A/N: Last time, the three Runners are on a mission to fix the tampered Data Cores that cause some of the worlds' heat to disappear. Will they succeed? Let's get online to Part 2!
Virtual Springs: Part 2
As they reached to the southern end of the suburbs, they try to find the Data Core around the neighborhood when there are beeping sounds coming from their RunComs.
"Huh? My RunCom never made a beeping sound before," Itzal said.
"Looks like that sound could only mean that a Runner is near to a Data Core, right Z?" Jordan asks.
"Yeah, and looks like ours found one," Zeus said. "We better fix the Core before this freezing damage is irreversible."
Then they follow the beeping sound on their RunComs as they leads them to a small alley behind the arcades when the beeping gets louder when they approached it.
"Okay, we found the Data Core. Problem is, how do we get inside?" Jordan wondered.
"Leave that to me," Zeus said as he approached closer to the wall where their RunComs reacted to it when a holographic screen con appeared in front of him, which Itzal notices it and surprised at what was on the screen.
"Zeus, this looks like a log-in screen for Universal Legends Online," he said.
"Well, there's more to the game other than guild battles, MVPs, and such," Zeus said as he types in his username and password to the screen. After that, the holographic screen disappears as a strange blue-green portal-like door appears on the wall, surprising the new Runners.
"Whoa, that is so cool if that would happen in our world," Jordan said in awe as she and her friends enter through the door.
Inside the Data Core, Jordan and Zeus approached it's computer while Itzal, being set foot inside the Core the first time, was awed by it's interior.
"Whoa, looks like it didn't call Data Core for nothing," he said. "This place is out of this world!"
"Okay, we entered the Core again. But the last time we're here, we only here to save it from Black Tundra," Jordan said to Zeus. "How do we fix the Core if we have no idea how?"
"Don't worry, as Runners, we can operate the Data Cores to fix the damages from Black Tundra and check on the citizens and location information for investigations or directions. Makes investigating a lot easier," Zeus explains. "In this case, I can access the Core's main database to fix the Core to bring back the heat to this world. Don't worry again, Ms. Reyheart already taught me how to operate this."
"I hope it won't take long. I need to get back to California for that Mii-Z," Jordan said in worry.
As Zeus starts working on the Core, Itzal approaches Jordan and asks, "Hey, Jordan. Zeus is a Blader like us, right? You know what Bladers wield in-game?"
"Yeah, one-handed and two-handed swords, daggers, anything bladed weapons except scythes and axes. Why?"
"Because when I mentioned about the sub-classes to him, I noticed that he doesn't want to have a sub-class."
"Well, maybe he has a different fighting style like us. Sometimes, high-leveled players also play with just one class."
"I know, that's why I'm planning to give a bladed weapon to Z."
"Why?"
"Because he should at least have a second weapon as a backup, in case he loses the first or something like that."
"Hmm, good point. But will he accept it?"
"We'll just have to wait and see."
"Uh, guys. We got a problem."
The two noticed Zeus's shocked expression as he frozen in place upon working on the Core.
"What's wrong, Z? Found a virus in a system or somethin'?" Jordan asks in confusion.
"No, worst. The heat data for this world is missing!"
"WHAT?!" Jordan and Itzal said in shock.
"Who and how did they stole the heat from the Data Core?" he asks in shock.
"I don't know, but all we know is Reyheart's right, it's not the cult this time. But this world is in danger of freezing if we don't find and stop the culprit who stole the data."
"Well, where do we start?" Jordan asked.
"I'll see if I can find a data trail," Zeus told them.
"Well get to it. I want to hurry and get back there so I can get that Mii-Z!"
"Relax, Jordan you will get your Mii-Z," Itzal said, trying to ease her.
"I'd better or there will be heck to pay!"
Meanwhile, at a beautiful looking hotel and resort, Tina had arrived, having taken the advice of the Runners to take some time off and unwind.
"So Magic Springs at last," Tina said. "Well I guess I should try the spa first. I got a crick in my neck that I really need relief from."
A few minutes later, Tina was in the spa with a large muscle man massaging her back and shoulders.
"Ooh, a little lower to the left," Tina instructed the masseuse as he did as she asked. "Oh yeah, that's it."
