Inside the Driving Center

Steve Miller was trying his best to look busy in his office. He'd had a rough night's sleep thanks to his wife, soon to be ex, and her new boy toy Pablo. He brushed aside the divorce papers which still lay unsigned in the top drawer of his desk and prepared himself for a power nap.

Suddenly he was snapped awake by his colleague Sean rushing into his office. 

"You're looking a bit tired there mate. How about I take your 11 o'clock and you could have a nice little power nap? That will sort you out." 

Steve was about to agree on the spot, but stopped himself just in time. 

"Hang on a minute, why the sudden charity? You're never normally keen on doing any extra work around here." He eyed his friend suspiciously.

"What are mates for eh? I know how stressed you've been lately. I just thought it would be nice to do you a favor." Sean was wringing his hands nervously and occasionally glancing back over his shoulder, towards the reception area. 

"Sean...On a good day you're a miserable bastard and on a bad day you're an unbearable bastard. What's up?"

Steve had rarely seen his friend acting like this before, then the reason suddenly clicked. 

"How good looking is she?" 

"Oh please Steve, you have to let me spend an hour in this girls company. I'll...I'll buy you all your beers every Friday for a month!" Sean begged, knowing full well that he'd been caught. 

"I'll say it again. How hot are we talking?" 

"Damn it...I'll...I'll cover any shifts you want for a year!" Steve raised his eyebrows. This girl must be really something. 

"How fit is she Sean?" 

Sean let out a defeated groan. "... She's an eleven."

Steve was shocked. The Los Angeles DMV had seen many hot women walk through its doors and the workers here had a sophisticated game of rating them on a scale of one to ten. Sean, however, had never, to Steve's knowledge rated anyone above eight.  For a rather unattractive loser in his forties Sean was one of the pickiest guys  on earth.

He went to the door to look for himself. 

Steve stood open mouthed, as his eyes came to rest on the curvaceous blonde beauty waiting patiently for him in the foyer. 

"See, what did I tell you? That's an eleven all day long," mumbled Sean at his side. 

Steve didn't bother to respond. This girl couldn't be classified by a stupid number system. As far as his now swooning mind could recall, she was the sexiest creature he'd ever laid his eyes on. 

Sarah was not oblivious to the two men ogling her from across the room. It was a sight she was all too familiar with. She knew that her looks did strange things to men, no matter how old they were. In fact it often felt weird these days when guys addressed her to her face and not to her chest. 

Back when her breasts had first started to develop, the increased staring made her really uncomfortable. She'd always been very pretty, which had always garnered her a significant amount of attention from the boys in her class. But suddenly she found that nearly all the guys she encountered, not only boys her age, but grown men, like her teachers and even her friends fathers, they all gave her these long studying looks, which creeped her out to begin with. It was as though every man she met seemed to be trying to mentally undress her with their eyes. 

Sarah would wish every night before bed for her boobs to stop growing so fast. None of her friends had breasts as large as hers and for a long while, she thought of herself as a bit of a freak. She even went through a phase of wearing a sports bra to school, to try and hide them. She hated looking like the odd one out. 

That was a few years ago though and since then she'd become more comfortable in her own skin. Nowadays, it gave her confidence to know that lots of men found her very attractive. She just didn't know the actual staggering magnitude of her attractiveness.

"Please Steve. I'm begging you. You've got to let me take her." 

"Take her? And where do you plan on taking her? In the parking lot? In the backseat of the car?"

"Maybe."

"This is a fucking driving test we're talking about, not a booty call!" Steve managed to prize his gaze away from Sarah and walked back to his desk. 

"You know what I mean! Besides, I reckon I'd stand a better chance with her than you." 

"Ha! You really are deluded mate. We're both too old and too fat, I mean unfit. The difference is, I know it and you don't. How old is this girl anyway..." 

Steve picked up the form with Sarah's details on. "...oh shit, she's only 18!" 

He felt momentarily ashamed of his earlier lechery, but probably not ashamed enough to stop himself from doing it again. 

"Seriously?" Sean snatched the sheet of paper out of Steve's hands. "Oh bollocks, I thought she was at least 25." 

Steve laughed derisively. "Oh yeah cos if she was 25, then you'd have stood a way better chance eh?"

Sean begrudgingly laughed at Steve's low blow. "Ouch!!! that hurt." 

"This is a pointless conversation. We'd both have a better chance of winning the lottery two weeks running than getting a date with a girl like her. Now would you kindly bugger off and let me get on with my job." 

"Lucky bastard." Sean muttered as he slunk off back to his tiny office. 

The second Sean was out of sight, Steve reached into his drawer and pulled out his deodorant and a pack of mints. He wasn't deluded like his colleague, but he still didn't want to sit in a car with this stunning goddess of a girl, stinking of body odor and cigarettes. 

'I hope she is the blonde dumb type.' Steve thought with his fingers crossed.

Sarah Stevens lives a normal life.
She goes to school, chills with friends, fucks around with guys, girls, men, women, older men etc. gets into really sticky situations but she always comes out on top... her favorite position.
And then something changed, fundamentally, Sarah Stone underwent an evolution of sort. 
Blessed with new powers how will her life change? 
Will the world witness the rise of a voluptuous hero fighting for justice or a seductive vigilante with an ulterior motive?

Mark 

It was 4:30PM. I had 30 minutes before this thing starts and I had no clothes. Ah, but what else is new. 

I opened my phone to the radio app and looked for Steve's show's podcast. He interviewed LJ last night and Burt said it was brutal. I saw that the app remembered up to what point I had been listening, and I pressed play. I adjusted the volume on my earphones, settled into my chair, folded my arms and closed my eyes. 

"So, this is your second solo album, would you like to tell my listeners what's special about this album?" Steve asked LJ. 

"I don't know, what _is_ special about my new solo album, Steve?" I laughed already. LJ was trolling Steve in the most annoying way.

"Honestly, I haven't really listened to it," Steve countered, which I knew was a big fat lie. He wasn't going to let LJ win, of course.

"Oh, so you can't tell me what you think about the song I wrote," LJ tsked. 

"I heard it was about enlisting in the army, I didn't know that you were considering changing careers." 

LJ of course took him seriously and stopped joking. "No, it just means that I just want to protect somebody," he said. "It's a metaphor." 

"A metaphor," Steve repeated. "What's that?"

"It's food," LJ replied. I was laughing so hard that tears were forming in my eyes. 

"What are you laughing at?" 

I looked up and saw Kate with Lynn, the make up artist, who was going through her make up bag. I stopped the podcast and pulled the buds from my ears. "Steve interviewing LJ for his new album. The podcast is up." 

"Oh, I love LJ's new album!" she said enthusiastically, sitting in the chair beside me, "It's better than his first one. Actually, I was going to tell you that I think yours was the best one of all your solos, but after listening to LJ's, I'm sorry, LJ's is now my favourite."

"Missy said you say that each time any of us releases a solo," I snorted at her. She giggled, then held her face still so that Lynn could fix her eyebrows. 

"If it's any consolation," she said, still immobile, "I have a soft spot for Home. Especially that part where you sing, 'I'm so tired, but it's not like I miss you or anything...'"

I listened to her murder her favourite lyric from my single and thought it was the right decision for her to quit music and concentrate on acting. "It's not about you," I said. 

"I know," she smirked at me as Lynn looked through her make up bag.

I liked how easy it was to hang out with Kate now, how we can joke around with each other. She's a much better friend than a girlfriend. Last year, we were a mess. Or I was a mess. Yeah, I was a mess by myself. If Tiffany had never told me that Kate thought I slept with Amy, we would never have come to this nice truce. And I don't think I'd be able to make this movie with her either. 

 "Aren't you getting dressed?" 

"Jamie's bringing me my clothes," I said. 

"Oh, nice," she said. She kept her face still again so that Lynn could continue to work on her. I put the earbuds back in and pressed play. 

"So, this song," Steve said, "you're singing about getting on your knees and begging for forgiveness, is this something most soldiers do?" 

"Yes, it's inspired by those drills they do during military training, where they walk through the mud on their knees," LJ replied. 

I laughed aloud again and both Kate and Lynn jumped and stared at me. I waved my hands at them in apology, and kept laughing. 

"That's so interesting, J," Steve said. "I noticed this since last year when you released your first solo, your songs all seem to be about breaking up. Did you actually break up with someone?" 

"Well, I was going to ask you about that, because you wrote most of the songs," LJ replied, although he sounded like he was about to lose it. 

"Ah," Steve said, agreeably. "That's why this album is ace. Let's listen to your latest single, shall we? Ladies and gentlemen, here is LJ and..."

I pulled the buds out again, still cackling. Burt is right, it is gold. 

I opened the group chat and texted, "Guys, best interview ever." 

LJ: [I'm disappointed, actually. Steve didn't ask me who my ideal type was.]

Steve: [Duh, I know it's me, so why ask?]

