Unknown to those who watched the vehicle drive past, its occupants were anything but common. The man at the wheel was handsome in a rugged sort of way. His hair was brown and short cropped with a matching mustache. He was dressed simply in a light blue plain T-shirt, black jeans and sneakers. Mirrored sunglasses concealed his eyes.
Seated beside the man was a gorgeous woman. She could have easily been considered a model or a Hollywood starlet. Her silvery hair fell to just below her shoulders and helped draw attention to her blue eyes and ruby lips. The woman was stylish, yet casually dressed as well. A navy blue sweater fell open to show a simple white silk top. Cropped dark grey satin slacks, white flat sandals and designer sunglasses completed her attire.
Together, they were better known to the world as Muskateer and the Enchantress, members of the famous Avengers. What was not known to the general population was that the two seemingly mismatched heroes were deeply in love with each other. A love whose strength was sometimes tested.
"Honestly, Steven," Gwen complained sternly. "Why must you be so difficult?"
"Difficult? Moi?"
"Oui, vous."
"You spoke French!", Steven noted with a mischievous glance.
"I am quite fluent in the language," Gwen responded. "It is the language of love, after all. But quit sidestepping the issue. There is this unexplained connection between us. I feel that it should be explored."
Steven let out a disgruntled sigh. "Look, sweetie, it's not that I'm not curious about it. I am."
"Then I fail to comprehend what the problem is in going to visit the Master. If anyone can help us resolve this dilemma, it is he." The Master was the mentor of the Circle who helped young mages and mystics hone their abilities. He had helped Gwen perfect her spellcasting abilities many years ago. Muskateer had only just recently heard about the Master, but had never met the man.
"I'm just not thrilled with the idea of having some Yoda-like character explaining my supposed life's destiny to me," Steven finally answered.
Gwen wiped the hair away from her face. "Could it be that you are afraid of the answer? I for one would like to know for certain and put the wonder behind us."
Steven was quiet for a few moments as he considered her statement. He found himself pulled in two directions. Steven wanted to make her happy, but the whole idea of some mystic connection brought about by who knows what troubled him. Steven wanted nothing more than to be in control of his own life. The master of his own destiny. "Okay, I'll admit the whole thing seems very strange to me." He turned to look at her for a moment. "And you know how I feel about magic."
Gwen smiled slightly. "Magic doesn't fill every facet of my life, but it is a big part." The smile on her face quickly disappeared and she looked away. Gwen stared out the passenger window, wringing her hands in her lap.
"I didn't mean it like that, Gwennie", Steven countered apologetically. "We've been over this before."
"Yes, I understand. The scientist in you is extremely curious and yet frustrated by the fact that you are faced with a problem that appears to have no discernable solution."
"There is always a solution," Steven countered. "I just haven't figured it out yet. Everything has to follow a set of laws and rules. Any other possibility is virtually unfeasible."
"Normally, I wouldn't mind such a mystery. It would add a little bit of spice to our lives, but I must admit that I am concerned about this. I'd like to put my fears to rest."
That was exactly the reason he didn't want to resolve it. Steven was concerned that some outside influence was affecting them. He didn't want to find out that Gwen's affection for him wasn't genuine but rather was the work of some unknown magical interference. That her love for him wasn't real. It had taken Steven a long time to come to terms with such a beautiful and intelligent woman being attracted to him. It was something that he didn't want to lose or find out that it was just a mistake.
"What's wrong with things the way they are? I mean, there's enough craziness in our line of work. I'd kind of like my personal life to be a little more normal."
"Steven, I think I understand what you're saying, dearest, but this is very important to me." She looked at him expectantly.
He returned the glance. She smiled hopefully, her eyes pleading behind her sunglasses. It was genuine and natural and Steven had no defense against it. He looked forward again, trying to hold out, but it was ultimately impossible. Reluctantly, he let out another long sigh, as the last of his resolve crumbled. He looked at her again. "All right. All right. You win. But can we at least wait a little while? The rest of the week is pretty busy."
"I concur," she said, as her smile grew wider and brighter. She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll contact the Master to set up the meeting."
"You know, you don't fight fair," Steven said with a smile.
"Thank you, Steven. I think we both will feel more comfortable when this mystery is resolved." She sat back and relaxed a bit, satisfied at least for the moment with their compromise. "Now, who is this Yoda person you mentioned? I don't believe I'm familiar with the name or his works."
