Shadow Samurai-Assassins of the Night




Bethany Hunter let out a soft moan as the water cascaded down her beautiful
but battered body. It was warm, comforting and slowly began to replenish her
lost strength. Granted, some of that was being caused by the spirit sharing
the shower with her. As per her request to May, Bethany's closest friends and
allies, Emma Sapphire and Tiffany Kuchiki, had been summoned to her apartment.
For the fight ahead, Bethany couldn't tangle with this threat alone. Tiffany
was once the legendary Crimson Valkyrie, a powerful superheroine and Valkyrie
Herald of Love ... a title she technically still retained, though now she was
a Soul Reaper living happily in the realm of the Soul Society with her wife,
Soi Fon. Emma was a teacher in the small town of Crawfordsville, Indiana and
secretly the guardian superheroine of said town, known as the Shadow Samurai.
Emma also had the source of her powers at all times, the Shadow Stone, which
also contained the spirit who was helping Bethany heal in the shower, Sarah
Winchester. Emma had left Sarah with Bethany to heal her while she showered
from her ordeal.

"Feeling any better?" Sarah asked, the blonde, jacket and jeans sporting, blue
lit spirit had her hand extended and eyes closed, for courtesy. "I'm getting
there. And you know ... you don't have to be so shy," Bethany smiled, not
letting her recent defeat dull her sense of humor and good heart. Sarah opened
one eye and blushed, "Wow," she thought to herself, "Were I a little bit
younger. No wonder Emma thinks about her sometimes." Bethany relaxed and added
some soap to her skin via a wash cloth, rubbing her naked skin slowly, "Have
you peeked around in my head at all?" "Because we're short on time, yeah I
did," Sarah admitted, feeling a little bad, "If I've got things right, before
Jason was a vigilante, he was a member of a secret assassin order called The
Guild." Bethany spoke, running her fingers through her wet hair, "You don't
sound too surprised. Have you heard of the Guild?" "They may have hindered a
demon hunt or two for me and my husband once upon a time as well," Sarah
added, keeping on hand outstretched, focus on Bethany's still bruised side,
healing her while she showered. "They're worse than Jason ever let on,"
Bethany admitted as she moved to turn off the shower. She hesitated though,
let her arm fall to her side. Sarah could sense her sadness. It wasn't that
Nocturne had been defeated by a surprise attack, but the possibility of what
might be happening to Jason Hawke at this very moment. "He's not as hopeless a
cause as you think. My husband, Adam, he was a different person too before he
realized he loved me. Jason's no different. Know how I know?" Bethany shook
her head. Sarah pointed to her eyes, "Cause you got a glimpse of the look on
his face before you fell. That's not to look of someone who doesn't love you."
Bethany turned off the shower and picked up the Shadow Stone, "I don't
understand why he wont accept it." "I hate to say this, but maybe almost
losing you will be the catalyst you need to win him over. He probably thinks
he's lost you ... he wont lose you again." Bethany kissed the Shadow Stone,
much like Emma did in the past, "Thank you Sarah."

Bethany emerged from her bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body. Her
hair was still a little wet but she still looked incredible to the gathered
women in her bedroom. Emma Sapphire saw on her bed wearing a comfy black
turtleneck and long maroon skirt. Her signature dark tights and black heels
were present as well. Tiffany Kuchiki leaned against Bethany's dresser in her
black, Samurai style Soul Reaper garments. Lastly, there was Bethany's
roommate and best friend, May Starr, still dressed in her form fitting costume
she wore as Nocturne's partner, Nightshade, standing by Bethany's railing
overlooking the apartment loft, her arms folded. "Did you catch them up, May?"
Bethany asked. Emma tilted her head looking a little guilty. "What?" Bethany
asked her. "Sarah might've been feeding up a little bit of info while she was
fixing you up," Tiffany confirmed. "How are you feeling?" Emma asked, "Any
better?" Bethany tossed the red head professor her trusty Shadow Stone, "Well
enough to fight. I just need to armor up." "Whatever you need, we're here,"
Tiffany assured her. "I just ... I just wish it wasn't the dark times that
brought us together," Bethany said. Tiffany moved from her perch and put a
hand on Bethany's wet shoulder, "You called, we came. Simple as that, hon.
Now, you going to suit up or take on the Guild naked ... might throw them off
guard you being in a towel," Tiffany eyed up Bethany. Emma giggled on the bed.

"So ... The Guild huh? Damn, shouldn't be surprised they're still around,"
Tiffany said next. "You know them?" Emma asked. "Had a run in or two with them
in both my Dynamo and Valkyrie days. First time wasn't pretty and I was
impressed how they handled me even with my new powers the second time. They're
no joke." "Sarah even said they gave her some trouble," Bethany added. "Why
come for Jason now though?" Emma asked, "Because of you and how close you two
are?" "Maybe?" Bethany shrugged. A cough caught Bethany's attention. It came
from May, who was being unusually quiet. "Either way," Bethany tried to ignore
it, "They caught us with our guard down. I couldn't even defend myself,
neither could Jason ... oh God," Bethany covered her mouth, "The last thing he
probably saw was them kicking me over the ledge." "Beth I hate to be that
person. But What are the chances they're still in Fortune City?" "I ... I
don't know," Bethany forced herself to admit. "We need to look at the scene
and gather some clues. I'm sure we can find a trail or at least the start of
one." Tiffany said. May moved past the gathered heroines and reached the top
of the steps before Bethany called to her. "May please," Bethany pleaded.
"Beth, I know why you still want him around, God only knows why. He's broken
your heart more than once you know. You know I don't like him and now he's
pulling you into a hell he's made for himself." "May, come on," Emma spoke up.
"NO!!" May shouted, catching all off guard, "He's an asshole and he deserves
this. Beth ... if you want to go into Hell to save him, then you go ... but
I'm not sticking my neck out for that bastard ... not if he's just going to
hurt you again and you keep letting him," May rushed down the stairs.

Bethany said nothing and just moved past Tiffany into her secret chamber to
redress in her Nocturne costume. Emma looked up at Tiffany, "You want Beth or
May?" Tiffany moved past her, "You get Beth out on the streets and start
looking around. May and I will catch up." "Hey," Emma got off the bed and
caught Tiffany before she descended the steps, "Go easy on her, ok?" Emma took
her arm. Tiffany turned around and smiled, "We've been there once too, right?"
Emma didn't like thinking about that moment, the one where she said something
so terrible she swore it would've ended her friendship with Tiffany. "I know
what I'm doing. You just help Beth find Jason ... and if you find him before
we do, slap him once for me ... for making her cry, ok?" Emma squeezed
Tiffany's upper arm, "You got it." Tiffany winked and walked down the steps.
Emma held her Shadow Stone tight and in a flash, she was dressed in her tight
black turtleneck top (different from what she already wore), black shorts,
black tights and black flats. Her, long, red hair was now short and black and
a mask covered her face. Her stone had changed into a long, Japanese Katanna.
Emma Sapphire was now, the Shadow Samurai. "Ready to go?" Shadow turned to see
the beautiful Nocturne: Mistress of the Night, tightening one of her
gauntlets. Shadow would never get tired of seeing Bethany like this: tight
leotard top with a zipper, her upper chest poking out, fishnet stockings over
her legs and knee high, high heeled boots. A black mask, cape and arm
gauntlets completed her look. Shadow nodded, "You?" "Let's get going,"
Nocturne didn't say another word and she moved to her outdoor balcony and
leapt out. Shadow sighed. "It's gonna be ok, Emma," Sarah assured Shadow in
her mind. "You sound so sure," Shadow said, relaxing in her friends optimism.
"Hey, it's you, Tiffany and Bethany ... I'm never worried when you three are
together." Shadow smiled and moved to follow the Mistress of the Night into
the city.

