Up!

With naught a sound, Shadowstrike landed on the rooftop of the building across from his own. Without stopping, he leaped from building to building, climbing ever-higher as he went. He stopped on a 6-story building, made his way to the corner of it, and stood tall with his arms folded, eyes scanning the streets below. His muffler fluttered softly in the wind as he began his silent vigil.

It didn't take him long to get out of sight somewhere he could ride the power grid of Weston back to his little apartment.  Forming in the bomb shelter made make shift personal hideout he picks up a few supplies and grins slowly under his breath.  Setting his shades aside and donning his goggles he pulls the mask across his face.  Changing into his more old school surplus military clothes he's back in the power grid and moving towards his destination.

About a block away from Shadowstrike, on a lower roof, he forms on the roof of a small warehouse.  There was a shift change in the guards just now, and they liked to swap stories for a few minutes.  Effectively blue screening himself on the cameras he creeps towards each one slowly before moving on.  First he needed to make sure the area would be clear.  Moving to each corner of the building he sets a micro wireless camera and checks the feed of each within his right goggle.  Alright.  So far, so good.  Everything was working.  Checking his watch he kneels and brushes a few fingers against the rooftop.  The guards should be leaving their beer keg meeting soon.  He'd need to wait till they had went to their points and the previous shift had left.  Thankfully little was still known about him.  Unlike the rest of the Legacy most of his exploits were seen as over exagerations, urban legends or someone else that the 'resident badboy' of the Legacy bragged about doing himself.  Like some punk kid would really be dumb enough to get into the Oval Office to ask President Obama for help.  Teh...  Right.  None of the profilers that studied him thinks he really has the mindset to do that, he comes off as very anti-establishment after all.

While one of the bigger steps he needed to take, it was humorous that one of the small time gangs had what he wanted.  Atleast what he figured he wanted.  Well, what he figured he needed to be more precise.  Even with the Legacy there were still some small gangs in operation.  As people went more towards the high end of protection and muscle, there were still some on the low end of the curve.  He could be sorta like Robin Hood with these guys.  They didn't have the funding to buy muscle or equipment to protect themselves and they thought they kept off the grid enough to go unnoticed.  He could return the stolen items, minus a few choice ones if any for himself.  And since criminals aren't always known to keep records.  Well hey.  That's why Jewelry Stores have insurance, right?

A blink and he's gone.

Forming in the giant and semi-complicated safe he smiles to himself as he clicks a timer.  He doesn't speak and breathes slowly.  Slipping a small device on his lips to help deal with the limited air in the airtight area he starts working quickly.  First he slaps a few explosives quickly and strategically as he had planned.  Turning he then clicks open the few small cases that the gems would be stored in, plus a few briefcases with cash in them.  A small device is then brought out as he begins to scan over the jewels quickly.

Come on.  One of you sing to me already.

As he scans the gems and they do not respond he pockets them quickly in a small bag he had brought along.  He gets to the end when an amber gem peaks a change in the oscilation of his guaging device.  A grin spreads across his lips as he sets that aside into a pocket of his jacket.  He still had a little time.  Now to work on the rest of the stash.  Putting the device away he starts pocketing as much cash as he can from the safe.  He tries to stay calm but his heartrate increases.  He had done his homework but with his heartrate increasing, his body heat increases.  And not being able to connect with the security system in time.  Eventually a nearby speaker kicks on.

"Well well well, what do we have here.  Hmmm?  Some little para that thinks they can steal from us.  I don't know how you got in there.  Frankly I don't care.  What you should know, is that we did take one precaution.  We've set up a disruption matrix around that cell.  You teleported in, we were assured that it would not allow you to teleport out by this scientist we kidnapped.  So, we're going to wait for a few more minutes till you pass out.  And if you're lucky, maybe you'll wake up later."

Zeke had to chuckle as he continues to pocket a little more money, before walking over to the intercom and hitting the button.

"Few minutes huh?  Alright I guess that means we get to talk.  See I know there's no honor among thieves.  Really I live by two rules.  Never let them see you bleed.  And always have a way out.  So, let's play a game while we wait.  What rhymes with 'chick'?"

"What?  Oh what the hell.  The more I get you to talk, the faster that air gets sucked out right.  I'll play your little game, freak.  Let's see.  Dick, hick, kick, lick, nick, pick, rick, sick, tick."

Watching the cameras he has to smile as he crouches and gets ready to sprint.  Making sure his loot is secure.  It seemed to be perfect timing.  Just then, the alley was clear.

"I'm sorry, but the answer I was looking for was, 'click'."

As he says click he sets off the trigger he had absorbed into himself, blowing the explosives and shattering the back of the safe, slamming it into the abandoned building behind.  Making a rather decent sized hole in it.  Leaping through the hole he tucks and rolls, moving into the building next door.

"Damn it!  Fucking ass hole!  Get on him!  Figure out where the fuck he went and get on him!"

Radio chatter erupts as the guards rush down and shine flashlights into the building.  As they do there is a large black curtain out of reach of them to push back and the sound of an engine reving.

"Shit!  He's making a break for it.  Go!  GO!"

A van rips through the rusty doors of the warehouse and speeds off towards a sight of new construction with a runoff into the drainage channels.  Three black cars take off in pursuit but other start to enter the warehouse.

Until a digitized voice starts to count down.

5....

4......

3......


The men scramble and duck for cover.


2.......

1.......

Have a nice day.

The warehouse crumbles on itself as set charges causes it to implode.

Although probably unheard in the ruckus, Zeke's phone would ring (or, more likely, either vibrate or go to voicemail).

The van speeds over a ramp, crashing into the drainage valleys and speeds down the concrete.  The cars are a little more cautious but quickly give chase as they run down a service ramp.  One speeding ahead to get infront of the van.  The two cars behind start shooting.

"I don't care about the money.  Get those damn gems back!"

The van swerves and shifts and general evades the bullets and buckshot from the pursuing cars, but soon damage is done.  A large SUV plows into the driver side and the van crashes into a bridge support, wrapping most of the front half around the support.  The gas tank explodes, engulfing the rest of the van in flames.

They quickly put the fire out and try to flee the scene just as the police show up to arrest them.

There's no body or anything else to recover other than a relatively stripped out van.

----------------

Even though it was effectively in him, the phone is answered.  He's breathing heavily, obviously from running and there's the slightest drip drip sound.  There's also a slight metalic echo from his voice.  He's running in the sewer.

"You never call.  You never write.  What's up?"

Moving into the old maintenance hub he presses a hand against a wall and the mechanics within begin to shift and pop.  Opening up to his little lair.  Setting down his haul of gems he strips off his smelly clothing, chuckling softly to himself.  Placing the amber gem somewhere secure while putting the cash in the hidden floor safe.

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 their friendship.

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?

"I can be there, soon.  I just have a gift to drop off for the police.  Minus a small cut."

Friday would have learned a few months ago it's best not to ask what he was taking and more importantly what he was going to use that small cut for.  Generally his plans didn't work though they do get pretty close.  And it's usually some extravagantly named invention to prevent him from getting sued.

"Is she going to be there?"

Which is of course code for 'do I need to wear my hat?'.  In many ways he had got used to her being around and was relatively convinced she wasn't going to bring him in for his transgressions against criminals and Friday had of course many times let him know that if that traffic accident ever did become an issue, she'd be there to vouch for him.

Still it was just Zeke's humor shining through and was just a running gag to him that hadn't lost its appeal to him yet.

Yes, I believe so.  I'll keep an eye on her, though.  She's been pretty good about "boundaries" lately.

Friday chuckled.

I'll see you there. 

She almost made a joke about Hotwire's "cut', but knew how it bothered Lucas.   So she refrained.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Tue 17 Nov 2009.

"Alright, won't be long at all.  Quicker than a ray of light and all."

There isn't an audible click, but there is definetly the distinct feeling she loses contact.

He's back in his apartment though, still without the phone connection.

"Right... to many gems to carry.  Ah well.  Old fashioned way."

Getting changed he heads up to drop off a package for the Captain.  And then he's off to the HQ.

Spying something, Shadowstrike leaped down to an alley.

Hunter made his way accross the rooft toward the shop where he kept his motorcycle. HEaring a noise in the distance he draws his bow Looking up at the helicopter descending above him .

Perched on rope ladder hanging from a helicopter the famiiar form of the baron was quickly heading towards Hunter. MOving his head to the side to avoid an arrow he mutters. "How rude." LEapin down once he got close enough the assasin rolls to his feet and stands drawwing a dagger and sword. "Theres a price on your head hunter, one I man to collect!"

Without a word Hunter rushes the red hooded man and slashes at him which are deftly Parried by the Baron.

The two swordsmen exchange blows for quite somet time with neither gaining ground, when all of a sudden Hunter Grabbed at his neck and fell to the ground. OUt of the shadows stepped a woman in grey and purple body armor and short blonde hair. "Lets get him into the chopper, I don't want to keep Mr. Bertelli waiting."

Hunter makes his way across the rooftops with incredible speed. Making his way to alocal garage he dorops to the back and lets himself in.

>To MAJOR MOTORCYCLES>>

>>>>>>>>>>From Weston Streets>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist then perched on the roof. He had to find Hunter...but then again the Dark Champion was also lurking about. He cursed himself for not being more alert and being distracted with everything that was going on.

Knowing Hunter sometimes liked to frequent the rooftops, Dragon Fist began to lurk around, seeing if he could find the lone wolf vigilante....and if he was lucky...maybe some semblance to what the Dark Champion's plans too...

From the streets below comes the roar of a motorcycle. Looking down the motorcycle is obviously custom made and a familiar figure is perched upon it armed with a bow and several blades.

HUNTER! It has to be him!

Dragon Fist took to the air, following the motorcycle as best he could. At the same time, he sent a quick message to Mirage since she was looking for him too.

>>>>>>>>>>>To The Streets>>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 20:12, Fri 26 Feb 2010.

  At that precise moment, Meg was somewhere over a mile in the sky, practicing her aerobatics.  And having a darn good time of it.  It was cold everywhere, so she was high enough the clouds concealed her while letting her soar to her heart's content.

>>>>>>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist ran along the rooftops, checking things out in the city as much as he could.

I wonder where those kids are....they could be anywhere...

Almost as if in a silent reply, Dragon Fist saw the New Age Defenders on the...police station rooftop? And there was Captain Jordan....

Well...they DID say they were going to the cops first...makes sense...might as well give 'em a hand...

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>To Weston PD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

>>>From Weston Superior Court

Dragon Fist made his way to the rooftops, trying to get a bearing for where his brother Esteban might be. He was part of the SCU and surely they would notice that he hadn't been in for a week.

Muttering to himself mostly, he said,"All right Dark One..you've been stalking me..and now my family. Show yourself.."
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 22:40, Thu 06 May 2010.

After the brief conversation with Meg, Dragon Fist soared until he reached Esteban's place, waiting for Meg there...

  Meg was there, still in her green and gold casuals, and she waved, and said "Let's find him."

Dragon Fist nodded and replied, "Yes..and I do appreciate your help. I really hope I'm not taking you away from anything important.."

  Meg shook her head, and said "I was just thinking about how much free time I had, and was trying to see if I could get Zeke to meet me for hot cocoa, but this type of thing supercedes that."

