"And now the pièce de rèsistance," Charcoal informed her friend as the shorter woman stepped into view. "Allow me." Reaching up, Charcoal placed a pair of black sunglasses over Sapphire's eyes. She stood back once more, to take in the full effect of the clothing she had provided for Sapphire.
While Sapphire was dressed in a style she was not usually noted for, Charcoal herself was likewise dressed out of character. Her short flaming red hair had been heavily moused and a multitude of spikes rose from the top of her head. Instead of her usual t-shirts and biker togs, Charcoal was wearing an electric blue leather dress. The dress fell to just above her knees and left her back exposed. The plunging neckline was risquè, to say the least. Matching high-heeled sandals finished Charcoal's outfit.
Turning back to the mirror, Sapphire took stock of herself once more. "I fail to comprehend the need for all of this."
"Hey, you're the one who said that you wanted to learn about human sexual relations," Charcoal countered. "Let me put it into terms that you can understand."
"Please do." Sapphire towered over the smaller woman, awaiting an explanation. During her time on Earth, the blue giantess had found humans to be a most puzzling species. They seemed to do everything the hard way. Especially when it came to sexual relations. Sapphire's people would battle for the right to possess a mate, while humans did something called 'dating' to select a potential life-partner.
On this evening, Charcoal had arranged for Sapphire to go on something called a 'double-date'. What this meant, Sapphire couldn't even begin to grasp. Perhaps it was some sort of double elimination tournament? Even stranger, Charcoal had requested that Sapphire show up at her bungalow early to prepare for the 'double date'. Sapphire never imagined that this preparation included dressing up in strange garments or the application of colorings to the face and fingernails. She knew that in some cultures, hunters and warriors used such war paint to engage in hunts and battles.
"Humans engage in many different type of battles, but not limited to the physical kind. Dating is a kind of contest, but there is usually no physical violence involved. But like any contest, there are rules to the game."
"I understand the necessity for rules," Sapphire nodded. "So all I need to do is learn the rules to dating?"
"You got it!", Charcoal laughed and slapped Sapphire on the shoulder. "Males are typically the aggressors when it comes to dating."
"Then I am to be on the defensive?" Sapphire preferred to be on the attack while in battle. Still, being on the defensive did have its advantages. It allowed one to study their foe to pick up details that could be later used against them.
"In a fashion," Charcoal explained after a pause. This was turning out to be a more difficult task than she had first imagined. "You see, it is traditionally the man who asks the woman out on a date. But, it's the woman who gives the man subtle encouragement, letting the male know that she's interested in him."
"The woman is really the aggressor," Sapphire concluded. "I like that."
"Uhm, yes and no. The process works better when we gals let the guys think that they are in charge. Has to do with their ego."
Sapphire had heard about this mysterious thing called ego before. She had been told that in some people that it was quite huge and nearly absent in others. So far, Sapphire had been unable to determine the size of one's ego by simple observation, but as humans were typically clothed, what laid underneath was mostly unknown to her.
"You see, in dating the woman makes herself desirable to a man that she wishes to be with. But she does this with subtle gestures called flirting. Basically getting the guy's attention. Sometimes the male won't get it, but mostly they do."
"Ah!", Sapphire stated excitedly, realization coming to her face. "We lure the males into our trap and then we strike!" She pounded her right fist into her left hand for further emphasis.
It was all Charcoal could do to keep herself from laughing out loud. Sapphire's alien take on everyday human life could be hilarious at times. "You sort of have the general idea. But, remember, this isn't a physical battle. To secure the male that we wish, women will dress to attract her potential mate."
"Then these garments you have given me are to attract a potential mate? As are yours?"
"You got it, big blue."
Sapphire turned back to look at herself in the mirror once more. While she didn't find the clothes to be attractive one way or the other, she could understand how an alien culture may have different values. On Sapphire's homeworld, physical toughness was found to be highly attractive. On Earth, it was one's appearance and style of dress. "Then our style of dress is-- How do you humans say? Bitchin'?"
