((This story deals with some of the fallout of Ravenswing's story 'Decisions of Import', and all characters are used with permission. Because if I didn't I'd be a very naughty girl.))
The sound of an intercom buzzing was one of the more obnoxious sounds ever to be attributed to a mechanical device. That's what property and development mogul Shay Bennet thought as his thumb rested on the button for Apartment 16A. A small tag next to the button proclaimed the owner as simply being 'A. K.'.
With no response, the dark skinned man stepped back to the edge of the pavement, sitting back on the bonnet of his blue Ford GT500. His fingers scratched idly at the dark hair on his chin as he gazed up at the quite expensive sixteen floor building in Founders Falls, situated at a nice spot by the river. Within five minutes walking distance were a wide range of restaurants, boutiques and any number of famous celebrities or heroes that called Founders their home. Even his own place was quite close by.
He'd not heard from Anastasia Kade since the funeral of one of the newest girls to join her modelling agency. That worried him a bit, especially knowing her past, and doing his research on the girl. There were points where his life crossed over with that of Azure Arrow, the second generation crime fighter from L.A. This was one of those times.
Police files were investigated.
Family and friend details looked into.
Even some basic psychoanalysis, always handy for dealing usually with the criminal mind.
The girl, Claire, had been the daughter of one of her close friends. Wanted to model, and Anna was picked to be the safe bet to look after her. Use her agency to show her the ropes. All good there. Till she was abducted from a beach in Rio. The crime reports were particularly grim reading, as was toxicology and autopsy. Beaten, abused, drugged. Died from an overdose. She was going to blame herself, Shay knew that much.
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his sunglasses and tugged on the back of his carefully cornrowed hair before heading to the intercom again. That obnoxious sound rang from his end and the panel in her apartment again. If there wasn't anything this time... well, he had lockpicks hidden away in the car. Tucked under the seat in a hidden compartment. Along with a spring loaded glass breaker, battering ram, and a first aid kit. His papa always said be prepared.
Go away. The muffled sound came from the speaker. Tired. Possibly a bit drunk. Or hungover.
Anna, it's me. Shay spoke, his thumb moving from the 16A button to the slightly worn 'Talk' button. He then realised that intercom systems not having the greatest sound, he should probably add in some form of identification. It's Shay.
... I don't want to see anyone at the moment, Shay. Just-
No, hear me out Anna. Please. Shay said, keeping his thumb on the talk button. I know what happened in Rio, and I'm sorry. And I know you're going to be blaming yourself. Hell, I would. There wasn't anything you could have done about it, but you're going to be feeling that it is down to you. That's just how things are with us. I just want you to know that if there's something I can do, whatever, just ask about it. And... I have something to give you, and no, it's not related at all to what today is. Pausing for a moment, Shay took a breath before continuing. So I just want to come in, give it to you... just see how you're holding up. Okay?
Moving his thumb away, he waited for a response. It came in the form of the click of the door unlocking. Breathing a little sigh of relief, Shay pushed the heavy door open with his shoulder and waved over to the car.
Anastasia Kade wrapped the black silk dressing gown around her body as she made her way to the door. Her blonde hair was a bit of a mess, having woken late and generally not been that bothered about it, and her eyes were red from crying. During one of the fleeting periods free of tears, she pondered just how much more she could actually cry out. The knocks to the apartment door came again, a quick succession of raps. Steeling herself, she drew in a breath and opened the door.
Shay took up a fair bit of the doorway, the muscled African-American resting his hands on either side of the door frame. As usual, he had a pair of dark sunglasses, and less usual was the serious expression on his face. Usually he was all smiles for her. His dress sense was still the same though. Designer jeans, top brand name shirt and a stylish Italian jacket.
What is it, Shay? Anna asked, wanting to go and slump back down or soak away the feelings in a too-hot bath.
He still said nothing, before stepping slowly to the side. Anna's eyes widened.
Behind him stood her adopted daughter, Jessica. The perky, excitable girl was dressed in a pink top and denim shorts, her mass of blonde hair carefully tied back in a ponytail. As soon as Shay was out of the way she was moving in for hugs, enveloping her mother in her tanned and rather muscled arms, lifting her up for a big hug. Jessica was 'special'. Born of nanomites constructing a person from base parts and molecules. Always loving, always happy, and a friendly face around Unity Tower, where she worked in the kitchens helping to feed the hungry heroes.
And Shay had gotten her here on Valentine's.
Mother, I'm so sorry! Jessica apologized, swinging her gently in the hug as she did so, soon finding her mothers arms wrapping around her.
Jess... thank you. And thanks, Shay... Anna was able to get out, before cuddling the girl close with her head buried on her shoulder.
