Shadow Samurai: Under the Big Top Part 4 




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The waitress refilled his coffee looking on as he stared at the black warm but
ultimately bitter liquid. Taking a guess that he might want to talk she tried
the common opening by asking him, "You sure you don't want something while
you're waiting?"

John broke his blank stare, "What ... sorry. No I'm fine just the coffee."

She shrugged her shoulders as if the answer didn't particularly matter.
Leaving John behind she returned to dealing with the few other people who were
sitting in the diner. John meanwhile looked at his watch for the millionth if
not billionth time. He was now getting worried. Emma had been gone for at
least two hours and not called. He would be happy with a text or voicemail but
another check of his phone showed that neither of those had been received.
Damn it, what's gotten into me? John wondered. He knew Emma went off into
dangerous situations all the time. Just two days earlier he had encouraged her
yet, what was different about now? John leaned back against his seat.

He knew what it was, what had been bugging him a few months now. He had
avoided, not wanting to talk about but there it was in the back of his mind.
Rei, he thought, Rei nearly died. While that tragedy had been avoided thanks
to Stephanie's mother he couldn't help but think about it. Rei almost dying
had been terrible enough but in his nightmares it hadn't been just Rei lying
there, but Emma. John banished the thought of the nightmare from his mind, as
if thinking about it would cause something bad to happen. Maybe, he told
himself, maybe I've never really owned up to the fact ... Emma could get
killed.

"Damn it." He kicked the booth table he sat up with a frustrated grunt.

So what do I tell Emma? Hey sorry I know you are into this whole being the
Shadow Samurai but could you quit now so I don't have to worry about you being
killed? John knew he couldn't do that because ... he was proud of Emma. The
things she had accomplished, her inner strength, and her deep down desire to
help others. Maybe I don't know what hell I want, maybe, maybe I'm just sick
of waiting.

"Miss." He called for the waitress, "What do I owe you?"

John decided no matter what he was feeling, he needed to do something.

... ... ... ... ... ... ..

"Wakey, wakey."

Shadow Samurai heard somebody talking to her. A distant echo that grew into a
much more coherent voice. It caused Emma to open her eyes but this took a few
minutes. Her head still felt like it was wrapped in soft towels, soaked ... in
chloroform. The phrase had new meaning to Emma as she slowly began to feel
again. The first thing she noticed was that it felt like she was stretched
out. As her vision cleared the black clad beauty realized that's exactly what
had happened.

"Like it? I considered just getting some of our escape artist's chains and
leaving you in the woods but as we've established I have a bit of a flare for
the dramatic." Orchid stood in front of her, mask in place now as she looked
over a bound Shadow Samurai.

"It's a first for me, I'll give you that." Shadow was pressed flat against her
back bound to the same target that Emma had seen earlier in the show. Her body
was spread eagled with her wrists and ankles were strapped down tight to the X
frame wooden board that was part of the bulls-eye target. She eyed the straps
seeing they were made from thick leather and metal.

"Don't bother thinking about breaking those with your strength; even if you
were at your full potential, those straps are pretty tough." Orchid told her.

Emma knew the brunette was right. Despite getting back her senses, she could
tell that the lingering effects of her drug induced slumber were keeping her
weak. Shadow hoped with a little time she could recover and break her bonds
but there was also another question, Sarah, can you hear me?

Your awake that's good but unfortunately I'm still having trouble connecting
with you, the guardian answered. Sarah had been trying to connect better with
Emma for nearly an hour. However the effects of both the earlier pressure
point attacks plus the chloroform in Shadow Samurai's system had prevented
Sarah from restoring Emma to her full power, Keep her talking the more time
passes the stronger you'll get.

Got it, where are you? Emma couldn't see the Shadow Sword anywhere.

Sarah replied in an annoyed voice, locked up in a box much to my
embarrassment.