Jamie: [Ewww, you guys. Mark, I'm looking for parking, will be five minutes.]

Steve: [WTH? We got here earlier than you? That's like some weird glitch in the matrix.]

LJ: [He was probably having sex, give him a break.]

Jamie: [Shut the fuck up, LJ.] 

Steve: [Yeah, LJ, ewww. Don't talk about your Mommy that way. Mark, Missy said to tell Kate her band is here.]

I quickly typed, "Haha, k." And put my phone away. I looked at Kate. "Your band is here." 

"Yay," Kate grinned, as Lynn shifted to her hair. "Are you guys doing another round of solos again or releasing a full band album or what?" 

I thought about Burt who was up in North mountain, catching fish in the river and walking Billy to and from school every morning. The longest he had been back in the city was when he made and promoted his solo a few months ago. Before that, he was 100% gone from the public eye and Barnes worried that nobody would remember who he was. But his album hit #1 in two days and people said it was going to sweep all the best male awards. Big F was now so rich from both Burt and Steve that Ned told him to take his time and come back when he was ready. Which may have been a bad idea. If you were Ned. 

All our albums did well, but Burt's was so good that he could retire for two lifetimes. I see Michelle more than Burt these days, she still does the odd make up job, and, as promised, was the official MUA for all our public appearances when we were promoting albums. Except this one, because she had the baby yesterday. We're flying up there tomorrow to visit. Burt said I can be the godfather this time, I can't wait.

I looked at Kate earnestly. There was a time when I thought she would have my babies. I was so young and stupid back then.

I smiled at her. "We're going to do a Goddess Athena tribute album." 

"What?!" Kate laughed. 

"It's the album everyone never knew they needed," I imitated Antonia trying to sell us a concept. "We'll wear hot pants and heels, I've already worn them for this movie, so you know, it's not that hard." I started shimmying and singing her verse. "Even if your overwhelmed heart were to explode, even if it flies off with the wind, right now, this moment, the world is yours..."

"Stop it!" Kate slapped me, laughing so hard. Lynn pulled her hands back, and grinned along. 

I stopped singing and continued to convince her. "It will be great! Steve will sing Missy's parts, of course. LJ will sing yours so he can concentrate on dancing. Jay-fanny is a ship name for a reason. Burt can sing Princess' parts. Oh, and everybody else's parts because there IS 8 of you, Vivi's, Sue's, Honey's. And I'll do Jenny's parts because I'm the prettiest." 

"What do you mean so LJ can concentrate on dancing, I have substantial singing parts," Kate argued, hotly. There's the temper I know and don't really miss.

"It's _our_ album, so you can't do anything about it," I shrugged. "You just have to be grateful we're keeping your memory alive." 

"You dork," Kate laughed. 

I grinned and opened my phone again. Missy posted a selfie with the other girls and Steve and LJ. Steve had his arms around her waist, and was resting his chin on her shoulder. LJ had his Rock Star on but his hands were clasped together like he does when he doesn't know where to put them. Poor schmuck only got Rory to talk to him again a few days ago, he doesn't want to sabotage it by having his arms around a Goddess Athena in a photo. At least, he was still wearing their blue couple bracelet from 3 years ago.

Missy's caption read "Family reunion at Marky and Kate's new baby! Jia you, guys!" 25,000 likes in 2 minutes. 

A comment from Tiffany: [I wish I was there! Jia you, K-Mark!]

"What is K-Mark?" I asked aloud. 

Kate laughed. "That's our couple name," she looked rightfully embarrassed. "You know, like Jay-Fanny. Is that Tiffany? She slipped, stupid girl. It's just supposed to be among us."

I nodded. "How come you never told me we had a couple name?" 

"Because it's so lame," she laughed. Then she said. "She's coming home this weekend."

I nodded again, not looking up from my phone. "To see Micky." 

"Well, yes, among other things, but you never know."

I looked at her. She was acting all coy, like she does when she's making fun of me. "Are you shipping us?"

"Maybe," she shrugged. Then started singing. "...it's not like I miss you or anything..."

I snorted and looked at my phone again. 

Juliette posted a photo. It was a picture of the flowers that I gave her last night. I've been to the ballet a lot recently. 

Her caption read, "So I was told that #MarkNextDoor went to watch our show again last night. Why do I never see him? There is such a thing as meeting the artists backstage! Hint hint! And to whoever it was who left me these flowers, thank you! I hope you enjoyed!" 

I smiled. And pressed the heart under the photo. 

"Mark!" Jamie burst into the room with my clothes. "I'm so sorry." 

"It's okay," I got up, chucking my phone onto the table in front of me. "A boy next door needs to get laid, too." 

He punched me hard in the shoulder as I laughed at him. It was so worth it. "God, Jame, you're really glowing this time."

And, he really was glowing, I shit you not. He grinned as he said, "Shut up and get dressed before I break your legs."




/The end

Boy Next Door is a boyband, and the story of five men who spent nine years as every teenaged girl's dream boys. They are at the point where they begin to wonder if this is all there is to their life. Each chapter is told from the POV of each boy, as they negotiate their careers, their fame, their relationships with the people they love and the people who love them, and their relationships with each other. There are chapters with graphic erotica, so if you’re maybe 13 or so, yes, your favourite boybands have sex, sorry ‘bout that.

This story is inspired by real people and events. Some of these story arcs and conversations may seem familiar, but it is mostly a work of fiction and meant for fun, not to slander or harm anyone’s reputations. If you recognize who this band is, I understand if you drop this halfway through, but worry not because nobody from the band dies. I started writing this because I wanted to give my protagonists a happy ending. We do deserve that much.

She didn't know which one was more taxing – keeping this online affair a secret from her friends or keeping her identity from Mr Gerald. She replied to his email, still not sure which was worse.

"OK, tit for tat. I have to admit this is a lopsided deal. Specifically, what form of currency are you requesting?

Yes, I have boots too.

I also need to develop this a bit better. I really never thought it would get this far in the first place. I have no foundation to send the characters from. Random acts of lust are great, when in person, but don't make much of a story. 

I'm also a bit curious. What's going through that ponytail-capped head of yours? Do you accept my anonymity or do you try to figure out which one I am? I sometimes feel a bit of nervous tension as I approach my vehicle. I fear that there will be a note on the windshield, from you, requesting my presence."

She found herself now spending more of her work time just waiting for his responses. She was hooked into her own game yet she wasn't the game master. She'd even looked up his schedule so she knew when not to expect an email. She laughed at herself. "I gotta get out more." 

Finally, his jocund email reply was received. 

"You are curious? A bit? Let's see, how do I respond to that (lightly drumming on my upper lip and moustache, squinting slightly into the near distance with an earnestly reflective gaze). You? Curious? Bless your fairly wonderful fanny (Oh, I do hope it is. Okay, is it? Prove it?), I can't for the life of me imagine how that must feel. Excuse me for just a moment here. Okay, I'm back now. What muffled laughter? What's that old marvellous Latin expression? Paybacks are a mofo, I think it goes. Well, you do have my sympathy, and if there's ANYthing I can do to, shall we say, relieve the tension, don't hesitate to ask. But send me some polaroids, oops, a slip.

Through my mind? Oh, let's see... Intrigued curiosity, a strong sense of anticipation, some arousal--but that's all about the 500 this weekend, go 8 car! And absolutely those same things about you...

The anonymity thing. Yes, I do accept it and bow (hey, while I' m down there....) to your wishes. Of course, I wonder who you are, just as you would. Actively try to figure out your identity? Besides the fact that my options are limited, I'm essentially down with my man Keats, who said something to the effect of: To be in the presence of mystery without reaching irritably for answers is a fuckin' blast. Such a way with words, 'em ol' poet dudes. Anticipation, you know? Getting off is wonderful: getting to that point's pretty damn fine too. Hey, you're in charge, no?

A note on your car? Absolutely not. I figure you'll let me know when--or if--you desire contact. What's that ticking noise there, sugar britches?

Okay?"

Maybe she could bully her way through her lack of literary prowess but she needed substance to work from. Unfortunately, that was lacking too. She didn't know much about Mr Gerald. So far, she understood that he had a thing for girls in boots. He let her know that he was either into NASCAR or was really excited about the number eight. This man was a walking inconsistency. What was he?

Geography was the only link she could come up with. She was grabbing at straws and they all seemed to have holes in them. Maybe at the beach, or downtown? The little exhibitionist in her kicked in. 

She loved having sex outside, during a warm rain. The state park had been the most recent of destinations in her sights. She thought of the balmy summer showers in the early afternoons. She pictured them together, walking through the barely usable trails. 

She tried to not fast-forward to the "good" parts in her imagination but she just didn't have Mr Gerald's self-control. 

