1.14 Slaughter Part 11

Guardian uses her KEPs to land on her feet and readies Gord’Ang for a second attack. That energy blast damaged her outer armour plating but the inner held and no circuitry was damaged.

Both Alexandria and Glowbug are hovering next to the bleeding Friend. Alexandria looks the same as ever in her costume, but this is Guardian’s first time seeing the changes to Glowbug’s appearance.

While she was told of the changes, Nicola only used her old appearance in Eldrim and any other time they met in virtual reality. While wearing her black spandex costume as usual, Glowbug’s missing legs are hidden from sight. But the other changes are clear to see.

Her costume no longer covers her right arm as the limb is now consists of only golden energy, currently ending in what looks like an energy cannon. The rest of her body is covered by the same golden energy while her eyes glow.

Glowbug’s energy has changed from yellow to gold.

Interesting.

Yeah. I don’t want to fight my friends.

Only Alexandria and Glowbug are your friends. Remember Friend’s power.

I do, but...

Just remember your duty.

I will.

Alexandria flies straight at Guardian at top speed. The vigilante is only able to react in time due to using her power to control her armour and its inhuman processing speed. Guardian’s green hardlight shield appears just in time to block Alexandria, coming into place a mere inch away from Guardian’s face.

The hardlight shield begins to crack and Guardian pops one of her flashbangs with her technopathy. They always work well on Alexandria.

Alexandria staggers backwards and Guardian jumps forward, leaping off of Alexandria’s shoulders before boosting herself further using her KEPs.

I feel terrible. I got a massive migraine pounding skull, I feel like puking and my body aches so badly all over.

While you are in your armour due to your power and I have pretty much shut down your body, you have seriously messed up. I doubt you’ll be fit for another fight after this one is over.

Well, that sucks.

Indeed. You might not even survive this fight.

Again, that sucks.

Guardian aims Gord’Ang at Friend and boosts forward. But Glowbug is already surging forward to intercept Guardian. As she spots the incoming bolts of golden energy, Guardian teleports her shield into front of her, repositioning to protect from the attacks of her girlfriend.

The already battered hardlight shield takes another pounding, almost breaking this time with several shards of green light being blasted off. Guardian decides to keep it up despite knowing it won’t stop another hit from Alexandria or Glowbug.

How to take down Friend without hurting my best friend or my girlfriend?

I do not know the answer to that. I would recommend focusing on one or the other.

Not hurting Alexandria or Glowbug.

Than do that.

Guardian flies back, putting some space between her and the others as Alexandria and Glowbug put themselves between Guardian and Friend.

I don’t think I’ll survive this.

If it any consolidation, dying is only trivial to you.

How does that work anyway?

The same way that you summon your hardlight shield and when you first summoned Gord’Ang.

And all those times I summoned Gord’Ang in Eldrim. That makes sense. I didn’t realise it would work on organic matter.

Why wouldn’t it?

I don’t know. It just seems a bit overpowered.

Why would we care if something is more powerful than what our enemies have to offer? And vice versa?

True. So how come it will only take a few days this time instead of a few months?

The first time is the hardest and longest since I have to restore you for the first time. Later times I have a point of reference that I can just use.

That also makes sense.

Glowbug fires another barrage of golden energy at Guardian as Alexandria flies behind it. Guardian places her hardlight shield between herself and it. As it shatters, Guardian rolls to the side to avoid any remaining golden energy and Alexandria.

As Alexandria tears up the pavement. Guardian turns to face her, ready for a fight. Suddenly, her side flares up in overwhelming pain, causing Guardian to cry out loud as she staggers backwards

W-what happened?

Glowbug hit you in the side, blew off your right arm and most of your right side, both armour and flesh, with multiple direct hits.

Damn it.

As Guardian stumbles backwards, Alexandria turns on her. She slams into Guardian like an unstoppable storm, her fist smashing through Guardian’s armour and into her gut. As Guardian’s body goes limp, a furious Alexandria rips off Guardian’s helmet, revealing her face.

As a dying Guardian looks Alexandria in the face, she spots something click in her best friend as the anger is almost instantly replaced by horror.

As Alexandria lets out a strangled cry as she removes her bloody fist from Guardian’s gut, the vigilante looks past Alexandria and Glowbug to where Friend is. Defender has snapped the neck of the psychotic supervillain, breaking their control over Alexandria and Glowbug.

