BGC Blues 7:
Revelations

Disclaimer: BGC belongs to other people. This story has adult content. If 
you're not an adult please delete.

The previous stories in the BGC Blues series can be found at my web page.
http://www.shehulk.net

Part 1

Priss shifted into a lower gear as she slowed for a light and drummed her 
fingers on the
wheel impatiently as she waited for it to change. The low level tension 
that hummed through her
was a constant reminder of how she was changed and while she enjoyed the 
heightened
perceptions that came with it, she was also aware of the limitations. The 
yawn caught her by
surprise and Priss frowned. It was almost time for her afternoon nap and 
she knew just where she
wanted to spend it.

Over the last few weeks Priss had developed a schedule that let her 
maintain her normal
life, while giving the more primal part of herself room to play. Priss 
chuckled evilly as she
remembered the exhausted astonishment on Sylia's face this morning as Priss 
finally left their bed
in search of food. She was very sure that Sylia had been late to work after 
their enthusiastic
bought of morning loving. Unaware of the low purr that vibrated through 
her, Priss idly scanned
the area, impatient to be on her way.

The pale haired woman that walked across the street in front of Priss' 
glanced at the dark
sports car and their eyes met for one electrifying instant.

Priss grabbed the wheel with both hands and stared after the woman, not 
hearing the
protesting groan from beneath her hands. Impossible!

A car horn blared and Priss eased her grip and searched frantically for a 
place to park.
She jumped out of the car and nimbly sidestepped a passing vehicle and 
sprinted back to where
she had sent the woman.

There was no sign of the blonde and Priss' irritation grew as she focused 
on what her
senses where telling her. Scents bombarded her but none were Kutsuu's. She 
ran a distracted
hand through her hair and started back for her car. <That couldn't have 
been Kutsuu. She's
dead.>

Arashi was quick to agree. =Of course she is. It was just someone who 
looked like her.=

Memories poured through her mind and she fought them back, not because they 
disturbed
her, but because they didn't. What she had done to Kutsuu should have 
haunted her, but Priss
could only feel a sense satisfaction. What's done is done.

She slid behind the wheel and forced the image of the strange woman from 
her mind.



Nene felt herself plunged into the virtual world of the net and opened her 
eyes to take in
the surreal world around her. Strands of energy raced by, composed of 
information and as they
passed through the large blocks that made up turning points in the system, 
she could hear a faint
buzz. She looked down at her colorful outfit and grimaced. That's gotta go. 
Nene imagined a
darker suit and watched as the colors darkened and the hot pink swirls 
became deep, deep red and
black.

She had learned her lesson here, in this seemingly harmless realm a few 
months ago and
she was determined not to make the same mistakes again. Nene had found 
herself severed from
the link to her body and prisoner of an unknown creature that had used her 
for bait. It had taken
the combined forces of the rest of the Knight Sabers and the two clones to 
free her.

Nene conjured the weapons that she and Seiki had devised and felt the 
weight of a pair
impulse pistols settle onto her hips, their holsters riding low like an 
ancient gunslinger's. The
weapons existed only in this place, their rounds were computer viruses, 
designed to erase
whatever they struck. It was a different kind of warfare here and Nene had 
learned that the hard
way.

<Okay, let's see if we can find Tsumari.> She reached out and grasped at 
one of the
flowing lines, feeling herself swept forward into the river of information 
that was the net.



  Priss sat silently on the rich earth and let the world around her fill 
her senses as she
basked in the paling sunlight of fall. She opened her mind and reached out. 
Sounds filled her ears
and were separated into their individual identities, and then she moved on 
to the smells that
reached her. The fading grass beneath her, the slight chill in the wind and 
all of the scents that it
brought with it. All were noted and then set aside as she reached further. 
The feel of the wind as
blew across her skin and the sun as it beat down upon her head were 
strangely comforting.

         She heard the faint sound of Sylia's shoes whispering along the 
carpet of the hallway
outside the apartment and heard the tiny beeps as she keyed in her pass 
code. The door opened
and she called out for Priss.

         <I'm in the garden, love.> Priss listened to Sylia's progress 
through the apartment and
realized that she could also hear the beat of Sylia's heart. Interesting.

         Sylia saw Priss seated on the grassy spot that she had claimed as 
her own and paused
when she saw the look of utter serenity on her lover's face. She was 
sitting cross-legged, her
hands resting loosely on her knees and she seemed to be meditating. Sylia 
immediately dismissed
this as nonsense. Priss doesn't believe in that kind of thing.

         Priss smiled faintly and spoke without opening her eyes. "I take 
it that we have a new
job?"

         "Um, yes. How did you know?"

         "You smell like Fargo's brand of cigarettes, but not of alcohol. 
You never drink unless
you're not going to take the job, so we must have a new job."

         Somewhat startled by this accurate assessment, Sylia stared at 
Priss in surprise. "I see.
You've gotten very good at focusing the arm's scanners."

         Priss laughed and opened her eyes. "The scanners had nothing to do 
with it. I smelled
you."

         Sylia realized that she was quite serious. She had been reluctant 
to broach this subject
with Priss, but obviously this need to be addressed. "So your senses 
haven't returned to normal?"

         "Far from it. I've been learning how to separate what I'm 
experiencing." She didn't
mention her new need for sleep. Now that she knew what was causing it, 
Priss wasn't worried.
"It's a handy little talent."

         Sylia shook her head.  "I would expect you to be more disturbed by 
this. You've
changed."

         Rising to her feet in a smooth motion, Priss dusted off the seat 
of her jeans and took
Sylia's hand. "Yes, I have."



