Realistic or Modern The Thieving Raven (Closed)

[Enolx]

"That is just a replica, and you have no proof otherwise!"

Genre: Romance, Action, Crime


Summery


The Thieving Raven is a story about the relationship and adventure between a master thief and the daughter of the main police officer who is hunting him down. As the Raven gets more deeply involved with the daughter will she learn who he is, and more importantly what will she do with the information she has gained? How will this relationship change the two of them? Will the relationship destroy the Raven once and for all or will he come away with his greatest prize yet?


If you want more of a background, check the character page. The background is inside of The Ravens bio.


Rules


1. 1 paragraph per post minimum, but please shoot for more


2. be sure to follow the OOC tab and use it


3. follow rule one and two harder


4. This is made to be mature.


5. If I have other rules I will post them or just tell you.


The city( New York)

Spoiler

The Ravens house

Spoiler

 

[Enolx]

"Alright class, today we are going to go over sculptures," Leon exclaimed as he pulled a tarp off of a a massive slab of marble " The important thing is to visualize what every strike will do and how that adds to the finished product. I will now demonstrate what I am talking about." Leon then pulled out a chisel and a hammer and placed it to the block. He paused for a second and acted like he was thinking really before he turned to his students, shrugged, and hit the chisel into the stone. With one hit most of the marble cracked and broke off to reveal a completed statue of David. "And that's how it's done kids," Leon laughed " So who want's to try next?"


Leon had done that trick every time he started a new class. He had gotten the idea from a cartoon he had watched as a kid. It was a simple trick that used a vibration sensitive explosive and an extra large piece of marble, but it always had his students thinking he was a magician. After his teaching was done he stayed grade a few pieces and clean up. He liked to use the school from making jewelry since they had a diamond drill on site. Today he decided to make a small rose out of ruby and jade before heading to his favorite coffee shop. He put the flower in his shirt pocket, hopped on his motorcycle, and took off down the road.


It was around seven when he made it to the cafe. He smiled at the waitress who motioned for him to sit at his normal spot. He sat outside under a parasol and pulled out his sketch pad. As he looked around for something to catch his attention he noticed a girl with dark hair and crystal like blueish eyes. "You will work just fine today," Leon said to himself. He then walked over to her table sat down across from her and looked her over. He closed his eyes for a moment to lock the image in his mind before getting up and returning to his table. He then pulled out a pencil and went to work on his sketch. When his coffee arrived he had finished his sketch. "Who is it this time,"The waitress asked as she leaned over to take a look "O she's cute where did you see her?" Leon smiled and pointed a table over. The waitresses face went red and she ran off in a hurry to hide her embarrassment.


"I like her she's a good model," Leon said absorbed in his picture "Good eyes maybe I will make a painting of her. I should go get another look if she's still here."

 

[Elwin]

Ophelia had spent the day at home, sleeping. Her mind felt blank, not sad nor happy; there was nothing. She simply stared at her ceiling thinking of mundane trivial subjects such as her dinner. It was actually her Mother who prompt her to move.


"Ophelia, sweetheart." Her Mother peaked through the door, gingerly. Yui Zhiyi, a beautiful Chinese woman had married Ophelia's American father when she was in college. Despite her Father's controlling attitude, the pair had always been deeply in-love. "Ophelia, why don't you go outside for a little while, get some fresh air." Yui chuckled lightly as Ophelia squished her face into her pillow and groaned. "Out of bed now, you can pick me up some noodles for dinner at the store." Ophelia faced her Mother. "Fine, Mom get out now please."


Ophelia visited the store before deciding to head into town for a coffee. She had her notebook and pens packed and ready to observe passers by and write about them. The weather was beautiful after all and she felt alot better after being forced out of bed by Yui.


The cafe was a small graceful place with pastel pink wooden chairs with matching tables and parasols sat directly under the sun. Ophelia ordered a cappuccino and a blueberry muffin, which she nibbled lightly whilst concentrating intently on her writing.

 

[Enolx]

Leon looked up from his work to find the girl again. She was still sitting there, as if he had not even walked over to her and sat down. She was writing something in her pad while eating a blueberry muffin. She seemed to be as focused as Leon was when he drew, with the same issue of ignoring the things around them. He placed his pad down and walked over to where the girl was. On the way he walked around the back of her chair and bumped into it a little. He did this so the vibrations would hide the fact that he had just taken her wallet. All of this happened so quickly that even the people that were staring at him didn't notice.


