In a hotel room somewhere... It was almost time to go. The prey was almost within his grasp. He'd managed to track down a friend of his prey, and tonight, finally, he'd be able to learn what his prey looked like. Until now, all he'd had was a name and a list of the prey's friends. Some of them at least. He stopped arranging his equipment for a moment in order to hit the play button on the small tape player on the desk. It was a recording of a phone conversation between the friend and another person. He listened to the voices yet again in an effort to memorize them, learn them, know them. "Hi Robyn," a man's slightly accented voice said cheerfully. "I was just about to call you. What's up?" "An old friend of mine is flying into town this afternoon, and I was wondering if you wanted to meet her." The woman's voice was cheerful, as if she liked to laugh. "Well," the man laughed, " I was going to call you to see if you wanted to come to a night club a friend of mine heard about with us. Why don't we make it a foursome?" "Sounds like fun," Robyn answered. "Who's this friend?" "You haven't met him yet. His name's Adam Pierson." "I look forward to meeting him. Tell you what, Nikki and I will take a cab over. Where are we going?" "It's a club called Guilty Pleasures. How does nine o'clock sound?" "Fine. I'll see you tonight then. Love you, Duncan." "Love you, too. Until tonight, then." The man reached over and hit the rewind button. He was almost ready. He'd already located the club. It was in the Red Square, over in the Blood District. The tape player clicked as it stopped rewinding, and the man reached over and pushed the play button, again. ~*~ Elsewhere... The airport was crowded, but then airports usually were. An auburn haired woman was sitting in one of the plastic formed, uncomfortable chairs, reading a magazine. She lowered it as the P.A. crackled to life. "Flight 420 out of Blue Cove, Delaware, now arriving." The woman stood out of the way as a crowd of people gathered around the arrival doors. As the door opened to admit the influx of people who had just arrived, the woman looked to the back of the group for her friend. She wondered what her friend would look like; it had been a few years since they had last seen each other. As the crowd around the arrival door began to disperse, the woman caught a glimpse of a tall woman with long brown hair pulled back from her face. At that moment, the other woman turned, grinned, and started to weave her way through the crowd. "Robyn! It is sooooo good to see you again! How long has it been?" "Who knows? Who cares? You're looking well. Have you grown your hair out?" "Yup. Do you like it? I find it's easier to deal with. Takes a little longer to wash, but I don't have to spend all morning styling it. I can live with a few extra minutes of washing. So, what's happening with tonight?" "Well, Duncan also has a friend he wants me to meet, so we're all going to go to a night club. Duncan gave me the address, and since I'm not sure where it is, I was thinking we could take a cab there." "Sounds good to me. What's this friend's name?" "Adam Pierson. Ever heard of him?" "Not that I know of. What does he do?" "I'm not sure. You could ask him tonight I suppose. How much luggage do you have?" "Only a couple of bags. Just look for the paisley ones." Robyn cast Nikki a surprised glance. "Paisley? Are you serious?" Nikki grinned. "Wait until you see it. I found it a couple of months ago at a store that was going out of business. Got it for a good price, too." Together, the two women made their way to the luggage retrieval area. Nikki's' bags were just coming down the ramp as they approached. Each grabbed a bag, and together they made their way to the side exit. "So, what's in these bags? I know they're not full of clothes." "Souvenirs. Got some dust collectors for you, you'll like them, some fascinating computer toys for Ętolus, and some hair ties for your new beau. There's something in there for everyone, I just have to find it." Robyn burst out laughing at the defeated look on Nikki's face. By this time they had reached Robyn's car. Robyn unlocked the trunk and they placed the bags inside. Once the two of them were buckled in, Robyn popped a tape into the player, and they were off. ~*~ Meanwhile... At an apartment overlooking a city park, a tall man with dark, shoulder length hair was looking over the collection of CD's arranged against one wall. "Don't you have any decent music, Methos?" "You have something against Queen and Springsteen?" "I just prefer real music. Don't you have any opera or classical music?" "I had to listen to that stuff for centuries. Never really liked it, but hey, it was in. I always try to stay current with the fashions." "Opera's still in style, and more and more people are listening to classical. Are you trying to say that they're not current?" "But it went on, and on, and on. I was soooooo glad when someone came up with a new type of music. I really love rock concerts." "Man, do you have something against cultural experiences?" "Don't have anything against culture. It's just that since I experienced it the first time around, I don't want to go through it all again. So, on to other things. Who are these people you want me to meet tonight? I know that one of them is your new girlfriend, but who's the other one?" "An old friend of her's. That's all Robyn'll tell me. That and the fact that she thinks we'll get along fine." "Know's you sooooooo well after such a short period of time, huh?" Methos was grinning from ear to ear. "Well, we don't keep many secrets from each other, and I know she's older than she looks, although, she won't tell me how much older, just that she knew Ramirez." "She did, did she? Well, that'll put her above four hundred at least." "I'll tell you what, you can ask her how old she is, and then we'll see what she says." "You're on." ~*~ Later that evening... Guilty Pleasures was definitely one of the more unusual places that Robyn and Nikki had ended up in. The holy item check girl, was odd enough, but the atmosphere of this place... If the owner of the establishment was trying for mysterious, otherworldly, and creepy, he'd succeeded. The entertainment for the evening had not started yet. It was just before nine o'clock, and the sun had almost set. "It's happening again." "What is?" Robyn looked a little confused. "See the guy over by the bar? The blonde one?" "Don't tell me we're attracting a crowd again." "Your boyfriend isn't the jealous type, is he?" Nikki looked as if she was having a hard time not laughing. "Don't think so. It's never come up. Any ideas?" "Several, but they'll have to wait 'till later. Your date's arrived." Nikki was looking towards the door they had entered a little earlier. Two men had just entered. The taller of the two was wearing jeans, a blue silk shirt, and a black leather jacket. His shoulder length, black hair was partially pulled back into a pony tail. The man at his side was wearing dark slacks, a light coloured shirt, and a black trench coat. His hair was cut short, and his eyes were sharp. Both men scanned the club until the taller one spied the two women. Smiling, he led the way to the table and sat in the empty chair beside Robyn. His companion took the remaining chair. "Sorry that we're late, Robyn. Adam, here, gives lousy directions. Adam, this is Robyn Goodfellow and her friend, Nikki, isn't it? I'm Duncan MacLeod, and this is an old friend of mine, Adam Pierson." Both men nodded their heads to the women. "Pleased to meet you both." Nikki smiled at each while Robyn took Duncan's hand. "Tell me, Adam, how did you find out about this place, and what is the purpose of that stage over there?" Nikki waved towards the empty stage along one wall, raising one eyebrow and looking questioningly at Adam. "Well, I learned about the club through an advertisement in a paper. It sounded like an interesting place to spend an evening, so I called Duncan, he called you guys, et cetera, et cetera. As for the stage, I'd imagine it's for a band or singer or something like that," Adam shrugged. "Sounds nifty," Robyn said as she slid her chair closer to Duncan's and leaned into his shoulder. Nikki grinned her agreement as she watched Robyn's manoeuvrings. "When's the entertainment supposed to start?" Duncan asked as he draped his arm over Robyn's shoulders. "According to the advertisement, just after sundown, which," Adam looked out a window, "should be anytime now. How about we order some drinks?" He signaled a near by waitress as everyone nodded. As the others ordered their drinks, Nikki glanced towards the guy at the bar. He and a few of his friends were still watching them, and they were making no attempt to conceal it. As she watched out of the corner of her eye, one of the men was goaded into coming over to their table. He looked to be about five foot eight, with short, brown hair. He had the look of a corporate businessman in his dark suit and neatly tied tie. He also looked to be more than a little drunk. Nikki swore under her breath in Avalonian as her suspicions were confirmed that they were the man's target. Duncan and Adam showed no sign of having heard her, but Robyn glanced over and then tensed for battle as the man reached the table. "Why are two beautiful girls like you hanging out with a couple of losers like these? Come join my friends and I. We're lots more fun." With that, he grabbed Robyn's arm and tried to pull her out of her chair. Robyn allowed herself to be pulled up, but as she was swinging around her chair, she brought her knee up, and the man hit the floor like a sack of potatoes, folding up into a ball. Robyn walked around to kneel by the man's head as Nikki rose to stand behind her. Duncan and Adam rose to keep an eye on the man's companions as they began to charge to his defence. Grabbing to man's hair with one hand, Robyn forced the man into a seated position. "Why would I be wanting to go with you when my friends are here?" Although the words were mildly put, there was a dangerous undercurrent in Robyn's tone. Tsking to herself as the man only gurgled helplessly, Nikki dryly commented, "Not much fun if he can't speak. Any suggestions on what to do with this poor fellow?" By this time, the bouncer who had been at the main door had reached them. He was a big man with short, blonde hair. He was wearing black leather pants, and a white t-shirt. "Is there a problem here?" Nikki turned slightly to look at him. "Not if he decides to leave us alone," she said simply. "Is this man bothering you, mademoiselle?" a soft, French accented voice asked from behind all of them. Robyn and Nikki turned to face this new voice while Duncan and Adam kept an eye on the men at the bar. The man was dressed in skin tight black leather pants and a white shirt which was open half way down his chest. There was lace at the cuffs and all down the front of the shirt. He was a few inches taller than Nikki's five foot eight, and he had shoulder length wavy black hair. He also had the bluest eyes either of the women had ever seen. "He was trying to force them to go with him Jean-Claude," one of the men at a table nearby stated. "That is...unfortunate," Jean-Claude replied as he turned to face the two women again. He seemed slightly surprised when both looked directly at him, but he hid it well. Glancing towards the bouncer, he nodded his head towards the prone form on the floor. The blonde promptly bent over, picked the man up, and carried him towards the door. Several other people were escorting his friends at the bar out as well. "I apologize for this unfortunate incident," the dark haired man said softly. "Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Jean-Claude, the owner of this establishment. Perhaps you would allow me to pay for your drinks by way of making amends?" Robyn looked first at Nikki, then back at Jean-Claude. "That would be appreciated. My name is Robyn Goodfellow. These are my friends: Nikki Fayre, Duncan MacLeod, and Adam Pierson," she gestured to each person as she spoke their names. Duncan had moved to stand beside Robyn while Adam positioned himself by Nikki. