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP!
<Hunter Lerris> Can it, LA-773496. It figures. I get the only Security Node in the world with an alarm clock function.
<LA-773496> BEEP BEEP BEEP!
<Hunter Lerris> Shut up or I'll feed you the leftovers from last night's dinner.
<LA-773496> .........
<Hunter Lerris> Good. Now let's get going.
<LA-773496> The transmission is still going....
<Hunter Lerris> Well, stop. It's not going to get interesting any time soon and they have their weekly* drawing.
*Don't start. It'll happen. Maybe.
<LA-773496> No, they don't. We hit some interference before you started.
<Hunter Lerris> Figures. Let me get my gear... ::begins fishing through his bag:: It's got to be around here somewhere... ::dumps bag out over his head:: Umm.... ::frantically searches around the tent:: It's not here..... ::sticks his head out of the tent:: Cold! Cold! Coldcoldcoldcoldcoldcold! No tracks outside, just cold. ::snaps his head to look suspiciously at you::
You quickly realize the stare is aimed at LA-773496. The look quickly fades, leaving only a spark of distrust in his eyes. Lerris begins taking down camp.
<Hunter Lerris> Oh well. LA-773496, generate a drawing with the program I uploaded to you before my gear disappeared.
<LA-773496> Error.
<Hunter Lerris> What do you mean 'Error'?
<LA-773496> (silence)
<Hunter Lerris> That's just what I need. ::sighs:: Let's get a move on.
Scene 2, Week 4:
Questions
In an undisclosed location, possibly not far away...
A blond figure in brown, floating seated in a plain chair in a black sea of nothing. Aside form the slight luminescence surrounding her, her short blond hair that does not quite reach the flight goggles on her forehead is the only source of color and light. A rose-tinted Light Human hovers in front of her, examining from all angles.
<Light Human(?)> (in a lyrical, echoing voice) Tell me about Hunter Lerris. Surely you were close to him.
<Blond in brown> Where am I, who are you, and why am I here?
<Light Human(?)> Ah... Surely there is no greater testament to his personality. You too, What Yet May Be, exhibit the classic Lerris response: Demand answers. I think it's quite cute.
<What Yet May Be> You know my name. What else do you know about me? ::eyes narrow::
<Light Human(?)> Oh! Another classic Lerris moment! I just might die!
<What Yet May Be> You do that.
<Light Human(?)> ::claps her small hands together:: That was wonderful! That defiant sense of wit. A wonderful performance. ::pauses and regains composure:: Oh, I forget myself. Can't afford to get over-excited. Yet. ::a wry smile climbs her face.
<What Yet May Be> Eh?
<Light Human(?)> That puzzled look! It's priceless! I--- ::looks particularly annoyed:: Stop that! I may never get finished if you keep that up. You are his Champion. Yet he seems to favor Pidedis and his other Netmonsters. Why? Are you not his Champion? Does he ignore you due to your own weakness?
<What Yet May Be> Yes, I was generated from his Champion crystal. I'm his Champion. ::a brief flash of pride enters her eyes:: I'm his secret weapon. And if you think I'm weak, you've never seen me face off with an Oracle before. ::a grim smile of confidence sprouts:: You don't know anything about me.
<Light Human(?)> I know "What Yet May Be" isn't your true name.
<What Yet May Be> ::stiffens::
<Light Human(?)> As for Oracles... ::flashes an enigmatic smile:: Perhaps later. Now tell me, why does he call you "What Yet May Be"? And what is your real name?
<What Yet May Be> To the first question, he believes strongly in the future. I won't tell you which future, though. To the second question, you may call me Death.
<Light Human(?)> ::frowns slightly:: Either that was another dash of bravado, or Lerris has a very morbid streak. How interesting. Tell me, do you resent Pidedis for the attention she gets while you are ignored completely?
<What Yet May Be> Not really. I don't do this for recognition or attention. I don't require much of either.
