Aspen pulled the last of her things into her. Slowly she walked into the hall.
Aspen eeps, taking a step back towards her door. Before her is a very large bird.
Hawkins in his birdish way looked at her curiously, “Greetings and who are you?” The bird feathers faded from blue to red and back again in a brilliant show of fading and transformation color.
Aspen closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them to see if the bird is still there. “I’m Aspen. I’m new…”
“My name is Hawkins, my partner Blue you will meet later.” He looked at the slender human form.
Aspen just stared for a moment and then replied. “Umm, okay. This may sound stupid but what are you? Birds don’t talk. Except parrots…”
“Depends from where you come from,” Hawkins eyes glinted the smile he felt.
“I thought I came from the world where birds, except parrots, don’t talk.” Aspen stated.
Hawkins teased, “Have you met every one.”
Aspen smirked, “Silly me, I always thought if you met one bird you met them all.”
The Cat ran by, “Hi Aspen, I see you meet Pauly.”
Aspen nodded, “Guess I have a lot to learn about…something. Not sure what it is yet? I should go eat. That’s it.”
“As to my origins, I think I went through either a dimensional or interplanetary gate way. ” Hawkins whispered. “Just please don’t refer to me as a flying feather duster.”
Aspen looked puzzled, “Why would I do that? Do you dust? There’s a space in the corner next to the ceiling in my room that I can’t reach. So…”
Hawkins chuckled, “Sure why not I will be glad to help a teammate.”
Aspen grinned. “So, you are a flying feather duster then.”
“Once in a grand while,” Hawkins was amused by this wisp of a female, “The ways I help when I can is act as transport.”
Aspen pondered, “Seem a little small for a transport.”
“I can show you if you will head out side.” Hawkins continued, “My methods would work best out side.”
Aspen shrugged, “Sure, why not.”
Hawkins headed down the stairs.
Aspen followed. Than a look of duh hit her, “Wait, you’re a bird. No way. No flying.”
“So you change your mind?”
Aspen stuttered, “I don’t fly. Never. I won’t. I can’t.”
“Fear of heights?” Hawkins asked almost sure of it from the worried look of the human.
Aspen started, “Well, that and other things. Once in a grand while …”
The Cat came back down with his schoolbooks. “Hi guys. What’s up?”
Aspen turned her attention to the striped cat boy, “I was just telling the bird how I don’t fly.”
“You don’t?” Cat seemed a bit surprised, “Oh yeah, that’s right. I guess you have no interest in using the hunt’s new sky cycles than.”
“Could be worse, you could have the ability to fly and have a fear of heights,” Hawkins chuckled, “Thank goodness, I don’t have such a fear.”
Cat shrugged, “That’s to bad. I guess Icehawk will be glad to know that, he’ll always be able to carry you.”
Aspen debated for a moment than revealed, “Well, since you’re my teammates and all I guess I can tell you. I’d die if I don’t stay in touch with solid whatever. Sky isn’t solid.”
“But creatures are solid.” Hawkins stated, “Except maybe a ghost.”
“Not the same thing.” Aspen tried to explain.
Cat nodded, “I guess that makes sense. You really didn’t have to say. We’re getting new members all the time it’s not smart to give out all your secrets to everyone that comes through the door.”
“Oh, well, I’ll shut up about it then.” Aspen fell quiet.
“Could be worse,” Hawkins chucked, “You could have been Drakeon.”
Aspen asked, “Who?”
“A person in another group.” Hawkins said thinking, *If you could refer to him as a person.*
“Oh.” Aspen replied.
“He had a tendency to be a tad psychotic,” Hawkins commented, “The one mission I worked with him on gave this impression. He ran over the criminals with their getaway car, electrocuted another one and then he left, only to return and throw them callously into the back of their truck. He was one I would not of trusted with my secrets.”
Aspen grimaces at Hawkins’ portrayal.
Raven walked in the house caring two bags. Calling out she said, “Greetings!!! Anyone home?” as she walked into the kitchen.
Aspen joined Raven in the kitchen. “Did you get anything green?”
The Cat slide down the stairs and says, “Hi Raven!”
Raven pulled out over flowing bags of fruit and veggies and a jar of pickles. “Oh he is talking about lizard lips. He loved to try and take on the world ahead of the team. We could always count on him to draw the fire from the spot where the bad guys where.”
“But I do miss him.” Cat admitted, “No one was a better missile catcher then he was.”
Aspen considered, “Sounds like he didn’t need the team. A one man killing crew.”
Raven pulled out a half pound of meat, a jar of peanut butter, graham crackers and a gal of orange juice. “That should do you all for the week.”
Blue walked down the stairs, the bird now gone. “The group from what Hawkins tells me always found him knocked out.” He extended his hand to the young female, “Greetings, I’m detective William Blue, at your service.”
“We are not killing machines.” Raven sighed, “That is not what we do. The evil ones kill.” Raven smiled, “Hello Blue. He’s our detective.” Picking up where she left off, “We protect the innocent and capture the bad guys.”
Aspen nodded, “Don’t have to worry about me. I don’t kill. More people? Hello Blue.”
Cat smirked, ” Yeah, so we sent them South.”
“Saber and Titain and Iron are not here.” Raven informed, “but every one comes and goes on missions.”
Blue shook his head, “Sometimes I wonder how I was roped into dealing with super heroes but then I remember a certain red and blue bird, which roped me into it.”
Cat grinned at Aspen; “I’m almost always here.”
Raven smiled.
Aspen asked, “How does a red and blue bird rope anybody into anything?”
Raven finished unloading healthy food, “Cat can you please put this away.”
“My partner, Hawkins,” Blue paused, “convinced me. He can be a tad stubborn at time .”
Raven proudly showed Cat the small piece of meat, “I even bought meat this time. Any one seen B?”
Aspen started putting the stuff away.
Cat asked, “Find anything about the Pack, Demon, Rev M or even Pro Guard?”
