Perched on the ledge of the roof of Lieber Hall, Tygeress scanned the campus.

 I can't believe it was 104 today, she thought dropping to a crouch on the ledge, It's freezing out here.

 Yawning, she imagined the mug of cocoa and warm, fluffy towels waiting at home for her.  She closed her eyes and pictured snuggling up to her beloved, wrapped in a blanket, while listening to the rain outside.

 A scream snapped her out of her wonderful daydream.  Tygeress stood quickly, trying to pinpoint the source, but it was now echoing across the campus.  A second scream came much closer to her position and she strained her eyes to see what was happening.

 She was about to go investigate when she was grabbed from behind.  A strong net wrapped around her upper torso and she struggled to free herself.  A yank pulled her off her feet and she landed on her butt at her attackers feet.

 Tygeress froze and stared.  A giant spider stood over her.  It tugged again on the silken strand it held, dragging the girl as it backed away from the edge of the roof.  Tygeress began to struggle fiercely to free herself, but to no avail.  The spider began to wrap her up like a fly, ignoring the threats and curses coming from the entangled super heroine.

 She began to kick at the spider, impairing its ability to wrap her legs.  The spider managed to flip her onto her stomach and hold her down.  Baring its fangs, the spider stabbed on into its victim's neck.

 Tygeress cried out in pain as the paralyzing venom flowed into the wound.  Her struggles became weaker and weaker as the poison took affect.  Finally, she lay still; alive but completely unconscious. 

 The spider finished wrapping its catch, slung the body onto its back, and left campus.  Returning to its nest in an abandoned slaughterhouse.

 

"Lady!  Oh good!  You caught her!  Did she give you much trouble?" a voice came from a small room off to the side of the main room.  The WM was beaming as she came to inspect her minion's work.
 Tygeress's head was still unwrapped and the woman noticed the two-way mike on her ear.  Pulling it off, the WM grinned, "Now she can't contact her friends." She petted the spider, "Soon no one will be able to oppose us."  Pulling out what looked like a collar from a nearby desk, she snapped it around the unconscious girl's neck.  "There.  That will prevent any tracers she might have from transmitting."  The WM stood up. "Finish wrapping her and put her in the freezer."
- - - - -
 Techno glanced at the clock for the third time.  Tygeress was 30 minutes late checking in.  Figuring she had just forgot or she was busy, Techno let it slide.
 But as it approached the hour mark, Techno began to wonder.  Opening the connection to her mike, Techno heard echoing footsteps.
 He hesitated for a second. "Ty?" he said quietly.  No answer.  "Tap the mike if you can hear me."
 The footsteps stopped, but Techno couldn't tell how close they were to Tygeress's position.  He opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off by a tap on the mike.
 "Ty?" he asked.
 "I'm afraid she can't talk to you right now." a female voice answered, "She's a bit tied up at the moment."
 Zarbon came out of the lab at that moment studying the note pad carrying.  He paused and frowned at the sound of the voice.  He quickly joined Techno at the computer.
 Techno glanced at him and flipped on the trackers before asking the woman, "What have you done with her?"
 "She's safe...for now." she answered, "But if you interfere with my plans, I will kill her."
 "Who are you?" Techno asked, frowning as no signal appeared on the screen.  An evil laugh was the only response before the mike was crushed.
 "The WM." Zarbon said, his voice deadly calm.
 Techno glanced at his friend and stared, shocked by the look of pure malice on Zarbon's face.  Zarbon's eyes were narrowed and his lips set in a straight line.  Techno could see the muscles in Zarbon's jaw working as the other man imagined what he would do to the woman when he caught up with her.  A sudden feeling of pity for the woman holding Ty captive flashed through Techno.
 Zarbon clenched his fist in rage. "If she has hurt Tonya in any way..." Zarbon growled.  He noticed Techno had actually moved away from him and was watching him warily.  Taking a deep breath, Zarbon tried to relax.  "I'm going out," he said in a tone of voice that wouldn't tolerate disagreement.  He smiled at Techno, but it didn't reach his eyes, making it look like he was baring his teeth.  "Don't worry, Techno.  I won't kill her." Zarbon gave a slight chuckle and Techno realized that the other man probably had worst things in mind for the kidnapper then death.  Techno shivered slightly as Zarbon turned to go put on his costume.
- - - - - - -
 Alec, Sebastian, Techno, and Zarbon sat at the kitchen table discussing Tonya's disappearance.
 "So there was no sign of where she could have been attacked or anything?" Alec asked.
 "Nothing." Zarbon sat with his forehead resting on his palm, staring at the table.  His voice was quiet and strained, and his hadn't touched his glass of milk.
 "Well, she couldn't have just vanished!" Sebastian said, "We should check the hospitals, the shelters, the..." He paused and watched the distraught man across the table. "the morgue." he finished quietly.
 "There weren't any unidentified females at the hospital or the morgue." Zarbon replied softly.  "I didn't see her at the shelters."
 "Should we notify the police department?" Alec asked, "Maybe she got arrested."
 "Who got arrested?" Dee asked as the girls came into the kitchen, "I told you not to go out on the streets with out a leash, Techno."
 "Tonya's missing, you idiot." Techno replied shortly.
 "What do you mean 'missing'?" Jessica asked.
 "Did you check Zarbon's room?  She's probably in there." Dee smirked, then swallowed hard at the withering glares the men gave her.
 "Did you try to contact her?" Sally asked sitting down.
 "Yeah." Techno looked grim, "And someone else..."
 "The WM." Zarbon interjected.
 Techno nodded and continued, "Answered the call and threatened to kill Tonya if we interfered with her plans.  Then she crushed the mike and to make it even better, the trackers aren't working either."
 "Lovely." Sally said.
- - - - - -
 The rest of the day and the next passed rather slowly for the group.  The mansion was quieter than usual as well.  With the uncertainty of Tonya's future in the balance, no one really felt very cheerful.
 Alec and Sebastian kept their ears and eyes open at work hoping for a lead, while the girls and Zarbon scoured the city.  Techno scanned the Internet, but nothing turned up.  It was like Tonya had just vanished.
- - - - - -
 Zarbon looked at the clock for the millionth time.  "Five o'clock." he sighed and threw off the covers and got up.  Padding down the hall to the kitchen, he wondered what he was going to do if she never came back.  His body was exhausted, but he couldn't fall asleep.  He opened the refrigerator, got out the milk, and poured himself a tall glass full.
 He paused as he put it in the microwave remembering when Tonya had introduced him to the wonderful relaxing properties of warm milk.  The machine beeped, signaling it was done, and he trudged back down the hall.  Draining the glass, he set it on the nightstand, sank into the bed, and cleared his mind.  The sandman took pity on him and sent him into peaceful slumber at last.
* * * * * *
Tygeress slowly came back to consciousness, fighting through a sea of pain and fog.  It was hard to breath, harder to move, and dizziness threatened to make her black out again.  Opening her eyes, Tygeress wondered first if she gone blind then realized she was completely wrapped up in silk.  Fighting the rising wave panic, she slowly tried to move her arms.
 The webbing was on the outside of her cape allowing her arms to move freely.  Slowly and carefully, she moved her left arm to up to her chest.  Pulling on the edge of the cape, she managed to get her hand between the cape and the webbing.  Unsheathing her claws, she cut through the strands in a downward sweep allowing her more movement.
 A few more slashes and some wiggling got her head free.  She gasped as the cold air of the freezer assaulted her skin.  She paused to catch her breath, the dizziness explained as she realized she was hanging upside down.  One final slash freed her from the silk cocoon, and she dropped to the floor with a thud.
 She lay there a few moments waiting for the dizziness to pass, wrapping the cape around her to keep warm.  Standing up, Tygeress swayed slightly as her body readjusted to being right side up again.

 Pushing the safety handle, she tried to open the door of the freezer, but it wouldn't budge.  She thought about kicking it down, but decided against it; who knows who or what waited on the other side.
 Flicking out a single claw, she cut around the handle and lock mechanism.  Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped out of the freezer.  She scanned her surrounding looking for exits and enemies.
 Tygeress found herself standing in an old meat processing plant, but she didn't know that since she's never been it one before.  She found it odd that most of the lights were on including in the freezer she had just left.  Taking a few steps forward, she began to notice the burning thirst and gnawing hunger she had developed after being trapped for over 48 hours.
 Spotting a water fountain to her left, she cautiously approached it, praying it worked.  To her relief it did and she began to drink her fill, her tail practically wagging with joy.  She felt a sudden chill and the hair on the back of her neck stood up as her tail puffed out.
 She jumped back from the fountain just before a giant spider landed on it.  Long delicate legs, black and yellow markings, and an elongated body marked in as an orb weaver.  A hiss made Tygeress glance up and spot Fang in the rafters.  Deciding that it was best to run away and get some help, Tygeress dodged Fang's leap and took off.  The spiders gave chase and a deadly game of cat and mouse began.
 Tygeress dodged and weaved through the rows of conveyors belts and packing crates, but the spiders just ran over the top of them.  The loading dock door was open directly in front of her, and Tygeress glanced back to see the orb weaver close behind.  She felt her stomach lurch as she looked back to the exit; there stood the Web Mistress holding a rather large gun.
 Tygeress slid to a stop as the Web Mistress raised the gun and fired.  Time slowed to a crawl.  A bright spurt of flame and the echoing report, a sudden sharp pain through her lower left side, and a gurgling cry of pain.  Her left hand flew to cover the injury by instinct.  Tygeress just stared at the other woman for a minute, trying desperately not to panic as she felt the warmth flowing over her hand.
 The Web Mistress's face went from a pleased smirk to a look of horror and disbelief.  She gasped and ran past Tygeress.  The stunned girl turned and almost grinned.  The bullet had gone straight through her body and killed the orb weaver.  As this information and its implications sank in, Tygeress realized she was in trouble.  She dashed from the building and flew towards the mansion as fast as she could.
- - - - - -
 Techno was just considering going to bed when the motion detector at the cave entrance beeped.  He turned just in time to see Tygeress land and fall to her knees.
 "Techno," she said weakly in a quiet voice, her eyes full of pain, "Please tell me Poopsie's home." Her eyes closed as she collapsed, and Techno whipped to face the computer.
 He flipped the PA system on and shouted into the mike, "Poopsie!  Get down here now!"  Techno ran to the unconscious girl, rolled her over, and found her pulse; steady but weakening.
 He noticed her left hand hadn't moved when she fell and her costume was darker around her hand.  Steeling himself, he moved her hand, and stared at the gaping wound.  "Damn Tonya." he said picking her up and carrying her to a couch, "What the hell were you trying to do now?"
* * * * *
 Sally woke up and blearily looked at the clock, which read 6:59.  She rolled over and went back to sleep.
 Jed and Dee just mumbled and shifted in their respective beds, but didn't wake up.
* * * * * *
 Poopsie sat up and rubbed her sleepy eyes.  She grabbed her robe and ran to the cave.
 "What's wrong, Techno?" She asked, then saw Tonya on the couch, "What the hell happen?!"
* * * * *
 Zarbon snapped awake and jumped out of bed.  He shook his head trying to clear the remnants of sleep from his brain.  He ran down to the cave an arrived just in time to hear Poopsie ask Techno what happened.  He glanced at the couch and paled.