Leon then walked around and sat in the same chair he had sat in before. He let out a cough before talking to get her attention. "I can understand getting sucked into your work," Leon said " That's perfectly fine if your at home but, in public you may want to watch yourself, you are a girl you know." Leon then pulled out the girls wallet and handed it to her. "To prove my point," Leon said with a smile " This is yours."


"More importantly," Leon said getting to his point " I like the way you look would you mind being my model. My house is only thirty minutes away from here, my studio is inside. Also I know it sounds like I'm trying to kidnap you but, I'm not you can ask Cristina the waiter here. I had here pose for a pastel work I did for charity once. If it will make you feel safe you can bring a friend, have the police come, or hire a bodyguard."


Leon then motioned to Cristina who was cleaning cups to come over. After she made her way over she asked " How can I help you Mr. Maxwell?" Leon smiled he always felt strange being called Mr. or Maxwell. "Yes, I am trying to get this lovely girl to model for me like you did and I need your help proving I'm not a predator," Leon proclaimed " Can you help me out?"

 

[Elwin]

Ophelia swallowed a lump of muffin that she had been tossing around her mouth for sometime. She had been disturbed from her writing by a boy who had confidently placed himself in-front of her. Her eyes followed his hands as he placed her pale blue wallet on the table, trying to prove some point. "Oh..." She knew leaving her house had been a mistake, already she was being lectured by a total stranger that she was not safe, even having a coffee in broad daylight.

Ophelia stared at the boy, almost in disbelief by his immediate confidence. "You want me to come to your house and model for you?" Her Father's voice spun around in her mind. Don't be a fool Ophelia. Anyone could trick you. On the other hand, he looked quite innocent and the waitress was surely harmless. Perfect opportunity to take a risk. Like you have always wanted. "Fine." She smiled warmly but still showed her apprehension through her efforts. "I've never modeled before. Do I have to sit down a long time?"​

 

[Enolx]

Leon smiled at how she said yes without even questioning the waitress. "Great and normally yes you would have to stand or sit for a while with only small breaks," Leon said still smiling "But you will come to find out I am a special case." Leon got up from his seat and returned to his table to grab his pad. With pad in hand he returned to the table with his new model and Cristina. "Thank you for taking care of me Cristina and for modeling the other day, you piece sold for three million or so," Leon said as he handed her a hundred dollar bill " This is for everyone's bill here, and this is for you." He pulled out the rose he had made earlier and gave it to her. "The gems alone make that worth around seventeen thousand but with this," Leon said as he pulled out a document of authenticity and gave it to her " That becomes worth somewhere close to ten million or more, if you even choose to sell it. One again thank you, you are a wonderful person and, you make a great cup of coffee you really all that kept me going some days."


As Cristina stood there in shock Leon turned his attention back to the girl he had met. "So my bike is over there if you did not drive yourself," Leon stated " Also you will be doing you modeling at night so be sure to tell someone where you will be. I will be waiting for you at my bike if you are riding with me I need to make a call." As he made his way to his bike he pulled out his phone and pressed a button. After a ding from his phone Leon said "Call Bittlesworth." After a few rings the phone was answered. "Hey I will be bringing a model in so make sure Rain and Night knows there will be a guest, so there is no problems," Leon said. After a pause there was a response which made Leon laugh "Yes I mean Rain, why would the tiger be a issue." After a quick thanks Leon hung up the phone and waited for the girl.

 

[Nexmaroc]

Across the city, a man called Bittlesworth hung up his phone. He stared at the phone for a moment. 'Why would the tiger be a problem?'


Honestly.


Still, it was not his place to question Lord Maxwell's judgement, utterly skewed as it may be. He turned and began to walk out of the room. In the few moments that it took for his exit, he ejected the phone's sim card, and tossed the phone unceremoniously into the fireplace. With a new model coming over, again, he would have to beef up security. Again.


The multitude of maids, cooks, gardeners, security guards, and other butlers immediately stopped what they were doing when they saw the lack of expression on his face and began to follow him. For a moment he supposed that this was what Moses must have felt like. Hmph. Such a frivolous thought that.


The crowd, numbering at just over three hundred servants, came to a stop as they reached the main hall. Bittlesworth climbed to the top of the stairs, making sure to take his sweet time with it. He wanted them to be nervous. It would make them work faster. Not that they ever worked slow under his strict tutelage. Finally reaching the top, he turned and straightened his tie. A shudder ran through the crowd.


Nothing good ever happened when Cedric Bittlesworth straightened his tie.

