Well, here's what I've wrote over the weekend! Two pieces, one about the egyptian level, the other about end-game. You'll also notice that I'm a big WoD fan. Or maybe not. Kudos to who can get the Scooby references, btw.
"Like, make waaaaaaay!" Shaggy shouted as he and Scooby escaped through the pyramid's corridors, trying to escape the bluish mummy and the anubis-like monster they had ran into a few minutes before. "Why couldnÆt it have been a nice mummy like Tanis?! Like, I would have gone even with her father!"
"Reah!" The great dane took the lead and Shaggy followed him inside a nearby room, plastering themselves against the walls as their pursuers passed them. They sighed in relief. "Rat was close!"
"Aaah... I bet the others didn't run into any mummies." 'But they could have ran into the Virus.' Shaggy wasn't sure which was the lesser evil. Digitally created dead bodies or the blue avatar of destruction and cheat codes, if he had to go by some of the stuff they had seen him do in the levels up to that. Although, there was something strange. ôLike, why hasn't he tried frying us with lightning like he has done when we were out?ö
ôReah! Why?!ö Scooby commented, remembering the Virus's attacks that had disappeared ever since they entered the videogame.
ô... Maybe because he can't really cheat?ö He was kind of a wiz on videogames, and one of the basic rules are that the difficulty grows with the levels. So, maybe even the Virus, for all its power, had to obey that rule. Ergo... ôLike, he can't use his full power yet because it's mid-game. He will able to fry us only in the last level!ö Shaggy cheered, pointing a finger up. Then he realized that the information was only good to bring him further feelings of dread. To get out of the game, there was no way but to beat it, including the last level. Also, that was probably where Winnie was being held up. ô... Zoinks!ö
The mummy and the anubi-monster had decided to backtrack, it seemed. ôRAGGY!ö
ôSCOOBY DOO, LET'S GET OUT OF HERE!ö
-I-
ôDamn, I love a good movie, but wasn't Lawrence of Arabia supposed to be a good guy?!ö
ôHe's also supposed to be an englishman, not a blue conglomerate of data!ö Velma precised as they ran over yet another dune of sand, a camel-riding Virus on their tail.
ôWell, maybe we're the invading forces, on this level.ö Daphne offered, cursing her high heels on that sand.
"Guys, we need a plan, and soon-Ah!" Fred laid eyes on something that would be a life-saver for normal people lost in a desert. For gamers? "An oasis!"
"Jinkies! I bet the Scooby Snacks are in there!" Velma commented, tilting her glasses up. "Or at least a Save Point!"
The Virus grimaced. Lucky, were they? Just by running around, they had chanced upon the place. But if he could-"Like, guys! Wait for us!" Curses, he thought as the tall guy and his dog startled the camel who promptly three him off and made him plant himself up to the waist in the sand. Face first. Oh, they would pay. They would pay for that too.
-I-
"Grr... Ghhh!" The restraints were getting slowly weaker, but it was strange. If this really was a videogame which the Virus now had control over, it could just have programmed the ropes to be unbreakable or something. 'Maybe they are. Then, it's not-!' The Virus was back in another zap of blue light, sprawled on his back. She sat quietly, stopping her efforts. She grinned. She had already learned that it only happened when it lost a box of snacks to coach Rogers and the others. "Back already, Ol' Blue?"
"Gnn... Stop calling me like a dog!" The Virus roared as he disappeared and reassembled back on his feet. "Hrm. No matter. I'll get them on the medieval level." He grinned evilly, reappearing right in front of Winnie's face, who glared back defiantly. "You be a good hostage, girlie. Maybe I'll even find an use for you."
She snarled and threw her head forward, snapping her jaw at thin air as the Virus disappeared. "You electric son of a troll!" She shouted, followed by a throaty howl. She blinked as she finished and the sounds loudness registered in her head. "What?" 'Wait a minute. There's no way I can howl out like this in human forms, unless...!' She threw her head up. It was night, in that level. And not even a mole could miss the giant white disk floating in the sky. She stared a bit more. Then grinned. 'So I've been gradually getting stronger.' The restraints were programmed to be unbreakable by her normal human self. She chuckled. If she could transform even in the cyber world and it was a full moon too... She would have to wait for the right moment, though.
