{Place - Resonate System}

[Naught, Nada, DaVinci and the kids (Blank and Zip) climb into Naught's car. Nil & Void are `pooned to the back on their hoverboards. Zilch and Niente ride their hoverbikes, and Quinn sits behind Niente, his bionic brace magnetically clipped to the bike.]

Zilch: So, we got everyone, hey?

Nada: Yep!

Zilch: Everyone ready to go to the Stadium? Got all your gear'n stuff?

Naught: Yep!

Zilch: Right! Let's go then!

[They switch on their illicit portal-generator and portal out to the Stadium.]

{Place - Great Codex System}

[Hal Kitz walks into Lazarus' office, holding a cell phone.]

Kitz: Sir, it's the people at the Stadium. They wish to know if you'll be coming--

[Several objects are thrown at Kitz, who is forced to flee. Kitz closes the door behind him. He speaks into the phone.]

Kitz: Uhm, no, I don't think he'll be there. ...No, not Archer or Elogin either. They're still recovering from last Night.

{Place - The MDM Stadium, Motor Pool}

[The SS Grizzly touches down and the ramp extends. The crew steps out, all shouldering their title belts. Burke and Cowboy come out behind them. Sentry plods out before Sil, sniffs around, then growls.

[Tomasi and Nails step around the corner.]

Tomasi: [mocking] Well, well, well, if it isn't "the Most Dangerous Renegade."

Justice: [dryly] Well, well, well, if it isn't the Terrorizers. [He turns to his buddies.] Okay, who lifted the rock?

[Shrugs and shaking of heads from the others. Nails sneers.]

Nails: Oh, yeah, hahaha, ver-ry funny, User.

Dirk: [shouldering his wrench] What d'ya want, boyos? You're wastin' our time here.

Tomasi: Just droppin' by to say I've talked to the Big Shot about putting me in a match with this f'n null-spore [points at Justice].

Justice: [eyes narrow] Really?

Tomasi: Yeah.

[He strides up to Justice so the two stand toe-to-toe looking down each other's noses. Tomasi fingers Justice's title belt.]

Tomasi: Who knows? Maybe it'll be for this thing.

Justice: The only way you're gettin' this belt--

[Click. Tomasi glances down to see that Justice has put the barrel of his pistol to the big sprite's chin.]

Justice: --is by pryin' it from my cold, dead fingers.

Nails: [laughs]

Tomasi: [sneering] Famous last words, Renegade.

[Tomasi walks off, Nails following.]

{Place - The MDM Stadium, Other Owners' Skybox}

[Jay holds a sack, which he places a few things in. He turns to the Other Owners.]

Jay: Much obliged, gentlemen. This will most definitely keep things simmering.

Other Owner #1: Just make sure things don't get out of control. It was quite costly repairing the damage incurred by last Night's events.

Jay: Don't worry. Bruno's prepped to contain any excessive damages. I don't think it will be a problem.

[He hefts the sack.]

Jay: My thanks again, gentlemen.

[Jay starts off to his Green Room.]

[The green room is packed, all but Team Sai and Bios reside in the Green room. It seems Jeff and Crix have return from wherever they went. It seems strange to all the others that Jenny is sitting in a chair on the other side of the room, while Jeff sits in one of the E.V.A. chairs. No one decides to comment on this, the fact that to two seem to be fighting is nothing new to them, the fact they have not said one or two words in over an hour bugs them. Crix on the other hand, sits in Voodoo's chair, some would call this an act of defience, but since no one has seen Voodoo since the morning, There is little call for alerm. Mistya dnd Ki'eva talk quilty among themsevles for the nights work on E.V.A.]

Mistya: Her neural nets are still only a 15% operation...well, last night when i checked.

Ki'eva: The fact that she is part organic is not helping the matter, she wasn't designed to take such large damage to her nural net, it will take time to heal.

Mistya: True.. but i don't think we have the time.. i will agree that we have used more... primitive systems, but E.V.A. is a major tatical disadvantage as long as she is down.

Scar: How much a disadvantage?

[The two Anthros look up and notice that their talking has risen in Volume and most of the room heard them, and the rest have perked their ears when they heard the largest Anthro but into the converstaion.]

Mistya: Well.. E.V.A. was made to run the Green Room. All system are routed through her. Like weapons, Shelding, Life support, Sensors, Envoimental settings and so forth. The fact that her nural nets were damaged and not killed is what is keeping us alive.

Scar: Why not use some of the Medical equipment.

Ki'eva: Not sure if it will work. Most of the equipment was made for..well.. more advanced begins.

[Scar narrows his eyes on Ki'eva in thought.]

Crix: She means that most of it that is here is made for us, and Sai's team. The tank and most of the medical equipment is made for quick regerating beings, such as Hybrids and Virus, Voodoo didn't really take into account the fact that we would have the Zeds or you guys battle, therefore, normal medical equipment was not suppled.

Kaka: Someone has become a little more bolder.

Crix: Everyone changes.

Scar: Changing seems to be a trend around here as of late. Sai, Voodoo, Bios and now him. What is going on!

[The lights in the room flicker from their power down state and flash on,the metal shelding over the windows open. the screens around the room flicker on and begin their booting up system. It seems E.V.A. has come back online]

Voodoo: The New Morning Scar... One that proves to be most vital.

[Voodoo shuts the door to the stairwell that leads to E.V.A.'s core com. The door hisses and a loud 'thud' is heard, the door is now locked, and Voodoo slowly walks to his chair. He looks at Crix, and Crix back at him. No words are exchanged, but everyone can tell that their is a battle being fought. Crix stands from Voodoo's chair and walks to the couch and sits next to his sister. Voodoo takes his place in his chair, the computers that are attached to it come on. The Holo platform in the center of the room flickers on, and A image slowly appears. The body is female, but their is no detailed face, or hair, or hands, just static.]

Voodoo: Welcome back commander.

E.V.A.: Glad to be back Sir.. All systems are within decent operation, and are ready to be used.

Voodoo: I see that some of your files were lost.

E.V.A.: That is correct Sir, New imaging files will be ready within the hour.

Voodoo: Take your time E.V.A. we are in yellow alert so to say... no rush.. as a matter of fact.. i believe that Mistya and Ki'eva, along with Crix, are going to get you up to full operational status.

E.V.A.: Thank you sir..

[The image fades away and Voodoo turns his head to Crix]

Voodoo: You got 2 hours.. and you started 10 minutes ago.

{Java's Green Room, about midday}

[Outside, there is a small beeping, then the door opes to admit Fury Squad.]

See: I am *never* parking in the lot again! It took half an hour!

Pyra: No kidding. [She crouches, then jumps over the couch, aiming for the seat.]

"ACK!"

[Pyra and Tri tumble to the floor.]

Tri: Ow... [She shakes her head and slowly gets up.]

Pyra: What the- What were you doing?

Tri: [cross] Sleeping. What do you think?

See: Being Pyra's landing cushion?

[The two shoot dirty looks at See.]

Erinys: Okay, cut it. We've got the chars, what about Java? Where is she?

[Tri walks over to her laptop, still running.] Probably sleeping. Is there anything weird about the Arena outside?

Pyra: Not that we saw. Why?

Tri: Hmm...What did she do? Timed? [She fiddles around.]

[See blinks, then peeks over Tri's shoulder.] What was Java doing?

Tri: Something good...Yeah, it is a timed thing. Er, when does Jay begin the Night?

Erinys: I think seven.

Tri: [smiling] Then all we have to do is wait for her to wake up, neh? The changes will appear about when she gets to announce her matches, either after Jay or Voodoo.

See: What changes?

[Tri grins.] You'll see, See.

{Location: Stadium - Arena}

[The crowd is gathered and starts murmurring as they wait for something to happen. The Metatron lights up and turns black, with a green line bisecting it horizontally. It turns out to be a visualization line, rippling in time to the beat and music of "When Worlds Collide." Jay Winger emerges, Author Belt around his waist and satchel over his shoulder. He is followed by Justice, Nada, Naught, Cowboy, Lean Il Lupe, Lt. Burke, and Tomasi. Lean is dressed very dapper - wearing a black and gray three-piece suit and sunglasses: his Andrew Ginole outfit.

[Jay takes up a microphone, setting down the satchel, looking at the crowd - half of which boos him on sight and half of which cheers him.]

Jay: [a la Road Dogg] Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, Metaverse Deathmatch! is proud to present the winningest group of tough-ass fighters in the world...TEAM WINGER!

[He spreads his arms and grins out. Tomasi and Justice stand on opposite sides of the ring, but look as though they want to have it out right there, right now.]

Jay: Now that's done with, time to get down to business. While I am upset about some losses yester-Night, we'll handle that in due time. We already know what our Main Event is tonight -- the big rematch between Yours Truly and His Falsely, or Voodoo as some of you call him.

[The mention of the other Author sends his half of the crowd cheering. Jay's mouth sets in a thin line, but he waits for the cheering to subside.]

Jay: [as the crowd quiets] Thank you. Anyway, we're going to have some title fights tonight! First, we'll get that Toughest Badass title settled! Now, last time we had that title on the line, Jeff Freeman walked out on Nathan Justice, refusing to pin him. It's only fair to settle who gets that title tonight.

[Jay reaches into the satchel and produces the Toughest Badass title belt. Justice nods imperceptibly, but then Tomasi turns to leer at him.]

Jay: Furthermore, Tomasi Exley has expressed a desire to fight with Justice -- so the Toughest Badass match will be a Triple Threat!

[Loud cheers for the Hybrid and for the Most Dangerous Renegade, but when Tomasi poses for the crowd, they immediately boo him.]