May Starr sat on her bed, hands folded against her face. She replayed the
events of two minutes ago in her mind over and over again. What could she say?
She hated Hawke and Bethany's seemingly blind attachment to him. Yet the look
Bethany exchanged with her ... it haunted her. So much so, that May didn't
even hear Tiffany come in and stand in front of her, arms folded. "So ... how
long are you going to sit there before you admit you're going to go help her
anyway?" Tiffany asked. May sighed, "Look ... I get that you and Beth have a
history, ok? I've heard the stories of you two teaming up back in the day and
spending some fun nights together," Tiffany could've sworn she heard May utter
"lucky" under her breath, making her smirk a bit, but May continued, "But we
never talked, me and you. You don't know me or what I've gone through in my
life. So forgive me if I don't think you can understand how I feel right now."
"Déjà vu," Tiffany said, tilting her head back a bit. "What?" May looked up at
her, confused. "Not too long ago, feels like forever but it was more recent
than you think, my own best friend said something similar to me. And it hurt,"
she shook her head, "Dammit it hurt so much that I wanted to just forget about
her and leave her to her own mess. What she said should have ended our
friendship, kind of like how you turned down Beth's plea for help back there."
Tiffany paced around a moment before continuing, "But then I realized, during
my friends greatest battle, that all I wanted to do was help her. My anger, my
disappointment, my resentment didn't matter. And when I thought she had died
in that battle ... oh man," she sighed heavily, "I went off and ... anyway,"
she skipped the gory details of bashing an immortal witches head to mush,
"May, Bethany's your best friend, right? You said you wouldn't march into Hell
with her. But when my best friend needed me the most and didn't want to admit
it, I was there anyway. I love her like a sister so much it's hard to imagine
being angry with her. But I do get frustrated with her and some of her choices
... and I'll always love her to death regardless. So, how am I doing with
understanding how you feel?"

May shuddered, "Oh God, Bethany. Everything we've been through ... every time
she's been there ... " Tiffany offered a hand, "Come on May...she needs you
more than she needs me and Emma. Are you really going to let her stand alone?
I don't think you could." "No...I couldn't. What have I done?" May extended a
hand to Tiffany, who pulled her to her feet, "Nothing that cant be
fixed...lets go May, let's go help Bethany save a jerk who doesn't deserve her
... I reserve judgement until ive met the guy though." May wiped the tears
from her face, "About earlier, i ... " Tiffany pulled her in for a hug, "It's
alright. Hard to be mad with someone who looks as cute as you do in your
costume. Love the bare shoulders look by the way, very distracting and very
sexy." May laughed at that. "Now, why don't you show me around the city a bit.
It's been a while since I was in Fortune, my bearings are a bit rusty." May
nodded and the two headed up to Bethany's balcony to descend into the city.
Tiffany scooped the dressed and ready Nightshade into her arms, "Be my RIO
Goose, I'll do the flying." "Top Gun? Who likes Top Gun?" Nightshade asked.
Tiffany glared playfully, "Everybody loves Top Gun, Missy." "Including Emma?"
May asked, needing to confirm everything Tiffany had told her. Tiffany's grip
on her tightened, "Especially Emma. Let's go," Tiffany winked before leaping
into the air with May in tow.

Across town, Shadow and Nocturne were peeking down from a roof at one of the
tallest churches in Fortune City, Fortune Cathedral. "You sure this is the
place?" Nocturne asked. "I cant explain it," Sarah said to both heroines via
their mind link with the Shadow Stone, "But there's some kind of odd energy
coming from the place. Did Hawke say anything about The Guild possessing
anything magical?" "You'd know more than I would," Nocturne said. Sarah
sighed, "When Adam and I faced them, they did have a bit of a supernatural
edge to their fighting style. This is weird though. Let me do a scan, going
quiet for a sec, Emma." The Shadow Samurai knew that Sarah said this to not
only indicate she was busy, but so her Shadow Guardian could leave her and
Nocturne alone for a moment. Shadow shook her head and rubbed her eyes, she
looked weary and Nocturne caught it. "Emma? Are you alright?" "Huh? Oh just
... just a little tired. I was on my way to bed before May called me. The
adreneline's kept me up," Emma replied, rubbing her eyes. "I see," nocturne
said. Shadow knew she was distracted as well, "You ok, Beth?" "First Hawke ...
then May ... " "Hey, everything will be ok," Shadow put a hand on her
shoulder. Nocturne took a deep breath. "I cant help but feel what May's saying
though. Why defend Hawke when he wont return my love?" "Whether or not he does
return it, he's still a friend and an ally. You owe it to him to rescue him.
And Tiffany and I are going to help. With a little Tiffany persuasion, May
will be with us too." Nocturne looked to Shadow and saw her smile, "Thank you
Emma ... I ... " Shadow squeezed her shoulder, "I know. I'm happy I'm here
too." Nocturne rested her head on her shoulder, on top of Shadows hand.

"And back," Sarah chimmed in. "What's up?" Shadow asked. "Sentries, on the
ledge over there. Two more I think down by the main entrance, kind of obvious
don't you think to stand out like that?" Sarah asked. Nocturne peeked over and
accessed the night vision on her mask, "No, this part of town is nice and
quiet. Few patrol here and the whole "sacred ground" aspect keeps even
hardened criminals from using this for any sort of battle or shady deal."
"What are we in, Highlander? John would be thrilled," Shadow said, remembering
how her husband once fought a Vampire, who enjoyed the same movie, to save her
life. "But what about inside?" Nocturne asked. "There's something in there,
definitely. I need to get a little closer though," Sarah replied. "Ready?"
Nocturne asked. "On three," Shadow nodded. Silently, the two heroines counted
in their heads, then leapt in perfect sync down towards the angled ledge of
the church roof, landing silently. "Yeesh, this is high," Shadow noted.
"You've sat on skyscrapers with Tiffany before," Sarah reminded her. "This is
higher," Shadow gulped. She could feel Sarah rolling her eyes.