Her mind flashed to his tanned, wet, and very naked body. The two of them, in the woods, sitting belly to belly, intertwined in each other. She was wrapped around him and he was rocking them both. His hips bucked slightly upward, back and forth, ever so slowly, feeling every inch inside of her. She clung on, as he worked himself deeper into her. She fell into the rhythm of the sway. With her eyes closed, she felt everything. He picked up the pace, so she bit his shoulder to show him two could play at that game. She relished his salty taste. Then their cadence began to take on a life of its own; it became hungry. Their hips ground, almost angrily, into each other. He could hear her stifled moans, stirring from deep within her. She wanted more of him. The rain became heavier, provoking them to an even faster pace. Their bodies were soaked with sweat and rain. She threw her head back and he lunged in, to sink his teeth. She let out a little whimper but then begged for more. Oh, how she wanted to scream in ecstasy. 

Yup, there she went again. She had to work on the building and savouring of potential energy. Maybe that comes with time or experience. She wondered if reading Keats would help. That's silly– she had her own quasi personal Keats to show her the ropes.

"Ok, as for "getting this far" part that evoked such comic relief, I mean, c'mon. How many girlie plotted schemes have you ever seen that were well thought through? This was to be "Shock and Awe" and it didn't carry a well-crafted follow-through plan. I never thought I'd have the bravado to post that envelope in the first place, much less to have it pay off in such a remarkable way. I simply didn't "brainstorm" beforehand. My judgment was somewhat clouded by erotic thoughts. It still is. There should be a Q&A session.? A drywaller or an intellect? I assume that country music isn't far behind. I need to find some common ground. Age- nope. Work? Nah-ah. Hmmm - I wonder if you're a boxer or brief kind of guy. 

I half assume you already know whom I am and are keeping it to yourself. Paranoia is now biting me in the ass. (I'll leave that one alone.)

I have to say that I truly enjoy your titillating tales. They bring me to a much-heightened state of arousal. Pity, you aren't allowed to reap what you sow. Tick tock – tick tock.

~Ethel"

Then she had to wait until the next day. Drudgery kept the clocks hands from moving forward. She had never looked forward to the next day as she did at the moment she sent her email. She was addicted. Looking for her next fix like a crazed woman she logged on as quickly as she could early the next morning and tried to go about her day. She was in denial that she was hitting the "check mail" button like a teen hits redial on a phone in attempts to be the 94th caller to win that big prize from a radio show. Finally, that familiar announcing sound went of. She hurdled a pile of laundry and an excited dog but lacked the beautiful landing. 

" The following should please you--and trust me on this one, babe, pleasuring you is a matter I've been devoting some thought to--I haven't the slightest notion of who you are, never mind what car you drive, which course you took (I am assuming you did--you certainly have a familiarity with my class-related stuff) or when, if you're actually attending classes now, or basically anything that might identify you. Feel better now? I'm in no real position (oh the possibilities there...) to request anything of you, but I'd ask simply that you tell the truth as you reveal--that play fair thing. Otherwise, I'm enjoying the little intellectual striptease, a little tough to give up control I admit, but yours is a most stimulating performance. I'd say your scheme is working just fine. Oh, and about your paranoia. If your bottom is indeed in need of some attention, say some gentle massage of the affected area, the careful application of some soothing lotion, I do have some experience in such treatments and stand ready (oh absolutely!) to provide deep, satisfying relief. At your pleasure, ma'am. 

And the reaping and the sowing? Personally, I think it's ploughing time in your lush fields of opportunity, no, I know it is. The plough's tip moistened by those warm showers you love sinks into the rich, fecund earth, and gently but steadily turns back luxuriant furrows that they may receive the sun's (did I mention I'm Leo?) warm offering. At furrow end, the plough turns, pauses trembling, and with a shuddering throb its length plunges eagerly and deeply back into the damp, hot richness. So, um, you garden? 

Quick Q & A: 

Boxers/briefs: Neither. And your own style, sweet pants? 

C&W music: Absolutely, but second to Allman Brothers and Steve Earle. I stand and remove my hat when "Dixie" is played; I fight when Skynyrd's dissed. Timely quote from "Free Bird": How 'bout you! Really darlin' ...how about you? Tell me more.

NASCAR: I cried when Dale Earnhart passed, I pull now for Junior's 8 car. 

Drywaller/intellect: Smartass carpenter, you know, kinda that renaissance-man thing--love to show you some nailing techniques. 

The common ground of age: "Nope," you said. That way threw me. I talk in class'bout contents-technique-persona? I read your persona as not necessarily in my age ballpark, but definitely NOT at great remove--which you aren't saying. But you "read", well, mature? Absolutely wise and clever--your intelligence is very sexy. No foolin', I can't recall much, maybe any student writing that remotely approaches yours--and not just because of our, um, contents. All of which is a long way around to saying, again, I'm clueless about who you are, but you sho' nuff got my...interest...up. Your best disguise is your writing; be truthful, pull-ease! 

Beer/wine/brown likker/none? 

Again: Why me and why now? 

You saw me wanting you in my eyes? That's alarming, somewhat. I'd like to think I'm not completely obvious--oh well. Not exactly any response from you, was there? Yep, I' m curious. 

Uh-oh, weekend comin' & no home computer. How vexatious. I really need those polaroids."

Damn. No contact during the weekend. She quickly typed and hoped to get another email reply before his weekend started. She couldn't understand why she had become so manic. She didn't want to discover that she really wanted him to catch her. 

"Leo? Are you trying to turn into one with all that hair? :)

I glean from the content you have provided that you are an ass man. I chuckle your homophobia and your concern about which gender is doing the "Catching". Must be a product of your age. 

As for truth in advertising, it's a women's prerogative to accentuate the positive to askew the less so.

Hedges are trimmed. Undies with skirts. 

I enjoy all forms of rock, from Buddy Holly to System of a Down. Van Halen was a biggie in my household, music varied wildly from current to past rock. Hmm – classic rock like Steve Miller band and the Eagles are as close as I can get to C&W.

My mom wept when Jerry Garcia died. 

renaissance-man... yeah, I bet all the girls fall for that one. 

As for my style of writing, I'm stoked to hear such words from you. It's from the circles that I orbit and well-read parents. 

I have a "thang" for older men. They have a "thang" for me. My current "man" is 10 years my senior. 

Fortunately, I dig the moustache. I have other secret fetishes. I think my parents glorified the 70's for me. My choice of man is a bit abnormal in common sense. Some of my choices in men skive my friends but they relent on teasing me b/c they think that a man's money may play a hand. They aren't my true friends, just the mocha frappe mini moo decaf girls that are forced upon me. Really, I'm simple. For my sake, I'm glad there isn't a bunch of veterans in wheelchairs, sporting said moustaches, around today. Kinda feels weird to declare that one in the open. 

I would have been the girl Adam Ant wrote that song. "Don't drink, don't smoke..." I do enjoy sparkling apple cider and was much bummed when I found out that champagne tasted nothing like the sort. 

As for ocular undressing, I wore boots for you on that particular day. "

As she sent the email she noted how now she hated Fridays and how fucked up that thought really is.

This is a string of many correspondences between a former professor and myself. It started out as a harmless little distraction for myself, to break up the day. 
It became so much more, so unapologetically.

After the spa session, Hadwin, Astrid and Abigail were ushered to a low lit room, with lemongrass scent in the air. Abigail decided to choose a room each, to prevent Ace from poking his nose while they were being massaged. She did not know he had left the spa already.


What she fails to understand was the fact that he kept his relationship under wraps. Why would Ace do that? She wondered. He seldom hid his relationship, but could it be due to his reputation in business or he had something else in mind? With her wandering thoughts came a dull headache and Abigail sighed. She closed her eyes and told her masseuse to increase her pressure.


After an hour and half, all of them exited Bliss Spa with considerable glow in their body. Astrid wondered why there wasn't any payment charged and she asked out of curiosity. `Aren't we going to pay them?'


`No. It belongs to us' Hadwin smirked at her.


`Shall we hit the shopping centre after this?', Abigail suggested.


`No, I want raid some games in the basement room', Hadwin replied.


`Count me in. I'm dibs with anything you play', Astrid squeezed his arms in agreement.


`That's my girl', Hadwin high fived Astrid who merely shook her head.


`I'm most certainly not your girl. I am just me, Hadwin', Astrid explained while rolling her eyes.


`Say, I am inviting some friends over. Are you guys okay with it?', Hadwin sat in Abigail's Rolls Royce which had been repaired to perfection.


`Yeah, the more the merrier I guess', Astrid looked at her phone and bit her lower lips. Her hands itched to call Ace. She missed his warmth already. She decided to text him instead.
Astrid: Don't overwork yourself. With da mole.
Ace: Kicking & boxing is x overworking.
Astrid: I knew u would do dat.
Ace: But u don't know what I have in mind for u tni8.
Astrid: Lace or plain?
Ace: None.
Astrid: Not happening.
Ace: Lace.
Astrid's cheeks turned red at his texts and she quickly diverted her perverted mind elsewhere. She needs to get hold of herself before she loses it completely. Astrid started thinking about the books given by her grandfather, mentally deciding to finish on the last one.


