2.2 - I Have A Dream

Timeline Zeta

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2012.12.25

07:07:07 Central European Time

About 7 minutes had passed since the launch of THRONES.

Red, Natascha and Selena were in their respective rooms, busy finishing the registration procedures.

“Thank you for registering with 'Terra's Heavenly Realms Online: Novel Emergent Skills', please choose your starting location.” said a synthetic voice echoing in Reds head.

He selected the location they had agreed on previously.

After the blinding light faded, Red found himself in a field of flowers, next to a twin spiral shaped, ivory tower, that seemed to reach the sky. It took a moment for Natascha and Selena to join him.

They proceeded to leave the proximity of the tower.

“So what are your Maya skills?” asked Selena.

“Before you spoil it, how about a demonstration match?” suggested Red.

“I don't know about that,” said Selena, “my skills aren't that good for a one on one.”

“It's just an exhibition match,” said Natascha, “I'll give you the first move.”

“Fine,” said Selena.

A swarm of metallic, purple butterflies emerged from Selena's body and proceeded to scatter around the area.

“I have no idea what you are up to, but this won't work out the way you intended,” said Natascha as she closed the distance between them rapidly.

Just as Natascha was about to reach Selena, Selena disappeared from her line of sight. She reappeared behind Natascha.

“What the?” Natascha paused for a second, “It's the butterflies, isn't it?”

Natascha turned around, with her fist swinging through the air, igniting it, and ultimately sending out a vortex of fire that melted the butterflies within its area. She then aimed a punch at Selena.

“Why the hell does our ice princess use fire?” asked Selena as she prepared for the impact. “I give up, this is just a bad matchup.”

She took the punch without moving an inch.

“You are sturdier than expected,” said Natascha, “but it is my win.”

“Are you up next?” asked Natascha while turning toward Red.

“Sure,” said Red, “just a minute. Selena, the butterflies are a Space ability, they can be remote controlled and switch the places of the things they touch, am I right?”

“Yes,” said Selena.

“And the thing at the end was likely a Body ability to increase durability?” asked Red, ”I would assume that it drains way more of your Energy, since it affects your whole body?”

“Yeah,” said Selena, “that's why a drawn out battle would have led to my loss anyway.”

“Are you going to stand there and talk all day, or are we having a match?” asked Natascha.

“Sure, bring it on,” said Red.

“No idea what you are planning, but I am going to end this quickly,” said Natascha as she closed in on Red.

He evaded the first punch, but the second and third connected, though the recoil hurt Natascha too.

“Ouch, don't tell me you are a defensive type too?” asked Natascha. “I guess this is already decided then,” she concluded.

“Yeah, this is going to be over soon,” said Red and grabbed hold of Natascha.

A second later, both found themselves suspended in midair. Natascha alone was in free fall the moment after that.