Alice opened her eyes to find herself still in bed. She was still a bit tired because of the short night, but Alice didn't have time to get the full eight hour sleep. There was school to attend to and to miss anymore of it at this point would insult her mothers memory. She went through the usuall routine that anyone else would do after getting out of bed. Once she finished her shower and had breakfast, she got her clothing together. Unfortunatly she had the problem of not having a set that fit her properly.

              It was just good enough to pass as approriate even if it was going to be a bit snug. At the moment she only had her undergarments on when she was trying to measure her new body size to her old outfit.

Nova: Is something distressing you?

Alice: Jees Nova. Do you mind giving me a little privac. . .

She stopped before finishing her sentance. Nova was pretty much inside her so it probably just sees and feels everything she experiences.

Nova: I did not intend to violate any of your wishes. I simply detected different emotions in your mental condition.

If Nova was a guy or even a person it would have been embarrassing. But there was no reason to conceal her body from it since Nova thinks like a machine.

Alice: Just how much will I grow anyway?

Nova: That depends on which state you are refering to. I have been keeping your normal forms changes to as little as possible.

Alice: This is a little? I mean I've grown 2 inches ever since you joined me. Not to mention that I used to be a B size. Now they've gone up to large Cs, probably almost Ds.

Nova: According to your genetic structure, this is the shape you should be roughly 3 years from now.

Alice: If I got like this in just a little over a week then whats a whole month going to do?!

Nova: The growth you experienced in that time was a result of trying to repair what was originally a fatal wound. I assure you that the ammount of change will take at least 3 decades if your body is left to it's current pace.

 Alice was releaved that she wouldn't have to worry about growing through the roof in her sleep. Of course Nova never said there was a limit to how large her Novon state could become.

________________________________________________________________________

             Alice had still been thinking about what Nova had told her while she headed to her school. On the stone wall the school had the name Jefferson R. Wittmore. It was named after one of the people who survived the nuclear holocaust and saved several others. After entering her class, she did feel alot of eyes starring at her. It made her feel uneasy when the tragedy last week was all over the news. Or it could have also been them just starring at her new figure. But it was something that would just come to an end once they all got used it.

          Zoey and Fred came in a little later but that was pretty much when the bell rang. The classes we're just like any other and they went by faster then normal. Who she actually needed to talk to was Daniel, but since Fred and Zoey were here, it would probably have to wait until after school ended.

Daniel was the kind of person who kept to himself and usually took of pretty quick once either lunchbreak or the day had ended. As lunch began both of her friends were already calling her over, but she noticed that Daniel wasn't moving today.

Maybe he had something to discuss with the teacher. Alice told her firends that she will be right there and approached Daniel. She greeted him a bit nervously but by no means wierd.

Daniel: What can I do for you.

Alice: I was wondering if you cared to join us during lunch break.

Daniel: I'm afraid I have a few things I need to take care of at the moment. However if you prefer to speak to me later I'm available after classes.

She accepted and thanked him for his time before returning to her friends. As for the lunch break, both Zoey and Fred expressed there joy that she was finally back.

Unfortunatly they wern't oblivious to Alices new figure.

Fredrick: So what happened to you in that hospital anyway. Because I don't remeber you being that tall before.

Alice couldn't really say anything other then I wasn't aware of it until I got back.

Zoey: You really didn't notice just waking up with a killer body like that? I don't believe that you were walking around for a whole week looking like a supermodle and not notice it. You didn't sqeeze any cosmetics in while you were there did you? 

Zoey's bloodline comes from a Japaneese heritage, and she was only about 4' 10" feet tall. She was petite and had black hair that was tied back into a small ponytail.

Alice: What? No, why would I?! 

Zoey: Most people I know don't get that big in a week. Common Fred, you know you can't deny . . .

The way Fred was looking while sucking on his beverage suggested he hadn't been listening to the conversation

Fredrick: Huh? Oh! Umm, yeah uhh it's not nice to hog things. You should give some of your secret whatever to Zoey, then everyone will be happy.

Fred always tries to make remarks like that in the hopes that everyone would laugh. Instead it just made Zoey punch him in the shoulder.

Fredrick: Damnit, Oww! Hey why am I the bad guy here?! For all I know that Red Raven guy slipped her something.

Fortunatly Fred indirectly changed the topic to Red Raven and got them off of Alices new body.

Fredrick: Ok so, is what they said on the news true, did you see Red Raven? 

Alice: He seemed more like a vigilante imposing as a phantom.

It certainly wasn't an out of this world answer but it was definatly an answer that they were thriled by. They continued again with the topic, and even started wondering who Red Raven really was.

________________________________________________________________________

As lunch period was ending they were returning back to class. Fred then said he had been hearing something up the stairway. It sounded like there were several people. But when they got up there they found Daniel being punched around by one of the larger students.

It was someone from a different class named Brian Riggs. He was known as one of the most violent people in the school. Despite his vioent behaviour, none of the faculty have ever bothered to properly disipline him.

Brian: Is your answer still gonna be the same?

There were two other guys with him. It was hard to tell if they were his friend or just backing him up to cover their own hides. Daniel said nothing but instead got back on his feet.