As the world fades and Alexandria says something Guardian is unable to make out in her damaged state, she chuckles.

Both Friend and I are dead, but I’m that is coming back.

Yes, it is somewhat amusing I’ll admit.

Darn right it is.

1.14 Slaughter Part 10

I feel like puking.

That would be due to the damage your body has taken. You have a concussion, warped bones, severe internal bleeding, multiple bursted organs and an emptied bladder.

That sounds very nasty.

It is. We’ll have to redo your physical body again once today’s events are over.

It would take another three months will it?

No. The first time is always the longest. I would estimate it will only take a few hours this time. Several hours if you die again.

That is a relief.

Guardian strides over to where a battered and bloody Defender is standing over a downed Graviburn. While her armour is severely damage and will need to scraped and replaced, Defender’s A- Class regeneration means that she has mostly recovered from her injuries.

Graviburn is not so lucky as Guardian notes the supervillainess is badly injured as she lies in the rumble.

“What do we do with her?” asks Defender as she stares at her prone opponent.

Guardian doesn’t verbally answer her teammate and instead decapitates Graviburn with Gord’Ang, much to Defender’s shock.

“How can you just do that?” demands Defender after a moment’s silence.

“Easily enough,” replies Guardian as she looks at the bloody blade of Gord’Ang.

“She was defenceless,” snarls Defender as she looks around, “You just murder her in cold blood! Did you kill the-oh my god, you did...you really did...”

“Letting them live would have been putting others at risk just to let myself feel a false sense of superior morality,” explains Guardian as she looks around for Friend.

Where is he?

He is no longer in this area. It would appear he fled once you showed up and started winning.

Can you find him?

Yes, just follow your HUD.

Send it to Defender as well.

As you wish.

“Wait, what are we doing?” asks Defender as Guardian takes off after Friend.

“Taking down Friend,” replies Guardian, “We’re not letting him get away.”

“Okay, but about the others?” inquires Defender as she races off after Guardian.

“They are fine,” replies Guardian, “You were the only one in need of assistance and that has yet to change.”

“So how if the fight going?” asks Defender.

“The Slaughter Seven have been driven to a halt with the exception of Aquiline and Friend, who are both on the run,” answers Guardian, “We should take to the air.”

“Okay,” says Defender as Guardian flies into the air, “Wait, my KEPs aren’t working.”

“I catch him from the air while you catch up on foot,” says Guardian.

“Are we even immune to his power?” asks Defender, “I don’t think he was affecting me earlier, but I can’t be certain. Not for sure.”

“I don’t know, but theoretically I should be,” replies Guardian over their comm link as she gets high up into the air, “At the very least he won’t be able to fully manipulate me due to Ceta.”

Thank you for your trust.

You have earned it many times over.

“Okay,” mutters Defender, but she still sounds unsure and upset.

Have I angered her somehow? We seemed to rather tense with one another.

I think that your willingness to kill has disturbed her.

Okay then. We can sort that out later.

Guardian looks down at where Friend is running through the deserted streets. Increasing her speed, Guardian angles downwards to the end of the street Friend is currently on. She lands on her feet and grips Gord’Ang in both hands as she and Friend stare each other.

Friend’s currently form is a pretty American teenager with curly brown hair and hazel eyes. Her body is curvy, but more along the lines of a Bellator than an Aphrodite, and is muscular and well-built.

As Guardian prepares to strike, she hesitates.

Why am I fighting my friend?

Naidraug!

Guardian relaxes and lowers Gord’Ang as Friend approaches her. As Friend asks her to drop Gord’Ang, Guardian hesitates.

The Slaughter Seven are still in the area. I can’t just drop my weapon let alone Gord’Ang.

Ycagel!

Something doesn’t feel quite right...

As Friend speaks to her, Guardian checks her armour as it goes haywire. While it isn’t failing completely due to Gears’ high level of skill in designing it, the systems are suffering random malfunctions, including blocking out any external sounds.

Cidro!

Ceta?

Guardian looks up as Friend does so and she spots Alexandria and Glowbug approaching from the air.

Are they coming to fight my friend?

Ordic!

