Moments of Epsilon

[Creator_Drake]

As Drake began to wonder why he couldn't hear either of his partners, agony wracked his body. The world disappeared; the Hero-Maker, the girls, the airport, it all disappeared as his mind fogged from the pain. The wrongess from before, he felt it was literally ripped from his soul, weakening him like never before. Through the haze of pain, he heard a cry, a pair actually. One male, one female, their voices a jumbled mess he couldn't decifer but they sounded... concerned maybe? Relieved?

He didn't know, he didn't know how long he was there, minutes, hours? All he did know was that the haze was clearing slowly, the voices becoming ever clearer....

==========================

Outside both blades ceased their actions when Mary ripped the Hero-Maker from Drake's body, hiding themselves once more yet remaining alert. They ignored the outside world, focused only on their master, surrounding his mind and soul, doing all they could to comfort him, to reach him.

His body was healing but slowly. Blood continued to pour from the holes left by the Hero Maker, one had even punctured his lung as was evident when his breathing became laboured, coughing out the blood that was blocking his airways. Eye's closed, the glow wasn't seen as an adatation took effect. Slowly the cells of his lung knitted together but only his lung, the holes along his arms and sides took no visible effect until the Nurse closed them.

Groaning in pain, he coughed out another mouthful of blood as one hand instinctively found Mary's, closing around it...

[Fanfic Fetishist]

"All right," the Nurse said, glancing back at the battle with the Eye Ball. "He's healing, thankfully. The Hero Maker's poison is purging from his system."

"This one is recovering also," the Cowgirl said, smiling as she watched Drake and Mary take each other's hand. Mary's wings and halo were regaining their luster as her body filled out again, the suckling becoming slightly more eager.

In the battle itself, another Tamer had taken command, coordinating all the attacking Pokegirls.

"We can finish this!" he called out. "You there, Legion!"

Myriad looked down at him. "What?!"

"Send ALL your shell bodies at that thing and BLOW THEM UP! The GunVulcans will cover them!" he called out.

Myriad nodded, getting the idea. "Ready!" she said.

The Tamer dodged out of the way of a barrage of green plague lasers. "Once that's done, every Water-type here hit that thing with your strongest pushing attack and get it into the Heaven's Gate! Sumos, use Seismic Harite to add to the pushing!"

Myriad concentrated, sending out all of her shell's bodies. She felt oddly naked, despite the shorts and wraparound top she wore, her back tendrils flailing reflexively as the shell bodies charged the Eye Ball, unaffected by the beams as Myriad herself landed near Niri. The shell bodies all grabbed into the Eye Ball, which drew all of its attacking eyes back to protect itself.

Myriad smirked, and snapped her fingers, all of the shell bodies exploding. The main body of the Eye Ball floated there, stunned, all of its attacking eyes gone.

"NOW!" the commanding Tamer shouted, as the Water-types began their assault, the Sumos thrusting their palms out and sending shockwaves through the air, pushing the Eye Ball back towards the steadily glowing Heaven's Gate.

[Creator_Drake]

He felt warm, like was coccooned in a warm blanket. The pain had finally become managable, he could hear the voices.

'DRAKE!! Can you hear me? Drake!' He knew that voice, sounding as old as the mountains and as powerful as a rockslide.

'Kur-kuro..Kurogame?' He still felt sluggish, he hadn't been hurt this badly in a long time. He felt like he just went ten rounds with a BioTitan. At his voice Drake immediately felt intense relief from his partners.

'Drake! Are you alright?!? We were somehow blocked off from you after that Hero-Maker-'

'Wha-what? After tha-Kuro tell me, what happened, exactly.' He seemed to get his second wind, his focus coming more steadily now.

'After the Brute was dealt with, the Hero-Maker struck. It bypassed everything, and blocked us from you. We tried all we could, but limited as we are nothing worked. I hate to admit this but even if no restriction was placed upon us, I don't know how we would have fared.' His other partner remained siilent and Drake felt her clinging to him as if a lifeline, not wanting to let go else they would lose him.

'At some point, young Niri felt our fluctuating energies and brought attention to you. Young Mary was the one to rip that foul thing from you but not without consequence it seems. It's feelers were embedding within you, digging as deep as they could. Your adaptation ability was doing all it could, but the Hero Maker was slowly overpowering it.' Drake remained silent, listening but confused. Hadn't he been fighting the thing when-

Myriad's words sprung to the forefront of his mind, the poison and their effects. He recalled the fight, facing the EyeBall and killing it. All of that, it... it was the poison? Feeling the relisation hit him Kurogame gave him a mental nod.

'It's poison was far stronger than any of us could have predicted. Nor can we tell if your adaptation has given you any form of resistence to it and frankly, I don't want to test it.' A grim frown formed on on Drake's face.

