A fancy italian restaurant.

==========>From Above & Beyond Investigations

Friday was grinning as she drove to the restaurant.   Being in Lucas's company did that to her.   Her entire being was like a piece of flotsam caught in a whirlpool at times, but he was the anchor that kept her from drifting more than she had to.   She parked her vehicle and got out.

Actually, I probably should have dressed a little nicer for this.   Oops.
She chuckled.
Mirage had been helping her "soften" her image, with more feminine clothes and activities, but she was still a tom-boy to anyone who looked at her.
Her leather jacket and tapered slacks were nice, neat clothes, but they were VERY casual.

Lucas smiled.

"Anywhere you go with me, Friday...it lights up my world. I like you just the way you are.."

He was wearing a black polo shirt and khakis, so he looked relatively good.

He held the door open for her as they went in.

"After you, Mi Amor..." he said grinning from ear to ear.

She blushes a bit more and seems amused a bit less by the opening of the door this time, though he can tell she's just getting more embarrassed with each "gentlemanly gesture", and isn't really upset.
From past experience, Lucas suspects that he tries to pull out her chair for her, he'll have crossed the line into annoying her.

Once inside, the Maitre D' greets Friday warmly and, when he thinks she's not looking (he's incorrect) he gives Lucas a little wink.
Lucas can see Friday shake his hand at one point, and a folded bill of somesort, possibly a twenty dollar bill, goes into his hand.   The man graciously leads them to a table and takes their drink orders.

Coke for me, thanks.

Lucas would know that while Friday likes to drink, she generally avoids it during the day, despite her high tolerance.

Lucas knew that Friday was a tomboy...in more ways than one. And past experience told him that while she definitely enjoyed the attention...she did so to an extent. All the same he definitely enjoyed her company.

After they sit down and Friday orders her Coke, Lucas then chimes in, "I'll take a Ginger Ale please."

As the waiter goes to get their drinks, Lucas looks into Friday's big brown eyes.

"Well, Ms. Winters..." he said, smiling. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?"

Friday started chuckling, then responded in the same deadpan tone.

Well, I had noone important to talk to, so.....  She waved her hands at him.
Then laughed.

Reaching across the table, she took one of Lucas's strong callused hands.
I keep getting so busy that I forget how much I need you in my life.   

Lucas took her hand as well.

"I've never forgotten, Amor. Oh sure...things have been busy, both in my job and my 'other' job. But I still think about you everyday. I know it sounds corny...but you are close to me even when you are not there with me physically. I don't think that I have a word that sums up my experience with you...but I like it. I really do."

Friday laughed, her happiness so intense that her laugh was practically a giggle.

God!  I'm missed how corny and sappy you are.    You're really kinda wonderful, you know that?

She gave his hand another squeeze (a light one, obviously), and then sat back.

How's the dojo going?  Please, tell me everything.   I know I was supposed to come back to finish my lessons but.....well, you know.....I'm VERY lazy.
She smiled.

Lucas blushed slightly.

"Thanks for that..."

When she asked him about the dojo, he then said, "Things are going well with that. We're getting a lot more students that either Flip or I had thought possible. So much so, we've actually had to put together another class. So...things are definitely taking off. You know, Flip thinks really highly of you...which makes me very happy. And if you need motivation...how about seeing me shirtless?"

After that, he waggled his eyebrows.

Friday roars with laughter, though she quickly stifles her guffaws when people start looking.

Clearing her throat, the smiling woman gives Lucas a sour look as if her outburst was ENTIRELY his fault.

That might work.  It's certainly a better deal than MOST gyms give you.


OOC:  I need to sleep soon.  I'll check in either this afternoon, or tomorrow after work.

Lucas sat back in his chair.

"So...how about you? Above and Beyond is doing pretty well...so much so that you have a receptionist now...and you can be choosier about your cases. And...my offer as a freelance troubleshooter still stands if you need one..." he says winking.

OOC: That's cool. Take care Friday :)

Friday grinned.
I may take you up on that, if only for the company.   You have the bad habit of making long stake-outs much less boring than they're supposed to be.

She reached out and took his hand.
I'm very happy you're in my life, Lucas.   Without you....well, I'd be at a loss as to who I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to do, I think.   

Lucas smiled as she took his hand.

"Well...that makes two of us Friday. I apologize if I sound like a broken record, but ever since I came...back, I thought I had all that I needed to sustain me. That's what I thought....until I met you in the sky that day. You've become a great force in my life, Friday...and someone that I can't envision my life without."

Their food came, and Friday ate with obvious appetite and enjoyment.    She grinned at Lucas as she told him about the fumbling interview with Jamie.   How Friday had been forced to reassure the terrified woman that she wouldn't have to "plug anyone" in the course of her job.

Then Friday got quiet and looked at Lucas shyly.

Perhaps, if your schedule permits, we can take a little vacation together.   You know, go away somewhere.    Just to two of us.  Somewhere private.

She blushes a bit, obviously not asking to go to DisneyWorld.

Lucas had ordered his favorite Italian dish....Spaghetti and meatballs. There was something about the sauce here that tasted extraordinary to him...but he liked it. He always had..and this was no different.

No...this time WAS different...because he was enjoying this meal with someone he cared immensely about.

He laughted with her as they talked about Jamie's interview. It was mildly amusing to hear about some of the fumbling that she did.

Then Friday "popped the question," so to speak...

Lucas smiled at her, and said softly, "I would love to, Friday. I really would. I have looked forward to spending some time with you aside from the Legacy meetings and the occassional supervillain...You name the place, and I will gladly go with you..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Wed 11 Nov 2009.

Friday made short work of her Chicken Tetrazini and salad.

I'm glad.   I..... Well....I have to admit, Lucas, I never really thought of our "relationship" in terms of more than "wonderful while it lasts".
I....I guess thinking that a supervillian might destroy the world makes you not bother with "long term plans".

She was struggling to keep the conversation light, but was failing miserably.
Sighing with an embarrassed grin, she looks into the man's eyes.

I guess I'd like to "move to the next level".   

She seems at a loss for words as to what to say next.

As you know, I've never had a boyfriend before, so....well....I have NO idea what I'm doing here.   

She begins blushing furiously.

Lucas put a reassuring hand on Friday's, seeing that this was somewhat difficult for the normally near-invunerable heroine.

"Hey...". He then spoke softly. "You know, as much as you and I have been through together, Friday, most people wouldn't expect a relationship like ours to last. And yet...here we are. And quite frankly...I wouldn't have it any other way. I know that both of our situations are unique...and that's why I never pressed you Friday. But if you're ready...then so am I. I am so grateful for knowing you Friday..."

He then considered something for a moment.

"If you really want to know me, moreso than you already do...then may I make a suggestion for our vacation spot? I have an uncle of mine who has a hacienda in Puerto Rico, right outside of San Juan...and I haven't seen them in years. Just a few phone calls and I'm sure he wouldn't mind having us out there...or letting us have the place for a short while. What do you say?"

Friday grinned in relief.   She should have counted on Lucas to be sweet and understanding and patient, but she was too insecure to be so presumptuous.

You know, I've always wanted to see Puerto Rico.   

There was more she wanted to ask, but figured that she should take it slow.

Lucas grinned.

"Fantastic....San Juan is not far from his place. But it's almost like being in the middle of...well...paradise. There's lots of scenery and jungle around...it's perfect for someone who wants to get away from it all. It has been some time since I've been but with everything that's happened...I couldn't think of a better time to go back...or someone more special to share it with..."

Friday tries to say something, but is too choked with emotion.   Eyes wet with unshed happy tears, she just nods and dabs at them with a napkin.

After a moment, she smiles, rolling her eyes in embarrassment.
Sorry....I just......
She chuckles.
Sorry.   This is just a little overwhelming.   Overwhelming, but I want more.   

Lucas nodded and smiled, and stroked Friday's face for a moment. "It's OK Friday...let the words come to you..."

When she mentions wanting more, he replied, "So do I, Friday...so do I. I don't know if you remember our long rooftop talk...you know, the one where I told you everything? I remember saying that I could see a future for us Friday. And that possibility is just as strong now as it has ever been."

A.....future.
She says it so wistfully, it almost like she's not sure if the word means what she thinks it means.

Friday is suddenly distracted by the mental image of sweeping the table of its contents, like in some cheesy romance movie, and lying on top of it, pulling Lucas to her.

She pulls herself away from that powerful picture with great reluctance.

I'd like.....I want that.......very much.


OOC:  Ok, need to leave again.  I'll check in later.   

Lucas smiled.

"Me too, Friday...me too...."

Lucas imagines for a brief moment, walking with Friday on a beach as the sun is setting...its light gleaming over the serene waters....and him stopping for a moment and laying on the beach with Friday next to him.

It was a very nice vision...

OOC: Cool. I'll be off and on until I go to work :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Wed 11 Nov 2009.

The waiter brings dessert and Friday sighs with delight to eat her tiramisu.

She looks at Lucas.   The slim brunette seemed suddenly much more relaxed, although her anxiety hadn't been obvious.

For dessert, Lucas had a nice helping of tiramisu also. It had a very good taste.

He looked back at Friday and smiled a very warm smile...his eyes speaking a thousand words...

At the risk of killing the romance of the meal, what do you have planned today?

Lucas shrugged.

"Not much really....I was actually on my way to the dojo to check on Flip and see how things were going there. Then I got waylaid by Skullface and his new friend...but you...you are a pleasant diversion."

He grinned.

"What do you have in mind?" he asked almost coyly.

As the couple are discussing plans a familiar face walks through the door. He walks up to the maitre-de and the two of them begin a heated discussion. As the maitre-de starts shouting the man Known as Shock shrugs and blasts him with a bolt of electricty. People notice this but just as they are starting to panic Shock walks over to the dining hall. "Good evening everyone. It appears that the owner of this fine establishment did not want to pay his debts as such I'm afraid you'll all be slightly inconvenienced by emptying your purses and wallets.

Lucas was having a great time with Friday.

And then Shock came in through the door...and started trouble. Just like he always did.

"Damnit...don't you hate being interrupted, Friday? Distract him for a moment so I can...change..."

Assuming Friday can get his attention, and once all eyes are turned on whatever the distraction was, Lucas quickly heads for a bathroom and summons the armor of The Dragon Fist.