Jay: We've got a new title belt on the line, too! [pulls it out of the bag] The Light Heavyweight title! This is for the younger, more lean and quick members of teams. To determine who will wear this belt, we will have a Light Heavyweight tournament here tonight!

[Cheers for that.]

Jay: Representing Team Winger in this tournament will be -- [each poses as they are named] the Cowboy Calvin West, Guardian Lieutenant Thomas Burke, and the Flip Side Felons! [he gestures for the crowd to be quiet] This time I am certain that personal feelings will not interfere with the matches. They all understand that this is business, not personal.

[But he glances at Tomasi and Justice, who continue to glare at each other with barely-restrained hatred. Jay smirks, then goes on.]

Jay: Also, Bob will see tag-team action tonight. Now, his normal partner, Dot Matrix, is unfortunately injured and unable to fight with him, so I am pairing him up with someone he feels equally comfortable with.

[The crowd starts to whoop -- thinking it's Mouse -- but Jay motions for silence.]

Jay: DON'T get ahead of me. What I was going to say is that Bob SHOULD feel comfortable with his partner tonight -- considering he works for his partner. Bob will pair up with Prime Guardian Turbo tonight in action against the Aught Twins!

[Cheers for those juking-and-jiving dancing fighters. They like them. Jay smirks and then motions for silence once more.]

Jay: You will also see the Wolf in action tonight.

[Cheers for him. They like the virus' current garb a bit better than his leather-clad look. He merely smirks and grins a sharp-toothed grin.]

Jay: -- against Gigabyte!

[Now that's impressive. The crowd eats it up. Jay passes the two title belts he'd removed from the satchel to an official.]

Jay: So, you other Authors, if you want somebody in the Light Heavyweight Tournament, just let me know so I can fill the ranks with the appropriate number of Mainframers to make up the difference.

[He turns back to the satchel and looks up.]

Jay: And one more thing, Sai, I would like you and the CReaTuRe to come on out. I have a gift to give you.

[He reaches into the satchel and pulls out a plaque.]

Jay: A little reward for faring so well against Lazarus last night.

[The screen is alight with Winger and his characters standing in the ring of MDM arena. She raises an eyebrow and looks at Zaria, who nods in response]

Sai: Okay. I'll go along with it... *gets up* Have you seen CReaTuRe anywhere?

Zaria: Minke? No. She was speaking with the Queen about an hour ago, but *shrugs* after that-

[She's staring wide-eyed at the screen view linked to MDM's system, and Sai turns to see what's so surprising, eyes beginning to glow red as they take in the site. A harsh growl escapes her]

[CReaTuRe enters into the arena through the still-opened ceiling, alighting on a post of the ring. She gets down and stands in front of Jay Winger with a nervous, wary expression upon her face. The crowd falls silent]

[Zaria suddenly looks at Sai] Now, Sai...she's just a little upset after-

Sai: How -dare- she make a move without my consent! Helping Voodoo was one thing, but not even waiting for me to accept a gift in the ring! I- OOOO!! [She begins snarling and scratching at the walls, making little gashes with her claws]

Zaria: Personally I can't blame her, Sai. She's feeling betrayed. I know her better than you at this point, and I say let her.

Sai: What do YOU know!? Better than her own author knows her? Nonesense!

[She heads for the door, but Zaria catches her by the arm, grabbing her by the ear to silence her as she snarls. Sai falls silent after a moment]

Zaria: You should let her, and you should stay here. You're going to fly off the handle, and right now she's behaving very unpredictable. It's not safe to push her anymore, Sai. No matter how much control you think you've got over the situation, you don't. Your -out- of control...

[Sai is about to protest and possibly even slash Zaria for this latest mutiny from one of her characters, but she knows through her rage this is really the best thing. Still, she shoves Zaria away and goes back to the monitor to watch, eyes still aglow with rage]

[Slowly, as Sai watches, she begins to count to ten, as Zaria walks over and gives her a back massage to try and calm her]

Sai: When she gets back that Anthro of mine is in big trouble...

{Location - Great Codex System}

[Hal Kitz is watching the show from outside Lazarus' office at Grace Mannex's desk. They both can be seen scowling slightly as CRe appears before Jay.]

Hal & Grace: Anthro scum.

[There is a loud crash from inside Laz's office. They look at it, and then Hal shrugs.]

Hal: He must be watching it in there.

{Location - MDM Stadium - Arena}

[Jay smiles as CRe comes before him. Jay, microphone in one hand, spreads his other arm in a gesture of peace. The rest of his characters, with the exception of Naught and Nada, leave the ring to give the Author and Anthro-mix some room. Justice and Tomasi are kept separate by the others.]

Jay: So, you are the famous CReaTuRe everyone's talking about. [He smiles.] Pleased to meet you.

[He holds out the plaque.]

Jay: This is the 'Most Deserved Victory' award that I had specially made after your win over Lazarus last Night. From what I've been able to see, you've been pushed around by a semi-unbalanced Author--

[He glances up at a camera and grins.]

Jay: No offense, Sai. --pushed around by some other characters, and generally had a not-quite-so-peaceful existence in your short life. This, as well as the fact that you, a combination of some of the most powerful Anthro species around, defeated the Metaverse's most prominent racist bastard, boils down to the fact that you have truly earned this award.

[He lowers the mike and holds out the plaque for CRe.]

[CreaTuRe, though no pseudo-grin appears on her face, has a very delighted look in her eyes, and she slowly accepts the plaque from the author, even bowing slightly as character-to-author respect and also in thanks.

[No words are spoken, but a high amount of gratitude can be sensed from her, by Winger at least. She backs away, not turning her back until she feels the ring's ropes brush her wing feathers. Then she gets back up upon the post and takes off from there out the way she came with barely a sound.]

[Jay smirks as CRe leaves with her plaque, and then turns to his characters, who get back in the ring and rally behind him as he faces the Metatron.]

Jay: I'm done with my share of the booking. Who's next? Voodoo? Java? Or will Mr. Waiter finally decide to grace us with his presence? [grins] I'm wai-ting!

[The lights flutter on and off a few times after Jay's ending, then dim slightly. One lone figure, in brown Ledrite robes, walks unannounced down the ramp holding a mike. At the end, it stops, then throws the mike into the air of the ring, where it floats.]

Java: [out of sight] My turn.

[The rafters glow faint magenta as the crowd looks up. Suddenly-the soundsystems blast, and start playing a wild techno tune. Java appears on a bar, and jumps down into the air. She wears two long, butterfly-style wings and she spirals around the arena as she comes down, smiling and laughing. Unlike Jay, Java seems to have fewer enemies among the fans; most cheer her, and only the devoted Voodites boo. When she alights on stages, her wings shatter into confetti, and she picks the mike from the air.]

Java: I always was the one for theatrics.

[She pulls a small tube from her side and shakes it into a ribbon-thrower as she begins.]

Java: I am very happy tonight. For three reasons. First off is Bios, who - finally - got the ASCII-whooping she deserved! [She nods to the robed Tri and then to Lean as she continues, trailing the ribbon around as she walks in the ring.] If it wasn't for these two, Team Voodoo wouldn't have been defeated. So I am grateful to you both. Thanks. [conversationally] Although, it is a shame we didn't get to see who was the better of the two...

[She looks down and giggles to herself.]

Java: And, second of all, is a matter that comes very close to my team's hearts. It involves a certain person who would rather kill most of my team than get within ten feet of them. [She looks up, watching the audience, making sure they know exactly who she's refering to.] Yes, his Holiness the Racist, Klaus Lans. Who ALSO got what he deserved!

[She stops for a minute as the crowd cheers. She looks up to the sky strangely, wishfully, then returns to the matter at hand.]

Java: Before I mention my third reason, I'll do my booking. You've got a lightweight's competition, Jay? Pyra'd be happy to enter that. And I believe that my dear See wants another bout with the Mainframers, y'know, to regain his pride. So, he's up against an opponent of my own choice. I'm honestly not the one for planning, though. You'll hear of my fights as the Night progresses. Now for the final reason for happiness.

[She stops and looks at Tri, who nods. Java smiles and continues.]

Java: In the spirit of Chaos, which seems to have been reigning in the Arena for quite some time, I've organized a few things. Call them whatever you like: practical jokes, publicity stunts, I prefer to call them tricks. I have three Tricks up my sleeve for this Night. And, to prove they'll be things to remember, [darkly] and also to allay the suspicions of all those who think I have no power in this Arena except through Mr. Winger, [normal] I have an introduction to my Tricks.

[She looks around, smirking, then raises one hand.]

                                             *snap*

[For a second all that is heard in the resonance of the snap, then suddenly the Arena stands are flooded with spiraling magenta and turquoise. And when it ends, everyone stands in shock.

[The Arena stands, floor, ceiling, ramps-basically everything except the Ring and the people inside have ben tie-dyed turquoise and magenta. (On the outside walls also) On one wall is a small Java signature, and on the other is a picture of a coiled snake. Tri pulls off her hood and get up to stand next to Java, who now has her shirt colored to match.]

Java: What do you think?

[Voodoo and team watch the pryo display from the only MDM room to have windows. Jeff seems little to no impressed at the site, Jenny finds the choice of Colors to her likeing. The younger Hybrid Dax seems to share her fathers interest in the matter. Crix is little aware of the fact. The Dreckards are not seen, having already taken their places for Voodoo's normal over played entrence. Jenny and Dax are loaded for protection. Although the weapons they carry are not as powerful as one used before. Ki'eva is at the computer with her sister, working on E.V.A.'s upgrade. That leaves only one team members left.]

Voodoo: I always thought Java to lack anything overblown, I guess Winger is rubbing off on her.

Dax: That isn't a pun for anything else is it Voodoo? Because if..

