The Aurian Chronicles Chapter 25: End of the line Part 2

 Lyte smiled softly as she zipped through the streets on her motorcycle. The rainbow lights off the sides of the bike turned the pitch-black streets clear as day as she guided the bike to a parking lot. "Derek went all out on this bike! It turns on a dime, even! And it all runs on my aura to... so if that is the case... I wonder.." She said as she plugged her soundboard into the slots for external hardware.

As the Soundboard lit up. The LED lights cast rainbows across the night sky. "Perfect! Now... Let's see if my Aura training from Silver is paying off!" She said as she focused, bending the lasers into the shape of a road. "AWESOME!" She said as she carefully rode her bike on them. A grin spread across her face as the road supported her and her bike.

"No time like the present!" She said, keeping her focus, as she formed a road of light leading right off the side of the concrete and up into the sky. "OH MY GOD THIS IS AWESOME!" She said as she felt the wind blowing her hair, the bright rainbow color of her aura lit up the skies around her. "No roads means no traffic! Let's get to Sound City for my final concert... I got the send off of the century baby!" She said as she guided the light road to the parking lot.

Meanwhile, at the club, Amanda walked in with Dom, her arm casually locked around his as she simply wore a black T-shirt with jean shorts and a pair of sneakers. Dom was wearing an Army camouflage-style t-shirt with blue jeans and a pair of black boots. 

"You sure you want to come to a place like this? I figured you'd be into something a little quieter." Said Dom as he looked down at her. Amanda just smiled up at him, "Dom, if you'll recall, I can let loose! We didn't first meet in the office after all! We met at the bar... Before we-"

"Had sex... I know..." Finished Dom as he smiled at her. "Look at us... only weeks ago, we were trying to be professional, and after everything we are-"

"STILL trying to be professional... Dom... I'm sorry for how I treated you... I'm even sorry I ignored every red flag you tried to point out... But my time with Mr. Capryse is telling me that I don't know how to do relationships just yet... And even if I did... I'd have to step down from my position... I'm just confused right now... Do you mind just starting the night off as friends? See where we go from there?" Asked Amanda hopefully.

There was a deep longing look between the two of them before Dom blew a puff of hot air out of his mouth, giving her a warm smile. "I can do that! After everything you've been through, I'll respect those boundaries... Though if I get my shot, I'm taking it!" He proclaimed.

"Don't get put back on traffic duty!" She jokingly threatened before letting out a sweet giggle. "Alright, alright, fine... But for now.. who is this DJ Lytestryke? This is her final performance here, but doesn't she also own the club?" She asked curiously. To which Dom just shrugged.

"Truth be told, I don't know too much about raves. I just figured the loud music would be a good distraction. All I really know about the DJ is that she's verified on various social media apps for her bright and bubbly attitude... She must be a big deal then, huh?" He asked.

Before Amanda could answer. Lyte had managed to appear on stage in her usual white top and bottom with rainbow fish nets and white boots. Floating beside her was her Disco Ball drone Glitter. "GOOD EVENING, NEW YORK! HOW WE FEELING TODAY?!" She yelled out as a huge sea of fans all screamed back.

"THIS IS GONNA BE MY FINAL PERFORMANCE! OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, I'VE HAD THIS ENTIRE STATE JUMPING! AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE I GOT SOMETHING SUPER SPECIAL TO LEAVE YOU WITH!" She yelled out as she plugged a USB drive into her soundboard.

A large screen lit up with a full view of all the security cameras at Farley incorporated. Lyte smirked and spoke softly into the mic. "Check Check... check one two... Good evening, Farley incorporated... How y'all doin'?" She asked softly. Smirking as the office workers and security workers all looked around.

Amanda and Dom looked worriedly at each other before watching back up at Lyte, who was going through audio samples. "What in god's name is she doing hacking into that man's building?" Asked Amanda. Dom just swallowed hard. "I don't know, but I got a bad feeling about all this! I'll text some guys on the clock!" He said as he pulled out his phone.

Zach Farley scrambled down to the base floor to see Lye's face on all of his employees' computer screens. "HEY HEY HEY! What the fuck is that noisy little slut doing all over the screens?! That ain't what you all are being paid to do around here!" He screamed out loud.

Lyte just grinned at the sight of Mr. Farley. "Heya Zach! Thanks for the fun gift! As a reward, I thought I'd treat all your employees to a free concert! Enjoy some of these hot samples!" She said as she pressed a button. A video of Zach in his office flashed up on all the screens.

"You must be as dumb as my employees are if you think I pay them a decent wage, let alone ten MILLION goddamn dollars." Echoed Mr. Farley before Lyte pressed another button. "You may not know it, bub, but Farley Industries has its hand in a lot of pies here! Construction, security, we're even considering getting into the weapons and government defense racket later! That requires funding... If I got pinch a penny here and there? So be it! What's an ant to a man anyway?" Echoed the second video.

It got eerily quiet as all the employees turned to look at Zach, who was glaring. "And what the fuck are all of your problems? This changes nothing! Get back to work!" He demanded. Several of them began marching toward him. "I'm working myself to DEATH to try and support my family, and you've been paying me less to hire NEW people?" Demanded a forty-year-old man with an ice-cold glare.

Zach looked around and began to sweat. "Yeah? So what if I am? You don't understand NOTHIN bout running a business!" He said as he backed away, other employees began walking toward him now as he quickly made a beeline to the main floor of his office.

Lyte just watched happily as she cut the video feed. "WELL WELL! LOOKS LIKE MR. FARLEY IS IN HOT WATER NOW! LET'S HOPE THIS NEXT SONG EASES THE TENSION, BABY!" She said as she fully powered up her soundboard.

"ONE MILLION VOLTS OF POWER JUST TO HEAR ME FROM MILES AWAY! CORRUPTION IS BLACKENING YOUR SOUL, SO I DOUBT YOU HEAR WHAT I SAY! LYTE-ING UP THE TRUTH YOU KNOW THAT'S WHAT I AM! SO I'MMA KEEP ON BLASTING BEATS WHILE I REVEAL YOUR WHOLE DAMN SCAM!" She sang out as she went heavy on the guitar and drum noises while Glitter pulsed rainbow lights all around the room, causing the fans to party as Amanda and Dom looked dumbfounded.

Farley Incorporated was in utter chaos as the employees quickly overpowered the security guards who stayed to fend them off. Fires began breaking out, and the only thing drowning out the yelling employees was Lyte's song.

Zach Farley grunted and texted in a helicopter to get away. "That fucking little whore! I'm GOING to fucking crush her! AND her older brother! HER WHOLE FAMILY! Then you're next Capryse! I'll have my boys run a train on that whore wife and daughter of yours before setting YOUR home on fire!" He said as his face reddened.

"All this chaos and you're STILL threatening my family... You truly are a stubborn one." Said Mr. Capryse with a pizza box in hand as he munched a slice. Zach Farley glared and aimed a revolver at him as Mr. Capryse casually kept walking.

"Get back, you freak! I know who you are, what you can do! But a bullet is a bullet!" He threatened. Mr. Capryse just smirked and shot a crystal from his finger into Zach's hand. Causing him to scream and drop the gun.