-I-
She was growing steadily impatient. She guessed it was the moon's influence. The more time she passed, the more uncomfortable her body felt because of her will repressing the need for release. She growled. The fact that there was a full moon bode well, at first, but she had forgotten how restless she could become when exposed to direct moonlight from her birth circle. 'Coach, where-'
ôWinnie!ö Her eyes snapped open, the feeling troubling her disappearing as she laid eyes on one of the few sights which managed to calm her down even on those days. She had proof thanks to a photograph she had kept of her academy days.
ôCoach Rogers!ö She let out, her head banging against the bars of the cage she was held into, strung up from the Ferris Wheel. ôYou came! I-Huh?ö She blinked. Slowly, to clear her vision. Was she seeing double? ô... Two Coach Rogers?!ö
ôWe're going to get you down from there right now!ö The lanky man declared, receiving a nod of approval from his red-shirt double.
ôWe've got to find the commands of the Ferris Wheel!ö An old-fashioned clothed Fred said, helped by a twin in his search. Winnie blinked again, confused, as she saw two mystery gangs roaming around under the attraction. She then sniffed the air and retched. The gang with the old clothes had the same smell as the Virus, which meant that they were digital like him, and then there was an overwhelming smell of tar and alligator of all-Her eyes widened. ôCoach! Behind you!ö
-I-
ôLike, huh?ö He turned around. ôZOINKS!ö He jumped back as he laid eyes on an old friend. ôT-T-The Tar Monster?!ö
ôJaguaro?! But he should be in Brazil!ö Velma shouted out, while her digital double inquired about the monster's identity, not possessing the memories of the original.
-I-
ôCoach!ö Winnie could just shake her cage as she observed five monsters converging on the group. Seemed like the originals knew them, going as far as to doubt their authenticity. She knew better, though. She could smell no trace of costumes. There was a small cyber smell, but those things were as real as her, as long as someone's flesh between those jaws or claws would be concerned. She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes, focusing on the raging beating of her heart.
-I-
ôWell, seems like it's Game Over for you!ö The Virus laughed as the five monsters circled the group of ten.
ôG-Guys, a plan?!ö Daphne said, looking for a way out herself.
ôWe've got to run! If we can find some cover in the amusement park we can-ö His speech was interrupted by a loud noise, like metal being forcefully bent and then crushed. ôWhat now?!ö
'Winnie!' Thinking the cage had crashed to the ground, Shaggy turned around and found nothing at the feet of the Ferris Wheel. He raised his head up. He gasped. ôW-What the...?!ö The cage was still hanging from the wheel, or at least what was left of it. The metallic construction had been opened and bent in two, from the inside, from the looks of it. Claw marks marked the floor and some of the bars. His eyes widened. 'Like, don't tell me she-!'
ôRAGGY!ö The two great danes shouted in unison as they noticed a shape over their heads becoming bigger and bigger. The whole group followed their eyes, including the six monsters. The shape then landed inbetween the monsters and the eight humans plus two dogs, wood creaking under its feet.
ôJ-Jinxies!ö The two Velma let out, hugging each other for protection.
ôA-Another old acquaintance?!ö D-Daphne let out, taking a step back as the tall figure stood back on its hind legs.
ôN-Not that I remember! This is new even for us!ö The real redhead answered as her eyes were transfixed on the mass of fur and muscles and claws and teeth-
ôOkay, guys... Did we ever meet a Werewolf? Because I honestly can't remember!ö Fred let out as the figure growled and emitted a ear-shattering howl, which seemed to make even the monsters cringe, barring the Tar Monster and the Virus.
The original Shaggy, for anyone watching's surprise -which at that moment amounted to no one- was unaffected by the howl, having heard many times before, although in a more jovial, less potent and blood-thirsty version. His gaze was fixed on the creature's eyes. ô... Winnie.ö He let out in a whisper.