 

[Narwhalia]

Rain stood at the back of the crowd, her long tan casual dress curtained down her slider back like a waterfall and her dreads sat in a messy lump tied at the top of her head. She snickered, watching the servants shudder and shiver at the sight of Bittlesworth straightening his tie. She held a small glass of wine in her hand which she proceeded to swirl around in her glass. She presumed that Leon had a big surprise waiting at the end of Bittlesworth's announcement.


She ran her paint-chipped fingers down her throat thoughtfully while watching the others nervously shuffle and whisper quietly. What was Leon up to this time? Another young girl to bring home? Rain scoffed in disgust to herself. Leon was always looking for another harlot to sink his beak into. The room quieted as she awaited the old butler's quivering voice to tell everyone the presumably boring news.

 

[Nexmaroc]

If Bittlesworth was worried, and he was, it did not show as he began to speak.


"We will be having a guest soon." He spoke slowly, deliberately. And just like that the crowd began to calm down. Good. "As such some preparations must be made." He looked around until he spotted Rain. Bittlesworth natural stated was one of being annoyed, but Rain was one of the few people in the world who could say that they could cause him to become miffed. Artists, Bah. And now she was snickering. But he knew something that might wipe that grin off of her face, and it needed to be done anyway.


Using his toe, he pressed a small button in his left shoe. Several hundred vibrations could be heard going off across the crowd. Still, nobody answered their phones when Bittlesworth was talking.


"Two hundred of you have just received text messages from the Maxwell Estate. You know who you are, and I expect your resignation in the next thirty minutes. Otherwise, prepare for a guest of the highest character."


Jaws dropped. Cedric Straightened his tie once more. Now came the more complicated part.


"I am also taking us to Security Level Mark 3. Go now, you all have work to do."


Cedric turned and walked out of the room as the crowd erupted into frantic action. Those that were left in the service of the Maxwells would be sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, waxing, and dusting just about every room in the house. Those that weren't would be drafting up a letter of resignation. The security staff, none of which had just been fired, would be carrying firearms for the first time in several years.


Was it an over reaction? Maybe. Leon had brought home guests before, but this was different. Bittlesworth wasn't sure who this girl was, but something about her made Leon apparently want to show off. That was troubling. Nothing as risky as a showy thief. Or an artist. 'Why would the tiger be an issue?'


Honestly.

 

[Narwhalia]

Rainy chuckled out loud at the look on the staff's face. Poor unfortunate souls. She was sure this was all just a big over reaction. She would gulp down the rest of whats in her glass, and throw it to a maid running frantically to the kitchen and barely catching it. She looked bewildered at Rainy.


"Oh, miss Little," Said the old maid. "We haven't been at this state of alarm in years! What do you suppose has got Mr. Bittlesworth all hot and flustered?" Rainy chuckled.


"When is that old badger not in sour mood. I'm sure Leon's just got him so hiped up about this new model, and he's simply over reacting. Nobody could be that interesting to Leon that he demands Bittlesworth basically refurbish the whole place..." At least...she didn't think so...


Rainy began to worry to herself as she walked away from the old maid, heading for her room. Could someone get Leon all twisted and screwy like this? And if so, who? She didn't like the thought of this. Not one bit. She opened the door to her room, pressing her thumb to the hidden finger scanner on the handle, and walked in. She closed the door behind her and dropped her dress at her feet, kicking it to the side. Rainy made her way to the bathroom, slowly taking off her bra and underwear as well as her stocking and garter belt. Her slender fingers wrapped around the showers nozzle and turned on the piping hot water. Steam quickly built up in the bathroom and she stepped into the shower to think. Who was this new model Leon was bringing, and why did she have such a horrible gut feeling about it?

 

[Enolx]

"Well I guess she has her own ride," Leon said after waiting for a few minutes. He then put on his helmet and shot off down the street. As he darted down the street dodging cars he started to remember some of his first thefts. His smile faded after he remembered his failed theft. "Great now I'm depressed," Leon said shaking his head to focus while he drove.


It didn't take long before he made it home. He just parked his bike in front of the main doors and went inside. As he entered Night ran up to him and jumped into his arms. Leon could barely support the weight of the tiger as he hugged him. " I'm home," Leon said as he nuzzled Night. Night was able to read Leon's sad mood and rubbed up against him after he got off. Leon looked around at the staff running frantically some with depressed faces. "Bittlesworth your over reacting again," Leon yelled as he walked back to his room " Also, I need some time alone I am not to be disturbed." He walked with Night into his art room on the first floor.