"Alright, let's try over here," Nocturne pointed, remembering to let Sarah
transmit their thoughts mentally so they weren't over heard. The two reached a
decaying, iron door. "Maybe an entrance to the bell tower. Let me see if I can
open ... " "CRAP!!!" Sarah shouted. Nocturne looked up to see an Assassin
sentry bearing down on her. Shadow leapt back and Nocturne rolled backwards to
avoid his attack. Nocturne got to her feet and took an offensive stance. "Not
a lot of room up here to maneuver," Shadow told her. "Wait a sec," Sarah said
aloud. But the Assassin moved and came at Nocturne, engaging her in hand to
hand combat.

Nocturne stood her ground and was able to avoid the swift, rapid strikes aimed
at her.

She instantly recognized her opponent's eclectic fighting style as similar to
the one used by Hawke. However the moves were way faster and more ruthless,
clearly aimed to overwhelm her in vicious fashion.

Nocturne needed all her focus to avoid getting taken out.

It was so close quarters Shadow couldn't move past her friend to help. "I'll
leap over and get him from behind," Shadow said, doing as she suggested.
"Emma, hold on," Sarah warned. But by the time Shadow had landed, it was too
late. The Assassin seemed to split into three warriors. "Crap, they had been
moving together in perfect unison to mask their numbers, clever bastards,"
Sarah said. "NOT HELPING!!!" Shadow shouted as she tried to slash at her
opponents. Nocturne was pressed back by her own foe, unable to get to Shadow.

"Ahh ... AGHHH!!!" Shadow was kicked in the chest by the opponent in front of
her. As the assassin behind her moved in Shadow swung her sword. However the
assassin moved like a blur and was able to catch her wrist. Shadow screamed in
pain as he painfully twisted her wrist and wrenched the sword from her grasp.
Shadow tried to fight back but without her sword she was no match for the two
swift assassins. She took two hard punches to the gut which made her gasp for
air. A kick to the back of her knee made her fall forward. The assassin that
had gotten behind her landed a solid blow to the back of her head. Shadow
wavered and with a slight, soft moan, she fell to the ground. "SHADOW AHHH!!!"
Nocturne called out but her momentary distraction lead to her opponent
striking her in the throat with the side of his hand. Nocturne coughed and
wheezed as she was momentarily unable to breath. The assassin followed up with
three short, lightning fast punches towards Nocturne's stomach that drove her
backwards. Off balance and weakened by the rapid assault Nocturne could not
avoid the hard kick to her chest. She tumbled off the roof but this time, she
did not fall, she instead was able to grab the ledge with both hands.

"Bethany, we need you," Sarah said, a bit fearful. Nocturne looked to her
left. The Assassin's were gathering an unconscious Shadow and her weapon.
"Leave her alone!!!" Nocturne shouted. But the two Assassin's vanished through
the door they had tried to open. The third Sentry raised his feet to stomp on
her hands, ready to finish off the Mistress of the Night by making her fall to
her death.

"HEY ASSHOLE!!!" The Assassin looked up and was met with a high heeled boot to
the face, knocking him off balance while Nightshade landed gracefully.
Nocturne smiled, "Nightshade." Before the Assassin could recover, another
appeared before him. "How's it going?" was all he heard before his face was
grabbed and he was slammed back against the wall of the church, with such
strength he was knocked unconscious. Meanwhile, Nightshade pulled up Nocturne.
The two stood there, their hands still entwined from the pull up. "Bethany, I
... " Nightshade started to say. Nocturne merely gripped her hand and smiled,
nothing needed to be said, they were good. "Hey, where's Shadow?" Tiffany
asked. "Oh no," Nocturne's face filled with dread, "They took her, and Sarah.
I couldn't get to them fast enough." Tiffany grumbled, "Shadow can take care
of herself and hopefully they don't know about Sarah or the Shadow Sword.
Still, we need to get in there." "Is that door still able to open?" Nocturne
asked. Tiffany grabbed the door handle and used her Valkyrie strength to pull
it open. "That's a yes," Nightshade confirmed. "Let's go then," Tiffany said.
"No," Nocturne stopped her, "Not you," she looked to her partner, "Nightshade,
you can slip inside and do some recon from within. Priority is Shadow and
Sarah." "What about ... " Nightshade started to ask. "If you find him ... just
make sure you find Shadow right away, ok?" Nightshade nodded and slipped past
Tiffany, "Wait, what about you two?" "Yeah, what's our role in this? I'm not
waiting for anything to happen to Shadow," Tiffany reminded her.

"We're not waiting," Nocturne said furiously, "That's twice they've gotten the
drop on me. They want me gone? They'll have to try on my terms. And Nightshade
needs room to breathe." Tiffany smiled, "I think I know where this is going,"
she drew her dual Zanpakuto from her robes. "Let's go meet the neighbors,"
Nocturne said as she and Tiffany leapt off the roof ... and into the next
battle of this little war.

It was all Sarah Winchester could do to keep quiet within the Shadow Sword as
her unconscious and helpless partner, Shadow, was carried into the main
chamber of the grand church. "Emma?" Sarah asked with worry in her mind. But
the Shadow Samuari was still unconscious and unable to reply. At last, they
were brought to the bottom of the main alter, Shadow was tossed to the ground
while her sword was still held by one of the Assassins. "And who is this? The
infamous Nocturne?" A large, bald man wearing a grand white robe with his back
turned to his men, his front facing an alter as he tended to a mysterious,
glowing object. "No, it is an associate. But we have confirmed the vigilante
is here, Grand Master," the Assassin replied as he and his fellow soldiers
knelt before their leader. The Grand Master turned around, "I see. Curious how
she was able to track us." "What shall we do with our prisoner?" the Assassins
asked.

The Grand Master observed Shadow's unconscious body, especially her long,
black stocking clad legs, "Perhaps she could be of use to us." His train of
thought was interrupted by a loud banging at the front door. "Nocturne has
come," one Assassin said, standing up. "Take the prisoner to the cell with the
traitor. We'll deal with them both in due time. The rest of you," he shouted
as dozens of Assassins appeared from the Shadows, "Your mission is simple:
kill the vigilante and anyone she has brought with her ... make sure she is
dead this time." Shadow was grabbed and dragged away. "We're sure in the
middle of it now," Sarah thought, "Wait a sec ... the traitor? I hate to admit
it but, this might be worth getting captured."

Outside, the Assassin's were half wrong. The powerful knocking at the door was
being caused by Tiffany Kuchicki, trying her best not to knock the door down
with her great strength. "HELLO!!!! Anyone in there?" Tiffany shouted.
Nocturne stood a foot or so back with folded, impatient arms. "Maybe theyre
not home?" Tiffany said in jest. Nocturne's eyes moved upwards, "Ummm ...
theyre home." "Huh?" Tiffany backed up and looked up, "Well ... shit." Dozens
of cloaked assassins with swords and daggers had gathered on the church and
peered down at the superheroine duo. "You wanted their attention. Safe to say
we got it," Tiffany said, both impressed by the force and a little worried
about it. "There's no turning back now. They have Hawke and Shadow. I dragged
her into this. I have to save her," Nocturne said, feeling guilty. A
comforting hand clasped her shoulder, "We will Beth. Don't think getting
captured is going to diminish Emma's faith in you." Nocturne allowed herself a
smile, remembering the company she had surrounded herself with.