ôGrrr.... Rrrrrun...ö That seemed to break the humans and dogs' reverie. ôRAAAAAAUGH!ö Then the fear was back again as the Werewolf charged Jaguaro, bringing him to the ground with him. The half-gorilla half-jaguar thing cried out in pain as claws and teeth sank into his body. It emitted a blood-curling scream as a piece of his shoulder was bitten away, blood going to wet the muzzle and neck of its attacker.
ôG-Gang! This is time to make a run for it!ö Shaggy was the last to obey the order and go along with the flow, and still, as he ran, he couldn't keep but observe as the Werewolf-Winnie-tore into Jaguaro while the other monsters, recovered, closed in on her. An image of a young, joyful, furry child flashed in his mind. He compared it with the scenery of carnage happening on that dock. It felt wrong.
-I-
ôYikes. Like, looks like we lost them! But what the hell happened, back there?!ö Digital Shaggy wondered out loud, leaning on his knees for support. ôWhy did that monster attack the other monsters?!ö
The real Shaggy was as out of breath, but he wasn't leaning on his knees. His right hand was for him to stare at, at that moment. As he ran, he couldn't help but think of Winnie. She really was her father's daughter, and the game had managed to transport into the digital world her supernatural abilities perfectly, but there was still the slight problem that for all her strength, that was all she had. Strength. She could do nothing to the Tar Monster, nor the Virus. She probably didn't know that... Or maybe she knew? 'Could she have put herself into harm's way even knowing that?' He stared at his sweaty palm again. He clenched it hard as he caught his breath back. He turned around and started to run in the direction he had come from.
ôH-Hey! Like, where are you going?!ö He stopped as he heard his double's voice. He turned around. ôThere's monsters, in that direction!ö
ôLike, you and the others go for the Scooby Snacks! I can't go back without Winnie!ö He started running again, D-Shaggy understanding.
ôB-But, alone?!ö
ôDon't worry, I have a plan!ö 'I just hope I still can do it!'
-I-
ôCREEEEPEEEEEER!ö
ôRAAAARGH!ö The Creeper cried out in pain as his right arm was forcefully removed. He started writing around on the ground in agony under the Werewolf's feet, his blood pooling in to join Gator Ghoul's, Iron Face's and Jaguaro's. They all were strong monsters in their own right-at least in the cyber world-but they couldn't hold a candle to the strength and the pure rage of the lupine. ôRrrr... Yrr... Trrrn.ö The savage monster let go of the removed appendage and turned to her next prey, blood dripping from her muzzle, dirtying her teeth and claws.
ô... Boy, are you something else, girlie.ö The Virus stated, amused. He had recognized the girl by the signature of the electric data she was currently made of. He then laughed creepily. ôI wonder what would that lanky lad think of you if he saw you like this.ö The werewolf visibly winced at that. ôYeah, I guess you could hide the freak that you are as long as you were all nice, petite and pretty, but right now? You're one hundred percent horror. The blood is superflous. No wonder he ran.ö
ô... RAAAAAAH HUUP!ö The hulking loup-garou lunged at the Virus, ready to tear into him. ôRAAH?!ö Only to pass right through him.
ôStupid, are you? I'm data to begin with, and here on the last level, I can manipulate data freely!ö The Virus stated with a booming laughter. He then turned around, his fingers crackling. Winnie's eyes widened.
ôRAAAAUUUUURH!ö She howled out in pain as an electrical discharge singed and burned fur and flesh alike, her muscles going out of control. The pain lasted for a few seconds, after which she was left writhing on the ground, even if her wounds were already starting to close up.
ôWell, will you look at that... No sense in wasting further energy, then.ö Winnie suddenly flinched as she felt something wet and slimy touch her right leg. She turned around to lay eyes on the Tar Monster, which had disappeared in the middle of the previous brawl. She slashed with her claws. Tar flew a few meters, before splashing on the ground and then sneaking back to the monster's main body. ôData isn't as slash-resistent as tar, but, hey. Suffocating you works just as well for me!ö
ôRAAAAH!ö Winnie slashed and kicked and bit, but she just obtained a mouth full of tar and a horrible taste on her tongue. The Tar Monster just kept on building up in volume, enveloping her in smelling mud.
ôI bet you won't get tired anytime soon, but as soon as the air-supply goes... Buh-bye, puppy girl.ö The damn blueish thing was right, and she knew it.