"Christ man... a few decades ago.. a man died so I could eat pizza... Now here I am watching a man lose everything while I eat pizza... Is it the pizza to blame? No... no... This is no Saturday morning cartoon... Life has no silly answers, do they?" He asked as he kicked Zach hard in the face. Zach screamed out in pain as his nose broke. The force of the kick had him staggering towards his glass window.

Mr. Capryse shot a crystal through the window and swallowed a bite as the window shattered. "Honestly? I'm feeling a bit blue... I don't face much of what you could call... Opposition these days... You were the first bit of fun I've had in a LONG time... But then you started threatening my daughter... Zach, I just can't have that." Said Mr. Capryse with a sad smile.

Zach put his hands up. "Tony! WAIT! I... I get it! I got a chopper coming right now! I'll get to Florida! I'll take that deal! Please!" He said as he began to tear up from both the pain and fear.

Mr. Capryse just chuckled and let out a sad sigh before pushing Zach Farley out of the window. Listening to his blood-curdling scream as he quickly fell out of sight. "Shame... Had Lisa not done what she did, you'd still have your money... I might have taken that deal... But you were as good as dead anyway now that you were exposed as a fraud... Don't blame me... The blood in this scenario is on Lisa Sonata's hands... Not mine."

As the chopper touched down on the rooftop. Mr. Capryse stepped aboard and bribed the pilot to take him far away from the tower. "Goodbye, Zach Farley... You were a decent crime lord... But a shit man." He muttered as Farley Incorporated burned to the ground.

Verdant Hawk: Celeste Vs. Laff Ryot

 "Alright! Mission complete! Time to get paid and see if Jaxon is down for a night of Reonan Action Wrestling and some SNACKS!" Said Celeste as she finished collecting her reward for turning in some missing documents from a big tech corporation. She was in her black catsuit and boots with her green hair in its usual beautiful, long green ponytail. "A tech subsidiary of G.R.I.N, huh? OOH! I bet that's where they get all the machines that give me those massages! Shame I can't tell Lydia! I bet she'd give me some good treatments!" She mused happily.

"Ohhhh You have no idea, my precious little kitten." Said a masked woman. She had a white and gold comedy mask with blue lenses over the eyes, and a latex purple outfit with a diamond perfectly exposing her naval. She also had matching thigh-high boots with fishnet stirrups that went up to her Bottom. "Mmmm, you look so stunning in full gear." She said quietly as she silently followed Celeste until they were in a quieter part of the city.

As Celeste walked by an alleyway, the sound of a vibration and a light buzzing at her ankle caused her to jump into the alley. "What the hell?" She demanded as slow, methodical boot steps echoed as the masked assailant revealed herself. "Well, hello there, Ms. Verdant Hawk... I've heard SO much about you... And I just had to see for my-" Laff Ryot had started to say, only to side step as Celeste charged at her. Laff Ryot quickly pushed her hard into the wall and then onto her back. "-...Self," She finished as she looked down at her.

"Oh great, another weirdo.. Are you working for Ichiro?" Demanded Celeste. causing Laff Ryot to tilt her head to the side. "Whom? Darling, I've no interest in working for anyone other than myself.. No reward could POSSIBLY be more fulfilling than what I'm interested in!" She said as she laughed into her gloved hand. Celeste just glared at her. "Really? And what is that?" She asked as she stood up and got into a fighting stance.

Laff Ryot pulled out some tiny pellets and popped them over her suit, making them shine in the starry night. "You, of course!" She said as she took her own stance. Celeste just grinned widely as she showed her elongated teeth. "Is that right? Well, ask, and you shall receive, you crazy bitch!" She told her as she threw a punch. Laff Ryot carefully read her punches and moved out of the way. Based on the research she had done. A single good punch from Celeste would put her down permanently.

"Mmmm, so stunning, even in combat... a girl could fall for a minx like you!" She teased as she stayed on her heels, every two or three punches she pushed the extended fist to ever so slightly put Celeste off balance. Celeste just growled and tried to punch harder as she glared into her masked eyes. "LESS TALKING! MORE FIGHTING!" She yelled in frustration as she sent a kick aimed at Laff Ryot's Solar plexus. 

Laff ryot caught her by the ankle and casually removed her left boot. "Ooh! You take good care of your feet!" she said as she arched her fingers into her soles, rubbing rapidly. Celeste yelped and let out a small giggle as she felt that Laff Ryots' Gloves had microscopic brushes where the fingerprints would be. She quickly used her EP-enhanced strength to shove Laff Ryot against a wall, causing her to wheeze.

"YEAH! How ya like that?!" She asked as Laff Ryot retreated back and panted. "Not bad!" She told her before pulling out what looked like a whip with multiple large pink beads and purple feathers between each bead. "But let's see how you handle my Laff track!" She told her.

"Oh, goodie, another kink freak... You know I enjoy tickling too, but I don't make it a whole lifestyle!" Said Celeste as she charged in for another punch. Laff Ryot charged at her as well, only to side step as her whip extended under her left leg and lifted it up. Before Celeste could turn around. Laff Ryot quickly trapped her in a bear hug.

"YOU THINK THIS IS GOING TO HOLD ME?!" She shouted as she went to elbow her, only to yelp as the end bead of the whip locked onto a sensitive nerve cluster and vibrated rapidly. Celeste began to blush and giggle softly as the smell of lavender vanilla began to fill her nose. Something in the back of her head told the rest of her body it was massage time, and her adrenaline levels began to dip.

"Mmmmm... That's a good girl." She said as she unzipped the top part of her suit, retracting the whip. Celeste panted softly as she tried to build herself up again. only for her to scream in embarrassment as the beads and feathers entered through the zipper hole. Celeste struggled harder as Laff Ryot closed the Zipper back up. "Now... Let's see how hard you can laugh, pretty kitty." She said as the beads extended to her Breasts, her underarms, her inner thighs, her vagina, and after removing her right foot, both soles of her feet.

"Release me!" Said Celeste through gritted teeth. Laff Ryote let out a melodic laugh and pressed the lips of her mask to her neck as if emulating a kiss. "Don't worry, that's the plan." She told her as she buzzed every single bead at once. Celeste let out a melodic laughter of her own as she struggled. Every time Celeste bucked, the feathers were there to stimulate her back onto the beads. Had Celeste not been too dazed, she'd have noticed that the same Lavender Vanilla was wafting off of the feathers themselves.

"G-GET HA HA HA OFF HEE HEE... MEEEEE HAHAHAHA" She said as her eyes looked off in separate directions as the beads against her vagina began to grow damp and buzz erratically. Laff Ryot laughed as she watched Celeste ride out an orgasm, but she was frowning inwardly that the beads were malfunctioning when wet. After a few minutes, she retracted the beads from her suit and spanked Celeste before pushing her off.