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you. If you will be seated, the night's entertainment is to begin soon. I will send the waitress with your drinks." With that, he turned to leave, pausing briefly to glance at Robyn and Nikki before making his way to the bar. :He seemed surprised that we were looking at him.: :I noticed. There's something odd about him, and about this place.: :He is attractive though. Be careful that Duncan doesn't get jealous.: Nikki's thoughts were tinged with laughter. :No smart comments from the peanut gallery,: Robyn growled in response before taking her seat. The waitress returned with their drinks as the lights began to dim. The night's entertainment was just beginning. ~*~ Just outside... The interior of the car was dark. The man in the driver's seat pushed a little button on his watch to illuminate the face. It was one thirty-five. Earlier in the evening he'd watched his prey enter the club just down the street. Soon they'd be leaving. Most bars and clubs closed around two. He reached over to pick up his gun from the passenger seat, checking to make sure it was ready. It wouldn't be long now; not long at all. ~*~ Inside... "Well, Adam, that was some band. Never knew that vampires were that musically inclined." Duncan and Adam had been surprised and embarrassed by the nature of the evening's entertainment. Robyn and Nikki had taken it in stride, accustomed as they were to weird and odd things happening without advance notice. Nikki had been teasing Adam since the end of the show. "I'm sure it was just actors, cosmetics, and some fake blood. I mean, come on, everyone knows that vampires are nothing but myths and legends." Nikki and Robyn glanced at each other and immediately broke out in a fit of giggles. It took them quite awhile to calm down since a glance at either of the men's faces was enough to set them off again. Finally they managed to get themselves under control by the simple means of putting their heads on the table and not looking at them. Of course, this rather odd picture was sure to attract attention. "Is something the matter, mademoiselles?" "Not so long as we refrain from looking at them." Neither of the women had looked up, so it was unclear who had answered. "Aaaahh. May I inquire as to whether or not you enjoyed the show?" Adam turned his attention from the two women and looked up at Jean-Claude. "I thought it was a trifle exotic, but it's definitely not something I'll forget." Duncan was nodding his head in agreement. "I liked it," Nikki and Robyn said in unison as they raised their heads. They looked at each other and grinned. "Merci, mademoiselles," Jean-Claude nodded his head, a slight smile on his lips. "Would you perhaps care for a tour of the premises?" "We'd love one," Nikki replied, "but it'll have to be at another time. Some friends of ours are arriving in town tonight, and I promised to pick them up. So, a rain check?" "Of course. If you like, your friends may join you on the tour. Just call and I will arrange it." "Thank you, that's very kind." "And now, I think it's time we were going. Ętolus's expecting Nikki." Robyn glanced at Duncan. "Would you like Nikki or I to drive?" "Fine with me. You didn't tell me Ętolus was coming here. Is Ami with him?" Duncan threw some money on the table to pay for the drinks, and stood to help Robyn rise. "Of course. Those two are nearly inseparable." Robyn slid her arm around Duncan's waist as he put his arm around her shoulders. Nikki stood and grinned. "It should be an interesting visit. I'll drive so that you two lovebirds don't have any distractions." Robyn stuck her tongue out at her friend as Duncan handed Nikki the keys to his car. "If you would permit me, mademoiselle?" Nikki turned towards Jean-Claude and found him offering her his arm. "Thank you. It would be an honour." With that, she looped her arm through his. "There are so few true gentlemen in this day in age," she sighed as they walked towards the main doors. "I shall take that as a compliment," Jean-Claude said with a slight smile. "As it was meant," Nikki said serenely. ~*~ Five people left the club together. Three men and two women. The taller of the women was holding the club owner's arm. As he watched and waited to be sure, the other woman exclaimed "Nikki!" while the taller one started to laugh. Found her, he thought to himself as he aimed his gun and pulled the trigger on the laughing face. The woman's head snapped backwards as the bullet caught her in the forehead, and she fell to the ground before anyone could catch her. The others were gathering around her in shock as he made his escape. ~*~ Robyn cradled her friend in her arms and brushed Nikki's hair off of her face. Tears were running down her cheeks. Duncan, Adam, and Jean-Claude were kneeling around her. Duncan and Adam looked up as a car pulled out of its spot and drove away. Adam started running after it as he yelled, "Duncan, get the car!" over his shoulder. "Will you be all right?" Duncan asked Robyn as he took the keys from Nikki's limp hand. "I will watch over her. You had best hurry." Jean-Claude still held one of Nikki's hands. With a nod of gratitude, Duncan sprinted to his car, and was soon out of sight. :Any bright ideas on how we're going to get out of here before the cops show up? I don't really want to be taken to the morgue.: :I'm still thinking. If we can get rid of Jean-Claude, we can catch a cab a few blocks from here. You have your cell phone on you, don't you?: :Yup. Why not say you're cold? Get him to go for a jacket or something.: :It's worth a try.: Robyn began to shiver, at first lightly, but it quickly became violent. "Are you all right, mademoiselle? You are not injured, are you?" Jean-Claude looked at Robyn in concern. "I'm just cold all of a sudden." Robyn turned a pale face towards Jean-Claude. Next to the whiteness of her skin, her eyes were very green. Jean-Claude touched one hand to her forehead. "You are freezing, mademoiselle. I will find something to warm you. Just let me speak to the doorman." He rose to his feet and went to talk to someone just inside the club's door. :Damn. He's going to send someone to fetch a blanket.: :His back's turned. We could run now.: :Do you feel up to that?: :A hole in the head's never stopped me before. Let's hurry.: When Jean-Claude turned around, his startled glance met nothing but an empty street. ~*~ A few blocks away... "That was too close," Robyn stated as the two women stopped for a rest several blocks away. "Do you know the number for a cab?" "Yes. Just give me a sec." Nikki was searching her pockets for the number. "He almost saw us. I guess this means the tour is off." Nikki started dialling for a cab. "Looks like it. Let's go back to my place and get the car. Ętolus and the others are expecting us." Robyn glanced back down the street to make sure that no one was following them. Nikki hung up and looked at Robyn. "What are we going to tell Duncan and Adam?" "I don't know yet. I hadn't planned on telling him the truth yet. He can handle the back from the dead routine; he does something similar after all. I'm just not sure if he's ready for the not human bit. Let's discuss it with Ętolus. Maybe he'll have some suggestions." "Sounds like a plan to me." ~*~ "So that's how things stand. Duncan and Adam think Nikki's dead, and we pulled a disappearing act on Jean-Claude, the owner of the club. What we're wondering now is what to tell Duncan and Adam." Robyn was sitting on one side of the couch in her living room. Ętolus and Ami were sharing the love seat. A few of the lights had been turned on, and the curtains were closed in case someone tried to spy on them. "Not to mention finding out why someone wants me dead, and getting me my tour back," Nikki stated as she entered the room carrying a tray of drinks. She set the tray on the coffee table and sat down on the opposite end of the couch from Robyn. Everyone grabbed their drinks and settled back into their places. "What is so interesting about this club that you're so eager for a tour of it?" Ętolus asked as he glanced back and forth between the two, now identical, women. Robyn and Nikki had assumed a more natural form. Their hair was now a rich auburn, and reached the middle of their backs. They both had deep green, cat-slitted eyes, and pointed ears. They were both dressed in deep green tunics that matched the shade of their eyes, and light brown pants. It was not apparent, since they were currently sitting down, but both of them were now the same height. "Well, aside from the fact that the owner is absolutely yummy, there is something very strange about that place." Nikki looked at Ętolus and grinned from ear to ear. "What can I say, I'm curious." "Now that I believe. Well, I guess the first problem to address is what to tell Duncan and his friend. Any idea how much Adam knows about you, Robyn?" Ętolus turned to Robyn, looking slightly concerned. "I have no idea how much Duncan has told him. Hopefully not a lot. Do you think we should tell him that Nikki's the same as me?" "That might be the best idea. If you decide to keep him, he's going to find out anyway. It's not as if Nikki's easy to hide," he replied with a grin towards Nikki. "Thanks for your vote of confidence, Ęt," Nikki said. Just then, before anyone could say anything else, the door opened and Duncan and Adam walked in. Everyone turned towards them wearing identical looks of surprise. Duncan stopped when he saw the two women on the couch. "Uh, Robyn?" he asked softly, as if he didn't quite believe what he was seeing. "Yes Duncan?" Robyn asked. Duncan's eyes kept shifting between the identical faces. "Who's that beside you?" "Nikki," said all four people at once. "Uh, Robyn, what's going on?" Duncan asked. "I thought Nikki was dead. And what's with the eyes and ears?" "I think you'd better sit down. This is a long story," Robyn said with a shrug in Ętolus's direction. Ętolus just smiled. "What's going on?" Duncan asked again. "I think an explanation is about due." "If you and Adam will sit down, I'll explain." After both men had sat down, Robyn continued. "Well,... to start with, I'm older than you." "I knew that already," Duncan replied. "You told me you knew Ramirez." "But you don't know by how much." "So how old are you?" Adam sounded