Steven let out a surprised laugh. "He's a rather famous philosopher," Steven added with a mischievous chuckle. He really wasn't surprised that Gwen hadn't seen any of the Star Wars movies. She didn't seem like the type to take in that kind of entertainment. The theater or the opera was more likely Gwen's style.
Gwen gave him a strange look, having no idea what her love was so amused about. "I imagine I shall have to do some research. Perhaps you could provide me with some information on this Yoda's philosophies?"
Cracking another smile, Steven looked at his passenger again. "Maybe it should wait for a bit, Gwennie. 'Sides, we're here." Steven guided the Mercedes up the long driveway and toward the gated grounds.
The Kirby Estate looked in much better shape than when he had seen it last. Significant landscaping had been performed, bringing the vast property back into shape. The estate now looked like someone actually lived here. Which of course was the truth. Helena Kirby had moved back home after the destruction of her Central Park West apartment. Rumor had it that she had been joined here by her mother as well.
"Grander than what I was expecting," Gwen commented. She looked around, taking in the spectacle as Steven eased the car onto the grounds. "Of course, I was not quite sure what to expect."
Steven took Gwen's comments in stride. It had taken some doing to get her to go along with this in the first place. While as Muskateer, Steven had worked with and grew to trust the Huntress as a competent ally. However, the Huntress seemed to have rubbed the Enchantress the wrong way. Gwen had disagreed with her methods in the past and the two never really tried to become acquainted.
"It's funny," Steven offered as they approached the main house. "You and Helena come from very similar backgrounds and yet you couldn't be more different."
"Other than both being born to wealth, we have very little in common, Steven." Steven couldn't help but wince at the acidic tone of Gwen's reply.
While Gwen had been raised by loving parents as one of four children, Helena was an only child, raised by her father and grandmother. While the Enchantress never discovered her talent for magic until in her teens, Helena was being groomed as the successor of the Hunter legacy from a very early age. In a certain sense, Helena never had a normal childhood. Steven could only wonder just how much Helena had missed out on and if she had any regrets over the choices that had been made for her.
"I don't really see the need for this," Gwen continued. "You know that I'll buy you whatever you want. There is no need to take 'hand me down' clothing."
"Helena offered it up to me, so I agreed to at least take a look. You're making it sound like I'm going down to Goodwill or somethin'. Forgive me for being thrifty, but if I find something I like, why not take it? Provided it meets with your approval, of course, Sweetie."
Gwen's only reply was an unintelligible grumble.
"Look, I know you two got off to a bad start," Steven continued. "But maybe we can patch things up a little bit by being more social. Such as... going to her pool party this Saturday. I mean everyone else is going to be there; it would be a little odd if we didn't show up."
Steven brought the Mercedes to a stop near the rear garages and shut the engine down. The couple emerged from the car and casually advanced towards the back of the house hand in hand.
"I have no problem with you attending the party, Steven," Gwen countered. "I have told you that before."
"I know, but either we both go or neither of us do."
Gwen slowed her pace and sighed softly. Considering how Steven had compromised to her request to visit the Master, how could she not agree to his request? Steven stopped and turned to face Gwen. "For you, beloved, I will go," Gwen finally announced.
Steven smiled and gave Gwen a hug and a kiss. "Great! You'll have a wonderful time."
But somehow the Enchantress wasn't as convinced as the couple continued onward. Emerging at the expansive patio behind the mansion, they could see that there was an enclosed pool as well. To their surprise, they found Helena bent over a large gas grill, busily cleaning away years of grease and grime.
"Hey, Ralph!", Steven taunted as they approached.
Startled, Helena peaked over the top of the grill as the couple approached. "Oh, dear," she muttered upon realizing that her company was here. Stepping away from the grill, the couple could see that Helena's clothes and face were covered with black splotches of grime and grease.
"Very stylish," Steven added with a grin. Gwen couldn't suppress an amused look of her own. The sight of the normally fierce and tough Huntress covered in dirt from cleaning was priceless. It made her seem more human.
"Very funny," Helena answered back curtly. "I guess I lost track of the time... My apologies for not being ready for you. Say, why don't you relax for a minute and I'll get freshened up?"
"We'll wait here," Gwen responded, the smile on her face widening.
"See? I told you that this was going to be fun," Steven whispered to Gwen after Helena was out of earshot. Gwen couldn't help but chuckle.