Linna watched Priss warily as the other woman prowled the training room 
restlessly. And
prowl was the correct word. There was a roll in Priss' stride that was not 
normal and the fluidity
of her movements was disconcerting. Linna shot Sylia a quick look. <Um, Is 
she okay?>

Sylia nodded, her face expressionless. "Priss? We're ready to begin. Level 12."

Feeling her mouth drop open, Nene glanced at Priss to see what she thought 
of the
outrageous level.

Priss merely nodded and the holographic training program began. The tiny 
sensors that
were embedded in the soft suit that Priss wore would relay information to 
Sylia about her
strength, reflexes and stamina. A flurry of rapid strikes was released by 
the simulation and Priss
easily countered them, wondering what that challenge of this was now. She 
quickly grew bored
with rolling and ducking the attacking appendages and almost casually 
reached out to strike the
target that would disable the simulation. The level ending chimed and Priss 
turned back to Sylia,
her impatience with the whole exercise evident. "What a waste of time!"

Sylia made a few notations on a chart and ignored the outburst. She 
motioned Priss onto
the medical scanner and then activated it.

The scanning rings descended and rose, ending the process and Sylia watched 
the data
appear on her screen. She looked at the new weight and then at the previous 
number charted for
Priss six months ago. That can't be right. "Priss? Could you step on the 
scales for a second?"

Priss rolled her eyes, but complied and watched the digital readout climb 
steadily. Nene
and Linna had gathered around and they smiled as they realized that Priss 
had gained a little
weight, but the numbers kept climbing.

Nene's gasp was the only sound as they studied the final readout and it 
echoed loudly in
the room.

Sylia jotted down the new weight calmly, but in truth she was anything but. 
"Okay Priss.
I think we should try the scanner again, alright?"

Knowing that Sylia wouldn't be happy until she fussed, Priss humored her 
and stepped
back into the scanner.

After several more intense scans, Sylia finally let Priss leave the device 
and sat studying
the new information.

Linna jumped in surprise as Priss more or less leaped onto a treadmill and 
began a fast
run.

Sylia noticed absently that she was running full out. "You seem remarkably 
calm about
this Priss."

Priss shrugged. "I knew what it was."

Growing tired of being kept in the dark, Nene burst out, "What? What is it?"

"Priss' body has undergone a rather severe change in the last few months. 
The extra thirty
pounds was caused by some of those changes."

         "Okay, Sylia. Don't play coy. What changes?"

         "Sorry Linna, I'm not trying to be vague, but to simply absorb 
what's happened. Priss has
taken it upon herself to reinforce her skin with a fine layer of carbon 
fibers. Carbon has also been
introduced into her skeletal structure and even her ligaments have been 
strengthened. Though it's
the thin layer of titanium around her skull that's impressive. It's such a 
rare element that it makes
me wonder where Arashi gathered enough of it from."

         Linna shook her head. "But what does this mean?"

         "Well carbon is also what diamonds are made of."

         "So she's what? Blade proof? Bulletproof?"

         Priss left the running machine and picked up a bottle of water. 
"Pretty much. Laser hits
are still a problem and I'm still not sure what else might penetrate the 
mesh." Her calm
explanation disturbed Linna greatly.

         "You did this on purpose. Why?"

         "Because."

         "Because? Come on Priss! You tell us that you've turned yourself 
into a damn boomer
just because?" Priss'd had enough of this conversation and started for the 
door, only to be jerked
to a halt by Linna. "What's wrong with-." Her question was cut off abruptly 
when Priss whirled
around and shoved her against the wall as her human hand gripped her throat.

Priss could feel the snarl rumbling around inside her and fought it as her 
temper flared.
"Don't. Touch. Me."

         There was a small click and Priss felt the cool press of metal 
against her temple.

         Nene tightened her grip on the impulse magnum and spoke quietly. 
"Let her go Priss."

         Sylia couldn't believe how rapidly the situation had spiraled out 
of control and as she
watched the most timid member of the team draw down on her lover, she knew 
she had to stop
this quickly. "Priss. Nene. I think we all need to calm down, all right?" 
She moved closer to
Nene. "Nene, give me the gun."

         "Not until she lets Linna go."

         Priss reined her temper in and released Linna. A shudder went 
through her and Linna
could swear that she could see the blood in Priss' eyes as it receded. She 
twisted her neck slightly
and offered Priss a weak smile. "I'm sorry I grabbed you Priss. I won't 
make that mistake again."

         The gun clattered to the floor as Nene rushed into her arms and 
Linna stroked the
redhead's back soothingly, but she never took her eyes off of Priss.

         Priss met Sylia's eyes as she turned to leave and the rage induced 
adrenaline shifted,
looking for another outlet.

         Sylia recognized the sudden heat and felt herself respond. She 
cleared her throat and
nodded slightly. "We're through here today. Um, we're scheduled to run 
escort for a
pharmaceutical company's new drug tomorrow night, so I'll see you back here 
eight, all right?"

         Linna nodded and watched the pair disappear into the hallway. She 
pulled back slightly
and looked down at Nene. "Hey. I thought I was supposed to be the one 
protecting you?"

         Nene didn't smile. "Linna� What's wrong with her?"

         Pressing a reassuring kiss to her lover's forehead, Linna sighed. 
"I don't know honey, but
I'm going to find out."




Sylia ignored the trickle of sweat sliding down her cheek and kept her 
attention focused
on her opponent. She easily blocked the kick that would have impacted her 
head and then stepped
closer to deliver a sharp snap kick to the side of Priss' knee.

Grinning at the contact, Priss nodded to acknowledge the blow and then 
moved back into
a defensive crouch to wait for Sylia's next attack.

They had been at it for some time, but neither of them were feeling tired 
yet. The
enhancements that Priss had made to her body might have seemed extreme but 
Sylia had
understood why she had done it. The loss of control that Priss had 
experienced at the hands of
Kutsuu had been a bitter blow for the fiercely independent singer and she 
had collected even
more scars on her already battered soul.