Raven nodded, “Pro Guard has resigned Bobbie to the Detroit office.”
“They have?” Cat eyes widened, “I think I’m going to Detroit.”
“Right now the rev worries me more,” Blue piped in. “as for the pack, there is a reason I carry silver bullets.”
“Don’t be in such a hurry.” Raven put her hand on the Cats paw, “There is a huge party with a dozen dancers being held by invitation only at the Four seasons.”
Raven pulled out eight invitations, from the oversized cloak that hung from her small frame and draped on the floor behind her. “Anyone want to stake it out??”
“How do we check it out?” Cat exclaimed, “Cool!” as he sees the parchments lettered in Gold leaf.
Aspen asked, “What kind of dancers?”
Cat tripped over his tongue, “I’ll go.”
“Exotic,” Raven sighed, ” Pro guard was targeting them. That is why they grabbed Linda, she managed Pam’s dancing.”
Aspen smiled. “I thought about doing that more than once. Then I discovered I have no rhythm.”
“Well we will go as guests. Dress clothes mandatory.” Raven asked, “Anyone need to go shopping??”
“Why would we want to go to this party?” Aspen asked, “Who’s going to be there?”
“Just about ever name in the city will be attending.” Raven informed.
Aspen looked nervous, “Well, I haven’t wore any dress clothes in years.”
Raven handed her $100
“Didn’t have any money.” Aspen looked at the money that Raven placed in her hand.
“You do now.” Raven patted her hand, “If you need more just ask.” From her cloak she pulled a credit card, “Wait, you can use this if you need more.”
Cat chuckled, “I have a tux from back when we where fighting Demon. It’s been a while. I’ll see if it still fits me.”
“Cat you can go with her.” Raven suggested. “And she can help you pick out something.’
Aspen smiled. “Can I have the money too?”
“Yes of course Aspen.”
Cat’s fur hide the blush on his cheeks, “Ok I guess.”
Blue laughed, “At least Hawkins wont be entering. I’d hate to see some one trying to put dress clothes on a oversized hawk .”
“Like I know anything about clothes.” Aspen admitted, “I was thinking of going to go to one of those fancy places where they tell you what to wear.”
“Than use the card.” Raven nodded, “I need Gibbs to pick out my clothes. My husband likes me in what I have on.”
“I’ll drive.” Cat offered and headed up to his room, moments latter a blonde Simon walked out.
“Cat?” inquired Aspen.
Simon swinging his keys on his finger. “Yea, it’s me. I’m Simon.”
Aspen grabs Cat’s/Simon’s arm and then paused. “How do I get there?”
Blue teased, “Air mail?”
Raven smiled, “Just don’t spend over a grand.”
With a wishful hope in his voice Simon asked, “Each?”
“No. All together,” Raven pulled back a laugh, “There is the limit on the card.”
Simon pouted, “You’re a spoil sport.”
Aspen gasped, “A grand? I don’t know if I could.”
“Save the receipts.” Raven added, “I need to turn them in.”
Simon asked in an innocent tone, “Heard of CompUSA?”
Raven scowled, “CLOTHES!”
Aspen pushed Simon a little. “We’ve got shopping to do. Let’s go. And we are going for clothes.”
Raven sat down, closing her eyes.
Blue waved to the two, “Well, I’ll see you.” Blue turned to Raven, “Would you mind helping Hawkins on with some equipment upstairs for some recon work. I think the more we have the better it will be.”
Raven nodded, “Sure Blue I will be up in a moment. I need to catch my breath.”
Blue headed back upstairs.
Simon walked to his mint condition 68 Mustang convertible.
Aspen mouthed, “Niccccce.”
Simon opened the passenger door for Aspen. “Thank you. It was a present.”
Aspen slide in. “Thanks…”
Simon closed the door and ran around and hopping in over the door. The engine purred to life and smoothly maneuvered into traffic and off they drove to the store.
Hawkins left the house after Raven helped rig him into the camera and then he flew off to do some work. Hawkins continued to do his aerial photography and still made it back as the two shoppers finally pulled up to the house.
Aspen got out of the car with her bags and goes inside. Simon enters wearing a silk shirt that matches his eyes and a light wool blend sports coat with matching Dockers.
Raven has already changed too, her black boots move up her long legs only a flash of flesh from them to the hem of an oriental red and black silk dress with slit up the side. Her hair was drawn up and ringlets of curls cascading from a bun, draping down to her shoulders and still covering the points of her ears.
Aspen rushed upstairs. “Be back in a little bit.”
“Cat.” Raven smiled at his new look and the many bags he carried for himself, “You have my receipts and card??”
“Sure here.”
“Thank you cat.” Raven stuffed them in her cloak that lay off to the side.
Aspen came back down in a black silk dress that was almost too short. She had her receipts in hand and held them out. It is obvious she bought more than just what she is wearing. “I got carried away…”
“That is fine.” Raven took the receipts, “If you need more just ask for the card again.”
Simon turned and finally noticing Aspen, “Wow Aspen, you look good.”
Aspen grinned. “I know. So, do we have invitations to this thing or do we invite ourselves?”
Raven pointed to the eight on the table.
Simon asked, “Do they have names to then?”
“Nope”
“Cool,” Simon grabbed one.
Hawkins headed up stairs.
Aspen, so you don’t bump and grind.” Simon asked, “Do you slow dance?”
“Don’t you have a girlfriend Cat?” She gave him a half glance.
“Yes, I do. So if you find someone you think is cool I’m your brother. If some jerk is bothering you I’m your date. Seeing you in that dress did make it hard to remember.”
Raven smiled, “He is attached not dead.”
Aspen grinned. “That’s the idea. All right then. For now you are my date.”
Raven looked at her watch, “I am sure most men of the green will agree with his opinion of your looks.”
“Wonder if I will see one or two people I know there.” Blue thought out loud as he fixed his tie, “How formal is this party?” Blue checked his gun. “Better safe than sorry.”
Raven paced, “Mystic should be here, he promised.”