Voodoo: No Dax, I am not that far gone. Now.. Let us enter, and lets try not to slag everyone in a 30 foot radius.

Jenny: I know who know does that and it ain't us hun.

Jeff: Small arms..

Jenny: Yeah, and.

Voodoo: Don't start you two.. not now... E.V.A. three to send down. Count down, 30 seconds, Engage.

[The lights in the stadium, flicker on and off, then black out. The Metatron screen goes to static, and the green beams fill the air, one shines down on Java, giving her a Demonic green aura around her. A slow, mellow beat comes over the speakers, and E.V.A.'s voice seems to being singing over it]

E.V.A.: Wherever you are, wherever your from, I know what you are going through, don't be afraid, don't give into fear... this is all you need to hear......

[The beat picks up into a Techno beat, lights flash on in Multi-color and standing right next to Java, is Voodoo his arm crossed and his gaze looked on her frighten face. She didn't even sense him untill he stood there. Jenny and Dax stand next to one another, about a foot behind him. As the Author and the Auth'ress look at one another. One seeming to be regainer her ground, still not understanding full why Voodoo and his people like to sneak up on her.]

Java: You think that's funny! I should THWAP(tm) You for that!

[Tri seeming produces Java's Mallet, Java uses her anger and grabing the weapon from Tri swings it at Voodoo. Who doesn't seem to have moved, but when Java opens her eyes from the swing, she notices it has not conected with Voodoo, but Voodoo holds the mallet about a foot from his face. Tri and the other virals move forward but stop when they see the Hybrids weapons pointed right at their heads, they only stop when they notice that they are not armed with their normal energy weapons but with 21st century 45mm pistols.]

Java: What do you want so bad that you have to ruin my show!

[Voodoo leans in close to Java, so close that he has to lean down to be in her face]

Voodoo: You claim not to be weak, yet you let only you character's fight...

Java: That's because i know better then to attack Jay, I'm not basic.

Voodoo: I'm far from basic little lady....

[Java trys to bite Voodoo, but he reacts quicker and grabs her jaw with his free hand, holding her but not hurting her.Tri takes a step forward but only gets close enough to be in point blank range of Dax's gun.]

Dax: Make a move..please..

[Voodoo leans back and looks to the people in the statium]

Voodoo: I issue my challange.. along with Dax fighting in the lightweight fight, I issue this challange to Java herself. You will join the fight with me and Jay, The loser..will fight you.. Then, you fight the winner. Understood? I hope so..

[Voodoo lets go, Java stumbles back, but regains her mallet, swing it at Voodoo, she misses, and opens her eyes to see that him, and his team are gone. She curses under her breath, again, she fails to beat him to a pulp, but she just might have her chance.]

[During Java's little tirade, Jay has a smile on his face most of the time. But when she shows off her 'Tricks,' he sweatdrops, as does most of his team. Tomasi and Justice particularly seem ill at ease with the magenta theme. Lean shakes his head and looks at Tri witheringly.]

Lean: And you call yourself a virus. Couldn't you find something a bit more malevolent to do with your abilities?

Jay: [to Java, half-jokingly] You think you're sooo funny. [to Nada] Remind me to have the Other Owners reboot the Stadium before it gets stuck like this.

Nada: [as she gets out her laptop] Shades of "Painted Windows."

[When Voodoo appears, Jay's cheerful demeanor quickly sours. Behind his glasses, his eyes go red-on-black viral, and his fists clench. Energy starts to form around them. The other Author and Authoress have words, and then Voodoo puts out the new stip for the Author Match.]

Jay: Well, once I'm through with you, Java will have an easy time beating your sorry ASCII. I only feel sorry that she'll have to go up against the Extreme.

[He strides toward Voodoo, heedless of the Hybrids pointing weapons at him and stands nose-to-nose with him. Jay looks steadily at him.]

Jay: You're not that much of a badass. You only think you are.

Justice: Hell yeah.

Tomasi: Damn straight.

[The two Team Winger badasses then start glaring at each other. The other Team Winger characters shake their heads pityingly. Jay steps back from Voodoo, never taking his eyes off him, not even to give a look-that-could-kill to the Hybrids. He folds his arms.]

[Sai steeples her fingers and growls] If I were bigger I'd show them! [unsheathes her claws] Wish I could get in on the action... [slams her hand against the console] Where in the Web is CReaTuRe!!

Zaria: According to the note she left, Sai, she preffers to be called Min-

Sai: I don't care!! I want here here. Zaria, I don't care what you have to do or whom you need to ask. [turns to look at the monitor displaying the arena's Authors] I want that Anthro mix o' mine found, sooner than later. [looks back at Zaria] What in the name of spork are you waiting for?? GO!

[Zaria does a mocking salute and leaves] Jawohl!

[Sai turns to keep watching the huge monitor and unsheathes her claws again] I wish... Arg...

???: Since when does size matter to you mein grossen bitter..

[Sai spins around startled by the voice, his face angerd. Even more when she see's who is standing in her place, She wounders how the person got in.]

Sai: [eyes narrow] Voodoo...

[Voodoo grins. The strange portal, looking more like a wormhole closes behind him, his cape setteling over his form, the bottem part his face coverd by the cloth.]

Voodoo: I would have knocked.. but this does seem the best way to get in and out of this place.

Sai: I should have you thrown in Yarom's prison again for breaking into my place!

Voodoo: Oh relax Sai, thats your problem, you are to stressed out.

Sai: Since when are you the expert.

Voodoo: I've had a very complex life, I've learned alot in that time. Now I came here on two accounts. One, for are allience to be rejoined... And two, to ask if you wanted to join the battle. A four way author match would deffently be a match to see.

[Sai turns away from him] I know how much you love writing about blood and guts, dear, but I'm not going to follow through. And who said I was part of an alliance with you anyhow? My pet was the one stringing me along. Why don't you go find her? I'm sure she'd be happy to join you.

Voodoo: Find her? Doesn't Miss Whip-in-hand know where her own characters are?

[Sai growls and runs to slap him, but he grabs her wrist and pulls it behind her back]

Voodoo: If you don't calm down soon this could get out of-

[Sai bushes backwards into his stomach, pulling his gripping hand foreword and rolling him off her back, flipping him onto -his- back upon the floor. She pulls her hand away before he can clear his head from getting the wind knocked out of him by granite flooring] Hand, Voodoo?

[Voodoo gets up with barely a bit of trouble and smirks at her] I was -going- to say that.

Sai: Get out. Our alliance is finished, if you could ever have called it that. [goes over to the wide-screen monitor and stares at a replay of Java's pretty entrance] Theatrical indeed...Queen herself never saw a robe so vibrant. Illegal in these parts, such flamboyant dress...[turns back to Voodoo] Besides...without CReaTuRe here I'm finished. I'm...content just to stay in Yarom now...

[After Voodoo's little announcement, Java stands, holding her mallet, looking up to the ceiling as if she'd like to shift into a large Lord of the Pit and turn his Green room into deep-fryed demon nosh. Tri notices and hurries over, whispering hurriedly in her ear. During Jay's conversation with Voodoo, they exchange whispers, and at the finish Java looks slightly calmer, abet still annoyed, as she steps up and brings her mike up.]

Java: Jay, if you didn't *like* the little job I did...

[She stops, smiles sweetly and raises her arms. The paint vanishes without fanfare(on the inside at least).]

Java: All you had to do was ask!

[She laughs.]

Tri: [quietly] Unstable isn't the word for you.

Java: Pish. However. [She looks up again, and her demeanor changes to dark anger.] Voodoo, whether you or your characters can hear me, this is my message. [She paces ans she continues.] First off, you're doing a mighty half-ASCII'd job of only inviting me in the little 'party'. Here's my stip. I'll only come if Sai does. Regardless of her current condition with you, of course. In fact... [She pauses and grins wickedly.] We have a battle of the Authors-why not one of the Authoress'? That would be so much more fun than just me in.

Tri: [under her breath] That's the first half-sane thing you've said toNight.

Java: And now, if it's alright, I'm going to make sure Py and See aren't in a screaming match. Tri can do all the Authoric things. Bai Bai!

[She throws the mike to Tri and jumps on to the ramp, leaving. Tri shakes her head and moves next to Lean.]

Tri: [off-mike] And that's coming from the guy who hasn't taken over or crashed a single system in the 'Net?

Lean: And you've done something better?

Tri: Two words: System Debian.

[This quiets Lean for a few moments.]

[Sai's mouth is agape from Java's words, Voodoo having already been dismissed by the guards. She slams it shut, clenching her sharp teeth to resist screaming in anger and just walks past an archway and out onto her balcony. Far below, Voodoo is tossed out on his rear, and the "oof!" echoes up to Sai's wide, pointed lemurish ears. She grins and watches lazily as the Author picks himself up and dusts himself off, swishing her tail absentmindedly] Little good your intrusions to my dwellings do for you, Voodoo. Bastard was lucky he didn't catch me out of dress, or his "peeps" would've been out by one Author for a few good Nights. [growls]

[Sai rolls her eyes and thinks over Java's words, turning to walk back inside] I'll have to adress this personally...

[Walking over to her nightstand, grabbing a pen from her work table along the way, Sai turns over CReaTuRe's letter and writes a note to Zaria on the other side, telling her that she'd be back soon. Done with that, she puts it in a noticeable place and goes into an area of the apartment that is strictly hers. She begins putting her makeup on, rubbing flesh tones over her white skin and black nose, taking out some hair dye when that last undertaking is done. After a few minutes she's finally finished and back into more urban clothing, her ears covered with a hat, tail still descending out the back of her pants.]

[Sai examines herself in a mirror and after a pleased expression crosses her face, she nods and turns to leave, portaling through one of her many plot devices to where Java's greenroom is. Walking up to it, she presses the button and waits for someone to answer]

[And in the Green room...]