'...dammit. I hate it but...I agree. Not even Zeonthrobes were this bad.' Knowing where it would lead if he continued, he pushed all memories of the 40K back to where they belonged, in the deepest recesses of his mind, guarded by his partners. It seemed that Mary hadn't come across these memories contrary to what she had said after the bonding, to whih Drake was immensly thankful for. If there was one thing he didn't want Mary experiencing it was that place.

Giving both his partners a nod he flew from his mind, coming to conciousness once more. The first thing he noticed was that his body was very sore in multiple spots. He surmised that was where the Hero Maker had stabbed him. The next thing was the sounds of multiple voices shouting; it was true then, he really had been under that creatures thrall. It made him sick just thinking about it.

Looking to his left he found Mary literally being breast-fed by a woman with cow-like features. His hand was holding hers tightly, something she returned with equal strength. Turning away from the erotic sight, Drake groaned aloud as he sat up, bracing himself with his free arm. He laid eyes upon the truth; multiple girls including Niri and Myriad, were forcing the EyeBall into a large golden gate, and being rather successful at that.

"Damnit..." his voice was a mere whisper as he glared venomously at the EyeBall, cursing it, the Hero Maker and himself for his own weakness. He grit his teeth as his sides flared, soon subsiding as his healing adapted now that he was awake.

[Fanfic Fetishist]

The Nurse felt Drake's body healing itself, her magic helping to speed the process. When she saw Drake open her eyes, she nodded. "Good, you're all right. Take it easy at first, the Hero Maker's poison is a potent one."

The Cowgirl nursing Mary smiled as the DemiLegendary's wings fluttered, Mary regaining her senses. She blushed when she realized what she was doing. "S-Sorry..." she said.

"Don't be," the Cowgirl said. "It's my pleasure to use my milk to save a life."

At the battle, Myriad, rapidly forming a new shell, watched as the attacks pushed the Eye Ball into the Heaven's Gate, a glowing hand reaching out and grabbing the Eye Ball, pulling it into the Gate, which slammed shut behind it.

"YES!" the commanding Tamer shouted, pumping his fist. "Great job, all of you! Casualties?"

The leader of the squad of GunVulcans came forward, saluting. "None, sir! Healers were able to keep up with the Eye Ball's attacks."

"Good, good," he said, going over to Mary and Drake. He was an older man, the scars on his face showing that he was a combat veteran. To Mary, he said, "Thanks for providing the Gates. That made these battles much simpler. You probably saved a lot of lives by providing them."

A stomping sound startled him, the Tamer whirling, but it was only the Lincoln statue retreating, Washington DC moving the statue back to its proper place in the monument. To Drake, the Tamer said, "Be more careful next time, kid. You got lucky with that decap against the Brute, and luckier still that Wings here noticed you." He sighed. "You have skills, I can tell. But this place isn't one where Tamers can win on their own. Download the Titan Monster guide app for your Databook, if you haven't already."

The Tamer saluted Mary again, and then went off to coordinate with the other Tamers and the Pokegirl officers on the scene.

[Creator_Drake]

Drake knew exactly what the older Tamer was talking about. He knew he was damn lucky, if that Brute hadn't been hit with that 'laughter' beam he wouldn't of had the time to charge his energy into Kurogame to cut through. If his partners weren't flaring up, catching Niri's attention, hell if Mary was bonded as deeply as she was... Everytime he played it over in his head it further humbled him, stabbing deeply into his pride as a fighter and warrior. He had always been able to overcome everything that had been thrown at him, aside from that case, and the-

He shook his head, this wasn't the time. He had been defeated and he knew it, but he was still alive. The only thing he could do was stand and move forward from here. The Hero Maker did teach him something, despite how tough a pill it was to swallow.

Slowly he stood, wobbling a little as his body dealt with the last remnaints of poison. He was about to stand fully when he was sweapt up into a loving embrace, head pressed deeply into Niri's bountiful bosom.

"Drake! Oh Drake, I was so worried! Are you alright? Do you ne-" She looked down at his head, as his arms flailed about trying to move. Blinking she brought him up, the man gasping as his lungs finally recieved oxygen.

"Some air would *cough* be nice, Niri." He looked into her eyes, filled of concern and elation as a few tears fell. Before he could say anything more she kissed him deeply, full of tongue and relief. He returned it easily, knowing that it wass her way of coping. Releasing him from the kiss she held him close, never wanting to let him go.

"Please...don-don't ever..." Falling to her knees she finally let her emotions out, crying quietly as Drake laid somewhat halfhazardly in her lap. He didn't say anything, he just wrapped his arms around her neck and let her cry.

[Fanfic Fetishist]

Mary joined in, hugging both Niri and Drake lovingly, just glad that everyone was all right. Myriad, still feeling a little awkward about being in a harem again, just stood by them, still forming a new shell. "We should probably go," she said. "The airport's crew can handle the cleanup, and there's still a ways to go before we get to the Lab."