Sylia dashed forward, feinting a low kick that Priss moved to block, but 
then reversed the
strike and caught her in the chest. Priss went flying backwards across the 
padded mat that covered
the floor of the training room and Sylia smiled in satisfaction. She wasn't 
expecting that one.

Priss looked at the ceiling above her for a second and then braced herself, 
flipping up and
to her feet in a smooth motion that she once would have been unable to 
perform anywhere else
but in her hardsuit.

They circled each other warily, feinting and dodging punches and kicks, 
feeling out each
other's weaknesses. There were very few.

Sylia leapt into the air and the force of her kick would have broken Priss' 
jaw� had she
remained there. Instead, Priss had ducked into a rolling crouch that had 
brought her up behind
Sylia and she waited until the other woman had landed before taking her 
legs out from under her
in a sweeping strike.

Sylia hit the mat with a dull thud and grimaced. Gotta remember that next time.

She executed a flip remarkably similar to Priss'.

Priss paused and eyed Sylia speculatively. "Been busy, have we?"

Her smile was mocking. "You didn't really think that I would let you have 
all the fun did
you?"

Snorting indelicately, Priss waved a hand at Sylia's body. "What'd you do?"

Sylia shrugged, her expression calm, but her eyes were turbulent, something 
that Priss
couldn't help but wonder at. "Pretty much what you did to yourself. Though 
I hadn't considered
the carbon or the titanium around the skull."

Priss nodded. "That took awhile to accumulate."

"I bet." Sylia walked over to a bench and picked up a towel, wiping the 
sweat from her
face before turning back to her lover. "So was that really necessary?"

Knowing that she was referring to the incident with Linna earlier, Priss 
rolled her eyes.
"No, probably not, but she shouldn't have grabbed me."

"I think she knows that now." Sylia watched Priss in silence for a moment 
and then
ventured, "You do realize that I am not going to meekly sit by and let you 
carry on the way you
have been?"

Nodding, Priss' smile was almost� anticipating. "Oh yeah."

Resuming her place on the mat, Sylia motioned for them to begin again. This 
time she let
herself go full out, keeping Priss on the defensive and perhaps reminding 
her who was boss.

Priss felt her heart pounding and held a low growl in check with 
difficulty. God she's
beautiful! A fist brushed past her face and she had to remind herself to 
pay attention to the fight.
Time for that later, girl! She's gonna kick your ass if you don't watch it!

Sylia kept the pressure on, working Priss' defenses and looking for an 
opening. She could
see the glint in her lover's eyes and smiled a little. Somehow I don't 
think she's thinking about
counterstrikes.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Sylia lunged forward and simply 
tackled Priss,
knocking the breath from the shorter woman. Moving quickly, she pinned 
Priss' arms, making
sure she kept the upper hand.

Priss quickly realized that she would only be able to free herself if she 
hurt Sylia and so
she relaxed into the firm hold she was in. "Looks like you got me."

A quick nod and then Sylia bent close to her captive's face, her breath 
caressing the soft
skin of Priss' cheek. "I do have you." She swiftly bit the tender flesh of 
the nearby ear, making
Priss tense. Sylia slowly released her prize and began to lave the bruise 
with her tongue, as the
body beneath hers began to twist, seeking freedom. "And while I have you 
here I think we should
get something straight, all right?"

Priss could feel the desire swelling between them and she met Sylia's eyes, 
her own
revealing her current state. "You have my total attention."

Sylia could feel the tension thrumming in the air and when she spoke, her 
voice was cold
steel. "A word of warning Priss� Don't forget who's boss."

Priss nodded, her expression solemn. She knew that there could be nothing 
like that
between them if they were to be true mates and she was glad that Sylia had 
taken this stand.
"Never, love. I swear."



Priss ignored the sales girl's suspicious glances and continued to study 
the selection of
rings. Her battered leather jacket was not exactly in keeping with the rest 
of the jeweler's patrons
and that suited Priss just fine. She felt the air flow through the hole in 
the knee of her jeans and
smiled slightly. Priss had already decided what she wanted but was enjoying 
the reaction she was
causing.

The sales clerk finally summoned a manager and Priss sighed in 
disappointment. Arashi
chided her behavior. =Are you trying to get thrown out?=

Grinning unrepentantly Priss looked up as the man approached and pointed to 
a set of
matching wedding bands. "I'll take those."

The manager faltered as he realized which set she was talking about. An 
original design
that had been created exclusively for Fukyou's, the rings were platinum and 
extremely expensive.
"That set is unique."

Ignoring his tone Priss nodded coolly. "Even better." She tapped the top of 
the glass case
with a lone metal finger, making the man wince. He glanced at the security 
guard, who moved
closer, just in case.

Priss hid another smile and checked the ring sizes. "Can these be sized?"

He nodded and quickly took the rings from her. "Miss I don't think you 
realize how
much these are."

A flash behind her eyes and Priss could see herself reaching out and 
sinking her claws
into the obnoxious little man's throat. She blinked hard and willed the 
image away as she drew
out her wallet and laid her platinum credit card on the counter. Before he 
could ask she also
handed him her identification. The manager went to check and came back a 
moment later having
undergone a complete change in personality. "What sizes did you wish them 
in Ms. Asagiri?"

She finished her purchase and left the store, breathing deeply, letting go 
of the rage with
difficulty.

Arashi agreed. She was more than a little upset with them herself. =I can't 
believe you
didn't deck that guy! =

         She has no idea! Priss shrugged and opened her car door. <He's not 
worth it.> She had
just slid inside when Linna contacted her.