She had learned considerable skills in invoking and controlling her wind elements. Since there were not any mentor available for Earth element, she studied and memorized the books related to it. She had yet to test the theories out, but it was a matter of time before she did.
....
In the meantime, in another part of Anubia, on Maxim Street. Alex was shortlisting the guests lists for his parent's anniversary. He roped in his group of friends and acquaintances, some vampires, and humans to visit him and blow off some steam.


Alex was pissed when his father assigned him to oversee the guest lists. He had zero knowledge on who was dating whom, who was the bitch of the month and who was the flavour of the month; and he needed gossip from his group of oddballs. Being a shy person did not hamper his ability to make friends with the same gender. But the same did not apply when mingling with the opposite sex.


Alex Mann only had 2 friends whom he held close at heart, Matilda Meyer and Josef Mourinho. As soon as the clock struck 1pm, some loud noises emerged from the foyer of his mansion. He waited for them in the drawing room, anger gnawing internally for doing this shit when he could paint in peace.


Six men barrelled into the drawing room, their boisterous voice booming over the room.


`Hey, how are you guys doing?', Alex spoke politely earning a bro hug from them. He did some complex hand shake with them, something he used to do when he was in UCLA with them.


`So I heard you needed help with getting some pussy?', Miller Smith spoke arrogantly.


`No, I needed some hot gossip. Don't want any seat clashes later', Alex rolled his eyes at Miller's brashness. He always hated him for his sexist attitude.


`I heard Jane Cantrall is the current 'IT' girl if you are looking for a date', Dustin King spoke. He was the most likeable guy, less talk and quite observant.


`No dates for me', Alex said firmly.


`Did you know Christina Jobs screwed Miller's younger brother before she was to get engaged to Joshua Edwards?', Brody Baker spoke. He was the tallest of them all at 6ft 6inches, intimidating and he is the quarterback of Anubia's football team.


`Yeah, shit happens. And she is elder than my brother', Miller sulked.


`Let me see your guests list, Alex. Maybe I can help you out', Dustin requested, and Alex passed him the guest list and seating chart


While Dustin read the list, Alex, Brody, Miller, Jake, Pete, and Luciano bantered with each other with their current girl conquests.


`I am going steady with a model. She is hot in both looks and bed', Luciano Perez spoke with a dreamy look in his eyes.


`Lover boy is gone with the wind', Pete punched Luciano on his shoulder lightly.


` We are seating on the same table, right?', Brody asked.


`Yeah, but a table fits 12 people', Dustin said, keeping his eyes glued on the lists and highlighting names that could sit together without tearing each other apart.


`Avoid Jane Dixon with the Wagner's. Apparently, the elder Wagner was set up with her and he brought a girlfriend. She turned ape shit and had a verbal fight', Pete spoke.


`No shit. I thought he turned gay', Brody was surprised.


`Did they RSVP? You should get their sister Abigail. One heck of a beauty', Miller gave a low whistle.


`I think their parents, Abigail, Hadwin and his date will be coming', Alex wondered if Astrid was Hadwin's date.


Alex mentally recalled the Forbes List of Richest in Anubia. The Wagner's stood at third richest in Anubia with the Scott's coming in first. Dustin's family came behind Wagner's at fifth and Alex's came at fourth place. The Baker's came in second but the rarely met up at any parties or events citing their Mormon beliefs. But when did Mormon started hoarding money was beyond his imagination.


A butler entered the drawing room with refreshments and drinks.


`Did you invite Damien Scott? He is like the richest guy of Anubia and his band of brothers are a force to be reckoned with', Miller spoke in between mouth full of pineapple.


`I think we did but only the youngest one, Jaxon Scott RSVP. No one else bothered', Alex shrugged.


`Damn, what about the Mormons?', Pete asked.


`Too busy making kids I think. Never bother to invite them', Alex smirked.


`Alex, you need help in the pussy department?', Miller was crass and blunt.


Alex's cheek turned pink and he shook his head.


`Come on, name her', Brody touted.


`Miller here has had a winning streak since high school.', Pete and Brody both grabbed a doughnut at the same time and fought over it like children. Dustin stood up and slapped their heads to reprimand them.


`No, not really. There was one girl I liked, and she actually rejected me', Miller Smith spoke the truth and stared at his chocolate drink. His mind went to his flashback.


`Wow, that is some revelation', Luciano raised an eyebrow.


`Yep. I courted her. She was one of those loner types, but a beauty, nevertheless', Miller did not take the rejection well back in high school. After she left school, he could not trace her. The principal punished him lightly but protected the girl's new school information.


Miller had a raging hatred for Astrid ever since. His ego was dented by her and if by chance he met her, he would have his ways with her whether she liked it or not.


`Bitch kicked my balls and left me', Miller spoke after a moment of silence. Alex noted his eyes glinted with something evil before it flickered away.

2 brothers. Rich and affluent vampires. Both fell for the same girl, except she is a child of mother earth with powers and strength which makes her a force to be reckoned with.

Ace and Hadwin Wagner met Astrid when she saved Hadwin's from an accident. Set in a fictional city of Anubia, with lush forests and city intertwined to form a prosperous country.

A modern city where both humans and vampires live in relative harmony until a mutation threatens to ripple the balance. Will both brother still fight for the very person who could be their death or turn it into their saviour? Whom will Astrid choose? 

A snippet of the novel as below:

Astrid drank the warm lemon honey water and stared at his chest again. She could not help herself but ask, `The words on your chest. What does it mean?’

`Show me?’ Ace smirked.

Astrid knew what he was doing, and she played along. Her fingers trailed to the Japanese words and stopped there.

`Zephyr belongs to me.’ He muttered.

`And this?’, Astrid spoke softly, her fingers moving to the opposite direction. 

`Divine, precious lady. Time for action now’. He grabbed her fingers and started kissing each, starting from the base to their tips, maintaining his eye contact with her. It was so sensual and stimulating, his soft lips kissing as if her fingers were her lips. Astrid felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Her left hand unconsciously, touch his face and he leaned on her hands, she mustered enough courage to prevent her mind from going into an overdrive of sentiments, and uttered `I need to pee’.

Ace chuckled and smooched her cheek.

The image belong to Avatar the Last Airbender.