"Now then," Tiffany stepped forward, "Evening guys. You have a couple
associates of ours. One is apparently an asshole we need to straighten out.
The other is a sexy little samurai ninja with nice legs. I don't suppose you
want to just hand them over?" Nocturne chuckled with worry.

One Assassin descended from above, using the ledges of the church to ensure a
safe arrival on the ground. He approached Tiffany with his hood still up and
stopped right in front of her. "We have no intention of releasing the traitor
or our other prisoner. And the Grand Masters orders are very specific in
regards to you two. I counter your demands by asking if it would be possible
for you to both surrender to death?" "Chatty," Tiffany raised an eyebrow.
"Look above you woman," the Assassin pointed up, "There's three dozen of our
numbers plus more within waiting to descend upon you. There are only two of
you." Nocturne stepped up behind Tiffany and moved her aside gently. She
stared the Assassin in the face, "Then go get some more guys and it will be a
fair fight." With that, Nocturne head butted the Assassin and kicked him
square in the gut knocking him onto the ground.

"Whew," Tiffany whistled. Nocturne looked up, "I AM NOCTURNE: MISTRESS OF THE
NIGHT. RELEASE MY FRIENDS OR COME NOW AND GET JUDGED!!! The Assassin's
prepared to move. "Well here we go," Tiffany drew her dual Zanpakuto swords,
"Want one?" "I'll get me own in a moment. Tiffany ... " Nocturne said. "I've
got your back Beth and that speech?" Nocturne looked back. "Soi Fon would be
so turned on." "You're impossible," Nocturne laughed as the two prepared for
the descending storm from above.

Inside the church, the Shadow Samurai finally began to stir. "Uhhhh ... " her
head was drowsy but she could feel her senses coming back quickly. "I'm ...
healing? Sarah?" "ABOUT TIME YOU WOKE UP!!!" "Ahhhh ... " Shadow grunted,
"Loud much? Where are you?" "Stroke of luck. I'm right outside the cell,"
Sarah said happily. "Seriously? Well guess they only see the Shadow Sword as a
weapon and nothing else like I do." "Im eternally greatful for that," Sarah
smiled, "Are you ok?" "Well," Shadow tugged with raised arms. They were
chained above her head and her feet were dangling a few feet above ground,
"I've had worse. Could be a Light Stone around." "Fair point. Got a plan in
mind?" Sarah asked. "You've seen more of this place than me? Fill me in,"
Shadow counted. "Again, fair," Sarah admitted, "We're trapped in a church with
about 60 Assassins or so, most of which are outside trying to kill Tiffany and
Bethany right now." "Tiffany's here? What about May?" Shadow asked. "Not sure.
I cant sense her. Maybe Tiffany couldn't convince her?" Shadow didn't reply.
"More importantly, you're not alone in there."

Shadow looked ahead to see Sarah was right. There was a man hung in a similar
manner to herself. His hair was disheveled and there were signs he had taken a
beating, maybe even been tortured. "Is that," Shadow bit her lip and decided
to speak aloud, "Hawke? Are you Jason Hawke?" "Uhhhh ... " the man mumbled
low. "My name is Shadow. I was sent here by Nocturne to ... well ... rescue
you," Shadow realized she wasn't doing such a great job of that. The man's
head seemed to raise a little bit, "Nocturne?" "Yeah, you know her by her real
name though. Hang on a sec," Shadow paused before speaking to Sarah again,
"Can you link us?" "I can try," Sarah said. Shadow felt the connection
established right away and spoke into Hawke's mind, "Bethany is here. She's
fighting to get inside now." "No," Hawke muttered, "She's ... dead ... it's my
fault." "Jesus," Sarah gasped, "Shadow, what they've done to him ... he really
believes that." Shadow grunted, "Listen to me. I've seen her, spoken to her.
Bethany's alive and fighting to save you, save both of us. Come on, you've got
to help me come up with an escape plan. Hawke." "I cant," Hawke replied,
"She's gone. I got Bethany killed. She got too close and ... I let her die. I
was too afraid ... I couldn't let her get close ... I deserve this punishment
... I belong to the Assassins ... to the Guild ... if I had stayed ... she
wouldn't ... " "This is ... " Sarah started to say before Shadow finished,
"Not good."

In the back of the church Nightshade had managed to enter without getting
noticed. Moving silently through the massive building she wondered where
Shadow and Hawke where being held captive. Suddenly she heard a light sound
like a breeze of wind. As she looked above her two assassin's leaped towards
her from the ceiling. Swiftly Nightshade rolled to the side and avoided the
first assassin who lunged at her with his short sword. He spun towards her and
lashed out again. However Nightshade blocked the strike with her baton and
replied with a swift kick to his gut. As the assassin dropped to his knees she
struck him with the baton against his forehead and knocked him out cold.

The second assassin jumped nimbly over his fallen comrade and connected a
flying kick to the chest of Nightshade. The impact made her fall back but she
used the momentum to roll back to her feet, her baton ready.

Outside, Nocturne finished another Assassin with a solid punch while he was on
the ground. Another came at her with a short sword, but she spun around,
disarmed him and kicked him backwards. "Bout time," Tiffany said as she
battled two Assassins at once before spinning around with a wide kick to knock
back three more. "You saying I should always carry a sword with me?" Nocturne
asked, parrying multiple attacks, "You and Shadow kind of have that covered."
They had defeated the first third of the force sent to kill them with decent
effort. The Assassins were skilled and tough but Nocturne and the former
Crimson Valkyrie were hardly slouches. Still the Assassins did get their share
of lucky hits in. One used a smoke bomb on Nocturne and took advantage of her
disorientation to disarm her and slammed a kick into her gut. Nocturne fell to
her knees.

Multiple assassin's moved at her, ready to slice her to bits.

Swords bore down on her but Tiffany rushed in and kicked the attackers away.
"Come on, get up," she ordered. Nocturne stood back to back with her friend.
"They're good. They're starting to tag me," Nocturne huffed. "You're far from
done Mistress of the Night. Here," Tiffany slipped Nocturne her swords.
"Tiffany ... " she didn't know whether to be honored or concerned, "What about
you?" Tiffany merely grinned and pulled out two blasters from the back under
her robe. Nocturne gasped, "You really still have those?" "You kidding? I love
these things," Tiffany smiled as she fired off a few rounds at oncoming
opponents. Nocturne lashed out as well with her new weapons, feeling
reenergized. The Assassins had a real fight on their hands ... and it looked
like they would be the ones on the ropes.

