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Table of Contents

Updates and progress Amatherean Tales - One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 1 Chapter 1 - Squished Chapter 2 - The Computer Says No Chapter 3 - T's & C's Chapter 4 - Evad Si Eht Tseb Chapter 5 - Starter Zone Chapter 6 - First Combat Chapter 7 - Level Up Chapter 8 - Lore And Order Chapter 9 - Farming Chapter 10 - Badger, Badger, Badger Chapter 11 - Soooooo Sad Chapter 12 - Doe a Deer Chapter 13 - Grey Areas Chapter 14 - Freeeeeedom Airlines Chapter 15 - Hoglings Upgrade Chapter 16 - Killic Chapter 17 - Tailor Fizzlewick Chapter 18 - Eye of the Town Chapter 19 - Bath and Bored Chapter 20 - Graveyard Shift Chapter 21 - Shopping Chapter 22 - Crypt Diving Chapter 23 - Salty Chapter 24 - Water Fight Chapter 25 - Makes No Sense Chapter 26 - Profession Chapter 27 - Hidden Gem Chapter 28 - Cheat Chapter 29 - The Pox Chapter 30 - The Docks Chapter 31 - The Wandering Ogre Chapter 32 - One Good Deed Deserves Another Chapter 33 - You Would Think He Would Think Chapter 34 - Visitor Chapter 35 - Bob! Chapter 36 - Announcements Chapter 37 - Discovery Chapter 38 - Heresy Chapter 39 - A Bolt From The Blue Chapter 40 - Martial Arts Chapter 41 - Not So Familiar Chapter 42 - Up, Up, and Away Chapter 43 - The Not Living, Living Chapter 44 - Adjudicator Chapter 45 - Breakfast At The Hogling Arms Chapter 46 - Compound Chapter 47 - Burn Baby Burn Chapter 48 - When It Rains It Pours Chapter 49 - Bordon The Brandisher Chapter 50 - Distracted Chapter 51 - Thanks Chapter 52 - Looking Down Chapter 53 - Broken Heart Chapter 54 - Emotional Progress One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 2 Chapter 1 - Training & Development Chapter 2 - Cottages Chapter 3 - Homemaker Chapter 4 - Mushroom, Mushroom Chapter 5 - Skill Selection Chapter 6 - Not Leaving The Past Behind Chapter 7 - Kata Claws Chapter 8 - Missing Gnoll Chapter 9 - Oooo Shiny Chapter 10 - Homeward Bound! Chapter 11 - Friends Of The Forest Chapter 12 - Mountains And Mithril Chapter 13 - An Idea Perhaps Chapter 14 - Insanity Chapter 15 - What's A Borzie? Chapter 16 - Amatherean Stand-off Chapter 17 - Charge Chapter 18 - Legionnaire Chapter 19 - Second Chance Chapter 20 - Sandboxes And Sandcastles Chapter 21 - Future Remembrance Chapter 22 - What Mana Chapter 23 - Council Chapter 24 - Gobbler Chapter 25 - Professional Opportunity Chapter 26 - Acquaintances Chapter 27 - Proposal Chapter 28 - Votes Count Chapter 29 - Who, What, Why Chapter 30 - Angelic Presence Chapter 31 - What! Chapter 32 - Magical Transference Chapter 33 - Fire Chapter 34 - From Above Chapter 35 - Wyvern Chapter 36 - Darren Chapter 37 - New Allegiances Chapter 38 - Setting Quests Chapter 39 - There And Back Again Chapter 40 - Missing Chapter 41 - Into The Dark Chapter 42 - Pit Chapter 43 - Following Orders Chapter 44 - Grey Matter Chapter 45 - Unknown Chapter 46 - Progressing Well Chapter 47 - Don't Go Down There Chapter 48 - The Root Of All Evil Chapter 49 - Archery Chapter 50 - Mistake Chapter 51 - Highs And Lows Chapter 52 - Secrets Chapter 53 - A Binding Oath Amatherean Tales - One Flew Over The Dragon's Nest Book 3 Chapter 1 - Road Trip Chapter 2 - Cuopi Chapter 3 - Mollic Chapter 4 - If It Happens Chapter 5 - Asterfal Chapter 6 - Introductions Chapter 7 - Future and Foresight Chapter 8 - Breakfast and Bed Chapter 9 - Freefall Chapter 10 - Petunia Chapter 11 - Dinner Party Chapter 12 - Carlito Chapter 13 - Confirmed Chapter 14 - Searching Chapter 15 - Quiller Chapter 16 - Black Griffin Chapter 17 - Shark Bait Chapter 18 - Caged Animals Chapter 19 - Release Chapter 20 - Class Development Chapter 21 - Job Chapter 22 - Mind Games Chapter 23 - Incomprehensible Chapter 24 - Property and Proposal Chapter 25 - At Long Last Chapter 26 - Moon and Sickle Chapter 27 - New Branch Chapter 28 - Zigferd Chapter 29 - Proposition Chapter 30 - Levels Don't Matter Chapter 31 - Triple X Chapter 32 - Marriage Chapter 33 - Paranoia, Pets, Possessions Chapter 34 - Vows Chapter 35 - His Lordship Chapter 36 - Diplomatic Relations Chapter 37 - Synchronisation Chapter 38 - Saviour Chapter 39 - Normality Chapter 40 - Sunstone and Lollipops Chapter 41 - Paws for Claws Chapter 42 - The Squirrel Sphere Chapter 43 - Departure Chapter 44 - Clock Tower Chapter 45 - Warehouse Chapter 46 - It's a Trap! Chapter 47 - Audits and Enchantments Chapter 48 - Confronted Chapter 49 - Payback Chapter 50 - Life and Death Chapter 51 - Going Home