A knock sounded at the door. Blue answering the door with Simon on his heels. The tiny flash of the fairy buzzing Simon as spat out, “bout time fur face, me got you new friend, trident.”
Eyes widen Simon chuckled at the tiny female, “You did, who?
Trident stepped into view.
From out of no where is seemed Mystic Raven spoke,” O’siyo , Ka-Lanu neh ?”
Raven turned slightly to the handsome native next to her. “Yata Hey.” She hugged him warmly.
Mystic Raven returned the hug “Yata Hey , mish na mish ?”
Simon greeted him but his eyes were on the new guy “Hi Mystic.”
Blue piped up, “Hello Mystic.”
Raven introduced, “Aspen meet Mystic.” As she released the hug but kept her hand on his arm. “He lives in the warehouse forest and the father of my first son. He will be my ummm … Date.”
Aspen politely smiled, “Hello Mystic.”
Mystic Raven nodded,” Greetings. “
B stomped her tiny foot, “You all listen to me!”
“Hello, may I help you? Asked Simon to the man at the door.
“I am little tall but look at Trident,” B buzzed back to the new comer, “He big and strong.”
Aspen grinned and looked at Trident.
“Big Indian boy, no match for my sea warrior.” B fluttered over Tridents head.
Trident looked like a fairly built 17 year old in green pants but he carried with him a six foot trident.
Raven extended her hand, “Welcome Trident.”
Trident shook her hand, “Thank you.”
Blue keeping his reservations nodded, “Nice to meet you.”
“Humm, Simon.” Raven asked, “Have a spare suit?”
Mystic Raven lowly commented, “This should prove interesting “
Simon stared down Trident, “I’m the one you judge fighting skills by. Mystic here is the brains.”
Raven looked to the fluttering fairy, “B are you sure he is one of us??”
B nodded, “He mighty sea warrior and He is under my protection and got to have him here to B.” B smiled at Trident, with a puerile pride.
Trident smiled an uneasy smile not used to being under examination.
Raven request softly as she shut the door and stood next to Trident, “May I look into your mind?”
Trident perplexed but agreed, “Oh, I guess.”
Raven opened her mind and touched Trident. Gently she moved into his mind looking in his thoughts, touching his memories, like the wind through the leaves of a tree she moved quietly in his head. Raven opened her eyes as she drew from trident as softly as she entered. “He will be a good addition.’ She announced quietly, “All in favor say I.”
“Mystic, are you going to stay or do we have to keep hunting muggers for a career?” Simon asked.
Mystic Raven replied, “I have been called many places to help my people .. ” * shrugs * ” I tend to wind up where I am needed “
Blue grinned, “So now there is a land, sea, and air force in this group? Very good.”
In a half joking manner Trident asked, “There isn’t going to be any hazing in this is there?”
Aspen just stood dumbfounded and trying to figure out what is going on.
“Aspen you can vote too.” Raven looked to her and the blank face she wore, “He will be living here.” Raven looked at the watch on her other arm, “and we have to be going.. soon.. The limo will be here any minute.”
Simon piped up, “If Raven say Ok, that’s good enough for me.”
Aspen hummed, “My vote is whatever the others say. I hardly know enough to make a good choice.”
“Simon toss him in your old suit.” Raven began, as Simon ran to his room and you get Trident a suit. “Trident get dress in a hurry.”
“Uh yes maam.” Trident said as Simon came back with the spare suit.
Raven asked, “Did every one get the invitation from the table??”
Trident hurried in the bathroom dressing in the suit, not having an idea on what was going on.
Mystic Raven looked to Raven,” Invite ?”
Blue picked up his.
Raven pick up an invitation for Mystic, “To enter the building.”
” aho ” Mystic Raven took it from her.
Raven watched the limo pull up outside.
“Mystic, Do you mind getting on some dress cloths? We’re going to a formal affair and I don’t think you have a Tux in your back pocket.”
Blue smirked looking at his device, “I do.”
Mystic Raven chuckled ” No I don’t tend to wear a monkey suit unless I had to. For us a ribbon shirt usually works for ceremony or pow wow “
Raven paced, “Come on team, The limo is here.” She took a breath wondering why she felt so nervous about tonight.
Blue grinned, “This should be interesting.”
Trident headed out to the limo still having no idea what was going on. Raven handed him a invitation as he passed her.
“Time to go yet?” Simon said dancing around Aspen.
“Oh we are going to a party that is suppose to be attacked by a new group of villains that have been hassling dancers.” Said Raven as she picked up her staff and a huge over stuffed purse, the sharp claws of her gloves poking from the top.
“Okay,” Trident said looking at his trident, wondering what he should do with it.
Mystic Raven asked ” What kind a dancers ? Traditional , fancy, shawl , or war dancers?”
“Exotic like Pam.” Raven answered quickly trying to steer everyone out to the waiting car.
Mystic Raven ” Ah .. more tigers and such “
Trident asked as they piled in the limo, “Am I old enough to go?”
Blue pulled out a device, aiming at trident. The trident image shifted to a walking stick. “I figured that will help out somewhat or do you have a bettor disguise for your trident?”
Mystic Raven replied, ” You are with us .. you should be ok .. “
Aspen just followed along figuring the more senior members will get her to the right place.
“There is six of us and they rented the whole of four seasons to throw this thing,” Raven looked to each in the car as it began to move, “How do we want to split up?”
Simon suggested, “Trident, you hang with Blue.”
“Okay “
“Yes” Raven agreed, “and Aspen and Cat.”
“Of course.” Aspen gave a twisted smile with a glint in her eye.
Mystic Raven added,” Although I recommend keeping in sight of at least one of the other pairs in case we need to coordinate firepower.”
Raven smiled, “That is why we need you so much.” She laid her hand on Mystic’s.
Blue remarked, “This will be interesting since I know, my first action when trouble starts.”
“Oh yeah,” Raven acknowledge Blue, “Trident.”
