Of Tomkats in Fedoras and She-Kats in the Spotlight, Part 3

Foul Plans and Fishbait

<TrinaK> Um...starting where?
<TrinaK> Megakat Tower?
<JakeInCoat> Jake coming up to the roof? Methinks he'll use the elevator this time...
<TrinaK> OKays...Nina flew there. ;)
<JakeInCoat> ((<Jake> ::shimmies up the outside of the building:: *grunt* This is... *grunt* hard....))
<Nina> ::is inna black trenchcoat and hat on the Megakat Tower roof, looking out towards the city::
<JakeInCoat> ::forces open the roof access door, breathing heavily::
<Nina> ::strawberry blonde hair is loose and lets the wind blow it sideways::
<JakeInCoat> ::recovers and looks around, seeing Nina::
<Nina> ::turns, then smirks:: Way up that tirin'?
<JakeInCoat> ::panting a bit:: I c... counted... F... five hundred steps... since the elevator quit...
<Nina> ::half-laughs:: This place has been dead for years...of course it's quit...
<JakeInCoat> ::pause:: How'd you...? ::quickly, remembering what Trina told him: Nevermind...
<Nina> ::ignores that one:: So...I'm here.
<JakeInCoat> Yes, you are. ::recovers:: So?
<Nina> You said you needed info...you might as well start with the questions...
<JakeInCoat> Right. I need anything you can give me on Dark Kat's deals... the ones he'd rather no one knew about.
<JakeInCoat> 'Nip, weapons - I don't care. He can go down for just one.
<Nina> Weapons? Oh he's got them...and a major shipment at that...
<JakeInCoat> Where?
<Nina> Megakat Docks. He's gotta warehouse close to the ol' tuna factory...::pauses: Same place where Katscratch hides the 'nip.
<JakeInCoat> Convenient.
<JakeInCoat> And, how do I know this isn't a setup? ::pause:: I hear you're his right hand kat...
<Nina> ::smirks:: Right hand kat, left hand kat, his little girl...gimme a break. You think I'd put up with the kat that killed my parents?
<JakeInCoat> <She knows?> ::doesn't show anything:: You know about that?
<Nina> ::growls:: I was there...I saw it....shot my parents in cold blood right in fronta the place where we lived...
<JakeInCoat> ::nods:: He has a talent there....
<Nina> ::sighs:: He adopted me, yes...but I thought that was the only way to turn him in....learn all his secrets, then go with enough evidence to the police...
<JakeInCoat> And, so far?
<Nina> So far it hasn't been enough...'ccordin' to the cops they need enough evidence fer that...and they didn't find enough...
<JakeInCoat> So, what do they need?
<JakeInCoat> Cuz I'll be *sure* to get it to them....
<Nina> They didn't specify...I talked to some guy...called himself Steele...didn't seem to think I was serious...
<JakeInCoat> ::bluntly:: He's a twerp. Couldn't arrest a pickpocket.
<Nina> ::growls:: he seemed serious...said he was second to the commander...
<JakeInCoat> He's gotta position cuz his Dad's a bigtime councilman...
<Nina> ::sighs:: The only other cop there seemed to believe me...kept asking me questions...and Stelle kept tellin' her they weren't important...
<JakeInCoat> Name of Korat?
<Nina> ::raises her peridot green eyes to stare at him:: Yes...the captain...
<SeekerSKS> ::ambles over to a barstool in the Kit Kat Club and hops on it::
<JakeInCoat> ::nods:: She's a friend.
<Bartender> ::is cleaning a glass:: Can I get ya' sumthin'? ::eyes Seek::
<SeekerSKS> ((::smacks his hand down on the bar:: Bartender! I want a milk! In a dirty glass!!))
<Nina> Then I shoulda gone to her in the first place...
<TrinaK> ((ROFL!))
<TrinaK> ((<Bartender> ::hands him milk in a clean glass::))
<JakeInCoat> ((::dies!::))
<JakeInCoat> Yeah... Look... What did you show Steele?
<Dark Kat> ::is impatiently waiting for someone in his back office::
<Nina> Pictures...files overall...he said he'd keep 'em fer archive reference...don't think he showed them to Korat...
