AN: Sorry this chapter is even later than the last. On the bright side both the family and the mechanical issues have been resolved. I am a few days away before I start up classes virtually, so be aware that I may have to transfer into a chapter every 2 weeks instead of once per week schedule. It depends how my course load goes. But for now, enjoy the chapter!

JON

PERIM- FOREST OF LIFE

Completely unintentionally, Jon found himself walking down the same beaten path that he had walked as Rothar while facing off against Tyrion Lannister.

Since that match, he kept remembering what Lord Tyrion had said. About how he was free from those around him knowing of his Bastardry, He remembered he had also thought the same when he first sent himself back to Winterfell. Unfortunately, he had carried the weight of the name Snow and what it meant for more than a decade. Getting rid of that burden would take some getting used to. And everytime he went back to Winterfell, he would regain that weight. Nothing he could do specifically for now, so he might as well throw himself into what Chaotic was meant for.

It had been only two days since that battle, and Jon had not been informed of any scheduled battles, nor challenged by any other players. Instead, he focused on watching others matches and exploring Perim. Which brought him to the reason he was here.

He had heard a rumour about a special battlegear that only Dractyl was able to make. And rumour had it that Dractyl's home was currently in a tall tree, though he did move it every moon or two. Jon hoped to have to get two things: This battlegear, and a location scan of Dractyl's nest. He imagined how he could use long range attacks from up top, similar to how a castle's wall gave the defenders a safe advantage against ground forces.

He found the large tree after several hours of trekking through the forest. It was just as it had been described, with roots and vines covering the base, while the top was more like a flat curved vine instead of the leaves of the other trees.

"Okay then... Now for the hard part." Jon muttered to himself.

He did in fact have experience climbing. Bran may have surpassed him long ago, but he and Robb had given their brother his first lessons in moving up and down the walls.

He had also come better prepared for the weather than he had previously. He had asked a Drone about it, and the floating metal machine brought him clothing fit for the location he specified. His pants were the same, but his shirt was a lighter cloth than the one he had come in wearing. His coat had also been left behind. He had been informed by the Drone that if he ported out without wearing the coat, it would be added to the clothing for those who wanted to go to colder locations.

Making sure his Scanner was tucked safely in his pocket, he grabbed onto the tree and began climbing it.

The Vines wrapped around the tree were thick enough to hold Jon's weight. They were also easy to grab a hold of.

On his way up, Jon considered what specifically he should do. If Dractyl was there, then perhaps he should get the location scan quick then come back later and hope the Overworlder was gone. If he was not, then he hoped to have enough time to look around for the Battlegear.

Jon knew better than to look down while climbing. Instead, he judged his success by looking at the other trees. He was just below the crown of most of the trees. But he still had about a third of the way to go.

Taking another breath, he continued climbing at a steady pace. He heard something, like an attack. But it was far away.

'Another tribe must have reached the Forest.' Jon thought. In the few days he had been here, he had seen minor skirmishes at several locations. If it got closer, he may have to cut his losses and port out, but for now he would continue to climb.

He reached the top and Dractyl's nest, although it was made of straw and sticks, it more resembled a house that made up many villages in the North.

"Does Dractyl even have hands? How did he make this? Questions for later." Jon muttered to himself. Now, he had work to do. It would either make or break this quest.

Jon grabbed his Scanner, and pointed it at Dractyl's nest/house. A few seconds later, and he had a new Forest of Life Scan.

Jon approached the nest, and as he did, his nose was struck by an unbelievably foul stench.

'What the-' Jon thought as he turned to the smell to get a good look,

It was a bunch of purple scales, though they were larger than any Jon thought was possible on Westeros since the dragons died out.

'So, Dractyl molts. Wait… The others said that Dractyl MAKES Battlegear. Did they mean-'

Jon's train of thought was diverted when he saw something in the back of the nest move. It was large and red, but that was all Jon could make out from this position. Luckily, it appeared to be asleep.

'Alright then, so Dractyl is here. I better hurry up and finish scanning.' Jon thought as he pulled his Scanner out and pointed it at the scales by his feet, praying the sound was too quiet to wake the Overworld Scout.

Sure enough, the scales were in fact Battlegear. Dractyl Scales. Not the most original name, but they gave those who ate them more energy while lowering the disciplines of the opponent. Probably from the stench.

Jon was about to port back to Chaotic, but a thought occurred.

'This may just be my best chance to Scan Dractyl. I can just port out before he fully wakes up.'

Pointing his Scanner at the sleeping creature, he activated it for the third time. A few seconds later, he saw the Dractyl image on his screen.

Dractyl-common

Energy: 40

Courage: 30

Power: 85

Wisdom: 35

Speed: 90

Mugicians: 0

'Alright!' Jon thought. This had been a better trip than he could have hoped for.