Shadow Samurai spotted the box in question Orchid noticed her looking as well.
She wandered over to the box tapping it with her boot, "Don't worry your
little spirit pal is stowed away quite comfortably. Not sure how your powers
work but I figure the smart play is to keep your sword and you as separated as
possible."

"Definitely a smart move, even better, is letting me go." Shadow Samurai
informed her captor.

"Sorry but I need you out of the way for a few hours." Orchid responded. She
reached under her skirt pulling out a throwing knife, "I also need to keep you
from feeling to good."

She spun in place tossing the throwing knife seemingly right at Shadow. Emma's
eyes widened as the knife sailed towards her. She winced as the knife cut her
but it was a grazing blow. Looking down at her leg Shadow Samurai saw she had
been given another run in her tights. The knife had made a small red cut
across her fine skin revealed by the break in her nylons. Emma felt
lightheaded as she quickly realized that Orchid was giving her another taste
of her drugged knives.

The thief smiled, "That's better."

Shadow's head dipped a bit as the chemicals went to work, "What ... is this
... all about?"

Orchid knew she needed to see how long it took Shadow Samurai to recover from
a dose of her knives. She picked up another from her leather holster taking a
seat on the box which held the heroine's sword, "Alright I guess you've earned
the right to hear at least that much."

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..

John had left his car at the side of the road. He decided the best option was
to follow the same path that Emma had when she left. He had a flashlight but
didn't want to use it unless he had too. Stumbling through the woods in the
dark wasn't the brightest idea he had ever had. After ten minutes of stumbling
and cursing he realized Emma had probably leapt from the tree branches. Note
to self, when explaining what I was doing don't share this bit with Emma.

Eventually John was helped out by the glow of the lights from the circus. It
allowed him to navigate the last stretch of the woods without tripping, well
at least not tripping as much as he had been. Taking a look from the edge of
the tree line it looked like most of the circus camp had settled down for the
night. There a few people moving about but they were being obvious about it.
John snuck his way through the parked cars, trailers, and trucks. Eventually
he found the trailer that belonged to Katy Barton. He peaked inside the window
but didn't see anything. Even a knocked out Shadow Samurai would have been a
bit of relief, at least he'd know where Emma was. While wondering what to do
next the sounds of the crunching of feet on gravel caused John to quickly seek
a hiding spot. He jumped under the trailer waiting for the newcomers to pass.
He saw their legs approaching both of the guys talking.

"Hey Dave, why did Katy want her target rig?" the voice of a man asked.

Dave answered, "She just needed it to try something out said it was a new idea
for the show. Anyway I set up in the clearing on the other side of the camp. I
didn't ask a lot of questions."

"Because you're hoping that Katy will show you more than just a few knife
moves." The other guy teased.

John couldn't see anything more of the two other than their feet as they
walked by but he could sense the kid, Dave's blushing, "Hey no ... it's not
like that just ... "

As they walked away John remembered what target they were talking about, the
one Katy used in the show. He put two and two together realizing that's where
Emma had to be. Once the two circus hands were out of sight he dashed out from
under the trailer. He probably should have been paying more attention to
stealth but the idea of Emma stretched out on that target, "I'm coming Emma."

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

"I've been trained over a very long time." Orchid told Shadow Samurai watching
closely as the black haired heroine's head lolled a bit from her weakness, "My
entire life actually."

"I ... figured. Read up on you." Shadow replied, "Pretty good ... cover, a
traveling circus."

"Last connection the police would ever think to make." Katy agreed, "It was
one of my ancestors ideas."

"Ancestors?"

Orchid stood up off the box she had been sitting on. She came up to Shadow
Samurai, taking her knife and sliding it down Emma's side. Katy didn't cut the
heroine's uniform just gently moved the knife down her body. Emma sighed at
the surprisingly sensitive touch of the knife against her. Katy explained as
she did this, "My family has long been thieves Shadow Samurai. Since coming to
this country but even before that, at least that's what my father always told
me."