 Techno was carefully cutting away the costume around the wound with a special pair of shears.  He had already removed her cape and thrown it over the back of the couch as the back of the couch.  Blood covered his gloves, the shears, and was dripping of the couch as it still flowed freely from the wound.
 "The object went clear through." Techno informed Poopsie as he sat back.
 "That's good news." she stepped forward and knelt beside the couch.  She took a deep breath and placed her hands on either side of the wound.  Blue light surrounded them both as she began to heal her friend.
 Zarbon snapped out of his daze and ran to the couch.  He hurriedly dropped to his knees beside Poopsie and quickly gathered his energy.  Placing his hands on her shoulders, he focused on transferring his ki to her.  The blue light extended to surround him as well.
 Poopsie felt Zarbon touch her, but was surprised as she felt him begin to transfer his energy.  She felt her focus grow sharper and stronger.  Beneath her hands, she could feel the flesh healing and the muscles regrowing.  The blood was no longer flowing from the wound, and it was closing quickly.
 * * * * *
 Tonya opened her eyes slowly and sat up on the cave floor.
 "Thanks for your help, Techno." she grumbled, "I could have died."
 Strangely, she felt no pain and looked down at her wound.  First thing she noticed was that she wasn't injured.  The second, she wasn't even in costume.  She was wearing a long white gown.
 "What the hell happened?" Poopsie asked.
   "That what I was going to ask." Tonya answered standing up.
 She realized Poopsie wasn't talking to her, but staring at the couch where Techno was doing...something.  Walking closer, she realized she was laying on the couch bleeding.  Then Poopsie started to heal her body and Zarbon began to lend her his energy.
 Tonya took a step back, "Oh no..." she said weakly, her hand going to her mouth, "I'm...dead."
"Nope.  Guess again." came a male voice from behind.
 Tonya whirled and her eyes went wide at the sight of the teenaged boy with a long brown braid and bangs that hung in his eyes.  He wore black jockey shorts, a priest's shirt and collar, and black tennis shoes.  His violet eyes were warm as was the grin on his face.
 "Duo Maxwell?" Tonya asked extremely confused.
 The boy smirked, "Close, but no."
 Tonya blinked, then paled, "Shimigami." she whispered stepping back.
 "Correcto mondo." he grinned, "But you can call me Shimi or Death."
 "But..."
 "Why do I look like an anime character instead of a walking skeleton in a cloak carrying a scythe?"
 Tonya nodded, eyes huge with fear.
 "I appear differently to each person." he replied. "This form is rather harmless and familiar to you.  It is much less likely to send you away screaming as a walking skeleton."
 "Oh." Tonya pondered that for a second. "Um...why am I like this?  You said I wasn't dead, but my body is over there and I'm here."
 "Your soul has been separated from your body so that your body could heal much faster." Death answered, "It's been through a lot of trauma even before you were shot.  The pain of healing would probably have driven you crazy, so your guardian angel asked me to help.  This was the only solution."
 "How long is this going to last?" Tonya asked worriedly.
 Death shrugged, "Until your body is completely healed.  Now if you'll excuse me...I've got other places to go and people to see.  I'll check on you later." And with a flick of the braid, he was gone.
 Tonya turned back to her friends and walked to the couch.  She stood there silently, watching Poopsie work her magic.
* * * * * 
 "Done." Poopsie declared sitting back on her heels.
 Zarbon removed his hands from her shoulders and relaxed.  He was tired, but to the point of collapse.  Moving closer to the couch, he removed Ty's mask and brushed her bangs out of her face.
 Techno handed Poopsie a towel and she wiped the blood off her hands.  She watched her sleeping friend for a moment then stood up, expecting to be dizzy.  Poopsie grinned when she realized the dizziness wasn't coming and she felt fine.
 "Thank you, Zarbon." she smiled.
 "You're welcome." he replied without looking away from Tonya, "Is she supposed to still be unconscious?"
 Poopsie glanced at Techno. "Alec didn't wake up immediately," He pointed out.
 "True." Zarbon still looked doubtful.
 "And Alec received much better care, too.  She's probably dehydrated." Techno adding, standing up, "Bring her over here."
 Zarbon lifted his lover gently from the couch and followed Techno to an alcove off to the side.  Techno flicked on the lights, revealing what looked like a copy of a hospital room.
 "Wow!" Poopsie gasped as Zarbon laid Tonya on the bed. "When did you do this?"
 "Right after Alec got shot and you brought him home." Techno replied, "Figured if you were going to start doing things like that, it might be nice if we had someplace besides the den to bring them too.  He quickly removed the glove from Tonya right hand and cut away her sleeve.  Deftly, he inserted an IV needle in the vein in her wrist and started a saline drip.
 "Well, if you don't need me anymore..." Poopsie said," I'm going back to bed."
 Techno dismissed her with a wave and she began to climb the stairs.  Zarbon removed Tonya's belt, boots, the other glove, and her choker.  He paused as he reached to remove the other object around her neck.
 "Techno?  What's she got around her neck?" Zarbon pointed to the collar like device.
 Techno leaned closer, "I'd say it's what was blocking her trackers."  He undid the catch and removed it to study it better.  "Thankfully that appears all it can do."  Techno walked away to examine the item in question further.
 Zarbon pulled up a chair, turned down the lights, and began his vigil.
* * * * *
Tonya sat on the bed as Techno and Zarbon worked on her.  It felt weird to be able to watch them taking care of her.  She felt horrible as she watched Zarbon's worried expression as he held her hand.  Tonya wished she could tell him it would be all right, but knew he couldn't hear her.  She sat and waited.
- - - - -  -
 It was about 10:30, when Poopsie woke up again.  Walking into the kitchen, she smiled at the other girls, Alec, Sebastian, and Techno.
 Noticing Zarbon was absent; she hoped it wasn't a bad sign. "How's Tonya doing Techno?"
 Everyone paused what he or she were doing except Techno.  "She's still asleep." Techno said before shoving some Cheerios in his mouth.
 "She finally came back?" Sebastian said, "Good."
 "Is Zarbon still with her?" Poopsie inquired. "He should get some sleep.  The healing must have taken a lot out of him."
 "Be my guest to try." Techno replied, "He said he's not moving until she wakes up."
 "What healing?" Alec asked looking at Poopsie. "Did Zarbon get hurt?"
 "Zarbon lent me his energy." Poopsie answered, "Tonya got shot."
 "Is she all right?" Jessica asked.
 Techno shrugged, "Apparently, but we won't know for sure until she wakes up."
- - - - - -
 Zarbon ignored his body's pleas for sleep and food.  He was determined to stay by his angel's side until she awoke.
 "I brought you a sandwich." Jessica said offering Zarbon a plate and a glass. "And some juice."
 "Thank you." Zarbon accepted the items and sat them on the table next to the bed.
 "You should eat, Zarbon." Sally chided, "It wouldn't be good if you fainted from hunger before she woke up."
 Tonya stared at her lover, trying to will him to eat, or at least drink something.  She had been telling him to go to sleep for the past hour though, so she had little hope of success.  She cheered when he picked up half of the sandwich and forced himself to eat it.  He drank the juice and looked at Sally and Jessica.
 "Happy?" he asked rather shortly.
 "Yeah, but you should get some sleep." Jessica said, "You're getting cranky."
 They turned and left.  Zarbon sighed and resumed his watch.
- - - - - -
 Bowie carefully walked down the stairs to the cave.  He looked to the alcove and began to wag his tail as he saw Tonya's spirit on the bed.
 "Tonya!" he cried happily, bounding towards the bed.
 Zarbon looked at him with a rather confused expression. "What?"
 Tonya frowned, "Bowie!  Hush!"
 The dog's smile faded and he stopped.  Cocking his head, he looked at her curiously.
 "Zarbon can't see me sitting here.  My spirit has temporarily removed from my body so it can heal faster.  I'll explain it better later, okay?" Tonya smiled.
 "Bowie?  Are you okay?" Zarbon asked, "You're acting a bit weird."
 Bowie wagged his tail and trotted over to the bed.  "The excitement of her being home got to me.  Sorry."
 "That's okay." Zarbon scratched behind the dog's ears.
 "You look tired.  You should get some sleep." Bowie said.
 Zarbon frowned, "Now even the dog's telling me what to do."
 Bowie shrugged and walked away.
- - - - - -
 "Bored yet?"
 Tonya jumped slightly and turned to look at Death, who was now standing at the foot of the bed. "Yes, have been for hours."
 Death stepped around to the side and his scythe appeared in his hand.  "Let's see if your body's ready to take you back." He made a sweeping motion with the blade over the prone form on the bed.  Grinning he looked at Tonya, "It's ready.  Are you?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed, "What do I do?"
"Lay down into your body and I'll take care of the rest." Death commanded.
Tonya started to comply then paused, "Hey.  Quick question:  Is Elvis really dead?"
Death smirked, "Sorry.  But I promise you'll find out some day."
She laid down into her body and he began to chant to a weird language.  Death passed the scythe once, twice, three times over her body, then hit the handle's butt on the floor. 
At once, Tonya felt herself become heavier and heavier.  It was harder to breathe and she felt like she drowning.  Pain stabbed through her and she struggled away from it.
Death placed a hand on her forehead. "Relax," he said smoothly, "It will hurt less.  Your spirit is just fusing with your body again.  Relax."
Tonya tried to relax and the pain dramatically lessened.  Finally, the pain was just a dull ache in her side and she was able to breathe easily again.  She heard Death whisper, "Farewell," then he was gone.
Her mind started to sink deeper into unconsciousness and sleep.  A gentle pressure on her hand reminded her that her lover was still keeping guard.  Setting her will, she began to claw her way back into consciousness.
Tonya's eyes fluttered open and struggled to focus them on her surroundings.  She gently squeezed Zarbon's hand, and he looked up hopefully.  She smiled weakly. "Zarbon." she said softly.
 "Tonya." he said looking relieved, "how do you feel?"
 "Tired." she answered quietly, "I think I'll take a nap now."
 Zarbon smirked, "Okay," he leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "I'll be here when you wake up," he whispered.
 "I don't plan on waking it for a couple of hours.  You should get some sleep, koi." Tonya said firmly.  Zarbon frowned, and she squeezed his hand, touching his cheek with the other.  "I'm sure you didn't get much sleep while I was gone and I know you've been here with me for the past seven hours keeping watch.  I love you for it, but you need sleep just as much as I do."
 "How did you..."
 Tonya silenced him by placing a finger on his lips, "I'll tell you when I wake up.  Sweet dreams." She relaxed and closed her eyes, sleep claiming her instantly.
 Zarbon watched her for a minute, then gently laid her hand on the bed.  "Sweet dreams, koi." He walked to the lounge area and stretched out on one of the couches, feeling guilty for leaving his past.  Closing his eyes, he found sleep came easy and soon was deep in dreamland.
- - - - -  - -
 Techno shook Zarbon's shoulder lightly.  Zarbon blinked and sat up groggily.  "What?" he asked, his eyes blearily  
 "Supper time." Techno said flatly.
 Zarbon rubbed his eyes and sighed, glancing towards the alcove, "She wake up yet?"
 "Not that I've notice."
 "She was for a few minutes earlier." Zarbon ran a hand over his loose hair, "I was hoping she had again."
 "Did she say anything?"