After a quick cleansing, Helena gave the couple a tour of the estate. While much of the house hadn't seen significant use in years, it still held a stately elegance. The various rooms were uniquely decorated for a variety of tastes and situations. Other rooms had been transformed recently to serve new purposes. The once grand ballroom now held exercise and gymnastic equipment dedicated to hone Helena's athletic skills.
"Quaint little cottage you have here," Steven observed as he took in the sights. "I can't even begin to imagine living in a place like this."
"Everyone says that," Helena explained. "I myself don't find it to be all that special. It's just home."
Gwen remained mostly silent throughout the tour, but did find herself nodding appreciatively at the decor. "A most charming home," she finally complimented to Helena.
"Thanks, but I imagine that your family home probably puts this to shame. So much of the house sat in disuse for so long that things have really gone to pieces. Dad never did care much for having servants underfoot. Made his life as Hunter too complicated. Speaking of dad, his wardrobe is this way."
"I can see that," Steven commented about not having servants underfoot as they climbed the grand staircase to the second floor. "I thought that your mom was staying with you now?"
"See is," Helena answered as she led the way. "However, she's out shopping for the party right now. You can meet her tomorrow when we go to Sanctuary." (Editor's Note: As shown in Huntress #21-22)
With Helena leading the way, Steven and Gwen were escorted into one of the guest bedrooms. The clothing had been taken out of the closets of the master bedroom when Helena had moved in. The late Hunter's wardrobe had since been relocated to the guest room closets.
"Help yourself," Helena announced as she threw the doors open. "Like I said before, anything that either you or Ranger don't claim, I'll just donate to charity. From the looks of it, dad really didn't wear this stuff much."
"Wow," Steven uttered as he eyed dozens upon dozens of suits and sport coats. "And they say women have lots of clothing."
"Impressive," Gwen stated as she moved closer and inspected the garments. Valentino,... Armani,... Gianni Versace. Your father had excellent taste and as you stated, they appear to be virtually brand new." Eagerly, Gwen moved through the collection, finally settling on a black suit that met her tastes. "Here, beloved. Try this one on first."
"A very nice selection," Helena added in appreciation.
Steven just sighed as he accepted the suit and moved behind a changing screen. Gwen had been against the idea at the start, but had quickly assumed control of the situation. Women. Who could figure them out?
Two days later, Muskateer was soaring over Central Park on his new scooter. It was Friday and night had fallen less than an hour ago. In the past, the Avenger had been given to taking walks in the park to clear his mind. It helped him focus on the problems at hand.
The last few days had been interesting. Of course, most of his days since becoming an Avenger had been interesting. Yesterday, he had escorted the Enchantress, Huntress, Texas Ranger, and Helena's mother to Sanctuary for testing. The tests had gone off mostly without a hitch. Steven was particularly proud of how Gwen had defeated her Young Champions testers with such ease.
After the testing was finished, the group went their separate ways for a few hours. Steven thought it would be nice to take in the tropical sights before returning to the Big Apple. Once by themselves, the Enchantress magically changed their clothing to something more suitable for the climate. Then they went off to explore the island. They walked the beaches hand in hand for a while before ending up on top of the lighthouse. Steven held Gwen closely and they cuddled while enjoying the view. He wished that it never would have ended.
Suddenly Muskateer's musings were surprisingly and rudely interrupted. An explosion erupted underneath his scooter causing the vehicle to momentarily shoot upwards. The reinforced undercarriage withstood the blast, but the force of the explosion sent the machine careening wildly off course.
"What the hell was that?" Muskateer thought as he fought to right the craft. His powerful hands guided the scooter back on to course and away from a potential collision with a large tree. Now back under control he started to circle the area and search for his ambusher. He felt somewhat vulnerable at the moment. The mysterious attacker could be hiding almost anywhere, on the ground, in the treetops, or even invisible. He scanned the area below him vainly.
Completely without warning, another attack took him square in the right shoulder. He hadn't even seen it coming. The attack was largely futile as it was blunted by his micro-armor, but it was rather startling. He swooped down closer to the ground and the protective cover that it offered.
"I'm not going to just make a target of myself." Weaving in between the trees, the Avenger continued to search for his unseen opponent. However, his attacker continued to remain concealed. He hadn't even figured out just what he was being attacked with yet. "Come out, come out, wherever you are."