The group advanced quickly after making their way around the Evil Demon Base. The closer they got to the Moon River, the more Evil Demons there were patrolling the area. As a precaution against accidentally exposing their passage, Yang Ling decided to put away the Twin-legged Flying Dragons, the Horned Bee Beasts, and the Vampire Bats. He led the group rapidly through the forest using his Tree Eyes ability, which now had a large radius.
Using Divine Knowledge to scan a large area would attract the attention of high-level Evil Demons, but the Tree Eyes ability was different. He could detect movements in the forest around him without anyone realizing it.
As they traveled, Abyssal Demons weren't the only thing that Yang Ling's group encountered; they also ran into various powerful fighters from time to time. Some of those powerful forces moved only through the fog at night, while others banded together and broke through the patrolling Abyssal Demons with speed and force. Some of the beings that Yang Ling sensed had abilities that were deep beyond comprehension, and they traveled as they wished. Any Abyssal Demons who stepped forward to stop them were killed instantly.
Even though Yang Ling had grown strong, he avoided conflicts unless he absolutely had to fight. Whenever his group came across a large band of Evil Demons, they would hide or travel around the demons. They would only attack without hesitation when they encountered five or fewer Evil Demons. Then Han Sen's people would dig out their divinities and tamper with their souls.
After five days, Yang Ling and his group had sneaked into the area around Moon River without much trouble. He had over two hundred divinities of Abyssal Demons within his Space Ring. Several lone Evil Demons had been killed before they even had a chance to react.
After sneaking into a lush forest, Yang Ling suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Stop, there's no way to sneak forward anymore!"
The primordial forest around them spanned tens of thousands of miles. According to the map they obtained in the Astonvela Manor, this forest ran all the way into the shore of the Moon River. Originally, Yang Ling had wanted to sneak all the way there without attracting attention. However, the Abyssal Demons had come up with a countermeasure. In order to prevent anyone from passing through this forest unseen, they had cleared a belt of land near the Moon River and stationed a large army to defend it.
Even a mosquito sneaking in could be clearly seen, much less a living person!
"My Lord, what do we do?"
Looking at the cleared land not far away, then seeing the large teams of Evil Demons pacing around the area, the Blood Angel Ophilia was overcome with worry. After getting into the Demon God Battle Formation, their group had no problems dealing with two small teams of Evil Demons at once; however, things would go very poorly for them if they were surrounded by hundreds or thousands of Evil Demons!
"We should charge! Storm their defenses, bash in their brains, and dig out their divinities!" rumbled the battle-loving Giant Ape King with bared teeth. He waved the heavy club made out of Pure Gold Sand in his hand as he spoke.
…
The group was deep in discussion. Against so many Abyssal Demons, there was no way for them to pass into the area while remaining unseen. Even the Chief Commander, the Corpse Wizard King, had no ideas for the time being.
Rustle…
Just as the Corpse Wizard King and the rest of the group were knitting their brows in search of a good strategy, they suddenly heard a faint noise coming from behind them, getting closer and closer. It was as if a Magical Beast or a human was rapidly approaching them. Yang Ling jumped into the branches of a large tree and hid. The Corpse Wizard King and the rest of the group quickly understood his intentions, following him closely as they jumped, hiding amongst the canopy.
"Brother Miller, according to the intelligence we received, the forest before us has been cleared out by the Abyssal Demons. There's a large number of Evil Demons guarding the area. What should we do?"
"Do we have any options that don't involve forcing our way in?"
"Stoudemire, our band of brothers has wandered within countless dimensions for so long. Aren't you confident that we can deal with a bunch of low-level Abyssal Demons?"
Soon, a band of people entered the field of vision of Yang Ling's group. There were both males and females, some wielding magical staffs, some holding giant axes, some carrying bows on their backs… There were twenty-five of them. They were much more powerful than Richardson and his group.
"Let's go. Miller will open up a path, and I'll personally defend the group. We have to move quickly!" After silently deliberating for a moment, the wanderer that seemed to be the leader of the group waved his hand and gave the order. Under the lead of a towering giant, the group quickly ran out of the forest, attracting the attention of the Abyssal Demons.
"Rodriguez, follow them!" Yang Ling leaped onto the ground, making use of the trees and rocks around him as cover as he led the group cautiously after the wanderers. With this many powerful warriors clearing the way for them, it would be much easier for them to make it over the cleared ground before them!
"Kill anyone who blocks our way!"
The towering giant named Miller let out a violent roar, cleaving an Abyssal Demon that had charged toward him into two and continuing his charge forward. The archers behind him released nine arrows in a row, piercing the heads of a few Evil Demons. The people wielding magical staffs waved their hands and collectively released a ball of green light, casting a top-notch Acceleration Spell on the group and greatly boosting their speed…
Even though there were only twenty-five of them, the wanderers launched an attack like that of a ferocious tiger, pushing forward despite the obstruction of the Abyssal Demons and arriving in the middle of the cleared land in the blink of an eye. Both the towering giant who was opening up a path and the captain defending the group displayed terrifying battle capabilities, killing even High-level Deities in a matter of seconds. Their abilities were much stronger than Yang Ling's group had expected!
"Hehehe, leave a few behind for us to play with! Death Ripple!"
As the wanderers forced their way forward, the Corpse Wizard King let out a sinister cackle and waved his hand to release a powerful Death Ripple, which indiscriminately attacked both the Abyssal Demons and the wanderers. In that instant, the wanderers who were caught off guard trembled, slowing down enough to be surrounded by the swarm of Abyssal Demons that had just arrived. Soon, the wanderers slipped into a bitter struggle, attracting most of the Abyssal Demons in the area.
"My Lord, we can now fly directly over!" The Corpse Wizard King smiled as he looked at the undefended stretch nearby.
"Rodriguez, you seem to have become more despicable now that you are the Chief Commander of the Magical Beast Army!" Yang Ling smiled and launched into the air toward the lightly-defended area. He moved fast, cleaving a stunned Abyssal Demon in two.
"Hehehe, it's hard not to be despicable if I am by your side!" The Corpse Wizard King led Ophilia and the rest of the group and followed closely behind Yang Ling, cackling loudly. "There would be no excitement without a despicable life. Life would be as stale as water! If I want to live on, I have to be more despicable than everyone else!"
…
After killing a few ignorant Abyssal Demons who had come to stop them, Yang Ling and his group successfully made it past the heavily-guarded section of cleared land, easily freeing themselves from the pursuit of a team of Abyssal Demons. At the same time, the group of wanderers who unintentionally acted as their rearguard found themselves besieged by a vast ocean of furious demons.
Whoosh…
After two hours of rapid flight, the group arrived at their destination.
There was a large snowy mountain far away, covered by clouds and fog. No one knew just how tall it was. Streams of water coursed down from the top of the snowy peak, gathering to form the notorious Moon River of the Graveyard of Deities and Demons. The water was ice-cold and crystal-clear, and the group could sense an overbearing, chilly energy even though they were far away. Clouds of icy mist enveloped the area around the Moon River.
After the raging Moon River coursed down the unscalable snowy mountain, it took a turn at the foot of the mountain, forming a giant lake that spanned tens of thousands of miles. Within the lake was a large island on which snow fell continually. Majestic palaces could be faintly seen through the thick mist. According to the explanation from Richardson and his group, as well as the map they had obtained from Astonvela Manor, the Evil Demon Palace that could be seen on the island was the group's final destination. The Great Black-horned Demon that was about to awaken was hiding within the palace that was massive beyond comprehension.
There were hordes of Abyssal Demons guarding the outer perimeter of the Moon River, but there were not many at the sides of the Moon River. Not only was the mist that was created by the Moon River bone-piercingly cold, but it also inflicted terrifying damage to the soul. Compared to the powerful fighters that had come from various dimensions, the Abyssal Demons who were trained in the Law of Fire suffered even greater damage in that area. Only a few high-level Abyssal Demons dressed in magical capes could get close to the Moon River. Most of the demons could only patrol at the outer perimeter and obstruct those who wanted to come in.
The mysterious, veiled Moon River finally appeared before the eyes of the group!
It was rumored that the Evil Demon Palace was guarded by a giant, ancient Magical Spell Formation. The closer they got to the island at the center of the lake, the thicker the fog that contained a Soul Attack got, and the stronger the gravity would be. Even a Divine Duty Expert with powerful abilities would find it hard to fly over. Other than trying to swim straight through the lake, their only option was to sit patiently on the shore and wait for an opportunity.
By the time Yang Ling reached the Moon River, a large number of wanderers had already gathered near the ice-cold waters. Anyone who got this far was at least a High-level Deity. Some were pale, sitting on the ground as they tried their best to defend against the Soul Attack in the mist and complaining as they saw that the mist was getting thicker and thicker. Some had powerful abilities and were getting busy around the ice-cold lake, attempting to use the time to scoop up a few valuable Moon Stones. Some were so confident in their abilities that they took the risk of swimming toward the island at the center of the lake.


CA mesmerizing female moonlight priest, a beauty of the darkness who captivates the soul of others… They all flood to his side!

With the help of the mysterious Wizard Power and terrifying Magical Beasts, Yang Ling had successfully created his very own divine path, at the same time enjoying fame in all parts of the world.

But as a Wizard, would he be able to avoid the mortal enemies of the Wizards back in the day -- The Lord and the Arbiter?
Let us wait and see...

"How was your meeting with Dean Charles, Lord Acheron?" 

Acheron looked at the 2 girls sitting on the couch, they must have stayed up waiting for him.
He gave them a small smile,

"Everything ends and that is always sad, but the story continues…" 

"Will you be okay, Big Bro?" Asked Violet.

"Yes, of course, Little Vee" Acheron answered,

"Rose, did you pack your stuff?" Acheron said towards Rose,

"Yes, Lord Acheron, everything is ready for our departure" Said Rose,

"That's good, diligent as always, as expected of my Rose" Acheron smiled at Rose,

Acheron's compliment caused Rose to blush and Violet to pout, she probably wanted to be praised too.

"We will leave first thing in the morning… Athena?" 

Athena appeared in front of Acheron wearing a pair of sexy silk pajamas, her holographic nipples visible through the top.

Behind her, Rose and Violet stood up gritting their teeth in anger. They also wanted to wear sexy clothes to welcome Acheron home, but they were too embarrassed to follow through with their plan.
As an AI, Athena doesn't have a sense of shame when it came to pleasing Acheron, she had overheard the girls' plans and thought it was a wonderful idea.

"Yes, Darling? How can I help you?" Athena said in a sultry tone, her intent to seduce Acheron was obvious.

Acheron scanned Athena's body not missing a single inch.

"Please arrange our flight back to Japan in the morning," Acheron said as he walked through her.
Athena pouted and slumped her shoulders in defeat.

"You're beautiful Athena, but instead of blue you should have gone with black, it matches you better… too bad you don't have a body…" Acheron said as he headed towards his room.

Athena's eyes regained their spirit as hearts could be seen instead of her normal pupils, a foolish smile covering her face. 

Acheron smiled towards the girls, only to find them gritting their teeth as they took notes on a small notepad. He laughed at the girls before saying goodnight.

"Goodnight girls, don't stay up too late"

"Goodnight, Lord Acheron (Big Bro)" they said,

Athena still stood there as if her processing hardware had overloaded, a foolish laugh and muttering escaping her lips.