He was about to port out, when suddenly an attack hit the tree, shaking it greatly and throwing Jon to the ground, right next to a hole that he barely missed falling through.

It also stirred Dractyl out of his sleep. The moment he opened his eyes, Jon was the first thing to enter his vision.

Dractyl spread his wings out in an attempt to appear more intimidating.

"What have you done to my home Human?!" The Overworlder screeched, hurting Jon's ears.

"N-nothing. That wasn't me. I just came for a few sc-"

Jon was cut off as Dractyl's foot was placed right in front of his face. Jon's eyes widened at just how sharp his talons were.

Just as Dractyl was about to make another move, a new voice called out.

"DRACTYL! GET DOWN HERE!"

Dractyl looked out the hole. Jon strained his head as well to see. It was a blue creature, but it was too far to see if Jon recognized him.

Dractyl growled before turning back to Jon. "You aren't staying here without me Human." Dractyl's taloned feet then grabbed Jon's shoulders, and the two of them became airborne.

Jon briefly noted how much quicker getting down had been compared to getting up, but he could also feel Dractyl's talons cut his shirt and dig into him enough to draw blood.

When they were only a few feet above the ground, Dractyl slowed down enough to stay in place, and dropped Jon the last five or so feet. Jon landed on his legs, but felt his foot twist in a way he knew it was not meant to. He forced his yell of pain down into a mere grunt instead, and then took stock of what was going on now.

The blue creature he had seen from above was now recognizable. It was the Overworld's foremost scout, Gespedan. One of the fastest creatures in Perim. Behind him was a Mowercycle, and in the seat was another player. This one had black hair, but that was all Jon could make out, as he was crouched in pain, bleeding from his shoulder.

"Hey human, you okay?" Gespedan asked Jon. In an instant, the Blue scout was standing next to Jon, inspecting his body for injuries. Jon noticed that he and the other player were not the only injuries. Burn marks and blood was visible on the Scout's body as well. The worst being his hand missing two fingers.

"Nothing too bad." Jon answered as he looked at the Creature's injuries.

Dractyl then grabbed Gespedan's attention.

"What is it Gespedan? I was about to punish this intruder for coming into my home." Dractyl asked as the ground shook from an attack.

"Danians. Ekuud is leading five or six Mandiblors. I got injured so Blazer gave me his Mowercycle to get backup. He, Owis and Velreth are fighting them off." Gespedan explained as the sounds of combat got closer.

Dractyl did little to hide the fear and panic that appeared on his face at the news. After a moment, he spoke. "Alright then, I will go North to tell everyone I see."

"Oh no you don't!" Gespedan yelled. "You are going to go help them out. I doubt they have any way to hit you in the sky, not with your speed, just rain attacks on them from above and they will retreat."

Dractyl growled again. "Why should I? Getting more creatures would reduce the risk of losing."

Gespedan pointed at Jon. "Remember what Bodal said? We are supposed to not pick fights with humans unless provoked. If you don't help, then I will tell Kiru City about this human."

Jon noted that fact for later.

"He started it!" Dractyl objected.

"And he was likely about to leave. Same with my guy." He pointed at the human on the Mowercycle. "He scanned me and was about to leave, but he was hit by the Danian's before he could escape. How you feeling now?" He yelled at the other human.

"I can manage." He grunted out as he tried to stand.

Dractyl finally surrendered to Gespedan's thinking. "Fine, but if the fight goes on too long, I am getting out of there."

With that, the Scout flew up above the treeline, leaving the two humans with Gespedan.

"Alright then, I take it you two can take care of yourselves from here? I gotta find more creatures to push them back." With that, Gespedan helped the other human off the Mowercylce, and sped off.

Jon limped over to the other human. "Hey, you got your Scanner?"

The other player pulled his red one out of his pocket. "I was about to leave. You?"

Jon nodded as he pulled his out. "I got what I came for. And I do not want to get caught up in whatever battle is going on."

The two of them ported out simultaneously.

CHAOTIC

Jon had discovered something new.

It turns out that when players receive injuries from Perim, they are not sent to the Port Court, but instead to an infirmary of some kind.

Both he and his new companion were immediately swarmed by Drones that carried them to beds. There were two other players, one who was screaming about his burns and another who had almost died of heat in the Mipedian Desert after losing her Scanner in a Sandstorm. She had found it just in time.

As the claw marks in his shoulders were being sewn shut, Jon was informed that he simply had to return to his body in Winterfell and come back, and he would come back as good as new. But this Infirmary was made in part for those too injured to return completely, or those who do not have a body outside of Chaotic and Perim. Jon recognized a sound emanating from the walls itself. It sounded like Song of Resurgence and other Healing Mugic he had heard from watching matches. He was unsure if it actually did anything, or was merely meant to be part of the theme.