No longer able to contain herself, Charcoal burst out in laughter. "Where did you pick that up from? Never mind, I don't want to know." Putting her arm around Sapphire, Charcoal looked at the pair in the mirror. "You know it, sister. Bitchin' to the max!"
Regaining her composure, Charcoal led Sapphire out of her apartment. "Come on, our dates should be arriving on the island shortly." Sapphire nodded her understanding and followed Charcoal out of the bungalow. The two women attracted many strange looks as they walked along, but neither paid any heed. The buckles and chains on Sapphire's outfit chinked and clanked as they walked along. The giantess found it an odd outfit to go hunting in. Stealth was not an option. But, if what Charcoal was saying was true, then being noticed was part of the hunter's strategy.
Charcoal had grown accustomed to being noticed in her short life. The daughter of some unnamed famous hero, the young woman had been a hellion as a teenager. Instead of being the prim and proper daughter her father had hoped for, Felicity, her real first name, instead became a tomboy more apt to hang out with biker gangs and party all night long. Those days had long since passed, but Charcoal still loved to let her hair down. It was a tremendous release from her position as head of Sanctuary Security.
"You haven't told me who my prey is yet,", Sapphire noted as the pair closed on the Arrival Center. In any hunt, it was necessary to know what you were after.
"I'm not sure who it is myself. You see, Seeker and me go back a long way." Charcoal let that train of thought stop as memories of her and Seeker's past exploits brought a smile to her face. "Anyway, Seeker calls me up a few days ago and tells me that he's coming in this weekend and that he's bringing some of his Champion buddies with him. One thing led to another and he claimed to have a perfect man in mind for you. I guess you could call this a blind date."
Sapphire came to a sudden halt. "He is sightless!?"
"No, of course not! A blind date is going out with someone that you haven't met yet."
"Oh," Sapphire sighed in relief, shaking her head. "Human language is difficult to comprehend."
"Relax. We're going to have a great time!"
The two women entered the Arrival Complex and made their way to the Trans-Tube Chamber. The large room housed the teleporter that allowed virtually instantaneous travel between Sanctuary and New York City. "Here they come now," Charcoal observed as she observed the control panel. Four people materialized on the Trans-Tube platform, two men and two women.
"G'Day, mates," the man known as Seeker stated as he stepped off the teleport pad. He was over six feet tall with short blond hair and was ruggedly handsome. Seeker was not wearing his normal hero costume, but instead wore an understated black suit and tie. In his hand was a bouquet of roses.
"Felicity!" Seeing his old friend, Seeker rushed forward, took Charcoal up into his arms and twirled her about. The two tightly embraced and shared a kiss.
"Good to see you too, Don," Charcoal sighed happily as she accepted the roses, giving them an experimental smell. "It's been too long."
"I haven't see you in a dingo's age."
"Ahem!" Turning, Seeker could see the very annoyed look on one of his female teammate's face. "You going to introduce us or what?"
"Tritium, you remember of course." Seeker stated as he gestured towards the woman. Tritium wore a blue body suit with golden yellow accessories. Her skin was a soft brown in color and matched that of her dreadlocked hair.
"Hi," Charcoal responded with a wave. "Welcome to Sanctuary. Oh, this is Sapphire."
"Looks like you guys are getting ready to rumble," Tritium noted as she observed Sapphire's attire. A seven foot tall woman with blue skin in biker clothing was not something you saw everyday. Not even in the weird world of the superhero biz.
"This here is Solitaire," Seeker explained, gesturing to the other woman beside him. She wore a dark rose colored body suit with a ankle length cape and high boots. Solitaire stood about 5'10" with auburn hair and green eyes. A multi-faceted crystal floated near her. The woman seemed nervous and carefully took in her surroundings.
"Yes, I agree completely, Widget," Solitaire stated aloud to her floating crystal. "Most unusual."
"Last, but not least is Obsidian."
Every since he had appeared, Sapphire had stared at Obsidian. He was definitely not what she had been suspecting. In fact, he wasn't even human! Obsidian stood a full foot taller than Sapphire and had jet black skin. He had no body hair of any type. Even stranger, he was dressed in a suit that matched Seeker's and carried a bouquet of flowers in his hand. "Impressive," Sapphire observed in admiration.