Shock was going to get hurt for interrupting them...

Friday nodded to Lucas.   Her costume was in the car, so she'd have to do what she could "as" Friday.

Without moving to indicate her involvement, she used her telekinesis to throw a pitcher of water on the man (she decided that it things got desperate, she'd set off the sprinkler system).   She was going to use THAT distraction herself, by backing to the side (away from Lucas) and drawing her pistol.

She was hoping to use a wall or bannister as cover against any thrown electricity.

Hands up, Sparky!  I doubt that even you can stop a bullet!

Granted, he probably could, knowing her luck, but hoped that it was part of the distraction.

Dragon Fist smiled...

That's my girl...

With the diversion occupying Shock's attention, Dragon Fist somersaulted, ending up in front of the electric-based villain and attempted to trip the man...

Shock looked down at the water then back at Friday. "First of all I can dodge one, Second, water?! Seriously?! You think this hasn't come up before" Blew sparks go around ho, and in a blur of motion he's behind her. "Now the question is how well can you dodge electricity?" As he bolted out of the way Dragon fist tumbles into his previous location.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Sat 14 Nov 2009.

With a speed capable of flying 100 miles an hour and a grip that can crush bricks to powder, Friday reaches back quickly and grabs the man's crotch and squeezes.

Who says I have to, eh big boy?

@^%#@^*&@^$" Shock shouts as Friday grabs what doctors refer to as, his junk. Throwing his arms in the air a bolt of electricity flies out of his hand going just over a civilians head and flying into a wall.

Taking advantage of Shock's "distracted moment" (or, at least, trying to), Friday places her pistol roughly against his thigh and shoots him, hoping that the contact will minimize the risk of him dodging.

Dragon Fist, seeing Shock somewhat slowed for the moment, makes his way to him and attempts to knock him out with a straight punch to his face...

SHock screams in pain and grabs at his hip was the shot connects. JUst as he is about to unleashe a counter attack however he gets punched in the back of the head and lands on the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:07, Mon 16 Nov 2009.

The crowd in the restaurant begins cheering and crowiding around the two heroes and the unconcious villain.

Dragon Fist bowed at the applause from the citizens.

"Thank you...and thanks for your help, citizen..." he said, nodding at Friday.

"Go ahead and call the police. He should be out until they arrive. Now then...if you'll excuse me..." He rushed out of the restaurant.

Finding an alleyway closeby, and with hopefully nobody looking, he retracted the armor.

He then walked into the restaurant, with a shocked look on his face.

Going over to Friday, he asked, "What happened? Is everything OK?"

Damn stupid-ass supervillains...always gotta interrupt something good...
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 06:32, Mon 16 Nov 2009.

Whipping out her cell in a practiced manuveur, Friday hits Captain Jordan's number (# 3 on speed dial).

Hey there, sir.   Friday here.   Got a live one for you at Versuezzis restaurant.    Yep, that's the one.   Guy with electrical powers and speed.   Please get here soon so I dont' have to shoot him again.
Using her real name was her and Jordan's code that she was reporting this as Friday, not Peregrine.


Friday looked up at Lucas and put away her gun.
I'm ok. I think.   One of the Legacy guys was flying by, I think and heard the commotion.   That's why the guy was taken down so fast.   

Friday, despite her cold-blooded acts earlier, played at being the "frightened girlfriend" throwing herself into her boyfriend's embrace.
She whispered into his ear, with a grin on her face that she hid from the restaurant patrons.
I think it's SO romantic how all our dates end with someone getting shot.
Now, let me bandage this jackass before he bleeds to death.   

Stepping away from her love, Friday looks at the restaurant.
Not to be too cliched, but is there a doctor in the house?

If not, she'd use her first aid skills to try to stablize "Zappy".

An older man steps forward a way from a woman and two young boys who are remarking on how awesome it was to see a hero beat up a bad guy first hand. "I'm a doctor, is there a first aid kit in the building?" Immediately an employee rushes  into the kitchen to fetch it. As the doctor is examining the wound a woman with a tape recorder ssteps up to friday. "excuse me ma'am I'm Trish Trilby from the Weston Examiner, You just aided Dragon Fist voted number 4 dreamiest hero by Cosmo magazine, in defeating a parahuman thug. Mind if we get a few words?"

Friday was torn.   She didn't want TOO much attention, but the free publicity for "Above & Beyond Investigations" couldn't hurt.

She shrugged and grinned shyly at the reporter, in a move she'd practiced in the mirror.
I was just in the right place at the right time to help out.  There's nothing more to it, really.  I'm just glad no innocent people were hurt. 

The woman smiles. "I did notice you talking to whom I assume is a member of the police, and you seem to handle a firearm fairly well, Are you part of the Weston P.D.?

Friday smiled.
No, ma'am.   I'm not in that elite group.  I'm just a private detective in our city.   I've tried to cultivate a good working relationship with the police, though, especially with people like this yahoo running amok.

Though speaking casually and humbly, Friday's enhanced senses are honed in on "Sparky" to make sure she could react the second he tried anything.

Lucas chimed in, "I'm just glad that Dragon guy came along...he saved the people here from that electric guy."

Lucas also did what he could to help Friday with the first aid.

The woman raises an eyebrow at Lucas' comment about something he wasn't present for but says nothing. "would you mind giving me the name of the agency so I may mention it in my article?"

Lucas shrugged.

"I saw some electricity fly around, and then I saw Dragon Fist running out. Just an assumption..."

Friday gives Lucas and warm smile, then turns back towards Ms. Trilby.
I work for "Above & Beyond Investigations".     But, it's not necessary to put the name in if you don't have room or anything.

Friday  didn't want to seem too eager for the publicity, after all.

Your name is Trisha Trilby?  I think I've read  your work.   You did that article on the ship fire last month that Legacy helped put out.   You're a very talented writer.    On an unrelated note, though, who were the top three "Dreamiest Heros", if you don't mind me asking?

The woman blushed at the compliment. "thank you very much, its a very compettitive field especially in a big city like Weston." She smiles at the thought of dreamy heroes and informs Friday. "Well number three was the teen hero Rebound from Philadelphia, Number two was The Hunter, Also from the Legacy, and number one was the lEather Avenger from new york, very cheezy name but great looking guy, almost makes me want to transfer."

Lucas nodded.

"It sounds like a very interesting lineup. I will definitely have to read up some more on these guys..."

Hunter actually got into that group? WTF?! Oh well, I'm not in it for the publicity anyway...

Friday looks at Lucas, just barely supressing a giggle.   In his haste to "play along", he probably didn't realize how enthusiastic he sounded to "check out the dreamiest men in the superhero world".

And interesting lineup, to be sure.    She managed to say.

SHe smiles. "Well I won't keep you any longer." She waves as she walks off and a waiter approaches them saying. "No need to pay, its on the house, seriously if it wasn't for you and Dragon Fist we'd all be in serious trouble."

"Um....thanks."

He turns back to Friday and shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "Really....I wasn't trying to get out of paying for lunch...honest."

He grinned at her for a moment.

"I think you asked me a question earlier about my plans today. Did I answer that question?"

Friday smirked and made a face of mock-disappointment.
Hell, if I'd known that this meal was going to be free, I'd have ordered the lobster scampi.   

She chuckled at Lucas.
If THIS is your idea of "Plans for the day", then I'm better off dating that guy who runs the newsstand on the corner with the three legged dog.  HE, at least, lives a predictible life.

Lucas shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah...at least he knows what's coming..."

He laughed for a moment.

Asking shyly, "Well, now that lunch has been taken care of...where are you off to now? And...I really would like to go on that vacation with you."

Friday leaves a good tip and leads Lucas outside the resturant, where she checks for any paparazzi and then kisses him.
I'm on a case right now, but as soon as I'm finished?
You know, the ocean view of Galvaston, Texas are some of the best in the country.

Lucas smiled. "That sounds good...and I've never been to Texas before. So it will be a first for me."

He went by Friday's new car and waited for her. "Just let me know when you can, and I don't think it will be a problem to clear my schedule. In fact, I'll make sure that it's clear."

He smiled.

Friday grinned as they got into the car.
It's a date, then.   

At the first red light, she leaned over and kissed him.

Now I really want to get this case over with.   
She chuckled in a nonchalant way, but there was a gleam in her eye that promised much.

Lucas returned the kiss, and smiled at her.

"All right...I am looking forward to that Friday. I really have missed you...and I need you in my life just as much as you need me."

Friday looked thoughtfully at Lucas.
Well, I have to work this case, but you could come with, if you'd like?  If you don't want to, that's ok, it'll get REALLY boring, I have to warn you.

Fridays cell rings

Friday would answer it differently, depending on the Caller ID, but:

Hello!  Thank God It's Friday!  What's new with you?

"thank god its? Nevermind. Its Don, me and Helena found something down by the docks that you might find interesting, could you grab Lucas, and Zeke if you can find him and meet us at homebase?"

Timing is, as they say, everything.   Well, at LEAST I got to finish lunch this time.

Yeah, Lucas is here.  I'll try to call Zeke.  We'll be there.  I assume it's not an emergency, but I'll head straight there.

She gave Lucas a rueful grin, as if to say "ok, NOW we've got plans for the afternoon."

Lucas looked puzzled for a moment.

"What kind of...oh...THOSE kind of plans. All right, let's see if we can find Zeke, but I will also need to make a phone call."

Taking out his cell, Lucas then called his mentor Flip.

"Hey Flip...its Lucas. Yeah, it was. Listen, something's come up. Yeah its pretty big..what? There was some kid painting the wall? New resident artist? All right I trust your judgement. All right thanks...yeah I will tell Friday hi. Ok. Bye."

Lucas put his phone away. "Flip says hi, and I am cleared for the rest of the day."

Friday grins at Lucas as she says goodbye to Don, then calls Zeke.

The phone is answered.   Friday listens and smirks.
It's nothing personal.  I just have no desire to talk to you or hear your voice.
Friday's answer was too obviously made while grinning to be taken as a real insult, just the insulting banter that was the bedrock of her friendship with Zeke.

Don is heading to the HQ and needs us there to show us something.   And NO, it's probably not THAT.   You sound busy, but get there when you can, ok?

======> to the Legacy's HQ

Lucas rides along as Frday works out the details with Zeke. Looks like business was about to pick up.