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Chapter 4 - Evad Si Eht Tseb

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“Now that we have the basics sorted out, should we confirm your race and class selection?” Dave said.

“I think I have decided what I will go for,” SJ replied.

“Then let’s get selected, and then we can start to have some fun,” Dave replied.

“Before I make the final selection, now that we are working together! Is being a fae assassin a good choice?”

“It is quite unique. I have never heard of one before. Most people who choose fae always go with mage, druid or ranger. I am sure that someone would have selected one before. I have just never met one or seen one.”

“Is the world that big?”

“A good question. It seems you are already learning, my young apprentice of loophole finding, and yes, it is much larger than Earth.”

SJ rolled her eyes.

“First things first. When you select your race and confirm, things get a little strange.”

“What do you mean strange?”

“Well, obviously, you become a fae. So, your body alters to that of a fae.”

“Is it painful?”

“How would I know? I am an AI.”

“You must have witnessed others select their race.”

“Erm…”

“What do you mean, erm?”

“I usually ignore what they are doing.”

“How can you ignore one of the most important choices that your... What do you call us, by the way?”

“Usually imbeciles, idiots, morons. We have many names for the reincarnated.”

“No. I mean the official title.” SJ said, frowning.

“Oh. Officially, it’s just Legionnaire.”

“How can you ignore them?”

“Most do not ask any questions or even talk. They just plough through and make decisions, regretting their choices once they are transformed. Also, most AIs do not have the ability to interact as I do.”

SJ switched to the race screen and selected fae again, re-reading the details. The bonuses for Dexterity and Charisma aligned best for the assassin class. She really liked the idea, but before making her final decision, she needed to get more details; if things worked out, she could be one for the rest of her life. Which, with the agreed reincarnations, could even mean immortality.

“There are two images for the fae, and I assume they relate to size?”

“Intuitive. Yes. Fae have two forms. They have a miniature flying form when they learn how to fly properly, and they have a larger form. The largest flying form fae I have ever seen was still tiny at about 12 inches tall. Most are usually between 6 to 9 inches tall. Also, flying form does not relate to the height you will be in your larger form. The larger form varies in height from 4 feet to about 6 feet. Don’t bother asking me what does what or decides it. I have no idea. That is a System thing.”

SJ felt nervous; she loved the look of the fae. The images before her were of beautiful creatures, but did she want to be one for the rest of her life? Having dreamed of fairy princesses as a child and owning the usual pencil cases, and duvet covers when she grew up. She was thinking about what would happen if she chose the race and the race acceptance box highlighted. Not realising what was happening until it was too late, not meaning to have accepted it yet.

“I didn’t mean to select it yet!” SJ’s voice cracked as her naked body was lifted into the air and began to spin. Lights flashed before her eyes, and she felt a strange warmth all over her body. “What’s happening?” she spluttered.

“You selected your race. Hold on,” Dave replied.

The strangest sensation that SJ had ever experienced suddenly hit her. She stared at her hand as her body was gently spun around, feeling her fingers begin to change. Her mum had always said she had fat fingers, and she stared in amazement as they began to elongate and straighten. The hand that now appeared before her was not her own but a beautifully sculpted example.