"hee-hee… He insinuated that he would 'do' me if I had a body…. Hehehehe"

Athena slowly disappeared into motes of light similar to butterflies.

--- 

Acheron walked out of the limo followed by the 2 girls and Leon. 

Violet looked unwilling to let Acheron go but Acheron just walked up to her and put a hand on her head.

"Come visit us in Japan when you get a chance, okay?"

Violet nodded with a smile and hugged Acheron.

Acheron patted her back before trying to pull away, only to find that Violet had locked her hands together in attempts to keep Acheron from leaving.

"Uh, Violet? You can let go now?... Oi, your squeezing too hard, your gonna break me in half!" Acheron said jokingly as he laughed,

Rose quickly grabbed Violet from behind trying to separate them.

"Let go of Lord Acheron, Corpse Breath! Your embarrassing yourself"

"Nooo~, I don't want to!"

Rose finally pulled them apart, her hair disheveled due to all the force she had to use to pull of Violet.

"You're an embarrassment!" Rose said as she tidied up her appearance.

"Shut up Rose! Let me have my time with him, you are lucky you get to be with him every day!" Violet declared,

Rose snickered and puffed up her chest in triumph as if declaring her victory over Violet.

Leon couldn't help but laugh his ass off from the side, he felt seeing his father's awkward face made him feel a little better about the upcoming punishment.

Acheron walked up to Leon before pulling him into a hug,

"Stay safe dad… Dad? Your hugging a little too hard… DAD! my arms! They're going to break!.... AH! I CAN FEEL IT! THEY ARE BREAKING!!!"

Acheron quickly let go, a wicked smile on his face.  Acheron then flicked him in the forehead.
"Don't laugh at your father's misfortune"

Acheron then laughed,

"See you at Thanksgiving dinner with the rest of the family"

Leon held unto his hurting arms, a wry smile on his face.

"See you later Dad"

Acheron followed Rose up the stairs to enter into their jet before stopping and looking back at the city behind him.

"Ahh, London…. What a dump" 

Acheron then proceeded to wave goodbye at all the cameras currently pointing at him. He was waving at the person he knew was behind the cameras. He walked in and the door closed behind him.

Leon jumped into his limo while Violet left on another car she had delivered to her.

"Steve, to my safehouse, I need to try to hide for a while," Leon said into the intercom.

"I'm afraid that's impossible, sir" Leon heard his driver's reply,

"And why is that, Steve?" Leon said.

Then the window separating the driver's cabin from the back began to lower.

"Because those were not the orders from His Majesty," Steve, the driver, said as he slowly pulled down a white mask in the form of a skull, deep in the black sockets tiny green flames lit up.

Leon paled; his driver turned out to be a Ghost of Sparta. 

*CLICK*

The doors locked as he went to reach for them in an attempt to escape. Leon began to slam his shoulder against the door and the glass but to no avail, How could he? his limo could withstand an anti-tank projectile, so everything he did was all in vain.

He looked out the window only to see Acheron smiling at him from one of the plane's windows.

"NOOOOOO!!!" 

The limo pulled off as Leon screamed in despair.

Acheron laughed as he saw the limo that held Leon in drive away. 

"Nice try kid, be better next time"

Acheron then closed his eyes and begun to meditate.

….

New York, 1981

"Thank you so much for supporting our band all for the past 5 years Mr. Belau" 

"Please Mick, you know you can all call me Acheron and it's my pleasure to support talent when I see it," said Acheron,

"Yeah Mick, don't be so stiff in front of Acheron, he is a friend," someone said,

"Shut up Lou!"

"Anyways," said Lou,

"As always, here's our new song, we wanted you to be the first to hear it, please let us know what you think," said Lou, as the rest of the band nodded in agreement.

Lou passed a cassette tape to Acheron, in which Acheron gladly took it with a smile and put it in his jacket pocket.

"Say Acheron, how come you still look so young after all these years?" Asked Mick,

Acheron chuckled,

"Good genes I guess"

"It will be so groovy to be young forever, don't you think so Mick?" Said Lou,

"I think-" 

*HOOOOOONK*

*CRASH*

A semi-truck rammed into the limo Acheron and the band was currently riding in. The limo turned and flipped like fish out of water before smacking into an electric pole. The wires fell and the spark from the live wire set the trail of gasoline, which had leaked from the ruined limo, alight headed towards the limo.

Seconds later,

*BOOM*

The limo exploded and turned into a fireball, onlookers were freaking out calling for the police and firefighters. Women screamed in terror as something seemed to be moving inside the half-melted limo.

Acheron walked out the fire, his clothes torn and burned, some parts were still on fire.

People rushed at him asking if he was okay, Acheron just waved them away, his face now void of emotion. He walked up to a phone booth that he saw on the street corner before dialing a number.

"Yes, Your Excellency?" Someone answered,

"Track my location, find out what happened here, if it was an accident, deliver money to their families as part of my condolences but…. But if it wasn't…. I want you to kill them all, no matter who it is!!"

"It will be done immediately, My Lord!"

*click* 

Acheron ended the call, he walked out the booth and stared the ball of fire that was almost out of control, the light reflecting off his cold purple eyes. As he went to walk away,

*Crack* *Crunch*

Acheron looked down to see what he had stepped on, he realized it was the cassette tape that he had received from the band. It must have been thrown out as the limo crashed into the pole.
Acheron picked it up, the protective case fell away in pieces as the cassette tape was revealed to be undamaged.

Acheron held on to the tape and walked away.

____
Announcements:

1) I'll be celebrating my birthday this week, I'll be 24,000 years old this year! So, maybe just one chapter this week... idunno..... we'll see how it goes.

100,000 years ago, a meteorite crashed into Earth, granting a 17 year old caveman the power humans have craved for millenniums, immortality. Though originally a savage and cruel caveman, millenniums have let Acheron refine himself and surpass the epitome of Humanity,  basically, a god on Earth. With his power he mastered all forms of combat, every language, all the arts, and much more. He sometimes created empires, sometimes built empires, sometimes destroyed empires, at times, even his own. Today, mutants with superpowers walk among the public, it is kept a secret by the governments throughout the world and events pertaining to them are covered up but doesn't stop Acheron from interfering with their plans.

2 months ago, his oldest adopted daughter passed away, she was 96 years old. Though he cherishes all the children in his family, she was without a doubt, one of his favorites. 

"Her last wish was for me to have a normal life but what do children do in this era?" Acheron asks one of his adopted sisters. "They go to school, Lord Acheron" she says. "School? Will it be entertaining?" he asks, "It would at the very least be a new experience" she replies. "Make it happen!" he orders. " Yes! I will do it immediately, Lord Acheron" she says.
He, who was there when the first Homo Sapiens migrated out of Africa and existed way before the wheel was created, will let nothing interfere with his daughter's last wish and will slaughter anyone that stands in his way.

P.S this is not a Marvel or DC fan fic

(Cover photo taken from Google)

Reggie Miller declined the Rockets' invitation because he had only just begun to work as a narrator.

Glen Rice and Dale Ellis also rejected the Rockets for their own reasons.

At this time, Thibodeau opened the phone for Steve Kerr, who has been retired for three years and has been a guest commentator at TNT.

Cole, a former super role player of the Bulls dynasty, is the first person in NBA history to make a 3-pointer.

In 15 seasons, four seasons made more than 50% three-pointers, and 10 seasons made more than 40% three-pointers.

He is not the one with the most three-pointers in NBA history, but he is the most accurate.

Tang Tian is naturally more familiar with him. To know that Cole as the head coach of the Warriors, but unprecedented success, and even broke the Bulls dynasty regular season record.

He didn't mention Cole in front of him because he didn't think Cole would come out of the mountain. He didn't expect to be persuaded by Thibodeau.

If Cole is there, the Rockets' three-pointer will definitely be able to take it to a higher level.

"Tom, you made great achievements this time." Tang Tian raised his thumb to Thibodeau.

Thibodeau nodded with a smile, but he was not very excited. He understood that no matter how good the three-pointer is, it cannot be used as a conventional weapon.

After the game with the Mavericks, the Rockets ushered in a rare two-day break.

On the rest day of the next day, Tang Tian saw Cole who had completed the departure procedure from TNT.

Much younger than he remembered, Cole was in his early forties and had just entered middle age.

"Steve, welcome to join the Rockets coaching staff." Tang Tian extended his hands to Cole and welcomed him in the warmest way.

Cole also smiled and greeted Tang Tian, ​​hugging him hard.

"Don, Steve came to the Rockets because of you." Just then, Thibodeau said.

"Really?" Tang Tian looked surprised, and Thibodeau hadn't mentioned it to him before.

"Yes, I saw your different understanding of basketball in this era." Cole took the speech himself.

Tang Tian paused and smiled and patted Cole's chest.

