Lucas smiled at Micaela.

"It's Ok...that just means that you have to be a good super helper. I think we can count on you to do that, can I?"

Now addressing Mrs. Gysbourne,  >Aqua>"As for everything else, like I said, I'm confident in Ozzy. His upbringing has a lot do with the young man he is, and the man he is sure to become. I believe that you've done an excellent job."</Aqua>

Michaela nodded, "Uh-huh! I can do that. I won't tell anybody else. Not even if they tell me secrets too."

Gina smiled, "Thank you, Lucas. He's definitely become a fine young man. I just wish his father would see that. Michael is... very strongly anti-para, as Ozzy has no doubt told you. He seems to think that even the Legacy are up to something."

Ozzy smirked, "Yup, that's him. Paranoid as anything. I guess he thinks that everybody thinks the same way some of his co-workers do."

"I could tell you some stories of my own about family differences," Lucas replied. "We could save that for later, but believe me when I say, Ozzy, that I know what you're going through. Partly because the same thing has happened to me. But in spite of all that, you continue to excel. And Flip and I are proud of you, as I'm sure your folks are too."

Ozzy smiled, "Thanks, Lucas. C'mon Mom, Sis. It's time to head back to Grandpa's house. I don't wanna be late, y'know?"

Gina nodded, hugging her son, "Thank you again, Mr. Martinez. And he's right, Ozzy, I am proud of you, despite what your father might think. Let's get going, then. Bye, thank you both!"

Michaela gave both Flip and Lucas hugs, before running back to her mother's side.

"Bye Mr. Flip! Bye Mr. Lucas!"

Ozzy chuckled, "Later, guys. See ya next class."

And with that, the Gysbourne family left the dojo, getting in Gina's car and heading to Gysbourne Manor.

>> To Gysbourne Manor >>

"Take care, guys," Lucas said as the Gysbourne family left the dojo. He knew that young Ozzy was in good hands with his family.

Soon, the class dispersed, and after going over various aspects of running the dojo, Flip went home, leaving Lucas in the room he inhabited in the back of the dojo. He then began to focus, because he, Hunter, and Mirage were going after The Builder, hoping to get some evidence that would clear Rebound and Seer.

Lucas once again sat down and meditated as he prepared himself mentally, physically and spiritually for the task ahead.

Dealing with The Builder and his henchmen. Balance needed to be satisfied because he had wronged Seer and Rebound greatly. And so he would.

Lucas then arose from his meditation, and looked around the empty dojo. Today had been a pretty good day. His student Ozzy, someone whom he had only met recently, was becoming both a trusted ally and friend, in addition to being a stalwart student. His passing of the green belt test proved that he had grown a lot ever since he first made his "paint impression" felt on the dojo.

He then looked at his phone for a moment. No one had called. He was hoping to hear from Helena. He was fond of her....in love with her. That was no doubt. But despite the good times they had, there were times where it felt like she was a million miles away. Lucas knew that there were still some unresolved issues that were plaguing. Issues that he hoped that he could help her with.

He looked at his phone again, and almost dialed her number. He brought it up at least three times. Until...finally...the fourth time was the charm, and he sent the call.

But there was no answer. He had hoped that she would have answered. So he left her a message, hoping that she would listen to it and get back to him.

>>> From Weston Museum

"Hello Lucas."

Mirage appeared in the dojo, standing in the doorway to Lucas' office.  She looked sensuous with her tight dress hugging all the right curves, and smelled of honeyed violence.  She'd been busy which meant that the local hospitals would see an upsurge in activity tonight.

"I hope that you don't mind my dropping in like this, but I was in the neighbourhood and though to take a little break.  You don't mind, I hope?"

Lucas looked up at Mirage's sudden appearance. He was slightly surprised when she arrived, but it was a pleasant one.
"Why, hello there M. I've been looking forward to seeing you. I...I'm glad you came by."

Mirage smiled and stood up from the doorway.  "How could I resist when you leave such lovely messages for me?  I'm sorry that I didn't answer.  I was a little distracted when you called."

She touched the edge of her lips where the club had struck.  Her jaw felt pained and slightly swollen.  The nice thing about illusions was that she could make herself appear however she wished and even cover up any injuries.  Mirage could only imagine how she really looked, she'd probably have to call in sick from work to recover.  She'd be better in a day or two.

"What have you been up to since we last spoke?  Don't tell me that you've been meditating all this time?"

Lucas sighed, then looked up at Mirage and smiled.