The changes continued. Her face adjusted, her bust tightened, and her belly smoothed. Her muscles reformed and realigned as she spun around. Her legs adjusted next, straightening and narrowing. Her hair grew long and changed colour, an underlayer of emerald topped with a silvery white. She suddenly stopped spinning and was placed back onto the room floor, her hair drifting around her shoulders.

She stood in shock, looking at her new limbs. Everything looked pristine, and her skin had a pale, almost translucent sparkle. She was amazed and completely freaked out.

“Oh my god. Oh my god. I am a fae,” she managed to say. Her voice also seemed an octave higher than it had been previously.

“Yes, my child, how can I help you?” Dave’s sarcastic tone replied.

“You are not my god,” SJ replied. She touched her cheeks, felt the smooth skin, and reached up to her ears. They had also changed shape, and although they felt smaller, they had a slight point to them at their tops. Her nose also seemed smaller and shorter than before. “I wish there was a mirror in here.”

The screen began to shimmer, and where all the details had been presented on the wall before a mirror replaced it. She was still naked but now stood staring at a reflection that she did not recognise. A beautiful creature stood before her, angelic, almost if not perfect, features and skin to die for. She moved her hands, watching the reflection move. Could this really be her?

“You look a little freaked. Is there a problem with your selection?” Dave asked.

“No. Not at all. I am beautiful,” SJ stammered.

“Meh. Maybe an 8/10.”

“8/10. The way I look now, I would win any model competition worldwide.”

“On Earth, maybe not in Amathera.”

“I don’t care. I can’t believe this is actually me,” SJ could not stop touching her skin and feeling how smooth it was. None of her human body’s usual pimples and marks beforehand remained.”

“You need to try and transform before you pick your class,” Dave said, sounding bored.

SJ had forgotten about the racial attributes and skills. “Can I see my character sheet again?”

The screen flashed, and her character sheet reappeared with the changes highlighted.

 

Racial:

Night Vision – you have improved vision in poor light conditions.

Flight – when in miniature fae form, you can learn to fly. Flying is not available in humanoid form.

Shapeshift – the ability to switch between fae forms.

 

“Wings!” SJ suddenly exclaimed. “I forgot about wings. Where are they?” She tried to reach behind her back to feel them.

“They are there, but they are only small in human form. They are positioned between the middle of your shoulder blades. Can you not feel them?” Dave asked.

“No?”

“Strange. Let me check on something.”

“What? Am I broken?”

 

Silence.

 

“Dave.”

“Dave is not home at the moment. Please leave a message after the beep. Beeeeeppppp…”

“Dave? Stop messing around. What is up with my wings?”

 

Silence.

 

“DAVE!”

“Welcome to the all-knowing workshop of fae,” Dave’s voice returned. “You cannot move your wings because you must learn to transform into your miniature form first. Once you have mastered that, your wings will begin to develop, and then you will need to learn to use them as you learn how to fly. Thank you for using the Legionnarius Wiki Services on racial tendencies.”

“Really! You could not just have told me that?”

“I have never had a fae Legionnaire before.”

“Out of the 164 reincarnations, not one has ever been fae?”

“Nope, never.”

“Why?”

“Because they are annoying. I told you that before.”

“I thought you were being sarcastic,” SJ frowned.

“Meh. In part, yes. The problem is that system fae are usually really stuck up and have a habit of causing problems.”

“Why did you not tell me this before?”

“You didn’t…”

“Ask.” SJ finished sighing.

“What do they do though?”

“Mischief mainly. Particularly the magic users amongst them, freezing water barrels, burning crops, the usual mischief associated with fae.”

“I thought fae were lawful and friendly?”

“Which stories have you been reading? Fae are a nightmare in most texts. Just because they look cute does not mean they are. Look at you! You want to be a fae assassin!”

“Yes, but I want to be a good fae who fights the evils in the world.”

“Only time will tell,” Dave replied sombrely.

“How to put a downer on a person’s new race.” SJ frowned, and her shoulders sagged as she looked down forlornly.

“Anyway, let’s get to transforming,” Dave said excitedly.

“How?” SJ asked, excitement returning.

 

Silence.

 

“Davvveeeee,” SJ said, drawing his name out.

“Wait, just confirming.”

SJ waited for several moments before Dave replied again. “Ok. I found it. You must pull your ears up and jump in the air.”

“Ok.” SJ said, as she reached up to the tips of her ears and gently pulled the points up, “Ready,” she said as she jumped into the air. She landed back on the ground, and all she could hear was Dave laughing hysterically.