"What do you take me for, Pyra, some idiot?!"

"I'm only telling the truth, See!"

"FIVE MINUTES after and they're already betting?!"

"Well, they aren't betting on if you're going to lose or anything."

"Oh. *sigh* Well, that's some relief."

"They're betting on how fast you'll be running."

"WHAT?!?!"

[Of course, Pyra and See are screamng at each other. Erinys is on te couch, visibly teardropping, and Java is at Tri's laptop fiddling with Photoshop, being slightly protected by the half-dozen firewalls Tri erected.]

See: Java, who's my opponent? Please!

Java: Nope. No telling.

See: It's not Mike, though.

Java: Not Mike.

[See looks relieved.] That's good.

Java: The opponent hasn't even fought in a match.

See: Huh?

Pyra: [grinning] Damn, so Nullzila's out. Who else?

Erinys: [embarresed] Maybe it'll be Toque.

Java: I'm NOT telling! So quiet!

[And there is, for a few nanoseconds.]

*Riiiiing!*

[Simultaniously,]

Pyra: See, you get it.

See: Erinys, you get it.

Erinys: Pyra, you get it.

[Java looks at the three, smirks, and walks over to the door. She opens it.] Uhm...Hi? [She walks back, allowing Sai to enter.] Uhm...Tea? Biscuits? Anything?

Sai: Heh, you're being awfully hospitable. Zaria made you out to be a regular Shivan. Thanks, but no thanks. The way things are going around here, no offence, but I don't eat what other Authors offer.  [She walks a little further in and turns back to look up at Java] So...*crosses her arms* what's this I hear about you wanting my blood in the ring?

Java: Well-

Sai: I'll tell ya right now, I'm not going out there. I don't mean to overinflate your ego, Craze-thang, but you'd knock the stuffing out of me. I'm no fighter, and you know it.

Java: Sai-

Sai: What's the meaning of this sudden need for violence?

Java: [blinking] You mean...You won't?

Sai: No way in-

[Java squees and, without warning, traps Sai in a bear hug.] This is perfect!

Sai: What?!

[Java looks in the hallway carefully, then pulls Sai into a corner.]

Java: [ecstatic]This is what I needed! Y'see, I could fight Voodoo, no prob, it's a fair match. And I can always get at him outside the Ring. But when he added the thing with Jay, I was screwed. If I did fight Jay, I'd be shish-kabob'd - and if I didn't, everyone would think I was a chicken.

Sai: So?

Java: Now that you won't fight, I don't have to fight either of the Authors because you're the stip I placed in! You saved my ASCII! Thanks!!

[Sai looks at Java in disbelief.]

Java: Are you sure about the tea? It's not poisoned, just Japanese Green...

[Sai is looking at Java weirdly now, but she sits down on a couch] I gues...tea would be...fine? [still staring as Java rushes off to bring back tea and biscuits] Thanks. [takes a cup of tea but avoids the biscuits] You know, Java, I'm not exactly all up for being used like this, and-

Java: You don't like the biscuits?

Sai: Oh...er...they look good! It's just...you're a Hex fan 'n' all, and...well... [gets up suddenly] I have to go. I think I hear CReaTuRe calling for me. [rushes to the door]

[The worm hole type portal slides shut behind Voodoo as he stands on the Transporter pad. Ki'ace looks up from the controls. Not seeing Sai next to him, she knows he has failed.]

Ki'ace: I guess you will need the fully loaded guantlets?

[Voodoo simple nods to his first Anthro creation and steps off the pad, and walks to the door. Sliding open, Voodoo returns to his section of the green room]

[In the weapons bay. Dax is working on her new deivce, as requested by Voodoo, and Jenny sits at the workbench next to her daughter. Cleaning the old pistol seems to let her mind wonder.]

Jenny: Dax hun.. Answer me something would ya?

Dax: Huh? oh yeah.. shoot Mom.

Jenny: What do you think of this whole thing?

Dax: What'ca mean Mom?

[Dax still hasn't looked up from her work, the laser hums lightly as she attached the powercell to the device.]

Jenny: The MDM, what do you think about it?

Dax: Great workout.

Jenny: No hun.. I don't mean the battles.

Dax: Mind putting it in plain text then?

Jenny: Do you think it's right for us to be here?

Dax: Take a long hard look at out past Mom. We were breed for this stuff.

[This strikes the nereve that Dax shouldn't have touched. Jenny slides the bolt of the weapon back, and sets the pistol down on the table, beaming a look at her child]

Jenny: NO! You were not raised to kill Dax! I raised you better then that!

Dax: Oh really.. then explian why we spent two years hunting down and trying to kill Bios. Hell We tamperd with time, Exploded a system, we even assisnated a governer. And you do think I was raised not to Kill. You can't ignore what we have become.

Jenny: How long you been holding onto that one?

Dax: 'bout a month.

[Dax looks down her device and places the cover on. flicking on the power, she places it on the gauntlet, and reads the power out put that is attached to the device.]

Dax: Voodoo's fighting edge is ready.. I guess I should take it to him..

[Dax stands, picking up Voodoo's newest weapon and walks off to the door, her boots tapping on the metal floor echoing off the walls. She stops and looks back to her mother, who has return to her work.]

Dax: When the killings are done.. I become a Captian...

[Jenny looks back to ask what she means, but Dax is gone]

[Dax had knocked on Voodoo's door, but no answer. She walks in regardless and sees Voodoo is laying on his bed. His eyes closed. Sleeping was one thing Voodoo was never seen doing. Least not a regular basis. Dax decides it would be better to leave the weapon and go. She does so, placing the weapons next to him, and leaving quitly.]

[Voodoo stands in the middle. Middle isn't the word, since there is nothing around him to tell where middle would be. Nothing but White. Voodoo wave's his hand over his colorless surroundings,chaning it into a lake setting. But while he does this, he hopes that the message he is sending the to Creature is coming through]

Voodoo: CRe, I need to talk again.. please come.

{Location: Jay's Greenroom}

[Team Winger has returned to its Greenroom, while Jay goes over a few things in the Other Owners' Skybox with them and Bruno.]

[Justice and Tomasi are toe-to-toe, glaring at each other, while Dirk and Sil try to hold back the Most Dangerous Renegade, and while Nails tries to hold back his fellow Terrorizer. Lean helps Nails out.

[All action comes to a halt as the Big Shot Author returns. He sees the two badasses glaring at each other, and his eyes narrow. They immediately back off, but still glare at each other.]

Jay: Save it for the ring. Tomasi.

Tomasi: [not taking his eyes off Justice] What?

Jay: You and Nails go to the training room. Just get the hell out of here. I don't want to have to keep you two apart.

[Grumbling, the Terrorizers leave, but not before the sprite gives Justice a hard shove. The rest of the Grizzly crew has to hold him back.]

Jay: Justice, you and the crew play cards or something. Twins!

[Nil & Void look up.]

Jay: Get out there. Your match is first.

[When he hears that, Lean heads off to the training room to prep for his match against Gigabyte.

[Jay heads off to his office in the Greenroom, where he finds -- much to his dismay -- Chaotis waiting for him. Beneath his mask, the Hacker Anarch grins.]

Chaotis: Wing-man! Listen, I have a request to make...

Jay: [sighs] What is it, Cha?

Chaotis: I wanna see some action, man! I wanna score with one o' them Mainframe babes!

Jay: [as he seats himself] Got two words for ya, Cha --

Chaotis: Puck it?

Jay: Dream on. Besides, the Mainframe women are otherwise occupied toNight.

Chaotis: Well then, for the next Night, man!

Jay: ... I'll think about it. Now beat it.

Chaotis: Yes, sir, right away, sir.

[The Hacker Anarch leaves, and Jay sighs, shaking his head, as if to say, I'll have to do something about that one.]

["On the Edge" plays and Bob (clad as he is on AW's ReBoot/Matrix poster) runs out through the audience, sliding into the ring. He grins and poses for the audience, then gestures to the Metatron. A spinning Guardian icon flashes, with green electrons orbiting it. A snippet of a Volkswagen commercial plays (of all things):]

Metatron: (female vox) T-t-t-t-t-t-turbonium.

[Shots of Turbo from "The Episode with No Name" and "Trust No One" play over music from the former episode, then the Prime Guardian himself emerges (also clad as he is on AW's ReBoot/Matrix poster). He waves to the audience as he joins Bob. They devest themselves of jackets and sunglasses.]

Ring Announcer: Representing ReBoot, from Mainframe, the Web's Interface, Guardian 452 -- BOB! And his tag team partner, from the Supercomputer, the legendary Prime Guardian -- TURBO!

[Cheers for both, and then the lights dim all over the arena. The opening percussion and guitar of Blur's "Song 2" plays for a while as spotlights sweep the crowds before zeroing in on Nil and Void Aught, standing on one of the rafters, facing opposite directions. They gesticulate like the Hardy Boyz of the WWF, then both go "Aaah!" and pose (again, a la the Hardys) and flip off just as the song goes "Whoo hoo!" In midflip, they flick out their hoverboards and swoop low over the audience. Now they start dancing like Too Cool before they come down to the ring.]

R. Announcer: And representing Team Winger of the Metaverse, from the Resonate System, Nil and Void -- the AUGHT TWINS!

[Nil and Void stash their boards to the side and slap each other a high-five. Nil pulls his goggles up on his forehead and faces Bob. Void and Turbo get outside the ropes and wait.]

Mills Lane: All right, let's keep the dancing to a minimum; it makes me nauseous. You know the rules, so let's get it on!

