A/N: Summer is almost here in the Philippines, which means a perfect time to release a new UR episode! But I must warn you, it's going to be chilly along the way. Let's get online!

Virtual Springs: Part 1

On a sunny warm day, in a café in an unknown location, the patrons were mainly just minding there own business and eating lunch. Some patrons, however, were discussing something amongst themselves.

"Did you hear about the new resort?"

"Yeah, it's opening in a few days."

"I can't wait for it. They said it's gonna be the best relaxation ever."

As the patrons continued to talk about the resort, the temperature outside started to drop slowly without anyone noticing. Eventually, it dropped to the point where snow started falling outside.

"Hey, everyone," another patron said. "Look, it's snowing!"

The others were perplexed at this. It was supposed to be sunny and warm today, how could it snow?

"What is going on?"

"I don't know, but I have a bad feeling about this."

At Mid-School Zone lounge of Fils-Aimes Moffitt School, Zeus is reading a book he borrowed from the library when he heard Jordan's scream nearby. When he approaches her in worry, he saw her playing a game on her GX Portable as she groans in dismay.

"AAARRGGHH! What's with this tricky Pokemon?! I used some Pokemon's abilities to prevent escape and some Timer Balls, but this Tornadus won't stand still and still escapes!" she whined.

"Uh, is something the matter?" Zeus sheepishly asks, which Jordan notices his presence.

"Oh, sorry about disturbing your reading session. It's just this stupid legendary Pokemon always escaping and I need it to complete the Kami trio collection!" Jordan explains. "After I failed to catch them the first time in the first Pokemon game, I swear I will catch them in the next! But every time I try with some new strategies, Tornadus and Landorus always escape! What did I do wrong?"

"Well legendary Pokémon are much more powerful than regular Pokemon," Zeus said. "Sometimes it takes a special item or power to bring them down."

"Well I don't have any special items or powers to do this?"

"Besides, it's just a game. No need to get all nuts about."

"Hey, to me, video games are my way of life. So it is something to get nuts about."

Itzal then enters the lounge with Calla, Bren, Andre, and Kani as they saw the two together.

"Hey guys. I heard Jordan's scream, what's the matter?" Itzal asks in worry.

When Bren notices the game that his cousin is playing, he then says in a cocky tone, "She must be playing that stupid Hokeymon game again. She always get too serious about that game."

"It's Pokémon, Bren. Not Hokeymon!" Jordan corrected in anger.

"Whatever. All I'm saying is you really need to get a life AND a dog, Jordan. Because there's no way you could ever become a Hokeymon Master at the slow rate you're going."

Hearing the insult, Jordan now became enraged as she angrily punched Bren to the wall in a comically manner.

"Well that's one lesson for you," Andre said with a chuckle. "Never make fun of a passionate gamer like Jordan."

"Um, I don't want to take sides, Jordan. But Bren's right for once, ever since you and Zeus came here, you guys look like you two are stress instead of relaxation in the lounge," Calla said.

"Yeah, while you're stressed on your studies, Zeus, Jordan here is stressed on her video games," Kani added.

"Hey! Playing a video game doesn't mean I don't have to be serious about it," Jordan defended.

"And although I'm still new around here, I still need to study for some quizzes and tests," Zeus added.

"I know. But you two really need to chillax once and a while and I know where to do that! Sha-zam!" Calla said as she took out a bronchure from her bag. "A grand opening to a new resort called Magic Springs!"

"Magic Springs?" Jordan repeated.

"Yeah, a spa and relaxation resort that promises to let you relax and have fun at the same time! Plus, although it's location is unknown, it's one call away to reserve to the resort!"

"Sounds exciting," Kani said with admiration.

"Yep and it's got plenty, a pool, a spa, a great restaurant, or if you don't wanna leave your room, high quality room service," Calla continued.

"Sounds like paradise," Bren said as he walked over, having recovered from Jordan's assault.

"I know, which is why, with my daddy's permission, I've reserved us to go stay there this coming weekend. Who's up for it?"

"I am," Bren said.

"Me too," Kani agree.

"Me three," Andre agreed as well.

"I guess I could go for some relaxation," Zeus said. "What about you, Jordan?"

Jordan stood there, not sure about going. "I'll think about it."

"Same here," Itzal added in agreement.

After school, the three Runners left the entrance as they start up a conversation.

"You know, although that new resort that Calla and the other girls are raving about is somehow exciting, I rather go to the arcade than to relax at the pool," Jordan said.

"Agree. After that cruise ship incident with my siblings and my parents, I rather skate at the park than to go there, too," Itzal said.