         <Priss? You busy?>

         <Not at the moment. What can I do for you?>

         Linna stepped out of the shower and began to dry off. <I was 
wondering if you'd like to
get together and do something tonight. Nene's working late and with Sylia 
in Rome�> And it
will give me a chance to find out what's happened to you, I hope.

         Priss smiled. Hmm, sounds like somebody wants to mend some fences. 
<That'd be great.
Should I pick you up?>

         Linna turned on the blow dryer and nodded automatically. <Yes 
please. Nene's got the
car tonight and I am not riding that scooter around in this cold.>

         <Be there in fifteen minutes.>



         Linna sighed in exasperation as Priss leaned over the table again. 
<You're sure you're not
helping her?>

         Arashi snickered faintly. =I swear! =

         Priss ignored their exchange and focused her attention on the 
matter at hand. The wood
slid easily through her metal fingers, once, twice and she inhaled as she 
drew the stick back a
third time. The breath eased out of her lungs as she brought it forward 
with a swift motion that
sent the cue ball spinning across the field of green and into the hapless 
trio guarding the corner
pocket.

         Linna watched resignedly as the seven ball disappeared while the 
ten ball streaked across
the table to sink into the opposite pocket. When the eight ball slowly 
rolled into the side pocket
Linna shook her head and set her pool cue back into its rack. "I hate you." 
She handed Priss a
folded bill and picked up her coat.

         Priss smiled unrepentantly and shrugged, tucking the money into 
the front pocket of her
jeans. "If that were true then you wouldn't want to come play with me 
anymore." She set her cue
next to Linna's and retrieved her jacket from the stool beside her. "Want 
to grab dinner? My
treat."

         Linna nodded and pulled her coat on. "But somewhere nice. No 
takeout and no pizza!"

         Priss rolled her eyes and agreed. "What's the matter with pizza?" 
she asked as they left
the bar. The night air was brisk and Priss drew a deep breath. Ahh. Going 
to rain tonight. She
fished her car keys from her pocket and Arashi connected with the car's 
computer, starting the
engine.

         "Nothing's wrong with it. But Nene always wants pizza." Linna 
looked at Priss' key ring
and then at the running car. "Okay. How did you do that?"

         "Do what?"

         Linna waved a hand towards the keys. "Start the car. I don't see 
a-." She broke off as she
realized what had happened. "Stupid question, never mind."

         The interior of the Diablo was warm when they got in and Linna 
watched Priss as she put
the machine in gear and eased out of the parking lot. "You've changed."

         The slight smile that crossed Priss' lips was wry. "People keep 
saying that.  How so?"

         "Come on Priss! You know what I'm talking about. You used to be 
anti technology, but
now you're more like the boomer poster girl." She was not about to mention 
the incident in the
training room. Linna wasn't sure she wanted to know what had caused that.

         "The hell I am!" Priss scowled as she stopped for a read light and 
turned to glare at
Linna. "I may have become a little more at ease with the things I can't 
change Linna, but I still
think the world would be better off without boomers." Her words ended a 
soft roll of her r's
making Linna shiver.

         "But boomer technology has been responsible for a lot of the 
technical advancements in
other areas. Like your arm." Like the little extras you've been adding to 
yourself!

         "Christ Linna! What is with you tonight? You know where I stand on 
this. We've had
this discussion a hundred times before." She shifted gears with an angry 
motion and resisted the
sudden urge to squeal tires as she pulled out.

         Linna said nothing, staring out at the passing lights of the other 
cars.

         Priss drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What's really on 
your mind Linna? Or do
I even need to ask?"

         The other changes that Priss had undergone were hard to define, 
even to herself.
Everyone was still adjusting to this new Priss.

         Taking Linna's silence for an answer, Priss spoke softly. "I'm 
still me, Linna."

         "Are you? I'm sorry Priss, but if Nene feels she has to point a 
gun at you, then surely you
must realize how different you seem to us."

         Priss winced. "Yes. I suppose so." She didn't want to rake this up 
tonight, but it needed
to be. "I never told you and Nene what happened while I was being held by 
Genom. I guess I
figured that the enclaves had filled you in."

         "Only that you were tortured and drugged." Linna shifted in her 
seat, uncomfortable with
memories of that time.

         Priss sighed and took the Coastal Highway exit. This might take 
awhile. "I should have
explained why I did this, but part of me just wants to put it away and get 
on with my life."

         She drew a deep breath. "I woke up in a small metal cell. They had 
taken my arm and my
clothes and at the time I wasn't sure what frightened me more. Then Kutsuu 
appeared and I
realized that I wasn't getting out of there without help." Priss stopped 
speaking and they drove in
silence as she tried to organize her thoughts.

         "I knew that it was only a matter of time before Sylia tracked me 
down, so I was arrogant
and bitchy. Until Kutsuu brought in what I later realized was her favorite 
toy: a generator with
two metal rods."

         Linna said nothing, but pulled her coat tighter around herself.

         "It was then that she informed me that Sylia thought I was dead. 
That no one was going
to come looking for me." Priss fished her cigarettes out of her pocket and 
lit one before
continuing. "Then came the next nasty surprise: Arashi couldn't function 
through the electrical
shocks."

         Linna paled as she realized what that meant. There would have been 
no relief from the
pain. Priss had weathered this trial on her own. "Oh God."

         Priss shrugged. "It sounds worse than it was. After the first few 
dozen times I had moved
beyond the pain. Now that I think about it, that was the first time it 
happened."

         "What happened?"

         "The first time I felt the beast."

         Linna frowned in confusion. "I don't understand."

         Priss shook her head slowly, remembering. "I'm still not sure I 
do. But I could feel
something within me, trying to get out."

