Chapter 10
A journey of a Thousand Wumpas begins with a single Fruit






Dr Cortex was escorting his lovely new guest and coworker around his mansion, he was proud to show off all was his.


He showed all his N Embellished items and decor he made custom for his new appearance Decor home, like some over modified paintings of famous artist works but of himself and statue busts of his face as well endless amounts N’s around on every product.


While he escort Steph around rooms to show most living public spaces where all hang out in own time, steph could only try hold a decent smile on her face, not cringe at next Dr Cortex bust or portrait, she get it that he had a ego wants show for taste but… must his face be on everything.


He Sured to her Labs in Far back first floor and below his mansion where a lot of work was done, garage N.gin preferred lab, he made sure she had a basement lab set up later for her work.


He showed public room lounge area and tv, small study library room which steph took deep interest for the books he collected, he flaunt he able collect some many books for new home, he was inspired by library her home world to collect some good novels for quiet reading time, he even delved in few books time to time, most time was science fiction or romantic dramas.. He needed something to do while waiting.


“And here we have the kitchen, this now more modern than our last one in the castle so all amenities are acquired.“ Dr cortex was about to move to the next room show but he turned to see his guest not next him he  looked back to kitchen see steph taking look around closer to the kitchen. “Is something the matter my dear?”


“Oh.. yes, i wanted to take a closer look at your kitchen, it's different to ones you have at home, tend to be more traditional.” She examines the fridge and opens it up.


Dr Cortex stepped up to the fridge door “ this is a fridge, it's where we keep food cold and fresh” he explained, he was not sure how much dragon realm was updated to what human technology similarity.. Best explain not having a house damaged or things being broken.


Steph looked up at him with raised eyebrows. “Wow you don't say?” it was a sarcastic tone. “I'm aware of fridges, we have them too, just powered by magic stones keep things cool, just not stylish like this, metal frames and double doors are nice.”


Dr Cortex frowned and looked away pursuing his lip. “Well seems lot thing have similarity i guess then”


Steph lookin around the kitchen, it looked all same as things her realm, wouldn't be much difficulty if she likes to cook sometime. “ Just to get to know things, if I cook sometime, I like to make dessert for you when I can since I never got around last time and just went for.. Other Desserts.”


Dr Cortex raised eyebrows glee hearing it ”make me dessert, well i'm not much dessert guy.. But maybe tiramisu will be nice.” he smiled a bit more and she reminded him of their dinner date for the first time.. Oh yeah.. that dessert.


Steph nodded and smiled at the idea. “Well not coffee expert but a dessert i can do” she walked around the kitchen but stopped in front of a metal box. She didn't recognize this item. “This I have never seen?  Is it another fridge?”


Dr Cortex stepped in close, he explained what she was looking at, it was the microwave oven, guess this is something dragon realms don't have. ”This my dear is a microwave, a pretty good item to use to reheat food and cook in.. just dont put any metal in when you use it.” He explained how it worked .


Steph gave him a quizzing look, gave the microwave a look over. “ Well humans are lil genius with electricity. That is one cool device. I’ll have try this out later”


Dr Cortex clicked his tongue if she was going to be impressed by a simple microwave, wait till he explained his wonder laboratory “shall we move on.. Will head to your bedroom so get things settled and show a rest place.”


Steph just smirked at him “already wanting to jump back into the bed with me doc, my my.” she jest in a flirty manner, she leaned her hips into his and gave him a bump tease. 


Dr Cortex just chuckled to himself, “oh don't tempt me.” he couldn't help himself wriggling his eyebrow at her he could get giggle from those sweet lips of hers. 


She giggled at his manner “ that's no way a gentleman to act Doc. But I would like to see where I'm sleeping.”


“This way to the stairs, all living compartments are upstairs” he placed a hand out for her to take his.


She sighs, she takes his gloved hand, she let him keep going with a gentleman act, letting him take her next part of his lair.


Following the middle area of stairs that went up to the second floor, he directed to the side doors of the place where those who are sleeping quarters, minions tend to sleep on the right wing mansion, but so many have not returned to work for him.. Just yet, his coworkers had the left wing of the mansion but N.gin room was most of the time vacant while most time n.gin seem to refer to sleeping on the couch in his garage.


While the doctor himself showed a large pair of doors had his N adorned to the door, letting her know his office and personal quarters, he wanted to make sure she remembered where that was if she needed to find him.


Steph was sure to take time to visit him, she was getting ancy see where she would be settled in. 


He brought down the mansion where he had few empty bedrooms.


“I'm sure the room i selected for you be very comfortable and not to far from my office if should need anything, and room across is empty if we going changed up for s secondary room for son..we have amenities right next door yours if require more..” Dr cortex explaining what was seen.


He quieted down when her hand squeezed onto his gloved hand so there hands came holding, he raised eyes up to hers. 


“Thank you again doc for letting me bring my son in the future when i come here next... It means a lot.” She was sincere about it.


Dr cortex nodded but he could feel thumping in his chest of her her thanking him, he was never getting much thanks from others but felt pretty nice hear it, feels like more big deal for her but a minor change for him in his plans in long run if she was be happy here… and stay long as he could keep her.


“Ahmm right. Alloy me.” he took his hand back from her and went open the door to her room.. Inside was a very average arrangement style bedroom, all necessities like closet, cotton dark sheet bed and N on everything was adorned.. Even a large painting of himself on a far wall and small window.


Steph stepped in to examine the room, it looked like a simple room, she walked over to the side table she popped down her backpack and sat down on the bed, tho her face expression skewed a bit looking around. 


Doctor noticed her expression, and it didn't seem very excited. “ Is something Wrong of the room my dear.?” 


Steph looked up and saw him asking “ oh no.. no no.. It's fine..mmm just wondering if this going be my room, would it be ok to… modify it to my liking?” she looked back at the picture frame of him.. She loves the doc but that was a bit much.


Cortex looked around and didn't think anything was wrong with the room, “ I'm fine if you like to change up a bit.”


She nodded “good to know.” she looked back and kicked off her shoes to free her feet.. She got up and walked over to the doctor. 


She pulled him close to her and closed the door behind him. She locked it.. She needed some private time with him.


Cortex straightened up seeing when she locked the door.. Well maybe she needed more of the doctor attention after all, he went loosen up his collar but she turned to him she tapped her crystal she let for dragon form appear, she smiled down to him she bowing low towards him, he thought she was coming for a kiss so he was leaning up his toes to do so… but he suddenly felt hands around his waist being picked up by her and she pulled him  in up rest in her arms, she tucked one under his bottom keep him supported, his hand grip her arm he was pulled into a cuddle.