[The fight bell rings. Nil ducks under Bob's first swing, then springs over his sweep kick and drop-kicks Bob in the face. Bob falls, but recovers quickly and grapples with Nil, forcing him back into the corner, where he starts delivering the old one-two, left-right punches. Nil slumps low, and Bob backs off slightly to get better distance for a boot choke, but Nil kicks up and low-blows Bob, who doubles over and stumbles back. Nil uses his breathing room to climb up onto the second rope.

[Nil flips off the rope, rolls down Bob's back and lands on his feet, hooking his hands under Bob's arms and ducking, throwing Bob hard across the ring. As Bob lies stunned, Nil pulls him over to his corner, where Void has begun to climb to the second rope in preparation. The Twins tag as Nil lies Bob on his back and spreads his legs slightly. The Twins look out at the crowd, Hardy-gesture ("Aaah!"), then jump. Nil's legs land on Bob's exposed crotch as Void lands on Bob's sternum. Bob doubles over as Nil slips out of the ring. Void stomps a few times before the referee pulls him back. Bob uses the momentary breather to crawl quickly to Turbo to tag him in.

[Turbo charges in and hits Void with a hard right, then whips him into the ropes. Void springs back into a drop-kick which Turbo just barely ducks. Void lands on his arm, wincing and kicking his legs in pain. Turbo takes him by the hair and stands him up to backhand him into the corner. Void spins in mid-fall and hits his face on the post. Turbo closes, but Void jumps, springs off the post and backflips over Turbo. He shoves Turbo into the corner, then delivers a few kidney shots. When Turbo stumbles out of the corner, Void runs from the side and shoves Turbo down in a face-plant. Void stands up, a wild look on his face. He's feelin' it! Waving his arms, he hops in a circle. W! (hop) O! (hop) R! (hop) M! (hop) It's the Worm! Void drops on his belly and wiggles toward Turbo and stands on his feet, swinging his arms once (huh!), twice (huh!), three times (huh!) before pumping and dropping a forearm on Turbo's sternum.

[Void goes for the cover, but Bob runs in and drops his elbow on Void's head. Turbo rolls out of the ring, clutching his chest in pain while Bob and Void grapple. Turbo doesn't see Nil ascend the post and flip off toward him until Nil is almost upon him. Nil's body slams into Turbo's and knocks them both down. Nil gets back up and climbs to his corner. He waits as Void grabs Bob's arm and whips him into the corner. When Bob gets to the corner, Nil jumps and kicks Bob in the face, knocking him down. Void positions him, then tags Nil. Nil ascends the post again, then pulls his goggles back down over his eyes. He points at Bob. He's gonna fly! The Hip Hop Drop on Bob's face!

[Nil goes for a pin, but Turbo has recovered and pulls him out of the ring. He delivers a haymaker that floors Nil, and doesn't see Void get speed by springing off the far ropes. Void flips over the ropes and collides with Turbo, knocking him flat. Nil gets back up, shakily, and Bob gets back up and grabs him by the hair to pull him back into the ring. Bob hurls him into the corner, sets him up, then delivers a hard arm-chop to Nil's chest. The slap is loud. He does it again, then a third time before Void slides into the ring behind him. He kicks Bob in the gut, then grabs him in what appears to be a DDT.

[But then Void does a Hardy-gesture ("Aaah!") and unleashes a Twist of Fate to Bob. Nil has climbed to the top post, where he does his own Hardy-gesture ("Aaah!") and flies off in the Swanton Bomb and slams into Bob. He goes for the pin as Turbo climbs up on the apron to attempt to stop the pin.]

Ref: 1! ... 2! ... 3!

[The fight bell rings. Nil and Void stand, victorious, and get their sunglasses ready, but then they see Bob and Turbo start to leave, dejected at Mainframe's losing AGAIN. Nil and Void nod, then stop them. Grinning, the Twins get Bob and Turbo's sunglasses from their jackets and hold them up. The audience starts to cheer in anticipation, and Bob and Turbo, understanding the gist, smile and stay in the ring. Nil and Void hold the shades up, then slide them onto the Guardians' faces. They put on their own shades, then all four assume the pose -- heads bowed and hands folded. The dance music starts, and then all four fighters dance to the delight of the crowd!]

{Place - Jay's Greenroom}

[The Twins return from their match, still wearing sunglasses and grinning. The rest of the Res crew cheers and greets them -- except for Lean Il Lupe and the Terrorizers, who are off in the training room. And except for the Grizzly crew, who are busy playing cards with Chaotis and Burke.

[Cowboy, however, does grin as he sees the Twins.]

Cowboy: Nice dancin'.

Zilch: Nice thing ya did there for Bob 'n' Turbo, hey? Lettin'em in on the fun.

Nil: Hey, like Quinn and Niente said to them after that tag fight last Night --

Void: -- we're not total dipswitches like the Terrorizers.

[Jay grins from his desk, then opens a vid-window to the training room. Tomasi can be seen working over a punching bag in the background, while Nails sharpens his claws. Lean steps into the frame.]

Lean: Yes, Big Shot?

Jay: You set for your match with Gigabyte?

Lean: Naturally.

Jay: All right. Get out there.

[Lean nods, and the vid closes.]

{Place - Training Room}

[Tomasi mops sweat off his brow with a towel and comes over to Nails, who looks up.]

Tomasi: You sure you know what to do later?

Nails: Naturally. We covered all this before we came here, all right? Now you just focus on beating that User and that half-breed.

Tomasi: Ya don't need to tell me what to do.

[Tomasi goes back to pounding the bag.]

Pyra: You're kidding. You have a plan?!

[Java looks around.] Why are you looking at me?

Erinys: Jav, you with a plan is like...

See: Dot Matrix without one.

Java:*blink* Oh.

[Tri slips in.] Plan? Do tell.

Java: Alright. Pyra, you're against either Mouse or Andraia. I didn't give credit to your abilitys-use them. Got it? [She nods.] Erinys, you're back up for the Tricks. Do what I tell you. Tri, you're the main helper here. Help me out, please?

Tri: Don't worry.

Java: I'll be calling Voodoo out after See's match. I may fight him-

[The team begins arguing, but Java pulls out her mallet. Silence.]

Java: -but it'll be on *my* terms. Meaning no Jay match. As I said, I'm not an idiot.

See: What about *me*?

[Java looks at him.] You won't die. Okay?

See: ...Can't you give me more than that?

Java: Hmm...Look for the magenta. S'all.

[Fury disbands to their usual places. Tri walks up.]

Java: Something wrong?

Tri: One thing...Hell's been breaking loose for the Writer, hasn't it?

Java: How did you know?

Tri: She called me up. Is it true?

[Java looks away.] It's a definite possibility.

Tri: Cool.

Java: What?

[Tri pats Java on the back.] Z'okay, Jav. I'm just the char.

Java: You playing?

Tri: After Lean's match; it's soon, so he's off. And we've lost either Tomasi or Justice with them being dumbass'. So...First Trick?

Java: Yeah...How much are the big lights in the rafters?

Tri: Dunno...Thou?

Java: Hm. [Smiles] Ideas...

[The Metatron flares with a split screen, one side showing a snarling Megabyte, and the other a snarling Hexadecimal. Lightning flashes on the screen, and the two halves smash together. Gigabyte's face flashes before the screen and the lights go out.]

Metatron: [Gigabyte] I am become Gigabyte, destroyer of systems.

[Gigabyte's theme plays ("Destroyer of Systems"). Slowly, the Class-5 Virus walks out, making grand gestures with his claw to the crowd, who is reacting to his presence -- some like him (hey, part of him's Megabyte) and some don't (because try as he might, GB's not as cool as MB). Gigabyte climbs up on the ring apron, then turns around to face the audience again. He raises his claw in the air, then jams it down into the ground. Pyros go off in two lines straight up to the stage, where the stage almost appears to explode with pyro bursts. GB turns back to the ring and climbs in by stepping over the top rope.]

Ring Announcer: The following match is scheduled for one fall. Representing Mainframe, the merged form of Megabyte and Hexadecimal, the Class Five Destroyer Virus -- GIGABYTE!

[GB paces over to one of the corners and leans back against it, laying his arms on the ropes, gazing out over the audience with his face-mask. The Metatron darkens, then lights up with a burst of lightning.]

Metatron: Well it's IL LUPE!!

[Il Lupe's theme, "Wolf," plays. The fans scream as the intro continues. Pyros go off around the stage, and when the light fades and smoke clears, standing there is Lean Il Lupe, but he's not in his leather look. Instead, he's back in his dignified armor from before his apparent deletion. His hands rest on the top of his cane. The audience is surprised.]

Ring Announcer: And his opponent, representing Team Winger of the Metaverse, from the Negacrag of Cragis, the Class-8 Conqueror Virus -- LEAN IL LUPE!

[Lean regards the shocked audience, then smirks. He raises his hand, holding a microphone in his hand along with his cane.]

Lean Il Lupe: I know that you're probably wondering where the leather is. Well, to be perfectly frank, it's miserably hot in that stuff. So, for a change of pace, I'm going back to the classic look. After all, it's worked before.

[Gigabyte comes up from his position in the corner to stand at the ropes, looking at Lean silently. Lean smirks, and the crowd sees that though his appearance isn't the leather-clad ferocious side, his teeth are still sharp and fanged.]

Lean: Oh, yes, that's right...him. [He gestures at GB dismissively.] Gigabyte. The next in my little Tour de Virii. Well, Gigs, rest assured by the time I'm done with you, [sings] o/~ you'll have to find another place to dwell, and it's down at the end of Wannabe Drive, at the BEATDOWN HOTEL! o/~

[The audience cheers. Lean regards the crowd.]

Lean: If you think Gigs should pack his bags and check in...gimme a Howl Yeah!