Trident looked at the elf, “Yes”
“When things get hot.” Raven explained, “Blue leaves and his friend Hawkins comes in. That bird is always near by.”
“Of course,” Blue added, “I’m only human and have a thing about being injured by a super hero, super villain fight. My insurance doesn’t cover it.”
Trident started to wonder what he has gotten himself into.
Simon agreed, “Yea, we don’t want our detective hurt.”
Mystic Raven could resist no more, as he commented on Cat’s wig,” Nice Dew pits “
Raven looked around the car speaking out, “B are you still around?”
B moved from the back window to Mystic Raven’s shoulder. “Watch’a need of B?”
“Just checking if your really where watching the new member.”
“Course B watch Sea Warrior.” The fairy said dreamily as she looked to the newest member of the group.
Mystic Raven turned his head to his shoulder,” Good to meet you B .. I hope you can keep above the situation to help us coordinate our attacks upon the foul ones who attack the dancers. “
“B be happy to help forest Boy,” B smiled and fluttered to his open pocket.
Trident ensured, “Don’t worry I can hold my own in a fight.”
Raven being a mother hen asked, “Every one got a radio??
Simon checked, “Well I think so.”
Trident raised his hand, “Uh I don’t.”
“Oh Trident,” blue informed, “that disguise on the cane ends the second it’s used in a fight.”
Raven fished into her bag and pulling out a couple of headset passing them to Trident and Aspen.
Aspen closed her eyes and tried to shut out all the noise for a moment.
Simon eyebrow raised, “Your bag? Not your cloak?
Raven watched the limo pull up to four seasons. With a deep breath Raven asked, “Every one ready?”
“Yes.” Aspen managed with out choking on it.
“As ready as I will ever be.” Trident chimed holing the walking stick.
“I couldn’t wear my cloak to this Cat.” Raven clung to her bag; “I have the condensed version in here.”
Simon exited the door holding it for the ladies. The driver rounded behind him and stood waiting. Simon extended his hand to give the ladies help.
Raven winked at trident; “We test by fire around here… Things happen fast in the hunt.” Raven took Simon’s hand. Her long legs touching the walk, the hem of the dress raised a little to far up as he pulled her up from the seat. The silk floated back down to the modest length. Simon’s mind whirled in fantasy. Raven stepped off to one side waiting for Mystic Raven.
Aspen gets out, taking Simon’s arm. “Just for tonight. Got it.”
Simon mirthfully smiled at her, “Yes, Aspen.”
Blue looked at, the worried young man; “Don’t worry on wondering on how you got involved in this group happens often,” Blue tried to relate, “Heaven knows I wonder quite a bit about it.”
“Ready,” Mystic Raven chuckled, “for the experience of it?” Raven took his arm nodding.
The place was hopping the restaurant had open all the doors and has a buffet table. Waitresses and waiters were walking around with drinks. At the door they waited as two doormen check invitations. Blue pulled out his invite, as did Trident. Raven handed her to the gentleman at the door with her staff in hand,
Mystic Raven passed his over. Aspen does so as well. Simon goes through his pockets in a panic. B wiggles in his inside pocket pushing his invitation out to him. Simon held his chuckle as he announced, “Here it is.
Just inside the door Raven looked to the party that was just starting to roar. “Who wants north, who wants south, who takes east?” She asked.
Blue surveyed the wide halls; “I’ll take north.”
“East will do.” Simon said as he pulled Aspen in that direction.
“Gee Mystic we get the buffet room.” Raven said smiling at he dear friend.
Mystic Raven nodded, “Somehow I knew you would wind up near the food, how you like to nibble.”
In the Dance club two dancers entertained. The restaurant held seating for those eating and a buffet table filled with an assortment of decadent treats for the taste buds to savor over. The wide passages were filled with socializing butterflies, letting their personage be known for having showed up to the affair.
Mystic Raven surmised, “Impressive set up .. but too many access points for us to easily cover.”
“Only three outer doors but they might be a guest.” Raven picked up a shrimp and ate it. “Mmmm good.”
Mystic Raven remarked, “Your diet has shifted some since I have seen you last Yanaba.”
Raven nodded, “Had to. You would be surprise what one has to eat to survive.” Her mind flashed to her travels.
“Don’t be so sure that would surprise me,” Mystic Raven grinned “We have had to adapt many times over many generations.”
Simon pointed the ladies room. “Would you like to go in there?
Aspen shrugged. “Got to at least make sure something bad isn’t going on in there. I wonder how all these guys would feel if the public found out what they were doing.” She disappeared into the door.
Simon watched the dancers through the large glass windows. Inside the glassed off area, a large stage was constructed. Chairs and tables for two lined the room as professional couples danced to a lively tune, silenced to the halls by the glass walls. The young mans eyes enjoyed the dancers, maybe a little too much.
Trident tried to look relaxed; he walked beside Blue his eyes moving. Blue was quiet as he also kept his eyes looking for something out of place. Aspen started to let her attention wander fairly quickly after rejoining Simon; the party was far more interesting with all the big wigs in town parading up and down in their fine clothing. Simon took her into the glassed wall room for more entertainment and fewer people and a place to sit.
“We should stay in sight of the others as well Yanaba .. in case we need to coordinate our abilities.” Reminded Mystic Raven as he guided here back into the hall.
**** ELSE WHERE****
Icehawk staggered out of the bedroom and flopped down on the couch with a huge but tired smile. Pam slept quietly. James gained his energy and called the house. The phone rang and rang. He looked at the phone debating, checking in at the sleeping angel of his heart he smiled, kissing her tenderly goodbye and slide over to the hunt house.
The small little house with newly painted slate shingles stood dark as he slide up to it on his sheet of ice. The door’s lock was a joke for security and he entered easily. Clicking on the light the room flooded with light. On the coffee table laid two fancy envelopes, within was an invitation to the one of those affairs he hated so much but well if that is where the team was, it won’t kill him to pop in for a second.
