Dash is finally ready to get out of the hospital and set down to the job at hand.

As you can see, Aleena's there to greet him and a few others come by the meeting as well. This continues what I feel is some truly top notch roleplaying by myself and more importantly, my players.

 
Another night and morning in Honorburg's hospital came and went for Sebastian Dash. Much to the surprise of the physicians and staff, by the next day Dash was ready to be released. The human's wounds were extensive and should have taken weeks; and even after, yet further physical therapy would have awaited him. After a morning of tests and exercises, Dash made his way to the lobby room, fully dressed in his outfit, which had been cleaned of most of the blood stains. Ready or not, Dash felt as weak as a kitten, but his mood and condition seemed to improve with every step.

It skyrocketed when he saw Aleena waiting for him in the lobby. She grinned, ran and pulled him into a quick and tight huggle. "How're you feeling?"

Dash visibly winced at the hug. "Surprisingly good. But a bit weak. Mind letting the grip up a bit? But it's good to see you."

"It has been three days. Your mirror sword was taken by Cattaras. But these are yours."

Dash chuckled, taking his original sword first, testing its weight. "Thanks. I was starting to think I'd have to buy a new one. Feels like longer, doesn't it? Have you talked to the felines? Is there any news on Kadlin?"

"I haven't heard any news." The elf moved to Dash's side, wrapping her arm around him and nuzzling against his shoulder as the two walked out of the building and into the warm sunshine of the city.

"Guess it'll be up to us to figure what's up," Dash said, confident in himself and the elf. "Did you get the hotel room without any problems? I had to call in a few favors to get us something nice, but it'll be worth it."

"For what it's worth," said a pedestrian sitting at a nearby donut stall, "I checked out the hotel she went to after she got the room. It's mob free. Well...as mob free as any business that big is. And when I say mob free, it's harder to check for other groups...but that's the big concern, a business like that."

It took a moment for the voice and facial clues of the speaker to register, but anyone with even a passing familiarity to Cyber Sunset would have recognized the hero once appraised. The green kevlar was replaced with a dun-colored trench coat, the green hat with a brown fedora. The glasses were largely the same, but looked more natural in the context of the other clothes. While Cyber Sunset may not have personally cared for secrecy quite as much as the city's other mystery men (no mask, after all) it was apparent that Cyber Sunset still had a life outside of his costume, as it were.

Aleena glanced towards Cyber Sunset. She did not notice him, which was odd. Her suit's sensors should have told her. She tried very hard not to look surprised as the two joined him at the table.

Dash was visibly relieved to see his old associate, his mood improving in spite of the near fatal wounds which had kept Dash out of action for those vital days. "There you are. Any news on Kadlin or our mysterious attack?"

Cyber Sunset sighed. "Sadly, not much. I haven't had the time to do much looking into it. I'm sorry I didn't hear about your, uh...problems, sooner. I would have known you were in the hospital then."

"We need to get something to go on, so we know who we're up against," Dash said. "A name, or a face. Anything. I've been trying to jog my memory to see if either came up during the fight."

Cyber Sunset shrugged. "Can you describe what happened to me? I've only heard rumors so far. Nothing directly from any of you. I might be able to find out more if I research back at the ol' lair."

Dash frowned. "The Felines were obsessed with proving beyond any doubt Konall was behind the incident. They did that chi superspeed thing to zip us down. They rushed to grab some more witnesses, but we got ambushed."

Cyber Sunset nodded, used to this kind of dramatic pause just before helpful information could be given. "And the ambushers appeared to be..."

"Random group of enemies," Dash said with a frown. "We fought them off.. then. Catrina and I had an altercation. It.." Dash paused, mulling over his words. "It didn't go well for me."

Cyber Sunset blinked. "Wait...wait, you're telling me that the gang who ambushed you wasn't the one who put you in the hospital?" The hero stared in shock for a moment before grinning. "Just like old times. There's no way any random thugs can take you down, but the friendly fire'll kill ya."

"Not quite like old times." Dash smiled, looking from CS to Aleena and back. "I still miss the old town sometimes."

"Just don't get stabbed again. That was quite frightful," Aleena said.

Dash nodded as he looked at Aleena. "Was even less fun than it looked. Did you get any indication on our assailants?"

"I spent all my time with you. I don't know anyone from this city. Normally, I'd contact the authorities, though justice around here seems rather more vigilante."

Cyber Sunset frowned in thought for a few moments before reaching into one of his trench coat's pockets and pulling out a small book. "With no data to go on, this becomes an NP Complete problem, but like all the best math we can probably brute force a solution. It'll be tricky without even rough descriptions or a size of the gang that attacked you, but I think it can be done. Topside, Sarah Gettell is the best newspaper reporter in town, the Woman In Red gets information incredibly quickly, and Filbert the Liar is the most trustworthy bookie we can find. Beyond that, I'm owed two more favors by the Dusk Society and they could probably find a diviner to glean some information to help us out. Downside, the Rat King's left-most head, Thaddeus, hears a lot and is willing to talk to me. Vince the Chef is in prison but everyone knows that he's got information flowing to him every day, and he can be persuaded for a price by anyone he trusts (which probably includes me.) Oh, and Dr. Widdershins has stopped building death rays and started selling info, so we've got ourselves a few healthy stool pigeons. Oh, and of course Astra in the Undercity of Kan' is always good for info."