Dragon Fist looked away for a moment, and said, "I'm sorry....Zeke...Zeke is a good guy...just point me in the right direction and I can take it from there...that way you two can talk..."

  Meg folded her arms across her chest, and said something in Chinese.    Then she floated up enough to knock on his helmet, and say "HELL-O!!  YOU can't track by scent.  So pointing your ass in a direction won't help you.  I have to be here to track it.  IF I can catch it!"

Still physically there on the bench, his voice crackles over the cellphone in Meg's coat.

"It's cool man, Meg and I can always get hot cocoa some other time."

A beat.

"Sorry... The Imperial March didn't really distract me.  It just made me feel more like a facist than normal."

Another beat.

"Sorta helps to turn off the phone too, kind of difficult for me to disconnect.  Still trying to figure out how to get the phone in my head off vibrate."

  Which elicited a sigh, and Meg said "Feel free to join us, Zeke.  Maybe you can find something else too."  Then she poked at the phone until it went ahead and disconnected, so that he could hang up too.

Dragon Fist turned his head to the side.

"You know...I think I've heard that phrase...I just never knew what it meant...Look I'm sorry...this is just a very personal matter on a lot of levels for me...I really do appreciate your help....and that goes for Zeke as well..."

Directing her to Esteban's apartment, he gets a key out from under the doormat.

"Stevie always had an issue with leaving his keys in the most unlikely of places..."

Unlocking it, he then entered the apartment and motioned for Meg to come in.

  Meg followed him in, inhaling deeply once she was inside, then looking at her phone to see what text came in before she slapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide.  Then she muttered _{"I didn't know Zeke spoke Chinese . . . "}  Then she looked around, trying to find a nice, dirty shirt to swipe.  She asked Lucas "Can you find me a nice, dirty shirt or something?  As old as all the scent is in here, I need a strongly scented one."

Dragon Fist went and found one of Esteban's dress shirts. It looked like one he had used quite a bit. He then took it out and brought it to Meg.

"I hope this helps.."

  Meg nodded, then took the shirt.  She crumpled it good, then pressed it to her nose.  Inhaling deeply, she nodded, then began a slow criss-crossing of the apartment, looking for the freshest scent.

  Reaching the rooftops, he slid his jacket off, then tied it around his waist.  Then he closed his eyes, concentrating hard.  After a few minutes, he punched the brick of the wall, and the pain gave him what he needed, triggering the change.  He was trying to get used to it, and he'd discovered that he loved to fly.  So he would do just that.  And so he fanned his wings, once they'd re-emerged, and soared into the skies of Weston.

In reply to Megaira Kattakara (msg #35):

"Once we get the scent, if you have trouble picking it up from here, perhaps where he was last seen may help track him down. I saw him at the hospital the last time....so if you're not able to get anything here...that may also be a good place to look..."

  Meg nodded, and said "Might be a good idea, although I'm not going to hold out much on an aerial trail still being there if it's been a week.  Winds and things disrupt those."

"I'm hoping against hope at the moment, Meg...I'll take whatever you have..."

Even with the metallic distortion in his voice under the helmet, Dragon Fist still sounded somewhat anxious. Perhaps he would tell Meg one day about his brother...as well as the struggle between good and evil he found himself in...

PM

Meg finds Estebans scent to be strongets at the hospital. The two of them manage to find a trail at his room which leads outside into a nearby alleyway then simply vanishes.

Dragon Fist looked down dejectedly. His worst nemesis was out there....with his brother. Who knew if he was dead or alive....

"Trails gone cold....damnit.....Meg.....I'm sorry for taking up your time like I did....this fight between myself and....this other person....well...."

A voice calls out from above. "Not giving up hope, are we little champion?" Lookingup they would see him standing attop a flagpole, how he managed to not fall off is anyones guess, He leapsoff of it and over Meg and Dragon Fists heads to land gracefully behind them. "After all, the fun has just begun."

"No games...." Dragon Fist said, very matter of fact. "What have you done with my brother?"

Dressed now in a black and red gi with the sleeves removed the man wags his finger at Dragon Fist. "Ah ah, now that would be cheating, though I can ssure you he's alive and well although I'm unsure if you should be so anxious to find him."

Dragon Fist began to circle around him.

"I asked you a question...what have you done with my brother? Or...what have you done TO him?"

  Meg sniffed, inhaling deeply to catch the scents, and narrowed her eyes slightly.  She merely watched this new fellow with an inscrutable Chinese look, folding her hands together as she studied the situation.

"All in due time, little champion, all in due time He's nearly ready anyways but you'll see him again but it won't be as happy a reunion as your expecting." He laughed coldly before giving them that wide creepy smile. "But I have many things to do I shall see you and your lady friend very soon little champion, very soon indeed." And suddenly he dissapears ina a puff of smoke.

  Meg frowned thoughtfully.

"Noooooooooooooooo!"

Dragon Fist leaped at the Dark Champion with a flying kick.....but by the time he reached him...he was gone....

Landing now on the ground, he pounded the roof.

"Damn....damn...."

Shaking is head, Dragon Fist then got to his feet and walked towards Meg.

"I....I owe you an explanation...."

  Meg looked around, and said "Okay, but lets go some where a little less public, okay?"

Dragon Fist nodded.

"The dojo that I work at is closed...but I have the keys to the place...we can go there if you want...unless you know of a better place..."

  Meg shook her head, and said "Sounds like a good place.  You lead the way.  Unless you want to do the flying in case someone's watching?"

Dragon Fist replied, "All right...I can fly us there....I can take care of our flight..."

  Meg nodded, and stepped close, so that he could pick her up easily.  She was a slender, petite thing!!

"OK Meg...here we go...."

With that, they soared into the air...

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

--> From Weston Auto Salvage

Mirage ran along the rooftops, leaping easily and gracefully between the buildings.  She missed this.  Mirage might be able to teleport to her destination but this was much more fun.  Her long skirts fluttered as she leapt for a flag pole on the side of a building and used it to vault herself up higher into the air.  She soared through the air, arms out to her sides like an upwards swan dive, just reveling in the feeling of complete and total freedom.

Bertelli was dead, along with his family, suffocated in their home.  It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.  Mirage would have to keep her eyes and ears open to see what came out of that.  Bertelli had been one of the bigger, if not the biggest, crime boss in the city and with him dead, someone else was going to have to take over.

Her upwards arc slowed and Mirage flipped herself over so that she was now falling towards the streets below feet first.  A long crimson red line shot out from her outstretched hand to grapple onto a nearby building.  Mirage swung her way down the street and then, flipping through the air once more, landed on another rooftop.

Did the New Age Defenders have something to do with Bertelli's death?  It was unlikely.  They seemed like good kids and she really couldn't imagine any of them killing Bertelli.  Perhaps she should contact Dragon Fist and find out how the raid went.

She pulls out her phone and starts typing up a text.

Hmm.  Lucas has something that he wants to talk about?

Mirage closed the phone and took one last look around, before she vanished in a puff of crimson smoke.

--> To Dragon and Tiger

Having left Icepick back at the Derring condominiums excelsior continued to fly through the skies of Weston at a leisurely pace lost in thought.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Mon 17 May 2010.

Suddenly a blue aand godl blur started speeding towards Excelsior and stopped directly in front og him. "Hello Guardian" he spits out the word guardian as if it were an insult. "Care to tango?" ANd whe raisd back a fist to punch Excelsior.

Excelsior went flying backwards but managed to avoid hitting any buildings. Staring back at Paragon he replied. "Lets Dance and began flying towards him trying to slam into him and send him up away from any buildings.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:00, Mon 17 May 2010.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>.From the Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soared skyward.....and found what appeared to be....two metahumans in battle. One looked slightly familiar....

Oh no...not HIM again...Paragon....no, not the same Paragon that the Legacy had fought against...but someone with his power signature...

The other kid was that Excelsior kid...he seemed to be OK...so he then moved to his aid...

Paragon grabbed Excelsiors body and sent him flying into a nearby building. "You have power boy but you don't have a clue how to use it. Its a shame Excel chose such a poor successor but I guess you had what he really needed."

"What you need is an asskicking" Ex replied, He may not have a handle on his power but he knew waht Excel was really looking for in a candidate, a good heart.

Dragon Fist ran at Paragon 2, his foot glowing with mystic energy as he lunged forth with a leaping kick.

"How about we even up the odds a little?"

Paragons hand shot out and he grabbed Dragon Fist by the leg. "The champion of Light, how good to see you again, I'm afraid however this is a private matter please begone Oh and poor job announcing yourself before your attack."  He rearead back as if to throw Dragon Fist.

As Paragon is distracted Ex aims a punch at  Paragon's midsection.,"

"So...you know about that, huh? I'm here to help him..."

After Excel goes to the midsection, Dragon Fist gives him a heel kick to the chin.

Paragon takes the combined hit crying out and dropping the mystic martial artist. His hands n ow crackling with blue energy he swipes at Excelsior.

As Paragon 2 swipes at Excelsior, Dragon Fist readied his counterattack.

In an instant, he then attacked Paragon with a double-fisted punched at his midsection...

A blow that would have broken a normal man's spine merely gets a grunt from Paragon. Aiming a hand at Lucas he lets loose a blast of blue energy.

 Ex dodges the swipes and when Dragon Fist goes for Paragon's back Ex aims a punch at his face.

This message was deleted by a game moderator at 06:33, Mon 17 May 2010.

Dragon Fist BARELY ducks underneath the blue energy blast from the mighty Paragon.

Damn...he's going to be as hard to take down this one as the first...Excelsior...I hope you've got some tricks up your sleeve...

Dragon Fist then thrust a powerful sidekick at the powerful man, hoping to bring him down, so that Excelsior could follow with attacks of his own...

Paragon catches Dragon Fists kick and flings him to the side as if he weighed nthing Blocking Excelsior with his other hand. "Poor naive Guardian but that is of course why the previous Guardian chose you, because you would be easy to mold."

Dragon Fist landed not far from the paranormal villain.

He then came at Paragon with multiple palm strikes, targetting his lower abdomen, his chest, and his chin...

Ex does his best to ignore Paragon as he aims a fist at his ehad.

Paragon laughed at Ex's attempts to hit him." What did you think it was? What id he tell you that you had a strong sense of Justice or some other bullshit? NO its because you would believe in this comic book morality you were chosen for you naivite no exquisite virtues. "As dragon fist appraoches He sends another blast towards the Mystic martial artist.

From a naerby rooftop a puddle of water forms together to turn into Darren! He puts his two arms out shooting water at highgh speeds towards the viallain.

The global Guardian shouts at  Darren" Darren watch out!" Throwing another punch at Paragon.

Those blasts were certainly getting closer. The original Paragon didn't have a ranged attack. An improvement over the original...

But he could feel the heat of the blast, and knew that he had to be taken down quickly.

"He's just talking crap, Ex! Ignore his rants and concentrate on his defeat...."

And he unleashed another multiple series of strikes at the villain...

Darren shouts" What's he gonna do punch me I'm water!" Darren replies as he fires another blast aof water at Paragon.

paragon blocked  Dfs attacks but Fluids and Excelsiors hit their marks. Plaicing a hand towards Fluid Paragon replies. "Or I could just evaporate you." ANd sensd a blast toward fluid.

