Owned by Friday Winters

On 212 Market Street, in Downtown Weston City, is a rather unassuming city block.   Just down the street from the best bakery in the city (speciallizing in Polish cooking) is the Acme Building.   It contains roughly a half-dozen offices, belonging to a specially clothing store, an accounting office, and a few others.    On the same floor as a Psychologist's office is a frosted door with the legend:


"Above & Beyond Investigations.

Paul Randall and Friday Winters
              Co-Owners. "

Inside is a modestly but nicely furnished two room office (not counting restrooms).

The main room is for visitors.  There's a large couch and several comfortable chairs, as well as a large coffee table with a variety of magazines on a range of subjects.  All are up to date.   There is a water cooler to one side and several potted plants.    Across the way is another door, with an opaque window.  Beside it is a small desk where a receptionist sits.  Her name is Jamie Ellison, a pretty and perky redhead who's attending Weston State and majoring in Psychology.   She's a bit naive and clueless, but she's a fast typist and a dependable worker, even if she's still a bit scared of Friday Winters, a woman three inches shorter then her, and possibly several years younger.

The inner office is a little smaller than the outer one, but has more charm.   Several smaller chairs and a small sofa are in the room, along with a huge oak desk with a large top-of-the-line computer on it.   Nearby is a large mini-fridge and a dry bar.   Several more large plants are scattered about the room and there are two window behind the desk that overlook the fire escape.    A door is off to one side, leading to a half-bath.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Fri 30 Oct 2009.

Friday Winters was going over a case in her office.  It was a reasonably mudane case.  A woman was afraid her husband was trying to have her murdered for the insurance money.   The Agency's recent prosperity meant that Friday, unlike her old boss, Paul Randall, could be fussier about cases and could afford to stay out of domestic disputes.
THIS one, though, was a bit more personal, since Paul had known the woman personally.
Friday was determined to make sure everything went well on this one.    She was going through the evidence when her assistant/receptionist/comic relief Jamie Ellison burst into the office.
This had BETTER be important.   Friday thought, as she'd made it VERY clear about entering unannounced.

I just heard on the news!  There's some big guy tearing up Downtown, about ten blocks from here!   

Friday raised an eyebrow.
"Tearing up Downtown"?  Man, what a douchebag.   Who even DOES that anymore?

Jamie's jaw dropped and she gave her boss a very bewildered look.   Friday realized, belatedly, that her words DID seem to be a bit blase' about the situation.  Much like seeing a dog savaging a mailman and saying "Well, SOMEONE isn't going to get to go to the park tomorrow!"

Friday hid a smirk as she remembered how inexperienced Jamie was with all of this.   She'd been trying to train the girl in the seamy side of life, but was leery of going too quickly.  The girl was bright, but fragile, and had a future in this business if she learned it correctly.
The petite detective stood and walked around her desk.

Sorry, Private Eye humor.   I'll go see if there's anything I can do to coordinate efforts with the police.  You stay put to man communications.   He won't get anywhere near here, I'm sure, but, just in case, you DO have your gun, right?

The college girl paled and nodded.   Friday held back an impatient sigh and asked the question to which she already knew the annoying answer.
When's the last time you practiced with it?

The co-ed winced, tried to lie, but couldn't manage it.
um....it was just last.......um......never?

Rolling her eyes, Friday walked past her.   Jamie sputtered, obviously trying to apologize, but Friday cut her off.

We'll talk about it later, Jamie.  It's no big deal, really.  You're not hired to be the muscle around here, remember?  I'm just worried about you being able to defend yourself.    Still, I'll take you shooting later on.   Mind the phones until I get back, Ok?

Friday left her office, heading for the roof of the building.

On the roof of the building, Friday entered a small changing room that she'd had built.   In secret compartments was her costume.

leaving the room, Peregrine emerged, and soared with blinding speed into the sky.


========> To the streets.

=====> From the Streets

Peregrine landed and went into her roofside "changing room", after seeing that the coast was clear.    Due to plenty of practice, she was halfway changed by the time that Dragon Fist got there.

Friday's powerful hearing heard him almost a block away, so she knew when he'd landed on the roof.
She stook just inside the door of the changing room, in her panties and a t-shirt, and found herself actually hoping that he'd come in and "accidentally" see her.     He was probably FAR too much of a gentleman, though, to barge in.

It was one of the many things that she loved about him.

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

Dragon Fist landed on the Above and Beyond rooftop...a place that he was accustomed to being a lot...ever since this whole thing started.

Looking around, he then retracted his armor. He had been used to the door being opened, what with as many trips as he had taken up and down these stairs.

Seeing the door closed, he walked up to the door and knocked.

"Friday?"

Hold on, big guy.  Almost done.

Friday comes out of the changing room.  She's back in her civilian clothes, denim jacket and t-shirt, with jeans and sneakers.
She'd tried more feminine clothes, but clients who were already leery of a detective who looked so young were always driven off by one that looked more like an office manager then what they considered "dressed like a private eye".

So, she saved her finery for special occaisions.

Hello, handsome.   Wanna buy a girl some lunch?

Walking to Lucas, she wraps her arms around his strong shoulders and gets on her tiptoes to kiss him hello properly.

Lucas smiled as Friday came toward him.

"Yes...I hear a beautiful lady would like to be taken out to lunch. And I'm treating..."

Lucas returns Friday's kiss with the same fervor that she displayed.

"I've missed you, amor..."

After kissing for several minutes, Friday draws back and rests her head on Lucas's broad chest.   Closing her eyes, she sighs contentedly and snuggles into his arms as they both stood on the roof.

Damn it.  It HAS been too long.   I'm sorry I've been so busy with work, Lucas.    Mmmmmm.....can I just stay right here for a few hours?   That'd be SOOOO wonderful.

Then her empty stomach growls.

Giving a groan that was half amusement and half embarrassment, she pulled away.

Or maybe not.   C'mon, handsome.   Let me check in with "my loyal minon" and we can hit "Luigi's" down the street.  Sound good?

Lucas nodded. "We've both been busy, Friday. Things at the dojo are taking off, so Flip's been keeping me hopping too. Oh yes...I think I could stay like this for a while..."

Almost in tune with her stomach...HIS stomach growled too.

"I guess we're both hungry. Yeah, go ahead and check in with your minion...and Luigi's sounds fantastic..."