a touch exasperated. "Well..." Nikki started, "Ętolus, Robyn and I are twelve... and change." "So you're about twelve hundred years old?" Adam sounded more interested than irritated now. "Uh, no," Robyn said with a look at Ętolus. "We're a little over twelve thousand years old." Duncan and Adam just stared at Robyn as if she'd grown a second head. She hadn't, but that was how they were looking at her. "Well, say something," Ętolus prompted with a gentle smile. "You're not Immortals," Adam stated, looking at the trio for confirmation. All three shook their heads. "So, what are you?" "I'll start this little game of show-and-tell," Ętolus said. "I am Prince Ętolus Endymionson, Crown Prince of Atlantis, son of Endymion, King of Atlantis, and Selune, Goddess of the Moon." "So you're what? A god?" Duncan asked uncertainly. "Demi-god, actually," Ętolus replied. "Oh, sorry, demi-god. So how do we address you? Your Excellency?" Adam sounded like he wasn't buying this story. "Great and Powerful Benevolent One will be fine," Ętolus said sarcastically. "'Great and Powerful' our ass," Nikki and Robyn said in unison. "You're only great and powerful when you hack into some governmental mainframe," Robyn said, and then stuck out her tongue. "Be nice or I'll dock your pay-cheque," Ętolus said with a dirty look. "What pay-cheque You haven't paid me in 11,500 years. The last cheque I got was just before the Island sank. You still owe me insurance money!" "I don't do floods," Ętolus said in a lofty manner. "Floods are considered to be an act of God." "My point exactly." "Okay, enough arguing," Nikki stated. "Robyn, I think we'd better go next." "Hai! Okay...us. Well, to start with, I'm not from Earth, and Nikki's my clone." "Do you want to run that by me again?" Duncan was having a hard time absorbing all of the strange facts being thrown at him. "Which part?" "All of it." "I'mmm frroooomm another plaaaanet. Nikki is my cloooooone." Robyn spoke very slowly, enunciating her words. "How is that possible? I mean, you've always looked human... before." Duncan was not taking this well. "Nikki and I can change our shape." "Okay, let me get this straight. Duncan is dating a 12,000 year old shape shifting alien who has a clone." Everyone nodded. "Is there anything else you feel we should know?" "Ummmmmmmm,... yeah, but it'll wait till later. I think we should let this sink in first." "Just one more question. How was Nikki cloned if she's 12,000 years old? I mean, cloning wasn't around back then, was it?" "When Ęt and I first met, someone was trying to kill him. Nikki was created to get to Ęt, through me. But, since Ęt is obviously still alive, the plan failed. Nikki decided she liked us and told the bad guy to go smite himself. Then she left him and came and found us. The three of us have been friends ever since." "And since I'm Robyn's clone, I'm not human either. I can shape shift, survive bullets through the head, get thrown through walls, yadda, yadda, yadda." "Does that answer all the questions for now?" Ętolus asked. "We still have to figure out why someone would want Nikki dead. It's hardly even imaginable. Nikki's such a likable person," he grinned. Both Robyn and Nikki stuck their tongues out while Ami giggled. "Before we open that can of worms, I think introductions are in order," Nikki stated. "Duncan, Adam, meet Ętolus, and Ami. Guys, this is Duncan and Adam." Everyone nodded to each other (like normal people do). Okay, now what's the plan?" Nikki paused, and then looked at Adam. "Is something wrong?" "I just can't get over the ears and eyes." "What about them? We can hear and see with them, just the same as you." "Yes, but the shape..." Nikki and Robyn looked at each other. "Would it help if we looked human again?" Robyn asked. "I think that might be a good idea." "Ok. Just give us a sec." Robyn and Nikki closed their eyes, scrinched up their faces, and shook their heads. When they looked at Duncan and Adam again, their eyes and ears were human looking. "Better?" "Yes, thank you." Both men still looked a little spooked, but they seemed to calm down once everyone looked human. "Ok, any ideas why someone would want me dead?" "Well, I was wondering..." Ętolus was interrupted by a knock on the door. "I'll get it!" Ami got up and went for the door. "Can I help you?" she asked whoever was on the other side. "Who is it?" Ęt asked. "Robyn, there are a couple of cute guys out here that want to talk with you." "Well, invite them in." "How do they rate on the yummy scale?" Nikki called out. Ami turned with a confused look. "Yummy scale?" "Are they cute?" Robyn translated. "Oh." Ami blushed, and then nodded. "Invite them in then!" Robyn and Nikki chorused. "I guess you're invited in," Ami said to the people in the hall. "Merci," a familiar voice said, as an equally familiar face walked through the door, followed by two not so familiar faces. "Uh, oh," Robyn and Nikki said in unison as Jean-Claude looked at them in confusion. "I take it you two know these people?" Ęt asked. "You could say that. Everybody, meet Jean-Claude, the manager of the club we were telling you about," Nikki looked like she had swallowed a live tadpole. "I see. Uh, oh." "You can say that again. I think I'm going to go visit Talon. Bye." With that, Nikki disappeared from sight, leaving about half of the occupants of the room staring at the place she had been in confusion. "Oh, no, you don't," Robyn growled. "You are not leaving me here to deal with this." Robyn appeared to dive through the air, and she, too, disappeared from site. "What the hell, is going on?" Duncan exclaimed, his eyes about to fall out of his head. "I'd say that Nikki is trying to escape from this little confrontation, and Robyn is not going to let her do that." Ętolus and Ami were unfazed by the disappearing act that the two women had pulled. They had done this before, and enjoyed the confusion it caused. The newcomers, Duncan and Adam were once again startled as the two women reappeared across the room, rolling towards the couches. "I don't wanna!" Nikki was yelling. "Well, you have to!" Robyn answered. "NOOOO!" with that, the two women once again rolled out of sight. "May I ask, where are the young ladies disappearing and reappearing from?" It was the man that Nikki had identified as Jean-Claude asking. "You can ask, but you probably won't like the answer," Ętolus replied. "Why is that?" another man asked. He was taller than Jean-Claude, and had long blonde hair. The scars on the right half of his face did not take away from his looks in the slightest. "Because they're jumping dimensions... again," a new voice replied. Talon's head appeared to be coming out of the coffee table. "Ętolus, Robyn and Nikki are making a royal mess of my apartment, and since Robyn's your bodyguard, and you're the only royal type guy around at the moment, I'm holding you responsible for the damages. What are they arguing about anyway?" Two arms joined the head, and Talon pulled himself out of the table, avoiding the glasses that were still on it. "Apparently, tall, dark and deadly there saw Nikki get shot. Since she's very much alive, she decided to go visit you when he walked in the door," Ami explained. "Since Robyn's opposed to that idea, they're rolling around here, there and everywhere," she finished with a smile. "Oh," Talon said, just as Nikki and Robyn rolled back into view. The two women ended up sprawled at the feet of their guests. Nikki's eyes widened as she got a look at the blonde man beside Jean-Claude. "Wow." The one word was all Nikki could manage at the moment. Duncan was a little more articulate. "What the hell is going on? How did you," gestures towards Talon, "come out of the table?" Talon looked positively gleeful that someone had asked about his antics. "Well, you see, it works like this..." he began. "NO!!" the assembled members of the P6 shouted before he could get started. "But he asked," Talon protested. "He doesn't want to know," Robyn stated firmly. Then she looked at Duncan who looked like he was about to argue with her. "Trust me, love, you REALLY don't want to know." :Ummmmm, Robyn?: :Yeah, Nikki?: :You missed my birthday this year.: :Another blonde?: As Robyn sat up, she raised an eyebrow at her clone. :What is it with you and blondes?: :Unlike you,: Nikki thought primly, :I spent the first couple centuries of my life with only dark haired people. And besides that, just look at his eyes. They're incredible.: :I see what you mean,: Robyn agreed. "Happy Birthday, Nikki." "You missed it again, Robyn?" Ęt didn't really look surprised. "Well, she had one last year, and she'll have one next year. So what if I miss one now and then?" Robyn looked very put upon. "Congratulations, Nikki," Ęt smiled. "I hope you enjoy it. How many does this make?" "How many what?" "Birthdays." "Ummmmmmm, I don't know. Sorta lost count." Ęt and Robyn burst out laughing. "All right smart asses. How old am I?" "Ummmmmm," Robyn looked a little sheepish. "Few years younger than Ęt?" "And how old is he?" Nikki was not about to let this go. "A few years younger than Robyn?" Ętolus also looked a little sheepish. "Wait a sec." One of the people yet to be introduced, a young, short man said. "You three look to be about the same age. How much of an age difference can there be between you?" "Ummmm, I dunno," Nikki stated with a frown. "Let me see... Wait a minute! That's none of your business! Just who do you think you are, asking me a question like that?" "Pardon, mademoiselle," Jean-Claude said. "Please allow me to introduce my associates." He gestured to the blonde that had caught Nikki's attention. "This is Asher, and the inquisitive one is Jason." At this last, the assembled members of the P6 looked at each other, and then started to laugh. "Would it be possible to know what is so funny?" Asher asked. He still had a slightly stunned look on his scarred face from the discussion of birthday presents. "Well, we have a friend who is called Jason. He's a werewolf too," Robyn explained. "How did you know that I was a werewolf?" Jason asked. "Told you," Nikki said, "we have a friend who's one, so we know how to recognize you." "So, do you have many other friends who are supernatural creatures?" Robyn asked Jean-Claude. "All of the people who work at Guilty Pleasures are supernatural creatures," Jean-Claude admitted. "I thought there was something weird in that club!" Nikki and Robyn exclaimed at the same time. "Will you two quit doing that!" Duncan burst out. Robyn and Nikki looked at each other with identical grins. After all, messing with people's heads was a habit of theirs of longstanding. :I think your beau is about to have a mental melt-down.: :I hate to admit it, but I think so too.: :Why don't you get him to lie down. Maybe give him something to relax?: :Good idea.: "Come on, love," Robyn said aloud as she held out her hand to Duncan. "Where?" he asked suspiciously as he took her hand and rose. "Somewhere away from these loony bin rejects." "Hey!" Ętolus retorted, "I resemble that remark!" "If we need you, I'll let you know." Nikki told Robyn. Robyn nodded just before she closed the door behind them. "Why is it that you are not dead?" Jean-Claude asked. "Not that I mind, but