Although the supervillain or aspiring mobster business could stay slow..which it wouldn't...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>To Legacy HQ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<<From condos>>

Iris landed rather quickly for comfort, zooming in low over roofs then dropping behind the restaurant's dumpster for privacy's sake. A few seconds later, her fingers moving blurrily over the controller, the hum slowed and stopped. Iris tucked the controller away and climbed out of her seat, looking around curiously, "Okay, what do we do now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Thu 17 Dec 2009.

Ozzy, still a bit stunned, took a few moments to take everything in before responding.

"Umm... I guess we go in and let them know we're here, then we wait 'till they're finished. We're here, like, waaaaay early. If I'd have known you had a Radial Flyer that actually flew, I would have said 'we need to get there in about thirty minutes'. This is a bit... well, weird, to be honest. So, umm... Iris, how in the hell did you get your hands on something like that, anyway? I didn't think that the technology for that existed, yet."

Iris looked slightly stunned by that statement, "Doesn't exist? Of course it exists. When I found it, it was old and broken, though, and you had to pull it along by the handle all the time. I snuck into the dump and got some bits and pieces that fit what I needed." She lapsed into a tone of voice that clearly meant technical talk was to come. "I mean, hovercraft-type engine plans have existed for... well decades. You used to could buy weak ones out of the backs of comic books in the 60s. Propulsion has only improved. For this one, I adjusted the idea of the hovercraft propulsion and combined it with elements of jet propulsion and some bits and pieces from other engine plans I've seen. I mean, I'm sure it's not like what you get out of the store, since quite a bit of it is made out of parts of an old refrigerator. That's why the condensation. But I can't imagine it's the only one." She paused, then ammended, "Chuck says I shouldn't show grown-ups 'cause they'll say it's too dangerous and take it away. I guess I'm supposed to wear a helment and goggles or something. I haven't got either of those, but I figure that you're not a grown-up, and you did want us to get here fast."

Ozzy blinks, wondering if Iris was really and truly serious about the Radio Flyer.

"Well, yeah, it's not like the ones you get out of the stores. The ones from the stores are the kind that you just pull with the handle! I mean, I know the name is a bit weird, since unless you put it at the top of a hill or something, it doesn't move at all without you pulling it, but... wow. That's just insanely awesome. You built that out of junkyard scrap? Wow, just... wow."

Iris paused, blinking at her wagon in confusion, "The... um, you mean that the normal wagons don't start flying unless they start their engine using inertia from going down a hill? Or Radio Flyers really don't fly? Because that last bit just doesn't make much sense. Does it at least play music?" She asked, sounding a bit pained, then added, "Yeah, I like to tinker around. I... I spent a lot of time with scientists when I was younger. I'm especially fond of fiber-optics and laser technology, but I don't find nearly as much of that in sufficient quantities at the dump. Sometimes when they get some at school, the teacher will let me have some. And Dr. W used to send me things I needed before she disappeared. She's was my psychiatrist. Some of the other scientists will send me stuff, though, and I can save up my allowance to buy stuff. The House Matron says that I have to tell her the plans first. Then she ammended and said I had to tell her if it would explode first. The rule is no explosives in the house or surrounding neighborhood." She paused, then added, "That really is an overall rule. David has been at the home for five years - ever since he blew up his foster parent's house. He says it was an accident, but that rule was put in place when he came to live there."

"No, like, it doesn't fly at all. You might could jump it if you hit a ramp while you are going downhill or something, but no, it doesn't fly under its own power at all. There's no engine, no gears, no nothing. Just four wheels on two axles to make it easier to carry things, and a handle so you can pull or push it." he explained, somewhat dumbfounded at Iris. She could build a hovercraft out of a little red wagon and some scrap metal, but she didn't know that the little red wagon wasn't supposed to fly in the first place.

Of course, he remembered when he was really little, and thought that maybe the Radio Flyers could actually fly, too. But, he'd been, like, five at the time, and his parents had explained to him that it couldn't.

Then again, if she was a foster kid, maybe no one had taken the time to explain to her how the world was supposed to work, and with her scientific knack, she hadn't really cared, since it seemed that she could do things that didn't quite fit into how the world was 'supposed' to work.

Iris blinked, "Well, then, that's just a silly name. They should be called Red Roller wagons, not Radio Flyers." She advised, "Then I'll be more careful. I guess the little cloud of condensation is a good thing then." She smiled and patted the wagon in a friendly way, looked around the alley, and pulled the handle from the front of the thing, "We can take it in with us. It's my only transportation that I don't have to go to a counselor for, so I don't want it to wander off. Some of the other kids have bikes and stuff, but I don't know how to ride one. I mean, I've done it a ton of times, but the bikes that I rode before don't actually go anywhere. And if you lean to the side and pedal sideways, you don't fall on your head. Which is a lot more fun than when you do fall on your head. Which reminds me... how do you walk on the wheels? A couple of the girls do it, but when I asked them to show me, they called me a dork and flicked my forehead. Chuck says they're roller skates and he falls on his... erm... on his tail when he gets on them."

"Well, I guess you're right about the name thing. But, hey, what can you do, you know? And the skates? Lots and lots of practice. If you're going to be coming over regularly, I could teach you to skate. It's all about balance, mostly, and if you wear pads, the falling down isn't quite so bad." he replied, nodding as he lead the way into Versuezzi's, rolling slowly along on his skates.

Iris followed behind, looking around curiously. She sniffed the air as the door opened, then quickly pulled the wagon in behind Ozzy. As he approached the front counter, she stood in the doorway, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings, "Wow!" She whispered, "This is NOTHING like the cafeteria."

Ozzy stopped at the maitre'd's podium, looking up at the well-dressed man who was looking down his nose at Ozzy like he was a pile of walking dog crap. Ozzy just smirked and said, "Yo, I'm here to pick up an order for the Gysbournes. Is it about ready?"

The man simply shook his head, replying, "No, 'yo'. If you would be so kind as to wait there, I will inform you when it is ready. Would you like to go ahead and pay?"

Ozzy nodded, and handed over the money that his mom had given him.

=======> From Elsewhere
Friday Winters walked into the restaurant.  She was dressed very differently then when she'd been here for lunch.   It was unlikely, in fact, than anyone who didn't know her would recognize her.

Gone was the casual jeans and leather jacket.  She was in a stylish, though off the rack, evening-style dress, suitible for such a fine establishment.   She had even traded her black New Balance cross-trainers for heels.  Granted, they were only an inch high, but it was only the fifth time in as many months that she'd worn them.   Her hair and make up were done with a skill she'd learned in recent months.   Instead of looking like a former teenage girl delinquent, like she usually did, she managed to look like a young lady out of the town.

Now, she thought, I just need a man on my arm.   And she knew JUST the man.

>>>From Legacy HQ

Lucas stopped by his place and picked out a nice suit in navy blue, a white dress shirt, black tie, and navy blue slacks. Tonight was going to be a special night indeed.

He walked into the restaurant looking for that special someone in his life. And then he saw her...and he grinned.

"Hello there Ms. Winters. May I have the honor of treating you to dinner tonight?"

Friday turned on her heel and looked up at the well-dressed man.

Well, to be honest, sir.  I WAS waiting for this scruffy looking guy who owns a dojo in town, but......
She looked him up and down, a teasing smile on her face.
I suppose you'll do until he arrives.

She vampishly touches her upper lip with her tongue and walks over, taking his strong arm in her deceptively slender hands.

You get dinner, and perhaps I'll take care of....dessert?

Lucas smiled back at Friday as she took his arm. And the look she gave him indicated a promise of much more..

"Dessert sounds nice and sweet. I'd love to see what you come up with."

He again appraised his lady love. "You look absolutely beautiful, Friday."

He wanted to say more but couldn't find the words. Instead he let his eyes sparkle his happiness. His eyes saying what his mouth could not.

The woman who regularly faced down gangsters and paras, as well as reacting violently when others dismiss her as "some dumb little girl", seemed to preen at Lucas's words.   It was as if all her effort was to see his reaction, and it was just as perfect as she could have imagined.

I'm....I'm glad you like it, Lucas.   She said, almost timidly.
Blushing a bit at how shy she suddenly felt, she went to her tip toes and kissed the handsome, swarthy man.

Once back on her feet, she smiled.
Let's find out table, shall we?

Lucas smiled back at Friday after she kissed him and held her close to him.

"Yeah..that would be good. So do you have any ideas on who Katy's mystery man is?"

Friday grinned mischieviously.
I'd thought she'd actually managed to snag Captain Jordan for a moment there, but I gather it's not him.   It could be anyone.  She's certainly pretty enough to get nearly any man she wants.    Just don't tell her I said that.

She chuckled.  The young woman liked to tease Katy, but she recognized that in a lot of ways, they were very similar.
There but for the Grace of God, go I....and all that.
Or, she's what I might be when I'm her age....or perhaps vice versa.  I forget.

Friday seemed to glide across the floor (though not literally, that would be cheating) as they took seats at the table.
She even let him pull out her chair, if he wished to.

Text message from 'Mirage'

Don's in jail.  They think he's some guy named Hunter.

Friday gritted her teeth as her phone beeped with a text message.
Not tonight!  Please, not tonight!

She took it out of her new purse and looked at the text.

Son of a WHORE!  The words were said somewhat quietly, but their intensity severely undermined the "sweet girlfriend out with her guy" image that Friday was working on that evening.

She looked up at Lucas to see if he'd already gotten his phone out.

Friday was VERY pissed off.   Partially at Don I JUST left that jerkoff at his house.  What the HELL did he do now?
and partially at the capricious whims of fate, which seem to universally love to fart in her general direction on a constant basis.

Lucas received the text. Getting out his phone, he read the contents..and couldn't help but have a sliver of anger at the situation.

Damnit why did this happen...of all nights, tonight? Is this the way it's always going to be?

Lucas then looked at Friday, giving her the indication that he knew. And that more work was ahead of them...

Friday sighed.   She wondered, at times, why she bothered trying to look forward to anything.

I'll text back, to see what she needs us to do.

She begins texting.

Friday nodded as she read the multiple texts from the Legacy team, though her soft brown eyes got wide as she read Mirage's last one about her dress.
How in the HELL did she know I was...... Wait.  You know something?  I REALLY would rather not know.