Friday led the way down the stairs into the building.

OOC:  I hate to leave you hanging like this, but I'm falling asleep at my keyboard.   I'll check back in after some sleep.    *waves*

Lucas followed along with Friday into the building.

OOC: Actually that's OK...I was about to tell you that I had some errands to run anyway, so it worked out :). Get some good sleep Friday

Friday opens the front door of her office and ushers Lucas in.

Hey, Jamie, I'm back.   Nothing much to report, but I might have a case or two out of the fiasco in the streets.   Legacy showed up, so it went pretty well for "the good guys".

Oh,and.....

Jamie, this is Lucas.....um....my boyfriend.   Lucas, this is Jamie, my Most Valuable Employee of the Month for the second month running.

Jamie was used to her boss's sense of humor and holds out a hand for Lucas, smiling at him.

Hello, Lucas.  It's a pleasure to meet you.

Friday, you have some messages. 
She also pointed to a stack of sticky notes on the corner of her desk.

She was also SERIOUSLY checking Lucas out, though she obviously thought she was being subtle.

Lucas walked in and saw Jamie. When she extended her hand, he shook it...

"Hi Jamie...it's a pleasure to meet you. Friday has said some really good things about you. It's good to know that you're looking out for her..."

Lucas could see that Jamie was checking him out, but he played it off nicely...despite the fact that she wasn't a bad-looking girl herself.

Friday pointedly looked at her messages, ignoring the way Jamie looked at Lucas's butt.

Damn it!   You're bulletproof, can lift a car, and own your own business.  You do NOT have to be jealous of some college coed. 

Granted, there were still times, in the quiet places of Friday's mind, that she couldn't believe that Lucas has "settled" for her, despite his attitude otherwise.

Jamie, if you want to grab some lunch, Lucas and I are going to head out too.   Go ahead and take an extra hour, ok?  You've earned it.

We'll lock up.

Jamie's eyes lit up in grateful surprise.

Awesome!  Thanks, Friday!

Friday led Lucas into her back office.

Lucas waved at Jamie as she left the office. She was a nice girl...but she wasn't Friday. The petite heroine was in a league all her own.

Slightly flattered that the young lady was checking him out, he allowed himself a small smile as Friday led him into the back office.

Closing the door after Lucas enters, Friday throws herself into his arms.

Now, where were we?
She kisses him passionately for several minutes, then, with obvious reluctance, pulls away.   She floats away and wafts down to the floor like a snowflake, grinning.

Flushed with her emotions, she's grinning impishly.

Now, before I get too carried away, let me call to reserve a table.

Lucas heard the door shut...and then in the next instant...Friday was in his arms. It was a very nice feeling...

He then returned Friday's kiss with the same passion that she had visited him with when they came into the back office.

"No hanky and/or panky huh? I could get used to this..." he said, grinning from ear to ear.

When she broke off the kiss, he then replied, "Yeah go ahead and make the reservation. Otherwise, we may not make it to the restaurant."

As she started to make the call, Lucas looked at her with great admiration and said, "I really have missed you Friday. Thanks for coming out to lunch with me..."

Friday plops down into her comfy office chair and picks up the phone.    She laughs as she dials the number.
"Thank you"?   Ha!!  Yeah, like going to lunch with you is SOOOOO much of a sacrifice. 

Lucas notices that her phone is push-button phone, but an old-fashioned one from the 70s.

Hello?  I'd like to reserve a table please......  She smirks.
Yes, it's me.  Hey, Vincent.   Thank you.   How's your son doing?   Excellent!   Ok, we'll be there soon.

Chuckling, she  hung up the phone.
Does it mean I go to a restaurant TOO much when the guy answering the phones recognized my voice?   

She shakes her head and looks at Lucas.    Though her face is literally shining with love and affection, she also looks concerned and a little sad.

I AM sorry that I've been too busy lately, Lucas.   It hasn't been intentional.   I've missed you too.

Lucas smiled. "I bet it's easier to order from them since they know you so well."

When she makes the comment about her missing him, Lucas replied, "Friday...that's ok. I am very glad though to be with you here and now."

Ooc:yeah I know :). I will be up officially in a few though *smiles*

She smiles, seeming very content with the world as she looks at "her man".

Ok, Lucas.  Let's head out, then.  I'll drive.   I had to get a new vehicle, I'm afraid.  My old one got possesed by a Para and turned into some Go-Bot knockoff, and the SCU guys had to blow it up.
She seems more amused than bitter about that.

My new car is a sweet ride, though.  I think you'll like it.    She grinned like a little kid.

OOC:  Would you like the restaurant to bi Versuezzis?  No one's posted there yet.

Lucas sees Friday's new car. "This isn't a bad ride. Me....I'd just be content with something that gets me from Point A to Point B. Wait a minute you said it got possessed by a Para? Must've happened when I was on that other case..."

If Friday lets him, Lucas opens the driver's side of the car for her.

OOC: Yeah we could do Versuezzis :)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Mon 09 Nov 2009.

The car is a 2009 Ford Hybrid sedan.   Fully tricked out with features, though fairly plain on the outside (not surprising, considering it's the car of a private detective).
She doesn't stop Lucas from opening the door, but she's highly amused by it, rolling her eyes and smirking at him, though with affection, as if to say that treating HER like a "lady" is more funny than polite.

She does blush, just a little, and he can tell that she enjoyed the slight pampering, though would be too proud to admit it.

When they're inside, she turns on the local classic rock station and drives off.


======> To Versuezzis restaurant.

Lucas slides into the passenger side of Friday's "new ride", and smiles at her lovingly as they drive off to have a nice lunch together...

>>>>>>>>>>>>To Versuezzis>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

======> from Legacy HQ

Friday parked her new car and walked up the stairs, planning her afternoon.  She had a few options, both using her phone or computer and using good, old-fashioned legwork.   She prefered the latter option, but wanted to make sure she used every resource at her disposal.

Jamie was still gone.   Friday smiled.  The receptionist was a good kid, but sometimes Friday was nostalgic for the days when she was "the boss and the staff" of her agency.

She went into the back and sat down to plan.