you were shot in the head." :Think we should tell them?: :Well, if you are serious about keeping Asher, it might be a good idea to let him know what he's getting himself into.: :Good point.: "I'm not human. Neither is Robyn. She dropped in on Ętolus, from another planet, and became his bodyguard. He has some pretty powerful enemies. One of them cloned Robyn, making me. I was supposed to get close to Ętolus and his family and kill them. But it sort of went sideways on him. I told him to go smite himself, and decided to join with them. We've been wreaking havoc ever since, and having a right good time of it too," Nikki finished with a grin. "Aliens, clones and werewolves, oh my! Is there anything else you'd like to share with me?" Adam asked sarcastically. "Okay," Nikki looked defeated, possibly because everyone was looking to her for the explanation. :You could come help me.: :You seem to be doing just fine.: :Gee, thanks.: :Anytime.: ::: :Same to you.: "I think you may want to sit down for this. It's a very long story." ~*~ Time passes... ~*~ More time passes... ~*~ "So now we're trying to determine why someone would want Nikki dead," Ętolus stated. "Anyone have any ideas?" "Have you been involved in anything that someone would want to kill you for?" Jean-Claude asked. "Nothing that could be traced back to me." "What about Delaware, Nikki?" Ęt asked. "I was four inches shorter, had blonde hair, and weighed 20 pounds more." "Oh." "What were you doing in Delaware?" Adam asked. "Helping an old friend out by confusing Center personnel." "Have you recently acquired anything that someone else would kill for?" Jean-Claude pressed. "Not that I know of. Nothing expensive, nothing exotic. Oh, Robyn, I found our book at an auction a couple of weeks ago. It's weathered the ages pretty well." The door Robyn had led Duncan through sometime earlier opened. "Really? Where is it?" "In one of my bags." "Do you think we could get back on track here?" Adam asked sarcastically. "Tracks are for trains," Talon stated. "Well, I can't think of why someone may want me dead. Could it be just random violence? We've run into that before." "I find it hard to imagine that you two ladies would have to deal with a great deal of violence," Asher remarked. :He says the sweetest things.: :Gag me with a spork.: :It's no worse than listening to you go on about Duncan...: :Maybe, but Duncan has a nice butt.: :So does Asher.: :You and blondes.: "You might be surprised," Robyn grinned. She looked at Nikki and Ęt who returned her grins. "Ummmmmm..." Adam looked up from the patch of floor he had been contemplating, "how did you know that Nikki was talking to you... and about a book? You were in another room, and she wasn't speaking that loudly." "They can read each other's minds," volunteered Ami. "My girlfriend is telepathic?" Duncan was standing in the doorway to the other room. "No, your girlfriend is telekinetic. Nikki's the telepathic one." Ami grinned. "They're almost always in each other's mind," Ęt explained, "no matter how far apart they are. If they're far apart, they just have to concentrate more. As far as we know, nothing can block them, except for shields they put up themselves. They see what the other sees, hear what the other hears. It's a talent that's come in handy now and then." "I need a drink," Duncan stated. "Scotch and glasses in the desk over there," Nikki gestured. "It's getting rather late," Ami mentioned, "or rather early. Why don't we break for today and meet up later this evening. I think we need to let things sink in before we go any further." "That sounds like a good idea," Robyn agreed. "Where should we meet?" "My home is secure," Jean-Claude said. "I very much doubt an assassin could get in without attracting attention. We could gather there, if you like." "Sounds like a plan," Nikki said. "Let me get some paper and a pen so you can write down an address and directions." "Here you go, Nikki," Talon said as he threw both articles at her. Luckily, she caught both before they hit someone or something. She handed both to Jean-Claude. As he wrote, the others that had come with him gathered their things and headed for the door. With a nod of his dark head, Jean-Claude handed the pen and paper back to Nikki and left with the others, closing the door behind him. "So where is his place?" Robyn asked. Looking at the paper, Nikki frowned then looked up at her friend. "Some circus, according to this." ~*~ Meanwhile... "The target has been eliminated." "Are you sure?" "Unless she's able to survive a bullet through the forehead, she's dead." Silence on the other end of the phone. Then, "Very well. Meet me in the park in an hour." Click. "Pay dirt." ~*~ "Need chocolate." "Check the fridge." "Already did. You don't have any." Nikki looked at Talon and grinned. "You must have eaten it all last time you were here." "Probably." Nikki looked around the room. It was a lot emptier than last night. Ętolus and Ami were off spending quality time together. Adam had said that he had some business to take care of. Robyn was in a corner with Duncan, trying to get him used to the idea that his girlfriend was even older than he thought. "Hey, love birds, you two wanna go munchie shopping with Tal and I?" Robyn looked at Duncan. He seemed to have calmed down from the numerous upsets of the night. Catching her look, he shrugged one shoulder. Smiling at him, Robyn replied, "Sure, just let me find our shoes." A few minutes later, the foursome was walking down the street to a small grocery store. None of them noticed the car with tinted windows parked up the street. The occupants of the car noticed them, though. "That's not possible!" The man who had shot Nikki looked out the window on the driver's side in disbelief, for there was the woman he had shot the previous night. "I told you she was hard to kill." The speaker looked at the man sitting in the opposite seat, beside the would-be assassin. The man drew a gun from somewhere under his suit jacket. "You have failed me." The gun pointed towards the shooter's chest. The hit man's eyes were wide and his skin had gone pale and clammy. "Please, let me have another shot at her." "I think you have already proved that 'a shot' will not suffice." "Please-" "Will someone please shut him up?" The man with the gun raised his other fist and slammed it into the side of his head. "Thank you." The man grinned at his employer. "Driver?" "Yes, sir." "I'm glad I contacted that other one. I had a feeling this imbecile would fail me." With that, the car pulled out into the early morning traffic. ~*~ "You're paying for all that, I hope you know," Nikki stated, looking at the pile of junk food Talon had placed in front of the cashier. "That's okay. I brought cash with me this time." "But can you spend it here?" Robyn asked. "And now?" Nikki added. "Should be able to." Talon reached into his pocket and began to rummage around. "Now, where'd I put it..." He had about half his arm in his pocket by this time. "Aha! Here it is!" A wallet emerged from the pocket. With a grin, Talon opened it up and began to rifle through the assorted bills inside. "Uhhhhh..." "Knew it," Nikki and Robyn said in unison. Talon pulled out a bill to show to the two. It was a form of currency not due to be in circulation for another hundred years or so. "Charon give that to you?" "Yeah, she did. Hmmmmm..." Talon started putting his hands in his pockets. When his efforts produced nothing, he turned a hopeful gaze on Robyn. "Hey, don't look at me. I just came along for the fresh air and company. I didn't bring any money." "Nikki?" "Oh, fine, but you owe me big time for this one," Nikki grumbled. Placing her stuff beside Talon's, she waited while the cashier rang everything through. As the young man worked his way through the pile in front of him, bagging whatever he had rung through, Nikki looked out the windows by the door. The people outside were moving about, most of them on their way to work. Some held cell phones to their ears, others were drinking coffee, most clutching their briefcase and travelling along as if the street was an obstacle course, and the other pedestrians the obstacles. One person, however, was not moving with the flow of people. Nikki wasn't sure why, but he caught her attention, and wouldn't let go. He was the sort of person that you didn't normally (of course, Nikki wasn't normal. Not by the farthest stretch of the imagination) give a second thought. He blended in with the crowd too well. He stood in the street, leaning against a lamp-post, staring at nothing. He was short; he probably wasn't much taller than Robyn. He had short blonde hair and blue eyes like the sky on a cold winter morning in Canada. :Is something wrong, Nikki?: :The blonde man outside is giving me a weird feeling.: :I thought you liked blondes.: :Not this one. There's something off about him.: :Any ideas on what?: :Not yet, but when we get outside, I'm going to find out.: :Why not check now?: :Too many people in the way. I want to get closer. Increases the probability that I'll read him on the first try.: :Ok.: "That'll be thirty six dollars and fifty-eight cents, ma'am." "What did you buy, Talon, that's that expensive? No, never mind, I don't want to know." Pulling out her wallet, Nikki pulled out a wad of money and handed it to the cashier. As she accepted her change, Talon grabbed the bags. The four of them then began to move towards the door. As they started walking down the street, the group passed within a few feet of the man Nikki had noticed. She watched as his eyes took note of them, and of her in particular. With a mentally raised eyebrow, she brushed against his mind. The contact was not long, just in case the man was sensitive to TP, but even that would not have made a big difference. Nikki had had a lot of practice. From this brief contact, she learned some very important information. Item one: someone had approached him with a contract to kill her. Item two: He hadn't accepted the contract...yet. He was still considering it. He didn't think that killing her would be enough of a challenge. He liked a challenge this one. He thought she was human. Humans meant little to no challenge for him. But the sum of money was awfully high. Nikki wondered why someone wanted her dead that badly. Badly enough that this man was following her around to see if it was possible she would prove to be a challenge to kill. He had no idea. "So, what do you guys want to do today?" Nikki asked curiously. With a raised eyebrow, Robyn looked back at her to remark, "You're not feeling worn out by this latest ordeal?" Grinning, Nikki shared what she had just learned with her friend in a wordless burst of knowledge. She watched as Robyn fought to keep back her laughter at the thought that Nikki was human and easy to kill. As if... "Why don't we go for a walk in the park? After Talon gets rid of his stuff, of course." "I'll just put everything away now then," Talon replied. He held out the bags to Nikki. She grabbed all of them, but held one open for him as they walked. Luckily, they had passed into an area where there was no one walking around them, except for the blonde following them. Nikki hoped he enjoyed the up and coming show. Talon