***** *** ****
The scream of the dancer cut the air as a man suddenly grabbed one of the female dances dragging her in the men’s room.
Aspen spun in that direction. “What just happened?”
Simon left her side moving quickly in pursuit.
“Wait, Cat!” Aspen called after him.
He opened the door looking at the man with the struggling female saying off handed, “She’s suppose to dance for me next.”
Blue carefully put his hand into his pocket, darting for concealment cover. Another scream sounded from the heard to the east in the dance club.
Simon moved closer to the man, “I said she dances for me next. Let her go!” The man chuckled and pulled her through the inner doorway to the bathrooms sink area.
Trident rushed to the glass dance room, spotting Aspen heading near the men room with no sign of trouble. He headed after the girl hoping she would know what was going on.
Then Raven and Mystic Raven spotted a man dragging a dancer from the dance club. Mystic Raven started chanting and pointed several times towards the man with the girl unleashing the spirit of Skunk towards him. The spirit began to form and faded.
Raven opened her mind targeting the man, he cringed as the pain touched his mind but held fast to the woman using her as a shield.
Blue dropped a smoke grenade; the area began to flood with smoke engulfing the detective making him unseen. People began to scream as the building filled with smoke. The huge bird covered in ice darted through the smoke screen.
Seeing his chance Simon pulled the cloth from between his belt and skin. The fur sprouted and the shift was quick. Cat bounded after the man.
Someone from the crowd screamed, “Fire.” The fire alarm sounded. Panic filled the building.
Mystic Raven chanted, opening his arms to drop a force wall across the exit way to keep the fool and the dancer inside our area. A wall of shimmering energy responded to his call, spreading across the entranceway.
Hawkins screeched, “Did someone call for the fire department?”
Aspen followed Cat, she peered into the men’s room, stepping in to find him.
Trident watched the tiny-framed female enter the no woman zone and followed quickly.
Looking back at the shimmering energy the man panicked, throwing the girl to the side he dove back into the bar.
Cat charged the man, rabbit punching him. The man held on to the girl unable to block that many hits this animal tossed. Escape was first on his mind as he opened the bathroom door to the hall.
Icehawk looked down at the invitation…. He stared at the door and the energy field covering it. Screams sounding from with in, the side doors releasing panicking people as they stampeded to their chauffeurs. Icehawk drew his hand back, extruding a blade of ice and slashed the energy field. The field fell. Just beyond the doors Ice saw the Raven’s stand together. Raven looking breathtaking in her red and black dress, accenting her curves but not revealing, unlike what he was use to seeing her in. Icehawk radioed, “Hey…great party!” A guy dodges towards the restaurant, Icehawk reacted spraying the man with an entangling cold blast. Icehawk grinned, “I know it’s a clich�…but freeze, asshole…”
Cat glad that he can go full force toss a spin kick, at the man. The man still holding the girl slide into the door busting it open. He slide through the people crowding to exit, still he held the half dress girl tight to him.
Raven radioed “Find the bad guys ice they are the ones grabbing dancers
Hawkins spots one moving calmly to the exit, the man holds the wrist of a dancer and pulls her along. The bird prepared his blast. A new ice statue was joined the party as the cold cover the man, the girl wrenching her wrist from the frozen figure.
A man grabbed Icehawk from behind and squeezed.
Icehawk murmured “They never learn….”
Icehawk sagged against his foe. The man laughed, dropping the blue boy like a rag doll.
Cat wiped around again in a spin, this time the man slide closer to the exit, still hanging tight to girl.
Aspen reached the busted door just in time to see cat strike. Cat glanced back at the girl apologizing, “Sorry Aspen.”
Mystic Raven sighted his prey chanting, waving his arms towards the area of the muscle man that took Ice out. The fumes of a Mad Skunk rise around muscle man.
Icehawk groaned as he shook his head and murmured, “Damn…”
Trident peered out the glass window seeing the man fly across the hall with cat closely following, he quickly scanned the room again for any one stealing a girl, than proceeded to the glass door to join up with Cat.
Belle stepped out into view looking at the fur ball, reaching with her mind and speaking, “Sweet Kitty keep any one from following us.”
Cat grinned as his hormones raged at the sight of the sexy redhead, “Ok, Me, you and the girl.” He grabbed her up. “Where do you want to go?” Cat held Belle in a loving embrace, bounding out the door with Belle in hand. Cat shouted back, “Don’t follow us! Save that girl!” Smiling at the red head, “As per your request mistress. No one is following us.”
Aspen ran after Cat and Belle. “Cat!”
Hawkins circled back on his patrol to try and cover both doors looking for any more suspicious people.
Now that the man was a bit stunned Mystic Raven called to Mother earth to hold him in her Mother’s Grasp.
Aspen continued following Cat then, unfortunately being slower than him. “CAT!!”
Cat bounded away with Belle over his shoulder. She did not look too happy.
Mystic Raven radioed, “We have one wrapped up for now by the western entrance .. What is status on everyone else?”
Hawkins radioed, “I got someone in talon and another on ice.”
Trident radioed, “Two guys both out of it at the entrance.”
Cat radioed, “I’m taking Belle to safety. Don’t follow us.”
One man groaned waking, starting to get to his feet. Trident raised his trident at the guy; “I wouldn’t do that if I were you”
Aspen radioed, “I think Cat’s gone insane.”
Icehawk radioed, “Belle is mind controlling him…”
Mystic Raven whispered to Raven, “Can you track pits?”
Icehawk climbed to his feet; “Damn I hate bricks.”
Trident pointed his trident at ice “Who are you”
Raven screamed, “Trident he is one of us.”
“Oh sorry” Trident lowered his trident.”
Hawkins brings his live catch to the group, “Raven, can you check this person for me?”
The man in his talons screamed, “Get this crazy bird to let me down.”
Aspen gives up on following Cat, sighs and return back to the four seasons. Aspen radioed, “Cat!”
Raven asked as she opened her mind, “Are you friends with these…”
“Raven anything?” asked the bird
“He knows this one here.”