Ceta, what are you saying...? Urggh, my mind is so foggy.

Legacy of Guardian, you are Ordic, the Guardian! This woman that stands before you is an evil one and a monster.

I...I understand.

As Friend walks pass her, Guardian tightens her grip on Gord’Ang again. With Friend’s back turned on her, Guardian charges at her.

She may be friend, but as the Guardian, I must still take her down for the evils she has committed.

Guardian snarls as she swings Gord’Ang at Friend as she passes her. Guardian skids to a halt and spins around, Gord’Ang ready to strike again. She charges forward at Friend as the supervillain blankly stares her missing arm.

A beam of golden light slams into Guardian, knocking her off her feet before she can hit Friend again.

1.13 Quest Part 6

“So this is what I think it is?” asks Nicola as she and Legacy walk towards the restaurant, their arms locked together.

“Yes, this will be our first date,” replies Legacy.

Her gown is green and purple whilst Nicola’s is in black and gold. Using the virtual reality settings, Legacy has grown her hair out long again at Nicola’s request while Nicola is wearing hers up in a fancy hairdo of her own choosing.

“It’ll be my first date as well,” replies Nicola, “You know, I always thought my first significant other would be the opposite gender to mine.”

“I understand such things are generally the case for humans,” says Legacy, “Those that date the same gender as their own are in the minority.”

“Yeah,” mutters Nicola before perking up as she looks over at Legacy, “But I don’t mind because you are wonderful person Legacy, even if you are rather weird. Plus you are so powerful and dangerous. And cute. We can’t forget that last one now.”

“May I ask you a question?” asks Legacy as they enter the restaurant together.

“Sure,” replies Nicola as she pulls Legacy slightly closer.

“What is cute?” asks Legacy, “You describe my body that way, but I don’t understand it. I am aware it relates to attraction to one’s physical form, but as I have told you, I don’t feel that and there is no clear definition for what is ‘cute’.”

“Now how to explain that….” mutters Nicola as a waitress shows them to their table.

“You don’t explain the term in general, just what you mean when you say I’m cute to you,” clarifies Legacy.

“Oh, that is much easier,” says Nicola as they sit down at the round wooden table, Nicola on one side with Legacy on the other, “You see, you look attractive to me because you have a pretty face, a good figure, a nice butt and big breasts. So for a non-Aphrodite, you pretty good looking. Normally I would consider someone who looks like you to be hot, but your actions make you seem cute rather than sexy. And it doesn’t help that Aphrodites are giving unrealistic examples of hotness and sexiness so someone such as yourself who is conventionally hot or sexy, seems less so by comparison.”

“Oh,” says Legacy as before passing the menu to Nicola, “I will be going with the streak and roasted potatoes with a salad on the side. For my drink, I’m having a bottle of apple and peach cordial. Those are my favourites.”

“You know the menu well,” says Nicola in an amused voice as she looks at the menu.

“I was the one who programmed the menu and all the food,” explains Legacy, “Well, Ceta and I did anyway.”

“So what have you been doing?” asks Nicola.

“I’ve been making this world in addition aiding my team by shifting through data,” replies Legacy, “Due to how much faster time goes in the cyber world, Gears and Sentinel just sent me large amounts of data and I just go through it all since I can do it much faster than they can. I find out the important bits and then every now and again, they pop in to find out what I have found out.”

“It sounds boring,” says Nicola before calling the waitress over.

“Not for me,” replies Legacy, “I enjoy going through the data. It is both productive and helpful to my teammates.”

“And that is one of the things I like about you,” says Nicola as the waitress comes over, “I’ll have a lamb shank with dumplings. I liked it when my mother used to make them.”

Used to?

Legacy gives her order as well before turning back to Nicola, “You don’t mind that I’m not physically attracted to you?”

“I’m a bit annoyed by it since I have such an awesome body,” admits Nicola begrudgingly, “But I’m glad I don’t have to worry about dating someone who is only into my body and not me as a person.”

“May I ask you a personal question?” inquires Legacy.

“Shoot,” replies Nicola.

“Since you have only had an Aphrodite body since you got your powers and we only met after you got your powers, what did you look like before?” asks Legacy.