 "She told me to get some sleep."
* * * * * *
 Tonya hovered at the brink of consciousness, trying to decide between her need for sleep and her hungry.  She could hear Techno and Zarbon talking and decided that she was more hungry than tired.
 "Hello?" her voice was barely audible, even to her.  She cleared her throat and tried again, "Hello?"  Louder and stronger, but still weak.  Tonya frowned.  Wish they'd given me a bell or something.  she thought.
* * * * *
Zarbon and Techno looked toward the alcove where Tonya lay.
 "Did you hear that?" Techno asked, but Zarbon didn't answer.  He was already scrambling over the end of the couch and running to the bed.  Tonya looked a bit surprised by his sudden appearance by her side.  Techno just walked over, figuring she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.
 "How do you feel now?" Zarbon asked.
 "Still tired, but I'm hungry too." Tonya answered, "How do I order room service?  I couldn't find the phone."
 "Well, her sense of humor's still intact." Techno noted, "Let's see if you can sit up and we'll go from there."
- - - - - - -
 Everyone else was eating pizza, but Tonya was just drinking some broth.  While it had only been about three days since she had eaten something, both Techno and her agreed there was no reason to push the issue and make herself sick.
 Tonya swirled the broth in her mug, watching the little spices in it spin.  With a bit of help from Zarbon, she had changed and was wearing a T-shirt and shorts.  Her neck and side still hurt when she moved too much, but that was to be expected.  Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize Sebastian was speaking to her until Dee slapped the table.
 Tonya jumped and her head jerked up, causing her to wince at the sudden movement.  Realizing everyone was starting at her, she blinked and swallowed. "What?" she asked quietly, feeling her cheeks begin to burn.
 "I asked you if you remembered anything form the time you were gone," Sebastian offered as a starting point.
 "Oh," Tonya chewed her lip and looked down at her broth again.  "Not really.  It's all fuzzy and scrambled up."
"Not a thing?" Jessica sounded disappointed.
"I got shot.  Does that help?" Tonya answered a little shortly.  "As soon as I get it straightened out, I'll tell you."
"Okay." Sebastian said.
Tonya returned her focus to swirling her broth and the table was quiet as the rest worked on the pizzas.  Without looking up, Tonya asked, "What would you say if I told you I talked to Death while I was unconscious after being shot?"
Jessica swallowed quickly, and grinned, "1-800-CHARTER."
Sally frowned at Jessica, "Did you laugh in his face?"
Poopsie looked curiously at Tonya, "What did he look like?"
"No, I didn't laugh.  I just about freaked though." Tonya paused, "He looked like Duo Maxwell off of Gundam Wing."
"You're joking!" Dee laughed.
Tonya shook her head.  "Nope, but he told me he looks different to each person.  He tries to appear in a form that's familiar to the person he's visiting."
"Did you see a light?" Alec asked slightly skeptical.
Tonya rolled her eyes, "I wasn't dead.  Just temporarily separated from my body so it could heal faster." She paused, "Like Bill Cosby in Ghost Dad, on purpose." She smirked slightly, "I saw Poopsie and Zarbon heal me, and sat on the bed while Zarbon held my hand."
"But we couldn't see you," Jessica pointed out.
"I could," Bowie said, "She was just sitting on the bed wearing a white gown."
"A white gown?" Dee grinned, "Sounds like Death has a sense humor."  
"I'm still not convinced." Jessica said.
"You and Sally came down about noon or so and gave Zarbon a..." Tonya paused trying to remember, "Ham and cheese on white bread, cut diagonally on a plastic plate.  With a glass of Sunny D to drink."
Jessica blinked and looked at Zarbon.  He was looking at Tonya in surprised.  "So that's how you knew how long I'd been sitting with you," he said.
"Yup," Tonya answered, then yawned.  She blinked sleepily and drunk the rest of her broth.  She yawned again and rubbed her eyes.
Zarbon smiled softly at the exhausted girl.  "I believe it's bedtime," he said standing up and offering Tonya a hand up.
She took it and let him pull her up.  Her legs still weren't too stable, so he looped an arm around her waist, her injured side to him, and Zarbon helped her down the hall.  They paused when they got to the stairs and Tonya regretted picking a room on the second floor.  Knowing she couldn't make it up the stairs, Tonya was about to ask if she could sleep in Zarbon's room instead.  Zarbon beat her to the question with a simple solution, he picked her up and carried her up the stairs.
Her door was open so Zarbon just walked in.  He sat her on the bed and she crawled under the blankets, pulling her teddy bear close.  Zarbon started to leave then paused.  Turning back to the bed he asked, "Mind if I join you?"
Tonya scooted over slightly, and pushed the blankets down, and mumbled a sleepy reply.  He slipped into the bed and snuggled against the girl, pulling the blankets back up.  Wrapping his arms around her, he gave her a gentle hug and pulling her closer.
She was already asleep and Zarbon could feel the steady beat of her heart.  Zarbon was so relaxed  and content to be holding her once again that he began to purr and was soon asleep.
- - - - - - -
 Zarbon woke up before her again.  Though he knew he should get up and start his day, he was loath to leave.  He watched her sleep; her face scant inches from his and her warm breath tickling his skin.
 Kissing her forehead, he began to try to extract himself from the bed without waking her.  Soft emerald eyes blinked open and Tonya smiled at him with the most kittenish expression ever.
 "Time to get up?" she asked with a yawn.
 Zarbon gave in to urge to kiss her, then nuzzled her neck.  "I am getting up now," he answered quietly, gently tracing her cheek, "You can sleep as long as you want too.'
 "Okay," Tonya said pulling him down for another kiss.  She let go and snuggled back in to the bed.  Zarbon tucked her in and left the room.
- - - - -
 About 10:30, Zarbon brought her up some breakfast.  He was sitting the tray on the nightstand when she woke up again.
 "Hey," she said.
 "Hey yourself," he replied with a smile, "Ready for breakfast?"
 Tonya sat up wincing at the stiffness and pain, "What do we have?"
 "Lucky Charms, toast, milk, and Sunny D," Zarbon replied moving the tray to her lap.
 "Mmmm...the breakfast of champions." Tonya quipped as she began to eat.
 "You should take it easy today," Zarbon said sitting on the bed, "Maybe just read a book, crotchet, or watch TV or something."
 "But I need to workout!" Tonya protested, "I can't just lay around and sleep all day."
 "Yes you can." Zarbon caught her chin and held her gaze, "We just got you back, and we don't want you to strain anything."
 Tonya pouted. "You don't trust me!" she accused.
 Zarbon pulled back, a look of disbelief on his face.  A slight hurt look replaced it and he said, "Of course I trust you!  I trust you with all my heart and soul." He smirked, "Just not your life."
 Tonya just glared in response and finished eating in silence.  Zarbon took the tray when she was done and left.
- - - - -
 Tonya stayed in her room until lunchtime, then joined the others in the kitchen.  Thanks to her injury, she was excused from clean up and she slipped off to the weight room.   She knew better than to try and lift anything, but she thought some punching exercises would be good.  Pulling off her shirt and putting on her gloves, she started to stretch, cursing the pain in her neck and side.
 Her tail was wrapped around her waist and looked a little silly with her sports bra and black spandex shorts.  Her braid flicked back and forth as Tonya began to punch the bag.
* * * * *
 Zarbon tapped lightly on the door and pushed it open.  After catching Tonya trying to sneak down to the weight room for the third time, he had been checking on her every 15 minutes.  He had threatened to tie her to the bed if she tried again; obviously she hadn't believed him.
 Frowning, he checked the room to be sure she was gone.  Then he went to find Poopsie to see if she had any of that strong Elvin rope.
- - - - - -
 The stiffness in her neck and side had been worked out and Tonya was working on some of her more complex punches.  After a while, she had forgotten about her injury due to the lack of pain and was focusing solely on her movements.
 As she reached the end of the combination she was working on, she moved into the punch/kick combos.  The jumping spin kick she liked to perform stretched her injured muscles, sending a burning pain streaking her side.  Tonya dropped to her knees, clutching her side, her eyes squeezed shut, and she gasped for breath.
 Zarbon had been standing in the doorway watching her and hurried to her side.  She managed to get the pain under control and even out her breathing by the time her reached her.
 He knelt in front of her. "Tonya?" he asked worriedly, "Are you okay?"
 Tonya looked at him with a smile, "Yeah, fine.  Just lost my balance."
 Zarbon frowned slightly, knowing she was lying, and stood up.  "Okay," he offered her a hand up and pulled her to her feet.  Still holding her hand, he dipped and put her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  He did all this so quickly, it seemed like one movement.  She squeaked in surprise and he turned to leave the room.
 He carried her up the stairs and past the kitchen.  By this time, Tonya had given up on struggling and had propped herself up on her elbows.
 "Where are we going?" Tonya asked though she knew.
 "Your room."
 "Mind putting me down?"
 "You're not heavy.  I don't mind carrying you."
 Before she could reply, Tonya heard some people clapping and cheering.
 "Woohoo!" Jessica hollered, "Ride 'em cowboy!"
 "Tie her up good," suggested Sebastian.
 Techno, Sally, Dee, and Daniel were laughing, and Poopsie was taking pictures.  Tonya glared at them as Zarbon started up the main staircase.
 He dropped her without much ceremony onto the bed and picked up the rope from the floor.  Tonya lay there watching him, curious as to what was going to happen now.  Taking her left hand, he deftly tied the rope around her wrist snugly with a knot that wouldn't slip or give.
 As he began to secure her arm to the post of her bed, Tonya realized that he was serious and her eyes widened.
 "Zarbon," she said in a quiet voice, "What are you doing?"
 "Tying you to the bed," he answered finished the knot.  He picked up another length of rope and walked around to the other side of the bed.  Zarbon tried to take Tonya's right hand, but she pulled away and tried to untie her other hand.
 After a bit a squirming, some slaps, a little kicking, and a few curses, Zarbon managed to pin Tonya to her bed.  He tied the rope quickly, straddling her waist.  Feeling her tremble, he paused and looked down at her.
 Large green eyes met his then glanced at the door.  While she didn't really look scared, she did appear nervous.  He glanced at the door, but saw nothing to cause concern.  Meeting her eyes again, Zarbon raised an eyebrow.
 "Shouldn't you lock the door?" Tonya's voice was soft and trembled slightly, "Or at least shut it?"
 "They already know that I'm doing this." Zarbon answered.  An adorably cute, confused expression graced her face.  "Where do you think I got the rope?" Zarbon asked then shifted to tie the rope to the post of the bed.
 "You told them?" her expression was now a mix of confusion and surprise.
 Zarbon was beginning to realize that Tonya thought her was tying her up for an entirely different reason then what he had in mind.  He smirked and shook his head. "Pervert," he said, then moved off the bed to collect the last piece of rope.  Slipping off her shoes and socks, he carefully tied her ankles together.  Securing the ends of the rope to both posts at the foot of the bed, he leaned over her legs and kissed her knees.  "I'm tying you up to keep you out of trouble, not to ravish you."
 Tonya blinked and blushed, "Oh," she frowned, "so now what?  You're going to leave and untie me later?  Or," her voice became a purr, "are you going to stay and 'entertain' me?"
 Zarbon still leaning over her legs, suddenly became hyper aware of her lack of clothing and swallowed hard.  "Leave and come back later," he managed to rasp out.