Cyber Sunset transferred the names, along with addresses and phone numbers, onto a spare napkin. At the end of the list, Cyber Sunset pointed emphatically at Dash.

"By the way, that reminds me: we finally found the Undercity of Kan'. It's not actually a legend. Quite the surprising story, I should tell you sometime."

"That's not a story I'd pass on hearing," Dash said. "Sounds like you've really up'ped your game since we first teamed."

"You would too, if you'd stuck around. You adapt fast when you're facing circus lions or walking tripods from the moon or thrust onto a giant chess board."

Dash nodded. "I've been trapped in Hey Daze, forced to fight a dragon that wiped me out of existence at one point, and, well, you've met Cattaras. I'm no stranger to adapting on the battlefield myself."

"Fight a galactic empire run by mind-controlling rapist space bugs, then we'll talk, boys." The elf grinned mischievously.

Dash nodded. "Okay, that definitely tops fighting bumbling bugbears."

Cyber Sunset's eyes grew dark and strangely focused. "Well...not an entire empire of them and they weren't bugs, but yes, that's...a challenge..."

"I don't recall seeing any strange markings," Dash said, bringing the conversation back to the previous topic. "Not much sign they were a common group at all, which probably won't sound so strange to Aleena.. but I've found that, like my home kingdom, the groups here tend towards a disturbing amount of uniformity. To see one not embracing it.. unless it's a coalition of groups."

The elf shifted her weight, cocking her hips in a stance she thought would please Dash. "Then all we gotta do is find guys who look like our mob and go beat them up until they talk, right? Or if you want to be more subtle, show me where computer records of the incident could be kept, and I'll go pilfer them."

Cyber Sunset smiled. "I wish we had computer records! That'll be the day. The police can't afford that kind of thing, though. If you reported it, they should have it on file at one of the local branches in paper form. We probably wouldn't even need to steal it since I'm a fully registered 'mystery man', insofar as you can register a mystery."

"There should be plenty of readily available information on the topic," Dash responded. "We might even be able to find something useful in the local newspapers."

"That's why I'm thinking we should contact Sarah Gettell," said Cyber Sunset. "She can navigate newspaper archives better'n anyone. She'll likely be able to answer our questions before we ask them."

"Then let's go," Dash said. "Actually, I'd like to grab some lunch and see the hotel room for myself."

"He always did have his priorities straight," Cyber Sunset said to Aleena.

"I'm starved, and I want to drop my bag off before I get to work," Dash answered. "Besides, you're a hero. Can you check up on the contact and meet us after?"

Cyber Sunset grinned and waved at the modest pastry-based breakfast on the table. "Absolutely. Just as soon as I've finished eating here. I've got my priorities straight too, after all."

"Nice." Aleena grinned. She felt her own stomach growl. "Though are you buying?"

Cyber Sunset nodded pleasantly. "What kind of a host would I be if I didn't? Help yourself."

"Excellent, thank you," Dash said, sitting down, nonchalantly lowering his voice. "Is it just me, Aleena, or do those thugs about two blocks down look way too familiar?"

"Better get your eyes checked Dash, there's no-one there." Aleena did not even turn to look, using her technology to 'sense' everyone around her. She took a big bite from a sandwich.

"I know what I saw, I.." Sure enough, when Dash looked again with a subtle glance, they were gone. "I.. huh. Nevermind. Stress must be getting to me."

"You did go through a lot of trauma." Aleena looked down at her plate, surprised that she had eaten her food already. "May I have some more?"

"What, more food or more trauma?" Dash slowly finished up the plain wheat doughnut he was munching on. He quickly found he inadvertently traded a punch to the arm for his sandwich.

"Mine now," Aleena said.

"I feel sorry for the other customers," Dash whispered to Sunset. "She might eat 'em out of business." Dash smiled widely at Aleena.

"Yer a mean one, mister Dash," she almost sang out in reply.

"I really am a heel," Dash admitted, grabbing a stack of pancakes as the cart passed.

"Mm, delicious. Thank you Sunset, I was very hungry," said Aleena.

"It's no problem," Cyber Sunset said, watching the two other heroes enjoying their breakfast but keeping an eye on the surrounding streets. "No problem at all."

Aleena's ears perked up suddenly as Dash felt a strange need to look to his left. Cattaras Whiteclaw, bold as anything and tougher than a two dollar steak, was strolling along the sidewalk. Although 'strolling' was a kind term to use for someone who looked as messed up as he did. Looked like he'd been in a fight almost as bad as the last one for the others.

Aleena quickly jumped to her feet and ran to meet him. "By the goddess, what happened to you? The others are sitting over there, come sit and let me take a look at you."

"Guess I should go thank him in person," Dash said, watching his long time rival.