"It seems my design isn't perfected, my little kitten... Back to the drawing board I go..." She said as she turned to leave, only to yelp as Celeste tried to push her. "You... Think I'm going to let you get away with this?" She demanded as she tried to summon some strength back. She threw a hard punch with the last of her strength only for Laff Ryot to grab her fist and press her mask to Celeste's Face. "Yes... Yes I do." She said as she placed a scarf with a goofy smile over it around Celeste's face.

The combination of lavender vanilla and a foreign substance hit her nostrils hard as her air passages felt like they were being tickled from the inside. She began to wheeze and guffaw as her mind went fuzzy. Celeste fell over and writhed as all of her previous tickle spots begged for attention. "N-no wait, I changed my mind! tickle me.. Hee hee hee TICKLE MEEEEE~!" She squealed with a wide smile. 

Laff Ryot giggled and shook her head. "In time, my pretty kitty... In time.. For now, it seems I am needed elsewhere... Enjoy my 'Ha Ha' gas... And make sure to smile more!" She said as she used her whip to grapple onto a building top, swinging away into the night with Celeste's loud laughter echoing in the night.

The Aurian Chronicles Chapter 25: End of the line Part 1

 Lyte revved her motorcycle and smiled softly as she looked at Darkness. "Runs beautifully, bro!" She said as she charged it with her aura, causing it to glow bright with neon lights. She got on it and mounted her gear to it so she'd be ready for her concert.

Darkness just huffed a bit. "I still don't like that I am missing your final concert... You KNOW how much I prefer to attend them." He said as he looked down, only for Lyte to hold his hand and smile. "Look, bro, I know you love supporting me... And believe me, I love it too! But we got stuff to take care of! I'll be fine... You can trust me." She said with a grin.

After a brief pause. Darkness just nodded and stepped back. "Fucking knock 'em dead, sis! You got this!" He said with a bright grin. Lyte nodded and got on her bike, revving it as she zoomed off into the night. Darkness let out a happy sigh and turned to Silver as she packed her silver-plated submachine guns. "Alright, let's get moving!"

Silver nodded. "We doing the hospital first?" She asked as got in her Jeep. Darkness nodded and stood in the back seat. "YUP! I've put this shit off long enough... I want my friend back." He told her with a smile. Silver giggled and nodded as she turned the keys in the ignition. "God I love it when you smile like that. Alright, my love, hang on!" She exclaimed as they blasted out of their driveway.

While the drive to the hospital only took fifteen minutes, it felt like hours to darkness as he held the syringe in his hand. visions of the monster NNI had turned him into were running rampant through his mind right now as he hopped out of his car. "Silver... are we making the right choice? are we sure this is actually going to help Xaldin?" He asked worriedly.

Silver went to answer, but she saw black cars filling up the driveway and saw a man in a suit with a golden pocket watch get out. "Well, you better hurry up and figure it out, Darkness. Farley's men are here. She said as she saw him immediately go for his guns. "No, I'll move the jeep for a good getaway, you get to Xaldin before they get to either of you.. quick!" She said quietly.

Darkness glared at the men getting out of the cars and nodded. "Right, be back soon, my love." He said as he jumped out of the jeep and voided through a wall. He moved low to the ground and quiet as he noticed a trail of dead medical staff and Farley's men still looking around. 'Lucky they never asked what room Xaldin was in before they started going to work... I'm starting to see why Mr. Capryse only hires specialized mercenaries.' He thought to himself as he quietly snuck into Xaldin's room.

Darkness saw Xaldin giving him a lost smile. "H-hi, First Sergeant." They said weakly as they looked at him weakly. Darkness gulped and tried not to look them in the eyes as he slowly put together the Sniper Rifle Mr. Capryse gifted him. "We're getting out of here Xaldin... You're coming with us." He said slowly as he laid the rifle out before taking Xaldin's hand.

The noise outside started getting louder as Darkness heard nearby doors being forced open and shot up. "It looks like I'm out of time... if this doesn't work... I'm sorry." He said as he stuck the syringe into Xaldin's arm and pushed the plunger. As the injection finished, a hitman busted into the room. 

Darkness tried to summon his scythe, but was kicked back against the wall. "THEY'RE IN HERE!" Called out the hitman as Darkness kicked him back. As the hitman reached for his gun, a loud explosion erupted as a fifty caliber bullet tore right through the hitman's body. Darkness's ears rang in pain as he looked over to Xaldin, showing a wide smile. 

"That felt... like I always fuckin imagined bitch!" they said as more hitmen showed up. Xaldin aimed again and shot through them all at once. "MULTI KILL! PLAYER ONE GAINED THE LEAD!" They said like a video game announcer as they stood up and looked at Darkness. "Hey Darkness! long time no ACTUAL see!" They said as they stretched.

Darkness just sweated nervously. "Hey Xaldin... uh.. Yeah... like you just saw.. we uh.. gotta." He started before Xaldin cut him off. "We uh buh wha duh duh duh... Is that just how you talk now? Come on! I finally can talk normally for the first time in years, and THIS is all you have to say?" They demanded as their grin tightened wider.

Darkness paused for a bit and took a deep breath before puffing it all out at once. "You're right... Xaldin, it's good to see you again... A lot has happened, and we can't really stay in New York anymore... I got new clothes for you outside, and gear... I can't wait to catch you up afterward. Now. let's go." He said firmly.

There was a bit of an awkward pause before Xaldin nodded. "Okay then, Darkness, I'll head out with you." They told him as Darkness smiled and nodded. As Darkness turned away, he felt his hand being grabbed. "One thing first, though." Said Xaldin right before a fist collided hard into Darkness' face, hard enough to knock him to the floor.

"AH WHAT THE FUCK XAL-" Started Darkness as he saw Xaldin glaring down at him. "NO! SHUT UP! You and I are going to have a bit of a chat before I go ANYWHERE with you!" Said Xaldin as they glared at him. "I was out of it the entire time I was here. But I still heard every time you blamed yourself for what happened to me!" They snarled.

Darkness looked down. "Look.. Xaldin... it was... all a mess that..." He started before Xaldin leaned in closer, "You listen to me and listen well, you bastard. For the past few years, my head has hurt, I feel like two people at once, and all that has been on my mind is you! How DARE you blame YOURSELF for MY sacrifice! My choices were my own... You were my brother! And I'd do it again!" They said with their face pressed against his.

Darkness looked them in the eyes. "Fuck.. YOU!" Said Darkness as he punched Xaldin in the jaw  "LISTEN HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT! You think I don't regret how things went? Every time I try to sleep! I defeated myself... Got in my own head... And I truly am sorry, but I won't take the side gripes anymore. Part of my growing as a person is helping you out! I want that for all my soldiers, for ALL soldiers.. and I can't do that, if you don't let me help you."

"FUCKING GOOD JOB HELPING ME ASSHOLE! All you ever did was stop by during visiting hours and talk to me like an imaginary friend! I remember each and every time, by the way! You didn't look me in the eyes half the time... like I was nothing... Like my parents... Do I sound 'Smart but a little dumb' to you when I say that?" They asked.

There was an intense glare between the two of them. Darkness Green eyes locked onto Xaldin's brown ones. "Look... Xaldin... I wasn't there fully because I wasn't sure what to do. Hell, if the way to bring you back was available on day one, I'd have done it the minute I could! But you are right that I treated you like you weren't there... I didn't know what to do, and I felt helpless because of it... But I want the chance to make things right... Can I at the very least try?"