"Interesting," Obsidian noted, equally impressed by Sapphire. The alien prince had been wary of Seeker's plan to bring him to Sanctuary to 'meet someone', but had finally relented. Perhaps it would give him the chance to learn more about human culture. While her skin was unusual in color, Obsidian found her shiny black clothing to be most pleasing. It also reminded him of the females from his homeworld. Thrusting the flowers towards Sapphire, Obsidian added, "I am told that these are for you."
Sapphire curiously looked over the roses as a puzzled look came to her face. "Why?"
"I do not know," Obsidian answered with a shrug. "Seeker told me that it was required."
"It's a gift for you," Charcoal informed her friend.
"I see." Sapphire took the bouquet into her hand and examined the flowers even closer as if considering what to do with them. Finally, she bit the head off one rose and chewed. "Quite tasty."
"I told ya these two would hit it off," Seeker whispered to Charcoal between peels of laughter.
"Don, I think you might be right. I just wish you had told me ahead of time. I would have had Saph dress differently."
"Oh, I don't know," Seeker responded with a grin. "I think she looks rather fetching wearing your clothes."
Tritium rolled her eyes and sighed in annoyance. "Come on, Solitaire. Looks like we're on our own here." Taking her teammate by the arm, Tritium led Solitaire towards the exit.
"Bye," Solitaire managed to say before departing. This was her first visit to Sanctuary and she had no idea what was in store for her. Everything had been unexpected so far, so Solitaire thought the rest of the visit was not going to be dull either.
A dazed smile still etched on his face, Jason McTaggert walked into the bungalow he shared with Archangel. It was late afternoon, Sanctuary time. The events of the day still played in Jason's mind. This easily had to be the best day of his short life. Not only had he traveled to New York City to attend a pool party, but he had met the Avengers and several other superheroes, frolicked in the pool with Firestar's friends, and to top it all off, Firestar had kissed him! Jason felt so good that he believed that he was actually floating.
Thoughts of the young Avenger filled his mind. The smell of her sweet perfume, how her blonde hair splashed about her shoulders, the way the fabric of her swimsuit hugged her toned body. While she wasn't the prettiest girl at the party, Cassandra was the loveliest girl in the world as far as Jason was concerned. The way that she smiled made Jason weak in the knees.
"Hey! Snap out of it!"
Coming out of his daze, Jason realized that his roommate had been trying to talk to him. So caught up was he in his thoughts, that Jason hadn't paid Archangel any heed. Or had even been aware of his presence. "Oh, hi, Jean Paul."
"I asked how your party went," Archangel repeated as he put his arm around Jason. "I want to hear all the juicy details. You know, which heroine isn't currently dating and so on. You didn't take any pictures did you?"
"Uhm, sorry no." Jason had almost been expecting this line of questioning. Archangel was well known for his skirt chasing of almost any superpowered female that he met. Almost as legendary was the number of times and different manners he had been rebuffed. "But I can tell you that most of the lady Avengers have boyfriends. The kind of guys that I wouldn't want to mess with."
While that wasn't totally true, Jason thought it better to not raise any false hopes in Archangel's mind. The winged Young Champion came on overly strong and tended to annoy any woman that he was attracted to, which was basically any woman he met. Besides, it wasn't Jason's job to find dates for Archangel.
"A pity, but not a total surprise. Fine women like that can have any man that they choose." Archangel released Jason, crossed the room, and plopped into the couch. "Still, I don't get it. How does a quiet guy like you end up with such a lovely lady like Firestar? I mean, you're not hideous or anything, but I'm the clear winner in the looks department."
"Modesty, too," Jason added sarcastically.
"So what's your secret? How come you can score while I can't?" Archangel looked down dejectedly.
Jason paused to consider what to say. And if he even should say something. It wasn't like he had any great experience when it came to dealing with girls. Firestar was the first girl that he had gotten to know who wasn't a relative. Jason had just come back from his first date and his first kiss. He was a novice when it came to romance.
