Author's Corner: No procrastinating on this chap! Was having to much fun with Bonnie and yes its pkmn reference. She was really fun to write with all the ideas that my den member kept feeding ideas. Please leave your comments below.
P.S. i fixed the messed up signature so the side project tab actually sends it to the proper page now.
Enjoy!
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After the two adults had split from the kids they had gone and picked up the box of wine and gone to a private room only Malcolm used.
This place was sound proof to the limits and the security was quite high. The reason was because the room was his office and inside were all the most important documents and information.
That said, the place looked like a modern library on the scale of a national one with a high roof and three floors, the top two open in the center and filled with shelves on the rest with seats all around for Malcolm.
Besides Malcolm himself, only Proto and Magi, Malcolm’s first and second magic puppets, were allowed in.
Magi had been an elemental magic as a puppet and formed a love for books at the level of obsession and she remained here are anywhere with books reading but at her side was a long club. She was head of security while Proto was head Butler.
"Impressive as always." Noland said and walked to a chair on the side and sat down before putting the box down and opening it before removing a bottle.
"Ah~! It's been too long since everyone gathered for a drink." Noland said solemnly.
"Can't be helped, those born in Second Life choose to stay and those who were players are scattered accross the globe. Some have already retired from gaming and aren't as active as us." Malcolm said as he came over with two large cups for wine on a tray and a cork opener.
He puts down the tray on the desk and sits on an armchair across from Noland.
Pop!
With an easy pull Noland popped the cork off releasing the smell of wine into the air before pouring into the two cups and taking his own.
Spinning the ale within he puts it to his nose and takes a wiff.
"Ah! The smell of aged english grapes. The smell of ten years ago when we were still in our prime." Dad said and took a sip.
"The adventurers we had were many and defiantly left the world jealous of what we did." Malcolm said.
Noland looked at his drink and drank the rest in one go.
"So? What did you call me for? I doubt it’s to catch up or tell my son who your daughter is or who Maghan is right?" Noland asked.
Malcolm drank deeply and sighed before looking at Noland.
"You're still the only semi-active member from all of us that still goes into virtual reality as a result you are still doing missions and The Nebula is currently still in its first month." Malcolm said.
"Is it about the most recent mission?" Noland asked and Malcolm nodded.
"I can't tell you precisely what is going on because after you and your crew finish that mission so spectacularly it caused a surge in the system. Amy told us this was a direct result of your mission. The surge is currently calculating every possible outcome in the near future but you should know more or less what this means." Malcolm said in a serious tone.
"Something big is coming?" Noland asked.
"Yes, and you're right in the middle of it. The scale is only to the solar system but the side effects of it aren't, you understand right?" Malcolm said and Noland nodded.
War, what may happen will most likely ensure war, weather its civil war between internal factions of the Liberation or faction wars between the three factions it's unsure but war is coming.
Noland pours himself more wine and sits back on his armchair letting out a sigh as he watches the dark purple liquid through the glass.
After a while he takes a drink and looks at Malcolm.
"Let it come! I will make sure my crew survives and then we will find the source and make sure we kick it so hard in the balls it won't ever get up again." Dad said and finished his drink and put his cup down.
"Noisy..." a soft but annoyed girl's voice called.
The two men looked towards the young girl that appeared from the second floor. She looked no more than 12 years old and had a godly doll like face similar to a japanese girl but with navy blue hair and eyes.
She was rubbing her eyes as if she just woke up.
“Oh, Magi! You were in here? Been a while.” Noland says and waves.
She just looks and waves once with a pure emotionless expression and blinks a bit before thinking a bit.
“Amy is having trouble with the calculations. Saying you're being a pain again, she hates when you play since you cause too much trouble.” Magi says and the two men laugh though Noland’s was a bit forced.
“Yeah, can’t deny that. So what are you reading at the moment?” Noland asked
“Psi theory, how to control, which race is best, where most fun is!” She says and gives a thumbs up.