         They continued to drive into the night and Priss explained to 
Linna all that had been done
to her and how she had survived it. Linna was shaking by the time she 
reached the last beating
that Kutsuu had inflicted.

         "I was dying. I knew it and in that moment I wanted it so badly� I 
had tried to find
something to get me through it, but nothing I found inside of me was strong 
enough. Nothing
Linna. I was wishing for death when I left my body and I realized that it 
wasn't because of what
was happening to me. It was because I had chosen to. I could feel myself 
dying, my heart
slowing. But right before I let go, something� awoke. Something ancient. 
Something strong
enough to survive. I suddenly felt hope for the first time in days. When I 
returned to myself there
was no pain because I decided that the blows just wouldn't hurt me."

         "Then Kutsuu decided that I would make a nice sex toy and took me 
home with her,"
Linna's gasp filled the car and Priss smiled. "Guess they didn't tell you 
that either. After pumping
me full of more drugs and a crap load of subliminal suggestions, Arashi had 
a devil of a time even
convincing me that she existed. Somewhere in all of this whatever it was 
that woke�the beast�
it became part of me. I can't go back Linna. I'm not sure that I would even 
if I could."

         The spill of tears across Linna's faced gleamed in the lights and 
Priss pulled the car off
the road. She reached out and brushed them away before continuing. "Don't 
cry Linna. I know
it's hard to understand but I feel� sure of myself. Powerful. I can't give 
that up. I won't give that
up."

         Linna nodded. "I guess I understand. We expected you do be 
different at first. From the
trauma and then from what Sylia did while you were gone, but we also 
figured that you'd
eventually be your old self again." She summoned a smile. "Thank you Priss, 
for explaining."

         Priss shrugged. "Well I couldn't let you go on tiptoeing around 
me. I am sorry about what
happened in training room Linna. I promise you, I will never give you and 
Nene cause to fear me
again. But sometimes I will react badly to being grabbed, so be aware of 
this. Now, I hope that
you'll let Nene know?"

         Nodding her agreement, Linna looked around and realized that she 
had no idea where
they were. "Um, Priss? Where are we?"

         Priss laughed and looked around. "Oh hell." <You didn't have 
anything to do with us
winding up here, did you?>

         Arashi was indignant. =Of course not! Given my choice you'd never 
come back here
again!=

         "What's wrong?"

         "Nothing. I did promise you dinner." She started the car and 
parked closer to the Gensou.




         Linna resisted the urge to rubberneck and glanced at Priss. She 
was staring at something
across the room with a slightly disturbed expression. Linna turned and saw 
the hostess coming
towards them.

         The woman smiled warmly at Linna, but her smile changed when she 
saw Priss. "Good
evening Priss." If sex could be conveyed through voice alone, then Priss 
had just been caressed.

         Priss' greeting was calm and even. "Iroke. You're looking well."

         Iroke ran her eyes over Priss' form and lightly bit her lower lip. 
"So are you."

         Linna watched this exchange and scowled. <I take it you know her. 
But the question is,
does Sylia know about her?>

         Iroke looked at Priss and then at Linna, her expression blooming. 
"I have a table ready, if
you'll follow me?"

         She saw them seated and asked Priss if she still favored the 
chardonnay she'd had last
time. "That'll be fine, Iroke." Priss knew the conclusion she was drawing 
and wasn't surprised
when Iroke returned a few minutes later with the wine and a room key. Not 
that she was that
obvious about the key. As she leaned close to fill Priss' glass, Priss felt 
the key land in her lap.
This was getting out of hand. She picked the key up and caught Iroke's hand 
as she was leaving,
pressing it into the palm. "Thank you Iroke, but we're only dining 
tonight." If anything, Iroke
seemed even happier by this revelation. She was humming merrily as she went 
off and Priss
resisted the urge to groan.

         Linna watched her go and then glared at Priss. "Wasn't that one of 
your songs?"

         Priss nodded. "I'm afraid that Iroke has a bit of a crush on me."

         "And does Sylia know about this?"

         "Actually she does." Priss sipped her wine and elaborated. "I 
brought Sylia here a while
back. I guess Iroke thinks that Sylia and I are history."

         "It doesn't sound like you should come here at all."

         Priss shrugged. "It's harmless Linna. She'll find somebody else."

         Linna shook her head. Not if the utter devotion in her eyes was 
anything to go by. "I
don't think so."

         "She sees me as this broody, tragic figure, Linna. She's in love 
with the image, not the
person." Priss smiled suddenly as she spotted somebody across the room. 
"What I need to do is
introduce her to another broody person, somebody more accessible."

         Linna glanced behind her and instantly saw whom she was taking 
about. Reika was
standing at the entrance waiting to be seated. "Reika? You want to 
introduce her to Reika? Are
you nuts? She's not like you."

         Priss rolled her eyes. "The hell she isn't. Go invite her to join 
us, Linna."

         "But Priss�" Linna sighed and got up. What the hell. She made her 
way over to Reika
and realized that she was alone. "Reika?"

         Reika Chan's slightly somber expression cheered when she saw 
Linna. "Linna! How
wonderful to see you again."

         "Would you like to join us for dinner?"

         "Oh, is Nene here?"

         "Not tonight. She's on duty till two. Priss is here and we would 
love to have you join us."

Reika was more than willing and Priss smiled in greeting as the two women 
approached
the table. "Long time no see"

         Reika nodded as she took in bright metal hand wrapped around 
Priss' wine glass. "I see
you've started playing hardball with Genom."

         Priss shrugged. "It was bound to happen. You can only play with 
fire so many times
before you get burned."

         Iroke returned as Reika replied. "Tell me about it. The problem is 
that if you get burned
enough�well, it's hard to walk away from the fire."