“Oh, well, very different actually,” replies Nicola, “I was short, a bit overweight and a tad ugly. Which is one of the reasons I like my current body so much. My sister Emily was and still is jealous since she was the fit, athletic one out of us and worked hard to end up looking only a quarter as good as I do.”

“Do still get on with each other?” inquires Legacy.

“We get on great,” replies Nicola with a smile before it fades from her face as she continues, “It is the rest of my family that can’t stand my body and powers. My father refused to speak with me or even just look at me while my mother and I argue whenever we talk these days. And of my extended family, the only one I talk with is my Uncle Conrad. I’m honestly considering moving out from my mother and father.”

“I don’t have those problems,” says Legacy.

“Only because you chose your family,” retorts Nicola sharply before calming down, “Ah, sorry for snapping like that. Talking about my family is a touchy subject for me.”

“I understand,” says Legacy soothingly, “When I get my physical body back, I would like to meet your sister.”

“Emily would love that,” says Nicola and her smile returns to her face before vanishing once again just as quickly, “She has been wanting to meet my girlfriend for a while now. Unfortunately our mother refuses to let her get a virtual reality helmet as it was invented by a Gadgeteer. She is a True Humanity supporter while Father actually is a member of True Humanity.”

“True Humanity?” inquires Legacy, knowing she won’t like the answer.

“Bigots who hate parahumans, claiming we aren’t proper humans anymore,” explains Nicola, her face distorting in disgust, “Some are pretty mild and somewhat reasonable while others are violent extremists. Most are just loudmouthed bigots mind you. I can’t believe some people think that me and you aren’t human just because we got superpowers.”

“Let’s us move onto a different subject,” suggests Legacy, deciding not to bring up the fact that her powers are the result of advanced technology nor the fact that she isn’t actually human.

“Yeah, let’s,” agrees Nicola as their food arrives. 

1.13 Quest Part 5

“So this dungeon won’t be too hard?” asks Alexandria as she, Legacy and Nicola approach a set of goblin infested caves.

“No,” replies Legacy, “While it is slightly above your level, I easily outmatch anything in there.”

With Legacy giving them pointers, Alexandria and Nicola have been training their stats and levels against some local wolves and thugs. Now, she feels they are ready to take on a local dungeon.

“How long is it?” asks Nicola.

“Only four or five caves,” answers Legacy, “Roughly half a dozen goblins in each one.”

“Sweet,” replies Nicola, “Will it be challenging?”

“For you two, yes,” replies Legacy, “I will find it very easy.”

“So what is the plan?” asks Alexandria, “You’re the expert at this game.”

“I’ll hang back and provide support while the two of you lead,” says Legacy, “I would recommend that Alexandria takes point while Nicola provides ranged support. As in normal reality.”

“Sounds like a plan,” says Alexandria, “So how does this light spell work?”

“Just say Light and it will work if you have the Mana for it,” explains Legacy as the trio of them head into the cave.

“Light!” says Alexandria, but nothing happens, “Wait, I don’t have that spell. I can only use heal.”

“I have the light spell,” says Nicola, “Light!”

A glowing orb of white light appears over Nicola’s head, illuminating the cave tunnel.

“Man, that took out three of my mana,” complains Nicola, “A whole tenth of my total.”

“It will only last for a minute since your spell level is only at one,” warns Legacy, “I can provide future lights if you wish.”

“Sounds great girlfriend,” replies Nicola, “What about healing? Can you do that to?”

“Sure,” replies Legacy, “I have over five hundred mana stored.”

“Whoa, that is a lot of mana,” says Nicola, “And you’re not even a mage!”

“I am Level 40 while you are only Level 5,” points out Legacy, “There are three goblin scouts ahead.”

“I see them,” replies Alexandria as she charges forward.

While she is only Level 5, Alexandria has a major advantage against these Level 7 foes as Legacy has given her high quality and enchanted steel plate and mail armour, steel sword and steel shield. As a result, her Protection and Damage stats are far beyond what they should be at her level.

As Alexandria duels the closest goblin sloppily by Legacy’s standards, Nicola fires some electricity at the furthest. It staggers back and Legacy watches its health drop by about a tenth, just dipping into the yellow. The third goblin scout fires off an arrow at Nicola in return.

It glances her, cutting her upper right arm and leaving a red line behind in addition to reducing Nicola’s health by about a sixth.