It wasn't like Archangel was ugly or anything. No, he was quite handsome, almost angelic in appearance given his white feathery wings. His looks weren't the problem. "It's his attitude," Jason silently realized. "It's really ugly."
"In my honest opinion, I think that you're trying too hard. You come on too strong and it turns the ladies off. You need to be more subtle."
Of course being subtle was difficult with when you had wings growing out of your back. Jason couldn't imagine going through what Jean Paul had endured growing up. Jason had just been overweight and unpopular among the other kids. He didn't have the extra baggage of having wings. Archangel must have been taunted mercilessly by the other kids. So much so that he tried too hard to overcome his physical differences. Which in turn just turned people off even more.
Archangel leaned back on the couch to consider Jason's advice, lost in thought. "Maybe you're right, Mole Boy," he finally answered. "Maybe I need to try a little finesse. Stalk the prey instead of going straight in for the kill. Yeah, I can do that." Rising from the couch, a wide grin on his face, Archangel made his way to the exit. "Thanks for the advice, Jace old buddy. Don't wait up as I plan on being out all night long!"
Jason sighed as he watched Archangel leave the bungalow. He seriously doubted that Archangel's whole attitude was going to change just like that. Shaking his head, Jason headed for the shower. The day had been a long one for him and he planned to spend a quiet night alone before turning in early.
"Chris!", Jennifer shouted as the door to the room opened. Literally flying across the room, Jennifer gave Christina Blackledge a big hug. "I missed you so much!"
Nightingale took a step back by reflex, her black eyes growing wide until she realized what was going on. "Hello, Jennifer. How are you?" Chris returned the hug.
The two had been sharing an apartment within the Sanctuary Hotel every since the bungalow that Nemesis used to share with Tempest had been damaged when Firewing arrived on the island. Jennifer now possessed some of Christina's knowledge from when she absorbed some of Nightingale psyche into her own. However, Jennifer still had the mentality of a child.
"Why did you have to leave me alone?", Jennifer wondered aloud.
"We talked about this before," Nightingale explained in a calm voice. "You weren't ready to come along with me."
Recently, Nightingale had returned to the Avengers in a reserve capacity. Between that and the classes she taught on Sanctuary, the Psionic's Avenger's plate was rather full. The traveling back and forth between time zones didn't help either. However, on this night, Chris relaxed by a attending a pool party at the Huntress's estate.
"But why?", Jennifer whined. "It's not fair! Jason got to go! I'm not allowed to do anything!"
"Now that's not true," Chris gently explained. "Jason is older and more in control of his powers. However, we haven't even figured out how your powers work, let alone how to control them. Until you do learn, that makes you a potential danger to those around you."
Jennifer released Chris and walked away. "But I wouldn't hurt anyone," she said barely above a whisper. "I like meeting people."
"I know you do." Chris took several steps towards Jennifer, but the young woman was still facing the other way. "That coupled with how young you are, is the problem. I'm sure that you'll understand once you're older."
"How long is that going to take?"
The unusual question brought a smile to Nightingale's face. Jennifer looked like your typical sixteen year old girl. Young and pretty, her body going through the changes transforming her from girl to woman. But her mind was lagging far behind. Mentally, she was only about seven or eight years old. When you added a potentially lethal super power into the mix, it was a recipe for disaster.
"It will take time," Nightingale finally answered, placing her hands on Jennifer's shoulders. "How much, I don't know."
There were things about Jennifer that had not been explained to her as of yet. Such as the fact that Jennifer was really only four months old and that she was a clone of the original Jennifer Powers who perished in an automobile accident. Right now she was too young to understand such things. It had been decided that it was best to hold these details back until Jennifer was older and could truly understand.
Jennifer turned to face Chris once more. "But I don't wanna wait." Jennifer's soft blue eyes were almost pleading. "I don't like being treated like a little kid. I want to grow up right now."
"That's not possible. People grow and mature with the passage of time. It's a natural process that you'll have to endure." Nightingale tried to give the young woman her best hopeful and understanding look. "It just takes time."