In the city of Schwarz, Itzal logged in the city as he went to the equipment shop to find something for Zeus. There, he finds a player-made shop owned by a Trader.
"A rare bladed weapon fitted for ones who rather not have a sub-class? Well, I do have for level 20's and they are not very rare," he said.
"Are they perfect for PVPs and other stuff?" Itzal asked.
"No, just for fighting monsters. They are not very useful on PVPs and PKers," the Trader answered.
Itzal groans about this and says, "Well, thanks for your service anyway. I'll just be going now."
But before he can log out, the Trader stops him as he says, "Wait! I think I have some info about a PVP bladed weapon."
"Huh? What is it?" Itzal asks.
"Well, it's not a sword or dagger, but a -Hidden Katar- and it's ultra rare," the Trader explained.
"A -Hidden Katar-? That's a weapon that Rogues usually use for PKing."
"Yeah. It can only be found in a limited-time dungeon outside the forests of Schwarz and Weiß and there are only 5 available. If you're lucky, you can conquer it and find the item you want."
Itzal then thinks about this for a minute as he says, "Well, conquering dungeons isn't my thing. But if that means getting that weapon for Zeus, then I'm willing to accept the risks."
"I hope you know what you are doing, because that dungeon has the toughest monsters in this Union so far. Plus, the weapon's level 40 and the dungeon will disappear in 48 hours."
"That I'm willing to take. Thanks for the info, kid."
As Itzal left the shop, his -Com Holo-link- appears in front of him as Jordan's voice rang.
"Itzal, are you done yet? Zeus is almost done tracking down the signal."
"Err... Not yet, how many minutes left will he be finish?" Itzal asks to Jordan.
"Maybe 40 minutes. Why?"
"No reason. I have something to do in here before I get back. It won't be too long."
"Okay, but please hurry back," Jordan says in worry before she hangs up.
"40 minutes, huh? Won't be too long to conquer a strong dungeon," Itzal said as he heads off to the dungeon. "Well, it won't be too strong and long for me, that is."
After a few minutes, Itzal exits the internet cafe as he meets back with Jordan and Zeus.
"So, did you find anything?" he asks.
"Yes, but this isn't right," Zeus said in doubt.
"Why?"
"Because the data trail leads to Magic Springs."
"What? That resort that Calla just raving about a few hours ago?!"
"Yeah, and I don't know why, but it has something to do with the missing heat data," Jordan said.
Wondering how this connects to their mission, Itzal realizes something as he asks to his friends, "Z, when did the heat data first gone missing?"
"Hmm... According to my RunCom, about 5 days ago," Zeus replied.
Hearing this, Jordan realizes what Itzal is going with this as she pulls out the bronchure that Calla gave her earlier from her pocket.
"And Magic Springs just opened 4 days ago," she said in a suspicious tone. "This can't be a coincidence."
"Magic Springs opened the day before the heat data gone missing, it's an artificial resort world," Zeus said as he collects what they recently learned. "I think we might go to that resort together after all. If this world is connected to all this, it needs to be stopped before the worlds completely freeze over."
"Problem is, Calla, Kani, Andre, and my cousin Bren will be there, too," Jordan said in worry. "How can we do our Runner jobs without blowing our cover?"
"Calla said she reserved us for this coming weekend. So I think it's time for an early visit to Magic Springs," Itzal said in determination.
"Good idea! Only how do we get to Magic Springs anyway?"
They quickly froze in shock as they realize that they have no clue how to get to the resort world since Zeus can't create a portal to it until he gets an item from that world.
"Well how can we get an item from that world?" Jordan asked. Suddenly, her RunCom rang, and she answered it. "Yeah."
"Guys, it's Layla," Layla said. "Just checking in on the investigation."
"Well, from what we've gathered so far, we think that Magic Springs might be behind the freezings of the worlds," Zeus said.
"Are you certain?" Layla asked. "Because Tina just left for there a couple of hours ago."
"Really?" Itzal asked.
"Yeah, it seems she's decided to take you up on your advice and take a load off there."
Suddenly, Zeus got an idea. "Hey, uh, Layla, do you think you can call her and ask her how she got to Magic Springs in the first place?"
"Huh?" the two Runners asks in confusion.