It had been a productive day.   Various street contacts, which, though hard won, had accepted her despite her boss's hospitalization and subsequent transfer to a assisted living facility back in Texas.
Friday Winters, PI, had earned a reputation as someone who played it straight, even with lowlife scum, as long as they didn't cross the line.   She was known to "not sweat the small stuff" when it came to criminal activities and would even help out someone over their head or at the end of their rope.
The known association with Paras, oddly, hadn't damaged that as much as she'd been afraid it would.   Most of the criminal underworld, while hating people like The Legacy of Weston, didn't much care for "supervillians" either, despite working for them as hired muscle.
"Normals" still resented criminal Paras, even as they collected their fees and did their dirty work.   As long as Friday kept most of her activities to dealing with the "big fish", the little ones didn't resent her for it.  Much.
And, they talked to her.

She almost managed to tie up her current "normal" case.  She found the man that her friend's husband (soon to be ex-, she was assuming) had hired to kill her.
Once the gunman, a desparate loser who'd sell his grandmother for beer money, had rolled on his employer, Weston PD had taken care of the rest.
Friday did "cheat" a little to get the information, but she WAS in a hurry.

Jamie was out, running errands, and Friday was colating her information to present to the others in Legacy.

Fridays phone rings Caller id shows its Don's cell

Thank God it's Friday!  What can I do for you, sir?

Friday, in a reasonably good mood, for a change, says the words rather playfully.

"Hello. This is Antonio Bertelli. I've got a friend of yours here though he's a bit tied up at the moment He's a Mr. Derriing, though you may know him as the Hunter."

Friday sat bolt upright in her chair, though there was not indication of this over the phone.   Her "phone voice" was still very relaxed and playful.

Well...if I didn't before, then I do now.   What do you want?

"I want thes damned masks out of my city. THe legacy has 48 hours to leave Weston and return my crates of weaponry to me.  I don't care how you reach them I know you have ties to the police and you obviously have ties with one of them. If they do not meet my demands by the deadline. I will kill the Hunter."

Friday, and extremely cool customer, purposefully let her soft voice quiver in fear for Hunter's life.

Wait....!  P-please, don't hurt him.   I'll....I'll do as you ask and contact the people I know.  It will take time, but I'll do it as fast as I can, ok.   Just....don't hurt him.

Using her enhanced hearing, Friday tries to listen to any clues nearby as to their location.   She wished Hotwire were here to trace the call, but it wished were horses, as her Daddy used to say, beggers would eat.

I actually know now that the saying is different.   Man, my dad was a weird man. 

If...if they leave, you'll let Hunter go?

"I will. He'll need to skip town as well but as long as their someone elses problem I don't have any issues. I'm just a simple business man and thes freaks are bad for business." In the background Friday can birds chriping until she hears Don shout. "NO! Don't give in! Tell them-" Followed by a loud smacking noise and a . "Shaddup."

Friday strained to try to identify the species of bird, but bird calls were never her forte.

She tried to stall for time.

Maybe we can work something out?  I've always been of the opinion that Paras should stick to rousting other Paras and they should let normal people deal with each other.   Right?   Um...I don't know what they'll say to that, but what's your opinion?  Maybe we can compromise?

Since the Agency number is a land line, Friday still has her cell phone.   She tries to send a text to Hotwire.
Find Hunters Phone   Urgent   Tell me and others where.

The man on the other line laughs.  "A compromise? I don't think you get it. They leave town adn bring em my weapons or their friend dies end of story.

It's not necessarily the END of the story.   What if them leaving means some ambitious Paras decide to move in?  Someone who doesn't know Hunter or the good things he's done?   I'm just saying, sometimes it's better to "deal with the devil you know, rather then the ones you don't".

Friday tries to telepathically contact Hunter, though she's not sure if it will work, considering how little contact they've had recently, especially mind to mind.

"I'll take my chances." Click

Friday after some trying does manage to reach Hunter Telepathically though hurting physically his mind seems alert. He hasn't noticed you in his head yet.

Friday winces in sympathy for Hunter.   She's basically bulletproof, but still feels pain.
hell, I think I get hurt more often NOW then I used to before I got more powerful.

She sends Hunter a message.
don't react.  it's friday.

please post your psychic communication in the Bertelli compound

Friday, after making sure that Jamie is gone, changes into her costume and sends a text to the others.
To Dragon Fist, Hotwire, Mirage, Lady Psyche (and whoever is a member these days).

Hunter kidnapped.   maybe Bertelli country house.   call me.

On the roof, Peregrine sent another message.

leaving office now.  could meet you all at old Exxon before heading out.

Friday is refering to an abandoned Exxon station on the outskirts of town, on a road just off the beaten path in the direction Bertelli's home is in.

He forms out of a building a short distance from the office.  He then makes his way to the office, heading up the familiar steps.  Knocking gently before pushing into the office.  Unlocking the door if he needs to.

"Friday, are you here?"

Friday sat at her desk.   Her assistant had been given the day off, to prepare for the task of looking after the place while she was gone.   There were few responsibilies, except keeping the office clean and paying the bills.   Sort of like house-sitting, except it paid better.
Friday hoped that Jamie wouldn't throw a party while she was gone, but would be surprised if she didn't.

She heard someone approaching out in the hall, and recognized Zeke's voice.

Smiling tiredly, she got up to let him in.

Hey, Zeke.   How are you?

Offering her a hug, he figures he'd let the news wait for later.  There was enough on her mind now.  Holding the hug for a few moments or sooner if she breaks it first, he smiles easily.

"I'm doing alright.  Getting lessons in bushido.  Other than that I'm staying out of trouble.  How are you doing?  I got the text message obviously."

While his eyes were covered by his shades there was the obvious look of concern to his face.

Friday doesn't rush the hug.  Zeke's a good hugger, after all.   When she releases him, she sighs with distraction.

Yes, I'm sorry to bug out when there's so much going on in this town.  It's become "ground zero" for Para weirdness lately, but this is something I've got to do.

I'm hoping it'll be quick and painless, but I'm not making any asumptions.

>>>>>>>>>From The Supers Registration Office>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist set down in an alleyway about half a block away from Above and Beyond. Retracting his armor, he walked the rest of the way to Above and Beyond. He then slowly knocked on the door, wondering if he had missed her. Inside, he hoped that he had not.

"Friday...are you still here?"

"You know I'm just a phone call away if you need any help, Friday.  And it's alright, I certainly understand.  I'm hoping that it's just something minor and your source is more paranoid than you or me."