<SeekerSKS> ::wavea at bartender:: Gimme a bita Tequila.
<JakeInCoat> ::growls to himself:: I'll get my paws on those...
<Katscratch> ::walks into the Klub::
<Bartender> You got it! ::fixes one and slides it down the bar to Seek - has that little worm in it and everything!::
<Dark Kat> ::meets Katscratch at his door:: You took your time this evening, my friend....
<TrinaK> ((<Seek> AAAAAAAAHHH!!! I know I wanted a dirty glass..but not THIS dirty!! I'll sue!!))
<SeekerSKS> ::sips at drink avoiding worm and looks around room::
<One Guy> ::is passed out across his table::
<Katscratch> Hadta make sure there wasn't anyone followin' me...
<JakeInCoat> ((ROFL! <Seek> ::slurps it up by accident:: Whoops! What was that?))
<Dark Kat> Paranoid?
<JakeInCoat> ::debates his chances of getting more from Nina::
<Katscratch> Got an interrogation las' night...prolly a cop...or even a P.I....
<Dark Kat> ::leads Katscratch to his back room, closing the door behind them... it creaks back a hair::
<Dark Kat> I assume you told them nothing?
<katscratch> She hadda a gun...woulda shot me right on the spot...told them about the 'nip.
<Dark Kat> ::roars:: You idiot! Scared by a she-kat?!
<KittyCarver> ::walks by, hears voices of the boss, puts her ear to the door::
<Max> ::slides into a seat by Seek, looking around... for Nina, of course::
<SeekerSKS> ::starts to lean back on stool until he realizes hes on a stool and nearly falls over::
<Katscratch> Don' worry about it. Got my guys ta finish 'er off...she's prolly smilin' back at the fishes fer all I know...
<Dark Kat> ::the voice of the boss bellowing!::
<Dark Kat> She'd better be....
<Dark Kat> ::warningly:: For your sake...
<Nina> Look...that's about all I can give you...Dark Kat's got eyes everywhere...
<Max> ::blinks at Seek:: You hadda few too many, Mac?
<SeekerSKS> Hmm? Nah, just started on this one. Just thinkin...
<KittyCarver> ::thinking:: <That dame from the alley? THAT'S who Katscratch was trying to ice?>
<Max> Oh... Okay....
<Katscratch> Le's jus' get ta business....you got the shipment ready?
<Dark Kat> It's been ready... ::agitated::
<KittyCarver> ::gets out a recorder, turns it on, puts the mic by the door::
<Katscratch> It hasn't been turned in!
<JakeInCoat> ::nods:: I can work with that... ::turns to go::
<Dark Kat> Then, my men are en route as we speak...
<SeekerSKS> ::hops off stool and walks over to a high-backed booth and slips in to watch one side of the room::
<KittyCarver> :thinking: <Come on, boss, let's get some evidence on ya so my bro can rest peacefully.>
<Max> ::watches Seek strangely:: There's a kat who can't handle his Tequila...
<SeekerSKS> ::slowly swirls tequila around ands acts like he's watching the worm swirl while he's really looking through the edge of the glass at kats in the room::
<DarkKatSK> Are you quite satisfied with that?
<Nina> That's pretty much all I can give you....Dark Kat's got eyes everywhere...I can't risk you gettin' nailed.
<Max> ::orders his own drink and sips slowly::
<Jake> ::nods:: Fair enough... I'll see what I can do.... ::turns to leave:
<Nina> And you prolly should check in with City Hall.
<Jake> City Hall? ::looks around::
<Nina> There's some high class jerk that's sendin' them money...dunno who it is...but as far as I know, all that money ain't comin' in from the 'nip n' guns...
<Jake> ::blinks:: <Our third party...> Thanks... I can really use that...
<Nina> ::nods and smiles a bit:: Anytime...please...just get that crud into jail.
<KittyCarver> ::grins:: ::thinks:: <The boys downtown is gonna love this.>
<Jake> I will.... <or die trying>
<Nina> ::turns and disappears off the roof once his back is turned::
<Jake> ::sneaks a peek to see just how she exits::
<Nina> ::a dark silhouette appears through the clouds, wings gliding her away:
<Max> ::gets bored, slinks around the bar and through the entrance marked "Employees Only"::
<Jake> <And, they fly too... Amazing...> ::slips back toward the stairs::
<KatscratchSK> If it's underway, I sure hope you've made sure they don' make it that obvious.