Trident offers Icehawk a hand, “Um sorry “
Icehawk grinned at the trident wielding boy. “No big deal…” Icehawk poked himself in the ribs, finding a little tender spot.
Raven gave Mystic Raven a hug, as the sweet female voice whispered softly, “Not bad we got some.” Raven turned to her teammates, “How many did we lose?”
Cat stopped still under Belle’s mind control, a very safe distance from the building, “As you requested mistress. Are you Ok?” Before she could answered Cat punched Belle. Her body going limp in his arms. Cat radioed, “I’m on the way to the police.”
Aspen radioed back, “What? Why?”
Cat radioed, “I have a sack to deliver.”
Icehawk took in the mess around him, “What the heck was going on?”
“Ice,” Raven pointed at the new comer, “This is Trident.”
“Like the gum?” ice jested.
“And you met aspen and this is Mystic.” She continued.
“Like the seaport? Man, boss…er…Raven…when you give a party.. you invite anyone.” Icehawk grinned.
Raven gave him a blank look; “I bought 8 invitations to this.”
Hawkins screeched, “Raven, Mystic, Trident, or Icehawk, please grab this guy when I release him. He’s connected to this mess”
Icehawk looks up at Hawk, “Sure.. Do I let him bounce first?”
Trident tried to stifle the laugh.
Raven frowned, “ice.” She paused, “They got one of the dancers.”
“Who? Which way?” Icehawk look chilled the air, “How were they moving?”
Hawkins lowered the man to the floor. Icehawk nailed the guy with an entangle as he touched the ground.
“Now you don’t move,” Hawkins teased, “or I might have to get violent.”
“Raven! Let’s ride…” the urgency growing in his voice, “Give me directions!”
“He escaped north when Cat took off with Belle.” Raven felt pained unable to answer any of the questions.
“You going with me, Raven?” Icehawk iced up the floor.
Trident volunteered, “Ill go with you”
“You know what I’m looking for?” Icehawk asked, “What the guy looks like?” He slide around Trident in a small circle.
“Looks like the girl he would have would give it away,” Trident reasoned, “After all how much time do you have to change out of a exotic dance costume when your on the run.”
“Aspen and Cat saw him.” Raven informed.
“Where’s Aspen? Where’s Aspen?” Icehawk didn’t wait for an answer and radioed, “Aspen.. Where are you?” He tore off sliding around the corner, heading north through the mall.”
Aspen radioed, “Cat went all weird and says he’s going to the police station now. I couldn’t keep up with him. Oh, and that one with the green tie got away with a girl I think. Sorry I couldn’t stop them.”
Icehawk radioed, “I’ll pick you up, Aspen.” He hit the doorway at a dead run, spotting Aspen, he raced toward her. Icehawk skated up to Aspen and scooping her up into his arms. “Hi…need a lift?”
Cat radioed, “I was under mind control I was ordered not to let anyone follow me. I did that. Now I’m taking her to the police.”
“I’ll meet you all back at the house.” Raven smiled, “I want to grab some more of the buffet before I leave. It’s delicious.”
Hawkins offered, “I’ll wait for the police to arrive.” He radioed, “two to pick up police pick up seems best as well as a stronghold pick up wagon. Four Seasons.”
Aspen tugged her dress down. “Almost, but not quite as good as the limo.”
Icehawk shamelessly flirted, “Got a limo too…”
“Always be prepared, huh?” Aspen held her dress down.
Icehawk radioed, “Don’t forget to read them their rights!” He grinned at Aspen “Where too?”
Raven replied over the radio, “What are they?”
Hawkins smirked as he recited them their right, “You have the right to remain silent, the right to a attorney, and anything they say can be used against in a court of law…” Hawkins radioed, “Cat could you check the recon photos I did before this mess start.”
Icehawk accelerated to about one hundred miles per hour, “Which way, Aspen?”
“To what?” she asked.
“The guy the took the girl.” Ice looked at the girl in his arms.
Aspen pointed. “That way I guess.”
Icehawk followed the pointing finger. “You guess? How’s he dressed? How was he moving?”
Aspen thought, “He was out of sight by the time I got out the door. Oh, black suit, green tie.”
“Running? Flying?”
“I didn’t see him fly.” Aspen stated. “Do you have any idea where you are going?”
Icehawk increased speed weaving in and out of traffic, “That’s why I grabbed you.” He circled blocks at over three hundred.
Aspen sighed, “Might as well go back I guess. I screwed this one up.”
“If you don’t mind…I’ll look a bit longer. If you don’t mind the ride.”
Icehawk did a steady search grid.
Aspen said, “I wouldn’t mind being set down but if you really want to, go ahead.”
Icehawk gave up after about ten minutes of racing up and down streets, than turned back to the Four Seasons. Icehawk slide back to the mall and stopped at the entrance, setting Aspen on her feet. Aspen wobbled a bit and steadied herself on the wall.
The police band reported, Belle escaping the police.
Raven finished her plate of food, “You guys really should try this, it’s great.’
Hawkins eyed the meat, “Switch to guard duty with me and I will,”
“Who are these guys? And what do they want with the dancers?” Icehawk asked, “and how many did we get?”
“Ice can you freeze these guys.” Raven swallowed another shrimp, “We still waiting for the cops.” She hummed as she slide the clam from the half shell, “The fresh clams are delicious. The lobster..” she moaned.
“Sure.” Icehawk looked at Raven as she got another plate. “You pregnant?” He freezes both and coating them extra just for fun….
Hawkins finds appropriate food, nibbled on sushi.
Raven calls back, “No but this place can cook.”
Icehawk slide over to Aspen, “Care to join us?”
Aspen shook her head, “No, I’m fine here. Just watching to see if I can see that guy.”
“If you do whistle.” Icehawk smiled, “You do know how to whistle?”
The radio echoed the southern voice dripping with honey. Belle radioed, “Icy Boy you dar?”
Icehawk frowned as he radioed, “Hello, Belle…how’s your jaw?”