The smile is easy, though it seems to be a little forced.  He'd spent how many years being on the run by himself.  And now that he found a place to settle down, he was saying goodbye to yet another friend.

"Please, if you need anything.  Don't hesitate to call."

I know you guys are all here for me, Zeke.  It means a lot.   Hopefully I won't be gone long.

Impulsively, she hugged Zeke again, as if she can sense the emotions he was carefully hiding.   She wasn't reading his mind, but was simply remembering some heart-to-heart talks they'd had in this very office.

You lot will never know how important you've all become to me.   I owe everything I've become to your friendship.

She broke the hug when she heard something else.  Another person approaching.  Her curious look became one of joy.

I'm here, Lucas.  Come on in.

Lucas opened the door. A nod is given to Zeek as he'd entered. It was funny....when all of this business started, it seemed that Zeek would have started out as a potential opponent. Now, he came to be someone that they could depend on. It was very good to see how he had grown through these past ordeals.

"Hey Friday...I got your message. And I didn't want you to leave until I saw you..."

"I can certainly say the same thing for you, Friday.  I know you'll be careful."

He returns the hug gladly, even going so far to give her side a little rub this time.  Pulling away easily when she does, looking to the door.  He wasn't doing anything wrong, after all.  Nodding over towards Lucas.  Hoping given the situation he won't ask about seeing him at the Mayor's Office.

Friday nods, her voice very subdued.

Yeah, I was hoping you'd feel that way.   

Her smile at him was almost shy.

Lucas smiled back at Friday.

"You've come to mean a lot to me as well, Friday. Even beyond our relationship, you've shown me that I don't have to do everything on my own. That with good friends and companions we can accomplish anything that we set our minds to. And we have certainly done a lot, haven't we?"

Lucas then reaches into his pocket and pulls out what appears to be...a ring. The ring itself is gold and has an emblem of a Dragon on one side and a Bird on another. He had been waiting for the right moment to give this to her, but it never seemed to come up until now.

"My sensei...my first sensei...the one I told you about....gave me this, when I received my first stripes for my brown belt. I would like to pass it on to you...to help you with what you're dealing...and to remind you that you have someone who loves you and cares for you immensely..."
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 13:58, Mon 18 Jan 2010.

Friday grinned at the handsome man.
Oh my god, I think you've actually gotten more corny since the day I met you.

Then she chuckled.
But I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.   

When Lucas pulled out the ring, Friday looked both awestruck and terrified.   When Lucas didn't propose to her, she looked both immensely relieved and slightly disappointed.

Her large brown eyes still filled with tears, however.

It's beautiful, Lucas.  I love it.

She flew into his arms (both figuratively and literally) and kissed him deeply.

Lucas returned the kiss passionately. He was glad that she liked the ring. The ring was a representation of some of what he had accomplished...and he wanted that same fighting spirit to be with Friday when she had to deal with what was going on with her.

"Um...there is one more question that I would like to ask...but I know that we both can't afford any distractions with what we're doing...so I'm going to save that question until all of this craziness is behind us. That ring....represents a bond between us, Friday. A bond that I hope will never break. I love you so much, Friday Winters....please be safe...and come back to me when you can. I will wait on you for as long as you need me..."

Friday held back a sob of love with extreme effort and hugged Lucas fiercely to her.

I love you so much, Lucas.   I owe so much to all of you, but perhaps to you most of all.   I don't know if I could have made it through everything without you.

Zeke remains quiet and happily fades into the back ground at this situation.  Glad atleast to see that something good for this group came out of this whole situation.

Lucas returned the hug, and it was as if his very spirit was also taking part in it as well.

"Thank you Friday...for everything that you have done for me...helping me to keep a level head...for being there when I needed you...for everything..."

He then looks at her and strokes her face gently.

>>>>> From supers Registration Office

Mirage popped into Fridays office, teleporting in without her trademark crimson smoke, and stopped short.  She'd come right in the middle of a touching scene with Dragon Fist appearing to be giving Friday a ring.  She blinked a few times, actually surprised to see this, but it was a natural progression for their relationship.  Feeling like she was intruding upon a tender moment, she quietly slipped out of the back office to wait in the front.

Without opening her eyes from within Lucas' strong embrace, Friday spoke up.

And just where do you think  YOU'RE going, M?   

Her voice, though tinged with a "ha! caught ya!" quality, is also filled with affection for the dramatic femme fatale.

Lucas turned around after Friday's little A-HA statement.

Blushing slightly but smiling at the femme fatale, he said, "I didn't mean to leave you high and dry like that Lane. I'm sorry about that...but I am also glad that you're here too..."

Friday broke her embrace from Lucas and looked at Lane.   She smiled and opened her arms.
I've got one for you, if you want it, girlie.

This was a very stressful time for Friday, so she decided that there was no way she was going to hesitate to show her affection for her friends because of her own insecurities.

Mirage turned and faced Lucas and Friday with a smile.

"It's alright, Lucas.  It looks like you two have far more important things to discuss." Mirage said with a knowing sort of smile.  "It might ruin my reputation but rarely does a man want any distractions when he gives a woman a ring."

She glided forward and embraced Friday.  It might be a little out of character for her but she hugged the other woman enthusiastically, giving physical evidence to the affection that  she had for Friday.  "But, if I am going to interrupt your tender moment then I shall do so with gusto.  Now what is this nonsense about you leaving us for a while, Friday?"

Friday had never really dealt with her feelings for Mirage.  Lucas had claimed her heart before she'd gotten the chance to think about them.  Still, the enigmatic woman meant the world to her.

Giving her as passionate a hug as she'd given the two men (well, perhaps Lucas' hug was a little more passionate), Friday looked at all of them once she'd released Mirage.

The body of Paul Randall is missing from the long-term care hospice that he'd been put in by his parents.   I bribed one of the workers to keep me informed of what was going on there, since the parents and I had parted on such.....poor terms.

She remembered the fight they'd all had when the Randalls had insisted on taking their son back to Texas to recover from (or linger in) his coma, rather then leaving him in the care of "some Yankee doctors and his teenage groupie."
Friday sighed.

My guy inside says that the parents were frantic and threatening to sue and/or "kick everyone's ass".   They might have been lying, but it seems unlikely.    I need to go there to find out what happened.