As the blast hit FLuid screamed in pain as hthe heat went first through the water going at Paragon and then made its way towards his form  rapidly turning it to steam As Fluid evaporates his scream still lingers in the air ."

"Darren? DAAARREN" Excelsior shouts in rage his body suddenly glowing g0oold. Screaming in rage he speeds towards Paragon at incredibles speeds.

Paragon was sent flying by Excelsiors flying tackle and th etwo of them began flying at highspeeds while Excelsior Beats Paragon into the ground.

"MURDERER!"

Dragon Fist joined in on the beatdown of Paragon, enraged that he would kill in his pursuit of power.

Paragon takes quite a beating forom the two but Dragon FIst seems to have trouble keeping up his power levels seem to have gone up dramatically. Now lying in a semi crushed street Paragon his mask now gone revealing a 20 something african american male With short black hair a bit of a goatee. He spits blood glaring at the tow. "Well heroes what are you going to do now?

Ex Grabbed Paragon by the throat in a blur of motion. "How about I throw you into the sun?" He growled.

Dragon Fist looked at his hands for a moment, then looked at Paragon. He had taken all he could give....and then some...

He looked at Paragon, then at Excelsior. "I think you know what to do, Excelsior...you can't stoop to his level. That's the difference between you and him....you...me...we both are Guardians and Champions of causes greater than ourselves...if we cross that line...we can NEVER go back...do you understand?"

This was HIS fight after all. Perhaps Excelsior had connections with Dragon Fist that he never suspected..
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 07:20, Mon 17 May 2010.

Ex breathes heavily for a few seconds before Throwing paragon to the ground giving him a blow to the head at a strenght he knew wouldn't kill him. "Darren wouldn't want that..." He says under his breath before turning to Dragon FIst. "What do we do with him now?"

Dragon Fist was relieved that his speech got through to the young man.

"Now..we take him to the SCU....they've been developing ways to deal with Paras, and make sure that he gets what he deserves...a lifetime to languish in his own selfish ambitions. And...I'm glad you made the right decision, Excelsior. Living with blood on your hands will give you nightmares....for the rest of your life..."

A situation that Dragon Fist was all too familiar with.

"When we get time, we need to compare notes. Somehow...it's possible that we might serve the same causes if you're a Guardian and I'm a Champion..."

Ex nods. "Sure, I just.." he trails off obviusly choking back sobs though the mask hides any tears.
"You think you can handle the cops, I'... I should go talk to Darrens family."

"I've got it covered Ex.....I've lost friends myself...it's never easy...Vaya Con Dios...and, if you need anything.....stop by the Dragon And Tiger...ask for Lucas..."

Without another word Ex flew off

<\>>TO SUBURBS>>

Dragon Fist picked up the unconscious Paragon and took him to the Weston SCU. Hopefully they had a way to hold him...

>>>>>>>>>>>>To Weston PD>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 07:39, Mon 17 May 2010.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>From Weston PD>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Once again, taking to the streets, Dragon Fist, somewhat revitalized, once again began the search for his brother.....and possibly any of the Para escapees from the breakout at Weston Prison.

Dragon FIsts search leads hi m to a small shop specializing in Asian Antiques Inside is an elderly chinese man but something seems...off about him.

Dragon Fist entered the store. It looked like the trail had led here. The others had their own things going on, so he didn't want to disturb them at the moment.

He approached the man cautiously but hopeful that he might have some information.

"Hello. I'm looking for someone..Hispanic gentleman, about 5'8, 160 pounds. Seen anyone like that here recently?"

"Why he's right behind you" The old man replied as behind him a kick is aimed for his back. Standing in the same red and black gi he had seen him in in his dream but without the demon mask was Esteban wielding a wicked looking claw in his right hand. The oldman suddenly changes reverting into the Dark Champion now laughing coldly.

Dragon Fist saw the Dark Champion shimmer before him.

"Stevie..this isn't you...I don't know what he's done to you..but this isn't you. You've got to fight him Stevie.."

Dragon Fist sidestepped the kick from the back, and then levied a sidekick at the Dark Champion.

"Release him, monster!"

Esteban Snarled at  Lucas "Liar!" He said as he swiped with his claw and followed up with a palm strike to the chest

The Dark Champion merely dodged out of the way. "All I've done is shown him the truth, about you...."

"Stevie! Snap out of it!"

"Truth? What truth?" Dragon Fist shouted angrily as he came with a downward block on Esteban's blow.

"Tell him the real truth...about how you KILLED me in that alleyway...how I came back because of Tao...I am the Champion of Light...you are the Champion of Darkness! You are the evil one! TELL HIM!"

And Dragon Fist thrust his palm at the Dark Champion...

"Yeah after you had left us!" Esteban replied "After you had to go and-" When Estebans attack connects with Dragon Fists hands a white light crackles briefly between the brothers. Esteban suddenly looks slightly less angry though the rage is still there. It appears if the dark champion hasn't noticed he just stands ther smiling while Esteban strikes out with a snap kick from his left leg.

"Stevie! Please listen to me! This man..." he says, gesturing to the Dark Champion... "...came out of nowhere...and he took my heart...and ripped it out of my chest. He killed me Stevie! I don't know what he's told you Stevie...but he doesn't care about you...all he cares about is himself...and whatever evil deeds he can do...Dad threw me out man...I'm sorry I wasn't there bro....I know you're still in there Stevie..."

Dragon Fist went on the defensive...especially after seeing the "spark" between them. What was that all about?

Esteban Lunged foraard before Lucas could start talking  getting ahand around his throat Suddenly there's a falsh of white and Stevies rage dissapeared. Dropping his hand he looks at Dragon Fist. "LUcas? What...what am I doing?" The Dark champion looks confused as Esteban steps away he starts hsouting. "What are you waitng for? Finish him!"

Dragon Fist could feel a HUGE smile come across his face. He then turned towards the Dark Champion.

"You saw through his lies, Stevie....he tried to corrupt you....AND FAILED..."

And with lightning speed, Dragon Fist shot forth a side kick at the Dark Champion.

The dark Champion is too stunned to block and goes flying into some antiques. "HOw did you, How did you undo my work! IT was flawless I brought forward his dark half  how is he back to normal!"

Dragon Fist began to walk towards the Dark Champion, the feeling of triumph slowly growing...as if his spirit had received a second wind.

"You failed Dark One...you failed to turn my brother against me....and now you will feel the sting of defeat..."

And Dragon Fist let loose multiple combinations of hand and foot strikes on the Dark Champion...

The Dark Champion nips up his face contorted with Rage the fist time  Dragon Fist saw him not in complete control of himself. "I will find a way little champion I will get you out of the way and then the world will be mine to sculpt!" He shouts as he dissapears in a cloud of smoke.

Dragon Fist, upon seeing the Dark Champion dissappear, finally allowed himself a moment to relax. Retracting his armor, he turned back towards his brother and gave him a huge hug.

"Stevie....I'm sorry.....I should have told you about...well...this, a long time ago. I was worried sick for you bro...."

Esteban looks at Lucas and once the armor retracts he brings him in a hug. "HWat he did to me bro, its not all gone, I feel..different, stronger, faster and..more corrupt.

Lucas smiled at him.

"But you beat him....hell, WE beat him..."

He looked at him for a moment.

"You know...I don't remember you taking such an interest in the occult Stevie....Captain Jordan said you were their biggest expert on the subject....and I'm about as occult as you can get, man....and hopefully I can help you suppress that corruption....if you'll let me, and maybe you can use that stronger and faster stuff to your advantage..."

 Esteban nodded. "How long have I been gone?"

"It's been a little over a week...I went to visit you in the hospital....Mom and Dad came...that was awkward...but Mom set us both straight, so Dad and I are talking again....I was going to ask if I could come over and maybe we could have some dinner or something...yeah, a little over a week...I'm sure Captain Jordan will be very anxious to hear from you....all I know is that I'm glad you are safe, Stevie..."

Lucas was just overjoyed to have his brother back at this moment. At this moment, nothing else mattered....

"I wanna go home.. get some rest do some thinking..."

"Then let's get you home, bro..."

Summoning his armor once again, he then took Esteban to their family home.

"You'll be safe here, citizen..." he said, doing what he could to keep up appearances...and secret identities. Waving at Esteban, Dragon Fist stayed to make sure he was able to get in the house. Once inside, he took one last look back and took to the air once again...

Esteban makes it in safely and goes inside to explain things to their parents.

Dragon Fist, content that things were, for the most part, back to normal, continued to soar skyward.

Inside, he was thinking of calling a meeting of both the remaining Legacy and the New Age Defenders. It was time to to get the "Struggle of Duality" out in the open.

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

Excelsior flies through the skies at a reasonable pace a bit faster than most of the cars. As he passes by poeople look up an dpoint some murmur together. After a bit of flying he lands on a rooftop takes out his phone and sends out two messages.

Ex spends a little more time flying around before headin gto the dojo

>TO DRAGON AND TIGER>>

--> From Weston Hospital

Mirage stood on the edge of the building, looking down at the street while the long skirt of her dress fluttered about her feet.

She'd spent enough time in that useless alter ego of hers and was itching for action.  Something, anything.  she had to do something active, physical, something to let her feel the ground beneath her heels and the whind in her face.

Feeling a little reckless, Mirage started to run along the rooftops, leaping from building to building just because she could.

From the skies comes a cry of "Stop Interlooper!" And Mireage soon sees a winged man with a flamiing sword in his right hand. He lands a little ways awaay from her. "You dared fouil are plans to save this world DMIrage of the LEgacy,, Brain would have turned the earth into a utopia and now you shall pay for your interference!"

Mirage looked at the newcomer, trying to decide if he was crazy or something else.

"Interloper?  Really now, darling, there are better words that you could use to refer to a lady." Mirage said, still looking the man over.  A flaming sword?  That was something new.  "And just who might you be to speak of Brain in such a familiar manner?"

"I was one of his trusted Lieutenants, one of the few to meet him in person. But enough talk, Have at you!" And with that he ran towards mirage flapping his wings to propel him through the air He came at Mirage with his flaming sword"

"If you were working for Brain, then that puts us at odds." Mirage said.  With a smile, the rooftop was suddenly filled with identical copies of her.  "I was looking for a workout, Let's hope that you provide a good one."

All of the Mirage clones suddenly pulled out crimson coloured swords of her own.  They all leapt at Fallen.

NOw surrounded by mlutiple mirages Fallen snarled. HIs  flaming sowrd shortened and another sprouted in his left hand. Expertly he ducked down striking out at two of the mirages with his wings and stabibing upward at another two

Nearby, a figure with a black hoodie with the hood on its head watched the group. <blue>What's this?</b> It didn't move an inch, so it seemed.

Mirage watched Fallen deal with her illusionary duplicates.  She studied his movements for a moment, noting how he attacked or defended, trying to get an impression of his style.  The guy wasn't bad with that flaming sword of his, and he seemed to be able to create more of the weapons.

It was time to see how good he really was.

Mirage, crimson sword in hand, rushed towards Fallen.  She kept her illusionary doubles up and around Fallen, intending to distract him as she went on the attack.  She'd try to disable his arms, force him to drop the sword and thus be weaponless.