The room was filled with art supplies and materials. He walked to the back of the art room and took the stairs up to his viewing room. This room was his favorite, he could not count how many days he had fallen asleep in that room. As he reached the top of the stairs he put his hand to a sensor and Night put his paw to another. After a voice recognition from him and Night the door opened and they walked inside. The room was filled to the brim with different pieces of art. There were Van Gogh's, Davinci's, Michelangelo's, Picasso's, and Rodin's. Leon had stolen all of these. As he walked past paintings and sculptures protected behind glass he stopped at a massive painting of a woman. Leon sat down in front of the picture. As Leon stared into the eyes of the girl in the picture tears started to form in his eyes. He hung his head and softly said "I'm sorry Amber ." As Night laid his head in Leon's lap, he looked up at Leon with sympathetic eyes. After wrapping his arms around Night, Leon leaned over him and cried.


"Hurry off the roof, this cop is right behind us," a girl said. Rainy jumped off. "I know I know, just hurry you shouldn't be here anyway Amber," Leon said before jumping with the girl. "Who would have saved you guys if I didn't come," Amber said as she jumped "I can do more than work a computer you know." As they floated away carried by their parachutes, they smiled. BANG. Leon looked back to the roof the cop was being pulled back by his friends gun in hand, still smoking. Leon looked around to see if if his partners were alright. To his horror Amber started to fall, moments later she slammed into a building, then she fell to the streets below.


Leon stood over Amber crying while she was in a hospital bed. Moments later the cop who had shot her barged into the room. " I'm sure this is the girl, but we have no way to connect her other than my word, damn," the cop said after looking at Amber " Doctors said she might not make it, damn, this was our best chance at the Raven." "Get out," Leon said glaring at the cop his eyes red. The cop then turned to Leon and said " I will catch you Raven and you will rot in jail. You should be ashamed for getting this girl involved." Leon lost it and jumped the cop and started rain blow after blow to the cops face. " I'll kill you, you bastard," Leon screamed. Moments later additional cops from outside came and pulled Leon off. Leon and the cop stared at each other eyes never moving as Leon was dragged off. "I will never forgive you," Leon said as the door was shut in front of him.


"So your honor you see that he was just acting out in passion." the lawyer said. " And as for the other charges that is just the word of single policeman with no hard evidence, just a few coincidences." "The jury finds Leonard Maxwell, not guilty." a man proclaimed.


"Apparently the young master has locked himself in that room," a maid whispered to another maid" He hasn't come out for months now."


"It's finished," Leon said as he wiped sweat and paint from his forehead. He looked up at the massive picture of Amber. " I hope you like it Amber," Leon said to himself " I will wait for you."

 

[Narwhalia]

Rainy had heard Leon come in, and quickly got out of the shower, almost slipping and falling as she did so. Grabbing a towel, she wrapped it around her body and walked straight out of her room, down the hallway, and into the art room, leaving a trail of water behind her. She stomped passed the Butler, ignoring his poor attempts at trying to stop her. With her long hair still dripping wet she walked in on Leon leaning over Night, sobbing. She stopped herself and sighed.


"Oh," She walked slowly over to the two, slowing even more when Night let out a low growl. "Shhh Night, it's just me. Leon, I know you probably don't want to talk right now, but...what's wrong, man?" She asked, worry creasing her brow.

 

[Enolx]

Leon snapped out of his memory when he heard someone come inside. Since Night would have killed anyone instantly other than Bittlesworth,Rainy, Amber, and himself it had to be Rainy behind him, one of them would never disobey him and the other could not be here so she was all that was left. After Night let out a soft growl Rainy then spoke to confirm his guess.


"It's nothing I just started thinking of our last mission with Amber," Leon said clearing his eyes making sure to not show tears " I though I would get it all out of my system before it started to effect my art later. Also I said did not want to be disturbed, that included you Rain. You should listen to Bittlesworth I know he tried to stop you." Having Rainy here kinda cheered him up but he did not like to show his weakness in front of the others. Night was one the only two people he would ever cry in front of, Amber was the other. Leon got up and began to walk out but before he did he gave Rainy a hug. "Thanks for caring, I wish I was as strong as you are," Leon whispered in her ear before letting her go. Then with a smile he said "Also you shouldn't walk around with just a towel a there might be a master thief who takes it from you and leaves you with a difficult situation for his own fun." Leon then showed her the towel as he ran out of the room. "Be sure to lock up these pieces are priceless," He said as he ran down to the main entryway.