Friday smiled reassuringly at the rest of them.
There were a lot of enemies made in this office over the years, but I doubt it was any kind of Para involvement.   I shouldn't need any help, but I'll let you know if I do, trust me.

The young woman's grin spoke plainly that she knew that she could count on everyone in the room, no matter what.   And she gave Lucas a special smile as she put on the ring he gave her.

"So you are going to investigate his disappearance." Mirage said, summing up what she was going to do.  "I hope that you will not be so foolish as to try and resolve this on your own if you encounter some Para activity.  You do have team mates that you can rely on for assistance, Friday."

Lucas nodded back at Friday and smiled as she put on the ring that he gave her. He hoped for her safe return once the family business had been taken care of.

"Remember...you don't always have to do things on your own...a wise woman taught me that..."

And Lucas made it plain that he was referring to Friday.
This message was last edited by a game moderator at 22:59, Mon 18 Jan 2010.

Friday chuckled.
Don't worry, Lane.  I'm not nearly as dumb as I look, you know.   If I see something too big for me, I'll holler for the troops.

Though her slightly manic nature and bullet-proof skin made Friday a bit impulsive at times, she was usually the voice of caution in the group.  It amused her that the impetuous Mirage would lecture her on taking chances.
She listened to her stylish friend, though.  Mirage was also a LOT smarter then she let people believe.

I'm just sorry I'm running out on all of you like this.  I'm going to miss you all a lot while I'm gone, believe it or not.

"There isn't anything to apologize for, Friday.  This is rather serious and parahuman abilities aside, I don't think anyone is more qualified to find Mr. Randall more so than you."

With Brain's little expose' on them, there were things that were still kept.  She had alluded to a few things.  Just how much of Paul Randall was passed on to take care of Suzy Icepick and make her Friday Winters?  She probably knew who did this better than Paul himself.

Friday grinned at her friend.
Thanks for being so understanding.  I've been a loner for so long, that it still feels a bit weird to be part of a team.   Granted, you yahoos have made it easy to want to belong, but still, old habits die hard. 

"It's a downfall of superhero groups I'm afraid.  We all go soft.  The lone wolf still has pack instincts after all."  Mirage said, with a small shrug of her shoulders.  "And I fail to see what the big deal is.  You're going to be away for a little while but you'll be back.  Although, if we are supposed to be giving you little tokens to remember us by..."

Mirage slipped up to Friday once more, pulling the womans face towards hers to give her a small kiss on the cheek.


"Not as good as a ring, but I did not have a lot of notice."  She said with a sultry look.  "Now you hurry back.  Lucas here will be a weeping handful until you get back."

Lucas looked at Mirage briefly and then smiled at the femme fatale.

Turning to Friday, he then said, "You will be missed by us, Friday...ALL of us..but you take care of business...and if you need anything...know that we all stand ready to help. But you'll be back before you know it..I'm confident."

After a slight pause he then said, "Vaya con dios, mi amor..."

Friday blushed a bit after Mirage's kiss.
How does she STILL do that?

Still, she smiled at her friends and nodded.

Yeah, true enough.  I'll be back when I can.  I'm just feeling a little.....I dunno, needy at the moment, I guess.

She shrugged guiltily and grinned.

With people like you guys to come back to, I hope I won't be gone too long.

Brushing a few fingers through his hair, with what members remained of Legacy being present, this seemed the best momen as ever.

"Helen, Lucas, heh...  guess you guys saw me, huh?  I know now might not be the best to say this, but I probably should.  I registered.  And I was asked to deliver a message to you guys.  They were wondering if Legacy wanted to register as a group, and be the official sanctioned protectors of Weston City."

Lucas turned to Zeke.

"I thought as much, Zeke. To be frank, Helena and I really wanted to go over their proposal with a fine-toothed comb...just to make sure that we aren't getting ourselves into something that could hamper us a lot. Do you have any detailed information that you might be able to share with us?"

"For one, it sounds like they're using some of Machinesmith's projects again.  So I'm guessing they're relatively connected with the DPA.  As for hampering us, I don't think they'd hamper us at all.  Really the interview I had with them was just a formality.  To really figure out what's going on, we'd have to talk with one of their supperiors.  All in all it sounds to be on the up and up."

Lucas put his hand to his chin for a moment. "It certainly SEEMS good. But who will have access to the records of our identities? Will it be public knowledge? Also, will the government use this to call in any favors from the Legacy whenever they feel like it? I don't mean to be cynical, Zeke, but usually there are things that sound too good to be true..."

"Somehow, for the most part, they already know who we are.  I have been very careful to do everything I can to not let on that Ezekiel Urban is Hotwire.  I set up the appointment as Ezekiel Urban, didn't even list myself as Hotwire or fill out any information as to who I was.  And they knew I was Hotwire.  The fact that isn't already public knowledge is rather encouraging.  If the public knew who I was, do you think I could have got out of that office without a camera crew waiting outside of that room for me?  I mean, sure, I'm not as high profile as the rest of you guys.  But still, a picture of me out of costume would probably be worth something.  Besides, the world isn't perfect and of course the government is going to have its intentions and their own agendas.  Anyone is going to have them.  Hell, we each have our own and sometimes they don't always make themselves known to each other.  And we're a team.  It's just how the world works."

Lucas nodded.

"I would like to look over the proposal in greater detail when possible. I kinda like to know what I'm getting into. That way we can be sure that there are no hidded provisions that we need to be aware of. Just out of curiousity, Zeke, what brought you over to the side of Registration?"

Watching the cab taking Friday to the airport, Lucas waved at his departing girlfriend. And then...Friday was gone...on her way to Texas. Lucas could feel the separation from her already..while it was agonizing in a way, he also knew that the young heroine needed space to deal with what was happening with her. But with the ring, Lucas hopefully let her know that he was there to stay with her, no matter what she was going through

Lucas' phone went off with Hotwire's message...

"Oh hell....it's starting already..."

OOC: I guess I got a little confused, so I wasn't sure if we wanted to cut the goodbye short, with our new developments. If I need to edit this post, I can :)
>>>>>>>>>>>>To Legacy HQ>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Mirage looked at her phone, shaking her head slowly.

"No rest for the wicked I suppose." She said, the image of Lane Summers, plucky girl reporter, faded away leaving only Mirage in her normal attire of long slinky dress, tall boots and veiled hat.