proceeded to grab articles out of the bag and stuff them into his back pocket. Of course, it didn't bulge or fill up, since his handy dandy portable pocket dimension was located there. One by one, the bags emptied. Duncan stared at him incredulously. He'd been forewarned, but seeing it for the first time... "Close your mouth, love. If it opens anymore, it'll be as large as Talon's dimension." Taking the empty bags from Nikki, Talon wadded them up and stuffed them in his pocket as well. Nikki felt a brief burst of surprise from the man behind them, and then she could almost see the gears in his mind working. If he can do that and no one is surprised, what can the others do? Nikki chuckled to herself as they entered the park. Maybe they could really weird this man out... She'd have to think on that one. He didn't seem to be the type that startled easily. "So, anyone have any thoughts on why someone wants Nikki dead?" Duncan asked. "Not yet," Robyn replied. "At least, no reasons involving someone trying to kill her with a gun. Most of the people who don't like us would use something more exotic." "Who else wants you dead?" "Ares," Robyn and Nikki answered in unison. "I thought you said that he made you. Why would he want to kill you after going to all the trouble of making you?" "Remember how we also said that I told him I wouldn't kill Ęt? He's still miffed at me for not working for him. I tell you, he can sure hold a grudge." "Miffed?" Robyn asked incredulously. "Well, isn't that how you'd describe it?" "Now that you mention it..." Robyn frowned in concentration as she mulled that thought over. "You're right. Definitely miffed. It's too childish to be anything else." "Ummmmmm... guys?" Talon interjected, "Any idea on who that is following us?" "Oh, him?" Nikki asked, waving a hand in his general direction. "He's the latest one to be contracted to kill me. He's still debating whether or not to take the job. Apparently he doesn't like to hunt humans. Too easy, was his thought." "You read his mind? When?" Duncan demanded. "About twelve and a half seconds after we left the store." "And you didn't tell me?" "Just did." "You could have told me sooner." "You didn't ask." Talon finally took pity on Duncan. "Might as well give up the argument now. She can talk circles around just about everyone on the planet." "'Just about everyone'?" Duncan repeated. "Who can't she talk circles around?" "Oh, Robyn, Ęt, a few of the other members of our little group." "You?" "Once in awhile. But I get even." "How?" "Do you really want to know?" Talon looked at Duncan with an innocent expression. "NO. HE. DOES. NOT." Nikki and Robyn stated very emphatically. "How long has this rivalry been going on?" "Since we ran into Tal in Kull the Conqueror's dungeon," Robyn replied. "Isn't he a comic book character?" "Nope, he was from Atlantis. Ended up becoming a warrior-king." "And you knew him?" "Who do you think taught him to fight?" Nikki asked. "Very cute guy. Shame he was married," Robyn sighed. "I need a drink." "You know, you've been saying that a lot lately..." ~*~ Later that evening... Nikki, Robyn, Duncan and Adam were just about to leave for Jean-Claude's home. The others in their party, except for Talon, had decided not to join in the discussion. They'd opted for the highlights version that was to be given at a later date. Talon had said that he might show up sometime later. He wanted to follow the blonde around for awhile, and maybe see if Charon was in the mood for spying. "So, whose car are we taking?" Nikki asked. "Mine," Robyn replied. "Okay, let's go then." Together the four people walked out the door, and got into Robyn's car. Duncan rode shotgun, with Adam and Nikki in the back. Duncan reached towards the little organizer between the two front seats and pulled out an unlabelled tape. "Any idea what's on this one?" "Nope." "Why do I even bother asking anymore?" "Dunno." Duncan popped the tape into the tape deck, and everyone waited to find out what was on it. Soon, techno music with foreign lyrics could be heard through the speakers. Duncan raised an eyebrow at Robyn. "It's one of my anime mix tapes," she said, answering the unspoken question. "Anime?" Adam asked. "Japanese animation," Nikki replied. "We're learning Japanese, and this helps. Plus, the music is cool." "Oh." Robyn took a turn off onto a road that lead to a part of town unfamiliar to the group. "How do you know where to turn? I don't remember seeing you read the directions," Duncan asked, looking at Robyn curiously. "Nikki has the directions," she replied, as if it answered everything. "So?" "So she said we needed to take this turn-off." "I didn't hear her say anything." From the back seat came the sounds of smothered laughter. Robyn merely gave Duncan a look. "Oh, right. Stupid comment. Forget I said anything." "You're still having problems with this, aren't you." It was more a statement than a question. "I always thought that I'd be the one with major secrets to keep in a relationship. But you, you've got an even stranger past than I do. I've seen people put in asylums for telling stories like this about themselves." "And your history isn't a little bit out of the ordinary?" 'Not to the scale yours is." Robyn looked at Duncan for a moment, trying to puzzle out what was really bothering him. When that failed, :Nikki, do you have any idea what's wrong with him?: :He's always been the strong one, even with the immortals he's had relationships with. He's been the protector, not the one who needs protecting. Now, here you come, and not only do you not need his protection, you're older, stronger, and so different from what he thought, that he doesn't know how to react.: :Men.: :That about sums it up.: :Any suggestions?: :Play the damsel in distress?: :As if.: :You asked.: :I did. We'll have to see what happens.: Nikki grinned, and smothered another laugh. When Duncan turned around to look at her, she shrugged and said, "Girl talk. You wouldn't be interested." "Sure I wouldn't." Duncan didn't look like he believed Nikki. "Ok, how about, 'You don't want to know'?" "That one I'll believe." "We're here," Robyn stated. "Weird looking circus. No animals," Nikki sounded slightly disappointed. "You were hoping for lions and tigers?" Adam asked. "No, monkeys. The little ones with long tails." Adam looked at Nikki as if she was crazy, and then opened his door. The others all got out as well, and headed towards what looked like the front entrance. Jason the werewolf was there waiting for them. "I'm supposed to bring you down. They're waiting for you." "Lead the way then," Nikki grinned. :You're just hoping Asher is going to be there.: :Can you blame me? He's cute. And I get the feeling life's been hard for him.: :Life?: :You know what I mean.: Jason turned and opened the door to what looked like an ordinary warehouse. There were stairs leading down. Jason began walking down the stairs, Robyn, Nikki and the guys following. After many twists and turns, they reached the bottom, and Jason led them to a door which opened into a comfortable looking sitting room decorated in black and white. Jean Claude, Anita and Richard were there waiting. Jean Claude and Richard stood as the party entered the room. :He's not here.: :He never said he would be.: :I can hope, can't I?: :You and blondes...: : : : :Same to you, clone.: "Please, don't stand on our account. You guys looked so comfortable," Robyn grinned. "But, cherie, it is only polite to stand when a lady enters the room." :He sure doesn't know us too well to call us ladies,: Nikki chuckled to herself. :Give him time, he'll learn,: Robyn replied. A door across the room opened, and Asher walked in. Following him was an excited looking Talon. "Talon! How'd you get here? Thought you were going to follow Blondie," Robyn and Nikki chorused. "I HATE it when they do that," Adam said to Duncan. "I was! He came here." "Seriously?" Nikki asked. "Of course not. But he's here all the same." :Think he followed us here?: :I don't know. You were the one driving. Did you see anyone tailing us?: :Nope. Wonder why he's here, then.: :Guess we'll find out soon.: :More than likely.: "May I ask what you are talking about? Who followed you here, and who is 'Blondie'?" Jean Claude asked. "When we were shopping..." "...we saw a blonde man..." "...when we were coming out of the store..." "...and Nikki picked up that he was considering..." "...accepting the contract that had been put out on me..." "...but he thinks that humans are too easy to kill," Robyn finished. While Nikki and Robyn had been explaining, everyone else's heads had been going back and forth between them, as if they were watching the ball at a tennis match. At the end of the explanation, Duncan and Adam looked at each other and shook their heads. Talon was grinning from ear to ear, and nodding his head so fast that it looked like it was going to fall off. "And how would you know all that?" a voice from the door asked curiously. Robyn and Nikki glanced towards the door. Standing just inside the door was the blond man Talon had been following. He was shorter than Robyn and Nikki, and had pale blue eyes that gazed at them blandly. The two women looked at each other, and then stated in unison, "Not telling," and stuck out their tongues at him. The man razed both eyebrows at them. "Edward, what are you doing here?" Anita asked. "Following them," he nodded his head towards Nikki and Robyn. "And why would Death wish to kill such an attractive young lady?" Jean Claude asked. :Young?: :Well, I guess we are, comparatively.: :Compared to what? :Well, the world?: :Oh, ok.: Adam seemed to be having a coughing fit. Duncan was pounding on his back, but it did not seem to help Adam get himself under control. Nikki glanced at him to see how he was doing and promptly collapsed in a fit of giggles, Robyn quickly following her. "What!? What's so funny?!?!" Talon demanded. "Please excuse us for a moment," Nikki said to Jean Claude, and then she grabbed Talon's arm and they fell through the floor. Edward's eyes widened considerably, and Robyn laughed even harder, now clutching her sides. Anita grinned. "You know, Edward, I don't think I've ever seen you look that surprised before." "I've never seen someone fall through a floor before. At least, not while leaving it intact. Where have they gone?" "To Tal's apartment," Robyn stated. "And where is that?" Edward asked. "In another dimension." "Another dimension? Is that similar to another plane, like the spiritual plane instead of the material plane?" he asked skeptically. "No, Talon's apartment is its own dimension." "Why doesn't he live in this dimension?" Edward persisted. "Well, there weren't apartments in this dimension when he got it, and nowadays rent is to high. Plus, where else can you got unlimited electricity for free?" Robyn asked. "So how long has he had this apartment?" "Oh, probably since he became an inter-dimensional arms dealer. Which reminds me..." Robyn looked towards Jean Claude and Asher, "Talon doesn't believe in you. Just thought I'd warn you." "He thinks we are figments of his imagination?" Asher asked. "No, he knows you're real. He doesn't believe in vampires, and there is no amount of proof that you