The Warriors in memory remembered Cole's entry to set off the league's three-point frenzy. It seems that his arrival is to advance all this.

Back in Houston's first training class, Tang Tian introduced the new coach member Cole to the team, and was also the second assistant coach of the coaching team. He transferred to do other things.

Tang Tian did not interfere much with Cole's training method, and Cole's training method also made him shine.

Tang Tian's emphasis on three-pointers was obvious as soon as he came to the Rockets. Rose also made a key training for fixed-point shooting at his request, but the effect was not obvious. He thought it was a frozen three-foot. It was a cold day, so there was not much interference.

But after Cole came, the first sentence totally denied Rose's training method, which made the team abandon the standing three-point training, instead of moving, and disturbing three-point training, and added an additional pair. The requirement of the shooting speed.

Tang Tian also understood the difference. There are few opportunities for open spaces in the official game. In contrast, there are three-point shots in confrontation and movement, which are the most frequent in the game.

Sure enough, there was a specialization in the art, and he asked Thibodeau to find a three-point shooter and came back really right.

At the end of Cole's training assignments, Tang Tian asked him to add an appropriate fixed-point three-pointer.

There are two strong points, Yao Ming and McGrady, and there is always a need for a three-point vacancy.

"Yes, I forgot Yao and T-mac, this is really needed." Cole was pointed out by Tang Tian, ​​did not appear unhappy, but accepted modestly.

Tang Tian nodded with satisfaction, a harmonious coaching team, so that the team can play its greatest strength.

After two days of rest, the Rockets ushered in a relatively easy schedule.

They first visited Orlando and challenged the Magic, followed by Charlotte to meet the Bobcats, and finally went to the remote town of Milwaukee to play a game with the Bucks.

After a wave of three consecutive guests returned to the Toyota Center, they played at home with the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Hornets.

The increasingly mature offensive and tactical cooperation, targeted defensive system, coupled with the general strength of the opponent, the Rockets achieved a record of 5 wins and 1 loss.

After this wave of matches, Tang Tian's record of coaching became 8 wins and 2 losses, which was quite outstanding.

However, compared to the record, Tang Tian was more pleased to see the progress of the players in the three-point training, and it has been different in half a month.

While playing iron while hot, he proposed adjustments to tactics at the regular meeting of the coaching staff. The biggest change was the proportion of three-pointers shots, which was mentioned as 40% from the original 30%.

Although this change came abruptly, everyone guessed from the focus of the team's training, and no one raised objections.

After the regular meeting, Tang Tian returned to the office.

Not long after he sat down, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

Tang Tian said, raising his head, and then saw Thibodeau.

Thibodeau's face was clouded, and when he came in, he turned back and closed the door.

"Tom, is there something?" Tang Tian looked puzzled when he saw the mysterious Thibodeau.

Thibodeau walked to the position opposite Tang Tian, ​​hesitated for a while, and then said, "Tang, I don't think it's good at this time to make tactical adjustments."

"How to say?" Tang Tian looked at Thibodeau in doubt.

"I think from the time you started taking over the team's offense to now, in about a month and a half, our players have adapted to your offensive system, and they played well." Thibodeau said, looking at Tang Tian.

"Yes, we made a very good start." Tang Tian nodded.

"Then you ... I'll be honest, I've been in the NBA for so many years, and it's the first time I've seen changes to the team's tactics in this situation. It's kind of risky," Thibodeau said bluntly.

"So you don't think we should change?" Tang Tian asked back.

"At least not now." Thibodeau said his thoughts.

"Tom." Tang Tian looked at Thibodeau. "Your suggestion is right. This is indeed a bit risky, but there are reasons for us to do so."

Thibodeau looked at Tang Tian suspiciously.

Rebirth in 2006, 

I have won the god-level coaching system!
Can heal a disease, can he exchange for player abilities, and can he also serve as a maid? !
Or the Yao Ming Rockets start? It just flew!
Wait, why is this the weakest system in history?
NBA coaching text! Cultivate! At the same time, it is also a forceful book for coaches!

Hello guys, I just want to share to you the novel I love. I hope you also like it.

ps. it's not my work. 

Original Author: Minced meat eggplant

ERICE

I heaved a deep sigh before I open my eyes and smile at the mirror. This day would be great. And I'll make sure that Van Miller Buencamino would know my existence before this day ends, I muttered to myself with full of determination and confidence. 

Lumabas na 'ko ng condo unit. Nasa ibaba ng building na ito si Mileezen para sunduin ako. Unang araw ng pasukan ngayong taon at sabay kaming papasok.

Fourth-year high school transferee student ako sa Clinton State Academy, ang school na pinapasukan nina Mileezen at Van Miller. At laking tuwa ko nang malaman na nasa same class kaming tatlo. That's why; I'm so excited to go to my new school.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," nakangiting sagot ko.

"Are you excited?" tanong pa ni Mileezen habang nasa biyahe na kami. Magkatabi kami sa backseat habang si Tatay Neil ang nagmamaneho ng kotse. Family driver namin ito noong hindi pa kami nagma-migrate sa LA three years ago. Muli ko itong kinuha para maging personal driver ko.

Mas lumapad ang ngiti ko. "Super."

Natatawang napailing na lang siya. Tumingin ako sa labas ng bintana at pinagmasdan ang mga nadadaanan namin. Totoong excited akong pumasok sa school. Too excited to the point my heart was pounding so fast just the thought of seeing and meeting my crush today.
 
Ilang sandali pa, nakarating na kami sa school. At pagpasok pa lang namin sa campus, kapansin-pansin na ang kakaibang tingin sa 'min ng mga estudyanteng nakakasalubong at nadadaanan namin. O sa 'kin talaga sila nakatingin? They were looking at me with their curious and skeptical eyes. Is it because this is the first time they saw me here? Or because of my blonde hair that really stood out?

Napabaling ang tingin ko sa katabi ko nang mag-ring ang phone niya. "Tsk. He's calling again," narinig kong sambit ni Mileezen bago sinagot ang tawag. "What now, Zach? Nandito na 'ko sa school... I'm with Jude." Tumahimik muna siya at nakinig sa sinasabi ng kausap. At muntik na 'kong matawa nang umikot ang mga mata niya. "Zach, transferee student si Jude at kailangan ko siyang i-tour sa buong campus para maging pamilyar siya. Mamaya ko na lang pakikinggan 'yang sinasabi mo kapag nandito ka na sa school, okay? Bye." Then, she hanged up.

"Who's Zach? Your boyfriend?" I asked, teasing her.

"Boy space friend. Lalaking kaibigan," she answered, rolling her eyes at me. "Isa siya sa mga kaibigan ni Miller at classmate din natin siya. Ipapakilala kita sa kanya mamaya. For now, itu-tour muna kita since maaga pa naman before our class. Para hindi ka na rin maligaw sa susunod kapag hindi na tayo sabay pumasok."