Xaldin rested their right palm over their left eye and let out a frustrated scream into their forearm. "Fine... But only because I have literally nowhere else to go... we do whatever we need to do, we can even leave the state if need be! But I want to make this clear, you're on thin fuckin' ice with me... You ever look down on me, and I'll punch your lights so far out, you'll have a whole new meaning to the nickname 'Darkness!' Now let's go." They said as they got up and helped him to his feet.

Darkness escorted Xaldin throughout the hallway with his handguns out. With the stealth option compromised, he just used void bullets to tear right through Farley's men. "Damn, dude, Friends of yours?" Asked Xaldin with a raised eyebrow. Darkness rolled his eyes. "Like I said, I'll fill you in later! For now, just lay lead into them!" He yelled as they made their way to the parking garage, where they were surrounded by a full squad of hitmen.  "With my one mag full of bullets that vibrates my ears? yeah I'll get right on that... Sorry to say but unless we are cornered that bad, this is on you." Responded Xaldin.

"Shit.." said Darkness as he raised his guns. "Don't even think about it, asshole! We got you surrounded!" Shouted one of the hitmen as he glared. "Any last words before we dump your bodies in the ocean?" He asked with a grin. Darkness just smirked at him. "Yeah... FLAWLESS!" He shouted from the top of his lungs.

Silver drove up from the side and tore through the squad with her Submachine guns while she smiled. "You're damn right, Flawless... Nice to see you again Xaldin." She said as Darkness stood in the back passenger seat while Xaldin sat in the front passenger seat. "Bitchin save! Nice to see you too, Silver!" They said with a smile. They remembered that the only person in the world who could put Darkness truly in his place was his Wife, the security in that knowledge did wonders in making them trust the situation a lot more.

Silver just grinned. "Well, with pleasantries out of the way, she should make our way to Lyte's concert... things should be ramping up over there as we speak!" She announced, causing Xaldin to blush. "OH! Lisa's going to be there?" They asked as they remembered watching Lisa bounce up and down all the time in her music videos, causing Darkness to raise a brow. "Uh, duh? Of course, my sister is coming with us..." He said as Silver giggled a bit. "Oh, love... so adorably naive." She said as she drove off with a confused Darkness and an embarrassed Xaldin in tow.

As they left the hospital. Xaldin got out of their hospital gown and changed into a pair of Army Camouflage pants, a black crop top, a pair of leather boots, and black fingerless boots. They then reached into a bag and pulled out an old Army cap with the word "Xaldin" on the back of it. "You had a custom name patch made for me? ... Thank you, First Sergeant... Thank you... This doesn't mean you're off the hook, but it's a start." They said as they looked back at Darkness.

Darkness just smirked and nodded. "Of course, dude! I know you hated your old name... Hopefully, when we get out of here, it'll be just like old times!" He said with a smile. Xaldin shook his head. "Even without my hang ups.. I am not fully there yet... I'll try to grin and bear things best I can... but we have a LOT to talk about later." They stated. Darkness nodded as Silver looked to Xaldin. "For what it's worth, he never stopped asking for ways to get you back, if you won't take his word for it, take mine." She offered.

Xaldin just nodded to her. "I did say I'd go with you all, again... I'm virtually homeless now... But it's on him to help me figure out which option is better... But if you and Lisa need me.. I'll help the best I can." They said. Silver smirked. "Are you saying that for me? Or for Lisa?" She asked. Xaldin blushed hard and went to respond, only for Silver to speed up, causing Xaldin to fall forward in the jeep and sputter.

As Darkness filled Xaldin in, Silver, just smiled as the old hospital got further and further behind. She knew that this was only the beginning of one part of their lives, but it was also the end of the beginning of the next, and she was just as excited about it as Darkness was.

The Aurian Chronicles Chapter 24: The night before the end of New York

 Darkness wiped the sweat from his brow as he put his tools down. He was in a dirty black tank top and a pair of tattered jeans. He studied his work carefully and checked for imperfections. Over the past couple of weeks, Darkness had downloaded schematics online and used them to build a new motorcycle.

As he cracked open a beer, Lyte came in. "Hey, bro! What 'cha been up to?" She asked as she stretched. She was in a white t-shirt and rainbow pajamas with hot cocoa in hand. Darkness looked up at her and smiled. "Hey sis! been working on your new ride! Gonna fire it up shortly!" He said while revving the bike.

"Oh, cool! What made you decide on a motorcycle?" Asked Lyte curiously. Darkness shrugged and looked at her. "I am looking at it from a strategic point of view, we need something small and fast, this'll have a closeable dome over it that can tank soft fire... though that's more to keep you safe in case of a crash." He explained with a smile.

Lyte raised a brow at the glowing Lights on the new motorcycle. "The heck kind of model did you use? She asked. Darkness just grinned. "Welp! I found the schematics for a project that was scrapped, known as the Hatchet! Then I recreated the engine with combined knowledge of how to make it run off Aura instead of gasoline! The result was an engine that made the bike rev so powerfully, I built the protective dome to keep the windspeed from lifting you off the bike!" Replied Darkness with an excited smile.

"Uh, Bro... I think you might have lost your mind slightly... And wasn't that project scrapped because the top speed of the bike was so fast that it caused the bike to become inoperable? I read online too, you know..." She retorted. As she placed her hand on a red spot on the bike's console, it let out a bright rainbow of energy in response.

Darkness grinned brighter. "That's because they didn't have the know-how! I DO! This baby uses aura as a power source,  negating the fuel consumption argument! And I took your powers and aesthetics in mind so you can hook your gear to this baby! Just give her a chance when the time is right, and you'll see what I mean!" He said as he grinned.

Lyte couldn't help but giggle at how happy Darkness looked. "Good lord, look at you! I've seen a consistent change in your attitude and demeanor... It's been refreshing, I have to admit... Alright, big bro.. I'll take her to the concert for a test drive... For you." She promised as she hugged him tight. He just hugged her back before retiring to his room so he could be ready for his big day tomorrow.

Silver was happily waiting in sky blue lingerie with fishnets while lying on the bed, winking at Darkness as he came in. "Coming to bed, love?" She asked as Darkness sat by her, "Boy, you have been increasingly lovey-dovey." He told her as he rubbed her chin gently, only for her to sit full weight in his lap. "Look, the stress of my job. and keep you and Lyte happy takes a toll on me, and this is my BEST source of stress relief, you bet your ass I'm taking full advantage of the peace tonight!" She said as she looked in his eyes.

Darkness raised a brow. "Yeah, it's something I've been meaning to ask... I haven't before because I just love you and want to give my wife what she wants... but ever since I came back full stop, you are like... ALWAYS ready to go, is there something we need to talk about, or some bigger reason your sex drive has increased?" He asked curiously?" 