In a burst of crimson smoke, she vanished.

>>>>> To Legacy HQ

"I figure there is only so much I can do with what I have available to me now.  I mean I've been grabbing what tech I can from guys I bust out there in the city, but I can only do so much, and I know I can do more.  But I need to have supplies and stuff available to me.  That's why.  Something else, they've gave me some leads on what's going on with Hunter.  I'm heading to the HQ, try to figure some things out.  Maybe he's come by while we've been gone."

Standing he smiles easily towards Friday.  Moving over to offer her another hug.

"Watch out for yourself.  And hey, keep in touch."

He heads out then.

For continuity sake.

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

Lucas approached the outside of the office and sighed for a moment. It had been a long time since he'd been here. He remembered the last time he was here: the day that Friday had left for Texas. It was a sad day...but a happy one, because Lucas had given her his ring. A symbol of their love because it had both a dragon and a phoenix on it. Or in their case...Dragon Fist and Peregrine.

He unlocked the door and entered. The place had been kept up. Jamie, Friday's assistant, had done a remarkable job of keeping the place clean. She wasn't here, at the moment. It was just as well, because this was a solemn and solitary affair.

Lucas then placed four candles in a circle, and then placed Friday's picture on a pedestal where he could see it, and began to light the candles. Incense began to fill the room.

  Behind him, a voice spoke softly.  "Friday will be proud of your choice, Lucas.  I know that your heart hurts.  To love and lose, is a hazard of life, but it is better, by far, than never having loved at all."

Lucas turned around, recognizing the voice that had now spoke to him.

"Honorable Lin...it is good to see you again. You honor me with your words.....thank you."

He then went down into a kneeling position, focusing his mind as the incense filled the room.

"I've come here to honor Friday...and say a few words...I certainly hope that where Friday's spirit is...she can hear me."

  Lin nodded, and said softly "She will know, Lucas.  One way or another, she will know.  You have chosen the path that would make her very proud of you.  It is what makes you a stronger man than Oni, for he could not stand to keep fighting with a broken heart.  But . . . the miracle of the human heart, is that it can heal.  I have had my heart broken many times.  So many times, a lover or a husband would be there, and in what seemed but a few years, to me, they went from vital young men, to withered old men, and then to dust as one with the earth, their souls traveling onward.  Leaving me to mourn them.  Take strength in the little loves you still have, for the heart will heal, if you give it time and do nothing you can not be proud of."

"I will Lin....and thank you. I will not forget your words..."

He then turned towards the picture of Friday that stood in front of him. The picture showed her smiling. It also brought back many memories for Lucas about the time they had known each other: from the time where they first met in the skies above Weston...to their chat in this very office...the fight with Flamethrower...the forming of the Legacy....the conflict with and the defeat of the man known only as Brain....and current events up to now.

"Friday Winters....I, Lucas Martinez, come to you today in this place, mourning you...missing you...longing for your touch once more....but I know that all things are possible. I wanted to say a few things to you...things that are in my heart that I am sure that you already know...but things I must say nonetheless."

He paused for a moment.

"Friday...ever since the day that I met you, my life was never the same. In the time that I have known you, I have been made aware of a side of me that I never thought had existed. A side that included passion....and love...and contentment. With you Friday, I have been content...and I have known love...true love..for perhaps the first time ever in my entire life. And it is that love that carries me forward even now into these next stages of my life. You know that I have shed many tears for you...and still have even unto this day. But know that my love for you has ever been strong, and that the choice I have made I know you would be proud of. Thank you for being a part of my life, Friday. I shall never forget you. May the Spirits guide you safely in your passage from this world to the next...and know that you take my everlasting love with you. I hope that the ring that I gave you will remind you of that...wherever you are. I love you Friday..."

He then closed his eyes and breathed in the incense, hoping...and somehow knowing...that somewhere in the beyond, she heard those words.

Lucas opened his eyes after a moment. "Lin...thanks for being here...I apprecia--..."

And just like that, the ageless sorceress was gone. As suddenly as she appeared. But that didn't matter. What mattered was that she was there for him when he needed it...just as she was there when he awakened in Shangri-La.

He picked up the incense sticks and made sure that they were out, and then walked to the door.

Looking back, he then said, "Vaya con dios, mi amor," and then shut the door and locked it. Walking away from this place for what could be the last time.

  "Hold the spirit of your beloved in your heart, and she will never truly die, you know."  The voice came from his shoulder, where he felt a light tugging at his shirt, then a weight settling there.  It couldn't be more than a pound or two, whatever it was speaking with a distinct Chinese accent that was oddly sibilant.

Lucas looked over on his shoulder to see what it was that was tugging on it.

  Lin might or might not have gone, but she'd apparently left him a friend.  It LOOKED like a miniature Imperial Dragon.  All of a foot long, with beautiful deep crimson and purple scales, and a mane of hammered-gold, and vivid blue eyes.

"Why hello there.." Lucas said. "You must be a friend of Lin's."

  The tiny Dragon on his shoulder replied "Absolutely.  She asked me to keep an eye on you and make sure you didn't do anything too stupid while you're still grieving."

Lucas arced an eyebrow for a moment, but knew better than to argue with someone who had been summoned by an ancient Sorceress.

"So...you're like my second conscience then? All right....I guess I can deal with it. But as Champion of Light, I do have to follow the second tenet...Protect the Innocent...and that does involve patrolling the city and stopping crimes being committed."

  It chuckled, and said "Ah yes, but as long as I'm with you, you are unable to do the 'I must face it all without backup' stunt that grieving men sometimes pull."

"OK, so it looks like we're together for a little while. Do you have a name?"

  It nodded, and said "You may call me Kimeran.  I have been companion to many Champions of Light."

"Kimeran...pleasure to meet you. I have more questions, but let's get back to my dojo. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to converse her out in the open..."

  Kimeran laughed, and wrapped around his throat, then flattened, seeming to become a tattoo!!

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhkay..." Lucas said, knowing that he probably shouldn't have been shocked to see such a display.

Looking around for a moment, he made his way back to the dojo.

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

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

Dragon Fist landed, his winged entrance looking impressive as ever. But he wasn't here to impress. No, someone had used some of his innermost connections to get to him: manipulating his sensei and mentor with the Blood drug, and now using Above And Beyond in some sort of sick scheme. He was going to put an end to it.