Shay just shook his head. It was nothing, Anna... I've got to get going, but if you need anything, just call, okay? He watched Anna nod into Jess' shoulder and smiled. Tucking hands into his pockets, he turned and made his way back down the corridor to the waiting elevator.
He had some things to take care of that night.
Sally Robinson was freezing her *** off on a street corner in Kings Row, under one of the sprawling bridges. Standing close to the edge of the pavement, each passing car was the hope of a john, and the chance to get out of the cold for a bit and get some money in her pockets. Her 'uniform', if you could call it that, wasn't the warmest, and Rhode Island was, in her opinion, as 'frigid as a nun' this time of year.
Shuffling from high-heeled foot to high-heeled foot, she took the lapse in traffic to rub and blow into her hands. Something you can't normally do when posing for the window shoppers. Got to be all provocative and sensual, cold or no.
Glancing up the road at the sound of something, Sally had to blink. It was only a cape. A cape on a bike, with a huge rucksack on his back. One of the fancy, high tech military kinds. Black and blue, same as the guy was dressed in. Definitely a guy from the muscles on him, tight spandex or something.
Probably off on some mission or something, he wouldn't-
Evening girl. He called out, coming to a gentle stop on his bike. He had a friendly wave, and for some reason she noticed that not only did he have a helmet on, but also all the right lights and high-vis bike markings. She was still on edge though. Capes were another thing when it came to johns, and she heard stories of their 'tastes'.
Evening... Sally replied cautiously, rubbing her hands together as she looked over the man some more. Tactical pouches dotted his costume in places, And there was what looked like a quiver, and some kind of special bow in a compact holster. What d'you want?
Just out on patrol is all. You warm enough, girl? And that's rude of me. Name's Arrow. Azure Arrow. And you? He laughed at himself, a deep laugh at that, to go with his voice. Almost like one of those Motown singers.
Sally. And could always do with some warming company. She offered a quick smile on autopilot, before blinking. I mean... just forget I said that.
No worries, no interest here, just doing my rounds, thought I'd bring some extra in case I came across... what's the in term at the moment, Sally?
Sally couldn't help but laugh a bit. Let's go with hired company. I'd feel weird calling myself a who-
I get it, I get it. Anyway, here. Azure Arrow reached into his pack and drew out a small silvery bundle, tied up with a weird gel strip. Take this.
Still a little cautious, in spite of his friendly nature, Sally took the package. What is it?
Foil blanket, warming gel strip, two disposable Thermos flasks full of water, got some tea, coffee and soup sachets in there, and a sandwich. Plus there's a micro LED torch and a map to some shelters and such in this area. Arrow sat up a bit on his bike, stretching his arms out. You know of any other girls in the area? Or guys for that matter. I'm almost done with my patrols tonight, but... just want to make sure, y'know?
Oh... oh, thanks! And there's Blake and Carl, they tend to hang around by the corner of third and Industrial Way, and Martha should be the other bridge up. Most of the who- company for hire has more sense to be indoors. Sally's eyes narrowed a little. What's all this for, anyway? You look like a hero, got the gear, but you're pedalling about handing out care packages?
Azure Arrow laughed that deep laugh of his. All good questions, Sally. Heroes don't just fight crime, you know. Though I do a fair share of that. The bike? Eco-friendly, easy to carry, gets me some exercise too. All the running around you need to do in this city, God knows I need it. And the care packages? Well... it's tough out here on the streets. Gotta have someone looking out for you. All sorts about, after all... The hero trailed off for a moment, shaking his head.
Anyway, you best wrap up warm, get something hot in you, and if you get the feeling that something is going to go down, you know-
Woman's intuition? Sally asked, tearing off the heating gel strip, which already started to activate as the chemicals mixed. She let the old joke about 'something hot inside you' pass.
Call it that if you want. But there's some places nearby listed on the sheet you can crash at if needed. Glancing to his wrist, the hero checked his watch, before taking out a small bag and passing it over. Sally looked curiously at the contents, several foil packages, before looking up at Arrow.
You a Sex Ed counselor too now?
Call it risk management, Sal. You don't want to roll some of those dice. Just ain't worth it. Azure Arrow said quietly, before putting one of his feet back on the pedal. Anyway. Got to get going now. You take care out here, 'kay?
Sure... thanks again, Arrow.
The hero on the bike gave a quick wave to her, before quickly checking this way and that. With the all clear, he started to pedal on. This wasn't going to win any war, nor was it going to bring Claire back. But, as his old man said to him when he was growing up, 'You've got to help where you can.'
And to Shay, that's what made him take up the mantle.