"If Ms. Reyheart can enter Magic Springs, maybe we can get there as guests," Zeus whispers to them.
"I don't follow," Jordan said, still confused.
"Trust me."
Back at Magic Springs, Tina was just on her way to a pool chair when she hears something ringing in her tote bag. When she pulls it out in response, it revealed to be a RunCom that's dark purple with the design of a crescent moon is ringing as she answers it. Seeing Layla's face, she asks, "Hello, Layla. Any reports from the Runners' progress?"
"Yeah, a lot. But can I ask you something, Ms. Reyheart?" Layla nervously asks to her superior.
"What do you want to ask?"
"How did you get to Magic Springs? They said it's in undisclosed location and you can't even enter it with a portal," Layla wondered.
"Well, after they booked a reservation through phone or online in their website, a resort cab will pick you up to get to Magic Springs," Tina answered. "However, the windows on the cab is covered in tint, so you can't see how will you enter the resort."
"Oh, is that easy?"
"Yes, but why did you ask?"
Layla quickly froze for a second before sheepishly says, "Uh, no reason. Just wanting to go there for a spa and pool, that's all. I better go, Ms. Reyheart."
"Okay... I'll talk to you later," Tina said as she hangs up. Then she went to her pool chair and applied sunscreen to herself.
"Hmm... I have a feeling she's not telling me everything," she said to herself. "Maybe it's the heat in here telling me to cool off and relax for a while."
"Wow," Jordan said as she and the others, now wearing vacation drab, looked around the Magic Springs Resort pool area. "This place is even cooler than Calla described."
"You mean hotter," Itzal said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "It must be 100 degrees out here."
"That's probably from all the heat data this place has drained from the other worlds," Zeus stated. "We've gotta find out who and why they're doing this and fast."
"Right. Now the best strategy is to blend in with the vacationers," Jordan said as she held up a bottle of sunscreen. "And we should start by applying this sunscreen. I'm not sure how I could explain to my mom about a sunburn on a not-so-hot day back home."
"Sure I guess," Itzal said. Just then he saw some vacationers doing some sort of yoga in an area away from the pool. "That looks interesting."
"Hold on, Itzzy," Jordan said as she stopped him from walking towards them. "We're on a mission and-"
Just then Jordan spotted kids playing video games in a room in the hotel. "It's that a game room?!"
"Well, Jordan, you've got your mission and I've got mine."
"He's right. I'll try to check in here at the pool," Zeus said as he shows his RunCom to them.
"Uh, you're going to swim with your RunCom on?" Jordan asked in worry.
"Don't worry, this RunCom is waterproof, in a condition to drain the water after 1 hour before it messes it's curcuits inside. Besides, I'm going to check around the resort to analyze the heat data gathered around it," he explained. "You two should do the same."
"Right, let's meet back here in 30 minutes," Jordan said to her friends.
"If we find something, let's e-mail each other with the Mail Holo-link," Itzal added before they split up.
Meanwhile, in a fancy looking room, a man with a black polo shirt with a tropical flower on his chest pocket and black pants was watching the trio via surveillance camera.
"Hmm, something about those three, gives me a bad gut feeling," he said as he pressed the intercom on his desk. "Jules."
Soon a woman with glasses and blue employee clothes came into the room and said, "Yes Mr. Heath?"
"Send the thugs to keep an eye on those three," Heath said as he pointed at the monitor at Jordan, Itzal, and Zeus.
"Yes, sir."
Jules then left and Heath began to mutter to himself, "This is unsettling. Ever since those heathens at Living Paradise resort fired me, I swore to make this place the most famous in the whole world. And no way are three nosy brats ruining it for me."
Meanwhile, Tina was relaxing in a chair, rocking back and forth. She rocked back too far however and fell out of the chair. She then jumped up and started doing karate poses at the chair, before noticing the people staring at her.
"You know, if you were here right now, it should remind you of your loved ones right now," Tina said to herself before she decided to go to the gym.
After 30 minutes, the Runners rendezvous back to the pool as they promised. However, they somehow become sweaty and exhausted all of the sudden.
"Ugh! Is it me or is this resort is getting too hot to handle?"
"Yeah, it's weird. I thought this resort is beach-worthy hot, not off the chart, spicy chicken wing hot," Itzal added.