Muskateer had almost circled the area completely, when another attack came at him. He had only a moment to realize that an arrow was slamming into the armored fairing of his cycle before it exploded. The cycle again absorbed the blast on its frontal armor, but the force nearly threw the rider off. Fighting to hold on, Muskateer gunned the controls to clear the ambush area. Before he had completely recovered a bright flash lit up in front of his face. There was no force this time, just a bright magnesium flare, completely blinding him.
"Oh crap!", Muskateer grumbled as he realized that he wouldn't be able to see where he was going. Not having completely righted himself, he tried to slow his momentum, but crashed unceremoniously into the ground. He barreled through a cluster of bushes and a park bench, ripping everything up as he went and scattering the startled inhabitants who had been sitting there. People, pigeons, and squirrels scattered every which way, fleeing for safety.
Finally sliding to a stop, Muskateer released the controls of his scooter and shook his head to clear it. Spots still played before his eyes, but his vision was quickly returning. "Somebody's starting to get on my nerves," he nearly shouted in frustration. He was on his feet in moments, sword in hand. As he glanced about, another arrow hit him in the chest. It bounced off harmlessly, but he hadn't seen this one coming either. Whoever had ambushed him was a dead shot.
"Maybe you should just switch to spitballs!", Muskateer taunted. He looked about. Perhaps he could goad his attacker into showing themselves. "What are you trying to do, tickle me to death?" Nothing. "I've been in nastier Nerf fights than this." Finally, movement.
A figure dropped from a tree limb, some distance away. Muskateer could see that it was a woman. Illuminated by a nearby light, the woman's costume seemed to be no particular color and all colors at the same time. Her hood, flared gloves, and folded over boots were all green in color. She nocked another arrow in her high-tech bow and took aim.
"Thanks for showing yourself, darlin'", Muskateer stated, relieved to finally have his hidden foe revealed. "Of course, I'm going to have to bill you for the scratched paint on my scooter."
"Iron Maiden sends her greetings, scout," the lady archer intoned in a heavy British accent as she sent her latest arrow flying. Her hand reached back into her quiver to retrieve another arrow as soon as the one she had just fired had cleared her bow.
"Now there's a name I haven't heard in a while." Muskateer thought back to the causes of his mutating and the actions against him since that time by Iron Maiden's cronies. His last run-in with her minions had been with the supervillain Deathbolt back in Chicago. He still wasn't sure just what she wanted with him. Perhaps the Iron Maiden felt he was responsible for her agents failure at Kord Industries.
Muskateer blocked the incoming arrow, but just barely. "Damn, you're pretty good with that thing."
Rainbow Archer fired again and rapidly prepared for her next shot. "Pretty good? I am the best there is," she cooly stated. Once more her shaft was dead on target.
Dodging wildly, Muskateer barely avoided the projectile which trailed an electric tail behind it. "I'm not in any position to argue, Rainbow Brite." Muskateer had recognized her from his long hours pouring over Avengers criminal files. Rainbow Archer was a competent thief and bow for hire. Another shaft crashed into the Avenger before he could react quickly enough to block it. The impact knocked him to the ground, but had little damaging effect. "But all you're really doing is making me ticked off. And you're gonna run out of arrows sooner or later."
"My arsenal will last long enough, bloke. The real question is: will you?" She nocked and fired again. Muskateer rolled for cover to avoid the shaft as it burst into flames near him.
Quickly tumbling and rising to one knee he raised his sword and fired his taser beam. "Unless you find something better in that little backpack of yours, I'm not really worried." Rainbow Archer ducked under the attack without much effort. She had a fluid grace about her movements.
"I'll happily pit my skill with a bow against you and your silly sword all day long," the Archer commented, firing again. She was faster than most opponents Muskateer had faced so far and it was irritating. He could block her attacks or dodge, but he wasn't able to mount any real assault of his own.
Rainbow Archer did her best to avoid his advances as well. Every time Muskateer tried to close the distance between them, she would scamper off just far enough and attack again. "I hate to break it to you, Brite," Muskateer said as he took an electric arrow in the shoulder, "but I'm still standing. Let's see how many hits from me you can take."
"You cad! Trying to hit a woman!" Rainbow Archer leapt over the taser blast, which ripped up hunks of grass and shrubbery as it tore into the ground where she had just been standing. "Whatever happened to chivalry here in the colonies?"