Cortex was flabbergasted and embarrassed by the act but at least no one around saw this display he was in.. being manhandled like this is not a fun ordeal, But It was strangely comforting to be picked by the larger woman, darn!.. he must be developing Something to like this lil too much but he gave hum annoyance before he relaxed let embrace her cuddling him close… I guess it was nice.


Steph grin she sees fluster his cheeks she chuckle she leans in to nuzzle into man's neck, cuddle him in close, cortex let his hair droop emotion as heat raised in his cheek.


“Hmm alright alright, i know im.. Fresh tall glass of water, but this..” he leaned back on his hands in her grasp. “ at least tell me you're going to pick me up.. It's lil embarrassing you know.”


She smirked, her snout showed fangs but she then pouted. “Aww I would like to pick up my BF and give him a much needed cuddle? .. don't like cuddles?” she played with him, she turned around to bed she sat down, the mattress sinked in a bit much, she let dr cortex scoot down sit on her lap.


He brought hand up and gave an ‘ahmm’, “ I don't mind .. the cuddles, just the manhandling.”


“But nobody else but us here.. Is that embarrassing to your pride that I'm a dragoness who can pick you up with ease? I can even cradle you too” she teased him.


Visually the doctor was coming more orange in color of the ideas, he was not being honest to her but it sounded rather nice be in. to indulge such fantasies is a weird experience for him.."maybe.”


Steph held her chuckle back his response to that, she kinda got the idea now that the doctor has things for tall women in favor. “oh so the doctor like be carried around huh”


“No noo no, i didn't say be carried around, just.. Cuddled in private!” Christ, if a minion saw him being carried like that he would lose the last bit of his evil reputation outdoors.


“Can’t I show any affection in public. Are you one of those guys who are too .. private for such manners in public space” she mocked him, making a hand in a circle to her eye, acting like a dapper man. “I hope you humor me. A small form of affection is allowed to give kisses in public.” put up an english accent.


Cortex rolled his eyes at her acting there, he raised an eyebrow at her.


She leaned away and he seemed to give her such a sarcastic look. “or maybe i just go home, get more affection from lyica.”


Doctor leaned over and suddenly held her arm, there was a pleading look on his face. “ no no… I'm not that prudish!” he gulped lil she suddenly turned away from him. “It's .. well when it more my reputation as mine.. Got to show decorum of an evil stance among my minions… you know.”


She saw his sudden panic about her leaving but this whole thing his reputation was getting on her nerves. “Why is it so important you got to show this.. Aura evil about yourself. From what I last remember said you didn't like being called a ‘villain’ and saw yourself as a victim of society.” 


He did say that when they met, guess over months he got so pushed under influence Uka uka manners to be better form it all sunken into him be this way, Uka uka being of late threatening to replace him if he didnt step up..his shoulders sank low.


Her shoulders slumped down she leaned back his way, tugged him closer to her, “sorry, still sore thing i see, you do what gotta do love.. I'm here to support you through.”


Dr Cortex eyed up slowly to her, comforting him, he missed it..missed that sweet company of hers all months.


Steph let purr out from her throat she leaned to kiss top his head,see his hair gave perk upwards in response she giggled see it spring mood back.


Cortex mind whirling he felt soft lips land top his head, he suddenly perked up again mood doing 180 degree, he hoped off her lap, he pointed finger into air. “yes!, that exactly why also have you here as support.. I got some grand ideas that were inspired from over your realm, grand evil ideas!”


Draggonness smiled to see how he cheered up again, maybe not a complete bag of cats anymore and more of a moody house cat gets zoomies. “ oh yeah, what have you been working on?”


Time for Doc to shine his best at. “ Ah, that's the thing, the mojo on the island that with the complementary grimoires you gave me to read back your realm, gave me the most excellent idea to use them. I've been overworking it for months while my new lair is being made to try to replicate like my old Evolvo ray into a new form. The Mutantriozer!”


Dr cortex was peaking explaining his plan, he gave whole speech testing new subject mojo make new mutants he called ‘titans’ and they much more powerful than original Evolvo ray plan, new machine made some new subjects with a excellent muscle mass growth and not to dumb take to orders, there some problems testing while back with it try see he could still change even crash be his general.. But of course his good nature was too much like The Mutantriozer and it seemed his good karma worked in his favor… if only the batteries didn't lose power in his remote it would be a success.*Crash of titans, monster truck*


Steph sat there listening to the doctor of ideas, she nodded along, she admired how he seemed to be brightened up in his element nature here, smart, talented with his expertise and flow spark life in the man made her feel inspired too to be near him, feelings being inspired by this man all thing, he was become her muse.


She smiles softly she leaned into palm her hand watching him explain details some mutant he created.
 “ question” she raised a finger she halted doctor rambling about some mutant he made with gorilla and scorpion he combined. 


“Hmm yes? Questions.. Of course my dear, anything!” He straightened himself up To listen.


“Mojo, been testing out combining animals that just... Living?” she asked as she leaned over asking in a low form voice.


Dr Cortex turned his gaze in a manner like skeptical what she meant by that. “ living?, well yes of course living animals.. I can't be like Frankenstein and revive a corpse now?”


Steph clicked her tongue in her maw and raised an eyebrow, who was frankenstein? she shrugged her shoulders. “yes mojo have great use on living creatures, but mojo also used as a life source use manners to.. Resurrect.”


Dr Cortex squints his right eye at her trying analized her answer.. Resurrect, like raise the dead? “ That sounds rather morbid my dear .. I never usually use such a manner in my experiments.. Well except reviving Tiny tiger from a fossil.. That was the whole genetic reconstruction we had him in the tube growing in before putting him in front of the Evolvo ray.”


Steph leaned back her hands and she tried to explain what she meant “mojo acts like a lifeline to creatures or even non creatures say, if you use parts creatures or even objects don't really show true life in… can make something new. Not undead but a living creature… hmm flesh golem to say.”


Dr Cortex quizzed if had gone mad at what she was explaining. “ undead but not.. Undead?” his lip hair curling up idea ran through his mind.


“Yes, you can create your very own supernatural-like titan if you use the right materials.. Build your own monster and use mojo as a life line keeps it alive and still hold factors that might use supernatural abilities. Haven't the titans you've been making already show elemental abilities?” she explained.