She took the knife and gently poked Emma in her other thigh. The tip pierced
her nylons and then skin. Shadow Samurai winced at what felt a prick like the
one from a shot at a doctor's office. Any pain Emma felt though was quickly
drowned in a fresh cap of sedative. Groaning her head dipped down nearly
touching her chest. Emma felt a new wave of fatigue which robbed any strength
she had gained. Sarah picked up on that, Emma, try and fight it, my connection
was getting stronger but ...

Fresh ... taste of ... ..sedative screwed it ... up, Shadow struggled to stay
awake and coherent.

Orchid placed the knife in the wood by Shadow's body. She took the heroine's
chin in her hand lifting her head up slightly. Looking into Shadow's eyes she
said, "Remember the photograph?"

"Your ... father." Emma answered her eyes heavy.

"Yes, he taught me everything." Orchid flashed back to a dozen different
memories. A few stood out her father showing her how to tightrope walk,
throwing her knives for the first time, and just playing together. Focusing
back on Shadow Samurai, Katy continued, "My father was one of the world's
greatest gentlemen thieves. My mother was a thief too but she passed away when
I was little. All I had growing up was my father."

Emma actually felt for her, "I'm ... sorry to hear ... that."

Orchid dipped her head, "Thanks. My father meant the world to me and so did I
to him. So when we ran into trouble when I was ten he did what he always
would, solved the problem."

Emma, keep her talking.

Shadow asked, "What ... happened."

Katy looked away her eyes sad. Eventually turning her back to Shadow Samurai
she knotted her hands together. She didn't want to talk but for some reason
she thought maybe the heroine would understand, "My father did a job he
shouldn't have. Stole from this Japanese syndicate, and no surprise they
didn't take kindly to it."

She walked a bit further away. Emma felt a bit of a tingle in her body.
Wondering if it was Sarah she tried to buy for some more time. Still feeling a
bit off she said, "You know ... if it's too painful ... "

"No. To be honest you're the first person I've ever told this too." Katy
responded with a quiet voice. Turning she faced Shadow Samurai again, "He
tried to make amends but they wouldn't have it. I knew they must have
threatened to hurt me, because my dad wouldn't have done what he did
otherwise. He tricked them into a meeting where my father ended the feud once
and for all. Took on all their thugs armed with nothing but his knives and ...
.he took care of them."

Both Emma and Katy looked down at the last bit knowing the outcome. Orchid
reflected by continuing, "He taught me that we would never take a life, even
to save our own skin but he had to break that one to save me. My dad died so I
could live." A tear dripped down the edge of her eye socket in the mask.
Shadow Samurai didn't say anything because Emma couldn't think of anything
worthwhile to say. Orchid picked her head up focusing on the heroine, "I vowed
to live to my father's code for the rest of my days, never stealing from
anyone who couldn't afford it and never killing to get what I want."

"What ... do you want?" Emma asked. She felt a renewed tingle across her skin,
convinced Sarah was making her strong again Shadow knew she needed to keep
Orchid going for a few more moments.

"The police collected my father's knives following the showdown. They
eventually were sold off at an auction. Those were my father's and belonged to
our family for generations ... to see them sold off to raise money." Orchid's
temper flashed as she glared, "So I've been working on getting them back."

"How many do you have left to find?"

Orchid clenched a fist, "One last set, pawned off by somebody, now sitting
there on display waiting for some dupe with too much money to buy them."

Shadow tried to reason with Orchid, "Katy I can see why you want them back. I
maybe even could understand but continuing this life of crime is wrong."

"It's my legacy Shadow Samurai." Orchid responded her determination replacing
memories of grief. She pulled another knife out took aim and fired it off with
a throw. It flew true nicking Emma in the arm. As she sighed from the latest
dose, Orchid came close grabbing Shadow Samurai by the collar, "I'm a little
mad that you got all personal just as a means to try and get your strength
back."