[The audience roars "HOWL YEAH!" and Lean throws down his microphone and dissipates his cane back into energy, which he stores in himself. As he walks down to the ring, he styles his hair up in the wolf-ear style (from his leather-clad form) and flicks his fingers. His claws return as he stands opposite GB. Mills Lane steps in.]

Mills Lane: Okay, here's the low down: no showy energy shows, no draining of your opponent. Keep it clean, and I'll keep you alive. Let's get it on!

[The fight bell rings. Lean and Gigs circle each other. GB makes a feint with his claw, then lungs in with his hand to grapple. Lean blocks and drives the heel of his hand into GB's face-mask. The Class-5 staggers back, and Lean keeps on, smacking him with his right hand, then pausing, rearing back and bringing his fist down hard in the Knock-Down Blow. Lean stomps once on GB's knee -- the same knee that he injured on Megabyte -- but GB doesn't have MB's injuries, so he doesn't feel any more pain than normal.

[Lean steps back as GB gets up, then moves in. GB slashes with his claw, and Lean charges in, the claw cutting across his back, merely scratching his armor. Lean smirks, pivots and drives his elbow into GB's head. He pivots the other way, drives in his other elbow, then pivots and does the first elbow again. As GB reels back, Lean's foot fires back and kicks the Class-5 in the gut, then flicks his leg up, throwing GB into the air in the process.

[As GB falls, the Wolf charges in and drop kicks GB as he descends. GB sits up, woozy, and Lean shifts behind him and grabs his head in his claws. With a howl, Lean unleashes the Real Most Electrifying Move in Sports Entertainment (the Lightning Howl). GB shudders as he is attacked, then surges to his feet, hurling Lean back with his arm. The Class-5 whirls to face him, his face-mask's eyes glowing fiercely. Lean made a mistake -- his Lightning Howl doesn't affect GB, because GB absorbs energy. He just gave GB his second wind.

[The Class-8 retreats as the larger Class-5 pursues him, then ducks under GB's grasp and swings up his fist in a low-blow. GB staggers, wincing, and Lean jumps straight up, locks his legs around GB's head, then swings down in a huracarana and slams GB into the mat. GB lies stunned, long enough for Lean to climb to the top rope and to prepare for a flying elbow drop. But as Lean climbs, GB gets up and grabs Lean out of the air with one hand. Lean's hand goes to the vice-like grip around his throat, and he kicks wildly as GB throws him down in a vicious chokeslam.

[GB raises his claw in the air and turns, showing the audience as his claw twitches with anticipation. GB turns back to Lean to bring the claw down, but Lean rolls away at the last second, leaving GB's claw to get stuck in the mat. Lean snap-kicks GB in the head, knocking the Class-5 down, then twists GB around, painfully hurting GB's shoulder. Lean kicks the claw free, but GB is too hurt to get back up.

[Just to be sure, Lean springs off the ropes in Chris Jericho's Lionsault (or should that be Wolfsault in this case?) and lands on GB for the pin. The ref runs in.]

Referee: 1! ... 2! ... 3!

[The fight bell rings. Lean stands, triumphant, and conjures up his cane, which he raises to the air, howling with victory. He leers back at GB, then swings his cane down once into GB's injured arm once for good measure. Then he strides off, the crowd chanting "LUPE! LUPE! LUPE!" (just like they do with The Rock, "ROCKY! ROCKY! ROCKY!") GB lies in the ring, clutching his separated shoulder.]

{Yarom Apartment}

[Sai is smiling widely and clapping, occasionally doing some howling of her own] WOOOHOOOO! Kick Giggy BUTT! [She only stops when she feels watched, turning around to see Zaria standing at the door] What're you staring at? [Giggling, she straightens out her hair and stand up tall (well not tall, but we get the idea)]

Zaria: Aren't you concerned? Minke hasn't come back yet.

Sai: Her name's CReaTuRe!!

Zaria: Not according to her. You're just living with memories, and she's not your WeB ViRuS, so get over it!

[Sai's face goes greyishly pale, and she just stands there, appearing stunned by Zaria's harsh words. When she finally speaks, her voice is choked and barely a whisper] Get out of here, bitch.

Zaria: It's the truth is all! Truth hurts-

Sai: OUT! [runs at Zaria and shoves her through the door, shutting and locking it] And...and stay out...

[Suddenly feeling depression overcome her, Sai walks silently back over to her monitor and watches the fight for a fourth time. She sniffles once and giggles when Gigabyte goes down again. She laughs when Lean plays dirty and dislocates GB's arm] Stupid rolley-polley... No wonder he took you down: charisma. [types in some commands to replay the DVD one last time...]

{Place - Training Room}

[Tomasi and Nails grin as Lean Il Lupe returns from his match with Gigabyte.]

Tomasi: There he is, the Conquering Virus Himself, man.

Nails: All hail the Wolf!

[They start the 'LUPE' chant again, during which Lean shifts his armor back to his Ginole attire and slips on a pair of sunglasses. Tomasi grins.]

Tomasi: Great work, boss.

Lean: Thank you, Tomasi. You're not doing too bad yourself. I never thanked you for helping me put Megabyte out of commission.

Tomasi: Ah, no sweat, boss. I just wish ya could do the same when I go up against those two bastards later tonight.

Lean: What do you mean?

Nails: The Big Shot's decreed that we're not supposed to interfere in the Triple Threat Match later tonight.

Tomasi: Wants the match to be fair for some odd reason.

Lean: Well, ours is not to reason why...

Nails: !! The hell?! I thought you were on our side, Wolf!

Lean: I am on your side, Arn --

Nails: Nails!

Lean: Whatever. I am on your side, but if I want to get my shot at Bios for the Overlord title, I have to stay on Winger's good side. I'm not going to do that by going against his orders.

[Tomasi snarls and throws a barbell across the room, putting a sizable hole in the wall. He walks up to Lean and sticks his finger in his face.]

Tomasi: I stuck my neck out for you loads of times. Hell, my brother got killed because of your orders to defend that User gimp! The least you could do is back me up!

Lean: [calmly] Get your finger out of my face.

[Tomasi responds by shoving Lean over a bench, making the virus tumble, his sunglasses toppling off and his cane skittering across the floor. Nails flexes his claws.]

Tomasi: I thought you were my comrade. Now I see you sold out. Get the hell out of here, "boss." I got some training to do. [turns away to lie under the barbell for bench pressing]

Nails: Yeah, you heard him. Beat it. [He sticks his claws under Lean's nose for emphasis.]

[Lean gets up, his cane reappearing in his hand and his sunglasses immediately correcting themselves. He adjusts his clothing, then points a finger at the bench where Tomasi is. A bolt of lightning shoots out and knocks the weights off and onto Tomasi's neck. The sprite chokes while Nails rushes to help him. Lean just scoffs and leaves.]

{Place - Jay's Greenroom}

[Lean returns as Nada and Burke head out. He watches them leave, then goes up to Jay.]

Lean: Big Shot --

Jay: [shushes him] I know, Lean. I'll handle it, don't worry.

[Lean doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't press it. Jay appears to be busy playing something on PlayStation -- whether or not it is "Countdown to Chaos" is unknown. (Chances are he's playing some Squaresoft RPG.) Lean seats himself at the card table and gets dealed in.]

{Place - Neutral locker room}

[A separator has been put up, so that Nada and Burke don't accidentally expose themselves as they suit up. Burke changes out of his street clothing into his Guardian uniform. Nada is putting on her Flip Side Felon attire.]

Burke: You ready?

Nada: Natch. You?

Burke: Certainly.

Nada: Remember, no matter what happens out there --

Burke: -- It's nothing personal.

Nada: Exactly.

[Burke clips his belt on and adjusts his Guardian faux-icon. He nods, then glances at the partition. Nada steps out, just finishing her braids.]

Nada: All right. Now we just have to wait until See Piler's done with his match-up.

Burke: Right. I wonder who the bloody fool's got to face toNight.

[The two of them watch a monitor.]

[Dax is watching Crix sitting in an office chair, watching what he's doing in the hopes that EVA will be in prime working condition again. As much as everything could appear perfect on the outside, running through things couldn't hurt]

[Crix is typing something out on his laptop, watching what comes up upon EVA's LAN's monitor. Ki'eva is beside him assisting, pointing out a couple mistakes and having a few pointed out by Dax as well. In a few minutes Crix and Ki'eva are into a heated discussion totally off subject over quantum mechanics]

EVA: What are you doing, Crix?

Dax: He's just working out a few last-minute bugs.

EVA: I do not have "bugs".

Crix: Trust me on this, EVA...

[Minke appears in the room suddenly]

Dax: Whoa!

Crix: The hell??

[Dax and the others whip around to stare]

Ki'eva: Minke?

Dax: CReaTuRe?

[Walking through a portal, and upon seeing Dax, Ki'eva and Crix, she walks over to Dax and leans down to her height]

Minke *Where is Voodoo...?*

[Dax points to Voodoo's room, not taking her eyes off of Minke] In there...

Minke *Okay...* [walks off to where Team Sai's room is]

[Dax and Ki'eva share glances and exchange expressions]

Ki'eva: What was *that* all about?

Ki'ace: Never mind that, I'd like to know where Sai and the rest of the team is...

[Scar comes walking over, or thundering over due to his size] What're you thinking?

Ki'ace: Not what you think I'm thinking.

Scar: About her being here mysteriously appearing out of nowhere without Sai -or- Zaria?

Ki'ace: Actually...you nailed it.

[Scar stands proudly]

Crix: You guys mind? No offense, but this is tough stuff here without background music.

[The characters in the room are still a little stuned by the fact that Creature,known to them know as Minke, just up and walked in. No questions other then where Voodoo was.they wounderd for a bit how long it would be till Voodoo would explain this.]