"Speaking of your siblings, Jordan mentioned that you're a secret agent, right?" Zeus asked.

"Yeah, at the World Organization of Human Protection, or WOOHP for short. Me and my sibs are some of the top agents there if I do say so myself," Itzal answered.

"And why's the secrecy on your -Dark Reaper- identity to them?" Jordan asks.

"Because if I do, they will always rag on me about being reckless and keeping secrets from them."

"Good thing, too. Because if you do tell them about your avatar self, the Black Tundra will deal some of their methods to reveal it to them," Zeus says.

"You mean those guys that Willard just joined yesterday?"

"Yeah, long story short, they try to invade our worlds through the Data Cores in order to share their strange ideals and motives to others."

"Whoa, seriously?!"

"It's true," Jordan said. "And according to Z, they've already taken several worlds already. Luckily we Runners are here to stop their evil plans."

"Well that explains everything…almost."

However, their conversation was interrupted when Zeus's phone rang, which he answered.

"Hello? Oh, it's you. Yeah, my class is finished a few minutes ago," Zeus said on the phone, which Jordan and Itzal are confused on who's calling him. "Yeah, I got time for another field mission. Huh? You want my friends to come, too?! You serious, but how- Okay, we'll be there. I'll see you soon."

After he's done with his call, Jordan asks to Zeus, "What was that all about?"

"Just my superiors checking on me. And somehow, the Black and White Councilman wants you and Itzal to come with me to the CodeX United building," Zeus explained.

"Wait a minute! The Black and White Councilman wants us to meet him?!" Itzal said in shock.

"Plus, he wants us to meet him at the game company building that made "Universal Legends Online"?!" Jordan added.

"Yeah. And by the way, the Councilman is a woman and she is the one who got me into ULO in the first place."

"The Councilman is a girl huh?" Jordan asked. "And they say women have no sense of diplomacy."

"Yeah, and good think that Bren isn't here to hear that, or he'd probably say something stupid and get clobbered again," Itzal pointed out.

"Yeah," Zeus said. "Now follow me guys."

The three then walked down the street with Zeus leading the way.

As they arrived in front of the game company building itself, Jordan and Itzal was shocked at the location itself.

"No way, CodeX United is located in here?!" Jordan asks in shock.

"Surprised? And it's not far from our school, too," Zeus said.

"Somebody pinch me because I feel like I'm dreaming."

Itzal playfully pinched Jordan's cheek softly.

"Hey," Jordan exclaimed.

"You said to pinch you," Itzal reminded her.

"Well we best get inside, the Councilwoman is expecting us," Zeus said as they walking in the building.

Inside the lobby of the building, Zeus leads Jordan and Itzal at the front desk as he asks to the lady in it, "Excuse me, I'm here for an appointment with Ms. Reyheart."

"Reyheart? As in Tina Reyheart, one of the creators of Universal Legends?!" Jordan whispered to Zeus.

"Are you sure we're allowed in her office?" Itzal asked in worry.

"Don't worry, she won't mind," Zeus said.

Jordan runs over to a metal pillar in the lobby and studied her reflection. She straightened out her clothes, slicked her bangs forward and checked her teeth. Itzal noticed this and came over to her.

"Well, I thought tomboys didn't care so much about their appearances," he said.

"Well I'm about to meet the creator of my favorite game who's also one of my idols, so I need to look my best," Jordan explained.

"You always look your best to me," Itzal shyly said. Jordan blushed at his comment.

"Hey guys come on," Zeus called to them. "Let's go."

"Coming," Itzal said as he turned back to Jordan. "Don't worry okay. Just be yourself."

"Right," Jordan said as they followed Zeus to the elevator.

The three stepped of the elevator to find themselves in a fancy looking office. Sitting at the desk in the room was a woman in her late twenties, who has black medium hair, gray eyes, and wears a purple business suit and pencil skirt. Standing next to her was a 16-year old girl with black hair, and wears a tank top shirt, yellow vest, blue jeans, and white tennis shoes. The three approached the desk with a bit of nervousness in their faces.

"At last," the woman said. "So these are the friends you spoke of Zeus?"

"Yes Tina," Zeus said. "These are Jordan Waters and Itzal Kurosawa."

"Well it's a pleasure to meet you both," Tina said. "I'm Tina Reyhart, CEO of CodeX United, co-creator of Universal Legends Online, and Councilwoman of ULO's Black & White Union."

"Yeah, I know, I am a big fan and major player of your game," Jordan said exclaimed.