And indeed, several Maids, Lilim, and Shoap were already out on the tarmac, cleaning up the blood and the remains of the Brute Drake slew. A Moonmaid, her massive claymore a stark contrast to the maid outfit she wore, was leading the cleanup crew.

[Creator_Drake]

"Yeah." Rubbing her shoulders he helped Niri collect herself. With a couple last sniffs she calmed down. She kissed him on the head, letting him go before standing to her full height. On his feet Drake gripped Mary's arm comfortingly.

"So what do all want to do? You said you could go for a drink before all this happened, so we could find a bar or something. Or we could head right for the Lab, unless you'd all rather find a place to sleep for the night, then head for Mainframe's Lab tomorrow?"

[Fanfic Fetishist]

"From here, the trip isn't that far if we catch an airbus," Mary said. "They won't take us more than two miles close to her lab, though."

Myriad shook her head. "Honestly, at this point, I'd just like to get going and get there," she said.

[Creator_Drake]

He gave a nod, agreeing with the both of them. He turned around in Mary's embrace, giving her a light kiss before stepping backl.

"Agreed, the sooner we leave the sooner this gets done. Mary if you could lead the way?"

[Fanfic Fetishist]

Mary nodded, and led the group out of the airport and towards the bus station. After some quick negotiation, they were on their way, a large civilian transport vehicle being towed by a Convoy. The mack truck Pokegirl was a little reluctant at first, since stopping to let them off near the Lab wasn't on her route, but she agreed eventually, the trip to the drop off point proceeding uneventually.

Soon they were there, just a two mile walk from the Laboratory.

[Creator_Drake]

Drake was thankful for how uneventful the trip had been, gave him more time to think and just... let it sink in. He heard the other passengers talking about the attack, the grapevine working as it would no matter where you go. He ignored them, keeping close between Mary and Niri. Myriad was close too, but at the same time not. Since they hadn't bonded yet it made sense; it was something he would fix soon but the memory of what the Hero Maker put him through effectively killed his mood everytime the thought passed.

Stepping off the transport he watched it drive off, before turning to the road ahead. With Mary on his left, Niri to the right and Myriad at the rear, they began their trek to Mainframe's front door. For a moment none spoke, the only sounds being the city behind them, the wind blowing and the crunching of footsteps on gravel.

"...I'm sorry, to all of you." He broke the silence first, staring ahead as they walked.

"I fucked up. I thought these Devilbrung wouldn't be that difficult to deal with, and that almost costed me everything." Niri looked at him, concern over her features but said nothing, walking beside him while placing a hand on his shoulder. She knew this would come up eventually; Drake was never one to brush off his mistakes easily. She smiled a little as he gripped her hand, leaving it on his shoulder.

"It's just... fuck! Everything I've faced I've been able to find some way of overcoming it. Even before I met my partners it was the same. But-dammit!" It was really hitting him now, how dangerous the stakes were and what was pitted against him here.

[Fanfic Fetishist]

Mary smiled, hugging him tightly. "Everyone makes mistakes," she said softly. "You messed up, yes, but you lived. So long as you are alive, you can learn." Mary sighed. "This is a lesson I have learned harshly over the years. Everyone walked away alive. That's all that matters. Learn from what happened, and we'll keep walking away alive."

Myriad sighed. "Mary's right. We got away alive. That's really all you can ask for at times," she said. Her mind drifted, a downcast look appearing on all her faces. The Legion, uncomfortable and not sure what else to say, looked around, her body shell's eyes scanning in every direction. "I think we're getting close," she said. "There's something that looks like a machine tower off in the distance." She pointed with several of her forward-facing body's arms.

[Creator_Drake]

He took a shuddering breath; Mary was right, they we able to walk out of there alive. It WAS as Drake had always done, but time instead of being alone, he... he actually had companions that would and more importantly COULD stand by him. He stopped walking as it hit home; this time, it wasn't about him saving the day, it wasn't about HIM grueling out to end the Horror that stood in his way, it was about THEM, the whole, the team.

Sure, he had his partners but they were a part of his very soul, a true extension of his very being. But Niri, Mary and Myriad weren't literally a part of him, they were separate parts of the whole that can ove independently, more versatile than what he himself was alone. He felt the comforting presence of his partners brush against him mind.

'Always remember Drake, we shall remain by your side regardless of your decision.' He mind felt a little clearer than when he first came here. It was always funny to him, how different things looked when realisation dawned.

With a wide smile he turned to Mary, giving her a kiss that left her breathless. He repeated the same for Niri, jumping to her height. Myriad was all that was left and he gave her the longest kiss of the three, Frenching with one of the bodies of her shell as his hands roamed lightly. He stared into Myriad's eyes as he broke the kiss, pools of green resolute.