"You started this, Rainbow Brite, not me." Muskateer dove under another shaft and rolled forward, firing his taser as he tumbled. This time he did not miss.
The Archer took the brunt of the blast in her hip. Her rainbow bodysuit absorbed some of the damage, but the burst of electrical energy threw her backwards. Rainbow Archer disappeared into a clump of shrubs and bushes with a cry of pain.
Muskateer moved in cautiously. Rainbow Archer's earlier ambush put him on the defensive. She already proved that she could hit him without Muskateer seeing where it even came from. But there was nothing. Could his attack have rendered her unconscious?
"Cripes, I didn't think I hit her that hard." Muskateer moved closer. Still nothing. "Maybe she hightailed back to Sherwood Forest." He waited a moment, looking about for an attack from any direction. "Alright, Rainbow Brite, come on out and let's get this over with." Without warning the hair on the back of his neck rose. A moment later a shrill scream, most likely Rainbow Archer's, tore through the night air. "Oh bloody 'ell."
The Avenger considered for a split second. It could be a trap and he cursed himself for giving in to it, but she really could be in trouble. This was Central Park after all. Throwing caution to the wind, Muskateer crashed through the brush in the direction of the scream.
The sight that met his eye was not what he had expected. Rainbow Archer was being held, pinned by a hand about her throat, to a tree. Her assailant was a police officer, or at least someone dressed as one. Showing extraordinary strength, the man held her off the ground with one hand. Another officer was behind the tree, holding her hands at her side. Her broken bow lay at one of the men's feet among a pile of arrows.
"Awright, kiddies, play time's over." Muskateer doubted they were really cops.
The officer with his hand around Rainbow Archer's neck turned and pulled off his sunglasses, revealing reddish glowing eyes. He opened his mouth to reveal a set of large fangs and hissed in response. "You're next, hero!" Then he turned back towards Rainbow Archer intending to bite her on the neck.
"Charming conversationalist," Muskateer remarked as he hit the taser switch on his sword's hilt. The electrical blast slammed into the vampire before it could reach its victim's neck. "Guess I shoulda paid more attention to Ralph when she was talking about vampires, huh? Not to mention making my own Vampire Survival Kit."
The rearmost vampire also hissed in response and bodily hurled Rainbow Archer aside. She crashed into another tree, the collision knocking the air from her lungs. The villainess slid to the ground, dazed and unable to catch her breath.
"Now you will die! I will feast on you, mortal. Your life's blood shall satisfy my thirst." The vampire launched himself towards the Avenger, a bloodthirsty look on his twisted face.
"Look if you're thirsty, I know a nice little pub not far from here." The vampire completed a body tackle, taking Muskateer to the ground. But the Avenger quickly recovered, continuing into a backwards roll and kicking the vampire away from him. Muskateer was on his feet in a moment. The vampire rose as well, more slowly, and flashed his canines as he stalked the hero.
"You fight well, but it is futile. You cannot match our might. We are stronger, more powerful than you could ever imagine. Soon, you will make a fine addition to our brood, as will the woman. The master will be quite pleased." The vampire rushed forward again.
"Count me out, fangs. I already got a great gig goin' and a gal who'd get really ticked off if I became a child of the night." Muskateer electrified his blade and swung, but the vampire slipped under the attack. Moving in, the creature punched Muskateer and knocked him backwards over twenty feet. The sword-wielding Avenger tumbled to a rude stop.
He shook his head to clear it. The vampire was already closing in. "Alright, I'll give you this much: you're stronger than you look. But smell ain't everything. This time I won't underestimate you." Muskateer electrified his blade again and slammed it into the vampire. The creature howled in pain on impact and staggered away momentarily. As he closed in for a follow-up to the attack, Muskateer heard a voice behind him.
"Stop! Or the woman dies!" The Avenger turned. Behind him was the other vampire now recovered and holding the still dazed Rainbow Archer. He had pulled back her kelly green hood, knocking off her goggles in the process and revealing her short, bright red hair. The vampire exposed Rainbow Archer's neck and held her firmly in both hands. Then he leaned in and bared his fangs.
"If you don't let her go, we're gonna find out if this sword works as well as a wooden stake," Muskateer threatened. He took a few tentative steps forward, holding his sword before him.
