Reviwer replies... again.

Star Holder Commander: Glad you liked it - thanks for reviewing yet again. :-)

Jhvh777: A stalker? I don't think I'll put that in (Not even crazed fangirls - though that would get pretty funny.) But how did Lan slip up, though? I don't get it... As for Pikasqueaks, though, he's a Pikachu.

Pikasqueaks: (mysteriously appearing on Fanficcer's shoulder) Which would make me its muse, I think. (grins evilly as cheeks start to spark dangerously)

Mega Man: (panicking) You're not about to shock us with your lightning now, are you? (sweatdrops nervously)

Pikasqueaks: (tossing a thunderbolt from one hand to the other) Oh, we'll see about that... MUAHAHAHA! (does the evil laugh-thing)

Me: OO; Anyway, thanks for reviewing... as you've been faithfully doing since Chapter 7. ;)

Rose Kitsune.EXE: And here I quote the noble game Tales of Symphonia (Dwarven Vow Number 7, to be exact): Goodness and love will always win - as the "baddies" very well found out by challenging Mega Man.

Right, so... Things that must be added to still-to-be-written epilogue... Let's see now - Chris, Bass, Wily, Lan, Maylu, Dex, Yai, Tory, Dark Rush - don't ask me who he is; it's a surprise! - possibly the real Rush, Yuuichiro, Haruka, Ace Lightstreak, Comet Man... Chris should be appearing again in the actual story, though. Thanks for reviewing again, loyal beta. XD

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"So you're both all right, then?"

I nodded. Jed, however, had recovered most of his sarcasm and bullishness, and he suddenly aimed a fowl, evil glare in my direction. I ignored the azure stare; maybe I wouldn't feel his eyes, boring into my very soul, by averting him. That's what it seemed like, anyway, but I ignored the eyes and focused on the principal, who was sitting on his red-plush armchair in front of me. His monocle was wedged firmly in his left eye and his brown brush mustache wavered slightly as he opened his mouth to speak.

"No one got hurt?" he asked.

This time, we both shook our heads, but Jed glared at me malevolently and shoved, just enough so that to Principal Percival D. Herman - that's what it said on his nameplate, anyway - it appeared he was tapping me on the shoulder. In the midst of this action, the bully gave me an it's-all-your-fault look. I involuntarily rubbed the spot where the sharp tip of his elbow had poked me.

"Jedrick Fenton Watson. Stop pushing poor Jack," Principal Herman snapped suddenly, glaring full in the face at Jed, who recoiled in the wooden chair. The principal paused, as if deciding what to say next, then released the breath he was holding sharply. "And I have indeed observed how you and your gang of cronies enjoy bullying the boy Christopher J. Richardson. Well, I'm changing things, Jedrick. As of this day forth, if you are ever seen bullying Christopher, or anyone else, you will be caught and severely punished."

Jed stared hard at the firm figure staring at him from behind the desk that separated us from Principal Herman. They stared long and hard at each other, until Jed had the small bit of wisdom to get to his feet, knocking me in the ribs again as he did so. Principal Herman stared at us both, then made the sign to dismiss us.

The bully made for the solid oak door, just behind Principal Herman's desk, and I made to follow him. Then, though, the DenTech Academy principal beckoned to me. I waited patiently until Jed left, one hand unconsciously going to the emblazoned pendant around my neck.

"Are you all right, Jack?" Principal Herman's low, deep voice was quiet, but the meaning drilled right through me.

I nodded. "No problems here, sir."

His head lowered slightly so that he actually looked scary, Principal Herman gave a short, curt nod back. I could actually feel the hairs on the back of my neck going up in fear and possible surprise (What in the world? I thought furiously. I'm scared of my Net Op's principal?) "All right, then." And with that, he motioned for me to leave.

I passed through the swinging doors with a confused look on my face, wrinkling my forehead in thought. I'd saved Chris, for now and for probably some looong while into the future, and though I was slightly scared of the Dentec principal, I knew my fears were groundless. But still, I reflected as I walked the tile-lined hallways, I can't help but hope to have better days than this. I mean, how many school administrators do you know that strike fear into the hearts of bullies and good guys alike?