“Heal,” says Legacy and Nicola glows yellow as her health is restored back to full. Alexandria lets out a battle cry before getting a critical hit in on her opponent. With almost all of its health gone, the goblin stumbles backwards and Alexandria finishes it off with an upward slash of her sword.

Sloppy.

She got the job done.

Still sloppy.

It was sloppy.

“Good work Charlotte!” says Nicola encouragingly as the goblin scout disintegrates.

“Still two left!” points out Legacy.

“You continue with one at the back while I deal with this one,” says Alexandria as she moves up to attack the goblin with its short bow drawn.

Nicola fires off more electricity at the rearmost goblin scout, bringing it down to about two thirds of its total health as Alexandria duels her new opponent.

Alexandria slashes at the goblin before slamming her shield into it, knocking both of their shield arms to the side. With her opponent exposed, Alexandria lets out as a wordless battle cry as she pulls her sword back for another strike.

As her sword strikes forward, the blade glows blue as Alexandria activates her skill Prepared Strike. The blade goes through the goblin scout and out the other side, but the goblin’s health bar only drops to a third.

Grinning like a feral animal, the goblin scout stabs at Alexandria’s chest, activating a Skill of its own as its crude copper sword glows green. The blade glances inwards off of large mounds in the breastplate and slashes towards the centre of Alexandria’s chest.

Guardian curses. If it were up to her, no all breastplates would be flat to avoid this sort of thing. But when they are designing the character models, they had to account for the large and supernaturally perky breasts of the Aphrodite Enhanced.

That is what happens when you have a body that is customised for form over function. Being a Bellator is definitely superior to being an Aphrodite or Adonis.

Despite taking a direct hit, Alexandria’s character is still built as a heavy frontline combatant and is wearing extremely advanced armour for her level. As a result, while she does lose health, Alexandria’s health bar still remains over ninety percent full, keeping it firmly in the green.

As Nicola finishes off the third goblin with her lightning magic, Alexandria drops her sword and grabs the goblin scout’s head. She snarls as she shakes the goblin. With her super strength, Alexandria easily breaks its neck.

Alexandria lets a satisfied grunt as the goblin scout’s health bar drains to zero and it disintegrates.

“That was fun,” says Nicola.

“Yes, it was,” agrees Alexandria as she smiles her teammate, “Now onward to the next room.”

1.13 Quest Part 4

Legacy strolls down towards the spawning point two days after Eldrim went online for the public to use, a mere day after Koizumi’s virtual reality helmets went on sale. So far, there have been over twenty thousand players as Eldrim is free-to-play and can be access by every virtual reality helmet.

Plus it helps that it is the only proper virtual reality game to play at the moment.

At the moment, Legacy has reached Level 40 over the course of the eighty four days in-game, only leaving the game for short periods to check on Joan.

Now, she has arranged to meet Alexandria and Nicola as they log in for the first time. While there is a significant difference in their levels, Legacy still hopes they can do stuff together. All she needs to do is help them raise their levels by a few and the difference in level won’t matter as much.

I deliberately designed the game like that.

After all, that is how it works in true reality. Sometimes power alone is enough to crush a weaker enemy, but close that gap enough and skill will trump raw power.

Legacy halts at the end of the street as it leads into the town square and waits as she leans against a shop wall.

Due to the fact that she is in Snowfall, the capital of Mirgard, there are only a few other players here as the game as working temperature system that causes the north to very rather cold to the warmer climates of Highrim and Augustia.

She gets a few inquiring looks, but everybody leaves her alone as soon as they get a good look at her level and name. Nobody wants to mess with her.

Legacy only has to wait a few minutes before Alexandria and Nicola log in. She recognises them instantly not only due to their blond Aphrodite bodies, but also due to their usernames. Alexandria as gone with Alexandria while Nic is calling herself Nicola Glowbug.

She takes a moment to check out their characters, using her reasonably new ability - Analyse. Legacy has had it for almost a month in-game and has yet to regret getting it. It has proven exceptionally useful as it allows her to find things out the easy way rather than the hard way.

Alexandria is playing a Warrior class as can be told by her leather breastplate on top of her blue tunic and has gone for a combat heavy build. Her chosen weaponry is a medium length sword and a round wooden shield.