“Well yes, they have.. So the mojo giving these abilities to my titans, some rats i mutated have shown some able to make ice.. Even turtles I evolved I was startled to see lava vanes form over there scales.“ he mumbled about some of the questioning mutations he saw titans he had done recently.. All point mojo magic source has a random effect on animals he used.


 “ If you bring me to your lab and show me your Mutantriozer... Maybe I can display a small experiment to see how this works for you.” She glee’s at the idea, it is fun and fascinating to see what he worked on in his own lab.. See genuine mad doctor at his work.


Dr Cortex was surprised she liked to come to his lab, accelerated excitement to the idea she wanted to try to do an experiment with Him!. 


He glanced up seeing her face, the eager look of  mad scientist in her own eyes, it was an expression of excitement like his own idea came to challenge his scientific wits in experimenting. 


He clutched his chest idea.. Be still my beating heart! she looked so cute with that rather wicked look on her face… like she mad doctor herself, felt like cupid hit him in the chest again arrow at the idea of her wanting to work in a lab with him on an experiment.


Steph looked at Doc clutching his chest, did she upset him by asking to go to his lab? Too personal to ask. “Are you ok? .. ur not having a heart attack are you?” She leans up.


“No.. I'm fine!. I'm just surprised you want to do an experiment with me, it's.. Rather overwhelming.” he looked to gain footing and grin wide wicked Smile his mad doctor side showing, getty with the idea. 


Steph slumped back on bed relief, she slink back lil that look on his face, she got shivers from it, that spark in his eyes as a mad doctor was there. “Yeah, I'm very interested to see what you worked on doc.”


Dr Cortex grinned ear to ear, he was like a bouncing kid excited to show off his new toys, he walked over to her door and unlocked it.”this way if you please dear..”


She saw how much wanted to do this, it was rather hot how nebulous he was in his environment, the doctor waiting to make a new discovery for his work. 


She tapped her crystal and she let form change human again, slipped back in her shoes, she bent down to backpack she went to recover a grimoire and small sack from her bag. She walked over to the door as the doctor opened up and let her out first.


Dr Cortex closed the door behind her and in a rather skipping manner was in such gleeful mood he acted like a school boy, he showed her back down stairs to lower parts manor to far back his new lair he showed backroom of labs where contracted for new home.


Doctor cortex showed up next to a metal sliding door he stopped in front “before your very eyes is to my ultra super deluxe lab! Where all Whale Size ideas plans come to life! So please my dear.”  saying the last part so sultry it gave steph blush her cheeks, doctor was in his zone expertise and showing it.


Dr Cortex went to his Door security lock to dialed in lock code, but machine beeped a ’denied’ to the code, Doctor gave squint look to dial he went again putting his code in, denied again beep ring his ears, he turned looked back at his guest he gave a smile grin bit embarrassed moment.


As he grit words through his teeth. “one moment..” he viewed the code box again and dialed in a few more times, being denied till he finally was able to recover the reason the code was not working. He finally got it when he banged gloved fist on it a few times, muttering under his breath ‘cheap crap of security’.


Doors to his lab open, the metallic made room was dark, Dr Cortex stepped inside, he went flip switch for lights. 
He stepped forward to side all his machines buzzed to life, room looked to be of typical mad doctors lab, dr cortex gave evil laugh in moment dark room lit up in soft light and green hue monitors light up, some sort thunder sound from the machine as doctor laugh came more theatrical to moment like dark gothic horror movie scene.


Steph gave a small clap in awe,” ooh someone wanted to impress me.” She saw he wanted to give his best villainy theatrics to show.


Dr Cortex smiled wide and she liked his lil performance.”i shine my best”


She came in step into the room and she came to look closer at his wares of machinery, which were bit patchwork metals plates machines put together not clean molded machines.


Dr Cortex had spring his step over to his large machine, he trailed hand over the slab table in front of his Mutantriozer.. He couldn't help chortling, he ran finger through his beard thinking what a wonderful moment, his magic expert was already making ideas for him something new and to do experiments together, he turned to look back at his lovely new cohort.


Steph walked up to a machine he called Mutantriozer, she walked around examining piece tech, unfamiliar how it works but got an idea how it manages to process the mojo, storage mojo chargers through panels like a battery and out as plasma energy to the subject through coils. 


Cortex was smiling in the moment watching her examine his masterpiece, he passed as thought clicked his mind, his eyes examined her form thoroughly, not in a seductive.. He joked it was a nice site to see in any situation he hummed soft chortles his throat, but the manner was to get idea measurements in his head of what her body ratios were, he nodded to the idea he walked away over to a locker.


He had a locker spared in his lab for extra lab coats and gloves, goggles all necessary for lab safety needed. He pulled out a large coat and gloves size and goggles. “Yes these will do”


“Hmmwhat was that?” she looked up, watching the doctor return over from a locker to her holding clothes out for her.


“Safety first!” he was sure these fit her comfortably, ”i don't want any huff about it, my rules, my lab.” 


Steph pursed her lip but smiled at his demand she took his clothes, flush color her cheeks.” yes sir.” she said.


She liked his take charge attitude, she looked over the grey white lab coat she started to put it on, she looked up and saw the doctor turned away to let her dress, such a gentleman still she chuckled.


She continued to dress in full attire, she tucked her hair up into strapped goggles, put them by her head and slipped on gloves. She looked back over him and buttoned up her coat. “All dressed.. “ 


Doctor turned his gaze back to her, he looked her up and down, gave a satisfied nod, tho his head he couldn't help adore this nerdy look upon her with one his lab coats on… so so cute!  But not time for more tomfoolery and Whoopies.. Not yet, it was time for an experiment.


“Alright now have things settled, i assume you can see how machines work or should describe all details needed in how it is used. It is a very complicated machine compared to what you use to my dear if you need to know how it works. “ he drabbled on.


“Hmm, it seems easy enough how it works, put the object in the target zone, adjust mojo nature and zap! See results.” She played it off as child play.


Cortex pouted at that, “zap!” he muttered a bit offended by his machine, his glorious invention downgraded to that example..” i suppose simpler terms what supposed to do..” clicking his tongue.


She looked back at him “well not like my ‘Mumbo jumbo’ magic it kinda goes zap too the same way.”  she mocked him using words that explained her magic.