<DarkKatSK> They're idiots... But, they know how to stay alive...
<KatscratchSK> Good. Just make sure the third guy has the money ready.
<DarkKatSK> He will. Really, Katscratch. Everything is on its way to your warehouse. You worry too much.
<KatscratchSK> I've been worryin' since they found the body of that cop ya iced some time ago.
<DarkKatSK> No different from all the other cops in the bay...
<KittyCarver> ::eyes widen::
<DarkKatSK> There's at least one a week... and they're not *all* mine... sad to say...
<KatscratchSK> S' far as I know he was onna their slickest...
<DarkKatSK> Their last, in fact. His partner has been fired since.
<KittyCarver> ::thinks:: <They may be talkin' 'bout my brudder, but I better make sure.>
<KatscratchSK> ::narrows his eyes:: Wha's about the fact his partner may be out fer revenge?
<DarkKatSK> One kat, my friend. ::settles in his chair:: One lone kat gunning for me among hundreds...
<DarkKatSK> Besides, I already have him on the run... He hasn't visited his own apartment in weeks...
<KatscratchSK> ::smirks:: You better be right, Dark Kat. ::stands up:: Make sure that shipment is taken to the ol' tuna place before midnight or yer history.
<KittyCarver> ::narrows eyes::
<DarkKatSK> Really? Well, no matter. It will be. And, forget those cops. Furlong's a rotting corpse and Clawson will be gone soon enough....
<KittyCarver> ::stops the tape:: <Bingo.>
<KatscratchSK> ::smirks:: Wha' about Korat? ::doesn't know that was the same gal he met last night?::
<DarkKatSK> ::arched brow:: Korat?
<KittyCarver> ::takes the tape and puts it in her purse:: <Now to get out of here.>
<Max> ::nearly falls over Kitty:: Ack!
<KatscratchSK> Th' female captain....heard she's been hot on the case since Furlong was nailed...
<KittyCarver> Ack! Watch it!
<DarkKatSK> I'm hardly concerned with her...
<Max> What're you doin' down there?! I coulda broke my neck, Lady! ::isn't being too terribly quiet::
<KatscratchSK> ::arched brow:: Whatever. Remember. Midnight's yer deadline....
<KittyCarver> Shut up, kid.
<Max> What?!
<KittyCarver> I said, shut up.
<DarkKatSK> ::starts to speak and pauses:: ::glowers at the door::
<KatscratchSK> ::perks his ears and takes out a handgun:: And you said I was paranoid?
<DarkKatSK> This isn't paranoia! ::stalks to the door::
<KittyCarver> You wanna get us caught, kid? Get out of here!
<Max> ::blinks and stumbles to his feet::
<KatscratchSK> ::aims the gun towards the door::
<DarkKatSK> ::throws the door open......::
<KittyCarver> Huh? Uh-oh.
<KatscratchSK> A snoop!
<KittyCarver> Hi, boss. ::waves.::
<Max> ::shoves Kitty outta the light and dives after!::
<KatscratchSK> ::to his men:: Get them!
<DarkKatSK> And, NOW, you idiots!
<Men> ::take out their tommys and run after::
<KittyCarver> Wonderful. ::drops her tape recorder, has the tape with her, grabs Max and runs::
<Max> ::shoves her in front:: I'll cover you...
<KittyCarver> I've got my own tommy, kid!
<Max> And, I can get shot more than you can!
<KittyCarver> Granted.
<Goons> ::start firing::
<Max> ::skids around a corner::
<Goons> ::chase after:
<KittyCarver> ::runs out of the club:: Come on!
<Max> Right behind you!
<Max> ::turns over a trashcan as he goes::
<Max> ::flips over another trashcan in the pursuer's path::
<Goons> ::are on their tails, firing at times::
<KittyCarver> ::kicks off her high heeled shoes, runs::
<Goon1> ::trips over the trashcan::
<MaxSK> ::runs erratically::
<KittyCarver> ::is now a little faster, takes out her gun, fires at 'em::
<MaxSK> ::keeps clear of her gun:: Hey! Watch it! Them! Shoot at them!
