She nodded, and the world blurred.

-------->> Versuzzei's

>>>>>>>>From The Lair of The Shadow>>>>>>>>>>

Adrika made her way to the park. It seemed like it was relatively serene. A few assorted groups of kids playing with parental supervision, some others were jogging, and still others were sitting on park benches, enjoying the relative peace and quiet that Weston had to offer (which was usually fleeting).

So, Adrika sat down on the park bench, observing and keeping watch.

>>>>>>>>>From ?????????????>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dragon Fist soon emerged in Weston City park. He quickly went behind a small building and retracted his armor so he wouldn't stand out.

Nagah's Fang also returned, and then gestured with her hands, shimmering back to the mortal form of Adrika Patel.

"Well done, Champion.." she said to Lucas. "If and when this ominous event happens, I will be in the city if you need my assistance."

Mist Dragon followed with a traditional Shaolin salute to Lucas. "I will also remain Champion...if nothing else, then to stop LeCarde from whatever he is planning."

"Thank you both, for your confidence in me," Lucas replied softly. "The negative chi in my soul was something that needed to be dealt with for quite some time. Having sealed the portal was something I was happy to help with, though it was considered a duty."

He sighed for a moment.

"I...I'd better get back to the dojo. There are two people who are going to be very worried about me. Do both of you have a place to stay in Weston?"

"I am presently staying with Oswald Gysbourne. It seems that after all this time, my teaching is needed once again for a young girl named Penny," Mist Dragon said. "It feels good to be needed once again after all these years. I take my leave of you now, as I am sure I will be needed soon."

And he soon became his namesake as he turned into mist, and began to float away from them.

"I am a traveller, Lucas," Adrika replied to him. "I will find a place here to settle in until such time we are needed. You need not worry though....and...it's good that you have people you rely on who worry about you. Having friends and allies makes you strong, not weak. Remember the people in your life, Champion, and they will do you Honor by remembering you."

"I'll remember that, Adrika. And I'd also like to count both you and Ju-Long in that category as well," Lucas replied.

He knew he had to get back to the Dragon And Tiger, however. Katy and Helena were alone there, and who knew what was going to transpire with master and student left alone together.

Adrika nodded at Lucas, then took her leave, walking in the park, and sitting on the park bench, admiring the brief tranquility that Weston seemed to be experiencing.

A woman with shimmering white clothes, dark hair, and striking green eyes appeared in front of Lucas.

"Champion of Light...you must help me. Someone needs your help...badly..."

Lucas looked at the woman, a wary expression in his eyes. Too many times had potential death try to take him in such a beautiful and well-wrapped package.

"You have me at a loss. You seem to know who I am but who are you?"

"Who I am..? Well...it's complicated. I have lived many lives...seen many things in my long existence. But I will say that I am aware of the struggles of Balance in the universe, and that you are the Champion of Light."

She smiled at Lucas.

"Come...there is someone who needs our help, at the hospital...both yours and mine.."

"Lead the way," Lucas replied as he followed the woman.

Soon, the woman and Lucas were gone in a flash of light, their destination Weston Hospital...

>>>>>>>>>To Weston Hospital>>>>>>>>>>>>

->> From Derring Condos

  Bella settled on the edge of the lake, and positioned the boom box so it wouldn't get wet.  Then she slid the disc in, and turned it up, loud enough to hear clearly across the lake.  Nodding, she used her superspeed to get changed without being seen, and now dressed in pale lavender and silver, full leotard with a tutu, and ballet slippers that were tied with ribbons (Erica had REALLY wondered why she needed a couple leotards and a half dozen tutus and matching ballet slippers), she moved to the 'start point'.  And let the music begin.

Aaron had been making his way through the park. He had ditched his motorcycle back at his place and was currently walking the streets as he often did. He looked up spotting a familiar figure heading towards the Lake. Crouching low and sticking to the shadows he came to the lake where he saw her...Dancing Ballet? He crouched behind a tree watching her dance a smile spreading across his face.

  She danced as well as the women who were professionals.  Her buxom figure still graceful and lithe, although those curves left him NO doubt who it was.  Dancing Swan Lake, out on the lake, all by herself.  She hadn't mentioned she danced.  Hadn't even intimated it.  But there she was, her expression almost serene as she made the leaps, spun and flowed, on pointe and with the ease of one who knew, without even having to think about what she had to do.  It was beautiful to see.  And somehow incredibly sad, because she danced the lead, and was alone as she danced, thinking herself unobserved.

If Aaron knew anything about ballet, or somehow could walk on water, he might have joined her. Instead he stayed crouched in the shadows reveling in the chance to see Bella in this private moment. This was her at her core, at her most Bella-est."

  She used her powers only to simulate the movements that needed a partner, and he could almost picture, from the way she moved, when a 'partner' was supposed to be there.  The story, told in dance, of a princess willing to die for love.

Watching the dance he wondered a bit at her choice of dance. Wasn't Swan lake the one with the really depressing ending? With them diving into a lake of tears or something? He didn't quite remember. He still kept to the shadows watching.

  She kept dancing.  The intricate and clearly complex moves easy for her, and relaxing.  He saw the boombox, and a couple CD cases lying on the beach, and if he looked, the Nutcracker was also there.  When this one ended, she apparently planned to dance more.  She clearly enjoyed ballet.  And was GOOD at it.

Aaron smiled as the dance came to an end he edged closer until the boombox was only a few feet away as he hid in the bushes. Reaching out with one hand he closed his eyes concentrating. This use of his abilities was difficult which is why he tended not to do it. The cd atop the pile lifted and the boombox top opened and the cds switched themselves. After pressing the button he'd edge back further.

  Even in the dark, he could see the smile when the first strains of the world-famous Nutcracker Ballet began.  And to watch her burst into motion in the dance, her body so full of life and energy, the joy of her dancing written in every line.  Clearly, he'd discovered something Bella loved.  Ballet dancing.  And could imagine why she didn't talk about it.  She was great.  And she was six foot four, and buxom, which was two strikes out for a ballerina.

Aaron smiled and began to move back to his original vantage point when he stepped on a stick that broke with a particularly loud crack followed by the sound of Aaron whispering curses to himself.