can show him to make him believe." "I think we could find some proof that would prove it to him," Anita replied. "No, you won't. Nothing you show him will convince him," Robyn asserted. "Sharp, pointy, fangs?" "Cosmetic dentistry." "Hypnotic eyes?" "Doesn't work on him." "Reaction to crosses?" "Skin allergy." "Wooden stakes through the heart?" "Any human can be killed by a stake through the heart." "Combustion in sunlight?" "Light reacting gel. I mean it. There is no proof that you can show him that will convince him that vampires are real. At that moment, Nikki and Talon fell out of thin air to land on an unoccupied couch. The two of them were still laughing. They each had chocolate bars in their pockets. Nikki threw one to Robyn, before grabbing a Twix bar for herself. "So, what did we miss?" Nikki asked. "I was just telling them about Talon's apartment. Blondie thought it was in another plane of existence, rather than another dimension." "That all?" Nikki sounded disappointed. :I also told them that Talon didn't believe in vampires.: :How'd that go over?: :Not too well.: "Why did you two have to leave so suddenly?" Duncan asked. "Well, I overheard something your friend there thought, and I had to share it with Talon," Nikki grinned. "What did you overhear?" Asher asked. "You sure you want to know?" At everyone's nod, Nikki shrugged, then grinned. "Well, Death," she looked at Edward, "I'd like you to meet Death." With a flourish, she waved her hand at Adam. "What?" Edward asked. "Apparently Adam is the fourth horseman," Robyn explained. "That's what Nikki overheard." At the horrified looks Adam and Duncan were giving them, she added, "Well, we told you she was telepathic. What did you expect? That she could only read my thoughts?" She grinned. Nikki looked at Edward. "So, you still thinking about trying to kill me?" "Depends." "On what?" "On how difficult it would be." Robyn and Nikki looked at each other. "Well, probably very difficult, because we haven't figured out whether or not we can die. None of the conventional methods work. And believe me, all of the conventional methods have been tried by our older enemies," Nikki stated. "I cannot believe, cherie that you have any enemies. Who would choose to be the enemy of such an enchanting young woman?" Asher asked. :Isn't he sweet?: :Drown me in honey, why don't you?: :Look who's talking! You should try having to listen to you and Duncan sometime. You two are enough to give a person cavities! If a person had teeth, that is.: :You are sooooo hard done by.: "Well, Ares doesn't like us much," Robyn mussed. "Ares, as in the Greek god of war?" Anita asked. "I thought he was just myth." "He likes to propagate that belief. Keeps people from trying to kill him," Nikki explained. "Are you saying it's possible to kill a god, but not you?" Edward's eyes had come alive with interest. "Seems that way," Robyn and Nikki chorused. "I've never hunted a god before..." Edward mussed to himself. "And I wouldn't advise you to hunt this one. He'd turn you into the incredible combusting human before you ever got close. He's how we found out that burning alive won't kill us. When Nikki wouldn't work for him, and told him to go smite himself, he threw a ball of fire at her." Robyn finished her chocolate bar and threw the wrapper into the garbage can on the far side of the room. Several pairs of eyes went up at the shot, since the wrapper had to navigate it's way around several pieces of furniture in order to reach its destination. "Well, people, we have gathered here today to try and figure out why someone would like me dead," Nikki mimicked a preacher's tone. "If you don't mind, I think we should get back on track here. Do you have any information about your possible employer that you'd like to share, Blondie?" "Please don't call me 'Blondie,'" Edward replayed in a flat voice, his blue eyes cold and empty. "Why not? You going to hurt me if I do?" Nikki matched his threatening look. For a moment, Edward seemed surprised that someone was calling him on his threat. Then his eyes narrowed. "Yes." "That would be a neat trick. When you figure out a way, let me know. Might be an interesting experience," Nikki grinned. "Trust me, I'll find a way." "I'll be waiting. Now, about this person who wants me dead?" "I've never met the person. I work through intermediaries. Cuts down on the chance the next person I might work for is a cop." "Damn. I was hoping you might have some info on him. Any other ideas?" "We could always wait until someone takes another shot at you," Robyn suggested. "Gee, thanks much for volunteering me to be the one to get another hole in my head. Besides, by now they've probably figured out that bullets don't make a lasting impact on me. Does anyone have an ides that does not involve me getting shot at or otherwise attacked?" "Is there any way we could go hunting for whoever this is?" Duncan suggested. "Now there's an idea," Nikki and Robyn mussed. They looked at each other. :Talon has every weapon known to man, and some that aren't.: :Yeah, if we could somehow get this idiot to hire him, he would have a pretty good chance of finding out who it is, and what his motives are.: :But how do we get him in? It's not like Talon has a reputation for being an assassin.: :What if Blondie recommended him?: :That might work...: "You two have that look. What are you thinking?" Talon looked interested. "We were just thinking that with all the nifty toys you have, you'd be a perfect candidate for whoever wants Nikki dead to hire." "But how would we approach him? 'Hi, heard you wanted someone dead. She happens to be a friend of mine. Care to hire me to do the job?'" "Naw, we were thinking of getting Blondie to refer him to you," Nikki grinned. "I've told you not to call me that." "Yeah, but I take orders so poorly," Nikki replied with a toss of her hair. Then she grinned. "What am I saying? I don't take orders at all!" "Whatever. Why would I help you out?" "Because if you don't..." Nikki started. "...we'll stick you in a room..." Robyn continued. "...with no windows, no doors, and no air conditioning..." "...and make you watch Elmo and eat nothing but Crispy M&Ms..." "...until you agree to help us!" they both finished. "You do know that I can escape from almost any kind of holding cell." "Did we forget to mention that the room would be in another dimension?" Robyn asked. "We should also warn you that no one has been able to withstand our forms of torture. They seem simple and childish, but they are effective. We've had several thousands of years to come up with ideas. We do, after all, enjoy driving people to the point of madness. It's a hobby for us, and we're quite good at it," Nikki stated. Anita was laughing to herself. Jean-Claude and Asher looked confused. Nikki figured that they had never heard of Elmo before. Richard and Jason looked as if they thought the two women were crazy for provoking Edward. Duncan and Adam just looked at each other, sighed and shook their heads. "Well, I guess if you're going to let me get even with you for those 'Blondie' remarks, I can refer your friend to this potential employer. What sort of selling features do you have?" Edward asked Talon. "He has access to every weapon known to man," Nikki volunteered. "And a few that aren't," Robyn supplied. Edward looked interested at these remarks. "How much would you be willing to sell these for?" he asked. "You couldn't afford them," Talon replied loftily. "How much money are we talking?" Edward asked. "Not money, chocolate," Talon stated. At Edward's perplexed look, Nikki explained. "Talon's only currency is chocolate. He only carries cash when he has to deal with cashier's in this dimension." Edward looked like he wanted to ask for a better answer, but decided that he probably didn't want to hear it. "I'll phone the contact number later this evening and pass on this referral. Then we'll have to see what comes of it." With that, he turned and left the room. "Well, I guess that takes care of all the business we wanted to discuss," Robyn noted. "Guess so," Nikki agreed. "Cherie," Asher began, "I do not think that it is safe for you outside right now. Perhaps you would consider remaining here for the time being?" :Isn't that sweet of him?: :I say again, gag me with a spork.: :He does have a point, though. I'd rather not lead anyone to Duncan or Adam. I know they're Immortal, but it's still possible to kill them.: :Good point. You going to stay here then?: :Think so. It'll give me a chance to learn a little more about my birthday present.: Robyn could almost taste the grin that went with that comment. "Well, enjoy yourself then. You ready to go guys?" she asked Duncan and Adam. They both nodded and stood to leave. "See you later, Nikki. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Robyn grinned. ~*~ Asher led Nikki into a room a short way from where they had all met. "You may rest here, cherie. I very much doubt that anyone will be able to make it this far into the Circus." "Thank you," Nikki replied, looking around the room. It was comfortably furnished with a queen sized bed at one wall, and a couch and table in the open space left. The furniture was wood, and quite old, giving the room a warm and welcoming feeling. "I shall leave you now to your rest, cherie." Asher turned to leave the room. "Do you have to go? I wouldn't mind the company, and I don't need all that much sleep." Nikki turned hopeful green eyes towards Asher. If she had any say in the matter, he would not be leaving that room anytime soon, if at all this evening. "Why do you look at me like that? No one but Anita and Jean-Claude ever look at me without flinching." "Because I find you attractive. Hasn't anyone ever told you that you're beautiful?" "Not for a very long time. How could anyone find me beautiful with these scars?" Asher waved his hands at the scarred half of his face. "Very easily," Nikki replied, taking his face between her hands and gently kissing him on the mouth. Asher pulled away quickly, but couldn't get very far with Nikki holding him. With nowhere else to look, he stared into her face. Nikki watched the play of emotions upon his face. At first, there was fear, then surprise, and finally something akin to joy as he read the truth in her face. This time he kissed her, and Nikki knew that he wasn't leaving any time soon. ~*~ :Wake up, sleepy head!: Nikki turned her head to look at the clock on the bedside table. 