 Tonya glared and lashed her tail at his face.  He caught it and, on an impulse, rubbed the soft fur against his cheek.  His other hand came up to gently trace its length; ruffling the fur, then smoothing it back.
 She was very protective of her tail and Zarbon very rarely actually got to touch it.  True, it was often wrapped around his waist or calf, but he had never really had a chance to truly look at it.  Taking this opportunity, he marveled at the color and texture of the appendage in his hands.
 The fur was so soft; Zarbon mentally compared it to Bowie's fur when he was a pup or maybe a rabbit's.  The tail was almost the same color as her hair, just a shade or two lighter. Glancing up at Tonya, he noticed she had shut her eyes and relaxed.  He smiled at the gentle rumbling purr that she was making.  Tonya hadn't known she was actually capable of purring like a cat, and was quite surprised the first time she did when Zarbon was giving her a back rub.
 Tonya drifted deeper into her doze until she was asleep.  Gently laying the tail on the bed, Zarbon stood up quietly and left the room.
- - - - - - 
 Waking up, Tonya tried to sit up and stretch, but found she was restrained.  With a growl, she tried to pull on the rope and snap it, but heard the bedpost creak instead.  Her claws were useless as well; Zarbon had tied the ropes just right so there was no slack and they wouldn't slip to allow her to cut them.  Her tail was equally as useless as it was unable to untie the knots.
 Knowing she wasn't going anywhere for a while, Tonya relaxed and stared at the canopy.  She heard the door open, but chose it ignore it.  A giggle made her look at her visitors.  There stood the other four girls smirking and trying not to laugh.  Tonya frowned as she noticed they all carried cameras.
 "Having fun yet?" asked Jessica grinning.
 "No," Tonya growled, "Can you untie me?"
 "Nope," Sally said.
 "You're safer right where you are," Poopsie added.
 "So he finally flipped the tables on you," Dee smirked.
 "I can't believe you let him tie me to my bed!" Tonya said annoyed.
 "Well, if you didn't try and hurt yourself and stayed in bed like you were supposed too" Poopsie said with a southern drawl.
 Tonya squirmed and looked away.
 "Tonya," Jessica said.
 Tonya turned to look and four flashes went off.  Then the other girls ran laughing from the room.  Tonya glared at the door, then sighed.  She shivered slightly and noticed the gooseflesh on her arms.  Her outfit was fine if she working out or outside, but laying still with the AC on made it impractical.  Just then Zarbon walked in.  He was surprised to see that Tonya appeared happy to see him.
 "Can you untie me now?" she asked, her eyes begging.
 "Not yet."
 Tonya made a frustrated noise and frowned in misery. "Then can I have a blanket or something?" she queried, "I'm about to freeze to death!"
 Zarbon chuckled and pulled a blanket out of the closet.  He draped it over her body, then tucked it around her better.  "How's that?" he asked brushing some hair out of her face.
 "Better," she said, "But it would be ever better if I wasn't tied up."
 He smirked and kissed her cheek, "Later koi.  I've got to go work on some stuff now.  I'll be back soon."
- - - - - - - -
 Tonya was dozing again and she shifted slightly.  The blanket moved as well, untucking to fall across her face.  She started to dream.
> > > > > >
 She was standing on the edge of Lieber Hall's roof in the rain.  Glancing around, Tonya couldn't help but feel she had done this before.  A scream caught her attention, then another.  Like before, she was grabbed from behind and drugged by the giant spider.
 Tonya relived waking up in the freezer and escape from it.  She ran from the spiders, dodging among the boxes and conveyors belts.  As she approached the open loading dock door, she felt a sense of dread instead of hope.  She glanced back, then saw the Web Mistress raise her gun.  The shot woke her up.
> > > > > >
 Her eyes snapped opened and she tried to set up.  The blanket on her face and the ropes binding her just added to her terror.  She screamed just once and began to struggle.
* * * * *
 Alec, Techno, and Zarbon were playing a hand of poker when they heard Tonya scream.  They dropped their cards and ran upstairs.  Alec pulled his pulled his gun and they threw open the door. 
 They couldn't see any threat, but Tonya was thrashing against her bonds.  Alec holstered his gun, Techno yanked the blanket away, and Zarbon tried to calm her down.
 "Tonya!  Wake up!  It's okay!  You're save now!" Zarbon said loudly, trying to pin her down while Alec and Techno untied the knots.
 She stopped fighting, but Zarbon could feel her heart hammering against her ribs.  Her eyes opened cautiously as she felt her bonds slacken.  Emerald eyes stared through him full of fear and her body was tensed beneath his.  Finally the last rope fell away and Tonya seemed to snap out of her trace.
 She blinked several times, then wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck.  Zarbon shifted his weight off the trembling girl, sat up pulling her with him, and held her close.  He gave Alec and Techno a questioning look and they shrugged in reply.
 "Have a bad dream, Tonya?" Alec asked.
 "No," Tonya turned her head to look at Alec.
 "Then why the hell did you scream?" Techno asked.
 "I remembered being shot," she said quietly, reburying her face, "I don't want to talk about it right now."
 Techno and Alec exchanged glances.  They wanted to question her further, but she could be stubborn if she really didn't want to talk.  In addition to that, there was the risk of annoying Zarbon.  The ex-mercenary, while extremely even tempered, was quite protective of his lover and wasn't above using force to prove his point if necessary.  He eyed the other men as if sizing them up.  They took the hint and left the room quickly.
 Zarbon gently rubbed her back, softly humming as he held her.  She stopped trembling and relaxed against him.  Her breathing deepened and he thought she'd fallen asleep again. 
 "Zarbon?" she felt him jump slightly and she smirked, "You know I love you right?"
 "Yes," Zarbon answered slowly, then gave her a gentle squeeze, "Aishiteru."
 Tonya shifted to look him in the face.  She studied him for a minute, chewing her lip, then looked down and sighed.  She met his eyes again.  "I'm mad at you," she said flatly, and silenced him with a finger on his lips.  "I know it's my fault, but I'm still mad," she paused, "I would appreciate it if you just left me alone for awhile and let me sulk."
 Zarbon blinked for a second trying to digest what she just said.  He looked a little confused, but nodded in compliance.  Releasing her from his embrace, he began to move off the bed, his eyes still on Tonya.  He paused for a second as though to say something, but he couldn't think of anything. 
 Hovering on the edge of the bed, Zarbon suddenly felt completely lost and it showed in his expression.  Tonya felt her heart twist with regret and she mentally cursed herself for being such a bitch.  Zarbon looked down at his lap trying to order his scramble thoughts and Tonya quickly scooted forward.
 He looked up in surprise and she cupped his face in her hands and kissed him.  Zarbon's eyes went wide in shock and he tensed slightly, unsure of how to respond.  Feeling no response, Tonya started to pull back when Zarbon leaned into the gentle kiss.  When they broke the kiss for air, Tonya grinned at the dazed expression on her partner's face.
 It had been a rather chaste kiss compared to most they shared, but it apparently was just as powerful.  Her hands dropped to encircle his waist and she pulled him close for a hug.  She nuzzled his ear and said, "Thank you, koi," before releasing him and sitting back.  She gave him one of her sweetest smiles and he smiled shyly back.
 Zarbon stood up and trotted to the door, glad that she wasn't really mad at him.  He shut the door quietly behind him and was startled to see Techno and Alec waiting in the hall.
 "Well?" Techno prompted.
 "Well what?" Zarbon asked as the trio headed back to the poker game.
 "What did she say?" Alec queried.
 Zarbon shrugged, "Nothing.  She just asked me to leave."
 The other two stopped dead in their tracks as Zarbon walked on into the dining room.  Their mouths hung open in surprise and they exchanged glances before running in the room.
 "She kicked you out?!?" Techno exclaimed.
 "Are you okay?" Alec asked.
 Zarbon turned, "She wanted to be alone and asked me to leave, though she probably would have kicked me out if I hadn't agreed." He shrugged, "I'm fine.  She's not mad at me.  Tonya made that clear."
 Techno, satisfied with the answer and convinced Zarbon was fine with the situation, sat down at the table.
 Alec hesitated and wet his lips, then asked, "She's not mad at us is she?"
Techno's head snapped up from studying his cards and looked at Zarbon.  He hadn't considered whom Tonya might be mad at if it wasn't Zarbon.
 Zarbon shrugged again and sat down, "She didn't say, but I doubt it." He tossed a blue chip into the center of the table, "I'm in."
 Alec scooped up his cards and set down.
* * * * *
 Tonya sat on the bed waiting to see if anyone was going to brave her "wrath". She felt horrible about upsetting her lover, but she had to get him out of the room. If he knew what I was planning, he would have never untied me, she thought.
 Convinced no one was coming, she moved to her computer and turned it on.  While it booted up, she changed into a t-shirt and blue jeans cutoffs and rebraided her hair.  Noticing it was waiting for her password, Tonya typed it in and the computer whirled to life.
 Tonya smirked at the background on the screen:  Zarbon in bunny ears, bow tie, and Speedo.  She had actually drawn it by hand, scanned it, and colored it on the computer.  It had taken some time to get the coloration right, but she was pleased with the results.
 She clicked on the Internet icon and logged into her AIM account.  Scanning her buddy list, Tonya was disappointed to see Ghost Cyber Angel was offline.
 "Damn." Tonya frowned, then brightened, "Maybe she's RPing."
 She started to type in the URL, then paused.  Better write down the facts first, she thought, Be easier than typing them into the chat room.
 Open a new document in Word, she quickly typed in what she remembered.  "Okay.  Let's see...
· It was Tuesday morning, about 3:30 or 4, when I was attacked. 
· Wednesday morning, I woke up, escaped, and was shot. 
· Home by 7 am. 
· Slept the rest of the day.
 "Today is Thursday so that's all caught up to now," she paused, thinking.
· No one heard the shot or saw anything.
· Large walk in freezer.
· Lots of conveyor belts and boxes.
· Loading dock or docks.
· Warehouse, I think.
Hitting the save button, Tonya logged into the chat rooms, and moved into the room called "Dragon's Keep."  It was he favorite chat room, beside Poopsie's "Sapphire Rose," and the best place to find Ghost Cyber Angel.
Tonya grinned as she realized her friend was present.  Slipping into character as Felina Archer, she remembered she was supposed to meet Ghost Cyber Angel for an alliance conference on Wednesday and groaned, "I hope she's not mad."

Felina Archer: *The wooden door creaks as the neko enters the tavern.  She adjusts the quiver on her back and straightens her forest green tunic.  Her leggings are a light shade of tan and her knee-high boots are a few shades darker.  The soft fur covering her lithe, athletic body is a light brown, but the braid that reached to mid thigh and her tail are a rich chestnut color.  Emerald green eyes scan the room looking for friends and enemies.*
Felina Archer: *Spotting a good friend, Felina waves and walks over to the table.* Mind if I join you?
Ghost Cyber Angel: *Glares at Felina* It's a free table.
Felina Archer: Barmaid!  A glass of cream and another round for my friend.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *Frowns at FELINA ARCHER* So where have you been?  Finally find a mate or was there trouble in Kitty Corner?
Felina Archer: *Looks hurt* I know I missed the meeting, and I'm sorry.  But I have a good reason.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *Looks skeptical* I'll bet.