"I'm sorry for neglecting you through all of this Myriad, you chose to join me which makes you just as much a part of team as anyone here. I promise you, I WILL bond with you soon, either later tonight or tomorrow once we've talked with Mainframe Prime."

[Fanfic Fetishist]

Myriad blushed, her body shells (especially the one that was kissed), showing varying expressions of aroused, shy delight. "I-I'm gonna hold you to that," she said, smiling widely.

After about an hour, they reached a large door set into the ground. It opened up after an electronic voice said "You are expected," revealing a stairway down into a dimly lit corridor, high tech electronics running through the walls...

[Creator_Drake]

"Of course we are..." He trailed off with a chuckle as he stepped into the dimly lit stairway without hesitation, Niri and the others following into step behind him.

Drake took curious glances at the various screens and wires that covered the walls. Code and toher BIOS like information scrolled across the screens at a break neck pace, pausing few times before resuming its previous speed. He recognised a little of the syntax back from his college classes like Javascript and such, but the way it was meshed together was leagues beyond him. He was never really a coder in the first place.

"Hopefully I'm actually talking with you Mainframe and not just speaking in the air and looking like a loon-" He ignored the giggles behind him. " but I first wanted to give my thanks for letting us in through your front door. The second immediate thing would be a quick question. I'ver heard of your being one of the cleanest places in all of the leagues. I was wondering if we would have to proceed through a decontamination clean-room before coming to speak with you?"

[Fanfic Fetishist]

"Hiiii!" said a cheerful voice.

Mary blinked. "Lady Abyss?" she said.

"Hello, Mary! Mommy Mainframe is taking care of something else at the moment!" said the cheerful, semi-childish voice. "Mommy Mainframe does kinda like things clean, so if you'll follow the shinies to a bathroom, clean up and put on the jumpsuits there, we'll have your clothes washed and ready for you when you leave, and your weapons all polished and shiny! You'll have the weapons given back to you, but I wouldn't recommend using them, as there's enough lasers down here to reduce anything except some of the larger Titan Monsters that can't fit down here anyway into toothpaste! Which reminds me... does anyone here like donuts? I made some fresh ones! Jelly filled!"

"Da fuck?!" Myriad said. She'd never actually met Abyss Prime before. On the floor, several glowing arrows appeared, leading further down the stairs and onto a hall scuffed with dirt.

Mary facepalmed, sighing.

[Creator_Drake]

Blinking, Drake hid most of his amusement behind a low chuckle. Niri on the other hand was a little more vocal, holding a hand to cover up her laughter, and failing.

"Well things seems lively here. Hey there Abyss, hope things have been going well. And you sold me on Donuts, what kinbd of filling? Do you happen to have either Apple cinnamon, Cherry or blueberry?" He spoke as he took a right, following the arrows while not seeing any visible speakers on the walls.

[Fanfic Fetishist]

"Not blueberry," Abyss said, giggling. "Mommy Mainframe thinks blueberries taste terrible. I do has raspberry and chooclate cream and apple cinammon!"

Mary sighed. "I had forgotten how childlike Lady Abyss was," she said, grinning weakly

"And *I* had forgotten how BEEEG Elohim boobies was!" Abyss said, giggling. Mary blushed, her wings curling around herself slightly.

Myriad laughed. "Okay, I think I like her," she said as they reached the showers. Myriad dismissed her body shell, stretching her tentacles as she headed for a shower, Mary pulling off her dress.

[Creator_Drake]

"Well, apple cinnamon it is!" Decalered the traveler as he too took his clothes of once he had entered the bath. Niri had a pout on her face however.

"Hey! How come she gets all the Boob attention? Mine are as big or bigger than hers see?" she had already taken off her black two piece, and now pushed up her bosom with her crossed arms, pronouncing a bountiful view of teal cleavage.

Drake laughed at that as he walked over to his own stall, but not before getting a nice eye full and giving her rear a healthy squeeze, earning a sqeak from the Leviathan. Coming to the stall a mischievous glint entered his eyes, as he gave both Mary and Myriad a playful slap to the rear and a sqeeze before turning on his own shower.

[Fanfic Fetishist]

The showers were high pressure and high temperature, like medical scrubbing showers, but were not to unpleasant. Myriad, for her part, liked how the water felt on her semi-ethereal body, dancing around in the shower and singing, having enjoyed the grope. Mary, for her part, lathered herself up, shaking her wings every so often, musing that she'd have to preen them later. She stretched them, sighing. She then looked over to Niri, feeling the affection Drake for her leaking over to his own mind.

Without even realizing what she was doing, Mary went over and kissed Niri on the lips, caressing one of her bulbous breasts as she pressed her chest to the Leviathan's...