Fallen stood watching the duplicates as eh dodged they're attacks, Then his eyes settled on the real Mirage. As mirage Came at him He flapped his powerful wings taking to the sky to avoid MIrages attack. He stayed in the sky for amoment before the second sword dissapeerad adn the right handed one returned to its original lenght. SFOlding his wings he dive bombed at the true Mirage swiping with his Sword.

Mirage landed in a crouch, sword extended and staring up at Fallen.  He could fly, of course he could fly.  That was a pain as Mirage couldn't fly.  Well, she was looking for something to entertain herself with and an easy fight just wouldn't do.

She rose to her feet as Fallen started to dive at her.  She smiled and lowered her sword, the blade breaking apart into a long length of chain.  As Fallen dove towards her, Mirage would slip to the side and try to entangle his wings with her chains.

When Mirage chained his wings Fallen plummeted to the ground landing on his chest. He gets up slowly snarling at Mirage. "Release me wench!" His wings begin to struggle agianst the psychic chains while Fallen Rushes Mirage flaming sword held high coming at the Femme Fatale with a downward strike.

"I don't think so, Darling.  We want to keep this fight fair, don't we?" Mirage said, her smile masking the strain she was feeling over Fallen struggling against her bonds.

Again Mirage stepped to the side to avoid the villains attack.  She created two more duplicates, one stepping to the other side and one stepping back, just to confuse the man.  She'd counter his attack with a roundhouse kick of her own.

>>>>>>>>From Legacy's New Digs>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist scoured the area, seeing if he could find Mirage or trouble. Hopefully it wouldn't be both...

Teh winged man falls for the fient and takes the kick straight in the face. Stumbling back he wiped blood form his lip. Still  struglling with his wings He draws back his sword arm as if he's going to charge againbut instead the flaming blade leaps from his hands and goes flying toward Mirage.

...and he can throw his swords as well. Mirage thought.  She created three more duplicates of herself, each one going in a different direction once more as she leapt up to flip over the sword.

She summoned three psychic knives and threw them at Fallen as she moved.

Heaven help her but she was enjoying this.  Dodging at a distance was entertaining but she wanted to get up close and personal.  If she managd to evade the flying sword, Mirage would teleport up to Fallen and start punching him.

As Mirage telported in close Fallen grabbed at her arms attemtping to pin the m down at her sides before the flaming soward started turning around and coming straght towards her!

Dragon Fist continued to fly...and then he saw a sight that he wasn't sure he would ever see again...

...Fallen...

He remembered their fight from a while back. They both had wounded each other fairly well. And now he was back...

AND HE HAD HIS FRIEND AND TEAMMATE NEARLY PINNED!

"And lo...I beheld a Dragon coming from the sky...release her, and face me..." he said, landing a short distance from them and coming at the angelic fiend with a sidekick.

The figure in the hoodie quickly looked towards where Dragon Fist had landed. "You again!? We meet too much..." He shook his head and looked at where the fireblade man and the... chick?... were. "Hey... he's the one that attacked me a while back! Hey, maybe we can team up! I wanna make him hurt BAD for attacking me." The figure punched his fists together as he said 'bad'.

Mirage was momentarily surprised that Fallen had caught her so easily.  Perhaps she was telegraphing her actions too much, but that didn't matter.  It wasn't like she couldn't get out of the grab just as easily.  Still, she made a show of struggling against his grip while waiting for the sword to get closer.

"Sorry, darling, but you're going to have to buy me dinner first." She said, seconds before she teleported out of his grasp and only a short distance away.  It was her intention to remain within kicking distance and renew her attack once the mans sword had either hit him or missed.

As Mirage teleported out of the way Fallens eyes widen as the sword jkept coming, and stabbed him in the gut. Falling to his knees the balde dissipates as his hands go to his stomach to staunch the bleeding. Looking up to those surrounding him he says. "Help...me."

Mirage had three of her psionically created daggers in her hand, ready to throw them at Fallen, and she was surprised that the man didn't dodge his own sword.  She looked at the man and couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.  The fight had not gone on as long as she had hoped.  There was probably a rather risque joke in here about the man finishing first and leaving the woman unsatisfied.

"There's an irony here isn't there?  You were trying to kill me and now you're looking to me for help.  Don't you worry, I won't let you die."  She pulled out her cell phone and dialed up the SCU.  "I have a message for Captain Jordan.  Tell him that Mir...that the Legacy is going to be bringing a wounded para to the hospital.  The mans name is Fallen and Jordan might want to talk with him."

She closed the cell phone and turned back to see Dragon Fist.  "Hello Dragon Fist.  Who's your friend?  I hate to be rude but you'll have to excuse me for a moment.  I have to take Fallen to the hospital."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Tue 08 June 2010.

"I have information, There is one moving against you, trying to force you apart he is" SUddenly before Fallen can finish his sentence he is suddenly gone. There is a pop noise as the air fills in to where he used to  be.

This message was deleted by a game moderator at 17:11, Tue 08 June 2010.

Dragon Fist couldn't believe it. The enemy that had taken him to his limit...was now...no more.

"Damn...I wonder what that meant? WHO is moving against us? Trying to force us apart? Mirage, are you all right?"

The figure stood when the weird flame-blade-wielding man said about a force trying to pull apart someone. It... what...? It shook its head.

Mirage looked at the spot where Fallen had been moments ago.  He might have been able to teleport like Mirage but if that was the case, why hadn't he done so before?  And he had tried to warn them about someone trying to break them apart.  But break who apart?  The New Age Defenders?  They were more of a cohesive team than the Legacy were at the moment, and it wouldn't be too hard to break the Legacy apart.

"I'm not sure what Fallen meant, Dragon Fist." Mirage said, turning slowly to face the armored man.  "I'm all right.  No harm done, mores the pity there."

A mischievous smile slowly spread across her face.  Fallen hadn't given her the fight that she was looking for, that wonderfully martial way of expending energy.  Dragon Fist and Draco were another story.  She started to saunter towards Dragon Fist and Draco.  She held out both of her hands and a crimson sword appeared in each one.  "How have you been, Dragon Fist?  You haven't introduced me to your playmate.  Never mind, I'll introduce myself."

With a playful smile, her walk turned into a run and she leapt up into the air to land between the two men, taking a swipe at each of them with her swords.

Dragon Fist watched as Mirage approached.

"I...I've been through a ringer lately Mirage. I'm sure you heard my...um...announcement to everyone. But that's a tale for another time.."

Gesturing towards Draco, he then added, "This young man actually saw the enemy that I told you about...what was your name again, son?"

"Aw, me? I never mentioned it. Heh heh... Well, my real name is Jason, but call me Draco. I can show you why I am called Draco now, but for mear seconds." The figure looked down. "My curse. I can show you my curse." Draco shaked his head quickly and looked up at Dragon Fist. "And it's you again. What's your name, again? We never formally met."

"Your announcement?" The tremor in Dragon Fists voice took the wind out of Mirages attack.  She'd go and find someone else to beat up later.  Dragon Fist was sounding like he'd give her what she was looking for at the moment.  "I might have missed it.  I've been a little...distracted today.  What enemy are you talking about?"

She turned to Draco.  "Draco, hmm?  Weren't you with the New Age Defenders before?"

Dragon Fist turned away from Mirage and Draco.

"I meant to tell you Mirage...I just wish I knew why it took me so long...probably because of all that's happened.."

Sighing for a moment, he then said "Um...shit, I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just come right out and say it...as you know, I'm Dragon Fist. Being a Champion of Light has come with a responsibility that is mine and mine alone. See....as ordained by the Guardian of Balance, there is myself....and one other...a Dark Champion....and we are destined to battle....in fact, one of my tenets is to oppose him when I can....and it seems as if my enemy has come back recently, and has been targetting people who I associate with or are close to me. Meg has seen him....he's an unprincipled, uncaring psychopath who wants nothing more than to see the scales balanced towards evil. But...I am concerned that he will try going after you...he was merely a shadow when I first met him....now it seems that shadow has a face....he is an Asian man about my height, and he is bald with a ponytail. He is VERY skilled in the martial arts, and he can appear and disappear seemingly at will."

He then seemed to shudder for a moment.

"Another reason I know of this man is because....he.....killed me. He confronted me in an alley...we fought and he....ripped my heart out..."


"I was brought back by the Guardian of Balance...his name was Tao....and offered a chance to become the Champion of Light...I accepted....and before I knew it...this new heart was now in my chest...and the rest as they say is history..."

He then turned and looked back towards the two of them. "I didn't want to keep this from you for as long as I did...but with my enemy coming back and seeing that he is taking a more personal interest now...I thought it best to just get it all out in the open...because I am concerned that he might come after any of you...if you can, do NOT engage him...he is extremely dangerous..."
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 16:01, Thu 10 June 2010.

Mirage put her gloved hand to Dragon Fists cheek and turned him around to face her.

"I appreciate you telling me all this, Dragon Fist, and I appreciate your concern for my well being." she said, smiling sweetly.  It must have taken a lot to tell her his story and to give voice to his concern for her safety.  Hearing him tell about the Dark Champion and what he was like just made her want to face him all the more.  "If this Dark Champion is as bad as you say, then let him come after us.  The sooner that we can deal with him, the sooner that we can be rid of him."

"In fact, why don't we try to bait him?  If he's going after your loved ones, then let's see if we can't set up a trap for him."

Dragon Fist felt Mirage's gloved hand, even through his helmet.

Lucas...she isn't Friday...she's Mirage...she's your friend...your confidant...someone you need and someone who needs you...even though she may never say it outwardly...

"Thank you Mirage...it means a lot to know that you have my back on this. Every time he's appeared it seems he's always been two steps ahead of me. He even tried to turn my brother against me...somehow that plan failed....and he was defeated, at least at that time. And the Dark Champion can appear and disappear, almost at will..."

Mirage grinned mischieviously.

"I always have your back, should you ever need my help.  So what if this Dark Champion can disappear at will.  Have you forgotten just who you're talking to, Dragon Fist?  I'll match my abilities against his any day of the week and twice on Sunday." she said, feeling a little cocky.

Dragon Fist couldn't help but laugh a good-hearted laugh with his longtime friend. Heck, she could be considered more. Like a sister? It was said in a famous text that a friend did stick closer than a sibling right?

"Rest assured, you haven't faced someone like this, Mirage. But thank you for your help and support....heh, now that's the Mirage I've known...the one I've always known...the one who will look the Devil in his face and laugh in it. You...you've always been a good friend, Mirage. Thank you."

Mirage smiled and patted the side of Dragon fists helmet.

"I could say the same thing.  This Dark Champion might know what you can do but I doubt that he knows much about the rest of us.  Let him come.  I've been spoiling for a good fight all morning."

"And don't worry about thanking me.  You never have to thank me, Dragon Fist.  Not after all we've been through together.  And any time that you need my help, I'll be there to give it."

"Now then.  What did this Dark Champion say to you?  Going after your loved ones is he?  In that case, I think that you should take me out on a date.  Or rather, take Friday out on a date."

Underneath his helmet, Dragon Fist smiled.