Nightshade fought the assassin who was now wielding a short battle axe. The
two chased each other while they exchanged a serie of offensive and defensive
manoeuvres. Nightshade cartwheeled gracefully over the church benches and as
he followed her she parried his incomming strike and disarmed him. Deprived of
his axe the assassin avoided the baton strike aimed at his head and performed
a perfect backflip to create distance between them.

As he reached for his belt Nightshade expected him to draw another axe or
perhaps a knife. However instead he pulled out a long rope, holding it with
both hands.

Nightshade was suprised but the assassin moved forward confidently and
performed an acrobatic kick aimed at her head. Nightshade avoided the kick
with a swift sidestep and swung the baton. However as she did the assassin
dodged the strike and at the same time wrapped the rope around her wrist. In a
blur of motion the assassin used the rope around her wrist to pull her off
balance. Nightshade was barely able to process what was going, the next thing
she knew she was on her knees and both of her arms were tied behind her back.

The assassin stood behind her and pulled her hair, forcing her to look him in
the eyes.

"Do not be embarrassed lass, hundreds of years ago our brotherhood already
used methods like this to take armed knights alive for questioning. They were
just as helpless as you are now."

His face was hidden in the shadow of his hood but Nightshade knew he was
smiling.

"However my orders are clear, sadly you are meant to die along with your
friends." while he spoke he began to tightly bind the rope around her neck.
Nightshade tried to resist as the rope was choking her.

"No need to resist my lovely lady, just take comfort in knowing I felt honored
to fight a fiery flower like you."

Nightshade's face was turning red as the rope was strangling her. She felt the
assassin beginning to apply a knot to keep the rope in place. Her vision
already getting blurry Nightshade suddenly threw her head backwards and
headbutted the assassin in the face.

With a suprised yelp the assassin let go off the rope and fell backwards.

Nightshade felt the rope loosen up and breathed in much needed oxygen. Her
hands still tied behind her back she turned towards the assassin who got back
to his feet.

"I bet that never happened with a knight before." She remarked angry and then
jumped forward. She slammed her knee hard under his chin and he collapsed to
the floor unconscious.

Nightshade used the man's axe to cut the rope and continued her search through
the church.

Back in the dungeon, Shadow sighed, "Ok ... let's try this." Hawke continued
to linger in place. "What a joke," Shadow said bluntly. Sarah raised an
eyebrow as her partner said this in the mind link. "Look, Bethany's a really
dear friend to me and I would do anything for her, anything. But I'm starting
to think May was right. You really are a piece of work, Jason Hawke. I cant
see how Bethany could ever love a coward like you, who just wants to give up
when he believes what he sees. I'm willing to go so far as to say you never
loved her. How could you? Youre lost in your own self pity. What was Bethany
to you, huh? Just a temporary sex fix. You make me sick." That insult seemed
to get a rise out of Hawke, "I LOVED HER!!!" "Correction:" Shadow shot back,
"LOVE, not the past tense. Get it through your messed up head. She's alive and
she's fighting to save you. Believe it or not, we all are. But I'm wondering
if it's worth it." Hawke seemed to become a bit more coherent and he looked at
Shadow with rage. But Shadow's gaze didn't falter.

"Shadow ... I've got this," Sarah said, "Here Hawke. You should hear this."
Sarah sent the tortured former Assassin an image of Bethany talking with her
in the shower:

"He's not as hopeless a cause as you think. My husband, Adam, he was a
different person too before he realized he loved me. Jason's no different.
Know how I know?" Bethany shook her head. Sarah pointed to her eyes, "Cause
you got a glimpse of the look on his face before you fell. That's not to look
of someone who doesn't love you." Bethany turned off the shower and picked up
the Shadow Stone, "I don't understand why he wont accept it." "I hate to say
this, but maybe almost losing you will be the catalyst you need to win him
over. He probably thinks he's lost you ... he wont lose you again." Bethany
kissed the Shadow Stone, much like Emma did in the past, "Thank you Sarah."

Hawke dipped his head, a tear running down his cheek, "Bethany ... " Shadow,
meanwhile was blushing hard seeing a naked Bethany but tried to focus on the
words shared between Nocturne and her partner. "Get it now?" Shadow asked
Hawke. "I don't ... deserve her," he said with a hint of great relief. "Maybe.
But she still cares about you and for her, I'll drag your ass out of here ...
I hope." Shadow looked around. "Shadow, right?" Hawke asked. Shadow nodded to
him. "She mentioned you a couple of times. She really respects you ... maybe
more than cares," Hawke chuckled, "Now I know why." "Oh," Shadow blushed,
"Well ... she has you and I'm sort of married soooo ... " Hawke allowed
himself the first good laugh he had had in sometime, "I'm sure your husband
imagines the two of you sometimes too." "Wow, he's good," Sarah was impressed.
"Say what?" Shadow asked. "Nothing," Sarah tried to cover up the comment.

"KNOCK KNOCK!!!" Tiffany shouted as she slammed a defeated Assassin into the
church's front door, blowing the door open in the process. The Grand Master
remained unphased by this, "Deal with them." His reserve force charged in but
two were met by blasts to the face from Tiffany. Meanwhile, Nocturne moved
with great speed and cut down five Assassins at once. The two heroines were
unstoppable as they moved together in perfect sync, striking down opponents
and covering each other with ease. They had reached their destination and were
not going to be stopped. As the last Assassin defending the Grand Master fell,
Nocturne and Tiffany stood before him. "Hi ... can we have our friends back?"
Tiffany asked, raising her gun to the back of the Grand Master. "Impressive
you've made it this far," the old man uttered. "We're not done yet. Stun him,"
Nocturne told Tiffany. "Got it," the Soul Reaper said as she fired off a round
at the back of the Grand Master. But her blast hit a solid shield. "The hell?"
Tiffany was shocked. "He has magic?" Nocturne asked. The old man turned
around, a golden apple floating in his hands, "I have more than that." His
eyes glowed yellow and a wave of energy pushed Nocturne and Tiffany backwards.
"I think you should take these back," Nocturne handed the Soul Reaper her
weapons. "Yeah, trade," Tiffany agreed, passing Nocturne her guns. The Grand
Master pulled forth a metal staff and affixed the apple to it's top. "Wish
Emma were here right now," Tiffany muttered. "May ... please find her,"
Nocturne prayed.

"The hell?" Sarah asked from back at the cell. "Sarah?" Shadow asked. "Ok good
news. Tiffany and Bethany made it in. The bad news ... that energy I sensed
outside earlier ... yeah it just skyrocketed. I've never felt anything like
this before." "The Apple of Eden," Hawke revealed, "It's the source of his
power and how he controls The Guild. It's supposed to have originated from
Eden itself, one of the first creations in existence." "Well ... Tiffany could
handle that, right?" Shadow asked. "I think we need to get out of here and
help them Shadow," Sarah urged, "We just need a ... oh hi May." "May?" Shadow
asked before she heard the sound of fighting going on outside. Several grunts
and connecting punches could be heard and suddenly, all fell silent. Just
then, the cell door was sliced in two, falling down to reveal Nightshade,
wielding the Shadow Sword.