As per the Saturday night tradition, a large bon fire was set up on the beach. Complete with food and beverages, the guests of Sanctuary are given the time to meet and mingle in romantic setting. It is a time to relax, renew friendships, and make new acquaintances. But for some, the party-like atmosphere is a little too crowded.
Slipping away from the bon fire, a man in a sky blue costume with bright yellow boots, gloves, and trim, chases after a woman wearing white with gold trim. Both are laughing and giggling loudly as they engage in their playful pursuit.
"You won't escape me that easily, dear!", the man yelled to the woman.
"Sorry to disappoint you, honey," the woman shouted back. "But I won't be that easy of a catch!"
"Unless I do this!" Unexpectedly, the man's body changed into a stroke of lightning, shot through the air before the fleeing woman, and reformed himself in her path.
"Cheater!", the woman laughed as she slowed her run.
"I have you now, my pretty!" The man called Lightning lunged forward with an evil laugh, wrapping his arms around his wife, the powerhouse known as Thunder. The two playfully fought on the sand before they finally melted into each other's arms and shared a passionate kiss.
"I wish we could stay here forever," Thunder sighed after a time as she stared up into the starry sky.
Life in the real world had not been the best for the pair. At least, not since the incident that gave them both superpowers. John and Margaret Harrington had never wanted such abilities. They were content and happy to continue on with their lives by not making use of their superpowers. What they craved the most was privacy.
That was until they needed money to help pay their taxes. In a moment of weakness, the pair robbed a federal reserve, just taking what they need to pay their debts, swearing to never do such a thing ever again. But come the next year, they were in a similar situation and once again turned to crime to get money.
On the third try, they were caught. The judge imposed a very unusual sentence on the couple in an attempt to teach them civic responsibility: the two would have to function as superheroes for the next year, assisting any and all who asked, or they would be sent to prison. It was the worst possible punishment that could be given the privacy loving couple. Their real names, address, and phone number became public knowledge.
Thankfully, that hellish year was now over. Their lives forever changed, Thunder and Lightning knew that they couldn't go back to their life of old. Instead, they would now cash in on what they learned about the criminal underworld. If they couldn't have privacy anymore, at least they would be able to live in comfort.
But here on Sanctuary, such problems seemed very far away. "Me too," Lighting answered after a time. "Pity that we couldn't live here all the time."
"That's a lovely thought," Thunder cooed as she kissed her husband once more. They embraced tightly, completely ignoring the world around them.
SPLASH!!
"What the--?", Lightning wondered as both he and his wife suddenly found themselves soaking wet. Frantically looking around, John quickly discovered the cause of this sudden dousing. Standing close by, other water balloons in hand was a short man in a red, white, and yellow costume.
"Gotcha!", Turbo laughingly taunted as he tossed the rest of his water balloons at super speed. It was all Thunder and Lighting could do to protect themselves from this onslaught.
"When I get my hands on that twerp, I'm going to break him in half!", Thunder threatened as she got to her feet.
"Youcan'tcatchme!", Turbo announced as he streaked away, leaving the perturbed couple far behind. "I'mturbopowered!
"Get back here, you little runt!", Lightning yelled as he waved his fist in the air, the romantic moment now ruined. However, Turbo didn't come back and all that could be heard was his distant laughter.
"That's a good one, Don!", Charcoal laughed upon the completion of Seeker's latest tale. Upon leaving the arrival center, the couples departed for Tahiti's, the hotels four star restaurant. Charcoal had reserved a tables for their dates earlier in the week. The red head sat at a small table with Seeker while Sapphire sat behind her at another table with Obsidian. With this arrangement, Charcoal would be able to give Sapphire 'pointers' on her date.
Glancing back, the Sanctuary Head of Security could see Sapphire and Obsidian sitting rigidly at their table. Both had long since completed their meal, but were just sitting there as if neither one knew what to do next. Which wasn't that far from the truth.
"How's it going?", Charcoal whispered to Sapphire.
"How is 'what' going?"
"The date, of course."