<KittyCarver> I am!
<MaxSK> Yeah! And, me too!
<KittyCarver> Thought you could take a hit!
<KittyCarver> Or a few.
<Goons 2&3> ::take the hits::
<MaxSK> But, I'd *rather* not from someone on my side!
<Goons> ::there are five left, are still chasing::
<KittyCarver> Quit yappin' and keep runnin'! ::continues to fire at the guys::
<MaxSK> ::trips over someone else's overturned garbage can:: Ack!
<KittyCarver> :looks back:: Aw, crud.
<Goons 3&4> :catch up with Max, aim their guns at him:: Don't move.
<MaxSK> ::quietly:: Crud....
<Goon 4> Yer dead meat.
<MaxSK> Really? ::rolls over, kicking upward... manages to get Goon 4 where the sun don't shine::
<Goon> ::shrieks a high octave and falls back::
<MaxSK> ::flips to his feet and punches at 3::
<Goon 7> ::fires at Kitty, nails her in the arm::
<KittyCarver> ::grunts:: Ow!
<Goon 5> ::sneaks up behind Max and nails him in the back of the head with the butt off the gun::
<MaxSK> ((::snickers:: <Goon 4> ::gun goes off as he falls, hits Kitty:: ::Later:: <Kitty> ::to Max:: Thought YOU said not to shoot kats on your side?))
<TrinaK> ((ROFL!!!!!!!!))
<MaxSK> Guh! ::falls::
<KittyCarver> Hmm... save the kid, get the cops. Oh, decisions.
<Goon> ::to 4, 5, 6, 7:: Boss' orders were ta get rid of him...
<MaxSK> ::looks toward Kitty and yells as best he can:: GOoooo! ::passes out finally, tough hit... even for him::
<KittyCarver> I'll come back for you, kid, after I get help. ::runs off::
<Goons> ::pick Max up, then cart him off::
<Dark Kat> ::fuming, finds the recorder::
<TrinaK> ::is in her office, giving the iciest glare to Steele on the face of the planet::
<KittyCarver> ::once they're gone, leans against a building, pants deeply, pressing against the wound on her arm, tiredly heads for the station::
<Katscratch> They know, Dark Kat... that shipment's gotta be in a lot ealier than we thought.
<Jake> ::spies Kitty... for his skulking:: ::appears by her:: Kitty?
<TrinaK> And you mean ta tell me you've been hidin' all that info from me?! ::to Steele::
<KittyCarver> ::pants::
<Steele> It wasn't enough evidence, Korat. Even Feral said so...
<Dark Kat> I'll catch up with my men... We may have to get elaborate here...
<Jake> ::has been to see Trina and back now::
<Katscratch> Very well then.
<KittyCarver> Wanted to call ya, but I never got yer number. ::grins, pants::
<TrinaK> Feral didn't mention ANYTHING!! Even *he* said I never got the info....
<Jake> S'okay.... ::comes over:: Lemme see that... ::can tell she's wounded::
<KittyCarver> Gotta get to the cops.
<JakeInnaCoat> Fine... But, first... ::pulls off his tie:: Let's see about that bleeding...
<KittyCarver> ::takes the paw away from it::
<Steele> Don't think that just because o' yer rank you can talk back at me like that, Korat. I c'n have Feral throw ya outta this place like he did to Clawson a while ago.
<JakeInnaCoat> ((<Jake> ::whips that tie off with a pointed *Waaa-pow!*::))
<JakeInnaCoat> ::wraps the tie around it, tourniquet style - yeah, they say it's unhealthy, but thhis's years ago::
<KittyCarver> Katscratch's gang... *pant* they grabbed the kid who helped in the alley.
<TrinaK> ::growls, eyes are narrowed:: That wasn't *his* fault...
<JakeInnaCoat> Max?! ::ears shoot forward:: Crud... C'mon.. Let's get you to the station... If they took him alive,... he'll be okay for a while...
<Steele> Enough, Korat. Stay outta this. That's final. ::walks outta the office smirking::
<KittyCarver> He was alive when they took 'im. They just hit him over the head with a gun butt.