Felina Archer: I do and if you'll join me in the Back Room, I'll tell you.
Ghost  Cyber Angel: *Frowns, then nods.* Lead on.
Felina Archer and Ghost Cyber Angel left room.
Enter the Back Room chat room.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Well?...*taps foot, crosses arms* I'm waiting!
Felina Archer: Now completely OOC.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Okay.
Felina Archer: I got shot.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *blinks* Pardon?
Felina Archer: I got shot and almost died.
Ghost Cyber Angel: As Ty or...
Felina Archer: As Ty.  She used an armor piercing round.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Oh my god!  Are you okay?
Felina Archer: Yeah, one of the Others has healing powers.  She saved me.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *hugs Felina Archer* Glad you're okay. *hits Felina Archer on the head* How did you get into a situation like that?
Felina Archer: Emailing you the details now.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *checks mail* Oh my...Trouble really likes you, doesn't it?
Felina Archer: Guess so.
Ghost Cyber Angel: So...why weren't you on earlier today?
Felina Archer: *cocks head* I was...umm...tied up.  I'm really sorry I missed the meeting yesterday.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *blinks* The meeting was Wednesday.
Felina Archer: *nods* Yesterday.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Yesterday was Thursday.
Felina Archer: *frowns* You're joking.
Ghost Cyber Angel: No, today is Friday. 
Ghost Cyber Angel: Why?
Felina Archer: If today is Friday...then I was a prisoner both Tuesday and Wednesday.  I just got back yesterday. *shivers* I don't remember being gone that long.
Ghost Cyber Angel: I see what you mean.
Felina Archer: Hey Spook?  Can you do me a Favor?
Ghost Cyber Angel: *Raises eyebrow* Maybe...what?
Felina Archer: Can you find all the large buildings/warehouses in town that have walk in freezers and send me the list?
Ghost Cyber Angel: *thinks about it*
Felina Archer: *large puppy eyes* Pwease?
Ghost Cyber Angel: On one condition:  Tell me why.
Felina Archer: I intend to track down the building, which will lead me to my attackers.
Ghost Cyber Angel: I thought so *Pauses* Okay, *gives Felina Archer the finger* but promise me you won't try to take them out by yourself.
Felina Archer: I swear on my tail that I will not try to apprehend the bad guys by myself.
Ghost Cyber Angel: *Pulls out a rather large sword* I'll hold you to that.
Felina Archer: *holds tail protectively* I promise!
Ghost Cyber Angel: If I get you info by tomorrow.  That okay?
Felina Archer: Sure. *yawns* Sorry.
Ghost Cyber Angel: S'ok.
Felina Archer: Think I'm gonna go take a nap.  I'm totally exhausted.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Aight.
Felina Archer: OH!
Ghost Cyber Angel: ??
Felina Archer: Tell your friend I'm sorry and maybe we can arrange a meeting another time.
Ghost Cyber Angel: Zeches?
Felina Archer: Yeah.
Ghost Cyber Angel: K.  Good night.
Felina Archer: Night.
- - - - -  -
 Zarbon knocked quietly on Tonya's door.  Hearing no answer, he opened the door and peeked inside.  She was laying on her left side, with her head toward the foot of the bed, and her back to him.  Realizing she was asleep; he stepped in and closed the door behind him.  As he walked to the bed, Tonya woke up slightly and rolled over partway to see who was coming.
 Realizing it was Zarbon, she just closed her eyes and started to go back to sleep.  Zarbon paused by the side of the bed and just watched her for a minute.
 "Tonya," he said quietly.
 "Hmm?"
 "Time to get up." Zarbon smiled slightly.
 Tonya didn't move or even slit an eye, "Why?"
 "It's time for supper."
 Her left eye opened slowly, followed half a second behind by her right eye.  She yawned and rubbed her eyes before rolling back onto her side to continue her siesta. 
 Zarbon chuckle and knelt on the bed.  He gently shook her shoulder, "Come on, koi.  There won't be any left if we don't hurry." His voice turned serious, "You need to eat something."
 She rolled on to her back, smiled up at him sleepily, and stretched her arms up to him.  He pulled her up into a sitting position, and smiled as she yawned again.  Her hands slid up his smooth, steel muscled arms to encircle his neck and pull him down for a kiss.
 Realizing immediately this wasn't going to be just a simple, chaste kiss, Zarbon's hands moved to support her head and back as she started to lead him into a more horizontal position.  Her soft lips parted and her tongue lightly flicked across his lips.
 The gentle pressure increased slightly and Zarbon opened his mouth to her curious tongue.  As she began to explore his mouth, she was struck once again by his unique flavor.  It still surprised her that he almost always had a sweet, clean, kind of citrusy taste.  She explored his mouth thoroughly, but gently and carefully traced his teeth.
 Both Tonya and Zarbon enjoyed making out, but it could actually be dangerous.  No one else in the mansion had noticed, but these two had fangs!  Their canine teeth were longer and sharper then a normal human's, but not so overtly that you would notice without someone pointing it out.  More than once, one or the other had cut themselves as they shared an intimate moment.
 Zabon's tongue slid against her's and a brief battle of dominance ensued.  Tonya's retreated teasing and coaxing his to follow.  He began to explore her mouth just as she had his and she suckled his tongue.  They parted slightly when they broke for air and a light flush covered their cheeks.
 Zarbon smiled at her, his eyes filled with love and Tonya smiled back, her eyes sparkling with happiness.  She kissed him again, then ran her tongue along his jaw to his ear.  He gasped and mentally clamped down on his increasing arousal as she licked and nibbled on his ear and neck.
 As she began to nibble on his ear lobe, Zarbon tried to catch her attention.  "Koi?" he paused and moved his head to give her easier access, "Koi."
 "Hmm?"
 "There's food waiting in the kitchen if you're hungry."
 "You want me to stop?" she sounded surprised, her warm breath tickling his ear.
  "No," he swallowed hard, his voice slightly husky, "No I don't.  But you should eat something," his breath caught again as she resumed nibbling his neck, "besides me."
 Tonya chuckled.  "If you insist," she replied, leaning back to smirk at him coyly.
 "C'mon then," he said, pulling her up and out of the bed.
 "So what's for dinner?" she asked as he led her from the room.
- - - - - - -
 After supper, the group gathered in the cave.  It was Poopsie's turn to go out, but everyone met to discuss strategy and such.  Tonya sat between Zarbon and Jessica on the couch.  She was leaning against Zarbon, his arm around her, dozing as she listened to Techno's report.  Jessica kept poking Tonya in the ribs, trying to wake her up, but Tonya just ignored her.  Techno frowned at the sleepy girl as he finished his report.
 Tonya's eyes fluttered open and she yawned.  "Is that it?" she asked.  Techno gave a short nod.  "Then, if no one minds, I'm heading for bed." She started to stand up, but Techno stopped her.
 "I mind," he replied.  Tonya blinked in surprise, and aborted her move to stand. "How long did you sleep today?"
 "Umm..." she bit her lip, "Woke up at 10.  Dozed off after Zarbon tied me up, then again after he gave me a blanket.  Then I took a nap from about 4 to when ever he came to get me for supper."
 "So you've only been awake for about four hours today?" Alec asked in surprise.
 "You shouldn't have been that tired after sleeping all of yesterday and sleeping late today," Sally said.
 Tonya shrugged and turned her head to look at Poopsie, but her braid was pinned behind Zarbon.  He leaned forward, freeing it, then draped it over her shoulder.  His eyes widen as he now spotted the dark bruise on the back of her neck where the spider had struck.
 "Techno look at this," Zarbon said pulling Tonya forward.
"Looks like a...stab wound or something." Techno replied and pressed on it lightly.
Tonya squirmed and whining in pain, "Ow, don't do that!"
They released her and she sat back up, glaring at Techno.
"Do you know how that happened?" he asked.
"I think the spider that grabbed me, bit me," she said frowning.
"Spider?" Sebastian asked, "You remember what happened?"
"No," she lied, "not really."
"Spider venom in her blood stream could explain why she's so tired," Jessica said.
Techno nodded, "I think we need a blood sample." He walked to where the medical supplies were stored and selected a blood tube and syringe.
Tonya just stared as he returned with his equipment and knelt before the couch.  She paled as she realized there was no way out.
"Left arm," Techno said, then rolled his eye as Tonya stared.
Zarbon pulled her onto his lap and she wrapped her arms around his neck.  He carefully disengaged her left arm and Techno caught her wrist, positioning it so he could draw blood.  Tonya tensed and buried her face in Zarbon's neck.
"If you'd relax, it would hurt less and be much easier," Techno groused.
Tonya turned to glare at him again, "Relax?!  How can I?  I'm about to be vampirized!  And I doubt you've done this before."
Techno sighed heavily, "This was so much easier when you were asleep."
Her eyes widened, but Zarbon cut her off, "That's was back when you were sick in May.'
She looked at Zarbon trying to remember when that could have happened.  Techno took this chance while she was distracted, but Tonya jerked slightly before he could even get the needle in.  Tonya glared at Techno again, but before she could speak, Zarbon turned her head and kissed her deeply.
Her eyes went wide in surprise, then she melted into the kiss.  Techno quickly got his sample and stood up, releasing her wrist.  Tonya's left arm joined its twin around Zarbon's neck.
"He's done," Jessica said, "You can stop now."
"Too late," Dee grumbled, "You'll have to pry them apart with a crowbar."
The couple parted for air and the entire group coughed.  They glanced around guilty and blushed.  The analysis machine beeped and spit out a print out.  Techno scooped it up and studied it for a minute.  His eye widened in surprise as he read the information and he whistled in disbelief and admiration.
"No wonder," he said handing it to Zarbon who looked it over quickly.  Zarbon raised an eyebrow, looked at Tonya, then reread the list.
"Well?" Alec asked as Zarbon apparently read it yet again.
"Four different sedatives, three anesthetics, two paralyzing agents..." Zarbon listed the ingredients watching Tonya carefully.
"And a partridge in a pear tree!" the girls chorused.
Tonya laughed, then tugged on the print out, "Let me see."  Her eyes widened as she read the list, "Damn what a cocktail!  No wonder I was out so long!"
"Actually...at those levels..." Zarbon said as he checked her pulse, "You shouldn't be awake at all."
Tonya frowned and did some mental calculations, "Why not?"
"Because..." Techno started, "At your height and weight, those doses should knock you completely out.  A higher dose would possibly kill you."
She read the sheet again, chewing her lip, "Can I have a calculator?"
Techno tossed her one and she poked buttons for a minute.  She frowned again, then raised an eyebrow and looked at Techno and Zarbon. "How much do you think I weigh?"
They glanced at each other unsure of how to answer.  Sebastian eyed her for a minute then declared, "140."
Tonya looked at him skeptically and Alec tossed out, "130."
She rolled her eyes and fixed Techno with a look.  He debated about it for a second and said, "165."
Zarbon shrugged, "I'm going with 170."
Tonya sighed heavily, "You're the closest , koi, but you're still off by about 80 pounds."
Techno looked thoughtful, "Well that would make more sense than an immunity to those drugs."
"You don't weigh that much!" Sebastian scoffed, "Where do you keep it?  Zarbon wouldn't always be carrying you around if you weighed that much."