"Alright ladies and gentlemen"Leon yelled from the middle of the room "First order of business, Bittlesworth overreacted and I guess he fired around two-thirds of you, you are now hired again until the next time Bittlesworth overreacts or you do something that warrants your release from employment. Second, Bittlesworth is still your lord and master so remember that even though I have overruled him this one time he still has control over your lives, fear his man. Third, This weekend you are all released from service for the next week, enjoy your payed vacation tell your families I said hi. Last, it is jazz Thursday so lets get this day started.


Leon then hopped into the seat of a nearby piano and began to play.


[media]



[/media]

 

[Narwhalia]

Rainy blushed hotly, looking down at her naked body. "Ugh...Leon!!!" She yelled, but her voice was drowned out by the vibrant sounds of the piano in the main room. She smiled, grabbing a priceless drapery and wrapping it around her still damp body. She strolled nonchalantly to her room, looking at Leon out of the corner of her eye. 'He thinks he's so clever,' She thought to herself, smirking.


Rainy made it to her room, and dropped the drapery at her feet. She strolled over to her dresser, picking out underwear and strolling over to her closet to pick out an outfit.

She then walked out of her room, closing the door behind her, and walking downstairs to find that Leon had finished. She snickered.


"You aren't the only one who knows how to play instruments well, dear friend!" She pulled out a hang drum from under the piano and sat down in front of him. She closed her eyes, getting lost in the sound of the music.

[media]

​

[/media]



As she played, she thought of her past, her present, and her future. Would she be stuck living her life with Leon forever? Would there be a chance of love in her life ever? Did she even need love? Who was this mysterious model Leon was bringing into the house? What was comeing next? And, overall, what was this strange feeling she had in her gut that something terrible was about to happen?


As the song ended, she stopped to see a tear roll down her cheek and onto the metal of the drum. *Ting* She stared curiously at the little drop of water. She hadn't cried in years.

 

[Enolx]

Leon sat back after playing he let out a chuckle at Rainy's proclamation. "I know I'm not the only one," Leon said with a smile as she pulled out her drum from under the piano "Bittlesworth plays a mean sax." As she played he went over to her, laid down next to her, closed his eyes, and let himself be absorbed by the music. He had always loved the sound, it was soothing, like rain hitting bamboo. As the music reached its finish Leon opened his eyes to the sound of water hitting the drum. As he laid on his back he looked at Rainy and saw the streak of a tear. "Wow," Leon thought to himself "Both of us cried in the same day, not sure if this is a good sign." Leon went to a knee next to Rainy and placed his hand on the side of her face. "Everything will be fine," Leon said looking into her eyes as he wiped the water from her cheek with his thumb "As long as we have each other everything will work out." He then touched his forehead to hers and just felt her warmth.


After a short time he broke contact and let her go. He realized that most of the workers in the house stopped what they were doing to stare, some of the women's faces were red and the guys gave him looks of approval, some even whistled. "Well it's time for some practice before my work tonight, so I will be in my room," Leon said " Bittlesworth I will need an after workout bottle of the 1949 Domaine Leroy Musigny Gran Cur. Also I think you guys may want to get back to what you were doing before you started staring at us, Bittlesworth is not as forgiving as I am about that kind of stuff. " With that Leon walked off to his room, Night following behind.


His room was located on the roof in the center of a garden that Bittlesworth made him for is birthday. His room was a half circle with the form of of a massive decagon and it was made of a ultra reflective glass. The inside of his room was something out of a fairy tale. The inside looked like a mineral cave in the jungle. The walls were bumpy and protruded and retracted like a rock wall, water fell down parts of the walls and traveled through groves in the floor to create small rivers which ended to form a large lake in the center. Green chains of different sizes hung from the roof in different places and looked like vines in sided the cave and, from these vines Leon's bed was suspended in the air over the lake. The main attraction of the room was the obsidian colored walls that shifted colors based on the light and not only allowed you to see outside but let sun and moonlight steak in. The room is finished by the black stair step rocks with retractable stairs that led to his bed what was ten feet off the ground.