Jon turned to the human who he had come with. Now that he was lying down, he could make out more of his appearance. In addition to his black hair, he had pale skin and was fairly gaunt.

"So then, what is your Player name?" He attempted to make conversation with the man.

"...Hunter3. Just call me Bale if you want. You?" The man replied.

"WHITEWOLF. Or Jon if you want" Jon answered. He had learned that it was safer to give his Chaotic name than his real one, but at the same time, a first name would be no issue, especially since Bale had given his. "You scanned what you wanted?"

"Aye. Though I obviously wasn't expecting a Danian squad to attack just as I finished. Luckily, I scanned Gespedan before he got injured."

Jon nodded. "That was the first time I saw a creature injured outside of the Dromes. You think he will be okay?"

"I think so." Bale said. "Mugic can heal even severed limbs, I have seen it happen. If he survives, I am sure he will rush off to a healer."

Jon replayed the memory of speaking with the Overworlder. "There is something I don't get. What was Gespedan talking about when he said they were not supposed to interfere with us?"

"You haven't heard?" Bale asked, a bit of surprise in his voice. "Apparently a player is helping the Overworlders with constructing Battlegear. I hear he is an apprentice Blacksmith from King's Landing. As a condition of his help, the Overworlders are to be less hostile to us."

Jon thought it over. It did seem like a good deal, but he imagined that if it became known to the other creatures of Perim, that it would be more difficult to scan non-Overworlders.

"Well then." Bale said as he got up, his injuries bandaged up enough for him to move.

He looked at Jon. "WHITEWOLF, would you care to test out our new scans in the Beta Drome?"

Jon was a bit surprised by that. He had heard of the Beta Drome and had seen their matches.

The Beta Drome allowed the players to choose their own rules in a battle. One creature versus six, a team of a single creature for a full six on six, a match where one player uses mugic and the other uses battlegear, the amount of challenging matches was endless. Some players also used it to scope out locations before heading there.

Jon thought it over. There was no Codemaster for the Beta Drome, and it would not affect his record of wins and losses, due to the unique rules. So he had nothing to lose if he was defeated, but also nothing to gain if he won.

But it would let him test out his new scans before he was forced to rely on them in a more official match.

"Sure." Jon decided.

BETA DROME

Jon and Bale entered the Drome, with Bale giving a rundown of how it differed.

"Just put in the stuff you scanned in the last day or so. Leave anything you don't have blank. I suppose locations can be anything."

Jon nodded and did so. He selected Dractyl and the Scales, interested in seeing they boosted Energy, but more so for H'earring. He would have to keep that in mind for if he ever scanned the Underworlder.

Filling in the locations he figured a flyer like Dractyl would do well in, he finished up and locked his deck.

Bale finished at about the same time, and the two saw a board that surprised neither of them.

Jon Dractyl- - - - - - - Gespedan Bale

"So, who is going to attack?" Jon asked.

"Mind if I? I was injured worse than you, seems only fair." Bale suggested.

Jon nodded and Bale spun the Location Randomizer. It went through all of his before landing on the Riverlands.

"Gespedan attacks Dractyl." Bale said as they both pressed onto their Scouts.

Jon felt himself transform once again. But this was new. It felt stranger than the others, and Jon realized it was because Dractyl was the least Human Creature he had used so far.

He felt himself grow taller and his mouth extended into a beak. While this occurred, his arms shifted to accommodate wings as his toes and feet became Talons.

He looked at his opponent to see Gespedan, without any injuries standing before him.

""Let's Get Chaotic!"" They yelled in unison before light faded the Drome's features out of existence.

BETA DROME- RIVERLANDS

Dractyl immediately started flapping his wings in a way that came more naturally to him than one would think it would for Jon.

Dractyl glided through the sky for a few moments, just taking in how it felt, before quickly shifted into hunting on instinct.

'Okay, he can probably see me already, so I need to focus on avoiding the first attack he sends my way. I can use that to find him.' Jon thought as he let himself be a target.

Dractyl waited, but no attack came.

"What is taking him so long?" Dractyl muttered as he dove down towards the River, hoping to draw him out. He went so far as to touch the ground, but still Gespedan was nowhere to be found.

Dractyl felt uneasy. Maybe it was a valid concern, maybe it was his low courage, but he felt as though he was in a trap.

Dractyl closed his eyes briefly, and then opened them just as fast.

"Instantaneous Inspiration!" Dractyl yelled the attack name and had a sudden vision of Gespedan emerging from the River while his back was to it.

Dractyl heard the water erupt into the air as Gespedan emerged, only for Dractyl to fly upwards and then dug his talons into Gespedan's back as his surprise attack missed.

G- 25 (62%)

Gespedan recovered before he hit the ground, turning to face Dractyl head on.