"Umm...yeah I would," Zarbon replied, "I'm just as strong as Tonya or Sally."
"And as for the hidden weigh thing..." Techno added, "Her skeleton is metallic.  It's denser then normal bone therefore weighing more."
"Muscle tissue also weighs more than fat, so it's possibly," Sally put in.
Tonya yawned, "Well, if you're done discussing my weigh and health, I'm going to bed.
- - - - - - -
Zarbon came in just as Tonya was leaving the bathroom.  She still had a towel wrapped around her hair, but flopped on the bed anyway.  Landing on the bed on her stomach, the turban fell askew and unraveled, spilling the silken, chestnut mass from its prison.
He chuckled lightly as he approached the bed, "Where's your brush, koi?"  Tonya shrugged, but her head was cradled on her arms so it looked more like a muscle twitch.  Zarbon laughed and began to look for the missing brush.
It was sitting on the counter in the bathroom with her pick and comb, and he brought them all to the bed.  She was still lying where she dropped almost asleep when he returned.  He shook her shoulder, "Wake up, koi.  I'll brush your hair if you sit up."
 With a bit of effort, Tonya got up and situated so that Zarbon could sit behind her.  She sat hugging her knees as he combed the damp locks into proper order.  The rhythmic stroking of the brush was soothing and tangles were dealt with very little pulling, threatening to put her to sleep.
"Zarbon?" she murmured sleepily.
"Yes?" he asked, pausing his task.
Tonya leaned back against him and yawned as he wrapped his arms around her.  Her eyelids drooped with sleep as she tried to focus, "Are you coming to bed now?"
"Its only 8:30!" he answered surprised.  She just blinked at him so he added, "No, koi, I've got stuff to do."
"M'kay," she snuggled against him, yawning widely, "Do you mind sleeping in your own room tonight?  I don't really want to be woke up at 4."
"Sure."
She smiled, raised her hand to cup his cheek, and kissed him gently.  It ended quickly and she relaxed against him, slipping quickly towards dreamland.
Zarbon smirked and shook her lightly. "Hey!" he protested, his humor obvious, "I'm not done brushing your hair.  You can't sleep yet!"  Her eyes fluttered opened, blearily with sleep.  They were crossed for a second before refocusing on him.  "Come on, koi," Zarbon said with a laugh, "At least move so I can finish your hair."
- - - - - - - -
"Where have you been?" Sebastian asked Zarbon with a smirk as Zarbon sat down at the computer.  "It's been over an hour."
Zarbon rolled his eyes and sighed, knowing exactly what the other man was implying, "I was helping her brush her hair."
Sebastian laughed, "So That's what you call it."
Zarbon start to reply, but Techno cut him off. "Enough," he gave Sebastian a look.  "We need to work together.  If we're fighting each other, we'll never get passed the Smelly Giant."
- - - - - - - -
Zarbon ran a brush through his thick emerald shaded hair.  Using the mirror, he eyed the empty bed behind him with distasted.  He didn't really dislike his bed; it was very comfortable and he usually slept okay in it.  The only problem with it was that she wasn't in it. 
He sighed and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "Five o'clock," he said, then brighten.  Well...she didn't want to be awakened at four, he chewed his lip, If I'm quiet she shouldn't mind.
With a nod, he stood and turned out the lights.  He quietly made his way up to her room and paused outside.  Taking a deep breath, Zarbon opened the door and slipped inside, shutting it with exaggerated care.  He crept towards the bed, freezing at any sign of movement.  Finally he made it to the edge of the bed and he felt a pang of jealousy.
Zarbon smirked at the irony.  Tonya flirted, consciously and unconsciously, all the time, and he never said a word or felt jealous.  But let him catch her sleeping with a couple of stuffed animals and an extra pillow...  He covered his mouth trying not to laugh, and studied the sleeping girl trying to decide which one he'd most wish to be.  His gaze softened as he decided it was a toss up between the care bear and the pillow.
Tonya was almost on the very edge of the left side of the bed, so Zarbon decided to sleep on the far right rather then press his luck even further.  He carefully slipped under the covers and turned on his side to watch her.
Just before he fell asleep, he realized just how unusual it was that she hadn't woke up when he'd come in, but pushed it aside to think about in the morning.
- - - - - -
Tonya's eyes opened slightly.  She lay there, caught between sleep and reality, unsure of what had awakened her.  A loud beep caught her attention and she realized it was the computer.  She could hear the printer kick on and begin working on something or other.  "Thanks Spook," she murmured.
Saber, her stuffed panther was a pleasant weight across her hip and Share bear was still wrapped in her arms.  She smiled slightly and yawned, waking up a bit more.  Her eyes focused better and she realized she had apparently wiggled all the way across the bed.  Frowning, she tried to figure out what the dark lump laying in her spot was.
Her breath caught as she recognized the stuff panther.  If he's there...what is across my waist?!?  Tonya felt the object in question tighten slightly as something snuggled tighter against her back and she tensed.
She vaguely remembered asking Zarbon to sleep in his own bed, and she was pretty sure it wasn't Bowie.  Steeling herself, Tonya jerked from the unknown's grasp, rolled just out of reach, and stared at Zarbon in shock.
Zarbon snorted and woke up slightly, "Wha..."
Anger flashed through Tonya as she leaned over him, and she slapped his shoulder, only slightly holding back.  He winced, but made no sound of protest or any movement to defend or retaliate.  He just stared at her wide-eyed trying to figure out just how he'd gotten himself into this situation.
Noticing she had apparently joined him on the far right side, he finally understood the saying, "Waking up on the wrong side of the bed."
Zarbon flinched as Tonya struck at him again, but she punched the bedding instead.  She began to chew him out, her voice low and full of anger, venting her rage through her voice instead of violence.  He became more and more nervous the longer this went on, scared he had pushed her too far.
Tonya paused to draw a breath and Zarbon tensed as she began to wrap up her rant, "I hav..."
Panic streaked through him as he thought she was about to say she hated him.  He surged up, startling her and pinned her to the bed.  Zarbon hesitated for a second before kissing her with as much passion as he could.
Tonya's eyes widened and she gasped in shock.  Zarbon took this opportunity to slip his tongue into her mouth.  She melted into the kiss and her arms came up to encircle his neck, pulling him closer.  He broke the kiss, panting for air, and feeling slightly dazed.  He noticed Tonya was too, and hoped it was a good sign.  Zarbon swallowed nervously and she smiled seductively up at him with heavy lidded eyes.
It was Zarbon's turn to be surprise as she pulled him back down for another deep, smoldering kiss, but he didn't argue.  When they broke for air, Zarbon remembered her injury and worried he might be getting too heavy for her.  He quickly flipped their positions and was rewarded with a smirk.
Zarbon smiled and Tonya's expression turned thoughtful.  She sighed and closed her eyes, then looked at him apologetically.  "I'm sorry, love.  You startled me when I woke up and I couldn't handle it after everything else.  Can you forgive me for being such a bitch?"
He hugged her, his hands resting lightly on the small of her back. "Of course, but it's my fault not yours.  I knew I shouldn't have done it."  He kissed her cheek, "And you're not a bitch." Tonya looked at him skeptically.  "Zucca is a bitch," he said.  "And you're not like her.  She would never have forgiven me for sneaking into her room against her orders.  And..." Zarbon smirked, "you're much more beautiful, sexy, brilliant, talented..." Tonya blushed as he emphasized every adjective with a kiss. "And the list goes on and on," he whispered before claming her lips again.
Tonya smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.  Zarbon's hands moved lower and slipped under the hem of her shirt.  They gently moved up to explore the smooth planes of her back.  His fingers danced lightly across her flesh, kneading tense muscles, and soothing any lingering aches.
She sighed with pleasure and began to purr softly, snuggling closer.  As his fingers brushed over her injury, she gasped and flinched away.  He jerked his hands away, concern etching his face, "Did I hurt you?"
"No."
"Then why..." he brushed the area again and she stifled a giggle.  "You're ticklish!" he declared with surprise and delight.
"No I'm not!" she protested laughing as he began to exploit this new weakness.  She squirmed trying to escape the onslaught, giggling the entire time.  Finally she managed to roll off of him and away from his nimble fingers.  Zarbon quickly turned onto his side to continue his attack and Tonya grabbed for a pillow.
"Zarbon," she panted, "Stop."
He paused, eyeing her grip on the pillow under her head, and relaxed.  Shifting to lay closer to her, he propped himself up with his left arm.  Tonya didn't relax as his eyes traced her body with a rather hungry expression, ready to whap him if he tried anything.
During the tickling match and her escape, the hem of Tonya's knee length nightshirt had worked itself up to just above her navel, revealing her panties and lower stomach.  Zarbon noticed this quickly, realizing she really wasn't expecting a nighttime visitor.  She always wore shorts when they slept together just incase this might happen.
An evil smirk graced his lips and he raised an eyebrow at Tonya, looking at her from the corner of his eye.  Her eyes widened and she swallowed hard as her breathing and heart rate jumped up a notch.  She realized now that she had put herself into rather a vulnerable position and the look he was giving her confirmed her thoughts.
Ever so slowly, his hand reached for her hemline.  Tonya's grip on the pillow tightened, unsure of what to do.  She could feel the heat of his hand as it hovered over the bared skin of her stomach and she fought the urge to close her eyes and moan, arching into that teasing hand.  His hand dipped to touch her, eliciting a gasp from the girl as his fingers lightly began to stroke her skin.
Zarbon carefully and slowly began to push the hem of her shirt up, his fingers mapping her flesh gently.  Tonya finally did moan softly, her eyes sliding shut, and her neck arching.  They opened again as he reached the bottom of her rib cage, watching him curiously.  He pushed the fabric up until it gathered just under her breasts, then turned his attention back to her stomach.
Tonya trembled as he licked his lips like a big cat about to devour a helpless victim.  She wasn't afraid; she actually found the thought terribly erotic.  His fingers danced over the smooth skin, tracing her ribs, and teasing her navel.  He stopped dragging a disappointed whimper from his lover.  Zarbon smiled, then shifted to kiss her stomach.
Almost immediately, he felt her relax as his lips brushed her stomach.  She sighed happily, and he chuckled.  Tonya raised her head to watch him, and giggled as his loose hair tickled her.  Unfortunately because of the hair, she couldn't see his face, but felt his lips curl into a smile.  His smile turned quite wicked as he decided to go ahead with his revenge.
Tonya gasped in surprise as something very wet slowly made its way across her stomach just above her navel.  A shiver of delight stole through her and she giggled again.  Zarbon licked her again, tasting the slightly saltiness of her skin.  She relaxed even more, and Zarbon knew now was the time to make his move.
He took a deep breath and kissed the middle of the bared plane of flesh before him.  Opening his mouth slightly, he suddenly blew a giant raspberry on her stomach.  Tonya squealed in surprise and whapped him with the pillow, laughing.  Zarbon buried his head in the blankets, shielding his head with his hands as Tonya hit him a couple more times across the back.
She sat up on her knees and pulled her shirt back down, smirking as he tried to wiggle deeper into the bedclothes.  Tonya raised the pillow again, about to whap him right on the rump, when there was a knock at the door.  She froze and exchanged a glance with Zarbon as he peeked from his hiding place.
The knock repeated, and Tonya lowered her pillow.  "What?" she called loudly.