Night ran into the room and jumped from rock to rock until he landed on the bed above. "Man I love this room," Leon yelled as he removed his shirt and walked over to the wall. After clapping his hands to start music for the workout he placed his hand into a grove in the wall and then began to climb. After getting about fifteen feet up he jumped to a chain and swung from chain to chain until he launched himself at the other wall. After a few seconds in the air he made contact with the wall and barely held on after one hand slipped. After waiting a bit on the wall to gain his strength back he climbed up to the ceiling. There he held, looking down thirty or so feet at the bed and the lake below. "Now" Leon yelled down to Night and on cue Night made the bed swing back and forth like a pendulum. While trying to get the timing one of Leon's arms gave out, and he held on by a few fingers. Digging deep within himself Leon reached back up with his other hand to grab a hand hold while his feet dangled. "Fuck it, lets risk my life in practice," Leon said as he swung his body, pulled his legs to the ceiling, and when both made contact he pushed off propelling himself down. After barely missing his bed he dove into the water barely making a splash.


After spending around four minutes underwater he broke the surface to see Night holding a towel. Leon crawled onto the floor and just laid there his entire body hurting and lungs burning. Night placed the towel next to him and then jumped into the water. " I think that's a ten for the dismount and entry," Leon said weakly " Now all that's missing is something to take away my pain.""Bittlesworth," Leon wined while staring at the sky " Where's my wine.......... or drugs?"

 

[Narwhalia]

Rainy sniffled as Leon removed his head from hers. After She realized he was gone, she looked around to see the servants still staring at her. "Unless you want to lose your jobs, I suggest you all PISS OFF!" She yelled. It took a lot for her to get angry, but she wasn't fond of most people seeing her emotional side, besides Leon....and at one point Amber. She stood, shaking slightly, and made her way back up the stairs to her room.


Rainy's room wasn't very fancy, as she hadn't lived here long enough to make it quiet her own. It was shaped like a normal room, but the far wall was nothing but a giant window that overlooked the houses hidden flower garden Rainy had planted without Bittlesworth knowing. The room also had a little cabinet that, when opened, revealed a glorious selection of tea's as well as a boiling hot water tap that was directly connected to the kitchen. the walls where originally white, but, against Bittlesworth's strong disapproval, Rain had painted all over the walls, creating a glorious collage of random swirls and and images. A jungle of Rainy's imagination was splayed on her walls for only the most fortunate to see. Rain cleaned her room herself, so no staff of the mansion was aloud inside, aside from Bittlesworth.


Rain walked over to the cabinet and opened it, pulling out a package of passion fruit green tea and placing it in her favorite tea cup, filling it with water and adding a spoon full of honey. She mixed in the honey walking over to her bedside table. She put the cup down, opened the top drawer, and pulled up the hidden compartment, pulling out a large bag of weed and rolling papers. She pulled a tray out from under her bed, and sat down, beginning to roll a joint. She place it in her mouth, lit it, and breathed in deeply. As she breathed out the smoke, she breathed out all the stress and worry she had built up in her heart. She stared out the window, continuing to smoke, when two little mounds of fur crawled out of her bed covers and sat in her lap, using her skirt as a bed. She giggled, stroking their soft long bodies. Her two black and white ferrets, yin and yang, fell straight to sleep in her lap. Rainy sighed, sipping her warm tea and continuing to smoke her stress away.

 

[Nexmaroc]

"Its on the nightstand sir." Bittlesworth replied from the doorway, where he had been standing the whole time with a concerned look on his face. He had seen the whole thing, having simply followed Leon into the room. It had been a long time since Leon had lost his grip like that. It didn't take much to guess why.


Cedric couldn't blame him. Amber's loss had been hard on all of them. Though many believed Bittlesworth to be an emotionless android in service to the Maxwells, he had cared for Amber. And no one, he was sure, held larger regrets that night than he.


Cedric strode briskly down the hall towards what had come to be called the 'Situation Room'. He was nervous about the young master's latest scheme. Something just didn't feel right. Like the devil's fingers were closing an icy grip around all of their necks.


He had already voiced his concerns to Leon, who had promptly dismissed them as overt paranoia. Bittlesworth wasn't so sure. So he had headed for the one person who could convince Leon to listen to him just this once. Amber. The technological guru of the entire operation. Yet, she to had told him that he was simply worrying to much. Leon could handle anything that went wrong.


And that's what he was worried about. There had been several near misses these last few months, and Cedric wasn't entirely convinced that they were coincidental. The police were gaining on them. There had been to many heists, to quickly. The wax was beginning to melt off of their wings.





He had been right, but he hadn't stopped them. He'd let them go. They had been so confident. "If there isn't anything else sir." Cedric turned and walked from the room, a firm scowl plastered on his face. Something needed to be done. Amber's memory was rotting away in their minds, and they had nothing to show for it. He turned on his heel, sure that Leon was watching, and headed for the all but abandoned Situation Room. Perhaps it was time to throw all caution to the wind and fly again. For Amber.