“So you intent to play “The Nebula”? Noland asked.
She nods then looked at her hand and held up one finger.
“One month?” Noland asked and she nodded.
“She is downloading and rewriting everything she can into a book. I even read her book on the theory of Psi and practicing it and even I felt that if I train those in real life I would start to use it.” Malcolm said.
“Haha you made her a as a mage long time ago, what else would you expect from her. This library written completely by her with theories by her. If she had an organic body, I’m sure she would have already tried everything she wrote down.” Noland says.
Malcolm could not deny a word as he knew exactly how much this girl loved books. In truth, she was, and still is, the smartest puppet Malcolm made without equal. Though she was born a simple npc program in Second Life, he intelligence was definitely the greatest and she is the only puppet out here that does as she pleases unlike the rest that still choose to serve Malcolm.
She walks over and yawns before looking intently at Noland then holding out the huge book.
He takes it confused and reads the cover.
[Magi's theories on Psi and Psionic technology]
He opens and reads just a bit before feeling his head hurt before closing it.
"Ah, to much thinking for this old man." He says and gives it back.she sighs as she looks at the book.
"Is it done?" Noland asks and she shakes her head.
"Need more time then put in practice. Will use Android to study both when I go in." She said emotionless.
Noland smiles wryly and looks at Malcolm.
"I trust you'll taken care of her over there?" Malcolm asked and Noland nodded.
"When the time comes you can beam her directly into the ship for all I care." Noland said.
Malcolm just sighs and nods then looks at the girl who had saw down in a chair and began writing again.
"This was all you had to talk about?" Noland asked?
"Yes, it was mostly to warn you since my daughter is travelling with you. The Nebula is extremely realistic so losing once means losing it all." Malcolm said.
With a nod Noland agreed with the statement then turned to his box of wine.
"Now that the serious talk is over let's get to talking about the good old days." Dad said and moved the wine bottles out of the way and pulled out two crystal glass square bottles with a very pure liquid inside.
Malcolm's eyes narrow and a glint appeared in his eye.
"Nice whiskey, so you did come with the really good stuff." Malcolm said with a smile.
"Who do you think I am! Wine can't satisfy me like it does those normally pompous rich folk." Noland said proud.
"Can't agree more with you." Malcolm aid and walked to a single closes shelf. Inside were many different type of crystal cups. He removes two small shots cups and and closes the cabinet shelf and brings the glass.
"Let's have fun like the old days." Noland said filling both cups and raising the glass and drinking before letting out a sigh and a bellowing laugh.
Noah PoV
The bed was the best, it was soft and the covers were fluffy to the point that I didn’t even wake up at my usual time. I just turned a bit when the sun hit my face and put the pillows of ultimate softness over my head and fell asleep again.
I wish I could say that but not five minutes after seven in the morning the door barged open.
“Ha! Guilty!” The small blonde 10 year old barged in and behind her stood Meghan. “Huh? Where is big sis?” She asked
“Sophia isn’t that bold Bonnie. As for you Noah, get up! The executioner is here and you're the prey!” She said with a wide smile.
Snore!
I didn’t even hear them even through all the noise, I always wake up early morning but I am also a heavy sleeper when I want to be. I choose to wake up a seven and not, I wake up at seven because I have to.
Since today I want to remain in bed then I shall do so.
“Bonnie, plan B!” Meghan said.
“Aye sir!” She said and saluted before climbing onto the bed and jumping onto my back mounting like I was a horse.
The sudden drop of twenty some kilos of little hyperactive girl instantly woke me up.
“What are you doing?” I asked looking at her.
“Waking you up! Why isn’t sis here? Anyway get up, I want to see the most epic sparring match ever!” She said bluntly.
“Leave and let me sleep!” I said as I turn my head to the other side but cover up my head again and fall asleep. Instantly.