Aspen spat out, “Great, she probably got Cat’s radio.”
“No…got her own.” Ice whispered to Aspen.
Belle radioed, “Got to watch out for dem puttie tats”
Icehawk radioed “Who are your buddies?”
Belle radioed, “Want to make a trade?”
Icehawk radioed, “What did you have in mind, Belle?”
Belle radioed, “You give me de boys you have I give yah de girl.”
Icehawk radioed “Two for one, Belle?”
Belle radioed, “Cost me more din it does you”
Icehawk radioed, “How you figure that?”
Cat radioed, “Is you say mistress. Are you Ok? How’s your side Belle?”
Belle radioed her voice turning a note sour, “I am not de boss man. Last chance icy Boy. Her fate is in yah hands.”
Icehawk radioed “Belle…what are you doing running with these losers?”
Belle radioed laughing, “Tryn’ to survive Icey Boy”
Aspen whispered to Icehawk. “Can’t we just pretend to trade and get them all?”
Belle radioed, “Kitty, You will be sorry for dat”
The Cat bounds onto the houses front porch. Cat radioed, “So, you don’t like it do you. I didn’t like you letting that girl go.”
Icehawk radioed, “Belle…what do you want me to do?”
Belle radioed, “You take de boys to de park alone. Day will call from da statue. Din the girl will be placed to you. I give you my word.”
Aspen rolled her eyes, “Oh right.”
Icehawk radioed, “Why should we?”
Belle radioed, “She will not be like dat other girl. Linda”
Icehawk radioed “I am going to hurt someone for that, Belle
Belle radioed, “If you don’t say yes now. I can’t stop da delivery. Da little girl was not my doing I was not paid for dat one.”
Icehawk radioed, “and you were paid for this one?”
Cat radioed, “I have no reason to be nice to you or your play mates. You will be sorry. “
Belle radioed, “Course I am for hire. Dat is how I work.”
Icehawk radioed “And your going rate?”
Belle radioed, “Like say it would be costly to me.”
Cat radioed, “I thought you did the hiring?”
Aspen sighed. “It’s my fault. If I hadn’t been paying attention to the Cat I might have seen where they went.”
Belle radioed, the connection breaking, “Time is up Icy Boy”
Icehawk radioed “you got ’em Belle…
Belle radioed, her connection breaking “I’ll be waiting for da call.”
Icehawk growled, kicking at the trapped yellow tie guy.
The Cat walked into the house shouting “Anyone here?” The house was quiet.
Icehawk severed the entangle from the floor “Raven?”
She walked out with a carrot stick, “Yeah, the police here?”
Icehawk took her out of earshot of the two thugs. “Belle well trade them for the girl. But we need info from them.”
Raven nodded, “Let’s go. What is it you wish.”
Icehawk kept his voice low, “Who they are. What they are up to. That kind of thing.”
“I will only touch the one with the yellow tie.” Raven stated.
James looked puzzled, “Why only him?”
Raven explained, “The other did not attack any one.”
“Oh, okay,” Icehawk agreed, “Sounds fair.”
“It is my fair,” Raven put down her plate. “How long before the cops come and how about the rest of the team.”
“Cat’s gone.”
Raven suggested, “We can send the others back in the limo I rented.”
“Good idea.” Icehawk added, “but we have to hurry.
“Aspen! Trident!” Raven called out, watching them draw near, “Please take the limo back to the house.” She paused looking at the girl, “and Aspen It’s not your fault.”
Icehawk added, “No it isn’t…”
Trident nodded, offer his hand to Aspen. “Okay.”
Aspen shrugged, joining Trident.
“Trident pick out a room and if you need any thing.” Raven handed him her corporate credit card, “Charge it.”
Trident eyes widen, “You serious aren’t you.”
“Of course,” Raven looked softly to the boy, “I take care of my family and the team is my family.”
Trident shook his head, “I will be part of your family but I will not take your money.”
“Okay you can earn it from me.” Raven put the card in his hand, “You can do the house cleaning.”
Trident smiled, “Its a deal”
“Just use the card for future payment.” Raven wondered if that was the correct term but it mattered not, he understood.
Cat radioed, “We need some encryption for our radios. Anyone else coming back to the house.”
Aspen radioed, “Two of us are. Me and the new guy.”
Raven pulled the two combs from her hair the bun fell and her soft hair fell down past the curve of her ass. From the bag she fished out her cloak the bag now near empty. Tossing the worn cloak about her shoulders she drew up the hood and held on to her staff in her clawed hand. Watching the limo pull away with the two young ones raven turned to the blue skater, “Okay Ice, What do you want from him?”
“Name.”
Raven opened her mind and touched the man mind, “Robert Plichta.”
“As in Bobbie?” Icehawk looked down at the man, kneeling beside him his eyes tight in a stare.
Raven touched his mind. “Bobbie has been resigned to Detroit.”
“And his friend?” Ice voice chilled the air.
“What friend Ice?” Raven asked
Icehawk glanced at the other man, “The other one here. This guys name
Raven opened her mind, “He is know as ACE. Anything else Ice?”
“Their mission,” Icehawk asked, “Why were they here?”
Raven opened her mind, “To grab as many dancers at the party as possible.”
“Why?”
Raven opened her mind. “For money.”
“Who was paying them?”
Cat voice broke over the airwaves as he radioed, “Trident, where are you?”
Trident radioed, “Heading to the house.”
The Cat grabbed some food. He radioed, “Ok I’ll wait for you.”
Raven opened her mind again feeling the man resist her, “He doesn’t know. He gets paid though Belle.”
Icehawk nodded, “Did they have anything to do with what happened to Linda?”
Raven opens her mind, “No that was a different contract. Belle turned it down.”
“Do they know who took the contract for Linda?”
Raven looked down at James, “Shouldn’t we be moving them?”
“Me, Raven…,” he said dryly, “Just me and this is the last question…”
Raven opens her mind, “Bobbie paid 10k for her grab.”