But first, the girl.

 

[IceQueen]

Val sighed, her fingers pressing the end of the mechanical pencil in her hand over and over, graphite falling to the sketch pad below. She sighed, looking out though her open window, out into the dark night's sky. She could see the faint glimmer of stars in the distance. She sighed, turning her head back to the paper. "Nothing." She muttered. Sighing she continued to push the end of her pencil until the distinct sound of the floor boards outside her room squeaking under heavy weight. The creek was followed by what was an attempt at a soft knock. "Time for homework" her dad's rough voice called from outside her door.


Sighing, Val looked at her empty paper. "Alright." She called out, starting to pick up the small tiny pieces of lead that where scattered all over the place. She brushed her hand across the paper, scattering every piece of lead that she had just put in a pile onto the floor, the rest of them soon joining. She sighed and walked over to her desk, placing the now closed sketch book inside. She then walked back over and began tediously picking up every piece of lead and placing it back inside her pencil.


After a good 10 minutes of picking up lead out of her carpet, she placed the plastic cap with the eraser snuggly back into place, giving a sigh of happiness. "Perfect." She mumbled. Just as she was enjoying her victory, her dad knocked and came in. "Hey sport, how is the homework?" He asked. "Good." She replied flatly.


Her father smiled warmly "Alright then, I won't hold you up." He said, shutting the door again. Once she was sure he head left for his weekly night shift at the station, she walked over to her closet and grabbed what she had prepared. A hoddie, a beanie and satchel with another sketch pad and pencil, and phone inside. She left a note for her mom and walked towards the window, throwing it open. She smiled as the fresh and cold night's air entered her nose. She smiled and grabbed the rope ladder by her window and tossed it out, soon climbing down.


Slowly folding the ladder, she smiled and shoved it in the satchel, closing the top. She smiled and moved it back to resting on the small of her back. She then dashed towards the street, quickly escaping out into the night to find some inspiration. She sighed, changing from running to resting her hands on her knees as she panted. "Why did I have to sprint?" She asked herself, wanting to pass out on the concrete. She looked around, trying to find a high place to watch the stars or to look at the sky or just plain pass out.


Her eyes traveled for a while until they rested on a mansion at the end of the street. "Perfect." she said, walking a bit faster towards it. A soon as she got there, she looked up at the house. "No doubt trapped, but worth a shot." She said, becoming really careful as she began to sneak towards the house.

 

[Enolx]

"Love you Bittles," Leon yelled as he watched Bittlesworth walk away. Leon could tell that something was troubling him, it was probably the same thing that was bothering him. During the mission, Bittlesworth had tried to stop Amber from going out to help Leon and Rain, so he most likely felt responsible for what happened. He shouldn't, because when Amber wanted to do something there was no stopping her but, Bittlesworth was always a man who took responsibility. "Well at least things will change this weekend," Leon said as he petted Night who came out of the water next to him " I have a mission planed, have you heard of the Birth of Venus, I'm going to take it. Night let out a cheerful roar at Leon's pleasant mood. "Alright boy lets get cleaned up we have a guest tonight," Leon said as he hopped up " But first we have a smooth red waiting for us."


Leon removed his wet clothes and wrapped his waist in the towel Night brought him. After uncorking the bottle Leon took a drink strait from the bottle and then pored some into a bowl shaped grove for Night, who lapped it up happily. After the two of them drank half the bottle they decided to return the bottle to the wine cellar. As they left the roof they passed Rainy's room and they could smell the smoke. Night let out a low growl at the smell. "Yea I know boy," Leon said to Night before cupping his hands around his mouth to yell " You will never get married to a nice boy if you keep smoking also I took some of your tea."


After getting to the cellar he realized that you don't put an already opened bottle back in the cellar and set off to return to his room. On his way back he noticed the door to the mission room was opened. " It seems someone else was getting anxious too," Leon said to himself " Well it was going to be a surprise but, whatever. Inside the mission room, which the rest of his team had dubbed the "Situation Room" was his forgery of the Birth of Venus and his plans for breaking into the Uffizi. As Leon walked back up to his room with new cheer he began yelling the song " Hakuna Matata" loud enough that his voice bounced through the halls along with Night backing him up with assorted roars.