Soaring to a rooftop on a building across the street, he looked like a perched draconic gargoyle as he waited for the other members of the Legacy to arrive.

Don soon arrived, parked a quarter of a block away from Above And Beyond. He looked to see Lucas perched on the rooftop above, then waved him to come down.

Katy soon arrived with Nokomis in tow. She stepped out of the car, an intense expression on her face. She had not been to Above and Beyond since Friday "passed," so to have an enemy taunt them at this place was beyond low.

She stood on the sidewalk, waiting for Dragon Fist to come down and advise them of what was happening.

Dragon Fist nodded at those assembled, swooping down from the rooftop.

He looked around expectantly for Mirage.

"The person who's been taunting has made Above And Beyond their focal point for their revenge gambit. Once Mirage arrives, then we evict whoever this is."

"Damnit, whoever is behind is going to have to answer to my little girl," Don said. "Neither of my girls were none too happy that I had to leave them to deal with old business."

Suddenly, the front door of the office opened by itself, beckoning the remaining members of the Legacy to enter. Though what it was they were being invited into was not known, at least at this moment.

Dragon Fist sighed as he prepared to enter the building.

"One of my students is getting married today. Whoever this person is, they're messing with my personal life, and have done so already. That ends today."

Don nodded, his expression somber, an expression not seen on his face for some time. This person had called all of the Legacy out, using personal things to draw them into this web.

"C'mon Mirage....where are you?" he asked, looking expectantly.

Lady Psyche closed her eyes and concentrated, attempting to feel the presence of the mind of the person within the office.

"I don't like this. Whoever this is...they seem to have a shield of some sort against any telepathic contact."

"I thought that you had quit the business, Hunter?" Mirage said, stepping out of the shadows.  Nokomis' presence earned the woman a curious look.  "And the Legacy has a new face as well."

She turned to Dragon Fist.  "You mentioned something about figuring out what that message was all about.  Care to share, darling?"

Dragon Fist nodded to Mirage as the femme fatale arrived.

"The message said...Where It All Began. Think about it for a moment....when was the first time we as a group got together. It was right outside this office...when we all combined forces to take down Flamethrower. And this person has known personal facts about all of us...and has been dogging us for months."

He looked to the rest of the Legacy.

"This is obviously a trap. Whoever set this up is very clever, and managed to press all of our buttons at one time or another, to take us off of our game. I....I know this place holds a lot of memories...for all of us. But whoever this is will pay a heavy price."

Dragon Fist's helmet's eyes glowed blue for a moment.

"I'm ready. If the rest of you are, let's meet this threat and deal with them."

In reply to Mirage (msg # 108):

"Unfortunately Mirage...there's always a psycho that will call us back in. No matter how hard we try to stay out. I just hope that Diantha and Nora won't be upset for too long."

He looked inside the Agency, with a hard stare that hadn't been seen from him in some time.

"Let's do this.." he said as he made ready to enter.

"Hold on a second."  Mirage looked from the door to the office back to her comrades.  "Who has been dogging you?  I don't recall anyone mentioning this before."

"Hello Mirage,' the now costume clad StormWalker replied. "Yes....I remember when I first joined. And when you and Dragon Fist saved me from that Brain. Now that we've dispensed with the pleasantries, let's go kick some tail."

"Someone who knows all about us. Think about it...DF got shot at, and someone infected his sensei with Blood...Psyche was delivered into the hand of Brain and warped with some 'help'....come to think of it, Mirage, has anything happened with you that may indicate a vendetta? All I know is someone's been using knowledge of our most intimate details to push our buttons...to get us to this point.."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:22, Thu 28 June 2012.

"Oh how nice of you all to be so punctual," a voice called out from further into the office. "It's hard to believe that I had to orchestrate such ornate and non-subtle means to get you all here. But the means have been achieved...you are all here. Why don't you come in...? We share so much history, you and I. I know your dreams...I know your nightmares..."

A soft laughter could be heard by the Legacy.

"It really is unfortunate that the annoying little Ms. Winters isn't here. It appeared that if someone got her already."

  StormWalker said dryly "This fellow really is a rude one, isn't he?  Shall we see the face of our tormentor and set him straight about how rude he's been?"

Mirage was about to reply to Hunters question and say that she did not know of anyone who was trailing her, but that was not true.  She did have that encounter with the man who had crippled her and the thought of that man hardened her features.  She thought that she had killed him, ended his miserable life in a final blow.

He couldn't be the same man, could he?

Without a word, Mirage walked into the Above and Beyond office.  If their unknown assailant was aiming to push their buttons, he really should have know better.

Dragon Fist's eyeholes glowed blue once again as he made his way into the office. This man, whoever he was, had indeed pushed HIS button. How dare this stalker talk about his onetime love...his teammate...

"Be careful Champion....there is great danger here....a danger unseen..." a voice seemingly coming from Dragon Fist said.

"I know Kimeran...but if we don't face this now...this person will hound us for the rest of our days."

Hunter looked in the direction of Dragon Fist, hearing the voice.

"Talking to yourself, DF?" he said as he searched earnestly with his keen eyes for their antagonizer.

"There is someone with him," Lady Psyche added. "You will need to fess up and explain later, Dragon Fist. Now then...Mr. Taunter....show yourself..."
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:54, Fri 29 June 2012.

  StormWalker padded into the building, unassuming looking, but with a dangerous smile on her face.  "Let's get this party started."

"It's a long story, but his name is Kimeran," Dragon Fist said, now turning his attention further into the office.

"That's it....closer you come...ever closer," the male voice rang out once again. "Look at all of you...so mighty...so nonchalant...so arrogant. You destroyed my life, you so-called heroes! And now I'm going to destroy yours...but first, I believe introductions are in order."

A cackle could soon be heard.

"You can address me as Dr. Taylor. Or in more layman terms....your DEATH...and the salvation of my timeline!"

Soon, a slightly overweight balding man wearing a red jumpsuit ran across the room, holding what appeared to be a control in his right hand.

"I've saved this....just for you...so I could see the looks on your faces as you die!" he pressed a button on the control, and waves of pure force impacted Mirage, Lady Psyche, Dragon Fist, and Hunter, which made all of them double over in pain. The worst pain that they could ever feel, or ever would feel.