Friday looked up from her texting to see more than one disapproving look from nearby, and older, diners as the "two young people on a date spent part of it texting on those new-fangled phones."

Yeah, right.  If you only knew.   Keep eating, jerkwads.    She resisted the urge to flip them off.   She wanted to stay in "character".  At least for tonight.

She looked at Lucas, knowing without using telepathy that he'd followed the "conversation" in the digital world.

Friday smiled.   Leaning forward, she spoke quietly.
Apparently the consensus is that a night in the pokey will be good for Don's character.   It seems that we have the evening to ourselves again.

It would take a minute to come down from her "ready for combat" high, but the sly twinkle in Friday's eyes clearly said that it would be worth it.

Lucas saw the twinkle in Friday's eye...which was promptly followed by one of his own, along with a sincere smile meant only for her.

"You're right..let's deal with that tomorrow. Tonight is for us..."

<<<---From Tanaka Dojo

Katy had slyly avoided the conversation in the digital world, though she did pull out her Cell-phone for a moment and curse silently in her head. She contained it, though, solely for the fact that she wanted to be with Aaron and have a good time tonight...not worry about Don in the slammer. Of course, a quick jailbreak wouldn't hurt at all...then again, Jordan knew she had at least some form of psychic para-human abilities...

Katy walked into the restaurant before Aaron, whether or not he held open the door was up to him. Telepathically Katy announced her arrival to Friday, a psychic giggle clearly heard before she came around the corner and into view of the other couple.

"Hey guys. Sorry for the wait," She let it be at that, then introduced her companion, "This, is Aaron Tanaka."

Ten bucks, she broadcasted to Friday, though for what didn't have to be spoken, as she took a seat.

Nice to meet you, Aaron.  I'm Friday Winters. 

She held out her hand to shake, being careful to use the more ladylike shake she'd practiced, not the firm "Private Eye" handshake that she needed for her job.

In the excitement of the moment, she'd almost forgotten that Katy was coming.  And she had a real life "non-inflatable" date.

put it on my tab, K.   Her grinning telepathic voice said to her.

Aaron took the hand, giving it a firm yet gentle shake. "The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Winters. And it's good to see you again, Lucas... It's been a while." Aaron said, a smirk crossing his face as he nodded to his rival.

Attempting to be "the demure date" for once, Friday didn't say anything at Aaron's comment about knowing Lucas.    However, she glanced at her boyfriend, one plucked eyebrow raised in curiosity.

Lucas acknowledged the look from Friday.

"Good to see you too, Aaron..yeah Mr. Tanaka and I run in the same circles. He owns the Tanaka dojo. Speaking of that, how is the dojo treating you?"he asked with a smirk.

Friday nodded appreciatively at Aaron.   She knew, from her association with Lucas, the work and dedication it took to run a dojo.
Though, she hid a smirk at the odd mirror image of the two couples before them.

Two telepathic women with connections to the WCPD, and two Martial Artists who own dojos.
It was as if Katy was trying to copy her and Lucas.   She honestly doubted that was the case, but was amusing to her nonetheless.

"The dojo fares well, Lucas. I, in fact, just recently got an application from one of your friends... Ezekiel, I believe his name was," Aaron said, pulling out a chair for Katy before seating himself.

Friday was pretty good at hiding her thoughts and keeping her "poker face".  It was something you picked up quickly as a private eye.
So she didn't bat an eye when she heard that Zeke was  studying with Aaron.    It might have seemed like a slap in the face to Lucas to have a close friend study with someone else at something that you were actually very good at.

Then again, not everyone wanted to take a class taught by a friend.   Conflict of interest and all that.    And Zeke was certainly the kind of guy that seemed like he wanted to keep his "teachers" separate from his "friends".

Friday had taken lessons from Lucas with no problem, but she was better at thinking of such things objectively.

She was also VERY stingy with spending money, and Lucas taught her for free.   Always a bonus.

So Zeek was going to be studying with Aaron huh?

"I hope he does well, Aaron. But if for some reason it doesn't, the door to the Dragon and the Tiger is always open,"he added with a alight smirk.

He then pulls out the chair for Friday and waits for her to sit down before sitting down himself.

Friday smiles at Lucas as he pulls out her  chair.    As she sits down, he phone goes off again.

This time, though, she ignores it.   At least for now.

>>>>>>>>>From NAD HQ>>>>>>>>>

Jeff led Candy to the restaurant known as Versuezzi's.

"Check it out. This is a really nice place. And the food...awesome..."

  Candy smiled, and leaned against him, enjoying the warmth of him, and said softly "I've heard about them, a little.  VERY good food!"

Jeff smiled and nodded. The maitre'd came over and led them to a table. It was candlelit, and there was soft music playing throughout the restaurant.

He then held out a chair for her to sit down.

  Candy smiled, and kissed his cheek before she slid into the chair, blushing very prettily as she did it.

Jeff smiled back as he sat across from Candy.

  Candy asked him "So is this your first trip here as a date?"

Jeff nodded, blushing a little.

"Um...yeah it is...it's just....well, um...no one's ever wanted to go out with me after the first date..."

  Candy told him warmly "Jeff, I have every intention of spending a LOT of time with you.  Lots of dates.  You are SUCH a sweetie!"

Jeff smiled at that.

"I'm glad to hear that. I have my graduation coming up in a few months, and then after that, its open season. Though if I get a good scholarship, I will probably take some classes at Weston University. Its..well..a lot has happened to me in the last few months..finding this stuff out about the whole ice thing..finding a wonderful girlfriend..and now graduation..commencement..its a lot to take in.."

  Candy caught his hand, and said softly "Not to mention that said girlfriend is a para, your social scene has radically altered, and you have some decidedly 'un-typical' worries now that no 'normal' teenager does, right?"

"You got it right on the head," Jeff said. "But my life has become much more interesting, ever since my trip to Nepal."

He put his hand over Candy's.

"So..even though this crazy guy doesn't know what to do with himself yet, he's somebody you wanna stay close to, right?"

  Candy nodded, and said "Yes.  Very much so,  really."

"Well...looks ya got me. Now the question is...now that you've got me...what will you do with me?" he said, a big grin on his face.

  Candy smiled, and said softly "I have every intention of seeing if we get along well enough to spend the rest of our lives together.  Sound like a good proposition to you?"

"That sounds like a pretty good proposition to me," Jeff said, still grinning.

  She smiled, and said "Then let's give it a whirl.  Do they have lasagna here? Italian-style meaty lasagna?"

"Yes they do...it's some supremely good stuff! Though I'm seriously eyeing me some mean Spaghetti..."

  That got a laugh, and she said "So, you eat the spaghetti, and I eat the lasagna, and we both enjoy very much."

"I can deal with.." Jeff said as the waiter came over and asked for their order and drinks.

  Candy grinned, and said "Don't put it past me to steal a bite of yours, you know.  I might even offer a trade."

"Deal! I can live with that," Jeff said grinning.

  Candy smiled, and said "You know, we are going to have so much fun when we're not working either of our jobs."

Jeff replied "Yes...you're absolutely right..."

He looked at her closely for a moment, then asked "You know...I look into your eyes...and I like what I see. I also look into them...and I feel like...um..well, like I've known you my entire life..."

  She blushed, and said softly "I know that feeling.  And I know it feels like the two of us just 'fit' right."  Their plates were delivered, the spaghetti and meat balls for him, and her lasagna.  She smiled at him, and playfully speared one of his meatballs with a giggle.

Jeff smiled, and held up his fork like a sword.

"All right...the battle for Lasagna and Spaghetti....En Grade!" he said as his fork found a piece of lasagna.

  She had a delightful laugh.  And as she nibbled that meatball, it was sneaking around the edges of the meatball.

"Heh..maybe I'm not the only one who's cute," Jeff said, chuckling as he observed her eating the meatball.

  That got another blush, and she asked him "So, what do we want to do next?"

Jeff shrugged. "I'm sure we could take a walk by the River Walk that's not too far from here. Walk...talk...you know...do that stuff that boyfriends and girlfriends do..."

  Candy nodded, and admitted "I very much like that idea.  Walk, talk, and enjoy the companionship."

"That does sound like a good plan. I like it.." Jeff said as he continued to eat his spaghetti.

  Candy grinned, and stole another one of his meatballs.  She liked teasing him that way.

Jeff chuckled at his meatball being stolen.

"Watch out...Candy Michaels, the fear of meatballs everywhere." As he said that, plucked a meaty, cheesy piece of lasagna from her plate.

  He got another rich laugh, and she shook the stolen meatball at him as she nibbled it.

"We're gonna have to put up wanted posters in every Italian restaurant in the country...Candy Michaels...terror of meatballs everywhere..." he said laughing.

  She finished her meatball, and silenced him with a big, meaty bite of lasagna.

Jeff smiled as he finished up the meal.

"That was really good. I'm gonna have to walk this stuff off.."

  Candy laughed, and strolled with him.  She said softly "Walking and talking is good.  So, want to tell me more about Weston."

After paying for the meal, Jeff replied "I'd be glad to. You've already seen some colorful locals try to knock over a bank. What else would you like to know?"

  Candy leaned against him, and said "Tell me all about Weston, super hero capital of the world."

"Weston City.....hmmm....has lots of colorful characters...some of 'em with superpowers...an' then there's just the young wildlife in the city...usually about 18 years old or maybe less..."

  Candy laughed, and said "Well, my preferred wildlife around here is already escorting me most courteously.  I don't really care what the rest think."

Jeff walked out of the restaurant with Candy, looking around at the city proper.

"River walk's that way.....so, you're into snowmen huh?"

  Candy chuckled, and said "I think just this snowman.  Because you warm me up as you chill me out."  And kissed his cheek.

That got a blush from Jeff.

"Well...I know this girl who is...well, pretty hot...but she's also extremely cool..."

  She smiled, and kissed his cheek again as she whispered "I'll make sure you don't freeze in the winter, if you keep me cool in the heat . . ."

Jeff smiled at that.

"I accept this task and I solemnly swear to do my best.."

  Candy kissed him, and said softly "Bargain and done!"

Jeff held Candy close as they walked to the River walkway.

>>to Downtown Weston

>>>>>>>>>>>From Versuezzi's>>>>>>>>>>>

The taxi soon pulled up to the nice Italian restaurant. Lucas exited first, holding the door for Mirage as she came out, then paid the cab driver.