Cortex squinted at her, her Cheeky tongue started to get on his nerves, he kept mouth shut though he did call her magic that as an insult.


She smiled a sarcastic look back at him, but shrugged and let it go as he seemed to give her disdain look, she walked over to him she held out the lil bag she was holding and had a book under her arms. “So let's discuss the grimoire on creating your first flesh golem!. It's simple fun for most mages to get into this project in wizard university..” she tattled on like she was a teacher to him.


Doctor looked at the bag she held out, he took the bag, he undo notch he went look what was inside, he put hand in to find what it was. “ is this gift for me? How sweet of you.. This.. “ What he pulled out was something he was not expecting to hold.


“This is a finger! “ he dropped the bag and finger waggled his hands away like disgust, it dropped onto the floor by his shoes, an ugly purple mummified finger.


Steph chuckled, she bent down and picked up the finger. “ yes it's a finger from the goblin family, comes from a more feral race then ones live in thieves den, we are making flesh golem now.. These things got to have Flesh as one part of it to make it.”  she waggled the finger infront of the doctor's face, he grimaced back the site of it. “What's the matter? I thought you mad doctors are not squeamish types at these things.”


Dr Cortex didn't like being teased like this. He huffed his chest puffed up. “I'm Not squeamish.. It's.. icky!.” he huffed. “So what else ment build this flesh golem out of?  Doubt just fingers be it.”


Steph smirked “anything else we got, so got a scrap box of stuff?”


Doctor still intrigued by what this was but played along, turned around, walked over to shelfs of items and pointed to the box. “I guess the items in this box of stuff are used from here, a lot of it is just leftover junk from the castle.”


She followed him over she to box on shelf, she passed the finger to doctor hold, who put his gloved hands far away he could his body that finger not be near him, she brought the box onto the slab and started looked in box.” hmm ok ok.. So scrap build.”


Dr Cortex eyed over what she was picking out, as she seemed to take out things that start to make a body frame. “will start simple, small and easy to make. Then try larger ones like titans you've been making.” 


Dr cortex walked over holding finger still to her, when he got to her she took finger from him “ thank you love”
Cortex raised eyebrows being called love, getting called pet names, sweet sentiment.  He watched what she was making, strange and stranger as she formed it together.


Body made from purple clay, some examples got from mount grimly while back, cortex had study the dark mountain for its ghoulie nature see if stones had any properties of mojo, it didn't have anything so chucked into box like many other objects were useless, she formed eyes with old goggles and used legs bits stumpy drift wumpa wood and then decided to place some old underwear onto small form her creation, just incase when it was born this scraped together mess not naked. 


Finally the mummified finger was placed into hand and purple clay. “ there finished” strange round ball creature of scraps there lay on the slap. 


“Weird but this would provide some extra ways to make minions use old scraps.” he couldn't complain if it worked but didn't then well.. Hopefully it did work.


“No worries, once it forms the body living tissue, you can extract more tissue matter, blood, hair.. Anything and use more over time to create others. 101 Quick and easy to make minions.” she explain picked box up and placed over far side, she walked back with grimoire she opens up flips through few pages make sure seem right details, never gets old to check ritual was done right.


She shoves the grimoire into the doctor's face to show him the layout in the grimoire. “See, this is how production creates golems.. Ounce create one by hand Most rest time be easy use spell summon one later know how..” she rambled on with works physics golem making in alchemy.


Cortex raised his head back, she put the book so close to his face, he tried to hear her how it worked but it had a bit much magic parts but sounded like creating the structure of robotics in some ways, he enjoyed her enthusiasm doing this with him. “ Guess I'm your student for a moment..”


She smiles over to him “ doc lets not roleplay while we are creating “ she flirted with him she gave a hip bump, he responded chuckle amusement.


 “Alright, let's give it its command Glyph." She  leaned over the scrap creation and looked to write symbols onto the creature flesh.“ok and also need some fresh mojo, chop chop darling.” She commanded the doctor to get her some mojo.


Dr Cortex looked at her and Bemused showed his face, commanding him. “I am the head scientist here. Thank you, I do not do minion labor in my own lab?.” he scoffed.


Steph merely looked up and sternly looked at him. “ Doc, I need fresh mojo and I don't know your lab well enough so.. Now.. please.” she said in a cold and soft polite tone incharge like she was still queen over thieves den.


Dr Cortex took a moment to process this look, gave him a shiver up his back enduring a bit of soft boner under his lab coat, he quickly took steps away to hide the on coming flush his face, damn he was developing a thing for dominating women too.


“How much..” he questioned in a soft tone, his cheeks still feeling hot.


“A small amount will do fine. Above 10 grams.” her tone light on command waiting for him


He took a small vial from a small fridge, kept  small specimens vials of mojo be tested on, he briefly walked back to her by the slab passed it to her, she mouthed a thank you, she remarked he looked lil flushed, he only turned his gaze away with ahem from his throat.


She poured the mojo out of the vial into the mouth of the body “this command as a minion, so that all and rest is to give it a zap zap!”  she mocked, her finger like a gun pointing at the doctor.


Doctor stared nonchalantly, his eyes piercing through her, “it doesn't go zap zap!.” he commanded his hand to move her back behind the machine, safely on protocol it was. “Back here please and we can get this started.”


There absolute exhilarated glint in doctors eyes as he went picked up near by remote, he placed it up to needed volume for they acquire since minion it only need medium amount.


He pressed button start machine as it whirled to life and charged up, machine glowed green aqua before it released its charge and zapped the specimen on the slab, there was strange buzzing noise and when the two able see after flash light died down, on slab laid a strange small purple round creature made from all parts scrap, the lil creature had grown purple flesh over it body as laid there just googles and underwear as cover.


It flinched suddenly as spark life made it awaken.


Dr Cortex held his breath in time watching this play out, but this strange phenomena idea worked, he thought the idea scraped together creature just parts out the box and a finger would fail…holi cannoli this worked.
then this opens up a brand new opportunity to create more whimsical and grand titans for his army!


Steph on the side squinted as the light died down, when her vision was back able to see the creature on the table was fleshed and alive… she thought it wouldn't work the first time, not without the magic ritual, guess the Mutantriozer really had capacity to work like a magic caster the same way.


Dr Cortex skipped his feet over to the side slab to examine this new thing they made, he poked it first to see if it wasn't dangerous, didn't seem want move but it breathed through its toothy mouth, doctor only think how Xeno this thing was he never seen anything like it.