"Yeah me too," Itzal said. He then noticed the 16-year old girl in the background. "And who is that?"

"Oh and this is Layla Song, an intern here at CodeX United, and my personal assistant."

"Nice to meet you both," Layla said as she walked over and shook Jordan and Itzal's hands as well. "I'm really honored to meet both the -Quest Queen- and the -Dark Reaper- themselves, Jordan and Tony."

"Huh?! You know my real identity?!" Itzal asked in shock.

"Yes, but in case of your identity hidden from the cult's ears, it would be better that we will call you by your name in Unitas," Tina said.

"Unitas? As in the world inside ULO?" Jordan asked.

"Yes. To tell you the truth, Unitas is much real than you two think. But enough about that, it's time to tell you wh-"

Suddenly, she quickly fell down on the floor, much to Layla and the Runners' shock. However, Zeus was able to catch her in time.

"Ms. Reyheart, are you okay?" Zeus asked in worry.

Jordan then saw the look on Tina's face and quickly realized what was going on.

"Um Ms. Reyhart, are you feeling stressed or something?," Jordan asked.

"Why do you ask?" Tina said.

"Because that's the same look my mom makes when she's got a lot on her schedule."

"Yeah when was the last time you took a vacation?" Itzal asked.

"Not in a long time," Tina replied.

"Well you should try Magic Springs. It's a new resort with a pool, a spa, everything you need to unwind and let go of all you troubles," Zeus said.

"I am already aware of Magic Springs. And it's not just a resort. It's an artificial world."

"Artificial world?" the three Runners asked.

"Yes, artificial worlds are man-made worlds created by some people who are aware of other worlds, so do the virtual worlds. The only main difference between them is artificial world is created by their manifistated dreams and imagination while virtual ones are created by combined data of their dreams and imagination. Like the regular worlds, Data Cores also exists in those worlds."

"Wow, that's just…wow," Jordan said. "So will you go to Magic Springs?"

"Well, sure, but first I have some questions to ask about you and Mr. Kurosawa."

"Sure, ask away," Itzal said.

"Okay, to start off, you two already know about Runners and the Black Tundra from Zeus?" Tina asked.

Seeing her stern expression, Jordan and Itzal nervously nod yes.

"And tell me, how did you obtain your powers from your ULO avatars?"

"I got it when I show my courage and determination when I was defending the Data Core of Southdale from Tim Scam," Jordan answered.

"I got it during an accident from a lightning storm in Siber Smoothies a few weeks ago," Itzal said.

"Well, answer me this honestly, did you two use your powers with responsibility and justice without hurting or sacrificing others without remorse?"

Jordan nods yes without a word, but seeing how many criminals he almost scared them to death, Itzal nervously answers, "I don't know how to answer that, but I didn't hurt anybody and I only traumatized the criminals to teach them a lesson. But I did give some of them mercy and felt remorse to the ones I accidentally hurt."

"Well then..."

She glares at Jordan and Itzal in a stern face for a few seconds, until she says, "You two will make excellent Runners and teammates to Zeus."

Jordan, Itzal, and even Zeus was shocked at what she said.

"You're serious, right?" Jordan asked.

"Yes I am. You both have the qualities to be Runners, and we've been trying to create a team for the Black & White Union, but until now we've had no luck in finding suitable candidates."

"Well you definitely found them," Itzal said.

"Indeed and now I have your first mission for you as a team. There have been some strange occurrences in several of the worlds involving the weather."

"Like what?"

"Well despite it being warm seasons like spring and summer, the temperatures have dropped to arctic levels in several worlds."

"Think the Black Tundra is behind it?" Jordan asked.

"No, they aim to take over the worlds, not freeze them. But I do suspect tampering with the world's Data Cores. Your mission is to find out who or what is causing this."

"Wait a minute, you mean you're going to give us mission as a team?! Awesome!" Jordan said in awe.

"Hey, Jordan. Don't get excited so early. We're only just declared as a team, you know?" Zeus said.

"Yeah but that just makes it all even better," Jordan said with glee.

"Wow, I've never seen anyone so eager to be on a team like this," Layla said in surprise.

"You have no idea," Zeus explained. "I mean, for someone like her having these powers is a dream come true. But working with others who have similar powers, well I can't describe it, but it's phenomenal"

"No doubt," Itzal said. "And from somebody who's worked on a team previously, that's something."

"I see," Tina said. "Well the first place you should investigate is the suburb-like world, which is spring in there."

"Right," Zeus agreed. "Let's go you two."