"You're a sight for sore eyes," Nightshade said before cutting Shadow down and
letting the heroine land on her feet. "This belongs to you," Nightshade handed
Shadow her weapon, reenergizing her. "Sorry it took so long," Nightshade
admitted, "This place is bigger than you think." Shadow patted her and moved
to Hawke, slicing away his bonds. Hawke fell weakly into her arms, "Uhhhh ...
" "He's really weak Shadow," Sarah revealed, "I need to heal him." "There's no
time," Hawke replied, "Bethany ... needs you ... the Grand Master is way too
powerful for her." Shadow knew he was right. She looked to Nightshade. "Go ...
I'll help him," Nightshade relented. Shadow handed the injured Hawke to her
and ran off. "Ugh ... " Hawke faltered as Nightshade tried to move him. "Stop
whinning you big baby," Nightshade berated him. "May ... I'm sorry," Hawke
said, pausing their progress, "You have every right to hate me." "Good,"
Nightshade said quickly, "But for Bethany I'm going to save your ass. I don't
have to like you to save you. She needs you." "Not as much as she needs you,"
Hawke reminded her. Nightshade blushed, "Stop sounding nice, it's creepy."
"I'm ... always nice. I know I don't show it ... but you're a great person May
... Bethany's really lucky to have you keeping her honest." Nightshade wanted
to drop Hawke but kept moving, letting a tear fall down her cheek.

"AHHHHHH!!!!" Nocturne cried as she fired Tiffany's blasters rapidly at the
Grand Master, his shield unrelenting in blocking each of them. When the
barrage ceased, Tiffany took her turn. Standing almost perfectly still, The
Grand Master blocked every single thrust and slash the Soul Reaper sent his
way. Tiffany leapt back, "BANKAI!!!" her swords changed from Katanas to large,
curved swords with spikes on both sides of the blades and a connective hilt,
allowing them to become one weapon. Again she attacked, the blows from her
most powerful weapon connecting with the staff causing the church to rumble
violently. Tiffany united her swords into a bladed staff and landed a
backwards strike against the tip of the staff. The Grand Master was to focused
to ignore a leaping into the air Nocturne, bearing down on him with one gun.
She pulled the trigger nearly right up on him. Again, his eyes glowed and an
even more powerful barrier pushed the heroines back. But Nocturne was flying
in the air, aimed for a pilliar that she would surely hit and become seriously
injured by, nevermind the fall.

Lucky for her, someone leapt from the shadows and caught her, using a wind
spell from her sword to slow her fall. "Miss me?" Shadow asked. "Shadow,"
Nocturne touched her cheek. "Where the hell have you been?" Tiffany shouted.
Shadow rolled her eyes and moved to join Tiffany along with Nocturne,
"Completing the mission. What about you? Sounds like you were just goofing
off." Tiffany smiled, "Been a bit since I cut loose." The trinity of heroines
stood before the Grand Master. "Surrender," Nocturne commanded. "I think not,"
The Grand Master's eyes glowed again. Three beams of energy shot from the
Apple of Eden and struck the heroines in their chest, causing them to fall to
their knees, all grunting before they were hit by another energy wave that
sent them all flying to the back of the church, onto their faces. "Shit,"
Tiffany grunted. "So powerful," Nocturne gasped. Shadow focused her blurry
vision, "Guys ... anyone have a plan?" "Simple," Nocturne forced herself up,
as her friends tried as well, "We finish this."

"Argh," Hawke grunted as he was pulled along. "Quit complaining. This isn't
exactly awesome for me either," Nightshade said as she continued to move her
injured companion down the hall. The building shook again. "Jesus, what the
hell is going on out there?" Nightshade asked. "It's ... the Grand Master.
Dammit ... Bethany," Hawke said with concern. "Hey, it's Nocturne, Crimson and
Shadow. They can take this guy, no problem," Nightshade sounded confident. "No
... they cant," Hawke replied. "Ok that's it," Nightshade dropped Hawke and
knelt down to stare at him, "Enough of the gloom and doom. Why can my friends
not win?" "Because of the Apple of Eden," Hawke explained, "It's the source of
the power of the Guild, has been for centuries. It's allowed that old man to
live far past his time. He's only been in battle sparcely but I've seen him.
He's nearly invincible and just when he's worn down his opponents he'll ... "
"He'll what?" Nightshade almost demanded. "He'll use the apple to absorb their
lifeforce and extend his own. May ... he's going to slaughter them all."
Nightshade stood up, "Wait here." "Where are you going?" Hawke asked. "I'm
going to help them. Look," she said, "We came a long way to get you. You need
to have a little faith that, somehow, we're bringing you home. And besides,"
she turned to run, "Dying in battle with my best friend sounds a whole lot
better than listening to your pessimistic ass." "Dammit ... " Hawke grunted.
Perhaps she was right. But in his mind even Nightshade's added skill wouldn't
be enough. He forced himself to stand, he need to.

Back in the main chamber, Shadow was thrown into a wall and crumbled to the
ground. On the other side, Nocturne continued to run at the Grand Master,
firing off fading rounds of energy while tiffany tried to get up close and
engage the old man. He easily blocked all of her strikes and spun, sending his
spear slamming against the Soul Reaper and spinning her around, throwing her
into the Mistress of the Night and sending them landing right near Shadow.
"All things considered," Tiffany huffed, "I'd rather be in a nice bubblebath
with Soi Fon right now." "I'd gladly take a couch ... I'm exhausted," Shadow
suggested. "You really like couches," Tiffany observed. "I said I'm tired,"
Shadow reminded her. The two looked up at Nocture, who was missing half of her
mask, hunched over and in a less than stellar costume. She was breathing
heavily but said nothing. "But she's not willing to quit just yet," Shadow
said to Tiffany, "And if she's not ... ahhh God," she was thankfully helped up
by her red head sister figure. "Then neither are we," Tiffany said as they
stood together.

"It has been a long time since anyone gave me a battle like this," The Grand
Master's voice echoed, "You three should be proud." "Sarah, I could really use
a suggestion right now," Shadow said to her partner. "Probing this guy's
nearly impossible," Sarah confirmed, "I really don't know what to do ... try
again I guess?" "Tiffany, these blasters are getting weaker," Nocturne told
her friend. "Here," Tiffany took them and focused a little energy boost into
them. "That's all I can do for right now. I think we've got one more solid
charge in us. We need to take him down now," Tiffany said. "Tiffany," Nocturne
asked, "If you can use your ultimate attack ... do you think you could hurt
him?" Tiffany looked at her, "Maybe. But even on a maybe, it could bring this
whole place down in the process. I know you want to win Beth ... but I'm not
sacrificing you and Emma for that." "Take all the time you need to plan," The
Grand Master announced, "Your time ends with your next attack." Nocturne
glared but felt two hands on her shoulders. "We're with you Beth," Tiffany
assured her. "All the way to the end," Shadow promised her. "Thank you,"
Nocturne finally said.