"Not just meditating, M. It has been quite a day. Ozzy took his green belt test today....and he passed with flying colors. Then I've spent some time just centering myself...preparing my mind, my body, and my spirit for the task we have ahead."

He smiled again.

"As for the message....well, I meant every word. You mean so much to me, Helena. My only regret is not staying with you after we left the police station. A mistake that you can be sure I will correct."

"Oh?  Are you planning on going back in time and escorting me to safety from the police station?" Mirage asked with an amused smile.

"An intriguing prospect, if I ever heard of one," Lucas said with a grin.

"Of course, I believe in making things right as soon as possible. And since here you stand, my dear, there's no better time than the present."

Mirage sauntered over to Lucas like a model on a catwalk.  She had been out prowling the streets and back alleyways and getting into all manner of fights and her blood was still running hotly through her veins.  The physical activity was like a drug to her, since it was something that she couldn't do in her normal life.

She placed a slender hand on Lucas' chest, her fingers playing with the collar of his gi.  "And just how are you planning to make things right?" she asked in a soft voice.

Lucas smiled at Mirage as he brought his hand up and gently stroked Mirage's cheek and smiled fondly at her.

"Well...I think this is a good start," he said softly, slowly bringing his lips to meet hers..
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 12:24, Sat 26 Mar 2011.

Mirage smiled softly as Lucas' fingers caressed her cheek.  Her eyes remained locked on his until he finished speaking.  She closed her eyes as their lips met.  Slender fingers tightened on the collar of his gi, holding Lucas close to her.

"Mmm.  A very good start." she said, breaking the kiss only for a moment before renewing the kiss.

"Good...that makes me very..very..happy.."

Lucas smiled as Mirage briefly broke the kiss, then started it up again.

Kissing Friday was quite the experience but now sharing a passionate embrace with the urban legend known as Mirage was an experience all in itself. Something that had to be experienced to be believed.

Mirage smiled as the kissing started up again.  Mirage had enjoyed flirting with Lucas before, understanding completely that  he was Fridays man.  The three of them had something special, a friendship that was deeper than anyone realized.  That she would end up in a passionate embrace with Lucas was something that she didn't dare hope for, for the sake of his relationship with Friday and her own knowledge of just how screwed up she was.  None of that mattered now.

Mirage tightened her grip on Lucas, wanting to be as close to the man as she could.  Her mind reached out using newfound and unfamiliar abilities to touch his.  In an instant there was a telepathic link between them, heightening the emotions that they were feeling.  It became difficult to figure out where she ended and Lucas began with everything awash in a flood of raw attraction.

As the embrace continued, Lucas found himself the recipient of a very nice wave of emotion coming from Mirage's newfound telepathic abilities. His mind connected with hers on a physical and an almost spiritual level.

Lucas and Helena had known each other for a long time, and had become friends, and then eventually more than friends. Soon, their budding relationship began to blossom into something else. Something unforgettable. Something that seemed to resonate with a power that could not be described by words.

Slowly....reluctantly....he eased from the kiss and looked at Mirage in her eyes. A large smile came across his lips once again as he gently stroked her hair.

"You are so amazing, mi amor....my Lady in Red..."

Mirage smiled and looked up at Lucas through her long lashes.

"And you are quite the knight in shining armour, darling." she said softly.  "Do you know how long I've waited for you to kiss me like that?"

Lucas smiled at Mirage, his affection very apparent in his eyes.

"I know it's been a long wait...dare I say it may have been since we first met. Though....I hope it was worth the wait..."

"So far it has." Mirage replied with a smile.  Sharing this tender moment with Lucas felt nice.  She liked the feel of him up against her and she didn't want anything to ruin this.  Lucas had seen the real Helena, damaged, battered, useless, confined to a wheelchair.

She couldn't remain Mirage indefinitely.  Her long hours of activity this day were taxing her talents and she would have to rest, only she didn't want to.  She also didn't want to go back to being what she really was in front of Lucas.  Mirage was all about strength and freedom, being able to do the things that Helena could no longer do and loving Lucas was one of them.

"So, you mentioned something about dinner in your text."

Lucas continued to hold Mirage close to him. Her scent was like the sweetest fragrance, and her presence like a welcome warmth.

"Yes I did...I was wondering how you felt about Versuezzi's. The atmosphere is very nice there, and it will give us more time to talk." he said with his own smile.

"Only talk?" Mirage teased.  "Versuezzi's is a nice place.  Are you asking me out on an official date?"

Lucas smiled as he kissed Mirage on the cheek.

"Yes..I would like to ask you out for a date. After all, if our 'talk' here has been any indication, I can look forward to more..conversations that we might have."