         Iroke's gaze was drawn to Reika at her words and Priss gave a 
mental sigh of relief.
"May I bring you a menu?"

         Reika nodded and Iroke didn't look at Priss as she left. Linna saw 
the satisfied look settle
on Priss' face. <Fickle, isn't she?>

         <Thank God.> Privately Priss guessed that Iroke was merely being 
realistic. She focused
on Reika and smiled, but there was nothing pleasant about it. I know that 
scent, it's gun oil. She
felt the prickle of awareness slid across her nerves and recognized another 
hunter in Reika. "So
how long did take for them to yank you back into the clan?"

         Reika paled and stared at Priss in dismay. Linna glared at Priss 
in surprise. "Priss she
isn't-."

         "About two months after my last concert."

Reika's quite revelation stunned Linna. "But I thought�. You said you were 
through
with the White Tiger clan."

"Some things you can walk away from. Others hunt you down and drag you 
back." Iroke
appeared beside her and Reika fell silent. She took the menu without a word 
and picked at
random. Iroke left and Reika braced herself before meeting Linna's eyes. "I 
know you won't
understand Linna. I'm sorry if I've disappointed you."

Linna shook her head. "No Reika, it's not that. I'm worried about you. And 
I guess I'm
surprised. They're the bad guys, remember?"

Reika shrugged. "Not so much now. After I resumed my position as the head 
of the clan I
knew it would be some time before they trusted me fully. But after I had 
established myself with
them again I started to direct the businesses to more legal pursuits. It's 
taken a long time but most
of our interests are now completely legal."

Priss wondered just what it had taken for her to establish herself with a 
huge underworld
force, but knew better than to ask. "So now you're performing again."

         They chatted about music until their meals were brought out and 
Reika waited until Iroke
and the waiter left before asking her next question. "Am I being paranoid 
or does the hostess
seem to have a special interest in this table?"

         Linna choked on her water as Priss laughed. Reika watched them in 
confusion, waiting
for an explanation. Linna cleared her throat. "What makes you think that?"

         Reika smiled. "Correct me if I'm wrong but it isn't exactly normal 
for the hostess to
hover quite this much."

         "I think she's taken with you." Priss' comment brought a light 
flush to Reika's face.

         "Be serious."


         Priss curled up on the empty bed and fell instantly into a light 
doze. She felt herself slide
into a dream state and was unsurprised to see Kutsuu there. She watched the 
woman walk
towards her, a curious smile on her face. Priss snarled, "You're dead. I 
ripped your heart out!"

         Kutsuu shook her head slowly and raised her hand. Clenched in its 
grip was a still
beating heart. "No Little Cat. You took hers." She stepped aside and Priss 
was horrified to see
Sylia hanging lifeless in Kutsuu's playroom.

         "No!" Priss lurched up and off of the bed, her saber extended as 
she searched for an
invisible enemy. Arashi's voice in her ear slowly calmed her down and she 
retracted the blade.
<Where's Sylia?>

         A quick check with Taisei reassured Priss that her lover was safe 
and she fell back onto
the bed.

The bright noonday sun lit the room and Priss resisted the urge to bury her 
head under the
covers. She inhaled deeply, the lingering scent of Sylia in the room making 
her smile. <I wish she
was home.>

         =She'd be back here on the next flight if you'd tell her what was 
going on with�
Kutsuu.=

         <There's nothing going on! She's dead. End of story.>



         Tsumari had not been easy to find and now that Nene had she was 
determined to get to
the bottom of this. *What else do you remember?*

         *Why do you persist in this? I am the net, nothing more.* The 
dark, vaguely human
looking shadow seemed impatient and uneasy, making Nene wonder if he knew 
more that he had
told her.

         *I don't think so. You know who you are, don't you? I'm betting 
that you got trapped in
here somehow.* The figure drew back and Nene knew she was right. *Please 
Tsumari. Tell me.
Maybe I can help you.*

         *I am lost Nene. My body is gone. There is nothing for me in your 
world anymore.*

         Nene wasn't giving up. *At least tell me your name. *

         He was silent for a long time and she had decided to let it go 
when he spoke again. * My
name was Katsuhito� *




         The deliveryman struggled to wrestle the large bouquet of roses 
through the narrow
opening of Priss' dressing room. Priss stared at the mass of scarlet roses 
approaching her and
smiled.

         "Ms. Asagiri?"

         Nodding towards the dressing table, Priss answered. "Yes. You can 
put them there."

         He did so with obvious relief and held then blushed slightly as he 
held out a pad and
pencil. "Could you sign here?"

         Expecting some kind of delivery conformation, Priss was surprised 
to see a blank page. "I
don't understand."

         The blush deepened and the young man cleared his throat nervously. 
"Um�Can I �I
mean�um �" He drew a breath and forced the words out. "Can I have your 
autograph, Please?"

         Grinning at the fan's shyness, Priss agreed and managed to coax 
his name out so she
could personalize the note. She tipped him despite his protests and gently 
closed the door behind
him. Still smiling, she searched the flowers, plucking the small card from 
in between the
blossoms. Priss extended one claw and edged it under the flap. A quick 
motion slit the edge and
she pulled the card out, positive she knew whom it was from. She was wrong.


         Until we can be together�eternally.