"Uninteresting," Sapphire answered. "We have finished our meal. What do we do next?"
"Now you get into small talk. Actually, you've should have started this quite a while ago."
Sapphire considered this latest revelation for a moment. "We are to speak of things that are tiny in stature?"
Charcoal rolled her eyes heavenward. "I should have seen that one coming. Okay, small talk is the studying phase of a date. It's much like when you battle an unfamiliar foe, where you try to gauge your enemy. But on a date, you only use words to gather information. Ask him questions and answer the ones he will ask of you."
"Gather information," Sapphire repeated. "I understand."
Turning back to Obsidian, Sapphire prepared to engage in small talk. "You have the appearance of a mighty warrior, Obsidian. Tell me of the foes that you have battled."
"I have enjoyed several contests with Grond," Obsidian answered.
That brought an immediate perk to Sapphire. She had heard tales of this legendary creature, but had yet to face him in battle. "I would be very interested to hear of these battles you enjoyed with Grond."
Obsidian launched into his tale with Sapphire hanging on his every word while Charcoal and Seeker exchanged shrugs and glances. It was certainly not the kind of thing they would like to talk about on a date. "I can't wait to see these two on the dance floor," Charcoal whispered to her date with a laugh.
"May I join you, ladies?", Archangel asked in the most charming voice he could muster. Seated at the table before him in the Starstruck Lounge were two costumed females. One he recognized as Tritium from the world famous Champions. The other was unknown to him.
"Depends on who you are," Tritium quickly answered, critically eyeing Archangel.
"Yes, Widget," Solitaire said to her crystal. "Very pretty wings." Widget floated closer to Archangel, paused, and then retreated to its traditional position near Solitaire's right shoulder.
"I am called Archangel," Jean Paul stated with a flourish and a smile. "I am a member of the Young Champions program."
"Heroes in training," Tritium informed Solitaire. The rose clad hero nodded her understanding.
"Correct," Archangel continued. "Having not seen either one of you grace our fair island before, I thought that it would be a gentlemanly thing to ask if you would like a guided tour of Sanctuary. Care to join me?"
The heroines exchanged glances. "Widget and I wouldn't mind," Solitaire told her teammate. "I'd rather be out in the fresh air."
Tritium sighed to herself. Solitaire didn't fit in at the lounge anyway. The newest Champion was a non-drinker and had drawn unwanted attention to herself by ordering milk. "All right, we've got time to kill anyway," Tritium finally relented. "But don't get any ideas, bird boy."
Archangel put his hands up as if to defend himself. "Perish the thought, lovely lady. We can begin the tour whenever you are ready."
"Tommy Wilson!", Rush scolded as he caught up to Turbo. The elder speedster served as the maintenance staff for Sanctuary. A task made easier by his ability to run and move at superspeed. It also made him an ideal mentor for the hyperactive Turbo. As usual, Rush was in his well-worn overalls.
"Hi!", Turbo waved in greeting. "Youwannaplayagame?"
"You're in big trouble, young man! Throwing water balloons at the guests. Whatever were you thinking, boy?"
Turbo looked down at the ground and bit his bottom lip. He hated being scolded. Someone was always telling him to do something. Why couldn't they just leave him alone for once?
"Iwasjusthavingfun!", Turbo protested as he kicked up some sand with his foot. "Nobodyeverletsmehavefun! Youallhateme!"
"Now that's not true, Tommy Wilson, and you know it." Rush reached out and grabbed Turbo by the ear. "It's well past your bed time, young man. Come along now."
"Idon'twanna! Iwannaplaysomemore! Please! Letmego!"
But Turbo's pleas went unanswered, as Rush escorted him back to the bungalow they shared.
"Now we shall really dance!", Sapphire proudly proclaimed as she gestured towards the Combat Simulator. Upon completing the dining part of their date, the two couples made their way to the Starstruck Lounge and hit the dance floor. While Charcoal and Seeker danced closely, Sapphire and Obsidian stood on the sidelines observing this strange ritual. The aliens both agreed that it was not to their liking. That's when Sapphire suggested an alternative.