Steph moved over along the other side slab to look at the creature, she pulled up hand and examined it closer. ”see it worked.. But truthfully I honestly think this wouldn't work the first time.”


Dr Cortex looked baffled but defiant. “Did you not trust my machine! My masterpiece of a machine does work!.” he questioned her.


“No no I only expect that magic rituals usually way take place in order to make one of these... So this was a fluke philosophical idea, a chance that worked through your scientific method. And it did.” she explained to him. 


“Well.. it did work and i Love it! I can make more minions for my army and create with just leftover parts from failed experiments.” he was almost jumping on spot joy to it.. All ideas he could explore are made in this method. 


He smiled thinking possibilities. He turned his gaze back to her as thought came to mind, it was a brash idea but he felt compelled to ask of her at least... “I don't think by chance.. Well.. Would you.. like to be my general for my army when I conquer the world.”


Steph looked at him for a moment if he was joking to her but the doctor moved around the table making his proposal, he was giddy with his stance he went up to her and took her hand in his. “Be my general!” 


She only stared back at him, a gap this madness spelled out of his mouth. “Are you insane! I'm a queen! You would demote me to being a general for your world domination… that is an insult to our contract buster!.”  she took hand back and poked him in the chest leaving the poor doctor taken aback.. Guess he was wrong to ask.


“Besides that I really have no ambition to dominate...that's your dream, my dream is different.” She hopes he comes back with some sanity. “we're together on this so I do not take anything lower than the position of a ruler.. If you do succeed in world domination.”  she prompted him.


Cortex was saddened, annoyed that she did not like his idea and was rejecting it, although he didn't mind her being ‘his’ queen with his king of his world conquering... He took her hand back and tried to smooth it out with his outlandish manner gesture of her position. “ then queen it is.. You're not mad at me asking.“ he pouted face.


He pulled her hand up to kiss gently on her gloved hand and he smiled with a goofy look. 


“Hmmm” she stared down at him. He did a lil begging act, it was cute. “Fine , you're forgiven for now..beside my dream's goal is pursuit of happiness, knowledge and power.. It's my natural course as a sorceress to be stronger..” she sighs. “ Let's focus on the subject here.. I like to rest before dinner and settle in.”


“Right right of course..” the doctor just bounced back from his rejection idea but glad smoothed out not upset her, angry sorceress not ideal to have.


 “ Right the subject, this thing needs a name for now as it prototype for more of its kind… hmm i thought it looks so Xeno its form, strange round purple teethy thing it is, hmm.” he pondered what to call this creation.


She perked up with the idea that he said “ xeno huh.. Just short as a ‘znu’ for it? It's unknown.” 


Cortex raised a bushy eyebrow and let name roll over his tongue. “Znu.. zzznnuu”  it is easy to call out these creatures' names like this as ‘minions.’ i guess it suits it.  Znu it is, subject 000.1 be called znu. As new line minions in production.” he announced it, he was sure to pull out his mobile phone, text it down his notes.


Steph leaned over to see the device that he had his hands on, she had not seen it before. Curious lil magic stone he held as light up and started type words on its surface.


Dr Cortex looked up as she was leaning to see his phone. “have not seen one of these my dear.. One many wonders about the tech that humans made.” 


She shook her head looking at it.


“Ah well this my dear is a device that allows you to communicate with others far distance, hold services in the digital age and many many more as entertainment or documenting..” he tried to explain eloquently.


“Communicated?  Wait, this is a phone?” she said.


Cortex perked when she least knew what phone was. “matter speaking, yes.. Even a small hand held computer and camera.”


“What!“ She was surprised by this. “this works all that in a small device.. “ she saw phones and computers from tech worlds of avalar has, but most use crystals or small wired phones to communicate. "Well this takes the cake, why didn't you explain this the first time?.”


He shrugged. “slip my mind while being distracted by a gorgeous woman in front of me.”  he slips charm out in a moment. “I suppose I should give one of my own brands to you while here.”


She looked lil excited to get one of these. Her attention went back to the znu on the slab, she looked over one more time before belting out a command at it. “ Alright buddy you're alive, sit up!”


The purple znu creature did so, the doctor stepped back in fright it moved suddenly, he approached it.


“Ok lil purple guy, this here you commander.” she thumbed over to the doc. “do what he says for a moment ok.” she said and went to walk over to the doctors door. “better feed him something before you start extracting DNA from it to make more… I'm going back to my room for now, love, i’ll come by for dinner ok.”  She does not want to wait for the doctor to let her resign.


“Wait what, but.. I.. not going to stay for more.” he walked over to her at the door. “I mean we make more of these with me..” 


Steph started unbuttoning her lab coat. “Sweety, I just got here, I've been flying around the island, had sex on the way here, made this bit of magic and I'm bushed, I need a nap and make up my room stay here before dinner."


She lifted her hand up and caressed his cheek. “You got a recipe now to make some minions for a moment, so have fun with it.” she leaned over to kiss him on the lips.


He melted on the attention of it, these sweet kisses from her make his legs unlocked under him. “Well.. if you need rest then, dinner be around 6.pm’, having spaghetti on the menu.. If you like that, dine quietly in my office?” He wanted to make an idea for a date night.


“Sounds perfect. “ she winked at him, she folded up the lab coat and gave the doctor back the lab clothes but he insisted she keep them on her to use.


She went to the open door, she bout leave but there coming up to door to knock was n.gin finished with blimp duty, he looked up stopping his track, he eyed her coming from doctor lab he hesitated why she coming from cortex lab.


“Oh hello dr. n.gin.. Good timing, think dr cortex use your excellent service with the new minion created.”  she opened the door wider n.gin passed by her, n.gin eyed her sus but he walked up to the door and spotted his master there. “ a new minion? Already?” n.gin questioned this.


Dr Cortex was in his own daze. A few moments he pulled his head out cloud 9 focused on n.gin he brought hand up his mouth and gave ahem. “ Yes n.gin, our new mojo expert here, presented a new way to create minions for us to use, she is already here being highly useful to input her knowledge.” he wagged his hand for n.gin come he turned around head back to slab examine minion with n.gin.


Ngin looked back and forth before making his mind up to follow the doctor into his lab, as n.gin looked back and watched ms steph leave, he only thought how Dr Cortex was able to compliment new co-worker already.