Glowbug on the other hand has picked the Mage class and is wearing purple robes with leather belt around her middle. Her character build is a mobile magic-user and she has a short sword for her starter weapon.

“Greetings,” says Legacy as she approaches them.

Her own equipment hasn’t changed as she is sticking to Gord’Ang and leather armour, having gotten herself a superior copy to what Leo gave her. Admitively, the new piece is also from Leo.

“Hello Legacy!” replies Nicola as she rushes towards Legacy and embraces her, “So this is what you were working on?”

“Gears, Sentinel and Ceta helped,” points out Legacy as she hugs Nicola back, “I hope you will like it.”

“Good to see you too Legacy,” says Alexandria as she shivers, “You don’t mind me calling you that right? Boy is it cold here.”

“I know,” says Legacy as she pulls away from Nicola, “I was prepared for that. Frost Protection. Frost Protection.”

Using one of her newer spells that protects against cold effects, Legacy grants both of her friends temporary immunity from the local chilly weather. She doesn’t use it much due to being able to easily weather the cold herself, but has been specifically training it so she can use it on others.

“There you go,” says Legacy, “You are unaffected by cold weather for the next twenty one minutes.”

“Thanks Legacy,” replies Alexandria, “So where should we go now?”

“I got a house here,” says Legacy, “We can go there.”

“Cool,” says Nicola with a grin on her face.

Legacy leads them through the city. Like with all settlements in Mirgard, Snowfall has a Nordic feel to it just as Highrim has a medieval feel to it and Augustia has an Ancient Roman-Greek feel to it. Or an Ancient Grome feel as Leo told her.

“Here we are,” says Legacy as they reach a large house, “This is my current home.”

“Is that in-game or-” asks Alexandria, her voice trailing off.

“My actual home until I get another physical form,” answers Legacy as she opens the door.

The interior has a snug and comfy feel to it, but also appears to be very function and practical.

“Fire,” says Legacy and a flames fly from her hand to the fireplace, lighting the logs.

“Wow,” mutters Nicola.

“Please take your seats,” says Legacy, “I’ll get some food and drink from the kitchen. Any requests?”

“Something nice,” replies Nicola.

“Something meaty,” says Alexandria.

Legacy goes into the kitchen and selects some Apple and Peach Cordial, Roast Pork and Roast Potatoes from the kitchen inventory before bring them into the main room on the platter.

“Those look good,” says Alexandria as Legacy places the platter down on a table.

“Thank you,” replies Legacy, “I cooked them all myself.”

“Does it taste real?” asks Nicola, “I mean, everything else feels real, but…”

“Everything here is real,” Legacy reassures her girlfriend. “In fact, effectively all of this world is based off of things past Guardians have experienced.”

“Oh,” says Nicola.

“Speaking of realism,” says Alexandria nervously, “Can I ask something awkward?”

“Sure,” replies Legacy.

“Well, this game is PG and, well, I don’t feel my...err privates,” says Alexandria, her voice lowing into a whisper at the end.

“Oh, that,” replies Legacy, “Gears gave the bodies what he called ‘barbie doll anatomies’ to make the game kid-friendly. See?”

With that last word, Legacy removes her leather armour and returns it to her inventory, leaving her not wearing anything. Both Alexandria and Nicola yelp and go red as they look away.

“What?” asks Legacy, “I’m not naked. You only see my skin, not nipples, genitials or body hair.”

“It just isn’t proper!” yells Alexandria as she blushes furiously.

1.12 Virtual Part 8

“-safe right?” says Glowbug as she appears in Legacy’s cyber world apartment.

“Nic,” says Legacy as she strides towards her, causing Glowbug to snap her head around to look at her.

“Legacy!” exclaims Glowbug as she stumble and collapses in Legacy’s direction, “Urrgh, what happened?”

“You tell me,” says Legacy as she looks onward in amusement as Nicola gets to her feet.

Nicola isn’t wearing her costume, but rather a purple tank top showing her midriff and a pair of skinny jeans. Legacy is sticking to her power armour even if she has removed her helmet so Nicola can see her face.

“I was trying to fly, but my power didn’t work,” says Nicola as she strides towards Legacy, “Actually my power isn’t working at all. Could you explain why?”