<JakeInnaCoat> ((<Crowd> ::to Trina:: Sneak into his files!))
<TrinaK> ::snarls, throws a book towards the door the minute he walks out and slumps into her chair::
<KittyCarver> ((::giggles::))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!::))
<JakeInnaCoat> Good... Then, they either want answers or to gloat... That'll buy me time... C'mon...
<KittyCarver> ((Skip to the office?))
<JakeInnaCoat> ((Shua!))
<TrinaK> ((Yups!))
<KittyCarver> ((<Jake and Kitty> ::skip, skip, skip to the office: La la la la la))
<TrinaK> ((::dies!!::))
<JakeInnaCoat> ((<Jake and Kitty> Weeeee're off to see the Wizard!))
<TrinaK> ((::DIES anew!!::))
<KittyCarver> ((That movie wasn't made yet!))
<KittyCarver> ::is now sitting in a chair in Trina's office::
<TrinaK> ::is pacing back and worth, listening to the recording::
<JakeInnaCoat> ((<Jake and Kitty> ::gotta premonition::))
<TrinaK> ::tail twitches angrily::
<JakeInnaCoat> ::listens for a bit:: Trina... I gotta go get Max...
<KittyCarver> They think he's the one who got the tape, who listened to the whole convosation.
<JakeInnaCoat> ::nods:: Good... Mebbe they'll keep him alive looking for where he hid the tape...
<TrinaK> ::looks up at him:: If my hunch is right, he's at the docks. ::grabs her trenchcoat:: I'll go with you. Yer gonna need backup AND a witness.
<KittyCarver> I'm gonna go too.
<JakeInnaCoat> ::sighs, outnumbered:: Alright....
<TrinaK> ::looks at her:: You're wounded...
<KittyCarver> You ain't gonna keep me from Dark Kat and Katsratch.
<KittyCarver> They iced my bro, I want to see them get exactly what they desoive!
<KittyCarver> ((That's deserve in correct English))
<TrinaK> Chances are....::pauses and sighs:: Okay....just as long as you promise to lay low.
<JakeInnaCoat> ::nods in agreement::
<KittyCarver> Whatever you say, cuz.
<TrinaK> ::smirks:: C'mon. ::peeks out to make sure Steele isn't there:: It's clear. Let's get going.
<JakeInnaCoat> Right.
<KittyCarver> ::puts in more bullets:: Got it.
<TrinaK> ::jogs outta her office...but not before inserting the tape into Feral's box...where Steele won't find it::
<JakeInnaCoat> ::jogs after her::
<KittyCarver> ::follows::
<MaxSK> ::starts to wake... remembers to fake it.... as he wakes up while they're still dragging him back::
<NinaSK> ::is in the air, watching from above, following slowly::
<MaxSK> ::is being towed towards the docks:: <Oh swell... Hey, Pops? How bad's gettin' shot hurt?>
<MaxSK> ::movement stops and he looks up to see Dark Kat::
<DarkKat> Did you search him?
<Goon> he's unarmed.
<Goon 2> He ain't got th' tape neither, Boss....
<DarkKat> The she-kat has it then.. ::snaps to two other thugs:: Find her!
<NinaSK> ::lands near the warehouse, hides behind some crates and listens in::
<Goons 3 & 4> ::comply and rush out::
<DarkKat> ::to Max:: You know... You look familiar...
<Goon> Wadda ya wan us to do with him, boss?
<MaxSK> I have that kinda face....
<DarkKat> Do tell... ::to the thugs:: Amuse yourselves... Just make sure he's dead.
<Goons> With pleasure ::grin and go to get the cement:
<MaxSK> <DK> ::strolls off::
<NinaSK> ::shipment arrives::
<MaxSK> ::watches the thugs::
<MaxSK> ::gets drug to his feet and only to have them stuffed inna tub of cement:: This is really lame and overdone, guys....
<Goon 1> yet fun.
<Goon 2> ::ties a gag on his mouth:: Say yer prayers.
<MaxSK> ::mumbles around the gag as though saying his prayers::
<KittyCarver> ((<Max> ::muffled:: How can I say my prayers if my mouth is gagged?))