 

[Narwhalia]

I choked harshly on the smoke I had tried so hard to hold in at his comment. I coughed so violently I dropped the joint on Yin, causing him to squeel and bite Yang you in turn bit back, and they both ran after each other under my bed. I heard them scuttling around underneath, their claws scratching on the wood. I picked up my tea, taking a few gulps, and retrieved the joint, taking another puff off of it and smiling. He had already walked past the door, but I still yelled back in reply. "And you're never gonna get a decent girl if you talk to a big cat! Besides, some guys like the smell of pot on a girl!" I giggled. I stopped when I heard the sound of shuffling and footsteps on the roof that didn't resemble Leon's. Keeping the joint in my mouth, I opened my window and jumped to the pole just above my window, holding on tightly.


I began to swing my legs until I could fit them over the bar and bring myself to crouch, balanced on top of it. I stood carefully, keeping my balance perfect as I slowly peaked over the roof to see what the sound was. I dropped my jaw slightly, letting the joint fall to the ground far below. There was a teenage girl just crawling around on our roof in a hoodie! Without hesitation, I pounced, landing straight on her and knocking her over. I pinned down her arms and legs to look her in the eye's when I realized that she was holding a satchel in her hands. "What's in the bag you little bitch." I asked, glaring into her eyes.

 

[IceQueen]

Slowly slinking across the yard, Val was extremely cautious. She could feel her heart racing inside her chest. "Calm down." she muttered, staying still and letting her heart beat calm down. "This is so illegal." She muttered, continuing to walk. Once she was close enough to the house, she smiled, reaching up to grab ahold of the closest ledge. Smiling, she began to scale the side of the house.


Once she reached close to the roof, she hurried up, throwing her bag and arms over the edge. She pulled herself up and started walking, but was soon interrupted by something landing on her back.


"Shit!" She yelled as she was turned over and pinned to the roof. She was now face to face with a girl who smelled like she was on drugs and looked like she was about to kill me. "I'm sorry!" She yelled, fear entering her eyes as she wriggled her way out of her grasp. "I was trying to find inspiration." She said, fumbling for her satchel which had fallen close to one of her hands. "All I have is a pad of paper, a pencil, and my phone." She said, opening it to let her see. She then closed it before she could take her phone or anything.

 

[Narwhalia]

Rainy looked at the satchel and then at the girls face. It made since to her, but why the mansion out of all the other...right...mansion. Rainy sighed, getting off of the girl and dusting off her long skirt. She looked up at the sky and closed her eyes. "Who are you?" She asked the girl, still facing the sky. "And what are you doing out so late? Isn't there like," She looked down. "somewhere else more inspiring then the roof of our house?" Rainy chuckled to herself, looking to the girl, waiting for answers.

 

[IceQueen]

Val crossed her arms. "The name is Valorie Heats, and I am out late because some idiot spilled his coffee all over my last homework assignment and it's due tomorrow." She said. "And I forgot what my other picture looked like so I have to start one hundred percent from scratch." She explained, still not exited about her. "And I find high places clear my head and you're house happened to be the tallest thing within a close distance of my house." She said.

 

[Enolx]

As Leon made it to the roof Night let out a low growl and faced out towards the gate. As Leon turned he saw what looked like a girl stalking across his yard. "Don't worry about it," Leon said "It's probably just another stalker or reporter......... or murderer. Either way we will cross that bridge when we get there. " With that Leon walked back into his room.


After returning to his room he removed is towel grabbed a bar of Irish Spring and walked under the waterfall at the back of his room he used as a shower. As he and Night took a bath they heard yelling outside on the roof. "Must be the intruder," Leon said with a sigh "Let's go deal with it before they ruin the garden." With that Leon walked out of the waterfall and wrapped the towel back around his waist. As he exited the room with Night behind him he could hear Rainy and another girl talking. He walked over to where the girls were on the roof and noticed that Rainy had the girl pinned. "See we didn't even have to worry," Leon said.


As he walked to the edge of the roof that his room was located on, sat down on the ledge with Night, and looked down at the two girls on the lower roof. "Hey Rain, who's your new girlfriend," Leon yelled " If your going to hide your nightly passions with other girls on the roof try not to yell, Bittlesworth has great hearing. Also take that inside I'm trying to enjoy my bath and, as not to be rude, hello girl who was in a compromising position it's nice to meet you."

 

[IceQueen]

Val blushed and glared at him. "I will have you know that I am completely strait and want nothing to do with the people in this house!" She yelled, glaring at him. "I will have you know you're friend jumped on me and called me a bitch so we are hardly lovers." She said. She tugged at her hat, hoping the girl did not realize who she was. "And it's not girl, it's Valorie Heats." She said.