“Your powers don’t work here unless Ceta or I let them,” explains Legacy as Nicola reaches her, “Would you like me to let you use your power?”

“Oh yes,” says Nicola as she and Legacy look each other in the eye.

Legacy notes that she and Nicola are almost the same height with the Aphrodite girl having only an inch on Legacy before Nicola kisses her on the lips.

Unsure on the proper way to respond, Legacy decides to simply not resisting. After a second, Nicola breaks away with a large grin on her face.

“It has been too long since we last saw each other,” says Nicola as her eyes swell with tears, “I thought you were dead until Gears told us otherwise. We all did.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get here?” asks Legacy, “I’m curious.”

“Oh, Gears invited Charlotte and I into your base so we could use two of those virtual reality helmets to visit you,” answers Nicola, “She is waiting so I can spend some time with you alone first. Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”

“Not at all,” replies Legacy.

“How do you feel about us dating?” asks Nicola nervously, “Do you still want to be my girlfriend?”

The question angers Legacy.

What sort of person does she think I am? Does she really think I would just abandon her without cause?

“How you even ask that?” demands Legacy, “Do really think so lowly of me?”

“What-no!” Nicola replies hastily, “I just-I wasn’t-I’m sorry?”

Legacy grunts.

“Do you think I lack honour and would just betray you the moment we spent some time apart?” demands Legacy, some of her anger going away, “Before we even got to have a date with each other?”

“No, I didn’t,” answers Nicola, “But I had to know for certain. Speaking of that date…”

“I already have plans for it,” answers Legacy as she thinks of the virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game or VRMMORPG that she and the others are making, “Just give me a couple of days to finish a project I’m working on.”

“Oh?” inquires Nicola.

“It involves the virtual reality helmets, but I won’t spoil more than that,” replies Legacy mischievously.

“I’ll be waiting,” replies Nicola with a smile and equally mischievously tone, “So what do we do now?”

“We can hang out,” says Legacy, “I have full control here. We could play some games together or watch a movie.”

“Playing games sounds good,” replies Nicola, “I would prefer something cooperative.”

“What sort of game would you like?” asks Legacy.

“First person shooter,” replies Nicola, “A fun one with good plot and gameplay.”

“I’ll find something,” says Legacy.

“Can I ask you something?” says Nicola.

“You don’t need to ask permission to ask questions,” replies Legacy as she walks towards the couch and TV screen wall that Joan and Jaylyn placed.

“When you say you control everything here, does that include outfits?” asks Nicola, “As while your armour suits you, I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind wearing something not so concealing of your body.”

“It does,” answers Legacy as she begins browse through the stored games, “Tell you what, I’ll let you pick my outfit if you let pick yours.”

“Deal,” says Nicola, “So how do I do that?”

“Just think about what you want me to wear and it will replace my current outfit,” explains Legacy, “Like this.”

Focusing on Nicola, Legacy replaces her outfit with a set of black and yellow power armour. The armour consists of a black undersuit with smooth black and yellow plates of armour on top.

Despite her preferences for practicality, Legacy still has to account for Nicola’s Aphrodite body, resulting it being rather form fitting with bulges in the breastplate to allow Nicola the ability to breath properly.

The helmet is also not as function as Legacy would have hers with room for Nicola’s long hair to flow out the back and sides. The black helmet doesn’t cover Nicola’s face except for a yellow visor that only conceals her face from the nose upwards.

“Power armour?” says Nicola as she looks at herself, “Seriously?”

“I like power armour,” replies Legacy.

“Well then, I’ll just pick something I would like to see you in,” replies Nicola with another mischievous grin that makes Legacy feel slightly nervous.

Legacy waits for a moment before her armour is replaced with a pink bikini. She blushes as she realises exactly how little she is wearing.

“Umm, Nic,” says Legacy, “I don’t feel comfortable wearing this.”

“Oh, sorry,” replies Nicola, “Give me a moment to change it. How does a green mini dress sound?”

“Better than this,” replies Legacy and a tight, formfitting green mini dress with two thin straps over her shoulders appears over the bikini, “Thank you.”

“No problem,” says Nicola as she gives Legacy a playful slap on the butt, causing her to yelp in surprise, “Now we have established what the other likes to wear, let’s get to playing that game.”