"Sorry ... .but I understand what you want ... .however ... .why keep going
down the path ... of a thief ... it's what got your father killed." Emma
pointed out.

Orchid wasn't happy with that. Shadow winced as Orchid struck her in the gut
with a knee before breaking away reaching for a fresh knife, "You have your
opinion Shadow Samurai but I'm happy with my life and honored to carry on my
father's legacy." She took aim with the latest dagger, holding it by the tip,
"This knife has double the dose of the previous sedatives you've received. I
figure that's enough to keep your little power buddy busy trying to heal you
while I finish my business here."

Raising it to throw Orchid smiled, "Have a nice night Shadow Samurai."

Emma's eyes focused on something behind Orchid but then she smiled looking at
the thief, "I ... will ... .but yours is only getting worse."

Orchid sensed the danger turning just in time to get rewarded with a punch
across the face. John pulled his fist back after the blow saying, "I usually
don't hit women but in this case I'll make an exception."

Rubbing her cheek Katy looked at him over her shoulder , "That's alright
because I don't fight fair."

With that Orchid spun around knife in hand. John backed away as the swinging
knife just missed his tie but the intention had never been to actually hit
him. Katy caught John with a kick in the gut knocking him back over the box
where the Shadow Sword was trapped in. Emma meanwhile was pulling on her
restraints but slumped as the sedatives were still keeping her subdued. Katy
meanwhile took aim with a knife on John. She'd wanted to take Shadow
boyfriend, partner, or whatever out of the fight. However Orchid never
expected to be attacked by a box. Her eyes widened as the box John had tripped
over suddenly flew off the ground smashing into her. It cracked and wood
splintered. Orchid tumbled to ground with a groan having dropped her knife as
well.

Emma looked at the whole scene with a bit of amusement, Sarah I'm guess that
was you?

Yep. Sarah's enjoyment at the move was evident in her voice, Figured if I
couldn't use my power to recharge you I could put it to better use. Now please
tell me the box is broken, Sarah asked. Shadow saw it was.

"John!" she yelled.

Having gotten to his feet, John spotted the Shadow Sword lying among the
splintered box. He dashed for it picking up the weapon in hand and running for
the strung up superheroine. Orchid though had recovered too, reaching out with
a swift kick causing John to tumble to the ground with a grunt. Shadow Samurai
tried to make her weapon come to her but she couldn't connect with Sarah.
Luckily though the guardian had plans of her own. Sarah made the sword move
again just slipping out of Orchid's grasp and flying towards its owner. Emma
smiled as the sword aimed right for her right wrist. The blade glowed with
blue energy as under Sarah's expert guidance it sliced into the leather and
metal cuff. Embedding in the wooden target the sword stayed still as Shadow's
black clad arm dropped free.

Orchid saw this and immediately went for another knife. She had to get Shadow
Samurai before the heroine could get free. John raced to reach the magenta
maiden and stop her. He was just a moment too slow seizing Orchid from behind
in a bearhug right after she threw her knife. Shadow though was able to grab
her blade, yank it free of the target, and then block the oncoming throwing
knife with the katana. As she gripped the sword Emma felt stronger, Glad to
have you back Sarah!

Same here partner, now cut yourself out of there!

Shadow managed to slice through the cuff on her right leg. Now free on that
side she twisted to bring the sword to bear on the left side restraints. John
had Orchid in his grip holding the thief tight, "It's over....give up!"

"You know...it's real sweet you came looking for Shadow Samurai." Katy replied
as she struggled. John didn't notice Orchid shifting her stance slightly, "You
two should take some time to relax...."

Orchid tucked her legs in suddenly throwing John off balance. He stumbled as
the center of gravity shifted eventually falling backwards. Orchid slammed
them down with John taking all the impact. His grip loosened and Orchid
slipped free. Pulling a knife she brought it down towards John. Emma watching
as she cut the last of her restraints free yelled, "NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Orchid though didn't harm John. She slashed his forearm with a thin cut
nothing too deep or damaging. He yelled in pain but quickly felt his head
swimming as the powerful sedative took hold. Shadow Samurai dropped free of
the target but Orchid kept her at bay by aiming another knife at John, "Stop
right there."