After the taxi drove off, Lucas looked towards the restaurant, then to Mirage.

"Shall we?"

Mirage took Lucas' arm as the taxi drove off.  She was glad to be out of the vehicle.  It had the oddest smell.

"Yes, let's." she replied with a smile.

Lucas smiled as he led Mirage into the restaurant.

Immediately a waiter came to them and welcomed both of them. The waiter was a young man about early 20's, has olive skin and a thinly trimmed moustache, and dark hair.

"Table for two please, Luigi," Lucas said. Mirage's trained eyes might have seen Lucas slip a $20 bill to the waiter.

"Tonight is special," Lucas added. The waiter grinned and led them to a table in the corner. Luigi then lit a candle, then backed away for a moment. Lucas then slid the chair out for Mirage so she could sit down, then would sit down himself.

Luigi then asked "What would you like to drink?"
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 12:10, Sun 17 Apr 2011.

Mirage looked over her menu.  She knew what Versuezzi's served since she'd been here several times before entertaining clients.  She had to be more reserved in those instances, the consummate business woman.  Here with Lucas, and not so aware of her physical handicaps, she could afford to enjoy herself a little more.

Normally Mirage would order a fairly expensive wine, one of her favourites, but she didn't want money to be an issue tonight so she settled for a mid range glass of a decent vintage.

"Have you decided on what you want?" she asked Lucas in a loaded innocent tone.

Lucas perused his menu, then noticed Mirage's "innocent" tone.

"I'll have a glass of Brunello Di Montalcino, please," he said to Luigi. The young waiter nodded, then went to get the requested drinks for the two.

"As for what ELSE I want..." Lucas said with a grin as he gently put his strong hand over Mirage's slender hand, he then said softly "...I want to do my best to make you happy. I know that in what we do....that happiness is fleeting...especially with what both you and I have been through. I don't think hardly anyone else can understand or appreciate what we go through. I am human though...as you've seen in the time we've known each other, I have made mistakes. But I see your smile...and that gives great joy to my spirit."

Mirage turned her hand so that she could take hold of Lucas'.  His words made her smile and spread a warm feeling through her.  He wanted to make her happy?  It was a tall order, what with everything that she'd been through, but Lucas didn't know that, besides it was very charming.

"You're the only one that has seen me as I really am." she said softly.  "I don't reveal myself to just anyone but you're special to me Lucas.  After seeing Hunter and Eleanor, I believe that we can lead a normal life with all of the perks that comes with it.  Like...love."

"Love..." Lucas repeated after Mirage had finished speaking. A smile soon came across his face.

He looked at Mirage, staring into her beautiful eyes.

"It's rare that two people find each other like this, and connect on the level that we have so quickly. Call it fate...call it magic...call it whatever you want. All I know is....I'm glad that you popped into the Above And Beyond office that night."

Something such as a quiet night, especially in a place such as Weston City, was completely nonexistent. Disturbances usually ran the gamut from dogs barking to small-time mugging. But for a particular Psionic-powered individual, nothing was more soothing than a walk through the streets, especially to the sound of screaming. Bonus points if they were innocent.

Physically, she looked relatively disturbing, with long black hair, glowing green eyes, a tribal tattoo snaking down her left arm, shorts/capris   with a big pocket on the front, and a zip-up vest to complete the look. But what made her truly terrifying was the psychic weapons that appeared out of nowhere, lancing and attacking anyone mercilessly while the individual casually walked down, eyes literally twinkling with amusement.

Unfortunately, this person was walking right by Versuezzi's, and everyone in the restaurant could hear the screaming this person was causing.

Lucas again stared into Mirage's beautiful eyes. "Helena....I lov--...."

And then the screaming began, and Lucas frowned as one of Weston's colorful denizens decided to interrupt the lovely dinner he and Mirage were having. Someone would pay for this.

But he remembered where he was....and remembered also that certain things needed to be be maintained.

Like a secret identity.


"Someone call the police!" he said as he then went outside, looking for a discreet alleyway so he could "change."

Mirage could feel something in her mind, a slow buzzing that seemed to grow more and more insistent.  It was almost enough to give her a headache but she was determined not to let anything ruin this evening with Lucas.

A nice quiet evening was not in the cards however.

Mirage was up and out of her chair in an instant, glaring out the window at the woman who was calmly walking by.  That this woman seemed to be attacking people with psychic weapons similar to what Mirage used was not lost and Mirages eyes narrowed.  Not only had this woman interrupted them, and whatever Lucas was going to say, but she was using Mirages signature weapons.


The restaurant started to fill up with a thick dark smoke as Mirage started to use her illusions to try and hide the patrons inside from the womans random slaying.  Mirage was gone an instant later, eager to meet this woman feet first.

Mirage reappeared outside of the restaurant above the woman, intent on using surprise and a swift kick to the womans head.

Lucas smiled as Mirage created her unique diversion. Now he could change without any worries. And so he did.

Putting his fist to his heart, he once again became Dragon Fist.

Now armored, he could see the chi of those around. Using this unique sight beyond sight, he went around the patrons, and outside, to meet this latest menace that would bedevil Weston.

A girlish giggle emanated from the woman as Mirage suddenly appeared above her, intent on harming this newcomer. However, before Mirage's foot could connect with the woman's, a black sheet of psychic energy sprang into life, Mirage's foot coming down with whatever force it had on the energy-field instead of the woman. At the same time, Mirage's mind was assaulted with a frighteningly familiar force.

"For shame, Helena, for shame. Is this how you treat a former protege?" the woman said, voice sounding more childish than her appearance suggested. Even as she spoke, several Psionic weapons stopped their pursuit of innocents and shot straight for Mirage.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Tue 26 Apr 2011.

Dragon Fist saw his comrade Mirage engaged with this new "menace," and he saw two things. He saw Mirage in her traditional crimefighting attire, and this other strange woman with tribal tattoos all over.

But as the eye holes on his helmet glowed with an azure light, he saw two distinctly different things.

On BOTH women.

On the new menace, he saw what appeared to be a soul in conflict. A small vestige of light being choked out by the darkness. And something....FAMILIAR.

"Katy?"

What he saw next alarmed him as well. For his own teammate, his own comrade, his own....new love....Mirage....seemed to have a pool of negative chi within her as well.

A situation that would need to be dealt with later. There were innocents in danger.

Slowly stepping towards the crazed woman, Dragon Fist's hands began to glow. He then put his hands together, and slowly began to move them apart. As he did so, a blade appeared in his hands in the shape of a Chinese broadsword. This sword however appeared to be made out of an energy that may have been unknown to the two women.

"Stop your rampage now....don't force my hand..." he said to the tattoed girl.
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 17:41, Mon 25 Apr 2011.

Mirage used Katy's shield as a springboard and did a backflip to the sidewalk behind the woman.  She thought briefly about simply teleporting away to avoid being hit by Katy's psionic weapons but she was too curious about them.  Katy had a wider range of abilities than Mirage did and was arguably more powerful than her, but Mirage had to see how she would measure up.

A pair of wide crimson fans appeared in her hands that she used to intercept the other womans weapons, knocking them harmlessly away.  At least they were coming after her and not the innocents in the streets.  Mirage could take hits that others wouldn't be able to walk away from.  There was an irony there that was not lost on her.

"Apparently I didn't teach you manners, Katy.  Hurting people on the street?  I'm going to have to take you over my knee and spank that pretty little behind of yours." Mirage taunted.  Though she might have appeared to be flippant, inside she was seething.  The one time that she took someone in and taught them what she knew and this is what happens.  It was enough to make her swear off ever teaching anyone ever again.

"Now explain yourself."

As Mirage deflected the weapons, they disappeared in a black smoke. Unusual, seeing as how Katy's weapons were usually purple. A seemingly minor detail, but in the hands of a skilled detective, it said 'something was wrong.' To clue in the others even more, as a black katana formed in her hand and she prepared to attack, her eyes stopped glowing for a moment, her expression twisted with horror and anger. The mental assault on her opponent even stopped for in that moment. In an instant, her previous expression was back, looking almost puzzled.

"Explain myself? Why should I explain myself? Killing needs to be done, so I do it. Simple as that. It's only a plus that it's extremely fun," Katy said, gripping the katana and dashing forward, striking in an upward slash. Despite any obvious indication (And knowing Mirage particularly well) that she would dodge, a voice sounding unlike this childish voice, sounding exactly like Katy if she were under duress, echoed in Mirage's mind. 'Move, Helena!' it yelled.

As Dragon Fist held his sword of chi, in a second, he was pondering a course of action. Lin had told him that this sword would sever the evil of Ahriman when the demon made its way to the Earthly plane. Perhaps this sword could sever the negative influence that Katy was being controlled by.

Using the power of Fire, Dragon Fist moved with a speed that hadn't been seen by the two women, slashing at Katy, hoping that the sword could cut the evil control that Katy was under.

"Killing never needs to be done..." Mirage started to reply, only her words sounded hollow.  She'd killed a man, beat him to death without a moments hesitation about sparing his life.  She'd thought him her enemy at the time and that had justified crossing the line that she'd sworn that she'd never cross.  That enemy had to die for all that he'd done to her.

And she couldn't protest the 'killing is fun' comment either, knowing full well that there had been a great sense of satisfaction when she'd felt that mans life ebb from his body.  It hadn't been fun but necessary, and yet she'd felt a great sense of peace that her nightmare was over.  She had taken revenge upon the man who had ruined her life and that had made her...happy.

Katy's mental yell snapped Mirage back out of her distracted musings.  Katy had called out to her, giving her precious seconds with which to try and twist out of the way of the Psy-Witches sword strike.

Luckily for Mirage, the bladed katana missed, only barely drawing blood. The mental yell at Mirage also gave Helena a peak into Katy's mind. Aside from being twisted beyond Katy's own morals, it seemed there were two people in one body, almost like there was a conscious and subconscious part of her. For that brief moment, Katy was directly controlling her body as the conscious part, but in that instant in tattoos glowed a hellish red, and almost instantly a different part of her being was put in control. It was like someone had taken Lady Psyche's personality and applied malice, hatred, even pride to it.