"SPREAD OUT!!!" Tiffany shouted as she and Shadow broke off to the sides and
Nocturne ran up the center. She fired with Tiffany's blasters before getting
close enough to drop them and engage the Grand Master at close range. Stunned
by the tactic, the old man dropped his shield. "We've got an opening," Tiffany
said as she moved in from the left and Shadow moved in from the right.
Nocturne leapt back and went at him from the front, her worn but still
effective gauntlet ready to hit something. "ENOUGH!!!" The Grand Master
bellowed as the golden light from his staff connected with Tiffany's swords,
Nocturne's fist and Shadow's Katanna. He held them all for a moment before
using golden energy to flip them away again. "DAMMIT!!!" Tiffany cried as she
was spun into a corner. Nocturne fell ahead while Shadow was slammed in front
of the master, the tip of his staff pointed right at her. "Emma I cant get a
shield up," Sarah warned. "The first one," The Grand Master said. Shadow
grunted, refusing to quit. "Not even close," a new voice said. The Grand
Master looked up to see Nightshade throwing several knives in his direction.
He brought his staff up to deflect them. "NOCTURNE, GET HER!!!" Nightshade
cried out. With some effort, due to her injuries, Nocturne fired off her
grapple to ensnare Shadow and pull her out of harms way and into her arms.
"Thanks for the save," Shadow whispered. "Like you said," Nocturne said back,
"All the way to the end," the hug she had around Shadow tightening slightly.

Nightshade landed nearby and was joined by Tiffany, reuniting the group.
"Where's Hawke?" Nocturne asked. "I dropped him in a hallway somewhere so I
could come help you guys," Nightshade told her. "NIGHTSHADE!!!" Nocturne
screamed, more annoyed than anything. "He's heavy," Nightshade complained, "By
the way, you guys look like crap." "Feel like it too," Shadow grunted, getting
up. "Can I just say ... I really hate this guy?" Tiffany added. "One more ally
will not save you. This ends now," The Grand Master slammed his staff firmly
into the ground and the Apple began to glow. "Sarah I need everything you have
right now," Shadow pleaded. "As much as I can give you," Sarah anticipated.
The apple shot out four beams, each meant for one heroine. Shadow dug her
sword into the ground and activated a barrier that enclosed everyone around
her. When the beams connected, they could hear Sarah screaming. "Sarah?"
Tiffany called out. "AHHHHHH WHAT'S ... HAPPENING ... IM ... FEELING SO WEAK
... MY ENERGY ... " "Hold on Sarah!!!" Shadow cried out. "Emma ... it's ...
taking ... my life force ... i ... I cant ... " Sarah sighed. The shield fell
and all four heroines were struck with beams, eliciting a painful cry.
"AHHHHHH" Nightshade screamed. "NOOOOO!!!!" Nocturne cried out.
"DAMMIIIITTT!!!" Tiffany yelled. "UHHHHHH!!!" Shadow shrieked.

"The life force ... it's unlike anything ive ever felt," The Grand Master
cheered, "And it's mine ... ALL MINE!!!!" All four heroines fell to the
ground. Nocturne's eyes fell on her friends, all of them being drained of
their vital essence. For a moment, she saw Tiffany reaching for her. Nocturne
tried to reach out, but couldn't, she was too weak. But someone else too her
hand, her best friend. Nightshade brought their hands over to Tiffany and
Shadow was able to reach them as well. "I'm ... sorry ... everyone," Nocturne
cried. "We're ... with you ... " Tiffany said weakly. "All the way ... to the
end," Shadow said with tears. "Bethany ... we love you," Nightshade smiled.
Their grip tightened as things turned grim.

That's when the beams shut off. Nocturne, Nightshade, Shadow and Tiffany all
gasped as they felt their life force flow again. Nocturne glanced the alter as
she heard the staff fall to the ground, along with a deathly gurgling noise.
"You know ... what you've used that spell ... you leave yourself wide open
cause you're too drunk on your own power." "Hawke?" Nocturne gasped. The Grand
Master tried to speak, despite the face that Hawke's Assassin Blade had
pierced his throat. "This ... is my final kill. I made a promise to change my
ways and I swear on your corpse ... I will never take another life, ever again
... I'm free of you," Hawke pulled back his blade and let the old man tumble
to the ground. The apple seemed to flicker and then ensnared the Grand Master,
taking his collective life force, turning him into a lifeless husk before
finally dying out.

Hawke fell to his knees and nearly fell over before Nocturne ran up and
embraced him, "HAWKE!!!" "N-never thought ... you'd hold me again," he said.
"Hawke, it's ok ... it's over," Bethany combed her fingers through his hair.
Shadow, Tiffany and Nightshade joined them. Shadow pulled up her sword,
"Sarah?" Her spirit appeared on her sword in a sitting position. "Are you ok?"
Shadow asked. "Didn't think id ever feel anything worse than my own death ...
that wasn't fun. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you guys and you had to
experience that." Shadow returned the Shadow Sword to stone form and held it
against her heart, "Don't be so hard on yourself." "Yeah, it kind of sucked
for all of us," Tiffany added. "Literally," Nightshade threw in. Shadow pulled
the stone back so Sarah could look at them all, "Oh you guys." They looked
down at Nocturne, who was still holding Hawke in her arms, like they were the
only ones in the room. "So ... what do we do about all the ninjas?" Nightshade
asked. Nocturne pulled back, "It's too dangerous to lock them up in Fortune
City. They could all escape." "Well ... there is one idea," Tiffany said.
"But?" Shadow could sense it. "Ugh, Byakuya's going to hate me ... " Tiffany
moaned. "Considering what we just went through," Shadow looked around, "I
think that will be pretty bearable.

A couple hours later, minutes before sunrise.

"Well this is a little embarrassing for both of us," Hawke joked as May set
him down into Bethany's bed and set the Shadow Stone on a nearby table,
Sarah's spirit form appearing on top of it. "I'm not going to be your nurse
while you stay here," May said. "That's my job actually," Sarah raised her
hand. "Still ... I owe you one," Hawke said to May, honestly. May sat next to
him and glared, "You want to repay me?" She looked over at Bethany, who was
talking with Emma by the steps, "Earn that ... earn her love." "I will, I
swear," Hawke said without hesitation. "It's ok, May," Sarah smiled, "I can
heal him painfully if I want to." May chuckled, "Go easy on him Sarah," she
raised an eyebrow playfully, "This time anyway." "You know," Hawke said as he
settled in, "This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, May Star."
May's eyebrow twitched, "Please don't push it. Me thinking we can actually be
friends is kind of creepy." "But possible?" Hawke asked. May sighed, "Sure."
"I'll settle for sure with a sigh," Hawke winked. May blushed, "Smart ass."