"He didn't out and out just say that...but being that he uses underhanded tactics...it makes the most logical sense. He tried to get....Detective Martinez...he works in the SCU and he apparently is an expert on the occult...to turn against me. And for a few moments there, I thought that he did. Something happened though when he tried to attack me...something I'm not even sure that I can explain...but it turned him back into his right mind. Needless to say, my enemy was less than pleased with that outcome, and is no doubt planning something even as we speak. The next logical step would be to go after my friends and colleagues...and that's the reason that I warned everyone..."

After a slight pause, he then said, "I consider you to be BOTH a friend and a colleague, Mirage. We HAVE been through a lot together...."

Then Mirage made her "proposition."

"A...date? Um...sure. Friday and I liked going to Versuezzi's."

"It's settled then.  You shall take me out for a night on the town.  Versuezzi's is a good start." Mirage said.  "We shall try and bait out this Dark Champion and when he tries to harm your beloved, we'll take him down.  How much about you and the rest of us does he know?"

"He knows everything about me," Dragon Fist replied. "In regards to anyone else, the only other person that he's seen is Meg, and she didn't reveal all of what she could do against him. As for the members of Legacy, it wouldn't surprise me if he already knew most or all of their capabilities. And yes...I shall take you out to Versuezzi's...."

The smile was evident in Dragon Fist's voice.

"So...when do you want to get ready for this little venture?"

Mirage tapped her lower lip.  "So he would know about you and Friday then?  So that is who you shall be taking then."

Mirage had spent enough time around Friday, or pressed up against her, that she knew the womans body well enough.

"Shall we make it an early dinner then?  How long would it take you to get yourself ready?"

"Not very long at all," Dragon Fist replied. "I can go by the dojo and get into something more appropriate for a night on the town."

He then pondered for a moment. "I could fly there...but your method would probably be a little quicker. Would it be asking too much to go via Air Mirage?"

"Of course" Mirage replied with a sly smile.  "Now that we have our evening planned, what about your young sidekick?  Draco wasn't it?"

Dragon Fist faced Draco, waiting to see what his reply would be.

Draco simply shrugged. "I have nowhere to go, nowhere to be. You two can decide what to do with me."

Dragon Fist turned to Draco

"Draco...neither of us can...or want...to tell you where to go or what to do. You are your own person...though it would seem to me that you have a good heart. Use that Draco...no matter what your curse is...you can turn that into an advantage. Don't ever let it control you."

"What is this curse you keep mentioning?" Mirage asked.

Very simply, "Wanna see?"

Dragon Fist looked at Draco. He was slightly on the defensive. Only slightly....

"All right...let's see it..."

"Sure.  Show us this curse." Mirage said.  "Just as long as it's not too disgusting.  After all, there is a lady present."

She glanced over at Dragon Fist and smiled.  "That would be me, in case you hadn't noticed."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Mon 14 June 2010.

A light-hearted laugh could be heard from Dragon Fist at his good friend's joke.

"I knew that Mirage...you are in a league all your own....which is not a bad thing..."

He then turned back to Draco, to see what his "curse" was all about.

"Alright, you asked for it," were the last words Draco said before jumping off the building, plummeting downwards.

Dragon Fist, if he didn't have a helmet on, would have a shocked look on his face if it were seen.

"Draco....what're you..?" he said, as he looked to the spot where Draco jumped.

Draco was not there. He had seemed to disappear out of thin air. No blood was on the ground, either, so something weird was happening.

Mirage looked over the edge of the building.

"So...his curse is to jump off of buildings and disappear?" she said dryly.  "Was that meant to shock us?  I'm not impressed.  Villains everywhere beware."

"Not sure Mirage..." Dragon Fist replied. "I don't know about him....but whatever issues he's got...I hope that he works through them."

He then crossed his arms and looked around for a moment.

"So...what did you have in mind for our get-together, Mirage? Dinner definitely....anything else?"

Draco's voice sounded, with a slight echo. "If that is what you think my curse is, you're wrong. DEAD wrong!" Suddenly, something very quickly flew up form behind Mirage. Then Draco landed behind Dragon Fist, with wings coming out of his back, and a tail, too. He lowered his hood to show his head (see here for his head: http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs7...t_by_tiggercat12.jpg ). "This is my curse. I've been morphed into... this! That's why I wear my hoodie. And this isn't the first time I've used my wings, but my hoodie at least patches up immediately. Still, if you looked like this, would you be like me?"

Dragon Fist had seen things like Draco before. Though it took place in what seemed like a lifetime ago. He remembered...remembered his death...and then Shangri-La...and then coming back....seeing a timeless Chinese sorceress and a old Chinese gentleman claiming to be a Guardian of Balance....seeing true Dragons...and then Weston...and then the ordeal with Doctor Destiny's Diaries...and now Draco...

"Would I be like you Jason? Yes...Would I be scared? Yes...but I have been there...and risen above it. What I would do Draco...is to not look upon it as a curse....yes, I know things are not perfect..look at me...I died, Draco...felt the cold hand of death as it descended upon me. And I've been granted a purpose...a new purpose...to do what I can to set things right. I also found people who wanted to do the same...the people in the Legacy...and in time...they grew to be more than just teammates...they grew to be my friends...my family. You can too, Draco."

PM

Mirage frowned as she looked around the rooftop.

Dragon Fist noted Mirage's frown, which began to concern him.

"Mirage....Mirage, what's wrong?" he asked.

Mirage looked back at Dragon Fist.

"Nothings wrong, darling.  Now what about young Draco here?"

"All right...you had me going there for a second Mirage..."

Dragon Fist turned back to Draco, to see if he would give a response to what he had just said.

PM

Mirage frowned again as she looked at the surrounding rooftops, looking for something or someone out of the ordinary.

Dragon Fist could see that Draco was still mulling it over.

"Think about what I said....then go from there."

He then turned to Mirage.

"All right Mirage, let's do this.....Mirage? I know that look..."

"Hmm?  What look is that, darling?" Mirage asked innocently as her gaze swept the rooftops to finally rest on Dragon Fist.  "I was thinking that I shouldn't impersonate our dear Friday.  Your enemy might know that she is not around, so you'll have to settle for me.  Does that sound okay?"

Dragon Fist smiled underneath his helmet. She did have a look that something was not quite right...but he dismissed it. At least for the moment.

"No..I don't mind at all. You remember that we did talk about having dinner and a drink one time. Now is as good a time as any..."

He then briefly looked around, wondering if his enemy was stalking him. AGAIN....

"I'm ready when you are, Mirage. And...I have to say..I do look forward to our little excursion..."

"Then I shall go and pretty myself up for you.  Shall I meet you at your Dojo and then we can drive to the restaurant from there?"

"That sounds like a good plan," Dragon Fist replied.

"Do you need a lift back to your Dojo?" Mirage asked.  "If not then I should get going to get ready."

Dragon Fist replied, "I can handle it from here. Thanks Mirage....I'll see you soon."

He then extended his wings and began to make his way to the dojo.

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

Mirage watched Dragon Fist fly away and then turned to Draco.

"You'll be okay from here then?" She asked.  Living with curses was something that she knew about and wanted to make sure that Draco was okay.

Draco was still in shock from what Dragon Fist said, but Mirage caught his attention. "Oh, yeah, I'll be fine. If ya need me, I'll be around the streets in this hoodie. This is how you can remember me. Later." Draco then took to the ground, pulling his hood over his head and pulled in his wings and tail as he fell into the alleyways below.

>>The Streets>>

"Take care, Draco." Mirage said after the boy.  She watched the strange looking kid disappear among the buildings and she herself vanished in another moment.

>>> To Dragon and Tiger

>>>>>>>>>From Weston Hospital>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist ran along the rooftops, making his way back to the dojo, when suddenly his phone beeped with an incoming message.

He looked at it for a moment.

Mirage probably got this too...I'll go by the dojo and then we can meet him together...

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

>>>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soared to the rooftops. He had heard mention of some of the sites that had been hit by the mysterious arsons plaguing the city as of late.

Focusing his newfound senses, he tried to see what was around. Perhaps maybe a small clue to the mysterious arsonist might be found...

Dragon Fist remembered that one of the arson fires happened in the suburbs. There would be clues there...hopefully...

Launching himself into the air, he extended his wings and flew in that direction.

>>>>>>>>>>To The Suburbs>>>>>>>>>

>>>>>>>From Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist perched on a rooftop. His cell phone ringing, he answered, and once done with that call, he made another call.

Dragon Fist then hung up the phone. Something wasn't right at HQ. And with that, he swooped down and soared towards the structure.

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

>>>>>>>>>From The National Guard Base>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist flew higher and then landed on the rooftops overlooking Weston City. It appeared that he was in deep in thought.

  StormWalker hovered in the air beside him, and asked him "Do you want to contact Erinyes alone, or take me along?"

Dragon Fist nodded.

"You can come with, Stormwalker. I can't speak for anyone else in the Legacy, but I consider you a member of our group already."

  She smiled, and said "Thank you.  I hope I can do as well as some of your other members have."

"I have the utmost confidence that you will," Dragon Fist replied. "I'm contacting Erinyes and another person named Painter...they're both really good at finding people."

After looking like he zoned for a few moments, Dragon Fist then turned to Stormwalker.

"There should be a couple of friends coming soon. While we wait....and feel free to decline this request if you feel like it's an intrusion...but..who are you..behind the mask?"

  StormWalker chuckled, and said "You probably won't be surprised."  And unmasked herself to become:

  "Since my day-job is police-work."

Dragon Fist chuckled for a moment.

"Well..I think its only fair that I also reveal myself."

An azure light shined around him...and in an instant, Lucas Martinez stood before her.

  She chuckled, and settled to the rooftop beside him.  "Pleased to officially unofficially meet you.  Yeah, I work my 'days' as a cop, so, the handy part of this is, after we all get them bagged, I can arrest them!"

Lucas smiled.

"It will be good to have someone in the police force helping us out. Of course your arrest rate is going to go through the roof."

  She grinned, and said "I don't care who gets the credit for arresting them, as long as they DO get arrested.  And being on the force, well, it means I can read them their mirandas immediately.  Jordan doesn't know about my 'alter ego' yet."

Lucas sighed and looked out across Weston's skyline.

"He may not know right away. He did seem to find out who some of us were. In fact, I think he may have figured out who I am. But Captain Jordan is a good man. We are lucky to have an ally in him."

  She nodded, and said "I registered before I moved.  I just haven't told anyone else who I am yet."

Lucas turned back to Nokomis and smiled.

"Well..I'm honored to be the first then. I respect the right to privacy, but I'm glad that you trusted me. I knew you were a good person. I can tell by your chi."

  She said quietly "My grandfather was a medicine man.  He taught me that great power means great responsibility.  The more you can do, the more you MUST do, in order to earn your place when you die."

"Your grandfather reminds me a lot of my sensei...they are both very wise me," Lucas said, still looking out at Weston's skyline.

"Have you had the good fortune to meet any of the other members of the Legacy in your stay here?"

  She sort of smiled, and said "I met Mirage.  Not sure what she thinks of me, but I DO make a good attention-getter and distraction.  I'm also bulletproof.  Handy trait in a cop!"

Lucas chuckled at that.