"The Combat Simulator?", Charcoal wondered aloud. "You two are going to duke it out?"
"Far more interesting than what you two were doing," Obsidian eagerly agreed.
Located underneath Training Town, the Combat Simulator allowed battle training under controlled conditions. Its use was typically by reservation only, but the giant chamber was usually free this late on a Saturday night.
"I wish to test his strength and valor," Sapphire announced as she removed her leather biker's jacket. Since the clothing was loaned to her by Charcoal, the Azurian did not wish to see it damaged. "A far more practical way to gauge my foe than by ritually moving to music."
Likewise, Obsidian began to remove his oversized suit and neatly place it on one of the benches outside the Combat Simulator. "We have done things your way all evening, now allow us to do this one thing in a manner we find stimulating."
"Oy, you got it, big fella." Seeker had been surprised that Obsidian had remained in his suit without damaging it this long as it was.
"I guess I'll go fire it up for you," Charcoal offered. The young woman quickly climbed the stairs leading up to the control room, Seeker following.
At the top of the stairs was the large control room. A large control panel filled one wall, while a reinforced glass partition allowed an unobstructed view down in the main chamber of the Combat Simulator. Sitting down at the control panel, Charcoal activated a serious of levers, buttons and switches. Light suddenly illuminated the combat area and the hum of power filled the air.
Down below, Sapphire and Obsidian entered the Combat Simulator. "Activate program Sapphire 3," Sapphire shouted to Charcoal. It was her favorite combat exercise. One that she was sure Obsidian would enjoy.
"Gotcha," Charcoal answered over the loudspeaker. Turning to the keyboard, Charcoal brought up the desired program. As she worked, Seeker playfully nibbled on her ear. "Don! Please! This isn't the time."
"Why not?", the Australian hero wondered. The room in the Combat Simulator flared into life as walls and platforms emerged from the walls, floor, and ceiling. The sounds of battle soon followed. "They're having their dance, why shouldn't we have ours?"
"A most appealing proposition...", Charcoal sighed wistfully. "But I really should monitor the controls."
"You think you have anything in there that will actually hurt either of those two?"
Charcoal looked at Seeker for a second and then burst out laughing. "You got me on that point." A sly smile on her face, Charcoal activated other controls and now music was being filtered into the Control Center. Rising from her seat, Charcoal spun to face Seeker and presented her hand. "Shall we?"
Without saying a word, Seeker accepted Charcoal's hand the two began to move and sway to the music, seemingly oblivious to the terrific battle going on in the Combat Simulator below them. After a short time their lips met as their bodies continued to sway to the music. Finally, their passions got the better of them as Seeker lifted Charcoal into the air and sat her down on the control panel, the pair kissing the entire time. Several random factors were inserted into the training program as the tempo of the drill was stepped up several notches. For the first time this evening, both couples were enjoying themselves.
"The view is magnificent, is it not, mon cheri?" The top of the lighthouse tower offered an unparalleled view of Sanctuary Island. It was the last stop on Archangel's aerial tour of Sanctuary. "A very popular spot for those with romance on the mind as well." As he spoke, Archangel slid closer to Solitaire.
The heroine was quite a beautiful woman with shoulder-length auburn hair, green eyes, and exquisite features. Solitaire was nearly as tall as Archangel and had an air of great innocence about her. It was a very attractive combination.
"It is lovely here," Solitaire finally answered. "I never knew such a beautiful place even existed."
"Yes, very nice." Tritium took in her surroundings, but also kept an eye on their tour guide. There was something about him that she just did not trust.
"It is a paradise," Archangel added as he put his arm around Solitaire. "The perfect spot for two young and attractive people to fully enjoy themselves."
"Yes, I suppose it is," Solitaire answered innocently enough. The young woman had led a very sheltered life and was completely unaware of Archangel's true intentions.
However, Tritium wasn't. She quickly went to the aid of her younger teammate. "Back off, Jack! She's not that kind of girl!" A shove rapidly separated Archangel from Tritium.
Solitaire looked at Tritium, confusion filling her face. "Tritium--?"