Brian: Hey I asked you a question loner. And all I need to here is a simple yes.

Fredrick: Hey bug off Brian. What the hell is wrong with you?

Brian: I was mearly asking him to get me a drink, and since he wasn't even saying anything. I figured there was some communication issues, so I thought a little maitnence was in order.

He then approached Fred as intimidating as always. He was about 6' 2" feet tall with a partially shaved head. Unlike Fred however he was closer to that of a body builder. Fred had both a frightened look and enraged look on his face, where as Brian had a cold stair.

Fredrick: It sounds more like your just trying to make him do work that you're too lazy to do yourself.

Brian: Oh, so when did a guy like you suddenly become a humanitarian?

Brian paused for a moment while Fred nervously stood his ground.

Brian: I think this is the first time I've ever seen you stand up for anyone, Fredrick Hatch. Or wait you and your sister were adopted like alot of us. Guess you forgot your last name didn't you, Wagner (Vaugner). Remind me we're you a full Nazi or only a half?

Freds eyes opened wide with nothing but rage. And in that rage he struck Brian. Frederick was indeed half German and half English, if those countries still exsisted. But he really hated it when someone assumed that German ment Nazi.

Both of Brians friends were getting ready to retaliate before Brian himself put his hand up to call them off. He then turned his head back to Fred with a cold smirk.

Brian: You really should work on that. Try something like this.

Brian brought his fist back. But he then kicked Fred in the shins while all eyes were drawn to his fist. Using his other hand, Brian uppercutted Freds head back to head level before striking him with his pulled back arm.

Alice and Zoey rushed to help Fred up.

Brian: Well Nazi boy. You try it now.

Fred had some trouble trying to however. The blow made his head feel a bit fuzzy, and at the same time he was scared. Trying to fight a guy like Brian was difficult for him. 

Brian: So what. We just got started and you're gonna throw in the towel?

He walked a bit closer. Alice then stood in his way. 

Alice: Are you really so miserable that you can only hurt others to deal with it?

Brian: . . . Maybe yes, maybe no. Not all of us have good families to begin with. If me beating on people is such a problem then I suggest you stop me before I . . .

Before he could finish his line, Alice struck him. However when she hit Brian, he was knocked off his feet and sent rolling on the floor.

He tried to get back up off the floor. But halfway he paused when he discovered that his nose was bleeding a bit. Alice didn't think she was going to hit him that hard. It was quiet for awhile with everyone staring at her. Taking down someone who was suppost to be physically superior.

Alice: I'm sorry.  I, I gotta go. She siad while running down the stairway.

After Alice left Brian crawled back up

Brian: In the recent accidents that have happened. Very few people come back. They say the few who do come back aren't the same people they were before. Heh I guess it's true . . .Todd, Pat. Were done here for now.

He then looked toward Fred.

Brian: If you want to have another go, I'll be down at that mansion on district 37.

Brian and his group took there leave after that. Both Zoey and Fred were both caught up on what Brian had claimed and the fact that something had happened to Alice. They really didn't know what to say for the moment. Daniel on the other hand had dissapeared during the confusion.

Alice was standing outside with her back up against a thick tree trunk. She only wanted Brian to stop harming her friends, but now they will most likely suspect she might be dangerous as well as different.

Alice: I didn't even change forms at all, how can I do that much to someone like Brian . . .!?

Nova: There is a limit to how much I can supress. And since you were feeling threatened by the human infront of you, your instincts would try to either avoid or eliminate the threat.

Alice did know that there would be changes but Nova had not specified that even her innate instincts would become enhanced as well. 

Nova: I apologies for not properly clarifying my explanation. However I cannot just simply suspend your basic instincts. I cannot violate this protocal. 

Alice sat down while looking at her hand. Just what was she turning into. It may only be small now but was she going to become a monster just like the Dayon?

It had been a half an hour that she was there pondering those thoughts. The silence was broken when she heard the bell ring. Class had already resumed before she came here but it looked like everyone was departing the school. Alice asked one of the students why everyone eas leaving. He claimed that class was closed early today because of the disturbances that had been occuring around district 37. 

They decided it would be safer for everyone to return to their homes immediatly and avoid taking any shortcuts through that area. It was strange that they did that for district 37 when there was quite a number of other areas that had similar problems.

She tried to look for Fred or Zoey to come out, but there was no luck. Perhapse it was better to not be near them for the time being anyway she thought.

Just as she was about to leave she heard someone behind her.

Daniel: I thought you wanted to talk to me after class Alice. 

Alice: Oh, sorry I was just lost in thought, for a bit. I wasn't sure you were going to come.

Daniel: If I wasn't going to come I wouldn't have agreed in the first place. 

She was both nervous and glad to see him come of all people.

Alice: Thanks for keeping a promise. 

Daniel: So what did you want to talk to me about?

Alice: My father disapeared after that day. Mr. Blaine said he knew nothing about his wearablouts but I wasn't sure if I should trust everything he's saying. I guess it's probably strange to ask you but I really don't know who to trust right now.

Daniel: Well I would certainly not trust Blaine that's for sure.

Alice: You certainly seem really sure about that, do you know him?