"Sometimes, it's hard to tell what Mirage is thinking. But deep down...and maybe she may never admit this....she really is a person fighting the good fight...and a true friend if one ever needs one. She might try to tell you otherwise...but I know the truth..."

  "As long as she's on our side, I won't complain about whatever motivates her.  I'm just glad she IS on our side."  She looked out over the city, and said "If we ever need covering weather, you tell me.  I'll make it happen."

Lucas nodded at that.

"Ozzy and his grandpa should be on their way here shortly..."

And once again putting his fist to his heart, Dragon Fist was manifest once more.

  She nodded, and pulled her mask back on, sitting on a handy air conditioning unit.  "Hope they don't mind me."

"Painter and his Grandpa are good people. Though they may not be members of the Legacy, we share a good working relationship. They have talents that are helpful to us, and we have good cooperation between us."

  She chuckled, and said "I only have a problem with the criminals!  Everyone else can do whatever and I won't complain."

As if called by being mentioned, there was a small flash of light and a popping noise, and suddenly the Oswalds were standing there. Ozzy, still wearing his street clothes, looked at Dragon Fist and grinned, "Yo! Man, you didn't tell me this was gonna be a costume party. Well, whatev. I've been thinking about dropping the whole costume thing altogether, anyway. It's been gettin' ridiculous tryin' to live two lives and stuff, you know? I'd rather just be able to walk up and bust some bad-guy ass, know what I'm sayin'?"

He then turned to Stormwalker.

"What's up? I'm Ozzy Gysbourne, and this is my grandfather, Oswald. Yeah, he's a lawyer. Don't worry, though, he's decent enough."

Oswald looked a little less than amused at Ozzy's joke.

"I ask that you pardon my grandson, dear lady. He tends to let his mouth get away from him. It is an honor to be working with the both of you."

  She laughed, and said "Pleased to meet you both.  Don't worry, I'm always polite to lawyers, my grandfather told me that many of them have friends in low and infernal places."

"Yes, I'm afraid that more than a few are acquainted with less-than-reputable sorts. I never traffic with such filth myself. My firm is a clean, honest place. I make certain of that personally. I have to be honest, though, I bid good riddance to Bertelli himself. I've had to worry about my day-to-day routine a lot less with him gone." replied Oswald, nodding firmly.

"Now then, what's all this business about Mr. Sharpe being abducted? Do we have any idea who took him?"

  She nodded, and said "From what Dragon Fist has said, Shade took him personally.  No idea where other than that."

Dragon Fist nodded to Ozzy and Oswald.

"You probably noticed the new armor, Ozzy. Been going through some changes myself. Anyway, it's good to see you both...though I wish it was under better circumstances. Yes...it is very personal between Shade and Ethan. He blames him for the loss of his family."

Ozzy nodded, "Yeah, I noticed. It looks cool, man. Dude, I think everyone's changing. Ice got a new form, not to mention a girlfriend, Andy's a full-on demon now after his trip to Hell, and Orthos has been training me like crazy. When I do use the Painter armor, I'm thinking about making some design changes. That fight with PsyWitch showed me all the holes in my defense, and that's gotta go."

When Dragon Fist mentioned Shade, Ozzy's eyes narrowed,"Man, that dude is a wacked. First he wants to sell out Bertelli, now he's trying to avenge him. What the crap, man? Anyway, I owe that jackass a beat down for all that jailbreak crap. His cronies nearly killed Ex and Icepick when we were hunting down their safe houses, and Meg... if she wasn't what she is, she would have died. As it is she had to regenerate from being flattened into a pancake. Hell, if I hadn't thought to send in a golem as a pretense to get them to open the door? I would've been turned to stone."

This message was deleted by a game moderator at 02:59, Wed 03 Nov 2010.

Dragon Fist nodded.

"Yeah, I remember that...I...."

Then a text message came in, and Dragon Fist looked down at his phone.

"Oh damn....I can't believe this...."

He turned to the young and old Gysbourne.

"Painter...Oswald...something BIG has just been brought to our attention. Unfinished Legacy business. Something that has to be addressed right at this moment. Painter...Mr. Gysbourne....I trust you to be able to track down Ethan an rescue him. It's a favor that I must ask...please.."

He then turned to Stormwalker.

"Looks like you're going to meet the rest of the family. Come on..."

And he once again soared into the sky towards the police station...

>>>>>>>>>>>To Weston PD>>>>>>>>>>>
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 03:03, Wed 03 Nov 2010.

  StormWalker tilted her head, waiting to see what she was supposed to do.  When Dragon Fist invited her along, she nodded, taking a deep breath as she said "Sounds like the brown fecal matter has hit the oscillating horizontal blades."

"Yeah, the shit has definitely hit the fan. You guys go have fun. We got this." said Ozzy, before turning to his Grandpa.

"So... I guess you search, then I'll go destroy?" asked Ozzy.

Oswald nodded, "If I find the location, you could go scout it out physically, then we'll see about calling your friends."

With that, Oswald began casting a spell to see if he couldn't find Shade or Ethan.

Oswald soon locates Shade several towns away in Derrton home of the Peacemaker. He was in some kind of underground facility.

The Gysbournes joined hands, and then Oswald the Elder ported them both to Derrton. If he could put them inside the room where Shade and Ethan were at, great. If not, then he'd have to settle for a good spot few blocks away from the building. This needed to be taken care of as quickly and quietly as possible, and hopefully without disturbing any of the other partygoers.

>>> To Derrton >>>

Near where the Ozzys were before they took off, Draco was sitting on an edge of a rooftop. His hood was up as usual, though holding it as he held his head back a bit to see the sun. He seemed to be in deep thought.

>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soared until he reached the rooftops, which seemed to have become a favorite place of his lately.

Using this vantage point, he scoured the city, also using his chi sense to see if there was anything that might be amiss.

Dragon Fist then saw something that disturbed him slightly. Two chi signatures were light, the other two were a dark gray, becoming further darkened. Someone was messing with his students.

Swooping down, he then went to where this was happening.

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

While most paras might've considered the rooftops to be a good vantage point for looking out over the city to find trouble to fight, Ozzy had always thought of them as somewhat of a hiding place, as well. Most people never thought to look up as they walked or drove along through their daily routine, and as long as you kept away from the REALLY tall buildings, odds were low that someone could just look out their window and see you. So, he found himself a nice little nook on the roof and sat down with his Tome, opening it up.

'Afternoon, Orthos. So... Shadowmancers. Do you know anything about their magic, or at least how to find one?'

  Oorthos slowly began flipping pages.

"Hmm. Interesting. Well, at least I know what to expect from Shade... and at the least, now I know how to end him when he does show back up. If he can power up anywhere there's shadow, I don't know what the cops can really do... putting him in a shadow-free room would cost an insane amount of money, if they can even do it at all. And if there's even one error... ugh." said Ozzy, shaking his head. He definitely didn't like the odds he was being given, here. If he ever fought Shade again, he'd definitely have to try to better illuminate the fight area, to make sure that Shade couldn't 'port around so much or regenerate.

  They are rather difficult to find also.

"Which is exactly what worries me. God, I'm lucky I had Grandpa with Shade. He'd've taken hours to find otherwise. Here's hoping Grandpa can help me find another Shadowmancer. Thanks for the info, Orthos. Hmm... any useful tips on countering Shadowmancers?" asked Ozzy. If he was going to have to fight Shade, especially if it was on Shade's terms again, then he wanted to be as prepared as possible.

  Be very alert, and master light and how to utilize it.  Be prepared for nasty dirty tricks too.

Ozzy nodded.

"All right, then. So let's learn more about light spells. That'll come in handy, anyway."

  The pages flipped again, and Oorthos brought up the spells, beginning with the basics of light, and getting a thorough understanding of its properties and how it could be affected by spells.

Ozzy soaked up the new information like a sponge, quickly learning the basic concepts that Orthos was showing him. Before he got to actually practice the magic, though, he decided it was best to get back home. After all, even if he was on the roof, people might notice a miniature light-show up on the roof of a building.

  Most of the first several pages of stuff was not actual practice, but the theory behind the magic itself.  He was getting lessons on physics, and how to break the laws of physics.

As long as it was just theory, Ozzy would stay parked. After all, that would give him time to have the theories sink into his brain a bit more before he tried to actually practice with them. Still, he did want to get off the roof before he started messing around with light... unless of course, one of the practices was bending light to render himself invisible.

  Indeed, that would be one of the things Oorthos would teach him.  But before that came a lot of 'mundane' experiments that simply had him using NORMAL things to see (and personally verify) that the light did as expected.  After all, there were a lot of things one could magically observe without ever DOING magic.  But he would need to go home before he started the magically active experiments.  Invisibility was one of the 'higher' experiments.

Ozzy nodded. That made sense. After all, if you bent the light the wrong way, even if you managed to render yourself invisible, you'd likely be outlined by a brilliantly glowing nimbus of light.

Still, if the time for experimentation had come, he'd need to be leaving. Before he did, though, he checked Orthos to make sure he wouldn't need to stop somewhere on the way and pick up any supplies.

  A shopping list came up for Ozzy.  He'd need to stop at the educational materials store.

Ozzy nodded, and made his way to the local educational materials store, being careful to store Orthos away in his messenger bag before he got down from the roof. To make sure he could remember, he wrote the list down on a blank page in a notebook he had in the bag.

>>>To the Mall>>>

>>>>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist stood on the rooftops, almost looking like a gargoyle before bringing his wings in. He then scoured the city, to see if he might at least get an inkling as to where Mirage might be.

DRagon Fist senses a figure approaching on the rooftops.

Dragon Fist saw the figure, and attempted to examine the figure and also to see what kind of chi this person had.

Quickly approaching was a petite chinese woman in a sleeveless black and red gi. HEr chi is mottled with gray the kind of person who believes they are doing right but will go as far as they believe neccessary to do so.

Dragon Fist waited for the woman to approach him, keeping himself in a relaxed but defensive stance.

The woman landed on the rooftop a good deal away from DF and smiled. "Dragon Fist. Leader of the Legacy nice smiling para to make the humans think we aren't a threat stopping the NEWSworthy crimes.... A symbol of human oppression." Suddenly two short blades appeared in her hands. "They warned me, ordered me not to seek you out that it wasn't time for a direct confrontation" Her smile broadened as she brought the energy weapons to bear. "I don't take orders well" And with that she leapt bring both blades in for an overhead strike!

Dragon Fist used the element of Air to see the wind strokes of her attack. He sidestepped her, but didn't attack her. At the moment.

"All right...who are you and what's your angle?"

"Haven't you been listening? Unless action is taken  Parahumanity will become crushed under humanities bootheel, slaves or worse, and your hurrying us down that path! Smiling for the cameras and shaking handsd with politicians, you make me sick!" She slashed horizontally with both blades.

"Smiling for the cameras? Politicians? Lady, I don't know where you've been, but there is much more to what we do than that," Dragon Fist replied as he ducked his head, then let loose a gentle current of air, hoping to knock her down.

"Enough of your silver tounge!" She shouted her twin blades dissapering replaced by a chinese broadsword ducking low and slashing at his legs.

Dragon Fist jumped off the ground as she slashed at him.

"Not sure who put you up to this, but you won't succeed."

Dragon Fist then conjured his chi sword.