<Light Human(?)> But you like both. Another classic Lerris trait. I---
<What Yet May Be> You presume much. I'm no totally ignored. Sometimes, in his tent--
<Light Human(?)> ::eyebrows raise and eyes widen with excitement:: (somewhat rushed and breathless) Oh! Do tell!
<What Yet May Be> Hey! It's nothing like that! He just bounces ideas off me. Besides... A Hunter and a Netmonster? That's kinda sick. ::looks slightly flushed::
<Light Human(?)> ;::looks slightly concerned:: Really? Why?
<What Yet May Be> ::blushes deeper:: Uh... well.... It's just...
<Light Human(?)> Exactly. Shall I assume that blush is because I offended your lady-like decency?
<What Yet May Be> ::squeaks with indignation::
<Light Human(?)> Tell me, has he ever tried to kiss you?
<What Yet May Be> No! What kind of sick person are you? The friendliest he's ever been is a handshake.
<Light Human(?)> Yet there was always a hint of the possibility of something more behind his eyes....
<What Yet May Be> Ye- Wait a minute! Just what did you mean by that? I would like some answers before I listen to any more of your twisted little questions. Who are you and what is it you're after?
<Light Human(?)> ::snaps her fingers to make What Yet May Be disappear:: Like clockwork. How little they realize they have picked up his personality. Over 90% consistency in his key personnel. Now, for the last interview. I've waited for this one a long time. ::smiles somewhat evilly-- quite out of character for a Light Netmonster-- and snaps her fingers::
***********************************************************
The Frozen Plains... Night.
<LA-773496> Shouldn't we stop for the night?
Lerris looks up at the sky. Stupid low grade 16-bit color transmission. Stupid low grade 16-bit LA-773496. The Aurora Borealis lights the sky and from the look on Lerris' face, it would be quite beautiful if his mind weren't busy worrying.
<Hunter Lerris> No. We don't have any more time to waste.
<LA-773496> But it'll be cold....
<Hunter Lerris> What else is new?
***********************************************************
Scene 3, Week 4
Answers
An undisclosed location, possibly not far away....
<Pidedis> Where am I , who are you, and why am I here?
<Light Human(?)> (quite cheerfully) Works every time!
<Pidedis> What works every time?
<Light Human(?)> You, just as your predecessors, forget just whom is asking the questions here.
<Pidedis> (somewhat shakily) Predecessors?
<Light Human(?)> Indeed. Now, what can you tell me about Lerris?
<Pidedis> That he's going to toast you when he gets here.
<Light Human(?)> Well, you're a saucy little wench, aren't you?
<Pidedis> Hey! Exactly what did you mean by that?
<Light Human(?)> Just what I said. Now tell me, why do you fight for Lerris?
<Pidedis> Because Shade is an evil jerk.
<Light Human(?)> And that's your only reason?
<Pidedis> He asked me nicely. ::sticks tongue out::
<Light Human(?)> How nicely?
<Pidedis> What?
<Light Human(?)> Has he ever tried to kiss you?
<Pidedis> What kind of question is that? That's disgusting. A Hunter and a Netmonster? What kind of pervert are you?
<Light Human(?)> ::places on hand on her forehead, as is plagued by a headache:: Spare me the riot act. Now, answer the question.
<Pidedis> ::blushes:: No.
<Light Human(?)> ::stares curiously:: Have you ever tried to kiss him?
<Pidedis> Well, I did hug him once... ::blushes furiously::
<Light Human(?)> (frantically, somewhere between excitement and panic) Did he enjoy it? What was his reaction? Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me!
<Pidedis> Woah. Uh.... He was surprised. At first, his whole body stiffened, but then he relaxed. I apologized, but he said it was okay and smiled.
<Light Human(?)> He smiled? ::smiles happily:: Yes! ::eyes narrow:: But you didn't answer my first question. Have you ever tried to kiss him?
<Pidedis> I'm not going to answer that. Get used to disappointment, you little witch.
<Light Human(?)> Oh really....... ::eyes darken:: I don't need your answer, wenchling. I think I can guess. ::snaps fingers::
<Pidedis> ::screams as bolts of red energy flow from her::
***********************************************************
The Frozen Plains.... still Night.