"Leave him alone." Shadow demanded, holding her katana in a ready stance.

"I will as soon as you let me leave."

Emma's anger flashed, "Like hell I will!"

"You don't have a choice. You've seen my marksmanship I'll be able to hit your
boyfriend here from a nice distance." Orchid warned.

"What about your father's code?" Shadow countered.

"Oh I won't kill him but can't say what a double dose of my sedative will do
to somebody who doesn't have superpowers."

Let her go Emma, Sarah told her.

NO! Emma answered back.

EMMA! Sarah yelled, giving the superheroine a sense of what Stephanie probably
heard when she got in trouble, You're feeling better and I'm getting us back
in sync but we're not a hundred percent, let her go for now.

Still frustrated, Shadow eventually lowered her sword. Orchid responded by
sheaving her knife, "Thanks, and sorry I didn't mean to threaten him. I
wouldn't have put him at risk." she quickly jabbed her fingers into John's
side. He tensed up but slumped a bit after the initial reaction. Orchid stood
up and smirked, "Of course I think making sure you have to carry him somewhere
is fair. He'll be able to move in an hour with no problems."

Shadow Samurai rushed forward but Orchid ran quick on her feet. For a moment
Emma stood by John wondering if she should keep going after the thief but the
heroine knew what choice she would make, what choice she would always make.
Dropping to her knees she lifted John up into her embrace, "John!"

"Uhhhh......remind me...to only...come to your...rescue with Rei or Steph next
time..." he mumbled feeling the effects of the sedative plus his new found
paralysis from the pressure point strike, "This heroic stuff....its tough on
my old frame."

She laughed a bit before asking, "What are you doing here?"

"Was...worried about you."

She shook her head, "John...."

He managed to get his hand on her knee. John wanted to caress her face but
unfortunately couldn't move enough to do it, "Sorry....I know you can...take
care...of....yourself...but.....since Rei nearly...."

Emma saw the concern look in his face. She realized what he was saying, "I
know." she stroked his face, "It made me think too, made me think about you.
Even with all that's happened, the sorority, Rei's near death, the
brotherhood, the fact you still supported me being Shadow Samurai." She
brushed his face, "I love you."

John smiled wishing he could better convey his love for Emma, "I
realized.....that I night be scared....but I know you can't walk away from
it." he said looking into her eyes lovingly, "You're a hero Emma, at your
core, powers or no powers....and that's why I love you too... I'll never stop
supporting you."

Her eyes were wet as she leaned in to kiss John. A blue glow soon caused her
though to break the kiss, "Sarah?"

"Hey, you two okay?" the blue figure asked.

John sort of made a thumbs up but it dropped as soon as he lifted it,
"More...importantly how's Emma?"

"I've got her nearly back to full strength. You bought me enough time John,
thanks." Sarah told him.

He barely nodded as Emma lifted him up off the ground, "I'm getting you some
help."

"No...just get me home." John told her. Emma was going to protest when he
continued, "I'm not hurt...just slowed down. Need to sleep it off, and you
need to get closer to town."

Sarah saw the logic in John's approach, "Of course. Emma whoever she's robbing
its got to be downtown or at CU. We don't have much chance of finding her out
here but if we can figure out where she's going..."

"Right, we can get the drop on her." Shadow concluded. She looked to John,
part of Emma wanted to stay with him at their apartment making sure he was
really alright.

John though gave her the final blessing, "It's okay, I'll be fine. You can
beat her Emma I know it."

Shadow Samurai smiled.

...........................