The woman smiled her chinese broadsword shifting into a spear. "You don't listen well do you? No one put me up to this they warned me against this course of action but the poor oppressed Parahumans need to see that the humans 'champions' can be defeated." SHe circled him keeping her distance knwoing the reach of her spear would give her advantage against his sword.

Dragon Fist's eyeholes on his helmet glowed an azure color briefly as he circled her. Dismissing his chi sword, the chi could now be seen on his hands.

The woman seemed intent on defeating him, and had made an aggressive play to do so. So now Dragon Fist was going to shift to a more defensive style of fighting. One that would use her own power against her as he tapped into the power of Air, and awaited her attack.

"Walk away, woman. Defeating me will serve no purpose, woman. For every one of us you defeat, there will be ten who oppose you. If you're going to attack, then attack..."

The woman didn't even let DragonFist finish his sentence. As soon as he said, walk away, she growled charging him with her spear.

The woman was fast. And maybe just a bit hard headed. Perhaps a lesson was in order.

Dragon Fist then attempted to sidestep the woman, then counterattack with a palm strike.

>>> From Doss Seedy Houses

Mirage reappeared on the top of a random building.  She hadn't really cared which one it was, it was just some place to go after exacting her revenge.

Sweet, sweet revenge.

She stood on the rooftop, her arms stretched out to her sides and just breathed in the air.  Mirage was certain that things would be so much better after she had killed the man who had ruined her life, and so far that seemed to be the case.  It felt good to know that the psycho would never harm another person ever again.

A pair of figures bounded ont othe rooftop  one carrying the other the bigger male with long dirty brown hair tied up in a ponytail above his neck dressed in a dark blue and red jumpsuit with the name Rebound above his left breast. "You sure this is her? The pictures of her are always pretty grainy or out of focus." He asked the young girl behind her.

  She said "Yes, I'm sure.  She's the one." Her voice was soft and earnest, and she looked directly toward Mirage with eyes that looked beyond her.

Mirage turned slowly towards the newcomers.  She looked the pair of them over, one hand calmly resting on her hip.

"Is there something that I can help you with, darlings?" she asked calmly.

In reply to Dragon Fist (msg #269):

The palm strike hit the  woman in the chest she reared back but didn't fall, she was good but he was better. She kept her distance stabbing witht he spear.

In reply to Mirage (msg #273):

The boy look to the girl and the two shared a silent nod before the boy spoke. "We uh, we need your help, the thing is, we have no where to go we live on the streets here because I've been framed for murder back home. WE're well looking for the New Age Defenders we helped them with a raid against the man who took our lives from us. BUt since then we've been on the road and well, we need their help."

Dragon Fist then switched to a more defensive style of fighting, waiting for her to move towards him, then using her own energy against her. The woman was good, and apparently had excellent training.

In this case, when she attempted to stab him with the spear, he attempted to sidestep and then leg sweep her.

The woman leapt over his foot fklipping back to the edge of the roof her spear dissaperaing as she threw a flurry of shuriken.

Dragon Fist could feel the shuriken impact on his armor. The woman was fast...AND lethal. It slowed his reaction time a little.

"I tire of this game, woman..." he said, thrusting his palm towards her as a brush of wind came at her.

THe woman fell backward off the building with a scream before she could fall to her death she produced a grappling hook whishe hooked onto the edge of the roof and swung into a closed window it shattering as she cmae into contact with it.

Dragon Fist then took to the air, extending out his draconic wings, and went after the woman.

The woman dissapeared somewhere in the hallways one moment he could hear her footsteps then he heard her curse, then nothing.

Oh great..now another nutcase is out there..apparently part of a group..

Dragon Fist then flew out of the building and back to the roof. He was very concerned for Mirage, especially after what he had sensed from her: the prominent presence of negative chi.

Mirage looked at Rebound quizically.  "You need my help to find the New Age Defenders?" she asked slowly.  These two must have been desperate to come to her.  Dragon Fist had more to do with the kids than Mirage did.  "What do you mean you were framed for murder?"

  The girl looked sort of at her, but Mirage could tell that she wasn't SEEING her.  "Everyone THINKS we did it, but we didn't.  So, we've been framed.  I know you can help us.  If you want to."

Seeing the little gathering taking place on the rooftop, Dragon Fist turned towards it, and then extending his wings and coming in for a soft landing not far from Mirage.

He was hoping that the new armor didn't scare Mirage's new "friends."

Mirage regarded the two for a moment.  Normally she would have questioned anyone thinking that Mirage was the person to approach to find the New Age Defenders, but she was in a good mood.  Her personal boogeyman had been eliminated and after speaking with the NPA, she felt like helping out Rebound and Seer.

"So you need my help to find the New Age Defenders?  Is that all?  I could take you to their headquarters but I don't know if anyone is there at the moment.  Still we can't have you two sleeping on the streets.  Does anyone know that you're here?"

She sensed and heard Dragon Fist landing on the rooftop.  She turned to give him a smile.

"We don't have anyone else, it was just me and my mother before she was killed and, she doesn't have any memories."

Dragon Fist nodded back at Mirage. Though underneath his helmet he was grinning from ear to ear.

"Mirage...I was...concerned. Is everything all right?"

Mirage looked back at Dragon Fist, smiling at him again.  "Everything is fine, darling.  I'm just having a nice little talk with these two.  They're looking for the New Age Defenders." she said.

The femme fatale turned back to Rebound and Seer.  "Just to satisfy my curiousity, what are you hoping that the Defenders will be able to do for you?"

  Seer said softly "We need friends and allies.  We didn't do what we are accused of.  And we don't have anyone else.  We're young."  She sort of turned her head, clearly giving herself a better ear on Dragon Fist, not noticing his armor at all.

Dragon Fist replied "I'm sure that I can speak for my friend Mirage when I say that you can count the two of us as allies."

Mirage looked at Seer and Rebound, lightly tapping her lower lip with a slender finger.  Her discussion with the NPA had her wondering about these youths now.  It wouldn't be right to just leave them to their own devices and they had sought her out asking for help.

She smiled.  "It goes completely against my reputation, but you two can count on Dragon Fist and me as allies.  Now before we go to the Defenders, tell me more about this trouble that you're in.  Why would someone want to  frame you?"

  "To make us serve them, and give us nowhere and nobody else to turn to."  She spoke with her head down, shivering a little.

Dragon Fist looked at the two young people.

"Never doubt your self worth. You both have much to contribute, despite what others have said."

Mirages eyes narrowed slightly.

"Make you serve them?  Who would make you serve them?" She asked slowly.  From the tone of her voice it was clear that she did not like the idea of anyone being forced to serve someone unwillingly.

  She said softly "The builder and the one he served."

"I don't like it when people try to force themselves on others," Dragon Fist added.

"The builder?  Why does that name sound familiar?" Mirage said, looking over at Dragon Fist.  "Wait, he's the guy that was building all those weapons.  He was a technology based bad guy, why would he be going after you?  And I thought that he was working for the Bertellis?  I thought that we'd rid this city of their nonsense.  they better not be coming back or..."

"We'd better talk someplace a little more private.  Take my hand and I'll take you to the Defenders base."

"Sounds like we have some plans to make," Dragon Fist added as he stood next to Mirage.

  She hesitantly offered her hand, and said "Thank you."  She just hoped it didn't trigger any visions.

The boy looks at the girl before looking back at the two superheroes in front of him. "He was originally based in philadelphia, He kidnapped me soon after my powers activated. He was cutting us up, obsessed with what made us tick. She was in there with no memory of who she was or where she came from. We escaped but...when we got to my moms place...her heart was on the mantelpiece. We tracked him down helped the New Age Defenders take him down... When we got back the police were looking for me in conjuction with my mothers murder. We came back to Weston we've been living on the streets since then taking down minor criminals hoping to run into one of the local heroes."

Her heart was on the mantel piece?  Builder and his cronies had just earned themselves a beating.  Mirage frowned for a second, imagining the hurt that she was going to deliver on the man.

"Don't worry yourselves anymore.  We'll take care of you." she said before teleporting them all to the Defenders base.

>>> To the Defenders HQ

>>>>>>>>From The Dragon And The Tiger>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soared until he reached the rooftops that overlooked the city. It was always a nice view of it from up here. Everything below looked so small, yet the problems that Weston had were always so prevalent.

Crouching down, almost looking like a gargoyle, he then looked across the city. The city of his upbringing.

Dragon Fist continued to look over the city. The city was like a living thing. It had its own aggravations. Its own feelings. Its own likes and dislikes. And inwardly, Dragon Fist wondered: how did it feel about him? Was he doing enough to make a difference? It seemed that every criminal they took down, two or three more took their place.

Like the monster in the myth: The Hydra.

The respite they enjoyed, only briefly, was welcome. Now Lucas had time to maybe take care of some things. Not to mention to check in on his "friendly rival", Aaron Tanaka.

>>>>>>>>>>>To The Tanaka Dojo>>>>>>>>>

Ahh, the rooftops. My favorite part of the city. I could fly as much as my body can carry me and no one from below would think it was me, just another pidgeon. Draco sighed with delight. Yeah, this is the area for me. He looked down at the streets below. Cars like ants drove in the streets below, people like dots walked along, with the occasional stopping at a street vender or conversation. Draco took some steps back and took his hood off. Also the only place where I take my hood off without someone having to attack me, besides the dojo.

After a while of idly sitting on the roof, Draco put his hood back on. I'm gonna head back down and explore... the crappier area of the city. Draco, holding his hood, jumped off the rooftop and fell into an alleyway below.

>>The Street>>

>>>>>>>From The Courthouse>>>>>>>>>>

A thug was being held by his leg over the ledge, a shadow-man holding him.

"Look Louie...you know you don't like this position...so I'm only going to ask this once. Where is the Builder?"

The thug replied frantically "I dunno....I dunno...he never stays in one place!"

"My arm's getting tired. That bastard's traumatized more people than even he will admit."

"I said I dunno! How in the hell would I know?"

"Because you were his runner at one time. Now talk!"

"Um...by the docks..."

"Thanks Louie...you were always a class act.." he said before dropping the thug. Letting him drop until he was 30 feet above, then held fast by the shadows, then set down gently.

"Turn yourself in...or I'll be back...and I won't be so gentle next time.."

The Shadow was agitated. In spite of one of the henchmen singing like a canary, The Builder continued to elude him. He had heard rumors that there were two children here in Weston that had run afoul of him. He was doing this for them, and anyone else that the sadistic madman would try to hurt.

But the Builder continued to elude him. Like some sort of mysterious urchin. But he knew that the kids would need a lawyer. And so Leo Black would give them his legal services. If and when the time came that they would need them. For now, however, he needed to get home.

And so, The Shadow used the shadows, travelling seamlessly among them, until disappearing from the night.

>>>>>>>>>>From The Tanaka Dojo>>>>>>>>>>>>

Shadowstrike soon used his amazing agility to make his way to the rooftops. Several tips he had received, and he was now going to act on them. It was rumored that one of the Yakuza overlords may be in Weston to oversee their expansion into the city. Nothing was known about the individual who was the overlord, but one knew enough not to cross them.