Silver just casually undressed both herself and Darkness as she sank down on him and pressed her forehead to his. "Mi amore, Sex was the last thing we did as a couple before I saw you... I never pursued anyone else, I never THOUGHT of anyone else... All I wanted was the next day, when I could have you in my arms again... Sex is a physical way of letting me know you still want me as your wife." She said as she grunted and rocked her hips hard on him.

Darkness held her tight and kissed her neck, causing her to moan and press her white nipples into his chest. "You know you'll ever be the only person to me... No one could ever tolerate the broken mess I was like that... I wouldn't even want anyone else..."

"I know that my love... But my body doesn't, when we're far apart, the urges get stronger and stronger... just call it a side effect of loving you too much." She said as she rocked harder on him, as he dropped down as hard as she could on him, gritting her teeth as he finished inside her. She cuddled him close and breathed heavily as she felt her own orgasm coming as well, before panting from the afterglow.

"And the massive amount of porn you think I don't see on your computer?" He questioned with a smirk, causing her to smack him goofily upside the head as the flush of embarrassment on her face left her an adorable shade of ruby red. "What I do in my own spare time is MY thing, I don't question your drinking habits!" She said as she puffed her cheeks out.

Darkness broke out laughing as he held her close and nodded. "Hey, hey, hey! I wasn't shaming you, just teasing you.... Pervert." He said jokingly, only to wince as Silver whacked his head rapidly before mounting up again. "Just for that, I'm taking advantage of the FULL night, try not to die, My love!" She said with a deeper Spanish voice. Darkness just let out a nervous laugh as he gripped her waist and glided his hands along the curves of her flawless bottom as he gave Silver her last perfect night in New York.

Meanwhile, Kayla smiled softly as she relaxed in Blood Angel's home. It looked like a beautiful mansion that once stood tall and proud in Long Island, but now was the source of inspiration for cheap horror movies. Dried blood was coated everywhere, dirt and grime were smeared across every hallway, and human remains left uncleaned were scattered about.

"I must say, my dear Blood Knight, you could do with a tad of cleaning up!" She said as she looked at Blood Angel, who was enjoying a fancy steak dinner, it seemed to be the only beautiful thing in the whole house. "Don't worry, the fire will clean it all when I leave... per your request, I collected enough blood to fuel my power for a very long trip... You sure you don't want to just confront Darkness now?" He asked curiously.

Kayla giggled and shook her head. "No... Let him close the finishing chapter of this book before he opens a new one. I've a feeling something even BETTER will come when the time arises... Just be ready to move when he does, and leave no trace of your presence here; we don't need anyone asking questions later." She advised. Blood Angel just nodded and continued to eat as he fantasized about the next duel with Darkness and his next encounter with Lyte. "Soon my Prismatic Princess... You will dance with me in the Pale moonlight after bread and circuses with your brother." He said happily.

"Such a peaceful night." Said Mr. Capryse as he smirked while looking over Manhattan from the top of the Empire State Building. "Soon... The entirety of my beautiful state will be plunged into utter chaos. My foolish colleagues will make their petty squabbles public... and everything will burn... but from those ashes... A beautiful Phoenix made of hellfire will rise, and bless the survivors with a new age of peace... Or curse them with new horrors? It makes no difference, it'll be fun either way." He said as he opened a box of pizza he bought from a diner and watched the car lights from down below.

The Verdant Hawk: An ice melting smile!

 "I'm telling you, Tristan, it's like the best place I've ever been! They seem to really care about making sure the people who go are very relaxed!" Said Celeste with a wide smile that showed her extended canines. She was wearing a white shirt with a smiley face that had "G.R.I.N" written on it.

Tristan stroked his chin as he pulled up the Spa on his computer. "I have to admit, it DOES sound quite lovely, but this Lydia Hysteria... She isn't just a higher-up employee; she's the CEO! Why on Reona is she all the way down here in Pink Top City if the company is up north? Does that not raise suspicion?" He asked as he looked to Celeste and Deimos.

Deimos just scoffed. "Who even really cares about her? A spa is a spa... We had a good time at the one we went to... Remember?" He asked. Tristan lowered his eyelids at his former partner. "I remember you pushing me into things I didn't want to do and maybe ten to fifteen percent of that time actually being relaxing... You're not really helping the case here, Deimos!" He said bitterly, causing Deimos to look down at his feet.

Celeste shook her head. "Well, you won't have to worry about that at all! Unless you sign up for the couples experience, it's something you go through alone! Trust me, when I left, I wanted to immediately go back again! Getting my full body heated up, rubbed down, and massaged? Heck, I might go back again with you if you go! She exclaimed as she bounced on the tips of her toes.

Tristan pondered the idea for a bit before shrugging. "Honestly, the idea still raises a lot of suspicions for me. But I suppose a nice day by myself would help ease the tension I've felt after everything we've been through." He stated. Deimos just grumbled, "Why can't we try the spa we went to together again?" He offered. "Because I actually want to relax this time and not have another moment ruined by your negativity." He responded. 

Deimos had a hurt look on his face, but maintained his composure. "I'll at least drive you there, if it IS a trap, I can be backup." He offered. Tristan narrowed his eyes at him. Celeste just shrugged and left the decision to him. "... Fine, but you're on thin ice with me, and you of all people know how well versed I am in THAT Concept." He stated, causing Deimos to just nod sheepishly as they got in Deimos' car.

Tristan was easily impressed by the sheer size of the building as Deimos drove into the parking lot, and Celeste happily parked beside them. "And here I thought Celeste was exaggerating a bit... All this for a SPA?!" He marveled as they stepped into the building. Deimos folded his arms and frowned at the idea of Tristan doing this alone. "I still think it's weird you're doing this alone," he muttered.

Celeste rolled her eyes at Deimos. "Sounds like you want to go with him and are just salty you don't get to," She pointed out. Deimos just scowled at her and scoffed. "I don't recall asking your opinion, so fucking save it." He muttered. Celeste just glared right back at him. "Look after all that shit you've pulled? You're lucky I never beat the hell out of you! And if you REALLY want to prove yourself to Tristan, how about you ACT like a supporting partner for once in your life!" She exclaimed with venom in her voice.

That shut Deimos up as he just watched Tristan converse with the attendant, who had a warm smile on his youthful face. The attendant smiled as he guided him to the scanner Tristan went through. Tristan could only flush bright red as his feet were the brightest spots. "What does this mean exactly?" He asked in an embarrassed tone.

The attendant was about to open his mouth, only for Celeste to speak up. "It means you are in for the most relaxing feet treatments of your life!" She promised. The attendant chuckled and nodded as he guided him to the clothing rack to get fitted for his latex suit. Tristan put it on and admired himself as he looked in the mirror. He then noticed that the attendant was wearing a similar bodysuit, except it was under his actual uniform, which consisted of a vest and white foam sandals with purple cushioning on the inside.

"Here's your keycard. Make sure to walk into the room where the keycard vibrates to! The number should also appear on the card it syncs up with! Please enjoy your stay at G.R.I.N! Because Great Relaxation Is a Necessity!" He said with a smile. Tristan politely nodded and walked through the designated hallway.