But before he can even open a portal with an item provided by Tina for their destination, Jordan's phone suddenly rang, which she quickly answers.

"Hello? Yes, this is Jordan," she said on the phone. "Huh?! It's here, the new game console? Sweet! I'll be there to buy it!"

After finishing her call, Itzal asks, "What was that all about?"

"It's the new game console, Mii-Z with a second screen game-pad and since they are out of pre-orders, I saved up my allowance to buy it at the game store," Jordan explains. "If I don't get to the store immediately, I can't get them until next week or month. I just got to have that Mii-Z!"

"I know you wanted to buy it right now, but we have to leave to another world for our mission, remember?" Zeus reminded her.

"But I can't just skip this opportunity! If I can't get that console on launch week, I will never forgive myself!" Jordan said when she suddenly grabbed Zeus's collar in panic. "I just got to have it! IWANNA! IWANNA! I WANNA!"

"Alright alright," Itzal said. "Jordan, just calm down. Take a deep breath and calm down."

"Is she usually like this?" Tina asked them.

"Well from what we've heard about her, she gets a little crazy-obsessive when it comes to anything related to video games, comic, cartoons, anime, manga, etc.," Zeus explained.

"I see," Tina replied. Jordan took several deep breaths and finally calmed down.

"Okay, I'm calm," she said. "I'm cool."

"Okay now, let's do this investigation and we'll get back in time for you to grab your Mii-Z," Itzal said. "Does that sound nice?"

"I guess," Jordan said. "But we'd better finish this quickly. I MUST HAVE THAT MII-Z!"

Inside the portal, the three glided through the vortex when Itzal realizes something after he saw Jordan with her RunCom.

"I've been wondering lately, you wield not only a magic staff, but a sword, too?" Itzal asks.

"Yeah, my main class is Magi and I recently got Blader as my sub," Jordan answered. "I was trying to find a perfect sword for a right balance, but looks like when I become a Runner, it somehow gave me an ideal sword for it, too."

"That's cool. Just so you know, my sub-class is also Blader."

"What? Really? A Reaper and a Blader?"

"Yeah, I got my sword from a monster when I fought a hacker. I decided to keep the sword monster drop afterwards."

"Cool," Jordan said in awe.

"What about you, Z? You got any sub-class and a secondary weapon?" Itzal asks to Zeus.

"Huh, me? Well, to be honest, I'm only a Blader, nothing else," Zeus replied.

"Seriously? You're a veteran player who conquered PVP tournaments as the B&W representative and you only have a main class?!" Jordan said in shock.

"Yeah, I rather to be a Blader than having a second job."

"And you don't have a secondary weapon, too?"

"No, just my old trusty katana."

Itzal was in deep thought about this. A veteran player who rather not have a sub-class?

"Well believe it or not," Jordan told Zeus, "Having a sub-class can be really good. A sub-class offers extra strength and balance to the player and can allow them to use special combo attacks that could really come in handy when in battle."

"She's right, Zeus," Itzal confirmed. "Take it from us."

"Well I guess I'll think about it." Zeus said. "And hey guys, we're here."

The Runners saw the end of the vortex and prepped to enter the new world.

Upon exiting the vortex, the three stepped out into a snow-stormy freezing-cold suburb. They started shivering like crazy until they saw a fireplace inside a trash can to warm up.

After that they walked around in the snow storm, looking for somebody to question. They soon came across a man trying to hold keep his driveway clear.

"Um excuse me sir," Jordan asked. "But what's happened here?"

The man, seeing the trio, said, "Your guess is as good as mine. You guys new here or something."

"Yeah, we're just visiting," Itzal told him. "But it's supposed to be spring here, so why does it look like Mt. Everest."

"Like I said, I wish I knew. One minute everyone's enjoying a beautiful spring day. The next thing we know, the temperature falls, everything freezes, sclouds roll in and next thing we know, we're trapped in a blizzard. All in a few hours."

"That fast?" Zeus gasped, just as stunned as the others

"Yep. You folks better head inside as soon as possible. It's getting worse out here."

"Right. Thank you."

As the man went inside his home, the three turned to each other.

"So, Data Core?" Jordan suggested.

"Data Core," agreed Itzal

"Data Core," agreed Zeus. "Tina's right. If this is the cause of the tampering of it, we might able to find a way to fix it."

"Okay. Let's go!" Jordan said as she and her friends try to find the Data Core of this world.

A/N: BRRRR! Will the Runners able to solve this cold case and will Jordan able to get that Mii-Z in time? Stay tuned!