4:00 was illuminated in red letters.:What do you want, Robyn? It's early, and I was up late.: :Hmmmm. I noticed. Enjoy yourself?: :Yes, thank you. Can I go back to sleep now?: :Thought you didn't need much sleep.: :Don't. Tonight's an exception.: :Well, I thought I'd let you know that Talon's been contacted by whoever wants you dead. Don't ask me how they got the number because I know we didn't tell Edward, or anyone else for that matter. Blondie must be pretty good.: :Thanks. What's the plan now?: :Don't know yet. That's why I woke you up. Wanna come over and we can come up with phase two?: :Mmmumph.: :I'll take that as a yes. Talon will be over in a few to pick you up.: :I'm going to get even with you for this.: Robyn's reply was amused laughter, and then her presence faded. Nikki raised her head a little. Asher was sprawled in the bed beside her on his stomach, one arm lying across her, the other thrown over his head. Leaning over, she kissed him, and then got out of bed without waking him. Rummaging through the pockets of her pants she found paper and a pen, and quickly scrawled a note explaining where she had gone, and that she'd see him later that evening. Just as she was turning from the table, there was a light knock at the door. Walking over to it, Nikki found Talon on the other side. "Ready?" he asked. Closing the door behind her, Nikki nodded. Turning to walk down the hall, the two of them disappeared. ~*~ Talon and Nikki reappeared in Robyn's living room. A pot of tea and cups were set out on the table there. Pouring herself a cup, Nikki plopped herself down in a chair, and then folded herself into it. Only the three of them were up at this time of the day (night?). Looking at Robyn, Nikki raised an eyebrow. "Any ideas on a plan yet, oh Interpid Leader?" "Not yet. How about you?" "I'm the one who just woke up. You want me to come up with ideas before I'm even fully conscious?" "I thought you were a morning person." "Not this much of one. Let's start somewhere. We want Talon to be able to get close to whoever this is, right?" "Yup." "Do you think they'd see him if he completed the contract?" "Probably." "So why don't we start there. How do we want to fake my death this time? I don't think they'll believe lead poisoning a second time. What do you think, Tal?" "Sounds good to me. As to faking your death, don't know exactly what to try. Why don't you just disappear, and I'll say that you died? If he asks where the body is, I'll just say that I dumped you into the river." "You know, that might be easiest. I can probably hang out at the Circus for a while." :I'm sure you'd enjoy that.: :Look who's talking.: "Well, I'm off then. Let me know when you find this dweeb. I want to be in on the interrogation." "Sure thing, Nikki," Talon grinned. With that, Nikki disappeared, only to reappear in her room back at the Circus. Asher was still in the bed, where she had left him. Crawling back under the covers, she snuggled into his warmth. "Where were you, cherie?" Looking towards him, Nikki found Asher's blue eyes open, and looking at her. "Robyn got ahold of me to tell me that Talon's been hired on. We figure that rather than coming up with some elaborate way of faking my death, I'll just disappear for awhile. I was sort of hoping I could hide out here with you." Nikki looked at him hopefully. Asher's reply to that suggestion wasn't verbal. Later on that day... "It's done." Talon was talking into a pay phone. "Are you sure?" "No one could have survived this. She's definitely toast. I won't even charge you for getting rid of the body. I dumped it where it won't be found." "Good. Do you have a pen and piece of paper handy?" "Yup." "Here's the address where you can collect your payment. Be there in an hour." Talon wrote done the address, smiling to himself. ~*~ An hour later, Talon was standing by a phone booth by a park in the middle of the city. A black luxury car pulled up by him and stopped. The back door was opened by an imposing looking man. Talon got into the back seat of the car, and away they went. There was a man sitting on either side of him. Both wore dark suits, and if brains equalled the inverse of brawn, these guys barely had the IQ to grunt. Across from Talon sat a woman who looked to be in her late twenties. She was dressed in a dark business suit, had short dark hair, and dark blue eyes. She looked at Talon intently. "You are sure that she is dead?" Her speech had a slight accent. "As a doornail." "How can you be sure? Others have tried to kill her, but none have succeeded." "I disintegrated the body." The woman's eyebrows rose slightly. "Neat trick. Very well, there is one last thing you need to do and then you will receive your money." "Uh uh, lady. I've heard this story before. There's always one more thing to do. You hired me to kill her, she's dead, you pay now." "I could always have you killed now, and hire someone else to finish the job," she offered. Talon glanced at the two goons sitting on either side of him, who were now looking at him with looks of anticipation. "What was it you needed me to do?" The two men started to sulk... ~*~ "So what she really wants is that book of yours that the two of you wrote just after I first met you. For some reason, totally beyond even my comprehension, she thinks it's a spell book, with some major juju in it." Nikki and Robyn both looked at each other and burst out laughing. Jean-Claude and Asher looked at the two of them, then at the grinning Talon, in consternation. "I fail to see what is so funny. Perhaps you would consider sharing?" Jean-Claude asked. Nikki got herself under control first. "That book was something the two of us wrote back around the time of the Kull the Conqueror. Basically, it's a scrapbook of random thoughts, crazy ideas, to-do lists, and short stories that we bound up into a book. One day, our gear got stolen, but since there was nothing of any real value to us in it, we thought nothing of it. I never really thought about that book again, until I found it at an auction a little while ago. The guy who found it couldn't make any sense of it, since we wrote it in Avalonian, and sometimes even that was written in mirror images, just for fun and variety. This gal must be off her rocker if she thinks there's any magic in it!" "So what do we want to do now?" Talon asked. "Well, I don't really want to give up that book. I just got it back, after all, and it wasn't all that cheap." "One question," Asher interposed. "How did this woman know that you have the book?" "She was probably at the same auction that I was. Come to think of it, there was one rather persistent bidder. I guess when the price went too high, they figured on getting the book some other way." "I've got an idea that might work," Robyn volunteered. ~*~ "I still don't like this idea," Asher stated. The two of them were in Nikki's room at Robyn's apartment. Nikki was digging around in her luggage, looking for the book. "Why not?" "I don't like the thought of you putting yourself within reach of this person." Nikki looked at Asher and smiled. "What's the worst she could do? Shoot me? She tried that once already, and it didn't have much effect." "That is not the point." "Would you rather hunt down this person and put them out of our misery?" "Yes." "You know, you're cute when your worried." Asher frowned at Nikki. "Do not change the subject." "Hey, I'm not worried about this! Robyn's plan is going to work. I haven't had this much fun in ages. This is even better than having the Centre personnel chasing themselves." "You really are enjoying this, aren't you?" Nikki nodded. Asher sighed. "Well far be it for me to spoil your fun. How much longer until Talon gets here?" "He should be here soon. Want me to take your mind off the waiting?" "How would you do that?" In answer, Nikki leaned over and kissed him. "Robyn will let me know when they're getting near," she whispered against his lips, as she started unbuttoning his shirt. "Ummmmm," Asher murmured, as his hands starting doing some unbuttoning of their own. ~*~ "They're here," Robyn whispered, and thought. :About time. I was running out of ideas to keep Asher distracted.: :You seemed to be doing all right to me.: :He is rather inventive for such a young thing, isn't he?: :No comment.: Robyn watched as the black limo pulled up to the apartment building. One man got out of each side of the back of the car. After making sure that there was no one around, the man closest to the building opened his door a little further, and a woman got out. She was of average height, and dressed in a black pants suit. She did not look pleased. One of the men opened the door to the apartment. The three of them walked into the building. "Places everyone!" All the people still in the room except for Talon and Robyn left through various doors. Once everyone was hidden from sight, Robyn grinned and shifted into a black cat with one earring in one ear, and three in the other. She was joined by another cat, also black, which came through one of the bedroom doors. The only difference between the two was that the second cat only had one earring in each ear. A few moments later, there was a knock at the door. Talon walked over to let the three people in. "I am not accustomed to be ordering about like this," the woman stated as she walked through the door. "Hey, you were the one who started adding to the job. I just want my pay cheque. Speaking of which, if you'll give it to me now, I'll go get the book." "The book first." "I don't think so. You're on my turf now. I want my money before we go any further." She looked at him coldly. "There are three of us, and merely one of you. Go get the book." "I don't think so." Talon pulled a small object out of his back pocket. It was a shiny silver, and fit in the palm of his hand. Pointing it at the trio, he waved them towards the wall. "Hands above your heads, and spread 'em." The woman looked annoyed. The two goons looked at each other and started to grin. "What are you going to do with that toy? Spray water at us?" "You know, that's one of the problems with the world today. Nobody recognizes fine craftsmanship anymore." Talon pointed the gun at a lamp sitting on a table by the couch. The lamp exploded into dust, leaving a fine film over the objects nearby. Returning his gaze to the three by the door, he frowned. "You're still standing there." The men put their hands in the air and walked towards the wall Talon had indicated. "What kind of a gun is that?" on of them asked. "Noisy Cricket. I've sold a bunch of them to an organization whose employees only wear black suits." Talon glanced towards the bedroom doors. "A little help out here?" In response, both doors opened. Asher came out of one, and Duncan and Adam came out of the other. Once they got close to Talon, he handed them two roles of duct tape, and one set of handcuffs. While Duncan And Asher dealt with the men, turning them into duct tape mummies, Adam approached the woman, who was glaring at Talon. "You'll pay for this. I'll make you wish you were never born," she gritted out as Adam cuffed her. "I don't think so. Put them on the couch. We'll let them watch reruns while we deal with her." After the two men were propped up on the couch, Talon reached into his back pocket again, and pulled out a black VHS tape. Placing it in the VCR, he pushed the play button, and turned up the volume. "The room is sound proofed, so feel free to scream all you like," he told the two men as a paisley background came up on the screen. A yellow smiley face appeared, as well as the title. PsychoSix TV. Still in cat form, Robyn leaped up into Duncan's arms. The other cat went to Asher. Adam and Talon each grabbed one of the woman's arms. They all walked into the bedroom and disappeared. ~*~ At Talon's apartment... "Now, how's about you tell me precisely why you wanted that young woman dead." The woman had been placed in a chair in the center of Talon's living room. Because of the high vacancy rate in the