<MaxSK> <Thank you, Lord for giving me gills... Thank you for not blessing them with brains...>
<MaxSK> ((::snickers!::))
<NinaSK> ((::dies!::))
<Goons> ::drag him out:: G'night...COP! ::throw him in::
<MaxSK> ((Alright... Maxie be inna drink...))
<MaxSK> ((::pause:: <Max> ::is stuck in someone's tequila, comes out hiccuping::))
<NinaSK> ((:dies!!!!:: <Seek> ::pauses, then screams!!:: The worm was enough!!! Das it! I'm sueing fer sure!!))
<MaxSK> ((<Max> *hiccup* How dry I am.... ::half-sings::))
<MaxSK> ((::DIES!!!::))
<NinaSK> ((::dies!::))
<NinaSK> ::watches in horror as he's flung into the sea, gasps::
<MaxSK> <Alright, Maxie... Everything's working just fine air-wise..> ::settles to the bottom:: <Now... a plan?>
<Goons> ::look down as he sinks, then walk back into the building laughing::
<MaxSK> ::squirms, falls over::
<MaxSK> <Right...> ::tries to pull himself forward with his untied hands:: <I sense a fun night coming...>
<NinaSK> <Gotta get him out!> ::hides anew as a few goons walk by to get the shipment out:: Crud!
<MaxSK> ::squirm, wiggle, pull::
<Goons> ::load the shipment and take the crates into the warehouse::
<NinaSK> <OKay....coast is clear>..::runs outta her hiding place and dives into the bay::
<MaxSK> ::is making his way slowly under the pier::
<NinaSK> ::swims down, hair floating in all areas. Spots him, and swims towards him::
<MaxSK> ::looks up, hearing movement:: <GREAT! Sharks! Here, boy! I'll kick ya!))
<MaxSK> ::sarcastically::
<NinaSK> ::manages to get in fronta him, waves a tad, then tries to get the ropes out::
<MaxSK> ::blinks:: <Th' dame?>
<MaxSK> <What's a hand sign that says "I'm fine?">
<NinaSK> ::pauses, swims up (under the dock) and breathes for air::
<MaxSK> ::watches her go up for air and then looks at what she was doing, at least moves into a sitting up position, studying the situation with interest::
<NinaSK> ::dives down again, an old nail with her this time::
<MaxSK> ::looks up as she comes, waves nonchalantly, trying hard as he can to assure her he ain't drowning::
<NinaSK> ;:makes a motion: she's asking him to follow her if he can::
<MaxSK> ::squirms, cement wasn't incredibly set when they tossed him in::
<MaxSK> ::motions towards shore... implying along the bottom::
<NinaSK> ::nods and starts swimming ahead::
<MaxSK> ::pulls himself along behind her, tugging at his feet as he goes::
<MaxSK> ::cement is starting to loosen a bit::
<NinaSK> ::gets to the shore, well away from the warehouse, and crawls out, waiting for him::
<MaxSK> ::jerks one foot free and finally makes it to shore, stumble/drag/hopping from the waves::
<NinaSK> ((<Max> ::hops out a la Bugs Bunny with a straw for breathing::))
<MaxSK> ((::snickers!::))
<NinaSK> ((Was thinking about that right now! ^-^;;))
<MaxSK> ((<Max> ::a la Jeremy:: There were crazy guys! With hats! They tied me up!))
<NinaSK> ::coughs/breathes for air::
<NinaSK> ((::dies!!!::))
<MaxSK> ::looks over at her:: Are you okay?
<MaxSK> ::hobbles over that way, dragging a block of cement on one foot::
<NinaSK> ((<Max> ::to the goons:: Lemme explain! Oh! Whatta lovely hat yer wearin'!!))
<NinaSK> I'm...I'm okay...::breathes:: Are *you* okay?
<MaxSK> ((::DIES!:: <Max> She went to see the rats! <Dark Kat> WHO?! What RATS?!))
<NinaSK> ((ROFL!!!))
<MaxSK> ::grins:: Just fine. Well... soon's I get this last foot free...
<MaxSK> ::finally, jerks his foot out, is now barefoot.. revealing some kinda funky feet:: ((But, no where near his usual!))