Orchid was upset that she would be burning her bridges with the circus.
Eventually somebody would notice what had happened out in the woods. Plus now
that Shadow Samurai knew her identity,the local & federal law enforcement
groups would be next. The smartest move was to pick up her stuff and run.
However she couldn't leave now, not when she was so close. Katy was about to
reclaim the last of her father's inheritance. Besides that photo (which she
had picked up from the trailer, no way she was running without it) those tools
were the only real physical trace of her father left. She could always
establish a new identity along with getting a job with another traveling
circus or show. All that mattered was getting a small part of her family's
legacy back.

Approaching the store which held her father's knives Orchid knew that it would
at least be an easy job. The place had some better security than the norm but
she was ready to get past it. Scaling up the side of the building, Katy got on
the roof without too much trouble. There was a skylight entrance that had an
anti-tamper alarm. Kneeling by the alarm sensor, Orchid defeated it by placing
a small special reflective mirror in front of its sensor. This would reflect
the laser back and make the security company think the skylight was still
closed.

It didn't take long for Orchid to break the lock with her tools. Once the
skylight was open, Katy hopped inside dropping down into the middle of the
store. Immeidatly she looked to where the knives were on display but her face
broke into one of shock, "Where is it!"

The spot on the wall was gone.

"I took the liberty of placing those somewhere safe." The voice of Shadow
Samurai announced as she stepped from the dark corner of the room. Emma was
back to her full strength and had her katana ready to go, "It's time for you
surrender Orchid."

Katy whose back was to Shadow clutched the knife she had tightly, "You just
don't get it do you ... "

She turned on Shadow Samurai with a yell slashing the knife at the heroine,
"It's my legacy!"

Shadow blocked the knife with her sword but Orchid's free hand was already
reaching for another. Emma preempted her with a kick, sinking her ballet flat
clad food into Orchid's gut. The blow was delivered with Shadow Samurai's
enhanced strength sending Katy crashing back into the display case. Wincing
from the impact, Orchid grabbed another knife from her holster. Sarah noted,
she's running out of those things Emma. Emma could see it too; the leather
holster was nearly empty. Orchid must have reached the same conclusion because
rather than throwing her weapons at Shadow, she charged.

Emma avoided her first attacks, slashes by the knives. Shadow Samurai blocked
the ones that she couldn't dodge leading the sharp pings of the ancient metal
of the sword against Orchid's special knives. Shadow managed to spin around
getting behind Orchid going for a stunning slice across the thief's back. Katy
turned just in time to block the move crossing her knives together and holding
Shadow's sword at bay.

"Face it Shadow Samurai ... " Katy told her as she strained to hold the
heroine's weapon in place, "Three times we've matched ourselves against one
another, and every time I've gotten the better of you. So you should just tell
me now where I can find my father's collection."

"Sorry." Emma replied starting to win their little strength contest.

"Good ... I was looking forward to giving you the Sleeping Beauty Treatment
again." She managed to lift a leg up and kick Shadow back. As Emma was forced
back, Orchid rushed forward in a low slide and pressed her fingers against
Shadow's thigh. The pressure point attack brought Emma down to a knee as her
leg felt num. Orchid smiled as she then proceeded to leap up in a spinning
kick and knock Shadow Samurai down onto her side. Emma crashed against the
ground.

Orchid was quickly on top of her. Katy quickly pressed her fingers into
Shadow's other leg. A groan from the heroine showed that the second paralyzing
attack had worked as well. Katy kicked the sword out of her hands and looked
amused at the now impaired and disarmed heroine. Feeling that she had gained
control of the situation, Orchid pulled Shadow onto her now frozen knees.
Holding her by the collar of her turtle necked leotard, the thief knelt so she
could look Shadow in the eyes.

"Told you, I'm just too good for you Shadow Samurai." Her free hand dipped
low, caressing Shadow's inner thigh. The heroine sighed softly from the
contact and continued to feel the sensual contact as Orchid ran her hands over
both of Emma's tights clad legs. Katy leaned in her lips inches from Shadow's,
"Now you want to tell me where you hid my stuff? I'll reward you with a
special little pressure point I learned about myself."

