Don A. Martinez

Ariel sighed. __ow are you not self-conscious about that?__itty chuckled. __ey, I got used to it in a hurry, and I kind of like the side perks. I always wanted to _ y__now, be superhuman, do some of the things I__e been able to do with this setup._ She curled her tail up to take it in her hands. __ow I know how the guys feel, having something extra in your pants tends to be awkward after a while.

As Ariel recounted the events of her dream, two magnificent, batlike wings grew from the backs of her shoulders, stretched as if preparing to fly, then retreated back into their host. The sound heard when the wings disappear is the giggling of Alanna, who watched the event much the same way I did, in rapt wonder.

Gabe taps Michi on the shoulder. __ can understand any hesitation on your part, Michika. If you wish, you can stay behind with your family ___uh-uh, not a chance!_ She brushes Gabe__ hand off of her shoulder. __f my best friend__ gonna be risking her life to kick New Empire ass, then I wanna be right there with her in my asskickin_ boots.