"This place feels a bit like a cult when they say their motto like that." Said Tristan uncomfortably as he walked ahead. "But... Celeste swears by this place, so the least I can do is give it a chance." He told himself before his Keycard lit up and vibrated. He walked through the automated door and sat in a chair that was outstretched over a small pool of bubbling water.

As he sat down, Tristan flinched as his ankles were locked into place while small laser dots focused on his feet. "What in the-?" He asked as he saw a picture of his feet that the scanner showed off. As he looked in the room, he noticed the room was a light shade of purple with a lot of smiles painted all over the walls, they formed arrows that pointed directly into the pool, where a machine slowly rose out of the water.

The machine extended a bunch of hoses from its base, including an oxygen mask that pressed into Tristan's face, making him breathe a scent of fresh peppermint tea while the other hoses sucked up water and applied some white, grainy powder to brushes. "Epsom salt?" Asked Tristan as the brushes pressed into his soles and spun, causing him to jerk and wiggle as he laughed, only to moan in pleasure as the brushes pressed harder to turn from tickling into a full-on scrubbing at his sensitive spots.

"It's... It's acting like a Callous scrubber! It's exfoliating my feet!" Said Tristan as he saw his feet shine bright while a stronger scent of peppermint filled his nose. "This is the best I've felt in a long time!" He said as he finally stopped struggling. After his Feet were shining bright from the treatment, the restraints around his ankles finally released him and let him up.

"Well, that was... alarming at first, but I can't deny that I enjoyed that." Said Tristan as he walked ahead. After a few rooms had past, he felt the familiar sensation of his card vibrating. "I hope this one is at least a bit less... Restraining." He said as he stepped inside the next room. As he walked in, he saw a massage bed with a different machine hanging from the ceiling, a hole was in the bed for him to rest his face. "This feels more like it!" He exclaimed as he laid down.

A machine lowered and slowly dispensed warm peppermint oil onto his back as a rotating trio of massagers focused on his stress spots. Tristan was a bit puzzled at the lack of living masseuses, but shrugged as he relaxed. "This isn't all bad, but I miss the actual living element of a spa..." he said to himself as the massagers sped up when hitting the really sensitive spots on his sides. He saw stars as he almost passed out from the pleasure.

Tristan smiled a bit as he strutted happily along the hallway. "Oh my! I somehow feel even taller after that massage! I must have been piling on more stress than I thought!" He said to himself as his card lit up to a a hot spring. This particular hot spring had the same warning to leave his outfit on as he entered the water, but it looked virtually nothing like the one that Celeste was in. The water was a beautiful glowing blue, and the visuals were lit up to make it look like a hot springs somehow magically found out in a snowy villa.

Tristan felt hypnotized by the sheer beauty of the 3d effects as he relaxed in the water. As he did, a strong peppermint mist filled the room as the bubble features vibrated the water. "Ohhh myyy," He said dizzily as the features showed off beautiful men and women, having simulated conversations. Between the relaxing soak and the bright, youthful looks on the fake people, Tristan found himself trapped in a powerful illusion of socializing with the 'People' around him.

After about an hour and a half, Tristan was fully dressed and happily strolling back to the main lobby, where Celeste was bragging to a bored Deimos about how her masseuse really knew her stuff. "Hello, Celeste!" He said with a wide grin, one Celeste returned eagerly. "Enjoy your treatment? I got a massage myself." She said with a smile.

"Yeah, and she wouldn't shut up about-" Started Deimos, but Tristan just moved closer to Celeste. "You got an actual person? I was hoping for something like that myself... in fact, I would call it my one nitpick about this place!" Said Tristan. Celeste just shrugged, "Things around here have been a bit on the risky side when dealing with people, so free treatments get the employee interaction parts taken out, but if you want a membership, you can actually PICK your masseuse! I am hoping to get Jaxon to do a couples treatment with me!" She explained with excitement.

Tristan nodded as she talked, "I see... that does make sense, especially in Pink Top... I should say, I'll definitely be buying a membership of my own if that's the case! Who knows, maybe I'll get a couple's treatment of my own one day!" He said with excitement. Deimos lit up, "I'd love to do that with you, Tristan!" He said happily. Tristan's smile almost faltered at Deimos' voice. "Start acting like you actually mean that, and maybe one day I'll consider it... At this point, I highly doubt it... Besides, with your Ticklish feet, I doubt you'll let anyone actually touch them at all!" He muttered, causing Deimos to sulk.

As the trio headed out. Lydia smiled softly as she watched them on video. "I KNEW making an acquaintance with that girl would pay off! She said as she lined up some vibrating balls and feathers onto her whip. She let out a crack of her whip, and it immediately came back and spiraled around her, vibrating along her breasts, abs, and ankles. "Mmmmmm, perfect... it responds to the programming well... But my spots are one thing... I think other targets are required for this test drive." She said as she watched Celeste on the screen. "And I have JUST the target in mind... Can't wait to get to know you better, Celeste Marcella. You'll find I'm a real Laff Ryot!" She said while laughing loudly in her hand.

The Aurian Chronicles chapter 23: Worlds in collision

 Amanda walked into the NYPD in full uniform. She casually adjusted her appearance in the mirror and made sure every loose thread was off her. She brushed every stray curl downward and restyled to a professional bun. She walked into her office and tried to keep it together, not wanting to let anyone see she was on the verge of a breakdown.

"Nice to see you again, Lieutenant Cross." Said Dominic as he glared at her. Amanda stayed on her computer as she typed away at her desktop. "Is that how you've learned to address your superiors?" She asked emotionlessly as she stared at her screen. Dominic just grunted and stomped his foot. "You're my superior? Could have fooled me! It's been two weeks since you went on that date with Capryse, and you went from giddy schoolgirl to immediately picking up the slack! What the hell is wrong with you?" He demanded.

Amanda just stopped and pushed her keyboard forward as she breathed a shaky sigh, and then a harder one, and she immediately began to cry. "He knew who I was this entire time!" She said hysterically as Dom immediately pulled the blinds down over the door behind him. "What do you mean, he 'Knew who you were.' You mean that you were a cop?" He asked curiously.

Amanda just pulled some files out for him to read. "My last name isn't technically Cross... Well... It IS, but... My father's last name is Song, as in the Song family from the 99 Louts... a Chinese crime syndicate... While my Father and I were clean as far as the crime family was involved, we DID flee to America when I was young... If he wanted to, Antonio Capryse could literally do anything from having my reputation dragged, to turning my father and me over to one of the neighboring families... Sky's the limit there." She admitted nervously.

Dom Studied her closely. "Do you think he would, though? You talked like he was the man of your dreams," he said with a hint of bitterness in his voice. Amanda just put her hand on her head. "Do I think he would what? Essentially, have me killed? No... No, I do not... But I couldn't take any chances, I offered him literally anything... He said all I had to do was cover the cost of a favor to another acquaintance of his... I even signed a contract in red ink... No clue what that means, but he not only made his vow, he legally had both my father and me legally wiped from the Song family bloodline... We're worthless in the crime world... Thank god." She explained as she breathed a sigh of relief.