<Hunter Lerris> What's so funny?
<LA-773496> What?
<Hunter Lerris> You were laughing your bolts off a minute ago. I was asking what was so funny.
<LA-773496> I don't know what you're talking about.
<Hunter Lerris> The cold must be getting to your processors.
<LA-773496> (hopefully) Does that mean we can stop?
<Hunter Lerris> Not on your life. Have a scarf.
<LA-773496> Thank you. Wait! Not over my--mmph! Mum mum mel maph rr..
<Hunter Lerris> Silence is golden.
***********************************************************
<Keda> Wow! This is taking a while. Perhaps an intermission is in order....
<Light Human(?)> ::appears out of nowhere:: Actually, I have some questions for you....
<Keda> Ahhhh! I don't even know Lerris that well! No......... I'm to young to-- ::is swept off::
A little wooden puppet is lowered.
<Keda Puppet> This is getting intense! Poor Keda. Let me provide you with some entertainment. ::does the can-can:: And for the second act....
A second puppet, a miniature Lerris, is lowered.
<Lerris Puppet> Now we shall perform a Punch & Judy* variation. ::pulls out staff blade::
*The little puppets that beat each other with sticks.
<Keda Puppet> Have you ever noticed- ow!- how this article seems to be one big- ow!- joke? ow! Alright, I've had it! ::turns around and beats the Lerris puppet with his wooden tail::
A disco ball is lowered and the Anvil chorus sounds in the background.
***********************************************************
The Frozen Plains, At the Mouth of a Cave...... still Night.
<LA-773496> Maybe we should go inside.
<Hunter Lerris> Stop whining. It's not that bad out here. But we should probably go in. Come on.
LA-773496 doesn't move.
<Hunter Lerris> Stupid Mech. Flaming useless.
Lerris stalks off into the cave, but not before wrapping another scarf over the immobile LA-773496. The cave is not terribly cold. A light luminescence bounces from blue walls. A large pool of standing water lies far within the cave. Lerris sits down, facing away from the pool.
<Hunter Lerris> Alright... Let's hope I have more luck than the RDLP readers when it comes drawing time. Come on, cinnamon apple! ::ruffles through provisions bag::
A body forms from the water and slowly walks across the lake, towards Lerris.
<Hunter Lerris> ::extracts a foil wrapped package:: Yes! It says apple! Life is good! ::rips the wrapper off and takes a bite:: Cinnamon apple goodne--- Wait a sec.. This doesn't taste right... ::examines the wrapper again:: What? 'Simian Apple'? Simian Apple!? What kind of flavor is that? "The goodness of monkey with a hint of apple."??? Who made this? I HATE FIELD RATIONS! ::starts crying::
The water figure, now clearly a female humanoid, walks over to Lerris, leaving petite, wet footprints. The figure bends forward, arm outstretched, as if to wipe away a tear. Lerris turns around and the figure melts into a wave of water.
<Hunter Lerris> Wha-- gurgle! That was.... refreshing.
Faint voices drift from further in the cave. Lerris gives the Simian Apple bar a disdainful glare and runs toward the voices, leaving his meal on the cave floor. He quickly reconsiders, dashing back to reclaim his food, and continues into the cave.
***********************************************************
<Lerris Puppet> I can't believe he ate that.
<Keda Puppet> I can't believe he went back for it!
***********************************************************
Not so Cold Cave ...... (yes indeed) still Night.
Lerris rounds the corner and encounters a large, empty room. All the voices seem to be coming from here. A single, rose-tinted Light Human floats in the corner.
<Light Human(?)> So, you've come. And faster than I expected. Excellent.
<Hunter Lerris> Who are you and why are you here?
<Light Human(?)> ::squeals girlishly:: How long I've waited to hear that from you! All my research did pay off! ::glides smoothly to the center of the room:: Perhaps we can make a bargain.
<Hunter Lerris> ::backs away:: Here's the bargain: Me question, you answer.
<Light Human(?)> Come now, Lerris, there's no need for you to be.. so... difficult! In fact, under the right conditions, things could be quite pleasant.