“Hey don’t fake it!” Meghan said and started to shake me but I did indeed fall asleep. When I let it my fatigue can definitely keep me asleep for hours.
Soon Sophia came because of all the noise.
“What is going on?” She asked.
She was in a silk blue pajama while rubbing her eyes.
(http://76.72.168.19/images/2009-05-11-163090.jpeg)
She looked at Meghan who was already dressed in her Hotpants and shirt sportswear shaking me. Then looked at Bonnie who was already dressed and ready for some reason.
(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/33/a2/6a/33a26a1d091e432b284bc5d30126242e.jpg)
“I’m trying to wake this guy up to spar!” Maghan answer bluntly.
“Isn’t it to early?” Sophia asked and lot out a yawn while covering her mouth.
“Seven in the morning isn’t early it's on time for a martial artist and serious gamer.” Meghan said.
“Unless he is on vacation like me at the moment.” I said as it tossed and turn in my bed making Bonnie almost fall off.
“Bonnie, dismount him right now! You're going to fall if he keeps moving or gets up.” Sophia said.
“But why! I have to make sure I keep Meghan further away from him so that big sis can marry big bro! Also why didn’t you sneak into big bro’s room?” She said making Sophia blush violently.
She quickly moved close and grabbed Bonnie's ear and pulled her off.
“Ouch ouch! Stop!” She complained but Sophia just dragged her off.
I just sigh and turn around.
“Get out so I can dress.” I said.
“Hmph, if you think I would get embarrassed at just seeing someone without clothes you should think otherwise.” Meghan said and puffed out the tightly compacted chest in her sports shirt.
I look at her determined expression but then my eyes travelled down at the tight and skimpy sportswear she was wearing.
"Yeah, I can tell you're not embarrassed." I said and sigh as I throw the covers off and get up before stretching allowing the my joints and back to crack a bit releasing the tension.
When I looked, Sophia was blushing greatly, Bonnie had shining eyes and Meghan had raised grows.
"Wow! Big bro is such a hunk isn't he sis! You should definitely marahahhhhhh!" Bonnie said but had her ears pulled as Sophia rushed out the room with a bright red face.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Hehe, seems you left quite the "impression" on her innocent heart." Meghan said elbowing me with a mischievous grin.
"That is why I said to leave. Now go." I said and start to push her out.
"Make sure to be ready quickly. You can ask any maid or butler and they will lead you to the training field." She said and walked out herself.
"Yes yes." I said and after she left I closed the door and locked it before closing the blinds and jumping back in bed and falling asleep.
Half an hour later the door was put to the test against Meghan's banging until it was unlocked and she dragged me out of bed.
When I woke up a smile was on my face as I hug the covers as she tries to get them away.
After a while I give up and put on a random old shirt and we walk down.
"So just one round?" I asked.
"Yep, we will use wooden katana." She said and a maid handed each of us curved wooden blade. Hen I held it I looked at the dull edge and saw it was safe to put some force behind it but was surprised that the weight mimics the real blade surprisingly well.
"Was this made with a metal core inside?" I asked.
"Yes young master, it was done with the utmost care and mimics a common grade katana. As for any specific type it would take further adjustment." The maid that handed the wooden swords explained.
I nod and swing it a few times to get a hang of the weight.
When I was ready I got in place with the sword held in my right hand and I took no form while Meghan had the classic kendo stance.
She looks at me wry.
"You can start, I feel better with no stance." I said.
In truth, I was in a stance but this was something dad had taught to allow ultimate flexibility and movement. My foot position was the same as hers but I intentionally left many openings she could see.
I could guard and move away in any situation. I can't use this against ranged weapons obviously but against close range fights of equal strength this works well. I will need to train to adapt this to space combat with the robot.
She nods and takes a step forward and swing diagonally from the left.
I wait before I bend down towards the left going under the blade. With a flick of my arm my blade edge rested at her armpit.