"I knew that there was something slimy about you," Tritium continued, her gaze firmly locked on Archangel. "I've seen him eyeing you up. The only thing he's interested in is getting you out of your tights!"
"I won't deny that the thought crossed my mind," Archangel answered diplomatically. "After all, I am a Frenchman and you are both most lovely ladies."
"You'll have to go through me first, Frenchy!", Tritium threatened.
"Not a problem," Archangel countered. "I'm not racist or anything. We can all enjoy each other."
Tritium's scream of frustration was the first clue to Archangel that he had said the wrong thing and had completely misread the heroine's intentions. The internuclear blasts of energy that Tritium started to fire at him was the second. A split-second later, Archangel was flying away from the lighthouse tower as fast as his wings would carry him.
Several minutes later, Archangel stormed into the bungalow he shared with Jason. The winged Young Champion made a beeline towards his room. He had been so close to scoring! If only that busybody Tritium hadn't interfered!
Jason was laying on the couch watching Sportscenter as this unfolded. Judging by the look on Archangel's face, he had a good idea that the evening did not turn out as planned. Jason started to say something until Archangel spoke first.
"Not one word!", Archangel threatened as he slammed the door to his bedroom behind him.
"It's about time!", Tritium growled as Seeker, Obsidian, Charcoal, and Sapphire entered the Arrival Center. Several hours had passed since the incident with Archangel. Tritium and Solitaire had returned to the Arrival Center to await the male Champions arrival. Solitaire had long since fallen asleep while waiting.
"Evenin', Luv," Seeker greeted with a nod and a wink. His suit had been rumpled by the night's events and Charcoal's blue lipstick was plainly visible on his face.
"Don't give me that, Seeker," Tritium threatened. "You were supposed to be back here over an hour ago."
"Sorry," Obsidian rumbled as he came into view. The large Champion was even more disheveled than Seeker as several bruises marred his jet black features. He carried his suit, neatly folded, in his hands.
"Looks like you were in a war," Tritium decided as she eyed her teammates. She decided to not press them for any further details. "Come on, let's get going. I want to make it home before morning." The teleporter would take them back to New York City, but then they would have to fly the Slingshot the rest of the way back to Chicago.
"In a minute." Seeker stepped up to Charcoal, put his arm around her and gave her a goodbye kiss. "Something to remember me by, 'til next time."
"As if I could forget," Charcoal happily sighed and smiled. "Give me a call when you want to do it again." Seeker's grin and wink was all the answer that Charcoal needed.
Nearby, Sapphire said her goodbyes to Obsidian. Like her fellow alien, Saph didn't bother to put her dating clothes back on. She offered her hand, which Obsidian tightly grasped. "An honor to do battle with you."
"Likewise," Obsidian answered with a nod. "Farewell until we next meet." Turning, Obsidian followed Seeker to the Trans-Tubes. Tritium roused Solitaire and they joined their teammates on the pads.
Charcoal then activated the controls and a moment later the Champions were gone. "What a night," Charcoal remarked to Sapphire now that they were alone in the room. It felt good to unwind and forget about Sanctuary's problems for a few hours.
"Indeed," Sapphire agreed as the pair departed the Arrival Center.
"So what did you think about your first date?"
As the pair walked along, Sapphire reflected on the evenings events. "The beginning was awkward, but in the end I did enjoy myself."
Charcoal nodded in understanding and smiled. "I had a feeling you were going to say that."
Epilogue:
Tigress sat in the corner of her cell infuriated at the feeling of helplessness that pervaded her. The heavy steel manacles continued to imprison her wrists. She had spent hours tugging and pulling at her bonds, but had been unable to break free. Locked in this small chamber, Tigress had no sense of the passage of time. Were it day or night, she had not a clue.
Suddenly, her cell shook, startling the heroine. Rising to her feet, the Tigress looked out the view port in her cell door once more. The scientists in the lab were picking themselves off of the floor in confusion. Sirens and alarms were going off now and men were yelling. Reading the lips of one of the men, the Tigress deduced what he was saying:
"We're under attack!"
