Tannis was in a melancholy panic as Ricochet sped through the night with her imprisoned atop his cycle. I just HAD to come out here lookin’ for action. she scolded herself.

“Having fun yet doll?” Ricochet teased. It was exceptionally fun to mock this one.

“You just wait pal,” Tannis threatened, “I’m gonna claw your eyes out.”

“That reminds me…” Ricochet thought aloud placing a hand over her eyes.

“HEY!”

“Sorry, but the location of our headquarters is secret.” Ricochet informed her.

“Like I’m gonna tell anyone.” Tannis murmured.

Hardiron rolled his eyes and called out to Ricochet, “And exactly why are we bothering to take this little freak anywhere.”

“OH THAT’S NICE, INSULT ME!” Tannis hissed.

“Don’t talk that way about a lady.” Ricochet answered. “And as of now I’m second in command and in charge so if I say we take her we take her, got it?”

“Whatever.” Hardiron submitted.

“And exactly what are you planning to do with me anyway?” Tannis demanded dreading the answer.

“Figured I’d use you for target practice,” Ricochet teased.

“Very funny,” Tannis muttered, “jerk.”

Arriving at the Brotherhood Ricochet slung Tannis back over his shoulder and proceeded to haul her inside. “Time we got better acquainted.”

“Don’t worry,” Hardiron assured her, “we aren’t a bunch to harm ladies.”

“I’m so relieved.” Tannis replied sarcastically.

Sitting her down on a table in the middle of a dark room Ricochet mused over her as she struggled against her bonds. “Not so cocky now are you?”

“Just wait until I’m free…” she growled.

“That won’t be anytime soon.” he countered.

“Now what?” Hardiron grumbled. “We gonna invite her to stay for tea?”

Eyeing the duck harshly Ricochet snapped, “How about a little privacy while I entertain our guest?”

“Sure.” Hardiron chuckled leaving the room, “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone.”

“Idiot.” Ricochet mumbled.

“My thoughts exactly.” Tannis mocked him.

“Fun and games are over,” Ricochet shot back, “no one gets a free ride outta the Brotherhood.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Answers.” Ricochet proceeded to drill her, “Who do you work for?”

“Myself.”

“Who sent you?”

“The elves.”

“What’s your real name?”

“Anonymous.”

“You think this is funny?!”

“Hilarious.”

Ricochet cried out in frustration and paced the room. “Why are you making this so difficult?”

“I’m bored.”

“You’ll find that being stubborn will get you nowhere.” he stated drawing his sword.

“I’m so scared.” Tannis replied bitterly. “Let. Me. Go.”

“I want answers.” He placed the tip of the blade against her bare throat.

“My name’s Tannis I work for a mutant gang called The Pride. They’ll slit YOUR throat if you don’t surrender me back to them immediately.” Tannis snapped.

“The Pride?” Ricochet had heard that name before…

“Well?”

“Do you know Amore?”

“Never heard of her.” Tannis lied.

“You’re lying.”

“You’re an idiot.”

Growling Ricochet sliced a nearby wooden chair in two, Tannis smiled at getting such a strong reaction from him. “Ya trying to impress me handsome?”

The comment struck Ricochet as odd and a bit enticing. Not that he’d let her know that. “I just thought I’d make my point.”

“Point taken.”

“Good. Now start telling me the truth.”

“I told you my name and gang.” Tannis protested, “That’s all you’re getting. It’s really none of your business. You’re dead once I’m loose anyway.”

“That’s a shame.” Ricochet answered.

“Why?”

“Because I was going to cut you loose.”

“Why?” she cocked an eyebrow.

“If you promised to behave I guess I’m developing a soft spot for you. Besides, you’re of no use to me as a prisoner. The Brotherhood doesn’t take many of those.”

“Blah blah The Brotherhood.” Tannis rolled her eyes. “I’m so sick of hearing you talk about this mob.”

“It’s my life.” Ricochet stated, “Now, will you cooperate?”

“Will you cut me loose?”

Sighing Ricochet sliced through the cords, “Don’t even think of escaping. You’re vastly outnumbered.”

“You seriously underestimate me.” Tannis warned him, “But maybe I’m just not ready to get away.”

“Why not?” he asked curiously.

“Maybe I’m having a good time.” Tannis was starting to like this guy. Why? Not even she knew.

Ricochet was more puzzled than ever but decided that it didn’t matter. She was here. That was enough.

“So…Tannis, are thievery and announce your only occupations?”

“Very funny.” Tannis griped, “Actually, I’m a physical fitness trainer at a local gym. I find exercise invigorating. Not that I’d expect you to know that.”

“I’ll have you know I bench a good 280 every day.”

“Really?” they were oddly enough finding common ground. “I wouldn’t picture you as someone who worked out.”

“Maybe I could drop by your gym sometime.” he smiled.

“So you’re going to let me go?”

“That’s the plan. Just not right now though.” he responded, “First I have to be sure you’re trustworthy.”

“And how are you going to find that out?”

Taking her hand Ricochet turned on the charm. The best way to win over a lady was to make her feel appreciated. “By allying myself with you. The Brotherhood and The Pride could be useful allies.”

“The Pride doesn’t need The Brotherhood.” Tannis stated.

“Everyone needs someone.”

“Not me.”

“Don’t be so sure.”

“Oh, so you need someone?” Tannis questioned.

“Maybe I do.” Ricochet grinned.

Feeling a bit uneasy Tannis could only return the smile, “You’re stranger than I am.”

“Thanks.” Ricochet laughed and drew nearer. “Now, about that alliance…”

________________________________________________________________________

*Not a bad place to stop eh? ^_~ I can’t wait to update so send me some reviews! ^_^*

Part 1

Part 3