When he got thanked for all the work he does, ping jealousy in n.gin showed but he also started to wonder if the doctor more favored this new lady because of..Romantic intentions? Maybe one thought popped his cyborg mind or was all manipulation tactic dr cortex using here on new guest like he usually use on all he cohorts… wouldn't be so far from truth since dr. brio.


Ngin followed up to his master, he looked over the new minion, he grimaced a strange purple creature.. Not based on any animals they've been creating lately. “My league.. This wonderful new creation here is a new creation?”


Dr Cortex smiling ear to ear, he stroked his beard. “ Yes indeed n.gin, its new unique creation so we need to start duplicating some clones of it and start a new mass of them… we still have that cloning device.. The make-anoutherator?” *crash of the titans - Have Another* 


Ngin nodded “ yes my league.. We were able to retrieve the device after crash took it and duplicated 20 of himselfs and a thousand wumpas.. “


Cortex just shivered at the thought of all those crash clones, what was going through his head thinking he used an evil clone crash to beat him.. Course he wouldn't get an evil clone, crash too stupid now how be bad.. Even a clone. “Yes yes that one, will start stocking up on new creations… also, get one the sandwiches from the mini fridge, need to make sure this thing eats.”


“Um.. yes my league,” he went waddle over to do what he asked for. “ um.. The airship is all clean by the way..”


Dr Cortex rocked on his heel, he barely looked up from the new znu creation. “ yes yes..thank you.. Go get what I asked for.”


Ngin looked back over shoulder at Dr Cortex actually thanking him, his new attitude really throwing n.gin off..but he shrugged and went to his work.


****


Later that night, Dr Cortex Bedroom,His office was rearranged to make it be comfortable with a dining table for two, Dr Cortex was getting himself groomed up for evening dinner.


He's been planning it since she came, it was perfect.. Dinner table set in the middle of his office, soft light candles and he got tiny bring up a bowl of spaghetti, made sure the thylacine to wear at least a bowtie.. Unfortunately, microwave made spaghetti was the only thing that had. 


No one really cooked well enough in place so microwave dinners, take aways or quick easy make meals were it.


Cortex made sure he was dressed to impress, he had a red evening robe with black lining on, black dress pants and nicest evening leather shoes, he tried to groom much of his hair back to smooth it, but his clown hair always seemed to pop out to the side as always.


It was his time to shine, bit payback from dinner date since when he was stuck in the dragon realm.
Dinner date she gave him was a wonderful time they had, talking, laughing.. Seeing that smile on her lips, he wanted to reduplicate such a scene again but here his own home turf. 


He took in a big breath, he in his private bathroom getting his eyebrow groomed in shape while he manned himself up in the mirror. “ok ok..neo, got all planned out, dinner, talk, some music to make the mood go right.. Impress her with piano and then..well hopefully play out like the stud i am.” 


He overbearing confidence shing he planned it, he lifted lip up to cheek his teeth was white cleaned when he heard knock at the door.


He looked back at the bathroom door “ just miniate! “ looks back to mirror himself. “Devilish handsome you are..” he made sure he outfit was right and tweaked at his mustache before he went with a skip his feet from bathroom, bedroom and into his office. 


Walking up to the door he opened slowly to peak out.


There she was on the other side of the door, she just wore the same dark dress she wore when they had another realm dinner, she still looked enchanting in dress.


Dr Cortex just smiled wide and he opened the door and let her in. “please my dear, welcome to my humble office..hopefully your evening was comfortable.”


“It was.. I did not have a chance to look around more as I was tired after all the morning exploring and mid day activities.. needed that power nap. If there is going to be more core work out activity.” she gave him a wink and she walked over to the dinner table.


“Hmhmhmm i do plan for more.” he whispered under his breath, gitty his steps he came over to her chair and pulled it out for her to take a seat, she  sat down as he pulled her in.


Cortex did not waste time moving around the other side of the table and sat down. 


Steph opens her magic item box, and takes out a bottle of night berry wine she brought with her as a gift to the doctor and then a small candle that the doctor gifted her back in the realm.


She placed a candle he gifted to her on the table, she used a bit of magic to light it. " I thought this would be a nice way to use your gift.”  The candle looked like it had been used a lot of times and had already melted half way.


Cortex looked over there were soft thrums from his chest at the gesture she remembered his gift, even tho it was a way manipulation tactic to get her charmed... She seemed to keep it  with her and used it. 


"Well glad my gift brings joy to you, yours certainly have done wonders to my looks." he tweaked at his van dyke mustaches to her. 


"You look very handsome doc, suits you well."  She gazed softly over to him. He looked so nice and cleaned up for the evening, did all that for her to make an effort.


Soft sweet scent vanilla drift in air, doctor smells the candle aroma, seems the right gift choice, made even more relaxed evening felt romantic touch time.


She went to present him with a nightberry wine bottle to him, but before she gave it to him she held back from his reach. “I'll be honest here, last time you had wine you got very badly drunk on it. So let's not overdo it this time.. I hate to take another guilty drunk to bed.”  


Dr Cortex placed hand on his chest like he swore an oath.."I assure you, that kind scene will not be repeated in your presence… it was embarrassing enough.” he made sure to reassure not happen again with the wine.


She gave the bottle over to him to pour into glass. But gave him a look as to better keep low level drinking for tonight. “ Least savor the flavor time you have.”


Cortex nodded and agreed to that least, “ since we are exchanging gifts.. This” he pulled out from his robe pocket a N branded Mobile phone and presented it across the table to her. 
”this for you my dear.. I made sure N.gin makes this Phone for you to keep, it already has a loaded tutorial on how to use it when you're ready.”


Steph took up the phone in her hand, the weird black smooth stone machine she checked over, it was foreign device.  “ um.. Thank you, ah but it might help to have one teacher present to me show how it works tho..” she looked at him hoping he would teach her how this mobile phone works.


“Not a problem.. Be happy to lend a hand to you my dear.” he gladly showed his genius ideas to help work the phone.


Now for dinner.


Dr Cortex brought his N-Watch up as he pressed the dial screen called for Tiny bring up dinner. In the meantime he helps himself pour wine into glasses while waiting for the tiny.


Doors of doctors office open up, the large thylacine stepping in holding tray and cloth over his arm like a waiter, tiny bowtie on but rest was his usual garb green loincloth, he came over to table he put down the tray rather heavily making table shake, Dr Cortex had to grab hold the glasses of wine on table not tip over.


Steph stares up at the large anthro.. Um lion,dog, cat?.. She was not sure of the species of creature but the impressive specimen was with bulging muscles and very large maw.