Dominic studied her carefully. "Okay? Then what is the problem? Mr. Capryse, if anything seemed to help you... So what? is it the cost thing?" He asked carefully. Amanda just nodded back at him. "He said the transaction will go down in a few days... And frankly, I am nervous as hell... Was this all I was? A bargaining chip... I should have listened to you, Matthews... I'm sorry." She said as she looked up at him. 

Dominic just looked at her desk. "Listen, I don't think it'll be anything too bad if your name was wiped.. If anything, he wiped the value he could have had if he himself were a crime lord... Tell ya what, let's hit Sound City after this and catch DJ Lytestryke's show! We'll have some drinks, some mozzarella sticks, and even dance a bit! If nothing else, it'll get your mind off of all this!" He offered.

"Officer Matthews, are you asking your superior out on a date?" Amanda asked sternly, causing Dominic to wince. Amanda just giggled softly and nodded. "Fine, fine, I'll get some clothes from Flawless Fashions and meet you tonight... For now, we've got other fish to fry." She said as she pulled up incidents going on near Farley Incorporated.

Dominic leaned in as he saw agitated workers around the building. "Looks like one of those strikes is finally about to happen, that moron is about to collapse under the weight of his own greed," he muttered. Amanda nodded, "I don't know what caused all this, but I want all the squads to be ready... my intuition is telling me something huge is going to happen, I don't want us scrambling when it does." She said seriously. Dominic nodded confidently at her words. "Good to have you back, Ma'am." He said as he left.

Meanwhile, Saryn was pouting as Mr. Capryse casually ate away at some Chicken and Dumplings Autumn had made. "Did it really have to go down so soon like that? We're just... Letting her go?" She asked with a crestfallen voice. "I wanted at least a little more time with her... The things we could have done!" She said with a grumble.

Mr. Capryse rolled his eyes and ate a dumpling. "Sadly, my hand was forced... Although the sacrifice of Amanda's full loyalty will ensure things go off without a hitch when Mr. Farley makes his move... And with that last stunt he pulled with Darkness, it looks like that will be very soon... So just relax, dear, while we take over yet another portion of New York." He explained while crossing his legs.

Saryn just let out a huff as she placed her hand on his. "Deal, but if it's possible afterward, I would like to try and smooth things out with Cross.. She was a lot more fun to work with than I thought." She said as she looked in his eyes. Mr Capryse just smirked and nodded. "Deal... I look forward to your next move in that regard." He said, even though he was halfway sure that was going to be impossible.

Saryn smirked back and sat back in her chair as Autumn laid out fresh fruit and whipped cream for dessert. "So what now? Do we wait in a bunker or something?" Asked Autumn curiously. Mr. Capryse just pulled his daughter into his lap and rubbed her chin, causing her to kick her legs adorably. "No, sweetie... Now? We simply wait until Old York burns to the ground, and we arise from its ashes."

The Verdant Hawk: Put a G.R.I.N on that face!

 The Blistering sun beat down over Pink Top City. Traffic was at a gridlock, and worst of all, the snack lines were backed up all the way. Celeste Marcella was grumbling as all her favorite snacks were bought up from the freezer. "All of them! MY ENTIRE LIST!" She shouted to herself as she lifted the entire freezing unit over her head, much to the shock of other customers.

As she got ready to throw, A tall, Blonde woman in a purple Suit top and short skirt combo cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Excuse me! You seemed a bit stressed. Is something the matter?" She asked in a soft voice, as she visually inspected the young woman from head to toe. She pressed a suit button upon eying her feet. 

Celeste just glared up at her, and noticed the absurdity of the situation she caused as she sat the freezer down and breathed in sharply through her nose and let out a deep exhale. "Sorry about that.. I guess I got a bit hangry... All the snacks I usually get were bought up.." She said as she stretched her arms. Celeste was wearing a simple Megadeth T-shirt with a Cheetah pattern skirt and a pair of leather ankle strap boots.

The woman smiled and reached in her purse. "I can see that... Here!" She said as she gave her a large box of assorted Belgian chocolates. "I don't really need these. You can have them!" She said with a smile, a card was on top of the box with 'G.R.I.N' Written in purple. She raised a brow at the card. "What's that?" She asked curiously.

Lydia just patted her softly and smiled. "That's my company! G.R.I.N! Great Relaxation Is a Necessity! We specialize in finding out the stressors in our clients and helping them out! Tell you what, as a sign of good faith, I'll give you a free treatment! Tell them Lydia Hysteria gave you a personal invite at the desk, and we'll show you a good time!" She said with a smile.

Celeste eyed the card and the chocolates. "Um.. Sure! I'll definitely give it a shot later!" She said as she showed a wide grin, showing her sharp canines. "Oh my! Off to a good start already!" Teased Lydia as she laughed into her hand before heading off to do her shopping. Celeste just looked at her card, then the chocolates, and shrugged before heading home.

"G.R.I.N huh? Yeah, I've heard of them... They based out of New York a few years back... the results were so good they spread out over the East Coast!" Said Jaxon as he sat with Celeste on the couch when she got home later that evening. Jaxon was wearing nothing but a red robe with black trim. "So you gonna actually go? I have heard nothing but good things about the place since the one here popped up."

"Yeah... That lady seemed very nice.. didn't even question how I lifted an ice cream freezer, though." She said as she flipped between channels. grimacing as she scrolled past 'Varg the Viking,' as did Jaxon, who just shrugged. "She probably didn't even think about how heavy it really was, babe... And hey, if she calmed you down and kept you out of trouble, she can't be all bad, right? And besides! These chocolates are awesome!" He said as he munched a few chocolates that came from the box Lydia gifted Celeste.

Celeste nodded, "Makes sense, I guess I can check it out this weekend... HEY! Those are MINE! GIMME!" She said as she pounced on Jaxon, who was laughing and happily stealing her snacks for no other reason than to mess with her. Celeste finally took her sweets back and munched on one. "Man, these ARE good! I hope she has more at the spa!" She said with excitement.

Celeste arrived at G.R.I.Ns building later that weekend, whistling at the sight of it. It was roughly the size of five supermarkets, both high and wide. The letters G.R.I.N were written in the form of a small smile. The windows that were left open showed various massage machines and forms of equipment that Celeste could immediately recognize, but everybody that was visible from the outside seemed to look relaxed and at peace. Celeste nodded to herself as she walked in. "At least I know I'll be in good hands." She told herself confidently.

Celeste made her way to the counter, where she saw a woman in what looked like a cross between a white Yoga outfit and scrubs a nurse would wear. She had medium-length blonde hair and bright blue eyes. "Hi! Welcome to GRIN! Because Great Relaxation Is a Necessity! How may I help you?" She said in a bubbly voice.

"Um... Hi... Someone named Lydia gave me this card and recommended me personally." Said Celeste as she gave Lydia's card to the attendant. The woman lit up and grinned widely. "Oh my goodness! You are so LUCKY! Lydia Hysteria is the CEO of this company! If she gave you this, it means you get a free full treatment plus benefits! Let's get you into your new outfit right away!" She said as she took Celeste by the hand and guided her to a changing room.