Cyber Sunset watched the new arrival cautiously, not sure what to make of the serious looking injuries but grateful for the nearby hospital in case they really were as bad as they looked.

Dash joined 'em. "Let me guess.. we should see the other guy if we think that's bad, Cattaras?"

Cattaras smiled at Aleena and purred loudly enough for Dash to hear, only smirking slightly at Dash's barb. "She hasn't a scratch on her. But I knew there would be a price to pay for saving your scrawny hide."

"Ouch," Dash said, frowning. "Seriously?"

The irrepressible elf gently ran her fingers across the wounds. They weren't deep, but they did sting as nanites cleaned and stitched flesh back together. The fur would take time to grow back, but fortunately, no bones appeared to be broken. "How do you feel?"

Cattaras' body took on more definition as muscles tensed in response to the stinging of the nanites at work, then relaxed back to his normal buff self. He smiled at Aleena, who blushed in response. "Much better.. thanks to you." He then smirked. "But I should probably leave again very soon."

"Speaking of which, um, thanks," Dash said. "For saving our lives, and all that."

Aleena nodded and smiled, petting her fingers from the back of the tiger's neck downwards along his spine. "Aye, thank you again, but why must you go?"

Cattaras purred as she stroked his neck, then smiled. "You, of all people, understand why I cannot be near you." He glanced over at Dash sadly, stepping back from the group.

"I was just about to head to the hotel, anyway, taking Sunset with me," Dash said. "If you'd like stay and talk." Dash paused, rethinking his options. "Actually, we were about to head down the street, within yelling distance."

"No, don't go," Aleena begged. "I really want you to stay. And Dash, too."

Dash sighed. "Okay, fine."

Cattaras gave a 'What do I do?' mewl but then nodded. "Of course, for you."

"I really, really like you both. I... want you both." Aleena had not felt such awkwardness before. From her perspective, their bodies were meant to be enjoyed, and such activity did not bear as much significance to her as those from this culture. There were very few male space elves as such, thus multiple partners were not uncommon.

Dash paused respectfully for her internal monologue, not daring to guess where that elven mind of hers was going. "For?"

"I want the both of you. Will you share yourselves with me, and my body with each other?"

Cattaras looked dumbstruck- although the tenting of his loincloth left no doubt as to his eventual answer.

"These nanites are starting to affect my brain." Dash shook his head and turned to Cyber Sunset for a silent plea for help.

Cattaras found words hanging on his rival's speech. "Couldn't be. I heard it too. By the way what are 'nanites?'"

"Machines so small you need a microscope to see them," said Cyber Sunset, leaping onto a part of the conversation that felt more like familiar territory. "Generally the stuff of pulp novels and late-night radio broadcasts, but I've run into them from time to time. I've been lucky enough to work with them on a few occasional projects, even."

"Of course he has!" Dash said with an impressed smile. "The bread and butter of someone from a space faring race.." He paused. "Would race be a good way to put it? And Sunset's 'heard of it!'"

"Nothing as complex as mine, I suspect," Aleena commented. "But I have obviously spoken wrongly today, and I apologize to you all."

Cyber Sunset looked between the three and decided that the tension needed an external breaker to help things move on. "Well, it's early in the day, and most of us here are recovering from being beaten within an inch of our lives, I think. Why don't we all break for a few hours, let Dash recover at his hotel a bit, and meet up again at two? That'll give me time to check in with a few contacts."

"Sounds good. I could use the recovery time," Dash said. "And don't worry, Aleena. I'm actually kind of flattered. Never apologize for speaking your honest feelings."

Cattaras growled low. "There is never a need for you to apologize to me. Ever. Any misunderstanding is clearly the fault of my stupidity when faced with your beauty."

Aleena smiled slightly, pulling Dash and Cattaras close, wrapping her arms around them and clinging tightly. "I love you both."

"Likewise," Dash said, hugging back.

"Um.. Say what now?" Cattaras looked at Dash.

Dash starred at him. "Her, not you. No offense, but you have tried to kill me more often than you've tried to talk to me."

Cattaras chuckled. "Then say that. You were about to give the phrase 'watch your tail' a whole new meaning to me."

Aleena gave extra squeezes. "You two seem like you could have been fast friends, once upon a time. What's this talk of killing each other?"

Cattaras purred at her words. "Well.. he did try to bash my skull in with a rock.. But he is a capable fighter, I admit."

Dash looked at Aleena. "He's a tough opponent. He attacked me when I tried to set Catrina free, after she was kidnapped by him and Daisuke."

"This sounds like a must-hear story." Aleena threw questioning looks to her two men.

"Would you like to explain that one, 'big cat?'" Dash asked teasingly.

Cyber Sunset tossed money for a tip onto the table and moved to leave. "I have got to show you people the Arenas. You'd fit in well, I think."

See? Very solid. Sunset strongly establishes the city. We find out Dash is still weak but determined to press on. Aleena's supportive and we earn a little more insight into her mind as well. We've still got eight stories before we get to the two part Finale, with more Fahari and Fumblies coming in next.