((This story deals with some of the fallout of Ravenswing's story 'Decisions of Import', and all characters are used with permission. Because if I didn't I'd be a very naughty girl.))
The sound of an intercom buzzing was one of the more obnoxious sounds ever to be attributed to a mechanical device. That's what property and development mogul Shay Bennet thought as his thumb rested on the button for Apartment 16A. A small tag next to the button proclaimed the owner as simply being 'A. K.'.
With no response, the dark skinned man stepped back to the edge of the pavement, sitting back on the bonnet of his blue Ford GT500. His fingers scratched idly at the dark hair on his chin as he gazed up at the quite expensive sixteen floor building in Founders Falls, situated at a nice spot by the river. Within five minutes walking distance were a wide range of restaurants, boutiques and any number of famous celebrities or heroes that called Founders their home. Even his own place was quite close by.
He'd not heard from Anastasia Kade since the funeral of one of the newest girls to join her modelling agency. That worried him a bit, especially knowing her past, and doing his research on the girl. There were points where his life crossed over with that of Azure Arrow, the second generation crime fighter from L.A. This was one of those times.
Police files were investigated.
Family and friend details looked into.
Even some basic psychoanalysis, always handy for dealing usually with the criminal mind.
The girl, Claire, had been the daughter of one of her close friends. Wanted to model, and Anna was picked to be the safe bet to look after her. Use her agency to show her the ropes. All good there. Till she was abducted from a beach in Rio. The crime reports were particularly grim reading, as was toxicology and autopsy. Beaten, abused, drugged. Died from an overdose. She was going to blame herself, Shay knew that much.
Taking a deep breath, he adjusted his sunglasses and tugged on the back of his carefully cornrowed hair before heading to the intercom again. That obnoxious sound rang from his end and the panel in her apartment again. If there wasn't anything this time... well, he had lockpicks hidden away in the car. Tucked under the seat in a hidden compartment. Along with a spring loaded glass breaker, battering ram, and a first aid kit. His papa always said be prepared.
Go away. The muffled sound came from the speaker. Tired. Possibly a bit drunk. Or hungover.
Anna, it's me. Shay spoke, his thumb moving from the 16A button to the slightly worn 'Talk' button. He then realised that intercom systems not having the greatest sound, he should probably add in some form of identification. It's Shay.
... I don't want to see anyone at the moment, Shay. Just-
No, hear me out Anna. Please. Shay said, keeping his thumb on the talk button. I know what happened in Rio, and I'm sorry. And I know you're going to be blaming yourself. Hell, I would. There wasn't anything you could have done about it, but you're going to be feeling that it is down to you. That's just how things are with us. I just want you to know that if there's something I can do, whatever, just ask about it. And... I have something to give you, and no, it's not related at all to what today is. Pausing for a moment, Shay took a breath before continuing. So I just want to come in, give it to you... just see how you're holding up. Okay?
Moving his thumb away, he waited for a response. It came in the form of the click of the door unlocking. Breathing a little sigh of relief, Shay pushed the heavy door open with his shoulder and waved over to the car.
Anastasia Kade wrapped the black silk dressing gown around her body as she made her way to the door. Her blonde hair was a bit of a mess, having woken late and generally not been that bothered about it, and her eyes were red from crying. During one of the fleeting periods free of tears, she pondered just how much more she could actually cry out. The knocks to the apartment door came again, a quick succession of raps. Steeling herself, she drew in a breath and opened the door.
Shay took up a fair bit of the doorway, the muscled African-American resting his hands on either side of the door frame. As usual, he had a pair of dark sunglasses, and less usual was the serious expression on his face. Usually he was all smiles for her. His dress sense was still the same though. Designer jeans, top brand name shirt and a stylish Italian jacket.
What is it, Shay? Anna asked, wanting to go and slump back down or soak away the feelings in a too-hot bath.
He still said nothing, before stepping slowly to the side. Anna's eyes widened.
Behind him stood her adopted daughter, Jessica. The perky, excitable girl was dressed in a pink top and denim shorts, her mass of blonde hair carefully tied back in a ponytail. As soon as Shay was out of the way she was moving in for hugs, enveloping her mother in her tanned and rather muscled arms, lifting her up for a big hug. Jessica was 'special'. Born of nanomites constructing a person from base parts and molecules. Always loving, always happy, and a friendly face around Unity Tower, where she worked in the kitchens helping to feed the hungry heroes.
And Shay had gotten her here on Valentine's.
Mother, I'm so sorry! Jessica apologized, swinging her gently in the hug as she did so, soon finding her mothers arms wrapping around her.
Jess... thank you. And thanks, Shay... Anna was able to get out, before cuddling the girl close with her head buried on her shoulder.