"There is a saying that 'If you can't take a heat, get out of the kitchen.' Somehow, I can't get out of it because my portal creation ability is not working," Zeus said as he tries to make a portal with his can in his other hand, but failed. "Must have blocked any portals around here to prevent the existence of the other world getting out in public."
Then his RunCom suddenly beeps loudly and when he checks what it's beeping about, he quickly froze in shock and horror as Jordan asks, "Hey, what happened, Z? Another Data Core nearby in here?"
"Worst, this world is deadly hot," Zeus said in horror.
"I don't follow," Itzal said in confusion.
"According to the data in this world we collected so far, it has so many combined heat data in the database, it might have a possibility that this world will explode in a matter of minutes!"
The two stopped walking as they are now shocked in horror like Zeus as Jordan asks, "You're trying to say that the heat data are like the suns and it's causing it's core to overheat."
"In normal speak, yes. And what's worst, if the world explodes with the heat data is still inside Magic Springs' Data Core, it will be erased and unrecoverable!"
"Then we need to find it's Core before it's too late!" Itzal said in a serious tone. "How many minutes before the explosion?"
"About an hour and a half," Zeus answered.
"Which means enough time to evacuate the vacationers and employees and find the Data Core. Come on!" Jordan said as she and her friends rushed to a random location to find the Core.
Unknown to them, two muscle-bound security guards overlooked the Runners as they become angry upon seeing them leaving the pool.
At Magic Springs' spa, the Runners try to find the Data Core when Jordan spotted someone as she says to her friends, "Guys, look! It's Ms. Reyheart! We better tell her what's going on about this place."
Seeing Tina is having a facial while listening some soothing music on her MP3 player, they decided to approach her in order to explain what happened.
"Ms. Reyheart? We need to tell you about Magic Springs, it's urgent!" Zeus tries to call his superior, but she is too focused on the music on her MP3 player as she continues to relax.
"Ms. Reyheart?" Jordan said again, noticing she was focusing something else.
"Ms. Reyheart?" Itzal said the same. "Great, she can't hear us. We better-"
Before he can say anything, they are quickly captured in some umbrellas by the same security guards before as the Runners try to struggle themselves out, which Tina didn't noticed due to her facial.
The three Runners were carried into a cell-like room and tossed in.
"Alright, what's going on here?" Jordan demanded.
"Good question, little lady," a voice said. The goons moved aside to see Heath enter the room. "And it deserves a good answer, too. The name's Heathcliff. Leland Aloysius Heathcliff. But you can just call me Heath."
"Well, 'Heath', we are here to investigate the disappearance of the heat data from other worlds," Zeus said. "And we've traced it right back here to Magic Springs."
"That's right, the heat I take from those bozos comes right here to my resort."
"But those people in the world you've stolen heat from will freeze to death," Itzal pointed out.
"Yeah, well, too bad. They could always come here to good old Magic Springs to heat up…if they can afford it."
"Looks like you have a reason for all of this, haven't you?" Jordan said in suspicion.
"Yes, ever since that no good Living Paradise resort fired me for accidentally damaging people's eyes from putting too much chlorine in the pool, I vow to put them out of business along with the other resorts around the world that shun me. And ever since I learned how to create another world, I created Magic Springs with the heat data I gathered from those bozo worlds," Heath explains. "More heat means more popularity and more popularity means no more other resorts!"
"Yeah, except you got too much heat. If you don't stop this instant, not only this world will be destroyed, but the data you stole will disappear forever if it's not restored to their proper worlds."
"Please! That's preposterous! You're just saying that to shut me down."
"No, she's telling the truth. As we speak-"
"Enough," Heath growled. "I'm this close to driving Living Paradise out of business forever, and no three snot-nosed brats are gonna mess it up for me now!"
Heath then leaves the cell room and types something in some control mechanism near the cell. Inside, the three Runners noticed the ceiling opened up, revealing a scrouching sun shining above them.
"Have a nice sauna, kids. It will be your last," he said as he left the prison while laughing evilly, which the Runners now became worried about their impending doom.
A/N: Uh-oh! Will the Runners get out of the deadly sauna in time to save everyone and get Jordan's Mii-Z in time? Review and stay tuned!