Daniel: I probably know him better then most. As for the incident itself. I can tell you that if anyone lived through those kind of events. They usually end up in the ground level of the city.

Alice: Isn't the ground level contaminated by radiation?

Daniel: Yeah but some companies need to have activity in the lower levels. Such as drawing subterrainian water. Anyone left down there who can do the job have to take what they can get. Besides, how long ago was the nuclear apocalypse anyway?

Alice: About 300 years ago.

Daniel said nothing more about the topic but he was hinting something else.

Danie: Being a loner, I tend to hear other peoples conversations when they think I'm not listening. But I can't imagine that David Blaine could get very far in the Mid and High levels without someone recognizing him. 

It was better information then she ws expecting. But the lower level wasn't exactly a place you could casually walk down to. Alice thanked Daniel before she began leaving for home.

Alice: Oh, and about today... Could you avoid saying anything to anyone else?

Daniel: That's pretty easy not to do. Not like anyone else would believe a guy like me.

After they finished talking, Alice thought about what Daniel said at the end. For the time being however she needed to figure out how to get to the lower level.

________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile in district 37. Brian, Todd and Pat had been standing outside the districts mansion. It was abandoned several years ago after people vanished inside.

Brian: Are you guys sure you want to go in? I can't promise any good will come of it.

Todd: Hey that thing took my brother as well. I want to get back at it just like you.

Pat: If we don't get it this week, then we'll probably never find it again.

They entered the mansion armed with weapons. Todd had a steel bat where as Brian was carrying an axe. Pat had a crowbar and he even got his hands on a pistol. 

Brian had asked how he got it but it sounded like he stole it from a family member. They were careful as they walked down the hallway with alot of old suits of armor. Prefering to stay near the middle of the room as opposed to the sides.

But as they walked forward they heard one of the statues fall behind them. They turned around facing the direction they came from startled and tense.

Brian: Jeeus, it's just fucking playing with us. Ok, nobody blindly charge at it. If it's trying to scare us it means it doesn't want to deal with us all at once. Keep together and we'll get it for sure.

But just as he finished his sentance he heard Todd scream out in pain.

Pat had stricken Todd in the sholder with one of the armor's pike. Brian turned yelling

Brian: What the fuck are you do. . . 

He found Pat's mouth had his mouth surrounded in what looked like webs. Then Pat began raising his weapon for another attack on Brian. Brian was succsessful in evading it and swung his axe just above Pats head. He dropped to the ground with a terrified look on his face.

Todd: Jeesus fuck, when the hell could it do that?

Brian looked at the wound. It wasn't fatal but he probably wasn't going to be able to use his arm properly since it hit a location that controlled some of the arm muscles. Pat suggested that they try to make an escape and try this next time.

Brian wasn't happy about the idea but agreed since he felt that taking it on with less numbers was stupid. It was in that moment that Todd began to feel a tug at his leg. When he looked there were some more webs around both of his legs. It then became more intense, and he found himself bet dragged across the floor.

Brian reacted quickly trying to chase after him telling Pat to follow. Todd was screaming while trying to grab anything he could get his hands on. The floor itself was usless and many of the other objects wern't fixed to either the floor or the wall.

He was moving towards a large crack in the corner of the ceiling. Just as he was about to pass through it Brian managed to grab his hand just in time. Because of Todds injury he couldn't use his left hand to at all. Brian managed to anchor himself to the ground while trying to help Todd.

Brian did the best he could to save him. Pat just managed to catch up and tried to lend a hand. Before he could however, Brian came flying back and both were thown to the ground. When they regained their surroundings Brian was holding only Todds severed arm.

Looking forward ahead was another pike, it looked like the suit of armor turned around and dropped it on Todds arm. They tried yelling for Todd, but there was no answer. Since he dissapeared upwards they tried towards the next flight of stairs.

Before they got very far, the floor under Brian collapsed. Pat was partially blinded by the dust that kicked up. Brian was dazed and bruised. As he was getting his head back together he started to hear gunfire from the floor above.

Pat: Oh, fuck you freak!

Brian: Don't fight it alone you dumbass, Get down here?

From the other direction however he heard what sounded like a thousand footsteps charging by. Brian stumbled towards the stairway trying to make sure Pat knew where he was.

As he dragged himself up, he wasn't able to hear Pat anymore. When Brian got back to the hall he was previously in, all he found was Pat's Pistol and nothing more.

Brian: Well, you got two. What the fuck are you waiting for you shit. Here I am, common and get me already.

He began knocking over whatever object he could find yelling and cursing. He spent a half an hour wandering through the mansion before falling to his knees near the entrance. He then thought to himself that it never came after him at all when he was alone.

Brian: So that's it huh. You just leave me alive so I could bring you free meals? He punched the ground cursing until his fist was sore. He then looked up and said out loud

Brian: Ok fine then you coward. If you won't show up unless I have people around. I'll just have to bring you someone that you can't deal with.

He then limped to the door looking back.

Brian: If you want to stop me. This is the best time.

For a minute there was nothing. Brian then opened the door with an expression that was as cold and hatefilled as was his regret for failing his friends.