“Ahem.. Tiny do be more careful with dinner.” Dr Cortex commands directly towards his minion.


Tiny’s ears pressed to his head “ sorry master, tiny do better.” he acted like scowled child in front his master


Steph gave a glance over to the doctor, certainly gesture master and minion dynamic between them. “ So this is tiny..I do remember you said something of him.”


Dr Cortex moved glass wine over her side and he nodded ”yes this is a tiny tiger” he introduced his minion. “his my most loyal of all my made minions.”


“Tiger?, oh so his feline?” She tries to guess tiny species.


“Ah no.. he is a member of Thylacinidae, an extinct marsupial species brought back with one of the many remarkable machines of my genius.”


Steph raised an eyebrow at the doctor, it seemed he was trying to be impressive. “oh”  she said softly, “thank you tiny bringing us dinner, hopefully we can work together in the future more.”  She tried to be sincere towards the anthro.


Tiny only gave a small toothy smile being thanked, but interesting to see a new face, friend of masters is friend to tiny.


Tinys sensitive nose leaned in as he picked up the scent his master was on the pretty lady. “Does the Master have lady as mate?” he wandered.


Dr Cortex glared up at tiny that question, bit personal for his minion to ask such a thing at that while steph covered her mouth she chuckled at that, guess tiny knew already.


“Tiny dont be rude..” Dr cortex started to tire of the tiny presence he showed him to go ”thank you tiny, you services finish for today.. So go play checkers with n.gin.”


Tiny smiled more being thanked by the master he bowed his head he turned wagging tail out door with a rather hard slam that vibrated through the room.


Steph was holding the table from the moment and her glass as well as the doctor was. “rather enthusiastic.”


“You have no idea” he said as he relaxed in his chair, it seemed she could charm any beast, tiny acted so friendly but he saw across the table she didn't even flinch at the sight of tiny, most would be terrified of toothy thylacine, tho then again.. He real nature guess dragons don't need to fear much.


Dr Cortex went to take the tray lid off the dinner, it was ordinary spaghetti bolognese from a microwave meal, just placed on a fancy plate to at least make it look decent.. Though he could swear there was more he last saw on plate before dinner… Some of dinner was half gone, he wondered if Tiny had gotten hungry, ate some of dinner while waiting on his order, he have a word with Tiny about this later.


He frowned a bit and looked up at steph face before deciding to place the lid to the side. “I guess tiny might have had a sampling of our dinner..” he sighs.


She looked over portions of food on the plate. “It's fine.. I don't mind a light dinner, he seems to be a big guy.. Guess he has a big appetite with it." She is not upset about it.


Dr Cortex grit his teeth, tries to soothe out his agitated state and hear she is not upset over dinner at least.


Two settled onto dinner together, soft chat between each other, over ideas of business and as well personal things needed to be discussed, but all was more focused on each other there.


During the conversation she told him the truth about the candle, he got swindled by moneybags, the gems he had would cost less and moneybags took him for all the gems overpriced candle, the doctor thumped the table and he remarked he knew that bear was mocking him.


Dr Cortex wiped his mouth and mustache of any sauce left behind eating what was of dinner. He picked up his glass of wine. “Mm well i hope dinner was least ok, dining with company certainly makes these moments much better.” he took a quick sip before speaking again. 


“I even have to say working together on experiments was better..barely here already have me working on brilliant new ideas.” he remarked.. She was becoming his muse for sure.


“Dinner was fine.. Least this dinner I didn't have to bury it, my son doesn't let me have seafood dinner, he loves fish and marine life but can't stand the idea of fish being a meal… so the result of one dinner finding out was turned into a funeral with eulogy too.” she finished her spaghetti, she felt the table shake under her. 


She looked up to see Dr Cortex was trying to hold back a laughter that he bit his lip to hold in but slipped out a bit snorting from it he had to look away. “ sounds rather close what nina used to do the vegetables, i always found the extra pieces dinner buried in pot plants in old castle, had stop having pot plants in castle… hhmhmmm”


Steph could only just smirked seeing the doc wanting to break out in laughter. “speaking experiments.. I don't suppose you like to try to participate in one of my own down the track..”


Dr cortex ears perked hearing her. “ Me? Participate in an experiment with you dear, hmm does sound fun.“ he gave an evil grin.. Wondering what kind of experiment she was asking.


“Hmm i don't think you caught on to the idea i was asking, i like you to be the experiment..” she said softly twirling a finger over her glass.


Dr Cortex raised an eyebrow while he took a sip of wine again… it registered what she said. ”wait!.. Me be the experiment?!... you're not planning anything that would be…lethal?.”


“No no nothing harmful.. You can choose if you want to be part of it.. It's just a polymorphism experiment.”  She tried to explain in detail that it was non threatening. “since I'm able to make this human form with ease.. I was curious if I could.. Well… turn you into a dragon. If the spell works in reverse?.”  she put the idea out for him to examine.


Dr Cortex subtly shifts his seat, not sure what to think of this idea, he lifts a hand up, his beard stroked contently, he eyed her with suspicion, curiosity. 


“It's perfectly up to you if you like to try.. But I'm still working on it, so I'm making progress for now. I think there are more distractions to deal with before working on such big projects for a moment… i'm pretty sure you going be my worst distraction for awhile doctor.“ said last in a sultry manner.


Dr Cortex blushed orange hue catching onto her..”well i am an interesting subject aren't ey?” 


Steph's gaze drifted over to the nearby piano in his office. “certain subject of conversation, you remember the one we had while sharing a hot spring together those months ago… hmm?” she gaze back doctor intently, the smirk of mischief came across her cheeks


Doctor recalled the scene vividly in his mind ..”ah that moment.. Together” romantic moment that certainly settled into his mind for many months, tho conversation bit fuzzy. “ but ah.. Remind me what we spoke about.”


She shrugged and nodded her head towards the piano. “I recall the promise of music being played to serenade me with..not just promise.. I recall blackmailing you.”


His gaze looked over his piano, the fuzzy memory seemed clear up her saying blackmail, she did.. It was one thing that impressed him the way she seemed to handle him speaking about his past, in ways it was a sweet gesture she kept private his past.. In exchange, I play music for her. “I guess I did promise..”


He got out his chair, he went walking over to the piano bench, he swiped his under robe out when he went to sit there, steph watched from her spot lil dine table eager to see what he did.. That if he really plays the piano and not just a false brag of his ego.