Celeste grumbled uncomfortably as she emerged in a white bodysuit. Although it was form-fitting, almost like a second skin, it was nowhere near what she normally wore in her day-to-day life. "Do I have to wear this?" She asked with distress in her voice as she tried to completely look herself over.

"Of course! During your treatment, this outfit is going to help us determine your stress spots and not only relieve the built-up tension, but make it harder for it to return for a while!" Said the attendant. Celeste just looked at her. "Hey, shouldn't you be back at the desk?" She asked. The attendant just smiled at her. "Nah, I just had someone cover me while I walk you through, not every day we get a VIP!" She said as she guided her to her first spot.

"So what's this?" She asked as she saw a spot with a bed that had monitors attached to it, along with scanners as well. "This here determines the spots of your body that radiate the most heat, that's where the fun begins," She said softly as she laid Celeste on the bed. A bright scanner slowly beamed over Celeste's body in a 360 rotation. Celeste stretched out and let it continue to scan her for a few minutes.

A loud beep went off as the attendant whistled, "You must be on your feet a lot! They're lit up like a Christmas tree!" She told her as she admired the other spots on her breasts, inner thighs, underarms, and even spots on her erogenous zones. Celeste just scratched the back of her head and looked down. "You uh... aren't going to massage those or something, are you?" She asked, causing the attendant to laugh.

"Oh heavens no! There is more than just hand-on-skin contact at this spa! though you will be getting tended to by skilled hands, we have so much more to offer than that! and we certainly don't need to touch certain parts of your body to get stress out! Trust us with your safety and comfort during your stay!" She explained as she walked her through the facility.

After a few minutes of walking, Celeste headed to a Neon purple door as the attendant handed her a specialized magnetic card and waved. "When you walk by the right door, it should buzz, proceed into that door for your personal treatment, when you are done, you will end up back at the lobby... Hopefully with a wide Grin!" She told her happily.

Celeste laughed nervously and nodded as she walked through the door. "Well, what's the worst that could happen? It's just a really big Spa trip? How bad could it be?" She asked as she headed through the door to start her treatment.

After passing by the first few rooms, the card in her hand buzzed. "First stop" she said as she walked into a bright room. a cushioned chair with rubber nubs extended forward with its zero gravity feature. Celeste slowly sat in it before it slowly arched back and began harnessing her in. "Hey! What the-?" She demanded as it began buzzing softly, causing her to relax. A countdown appeared before her set at thirty minutes as the room began to fill with the scent of lavender and vanilla. "Oooooh not baaaad," She said lazily as she closed her eyes with a smile.

Celeste almost pouted in disappointment after her half hour was up. The chair stopped buzzing immediately as the timer told her to please proceed to the next room. "I would have preferred that to be the whole treatment." She said as she walked to the next room. Inside was what looked like a tub, one that advised her to leave her attire on. She shrugged and slowly laid inside it as some sort of blue gel with tiny white beads filled up until she was fully submerged except for her head. "Ooh! WARM!" She said as the latex seemed to hug her skin even tighter, giving her the sense of feeling fully naked. "Oh... my... that's good!" She said lazily as her feet felt like soft marshmallows. 

Another hour had passed, and Celeste seemed to be walking on her tiptoes as she couldn't help but have a lazy smile forming on her face. "Gosh, I might have to buy memberships with Jaxon after this." She said with a light blush as she walked into the next room. This one had another bed, but with mechanical hands with padded foam gloves on them. "Oh, this is gonna be so good!" She said as she immediately laid down, only to yelp as the hands gripped her and lifted her off the bed.

Celeste started to struggle as the room filled with more lavender vanilla scent while the hands began massaging her weak spots. "OOOH!" She squealed happily as her struggling stopped immediately. "You know what you're doing," She said as she submitted to the pampering of the mechanical hands. She lightly giggled as they rubbed some lotion on her body. "I can feel it through this goofy outfit!" She said happily as she was rubbed down fully, not caring in the slightest wear they touched, even welcoming it now.

After an hour she was giddily strolling through the hallway as she saw the final spot. Inside was a hot spring where her clothes and a towel awaited her. "Please leave your singlet on in the hot springs, it will be removed on its own!" Said an automated voice. Celeste just happily walked into the hot water without a care and watched as the suit melted off her body. A chemical was added to the water that caused the steam to give off more of that lavender vanilla scent. "Oh my god, I feel light as a feather... like I can fly! I wonder what all the other treatments in this building are like! Maybe I'll get to find out with a full membership!" She said as she relaxed. 

When her time was up, she dried off and got back into her clothes as she skipped to the desk with a grin on her face. The attendant casually giggled at the sight of her. "Now THAT'S the expression we love to see!" She said with a smile. "Well, yeah! Because Great Relaxation Is a Necessity!" Repeated Celeste as she filled out a review. "I'll be buying a membership, and can I get another form for someone else?" She asked. The attendant nodded and handed her another form. Celeste waved her goodbye before happily leaving.

"Thank you for stopping by!" Said the attendant with a bubbly smile. Unbeknownst to both her and Celeste. Lydia Hysteria was grinning while watching the security cameras and uploading Celeste's data to a microchip. "Yes... Thank you, Celeste Marcella... Thank you for everything." She said as she laughed loudly.

Welcome to the Aurian War

 As you have been made well aware in "The Aurian Chronicles," Aura exists as a power within, activated by the user's spinal fluid do achieve their "Aura" power. Going beyond that. These Aurian powers exist in "Strands" Spread throughout the Multiverse, and while there will be four universes in total, today we will be discussing "The Aurian War."

Rather than a simple individual known as "The Composer", discovering Aura and trying to use it to change the world for the better, Aura has been present in humanity right from the very beginning. Due to the natural hostility in mankind, you can guess that these various skills catalogued throughout history were not always used with the best intentions at heart.

Due to the increased deadliness of warfare, the age of the draft has been lowered to 14 years of age, with the option of donating children to the cause at even younger ages for financial compensation. It is HERE that Aurian soldiers are made. They are taught the horrors and of defeat, and the pleasures of victory at a very young age, all to ensure total victory.

Nations do NOT operate like they do in the regular do, the more their leaders acquire in terms of landmass, the more control they secure, because of this, elections have been forgone in the sake of a "might makes right" system. Politicians are not expected to last long, as there is always a knife at their necks.

Aurian soldiers are nothing short of perfectly groomed sociopaths. All they need is the promise of a good reward for victory, and they will charge into horrific situations with smiles on their face... Some of them not even caring if it's their last day alive. Not ALL Soldiers buy into their programming, some of them do their best to save as much money as they can, and abandon the war lines entirely, and while they are fully allowed to do so, they are met with nothing but scorn from their peers.

I hope you've enjoyed this brief guide into how systems work in this alternate universe. As the story opens up, we will be diving into the Void Weaver "Dusk Sonnet" and how her life as a soldier has corrupted her mind, body and soul. Fully expect the four universes mentioned above to collide in the future, and please keep an open mind. "The Aurian Chronicles" Will be the main story, but I do hope that you will still stay tuned for these other side projects going forward.

                                                                 -Until next time!