Chapter 2 is being released shortly after Chapter 1 because it is short, and while I considered including it with chapter 1 it didn't seem to fit.

` , `, ` , `, ` , `,

In a deft movement, the figure opened up the window to the abandoned building and entered into the second floor. From the outside, the building looked completely dark, but once through the window it could be seen that the room was lit by two lights. The room was rectangular, with a bed in one corner and a dresser next to it. At the foot of the bed was a chest of drawers, and in the corner opposite the bed were two bean bag chairs.

On top of one of these chairs was the only occupant of the room other than the figure that entered through the window. She was a small figure, maybe only a foot tall at most, but she didn't look like a baby. Her body looked to be mostly developed in the shape of a human with a few exceptions. The first was that her eyes didn't have retina and were just a dark shade of blue surrounded by pristine white. The lack of retinas, more than anything, seemed to give her a perpetually spaced out look. The second, more noticeable thing though, was that upon her back were four wings, each of which were wrapped in a thin, metallic wire of several ply. They were laid out in square pattern on her lower back, with the top two being curved upwards while the bottom two jutted straight downwards.

Springing up off of the bean bag the small figure flew over to the cloaked figure and asked, "Alex! How did it go?"

The cloaked figure brought out a hand, covered by a black glove save for the exposed fingers, holding a short curved knife. The hilt of the knife contained a black stone, and holding it parallel to the ground the figure said in a soft voice, "Temerity, form release."

"Roger," came the response from the gem on the dagger. "Form releasing." There was a flash of light from under the cloak, and once it subsided, the figure pulled back the hood revealing his face. He had short brown hair which was unevenly cut, as well as light brown eyes with small bags below them revealing that he had been getting a lack of sleep. He was about five feet tall and taking off the cloak revealed his lack of both fat and muscle. The dagger had turned into a necklace with a silver chain that hung the same gem that was on the hilt of the dagger.

Plopping himself down on one of the bean bag chairs the boy said, "Awful. They tried to distract me with conversation, and acted like they were willing to come and talk, but they had one of their agents sneak up behind me . When I noticed her, she immediately tried to bind me." The little flying figure looked both shocked and sad.

"No way! I'm so sorry, Alex, I thought that the Administration would want to help and be friendly. It must have been a mistake." Alex reached up a hand and rubbed the top of the floating figures hand.

"It's okay, May. Maybe it was, but maybe it wasn't. Let's not worry about it for now. Hopefully, they'll just leave us alone, but if not we'll deal with it." He moved his hand away from the top of May's head. "For now, let's just rest."

"Ah, before that," May said as she flew a few feet back from Alex, "I need you to change back so I can inspect and tweak and problems with your body."

A disappointed and slightly pained look came over Alex's face, "Ah, don't worry." In a quick, almost slur, he rushed out the words, "The body has been feeling fine lately and it was well made so I don't think there should be any problems and besides I just-"

"Alex!" Alex stopped his commentary and looked over at May. "Maintenance is important since your body is still in an experimental stage and Lady Cleo entrusted me to look over you in order to make sure your body doesn't malfunction or fall apart. Even if you don't like changing, I'm sure Temerity is on my side on this!" It always surprised Alex how much volume a small being like May could muster when it really came to it.

As if just May pestering him wasn't enough, the black stone on his necklace chimed in. "Yes, Mistress. Periodic maintenance is important, Master, especially since you have been having trouble with your left shoulder joint. Even if you do not enjoy it, the maintenance is important for your wellbeing." As the device finished speaking, Alex sighed. Now that the problem with his shoulder had been revealed there was no way May would let him get out of maintenance.

Standing up, Alex said, "Alright, alright. I'll change back."

Before he could, though, a slightly more timid May asked, "Does it still bother you that much, Alex?"

Looking at May, Alex felt a little childish for putting up so much resistance. Scratching his head, he said, "To be honest, it kind of does. It's embarrassing and I can't just seem to get used to it." Then after a moment, he added, "But it's not like I think what you or Lady Cleo did was wrong. I'm sure I'll get used to it one day." May's ears perked a bit and she flew over as she seemed to gain some more energy.

"Alright! Hurry up and change and we'll do a full maintenance tonight. I won't take no for an answer!"

` , `, ` , `, ` , `,

Once again, any comments you can make are appreciated.