"I welcome you to the weapon of the future...the Gene Bomb...keyed in to your genetic signatures....which will now tear your genetic codes limb from limb. Give my regards to OBLIVION! Ha ha ha ha ha!"

  StormWalker kept coming toward him, and she said "You forgot something.  Me."  And suddenly the darkness was filled with electricity as she grabbed him, her grip inescapable.  The sky outside echoed with a tremendous thunderclap, and she let the lightning, which arced down from the clouds above, come through her, and into Doctor Taylor.  Lightning crawled through him, destroying his machine and him with it.  Then she whirled to check on her team mates, asking them all "Who can help you fight something this bad?  Can that girl, M something or other, can she help??"

Dragon Fist writhed in agony. Pain like this could only be compared to when Oni ripped his heart out, shortly before becoming Dragon Fist.

"M...Meg..."

Don could feel the after effects of the gene bomb, still ripping his genes from the inside and out.

  She nodded, and said "Hang in there, guys.  I'll have to see how fast I can fly here."  She turned, and FLEW.  Heading for Meg's place to fetch her.

Lady Psyche rolled about in agonizing pain, the effects of the gene bomb effecting her. She had been through a lot with Brain using her as his puppet, and it was all she could do to try to survive.

As the members of the Legacy writhed about in pain and agony, they all beheld a strange sight.

A shimmering circular portal in the room appeared, with Dr. Taylor seeming to re-emerge from it, gloating as his gene bomb did the trick.

"You see? You tried to pull one over on me...The Traveller? I manipulate time and space itself....and I..."

Suddenly he had a horrified look on his face.

"Wha--? No! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he said as a large clawed hound grabbed him and dragged him back into the portal, and the portal then closed on itself.

  StormWalker returned, Megaira with her, and she said "Please, Megaira, help my friends."

  Megaira nodded, and first laid her hand on Dragon Fist.  Her eyes shimmered green-gold, and Lucas felt POWER pour into his body from the diminutive Chinese-Greek-American girl.

Dragon Fist felt the pure power emanating from the smaller Megaira. It was akin to a feeling of being born.

"Unh.....Thank you Meg....help the others please.."

Don continued to writhe in pain, and it seemed that he was close to death. He reached out and touched his young daughter with his thoughts.

"Diantha....Daddy loves you..."

Just as everything was going black, a backlash of magical energy emanated from him, seeming to revitalize him somehow. But for the briefest of moments, Hunter had crossed into the beyond.

  Megaira nodded, and then touched Lady Psyche next, unafraid of sharing so much of the energy she held in copious amounts.

The healing power surged through Lady Psyche, and she slowly sat up, shaking her head, and also visibly shaken at what she had witnessed before.

  Meg nodded, and looked to Hunter and Mirage.  She knew Hunter was one of Rodger's fellows by his biofield, but Mirage was not.  She said quietly to Mirage "Pardon if you don't like touched, but it's the only way to heal you."  She lightly laid her hand on Mirage's hand.

Mirage could not remember ever having been in so much pain.  her entire body felt like it was ripping itself apart.  Despite her earlier defiance, Mirage quickly fell to floor and doubled up in agony.  Even taking a shotgun blast at close range did not hurt this badly.

She tried to cry out, completely disregarding any image of invulnerability that she had built up over the years.  Used to keeping secretive and mysterious, her outward emotions carefully regulated, none of that mattered in the wake of the agony that engulfed her.  She coughed, a thick heavy cough that left traces of red blood on her lips.

Mirage knew that she lead a violent existence.  It was crazy to go beating up evil doers every night and expect to come back unscathed.  She had no misconceptions that she might meet a violent end but had paid very little thought to it.  Her anger  Thus far she had been able to shrug off most injuries, though over time for the most severe, but the Gene Bomb had been tailored to her.  The attack had been designed to strike at her weakest point.

None of Mirages many talents could protect her against it.  Her illusion casting and recently acquired telepathy were useless.  Her agility and psionic weapons, equally useless, and the pain was so intense that she could hardly even think to try and teleport, but even that would not help.  Her anger, that harsh emotion that fuelled her vigilante crusade, was washed under the tsunami of her body's cells being assaulted and feel beyond her grasp.  Even her enhanced healing was fighting a losing battle.

Mirages illusionary costume wavered like a bad television signal.  The slinky dress and thigh boots faded away into the nothing that they had been conjured from.  Her wide brimmed hat and veil dissipated.  The woman that remained was dressed plainly in a pair of jeans with kneepads and a tight top with gloves and elbow pads.  All that was Mirage was fading away, leaving only Helena.

And Helena was dying.

She collapsed to the floor as previous injuries long thought to have been healed were torn open.  Her cries were strangled as she coughed up more blood.  Her eyes opened briefly and she saw Meg walking towards her.

And then her spasmodic thrashing ceased with one last breath and Helena passed beyond the physical veil to where no physical harm could touch her.  There was no pulse for Meg to feel when she touched Helena's hand.

Dragon Fist looked towards Mirage...and saw Helena. But it was what he did NOT see that terrified.

He couldn't see her chi. The life force.....was gone...

"No...not you too. For all that's holy...NOT YOU TOO!" he said, cradling the woman in his arms.

Don slowly got up and approached Dragon Fist. He wanted to say something, but he had seen soldiers and friends fall in battle. Words would be wasted, but in the end they all knew how he felt.

Lady Psyche could sense nothing but pure anguish coming from the mind of Dragon Fist. The pain was indeed great, and the pain felt from Helena's apparent passing was even greater, as Katy had looked upon Mirage as a mentor...and a friend.

Dragon Fist slowly...reluctantly.....released Mirage, setting her down gently on the office floor. He turned back to his teammates.

Saying nothing, he stepped out of the door of the office, extended his wings, and flew into the sky.

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

Lady Psyche looked back to the others after Dragon Fist left the agency.

"Guys....he's leaving...I don't know where...but he's leaving..."

Don frowned.

"Look Katy...I'm not gonna say that everything is gonna be back to the way it was. Not after this. Especially after this. You have to leave him be though...I've seen him like that, and I've been guilty of the same behavior myself. This is something he has to work out on his own."

He looked back to Helena and gently picked her up.

"Let's tend to our fallen."