Shay just shook his head. It was nothing, Anna... I've got to get going, but if you need anything, just call, okay? He watched Anna nod into Jess' shoulder and smiled. Tucking hands into his pockets, he turned and made his way back down the corridor to the waiting elevator.
He had some things to take care of that night.
Sally Robinson was freezing her *** off on a street corner in Kings Row, under one of the sprawling bridges. Standing close to the edge of the pavement, each passing car was the hope of a john, and the chance to get out of the cold for a bit and get some money in her pockets. Her 'uniform', if you could call it that, wasn't the warmest, and Rhode Island was, in her opinion, as 'frigid as a nun' this time of year.
Shuffling from high-heeled foot to high-heeled foot, she took the lapse in traffic to rub and blow into her hands. Something you can't normally do when posing for the window shoppers. Got to be all provocative and sensual, cold or no.
Glancing up the road at the sound of something, Sally had to blink. It was only a cape. A cape on a bike, with a huge rucksack on his back. One of the fancy, high tech military kinds. Black and blue, same as the guy was dressed in. Definitely a guy from the muscles on him, tight spandex or something.
Probably off on some mission or something, he wouldn't-
Evening girl. He called out, coming to a gentle stop on his bike. He had a friendly wave, and for some reason she noticed that not only did he have a helmet on, but also all the right lights and high-vis bike markings. She was still on edge though. Capes were another thing when it came to johns, and she heard stories of their 'tastes'.
Evening... Sally replied cautiously, rubbing her hands together as she looked over the man some more. Tactical pouches dotted his costume in places, And there was what looked like a quiver, and some kind of special bow in a compact holster. What d'you want?
Just out on patrol is all. You warm enough, girl? And that's rude of me. Name's Arrow. Azure Arrow. And you? He laughed at himself, a deep laugh at that, to go with his voice. Almost like one of those Motown singers.
Sally. And could always do with some warming company. She offered a quick smile on autopilot, before blinking. I mean... just forget I said that.
No worries, no interest here, just doing my rounds, thought I'd bring some extra in case I came across... what's the in term at the moment, Sally?
Sally couldn't help but laugh a bit. Let's go with hired company. I'd feel weird calling myself a who-
I get it, I get it. Anyway, here. Azure Arrow reached into his pack and drew out a small silvery bundle, tied up with a weird gel strip. Take this.
Still a little cautious, in spite of his friendly nature, Sally took the package. What is it?
Foil blanket, warming gel strip, two disposable Thermos flasks full of water, got some tea, coffee and soup sachets in there, and a sandwich. Plus there's a micro LED torch and a map to some shelters and such in this area. Arrow sat up a bit on his bike, stretching his arms out. You know of any other girls in the area? Or guys for that matter. I'm almost done with my patrols tonight, but... just want to make sure, y'know?
Oh... oh, thanks! And there's Blake and Carl, they tend to hang around by the corner of third and Industrial Way, and Martha should be the other bridge up. Most of the who- company for hire has more sense to be indoors. Sally's eyes narrowed a little. What's all this for, anyway? You look like a hero, got the gear, but you're pedalling about handing out care packages?
Azure Arrow laughed that deep laugh of his. All good questions, Sally. Heroes don't just fight crime, you know. Though I do a fair share of that. The bike? Eco-friendly, easy to carry, gets me some exercise too. All the running around you need to do in this city, God knows I need it. And the care packages? Well... it's tough out here on the streets. Gotta have someone looking out for you. All sorts about, after all... The hero trailed off for a moment, shaking his head.
Anyway, you best wrap up warm, get something hot in you, and if you get the feeling that something is going to go down, you know-
Woman's intuition? Sally asked, tearing off the heating gel strip, which already started to activate as the chemicals mixed. She let the old joke about 'something hot inside you' pass.
Call it that if you want. But there's some places nearby listed on the sheet you can crash at if needed. Glancing to his wrist, the hero checked his watch, before taking out a small bag and passing it over. Sally looked curiously at the contents, several foil packages, before looking up at Arrow.
You a Sex Ed counselor too now?
Call it risk management, Sal. You don't want to roll some of those dice. Just ain't worth it. Azure Arrow said quietly, before putting one of his feet back on the pedal. Anyway. Got to get going now. You take care out here, 'kay?
Sure... thanks again, Arrow.
The hero on the bike gave a quick wave to her, before quickly checking this way and that. With the all clear, he started to pedal on. This wasn't going to win any war, nor was it going to bring Claire back. But, as his old man said to him when he was growing up, 'You've got to help where you can.'
And to Shay, that's what made him take up the mantle.
SUPPORT - IT'S NOT JUST A GROUPING OF ATs
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More Than a Game
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