<NinaSK> ((<Max> The rats!! The...oh yeah, they're cops...she went ta see the pigs!!..:;pause:: Waitaminute....<Jake and Trina> ::overhear:: HEY!!!! <Chance> ::turns in his grave anew::))
<NinaSK> ::blinks, gasps:: Oh my...what did they *do* to you?
<MaxSK> ((ROFL! <Max> Uhm... Th' bulls then? That more contemporary? ::mun is thinking "Newsies"::))
<MaxSK> Huh? ::doesn't realize::
<NinaSK> ((::dies!::))
<MaxSK> ((Cheese it! It's the bulls!))
<NinaSK> ((ROFL!!))
<NinaSK> Your...your feet...
<MaxSK> Oh.... ::looks down, eyes widen:: Oh! They.... they've always been like that...
<MaxSK> ::starts to squirm his toes into the sand::
<NinaSK> ::eyes are wide:: They....what?
<MaxSK> That's... just.... how they are.
<MaxSK> ::adds softly:: Besides... Ya' didn't think I was just holding my breath all that time, didja?
<NinaSK> ::gasps, holds a hand over her mouth::
<NinaSK> ::is shocked::
<MaxSK> ::keeps his head down::
<NinaSK> You...you're...::sits back into the sand, and starts to shed tears::
<MaxSK> ::blinks, can't figure out why she's crying:: ::steps over and bends down:: Hey... are you okay?
<NinaSK> ::sobs:: It can't be...::is shaking::
<MaxSK> I know it's weird.. But, I promise... I... I wouldn't hurt you or anything...
<NinaSK> No...it's not that...I mean...::bawls harder:: I'm not the only one...!
<MaxSK> You're not the only what? ::is completely confused and, incidentally, has completely lost his "gumshoe act" by now::
<NinaSK> ::kneels down, then, sorta accidentally, lets her wings merge::
<MaxSK> ::blinks:: Whoa......
<MaxSK> You... you have wings?
<NinaSK> ::looks up at him, fur matted with tears, then nods::
<MaxSK> ::squats by her:: It's okay.... ::pause, quietly:: You like an angel....
<NinaSK> ::lower lip is trembling:: I'm a circus act!
<MaxSK> And, I'm the sideshow outside the main tent... Frogboy! But,... though it's lame coming from the Frogboy, I think you're beautiful...
<MaxSK> ((<Max> It's my usual pickup line!))
<NinaSK> ::looks at him again, peridot green eyes fogged with tears:: Dark Kat...does he know?
<NinaSK> ((::dies!::))
<MaxSK> Know what?
<MaxSK> Oughtn't I be asking you that?
<NinaSK> Does he know about....your....::doesn't know which word to use::
<MaxSK> Oh. No. No one does 'cept my family...
<NinaSK> He catches you...he'll use you...I just know he will...
<MaxSK> ((<Max> I was born... and Dad promptly covered it up with a glob of mud and said, "There now he looks just like all the other kids!" -- reference to Rudolph))
<NinaSK> ((::dies!!!::))
<MaxSK> Then, he won't catch me...
<MaxSK> ::grins encouragingly::
<NinaSK> ::pauses, then wipes away her tears. Hugs him::
<MaxSK> ::blinks... then hugs her back::
<MaxSK> ((<Max> But, they still wouldn't let me join in the reindeer games!))
<NinaSK> ((::dies!!:: Like monopoly?))
<MaxSK> ((<Max> And, Scrabble! They *never* let me play scrabble!))
<NinaSK> ((::dies anew!::))
<NinaSK> ::pulls away:: The shipment..it's already here...
<MaxSK> ((<Max> ::beams:: But, I get ta' lead Santa's sleigh! Cuz I.... <Someone> Cuz if he were back near Santa he'd block the big guy's view!))
<MaxSK> That 'nip shipment?
<NinaSK> ((ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!))
<NinaSK> Yes...it came earlier than expected.
<MaxSK> Do you know... Did the she-kat I was with get away?
<NinaSK> I looked from above...she met someone else...
<MaxSK> ::nods:: Good..... Hopefully, there's a cavalry coming...