[The large oak doors that lead to Voodoo's room opened, Dax, the only character to look away from the others converstaion and to her creator, noticed that he was wearing her newest weapon. Although Dax in her own right wasn't an inventor, she always got a kick out making stuff, her clothes, her jewlery(which is few and far between), and even small inventions. She didn't make any radical changes, not yet a least, to the the technolgy world. She used what she knew, and with E.V.A. by her side, she had all the information she could even need.]

[Voodoo adjusted the gauntlets. The perfect weapons in some respects. Light wight, and very normal, never really attacting the attention a gun or other weapon might. When Voodoo had asked for a new set, since the ones before were damaged in the battle with Winger, and the ones before these were only useable as a control interface, Voodoo didn't have any real weapony. Dax explained that she was working on a new set and that would servive the next battle, and have more uses then just a concusion blast and interface.]

Voodoo: Good wrok Dax..

Dax: They are untested Voodoo, You know the power levels Winger puts out first hand, i'm working on data you gave me.

Voodoo: I know Dax and I am really thankful for the new modle.

Dax: Just hope you don't blow out the buffers, you may have to take a hit or two for him before they kick in.

Voodoo: I trust you Dax, now, is our guest here?

Dax: In her room, least that who i think you are addressing.

[Voodoo nods and walks past the youngest of the all his characters and to Minke's room. He knocks on the door as he opens it. Looking at the floor as he steps in, not knowing what to expect.]

Voodoo: Hello? You in here?

[Sitting on the floor in the dark, Minke opens her eyes and looks up from an object she was levitating, and it almost crashes to the floor. Her paw catches it just in time, and she gives Voodoo a look. It isn't angry or surprised, but it's just enough to somehow let Voodoo know he's interupted something]

[Minke rolls the crystal around in her paw] *Something you wished to speak to me about, Voodoo? Did I...arrive too soon...?* [She stands out of politeness, even bowing slightly, and awaits his answer]

[Voodoo keeps his head down, as if not sure if he should look up or not. When here hears the crash he looks up with cation. Taking in the event that happen, he see he has enterd at a bad time]

Voodoo: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interupt. I just wanted to talk to you for a moment or so. But i can come back later.

[Voodoo turns around and begins to leave]

[Minke comes foreward a step, perhaps with seemingly too much urgency] *Wait.* [She sees Voodoo turn around] *It's alright... You wish to speak with me [nodding her head, levitating the ball over to it's holding place on Sai's dresser] so speak...*

[Going over to sit down upon a large, round pillow on the floor, Minke motions for Voodoo to do the same and sit down on one next to hers] *Please...sit...*

[Voodoo walks over to near the cushion, but he does not sit down]

[Minke tilts her head at this but doesn't consider it relevant for more than that much time] *What was it you wished to speak with me about...?*

[Voodoo sits down out a respect and looks to his Anthroic friend. He looks at her hard for a moment, never really thinking about her apperance before, let alone the fact that she is anything other then a person he knows. He knows her mind, least the parts he has seen. He knows her powers, from again, what he has seen. Sai's proudest creation sits next to him, and Sai is no where is sight. He knows that Sai is going to go insane when she she finds this out, but he doesn't care.]

Minke:*So Voodoo, what is it I can do for you?*

[Voodoo shifts in the pillow, trying to find a way to not lean back and fall over]

Voodoo: To be honest.. I came here to ask if there was anything I can do for you.

Minke:*Me?...*

Voodoo:You are pretty much a member of this team, and are en-tilted to everything and anything this team and or room offers.

Minke:*Such as?*

Voodoo: You know very well that all and any technolgy that is in this room is all Metaversian, and most of it seems somewhat from fic's writen.

Minke:*Such as your's*

Voodoo: Mostly yes... I just wanted you to know that you don't have to be shut away in here all the time. Everyone is equal here, as one can tell by the way Bios struts around the place. But E.V.A. is ready to serve any needs you my need. Infomation,specs,clothing, pretty much anything you can imagin. Kitchen is open to, but.. Well..

Minke:*I know Voodoo, don't be afraid to say it.*

Voodoo: Just trying not to call attention to the obvious. Just.. If you need anything, or just want to spreed you wings once in a while, do so. My home is your home now, you aren't a prisonor.

[Voodoo stands and slowly walks to the door]

[She watches him walk out the door and sits there thinking a moment] *As a matter of fact, Voodoo...there is something I need...*

[She walks back over to the dresser that Sai had apparently cared nothing for and had simply left here, levitating her little ball of crystal again and making it glow a pleasant white. Once again her mind is overcome with trying to understand feelings she doesn't grasp and doesn't recall ever having felt before.]

[Finally she makes her decision]

Minke *There is indeed something I need... EVA?*

EVA: Yes, Minke?

Minke *Make me some cotton candy in the replicator please...?*

EVA: Of course. Not a problem.

Minke *Thank you, EVA... And...*

EVA: Something else?

[Minke sends an image to the AI] *See this?*

EVA: Very pretty. And very unlike you...

Minke *I suppose... So maybe I'm changing a little...*

EVA: Budding blossom. I suppose you'd like for me to replicate this too?

[Minke half-grins] *If plot devices allow...*

EVA: I'll see what can be done. Will that be all?

[Minke rolls the sphere of light around in her plam for a moment] *Yes...yes, that will be fine. Thank you...*

[Voodoo sits in his room, looking through the window onto the ring below. He pays little attention to the past few fights. His mind is not set on Dax's match, he knows she will win, even if she doesn't, it care's little to him. He knows that if she looses that she did her best and not even Winger can take that away from her.]

[Voodoo sits alone, thinking over the possible future. Minke is now living in his part of the MDM, if there is anything he should fear, its Sai when she finds this out. *If* she finds out. Sighing he knows what he did was right, in some extents of the word. Although not a telepath, he saw the hidden images of where Minke was when he contacted her, he knew that she might not be able to live outside of what she knows. And as far as Voodoo knows, It's the Arena type setting that she knows. He know, or maybe feels, that this is her place to be. Among people who are different and except beings like here. Here she has Hybrid,Zed and Dreckard, even a virus. All who can teach her in the ways of the world.]

[Voodoo stands and looks over to the E.V.A. interface, he walks to it, tapping on it, he looks through his files. He notices something that he should have seen long ago. She has no world. Nothing like that of everyone else, she has no fic to call her own. "Maybe it's the best" he thinks, to not have a story that holds you to one place and reason of thought. He has seen her break mold after mold here in the MDM. Maybe thats why he evenys her, the ability to change when she wants to.]

[He can't change and he knows it. He is only a person made for the MDM, his characteristics are locked in stone and he can not change them any more then he could stick his hand in lava and expect it not to burn.]

[ Voodoo looks at the interface panel. He could so easily tap on it and have a live video feed right into her room. but he doesn't, he does what he should do, he deletes the link and returns to his chair, and his eyes return to the ring below, watching the next set of matchs, and waiting for his turn in the ring.]

[The Metatron lights up diagonally, one side bright as day, the other completely dark. Remembering the last match like this, the fans begin cheering and catcalling.]

Announcer: This match is schedualed for one fall. For the Supercomputer, representing Team Trinomial, See Piler!

[See appears, looking fairly nonchalant but also slightly gray 'bout the gills. The crowd begins calling "Runner! Runner!" As he climbs into the ring, Pyra waves at him, grinning evilly.]

Announcer: And his opponent...

[The announcer falls silent. From the dark of the ring, two giant wings flare into existance, and the being steps into the light.]

?: Zaytan...

[See looks up at the Avatar towering over him, trying to say something. Instead, Zaytan pulls up his burning blade-hand and slamms it where See just was, except he had dodged. See looks at the demon, and mutters one thing.]

"I'm *so* going to get you , Java...ACK!"

{Place - Jay's Greenroom}

[Everyone is watching the match on the vid-windows. Most of the Team appears to be pro-See. The only people who don't seem to care are Justice, Dirk, Sil, and Lean, who remain absorbed in their card game. When See emerges, some of the people in Jay's Greenroom start chanting "Runner!" too.]

DaVinci: I wonder who the poor sap has to fight toNight.

[Then Zaytan emerges. Silence descends on the Greenroom. Nada, still in the locker room, calmly opens her laptop. Burke speaks first.]

Burke: Change my bet to favor Zaytan.

Nada: Got it.

[And soon the others start vid-windowing her to change their own bets. Oh, how fickle they are.]

[See stands from falling to avoid a punch, watching Zaytan nervously as he gets up. The Avatar stares at him for a few seconds, then steps forward and swings his axe blade in a wide circle, trying to decapitate See. The guardian jumps back, and turns to hurry into the corner. As Zaytan approches, he clambers onto the post and turns to face him.

[When the game sprite tries to punch See down, he jumps up wildly over Zaytan, but unable to make it over him, he grabs his head and twists over onto his back like a Cretean bull-jump, hanging on around the Avatars throat (if he had one). Zaytan roars and tries to throw See off. Failing that, he flaps his wings backwards, burning See's shoulders and loosening his grip so when Zaytan jumps up, See loses his grasp and falls behind onto his back.

[Zaytan turns around and tries his energy-draining finish, but at the last second See jumps up in a backward roll, kicking the Avatar's head for momentum, and rolls straight out of the ring. Zaytan jumps into flight and hovers outside of the ring near See. Barely controling the part of his mind screaming, "RUN! RUN!", See backsteps, searching wildly for something to use against his opponent, when he dives to the left near an announcers box and picks up a bucket. Narrowly avoiding another decapitation attempt, he slides into the ring before Zaytan and yells a chalange to him.

{Place: Java's Green Room.}

Erinys: Is he insane?!