Bethany smiled as she saw her best friend seem to make peace with her love.
Emma watched as well. "They're looking at us. That's a good thing right?" Emma
asked as May and Hawke smiled at the two. "It's a good sign," Bethany said
with relief. While Emma had depowered from her Shadow State, Bethany had only
removed her mask from her face. Emma nudged her, "You ok?" "A lot better,"
Bethany sighed, "But I'll save what I have to say for when Tiffany shows up."
Emma tapped her hand, "Come on, not even a hint?" Bethany simply smiled at her
warmly. Emma nodded silently in return. Much like with her best friend, Rei,
Emma didn't need to say much to Bethany to communicate, they just knew each
others thoughts with a glance. "Oh, speak of the Valkyrie," Emma nodded to the
balcony. The weary but alright Soul Reaper touched down on the terrace and
entered. "Whew," Tiffany rubbed her hair, "I doubt Byakuya's gonna let me off
this one so easily." "But he WAS ok with the arrangement?" Emma asked. Tiffany
nodded and joined her friends, "Yeah. Mightve used up a ton of favors but
after I told Byakuya about the Apple and how dangerous these guys were, he
agreed these guys definitely cant be held in any ordinary prison ... the Guild
is now officially staying in an off site prison far from the Seretei ... "
Tiffany paused, seeing Bethany confused, "They're locked up in the Soul
Society, and Soi Fon is personally seeing to them all being locked up. She
says you personally owe her one." "Tell her to send me the bill" Bethany
assured her.

"So, you said you wanted to tell us something?" Emma reminded her. Bethany
looked to May and Hawke then dipped her head, "You guys ... I don't know how
to thank you for tonight. What we went through. May and I could never have
handled that on our own. I ... I just want you to know that no matter what
happens, I don't even care the scale of the problem, I will be there for
either of you if you ever need me. This is a debt I don't think I can ever ...
" But Bethany was cut off by a hug from Emma, "Will you cut it out with that?
How many times do I have to tell you? This is never about favors ... this is
about helping the people we love the most in this world." "And that includes
you, always will, come here you two," Tiffany pulled her friends in for a
group hug. "Uhhhh ... " Emma moaned as they broke apart, "I'm beat. If it's
ok, I can crash on the couch downstairs and let Sarah heal Hawke some more."
"Actually," Bethany got a bit shy, "I was wondering if both of you wouldn't
mind sticking around a bit longer." "Oh?" Tiffany sounded excited. "Let's
sleep this off and then tonight ... let's go out: you two, me and May, we'll
choose the best restaurant in town, get dressed up and go have a night out.
And I'll pay for it all. It's the least I can do and I want to do something to
repay you all for tonight."

Tiffany and Emma exchanged a look. May moved up behind them, "Did I hear Girls
Night Out?" Emma got nervous now, "I didn't bring a change of clothes."
"Whatever you need, you can borrow from my closet," Bethany offered. "We get
to raid the closet of Bethany Hunter for sexy dresses?" Tiffany got really
excited. "That's ... not too much is it?" Emma asked. "Emma, this is a once in
a lifetime opportunity," Tiffany nudged before she leaned in and whispered,
"Plus I'm sure she's got some expensive stockings you could rock." Emma went
red. "She's in and so am I," Tiffany nodded. "Thank you," Bethany hugged
Tiffany and then Emma. "Come on, let's let Beth have her alone time with that
guy. I'll get you guys a pillow and blanket for downstairs. You two don't mind
sharing the couch do you?" May asked as she moved to the stairs. "Nope, see
you there," Tiffany ran down. "Think you just gave Tiff an early Christmas
gift," Emma chuckled. Before she descended, she felt Bethany take her hand and
give it a squeeze. It was the only thank you Emma ever needed from her, a hand
that was never letting go. Finally, Bethany and May sighed and embraced each
other. "I'm so sorry I was such a bitch earlier Beth. But you know I'd go to
hell and back with you ... or for you," May said trying to hold back a sob.
"Even if we do fight May," Beth pulled back, "I'll always do the same for
you," she brushed her cheek, "My very best friend." May kissed her on the
cheek, "I love you Bethany Hunter." "And I'll always love you May Star."

Downstairs, May found Emma and Tiffany lying on the couch. She went to her
room and brought back a blanket and pillow but found Emma was already fast
asleep. "She's had a rough night," Tiffany smiled, tending to her friend. May
handed her the blanket and pillow, "We all did." "Yeah but Emma tends to sleep
more than any of us. It's ok," Tiffany wrapped the blanket around them both.
"Looking forward to tonight?" May asked, leaning in and kissing Emma and
Tiffany on the head. "Oh I've been dying to try on some of those dresses. I'm
sure you've got some nice ones too," Tiffany raised her eyebrows playfully.
"You'll have to wait and see," May winked before walking off, stretching and
yawning in her sexy costume. Tiffany shook her head and settled in behind
Emma, "You ok?" Emma turned around, barely awake, "I'll be ok ... not everyday
you ... have your lifeforce nearly sucked out of you." "Sorry you had to feel
that," Tiffany said. "Is that ... what you felt when you ... you know?" Emma
asked. "Something like that," Tiffany admitted, "Only worse cause I saw you
guys dying along with me." "I'm glad we made it ... and I get to ... snuggle
... with you," Emma said before she dozed off. Tiffany kissed her on the
forehead, "Get some sleep little sister ... you've earned it." "You ... tooooo
... " Emma got in. Tiffany smiled and held Emma close, like Bethany, she was
one person she refused to let go of, ever.

Back upstairs, Bethany fell into her bed. "I'll give you kids some time to
yourselves. Don't push it Hawke," Sarah warned before vanishing. "Are you used
to her?" Hawke turned to the faceplanted Bethany. "Well she's seen me naked in
the shower so ... as used as anyone can be." "Shower?" Hawke raised an
eyebrow, "Even I haven't seen that yet." "You could," Bethany moved closer,
"When you're better. It's been a long night ... we could both use one." Hawke
smiled, "Sarah showed me your talk in the shower ... I really don't deserve a
girl like you," he took her hand, "I promise you, Bethany, I meant what I
said. I'm going to change and become the man you want me to be ... free of
death and killing ... I want to be someone worthy of your love." "You already
are ... I love you Jason, so much," Bethany smiled. "I love you Bethany Hunter
... I love you," he said, feeling so free. The kissed tenderly until they both
fell asleep. Sarah popped up and smiled, "Way to go Beth. I hope you two are
happy for a really long time." With that she vanished and the sun began to
shine into the Hunter/Star apartment where a team of superheroines and friends
were finally able to get a good nights rest.