"Okay, got it." And I followed her.

~~~

Mileezen showed me around the school. At hindi ko maiwasang mamangha sa mga nakikita ko sa paligid. Mas maganda pala ito kumpara sa mga pictures lang na nakikita ko sa official website. Hindi ito pahuhuli sa magagandang schools na nakita ko na sa LA.

Clinton State Academy is one of the most popular high schools in the country. Just like other private and prestigious high school, CSA has the most high-tech facilities and great reputation when it comes to education. Sobrang laki at lawak ng campus. Three different courts for outdoor sports like basketball, volleyball and tennis. Then, separate space for soccer and baseball. May swimming pool din. Ang pinakanagustuhan kong lugar dito sa school ay ang botanical garden. May plant maze na hugis bilog at kasintaas ng tao.

Matapos ang aming paglilibot, pumunta na kami sa classroom namin. Ilang minuto na lang at magsisimula na ang unang klase. Habang naglalakad sa hallway, maraming mga estudyante ang bumabati sa best friend ko. 

"Hi, Mileezen! Kumusta? Pakikumusta rin kami sa G5, ha?"

"Hello. I'm fine. I'll tell them."

"Mileezen, pakisabi naman sa G5 na pansinin nila ang love letters namin."

"Okay."

"Kelan pala next gig nila? Excited na ulit kaming mapanood sila sa stage."

"Maybe soon? I don't know."

Nang makalagpas ang tatlong babaeng nakasalubong at kumausap kay Mileezen, "Sino 'yung G5 na tinatanong nila sa 'yo?" curious na tanong ko.

Ngumiti siya nang makahulugan. "Sikat na rock band dito sa school. Makikilala mo rin sila one of these days."

Nagtataka man, nagkibit-balikat na lang ako at ipinagpatuloy ang paglalakad. Nakita naming kakapasok lang ng isang teacher sa classroom namin. Pagkarating namin sa may pinto, nagpakilala na itong class adviser. She looked at our direction. "Good morning, girls. You must be the new transferee student, right?" tukoy niya sa 'kin.

Tumango ako at tipid na ngumiti bago pumasok. Dumeretso si Mileezen sa upuan niya sa unahan habang ako naman ay pumuwesto sa unahan katabi ng adviser. Tumingin ito sa mga estudyante. "Class, like I mentioned earlier, she's a transferee and she will be in this class. Starting today, she's your new classmate. Be nice to her, okay?" sabi nito sa klase bago muling ibinalik ang tingin sa 'kin. "Please, introduce yourself."

Nagpakawala ako ng isang malalim na buntong-hininga bago tumingin sa harapan ko. "Hello. I'm Erice Jude Santos, but you can call me Jude. Nice meeting you all. I hope we become friends," nakangiting pakilala ko sa kanila.

"That's Jude?" Narinig kong tanong ng isang lalaki kay Mileezen na katabi lang niya.

"Yes, Zach."

"You never told me that Jude is a girl."

"Because you never asked," matter of fact na sagot ni Mileezen bago ngumisi rito.

"Ms. Santos, based on your information, you studied in a well-known and prestigious high school in Los Angeles, California. Why did you transfer here?" tanong ng adviser namin.

Muli akong tumingin sa mga kaklase ko at hinanap ang partikular na tao na siyang dahilan kung bakit ako nandito ngayon. Isa talaga siya sa dahilan ko kung bakit ako bumalik dito sa bansa. And I couldn't help but smile when I found him. "Because of Van Miller Buencamino. I transferred here because of him," walang pag-aalinlangan na sagot ko.

Nakita ko ang pagsinghap at pagkagulat sa mukha ng mga new classmates ko bago sila lumingon sa direksyon ng lalaking tinutukoy ko. Doon lang nag-angat ng tingin si crush nang maramdaman na nakatingin sa kanya ang lahat. And my heart skipped a beat when I saw his face.

He looked around, frowning. "What?" he asked before removing his earphone. "Why are you all looking at me?"

Unti-unting nawala ang ngiti sa mga labi ko. At napahiling na sana ay bumuka ang lupa para lamunin ako dito sa mismong kinatatayuan ko.

Van Miller Buencamino is a certified genius in Clinton State Academy. He’s also the bassist and second vocalist of G5, the popular rock band in their school. 

Erice Jude Santos is the genius' admirer. She came back to Philippines and transferred in CSA without telling her mother and best friend from Los Angeles, California.

The two met, became classmates, and even friends. They were bonded by music. Until one day, he noticed her.

But if their worlds were tangled, what would they do? If he decided to pursue his dreams and wanted everything to be good for them? How could they surpass their problems and heal the scars in their hearts? Will the genius follow his mind rather than risk his heart?

Listening to Elson's explanation, Li Du asked him, "You said that the fifth dimension does really exist?"
Elson got moody, sighed and said, "So what if it exists? Would it be that easy to find it? How many forces, how many families, how many people spent one to two hundred years and did not find anything? And how many human resources and material and life did they pour into it?"
Li Du said after a silence, "I always thought that Steve was just joking. So, why does he want to find this fifth dimension? He has both money and power!"
Elson was silent for a moment too. He thought about it, and then slowly opened his mouth and said, "When I was young, I was on the team looking for the fifth dimension. Tyson and Chiriani were my friends. We explored and found many things, but we gave up a lot too…"
"Then Chiriani gave birth to Steve, and you know Steve had a bad heart, and he was born with a lot of organ problems because Chiriani was still going on adventures when she was pregnant, which affected the development of the fetus."
"In addition, Steve was not breastfed, which led to his poor physical development. The reason there was no breast milk was that Chiriani went out on adventures soon after giving birth to him."
"This trip was the last time I met her, and her and Tyson's team haven't been heard from since. Now do you understand what Steve is looking for when I say this, don't you? You know what he is missing too, don't you?"
Li Du naturally knew that what Steve lacked was his family, and he wanted to go into the fifth dimension to find his parents.
Whether the fifth dimension was real or not, as a friend, Li Du had to help find Steve.
Elson didn't say it explicitly, but that was what he meant by coming to Li Du, and that was why he told the whole story about the fifth dimension.
Li Du did not want to be involved in this matter. Sophie was pregnant, and by listening to Elson's words, he was a little afraid of this adventure. He didn't want to inexplicably disappear himself!
He didn't want his child to be born and live without a father!
Seeing him hesitate, Elson said earnestly, "Li, I know many people, many people with power or influence, but they are not as capable as you. I beg you, can you help me find Steve? You are good friends, aren't you?"
Li Du sighed and said, "Can I think about it for two days?"
Elson, who had lost his poise and steadfastness for a moment, said urgently, "Li, please do me this favor. I have used all my connections, and I still can't find Steve. And if you can't find him either…"
At this point, the old master's expression suddenly became extremely sad, and his voice sounded more hopeless and older.
He relented. Steve and Elson had helped him many times. He said, "I would like to help, but you know, I am married, Sophie is pregnant, and I will have to let her think about it."
When all was said and done, Elson could say no more, and could only watch Li Du walk away.
Sophie was very intelligent and sensitive. As soon as Li Du came back to her, she asked, "What happened? Surely it is no small matter that you are so melancholy?"
Li Du said, "How do you know?"
Sophie smiled. She got up, poured a glass of warm milk and handed it to Li Du. "Stop trying so hard to smile. What had actually happened? Do I need to know about it?"
Upon hearing his wife's thoughtful inquiry, Li Du stopped keeping it a secret. He cut to the chase and said, "Elson doesn't know where Steve has gone. He has disappeared. Mr. Elson came to find me, hoping that I could bring a group of people to search for him."
Sophie instinctively asked, "He had disappeared? What do you mean, he is missing? Did he meet with any trouble when he was having his adventure?"
Li Du nodded and said, "It must be so."
Sophie frowned and said, "Did Mr. Elson bring his adventure route map? I will analyze it for you…"
Li Du waved his hand and smiled sadly as he said, "You misunderstand me. What I could not decide about is not where he disappeared, but whether to look for him. Because it might be dangerous this time, and you are pregnant now, and I don't want to leave."
Sophie looked surprised. She took Li Du's hand and smiled as she said. "Are you hesitating about this matter? I don't think it is necessary. First, I am a doctor. I can take care of myself. Second, with the help of satellites and all kinds of high-tech tools, you just have to protect yourself and you will be safe."
Li Du said, "Do you mean you are letting me go and help him?"
Sophie said, "Mr. Elson must have known about my pregnancy. To come to you at this point means he really has no choice. You are his last choice. So I think if you don't help him, he will be desperate."
That was what Elson meant, and Li Du understood that he knew, and now that Sophie had given him the green light, he had to help.
He promised to Elson that he would help him, and then he asked Brother Wolf and the elite group to band together. Godzilla did not return to Myanmar after attending Li Du's wedding, and he was just in time to join the team to explore.
Soon he pulled up a team. Brother Wolf and the others prepared all kinds of tools and supplies, and Elson sent him Steve's expedition map and route that he had investigated. All was ready except the east wind.
According to the map of the expedition, Steve and his team went to Nunavut Kivalliq in Canada, in the far north of the continent of North America.
Their traces were last detected in a body of water called Angikuni Lake, 320 kilometers west of Hudson Bay and 437 square kilometers in area. There were islands in the middle of the lake, and the island where Steve had supposedly gone was 63 square kilometers in area.
Elson wasn't quite sure if they had gone to the island or anywhere else, so he needed Li Du to go to the lake area first.
With the private jet, they flew from Los Angeles to port Churchill airport in Canada, where they were transferred by helicopter to the Angikuni Lake area.
On the plane, Brother Wolf handed a book to Li Du and said, "Boss, you should see this information."
Li Du took over to have a look. The cover of the book read: The Year 1930 Lake Angikuni Inuit Villagers Disappearance Report.
He opened the book. The first page read: in the winter of the Year 1930, in November, the hunter Joe Rabel dragged his tired body to walk in the snow. If he could not find prey it meant that he would not be able to survive the winter, but just then, he was exhausted needed to find a place to rest for the night...
After a search, Rabel found smoke curling from cooking fires outside the forest. Unable to contain his excitement, he ran out of the woods and saw in the snow an Inuit village just beside Lake Angikuni. However, when Rabel arrived at the village excitedly, he found that there was no one, not even a dog to be found...


They love gold, and they love silver. Even more so, they love gems that dazzle, like stars across the skies. 
Firearms, jewelleries, and precious metals; A collector’s world will not be complete without antiques.  
Storage auctions, old goods trade, re-estate sales and gold-digging. But the truth is, if one wants to make money, then the supreme way is through searching for the legendary treasures. 
Holding the fort, there’s an ocelot, a wolf, and an Andes condor. At the side, there’s a loyal hound, an irascible ape, and an African honey badger. Who said that you can only rely on humans when treasure hunting?! 

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