Psywitch barely had time to attack Mirage again when Dragon Fist slashed at her. The speed was more than Katy's body, which was an incredibly toned and experienced being, could react to. Psywitch's mind reacted fast, but only enough to conjure a weak shield that broke with just the force of the swing. It was obvious that if it was Katy fighting or not, her powers were controlled sloppily, something Katy would never allow. All psionic weapons, save the Katana, disappeared as the shield was conjured, and even as Psywitch turned and hands brought up, the blade passed through her fingers, the remains of the dissipating shield cutting off her middle and ring finger of her left hand, and in addition removing part of the elaborate tattoo.

A black mist engulfed Psywitch, followed by a muffled scream. Psywitch appeared a few yards away, staring at her hand. After a moment or two of pain-ridden breathing, she brought it up to her face, she licked some of the blood, smiling sadistically. "That sword of yours I'm assuming is Chi." It wasn't a question, merely an observation, "I'm assuming so because your primary energy source is Chi..." She stared at Dragon Fist, "Oh! I see. You're trying to get me out. Well, y'can't. Y'see, as long as this," she pointed at the tattoo, "Stays on, I'm not going anywhere. You're welcome to try, though. That's why it's fun."

Suddenly grinning like a lunatic, Psywitch conjured up all manner of psionic weapons, and directed them all at Dragon Fist and Mirage.

Dragon Fist saw the psionic weapons coming at him. Using the elemental power of Fire, he used the speed it provided to parry the incoming psychic weapons. Perhaps it was both a combination of the internal struggle of Katy and the speed.

"OH...I'm not trying to get you out...I'm GOING to get you out. You are not the Lady Psyche that I know. And that tattoo is coming off, because this sword can cut to even the dividing line of soul and spirit...and I as the Champion of Light will break you free of this corrupt influence. It's been done before."

His brother Esteban had been freed from the influence of his enemy, Oni. If he did it once, he could do it again.

And with that, he slashed once again, this time at the tattoo that had been pointed out.

Mirage leapt and danced, using her wide crimson fans to bat away Psywitchs psychic weapons to allow Lucas the chance to strike at the woman with his sword.  That she had heard Katy's voice in her mind meant that the woman who had been her student at one time was still there in Psywitch and Mirage did not like the idea of Katy being a prisoner in her own head.

Maybe there was something that her newfound powers could do.  She'd wait to see what the outcome of Lucas' attack was before she'd act.

>>>>>>>>>>>From Versuezzi's

Jeff knew there was trouble. It was on the mind-net, so instinctively, as Candy teleported them to the scene, he began to "ice up."

Once they materialized, Icepick was now in his ice-form, just in time to see Dragon Fist slash at Psy-Witch with some sort of a sword, as Mirage looked on in wait.

  Candy let go of Icepick, and backed up a touch, then ignited herself, so that the witch's weapons would melt before they hit her.

Dragon Fist's chi sword once again strikes the apparently deranged girl again, around the same spot where the tattoo was. Suddenly, in a flash of light and a female scream, the Psy Witch is gone.

"Well..that was sorta anti climactic," Icepick said as the scene began to quiet down.

"You guys need anything?"

Dragon Fist looked at the spot where Katy once stood. Her untimely disappearance wasn't his intended result.

"We've got it covered from here, Icepick. Thank you for coming though."

He then glanced at Mirage. The presence of dark chi within her was very disturbing.

Icepick then turned to Candy.

"OK Can--um, Hot Stuff...looks like they're good here. Let's head back to our HQ, OK?"

  Candy nodded, and snagged his hand, giving Dragon Fist and Mirage a shy wave, then teleported them, and giving Icepick a HOT kiss when they reappeared.

------>> NAD HQ

Dragon Fist gave the two young heroes a wave as they teleported away.

He then turned to Mirage.

"We need to talk, Mirage. Best to have the conversation outside of prying ears."

Mirage frowned at the spot where Psy-Witch had been only moments before.  It was very disappointing that the woman had simply disappeared when Mirage really wanted to beat her around a bit for interrupting what had the potential to be a lovely evening and to put an end to that mistake of hers.  She never should have taught Katy Hanson, it was a moment of weakness that was going to dog her like a bad one night stand.

"Have you noticed how many Para couples seem to be showing up?  Is there some fad that I don't know of?" She asked, turning to Dragon Fist.  He had a serious look on his face and she could sense worry coming from him.  Ignoring the fact that she could sense anything from him, some aspect of her newfound abilities that she was going to have to get used to, Dragon Fists worry immediately had her wondering.  "Of course, darling.  Shall we talk in the old base or did you have someplace else in mind?"

Dragon Fist nodded at Mirage's assessment of Icepick and Hot Stuff.

"Seems like a growing fad. As for our talk...it may be better to get back to the dojo."

Even under his helmet, Dragon Fist was still noticably worried, especially with the chi that he saw from his friend and now potential lover.

"The dojo.  Hardly the most romantic of places to talk, darling.  Or are you thinking of getting in a workout of another kind?" Mirage smiled.  "I can take us there if you'd like."

Dragon Fist smiled under his helmet.

"Well...we could finish dinner, if you prefer. I was about to say something to you when Katy attacked. Though I would like to keep our talk as confidental as possible, because I believe it's important....to both of us."

Mirage looked back into the restaurant and smiled.

"I'll see what I can do.  Why don't you start to make your way back to the dojo.  That'll give me the time that I need."  She reached up and touched the side of his helmet fondly.  She let it linger for a moment before she turned and walked towards the restaurant.

Dragon Fist leaned into Mirage's caress, wishing that for the briefest of moments that he could drop the armor and allow her to feel his skin.

At Mirage's suggestion, Dragon Fist nodded.

"I'll be waiting for you, Mirage...and I look forward to talking with you."

As Mirage walked back to the restaurant, Dragon Fist took one last look around. Content that things were quiet...at least for the moment...he extended his wings and took to the air, heading back to points familiar to him.

>>>>>>>>>>>To The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Tonight was the night. And the stage was set.

As the black-clad figure watched above the restaurant, he grinned under his mask. For chaos was going to reign. Disorder was going to run rampant. All this, while his enemy was distracted with other concerns.

Darkness would rise tonight. And Oni would be there to see it.

Satisfied that all was in readiness, the black clad figure soon disappeared.

>>>????

<<<<< from courthouse>>>>>>

Leo entered the restaurant with his mask on not sure since he never really participated in events like this but he decided it was a good method to find information and if all else failed enjoy himself. He held the invite in his inner coat pocket. He stood at the front desk waiting to be assisted. He wore an all black tux and a black and purple mask that almost appeared demon like. He laughed at Claires ironic humor but the mask was amazing design and well made and cost a good bit of money but he remembered he always tipped her and gave her monthly bonus he had more money then he cared to admit.

Yet here he stood at the threshold of what could be a wonderful fun filled night or a night of bloodshed and terror.

"Ah Mr. Black...good evening sir, and welcome. Now then, if you will please make your way into the reserved section for this evening's festivities, we can get things underway. Have a good night, sir.."

Leo could hear a chorus of voices in the large reserved section for this evening's happenings.

As Leo started to make his way to the party, he then saw a young Hispanic man, clean-shaven with short hair wearing a masquerade mask, a black top hat and a black tux.

"Buenos noches. You look about as out of sorts as I am in this place. The name's Daniel....Daniel Ramirez. I received this invitation all the way in Derrton for this little get together."

Leo stared at the person his defense went up he didnt noticed the man before this person got the drop on him and if this was a mission he was dead. He smiled and nodded and began to walk his way to the party in hopes of finding his seat. Leo soon stopped at the doors to the room in which the party was taking place and opened them.

"well lets get to the party wouldnt want to miss the fun."

"Agreed..." Daniel replied as he entered as well. He then nodded at Leo, thanking him for opening the doors, then made his way to his table.

The tables had each of the patrons' names at the various tables, and Daniel and Leo appeared to be at the same table.

Leo could easily tell that there were at least 40 to 50 people here already.

Leo found his table and sat down he didnt drink nor did he eat anything he smiled shook hands and made small talk he didnt wanna use his powers he was being paranoid for no reason but all he had to do was push one button on his cell phone and he would have his back up.

Soon, a dark-haired handsome middle-aged man came to the podium, also wearing a black mask and a tuxedo. With but a raise of his hand, the crowd settled down almost immediately.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to thank you all for coming this evening. I have no doubt that this will be a night that people will be talking about for years to come. But before we get to the night's festivities, I would like to invite everyone to look around...get to know the people around you. There will be dancing so if you happen to see someone whom you'd like to dance with, by all means do so."

The crowd began to intermingle, and Daniel got up and began to mingle as well.

Leo remained seated most people tend to word things differently why would people remember a ball for years to come he didnt like this phrase and remained seated he enjoyed the music and kept an alert gaze on the people around him smiling and talking to those that showed interest in him. He had a sick feeling in his stomach though something did not seem right about this all scene

Leo is able to talk with several people, a few of them being some possible legal prospects, another wanted to talk at a later date about a position in a large nationwide law firm, and a couple of attractive women (one brunette and one redhead) asked to dance.

Soon the speaker called everyone to order, and everyone went back to their seats, waiting to hear what their host would have to say.

Leo waited and listened observing the room while he did so looking for something in particular he was glad he ate before he came he had not had any of his beverage or meal.

"Greetings to you, one and all. Some of you have known of me...some of you are just seeing me for the first time. But I assure you that everyone, well known or not, is of equal, utmost appearance. My name is Bartholomew Harris, and I am a newly arrived businessman who has come to Weston to start up my latest venture. This fair city has called to me like a great light in the darkness, and like the moth being drawn to the flame, I could not resist this city's alluring light. It is perfect in every way to begin my venture. What venture is that, you ask?"

He then chuckled for a moment.

"The venture...where I bring forth the Land of Eternal Night...and cover this entire world in the quiet darkness. Some of you will survive to see this cover your city....yet some of you will not....Now...let the Dance of Death begin!"

Soon, Barthomolew's form began to warp, covering itself in full darkness, until the person behind the facade was revealed. The Black Hand. Someone whom Leo knew very well.

His former mentor.