Already she felt the mud edging closer and closer to her nostrils, her legs already under too much weight for her to stand up again. She struggled and slashed, but the amorphous mass just went back together. And yet, her rage didn't let up, even as her face was covered by tar. She didn't even think about holding her breath, she just kept fighting. Fury still dominated her mind, except for a tiny part. A single, treasured spot in her memories. From a single school year from when she was still wore blue, of a tall man with a heart of gold. 'Coach...' The air was almost gone, no matter her capacity in that form. Couple with the calming effect the man's smile had on her, her struggling stopped...
Then, the Tar Monster stopped as well. Her ears were stuffed as well, but she was pretty sure that she heard it wail. Then, her sense of touch told him something else. It wasn't as slimy anymore. It was hardening. It was now hard. If it was hard, she could-She summoned the last of her strength, shattering the husk that the monster had suddenly become, sending shards of hardened tar flying through the air. Hacking and snorting, Winnie ejected most of the leftovers in her mouth and nose. "Rrrr?!" A clawed hand went to cover her eyes. There was a lot more light than before, there. And the heat was almost unbearable. The cause...
"Y-You!" Was the gigantic ball of plasma hovering above them, tendrils of fire sneaking out even as it shrunk. And the cause of that...
"Like, what do you know. It's actually easier in here!" Computer programming was very similar to magic, after all. The basic motive was the same: willing a modification of reality. Shaggy grinned as he retracted his right arm. "I wanted to control the heat, I created a miniature sun! Like, that's so out of my league it's not even funny!"
"How... What are you?!" The Virus stared in disbelief as the sun disappeared in thin air. Shaggy grinned.
"Just someone who happened to solve a mystery in high school. Like, by reading a book." The Virus stared, his brow narrowing, about to either retort or attack, when his eyes widened. His shape flickered and then he started screaming out in pain. Shaggy observed the monster until it exploded in blue light. "I guess that means the guys found the last of the Scooby Snacks." He sighed in relief, then turning to the kneeling werewolf. "You okay, Winnie?"
His voice. Her name. The full moon disappeared from the sky, but it was the shame that prompted her to turn back to her human shape. She ended up kneeling naked in the middle of the floor, but she wasnÆt bothering to move. Her important places were covered by her hands, her tights closed around them, and her long hair, allowed to fall by her bowed head. Not because of any modesty, but from the desire of hiding her face and hands.
"Zoinks! Better cover you up!" Shaggy removed his tee, kneeling in front of Winnie. She still didnÆt move. "Win?"
"... You saw." He blushed at that. He was about to retort that he didn't look at her private places, but she cut him off. "You saw me as I... My War Form." The blush disappeared. Then, there were tears trailing down her cheeks. "... You must hate me, now. Don't-Don't you, Coach?" She hiccuped. Shaggy understood. He touched her face. "N-No! Coach!" She sent her hands up, blood sticking to his wrists as Winnie tried to stop him.
"Winnie!" She flinched at his harsh voice. "Look at me." He said. Winnie hiccuped but slowly complied. As she searched his hard eyes, the blood all around her mouth and even on h right nose, tears washing some of it and becoming crimson on the way down. Shaggy stared at her a little more and then smiled, surprising the girl.
"... Coach? Hmmmph!" Her face was suddenly covered with fabric, wiping harshly at her face and nose. "BlphrAAAAAH!" Winnie gasped as she finally got back to much needed air, her face going from blue to red. "C-Coach! That was mea-WAH!"
"Well, couldn't have the guys find your face all bloody and stuff! Like, they'd think you have the bloodiest nose ever!" He said with a grin while he pulled his t-shirt down until she cooperated and her head and arms popped through the holes. She could only answer with confusion to his gestures. Then, he patted her head. She blushed. "Hey, Win." He smiled tenderly at her. "Thanks for protecting us."
She kept on staring. Then, she smiled but she couldnÆt keep the tears from flowing. "Coach!" She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He just laughed and hugged her back.
"Okay. Why are they both half naked and why are they nonetheless hugging?!" Velma exclaimed in outrage and embarrassment, the rest of the group in various states of redness.