         Frowning slightly, Priss focused on her lover thousands of miles 
away. <Sylia?>

         A pause and then Sylia answered. <Hello love. How are you this 
evening?>

         <I'm fine, just wondering what your note meant.>

         <Note?>

         <The one with the roses. It was a little odd..>

         Sylia set her wine glass down and excused herself from the table, 
leaving the
businesspeople she had come to Italy to meet with staring after her in 
confusion. She crossed the
restaurant and entered the restroom, automatically confirming that she was 
alone before
contacting Priss again. <Priss I didn't send you any roses.>

         Priss stared at the blooms, her pleasure in them evaporating 
rapidly. <Oh. I see.>

         Sylia blinked. Oh dear. Mentally chastising herself for not 
realizing that Priss might
enjoy such a gesture, she met her own eyes in the mirror and winced. <What 
did the note say?>

         Reading the message to her, Priss let herself focus on Sylia's 
presence in her mind. She
felt the sharp spike in her lover's heart rate and could feel the trickle 
of anxiety that Sylia was
trying to hide. <Probably just a fan, Sylia. I've gotten weirder things in 
the past.>

         Still unsettled, Sylia was determined to return to Japan 
immediately. <I'll be on the next
flight out Priss.>

         Priss' smiled was rueful, knowing that any argument would be 
futile. <All right love. Let
me know what time your flight will be arriving.>

         <Okay, but I left the Mercedes at the airport. I'll see you when I 
get home. Until then�
Just be careful.>



         Linna blinked, not sure she had heard right. "Excuse me? I thought 
you just said that
Tsumari was-."

         "Sylia's father." Nene sank onto the couch next to Linna and took 
her hand. "Linna, what
are we going to tell Sylia?"

         Shaking her head, Linna sighed. "Nene are you sure? If this is a 
mistake then we could
wind up hurting her very badly. How on earth did this happen?"

         "He's remembering bits and pieces Linna, I don't think he knows 
that the grown up Sylia
he saw a while back is his little girl from years ago. His sense of time is 
choppy but he does
remember that he had just begun to explore the net when he found himself 
trapped inside it."

         "Incredible. You realize that he must have been connected when he 
was killed?"

         "Yeah. I guess that answers the question of what would happen if 
our bodies were to die
while connected."

         Linna shivered at the thought. "But Nene, why doesn't he look 
like, well, himself?"

         "Seiki and I were talking about that. It seems that the enclaves 
help focus our mental
image of ourselves. He didn't have anything like that. Then add the shock 
of being severed�"

         Silence reigned for a time and then Linna glanced at Nene. "But 
what are we going to tell
Sylia?"




         Priss lit the long white tapers and blew the match out as Sylia 
opened the front door. She
watched her lover's eyes widen as she took in the candle lit room and the 
small dining table that
had been set up in front of the large window that overlooked the city 
below. "Welcome home."

         Sylia set her suitcase down and Priss came forward to take her 
coat. Priss tossed the
garment over a chair and slid her arms around Sylia's waist, pulling her 
close. "I missed you."
She brushed her lips against Sylia's as she let her hands roam slowly over 
her, relearning the
familiar curves.

         "This is quite a homecoming. I should go away more often." Sylia 
smiled at the sour
expression that crossed Priss' face and let herself be led to the waiting 
table. Priss held her chair
for her and then drew out the bottle of champagne that had been chilling in 
a nearby stand.
"Hmmm. Now I'm curious. Champagne Priss? What's the occasion?" Mentally she 
ran over the
date, but could not remember anything.

         Priss eased cork out of the bottle and filled two glasses before 
handing one to Sylia. "Just
happy that you're home." Her tone suggested that there was a great deal 
more to it than that, but
Sylia decided to be patient and let Priss direct the evening's events.

         Priss raised her glass and Sylia was disconcerted to see the depth 
of emotion that filled
her lover's gaze. "To many more homecomings and nights like tonight."

         Sylia drank and let the sweet wine soak into her palate before 
swallowing. "Just out of
curiosity, how long are you going to keep me in suspense?"

         Priss' smile was wicked. "I'm not." She reached out and snatched 
away the silver dome
that covered Sylia's plate, revealing the small black velvet box.

         Sylia stared at the box for a long minute before gingerly reaching 
out and opening it. The
matching rings were exquisite and she drew a startled breath before 
glancing at Priss. "I don't
know what to say."

         "Don't say anything yet, Sylia. I want you to think about this. I 
know that the last few
months haven't been what you were expecting and at times I was sure that I 
was driving you
away." Leaning close, Priss caught Sylia's free hand in hers. "I'm never 
going to be the way I
was Sylia. You need to understand that before you answer."

         "You sound like you want me to say no."

         "No, I just want you to say yes with no doubts or fears."

         Sylia's face turned pensive as she thought. "Its funny, but 
despite some of the stuff that's
happened the one thing I was always sure of was the fact that you wouldn't 
hurt me."

         Priss nodded.

         "Obviously you love me and I know I love you�" There was a great 
deal that had not
been settled, that was still unknown but Sylia was very aware these things 
would be there
regardless of whether or not she and Priss were married. "I don't have to 
think about it Priss. I'd
be honored to marry you." She cast a shy look towards Priss' eyes. "To be 
your mate."

         Priss fought the satisfied rumble that tried to escape and swept 
Sylia into her arms. "I will
always love you Sylia. I will always protect you."

         As she was lifted into Priss' arms and carried off towards the 
bedroom, Sylia rested her
head on her lover's shoulder and whispered softly. "I know that love. I know."


         Sylia felt the bed under her and opened her eyes to watch as Priss 
began to disrobe. The
buttons yielded to her nimble fingers and the material of the shirt parted, 
slipping from her
shoulders to the floor. Sylia felt her smile turn seductive and raised her 
arms over her head,
letting them rest on the pillows around her. She was rewarded with the site 
of Priss' nostrils
flaring as she began to strip with more haste. Closing her eyes again, 
Sylia waited in the darkness
for that first touch that could affect her like nothing else. She didn't 
have to wait long.

         A lone finger brushed the skin of her ankle and began to trace a 
slow path up Sylia's calf,
leaving a shivering awareness in it's wake. Strong fingers joined the 
others and soon she could
feel the material of her skirt being pushed aside as Priss' hand journeyed 
into the hidden places
that it covered.