"I win." I said and poked her.
She was dazed a bit not realizing I had won.
"Again!" She shouted and instantly sent a horizontal swing that I back-stepped. Taking the momentum she spun quickly and made the blade come down vertically towards my head.
I sidestepped at the last moment before swinging the blade to her head and stop right before it reached her head.
"I win." I said again.
She frowns and again she attacks getting more complex.
I keep overwhelming her one try after another until she gets tired and is breathing heavily.
"No *huff* fair! You only *huff* defend." She complained.
"That is how a skilled swordsmen fights someone with skill but like a charging bull." I said bluntly.
She frowns as she starts to take deep slow breaths to calm her rapidly beating heart.
"Your style is overbearing but only to unskilled close range fighters. You get someone calm and remotely skilled and they will beat you unless your defense is stronger than their attack but then you will be locked in a stalemate until one of you drops first." I said.
"So what now then?" She asked standing up straight.
"You can change to the greatsword that is one of the most overbearing weapons or you can change your style to be calmer but overbearing only when you swing." I tell her.
"For the great sword you should know that it isn't a weapon for ultimate attack. It's true purpose is to protect. Protect those important to you using the most overbearing attacks possible. Great swords are great in a one on many fight and dominate in direct clash." My dad says as he appeared from the corner.
"Page one of [Ways of the Great Sword] from "The Martial Lands" VR game." Malcolm said.
"Yep, it’s from that game that I learned how to use the greatsword and several other sword styles before returning to Second Life and earned my title of "The Tank"!" Dad said.
The game in question was the first martial arts game where you cultivate qi like in chinese martial arts light novel's. It is the game where skill and talent are most important and luck is a factor that matters most since a single miraculous encounter can make you an overlord.
Dad had gone to the game and it was when he learned his martial arts that he passed to me but I only took single sword fighting but dad made sure to write up physical manuel's of these.
"Meghan, when we get free time in "The Nebula" I will tutor you in both swordsmanship and great swords." Dad said.
She smiled brightly after hearing that and sat down dead tired even after calming down.
“Alright, now that this is out of the way, is there something to eat?” I asked.
“What do you mean by that Noah? This was only round one! Round two will start in a bit after I rest, then I will beat you up with my martial arts.” Meghan said with a fierce glare.
“Wha! Big sis Meg, you actually want to get so close to big bro! Sis
“You really like getting beat up huh?” I said nonchalantly.
“What was that!” She said and got up quickly making her dizzy from the sudden rise.
“Let's rest for a bit and let Noah at least get a bit of food. Unlike you who ate your fill and then did stretches to help digest you forced Noah to fight on an empty stomach.” Malcolm said.
As she realizes she blushes a bit and apologizes. Malcolm then claps and a maid appears from inside through the back door onto the training field.
She brought a natural fruit juice and some fruits that won’t be hard on the stomach even if I move a lot.
After that I took some time to properly stretch which a certain girl didn’t let me.
After letting my stomach rest with some proper stretches I walk onto the field where Meghan was standing all ready to go.
“So your ready! Finally!” She said taking a fighting pose.
I sigh and look at dad and Malcolm and they nod. Malcolm claps and a maid walks out.
“Meghen please up on proper protection unless you get to hurt. You to Noah.” He said.
What came was basic padded training gear. Helmet, teeth guard, gloves chest protection, leg protection.
“This is boring.” meghan said.
The gloves we had were the big boxing kind.
“Uncle can’t we have the mixed martial arts kind, the one that doesn’t cover the fingers, we aren’t boxers.” She said.
“These kids!” He said but had a smile as he asked to bring those out. We switched to them and feeling that the protection was put right we got ready.
Like before I didn’t put up my guard but I make sure to keep my eyes on her feet. The legs are three times stronger than the arms because we are constantly using them. Unless you walk with your hands or train vigorously, the legs will always be stronger. Not only that but by looking at the feet while a bit away, you can tell we're kicks come and what the position of the body and if they have a low center of gravity or if they are off balance.