dimension, he had had his pick of suites, and this one was quite roomy. Asher was sitting on the arm of the couch, still holding the cat with two earrings. Duncan was leaning against the wall by the door leading to the kitchen, petting the cat in his arms. The purring was echoing in the large room. Adam stood behind the chair, while Talon stood in front of it. "I'm not telling you freaks anything. You can torture me until I die, and you won't learn anything." Talon looked towards Duncan. "You hear that, Robyn? She doesn't want to co-operate." "I thought his name was Duncan." The woman wore a confused look. "His is. Hers isn't." "Hers?" In response to the question, the cat jumped out of Duncan's arms. As it padded towards Talon, it slowly grew and morphed into Robyn, complete with pointy ears and slitted eyes. As the woman's eyes widened in shocked surprise, Robyn smiled. "Of course, we can learn everything we want to know, without your co-operation, but what fun would that be, eh Nikki?" "Not much fun at all," Nikki replied from where she now stood wrapped in Asher's arms. "You're supposed to be dead! You said that you'd gotten rid of her!" the woman yelled at Talon. "I lied." "So what do we want to try first?" Robyn asked the room at large. "Lots of little robots singing The Song That Never Ends?" Nikki suggested. "The paisley kaleidoscope room?" Robyn countered. "Barney marathon?" Talon proposed. "That's a fate worse than death!" Robyn and Nikki chorused. "Do they do that very often?" Asher asked Duncan. "Often enough." "Oh." Nikki's cell phone started to sing to itself. The tune was a song by Tears for Fears, Everybody Wants To Rule The World. Pushing the talk button, Nikki put the small device to her ear. "Hello?" "How'd you get this number?" "Yeah, we've got her. Just deciding what sort of torment we want to inflict on her now." "I suppose one of us could come get you if you want to watch. Where are you?" "See you in a few." Hanging up, Nikki turned to Robyn. "One of us needs to go pick up Blondie. I guess he's got a few questions for her too." "Where is he?" "Your place." "Ok. Back in a jiffy." Robyn turned and left through what appeared to be Talon's front door. "Is it safe for her to be with Edward by herself?" Asher asked. "Oh, Robyn can take care of herself. If it was possible for us to come to harm, Ares would have figured out a way to do so long ago." Talon grinned. "Ares? The Greek god of war?" "Yup. That's the one. You'll have to get Nikki to tell you that story sometime. It's a hoot." Just then, Robyn opened Talon's door again. Edward followed her through. One of his shirt sleeves was in shreds. "What happened to him?" Nikki asked. "One of my plants tried to eat him." Nikki looked at Edward. "You have to be careful of Robyn's plants, you know. They don't like strangers. Unless they're for dinner." "So, have we decided what we want to do?" Talon asked. "Why not all three?" Nikki replied. "Hey, I like it. Of course, someone is going to have to explain to the Paisley why we're exposing it to Barney..." "I'll do that. I'm sure it'll want to help, once it knows what she tried to do to Nikki," Robyn stated. "Well, if that's settled, why don't Duncan and Asher carry her to the room while I get the talking robots, and Talon gets the spare TV?" Nikki suggested. "What are you planning to do to her?" Edward inquired. "Oh, you'll see." ~*~ About an hour later, the seven of them were still in Talon's living room, waiting for their victim to give in. Robyn, Nikki and Talon were sitting on the floor around the coffee table playing with Star Wars Lego. The others were standing against a wall by the kitchen, watching them. Duncan looked as if there was nothing strange going on. Apparently he had adjusted to the various curve balls which had been thrown at him. Adam looked amused, Asher was a little perplexed, and Edward looked determined. "Don't you think it's time to try something else? It's been an hour, and we've got nothing to show for it." "It shouldn't be long now. The Paisley says she's near to breaking." "The Paisley??? You talk about it as if it's alive!" "It is," Robyn and Nikki responded in unison. "Why don't you stop worrying and do something useful. Come hold up the Death Star for us." Nikki waved towards a large, grey Lego sphere. Edward shook his head and went into the kitchen to get a pop. Asher looked at Duncan. "They are at least 12,000 years old, oui?" "Yep." "They have powers which make them virtually invincible, they have battled with gods and won, they own plants which try to eat humans..." "Yep." "And they play with Lego?!" "I think they really like Star Wars." "That's an understatement!" Robyn replied. "Don't ever play Star Wars Trivial Pursuit with either of them, unless you have a large team on your side. And don't ever let them be on the same team. Nikki has most of the dialogue memorised, and Talon builds the vehicles in Lego, from the engine out." A she spoke, the Death Star floated up off the floor, and hovered above the trio. Nikki started singing the Empire's Theme. The three of them held fighter ships in their hands, as they prepared to launch an assault on the now operational Death Star. They launched red and blue plastic missiles at the ship until one of Talon's hit the target and broke the unit into several pieces which fell to the floor. Laughing in glee, the three of them started to do a victory dance. At the end of the celebration, Nikki picked up a couple of the pieces of the destroyed Death Star. "That's cool how you managed to make it so it would come apart. How'd you do that?" Picking up the other pieces, Talon was about to show her the spring mechanisms inside, when a whimpering sound started in the room where they'd locked up their prisoner. The whimpering quickly became screams. Looking at each other, the three gave a whoop of delight and ran into the room. The four others followed at a slightly slower pace. On entering the room, they found their victim huddled in a corner with the talking robots crowded around her, merrily singing away. "Ready to talk?" Robyn asked. The woman nodded, her head in her hands. Her hair was no longer neat and trim. Instead, it looked like she had been pulling at it, and fisting her hands in it to shut out the robots and the television. The patterns on the walls were still shifting, the colours fading and changing as they moved. Talon picked the woman up under her arms and sat her back in the chair in the center of the room. Grabbing her chin, he forced her to look at him. "Why do you want Nikki dead?" "She helped the Pretender." "Jarod?" Nikki asked. "How do you know that was me?" "One of our operatives saw you. You didn't show up on the cameras, so he followed you. Saw you change your appearance. We decided that you should be studied, but you managed to elude capture." "So if I eluded you, how did you catch up with me?" "The auction. Where you bought the book. One of my people was there for another exhibit. Saw you. He thought that someone of your talents would only pay that much for something with serious magic in it, but he couldn't afford the book after the price went so high. He didn't have approval to spend company money." "So since you couldn't capture her, you decided to kill her and steal the book?" Robyn asked. "Yes." "Well, since you tried so hard, I'll let you in on a little secret." Nikki smiled as she continued. "That book I bought was actually mine from a long time ago. It's got no spells in it whatsoever. You could call it my diary slash scrapbook. She and I wrote it," Nikki nodded her head at Robyn who grinned. "What are you going to do with me?" "Why, nothing," Robyn replied. "We're going to send you back to Delaware," Nikki added. "You can't seriously be considering letting someone go who tried to kill you!" Edward exclaimed. "Why not?" Nikki asked. She turned to look the woman in the eye. "We'll keep an eye on her, and she now knows that we can change more than just our appearance. We can become whatever we want. She'll go through the rest of her life wondering if the cat that just walked by, or the bird that's chirping outside her window is one of us. She won't be able to run, because no matter where she runs to, we can find her." Talon grabbed the woman by the arm and dragged her to her feet. "So, shall we get out of here?" He walked over to the door and opened it. "See you guys in a few." With that, he walked through, towing the woman along with him. Robyn looked at Nikki. "Birds chirping?" She collapsed on the couch laughing. "Hey, I didn't hear you contributing!" Asher looked at the two of them with a frown. "What is so funny about birds chirping?" "Well, aside from the fact that neither one of us can sing, we can't shift into birds. Not small ones at least. They're just too tiny, and we can't fit our mass into a shape that small," Nikki explained. "I am glad to hear that even you have your limitations, cherie." Nikki smiled at him and walked over to wrap her arms around his waist. He also put his arms around her, and gently kissed the top of her head. :You guys are so sweet you're making me sick.: "No comments from the peanut gallery," Nikki mumbled into Asher's shirt. Robyn grinned at her. Talon walked back into the room from the kitchen. "She's back in Delaware, folks. Dropped her off at her office. That should confuse the people she works for since they know that she was here this morning. I'd love to hear her explanation." He slapped his hands together. "So what are we going to do now?" Nikki turned her head to look at him. "Well, we should probably let Ętolus and Ami know what's happened, and then maybe food would be in order. What do the rest of you think?" "I'll order pizza!" Talon announced as he headed for the door. ~*~ "You don't really plan on keeping an eye on her, do you?" Ętolus was sitting on the love seat with Ami nestled to his side. Robyn, Nikki, and had just finished updating the two of them on the current events. Nikki snorted from her place in Asher's lap. He was sitting in one of Nikki's chairs that had been brought from her place to accommodate the larger number of visitors to Robyn's place. "As if. Like she is any kind of a threat to us. Plus, from what I was picking up from her, she wishes she'd never seen me before." Robyn grinned at her clone. "Not a new position for you. You really need to stop terrifying people. Panic, chaos and disorder seem to follow you around." "Isn't that how it's supposed to work?" Nikki asked innocently, causing Ęt, Robyn and Talon to burst out laughing. "So what kind of mischief do you have planned for tomorrow?" Duncan looked at Robyn. "Oh, I don't know. Nikki and I were thinking of taking Jean-Claude up on his offer of a tour." "There still some things that I don't understand," Asher murmured to Nikki. "Like what?" "What is a 'Pretender' and who is Jarod?" "Oh, now that's a story!" The End Yup, that's right, it's finally finished. After about three years, and many pokes and prods from Robyn, I finally managed to get this thing written. Now I can concentrate on the other ones, which few have seen :) Hope you enjoyed the story, and thanks for reading Nikki Fayre Main * Profiles * Fanfics * Creativity * Awards * Links/Rings