Before Dractyl could react, Gespedan again ran. This time behind Dractyl and up a cliff, where he attacked the flying Overworlder in his blind spot.

"Academy Strike!"

D-25 (62%)

Dractyl felt the strike connect with his spine, forcing him to the ground, but he used his wings to maintain more control than Gespedan likely anticipated.

Dractyl used his beak to pick his body back up into a standing position. He had to remain on guard. No, he had to go on the offensive.

"Dexterous Storm!"

Orange energy surrounded Dractyl as he charged forward at Gespedan, plowing into the faster creature before he hit the ground, instead throwing him into the River as Dractyl regained the sky.

G-20 (50%)

Dractyl felt himself gain access to the element of Air, giving him more options in how to fight. But now Gespedan had recovered and was back on his feet. He grabbed two rocks from the Riverbed. They were large enough to be used as bludgeoning weapons. Once again, Gespedan jumped up to meet Dractyl in the air.

"Synaptic Acceleration!"

Gespedan's arms moved in an almost erratic pattern, but he continuously pounded his rocks into Dractyl's body, even breaking his right wing if the audible snap was anything to go by.

D- 15 (37%)

Both creatures fell to the ground, but Dractyl knew he needed to put space between them in order to recover.

"Shriek Shock!"

Dractyl's voice shot out with the force of a catapult, forcing Gespedan to drop his rocks and cover his ears even as the raw force separated them enough that they landed on different banks of the River.

Not wasting any time, Dractyl called his battlegear. Instead of appearing in a flash of light, several of the scales already on his body simply fell off of his neck

'Huh. That was unexpected.' Jon thought before grabbing the scales in his talons and swallowing them. And then he immediately started coughing, as if he was trying to puke them out. Yet at the same time, he felt that his wing was being mended quickly.

D-25 (62%)

"Nope! Not...worth it." Dractyl got out between coughs. He had such a bad reaction to the horrid taste that it gave Gespedan pause before launching his own attack. Pause that allowed the Dractyl's scale's secondary effect of lowering his disciplines to take effect.

Dractyl got up just as Gespedan began speeding towards him. He dodged by flying into the air.

"Thunder Shout!" Dractyl yelled as the attack aimed not at Gespedan himself, but rather where he would be in a few seconds. The blast hit him, knocking him onto his back.

G-10 (25%)

Dractyl knew he had to finish this quickly. He prepared to strike him with an Airsault attack, only for Gespedan's eyes to shoot out a beam of green light too fast for Dractyl to dodge it.

"Paral-Eyes!" Gespedan shouted with the blast.

It struck Dractyl, and he found himself unable to move even as the river below grew closer, until he splashed down. Even after hitting the ground, he remained paralyzed.

D-5 (12%)

Dractyl could still move his eyes, and as he floated on the river, he saw Gespedan materialize his Mowercycle battlegear and get onto it.

Gespedan rode the Mowercycle, sending the gear right into the water fast enough that it appeared to cut the water in front of it. And it was heading right for Dractyl.

Unable to move, the spikes of the Mowercycle dug into Dractyl's flesh, ending the match.

BETA DROME

The Match having ended, Jon watched as Gespedan turned back into Bale.

This was Jon's first loss, although it would not be considered official. Still, it would do no good for Jon to simply pretend it never happened.

Jon grabbed his Scanner out of the docking station and approached the exit with Bale.

"That was a good match." He complimented his opponent. "I was not expecting you to finish me off by slicing Dractyl's back with your Battlegear. I figured Dracty's speed would keep Gespedan on his toes."

"Yes. Same to you. Though I am curious, were those Dractyl Scales truly so horrid?" Bale asked.

"Yes." Jon answered simply before taking a moment. "The taste is still in my mouth. It was both frozen and as hard as ice, while also being spicier than anything I have ever eaten. And immediately after I swallowed them, I had to experience the slimy things sliding down my throat. I honestly thought I may be coded from simply choking on it."

"Noted." Bale said with an ambivalent tone before pulling out his Scanner. "Well, it was nice meeting you Jon, but if I want to be rid of this injury, I must be returning to my original body."

Jon nodded in understanding. "Take care. Hopefully we can battle each other in an official match."

Bale grinned for a moment. "Perhaps."

Bale faded as his code returned to the known world. Jon did the same moments later.

AN: And that is another chapter done. If the ending seems abrupt, it was because I wanted to get this out as soon as I could.

For those who are curious, Bale is in fact a known character. I left a few hints, but nothing too major. Though I did change his Screen name because the old one would be more obvious.

As For Jon, he has his first loss. Wanted to show early on that he is not invincible.

Next chapter will be the last for now, and then I have a surprise before resuming King Of Thrones. This surprise is almost done, and will hopefully give me more time to review KOT and get back in that head space.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, apologies again for the delay. Have a good day.

Jaehaerys . Joestar.