The vampire laughed an evil laugh in response. "For all your posturing, we both know that you're a hero and heroes don't let innocents die. Certainly not at the hands of vile creatures such as we." The vampire continued to grin its toothy evil grin. "But who's complaining, she'll just end up one of us. Either way, you lose and we win."
"I wouldn't be so sure of myself if I were you, Mr. Overbite." Muskateer studied the distance between them.
"Oh, I am very confident of my situation, hero. Come forward if you dare."
Muskateer hesitated for a moment, contemplating his move. He heard a movement behind him and spun. The other vampire was nearly upon him, fangs bared. Using the momentum from his turn, Muskateer's blade flashed in the night air, meeting the vampire in mid-leap. All in one motion, the sabre cut cleanly and easily through the neck of the monster, severing the head in one simple stroke. Continuing on his spin, Muskateer dropped to one knee and fired an electrical blast from his weapon.
The vampire with Rainbow Archer was not prepared for such a violent and decisive display and took the full electrical blast in the face, separating him from his hostage. "All that practice in the Combat Simulator really paid off," Muskateer commented to himself as he closed the gap on the fallen vampire. "Care to end up like your friend over there, fangs?" Muskateer strode forward confidently.
The vampire hissed in response, but was no fool. It turned into mist and drifted away slowly, cursing as it went. "We're not finished with you, hero! You'll regret what you've done here tonight!"
"Sticks and stones, and all that," Muskateer called out after the fleeing monster. "Come back and fight and we'll see who finishes this." Seeing that his opponent was unwilling to continue the combat, the Avenger turned back to his original attacker. "That didn't exactly go according to plan, now did it?"
"You got lucky," Rainbow Archer muttered as she regained her feet.
"Sheesh. Talk about your sour grapes. I save the girl's life and all she can say is 'I got lucky'?" The Avenger dropped his sword point, but didn't sheath his weapon. He kept an eye on the villainess as she started to reclaim the pieces of her damaged bow and the scattered arrows.
Rainbow Archer looked up as Muskateer's sarcastic words came forth. Her green eyes flashed angrily, her pride severely wounded. But she was unable to say anything further. Muskateer did save her life. The Archer reclaimed her goggles which had been torn off during the attack, then replaced them and adjusted her hood.
Muskateer watched, a bemused look on his face hidden behind his mask. "Tell your boss to send more help next time."
Rainbow Archer glared back at the hero. There was not much she could do without her bow. Her arrows were still functional, however Muskateer was an accomplished close combat fighter. The beating she had just taken had drained most of her energy and ambition. Rainbow Archer wondered just who, or what, those two were anyway. The fallen attacker had disintegrated into ash by now. Startled, she stopped and stared at the vampire's smoldering remains.
Muskateer moved up alongside and looked on as well. "Now there's something you don't see everyday. Handy clean up afterwards, at least. All you need is a dustbuster."
"Those really were vampires." The color seemed to drain from the Archer's face as realization dawned on her and her hand involuntarily reached for her neck.
"Yeah, I know."
"I thought those were just some weird gang members. Punks on drugs or something." She paused a moment, still incredulous. "Those really were vampires."
"Yeah. I know!", Muskateer responded again.
"What kind of city do you people have here?", she asked turning to face the hero. Muskateer noticed that her heavy English accent seemed to drop away quite a bit.
"Comes with the territory, Rainbow Brite."
She bristled again at the verbal jab. Muskateer didn't seem the least bit fazed by the vampire attack and having just killed one. "Well then, what happens next? What are you planning to do with me?"
"Not a whole lot I can do. It's not like I'm not a cop or anything. Go on, beat it. I've got better things to do than spend my whole night dealing with our stupid legal system."
Rainbow Archer took a step back, a surprised look coming over her features. She considered for a moment, then thought better of saying anything that might further aggravate the situation. Grabbing the rest of her equipment, the Archer quickly dashed off. Some distance away, she hesitated and turned. "Thanks," she called back, her thick English accent returning. "Until next time then, scout." She then disappeared into the darkness.
"Someone wanna tell me what that was all about?", Muskateer wondered aloud as he continued to stare off in the direction that Rainbow Archer had ran off in. "Crap! I should have asked her what the deal was with Iron Maiden before I cut her loose."
Mentally kicking himself, Muskateer sheathed his sword and headed off to reclaim his scooter. "Oh well, that's a worry for another day. Me, I've got a party to go to tomorrow!"