Doctor Cracked his knuckles, he flexed his fingers to make sure he did not have a hand cramp in the middle of his performance, he paused for a moment to think what he should play.. She didn't know any famous music in his world.


“Hmm” he hummed to himself. He thought of the right tune to play for a moment, nothing overly complex or too long, he chose to play 'somewhere over rainbow’, his finger glided to the right position keys and started to play.


Steph watched in awe as the song he played was not one she knew but the tone was sweet, subtle beginning before into chorus... her ears filled with melodious cords ringing from the piano.


She couldn't believe it but the doc was.. Actually pretty good on the piano, guess something she found out she liked more of him and this was pretty hot thing learn he play like this with his fingers over keys.


Music went for 4 mins before the doctor finished his performance, he turned in his seat to see expression across her face was amazement and blush adoration, well he did try to keep up his piano practice to make sure he remembered how to play, it was good for when he needed something relaxing hobby… All those lessons pushed onto him by his mother paid off.


He soaked in her looks of adoration, he stroked his beard. “that was a simple version of a classic musical here on earth..so was this up to liking my dear?”


She did stop staring at him,biting her lips but she got up from her chair, she walked over to him where he sat she grabbed his hand and brought them  up to her. “ These hands are magic! That super tubular Dragon Level Amazing!”


Doc's ego couldn't help inflating such a strange compliment.


Orange on his cheeks said it all “ well.. Don't think anyone gave such a great compliment to my piano play.. N.gin time time but really his opinion in music is usually someone screaming down a mic and Bashing drums..”


She brought his hand up to her lips, gave him a peck kiss on his knuckles. “Nobody ever gave me such a romantic gesture like this, why I asked, I always wanted to be serenaded by someone's music.”


Doc was there speechless that action and turning bright shade orange… was this what felt like when he did that to her. No wonder the way she acted after he did that.


Steph just giggled cheekley his expression she got one back on him.


Something was in the air there between them, doc heart was thumping hard his chest he felt caught in his breath as she looked down at him with those beautiful Mischief green eyes.. He stood up round his bench to be closer to her, whatever was going on he seemed to feel not in control of his actions but needed a close gap between him and her.


She felt there was something in the air herself, the way he looked there at piano and music, it was all enchanting, when he came up to her, there was an urge deep down that needed to make contact.


Cortex brought hand up to caress her cheek, she leaned, she looked up to meet his eyes..he had dark eyes she remarked how they like Obsidian stone hint red on side. ”These hands are magic doc. Magic brings me true happiness.” she said softly, she leaned into his hand.


All the moment was right she leaned in to kiss him, he didn't deny the personal contact but just eager, hand hold her close, touch more those delicate curves his other hand wrapped around the small of her back.


Steph couldn't help herself. She turned her human from back to dragon self as she leaned down into his kiss, cortex noticed the change and he looked back at her scally form.


“Oh” he mumbled. “did i? “ he wondered if rubbing up her gem made her turn back.


She picked up thought she shook her head, “no i did this my own choice, been leveling up the polymorphisms skills so if i desire by just a thought, it let me form change back when i like..i had make sure all 6 months this was perfected while working/ living here.”


“Huh” he curiously looked her over, he smirked, his hands rubbed up her hip and down rear, he was enjoying himself touching her.


“Hmhmhm frisky human, you're needing more attention.. I thought you would be tired after all things today.” she chuckled and she saw the growing glint in his eyes and he raised an eyebrow at her.


“I Can't help myself, I got some free time before Uka uka Checks in.. I need bit more catching up with you a bit more.”  he flashed a charming grin up at her.


“So so pent up are we..are up for more ‘personal catching up’ time with me.. Then shall end the dinner date in the bedroom”. She brought hand up and stroked under his beard. “I still see your personal quarters on the tour today.“


Cortex swallowed hard lump his throat he was happy to oblige the request. “most certainly.”


He guided her to the doors to his personal room, lucky his bed was accommodating a large size so it would not be a hassle for her not to be uncomfortable..


He opened the doors to show his room. 


He had a heart shaped bed with a large gold emblem N on the back wall, the room was painted like most rooms, purples and gold colors, adorning his face on merabillas.. But he heard her gasp a giggle at the site of his bedroom.


He turned his gaze up to her seeing her holding back laughter, her hands covering her snout, he frowned. “ it's not that untasteful“ he knew the choice of bed was off with his taste style.


“Hahaa! .. the Bed..” She giggled to herself in seeing the room “ .. It's fine, just all your faces on everything around here… they don't really compare to your own handsome looks.”


Cortex clicked his tongue and pouted his lips. “ Well I could hire better quality artists to do better ones later.. Maybe have your own face adorn my walls later." He raised an eyebrow idea to have something tasteful of her as the sight on bedroom walls would be delightful to see.


“No thanks..” she said softly. “I don't like portraits of myself.. But ever was one of us in a marriage portrait.. I’ll consider it.”  she smirked down at him.


Cortex did double take a look back at her. “Marriage!” he stuttered a bit there.


“Not now.. But maybe.. Maybe I will say yes in the end if you do propose..” she teased him and she gave her tail bump into his backside. “Well, just have to wait and see if my experiment works out with you.” 


Dr Cortex's mind was reeling from that. So much idea of union between them.. But she said yes.. To him being..a married couple.


Dragoness looks down at him seeing that bonkering his mind in a mess. “For now let's just have a lot of fun together.. Ok, i think we got a grand time ahead before thinking of such a grand romantic union.. Let's just have fun, romance and experiment with each other for now.” she chuckled and pulled the doc close with her tail . 


She scooped up the human into her arms she walked into bedroom, he didn't protest but he made audible he “Hmph, cheeky dragon” 


Doors were shut, it seemed time these two relationships just began a more fun adventure together.. Time will tell the blooming relationship will go for more than what they already are.


The End… For Now?.


"The Dragon Project"
Continuation after "Dragons, Mad Doctors and Tea" Set after 3 years after the event with ‘Mind over Mutant', Dr Cortex rests after His last Battle from crash destroying his Space Station, our poor doctor Is Depressed and on verge of wanting retirement from monotonous cycle of fighting with the bandicoots... Certain Dragoness Sorceress still has ideas for her own experiment she wishes to try with the doctor, might be the new spark for the doctor for a comeback? or will this experiment end with much more different results.. Stay tuned for future stories to be written.