Shadowstrike was going to cross that line soon. For now he needed to know about this new enemy that had made its way into Weston. The grunts he had dispensed with the other night were just that...grunts. And it was time to work his way up the chain.

>>>>>>>>From The Streets>>>>>>>>>

Shadowstrike easily made his way to the top of the roof, looking over the city. His eyes narrowed as he looked across the skyline of Weston. So much corruption....so much decadence....in this confined area.

But he was the cleansing blade that removed the cancer that was called crime. And he was going to cut out the new incumbent virus that was The Yakuza. For he was Shadowstrike.

It seemed that Shadowstrike's patience had paid off. There were three of the Yakuza bodyguards that came to the same rooftop. And it appeared that they were after him.

Three against one....HARDLY a fair fight.

Only there was something....DIFFERENT....about these guards. The addition of Oni masks on each of them for one. Something was definitely not in place. And there seemed to be an aura about them.

For a brief moment, Shadowstrike's eyes glowed a solid white, and he drew out his katana, and prepared to engage his opponents. The oni-masked guards drew out swords themselves and began to circle around the dark-clad vigilante.

Shadowstrike grinned under his mask. These fools were going to pay a price. A very heavy price.

In a blur of motion, the first guard slashed at Shadowstrike, only to find that he nimbly evaded the sword slash, and with two decisive slashes and cuts from his own katana, easily cut down his attacker. The two others followed almost as quickly, except with the last one, Shadowstrike simple disabled him. He needed answers, and this lackey would provide them for him.

He sat down next to the still-living guard on the ground, and removed the guard's Oni-mask. He was a young Japanese man, in his mid-twenties with a trim moustache and goatee. Looking into his eyes Shadowstrike asked "Why are the Yakuza here?'

The guard simply chuckled and replied "You have no idea of our purpose here. But soon..you and your entire city...will be engulfed by..." and as he paused the guard's mouth began to fill with foam, and he breathed his last.

Shadowstrike put the guard down and looked out across the city once again. Something had come to Weston. Something bad. Then he felt something ELSE on the edge of his awareness.

"Katy?"

Shaking his head, he sheathed his katana and went out into the night. Whatever this was, it would need to be dealt with. And soon.

As he made his way through the night, Shadowstrike had a lot on his mind. The reemergence of Katy Hanson...perhaps...was among them. She seemed to disappear, almost as instantly and efficiently as he had. It appeared that on the edge of his awareness, she had returned. But to what end?

He couldn't be bothered by that however. The Yakuza were here in Weston...and the threat of something more than just the emergence of a new criminal empire troubled him and his thoughts. And where were the so-called "heroes" of Weston? The ones that they put upon a pedestal?

No...they didn't have the stomach for what needed to be done. And that was to cut out the growing root that the Yakuza were slowly becoming.

Confident they had went to their hiding places like discovered cockroaches, Shadowstrike soon returned to places familiar to him.

>>>>>>>>>To The Tanaka Dojo>>>>>>>>>>

<<<<from the hospital>>>>>


Leo walked out of the shadows and glanced around he walked over and sat on the edge of the building. the smoke from his office still billowed and the construction crew working on the rubble that once was his lair. He shook his head and laughed hew as thinking to much like a human.

"Why...in a day I lost everything....it took me twenty years to build the small comfortable life to live......why now damn it..."

Leo shook his head and clenched his eyes shut mumbling "your not human stop thinking like one your life line is endless a human only lives 75 years you live forever."

He laughed at those words...forever.

"Not for long.....the shattering of the edge will kill me....and drastically weaken Konnish."

Leo's cell phone rings...

Leo answers his phone with out looking at the caller ID. He flips his phone open and answers.

"Hello Leo Black."

"Hey Leo, it's Lonnie. We're all ready on our end here, just waitin' for whatever comes down.."

He paused for a moment.

"I think we got all the mushy shit out of the way in the hospital, so Renee an' I are ready. You let us know when you're ready, all right?"

"of course your see when I am ready dont worry....and watch each others backs dont get separated."

Leo paused and began to speak again.

"and...tell renee......never mind forget it."

Leo hung up his phone and placed it back in his pocket.

No reason to admit my feelings not when I am this close to finally taking down someone of great importance. i just gotta wait till the signs show when its my turn to act...

"they are ready watcher...when should I strike."

The Watcher shimmered softly behind Leo.

"You may call me Mirara..." she replied. "As for when to strike....that time is upon us. For even now Konnish strains against his dimensional prison, and his followers are trying to hasten his coming. The Black Jaguar is even now setting up counteragents and wards against him....the Champion of Light is ready...for the most part...Oswald and his grandson appear to be ready as well."

With that said Leo vanished into the shadows returning home.

<<<<left for the edge of shadows>>>>>

>>>>>>>>>From The Weston Museum>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soared into the air until he was able to land on one of the rooftops overlooking the city, waiting for the "Knightly One" to arrive.

The ghostly steed lightly landed upon the rooftops and as the knight dismounted it vanished. THe man turned to the world famous hero in front of him. "So uh, what do you want to talk about?"

<--From: Weston Museum

"Oh, I could think of a couple topics," came a disembodied voice as a haze of purple mist enveloped the rooftop 'floor'. Almost out of nowhere, Katy appeared, sitting on an air-conditioner unit, legs crossed and looking extremely frustrated, though her voice gave no indication.

Such as why all of a sudden I have a daughter from the future, to my boyfriend who she swears is my husband, Psyche's voice projected into Lucas' mind, I hate time-travel, Lucas. Do you realize I haven't even TOLD Aaron I'm psychic? And now, all of a sudden I have a teenage girl staying at my place, swearing up and down that I'm her mother and Aaron's her father. How the hell am I supposed to handle this?

Dragon Fist turned his head, looking off into the city for a brief moment.

"Daughter? Married? Katy....I'll be glad to help you deal with that. I know you've had a lot to sort through lately. This young man needs my.....our...help. He's a new face on the hero scene. I can see into his soul...he genuinely wants to do the right thing. We have to encourage that."

"Well...let's start off with you, young man. I have a unique ability which allows me to see your lifeforce...your chi....and based off of that vision, you genuinely want to do the right thing. This is rare, and I would like to do what I can to foster that righteous sentiment into a potent force for good and right in this world."

He turned back to the young knight. "I'm Dragon Fist....and that's Lady Psyche. What should we call you?"

"You can call me, Knight Errant.." He said after a moment of deliberation. "And yeah I want to do whats right by others never expected to become a friggin superhero."

Psyche gave Dragon Fist a look that looked like it could pierce steel, but didn't press the issue. He was right. Someone wanting to do right by the world needed to be guided. Even without adding superpowers into the mix, a heart like that needed guidance. It was why most police officers were 'encouraged' to accompany a veteran officer until they knew the ropes.

As an after thought, an ornate, golden carnival-style mask appeared on her face. Normally, when she was off doing super-powered feats of daring-do, most people were so busy running away or trying not to get killed. That, or anyone seeing Psyche's face 'conveniently' forgot when they tried to describe her. But she didn't know this Knight Errant's powers, nor what they encompassed.

"An apt name," Psyche said, hopping off the air conditioner and walking towards the two, "And just what are your abilities, Knight Errant?"

"Uhh so far? Can summon a sword shield and a horse. I'm a lot stronger than I used to be now if only I knew how to take the thing-" Suddenly there was a flash of light and the knight was replaced by a man in security guard uniform. HE had dark brown hair and had a muscular build and a light beard. "Off?"

Dragon Fist looked on at the young fledgling hero Knight Errant.

"Knight Errant...a very appropriate name. It would appear that your powers are somewhat like mine, in that they are based in mystic energies. It took me some time to discover what all I could do. Perhaps, a journey of discovery may be able to help you find out why you received such powers."

He brought his hand up to his chin, looking thoughtful for a moment.

"Let's consider a few things: were your powers triggered by some sort of life-changing event? Mine were.....that's a long story in itself. Perhaps you may, in fact, be a descendant of one of the Templar Knights? Your attitude certainly fits one of the Knights.....always willing to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. Somehow, some way, the forces that empower your armor and abilities chose you as a...well, as a Champion. Now the question is....who or what chose you, and what will you do with that knowledge?"

"Umm I was just a run of the mill security guard until those thugs took over the museum. I saw this armor and thought it would provide some bulletproofing and give me an edge I didn't expect it to turn all magic. Speaking of which I have no idea how to get this off." HE looks down fingering an amulet around his neck. "Thats new, guess the armor goes compact. Convenient."

Dragon Fist looked closer at Knight Errant's amulet.

"Stranger things have happened. Though it sounds like you and I have nearly the same arrangement with our respective armors. Maybe you should talk with the curator of the museum....see if you can find out maybe where the armor came from...maybe the magic in the armor found a worthy soul to wield its power...in this case, being you."

"I think the curator will be more concerned as to why I have the armor rather than answering any questions about it. If I'm lucky they'll think it was stolen in the confusion."

"It may be a good idea to do some research on the armor, or at least find out the history behind. Magic usually chooses people for a very good reason...rarely, if at all, does magic ever mistakes," Dragon Fist said reassuringly. "I have some friends that may be able to help you find out more as well, and they are superbly skilled in the arcane arts. But, I'll leave that decision to you."

"That might be a better idea, than going to the curator. Speaking of which people are going to be wondering where I am..."

Psyche smiled at Knight Errant's last sentence. She was skilled in cover stories, having had to manufacture story after story to cover up where she was when she was undercover.

"You were conveniently having lunch with some new acquaintances," Psyche said, "And if they ask who, tell them a couple police officers wanted to speak to you, 'off the record.'"

Dragon Fist nodded at that.

"You'd better get back then," he said to Knight Errant. "If you need us, we won't be hard to find."

"Alright see you later" He nodded to each of them before heading to the roof access door so he could head down stairs.

Dragon Fist waved at Knight Errant as he made his way through the access door.

Once he was gone, he then turned to Lady Psyche.

"You have my full undivided attention, Psyche. What's going on?"

Psyche smiled as Knight Errant left, letting the mask dissolve into thin air, a previous facade of pleasantness overshadowed by an extreme frustration, with a hint of confusion as she brought the full effect of her piercing blue eyes to bare on Lucas.

"Like I said, I guess I have a daughter sometime in the near future and evidently marry Aaron. You didn't pick anything up on the name Vaan Tanaka when Meg contacted you? Don't get me wrong, I really like Aaron, and I could really see myself settling down with him, but...God, I hate time travel."

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"I haven't even told Aaron I'm psychic. I'm pretty sure he's got an idea, but I haven't really been forthcoming in telling him. And I know there's something eating at him, too. Every time I try to tell him, or get him to tell me...well, we're getting pretty good at small talk."

Psyche broke her piercing gaze towards Lucas, instead looking out on the city. "I thought I could do this myself. Well, I guess it take a spanner in the works to tell me I can't."

Dragon Fist walked next to his comrade in arms.

"Psyche....this is why we have to be careful when it comes to time travel. I know that this young lady says she's your daughter, and she may very well be right. God knows I've seen possible portents of my own future, and it scared the hell out of me. As for Aaron...let it all work itself out. Though I have noticed he has been a lot more intense lately....there actually was a time where he disappeared for a short while and then reappeared. I'd like to think that something didn't happen to him but.."