Java:[smiling mysteriously] He may be summat cowardly, but he knows what he's doing, Erinys. [She stands up and leaves the Green Room.]

Erinys: [blinks] You're kidding.

{Place: Arena}

[Zaytan turns to See, narrowing his eyes, then flies up and over the ring. He raises his blade, then flies down in a swoop, aiming for See. Right before he reaches him, See pulls the bucket up and throws water onto the Avatar. His wings, composed of fire, dissapear, and he falls onto his knees. Barely thinking, the guardian hefts the bucket onto Zaytan's head, knocking him down.

See: Oww...

[He nearly falls over Zaytan as the ref administers the count and he wins. The crowd collectivly stares in shock a second, then starts cheering and talking rapidly amongst themselves. Pyra, in the front of the crowd, vaults over the railing and pushes a few refs out of the way to pick the dazed See up.]

Pyra: You alright?

See: Yeah...Burnt...Please tell me you bet in my favor?

[Pyra laughs and picks him up. As she walks up the ramp with him, Java appears unannounced at the top and walks down to the ring, waiting for a second while Zaytan is retrieved, then climbs in with a mike-clip on her shirt (That thing is heavy!)]

Java: Hello everyone... [She trails off, watching the crowd quiet, then breaks into giggles.] Wait a nano: did you expect me to let one of my characters get killed or something?! I'm a psychopath, yes, but there's a reason there's a Friendly in front of it. Now, why did I come here? [She looks up a moment in thought, then nods, smile fading.] Oh yes... I wanted to speak so someone. Voodoo! [She stands, arms crossed, looking straight up.] Voodoo, [sweetly] if you're not busy...there's a matter we need to discuss. Come down, if you will...if you're not afraid of a little old polymorph. Come down with your almighty characters, your high-tech guns...or come alone and on an equal level. But come...I'm waiting.

{Place - Locker Room}

[Nada & Lt. Burke watch the match on the monitors. During the course of the match, Burke discreetly changes his bet to favor the Guardian. When See wins, Burke smiles.]

Burke: It's tactics like that which give the Guardians a good name. He could've been a Hellbat.

Nada: I thought the Hellbats were disbanded.

Burke: They were. [peers at Nada's laptop] So, how much I win?

Nada: [checks] Looks like you and DaVinci are the only ones who bet on See, so you split the winnings with him. While I myself don't gamble, I take 10% as the bookie.

Burke: Sounds fair.

Nada: Good. 'Cuz if you'd said otherwise, I would have taken all of your winnings.

[Java taps her foot on the mat of the ring, waiting with a smirk on her face, expexting something over blown, something.. So like Voodoo. To bad she was looking the wrong way.]

Voodoo:What is it Java?

[Java nearly jumps out of her skin as she hears Voodoo's voice right behind her. She turns and faces him, about to let in with a word or two, but stops when she see's he is less then dressed, for him atleast. Clad in only black jeans and a grey t-shirt, the only thing he seems to have tradmarked on are the silver guardian like gauntlets that he wears.]

Java: It's so you Voodoo..

Voodoo: Java.. What is it?.. if you called me down here just to talk fashion sense then i'm leaving right now. So what'ca want?

[Java gives Voodoo a good once over, then smiles cunningly.] Well, understatement has it's charms, so I'll be simple. You set me up in matches against yourself and Jay, in order according to the Battle winner. Well, my single stipulation was that Sai would be in this plan, and she has since spoken to me and informed me that she isn't. So, no two matches.

[She looks across to Voodoo, appraising his mood.]

Java: However...

Voodoo: You've decided not to cowardly back out? Really...

[She glares.] In fact, I'll take up one of the offers. One Author match, between you and me. No Jay match; as I said, I'm not an idiot. So, what rules do you want? None of my characters will interfere, or that of my ally. [She turns and leans against the post.] Speak, my dear Author, speak...I'll listen quietly. Choose your rules.

{Jay's Greenroom}

[The entirety of Team Winger (with the exceptions of Elogin, Archer, Lazarus, Ünres, and some of the characters from future Chronicles fics) is watching the monitors, seeing Java and Voodoo have words. Nada & Burke watch from the locker room, waiting for the ring to clear for the start of the tournament.]

Zilch: Wonder if the Big Shot's gonna have anything to say about that, hey?

Naught: Probably. Right, Jay? [no answer] Jay?

[All heads turn to look at the Big Shot's desk, but he's not there.]

Nil: Hey!

Void: Check it!

[Heads turn back to the monitors, where they can see the Metatron start the Y2Jay timer. The Jay-Java side of the audience starts cheering. The "Big Shot" chants start. The timer hits zero, and then the lights go out. They come back up, but there's no sign of Jay at the stage, or in the rafters, where he's emerged previously. Java and Voodoo also look around, wondering where he is.]

Jay: [voice] Riddle me this, riddle me that...

[Java and Voodoo turn to see him leaning against the turnbuckle, examining his fingernails. Evidently, Voodoo isn't the only one who can do that first-you-can't-see-me-now-you-can trick. He looks up and smirks at the Author and 'ress.]

Jay: ...who's afraid of the big black rat?

[He gets up from his leaning position and strides toward the other two. His gold Author belt is around his waist, and when he tilts down his glasses, it's more plain that his eyes are viral.]

Jay: I don't begrudge you for not wishing to fight me, Java. I have no desire to harm a hair on your psychotic little head. [glances at Voodoo, then shrugs] I'm more than willing, however, to leave a few pieces for you to play with once I'm done with Black Jack Whatshisname here.

[He smirks then.]

Jay: Good luck with your little Tricks, Jav. If you need anything from me, [smile] don't hesitate to ask.

[He does an overdramatic bow, then (blink) he's gone, just as suddenly as he appeared.]

[Voodoo shrugs at Jay's exit. Seems that old dogs can learn new tricks. But far be it from him to judge, even more after recent events. He looks back to the youngest writer and folds his armsd. He thinks over her offer.]

Voodoo: Deal, But here are the rules my little coffee bean..

Java(rolling her eyes): Ugh, what are they?

Voodoo: You and me go at it before Winger and my match. I have a strong feeling that ours will be something new to the Metaverse. And I promise that none of my Characters from past,present, and or possible future will interfear with the match. No guns,knifes,plasma weapons, 2X4 and so forht will be used. And none of those little balls of yours ether Java. I still retain the last marks you gave me....

[Java can't help but smerk at that remark. Voodoo catchs this and sighs before thinking it all over again]

Voodoo: And Mr. Winger or Ms. Sai my not attend unless they are... watch over? Deal?

[Java looks at Voodoo carefully, thinking his words over, before responding.]

Java: Well, as strange as this may sound, it seems fair...no physical weapons, gotcha-There's only one I do know how to use, and it's this...[she taps a small sheath unseen until then.] But one little thing, Voodoo.

Voodoo: And that is?

[She pulls out the dagger, looking at it's blade, then flings it into the rope right next to the Author, where it cuts through horizontally. He steps back in reflex.]

Java: [evenly] Don't call me Coffee, or any permutation thereof...or trust me, I'll find an even bigger loophole to exploit.

[She walks over to retrieve the weapon, sheaths it, then slides out of the ring and walks up the ramp, calling:] Those are the rules, then, no backing out. Bai Bai! [She walks out of sight, leaving Voodoo in the ring, hopefully not too arrogant about the match.]

Ring Announcer: The following match is part of the Light Heavyweight Tournament and is scheduled for one fall. The winner advances.

[The old entrance music of the WWF's Test, "This is a Test," plays, and the Guardian icon flashes on the Metatron screen. Pictures of Thomas Burke appear as well as the words "Come 'n' Get Some!" The man himself walks out, clad in his Guardian uniform. He hands his keytool over to an official as he climbs into the ring.]

R.Announcer: Representing Team Winger of the Metaverse, from Megalopolis, the Supercomputer, and Project Metaverse Administration: Guardian Lieutenant -- THOMAS BURKE!

[Cheers from the Winger side of the audience. Burke slicks his hair back as he looks around. Now the song "Popular" by Nada Surf plays, and then the hacker femme steps out. She's dressed in her Flip Side Felon attire, her hair pulled back in two long braids. The audience cheers -- especially the guys, because Nada's almost as good looking as Dax is.]

R.Announcer: And from the Resonate System, the Flip Side Felon "Surf" -- NADA AUGHT!

[More cheers as she climbs into the ring and stands across from Burke.]

Burke: Guess we have to do this.

Nada: Looks that way.

Burke: No hard feelings, regardless, agreed?

Nada: Naturally.

[Mills Lane steps forward.]

Mills Lane: I don't think I need to explain the rules to you two, but regardless, I want a good clean fight. Obey my commands at all times and I won't have to stomp your ASCIIs. Now let's get it on!

[The fight bell rings, and the two contestants start circling each other. Nada goes for an initial attack, but Burke blocks and shoves her away. Nada recovers and goes back to circling. Burke lunges now, and Nada turns his lunge into a hurl into the ropes. As he springs back, Nada jumps and spin-kicks him to the mat. Burke hits the mat, then immediately rolls away from Nada's attempted leg-drop. He comes around behind her to go for a submission hold, but she spins away.

[The two contestants rise and face each other, circling again. They've tested each other, and now they're ready to get down to it. Burke leaps into the attack again, shoving Nada back and then swinging his arm down to try and hook her legs in a sweep. She jumps over his attack and kicks him sharply in the forehead, snapping his head back and knocking him down. He rolls over and slides away as she goes for a stomp, then catches her in the back of the knee with one hand and trips her. He springs on her and starts to cross her legs into the Figure Four Leg Lock, but Nada twists free and leaps up in a spear that drives Burke to the mat again.