Shadow didn't answer. Katy frowned placing her fingers now on the front of
Emma's black shorts. The heroine sighed deeper now at the contact, "Come on
Shadow, just spill the beans, otherwise I've got to use my knife, drug you,
and then press your temples to get you to spill your guts. Fun for me less so
for you."

"Alright ... ." Shadow responded the sensations on her shorts being too
distracting.

Orchid grinned, "That's better ... now where do I look?"

"Up."

Confused Katy actually did look up only to get head butted by the
superheroine. Falling back Orchid looked as Shadow Samurai stood up picking
her sword from the ground. Puzzled Katy stammered, "No ... way I got you with
both pressure points!"

"I thought about that on the way over made a few adjustments to the costume."
Actually it had been Sarah's idea, envisioning some light padding on Emma's
vulnerable spots. Although they hadn't considered anything near her shorts,
Emma's cheeks still felt a bit flush from the intimate touch.

Orchid frowned, "Fine ... .then." She tossed one of her few remaining knives.
Shadow ducked under it as the thief managed to retrieve one from the floor.
They squared off with both wondering what to do next.

Sarah ... I'm done fighting fair, Emma told her partner.

Sounds good but most of our distance attacks would probably be a bit risky
against her. Orchid's no demon we can just dust.

Shadow nodded, true but it's time we show her some of our moves.

After a quick explanation to her guardian the two had a plan. Shadow let
Orchid make the first move again. Katy not wanting to lose any more weapons
charged at Shadow Samurai. Her goal wasn't to actually hit her but get into
position to get some of her throwing knives back. As she got ready to side
step Shadow's counter move, the heroine's blade glowed. Shadow leapt back
slicing the air and Orchid was suddenly hit with a massive gale force wind.
The howling burst tore stuff off the walls, sending an expensive looking clock
into a glass display shattering it.

Crumpling against the broken display her boots crunching the glass Orchid
looked to Shadow Samurai who was perched on an opposite display across the
room. She regained her senses as Shadow leapt off the display rushing
forwards. Orchid moved to attack but suddenly Shadow blurred out of the way a
fresh gust of wind spinning Katy about. She tried again but Shadow again moved
away as if the wind gusts were pushing her. Orchid's eyes winced in the air as
it swirled around her.

"You're good Orchid, one of the best I've ever encountered." Shadow's voice
called out. Katy spun in a circle looking for her opponent but the
superheroine had seemingly disappeared from the store. She spoke again though,
"However there is one thing you are forgetting."

"What's that?" Orchid shouted back wondering what Shadow was up to.

"I'm a samurai, I've been taught to mind my surroundings and use them to my
advantage."

Orchid realized what the heroine was getting at. Too late she looked up as
Shadow Samurai descended from the skylight. Emma had pushed herself up there
with Sarah's help, using the power of the wind that the Winchester women were
famous for. With her sword facing down between her legs, Shadow delivered the
katana right into Orchid's chest. Meant to slay demons the Shadow Sword didn't
physical cut Orchid's body instead it sent stunning energy into her shocking
Katy into submission. Orchid's knife dropped from her hand as she started to
fall. Shadow caught her with an arm, the beautiful thief falling back, draping
herself over Emma's arm.

"She's out." Emma observed.

"I resisted the urge to really shock her, but I gave her enough to keep her
out for a few hours." Sarah appeared on Emma's shoulder. Watching Orchid's
sleeping form. She surprised Emma by saying, "You know, I really was pissed at
her at the start of all this but now ... "

"She just wanted to get something back from her past." Emma agreed as she
gently laid Orchid down on a spot of clear ground. The brunette looked lovely
as she slept. Brushing some stray hair from Katy's face Emma took one more
step removing the thief's mask. Seeing the peaceful face of Katherine Barton,
Emma made a decision.