<Hunter Lerris> It's Hunter Lerris to you, thank you very much. And--- Back up a sec. How do you know my name? What else do you know, and what was that about 'research'?
<Light Human(?)> ::snaps her fingers and makes a table appear, set with tea and granola cakes:: First off, my name is Leandr. Won't you sit down?
<Hunter Lerris> Uh.... Okay. ::sits down and takes a cake:: Hey! Apple..... ::stares suspiciously at Leandr::
<Leandr> Cinnamon? Is it not to your liking?
<Hunter Lerris> Uh... Yeah.**
**Yeah, I know. I sound really intelligent.
<Leandr> Good. Now, what was on your mind?
<Hunter Lerris>Uh... I think I was looking for my companio-- company of Netmonsters.
<Leandr> Ah, yes. Perhaps we shall forego the pleasantries. ::snaps for the table to disappear*^::
*^Is the universe just against me getting Apple Cinnamon?
Lerris, formerly leaning on the table, falls over in a wet, disheveled mess.
<Leandr> ::laughs with delight:: Oh, get up! I shall find it very hard to conduct myself with you on the floor like that. That's much better. What if I could offer you a better option?
<Hunter Lerris> Better than what?
<Leandr> Than this war with Shade.
<Hunter Lerris>::bristles slightly:: This war with Shade means--
<Leandr> ::eyes flash with conviction:: This war with Shade means nothing! There are other Hunters. What contribution could you make?
<Hunter Lerris> The Data Node--
<Leandr> Are independent operators. Your next objection?
<Hunter Lerris> My Netmonsters---
<Leandr> Existed before you came and without your help.
<Hunter Lerris> Then....
<Leandr> Exactly. Ready to hear my proposition?
<Hunter Lerris> (somewhat dumbfounded) 'Kay. Shoot.
<Leandr> ::takes a deep breath:: Wouldn't you like to merge with me? To experience the oneness of mind and body? ::pauses as if out of breath:: It could be very, very nice.
<Hunter Lerris> Eh?? ::looks thoroughly confused::
What Yet May Be materializes where Leandr was.
<What Yet May Be(?)**> Wouldn't you like to merge with me? To experience the oneness of mind and body? ::a tear forms in her left eye:: I could take you away from all of this. It could be very, very nice.
** At this point, it's getting so weird that I'm really not sure......
<Hunter Lerris> It could. Is that what I want?
Pidedis replaces What Yet May Be.
<Pidedis> Wouldn't you like to merge with me, Lerris? Surely you can't refuse. To feel the oneness of mind and body... You should praise your good fortune. It could be very, very nice.
<Hunter Lerris>..............
***********************************************************
<Keda Puppet> Don't do it, Lerris!
<Lerris Puppet> Keda, shouting is not going to help. Pass the popcorn. Why shouldn't he, Keda? It sounds like a decent enough proposition.
<Keda Puppet> You're on Their side! You're all on Their side! You're all against me!! You and.... Them.
<Lerris Puppet> Give it a rest, Keda. Who is 'Them', anyway?
<Keda Puppet> You'll find out soon.............
<Lerris Puppet> But that kind of dramatic trail off... It means we're either at the end of this week's article or in a lot of trouble. ::frowns:: Which is it?
<Keda Puppet> Both.
<Lerris Puppet> Oh well. Here's the winning combo for you poor readers who are suffering through this madness.
Element: Light
Combo: Ghost-Bird-Plant
Level: 51
<Lerris Puppet> No winners. Ha! This means you guys are all losers. Still.
Why is the Lerris Puppet so annoying? Why is it still living? Why does it even exist??
What in the name of the Light is going on with Lerris and Leandr?
Where are the Netmonsters?
Will Lerris ever get to eat Apple Cinnamon?
What will Lerris say to Leandr's proposal?
What is the purpose of LA-773496?
What insanity was in charge of this issue?
Are there worse flavors than 'Simian Apple'?
The answer to these exciting and intriguing questions next edition of NML !!!