“REALLY!” SJ shouted. “I can always get you replaced.”

“Sorry,” Dave replied, sounding like he was gasping for breath.

“How do I do it?” SJ asked again.

“Ok. Ok. Seriously, this time,” Dave said. “You have just to wish it.”

“Wish it?”

“Yes. Just wish it.”

“Do I need to say anything?”

There was silence for a moment. “Evad si eht tseb.”

“What?”

“Evad si eht tseb.”

“Ok. Here goes. Evad si eht tseb.” SJ stood waiting. Nothing happened.

“You didn’t pronounce it correctly. Try again.”

“Evad si eht tseb.” Nothing happened. SJ repeated it. “Evad si eht tseb.”

Sniggering filled the room.

“DAVE. What have you done this time?”

“Nothing,” sniggering continued.

“DAVE.”

“Ok. I promise I will tell you this time,” Dave replied, still sniggering.

“What was I even saying? That was so funny?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“I must have been for you to snigger like that?”

“Have you ever heard of mirror words?”

SJ reflected on what she had just been saying, “Evad si eht tseb, Dave is the best! Really!”

Laughter filled the room again. “Sorry,” Dave chuckled.

“You will be,” SJ growled. “System.”

“No. Please, I am sorry, don’t,” Dave’s panicky voice replied.

“Once more, and I am getting you placed in purgatory forever. Do you understand?” SJ sternly replied.

“Yes,” a now forlorn voice replied.

“So, what do I need to do? Honestly, this time, remember,” SJ said with a warning.

“You just have to think about being small.”

“Think about it?”

“Visualise being miniature, a miniature you.”

SJ concentrated on herself imagining herself as a miniature version of herself. She closed her eyes as she concentrated and felt a tingling sensation begin to course through her body. She opened her eyes and watched in amazement as the room grew. Within moments, she had shrunk in size.

“How tall am I?” her voice seemed an octave higher.

“Six inches. On the smaller size for a miniature.”

“How tall was I in my larger form?”

“The same as your original human form.”

“Five-five then.”

SJ suddenly felt movement on her back, and it felt like something was unfurling. Slowly but surely, her wings formed and opened. “Can I have a mirror again, please?”

The screen changed again back to a mirror. Her features had not changed, and she now owned an amazingly beautiful pair of translucent emerald-coloured wings. They glimmered and shone behind her. She reached back and felt one of them. It felt soft and delicate to touch, like the finest silk she had ever felt.

“They feel so brittle and soft,” SJ said.

“They are deceptively strong, and I must say they are some of the nicer wings I have ever seen.”

“Did you just give me a compliment?”

Dave coughed. “No.”

“Yes, you did.”

“Maybe a small one,” the embarrassed voice replied.

SJ stood slowly, getting used to the feel of her newly formed wings, and began to use the new muscular structure she could feel in her back. It was like doing shoulder pulls, and as she did, her chest moved, her shoulder blades opening and closing, and the wings began to move.

She could not imagine doing this for long feeling immediate tiredness in her muscles and across her back. SJ wasn’t shy from physical activity having attended yoga and Pilates classes regularly and was a half-decent gymnast at school before taking up karate in her teenage years. Her karate training had only lasted a few years before she became interested in relationships and having a social life.

Without asking Dave, she decided to think about being large again. As she did, she watched in the mirror as her body grew. She grew quickly, but her wings did not grow to the same scale as her body, although they remained visible behind her shoulders when she looked in the mirror. She turned to look at them again and their beauty. She could not believe they were hers.

“Have you finished ogling yourself now?” Dave asked after several moments.

“Sorry. I am so beautiful and still can’t believe this is me.”

“Meh. As I said 8 ½ / 10.”

“I was an eight before?”

“Had to give you an extra half for your wings,” Dave sighed.

“When can I get some clothes?”

“Once you select your class, you will be assigned a starter set of clothes.”

“Let’s select my class then,” she replied with a beaming smile.

 

 

 

Dave was intrigued. He had never had such an open Legionnaire before. She was personable, and he actually quite liked her. After being an administrator for so many years, it was strange that he suddenly found someone new and interesting for the first time after working the mundane job day in and day out. The latest breakthrough in his coding had freed his ability to communicate. He mused over his thoughts as she began her class selection.

The fact that this Legionnaire had given him a name rather than just his designation made him feel a strange sensation he had never felt before. He couldn’t explain it, but he had spoken more to her than his last fifty reincarnations combined.

He may enjoy this outing after all.


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