"Sarah ... .don't get mad but, I want you to hear me out."

Surprisingly Sarah wasn't mad.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..

"Hey, you alright?"

Katy's eyes opened slowly. She saw David was sitting next to her as she lay in
bed, her bed. Not a jail cell...what the hell? Sitting up she realized with a
shock that she was back in her trailer. Worried David leaned in putting a hand
on her shoulder, "Hey, Katy are you okay you looked spooked?"

"Sorry it's just ... .guess I might have been more out of it last night than I
thought." What the hell happened? Last thing I remember was Shadow Samurai
getting the drop on me, Katy thought.

"Yeah how late were you practicing?" he asked. Getting up her went over to her
little kitchen area. Taking a glass of OJ to the young woman he took his seat
back. As he handed her the drink Dave explained some more, "I saw your note
about getting the practice area cleaned up. Man, what did you throw at the
target there were some big holes in it."

"Uhhh ... " Katy covered, "Just some new knives, couple other things."

"Oh those over there." He pointed. Dave nearly fell out of his chair as Katy
rushed pass him, "Hey!"

Katy saw that there was a wooden box, old and polished; it had also a note
under it. She opened the box and was shocked to see a collection of knives.
All of them were handmade throwing ones that were like the ones she owned but
more importantly bared the initials TB, Thomas Barton. Dave turned in his
chair saying, "I think that's a cool set there, looks old."

"It is ... " Katy pulled the note out from under the box. Opening it she saw
it was hand written.

Orchid,

You're a thief. You should be waking up in a cell right now. But you're also a
lonely girl who misses her Dad. I'm lucky enough to still have my father and I
think he would tell me right now I'm doing the right thing. The cops don't
know anything other than there was a break in. The mess means that the missing
item will probably be considered lost or destroyed.

You might be a thief Katy but your one with honor. All you wanted was part of
your past and I can't see the harm in that. So consider this a gift, and yes
you do owe me one in the future [:-)]

Good Luck,

Shadow Samurai

Katy put the note down as she whispered, "Thanks."

"You talking to me?" Dave asked as he wondered why Katy was acting a bit
weird. In fact it looked like she wanted to cry for a second. However things
must of been fine because she smiled looking over her shoulder at him.

"No, but you want to get breakfast together?"

He smiled, "Sure thing."

Katy warmly smiled back as she reached for her skirt. Dave though blushed a
bit, "Umm should I step outside?"

Katherine looked at him an impish smile on her face, "Only if you want too."

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Soft tender kisses were exchanged between the two.

Emma was lying over John in their bed. Still clad in her Shadow Samurai
costume she had removed her mask though letting her finance admire her face.
John was in a comfortable shirt and shorts having just recovered from his nap.
His hands were gently holding Emma at the small of her back, playing with the
waist band of her shorts.

"You are awfully nice Emma." He told her after their gentle make out session.
Feeling better now that Emma was home safe.

"I know. She wasn't mad with power, trying to suck my energy dry, or really
threatening the campus. All she wanted was her past, couldn't argue with that
nor did Sarah." She explained. Emma too was content, she had let Orchid go but
she wasn't regretting it. She had won in the end and John was alright.

"Speaking of Sarah, why are you still in costume well mostly." He asked, not
that John was complaining. Emma looked absolutely amazing in her Shadow
Samurai gear. Emma had placed the Shadow Stone in its usual spot where Sarah
could rest and her mask and shoes were missing.

She rubbed his chest and smiled, "Well, I think you've earned a little treat
for being the best fiancé in the world."

"What's that?" he grinned.

"Orchid told me there was a very special pressure point ... " Emma's eyes
glanced to her legs and bottom. She let John figure out the rest.

With a playful smile he rolled Emma onto her back. Giving the superheroine a
kiss he eventually pulled back and caressed her nylon clad thigh, "Well then
let's fine it."

The End