I just stand there but she advances.
She goes and gets in close rapidly and like lightning she gives me a straight right but with as little movement I move my head and shoulder out of the way and turning that side forward my fist launches just as quickly as hers.
What surprises me is that she dodges the same way I did but she grabs my arm and sudden does a backflip and throws her right leg in front of my face with her knee in position while the other was on my chest with my arm passing in between her legs and her gripping the arm along her body. As she wraps her legs and I start to feel her weight.
Not wanting to lose so pathetically I turn towards her body and grab anything and end up gripping the protection as she starts to put pressure on the arm.
Dropping to the ground means my lose since it only tightens when on the ground.
“Oh my! Big bro is so bold!” I hear the high pitched voice but have no time as I fix my stance to lift something. I drop my weight to my legs and start to build strength from the legs all the way to the arms and sudden lift Meghan before I bring down the arm with all I got but as I reach half way she stops.
“This is Noah’s win Meghan.” Dads voice said coming from behind.
As I feel Meghan release me I can see that Proto was holding Meghan.
I remove my helmet and take the mouth guard and breath.
“Your quick.” I said.
“Heh, you underestimated me.” She said.
“After you got so trashed what did you want.” I said making her frown.
“Hey hey big bro, did you like the feel?” Bonnie said coming up. Sophia was blushing.
“What?” I said.
“Son, do you know where you grabbed when you tried to keep from falling to the ground?” Dad asked with a grin.
“The torso guard?” I said.
“You grabbed right at my boobs!” Meghan said.
It took a moment to register it.
“You wanted to fight in close combat martial arts so you should be ready for that, anyway why did you do that kind of Armbar?” I asked.
“Hehe, I wonder if big sis Meg wants to take big bro for herself?!” Bonnie said with her silvertongue.
Meghan blushed but shook her head.
“I’m into older more muscular men, like an army soldier or mixed martial artist.” She replies.
“No wonder you didn’t care about when I got out of bed just in shorts.” I said.
She nods but there was no way to not notice Sophia’s blushing face.
“Alright you two, go wash up then Sophia, take him of a tour of the house and the grounds. He will be here just for today and will leave in the afternoon.” Malcolm said.
“Already?” Meghan asked.
“We still have things to do in Nebula, remember the Terraforming mission.” Dad said.
She realizes and nods understanding.
“Alright get to it.” Malcolm said.
Each of us was led to a different bathroom where we took a bath and got dressed in clean clothes.
From there Sophia and the girls showed me the “small” mansion. Further away from the mansion was the “houses” of the android workers made from the puppets. If I call it a production plant for so many goods we saw in the house it wouldn’t be exaggerated. If the company crashes the robot's could easily maintain them with the goods they make.
Then there were other things like artificial lake with large carp and other fish.
We kept exploring until noon before going to the theater but this time it was equip with video games and you can guess more or less what happened after Meghan asked for some old martial arts games.
We played until dad came to find us.
After that we could only reluctantly end the last game and finally get up to leave.
“Auh! Big bro you going already?” Bonnie asked.
“Yeah, be nice to your sister and don’t tease her so much.” I said.
Sophia blushes at my words and I smile her way making it get more violent. Bonnie looks back and grins.
“Make sure to return big bro, sis will definitely like it and you're fun to hang out with so even Bonnie will be waiting!” She said.
“Next time I will crush you after getting uncle nolands tutoring.” She said.
“I will rephrase that for you, his torturing will make you regret asking for it.” I say.
She just crosses her arm making her twins perk up.
“I’ll see you later in Nebula, I will start getting things ready in there.” Sophia said.
I nod and we shake hands but even then she seemed really shy. Guess she was still reluctant with me knowing she was Malcolm’s daughter.
Getting in the car we wave and leave through the same way we came heading home once more.