"You okay in there?" Sally asked, her voice muffled by the door.
"Yeah.  Why?" Tonya replied.
"You're making a lot of noise, and some people would like to sleep!" Sally said, "So pipe down!"
"Sorry!  We'll be good!  I promise!" she called back, then looked at Zarbon, "So that means no more tickling." She whapped his rump with the pillow, "Got that?"
"Yeah,"  he said grabbing the pillow as she tried to hit him again.  He pulled her off balance and into his arms, "It also means no more pillow fight."  He yawned and shook his head, "I think I'm going to agree with the sleeping idea.  I'm exhausted."
Tonya giggled, snuggled closer to his side, and laid her head on his chest. "Lazy," she said yawning.  Soon they we're both asleep again.
- - - - - - -
Daniel pulled into the garage and was surprised to see Tonya come out of the house.  She was dressed in a black jacket, black jeans, dark brown cowboy boot, and sunglasses.  Her braid was tucked inside the jacket and she was carrying a large canteen.  She was headed to the far side of the garage where the cycles were kept.
Curious, Daniel hurried to follow her and found her astride a large black motorcycle about to put on her helmet.
"Tonya, what are you doing out here?" he asked.
She paused and looked at him, "It is my garage."
"I mean...I thought you were injured.  Shouldn't you be resting?" He asked, beginning to feel a little stupid.
"Probably, but I'm not.  See you later." With that she slipped on her helmet, started the cycle, and drove out of the garage.
Daniel blinked then ran into the house.  Zarbon was doing the lunch dishes and talking to Techno about computer stuff. 
"Hello, Daniel," Zarbon said, handing Techno a plate to dry, "Sally's in the TV room watching a movie."
"Thanks, but umm...Tonya just left," Daniel looked sheepish, "She drove off on a motorcycle.  Sorry."
"Hey, not your fault," Zarbon said, wiping his hands, "Any ideas where she was headed?"
"She's didn't say and she left before I could ask," Daniel answered, following the others back into the garage.
"She took the black Vampire," Techno said scanning the remaining vehicles quickly.
"It's a British cycle," Zarbon said before Daniel could ask the question.
"Oh.  Umm...I don't know if this helps, but...she was dressed completely in black," Daniel said looking hopeful.
"Thanks Daniel," Techno said, "It might."
- - - - - -
The others gathered in the kitchen to discuss Tonya second disappearance.  Daniel was outside mowing the grass, safely away from overhearing anything.
"So what's the plan?" Sebastian asked.
"Wait till she gets home then kick her butt." Dee said.
"Pretty much." Techno said.
Alec looked surprised, "You're joking!"
"Unfortunately no," Sally said, "It would be pointless to try and chase her on a motorcycle.  She can maneuver better than we could it a car."
"And she wouldn't have taken the Vampire if she wasn't planning on needing some speed," Zarbon said.
"Vampire?" Poopsie looked confused.
"You don't mean a Heseth Vampire." Alec said looking shocked.
"Yes," Zarbon said, "There are two in the garage normally.  One black, one silver.  She took the black."
"Pardon me...but what is it?  I've never heard of a motorcycle called that." Sebastian said.
"It's a British made motorcycle.  Only a few were made, and all of  them are custom made.  It's been said that they're faster than the American cycles," Alec said excitedly.
"Why's it called a vampire?" Jessica asked.
"I'm not sure, but it could be because it howls like a banshee when you open it up," Alec said with a grin.
"Sounds like a pricey piece of equipment.  We could report it stolen and find her that way," Sebastian said.
"One problem with that," Techno said, "Technically...the mansion and everything in it belongs to her and her family."
"So if you reported it stolen," Alec said, "we could get in trouble for a fraudulent claim."
"Oh boy." Sally said.
 * * * * * *
Tonya stopped in the shade of awning across the street and scanned her target.  She checked the address against the paper in her hand, then examined the building again.  Shaking her head, she crossed it off her list.  Out of eleven buildings that met her requirements of having a walk in freezer, she had checked off three as improbable so far.  Another was crossed off as impossible, when she had realized it was the hospital. 
So that left seven another buildings to check out.  Stuffing the paper in her pocket, she raised the visor of the helmet and wiped her face.  She took a long drink from her bottle, then headed off to check her next stop.
- - - - -
After two and a half hours of searching, Tonya had eliminated all but two buildings.  She couldn't be sure which one was the right building without closer investigation, but didn't want to risk getting captured again.  She decided to head back home when she saw an advertisement for a sale at JC Penny's. 
Realizing the shirts Zarbon really like were on sale, she thought it might be worth checking it out.  She could pick up his birthday present, and maybe...a bribe.  Gunning the engine, she headed for the mall.
- - - - - -
Tonya parked the cycle back in its place, hung up her helmet, and slipped inside carrying her bags.  She managed to make it up to her room without being seen and shut the door quietly.  Slipping off her jacket, she tossed it at the vanity chair and toed off her boots.
Dropping her bags beside the bed, she flopped across the bed and closed her eyes.  After second, she realized that someone else was in the apparently empty bed with her.  A smile painted her lips, but she didn't open her eyes.
"Hello, koi," she said, sighing as she relaxed.  She felt him shift and cracked open an eye.  Zarbon was glaring at her, his arms crossed, and leaning against her headboard.  Opening her eyes, she scooted forward about six inches and hugged his leg, but it failed to break his glare.  She blinked and winced, avoiding his eyes.
"Where have you been?" Zarbon's voice was calm, but she could hear the anger behind it.
"Shopping," she said propping herself up on her elbows.  His look said quite plainly that he didn't believe her.  Her tail flicked and wrapped around the proper sack.  Then she crawled up the bed to snuggle against his side, but he didn't relax.  Her tail drug the sack forward and she gave it to him.
Zarbon looked at her curiously then slowly took the sack.  He opened it and pulled out two shirts, one navy and one forest green.  He frowned, and gave her a side ways look, "A bribe?"
She chuckled sleepily, "Your birthday present." Yawning, she added, "But if it works..."
He looked at the shirts, choosing his words carefully.  "So you were shopping for over three hours?" he said, glancing at her.  Zarbon blinked and shrugged slightly.  "Damn it," he growled softly.  Tonya had dozed off, and he didn't want to wake her back up.
He glared at her for a minute, then put an arm around her, and gave her a hug.  Though she could really piss him off, he did love her and nothing would change that.  After about fifteen minutes, he slipped from her side and went down to the cave.
Techno and Sebastian looked up as he came up to the computer.  He tossed the bag at Techno, who caught it easily.  Sebastian leaned closer as Techno opened it and pulled out the shirts.  They look at Zarbon confused.
"She's back.  She said she's been shopping and said those are my birthday present," Zarbon said.
"But your birthday isn't until July 16th," Sebastian said.
"That's not the point," Techno said.
Sebastian looked at the other two men in confusion.  Zarbon answered, "Tonya can barely stand clothing shopping at all, let alone for almost three hours."  Sebastian nodded, and Zarbon continued, "And I doubt she would take one the fastest and most expensive motorcycles we own just to go shopping."
"So she's lying," Sebastian said.
"No," Techno said handing the shirts back to Zarbon, "She's just not telling the full story."
- - - - - - -
Tonya walked down the stairs to the cave, stretching as she went.  Supper was over now and Techno was sitting at his computer working on something.  She paused, and watched him for a minute.
Breaking the silence, Tonya said, "Did you get my costume fixed yet?"
"Yes."
"Thank you," she said heading to the locker room.  She searched for a minute, then walked back to the computer.  "Do you know where my costume is?"  Techno didn't answer and Tonya realized it was a stupid question.  "Where is my costume?"
"Zarbon has it."
Tonya frowned, and her eyes crossed as she sighed.  "Thanks," she said before heading back up the stairs.
Zarbon's door was shut and Tonya knocked loudly before just walking in.  He was laying on the bed reading, and glanced up from his book.  He marked his place and set up quickly, noticing her frown.
"Hello, koi," Zarbon said warmly, smiling as she approached the bed.
"Hello," she said shortly, "Where is my costume?"
He blinked, then pointed at the closet, "In there."
She watched him for a second, then walked to the closet and slid open the door.  There hung her costume, just waiting for her to take it.  Zarbon slipped up behind her and she turned to growl at him. 
He placed a finger on her lips before she could speak, and began to explain.  "I wasn't trying to prevent you from going out tonight," he said, "It's just that I didn't want you to go out alone." He wrapped his arms around her, and felt her relax. "You keep sneaking off.  I just wanted to make sure you couldn't this time."
Tonya chuckled.  "I guess that's what I get for sneaking around," she smiled and kissed him, "But I intended to take you with me tonight.  I don't want a repeat of last time."
Zarbon blinked and looked sheepish, "Sorry."
She kissed him again, then pulled her costume from its hanger. "Come on," she said taking his hand, "Let's get ready to go."
- - - - -  -
Everyone but Alec, who was at work, was gathered in the cave's lounge and Techno was wrapping up his report.
"And several of the homeless people living around town have been packing up and moving," Techno said.
"So the number of frat boys attacking them should go down, right?" Jessica said hopefully.
Techno shrugged, then turned to Tonya and Zarbon, "What are you doing tonight?  Just routine or..."
"We're going to track down the Web Mistress," Tonya replied with a smirk.
Zarbon looked at her surprised, and Techno smirked, "And how do you plan to do that?"
Tonya tossed her paperwork on the table.  Techno picked it up, looking them over critically.  "I went out on a recon mission this afternoon in addition to my shopping spree.  I've narrowed it down to those two buildings and the one with the star seems the best bet."
Techno held up her timetable. "This is what happened while you were gone?"
"As near as I can remember," Tonya answered, "I was nabbed on Lieber hall, but woke in a freezer two days later.  What happened between those two times..." Tonya shrugged.
"Where did you get this list?" Sebastian asked.
Tonya smirked, "Let's just say Techno's not the only computer geek I know and trust." She stood and put on her mask, and glanced at Zarbon, "Ready?" He stood, put on his mask, and they began to fly away.  Tygeress paused, and called back, "Oh, and I'm not totally cracked.  I had four different trackers with me earlier."
- - - - - -
Tygeress and Azure stood a top a building across from where she thought her attackers were hiding.  They had already checked out the less likely candidate and she had decided that this was the building they wanted.  As before, all the lights in the building were lit.
Azure glanced at his lover and tried to figure out what was going on inside that pretty little head of hers.  "So...do we have a plan or are we playing this by ear?" he asked.
She glanced at him looking worried.  "I was afraid you were going to ask me that," she said, then looked back at the building, "No I don't have a plan, but I'm open to suggestions."
"Let's get closer, and see if we can find anything," Azure said.
Tygeress smirked, "That's what I was going to suggest.  Let's go then."
They landed on the ground, and slipped closer to the building.  The loading dock door was open and they peeked inside. 
"Look familiar?" he whispered softly.
"Umm...kind of..." she replied,  "But the last time I was more worried about escaping then finding out where I was." Her eyes suddenly lit upon a mark on the floor, and she tensed.  She had realized what it was almost immediately, and the urge to run was overpowering.
Azure pulled her back and hugged her tightly. "What's wrong?" he whispered in her ear, "What did you see?"
"This is the place," she said, trying to calm herself down.