         Priss could hear the change in Sylia's heart rate as she tugged 
playfully at the garter
encircling one firm thigh and felt her own body respond in kind. She 
reached higher, until she
found the edge of the minuscule panties and slipped her fingers around the 
soft material, pulling
steadily until it became trapped under Sylia's weight.

         Sylia opened her eyes at the near silent click and shivered when 
she felt the cool contact
of a claw as it snagged the material. The silk stood no chance against the 
razor edge and her eyes
drifted shut as it parted with a soft hiss.

         Priss tossed the ruined scraps of silk aside and viewed her handy 
work with a self-
satisfied expression. She knelt on the bed, pushing Sylia's legs apart and 
slipping her hands under
her hips. Priss lifted Sylia to her and lowered her head, inhaling the rich 
scent of arousal that was
making her head spin.

         Sylia cried out at the first touch of Priss' lips and her hands 
clenched into the pillow
under her head as her body was lovingly� ruthlessly�. invaded.




         The incoming call signal sounded and she hit the answer switch. A 
text only message
appeared and the sender brought a smile to her lips. She called out over 
her shoulder to her
partner. "Come have a look at this. We've got a special order."

         Her partner read the message and laughed quietly. "Hmm Sylia 
Stingray. I guess she'd
building Priss a new bike. A Atsuki frame? Going to be big one too." She 
read over the list of the
other parts that had been requested and mentally constructed the finished 
machine in her head.
"She's finally going to do it."

         "Do what?"

         "Build more than a disposable bike for Priss."

         Sabishii scowled at the screen. "I would hardly call the cat 
disposable."

         Kuraki's husky laughter washed over her, making Sabishii tremble 
in response. "No love,
you wouldn't. But except for a few modifications there wasn't anything that 
couldn't easily be
replaced." She caught the edge of Sabishii's ear with her teeth and tugged 
lightly.

         "Down girl, we're at work remember?" But the protest was half 
hearted and she swiveled
her chair around and pulled Kuraki into her lap.

         Kuraki began trail kisses along her jaw and Sabishii sighed. 
"Wonder what she's going to
do when she realizes that we own this place now?"

The smile that crossed Kuraki's face was wicked. "It'll be fun finding out."



         Priss stepped out of the back exit to the club and started towards 
her bike as she tugged
the zipper of her jacket up. The cold wind bit sharply at her cheeks and 
she once again regretted
taking Sylia's bike tonight. As she approached the machine, Priss noticed 
the white florists box
leaning against it and her steps slowed. The hairs on the back of her neck 
rose to attention while
her mind surged into alertness.  Priss scanned the area, both visually and 
with the electronic
scanners in her arm. Nothing. No signs of humans or boomers. Priss slowly 
moved closer, senses
reaching out to study the innocuous package. It wasn't giving off energy 
and there was no
chemical smell, but what she did smell made her scowl.

         It was earthy, almost ripe and Priss nudged the box with her boot, 
prepared for anything.
The box tipped over and the lid fell away, disgorging its contents as Priss 
instinctively leaped
back.

         She looked around quickly and then focused on the decaying flowers 
that were now
scattered across the pavement. Priss spied the white edge of paper and 
cautiously knelt, the
energy blade hissing as it slid out. She flipped the paper over and stared 
at the blocky words that
seemed to leap off the paper.

         YOU BETRAYED ME!

         Priss suddenly felt exposed in the alley and she stood quickly, 
kicking the box and its
contents aside before examining her bike. Satisfied that it had not been 
tampered with, Priss
kicked it to life with a vicious motion and roared out of the alley.



         Sylia was not happy. In fact she was seriously pissed.  "Priss you 
can't shrug this off!"

         The steady chopping sound continued unabated as Priss sliced her 
way through the stack
of vegetables on the cutting board. "I'm not shrugging this off Sylia. But 
think a minute. I am not
your average singer." She laid the knife down and turned to meet her 
lover's eyes with a
reassuring smile. "You've seen to that. I could fight my way out of a lot 
of situations before I met
you�. And after training for the Knight Sabers? Come on! This isn't like a 
boomer Sylia. This is
a human. A cracked up human, but a human non the less." Priss raised her 
left hand and extended
the claws, her smile turning feral. "Humans bleed Sylia. Very easily."

         "You want them to approach you!" Sylia's voice was filled with 
disbelief and outrage.
"You want this to come down to a face to face confrontation."

         Shrugging, Priss turned back to her preparations. "Do you want me 
to lie to you?"

         No. That wasn't what Sylia wanted. But she didn't want her fianc�e 
to put herself in
danger either. Sylia moved closer to Priss, her arms slipping around the 
smaller woman's waist
and pressed herself against her. "Of course not. Just don't hold the fact 
that I worry about you
against me."

         "Never going to love." Priss turned in her embrace and nuzzled the 
warm flesh of Sylia's
throat. The sound that escaped Sylia was encouraging and Priss focused on 
the island out of the
corner of her eye. "You know something?" She trailed kisses down her 
lover's neck as her nimble
hands quickly loosened Sylia's blouse.

         Sylia's reply was distracted. "Hmm?"

         Priss pushed the shirt off of Sylia's shoulders and then gripped 
her hips, lifting her onto
the smooth surface of the island. "I don't think we've played in here before."




Frustration�. becomes �Anger�. which slowly smolders into Rage.

She's not listening to me! Steady hands loaded the weapon and adjusted the 
scope. She
thinks I'm not serious. The weapon fit snugly against a shoulder, the scope 
finding one of the
pictures on the opposite wall. A dull Thppt! And the face disappeared under 
the bullet's force.
She'll take me seriously after this.

end part 1


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