His skin went pale he couldnt believe it his Mentor who has been gone for over 100 years he believed to be dead has made his appearance and now Leo was actually in the mouth of hell. He was not sure how strong his ex-master was nor if he had gotten stronger. He did his best to keep his composure and reached into his coat pocket he had his hand on his cell phone. He spoke to himself (internal dialogue)

"Should I call for them....do we stand a chance...if I bring them into this i wouldnt be able to use my full power but ....damn it I am not ready for this damn it damn it damn it....I best call them it will take them 30 minutes with no city traffic with city traffic maybe an hour can i last one hour against HIM damn it i was really liking this city shame i gotta go out like this..."

Leo got up and made his way to the bathroom upon reaching the bathroom he went into the middle stall and slowly gathered his power forming into the shadow. Leo had only been this scared twice in his life....the first was when he trained in the land of eternal night...the second was facing his master with his old team called Guardians before he formed the Fold. This is the third time he didnt have much time to act nor sure if he was going to be able to last... he pushed the button on his cell phone signalling to his team.

time for me to make what might be my last stand against evil maybe those teenagers will make it through and stop him a task i couldnt even achieve."
With his transformation complete he faded into the shadows and appeared several feet in the darkest corner of the stage.

As Leo made his way to the dark corner of the stage, he could see a black costumed figure using dark energy to fight against some of the Black Hand's henchmen. He appeared to be the vigilante known as Darklight. Apparently he had been drawn into the web of deceit as well.

In the distance, Black Hand looked towards Leo and began to chuckle.

"You realize that your time is up now, Mr. Black. It is time for you to learn a final lesson. A lesson blessed with blood, sorrow, and tears."

Leo Moved closer to Black hand and stared him down he sucked in his fears he stood toe to toe with his ex mentor last time and he was much stronger then last they met.
He gathered the shadows behind darklight causing black spires to shoot up under the henchmen behind him to cover his back.

"Dont give up darklight we shall win this day and the people shall cheer this is your hour or redemption." he called out his voice echoing through out the room.

his gaze fell back upon black and Leo gathered more shadows his eyes turning red and his figure turned more demon like then man.

"You are wrong Black Hand tonight your life ends and the people shall live in peace no longer will you be seeing the land of eternal night I will stop you!!! Tonight is your final moments alive any last words!"

Darklight continued to press on, first making a fly swatter out of dark energy, getting some of the henchmen out of the way, then a wall of dark energy against any potential gunfire.

Derrton had its own unique challenges, but Weston was its own unique breed of cesspool.

Black Hand began to laugh, only his laugh began to get deeper and more sinister. Almost demonic.

"Foolish child! You think to end me? Then it appears that the student still has much to learn."

Soon tendrils of darkness began to envelope Leo starting from his feet and working their way up.

Leo jumped back and used the shadows of Black hand to shoot what appeared to be  five spikes out of it but near colliding into him each spike bursted into  sprayed becoming a black web. As he did this Leo kept a safe distance gathering his shadows into his hands as if gathering for a large energy attack.

"Fool my master died ages ago your a hollow shell of the men i once respect and to clear his once good name you will die!!"

The Black Hand chuckled as his former apprentice ranted and raved about how he would kill him.

"It took nearly all of your team to stop me last time, and even then, that wasn't enough. Nor will the assistance of the wielder of the Darkheart be enough this time around," he said, gesturing as the shadowy web that enveloped him soon turned into a large shadow-like elemental, which started to slumber angrily towards Leo.

Pin-Point soon joined Black Hand as well.

"Hey Leo....look at that. Looks like I picked a master who's MUCH better than you are, and who promised a whole lot more. Time for you to die...'TEACH'..."

Leo faded into the shadows and rose up under the shadow creature piercing it with his hand and absorbing the creature and he stared at his old apprentice and his ex mentor. He launched a large blast of shadow energy that soon about half way towards them faded into the shadows and then bursted from above the two causing tentacles to come down upon them as well as making their own shadows become a deep glue like substance that reached up to their knees and became solid like concrete.

"I am far stronger then I was back then and....pin-point why would you join him do you hate the world that much that you would see it burn and be destroyed."

Darklight was seeming to make some headway against the other minions of the Black Hand, but more seemed to endlessly arrive. All of the other guests were able to get away to relative safety, shocked by what they had just witnessed.

Pin-Point chuckled at his former teacher's question.

"Bro...you have no clue what I went through...life in the streets, all of it. All you masked men thought you were makin' life better....naw, all ya did was make life worse. I hate your world! Black Hand promised a new one, which is much MUCH better than this shithole we live in right now!"

Black Hand laughed a dark laugh as Leo enveloped their legs in "shadow-stuff."

Black Hand then added "An anemic effort....from an ineffectual 'hero'....you seem to have forgotten the lessons of the past. A house divided against itself cannot stand. Your darkness powers...they feed me...and make me stronger.."

He gestured, and the tentacles soon became a series of dark-energy darts, which he soon sent hurtling at his one-time student.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:21, Tue 02 Aug 2011.

Leo glared and jumped back and raised a wall to deflect the arrows. He was not liking this how could his powers make Black hand stronger he was not going to give up. Something was clear his foe before him was stronger then ever and he had no idea on what he could do except one thing.

Leo was tired of banter and talking he was going to let it all out show no mercy. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms in front of him and soon the shadows in the room rippled and began to be pulled to him the room itself began to shake and the stage began to bend and become warped he was gathering every once of power to him. He opened his eyes they now closed a furious white. Soon the shadows formed wings and horns he grew over a foot taller. He was closing out what was the remains of his human side. He let in his power and was giving up everything for one blow When he pulled his arms  to his sides a wave of energy shot forth and he gathered his energy an all his shadow power to his hand forming a large glowing spear and kept dumping his power into the spear as he did this his shadow like form faded as if being pulled into this one attack. Leo returned to his normal form his skin far paler then normal and it was clear this move was draining some of his life.

"Take all my anger and just DIE!!' he yelled

Leo launched the blast it shattered the stage and at the last second split into two spears to hit black hand and pin point.

Pin-Point was skewered by one of the darkforce spears, and he went down quickly, clutching his stomach.

Black Hand simply laughed as the other spear pierced his body.

"You still don't understand, do you? I AM THE END OF TIME!"

Just then, Punch-Out and Lightstrike arrived, assisting Darklight with dealing with the madman's many thugs.

Leo closed his eyes and stood up no anger nor apparent emotion as if he had found an equilibrium within himself and then as if he didnt have to move the shadows around pin point along with the spear began to move and lift pin point up and hurl him at black hand and leo began to move forward.

"You say a house divided...I am not divided I am in fact by far in control say what you will but I am Leo Black I am the Shadow we are one in the same!"

With that said the shadow pulled towards Leo never touching him as if forming some sort of wall as a wave of blades, spikes shot towards Black hand like a tidal wave of blades.

Black Hand parried the blades that Leo sent at him, then noticed there were others assisting Darklight.

"You have friends....so do I!"

And soon, coming out of holes of darkness, three other individuals wrapped in shadow emerged, and soon began to take shape, all of them cackling evilly in Leo's direction.

Leo didnt think his plan would work he really didnt think it would this was far beyond suicidal move it was drastic but this was his problem sure it affected everyone in the city but this person came here because of him. Leo rushed his once former master and had clear visual flashbacks as he bum rushed his mentor. He got in close and did a straight jab at Black Hands chest and felt the shadows that enveloped his once mentor and then Leo spun and got one arm wrapped under Black Hands left arm and across the chest and jabbed again this time letting his hand get engulfed into the shadows and began the painful process of absorbing the shadows of his mentor He new this was the most painful move he had and the most deadly it was his twin edged move.

"Black Hand you where once a great man but this story began with me and you and now it shall end in the only way possible with both of our deaths!!!"

Leo kept his gaze at the minions that were taking form and his plan was simple he threw Black Hand in front of him holding him in a strong arm lock as he attempted his absorption of the shadows. He felt the shadows pulling painfully from Black Hand and into him.

Black Hand had, for the first time, shown a look which displayed fear. Fear that Leo would actually sacrifice himself that they both would die.

As Leo began to absorb the shadows from Black Hand into himself, he felt a sensation akin to drowning, and found it even harder and harder to breathe. Soon he would pass out unless something changed.

Leo felt it if he kept this up it would kill his humanity he said a house divided for a house to be complete something has to give. He held tight he wouldnt let go he felt the room shaking as the shadows around them seemed pulled to the two master shadow benders.

Leo felt the shadows pull into him, and starting to suffocate him. Black Hand extended with his power, trying to overwhelm the lawyer.

Between the two great forces arrayed against each other, a great explosion of pure darkness echoed out throughout the restaurant, sending everyone to the ground. Leo saw Darklight throw up a darkforce shield around himself, Lightstrike and Punch-Out, and then was almost immediately unconscious.

When he came to, he could see Punch-Out and Lightstrike lying on the ground, very still. Darklight was moving...but in great pain.

Pin-Point lay on the ground, still as the grave. But The Black Hand was nowhere to be seen.

Leo felt himself slipping not sure how long he would remain conscious he reached for them and used what little strength he had left to pull them as well as darklight into a gateway to his pent house he gasped as he new he was tapped out all he had left was his physical strength which he forced himself up the room blurred and spun around him as he stumbled left and right attempting to make his way to the door.

"must....find....black...hand..." he gasped with each word

Leo managed maybe five steps as he collapsed grabbing the ground trying to pull himself as he coughed up black blood the shadows around him seemed to grab at him trying to pull him along Leo then saw something his reflection his skin was pale like a vampire his eyes were almost red he had stabbed his humanity his human side to far he had gone past the breaking point not sure if he killed black hand if he didnt then his attempts were in vain he felt it deep in his subconscious his human side Leo Black was fading or fully merging with Shadow. He coughed again as he fell into a world of darkness.

 the shadows grabbed Leo and pulled him into the shadows except this was far different then a typical teleport the whole room shook as a large silver door with red lining appeared under leo as if opening and pulling him in along with several tables and multiple corpses of the patrons and henchmen of BH. Leo remained unconscious as the door closed it shook the room causing some of the ceiling to collapse. The shadows returned to normal

Darklight began to stir. He then looked at his ring, then at Leo.

"Damn...what the hell are you?"

LightStrike and Punch-Out soon began to stir as well.

the shadows turned to normal as the remains of leo vanished from the room.

LightStrike looked around, seeing the shadows going to normal.

"Leo? Leo, where are you?"