"You're sure?  How?"
"You see that spot on the floor, about fifteen feet from the door?"
"Yes.  What..." suddenly he understood what it was and rage flashed through him, "Let's do this."
Sneaking into the slaughterhouse, Tygeress kept a tight grip on Azure's arm.  Her legs felt like jello and her heart was beating like a drum.  Inside it was more obvious spiders lived here.  Webbing streaked between boxes and dangled from the ceiling.
Suddenly the hair on her neck and tail puffed out.  She shoved Azure to one side and dove to the other.  She turned the dive into a roll and flipped to her feet.
Azure did the same, and whirled to face her.  "What the..." he trailed off as he saw the giant wolf spider, now siding between them, hissing at Tygeress.  "Watch out!" he yelled pointing behind her.
She jumped up into the rafters, the hatchling spiders just missing her.  The spiderlings were about 1/3 their father's size, covered in gray fur, and had nine, well developed eyes.  But they had the slimmed body frame of their mother.  Tygeress heard a hiss behind her and realized the rafters were full of the baby spiders.
She jumped back to the floor, followed by hundreds of spiderlings.  Unsheathing her claws, she began to slash though any spider with in reach.  Fighting her instincts to flee this waking nightmare, she held her ground.  Suddenly a spider jumped onto her back as she grappled with the two in front of her.
Tygeress yelped and it exploded.  She slammed the two in front together, crushing them, then flashed Azure a smile.  He blasted several more of the little spiders, rapidly thinning their ranks.
"My babies!" the shriek caught the duo off guard, and they whirled to see the Web Mistress holding her huge gun.  She lowered it and fired a blast at Azure, but he dodged and it killed several spiders instead.  "Hold still, damn you!" she yelled.
He dodged several more shots easily, picking off more spiders as he went.  Tygeress was sneaking up on the Web Mistress when Fang jumped her and flung her against the wall.  Dazed she tried to stand, her ears ringing.  Fang growled and slowly advanced on her, preparing to finish her off.  The Web Mistress laughed and cheered him on.  He lunged and her claws flashed.   Fang landed on her and Tygeress screamed.  His master cheered and Azure froze, his blood running cold.
The spider moved like it was devouring the girl, then suddenly he was flung away.  Tygeress panted, her claws covered in spider blood.  Fang twitched and curled into the classical dead spider position.  The Web Mistress screamed and pointed the gun at the stunned girl.
A roar signaled Azure's attack and Web Mistress screamed as the green panther pounced.  The gun flew from her hands and slid across the floor to Tygeress.  Azure snarled and slashed the super villain with his claws making her scream again, her blood soaking his paws.  He snarled again and she passed out from terror. 
Tygeress stared at the pair as she realized her lover was about kill her archenemy.  The little impulse man in her brain cheered and for once the rest of her agreed.  This terrified her; she was a superhero, she shouldn't want this woman dead.
Azure was about to rip out the woman's throat when he heard a strangled scream.  He froze and looked up at the paralyzed girl.  "Tygeress...I...I..." he stammered.
Tygeress hit her comlink. "Ambulance needed at the old Wonder Burger Slaughter house, ASAP," she said into the mike.  To Azure, she simply said, "Move."
They fled the scene, sirens already filling the air.  Flying in silence, they quickly reached the cave.  Azure suddenly realized Tygeress still had the gun the Web Mistress had been using.  They landed and everyone stared at them.  Tygeress was obviously shaken, but uninjured.  Azure looked upset, and was covered in blood.
Tygeress unloaded the gun and tossed it on the table.  Without a word, she headed up the stairs.  Azure started to follow, but Sebastian cut him off.
"What the hell happened?" he asked.
Azure looked up the stairs desperately, then back at Sebastian, "We found the right warehouse, got into with the spiders, and I tried to kill the Web Mistress.  I really got to talk to Tonya.  I'll explain better in the morning."  He flew up the stairs and ran down the hall.  He paused at the main stairs and looked down at his hands.
Maybe I should wash up first, he thought, though I doubt it will help.  He quickly ran to his room and stripped off his blood soak outfit.  Squeezing a large glob of toothpaste on his toothbrush, he scrubbed his teeth trying to get the blood taste out of his mouth.  Turning on the water, he stepped into the shower and adjusted the water to as hot as he could stand.
Letting the water cascade over him, he tried to plan what he was going to say to her.  Frustration gripped him as he realized that there was nothing he could say.  He had almost killed that woman tonight, and would have done it happily if Tonya hadn't been there.  Long ago Zarbon had wanted to show Tonya his "true colors" so she would lose her infatuation with him.
He realized he had succeeded that goal perfectly tonight, and that it would be a miracle if she didn't force him to leave the house before morning.  Hot tears welled up and Zarbon leaned back against the shower wall as they began to fall.  Zarbon gave into his tears, sliding down the wall to the floor, and he hit his thigh.
"Why?" he sobbed, "Why did I have to do that?  She's never going to forgive me now!"
* * * *
Alec watched as the Web Mistress was loaded into the ambulance.  She was pretty badly injured, and he'd heard one of the EMS say it looked like she'd been mauled.  Seth waved at him, then pointed inside.  Alec nodded and drew his gun, gesturing for Seth to do the same.
They walked inside carefully, followed by five other officers.  They carefully checked the main room and killed two spiders that weren't completely dead.  Alec spotted the huge freezers along the wall and waved the others over, signaling that they were going to check the freezers now.
Seth grabbed the handle of the first one and jerked open the door.  The others stared at the bundles hanging from the meat hooks as Seth hooked the door open.
"Whoa," he said, glancing at Alec, "Giant flies?"
"Doubt it," Alec answered, "Cut them down!"
They got the bundles down and cut open.  All the silk packages were filled with bodies of the homeless persons that had supposedly left the city.  After all the freezers were searched, a total of 25 people were found, and all with fang marks on their necks.
Alec stepped aside, letting Seth talk to Humphrey.  He called the cave and told the group what had he found and that the culprit was in the critical care wing of the prison, but was expected to survive.
"Well," Jessica said, "That explains the blood."
- - - - - - -
Tonya tied off her braid and walked out of her bathroom.  She opened the door to the hallway and turned on the main lights.  Wanting to be ready and awake when Zarbon came, she paced around her room.  She paused, staring at herself in the vanity mirror, and tried to decide how to handle this situation.
Both of them knew that he'd had almost crossed the line tonight, but it was to save her.  If she hadn't been in danger, Zarbon wouldn't have attacked that woman.
Suddenly it hit her; that was the whole point!  If she hadn't been captured and hurt, Zarbon would never have given the Web Mistress any thought.  And he wouldn't have attacked her with such ferocity if she hadn't been trying to kill her.  Anyone of the other guys would have reacted the same way if their lovers were in peril, except Zarbon had teeth and claws to aid him.
She turned away from the mirror and noticed Zarbon in the doorway watching her.  He looked extremely upset and she thought he might have been crying.  His long emerald hair was loose and still very damp, giving it a kind of slicked back appearance.
Tonya watched him as he came into the room, deciding she would let him speak first.  He stopped just in front of her, and opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words.  Zarbon swallowed hard and his eyes glistened with tears.  Suddenly, he dropped to his knees and buried his face against her stomach, wrapping his arms around her.   This took her by surprise and it took her a second to realize he was crying.
She stroked his hair gently, trying to figure out what to do now, completely at a lost.  "Zarbon?" she said softly, "Koi, please look at me."  He peeked up at her and she smiled.  "Hey, she said, with a gentle smirk, "Love you too."
He blinked and she freed herself from his embrace, dropping to her knees.  Tonya wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed her surprised beau.  He quickly leaned into the kiss, deepening it as she relinquished control.  When they broke for air, he looked at her slightly confused.
"You're not mad?" he asked, searching her eyes.  She smiled and shook her head.  "And you're not afraid of me?"
Tonya laughed, hugged him, and gave him a quick kiss.  He blinked, even more confused.  "I've never be afraid of you, silly," she said with a grin.  Zarbon raised an eyebrow, and she continued, "Not at the Mall, the fair grounds, or anywhere else.  You're not as scary as you think you are." She snuggled against him and kissed his neck.
"But at the warehouse..."
Tonya blushed, "I scared myself.  I wanted you to kill her and couldn't believe that I really wanted you to do that."
Zarbon looked at her surprised, "Y...you wanted me to kill her?"
"Well, at the time...I...I guess I did," she answered.
"And if I had? he asked quietly, his chin resting on top of head.
"I would have been okay with it," she answered pulling away to look him in the eye.  "No one could really blame you if you had.  She was beneath your notice."
Zarbon stared at her in shock.  Did she think him that arrogant?!?
"What I mean is...if you'd passed her on the street, would you have even given a second thought?  Before my disappearance of course," she asked.  He shook his head guiltily.  "So if I hadn't been in danger, you wouldn't have attacked her," she continued.  She looked at him shyly, then hugged him tightly.  "You're my hero," she whispered, "And I love you.  Now and forever."
He smiled and crushed her to him.  He buried his nose in her hair, and said, "Aishiteru, koi."  A wave of giddiness swept though him and suddenly scooped her up into his arms. 
Tonya squeaked in surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck as he stood up.  He carried her to the bed like he couldn't believe his luck that she still loved him. 
"Do you get off on carrying me around?" she asked teasingly.
He smirked, "Maybe."
Zarbon carefully laid her on the bed, and Tonya smiled up at him.  He gave her a questioning look, and she gave him an innocent look.
"Will you keep your hands to yourself?" she asked and Zarbon nodded quickly.  She turned onto her side, her back to him, and closed her eyes, "Then you can sleep in your own room.  I want to cuddle."
Zarbon raised an eyebrow and smiled evilly.  So that's how you want to play, hmm.  He walked away from the bed and turned off the lights.  Locking the door, he turned back to the bed to wait.
Tonya opened her eyes and sat up.  "Zarbon?" she asked peering into the gloom.  Damn it!  I knew I shouldn't have done that.  Now I have to sneak down to his room.  She groaned in frustration, then blinked as a ball of light flared to life.  She stared in surprise at the emerald panther sitting in front of her door and cocked her head.
He began to stalk towards her and every instinct screamed for her to run.  She smirked instead knowing Zarbon would never hurt her.  He paused about five feet from the bed, then pounced.  In the blink of an eye Tonya found herself pinned to the bed by her lover. 
Zarbon purred loudly and nuzzled her cheek.  His tongue swiped across her throat and she arched her neck, exposing more of her throat.  In a flash, he gently gripped her throat with his fangs and growled.
Tonya laughed and stroked his back, combing her fingers though the thick fur.  Zarbon released her and she ruffled his mane, pulling him closer to kiss his nose.  He shifted back to his human form and kissed her deeply. 
"There's a movie coming out the day after my birthday.  Sound pretty interesting and looks like it has great animation.  Want to go see it?" he asked.
"What's it called?" she asked, curious.
"I don't remember," he said, trying to look innocent.
She raised an eyebrow at him, then shrugged. "Maybe," she said noncommittally.
He roll of to the side, then pulled her close, and nuzzled her neck again.  She kissed him, relaxing as his fingers traced her side.  Soon they were both asleep, curled as close together as kittens in their basket.  Both were satisfied that their job was done, and the city was safe.  And if it wasn't; the other girls could deal with it.