“Bobbie did it, huh?” Icehawk extruded a short blade, “May have to go to Detroit.”
Simon answered the knock at the door seeing Trident and Aspen. Aspen smiled and head to her room. Simon smiled, “How you doing. I have a friend I wish to visit want to come along?”
“Sure why not.” Trident said.
Simon radioed, “Raven, May I bring Trident to the warehouse?”
Raven radioed, “Yes you may show trident the warehouse tonight.”
Icehawk chipped the second free of the floor.
Raven slipped her hand to James shoulder, “Sure you don’t need me?”
“Belle wants me to bring them alone.” Icehawk kept his eyes on his work, “I figure she wants another shot at me.”
“May the flame be with you.” Raven squeezed softly his shoulder, “I will not stop you or interfere.”
Icehawk nodded, “Thanks, Raven.”
Leaning in Raven bent forward, pulling up pressed her lips to his cheek. “Call me if you need me.”
Icehawk assured her, “I will…” He created a handle on both encased thugs.
Icehawk lifted them and pushed off, dragging their feet. They lifted their feet from the ground. “Hope this hurts.” Icehawk bounced them off the curb and accelerated. The ice began to wear thin as he moved at 500 mph. “How long does shoe leather last, I wonder.” He bounced them up curbs and down. Dragging them into the park and up to the statue he dropped them with a thump.
On the base of the statue laid a cell phone. Icehawk picked up the phone, flipping it open. On the lid was a number taped. He punched in the number, holding the phone to his ear he whistled Ice Castles as it began to ring.
“Hello Icy Boy.” The sweet voice dripped in honey.
“Hey, Cajun,” Icehawk spoke evenly, “Got your buddies. Should I just leave ’em?”
“Let them free and hand dem da phone.”
Icehawk stepped over to the ice capsules, “Now Belle, one of your boys here tried to crush me.”
“Let dem go one at a time.” Belle suggested, “de one in blue first.”
“I’d prefer not to go through that again.” Icehawk stepped up to the blue tie guy, creating a huge hammer of ice. Lifting it over the guys head, he slammed it crashing down…on the entangle. Icehawk changed the hammer to a blade and pointed it at the guy.
Ace stood up shivering. “I hate the cold. That call for me?”
“Yes.” Icehawk handed him the phone and listened.
Ace spoke into the phone, “Ace… Yes Belle… Okay… Are you… YES MAAM!… As you wish… Yes… Yes… Of course… Will do… Are you sure… Yes..” He handed the phone to Ice.
Icehawk took it, “See…cold but not dead…”
Belle voice purred, “Okay bust him out and run.”
Icehawk knelt beside the other one, “You are a whole other thing.”
Belle voice drifted from the phone, Now yah run fast once he out. I can’t control hem much. Din you run and we do the girl.”
Icehawk takes a firm hold on the man’s face, “I won’t make the same mistake.” He let the cold seep into the man through his hand. Hitting him three times with the drain…nearly freezing his blood.
Icehawk looked up, “DO the girl?”
Belle laughed over the air line, “Do da girl switch part.”
Icehawk extruded a blade of ice, slashing the entangle, freeing the guy and stepping back.
Ace bent over and tugging at the other guys arm and starting dragging him.
Belle’s voice drifted to him from the phone, “Now Icy Boy. We do da girl,”
“Where?”
Belle asked, “Do you see da red car across da street?”
“Yes…”
Belle purred, “Come ta me Icy Boy.”
“Belle…just give me the girl….that was the deal.” Icehawk insisted. “I don’t feel like playing tonight.”
Belle stated, “Just want na take you to her. If you rather I can just tell yah but how woo I git da phone back?”
Icehawk sighed sliding over to the car. Belle rolled down the window smiling at him. Icehawk offered the phone, her hand touching his as she took it.
“Come Icy Boy.” Belle patted the seat next to her, “Let me give you a ride.”
Icehawk slide around the car, opening the door, and dropped into the seat.
Belle drove off, down to the water front and tuned off the engine. “Come Icy boy.” She stepped out of the car, the moon shining through her dress, letting her silhouette show ever curve of her sleek figure. Gingerly she stepped onto the walking plank onto a small yacht. Belle sat on a deck chair.
Icehawk glided along silently. “Belle…the girl.”
“Can’t yah share just a tiny time for me?” Belle raised her eyes, “Yah did cost me so much.”
“What do you want from me, Belle?”
“De first time I touch da mind. I did so love it.” Belle stood stepping near James, “I just wanted ta know you.”
Icehawk stood still, “If you touched my mind…. you didn’t touch my mind…you took control of it.”
“Yesssss.” She hissed softly, “I am not now. I could order yah to do what I want. I could make yah do.”
“Sure…” he lost words and sighed.
Belle shook her head, “B but dat is not what I want. I guess de is like the rest.’ Belle stepped back, turning to the water. “Go get her, she be down there.”
“What do you mean?”
“Never yah mind, just get your prize. I will not do dis again.”Belle’s voice fell soft and pained, “I keep my word.”
“Thanks and I believe you.”
“Don’t be thanking me.” Belle looked out over the vast ocean, “I work for cash’, yah might be on the de list some day.”
“Do you take higher bids?”
“Once I agree,” She fell quiet, “I agree tis to de end unless.” Belle sighed.
“Unless?” James asked.
“Dat unless… is why you have dis girl.”
“Not sure what you mean.”
“Three times, I don’t risk more din that.”
“Where’s the girl?”
Belle stared at the moon in a lonely longing stare, “Down in my room. I even dresses her fer yah. Girl is in a cabin, she is tied to a bed.”
“Thank you.” He pushed off down the stairs.
Belle frowned, “To bad Icy Boy, To Bad.”
Icehawk opened the door and found the girl tied. She was dressed in a very expensive designer dress. Icehawk released her and scooped her in his arms like a child. Up to deck he slide. The deck now empty except for the whiff of jasmine in the air.