<<<<<left to the edge of shadows>>>>>

---------->> From Tanaka Dojo

  Aaron laughed, and said, as they appeared "Here I was going to actually drive us, so you could rest and relax more.  I'm paying though, no ifs ands or buts, okay?"

Katy giggled as well. "Well, if you insist," Katy responded with a light kiss on the cheek as they walked inside. As they were seated, Katy smiled. At least he wasn't furious at her for withholding the truth from him.

"So, how's the dojo going?" she asked.

  Aaron smiled, and said "It's going well.  Not too bad, not too good.  Easy business."

Katy smiled, nodding. Business like that made it easy to have free time. She could see how both Aaron and Lucas appreciated that side of their jobs. "That's good," she said, casually flicking through the menu absentmindedly. "And what about your...other job?"

  Aaron admitted quietly "Things there are beginning to heat up.  Perhaps to a point where I may have to suspend classes for a bit.  We shall see."

------->> From Sutra's Apartments

  Andy pulled up into a nice parking space that had been half double parked in, and told Vic "Nice thing about a bike, you can park them in much narrower spaces than you can the cars."

Victoria shook her head.

"You would think that people could fit their vehicles in between two light-colored lines. Truly amazing."

  Andy chuckled, and said "You would think, but humans constantly amaze one another, and they constantly amaze me.  I mean, you can find someone doing the most compassionate thing you can think of for some animal that can't tell right from wrong, but they have no pity at all for the human beings who are less fortunate than they are."  He picked her up, giving her a hot kiss, then set her on her feet and offered her his elbow.

Victoria grinned as she accepted the offered elbow.

  He smiled, and led her into the restaurant, then told the maitre'd that they needed a table for two.  He told Vic softly "My lady, take your pick, we can have any delicacy you like off the menu."

"I've always loved this place," Victoria said as they were about to be seated. "Everything here is good."

  He chuckled, and said "You can have anything you want on the menu, love.  Enjoy it."

"Spaghetti and meatballs.....I just love the sweetness of their spaghetti sauce..." Victoria said, grinning with anticipation.

  He chuckled, and said "Make sure you tell the waiter, love.  I think I'm going to indulge, and have the Italian Steak carbonera with the seafood platter."

"That sounds delicious," Victoria said as they waited for the waiter.

  He chuckled as the waiter arrived to take their orders, and he gave the fellow his request, then indicated to Vic that she should place her order as well.

Victoria looked up at the waiter.

"I'll take the Spaghetti and Meatballs. I'd like the salad with Caesar dressing, and a side of breadsticks..."

  Andy smiled as the waiter nodded, and said "Certainly, sir, Madam.  We shall bring those out for you, did you want a wine to go with dinner?  And would you like to order dessert now, or wait?"

"Maybe a little wine. As for dessert, let's wait on that please..."

Victoria smiled, then looked back to Andy.

  He chuckled, and said "We will wait, yes, but I'm thinking about something decadently chocolate.  What do you think?"

"Decadent....and chocolate....that sounds delicious..' Victoria said as she put her chin on her hand, still looking intently at Andy.

  Andy chuckled, and asked "Are you thinking of dessert at home?"

"I'm good with dessert here. I thought we were going to see Desolation of Smaug after this," Victoria said, sitting back comfortably.

  Andy smiled, and said "That doesn't mean that you won't have dessert after the movie and at home."

"Dually noted..." Victoria said with a smile. "Dessert at home, then.."

She took a sip of wine.

"That portrait on the gas tank of your bike is fantastic. I am immensely flattered."

  Andy smiled, and said "I always did like to sketch, and draw, and one thing I got to do, although I had limited media, while in Hell, was practice, when I had quiet time.  I know which cavern there is 'mine', and it's rather like a safe-haven, but I didn't exactly like venturing out of it.  That's when I ended up involved in some of the 'games' that Demons play."

"A harrowing experience, I'm sure. I'm glad that you're here.....with me..."

Victoria smiled, taking another sip of the wine, setting the glass down.

  He shrugged, and said "I got used to it.  But it is absolutely my pleasure, my love, to be here, with you, making you feel like the most special, pampered, beloved woman on this earth."

"I do feel that....and I'm grateful for all the trouble you've gone through for me," Victoria said. "I hope I've made you feel as special, if not moreso."

  Andy smiled, and tugged her close enough to kiss her.  That kiss put it more clearly than words ever could, how much she made him happy.

Victoria embraced Andy, pulling away reluctantly.

"Well....it doesn't take a magician to figure out how you feel," she said with a smile.

  Andy chuckled, and said "You are my Lady, my solace, my comfort and my sanity, and my most precious treasure in all the world, Vic.  You are my heaven."

Victoria blushed slightly, then smiled back at Andy.

"And you are my Protector...my Savior....my Knight. I'm honored that you are with me."

  He smiled, and said affectionately "Not to mention you don't mind when  I come home all greasy from working on engines and have to take a shower before I'll lay a hand on you, unless you want greasy-handprints all over your lovely self."

"I love how considerate you are...even if it does cause a small bit of inconvenience," Victoria said, glancing briefly at the waitersn her stomach rumbling.

  Andy laughed as the waiters deposited their trays on the table, and he said "Well, you don't LIKE having motor oil all over you, and it doesn't bother ME."

Victoria smiled as their meals were set before them, then waited for the waiters to make their exit.

"This is probably just me being impartial....but you do look good and rugged in oil."

  He chuckled, and cut a bite of steak to offer her as he added "Not to mention it is proof I am earning an honest living like every other hard-working, red blooded man?  Even if I am not a red-blooded man?"

She accepted the offered steak, smiling.

"You work hard in so many ways. Not only as a mechanic, but as my Protector, not to mention keeping me sustained and nourished."

  He smiled, and said "I never have minded cooking for people who appreciate it.  It's the ungrateful people that get on my nerves.  You have never been ungrateful for anything that I do."

"My parents taught me to always care for those who care about you. Consider it my way of paying it forward," Victoria said, now looking at the food.

"It looks amazing," she added, taking a bite of spaghetti.

  He chuckled, and offered her a bite of his steak while he took a bite of the seafood, knowing she'd appreciate the sampler.  He could devour huge amounts of food now, but he tended to try and break it up and space it out.

"Delicious....I could live inside this moment for a long time," Victoria said, clearly enjoying the "sampling."

  Andy smiled, and said "So could zip, because you're happy, and so am I."

Victoria smiled, her brown eyes alight with love and loyalty as she looked in to Andy's own eyes.

  Andy leaned over and kissed her lovingly.

Victoria soon stepped back from the kiss, albeit reluctantly.

"I could live inside that moment too..."

  Andy grinned, and said "That's a moment worth savoring, my love.  And so many, many more.   You really are my delight, Vic."

"Mr. Black, you're the consummate pamperer. You're doing a fantastic job, of keeping me grounded, both as a woman as a Defender."

She kissed him again, then looked to her plate.

"The sooner we finish with dinner, the sooner we can go on to more...fun...things."

  Andy grinned, and said softly "Our movie, and then dessert after the movie when we get home.  You sexy lovely lady!"

"You wonderful, lovely man. You nourish my soul."

She then devoted herself to finishing her dinner portion, sitting back, immensely satisfied.

"Absolutely delicious. Thank you Andy."

  He'd managed to make two large plates of meat disappear while she ate her spagetti, and he smiled as he said "My pleasure, my love."

Victoria smiled, the remnants of the meal consumed.

"It is nice that the Forces of Darkness are leaving us alone so we can enjoy ourselves."

  Andy chuckled, and said "They're just trying to get us to let our guards down."

Victoria smiled.

"We're never truly off of our guard. Enjoying this respite, yes...but never unaware."

  Andy rumbled with amusement, and said "You know how rarely I actually truly sleep, so you know how rarely I fully let my guard down, love."

"All of existence depends on you and I, Andy. Now...make me a promise. No more shop talk for the rest of the night."

Victoria smiled.

"I want to hear more about our future together."

  He kissed her again, and said softly "Immediate future, or long term, love?  As SOME of that really is entirely up to you . . . and I love you."

"My short-term is gladly spoken for...my long-term I'd like to know about more..."

Her smile glimmered at that thought.

"Where do you see us in the next few years?"

  He held her close to him, since they'd finished the food, and kissed her before he answered "I was thinking that we might delight your family, and make us an official, in the eyes of the law, couple.  Would you like that?"

"That would make me happier than I already am," Victoria replied, her smile knowing no bounds. She then pulled Andy close and kissed him deeply, the embrace silently telling him how much he meant to her.

  He kissed her back, then said softly "Well, my love, I already knew you would keep me forever, but I thought I could make your family aware of how much I love you, and marry you.  If you can handle an outdoor wedding, and one done by a non-clergyman.  I'm afraid a church wedding would be . . . painful.  Black blood-tears from the groom might make a bad impression."

"Details, love...we'll get it all worked out," Victoria replied. She clasped her hand on his.

"And the answer is yes."

  He smiled, and held her close as he kissed her deeply, then asked lightly "Want me to tell the others, or would you like to send out actual invitations?"

"I want to share this with the others. The invitations, while nice, are a formality."

She smiled again.

"I'm proud that we are taking this next step, Andy. It's a big one, but one I'm sure we're both ready for."

  Andy chuckled, and said "Want to worm-net them, or do you want to have a meeting at Meg's?"

"I think an announcement of this proportion demands attention, and not just the worm-net kind," Victoria said. "Besides, I suspect that a lot of the others have been hoping for us to take this step."

  Andy slowly headed them for the door, and he told her "Well, then I guess we tell Meg we'd like a soiree at her place, and then make the announcement there."

Victoria nodded, as she smiled going out the door.

"It should be interesting, trying to get them all together."

  Andy chuckled, and said "Let's worry about it after the Desolation of Smaug."

Victoria chuckled.

"Deal. After Desolation Of Smaug."

  He grabbed the handlebars, and perched her on it, sidesaddle, in front of him, and headed to the movie theater.  He said teasingly "We COULD see two movies, the Legacy movie, and the Desolation."

Victoria smiled as Andy set her down.

"Doubleheader then. Smaug, and then the Legacy movie. I have been wondering how they've been portrayed, seeing as how we do know them fairly well."

  Andy chuckled, and headed them to The Mall.

--------->> The Weston MALL